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Friday, November 8, 2019 CRICKET Rabia I 11, 1441 AH Rohit sparks India GULF TIMES to seven-wicket win in 2nd T20 SPORT Page 3

SQUASH ‘Very hungry’ ElShorbagy targets world title in Doha ElShorbagy, who won the 2017 World Championship in Manchester, also has three Qatar Classic titles under his belt

By Mikhil Bhat Vikram Malthora (IND) vs Declan Doha James (ENG) Fares Dessouky (EGY) vs Eain Yow Ng (MAS) ohamed ElShorbagy has Max Lee (HKG) vs Greg Lobban (SCO) come within touching dis- 14:00 tance of the Men’s Squash Auguste Dussourd (FRA) vs Karim World Championship in Abdel Gawad MDoha twice. Both times, in 2012 and Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) vs Karim 2014, his eff orts bit the dust against Ali Fathi (EGY) fellow Egyptian and the one that Richie Fallows (ENG) vs Joel Makin ElShorbagy himself considers “prob- (WAL) ably the greatest player to play the Daryl Selby (ENG) vs Youssef Ibrahim sport” — Ramy Ashour. (EGY) In fact the 2014 fi nal is etched in 15:00 the memories of squash connoisseurs Paul Coll (NZL) vs [WC] Hamad Al- when Ashour, returning from a ca- Amri (QAT) reer-threatening injury, bounced back Tom Richards (ENG) vs Mazen from being within a point of a loss to Hesham (EGY) actually winning his third title, as the Shawn DeLierre (CAN) vs Mathieu then world number one ElShorbagy Castagnet (FRA) watched his rival jump in the glass Borja Golan (ESP) vs Ramit Tandon court at Khalifa International Tennis (IND) and Squash Complex in celebration. 16:00 Five years later, Ashour has hung up Victor Crouin (FRA) vs Mohamed his racquet, while defending cham- ElShorbagy (EGY) pion and world number one Ali Farag Baptiste Masotti (FRA) vs Omar has pulled out of the tournament fol- Mosaad (EGY) lowing the death of his nephew. Zahed Salem (EGY) vs Tsz Fung Yip And ElShorbagy is “very hungry to (HKG) try and win the World Championships Campbell Grayson (NZL) vs Mostafa here in Qatar”. Asal (EGY) “Qatar has a special place in my 17:00 heart, I love going back there. And Abdulla al-Tamimi (QAT) vs Gregoire having the World Championships Marche (FRA) there, I would try and play really Alan Clyne (SCO) vs Ryosei Kobayashi well there just like everyone else,” (JPN) the 28-year-old UK-based player Mohamed Aboueighar (EGY) vs was quoted as saying by Professional Tayyab Aslam (PAK) Squash Association’s (PSA) Squash- Todd Harrity (USA) vs Leo Au (HKG) TV. After missing out on two world titles in Doha, Mohamed ElShorbagy is keen to make amends this time. At right, Qatar hope Abdulla al-Tamimi. 18:00 ElShorbagy, who fi nally claimed the Tarek Momen vs Raphael Kandra World Championship in Manchester I am willing to go back and give my campaign against Frenchman Vic- it up. Last 2-3 years, I have learnt how will face fourth seed Coll. Another (GER) in 2017, has won three Qatar Classic everything to win the title this year.” tor Crouin at 4pm today, will face to push myself for four to fi ve matches Team Qatar player in the draw is Syed Nicolas Mueller (SUI) vs Aqeel Reh- titles in Doha — in 2013, 2015 and 2017. Talking about the two World Cham- Momen, who plays German Raphael in a week. Now is probably my time, Azlan Amjad, who will meet Spain’s man (AUT) For the last of the Qatar Classic ti- pionships fi nals in Qatar, he said, Kandra in the fi rst round, in the fi nals and I need to believe more in myself. Iker Pajares Bernabeu. Arturo Salazar (MEX) vs Marwan tles, he had to beat compatriot Tarek “How many of us can say that they on Wednesday, November 13. Next 2-3 years I need to make really ElShorbagy Momen in the fi nal, but the latter sent took Ramy that far. I was only a point Momen will be hoping to make it good use of. The urgency has sparked TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) vs [WC] ElShorbagy packing in the Worlds away from winning, but when I look to his second straight World Cham- a belief.” 12:00 Syed Azlan Amjad (QAT) semi-fi nals in Chicago last year. back, I tell myself, I have been part of pionships fi nal, having lost to Farag Other contenders include former Simon Rosner vs Ben Coleman (ENG) 19:00 “Of course it hurt me when I lost not just any World Championships fi - last year in Chicago. “I am defi nitely champion Karim Abdel Gawad, high- James Willstrop (ENG) vs George Youssef Soliman (EGY) vs Miguel last year. But any athlete will have to nal but a match that will be a part of happy with the progress I have made. est non-Egyptian ranked player Paul Parker (ENG) Rodrigues (COL) go through the tough roads like that, the history of the sport. I look at it Last season was a breakthrough by all Coll of New Zealand, and leading Eu- Cesar Salazar (MEX) vs Nathan Lake Saurav Ghosal (IND) vs Mahesh Man- and they learn from them and come positively. I always have this faith that means,” Momen said on SquashTV. ropean in the draw, Simon Rosner of (ENG) gaonkar (IND) back,” ElShorbagy said. anything that happens to me is for my “I have always had the belief that Germany. Qatar’s Abdulla al-Tamimi, Kristian Frost (DEN) vs Edmon Lopez Lucas Serme (FRA) vs Benjamin “I made a few changes in my game, own good.” I am good enough on the day, but I ranked 47 in the world, will take on (ESP) Aubert (FRA) with my team as well. Sometimes it If the seedings play out as expect- was never consistent. I had so many French world number 14 Gregoire 13:00 Chris Simpson (ENG) vs Adrian Waller takes courage that you need to change. ed, ElShorbagy, who will open his doubts in myself, fi tness, can I back Marche today, while Hamad al-Amri Ivan Yuen (MAS) vs Diego Elias (PER) (ENG)

QNB STARS LEAGUE Shahania hold Al Rayyan, Sailiya pip Al Arabi By Sports Reporter remained at the bottom of the second session and Al Rayyan Al Arabi have the advantage After Al Sailiya striker Ab- Doha table as the tournament takes were soon on level terms, with of having played one match less dulqadir Ilyas had his shot a long break after this week- Hatem becoming the goal taker. as their Week 5 fixture against blocked by rival goalkeeper Gre- end’s action. Jose Murcia’s men Al Rayyan were soon 2-1 up defending champions Al Sadd gory Gomis, Hamdi himself hit l Rayyan and Al Shaha- have to lift their game by several as Soria gave finishing touch to was deferred due to the latter’s against the left post. nia played out an en- notches in the second leg if they Mowafaq Awad’s cross from the AFC Champions League com- Action gathered steam and tertaining 2-2 draw in are to avoid relegation. right. mitment. Al Arabi fi nally found the target Week 10 of the 2019-20 It was Al Rayyan’s fourth draw Ali Ferydoon then set the Al Sailiya’s Iranian striker through Lassoga, who slammed AQNB Stars League at the Al Du- and their six-match winning run stage for Al Shahania’s equal- Karim Ansari scared the rival in a Mohammed Salah El Neel hail Stadium yesterday. came to an end. However, they iser scored by Rezaein. goal in the very first minute of cross from the left in the last Abdulaziz Hatem (54th have the record of being unbeat- In the second match, Al the game. Two minutes later, minute of fi rst half. minute) and Sebastian Soria en along with Al Duhail. Sailiya came from behind to at the other end, Yousef Ab- Al Sailiya began the latter (60th) were Al Rayyan’s scor- Al Rayyan had more of the record a crucial 2-1 victory over dulrazaq sent a rebound wide session aggressively and were ers, while Saoud Farhan (ninth ball and opportunities even as Al Arabi. after Al Sailiya goalkeeper Kha- rewarded for their persistent ef- minute) and Ramin Rezaein Al Shahania fought their way in. Pierre-Michel Lassoga (45th lifa Aboobacker blocked Birkir forts. (68th) scored for Al Shahania. After Al Shahania went ahead minute) gave Al Arabi the lead, Bjarnason’s free-kick. After Nadir Belhadj came Al Rayyan thus dropped two early into the game when Farhan but Al Sailiya replied through On the half-hour mark, Al close to scoring in the 48th crucial points as they were capitalised on confusion among Meshaal al-Shammari in the Arabi striker Hamdi Harbaoui minute, Meshaal was on target emerging as serious title con- the Al Rayyan defenders, Diego 57th minute and Mubarak headed against the right post off as he headed in a corner kick. tenders. The Lions moved on to Aguirre’s wards created many Al Rayyan players celebrate one of their goals against Al Shahania. Boussoufa in the 80th minute. a cross from Fahd Ali. Meshaal had a hand in their 22 points and Al Shahania four. chances, but could not succeed Al Sailiya now have 14 points Soon, it was Al Arabi’s Marc winning goal as well. He initiat- Al Shahania’s jinx of being in scoring before the half-time was at the centre of their for- Some creative goalkeeping by with their fourth victory, Muniesa Martinez’s turn to ed the move along the right and the only team not to have regis- break. ward moves. However, Hatem, Mohammed Al Bakri did not whereas Al Arabi crashed to strike against the left upright off found Majdi Siddiq, who crossed tered a win in this season’s QNB Algerian attacking midfield- Ahmed Abdelmaqsoud and help their cause either. their third defeat and stayed on a rebound after Khalifa parried the ball to Boussoufa to apply the Stars League continued. They er Yacine Brahimi, as expected, Soria could not find the target. Brisk action followed in the 14 points. Hamdi’s shot. fi nish. Gulf Times 2 Friday, November 8, 2019 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Mane jokes he would ‘dive’ again to Juventus, Bayern and win Liverpool penalty

