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Wednesday, November 13, 2019 FOOTBALL Rabia I 16, 1441 AH Emotions got the GULF TIMES better of me, says dropped Sterling SPORT Page 2

TRAINING SESSION Qatar football coach Felix Sanchez reacts during a training session in Doha yesterday. Qatar will play Afghanistan next week in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.

WORLD SQUASH Coll advances as Egyptian siblings set up last 8 clash ‘I am very relieved because it was really scrappy squash there at the end. There weren’t many flowing rallies...’

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

ew Zealand’s Paul Coll, the highest ranked non-Egyp- tian player, had to dig deep as he won a gladiatorial bat- tleN with 12th seed Omar Mosaad for a spot in the quarter-fi nals of the PSA Men’s World Squash Championship in a match that just stopped short of the two-hour mark yesterday. At the glass court of the Khalifa In- ternational Tennis and Squash Com- plex, fourth seed Coll had to fi ght back into the match after the world number 15 had taken the fi rst game. However, Mosaad, egged on by a partisan crowd, levelled the encounter at 2-2, before an edgy fi fth game saw both Coll and Mosaad squander match balls. The New Zealander, who, as the host of the evening said, provided quite a few moments to the photographers with his dives, eventually closed the decider at 16-14 for a 3-2 (9-11, 14-12, 11-9, 6-11, 16-14) win. The match, at 119 minutes, is the longest of the tournament so far. communication (with brother Mar- Results (Round III) “I am very relieved because it was wan) in the next 24 hours,” Mohamed 4-Paul Coll (NZL) bt 12-Omar Mosaad really scrappy squash there at the end. New Zealand’s Paul Coll plays a shot as Omar Mosaad looks on during their last-16 match in the World Squash said after his match yesterday much to (EGY) 3-2: 9-11, 14-12, 11-9, 6-11, 16-14 There weren’t many fl owing rallies so Championship yesterday. At right, favourite Mohamed Elshorbagy in action against India’s Saurav Ghosal (unseen). the amusement of the crowd present. (119m) it became tough mentally and the ball PICTURES: Jayan Orma “It’s emotionally very diffi cult for 14-Zahed Salem (EGY) bt 8-Miguel was getting soft, so I just had to keep us because one of us will have to end Rodriguez (COL) 3-1: 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-9 it together and I am happy that I came ing to bounce twice. I need to go and match 3-1 (8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-9) in 74 “We both go way back and we are the other’s dreams. Believe me we hate (74m) through the other side,” Coll said af- see the physio now, get some food in minutes. great friends,” Mohamed said about it. But it is a unique situation for our 9-Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) bt 7-Mo- ter the match, which saw the referees and maybe go to the pool. I need to re- “I’m happy to be through to the his training partner for the last one sport, we both give something diff er- hamed Abouelghar (EGY) 3-0: 11-4, 11-8, being put in a spot often with a vocal cover as much as I can. Physically I was quarter-fi nals, it’s the fi rst time for me month, Ghosal. ent to the sport and I am glad to be a 11-4 (30m) crowd for company. feeling alright, it was just mentally that at the World Championship,” said Sa- “To beat him 3-0 is a huge boost part of it.” 1-Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) bt “I knew I just had to keep on it men- it was tiring.” lem. And then there were the ElShor- for my confi dence because it is never And then came the kicker: “As 10-Saurav Ghosal (IND) 3-0: 11-6, 11-8, tally and I always thought that I should Coll will go against yet another bagy brothers – world number two easy to beat him in three. Really happy long as I win it, I will be a happy elder 14-12 (50m) have closed it out earlier. It got a bit Egyptian in the quarter-fi nals today – Mohamed and number 10 Marwan. to come back in that third game when brother.” scrappy and I lost my squash and I lost 14th seed Zahed Salem. Salem slightly The 2017 World Championships fi - I was 10-8 down. That is something I Today’s quarter-fi nal action will Today’s schedule (Quarter-finals) what I was doing. bettered his recent record against Co- nalists closed out both their matches am really proud of.” kick off at 4pm with German fi fth seed 4pm: 5-Simon Rosner (GER) v James “In the end, I got a bit more positive, lombian eighth seed Miguel Rodriguez in three games with the elder brother, The results mean that the two Simon Rosner taking on former world Willstrop (ENG) a bit more aggressive and I took the picking up only his second win in their Mohamed, beating India’s 10th seed brothers, only siblings so far to face number one James Willstrop of Eng- 5pm: 4-Paul Coll (NZL) v 14-Zahed game to him and I was happy to close it last nine matches. Saurav Ghosal 11-6, 11-8, 14-12 after off against each in the men’s World land. Salem (EGY) out on that fi nal match ball. Rodriguez got going fi rst taking the saving game balls in the last game, and Championships fi nal, one which elder Tarek Momen is the fourth Egyptian 6pm: 2-Tarek Momen (EGY) v 6-Diego “I had to just survive. I had to chase opening game, but after several physi- Marwan breezing past compatriot Mo- brother won in Manchester, will meet in fray for a spot in the semi-fi nals, and Elias (PER) down everything and do whatever I can cal rallies, the Egyptian managed to hamed Abouelghar 11-4, 11-8, 11-4 in for the 18th time today in the last eight. he will face Peruvian sixth seed Diego 7pm: 9-Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) v do, making sure the ball was never go- win three straight games to take the 30 minutes. “There probably will not be much Elias in their last eight match at 6pm. 1-Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 13, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Emotions got the better of me, says dropped Sterling England winger dropped from the squad to face Montenegro in their Euro 2020 qualifier at Wembley after altercation with Liverpool’s Gomez

