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Saturday, November 12, 2016 FORMULA 1 Safar 12, 1438 AH Long wait for next GULF TIMES Brazil F1 winner, says Massa SPORT Page 6 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS Neymar’s Brazil crush Argentina Neymar scores his 50th international goal in 3-0 victory as Brazil leave arch-rivals Argentina struggling to reach the finals

AFP Belo Horizonte, Brazil

eymar scored his 50th international goal as Brazil thrashed arch-rivals Argentina 3-0 in their 2018 World Cup qualifying duel here Thursday. NBarcelona superstar Neymar took his tally to 50 goals in 74 games as Brazil recorded their fi fth consecutive victory under new coach Tite to remain on top of South Ameri- ca’s qualifi cation table. Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho also scored as the Brazilians made a triumphant return to the Estadio Mineiro, scene of their 7-1 2014 World Cup semi-fi nal humiliation against Germany. Brazil now head the 10-team round-robin competition with 24 points from 11 games. But the defeat deepens the sense of crisis enveloping Argentina, who have taken just two points from their last four games and now languish in sixth place overall, one spot outside the qualifying positions for the fi nals in Russia. Brazil powered into a 2-0 lead in the fi rst half after two wonderfully worked goals from Coutinho and Neymar. Argentina had started brightly, with Li- onel Messi drawing a foul from Fernandinho in the opening minutes which earned the Manchester City midfi elder a yellow card Argentina’s Lionel Messi (left) is dejected as Brazil’s Miranda and goalkeeper Alisson (right) from Chilean referee Julio Bascunan. celebrate their 3-0 victory at the end of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Belo Horizonte, The Argentines created the fi rst chance of Brazil, on Thursday. (AFP) the evening when Lucas Biglia’s venomous shot from outside the area was well saved by into the top corner. Neymar — still only 24 — is now closing in Brazil goalkeeper Alisson on 23 minutes. It got better on the stroke of half-time on Romario’s mark of 55 goals and is fi rmly But after weathering the early pressure when Neymar completed his half-century of on track to surpass Pele’s record haul of 77 Brazil began to probe more eff ectively and on international goals. goals in 91 games. 25 minutes took the lead through Coutinho. Another clinical Brazil attack culminated Brazil were quick to get into their stride in The Liverpool playmaker gathered the ball with teenage star Gabriel Jesus splitting the the second half, and Paulinho nearly made wide out on the left fl ank and accelerated Argentine defence with an exquisite pass it 3-0 only to be denied by a Pablo Zabaleta purposefully towards the Argentina area. that sent Neymar through on goal. goal-line clearance on 55 minutes. The attacking midfi elder’s pace took him The Barcelona striker coolly rolled his fi n- Paulinho made no mistake four minutes past Nicolas Otamendi with ease before he ish past the advancing Sergio Romero and later though, tucking away a close range fi n- unleashed a thunderous strike that crashed Brazil were in complete control. ish after a low cross from Renato Augusto.

Al Rayyan give Musa winning farewell

Qatar Basketball Federation president Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani presents Yaseen Musa with a memento after Al Rayyan won the Qatari star’s farewell match against Globalport Batang Pier of the Philippines 84-73 at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena yesterday. Also watching the proceedings of the farewell match was Qatar Olympic Committee secretary general Dr Thani al-Kuwari. Musa’s illustrious international career lasted 23 years, during which he amassed 46 titles for Al Rayyan and 16 for the national team. His closing years for the national team were really inspiring as he switched to 3x3 format and helped Qatar bag the Asian and world titles. Al Rayyan will also retire Musa’s No 10 jersey. PICTURES: Jayaram Gulf Times 2 Saturday, November 12, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT CAUSE AND EFFECT Tourists fl ock to Iceland on back of Argentina avoid football success crisis talk as media lament ‘catastrophe’ File picture of Iceland’s coaches Heimir Hallgrimsson and Lars ‘We are more than aware that we have to change a lot. Of all the bad points, the good Lagerback (R) during a news conference. one is that we depend on ourselves but we can’t be giving away any more points’ DPA ciers. Reykjavik “At the moment it looks like we’re going to grow by 127 per cent compared to the previ- claim that the popula- ous year,” says Skuli Mogensen, tion of Iceland is too founder and chief executive of small for the country budget airline Wow air. to achieve success in Airlines cashed in more than aA major football championship usual during the Euro 2016 is something national football championships: More than coach Heimir Hallgrimsson 30,000 Icelanders, about 10 per has heard all his life – and now cent of the population, travelled proved wrong. to France to see their country’s At the Euro 2016 football cham- debut in a major international pionships, Iceland made its mark. football tournament. Hallgrimsson, along with There is need to strike a bal- former coach Lars Lagerback, ance, says former footballer Her- were at the helm when Iceland mann Hreidarsson, who has 89 reached the quarter-fi nals. caps for Iceland and also played Fans celebrated the team’s in the English Premier League. success with a battle cry, “Hu!”. Along with his father, he runs It triggered a worldwide hype – the Stracta Hotel in the town of and boosted the country’s image. Hella. It has 120 beds and is locat- “I don’t think you can have ed near the “Golden Circle,” one of bought a better advertisement for Iceland’s main tourist routes. Iceland,” Hallgrimsson says. “Even “Everyone is aware of this sit- a volcano [eruption] wouldn’t uation, but then again [tourism] have had such an infl uence.” has become a massive industry,” Icelanders did not only grab says the 42-year-old. the hearts of host country France. The tourism industry has long The agency Promote Iceland es- since overtaken fi shing as the timates that 152,000 articles were largest economic activity. published worldwide this summer. After the fi nancial crisis and The number of hits on the the collapse of the main banks in website Visiticeland.com dou- 2008, Iceland recovered surpris- bled when Iceland knocked out ingly rapidly also thanks to the England in the last 16. many tourists. In Germany, meanwhile, Inter- “Will the island lose its net users googled Iceland almost charm?” asks Hreidarsson, who fi ve times as often as before. also hails from the Westman Is- The 49-year-old Hallgrimsson, lands. “I do not think so.” who also is a dentist, says his The national coach has other country did not need the promo- concerns. For him, the biggest tion. Tourism on the small island gain from the sensational per- in the North Atlantic has grown formance of his team at the Euro annually by 25 to 30 per cent. 2016 championships is some- Argentina’s Lionel Messi gestures as players of Brazil (not pictured) celebrate Neymar’s goal during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match in Belo Horizonte. The country is expecting to thing quite diff erent. log around 1.7 million tourists for June 2016 “will always be re- Reuters recording just one win in his fi ve games major tournaments but not won a sen- already crowded.” 2016 – too many, if you ask Hall- membered” as the month that Belo Horizonte in charge while his players will also face ior title since the 1990s. Their next two Assessing Brazil’s strengths, Tite said grimsson. gave unity to the Icelandic peo- questions after they were outshone games are against Colombia on Tuesday Neymar played well because he was play- “Everybody is coming to Ice- ple, he says. “You can see that by Brazil’s three goalscorers Neymar, and then next March against the Copa ing box-to-box with the same quality. land to look at the nature, and we political enemies were sitting he Argentina coach, Edgardo Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho. América champions Chile, who are fi fth “One of the biggest lies in football is that are destroying it by overloading it next to each other hugging each Bauza, was unbowed after a 3-0 Lionel Messi returned from three in the table on 17 points. if you mark you will not have the energy with people,” he says, noting the other, a grandma {who] had nev- World Cup qualifying loss to games out injured but was largely anony- Messi had begun the game with a lot of to do well up front,” Tite said. “That is strong pressure on the Westman er in her life watched football sat Brazil and a fourth game without mous and there was little of note from style at the Mineirão stadium and caused not the case.” Islands, a small archipelago off the with her kids and grandsons” to Ta win on Thursday, but promised his mis- strikers Gonzalo Higuaín or Angel Di trouble for his marker, Fernandinho. Liverpool’s in-form Coutinho added: south coast, where he hails from. watch the matches on television. fi ring team still have qualifi cation for the María. Sergio Agüero replaced Enzo Pé- The Manchester City midfi elder was “Today we imposed ourselves, the fans In the summer, the ferry be- After the fi nancial crisis, peo- 2018 fi nals in Russia in their own hands. rez at half-time, but with Brazil domi- tricked by Messi and picked up a yellow helped from the fi rst minute and we leave tween the islands and the main- ple have had something they “We still have a lot to do before the nant in the second period he had little card after a cynical foul on the Argen- here very happy.” land is often overcrowded and at could enjoy together, instead of qualifi ers end,” he said after Brazil’s easy chance to change the game. “When they tina forward. But as Paulinho and Renato Brazil now lead the South American times Hallgrimsson is unable to just badmouthing each other, the victory in Belo Horizonte. “We know that hit us hard we struggled to recover,” Mes- Augusto helped out with defending, the qualifying table with 24 points from 11 get a spot. coach says. The team’s success classifi cation still depends on what we si said. “We are more than aware that we only opportunities Messi had were from matches. Their supporters were delighted The football coach says that “brought happiness into the Ice- do. The game against Colombia will be have to change a lot. Of all the bad points, free-kicks around the penalty box. to win in the stadium of their most hu- until Iceland has expanded its landic nation,” he adds. diff erent.” the good one is that we depend on our- The Brazil coach, Tite, explained the miliating defeat. “If Neymar had played infrastructure, a “sold-out” sign He is confi dent that Iceland’s Argentina take on Colombia, the third- selves but we can’t be giving away any strategy designed to make Messi feel so here in that game against Germany in the should be set up at Kefl avik air- football adventures are far from placed side, next week and are now sixth more points.” uncomfortable in his return after three 2014 World Cup [when he was injured], we port as a warning to tourists. over and the “Hu!” cry of the in the 10-team South American group The Argentina sports newspaper Olé games. “We forced our way into the Ar- wouldn’t have lost 7-1,” said Eric Angelo, However, the tourism indus- Vikings will also be heard at the on 16 points after 11 games, with only called the performance a “catastrophe” gentina half more to the left so Messi a Brazilian fan who watched Thursday’s try has no plans to halt the fl ow 2018 World Cup fi nals in Russia. the top four automatically qualifying for and, in a headline, classed the side’s cur- wouldn’t be immediately near the ball, match and was also at his team’s humiliat- of visitors. Flights plying the is- Iceland are well placed, cur- Russia while the fi fth-placed side faces a rent predicament as “Russian Roulette”. since he was on the right,” Tite said. ing defeat here two years ago. “We would land are also full in the winter as rently in second place in qualifi - play-off with the Oceania winners. Bauza Argentina have won the World Cup twice “When he was forced to move it became have had more confi dence and maybe given tourists want to see the Northern cation group I, behind Croatia on is likely to be heavily scrutinised after and reached the fi nal of their last three better for us because that other side was the Germans a challenge.” Lights and snow-covered gla- goal diff erence.