AFP London

PSG seal last-16 berths iverpool forward Sadio Mane says he will not change his style of play Man City were made to wait after Atalanta’s second-half fightback at the San Siro despite Pep Guardiola’s L“diving” accusation. The Man- AFP chester City boss made the claim Paris at the weekend, when the Sen- egal international was booked after going down in the penalty ouglas Costa scored a dra- area following a challenge by As- matic injury-time winner to ton Villa’s Frederic Guilbert. send Juventus into the Cham- Manager Jurgen Klopp jumped pions League knockout stages to his defence and Guardiola afterD a 2-1 win at Lokomotiv Moscow subsequently rowed back on the on Wednesday night, while Paris Saint- comments, saying they were Germain and Bayern Munich joined the part of a longer speech in which Italian champions in the last 16. he praised the forward. Mane, Mauro Icardi’s fi rst-half goal was unaware of the subsequent enough for PSG to edge past Club climbdown, was unmoved by Brugge 1-0 at the Parc des Princes, as Guardiola’s initial criticism as he Bayern laboured to a 2-0 victory over believes if there is contact he has Olympiakos. Manchester City missed a right to go down. the chance to progress from Group C And he off ered a sarcastic re- after a dramatic 1-1 draw at Atalanta sponse to the City boss ahead of which saw right-back Kyle Walker end the match between the two sides the game in goal. at Anfi eld on Sunday, saying: Juventus knew three points in Russia “If it could be a penalty for sure would be enough to secure their pas- I will ‘dive’ again. If the ‘dive’ sage to the knockout rounds, and took will give me a penalty then I will a fourth-minute lead through Aaron do it. Why not? But what Jurgen Ramsey. Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick said is correct. I do not dive,” bounced in front of Lokomotiv goal- said Mane. keeper Guilherme, who inexplicably “There was contact (at Villa) allowed the ball to squirm through his for sure. Maybe it was not a pen- legs, with Ramsey prodding in from on alty and he didn’t give it, and the goalline. he gave me a yellow card. To be Aleksei Miranchuk quickly levelled honest I don’t have any problem for the hosts by tapping in the rebound about it. It’s what I want to keep after his own header had struck the doing. If I get a penalty, yeah it’s post, with Maurizio Sarri’s Juve then a penalty. If no penalty, no pen- struggling to break their hosts down. alty, but (it) will never change But Brazilian winger Costa came off the way I’m playing or the way the bench and netted a magnifi cent I’m doing my things.” 93rd-minute winner, slipping the ball Guardiola’s criticism was seen through the hapless Guilherme’s legs as the start of mind games lead- after a mazy run. “He (Costa) is return- ing up to Sunday’s Anfi eld en- ing to top condition after an injury but counter and Mane said the City he has enough quality to play anywhere Juventus’ Douglas Costa (centre) scores during the UEFA Champions League group D match against Lokomotiv Moscow in Moscow on Wednesday night. (AFP) boss had been a “bit clever” to on the pitch,” said Juve coach Sarri. get the attention of the referee. Benzema 45, 81) Galatasaray (TUR) 0 PSG reached the last 16 for the eighth happy with the performance, we’re into Gabriel Jesus dragged a dreadful penalty to a 2-1 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen. A The defending Premier League straight season, but a nervy display the last 16 and that’s what counts,” said well wide shortly before half-time. bizarre Thomas Partey own goal and Group B: At Munich, Germany: Bayern champions trail Klopp’s side by against Brugge will not have boosted Hansi Flick, who took over as interim City goalkeeper Ederson was re- Kevin Volland’s second-half strike kept Munich (GER) 2 (Lewandowski 69, six points but City are the only hopes of the French champions making coach after Niko Kovac was sacked on placed by Claudio Bravo at the break the Germans in contention to fi nish Perisic 89) Olympiakos (GRE) 0; At team to have beaten Liverpool in the semis for the fi rst time since 1995. Sunday. as a precaution ahead of their crucial second behind Juventus in Group D de- Belgrade: Red Star Belgrade (SRB) 0 their past 50 league matches. Icardi swept Thomas Tuchel’s men into Bayern lead Tottenham at the top of Sunday clash at Premier League lead- spite Alvaro Morata’s late consolation. Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) 4 (Lo Celso the lead midway through the fi rst half Group B by fi ve points, after last sea- ers Liverpool. Chilean Bravo saw Mario Shakhtar Donetsk snatched a thrill- 34, Son 57, 61, Eriksen 85) with his eighth goal since joining on son’s runners-up thrashed Red Star Pasalic’s header fl y past him in the 49th ing 3-3 draw at Dinamo Zagreb thanks Group C: At Zagreb: Dinamo Zagreb loan from Inter Milan. Belgrade 4-0 in Serbia. minute, but worse was to come when he to two injury-time goals, including a (CRO) 3 (Petkovic 25, Ivanusec 83, But Belgian outfi t Brugge should have Son Heung-min scored twice just was sent off with nine minutes remain- 98th-minute penalty from Tete. Those Ademi 89) Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) 3 ing for hacking down Josip Ilicic. grabbed a late equaliser, only for Mbaye three days after being left devastated by two teams remain level on fi ve points (Patrick 13, Moraes 90+3, Tete 90+8- Diagne to see his penalty saved by PSG his tackle which caused a horrifi c injury Walker was brought on to play as in Group C behind Man City, but Sha- pen); At Milan, Italy: Atalanta (ITA) 1 ‘keeper Keylor Navas. “It is logical we for Everton’s Andre Gomes, with Gio- ‘keeper, and despite almost fumbling khtar are second due to having scored (Pasalic 49) Manchester City (ENG) 1 are annoyed after a game where I think vani Lo Celso and Christian Eriksen also Ruslan Malinovsky’s eff ort from the more away goals in their head-to-head (Sterling 7) we deserved something but you still end fi nding the net. resulting free-kick into his own net, matches. up empty-handed,” said Brugge goal- Premier League champions Man City helped City secure a point. “I say again, Group D: At Moscow: Lokomotiv keeper Simon Mignolet. were made to wait after Atalanta’s sec- thank you Kyle because it is not easy to CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS Moscow (RUS) 1 (Al. Miranchuk 12) Managerless Bayern Munich had ear- ond-half fi ghtback at the San Siro. Ra- take this responsibility to go on and be a Juventus (ITA) 2 (Ramsey 4, Costa Group A: At Paris: Paris Saint-Germain lier become the fi rst side to go through, heem Sterling, who scored a hat-trick goalkeeper and save the free-kick,” said 90+3); At Leverkusen, Germany: Bayer (FRA) 1 (Icardi 22) Club Brugge (BEL) as late goals from Robert Lewandowski in City’s 5-1 victory in the reverse fi x- City full-back Benjamin Mendy. Leverkusen (GER) 2 (Partey 41-og, 0; At Madrid: Real Madrid (ESP) 6 and Ivan Perisic ended Olympiakos’ re- ture two weeks ago, put Pep Guardiola’s Atletico Madrid also missed out on Volland 55) Atletico Madrid (ESP) 1 (Rodrygo 4, 7, 90+2, Ramos 14-pen, sistance at the Allianz Arena. “I’m very men in front after only six minutes, but booking a last-16 place as they slumped (Morata 90+4)

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP PSG sporting director hits out at England pick Maddison for Euro qualifi ers eicester City midfi elder James Mad- 25, was part of the squad that won the 2018 Zidane for Mbappe comments dison was included yesterday in Ga- World Cup in Russia but has not played for reth Southgate’s squad for their Euro his country since winning his ninth cap in AFP 2020 qualifi ers against Montenegro a UEFA Nations League game against the Land Kosovo despite his controversial casino Netherlands in September last year. Paris visit during the last international break. France are without goalkeeper and cap- Maddison pulled out of the squad to tain Hugo Lloris, who has just undergone aris Saint-Germain face the Czech Republic and Bulgaria last surgery on a dislocated elbow, as they look sporting director Le- month because of illness but the uncapped to clinch their place at next year’s Euro onardo has hit out at 22-year-old was pictured in a casino during 2020 fi nals. Paul Pogba and Lucas Hernan- Real Madrid coach Zin- the 2-1 defeat in Prague. Defender John dez are also sidelined, but Kylian Mbappe Pedine Zidane for suggesting that Stones, who has started Manchester City’s returns after the Paris Saint-Germain Kylian Mbappe’s dream was to past two Premier League games, and Liver- striker was forced to withdraw from the last play for the Spanish club. pool midfi elder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain squad due to fi tness problems. Olivier Gir- “Honestly, it’s a bit irritating, have been handed England recalls in the oud is also included despite a lack of game it’s annoying,” the Brazilian said 27-man squad. Everton defender Michael time at his club Chelsea. following PSG’s 1-0 win over Keane has been dropped and there is still France are level atop qualifying Group H Club Brugge in the Champions no place for Dele Alli but Chelsea’s Callum with Turkey on 19 points, four points clear League on Wednesday, adding Hudson-Odoi is back in. “What’s in our mind and the feedback of Iceland with two matches remaining and that “it’s not the fi rst time this Hudson-Odoi, who has two caps, is I have from our medical staff is that it’s the top two advancing to the 24-team fi nals. has happened”. promoted back from the under-21 squad possible we will see Andre playing again Zidane was asked about a pos- following his return from the Achilles this season. Of course, it’s not something EDERSON DOUBT FOR sible move for the 20-year-old injury he suff ered at the end of last season. we are 100 per cent sure about, but we have LIVERPOOL CLASH World Cup-winning star in a Stamford Bridge teammate Mason Mount good possibilities to do that. He is strong, Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson could press conference in Madrid on is also included despite coming off in Tues- he will keep strong for sure and will become be a doubt for this weekend’s Premier Tuesday. “We will see in the fu- day’s 4-4 Champions League draw against stronger as a player.” League clash against Liverpool after being ture. He has always said it was his League. They travel to Madrid to It represents an increase of 17.7% Ajax with an ankle problem. England host substituted at half-time in their dra- dream to play for Real Madrid,” face Zidane’s Real in their next on previous revenue of 541.7mn Montenegro on November 14 with victory EDER RECALLED AS HOLDERS POR- matic Champions League 1-1 draw against Zidane replied. Group A game later this month. euros, which saw them ranked enough to book their spot at Euro 2020. TUGAL TARGET EURO 2020 FINALS Atalanta in Milan on Wednesday. Claudio A clearly irked Leonardo, who Leonardo said PSG would not the sixth-richest football club in They then travel to Kosovo three days later. Lokomotiv Moscow forward Eder, whose Bravo was introduced after the break for the returned to Paris for a second rush into off ering new contracts 2018. However the money gener- goal won Portugal Euro 2016, earned a recall Premier League champions, but the game spell in the role of sporting di- to veteran duo Thiago Silva and ated still falls well short of that GOMES COULD RETURN BEFORE to his country’s squad Thursday for their fi nished in chaos as the substitute goal- rector earlier this year, said the Edinson Cavani, both of whom by Barcelona and Real Madrid, END OF THE SEASON, SAYS SILVA upcoming qualifi ers for next summer’s keeper was sent off 10 minutes from time comments were an attempt to will be free agents at the end of who topped last year’s Deloitte Everton midfi elder Andre Gomes could play fi nals against Lithuania and Luxembourg. with right-back Kyle Walker fi nishing the unsettle the striker. the current campaign. “We will Football Money League. again before the end of the season after sur- The 31-year-old returns as part of a match in goal. “I think that now is not the see what happens as the season Barcelona expect to record gery on his broken ankle went well, his club 25-man squad named by coach Fernando “It’s a muscular problem,” said manager time to talk about this. He is a goes on. We are not putting a revenues of more than one bn manager Marco Silva said. The 26-year- Santos as Portugal attempt to lock down Pep Guardiola. “It was a risk so we took him player who has two and a half time limit on it, we will decide euros this season, becoming the old Portuguese international suff ered a a place at Euro 2020 over the fi nal two off as he was feeling it late in the first half. years left on his contract with us, together, one thing or another. A fi rst football club to pass the fracture dislocation of the right ankle after qualifying rounds. They host Lithuania, We don’t know (whether Ederson will be fi t so to talk about what he wants, year is an eternity,” he said. mark, while Real Madrid posted being tripped by Tottenham Hotspur’s Son the bottom side in Group B, in the Algarve to face Liverpool).” his ‘dream’, every time... If we can operating revenue of 757.3mn eu- Heung-min in Sunday’s 1-1 draw. on November 14 before making the trip to Liverpool lead second-placed Man City by just stop this, pause this talk,” he PSG POST CLUB ros for 2018-19. Silva said the news from the club medical Luxembourg three days later. six points, and a win at Anfi eld on Sunday said. “Kylian is a very important RECORD 637.8MN EURO PSG signed a new shirt spon- staff had been mildly encouraging following would be a massive boost for Guardiola’s player for us. Now is not the time REVENUE FOR 2018/19 sorship deal with the French Monday’s surgery and suggested a return MAN CITY DEFENDER side in their bid to defend the Premier to destabilise him.” Meanwhile, PSG announced multinational Accor in Febru- could be feasible before the end of the cam- MENDY GIVEN FRANCE RECALL League title. City are already without Mbappe started as PSG beat record revenue of 637.8mn euros ary. They also agreed a new and paign in mid-May. “It’s not easy for us to Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy defenders Aymeric Laporte and Oleksandr Club Brugge 1-0 with a Mauro ($706mn) for the 2018-19 fi scal improved agreement with US give a sure date about when he will return,” was recalled to the France squad for the Zinchenko, while David Silva is also strug- Icardi goal to secure their place year, confi rming their status as sportswear giant Nike in June Silva said ahead of this weekend’s match upcoming Euro 2020 qualifi ers against gling with a thigh problem ahead of the in the last 16 of the Champions one of the world’s richest clubs. that runs until 2032. with fellow strugglers Southampton. Moldova and Albania. Left-back Mendy, weekend. Gulf Times Friday, November 8, 2019 3 SPORT