AFP the end of Sunday’s match. London England manager Gareth Southgate moved quickly to deal with the issue — arguably one of his achievements dur- aheem Sterling said he allowed ing his time in the post has been to erase his “emotions” to get the bet- the rivalries between members from ter of him leading to a brief al- diff erent clubs which plagued previous tercation with Liverpool’s Joe England squads. GomezR that resulted in the Manchester The likes of former star defender City player being dropped for tomor- Rio Ferdinand have spoken about how row’s Euro 2020 qualifi er against Mon- when they used to join the England tenegro. camp he and Manchester United play- Sterling admitted on Instagram yes- ers would stick together and fi nd it hard terday he and Gomez “had words” to mix with Chelsea or Liverpool stars. when they met up at the England camp Southgate said in a hastily-organised the day after Liverpool’s 3-1 win over press conference yesterday he would defending champions City which left rather deal with the matter publicly the latter nine points adrift of Jurgen now than let it fester till his usual meet- Klopp’s side. ing with the media on the eve of match- “Both Joe and I have had words and es. The 49-year-old, clearly irked by fi gured things out and moved on,” Ster- how the information had leaked out ling said. “We are in a sport where emo- regarding the set-to, said Sterling’s tions run high and I am man enough to emotions had run over but “it is not the admit when emotions got the better of same for Joe (Gomez)”. me. This is why we play this sport be- However, he emphasised a line had cause of our love for it — me and Joe been drawn under the incident. “I Gomez are good, we both understand love all of my players,” he said. “We it was a fi ve to 10-second thing... it’s are like a family and all families have done, we move forward and not make disagreements. The important thing is this bigger than it is. Let’s get focus on for a family to communicate and work our game on Thursday,” Sterling added. through problems. I don’t expect as a The Daily Mail reported that manager to not have to deal with issues, Gomez and Sterling had to be sepa- that’s part of the job. Our focus is now rated by teammates on Monday after on moving forward.” a “physical confrontation”. The pair Despite being dropped for tomor- had also clashed on the field towards row’s match Sterling took part in Eng-

land squad training — as did Gomez — and more positive headlines regarding that Sterling had apologised for his ac- criticised by former England captain yesterday. Sterling, who according to his public stance against racism. tions. Gomez was seen on the training Ferdinand. “Gareth has handled being some reports had packed his bags but Six Chelsea fans were banned — one ground with a large scratch on his face. England manager brilliantly - up to this changed his mind when Liverpool mid- for life — after racially abusing him “Joe and Raheem got the chance to talk. point... However, I feel this incident fi elder Jordan Henderson intervened during a league game last season. He Raheem wanted to apologise and Joe could have been handled better. Keep and persuaded him to stay, has been also suff ered abuse along with England wanted to get stuff off his chest as well,” it behind closed doors and deal with it one of the stars of England’s qualifi ca- team-mates in their Euro qualifi ers said the Leicester City defender. “(Ra- internally surely?” Ferdinand wrote in a tion campaign, scoring eight goals in against Bulgaria and Montenegro. heem) was apologetic, he said it’s not Facebook post. six games. The 24-year-old silenced the critics in his nature, which it’s not, but we all Southgate said that it was inevitable A draw against Montenegro at Wem- over having a rifl e tattooed on his leg know as football players emotions can that the punishment would have be- bley will be enough to guarantee Eng- by revealing it was his pledge never to run high. No one’s trying to make ex- come public in the coming days. “When land’s place at Euro 2020. Sterling has touch a gun following his father being cuses for him.” you have made a decision to not select enjoyed a makeover in his image in the shot dead in Jamaica in front of his own Yet Southgate’s decision to issue a Raheem it was going to become public. England’s defender Joe Gomez (left) and midfielder Raheem Sterling attend a past year with less biting observations father when the star was just two. statement about the incident and not I would rather deal with that now. The training session at St George’s Park in Burton-on-Trent, England, yesterday. (AFP) of his perceived lifestyle in the press England fullback Ben Chilwell said simply sanction Sterling internally was decision has been made,” he said.