BOTTOMLINE Can master-coach Lippi lift sinking China?

AFP Cup title, four years after China made With China spending an 11-day Lippi’s arrival has already had an im- Beijing their sole appearance at the tourna- training camp in the city, home advan- pact, bringing self-belief to the Chi- ment in 2002, when they failed to win a tage could be crucial. nese camp. point or even score a goal. “There is no guarantee of victory “We have Lippi with us,” Huang said. talian master-coach Marcello Lippi But while Lippi had undoubted tal- against Qatar but we will do our best,” “This is what gives us the most confi - is facing one of his toughest assign- ent at his disposal at Italy, Juventus and Lippi said this week, according to Sina. dence. He has stressed that we must ments as he attempts what some even deep-pocketed Evergrande, he com. “I am looking for improvements have the desire to win and believe in fans think is impossible: putting cannot buy in fresh players to revitalise from the players.” ourselves and our team-mates.” Iunder-achievers China on the path to China’s squad. He has identifi ed his fi rst task Huang is one of seven players in the greatness. as changing the players’ mental- squad from Guangzhou Evergrande, Starting with Tuesday’s World Cup MENTAL SCARS ity, scarred by decades of failure which Lippi’s team from 2012 to 2014 who qualifi er against Qatar, the silver- He replaces Gao Hongbo, who resigned have left their mark on the team as well have just won their sixth straight Chi- haired Lippi will set out to justify his in October after two defeats in fi ve days as Chinese fans. nese Super League title. hefty salary as China’s new boss and to war-torn Syria and Uzbekistan left the “Our main goal at the moment is to “They have a winning mentality, they win over a sceptical public. world’s most populous nation bottom of help the players to become more confi - have an understanding of international Lippi, 68, won the World Cup with Group A in World Cup qualifying, with dent and know exactly what they have soccer, and these are all positive things, Italy and he is the only coach to lift just one point from four games. to do,” said Lippi. which could lead us to positive results,” both the European and Asian Champi- With six games left and only the China has spent big on coaches be- Lippi said of Evergrande. ons League trophies, with Juventus and top two of six teams qualifying auto- fore, with limited success. Lippi, whose contract runs until China’s Guangzhou Evergrande. matically for Russia 2018, the odds are Former Spain and Real Madrid coach January 2019, hasn’t entirely given up But he faces an entirely diff erent chal- stacked against China. Juan Antonio Camacho joined for a re- hope on reaching Russia 2018 – but he lenge as coach of China, whose dismal Defeat in Kunming to Qatar will reduce ported $8 million in 2011, but he was admits it would be a “miracle” if China performances have seen them lambasted their already slim hopes to almost zero. sacked in 2013 after a run of poor results. qualify. by their own long-suff ering fans. There are reasons for optimism, for In April, the Chinese FA unveiled a “If we can win three or four matches While China’s well-heeled clubs, File picture of China’s football coach Marcello Lippi. next week at least. long-term plan to make the national among the next six of the campaign, I notably Evergrande, have spent their China beat fellow strugglers Qatar, team a world superpower by 2050. think it would still be a huge improve- way to success, ‘Team Dragon’ remain cial media compared Lippi’s arrival to bit by the Chinese FA, under pressure the 2022 World Cup hosts, in the previ- Lippi has an early part to play in ment no matter whether we qualify or mired at 84th in the FIFA rankings, be- a tycoon hiring “a Harvard graduate to from President Ji Xinping to craft an ous qualifying round in March. changing the culture around the team. not,” he said. low Israel, Curacao and Libya. tutor his retarded son”. era of success. And Kunming, in China’s south- “We all hope a miracle can happen Such is fans’ disillusionment that Lippi’s appointment – at a reported The cigar-loving, medallion-sport- west, has an altitude of 1,900 metres HOPING FOR A ‘MIRACLE’ and for the Chinese national team to one widely circulated comment on so- $20 million a year – is the latest gam- ing Lippi led Italy to the 2006 World (6,234 feet) above sea level. According to midfi elder Huang Bowen, qualify for the World Cup.” Gulf Times Saturday, November 12, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT France elects fi rst investigatory chamber said woman football chief Hawit deserved a lifetime ban for allegedly violating FIFA’s French football’s ruling body general rules of conduct as the Professional Football well as prohibitions on bribery League (LFP) yesterday elect- and corruption. The case now ed their first woman president goes to the Ethics Commit- with Nathalie Boy De La Tour tee’s adjudicatory chamber. Diversity of US winning a four-year term. Boy De La Tour who previ- FIFA moves to close ously held a position with the loss-making museum, “Football Foundation” which claims source promotes the game in the community takes over from FIFA plans to close its loss- Frédéric Thiriez who resigned making $142 million World last month after 14 years. Football Museum, a landmark team refl ects true Former France coach Ray- project of ousted president mond Domenech, who had Sepp Blatter, which was only been among the candidates, opened eight months ago, a withdrew from the running FIFA source said yesterday. after he was rejected in the While football’s world body first round by the general denied any immediate closure, assembly. it estimated a loss of more The LFP which oversees than $30 million for 2016 and America: Bedoya the 40 professional clubs said the FIFA Council will hold in France’s top two leagues talks on the museum’s future — Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 — has at a January meeting. ‘The one thing that I am very proud about is to be part of the US team and the been in crisis since Thiriez’s According to the FIFA source, departure. “the museum’s new director diversity that you see here - this a true representation of what America is all about’ Divisions between the top told staff on Tuesday that clubs, including Paris Saint- FIFA has decided to close the Germain, Lyon and Marseille, museum.” and smaller sides flared up The museum, which cost 140 in October and the vote for a million Swiss francs (130 mil- president could not be taken. lion euros/$142 million), was Domenech, 64, coached opened in Zurich in February France from 2004 to 2010, by FIFA president Gianni In- but remains a divisive figure fantino just after he took over despite a runner-up spot in from the disgraced Blatter. the 2006 World Cup. Infantino has since ordered His term as France coach was widespread cost-cutting at overshadowed by the fiasco at FIFA. The 3,000 square metre the 2010 World Cup and play- museum has had an average ers’ strike in South Africa. of 11,000 visitors a month, way below its target figure. Premier League to Signs of trouble emerged in consider ‘safe October when director Stefan standing’ at grounds Jost left because of “diff erenc- es of view” over the museum’s Premier League clubs are strategy. set to discuss proposals to FIFA said in a statement that re-introduce standing areas it has set up a task force led at English top-flight grounds by deputy secretary general for the first time in more than Zvonimir Boban “to develop a 20 years when they meet in sustainable business model for London next Thursday. the World Football Museum.” The issue of so-called “safe “In-depth analysis conducted standing” areas will be on the as part of FIFA’s on-going agenda of a Premier League restructuring showed that the shareholders’ meeting. museum will generate an esti- Moves to make all-seater mated loss of approximately 30 stadiums compulsory in the million Swiss francs (28 million top division of English football euros/$30.4 million) in 2016. followed a recommendation “Its current operational con- made by Lord Justice Peter cept would not allow it to do Taylor’s report into the 1989 business viably beyond 2016.” Hillsborough disaster, which The task force “will look into saw 96 Liverpool fans stand- new, innovative models and ing on a terrace at Sheff ield concepts” including “a com- Wednesday’s ground eff ec- plete change of the museum’s tively crushed to death. current physical set-up.” Yet with many traditional Eng- First proposals will be put to lish football fans feeling priced the body’s ruling council in File picture of USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann (L) talking to players during a training session in Seattle, Washington. out of the cost of a ticket for January, the statement added. a Premier League game, calls FIFA said it was in talks with AFP and while stressing he didn’t want the born in Hawaii of Japanese and Afri- but I don’t think there is a need for that,” have grown in recent areas Zurich city and staff . Columbus game to be ‘politicized’ off ered a remind- can-American heritage. he said. to introduce the kind of ‘rail er of the make-up of the US team. “The diversity on this team is a truly seats’ popular at many Ger- Al Nasr, Wanderley “The one thing that I am very proud awesome thing,” said Bedoya who added NOTHING TO DO WITH POLITICS man and Scandinavian clubs. fi ned, banned for fake day before taking on Mexico in about is to be part of the US national he did not expect any insults or tension Bedoya’s view was echoed by his coach These are seats that can be passport a highly-charged clash, United team and the diversity that you see on between the two sets of supporters at the Klinsmann. flipped up and locked in place, States midfi elder Alejandro this team - this a true representation of stadium. “Football worldwide is a sport that providing space to stand UAE club Al Nasr and their Bedoya says the diverse make- what America is all about,” said Bedoya. “I think everyone brings their passion connects people and gets people together behind a waist-high rail that Brazilian-born striker Wan- upA of the national team is a “true repre- The American team is coached by Ger- here. This is what the beautiful game is and you have always a healthy competi- runs along the back of the row derley were hit with fines and sentation of what America is all about”. man Juergen Klinsmann and features all about. Soccer has always been a sport tion,” he said. in front. bans on Friday for organising The always fi ery World Cup qualifi er players from a multitude of ethnic back- that has been able to unite many peo- “This is a big rivalry, a big match (but) Every “seat” is linked to a a fake Indonesian passport to between the two countries comes in the grounds. ple. I would think that everyone comes it is purely a sporting event, a game of re- ticket number and there is no flout quota rules. week of Donald Trump’s election as US Defenders Omar Gonzalez and Michael out here, passionate as always,” said the spect. overall increase in capacity. The Dubai-based team were president after a campaign which fea- Orozco are both Californians from Mex- winger. “We have a lot of respect for Mexico, But with memories of Hillsbor- fined $50,000, ordered to pay tured controversial rhetoric from the Re- ican-American families, who play for “This Columbus crowd has always their people and their team. So I think ough revived by the recently- back $340,000 in prize money publican about illegal immigrants from clubs in the Mexican league. been a good pro-American crowd and this is the wonderful side of sport - it concluded new inquest into from this year’s AFC Champi- Mexico. Jermaine Jones, Fabian Johnson, is the reason why we play these games brings people together,” he said. the tragedy, there are those ons League and barred from The game also takes place in Ohio, one John Brooks, Julian Green and Timo- here. The atmosphere is awesome and Mexico’s Colombian coach Juan Carlos who argue the British Govern- the Asian competition until of the rust belt states which helped deliv- thy Chandler are all from mixed Ger- one of kind and that is what people will Osorio agreed - rebuffi ng questions from ment will not move to change 2019. er victory for Trump in Tuesday’s ballot. man and African-American parentage bring here and hopefully nothing else. the media focused on politics. the law for fear of creating The Asian Football Confedera- Florida-born Bedoya, who is of Co- while likely starting forward Jozy Alti- There is no need for negative chants “I’m not here to talk politics,” he said the conditions for another tion (AFC) also gave Wander- lombian descent, has not hidden his op- dore is from a Haitian-American family from either side. insisting that the game has “nothing to disaster. ley a three-month suspension position to Trump during the campaign and his strike partner Bobby Wood was “People want to politicize this game do with politics”. Premier League chief execu- and $10,000 fine, after decid- tive Richard Scudamore said ing most of the fault lay with the issue, however, could no the club. BOTTOMLINE longer be ignored. The AFC’s disciplinary com- “We’re not immune to the fact mittee found that Al Nasr had that this is a topic and there- organised the false passport fore it is in discussion with our for Wanderley, 28, to get clubs,” Scudamore told Sky round the body’s “three-plus- Sports News. one” rule under which clubs “They are all looking at the can have up to four foreign Charged up Mexico keen to issue and at some point it will players, one of whom must be come around our table and Asian. we will see if there’s a point Al Nasr have not qualified for at which we might open up next year’s AFC Champions discussions with government League but they are now solve Columbus conundrum to see what their view is on it. barred from the 2018 competi- AFP ditions, but their coach said they this run,” Marquez said. “It’s very much individual tion, meaning their earliest Columbus would be ready for whatever US coach Juergen Klinsmann clubs sensing for themselves return will be 2019. awaits them on Friday. said his team were delighted to where they are with it and we “Al Nasr bore the majority “We have tried to cover all as- return to the scene of previous may or may not facilitate that of the fault for the violation, exico coach Juan pects, we have analysed the cli- successes. discussion in the weeks and having deliberately obtained Carlos Osorio be- mate and we will use special ther- “Everyone is excited to be months to come.” an Indonesian passport for the lieves his team has mal clothing so that players feel back home in Columbus. It’s a purpose of circumventing the everything in place comfortable in the fi eld,” he said. special place for us because it FIFA chamber ‘3+1’ rule, and... Mto fi nally end their Columbus “We always play to win and gave us so many good results. We recommends lifetime its employees were not truth- jinx and get a victory over arch- this match will not be an ex- want to continue that tradition if football ban for ful in their collaboration with rivals the United States in their ception. We will look for every possible. ex-VP Hawit the AFC,” a statement said. World Cup qualifi er. chance we can get to win and “We know it’s going to be a “Wanderley was at fault for Since 2001, the two nations won’t be thinking about any- very diffi cult game, a very close The FIFA Ethics Commit- agreeing to be registered as have met four times in Colum- thing else,” he added. game and really anything is pos- tee’s investigatory chamber Indonesian but not being an bus in World Cup qualifi ers and Skipper Rafa Marquez, who has sible,” he said. yesterday called for former Indonesian national,” it added. on each occasion the Americans played in three of the four defeats, One of the reasons that the Honduran soccer head Alfredo Wanderley’s suspension is have run out 2-0 winners. says this is the best Mexico team US choose to play their greatest Hawit Banegas to be banned backdated and commences But with a talented team to have come to Ohio. rival in Columbus is that unlike from soccer for life for alleg- from the date of his provi- featuring a number of players “It’s a great opportunity in some cities with much larger edly taking illegal payments sional suspension at the start now performing in top Euro- to change history,” said the Mexican communities, they from sports marketing firms. of September. pean leagues, Colombian Osorio 37-year-old former Barcelona can be sure of a partisan home Hawit, a former FIFA vice Al Nasr’s indiscretion came thinks that run of losses can end. defender. crowd. president and general secre- to light after their 3-0 win “Mexico has it all. Great goal- “We have never had so many Klinsmann is counting on that tary of the Honduran Football over El Jaish in the Champi- keepers, elite level defenders, players playing for clubs in Eu- backing. Association, in April pleaded ons League quarter-finals, in midfi elders who can compete rope. The team wants to write a “It means a lot to us to feel like guilty in U.S. federal court in which Wanderley, who joined and distribute and a high-qual- File picture of Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio. new positive page and we are hop- this is our own crowd, they’re New York to bribery schemes the club in July, scored the ity attack that can trouble the ing to write it now,” he added. going to push us, they’re going uncovered in a US investiga- opening goal. United States,” said Osorio. previously worked in New York bus, which took place in freez- “I do not know if it was the to help us when maybe there’s tion of corruption within the The match was later forfeited “We have to penetrate them, and Chicago in Major League ing temperatures 15 years ago, mental, the physical or the a diffi cult moment in the game, world soccer body. and Wanderley was provision- hurt them and create problems,” Soccer. Mexico did not warm up on the weather (in the past) but what just to give them energy, to give In a statement Friday, the ally suspended. added the 55-year-old who has In the fi rst clash in Colum- fi eld and struggled with the con- we do know is we can change them drive,” he said. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, November 12, 2016 SPORT