CRICKET GOLF Day gets Presidents Cup nod to face Rampaging Rohit Woods-led US leads India to series-levelling win ‘Knew conditions were perfect, so all I wanted to do was stay still and tonk the ball’

AFP win on the PGA Tour when he Melbourne triumphed at the Greenbrier in September and the 21-year-old followed up with tied 12th in a rnie Els opted yesterday high-quality fi eld at the CJ Cup for the experience of Ja- in South Korea last month. son Day and Adam Had- Im is keen to partner fellow win alongside rookies Im rookie Niemann. “I’ve played Sung-jaeE and Joaquin Niemann with Joaquin a lot in tourna- as he made his Internationals ments and we have a similar style Team Presidents Cup captain’s of play,” said the Korean. “He’s picks to face Tiger Woods’s Team very accurate and I feel like the USA next month. way we execute our short game The Internationals will tee off is similar.” at Australia’s Royal Melbourne Li Haotong of China, Taiwan’s from December 12-15 against a CT Pan and Mexico’s Abraham star-studded US captained by Ancer will make debuts as au- Woods, who is expected to pick tomatic qualifi ers together with himself when he unveils his four South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen wildcards today. and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama. “It was very diffi cult for me, Day’s selection makes it four but I needed guys in solid form,” Australians in the 12-player team said Els, speaking from Beijing. as he joins the already-qualifi ed “That’s why I went for these Cameron Smith, making his four guys who are very consistent fi rst appearance, plus seasoned and strong under pressure. compatriots Marc Leishman and “I’m really excited by the new Adam Scott. blood that’s come in and we have Els believes Woods, the world experience too. I think it balanc- number seven, will select him- es things really well,” added the self for a wildcard after the 15- four-time major winner. time major winner won the Zozo Australia’s former world Championship in Japan late last number one Day will feature in month. “I do think he will pick his fi fth Presidents Cup despite himself, I don’t think he has any having seen his ranking slip to choice,” he said. “He has a very 29th, while world number 44 strong team around him and he’s Hadwin will make his second ap- a good captain and it will be good Rohit Sharma plays a shot during their second T20 match against Bangladesh at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, India, yesterday. (AFP) pearance after his debut in 2017. for the event.” South Korea’s exciting 2019 The Internationals have won AFP knew (it) will be diffi cult for bowlers in eight, were at the crease as India won Mushfi qur Rahim, for four, and Soumya PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Im only once in the event’s 25- Rajkot, India the second innings,” said Sharma, who with 26 balls to spare. Sarkar, for 30, as the tourists slipped to and Chile’s Niemann have been year history — in Melbourne in is leading the side in the absence of the 103 for four. in spectacular form. Both will 1998, captained by the late Peter rested Virat Kohli. Chahal keeps Bangladesh in check Bangladesh lost two more wickets, in- make their Presidents Cup de- Thomson. kipper Rohit Sharma smashed 85 “We took advantage of that, had a great Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal set up cluding skipper Mahmudullah Riyad for buts. The Americans boast world in his 100th Twenty20 interna- powerplay. After that, it was all about go- the victory by taking two key wickets in 30, in the last fi ve overs that resulted in number one and four-time ma- tional to power India to an eight- ing on. one over to help restrict Bangladesh to 153 41 runs. “Was a very good wicket, but we CHILDHOOD DREAM jor winner Brooks Koepka, along wicket series-levelling win over “I never underestimate bowlers. All for six after being put in to bat fi rst. were 25-30 runs short. Having said that, Im, 21, tied for third with Rory with fellow top-10 players Dus- BangladeshS yesterday. these years, I’ve just tried to do my best Bangladesh made a fl ying start with credit to Rohit and Shikhar, how they McIlroy two weeks ago at the tin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Sharma put on 118 runs with open- with the bat in hand. Knew conditions Liton Das and Mohammad Naim, the started. Momentum went their way,” said Zozo Championship in Japan, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauf- ing partner Shikhar Dhawan as the hosts were perfect, so all I wanted to do was top scorer with 36, putting on 60 for the Mahmudullah. won by Woods, and the world fele and Bryson DeChambeau achieved their target of 154 in only 15.4 stay still and tonk the ball.” opening wicket in 7.1 overs. “We need to assess the conditions number 34 followed up with tied plus Webb Simpson (ranked 11) overs in Rajkot to make the three-match He is the only male Indian cricketer Liton benefi ted from a pair of reprieves, when we go to Nagpur. We needed to be a 11th at the WGC-HSBC Champi- and Matt Kuchar (22). series 1-1. to play a century of T20 internationals including a stumping chance when a bit more positive.” ons in Shanghai on Sunday. Koepka, Johnson, Kuchar and The 32-year-old raced to his fi fty in and just the second worldwide, with no-ball was called after wicketkeeper The fi nal match is on Sunday in Nag- “Even as a child, it has always Thomas were all members of just 23 deliveries, reaching the milestone Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik having played Rishabh Pant collected the ball in front of pur. been a dream of mine to make the the US team that won 19-11 in with his third six. 111. the stumps. Presidents Cup,” Im said. New Jersey in 2017, their sev- He hammered six fours and six maxi- Sharma fi nally became leg-spinner Liton was fi nally run out by a direct BRIEF SCORE: India 154 for 2 (Rohit 85, “I’m so happy to be chosen as a enth straight triumph. Simpson mums in total, including three successive Aminul Islam’s second victim after being throw from Pant while trying to steal a Dhawan 31, Aminul 2-29) beat Bang- captain’s pick. I would really like played on winning sides in 2011 hits over the fence off spinner Mosaddek caught at deep mid-wicket. single after missing a googly from Chahal. ladesh 153 for 6 (Naim 36, Sarkar 30, to beat the United States team.” and 2013 while Schauff ele, De- Hossain in his 43-ball blitz. Dhawan was bowled by Aminul for 31. Chahal then struck twice in his third Mahmudullah 30, Chahal 2-28) by eight Niemann, ranked 54, became Chambeau and Cantlay will be “I knew that Rajkot is a good track, Shreyas Iyer, on 24, and K L Rahul, on over with the wickets of fi rst-match hero wickets. the fi rst player from Chile to making their debuts.

SPOTLIGHT ASIA congress ends in resounding success By Sports Reporter coming in. During this congress Doha we had new sport institutes from China and Cambodia joining us and we hope to have another one he 4th ‘Association of from South Korea becoming a part Sports Institutes in Asia’ of ASIA soon. And these collabo- (ASIA) congress con- rations are very important, be- cluded yesterday with cause the world of sport is moving Tmembers and participants agree- very fast and we must be able to ing to several collaborative ven- catch up and, if possible, lead.” tures that will see joint events, Dr Duncan Simpson, Head of training camps and research Mental Conditioning, IMG Acad- amongst members. On the pe- emy, said, “This event has been nultimate night the participants fantastic. The ability to collabo- enjoyed a gala dinner held at La rate with people from all over the Cigale Hotel and saw the ac- world, mostly from the Asia re- knowledgement and honouring gion is something that I have not of sponsors, partners and speak- had the opportunity to do. So, the ers at the Congress. Dr Duncan ability to learn and collaborate Simpson, Head of Mental Con- and hopefully to share a bit about ditioning at IMG Academy gave what we are doing at IMG has just a presentation on supporting been a fantastic experience.” staff well-being before the guests Commenting on his fi rst visit tucked into their dinner. Delegates during the 4th ASIA congress at the Aspire Academy yesterday. to Qatar and the success of event, In his speech, Dr Simpson QUINTIC founder Dr Paul Hur- underscored the importance of work. complish over the three days. It training camps and knowledge rion said, “It’s my fi rst time here high-performance sports staff Dr Daniel Lee, Associate Di- was a great opportunity for our and information sharing. This Aspire Academy Director of Sport and Strategy Markus Egger during in Qatar and what a fantastic re- embracing awareness of one’s rector of Elite Training Science & Aspire Academy high perform- has been done with an open- the 4th ASIA congress yesterday. ception it has been for me. As- well-being and when to say No Technology at Hong Kong Sports ance sports coaches and staff to minded attitude to learn with pire Academy is just phenomenal and Yes at workplace in order to Institute, gave a vote of thanks to meet, interact and exchange col- the right spirit to share and led tions I had with our friends from it comes to that. First, there is the and really a world class facility maximise the best of one’s out- wind up the evening. laborative ideas with like-mind- to many fruitful and benefi cial other high-performance insti- group of the founding members fi t for Olympians and elite sport put. Dr Simpson summed up his Dr Philip Graham Smith, Head ed colleagues from Asia as well as contacts and partnerships. All in tutes, they were really impressed - the Japan Sports Council, the athletes. The very fortunate stu- presentation with the ABC of of Biochemistry and Innovation hear from international profes- all, the 4th Association of Sports by our people and how they pre- Singapore Sports Institute, the dents’ athletes training at Aspire Awareness, Balance and Connec- at Aspire Academy in summing sional in Sports Science Innova- Institutes in Asia Congress has pared this event. Overall, it was a Hong Kong Sports Institute and are exceptionally privileged and tion, as the key cogs of a health up the ASIA Congress on its tion. The Congress allowed all been a success.” great event.” us – and this group is driving the it’s easy to see why Qatar as a na- and sound outlook to support- conclusion said, “The 4th ASIA participants to network and ex- Markus Egger, Director of Speaking about the next steps entire community. Then there tional is doing well in sport- they ing and maintaining employees’ Congress has exceeded expecta- plore opportunities for working Sport and Strategy Aspire Acade- for ASIA, Egger said, “I think is the other group that is gradu- make absolute preparation in physical and mental health at tions in what we were able to ac- together on among other things, my, said, “Based on the conversa- there are two diff erent paces when ally growing with new members sport development.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, November 8, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHTBOXING Women’s boxing icon Adams retires due to Top-ranked Barty medical advice