FOCUS CRICKET Klopp tells UEFA India join the pink-ball party in Bangladesh series Reuters missed against South Africa. New Delhi Rohit Sharma’s seamless transfor- seminar that VAR mation into a Test opener after years of struggles in India’s crowded middle order ndia play their fi rst day-night Test appears to have ended the only uncer- must improve as part of a two-match series against tainty in India’s compact batting lineup. AFP Bangladesh this month and while The limited-overs stalwart, playing his Lausanne there may be some apprehension fi rst series as a Test opener against South Iabout using the pink ball for the fi rst time Africa, walked away with the man-of- they are unlikely to lose any sleep about the-series award for his three 100-plus he day after Liverpool facing a team in disarray. knocks in four innings, including a maid- beat Manchester City in Bangladesh were forced into a leader- en double century. a crunch match where ship change on the eve of their tour of The elegant right-hander, who led In- VAR decisions were hot- India after captain Shakib Al Hasan was dia in the Twenty20 series, faces a fresh Tly disputed, the Premier League banned for breaching the International challenge in the series which includes leader’s coach Jurgen Klopp Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption code. the fi rst day-night Test for both sides in and other top football fi gures Their Twenty20 team under Mahmudul- Kolkata from Nov. 22. have suggested improvement is lah began brightly but could not deny Rohit is one of the few players from needed to the fl edgling system. India a 2-1 series victory despite the ab- either side with at least some experi- Klopp, his City opposite sence of the resting Virat Kohli. ence of the pink ball to be used for the number Pep Guardiola, Real Ma- The task, as newly-installed Test captain day-night Test. “I’ve played only one drid coach Zinedine Zidane, and Mominul Haque is likely to fi nd out, will pink-ball game in the Duleep Trophy... Thomas Tuchel of Paris Saint- be signifi cantly tougher in the Test series, India’s cricketers train ahead of the first Test match against Bangladesh in Indore. (AFP) but I batted at number six then and now Germain all attended the UEFA which gets underway in Indore tomorrow. I’ll be opening,” Rohit said, adding he coaches forum in Nyon, Switzer- India have won all fi ve Tests since the World In addition to Shakib, Bangladesh back injury. India are without Jasprit was more excited than apprehensive land on Monday, where the VAR Test Championship kicked in, including a are also without opener Tamim Iqbal, Bumrah, who is recovering from a lower about the experience. “Obviously we (Video Assistant Referee) system 3-0 whitewash against South Africa last who has opted out of the tour to be back stress fracture, but fellow quicks need a lot of more experience with that was a hot topic. month to record their 11th consecutive Test with his pregnant wife, and all-rounder Mohamed Shami and Umesh Yadav ball, but it’s a great time for us to play a “It is clear it’s a process where series victory at home. Mohamed Saifuddin, who is nursing a ensured the pace spearhead was not day-night Test.” they have to keep on improving,” to award City a penalty, but they Klopp said. “It can be improved, were doubly punished 22 seconds a lot of things have to be done by later when Liverpool midfi elder human beings and we are not 100 Fabinho fi red home a brilliant AUSTRALIA PRIMED TO END T20 WORLD CUP DROUGHT, SAYS GILCHRIST percent (either). There is space strike to give the Reds a 1-0 lead. for some mistakes, nobody asks UEFA assistant general secre- Mumbai: The Twenty20 World Cup is series to go unbeaten in the format in Australia won 2-0 in India in Febru- Marsh or (Marcus) Stoinis,” he said after for perfection, just to have the tary Giorgio Marchetti said uni- the only major piece of silverware miss- 2019 and Gilchrist said home conditions ary before blanking Sri Lanka and the a promotional event in Mumbai for Tour- right decision, that’s all.” formity was needed but called ing from Australia’s trophy cabinet but would make Australia hard to beat when world’s top-ranked T20 side Pakistan at ism Western Australia. His comments were made a for time for the promising new the hosts are gearing up perfectly to end the World Cup starts next October. home recently and they have scheduled “Ashton Agar is doing a really good day after the marquee game of system to bed in. “Now we have the drought next year, former wicket- “I think they are really well-placed plenty of matches in the shortest format job, and if you look at all the successful the Premier League season so far VAR, it’s quite useful that coach- keeper Adam Gilchrist has said. seeing how they’ve started the