NHL NFL Flacco throws Staal helps Wild three touchdown passes, Ravens hand Penguins fi rst beat Browns

Reuters down pass to Steve Smith. A New York two-point conversion on a slant to Kyle Juszczyk boosted the margin to 21-78 with 2:05 left in home loss of season oe Flacco threw three the third quarter. touchdown passes and the On the Ravens’ next posses- Baltimore Ravens kept the sion, Breshad Perriman caught Sidney Crosby scores his ninth goal in eight games Cleveland Browns winless his fi rst career touchdown pass withJ a 28-7 victory on Thursday on a 27-yard lob from Flacco that Reuters night. Cleveland is 0-10 for the was upheld after a review. Bal- Pittsburgh fi rst time in its 66-year history. timore linebacker Terrell Suggs, Baltimore (5-4), meanwhile, who is playing with a torn biceps, has won two straight and ex- forced a fumble on the Cleveland ric Staal scored early in the third tended its lead atop the AFC 30 to continue the misery for the period, while Devan Dubnyk North. Flacco completed 30 of Browns. Cleveland has been out- turned aside 39 shots as the Min- 41 passes for 296 yards. He was scored 157-51 in the second half nesota Wild dealt the Pittsburgh also picked off twice on potential this season, including an over- PenguinsE their fi rst loss at home in regu- scoring drives. time loss to Miami. The Ravens lation this season at the National Hockey Terrance West had 65 of the now lead the all-time series 27-9. League games on Thursday. Staal had a Ravens’ 119 yards on the ground. Baltimore, which relocated from hand – and a stick – in three of Minneso- Baltimore took a 13-7 lead Cleveland in 1996, has also won ta’s four goals. Sidney Crosby scored his when Flacco found Darren Waller fi ve of the past six games, includ- ninth goal in eight games as the Penguins on a 4-yard pass with 9:36 left ing a 25-20 victory on Sept. 18. converted on their fi rst two power-play in the third quarter. The Ravens The Ravens threatened near chances. Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury had gone 17 consecutive drives the end of the fi rst quarter, but made 40 saves. without a touchdown before that Flacco was intercepted by rook- score. It was also the fi rst career ie cornerback Briean Boddy- BRUINS 5, BLUE JACKETS 2 touchdown for Waller, a second- Calhoun. Baltimore then drove The Boston Bruins scored four goals in a year player from Georgia Tech. to the Browns’ 7-yard line with span of 4:01 in the fi rst period and cruised Cleveland quarterback Josh 10:29 left in the half, but could to a 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue McCown took over for rookie only manage a 25-yard fi eld goal Jackets. Trailing 1-0, defenseman Torey Cody Kessler on the next posses- by Justin Tucker. Krug, Matt Beleskey, Austin Czarnik and sion and threw an interception Cleveland took advantage and Tim Schaller all scored, knocking Sergei to Baltimore cornerback Jerraud grabbed a 7-3 lead on the next Bobrovsky from the net. Powers. Flacco could not take possession with a 25-yard pass David Backes scored in the second pe- advantage as Joe Haden got his from Kessler to Seth DeValve, a riod. Boston’s Tuukka Rask faced just 17 second interception of the game rookie tight end from Princeton. shots and stopped 15. in the end zone. Baltimore cut the margin to 7-6 Flacco, however, redeemed at the half on a 40-yard fi eld goal DUCKS 4, HURRICANES 2 himself with a 11-yard touch- by Tucker as time expired. Jakob Silfverberg scored goals 3:07 apart in the middle of the second period as the Anaheim Ducks defeated the reeling Carolina Hurricanes. Silfverberg also as- sisted on Ryan Kesler’s fi fth of the season 4:46 into the second as well as his emp- ty-netter late as the Ducks broke open a scoreless fi rst period with three goals in a span of 7:50 in the second. Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel (right) vies for the puck with Minnesota Wild’s Eric Staal during the second period at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. (USA TODAY Sports) SHARKS 4, PANTHERS 2 Tommy Wingels scored the game-win- with his fourth goal of the season. The Is- Scheifele picked up his 10th assist, and saves for the Canadiens. ning goal at 8:53 of the third period as the landers got on the scoreboard with 11:56 leads the NHL with 19 points. Ehlers’ San Jose Sharks beat the Florida Panthers. left in the second period when Andrew wrist shot with just less than four min- STARS 4, FLAMES 2 Brent Burns, Joe Pavelski and Logan Cou- Ladd got his second goal of the season. utes to play gave the Jets a 3-1 advantage. Jamie Benn scored twice, including the ture also scored for the Sharks, while Joel Tobias Rieder scored with two seconds winning goal in the third period, to lead Ward, Patrick Marleau, Tierney and Jus- PREDATORS 3, BLUES 1 left as the Coyotes pulled their goalie, but the Dallas Stars to a 4-2 win over the tin Braun recorded assists for San Jose. Stifl ed for most of two periods Nashville it was too little, too late. Calgary Flames. Lauri Korpikoski and Jason Demers scored twice for Florida. exploded with no warning on St. Louis as Antoine Roussel, into an empty net, also Calle Jarnkrok sandwiched goals around CANADIENS 4, KINGS 1 scored for the Stars. Johnny Gaudreau LIGHTNING 4, NY ISLANDERS 1 James Neal’s tie-breaker in a 6:24 span The Montreal Canadiens put together scored twice for the Flames. The Tampa Bay Lightning jumped out to for the Predators. Jaden Schwartz beat one of their best eff orts in recent outings an early lead and cruised to a 4-1 win over Pekka Rinne to the glove side at 3:59 of the to secure a 4-1 win against the Los Ange- RED WINGS 3, CANUCKS 1 the New York Islanders. Backup goalie fi rst period off the setup from Vladimir les Kings. Paul Byron, Daniel Carr, Phil- Jimmy Howard made 36 saves as De- Andrei Vasilevskiy made 31 saves for the Tarasenko for the Blues goal. lip Danault and Alex Galchenyuk scored troit defeated Vancouver. Dylan Larkin, Lightning, who got two power-play goals JETS 3, COYOTES 2 for Montreal, while Tyler Toff oli scored Brendan Smith and Steve Ott scored for on the way to an early 3-0 lead. Nikolaj Ehlers, Andrew Copp and Blake for the Kings. Goaltender Peter Budaj the Red Wings. Henrik Zetterberg had Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (left) runs from defensive pressure Center Brian Boyle added to the Light- Wheeler scored goals as the Winnipeg stopped 19 shots for Los Angeles against two assists. Daniel Sedin scored for the from Cleveland Browns Jamie Meder (98) at M&T Bank Stadium in ning lead 68 seconds into the third period Jets defeated the Arizona Coyotes. Mark his former team. Carey Price made 23 Canucks and Ryan Miller made 24 saves. Baltimore on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports)