AFP damage and permanent vision London loss,” said Adams. “I’m immensely honoured to have represented our coun- wo-time Olympic try — to win double Olympic ‘extremely hungry’ champion Nicola Ad- gold medals and then the WBO ams, regarded as the championship belt is a dream pathfi nder for women’s come true... But it’s not without Tboxing, is to retire because of taking its toll on my body. fears about her sight, the Briton “To my wonderful team, I announced on Wednesday. would not be the fi ghter I am The 37-year-old, who be- today without your encourage- came the fi rst ever women’s ment and understanding — what for Fed Cup fi nal win Olympic boxing champion at you have taught me goes beyond London 2012 when she took the the ring. ‘IT’S TAKEN US PROBABLY TWO OR THREE YEARS TO GET INTO THIS POSITION’ fl yweight crown, said she was “Hanging up my gloves was abandoning her hopes of win- always going to hard, but I have ning a third gold next year in never felt luckier, And I’m so AFP Tokyo. immensely proud of how far the Perth, Australia In an open letter to her local sport has come.” newspaper the Yorkshire Evening Adams nicknamed herself the Post, Adams said she had decid- ‘comeback kid’ after returning orld number one ed to hang up her gloves because from shoulder surgery in 2015 Ashleigh Barty has doctors had warned her sight to win the inaugural European enjoyed a career- would be permanently damaged Games title. She had raised the changing season if she continued to box. profi le of women’s boxing in Wand is “extremely hungry” to Adams, who successfully de- Britain both in and out of the end it on a high by steering Aus- fended her title in Rio, had em- ring, partly because of her dog, a tralia to their fi rst Fed Cup in 45 barked on a successful profes- Doberman called Dexter. years. sional career and in 2018, within Aged 10 months he had been The seven-time champions 18 months of doing so, had won photographed watching her title have not tasted success in the a world title — the vacant WBO fi ght at the Olympics on a tel- tournament since the days of fl yweight belt. evision that had been installed Evonne Goolagong in 1974, with “I’ve been advised that any in his kennels and was photo- two-time winners France stand- further impact to my eye would graphed apparently staring at- ing in their way on the hard- most likely lead to irreparable tentively at the screen. courts at Perth Arena starting tomorrow. It will mark the last Fed Cup fi nal played under the current format, with an overhaul next year seeing 12 nations compete in a six-day event in Budapest. While there will be a huge boost in prize money, it spells an end to home ties, following a similar change to the men’s Davis Cup. Barty, fresh from being crowned WTA Finals champion in Shenzhen on Sunday, leads a team that boasts world number 51 Ajla Tomljanovic making her debut, veteran Samantha Stosur (96), Astra Sharma (108) and Pr- iscilla Hon (126). They are bank- ing on passionate home support to get them over the line. “This was a week I circled at the beginning of the year that I wanted to target, and to be able to fi nish the year playing as a team for your nation is pretty special and I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time,” Cornet (60), Fiona Ferro (63) and preparing as if we will be playing nal since 1993, France made the haven’t. It is an important factor said Barty. Pauline Parmentier (122) as they but nobody has been given the decider three years ago, losing for us.” “All of us are extremely hun- target a fi rst title since 2003. nod just yet,” said the 35-year- 3-2 to the Czech Republic. Mlad- Ferro is the only French wom- gry — it’s taken us probably old, who has won 37 Fed Cup enovic, Garcia and Cornet all an not to play a singles rubber in two or three years to get into GREAT LESSON rubbers. played in that clash and believe their run to the fi nal, but Benne- this position and now it’s about French Open champion Barty “I’ve played Fed Cup for 16 the experience will help them teau said he expected all his play- coming out and enjoying it this and former US Open winner years so to now be in the fi nal, it’s this weekend. “That fi nal was a ers to be ready to shoulder the weekend.” France captain Julien Stosur played all the singles and been a long time coming and we great lesson for me and all of us,” burden. Benneteau has kept faith with doubles in their semi-fi nal win want to make the most of it.” said Garcia, who won two singles “When you play a Fed Cup fi nal the team who sealed their semi- over Belarus, but Stosur said Australia hold a 5-1 record over matches in the tie. “We now have with the number one in the world fi nal win over Romania, led by captain Alicia Molik had yet to France, although the French won the experience of losing and we on the other side, and away, you Kristina Mladenovic, ranked 40 indicate if the same tactic would the most recent tie between the don’t want to have the feeling of cannot say that you have an ad- in the world. be deployed. two nations in 2000, when Molik losing a fi nal again. vantage,” he said on Wednesday. She will be backed by 45th- “All of us want to put our hand was on the team. “We have been there before, “But for sure, I have a lot of op- ranked Caroline Garcia, Alize up for any match and we’re all out While it is Australia’s fi rst fi - whereas the Australian girls tions for singles and doubles.” File photo of Nicola Adams. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT Pliskova parts ways with coach Martinez

Djokovic has world number one World number two and recent WTA Finals semi- finalist Karolina Pliskova said yesterday she was parting ways with her Nadal in his sights at ATP Finals Spanish coach Conchita Reuters has not added to his ATP Finals ti- Martinez. London tle haul since winning in 2011. “I decided I will no longer The Swiss, who has a record 57 work with Conchita,” the match wins at the event, bowed 27-year-old Czech wrote on f Novak Djokovic is to claim out to Zverev in the semi-fi nals her Facebook page. the year-end number ranking last year but continues to defy the “It was (a) tough decision for a record-equalling sixth passing years at the age of 38. as the season was great. time he will have to do it the Last month he claimed the Thank you for all this year hardI way at the ATP Finals next Swiss indoor title without drop- and wish u only the best. week in London. ping a set. It was his fourth title in Life is a change!!!” added The Serb was knocked off top 2019, during which he lost an epic the 2016 US Open finalist. spot by Rafael Nadal on Monday Wimbledon fi nal to Djokovic hav- Her manager and husband despite winning the Paris Masters ing held match points. Michal Hrdlicka told the last week and will need a strong The penultimate ATP Finals in Czech news agency CTK fi nish alongside the River Thames London, before it moves to Turin, they were in talks with to snatch it back. has a fresh look this year. a new coach, without Only Pete Sampras has fi n- Russian counter-puncher disclosing the name. ished a year on top six times and Medvedev has enjoyed an incred- “It has been an incredible Djokovic’s hopes of emulating the ible breakthrough year and of the year full of great moments American are not in his own hands three debutants he looks the most and emotions,” tweeted with Nadal leading by 640 points likely to challenge for the title. Martinez. heading to the climax. He leads the charts in terms of “I wish Kaja and her team Nadal, 33, is bidding to become match wins (59) and fi nals reached the best for the future,” the ATP’s oldest year-end number (9) and against Nadal in a sensa- added the 47-year-old but with 200 points awarded tional US Open fi nal proved he Wimbledon champion from for round-robin wins, 400 for a has the personality to go toe-to- 1994. semi-fi nal win and 500 for win- toe with the giants. For the fourth Pliskova hired Martinez ning the fi nal the door is still ajar successive year there are eight dif- during last year’s US Open for Djokovic to deny him. ferent nations represented in the and she immediately won Spaniard Nadal has often singles while half of the singles the Pacific Open in Tokyo. struggled physically in London fi eld are aged 23 or under. The new She went on to win four and pulled out of his Paris Masters Novak Djokovic during his semi-final match against Denis Shapovalov at the Paris Masters in Paris on Sunday. (AFP) wave is arriving, but Djokovic still WTA tournaments this year semi-fi nal against Denis Shapo- has unfi nished business. and reached the semi-finals valov last week citing an abdomi- ev and debutants Daniil Medvedev by winning the title, providing newcomer in this year’s event, Djokovic said. “As a consequence, Colombian duo Juan Sebastian at the Australian Open and nal issue when victory would have and Stefanos Tsitsipas. If Nadal Nadal does not reach the semis. who he will play in Sunday’s if I manage to get the year-end Cabal and Robert Farah will lead at last week’s WTA Finals put him virtually out of reach. fails to win a round-robin match, Djokovic faces a tough group opening singles. number one, that would be fan- the doubles event having already where she bowed out to He intends to play in London Djokovic would still need to win though, with six-time cham- “It’s an extremely diffi cult tastic. It is a motivation and a goal clinched the year-end number world number one and having been drawn in a round- two group matches and reach the pion Roger Federer, French Open task considering who my oppo- every day.” Federer, ranked third, one ranking and will be seeking a later champion Ashleigh robin group alongside 2018 ATP fi nal to dislodge him. Djokovic will runner-up Dominic Thiem and nents are going to be,” Australian will be a particularly dangerous London double after winning this Barty. AFP Finals champion Alexander Zver- also fi nish the year as number one Italian Matteo Berrettini, the third Open and Wimbledon champion obstacle for Djokovic even if he year’s Wimbledon crown. Gulf Times Friday, November 8, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT League fi ne Jazz down Sixers, with Clippers’ Harden scores 36 as Leonard sitting out: report Reuters for the Spurs in 2017-18 due to New York, United States a quadriceps injury and played Rockets rout Warriors in just 60 of 82 regular-season games for the Toronto Raptors Mitchell scores 24 points and eight assists as Utah slip past Philadelphia 106-104 tar forward Kawhi Leon- last season. ard did not play Wednes- Leonard’s Raptors defeated AFP day night in a much- Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Los Angeles, United States anticipated nationally Bucks in the Eastern Confer- televisedS showdown with Gi- ence finals last season en route annis Antetokounmpo, and the to Toronto winning the NBA onovan Mitchell NBA doesn’t have a problem with title. scored 24 points as the it, according to an ESPN report. That backdrop made Wednes- Utah Jazz slipped past The Los Angeles Clippers list- day’s meeting between NBA Fi- Philadelphia 106-104 ed Leonard on the injury report nals MVP Leonard and reigning WednesdayD on an evening when with a knee injury, meaning the league MVP Antetokounmpo — 76ers guard Ben Simmons suf- club is within its rights to rest televised by ESPN — one of the fered a shoulder injury. Leonard on the front end of a marquee matchups of the fi rst Mitchell also had eight assists back-to-back. half of the season. while Bojan Bogdanovic fi nished “Kawhi Leonard is not a Leonard also sat out the front with 20 points and six rebounds healthy player under the league’s end of the back-to-back on and Joe Ingles came off the resting policy, and, as such, is Oct. 30 against the Utah Jazz, bench to score a season high 16 listed as managing a knee in- a game also televised by ESPN. points for the Jazz, who ended a jury in the L.A. Clippers injury He played the following night two game losing skid. report,” spokesman Mike Bass against the San Antonio Spurs. “I was just trying to fi nd ways told ESPN. “The league offi ce, Ironically, the Clippers were to get my teammates involved in consultation with the NBA’s scheduled to have another na- and make it easier on myself,” director of sports medicine, is tionally televised game later Mitchell said. “We had more comfortable with team medical yesterday. The matchup with the urgency. We lost two games be- staff ’s determination that Leon- Portland Trail Blazers was to be cause of off ensive rebounds so ard is not suffi ciently healthy to shown by TNT, and Leonard was we practised hard and it showed play in back-to-back games at expected to play. tonight.” this time.” ESPN reported that the Clip- Mike Conley scored 15 points Leonard has yet to play both pers don’t currently have plans while Rudy Gobert delivered 14 games of a back-to-back this to start using Leonard in back- points and 16 rebounds in the season and last played in a set in to-back games. win. April 2017, when he was a mem- Leonard is averaging 29.3 Simmons had just two points ber of the San Antonio Spurs. Le- points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists in 10 minutes before leaving onard played in just nine games and 2.3 steals in six games. with 5:20 left in the second quarter with right shoulder in- jury. Simmons reportedly has a sprained AC joint and will be examined by team doctors on Thursday. The game marked the return of Sixer Joel Embiid who served a two-game ban for an aggres- sive wrestling match with Min- nesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns on October 30. Embiid fi nished with 27 points and 16 rebounds but was just fi ve of 16 from the fi eld as Philadelphia lost its second straight game. Josh Richardson scored 24 points, Tobias Harris added 16 and Raul Neto had 11 for the 76ers. Houston Rockets guard James Harden (right) shoots the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Glenn Robinson III defends during the second Elsewhere, the Houston quarter of the NBA game at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, United States, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Rockets rolled over the injury- riddled Golden State Warriors The contest was expected to be and the loss of Kevin Durant. added 15 points and 11 rebounds. scored 13 of his 22 in the fourth 129-112, sending last season’s a high-scoring aff air as the Rock- “Hopefully those guys will quarter and Buddy Hield added NBA fi nalists to their sixth de- ets and Warriors are 29th and get back in the court soon. That RAPTORS HOME COOKING 21 as the Kings had their two- feat in their past eight games. 28th in the NBA in points allowed. is the league, injuries happen,” Also, Pascal Siakam had 23 points game winning streak halted. James Harden fi nished with The Rockets give up an aver- Harden said. “We had that prob- and 13 rebounds, Kyle Lowry 36 points and 13 assists and shot age of 123 points per game and lem a couple years ago. So it’s scored 24 and the reigning NBA RESULTS six of 16 from beyond the arc the Warriors 120. Neither team nothing new.” champion Raptors outduelled the for the host Rockets in front of has been able to hold their op- Against the Rockets, Golden Sacramento Kings 124-120. Dallas 107-106 Orlando a crowd of 18,000 at the Toyota ponent to under triple digits so State was also without D’Angelo Serge Ibaka scored 10 of his 21 Chicago 113-93 Atlanta Center arena. far this year. Russell (sprained right ankle) points in the fourth quarter and Toronto 124-120 Sacramento “I pick and choose when I The lineup the Warriors used and Draymond Green (injured OG Anunoby had a season-high have to be aggressive,” Harden Wednesday was a shadow of the fi nger) for a third straight game. 18 as the Raptors improved to Milwaukee 129-124 LA Clippers said. “It is a process and we are team that reached the NBA fi nals Russell Westbrook had 18 4-0 at home this season. Utah 106-104 Philadelphia last season where they lost to the points, eight rebounds and six Lowry has scored 20 or more building something great.” Memphis 137-121 Minnesota Harden has now shot 13 of 32 Toronto Raptors. assists before leaving the con- six times in Toronto’s fi rst seven from three point range in his last Even before Stephen Curry test with an unspecifi ed injury. games. Marc Gasol each scored a Detroit 122-102 New York two games after shooting just 17 broke his hand recently they Alec Burks led Golden State season high 12 for Toronto. Indiana 121-106 Washington LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard dribbles up court in the second half of the of 79 in his fi rst six games of the were already reeling from a long with 28 points. Eric Paschall had Harrison Barnes had 26 Houston 129-112 Golden State game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center in Los Angeles, United new season. term injury to Klay Thompson 19 points, and Glenn Robinson points, Bogdan Bogdanovic States, on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports)