summer,” before next year’s tournament. bowlers in T20 around the world, they’re saw a controversial VAR call after es and representatives of referees Australia are the most successful side Gilchrist said. “They’ll love the condi- Gilchrist, who retired in 2008 after all spinners. Nine out of the top 10 in the six minutes when City could eas- can speak together,” Marchetti in the 50-over World Cup with five titles tions, they love the grounds, they’re a glittering career spanning almost 12 rankings are spinners. They’ve got time ily have had a penalty when the said. “Let’s not forget VAR is very but are yet to taste success in the short- bigger grounds, they’ll play them well. years, said Australia had enough time to work that out but I think they have ball ricocheted around the Liv- young and it’s a revolution in the est format’s showpiece event, which has We got everyone available now, which to pin down their perfect combinations got a really well-balanced squad.” erpool area and hit the Reds’ de- game. What we all need is uni- been held six times since its inaugural is great. I think Australia is, probably for for the shortest format. “I think they’re Gilchrist says Tim Paine’s glovework fender Trent Alexander-Arnold formity. There are points which edition in 2007. the first time ever, focusing on picking probably still working out whether to is on a par with the best in the world and on the arm. need to be fi ne-tuned, but you Aaron Finch’s side beat Sri Lanka and their best team regularly and not just for use two spin bowlers or one spin bowler Australia’s 34-year-old test captain was Not only did VAR fail to over- have to look at the positive points Pakistan in recent back-to-back T20 the World Cups.” and a batting all-rounder like Mitch also doing a “wonderful job”. turn the referee’s decision not that VAR brings,” he said. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 13, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT EURO QUALIFIERS Depay a doubt for Premier League stars in Belfast clash Reuters Africa as Cup of Nations Amsterdam

etherlands forward Memphis Depay is an injury doubt for their key Euro 2020 Group qualifying begins NC qualifi er against Northern Ire- land in Belfast on Saturday while Georginio Wijnaldum is bat- tling the fl u, coach Ronald Koe- The form of Gabonese Aubameyang, Senegalese Mane and Egyptian Salah will encourage their man said yesterday. “He (Depay) had the same thigh injury which nations as they face two matches each between today and next Tuesday forced him to miss our last game against Belarus, but this time AFP tions with four titles, the last came 37 on the other leg,” Koeman told a Johannesburg years ago when Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew was news conference. “It’s too early a teenager. Now retired after an illus- to say whether he will be able trious career, he will watch England- to play on Saturday, although nglish Premier League sharp- based sons Andre and Jordan tackle un- Memphis himself is quite posi- shooters Pierre-Emerick Au- predictable South Africa in Group C in tive about it.” bameyang, Sadio Mane and Cape Coast. The Dutch coach said he still Mohamed Salah fl ew to Africa had extensive options upfront thisE week, seeking goals as 2021 Cup as his side seek a victory to keep AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS of Nations (CAN) qualifying kicks off . QUALIFYING FIXTURES them on course to fi nish top of New Arsenal captain Aubameyang has the group, ahead of arch rivals (all kick-off times GMT) claimed eight league goals this season Germany. “If Memphis cannot and Liverpool duo Mane and Salah sev- Matchday 1 today: Malawi v South play against Northern Ireland, en and six respectively, putting the trio Sudan, Central African Republic v I’ve got four other options who among the top 10 scorers. Burundi (both 1300), Namibia v Chad, can fi ll his position.” The form of Gabonese Aubameyang, Cameroon v Cape Verde, Nigeria v Be- He could choose from Ryan Senegalese Mane and Egyptian Salah nin, Guinea-Bissau v eSwatini (formerly Babel, Wout Weghorst, Luuk de will encourage their nations as they Swaziland), Sierra Leone v Lesotho (all Jong and the uncapped teenager face two matches each between today 1600), Sudan v Sao Tome e Principe, Myron Boadu, who has been and next Tuesday. Mane, who is looking Angola v Gambia, Burkina Faso v called-up for the fi rst time. Koe- good to succeed two-time winner Salah Uganda, Senegal v Congo Brazzaville man said he had been impressed as African Footballer of the Year, will be (all 1900) with how easily the 18-year-old fi rst into action with Senegal hosting Tomorrow: Egypt v Kenya, Mozam- had slotted into the squad. Congo Brazzaville in Thies Wednesday. bique v Rwanda, Togo v Comoros (all Midfi elder Wijnaldum Having scored for Liverpool in a 1600), Democratic Republic of Congo skipped training yesterday be- 3-1 triumph over reigning champions v Gabon Algeria (holders) v Zambia, cause he was feeling ill, added Manchester City Sunday and travelled Ghana v South Africa, Mali v Guinea (all the coach. Koeman said he was to Dakar Monday, Mane will have little 1900) looking for a victory over North- time to prepare for the Group I clash. ern Ireland as well as in next Fortunately for 2019 Cup of Nations Friday, Nov 15: Tanzania v Equatorial Tuesday’s last group game at silver medallists Senegal, whose de- Guinea, Zimbabwe v Botswana (both home to Estonia in Amsterdam, fence is marshalled by Napoli centre- 1600), Morocco v Mauritania, Tunisia v “I want six points to ensure we back Kalidou Koulibaly, Congo have Libya (both 1900) fi nish top of the group because it not impressed recently. Any outcome Saturday, Nov 16: Madagascar v Ethio- could help with our seedings for other than a comfortable win for Sen- pia (1300), Ivory Coast v Niger (1900) the fi nals,” he said. “We haven’t egal would be surprising as the nation Matchday 2 Sunday, Nov 17: South played very well in our last two currently ranked fi rst in Africa launch Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Sudan v Burkina Faso, Chad v Mali, internationals, both in terms of another attempt to win a maiden Cup of Aubameyang will be in action for Uganda v Malawi, eSwatini v Senegal, possession and also our organi- Nations title. Gabon against central African South Africa v Sudan, Benin v Sierra sation.” Aubameyang and Salah play tomor- neighbours the Democratic Republic Leone (all 1300), Lesotho v Nigeria, The Dutch came from behind row with Gabon away to central African of Congo in the 2021 Cup of Nations Rwanda v Cameroon, Congo Brazza- to beat Northern Ireland 3-1 at neighbours the Democratic Republic of qualifying match. (AFP) ville v Guinea-Bissau, Guinea v Namibia home last month, before win- Congo in Group D and Egypt at home to (all 1600), Gabon v Angola (1900) ning 2-1 away to Belarus. They Kenya in Group G. Salah will work with have 15 points along with Ger- recently appointed Egypt coach Hos- Note: South Sudan v Burkina Faso many but a better head-to-head sam el Badry for the fi rst time, having moved to Sudan because national record. Northern Ireland are missed a warm-up win over Botswana stadium in Juba is being renovated three points adrift. last month because of an injury. Monday, Nov 18: Comoros v Egypt El Badry succeeded Mexican Javier (1300), Kenya v Togo, Cape Verde v Aguirre, who was sacked after the Phar- Mozambique, Sao Tome v Ghana, Gam- aohs fl opped as 2019 Cup of Nations bia v DR Congo (all 1600), Botswana v hosts, losing to South Africa at the last- Algeria (1900) 16 stage. Another Premier League star Tuesday, Nov 19: Ethiopia v Ivory available to the new coach is Mahmoud Coast, Burundi v Morocco (both 1300), ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan, who scored for As- despite being hosts and made a humili- for new Gabon coach Patrick Neveu Nigeria, third at the 2019 Cup of Na- Zambia v Zimbabwe, Niger v Mada- ton Villa in a weekend defeat at Wolves. ating fi rst round exit before faring even would be a draw. tions, have called up Premier League gascar, Mauritania v Central African Kenya appeared at a Cup of Nations worse in the following edition by failing Algeria star Riyad Mahrez has man- midfi elders Alex Iwobi of Everton and Republic (all 1600), Libya v Tanzania, this year for the fi rst time since 2004 to qualify. aged only two Premier League goals for Wilfred Ndidi from second-place Equatorial Guinea v Tunisia (both 1900) and edged Tanzania between group Aubameyang struggled for form in Manchester City this season and was Leicester City to face Benin in Uyo. losses to eventual champions Algeria Africa and refused to travel from Gabon an unused substitute at Liverpool. The Saudi Arabia-based captain Ahmed Note: Libya v Tanzania moved to Tuni- and runners-up Senegal. Aubameyang, to South Sudan for a 2019 qualifi er be- ‘Desert Foxes’ hope this will not af- Musa returns for the Group L match af- sia for security reasons the son of a former international, and cause he believed the chartered aircraft fect his performance when the trophy- ter missing a friendly draw with Brazil Note: Cameroon qualify automatically Gabon have unhappy memories of re- was unsafe. Only a handful of countries holders host shock 2012 African cham- in Singapore due to injury. for 2021 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts cent Cup of Nations. They could not leave DR Congo capital Kinshasa with pions Zambia, who failed to qualify for Although Ghana are the third most but are taking part to gain competitive win any of three 2017 group matches maximum points and a realistic target the last two Cup of Nations, in Group H. successful country in the Cup of Na- match practice