LATE FERNANDEZ NBA VOTED NL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR Wade’s magic touch in Bulls win over Heat AFP down,” Spoelstra said. Miami: Jose Fernandez, the Miami “If this were last year, I would have former Miami Marlins star thought, ‘Hey, he got pushed out of pitcher who died in a boating bounds.’ This year, he’s selling it.” accident in September, was wyane Wade couldn’t have Wade, who spent 13 seasons with named the National League asked for a better storyline the Heat before joining his hometown Comeback Player of the Year in his return to Miami but Bulls on a two-year deal worth an esti- by his peers at the MLB Players he also couldn’t wait to get mated $47mn. itD over with. The 34-year-old Chicago Wade suff ered through a string of Choice Awards. Fernandez missed the first native returned to his adopted home- injuries in his last few seasons in Mi- half of the 2015 season after un- town on Thursday, sinking two key ami. And there were reports of tension dergoing Tommy John surgery free throws with 13 seconds left as the between Wade and Heat president Pat and returned in July. Bulls edged the Miami Heat 98-95. Riley leading up to his decision to leave In 2016, the 24-year-old “It was one of the weirdest games when the Heat did not match the Bulls’ was 16-8 with a 2.86 ERA and I’ve ever played in,” said Wade. “What contract off er over the summer. a career-high 253 strikeouts a game. I am glad it is over.” The focus Riley previously said he was in 29 starts before his death. Thursday night was on Wade’s return. “fl oored” by Wade’s decision to leave Baltimore Orioles designated During the game’s fi rst timeout, the Miami, where he won three champi- hitter Mark Trumbo was named franchise played a video montage of onships and earned a reputation as one the AL Comeback Player of the Wade’s Heat highlights. And the fans of the NBA’s elite guards. Year. Trumbo, 30, led the majors in the AmericanAirlines arena re- On Thursday, Riley said he gets with 47 home runs in 2016. sponded with a standing ovation for choked up when he thinks of Wade, He hit 22 combined with the the 12-time all-star and three-time “We will always love him. We will Arizona Diamondbacks and NBA champion, who raised both arms never forget him,” he said. “I can listen Seattle Mariners the season Dodger shortstop Corey Seager to salute the crowd. to ‘The Way We Were’ by Willie Hutch prior. Houston Astros second (.308, 26 HR, 72 RBIs) was the “There are so many emotions com- and I will come to tears thinking about baseman Jose Altuve was NL’s top newcomer. ing back here,” the shooting guard him.” named Player of the Year and said. Wade said he prepared for Thurs- But that hasn’t always been the case the AL’s outstanding player DICKEY AGREES ONE-YEAR day’s game by relaxing at his luxury for Wade, who took criticism in 2006 after the 26-year-old hit an AL- CONTRACT WITH BRAVES Miami home with some of his team- from then coach Riley for handling leading.338 with 24 home runs, Former National League Cy mates playing cards. “I was trying to the ball too much and not getting his 96 RBIs and 30 stolen bases Young Award winner RA Dickey get my mind off basketball,” he said. teammates involved. In the NBA fi - in 2016. Washington Nationals is returning to the Senior Circuit “I told my teammates before this game nals against Dallas, Miami fell behind second baseman Daniel Murphy after agreeing to a one-year that this is not about me. Don’t worry 2-0 in the series and Riley said at the was the NL’s outstanding player, contract with the Atlanta Braves about me, we needed this win.” time that when Wade handles the ball batting.347 with 25 homers and on Thursday. Financial terms Wade made sure Chicago got the 50 times or more in a game, the Heat 104 RBIs. Chicago Cubs starter were not disclosed for the victory when he drew a foul call usually lose. Kyle Hendricks (16-8, NL-leading 42-year-old knuckleballer. against Justise Winslow with 13 sec- Riley took responsibility for Wade 2.13 ERA) was the NL’s out- Dickey, the 2012 Cy Young onds left.Wade made both to give the not re-signing this season and said he standing pitcher, while Boston winner while with the New York Bulls a 96-92 lead, and that was all wished he was more involved in the Red Sox starter Rick Porcello Mets, recorded a 10-15 mark Chicago needed. contract negotiations. Wade main- (major-league-leading 22 wins, with a 4.46 ERA in 30 appear- Heat coach Erik Spoelstra smiled tains that, despite his exit, he doesn’t 3.15 ERA) was the AL’s outstand- ances last season with the when asked about the foul and said hold anything against Riley, who re- ing pitcher. Toronto Blue Jays. The right- that opinions will vary depending turned to the sidelines to coach Wade Detroit Tigers starter Michael hander has logged at least 200 on your allegiances. “I don’t know if and the Heat from 2005 to 2008. The Fulmer (11-7, 3.06 ERA) was the innings in each of the past five Dwyane Wade (right) of the Chicago Bulls shoots as Willie Reed of the Miami Heat attempts that counts as the storybook return, Heat won their fi rst championship in AL’s top rookie and Los Angeles campaigns. to block during the first quarter of the NBA game at American Airlines Arena in Miami, a foul to go to the free-throw line, 2005-06, and Wade was named the Florida on Thursday night. (AFP) but Dwyane was able to knock those NBA fi nals MVP. Gulf Times Saturday, November 12, 2016 5 SPORT

FOCUS Athletes to lead Paris 2024 delegation at ANOC assembly

By Sports Reporter making positions. ing city famous for sport, culture and a Doha “We are delighted to be travelling to love of life. We are ready to welcome the the ANOC General Assembly to un- world in 2024. Our bid has 100 percent derline our commitment to working cross-party political support across all ith as many as 206 Nation- with NOCs to deliver an outstanding levels of government from the Presi- al Olympic Committees Olympic and Paralympic experience in dent down and we are totally commit- (NOC) in audience, the the City of Light in 2024. It is critical to ted to working collaboratively to place Paris 2024 bid delegation build this project together sharing our sport and Olympism at the very heart Wwill be looking to make an impact at the common experiences and best prac- of society in Paris and across France. A Association of National Olympic Com- tices,” Lapasset said. Paris Games will be a guaranteed suc- mittees (ANOC) General Assembly to “In the spirit of Olympic Agenda cess for the IOC: the Olympic fl ame will be held in Doha next week. 2020, Paris 2024 will be the Games of shine stronger after Paris 2024.” The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paral- passion and purpose, celebrating sport Talking about her participation, box- ympic Games Bid Committee has con- in the heart of a truly global city. We er Ourahmoune said, “I am delighted to fi rmed yesterday that a senior delega- will count on NOCs to help us write to- be here at the ANOC General Assembly tion will travel to Doha to listen, learn gether another glorious chapter in the representing all French Olympians and and gain valuable insight about how history of the Olympic and Paralympic athletes’. Athletes are the heart and soul a Paris 2024 Games can best serve the Movements.” of the Olympic and Paralympic Games NOCs and rest of the Olympic family. Mayor Hidalgo added: “Our vision and this is why we are driving the bid French athletes, including London for the 2024 Games – which is com- – we know what it takes to compete at 2012 and Rio 2016 gold medallist ju- pletely aligned to the city’s long-term the highest level on the greatest sport- doka Teddy Riner, silver-winning boxer In this August 12, 2016, picture, France’s Teddy Riner celebrates after defeating bid chief executive and badminton Ol- sports, economic, social and environ- ing stage. Sarah Ourahmoune and double Paral- Japan’s Hisayoshi Harasawa in their Rio Olympics men’s +100kg judo gold medal ympian Etienne Thobois, French Para- mental strategies – is advancing very “Paris, with its 200 nationalities and ympic gold medallist David Smetanine, match in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Riner is part of the delegation travelling to Doha. lympic Committee president and Para- well, but it is important that we work with one in fi ve residents born outside will lead the delegation. lympic bronze medallist Emmanuelle with all Olympic stakeholders, includ- of France, is a cosmopolitan metropo- During the ANOC General Assembly, at the heart of everyday life in Paris and Estanguet, bid co-chairman Bernard Assmann, and French NOC president ing the NOCs, to deliver a Games that lis drenched in culture with an eclectic the bid will also present its unique vi- across France. Lapasset, London silver medallist in Denis Masseglia. creates an environment of comfort and mix of tradition and innovation. The sion to deliver a thrilling and memora- Also travelling to Doha will be bid basketball Emmeline NDongue, IOC The Paris 2024 Games plan is cen- convenience that enables the athletes City of Light will provide a home away ble Games that places Olympism, and co-chairman, IOC member and three- member and Olympic gold medallist tred on the athlete experience with to compete at their very best. from home for all NOCs and their com- Olympic and Paralympic sport fi rmly time Olympic gold medallist Tony Guy Drut, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, athletes driving the bid in decision- “Paris is a vibrant, open and shar- peting Olympic stars.”