NHL Rangers rout reeling Red Wings, Blues beat Oilers

Reuters previous three games and made remaining when he swept his aged two goals on just eight shots New York, United States 35 saves to notch the win. own rebound into the net after at that point. Valtteri Filppula scored for Howard lost sight of the puck and Robert Thomas made it 3-1 at Detroit, which lost its seventh after Tyler Bertuzzi fell to the ice 15:18 of the middle frame with a ony DeAngelo and Ryan straight road game and fourth attempting to clear the puck. goal-scorer’s goal. Thomas took Strome scored power- straight overall. The Red Wings the puck in the left circle and play goals in the second have been outscored 22-5 during BLUES EXTEND WIN STREAK wired a top-shelf shot over goal- period, Greg McKegg the four-game skid and are also TO SIX tender Mike Smith’s glove hand. Tadded a short-handed goal in 1-11-1 in their past 13 games, with Alex Pietrangelo collected one Tyler Bozak and Ivan Barba- the third, and the host New York nine of those losses coming by at goal and two assists and Jaden shev added empty-net goals in Rangers beat the struggling De- least three goals. Schwartz had a two-point night the fi nal minute to round out the troit Red Wings 5-1 on Wednes- Detroit goaltender Jimmy as the St. Louis Blues ran their scoring. day night. Howard allowed four goals on winning streak to six games Edmonton’s Connor McDavid The Rangers won for the fourth 30 shots. He was pulled with with a 5-2 road win over the Ed- opened the scoring 2:46 into the time in six games. They rebound- 5:43 remaining for the extra at- monton Oilers on Wednesday game. While the Blues were all ed nicely from a 6-2 loss to the tacker but returned after Panarin night. paying attention to Leon Drai- Ottawa Senators on Monday by scored. Goalie Jake Allen made 32 saves saitl, McDavid was fed the puck producing their second game After there was little action in the victory in a showdown be- at the bottom of the left cir- with two power-play goals and in the opening 20 minutes, the tween the top two squads in the cle and ripped a fi ve-hole shot. scoring their third short-handed Rangers struck for three goals in Western Conference. Smith also got an assist on the goal. a span of 4:24 in the fi rst half of After the Blues fell behind goal. Chris Kreider added an even- the second period. less than three minutes into the Zack Kassian gave the Oilers a strength goal for the Rangers, DeAngelo made it 1-0 at 4:25 game, Schwartz put the visitors shot of hope by making it a 3-2 who halted a fi ve-game losing when he lifted a shot into the va- on the board with a power-play game with 8:58 left in the third, streak to the Red Wings despite cated right side of the net after goal at 6:02 of the opening frame. but that’s as close as the hosts playing without Mika Zibanejad. getting a pass through the crease Schwartz was at the doorstep could come before the empty- The 26-year-old center missed from Brendan Lemieux. during the man-advantage and netters. his fourth consecutive game due The Rangers took a 2-0 lead redirected Pietrangelo’s point The win came at a price for the to an upper-body injury sus- at 6:04 when Kreider was wide shot. Blues, though. Forward Alexan- tained on a hit by Boston’s Pa- open near the right boards and Pietrangelo took his turn light- der Steen left the game in the fi - trice Bergeron on Oct. 27. got a cross-ice pass from Pavel Detroit Red Wings’ Justin Abdelkader (centre) checks New York Rangers’ Tony DeAngelo (left) during the ing the red light with another nal minute of the second period Artemi Panarin capped the Buchnevich. Kreider lifted a first period at Madison Square Garden in New York, United States on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) man-advantage marker 7:10 into after a collision with Oilers for- scoring with an empty-net goal wrist shot over Howard well be- the second period. Upon gain- ward Alex Chiasson and suff ered with 2:37 remaining. fore Filppula could cover. to defl ect a long shot by defense- Filppula fi nished off an odd- stick of a sprawling Lundqvist 52 ing the puck in the high slot, a lower-body injury. New York’s Henrik Lundqvist Strome made it 3-0 at 8:49 man Adam Fox over Howard’s man rush with Andreas Atha- seconds after Strome scored. he ripped a long shot to put the Smith stopped 20 shots in the returned after not playing the when he used his right shoulder stick. nasiou by lifting a shot over the McKegg made it 4-1 with 11:16 Blues ahead. St. Louis had man- loss. Gulf Times 6 Friday, November 8, 2019 SPORT

NFL New Orleans is 7-1 after Falcons, Saints set for winning its past six games, and Atlanta is 1-7 after losing its 100th all-time meeting past six games SURGING STEELERS BRACE FOR RAMS’ DEFENSIVE FORCE DONALD