PREMIER LEAGUE West Ham look lost without once-ridiculed Fabianski By Martin Laurence To win two player of the year awards two but he also fumbled the ball into his The Guardian seasons running – and for two diff erent own net. That howler would have been clubs – is testament to how he fl ipped his avoided had Fabianski – a player whose “Flappyhandski” reputation on its head. aforementioned nickname stemmed t’s been a diffi cult period for West Having been considered error prone at from such misfortune – been between Ham of late. Having made some Arsenal, Fabianski has now established the posts. eye-catching moves in the sum- himself as one of the most reliable shot West Ham’s nosedive in form over the mer transfer window and picked up stoppers in the country. last six matches has taken them from I11 points in their fi rst six games, they With that in mind, West Ham fans fi fth in the table to 16th. Such a slump looked well places to challenge for a Eu- feared the worst when he went down cannot be placed at the feet, or gloves, ropean place. But four defeats in their injured in the fi rst half of their trip to of the stand-in keeper. But it has been last fi ve games have left the club two Bournemouth in September. Fabianski a factor. They have conceded 13 goals in places above the relegation zone. was later diagnosed with a torn hip mus- those games and it not been a particu- It has gone wrong very quickly. At the cle, which is likely to keep him out until larly tough run. Five of the clubs they end of September they were fi fth in the the new year. West Ham’s results in his have faced fi nished below West Ham last table, having kept three straight clean absence have shown fans were right to season. And the one exception, Everton, sheets – a record that remains unbeat- worry. They went fi ve games unbeaten were in the bottom three at the time. en 12 games into the season. West Ham before that trip to Bournemouth and West Ham have conceded more shots were on a roll. Issa Diop and Angelo have since gone fi ve games without a in their last six matches (44) than any Ogbonna were playing admirably at the victory. Roberto Jimenez has stepped other team in the league. Roberto has back and new signings Sébastien Haller into the team and made some impressive produced a commendable 30 saves dur- and Pablo Fornals had added more talent saves, but he has also made the sort of ing his time on the pitch, but the team to an already exciting attack. However, mistakes that Fabianski has all but eradi- has clearly been rocked by the injury to the team’s real position of strength was cated from his game. Roberto has played their fi rst choice keeper. If Fabianski’s obvious: their goalkeeper. Lukasz Fa- 506 minutes in the Premier League and importance to the Hammers’ prospects bianski was brilliant for West Ham last has already made two errors that led di- was evident last season, it is even more season and had started this campaign rectly to goals. Fabianksi has only com- obvious now he is on the sidelines. just as strongly. mitted one such error in his whole time His injury could conceivably cost Pel- The Poland international made more at the club. In fact, the Poland interna- legrini his job, with West Ham’s next saves than any other goalkeeper in the tional has only committed two of these four fi xtures all against teams in the top league last season (144). Since his arrival errors in his last 102 Premier League ap- seven. If the defensive unit doesn’t im- at West Ham in the summer of 2018, he pearances. prove dramatically, West Ham may fi nd has stopped 72.4% of the shots on target That sort of consistency breeds con- themselves fi ghting a relegation battle he has faced – only Alisson and Hugo fi dence in any defence and right now come Christmas rather than battling for Lloris have better save success rates. the West Ham backline looks shot to a place in Europe. It may be a stretch to Fabianski started all 38 of West Ham’s pieces. Declan Rice – whose own form suggest that one player’s absence could league games last season and the fans has dropped off over the last month or so have such a dramatic impact on a team recognised his contribution to their top- – admitted that West Ham were second but Fabianski was the stable platform half fi nish, voting him their player of the best right across the pitch in their 3-0 from which this side were expected to season. Fabianski was also voted Swan- defeat to Burnley on Saturday. Roberto build. Without that platform, they are sea’s player of the year the season before. pulled off some good saves in that game, crumbling. West Ham have not won a game since Lukasz Fabianski got injured in September. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 13, 2019 MOTORSPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT F1 unveils plans for zero carbon Albon secures Red footprint by 2030