RUGBY TRIED AND TESTED Noves stays loyal All Blacks’ Irish to French winners revenge on hold against Samoa for Italy test Hansen has made 12 changes, suggesting fully fired-up All Blacks will turn up

AFP Rome

houghts of avenging a fi rst de- feat to Ireland in over a centu- AFP for two Six Nations games last season ry will take a back seat, for 80 Toulouse, France before being injured. minutes at least, when the All The back-three sees the recall of TBlacks face new-look Italy today. Yoann Huget, injured in the fi rst match New Zealand’s impressive streak of rance coach Guy Noves has of the Rugby World Cup, alongside 18 consecutive Test victories was end- backed continuity as his team Fiji-born Virimi Vakatawa and natu- ed last week when they lost to Ireland bid to extend their winning ralised South African Scott Spedding. for the fi rst time in 111 years. streak over Samoa to four when Samoa coach Alama Ieremia, a Today, when former Harlequins theyF clash today. former All Blacks centre, said the game coach Conor O’Shea leads out a largely With the exception of Baptiste Serin, against France was about rebuilding af- youthful and untested Italy at the Sta- who missed out to Maxime Machenaud ter a disappointing World Cup. Samoa dio Olimpico, an All Black rout may at scrum-half, Noves has plumped for beat the United States but then lost to well ensue. the heart of the France team that routed South Africa, Japan and Scotland. But coach Steve Hansen believes Argentina 27-0 in the second Test of “We are trying to rebuild and move New Zealand, whose 40-29 collapse the summer Tour to South America. forward. In the November Test match- to Ireland in Chicago was put down to Seven of the starting forwards from es we have an opportunity to play tier 1 “mental fatigue” and their “predict- that impressive victory over the Pu- countries like France,” said Ieremia. able” game, will have to step up their mas in Tucuman will play at Toulouse’s “We need to have a look at playing performance if they’re to avoid an- Muncipal Stadium. winning rugby for Samoa, ensuring other upset. Led by hooker Guilhem Guirado, that we don’t loose our Samoan iden- “It will be a tough game,” Hansen there were few doubts about nam- tity in terms of the way we play. said. “We have got to improve our per- ing Jeff erson Poirot at prop in the ab- “If we look back to some of the formance from last week.” sence of Eddy Ben Arous, while veteran games we played last year for exemple Anyone thinking New Zealand New Zealand’s Sam Cane (left) holds a ball next to Waisake Naholo during a training session yesterday at the Olympic lock Yoann Maestri and No 8 Louis against the All Blacks and against Scot- didn’t already have one eye on a high- Stadium on the eve of the match against Italy in Rome. (AFP) Picamoles form the backbone of a for- land during the World Cup, I think we ly-anticipated revenge match in Dub- midable pack. showed that there were some parts of lin on November 19 has been given playing, it is the same jersey and the Notably, the Irishman has handed More familiar heads include Austral- “We’re trying to work in a continu- those games that we need to embrace food for thought. same expectation, so this group has Treviso’s Giorgio Bronzini an inter- ian-born Luke Mclean, who, along with ous manner,” the coach said, with games and also make sure that we continue to Hansen has made 12 changes for the got to go out and get back to the type national debut at scrum-half in an veteran hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini, against Australia and New Zealand to play that way.” Italy game, suggesting a fully fi red-up of rugby we want to play and to the untested half-back partnership with wins his 82nd cap, at inside centre. follow. Those players (present in Argen- But Ieremia, hit by the late with- All Blacks will grace the Aviva Stadium. standard we want to play at.” Carlo Canna, who has only 12 caps to “O’Shea is building a great squad tina) made eff orts, it’s normal to reward drawal of Bristol playmaker Tusi Pisi Former Ireland fl anker Stephen Fer- his name. here, it’s a mix of really experienced them, to show them this confi dence they with a long-term groin injury, said ris says they will arrive “a bit like a FIRED UP “A few months ago I was playing guys and younger athletes with inter- showed us is a two-way thing. France represented a serious threat. wounded animal”, adding: “The whole New Zealand will notably see fl anker the Eccellenza league, now I’m about esting potential,” said Ghiraldini. “There’s a form of cohesion which “They have got a very solid, aggres- of Irish rugby was on a high over the Sam Cane skipper the side for the sec- to line up against the world champi- “Conor is ambitious, and so we have has been found and we want to see if sive tight fi ve, very exciting and speedy weekend but the boys will be aware ond time while hooker Liam Coltman ons wearing the Italy jersey. It’s like a to be even more so. There’s nothing they’re capable of repeating that type outside backs. We have some under- that the All Blacks can score from any- and teenage wing Rieko Ioane will be dream,” said Bronzini. better than playing at home, we’re of performance.” standing of some players,” he said in where at any stage of the game.” hoping to make international debuts O’Shea’s back three of fullback fi red up ready to give it everything.” Noves picked Francois Trinh-Duc to reference to fi ve of the Samoa team who Hansen defended his selection strat- from the bench after being named in Edoardo Padovani and wings Giulio Whether that is enough for an upset accompany Machenaud at half-back, play club rugby in France. egy in midweek, but said a win and a the match-day 23. Bisegni and Angelo Esposito have just remains to be seen as the All Blacks with utility player Jean-Marc Doussain “It is the home town of Noves, he return to their usual, world-beating Italy captain Sergio Parisse, mean- 12 international appearances between have never lost to the Italians. named on the bench. has a track record here and the emotion standards would be more than welcome. while, is set to overtake fellow veteran them. Behind Trinh-Duc, who has been in- that will be around the Test match will “We always had the plan to pick this Martin Castrogiovanni, who is not se- The second row combination of TODAY’S FIXTURES diff erent for Toulon since signing last be special here in Toulouse. side,” Hansen said after announcing lected, to earn a record 120th cap. South African-born Andries Van Italy v New Zealand season from Montpellier, there is only “But we want to win. Our perform- his starting XV. O’Shea, who has injected a fair bit of Schalkyk and Marco Fuser is untried England v South Africa one player who toured Argentina, Remi ance and the way we play against “This is the team we thought would renewed belief, if not yet results, into and fl anker Maxime Mbanda will be Scotland v Australia Lamerat, who will join up in midfi eld France is very important. I think that be right for Italy and nothing that hap- Italy’s squad, is mostly gambling on a making his fi rst appearance on Italian France v Samoa with Clermont teammate Wesley Fofa- the exciting thing about these two pened in Chicago has changed that. youthful line-up sprinkled with a few soil after winning his fi rst two caps Wales v Argentina na. The latter fi nally fi nds his true po- teams is we are trying to rebuild and “Whilst it is not the same people old heads. against the USA and Canada. Ireland v Canada sition having been named on the wing France are trying to rebuild.”

Jones wants ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ against Boks

AFP international campaign seeking a first most fearsome punchers, in Zaire (now was going to lose, so he had to find for his first Test since last year’s World Springboks and taking over the Eng- London victory over the Springboks since the Democratic Republic of Congo) in other ways of getting around him. Cup, with the flanker told to “stop the land job was briefly in charge of South 2006, a winless spell encompassing 12 1974. “We don’t want to go toe-to-toe with Springboks on the gain-line”. African provincial side the Stormers, matches. Ali took the seemingly high-risk ap- South Africa because that’s what they remained wary. ddie Jones has urged England to Jones said taking the Springboks on at proach of beckoning Foreman forward want to do. ‘IMPRESSIVE’ ETZEBETH AND He cited Stormers locks Eben Etzebeth follow the example of Muham- their own power game was the way to while laying back on the ropes – what “South Africa play the game like it’s DU TOIT’ and Pieter-Steph du Toit as potential Emad Ali’s celebrated ‘Rumble ensure another defeat against a side became known as the ‘rope-a-dope’ a physical game of chess – like chess In the backs, Jones has given a first threats. in the Jungle’ bout against George who, in the Australian’s typically vivid – before knocking out his exhausted with steroids,” added Jones, who was a Test start to Elliot Daly, with the Wasps “I had the pleasure of meeting Etze- Foreman when they face South Africa phrase, treat rugby union as a sport of opponent in the eighth round. member of the Springboks’ backroom midfielder, known, for his big left boot beth and du Toit when I was Stormers at Twickenham today. “chess with steroids”. “Against a physically aggressive side, staff along with current head coach Al- and speed off the mark, displacing coach for two weeks – very impressive England are unbeaten in their nine He added that England would need a you’ve got to play smart,” Jones said. lister Coetzee when they won the 2007 Jonathan Joseph. young boys. Etzebeth is from a very Tests under Jones – a sequence that boldly diff erent strategy, citing how “We won’t be shying away from the World Cup. “The challenge for us is to South Africa have lost four of their tough family, physically aggressive, includes a Six Nations Grand Slam and Ali upset the odds to regain the world physical side of the game, but when be tactically smart.” last five Tests but the much-travelled has great natural body height for a a 3-0 series win in Australia. heavyweight title from Foreman, Muhammad Ali fought George Fore- Jones has recalled Tom Wood in the Jones, who in between coaching Japan big guy, good jumping skills and a real But they begin their end-of-year widely regarded as one of boxing’s man, if he went toe-to-toe with him he absence of the injured James Haskell to a shock World Cup win over the desire to win,” he said. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, Novemeber 12, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Hamilton Long wait for next Brazil sets pace in fi rst Brazilian F1 winner, says Massa practice The 35-year-old will bow out for good in Abu Dhabi on November 27 after his 250th grand prix Reuters Sao Paulo