Reuters last week. The Pitt Panthers and the work ethic, and he does it New York, United States Steelers share a practice facility. every day. There is never a day Donald doesn’t lead the Rams in off . At some point in the game, sacks — Dante Fowler has 6 1/2 Aaron Donald is going to make oving above .500 in and Clay Matthews, who is ex- a play. You just have to try and early November might pected to return from a broken limit that.” Mhave seemed like a jaw, has six. That’s in large part Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has longshot for the Pittsburgh because teams are assigning identified his team’s running Steelers after they opened 0-3 two and three linemen to Don- game (88.4 yards a game) as an and were 1-4 five weeks in. ald, freeing others to get a crack area that needs improvement, But that’s what will happen at the quarterback. and that could get a boost if No. if Pittsburgh (4-4) can win its “He’s extremely talented,” Pitts- 1 running back James Conner fourth straight game Sunday burgh guard David DeCastro told can return from a shoulder when the Los Angeles Rams reporters of Donald. “Everyone’s injury. Guard Ramon Foster (5-3) visit Heinz Field. going to have a chance to block (concussion) also could return. The Rams will be looking for him. Just got to stay on schedule The Steelers (335.5 yards a their third straight win. and, hopefully, stay out of those game) and Rams (338.2) rank The Steelers, whose passing positions where he can really tear 11th and 12th in the NFL in total off ense ranks 27th at 202.4 it up. I think his best attribute is defense, and Pittsburgh will yards per game, will face one just how smart he is. His instincts have to try to limit Los Angeles big obstacle, and that is 6-foot-1, — knowing where the ball’s going quarterback Jared Goff , who in 284-pound defensive tackle and knowing where and when each of the past two games has extraordinaire Aaron Donald. to go.” thrown two touchdown passes Not only is Donald a two-time The Steelers have given up and avoided being sacked. NFL Defensive Player of the the fewest sacks in the league, Rams running back Malcolm Year and five-time Pro Bowl se- eight, but that ranking could be Brown (ankle) is expected to lectee, but he also will be trying in jeopardy. play barring a setback, but to chase down Mason Rudolph To get an even better feel for receiver Brandin Cooks (concus- in the Steelers quarterback’s the respect Pittsburgh has sion) has been ruled out after sixth career start. for Donald, get a load of what being described as day to day What’s more, Donald is coming Steelers defensive players, who earlier in the week. home. don’t have to try to block him, “For us, it’s about maximising Donald, who has five sacks this are saying. our early-down opportunities, season and 64 1/2 in 86 career Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt not putting yourself in those games, grew up in a Pittsburgh called Donald “the best player negative situations where suburb and returns to Heinz in football” and “an absolute now you can truly present a Field, where he was an All- game-wrecker.” legitimate run-pass balance that Atlanta Falcons expect the return of their quarterback, as Matt Ryan is likely to start after a one-game absence due to a high ankle sprain. (TNS) American for the University of Fellow Pittsburgh linebacker puts defenses in conflict,” Rams Pittsburgh. Mark Barron, who formerly coach Sean McVay said. “It’s Reuters playfully called “National Hate he returned from thumb surgery that’s a product or byproduct of In fact, Donald spent time at played for the Rams, said going to be a tough challenge New York, United States Week.” to complete 34 of 43 attempts for being behind in games. They’re Pitt during the Rams bye week Donald “has the talent. He has against the Steelers this week.” “Everybody knows it’s com- 373 yards and three touchdowns outstanding in a lot of the skill ing, and yet it brings a new sense in a 31-9 victory against Arizona areas. I think that they’ve been he New Orleans Saints of rivalry every year,” Jordan said. in the last game before the bye. in some hard-fought games, and and the Atlanta Falcons “It’s the most important game The Saints hope the time off they’ve had some injuries.” are at opposite ends of because it’s the next game, but will help running back Alvin Ka- The Falcons have been out- the NFC South. it’s really because it’s Atlanta.” mara and tight end Jared Cook to scored 144-50 in the fi rst half, TThey also are heading in op- New Orleans has a two-game return from two-game absences and the defense has been among posite directions as the Saints lead over second-place Caro- caused by ankle injuries. Both the worst in the NFL in big plays prepare to host the 100th regu- lina in the division, and it edged were back at practice Wednesday, and touchdown passes allowed. lar-season meeting between the in front of Green Bay for second with Kamara limited and Cook a “Really for us, this is our new long-time division rivals on Sun- place in the NFC when the Pack- full participant. season,” Atlanta coach Dan day afternoon. ers lost to the Chargers while the The Falcons expect the return Quinn said. “I told everybody New Orleans is 7-1 after win- Saints were idle. of their quarterback, as Matt if we have a chance to elevate in ning its past six games, and Atlanta, meanwhile, is just Ryan is likely to start after a one- every space that we do (things), Atlanta — which leads the se- trying to fi nd a way to earn its game absence precipitated by a we’re going to try for it — players, ries 52-48 (including 1-0 in the fi rst win since topping Philadel- high ankle sprain. He practised coaches, the whole thing. postseason) — is 1-7 after losing phia in Week 2. Wednesday on a limited basis. “It’s going to take a lot of en- its past six games. “I think it’s most important not Ryan’s absence from a 27-20 ergy and discipline to do that, but Both teams had a bye last week. to pay attention to the record,” home loss to Seattle before the we’ve got plenty to work on. This The Saints took the week off . The Saints tackle Terron Armstead bye ended a streak of 154 consec- Sunday, we are looking to how Falcons shuffl ed responsibilities said. “Understand that it’s a team utive regular-season starts. we want to play. We are going to among three assistant coaches that we play twice a year and have Atlanta, though, is hoping to focus on that as much as we can. and signed a new kicker and a great battles against — an ex- fi nd better balance, averaging Let’s get it right.” new punter. tremely talented team. We can- just 68.5 rushing yards per game, Also back from injury for At- But the Saints know bet- not look at the record at all. Our 29th in the NFL. lanta should be cornerback Des- ter than to take a division rival record either.” “They’re throwing the ball mond Trufant, who hasn’t played In this July 29, 2019, picture, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald signs autographs during lightly, especially during what New Orleans was 5-0 without more,” Saints coach Sean Payton since Week 5 because of a toe is- the first day of training camp in Irvine, California, United States. (TNS) defensive end Cameron Jordan quarterback Drew Brees before said of the Falcons. “Sometimes sue.

BOTTOMLINE Sonny who? Canadians ask as Wolfpack line up Williams

Reuters jumped between codes play- rival of rugby’s richest player of on the downside of his career is Toronto, Canada ing both rugby union and rugby all-time will no doubt attract the not revolutionary thinking. league, is a mega star performer curious. Major League Soccer used but the Toronto stage is a small At $5mn a season, Williams’s it with great success when Los he rugby world was one, an ageing neighbourhood pay packet almost doubles the Angeles Galaxy recruited David buzzing on Wednesday stadium with artifi cial turf and a $3.3mn (2 million-pound) salary Beckham in 2007, signing the as talk intensifi ed that seating capacity of 9,000. cap Super League teams operate ageing former England captain to Sonny Bill Williams, the Rugby league’s only trans- under. a massive contract. Tsport’s biggest name, was about Atlantic club, the Wolfpack will Each team, however, is per- That, however, is where the to sign a record-breaking con- make their Super League debut mitted to sign two marquee play- similarities between the Wil- tract with the Toronto Wolfpack. in England on Feb. 2 having won ers whose salaries count only liams signing and Beckham deals At the same time, Canadians promotion to the top tier last $250,000 against the cap. end. were asking Sonny who? month by beating Featherstone “I think this is a bold move and When Beckham landed in Los A vast majority of Torontoni- Rovers in the Championship the right move,” Queen’s Uni- Angeles he was already a global ans know very little about or have playoff fi nal. versity marketing professor Ken brand having played for two of little interest in rugby. Founded in 2016, the team Wong told Reuters. “It might also soccer’s glamour clubs in Man- They know even less about a have a loyal hardcore fan base be an indication that this is bet chester United and Real Madrid. New Zealander named Sonny Bill and Wolfpack games have de- the farm time.” While soccer’s popularity at Williams. veloped a reputation as a fun, Williams is equal parts merce- the professional level had yet to A long-time member of the aff ordable sporting option in the nary and missionary. mature in the United States, the famed All Blacks, who has won city of 3.5mn where NHL Toronto It took a $10mn carrot to lure sport was widely understood and the Rugby World Cup twice and Maple Leafs, NBA Raptors, MLB him to a rugby backwater. consumed, particularly the in- represented New Zealand at the Toronto Blue Jays, MLS Toronto ternational variety. 2016 Rio Olympics, Williams is FC and Canadian Football League RUGBY GOSPEL Beckham was selling a league, a superstar of the highest order Argonauts compete for attention. Once in Canada he will be ex- a team. in rugby hot beds Australia and The Maple Leafs are Toronto’s pected to perform well enough In contrast, Williams plays a England where the sport is main- number one sporting obsession on the pitch to keep the Wolfpack sport that is not familiar or wide- stream. and the Raptors are reigning NBA in the spotlight but more impor- ly played in Canada and his job In Canada, where rugby re- champions. Toronto FC will play tantly he will be counted on to will be to help grow the game. mains very much a niche pas- the Seattle Sounders on Sunday preach the rugby gospel to the “If you think about it what time, he is a mystery man. for what would be their second unconverted. could you buy with advertising Before news broke on Tues- MLS title in three years. “I’m a fi rm believer in the mar- for $10mn?,” said Wong. “You day that Williams was linked to To get noticed in such a com- keting power of the superstar, could buy a campaign that might a $10mn two-year deal to join the petitive market would require a and the investment-no matter or might not work so if you think Wolfpack, for most Torontonians bold play and Wolfpack’s ma- how large-is usually worth it,” about him as part of your mar- the 34-year-old could well have jority owner, Australian mining Bob Dorfman, sports marketing keting budget and not just your been the opening act for Fleet- tycoon David Argyle, has appar- expert at Baker Street Advertis- team performance budget you wood Mac, who played in the city ently put his money on Williams. ing told Reuters. “Especially, for can start to see some justifi ca- at the weekend, as the world’s While the Williams name may a league or team looking to build tion. “It doesn’t mean it is going In this November 1, 2019, picture, New Zealand’s centre Sonny Bill Williams holds his daughter after winning best-known rugby player. not get the immediate attention respectability or make a splash.” to work, but it just means it’s a the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final match against Wales in Tokyo, Japan. (AFP) To be sure, Williams, who has of potential new fans, the ar- Bringing in a superstar player good educated bet.” Gulf Times Friday, November 8, 2019 7 SPORT

FINA WORLD CUP Morozov and Campbell stay on track for overall titles Women’s leader Campbell faces tough competition from Hosszu, as the Hungarian won the 200m butterfly yesterday