Reuters and automotive sector to deliver London the world’s fi rst net zero-carbon hybrid internal combustion en- gine,” added the American. ormula One set out its Other initiatives include Bull driver slot for fi rst ever sustainability moving to ultra-effi cient logis- plan yesterday with the tics and 100% renewably pow- aim of achieving a net ered offi ces, facilities and fac- Fzero-carbon footprint for the tories. sport by 2030. CARBON NEUTRAL The Liberty Media-owned McLaren were certifi ed as For- championship, which will have mula One’s fi rst carbon-neutral a record 22 grands prix next year team as long ago as 2011, but the F1 2020 season with the 10 teams fl own around sport has also struggled to shrug the world, said carbon reduction off a gas-guzzling reputation ‘I’M HUGELY THANKFUL THAT RED BULL HAVE PUT THEIR TRUST IN ME’ projects would start immedi- dating back to the long-gone ately. days of V12 engines. It also promised that all For- Unfavourable comparisons mula One events would be sus- have been made to the all-elec- tainable by 2025. tric Formula E series, which now “We recognise the critical role has a signifi cant manufacturer that all organisations must play presence. Formula One said sus- in tackling this global issue,” tainable materials will be used said chairman Chase Carey in a at all events, with all waste re- statement. used or recycled, and single-use “By leveraging the immense plastics would be barred. talent, passion and drive for in- There would also be incen- novation held by all members tives off ering fans a greener way of the F1 community, we hope to get to the races. to make a signifi cant positive Six times Formula One world impact on the environment and champion Lewis Hamilton, who communities in which we oper- has gone vegan, has spoken out ate.” Carey said the current V6 this year about his own eff orts to turbo hybrid power engines, in reduce his carbon footprint. use since 2014, were the most The Mercedes driver told re- effi cient in the world and deliv- porters last month that he had ered more power from less fuel sold his private jet and was fl y- than any other car. ing less for pleasure, had banned “We believe F1 can continue single-use plastic from home to be a leader for the auto in- and offi ce and aimed to be car- dustry and work with the energy bon neutral by the end of 2019.

Leclerc to take grid penalty in Brazil

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will Hamilton sealing his sixth take a grid penalty at this drivers’ title at the US Grand weekend’s Brazilian Formula Prix in Texas on Nov 3. One Grand Prix after team Leclerc finished fourth in boss Mattia Binotto said his Austin after the engine failure car’s power unit was damaged in qualifying, but still set the and needed replacing. fastest lap, with team mate The 22-year-old Monegasque Sebastian Vettel retiring from is third in the championship, 14 the race with a broken rear points ahead of Red Bull’s Max right suspension. Reuters Verstappen with two races remaining. File photo of Red Bull’s Thai driver Alexander Albon waving to fans during the Mexico Grand Prix at the Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack in Mexico City on October 27, 2019. (AFP) “Charles will get a new Power Unit (at Interlagos), as his Reuters “Alex has performed extreme- Russian Daniil Kvyat, another Verstappen, winner of two races and I know how fortunate I am was damaged on Saturday in London ly well since his debut with the former Red Bull driver, would in 2019. to be given this opportunity,” he Austin, which meant he had to team in Belgium and his results continue as their lineup next The Thai has fi nished all his said. use a previously used and less — seven fi nishes in the top-six — season. seven races for Red Bull in the “I’m hugely thankful that Red powerful version for the rest of ritish-born Thai racer speak for themselves,” said team Yesterday’s announcements top six, scoring 68 points in ad- Bull have put their trust in me the weekend,” Binotto said in a Alexander Albon will principal Christian Horner in a left only struggling former dition to the 16 he took with Toro and believed in my results since race preview. continue to partner Max statement. champions Williams with a seat Rosso in the fi rst half of the year. I joined the Team and for them to “Fitting a new power unit Verstappen at Red Bull “It’s extremely hard to deny to be fi lled, although that is ex- He is now sixth in the overall keep me in the car next year is a means taking