riple world champion Lewis Hamilton gave Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg a reminder Tyesterday that he will not hand over his Formula One title with- out a fi ght in tomorrow’s Brazil- ian Grand Prix. The Briton, 19 points behind the German with two races remaining, was fastest in opening practice at Interlagos with a lap of one minute 11.895 seconds on soft compound tyres while Rosberg was third and 0.230 off the pace. Red Bull’s Dutch teenager Max Verstappen was second on a sun- ny morning in Sao Paulo, a mere 0.096 slower than Hamilton, and looking like he could make life diffi cult for the two title con- tenders. Rosberg, who is unlikely to lose too much sleep over the yesterday’s times, can clinch his fi rst championship title if he wins tomorrow, wherever Ham- ilton fi nishes.On paper he has a good chance, having won the last two Brazilian Grands Prix from pole position, but Hamil- ton – wearing an Ayrton Senna themed helmet this weekend – has the momentum after victo- ries in Texas and Mexico. The weather at Interlagos can change from sunshine to tor- rential rain in a matter of min- utes and the race has a history of surprises and drama, meaning Williams’ driver Felipe Massa of Brazil poses for a photograph in front of his car designed specially for the Brazilian Grand Prix at the Circuit of Interlagos in Sao Paulo. (Reuters) there is still everything to play for. Were Hamilton to win and Reuters provisional calendar while Felipe Nasr, the only A top three fi nish in tomorrow’s penultimate Massa also won at Interlagos in 2006 and would Rosberg fail to score, the Briton Sao Paulo Brazilian likely to be racing then, is yet to be con- race of the season would be a dream scenario, if have completed a hat-trick had he not given up would lead the championship to fi rmed at struggling Sauber. “I see a very diffi cult unlikely in a Williams that has fallen off the pace, victory in 2007 to allow Ferrari teammate Kimi an Abu Dhabi fi nale that could moment for Brazil, a very diffi cult moment for our and he would depart with head held high. Raikkonen to snatch the championship from Lewis crown either of the Mercedes elipe Massa will make his home farewell to drivers,” said Massa who is more inclined to steer “I’m really happy. Emotional, happy I’m hav- Hamilton by a point. drivers. Australian Daniel Ric- Formula One tomorrow with pride, pas- his young son Felipinho towards football. ing a very special week – I’m sure the weekend will The Briton infl icted similar agony on the Brazil- ciardo was fourth fastest for Red sion and more than a little concern about “It will be nice if Felipe (Nasr) can stay. Unfor- be even more special when the fans will be on the ian the following year when he won the title after Bull who have improved steadily Brazil’s future in a sport he fell in love with tunately even if he stays, he will not stay in a good racetrack in the Brazilian way,” said Massa. an overtaking move on the last corner of the last this season and are the only team asF a kid in the Interlagos crowd. The excited teen- team,” he told Reuters in an interview. “Other driv- “I always remember where I am coming from, lap for fi fth place. Despite that body blow, which he other than Mercedes to have ager who fi rst stepped into the Sao Paulo paddock ers? I cannot see a name for the moment. And I re- being a fan in the grandstand and supporting accepted with impressive sportsmanship, Massa’s won races. Finland’s Valtteri in 1998 when he helped bring in catering supplies, ally hope we can see a name because Brazil was al- Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet and then suddenly home record makes him more successful in Brazil Bottas was fi fth fastest for Wil- bows out as a man who ultimately delivered as ways very strong in motor racing, in Formula One. dreaming to be here. For a Brazilian to win here than multiple world champions Senna, Piquet and liams with Mexican Sergio Perez much as any of his compatriots on home soil. We never stayed without a Brazilian driver since is like winning the championship,” added the Fittipaldi. and Germany’s Nico Hulken- No Brazilian has won anywhere in F1 since now- (double world champion) Emerson (Fittipaldi) 35-year-old who will bow out for good in Abu Looking ahead, he intends to keep racing and will berg sixth and seventh for Force retired Rubens Barrichello did so with Brawn in It- started (in 1970).” Dhabi on Nov. 27 after his 250th grand prix. remain based in Europe, with a home in Monaco. India. Brazilian Felipe Massa, a aly in 2009 and it could be a long wait for another, The championship escaped Massa by a single “I think it will be like maybe a relief. For sure I “I am speaking to three championships like WEC double winner at Interlagos who with the country in crisis and few obvious candi- point in 2008 with Ferrari but he twice gave the feel OK. It’s fi nished, you know, but I’m ready for (world endurance championship), DTM (German is making his home farewell this dates coming through. fans a home winner and stood fi ve times on the In- that,” he said of the fi nal race. “I’m ready for that touring cars) and (the electric series) Formula E,” weekend before retirement, was Next year’s race has an asterisk against it on the terlagos podium. feeling, I’m ready for my next step in life.” he said. “I will take my time to decide.” eighth on the timesheets. No easy ride for F1 title GOLF ROUND-UP rivals, say other drivers India’s Randhawa rolls back years AFP Sao Paulo: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen jokingly famed for audacious overtaking moves and a Manila tried to put a price on helping sway the Formula hard-headed refusal to give way or be overawed, One title battle between Mercedes teammates has been in several scrapes already this season Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg on Thursday but while also winning on his Red Bull debut in Spain. ndia’s Jyoti Randhawa rolled back the nobody was buying that one. In Mexico 11 days ago, he and Rosberg banged years with a blemish-free seven under “I’m still negotiating with them, who’s going bodywork on the opening lap as they jostled for round of 65 to take the outright lead at to pay me the most,” smiled Verstappen, sitting position. “Imagine you tell your team like ‘now the Manila Masters golf tournament Iyesterday. The 2002 Asian Tour order of behind triple world champion Hamilton and cham- I’m going to stay out of the fight, I’m just going pionship leader Rosberg at a Brazilian Grand Prix to cruise round behind them.’ They wouldn’t be merit winner got off to a great start with news conference. happy,” said the Dutchman when asked about his three early birdies, breaking clear of four “So we’ll see, we’ll see on Sunday.” approach to the last two races. players who had a share of the fi rst-round In truth, the Dutch teenager – like his Australian Ricciardo said it would be wrong to treat the lead. teammate Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari’s Kimi Raik- final rounds any diff erently to the rest of the year. “I put my head down and made three konen and Sebastian Vettel – can be counted on “Just because they are fighting doesn’t mean we great swings, three great putts and played to get stuck in as usual and let the championship shouldn’t still try and make an overtake if there’s a those three holes fabulously well. After that, rivals worry about the consequences. door open. I’ll always race, I think, with respect but I knew what I needed to do and just stuck to Rosberg leads Hamilton by 19 points and will sure I’ll race hard...if there’s an opportunity to win, that game plan,” the 44-year-old said. take the title with a race to spare if he wins at Inter- for sure I’ll go for it.” Thai duo Sutijet Kooratanapisan and Ti- lagos tomorrow. But if Hamilton were to win and Rosberg, who has won the last two Brazilian rawat Kaewsiribandit shared second place Rosberg fail to score then both drivers would head Grands Prix from pole position, said he accepted after matching rounds of six under on day for Abu Dhabi facing a winner-takes-all scenario. that. “They’re not going to take it easy just be- two. Meanwhile, all eyes were on compatriot The notoriously fickle weather at Interlagos, cause one guy’s fighting for the championship. Sattaya Supupramai, who had seven straight the pressure and the role of others determined to He’s a competitor like everybody else and that’s birdies to match the course record of 63 and stand on top of the podium means nothing can be completely normal for all us drivers to approach it take an equal share of fi fth place. taken for granted. Verstappen, only 19 but already in that way,” he said. He could have done even better if it were not for bad weather late in his round at the Jyoti Randhawa of India looks on after hitting a shot during the second round of the Manila Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club Masters golf tournament at the Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Manila. (AFP) that he blamed for a bogey on the 17th. “I knew it was possible to break the course South Africans George Coetzee and Jaco starts so far this season include a runner-up record. But it started to rain when I was ap- van Zyl (both 69s), and England’s Chris fi nish in the Sanderson Farms Champion- proaching my fi nishing holes,” he said. Wood (69), were also tied for second. The ship, fi red eight birdies without a bogey on Race to Dubai looks as though it will go down the El Camaleon course designed by Greg SWEDE NOREN STORMS INTO SUN to the wire at the season-ending DP World Norman. “I defi nitely drove the ball well to- CITY LEAD WITH 67 Tour Championship in Dubai next week af- day,” he said. “It’s defi nitely intimidating off Alex Noren fi red fi ve birdies on the back nine ter money-list leader Henrik Stenson card- the tee a little bit, but thankfully I hit a lot to catapult the Swede into a two-shot lead ed a disappointing 74 in his second round for of good ones today.” Kirk, who won the most at the halfway stage of the European Tour’s an aggregate total of one under par. recent of his four US tour titles in 2015, had Nedbank Challenge yesterday. The Swede could have wrapped up the ti- a one-stroke lead over Colombian Camilo British Masters champion Noren, who has tle of Europe’s top golfer in 2016 with vic- Villegas and Americans Gary Woodland and three tour wins in 2016, shot to the top of the tory at Sun City and a fi nish outside of the Ben Crane. leaderboard following a 67 to move to eight top 10 for his nearest money-list rival, Dan- Mexico’s Abraham Ancer was in a group under par and a two-shot lead over a chas- ny Willett. But both face a battle for a place on 65 that also included 2012 US Open ing pack of fi ve players. Paraguayan Fabrizio near the top of the leaderboard after Wil- winner Webb Simpson, Aaron Wise, Scott Zanotti, who earlier landed the fi rst hole- lett’s poor form continued with a 74 that left Piercy, Kevin Streelman and Nicholas Lind- in-one in the tournament’s 35-year history, him on fi ve over par. heim. Wise’s round included a hole in one looked as though he would grab a share of on the par-three fourth, which he followed the overnight lead before he bogied 17 and 18 BOGEY-FREE ROUND LIFTS KIRK with an eagle at the par-fi ve fi fth. and settled for a 68. TO US PGA TOUR LEAD IN MEXICO Defending champion Graeme McDowell Zanotti, who achieved his ace with a seven Chris Kirk fi red an eight-under par 63 on of Northern Ireland endured a tough four- (Top Left to right) Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Max Verstappen, iron from 210 yards on the par-three fourth, Thursday to grab a one-shot lead in the US over 75. He had just one birdie and fi ve bo- (Front row) Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, Williams’ Felipe Massa and Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg are seen was joined on six under by home favour- PGA Tour’s OHL Classic at Mayakoba in geys and was already 12 shots off the pace during a press conference at the Brazilian Grand Prix, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (AFP) ite Louis Oosthuizen, who carded the low Playa del Carmen, Mexico. and needing something special to make the round of the day with six birdies in his 66. Kirk, whose two top-10 fi nishes in three cut. Gulf Times Saturday, November 12, 2016 7 SPORT