By Sports Reporter Doha

ladimir Morozov of Russia and Cate Campbell of Australia are well placed to win the overall title after clinching gold med- Vals on the fi rst day of FINA Swimming World Cup at the Hamad Aquatic Cen- tre yesterday. Men’s leader Morozov, who came to the seventh and fi nal meet with a huge 87-point lead, further strengthened his position for the overall title after win- ning the thrilling men’s 50m freestyle fi nal. The Russian clocked 21.83 sec- onds – just fractions of a second ahead of Japanese Kosuke Matsui (22.02) and Maxim Lobanovskij of Hungary (22.04). “It feels very good. This race is get- ting closer and closer each day. I am happy to be a winner in this tight race. I have been racing a lot since last three South Africa’s Chad le Clos celebrates with a young fan after his victory in the months and I feel a bit tired,” said Mo- 100m butterfly. rozov. Women’s leader Campbell, mean- while, was the fastest (24.11 seconds) in the 50m freestyle as she edged Michelle Coleman of Sweden (24.50). Each had won the race three times earlier this season. Campbell’s younger sis- Vladimir Morozov of Russia won the men’s 50 freestyle on the opening night of the FINA Swimming World Cup at the ter, Bronte, was placed third. With the Hamad Aquatic Centre yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil victory, Campbell retained her over- all points lead. “It defi nitely wasn’t an for 10 years.” 200m and the rest of race became easy. more in which Hosszu and Morozov easy win. I am happy to win the race. For this race, though, le Clos had The plan was to start slow and get fast- have a chance to remain undefeated: Michelle pushed me hard. It’s been an come from hard training in Turkey. As er. I am happy to win all the seven titles the women’s 400 IM and the men’s amazing competition with her. We both a result, he said: “I was a little nervous in this race…. ,” said Rapsys. 50m backstroke. get the best out of each other,” said the for tonight. On Monday, I did 15.7 kilo- Japan’s Yasuhiro Koseki stunned Australian. metres quality work. The fi rst time I’ve cluster leader Anton Chupkov of Rus- WOMEN’S RESULTS Campbell, who was leading Katinka done that in a long time.” sian in the 100m breaststroke after 400m Freestyle: 1. Marlene Kahler Hosszu by 24 points in the overall rank- Although it’s the end of the World winning the gold in 59.11. Chupkov fi n- ings after Kazan meet, is still facing a Cup season, he’s already eyeing the To- ished third with a time of 59.83 behind (AUT) 4:10.51 secs; 2. Mikkayla tough competition from the Hungar- kyo 2020 Olympics, saying he lost 2.5 Arno Kamminga of the Netherlands Sheridan (AUS) 4:11.63; 3. Katja Fain ian, who won the 200m butterfl y title kilograms since the 2019 World Cham- 59.25. Dutchwoman Kira Toussaint was (SLO) 4:12.38 yesterday. pionships in Gwangju, South Korea, the winner in women’s 50m backstroke 50m Backstroke: 1. Kira Toussaint In fact, Hungary stacked the fi eld and his groin injury had fully healed. He with a time of 27.80, fi nishing ahead of (NED) 27.80; 2. Kaylee Mckeown (AUS) placing 1-2-5-8, led by Hosszu and shared the podium with Jakub Majerski Kaylee Mckeown (AUS) 27.92 and Emily 27.92; 3 Emily Seebohm (AUS) 28.08 Swimmers pose with their medals at the Hamad Aquatic Centre yesterday. runner-up Zsuzsanna Jakobos who fi n- of Poland, the runner-up in 52.11, and Seebohm (AUS) 28.08. 200m Butterfly: 1. Katinka Hosszu MEN’S RESULTS 51.70; 2. Jakub Majerski (POL) 52.11; 3. ished in 2:08.60 and 2:08.95, respec- Michael Andrew of the US, who placed Australia’s Bradley Woodward (HUN) 2:08.60; 2. Zsuzsanna Jakabos clinched his maiden World Cup title Michael Andrew (USA) 52.38 tively. Meg Bailey of Australia came third in 52.38. (HUN) 2:08.95; 3. Meg Bailey (AUS) 400m Freestyle: 1. Danas Rapsys third. Hosszu said: “I always feel like I Meanwhile Danas Rapsys of Lithua- with a victory in men’s 200m back- 2:09.86 (LTU) 3:47.87; 2. Mykhailo Romanchuk 100m Breaststroke: 1. Yasuhiro need more training after a race, specifi - nia also grabbed the spotlight by com- stroke. Marlene Kahler (AUT) domi- (UKR) 3:48.61; 3. Jan Micka (CZE) Koseki (JPN) 59.11; 2. Arno Kamminga cally more front speed.” pleting a clean sweep of gold medals in nated the women’s 400m freestyle, 200m Breaststroke: 1. Eszter Bekesi 3:50.20 (NED) 59.25; 3. Anton Chupkov (RUS) In the men’s 100m butterfl y, South men’s 400 freestyle with his seventh winning gold in 4:10.51. Hungary got (HUN) 2:28.24; 2. Vitalina Simonova 59.83 Africa’s Chad le Clos won in 51.70, de- successive win. Rapsys was clinical as their second gold medal of the day (RUS) 2:29.98; .3 Weronika Hallmann 200m Backstroke: 1. Bradley Wood- lighting Qatari fans. “It’s really a lucky he took victory in 3:47.87 with Mykhai- when Eszter Bekesi won the women’s (POL) 2:31.17 ward (AUS) 1:58.42; 2. Keita Sunama 50m Freestyle: 1. Vladimir Morozov (JPN) 1:58.83; 3. Mikita Tsmyh (BLR) (RUS) 21.83; 2.Kosuke Matsui (JPN) place for me,” he said, surrounded by lo Romanchuk of Ukraine second, fol- 200m breaststroke. 50m Freestyle: 1. Cate Campbell local autograph seekers. “Doha’s my lowed by Czech Republic’s Jan Micka. Action will continue resume today 2:00.92 22.02; 3. Maxim Lobanovskij (HUN) (AUS) 24.11; 2. Michelle Coleman (SWE) 22.04 second home. I’ve been training here “My strategy was to be slow in fi rst with another 12 fi nals, including two 24.50; 3. Bronte Campbell (AUS) 24.74 100m Butterfly: 1. Chad Le Clos (RSA)

Second leg of Hathab from today RUGBY ‘Warrior’ Springboks parade World Cup through streets of Soweto AFP on the huge popularity of Kolisi. Soweto, South Africa “They’ve been at war, they won and they brought the World Cup back to South Africa where it be- orld Cup winners longs,” the president said. South Africa began “They put us on the world their homecom- map. We thank them for the im- ing tour yesterday pact that this victory has had Wwith a victory parade steeped in in our country... you’ve lifted symbolism through the streets the spirit in many people in our of Soweto, the township near country. It’s good we don’t have Johannesburg where they were an election, I would have to com- once reviled. The Springboks’ pete with Siya Kolisi...(he) could 32-12 victory against England in have been the president.” Japan has been greeted with joy The one man missing from the in South Africa, where rugby was fi rst day of the parade was Handre once the preserve of the white Pollard, the fl y-half who con- minority population. Thousands South African captain Siya Kolisi (centre) holds up the Web Ellis tributed 22 of South Africa’s 32 of South Africans came out to trophy as the World Cup champions parade through the streets of points in last Saturday’s fi nal in cheer the national team that Johannesburg on an open top bus yesterday. (AFP) Yokohama. Pollard had to watch three decades ago was viewed the celebrations from his hospi- as a symbol of white aggression “We have all races here today,” clubs — (Kaizer Chiefs and Or- tal bed where he is being treated as black nationalists fought the the out-of-work 42-year-old lando Pirates). It was also the for a fractured eye socket sus- The Longines Hathab Equestrian Tour will resume today with the second leg of the action unfold- brutality of the apartheid regime. added. “If we can support each former home of Nelson Mandela. tained in the win over England. ing at the Al Shaqab Indoor Arena today and tomorrow. Today, the riders will fight for honours in Siya Kolisi, the Springboks’ other through sport, nothing will Earlier the victorious Springboks The 25-year-old posted a picture the Medium Tour and Small Tours, with Dressage, Open Class and Big Tour slated for tomorrow. fi rst black Test captain, held the stand in front of us. We are to- — bar one notable exception — on social media of himself with a The annual equestrian series, which is in it’s third year, is organised and hosted jointly by Qatar Webb Ellis trophy aloft aboard an gether as one for ever and ever.” had been to Pretoria where Presi- badly swollen left eye socket and Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation. The series is spread open-top bus emblazoned with Another Soweto resident, Eliza- dent Cyril Ramaphosa joked he an oxygen tube attached to his across seven months, from October to April. “Rugby World Cup Champions”. beth, aged 80, said: “Today we was less popular than Kolisi. nose. After Soweto, the Spring- “Sport is the real tool that can are one. There is no hatred. I pray After welcoming the team to boks’ homecoming tour will take bring all people together,” Vusi it will stay like that.” Union Buildings, Ramaphosa in Durban, East London and Port Cele said, watching his “heroes” Soweto is the home of two of thanked “our warriors” on behalf Elizabeth, with the fi nal leg in parade before him. south Africa’s biggest football of a grateful nation and refl ected Cape Town on Monday.

FOCUS Former England captain Hartley hangs up his boots AFP skippered his country to the 2016 and who captained his country ment to the team and his love of London Six Nations Grand Slam. on 30 occasions. English rugby.” Hartley, who had a poor dis- “Dylan has had a signifi cant Hartley, who made 251 ap- ciplinary record, was a surprise international career playing for pearances for Northampton and ormer England captain choice for many when England his country, having played 97 captained them to the Premier- Dylan Hartley announced coach Eddie Jones appointed him Tests, and was a tough, enduring ship title in 2014, admitted it had his retirement from rug- captain after the disastrous fi rst- character for us,” said Jones. “He been a tough year battling with by yesterday after failing round exit at the 2015 World Cup. was a foundation captain and we the knee injury. “The last few toF recover from a long-standing Jones paid a handsome tribute to owe him a lot for his contribution months have been diffi cult for knee injury. The 33-year-old, the New Zealand-born North- to the making of this team. We me as I’ve come to terms with the England’s second-most capped ampton star, who also led Eng- will be forever indebted to him fact that I am no longer able to player with 97 Test appearances, land to the 2017 Six Nations title for his dedication and commit- compete,” said Hartley.

Friday, November 8, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALLSPOTLIGHT Sheikh Joaan meets ISSF chief Qatar Airways Offi cial Airline Partner of PSA World Squash atar Airways is the Of- fi cial Airline Partner of the PSA to leave a lasting impression on fi cial Airline Partner of World Squash Championship. every participant.” the PSA World Squash As an airline, we are dedicated Qatar Airways holds an ex- Championship Qa- to connecting people through tensive global sports portfolio, tarQ 2019, beginning today at the a shared love of sport, and this sponsoring top-level sporting Khalifa International Tennis and belief is refl ected in the many events and some of the big- Squash Complex in Doha, Qatar. world-class sporting events we gest football clubs around the The tournament will see top sponsor globally. We are hon- world including AS Roma, Boca players from around the world oured to welcome back to Doha Juniors and Bayern Munich. As gather in Doha to compete for a the world’s best squash players offi cial FIFA partner, Qatar Air- championship prize amounting as we head into an exciting win- ways sponsors the FIFA Club to $335,000. ter of sport in Qatar.” World Cup Qatar 2019 which is Qatar Airways cabin crew will Qatar PSA World Squash taking place in Doha from 11-21 present the winner’s trophy at Championship Tournament Di- December and the FIFA World the Award Ceremony on 15 No- rector Tareq Zainal said: “We Cup Qatar 2022, refl ecting the vember and a ticketing booth are very proud to host the world values of sport as a means of will also be available throughout once again in Doha at the PSA bringing people together, some- the tournament to assist specta- World Championship. Hosting thing at the core of the airline’s tors with any fl ight ticket que- the event for the fi fth time is a brand message - Going Places ries. remarkable achievement and it is Together. Qatar Airways Senior Vice a testimonial to the level of con- Qatar Airways is also the of- President Marketing and Cor- fi dence the PSA has in us as host fi cial airline sponsor of the 2020 HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, with Vladimir Lisin, President of the International porate Communications, Salam of this very important event. Qatar ExxonMobil Men’s Open Shooting Sport Federation, in Doha yesterday. Lisin is attending the Asian Shooting Championships in Doha. al-Shawa, said: “Qatar Airways This Championship promises to and the 2020 Qatar Total Ladies is delighted to again be the Of- be the best so far and promises Open tennis tournaments.