CRICKET Burns’ ‘surfari’ wiped out by Hobart Test recall Reuters Marsh, whose 19-Test career has been repeatedly Joe Burns has played 12 Tests since his 2014 debut against India and will be eager Melbourne frustrated by injury. for the chance to re-establish himself as David Warner’s (right) opening partner. “It’s unfortunate to get into a team through injury,” Burns said. “I love playing with the boys oe Burns had planned to catch a few waves in the side, that’s what makes it so challenging to fi ll the extra time in his schedule after getting an opportunity after seeing one of your being omitted from Australia’s Test squad mates miss out. against South Africa but the opening bats- “I really feel sorry for Shaun. I felt he was manJ has had to put the surfboard away due to a batting really well — there were big scores com- surprise recall for Hobart. ing for him, that’s the most disappointing thing. Burns was dropped for the third Test in Sri Hopefully he gets back real soon and continues Lanka in August after scoring 34 runs in four in- that form.” nings and his replacement Shaun Marsh was re- Burns was added to the squad with uncapped tained in the squad for the fi rst two Tests against South Australia batsman Callum Ferguson but is South Africa. almost certain to slot back into the top order of a But Marsh was ruled out of the second Test team under huge pressure. with a broken fi nger after the 177-run loss in the The WACA loss was Australia’s fourth Test opener in Perth, leaving Burns to head south to defeat in succession, including the 3-0 white- Tasmania’s chilly state capital rather than to the wash in Sri Lanka, and its fi rst reverse in a series- balmy Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane. opener at home in 28 years. The last time Aus- “I had three days up the coast surfi ng booked,” tralia were beaten four times in a row was away to Queenslander Burns said. India in 2013, and preceded then-coach Mickey “I guess now I am going to the coldest place in Arthur’s sacking ahead of the Ashes series. the country. But it’s always a nice feeling to play Even without injured pace spearhead, South for your country, to get that chance to sing the Africa’s bowlers dominated Australia’s batsmen national anthem... I can’t wait.” in Perth and Burns will face a task to step up to The 27-year-old Queenslander has played international level at Bellerive Oval today. 12 Tests since his 2014 debut against India in “I guess I will just focus on the job at hand, a Melbourne and will be eager for the chance to few days of preparation and then getting stuck re-establish himself as David Warner’s opening into a tough contest,” he said. “But I feel I have partner. been hitting the ball well. I am confi dent going But he also sympathised with 33-year-old into the game.” HOBART TEST All’s forgiven as France take on Czechs in Aussies bid to avert Fed Cup fi nal

AFP Paris

he Czech Republic target a fifth Fed crisis, as SA ponder Cup title in six years against a French Tside desperate to bury a summer of in-fighting which threatened to torpedo their hopes in the final. Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic, the world’s top doubles team, were suspend- ed by France for “unacceptable” behaviour at the Rio Olympics after blasting their own 4-strong pace assault federation. Mladenovic had taken to Twitter to vent her fury that off icials had been “incompe- Host side’s selectors, staff and players are all under the microscope after the 177-run tent” when they failed to tell the players about tournament rules whereby they had loss in Perth, which was Australia’s first series-opening defeat at home in 28 years to wear the same colours on court, forc- ing Garcia into a last-minute change of kit borrowed from her teammate. But the pair Reuters were reinstated in late September, clearing Melbourne them to return for the final, to be played over South Africa captain two days in Strasbourg starting today, where Faf du Plessis (centre) France will bid for a first Fed Cup since 2003. misfi ring Australia head into talks with curator As well as being French Open doubles cham- today’s second Test against Marcus Pamplin (left) pions, Garcia and Mladenovic are France’s South Africa in Hobart under and team coach top-ranked singles players at 23 and 42 in the pressure to save the series Russell Domingo as world. Teammates Alize Cornet and Pauline Aand avert a full-blown crisis which they inspect the pitch Parmentier are 46 and 73, respectively. Close would almost certainly be triggered by at Bellerive Oval in friends Garcia and Mladenovic have played in a fi fth consecutive Test defeat. Hobart, venue of the every Fed Cup tie this year — four singles and Selectors, staff and players are all second Test that begins two doubles in the quarter-final and semi- under the microscope after the 177- today. (Reuters) final wins against Italy and the Netherlands. run loss in Perth, which was Aus- The Czechs, champions in 2011, 2012, tralia’s fi rst series-opening defeat at 2014 and 2015, can boast world number six home in 28 years and sparked acri- Karolina Pliskova, the US Open runner-up this mony from a disaff ected public. year, and two-time Wimbledon champion Australians have become accus- Petra Kvitova, currently at 11 in the rankings. tomed to seeing Steve Smith’s side Barbora Strycova, at 20, and Grand Slam fl op on foreign wickets but have lit- winning doubles specialist Lucie Hradecka tle tolerance for failure at home. They complete the Czech squad. switched off in droves as their team “We know it will be extremely diff icult but crumbled against an undermanned we also know we will have chances,” said South Africa attack at the WACA, Mladenovic, who has one win in two meet- and the television viewership fi gures ings against Pliskova and just one in four will have raised alarm bells through with Kvitova. “We have to seize the opportu- the halls of Cricket Australia’s Mel- nities which come our way.” bourne headquarters. The Czechs are second on the list of the Head coach Darren Lehmann said most successful Fed Cup nations of all time this week that every man would be with nine titles behind the United States who playing for their career at Bellerive have 17. Victory will make Czech skipper Petr Oval but is unlikely to feel too com- Pala the most successful Fed Cup captain of fortable about his own position, de- all time, but he’s taking nothing for granted spite holding a lengthy contract. against a French team seeking a third title His predecessor Mickey Arthur after wins in 1997 and 2003. was sacked after Australia last lost “To win we need to play better than well,” four Tests on the trot, on their 2013 Pala told www.fedcup.com. “We need the tour of India. quality and form of our players to be there. Former coach Tim Nielsen was also If all our girls play well, and the way they are packed off after the 2010/11 Ashes de- capable of, then it will give us a chance.” feat, the catalyst for an exhaustive re- France will have plenty of experience view of the team’s management. courtside with captain and former Austral- As a selector, Lehmann has worn ian Open and Wimbledon champion Amelie twice the fl ak. The panel led by out- Mauresmo having played in the 2003 title- going chairman Rod Marsh has been winning team. The final features two singles under fi re, and was openly defi ed by today with reverse singles and a possibly top order batsman Usman Khawaja, decisive doubles rubber tomorrow. who derided them as “fi ckle” for dropping himself and Joe Burns from Fed Cup draw the third Test in Sri Lanka. Playing Today: Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) vs The selectors’ call to pick a 12- Karolina Pliskova (CZE); Caroline Garcia (FRA) man squad for the opening two Tests der batsman Adam Voges will be fi t to Test has South Africa mulling a four- “It looks like there’s going to be a call on the side for Hobart. vs Petra Kvitova (CZE) against South Africa invited fur- play after nursing a hamstring strain. pronged pace assault to push for a little bit of rain tomorrow, so if it rains Du Plessis gave no clue which Playing Tomorrow: Caroline Garcia (FRA) vs ther derision, with under-perform- Smith said Australia could go in series-sealing win. for the whole day it becomes a four- quick was favoured, but Abbott may Karolina Pliskova (CZE); Kristina Mladenovic ing players, including all-rounder with six specialist batsmen, which South Africa routed the home side day game. The pitch is going to be un- have the edge for Hobart’s heavier (FRA) vs Petra Kvitova (CZE); Caroline Garcia/ Mitchell Marsh, guaranteed a second would mean jettisoning Mitch- by 177 runs in Perth with just two fast der covers, the ball is going to be wet.” wicket which could mean long spells Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) vs Lucie Hra- start in Hobart. ell Marsh and a potential debut for bowlers and debutant spinner Keshav Heavy rain is forecast for the open- for the pace bowlers. decka/Barbora Strycova (CZE) Only injuries have forced changes South Australia veteran Callum Fer- Maharaj after pace spearhead Dale ing two days of the Test, which could “We’d like to see the conditions,” and Burns comes back into the squad guson. “You might not need to have Steyn was injured when bowling in frustrate both sides’ hopes of victory. said Du Plessis. “They (Australia) are Recent Fed Cup champions after opener Shaun Marsh’s with- that extra bowling option if there’s a Australia’s fi rst innings. South Africa have Morne Morkel and in the same boat as us. You just want 2015: Czech Republic drawal with a broken fi nger. lot of rain around,” Smith told report- Left-armer Maharaj took four Kyle Abbott vying to replace Steyn, to make sure you pick the strongest 2014: Czech Republic Paceman Peter Siddle has also ers in Hobart yesterday. wickets in a successful debut at the who suff ered a fracture in his shoul- team for the conditions.” 2013: Italy been scratched with a lower back in- The forecast has only added to Aus- WACA but may be rested at Bellerive der and could be out of the game for Australia have also held off 2012: Czech Republic jury, paving the way for a Test debut tralia’s doldrums, with heavy rain ex- Oval as Faf du Plessis’ side bid for an more than six months. naming their starting side but Smith 2011: Czech Republic for Joe Mennie, whose selection over pected on the opening two days. That unassailable 2-0 lead in the three- Towering seamer Morkel was left earlier poured cold water on the no- 2010: Italy Jackson Bird was sealed, oddly, due to will likely further crimp their chances match series. out of the Test in Perth as he recovers tion of dropping regular spinner 2009: Italy his superior batting, according to se- of taking the three-match series into a “There is a possibility of that,” Du from a back injury that has sidelined Nathan Lyon in a favour of unleash- 2008: Russia lector Marsh. decider in Adelaide later this month. Plessis said. “If it becomes a really him for two months and coach Rus- ing four quicks. “I’m not really sure 2007: Russia Selectors have held off naming an 11 Meanwhile, the prospect of a shortened game... that’s something sell Domingo said they would need to that’s the way we’re thinking,” he 2006: Italy but Smith confi rmed that middle or- rain-interrupted start to the Hobart we will look at. test his fi tness again before making a told reporters. Saturday, November 12, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