HORSE RACING Ghazali and al-Ramzani pick up feature victories

HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan al-Abdulrahman al-Thani (fourth from right), QREC CEO Nasser Sherida al- HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan al-Abdulrahman al-Thani (centre), President of Qatar and Asian Equestrian Kaabi (third from right) and QREC Racing manager Abdulla bin Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) with the winners of Al Wukair Cup federations and QREC vice chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah (fourth from right) pose with the winners of Losail after Al Lusail won the 1,600m race at the Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Cup after Molheb Al Naif won the 1,200m race at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Won by: 4 ¼, ¾, 5. Time: 1:25.33. Owner: Saif By Mikhil Bhat he told Gulf Times yesterday. 400m, making good use of a gap be- Rashid Saif al-Khayarin. Trainer: Mohamed Doha After Alignement’s win, Ghazali tween Nisal and early leader Anees, Khaled Elahmed. said, “I am very lucky that I have start- eventually holding on for a fi ne vic- Race 4: 1. Akmar (Soufiane Saadi), 2. Ellian- ed the season well. This race had top tory with a little over a length to spare ka (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. Nisal (Adnan Hawa), hampion trainer Jassim Mo- quality competition. I removed The over Faleh Bughanaim-ridden Elli- 4. Anees (JP Guillambert). Won by: 1 ¼, 5 ¾, hamed Ghazali and champion Blue Eye from this race and kept him anka. 5 ¼. Time: 1:46.44. Owner: Saif Ali Owaida al- Mohamed Khaled Elahmed trained Hajri. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. jockey Harry Bentley notched for next week, and Alignement showed Race 5: 1. AJS Al Maha (Alexander Reznik- up two feature wins out of me he could win.” Wadhah was unstoppable in the seven ov), 2. AJS Al Moheeb (JP Guillambert), 3. threeC at the Qatar Racing and Eques- Asked about Molheb Al Naif, he said, furlong Plate event for local Thor- Deebaj (Marco Casamento), 4. Djalmessa trian Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan Park “First run this season and the race is oughbreds with the fi lly going pillar (Eduardo Pedroza). Won by: ½, 1, 1 ¼. Time: yesterday, with Qatari trainer Hadi short for him a little. He is a mile horse to post up front for a fantastic victory 1:31.20. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani saddling four win- but I came for the Cup.” under Ryan Curatolo. Nasser al-Ramzani. ners, including the third feature. Earlier in the evening, Al Lusail The winner was Curatolo’s ninth Race 6: 1. Djelamer (Carlos Henrique), 2. Ghazali’s wards have had an im- capped a fantastic evening of racing for this season, with the Frenchman cur- Al Naama (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. Melk (Marco Casamento). Won by: Shd, 1 ¼. Time: 2:22.06. pressive strike rate in the features in Qatari handler Hadi Nasser al-Ramza- rently leading the jockeys’ champion- Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser the short season so far, and the trend ni and the colours of Al Jeryan Stud. ship. al-Ramzani. continued when Khalifa bin Sheail The fi ve-year-old was also the third Race 7: 1. Al Lusail (Carlos Henrique), al-Kuwari’s Alignement topped the winner on the day for jockey Carlos Carlos Henrique rides Al Lusail to Al Wukair Cup victory yesterday. RESULTS 2. Shaman Bu Thaila (Luca Maniezzi), 3. Wathnan Cup for Thoroughbreds be- Henrique when they passed the post a Race 1: 1. Venedegar (Carlos Henrique), 2. Mosayter (Harry Bentley), 4. Surra Man Raa fore Qatari International Cup win- little more than two lengths ahead of at the post. outside, eventually beating JP Guil- Show Of Strength (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Lu- (Anas al-Seyabi). Won by: 2 ¼, 3, No. Time: cipherus (Ryan Curatolo), 4. Jacko (Marco ner Molheb Al Naif grabbed his third Ibrahim al-Malki’s Shaman Bu Thaila Qatar-bred AJS Al Maha was the lambert-ridden AJS Al Moheeb at the 1:35.56. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi Casamento). Won by: ¾, 2 ¼, ¼. Time: 1:11.09. Nasser al-Ramzani. six-furlong sprint victory in the Losail in the miler. Earlier, al-Ramzani sad- second winner of the evening for al- post by half-a-length. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser Race 8: 1. Alignement (Harry Bentley), 2. Cup. dled his third winner of the evening Ramzani when the mare topped the Jockey Soufi ane Saadi rode his al-Ramzani. Noor Al Hawa (Tom Marquand), 3. Quelindo Bentley was palpably excited after when Djelamer bounced back from a Purebred Arabian Handicap event for second winner this season when he Race 2: 1. Al Gazi (Eduardo Pedroza), 2. Rex (Ivan Rossi), 4. Shabbab (Ryan Curatolo). Won guiding his mounts to victory. “I have winless season to win his first race of horses rated 90 and below yesterday. helmed Akmar for French trainer Al- Place (Carlos Henrique), 3. Lahessar (Saleh by: 2 ½, No, ½. Time: 2:02.63. Owner: Khalifa been here for two weeks and I have had the current season under Henrique in Alexander Reznikov had the six- ban de Mieulle in the mile-long Pure- Salem al-Marri), 4. Frontman (Luca Maniezzi). bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed six winners. I can’t complain. Obvi- the Purebred Arabian Handicap event year-old stay midfi eld even as Umm bred Arabian Claiming Race for horses Won by: 1 ½, 1 ¾, Shd. Time: 1:36.31. Owner: Ghazali. Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani. Race 9: 1. Molheb Al Naif (Harry Bentley), ously I want to win all of them but it for horses rated 90 and above. Qarn’s Gold Amer set the pace up rated 60-90. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. The Al Jeryan Stud horse beat Al front. As the fi eld opened wide com- Saadi, riding in the colours of Saif 2. Almuheet (Ryan Curatolo), 3. Qassy (Luca doesn’t always work that way. Just Race 3: 1. Wadhah (Ryan Curatolo), 2. Al Maniezzi), 4. Caid De L’Ardus (JP Guillambert). have to accept that. Happy enough Shaqab Racing’s Al Naama and Injaaz ing off the bend, Reznikov had his Ali Owaida al-Hajri, bided his time Duhail (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. Sea The Light Won by: 3 3/4, 1/2, 1/4. Time: 1:16.59. Owner: Al start, and there is still plenty of time,” Stud’s Melk for a short head victory mount gradually move forward on the before giving a go-ahead in the fi nal (Anas al-Seyabi), 4. Mutamez (Luca Maniezzi). Naif Racing. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Ghazali.

ASIAN SHOOTING Rich gold haul by Indian and Chinese juniors By Sports Reporter Results Doha Junior men ndian and Chinese juniors proved they are 50m rifle 3-position: 1. Yu Hao (Chn) 459.5 not too far behind their seniors by winning (WRJ) 1166; 2. Niraj Kumar 455.7 (1166); 3. Sheng Lihao (Chn) 442.5 (1163); 6. Harshrajsinhji Gohil most of the accolades on the third day of the 406.9 (1158); 8. Nitish Kumar 395.7 (1156). MQS: Asian Shooting Championships at the Lu- Sartaj Singh Tiwana 1164. Isail Shooting Complex yesterday. Team: 1. China 3495; 2. India 3480; 3. Korea Both countries claimed fi ve gold medals each 3451. yesterday. Such was their domination that no Trap: 1. Vivaan Kapoor 45 (120); 2. Bhowneesh other country managed to win a single gold on Mendiratta 42 (118); 3. Li Siwei (Chn) 33 (117); 8. the day. Manavaditya Singh Rathore 109. The stars for India were 14-year-old prodigy Team: 1. India 347; 2. China 339; 3. Kuwait 311. Esha Singh and 17-year-old Vivaan Kapoor who won one individual and team gold each. Junior women This was Kapoor’s third gold of the champion- 10m air pistol: 1. Esha Singh 242.2 (579); 2. ships, having won the mixed trap title earlier. Jeong Hyo (Kor) 237.3 (568); 3. Priya Raghav 217.6 (574); 7. Yuvika Tomar 133.7 (568). Singh clinched the gold in the 10m Air Pis- Team: 1. India 1721 (WRJ); 2. China 1702; 3. Chi- tol event for junior women by shooting 242.2, nese Taipei 1687. with South Korea’s Jeong Hyo bagging the sil- Indian shooters celebrate with their medals yesterday. 50m rifle 3-position: 1. Bhakti Bhaskar Kham- ver with a score of 237.3. India’s Priya Raghav kar 453.1 (1159); 2. Yu Jianuan (Chn) 448.7 (1159); took the bronze with a total of 217.6. Singh also men. Bhakti Bhaskar Khamkar won India’s fi fth the individual silver. 3. Ma Yuting (Chn) 439.6 (1161); 7. Ayushi Podder led throughout the qualifi cation, scoring 579. He led throughout the qualifi cations, stav- gold of the day, besting the 50m Rifl e 3 Posi- Meanwhile, Chinki Yadav stayed in the hunt 397.9 (1159); 11. Nischal 1142. MQS: Vanshika The Indian trio of Singh, Raghav and Yu- ing off stiff competition from compatriot tions Women Junior event with a dominating for a quota spot for India in the women’s 25m Shahi 1140. vika Tomar also claimed the team gold with a Bhowneesh Mendiratta. In the fi nal, Kapoor 453.1 in the fi nal. China’s Yu Jianuan who won Pistol competition. Team: 1. China 3477; 2. India 3460; 3. Korea cumulative score of 1721, with China claiming shot 45, while Mendiratta had 42. China’s Li silver fi nished with 448.7, more than four be- Chinki shot an exceptional 292 and will be 3457. silver with 1702 and Chinese Taipei the bronze Swei claimed the bronze. hind Bhakti. Bhakti, Ayushi Podder and Nish- looking to make the fi nal on Friday and take a Trap: 1. Zhang Ting (Chn) 41 (114); 2 Yang with 1687. Kapoor, Mendritta and Manavaditya Singh chal also won the team silver in the event. So shot at clinching one of the four available To- Haiyan (Chn) 38 (108); 3. Lea Korban (Lbn) 29 Meanwhile, Kapoor, a fast-rising youngster Rathore also clinched the team gold with a total did the trio of Niraj Kumar, Harshrajsinhji kyo berths. Rahi Sarnobat has already secured (110); 4. Manisha Keer 23 (107); 8. Preeti Rajak 102; 9. Aadya Tripathi 92. of whom there are great expectations, shot his of 347.2, while China and Kuwait fi nished sec- Gohil and Nitish Kumar in the 50m Rifl e 3 Po- the other quota place for India in the event in Team: 1. China 325; 2. India 301. way to gold in the Trap competition for junior ond and third respectively. sitions Men Junior event. Niraj also picked up earlier competitions.