RAJKOT TEST Pujara, Vijay lead India’s spirited fi ghtback against England with patient tons ‘There were many nervous moments. There were expectations as many family and close friends were watching this game. But I told myself I don’t need to think about all that. I just focussed on my processes and things turned out well for me’

AFP Rajkot

ocal hero Cheteshwar Pujara held his nerve in front of watch- ing family and friends to strike a century and lead a spirited In- Ldian fi ghtback in the fi rst Test against England yesterday. The elegant right-hander struck a patient 124 and also shared a 209-run stand with his favourite batting partner Murali Vijay (126) to help top-ranked India fi nish the third day of a high- scoring Test on 319-4. The hosts now trail by 218 runs with six wickets in hand in reply to England’s 537, their third biggest total on Indian soil, thanks to centuries from Joe Root, Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes. After being stuck on 99 for 10 balls, Pujara brought up his ton with a nerv- ous single as his father and wife ap- plauded from the stands in the fi rst- ever Test at Rajkot’s Saurashtra Cricket Association ground. “There were many nervous mo- ments. There were expectations as many family and close friends were watching this game and the crowd was expecting me to score big runs,” said the 28-year-old, who was born in Ra- jkot. “But I told myself I don’t need to think about all that. I just focussed on my processes and things turned out well for me.” Pujara, who shared his sixth century stand with Vijay, attributed the pair’s success to a fi ne understanding of each other’s game. “It’s the communication which keeps us going. We know each other’s strengths and we always try and communicate with each other,” he said. Pujara, who hit 17 fours in his 206- ball knock, owed his ninth Test century and third against England to the Deci- sion Review System, which long-time sceptics India are using for the fi rst time in a home series. He was ruled lbw on 86 but the TV umpire overturned the decision af- ter the ball-tracker showed Zafar An- sari’s delivery going over the top of the stumps. “When the ball hit me, I thought it was quite high. I confi rmed with Vijay and even he felt it was high,” TWO GOOD: Cheteshwar Pujara (left) and opener Murali Vijay led a spirited Indian fightback in the first Test against Pujara said of the review. England yesterday with a 209-run stand for the second wicket to help world’s top-ranked side finish the third day There was some drama in the fi nal on 319-4. Local boy Pujara scored 124 while Vijay struck a fine 126. England had scored 537 in the first innings. (AFP) session when England dismissed Vijay and nightwatchman Amit Mishra in ries off Stuart Broad, who is playing his Paceman Chris Woakes impressed “I am pleased with the way our spin- players and support staff observed a G Gambhir lbw b Broad ...... 29 the last two overs of the day. But with 100th Test. the most in the testing conditions, giv- ners have bowled. I think they bowled minute’s silence as a mark of respect C Pujara c Cook b Stokes...... 124 the in-form Indian skipper Virat Kohli Vijay was lucky to earn a life on 66 ing away just 39 runs off 23 overs. particularly well in tough conditions.” to the war dead on Armistice Day. The V Kohli (batting) ...... 26 batting on 26 and a lot of Indian batting when debutant Haseeb Hameed failed England’s assistant coach Paul Fab- The morning session saw India lose players also wore shirts with a com- A Mishra c Hameed b Ansari ...... 0 still to come, the hosts would be more to hold onto his catch off Broad (1-54) race said he was pleased with the ef- opener Gautam Gambhir (29) to Broad, memorative poppy on the right collar. Extras (b12, lb1, w1) ...... 14 than happy with their show. in the covers. The dropped chance fort of his bowlers on what was a “very who struck off his fi rst ball of the day. Total (4 wickets, 108.3 overs) ...... 319 Pujara fl ourished in the post-lunch capped a frustrating day for England good” wicket for batting. The ball hit his pad in front of the mid- Fall of wicket: 1-68 (Gambhir), 2-277 session, twice carting leg-spinner Adil who huff ed and puff ed in temperatures “We bowled out two outstanding dle and off stump, and the decision was Scoreboard (Pujara), 3-318 (Vijay), 4-319 (Mishra) Rashid for fours in the same over. And touching 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees batsmen on a very good pitch.... The upheld after Gambhir referred it to the England (1st innings) ...... 537 Bowling: Broad 20-7-54-1, Woakes 23-5- Vijay proved a perfect foil, racing to his Fahrenheit), and on a surface that had two wickets towards the end has also third umpire. India (1st innings; overnight 63/0) 39-0 (1w), Ali 22-6-70-0, Ansari 17.3-1-57- seventh Test century with two bounda- little to off er to the bowlers. given us a huge lift,” he told reporters. Before the start of play, England M Vijay c Hameed b Rashid ...... 126 1, Rashid 16-1-47-1, Stokes 10-1-39-1

Sharapova to return as UN goodwill ambassador FOCUS No resting on laurels for Murray

AFP back to work on the things we Murray has never played his London are trying to improve. I like that. best tennis in the Tour Finals, It’s good. I don’t want to spend making the semi-fi nals only time discussing what’s hap- three times in his seven appear- ndy Murray insists he pened in the last few months. ances and never advancing to won’t rest on his laurels I want to keep getting better. the fi nal, but he hopes to make a after becoming world That’s what I’ve always tried to bigger impact after changing his number one as the Scot do. I don’t feel any diff erent.” pre-tournament routine. Alooks to crown the best year of After spending so long in “There were a couple of years I his life by cementing his place on the shadow of Djokovic, Roger wish I could have done a bit bet- top of the world rankings. Federer and Rafael Nadal, Mur- ter. I’m staying at home for the Murray ended Novak Djoko- ray could have been forgiven for fi rst time this year, I’ve always vic’s reign as the world’s top using his rise to number one to stayed in a hotel before,” Murray ranked player last weekend, herald his right to be regarded as said. “The court is bit faster as but he must match or better the the equal of those legends. well. That’s a positive thing.” aria Sharapova will once again be a UN testing positive for meldonium was cut to 15 months Serb’s performance at the ATP But the Scot, who has los- While Murray has enjoyed a goodwill ambassador when her doping ban by the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport. Tour Finals to fi nish the year in ing career head-to-head records superb surge since the spring, Mexpires in April and she returns to inter- Sharapova, 29, had admitted using meldonium for pole position. against all three of his main rivals, Djokovic has experienced a rare national tennis competition, a UN statement said 10 years to help treat illnesses, a heart issue and a The 29-year-old has enjoyed next week if he keeps defending said he felt no diff erent when his slump. But Murray still expects yesterday. The United Nations had suspended Shara- magnesium deficiency. an incredible 11 months in which Tour Finals champion Djokovic ascent was offi cially confi rmed. Djokovic to push hard to return pova’s role as goodwill ambassador in March after As a goodwill ambassador, Sharapova has been he has won Wimbledon for the from regaining top spot. “It feels good obviously but I to number one because the Serb she failed a drug test, putting a hold on a nine-year active in helping recovery eff orts after the 1986 second time, claimed a second And the Scot is adamant didn’t feel much diff erent when has been unbeatable at the Tour partnership with the UN Development Programme. Chernobyl disaster. Olympic singles gold medal and nothing has changed in his men- I woke up on Monday morning,” Finals over the last four years. “UNDP was glad to learn that Maria Sharapova can The tennis sensation has made visits to Belarus become the fi rst British man to tality now he is the number one, Murray said. “This year is the “I’ve said I expect Novak return to the sport she loves sooner than expected and donated $100,000 to support youth projects in be number one since the incep- especially with his notoriously best I’ve had on court, the last to start playing his best ten- and we will lift the suspension of her role as our rural areas that suff er from the after-aff ects of the tion of the ATP rankings. demanding coach Ivan Lendl few months have been the best nis again,” Murray said. “The goodwill ambassador once the reduced ban expires Chernobyl nuclear accident. Perhaps most signifi cantly, reunited with him this week. in terms of my consistency. last couple of months he hasn’t in April 2017,” said a UNDP spokesperson. Sharapova’s family fled the city of Gomel in Belarus he also became a father in Feb- “Ivan congratulated me on “Away from the court it’s been done that, but before that we “We understand that Ms. Sharapova will be focused in 1987 after the Chernobyl disaster, moving to Sibe- ruary when his wife Kim gave getting to number one on the by far the best in my life, a big had seen years of his best tennis. on resuming her tennis career and we look forward ria where the tennis star was born. birth to their daughter Sophia. phone, but then he started talk- change and a great change. I’ve There’s not too much to worry to discussing her role and engagement with UNDP at The family lived in Nyagan, Siberia, for two years After winning the Paris Mas- ing about what we were going really enjoyed being a parent. about for him. He’s played ex- an appropriate date.” and then moved to Sochi on the Black Sea where ters last weekend, Murray’s to do to prepare for this event,” When I step on the court I will tremely well here the last few Last month, the Russian star’s 24-month ban for Sharapova took her first tennis lessons. golden year can reach a fi tting Murray told reporters yesterday. have a little more confi dence and years and I’d imagine he will climax at London’s O2 Arena “When we got here it was feel better about myself.” have a really good tournament.”