a grid penalty inB 2020, the Formula One team that level of consistency and in pected to go to 24-year-old Ca- standings. big deal. in Sao Paulo, but we should announced yesterday. tandem with a growing reputa- nadian Formula Two driver and Last season, however, Albon “This year has been an incred- be back to our normal The 23-year-old made his de- tion as a tenacious, fi ercely com- team reserve Nicholas Latifi . was racing in Formula Two and ible year for me and getting the performance level and show but with Red Bull-owned Toro mitted racer, Alex has proved Albon was tipped by Toro seemingly destined for a future call up to Red Bull mid-season some fighting spirit to finish Rosso this season but replaced that he fully deserves to contin- Rosso boss Franz Tost before the with Nissan in the all-electric was already a big step, so now I the season on a high note.” under-performing French driver ue his progress with Aston Mar- season started as the year’s likely Formula E series before Red Bull will use the learnings from this Mercedes have already won Pierre Gasly at the energy drink tin Red Bull Racing.” surprise package and he has stepped in. season and use the experience to both championships for the brand’s senior team from the Italy-based Toro Rosso con- cemented his reputation with “I am really excited to be part- improve and fi ght at the front in sixth year in a row, with Lewis Belgian Grand Prix in August. fi rmed separately that Gasly and strong performances alongside nering Max again for next year 2020.”

BOTTOMLINE Hamilton’s success ‘getting a bit boring’ for Verstappen Reuters overall, could be in the mix in 2020. Milton Keynes, England “I think we are on the right path. When you see the engine power compared to Mercedes and Renault, we are very close ewis Hamilton’s domination of to Mercedes now so that is very promis- Formula One is “getting a bit ing for next year,” he added. boring” and the time is fast ap- CarNext.com Chief Executive Ewout proaching for the younger gen- van Jarwaarde said Verstappen and his Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium Leration to take over at the top, says Red company were both disruptive forces in after winning the F1 Mexico Grand Prix at the Bull youngster Max Verstappen. their own arenas, but the driver was ea- Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack in Mexico City The Dutch driver hopes he and Fer- ger to douse the fl ames of recent contro- on October 27, 2019. (AFP) rari’s Charles Leclerc, also 22-years-old, versies. will be fi ghting for the Mercedes driver’s In Texas last month he labelled com- throne next year. ments by Hamilton after a Mexican “I think it’s good for the sport to have Grand Prix clash as “disrespectful” and the young guys now coming up and “silly” while accusing Ferrari of cheat- hopefully taking over very soon,” Ver- ing. stappen said ahead of Sunday’s Brazilian “It’s a very sensitive subject, so for me Grand Prix, the fi rst race since Hamilton I try not to go there anymore,” he said clinched his sixth title in Texas. when asked about words that angered “It’s getting a bit boring seeing Lewis Ferrari. “I prefer just to go ahead, leave win, so we have to try and change that,” everything behind... just focus on Bra- he added at an event to announce a per- zil.” Of his relationship with Hamilton, sonal sponsorship with pan-European Verstappen said the Briton was “very online used car marketplace CarNext. special and defi nitely one of the best com. drivers ever” and said he had never really Verstappen has 100 starts and seven had a problem with him. wins to his name since becoming the “We talked on the grid (in Austin). I sport’s youngest driver and next season respect Lewis, of course, but we are also he could yet become the youngest cham- hard racers and sometimes it can be a pion. bit more tough. But we talked and it’s all Hamilton, who can equal Michael good.” Schumacher’s record seven titles and Verstappen recognised he had made surpass the great German’s 91 wins, will mistakes this year, despite a strong and be 35 in January. consistent season, but would not have it “He’s getting older... so for sure it will any other way. stop at one point,” said Verstappen. “Everybody makes mistakes, other- “It’s just going to depend on the team, wise it’s better to put a robot in,” he said. to be honest. It’s not going to depend on “It’s good to make mistakes as well, you Lewis. learn from it.” “If Mercedes keeps building really He said he was happy at Red Bull, de- dominant cars, for sure he’s going to spite speculation he might one day re- win. So we just have to make sure as a place or join Hamilton at Mercedes. team that we can beat them.” Verstappen “I really want to win with Red Bull,” he said engine partners Honda had a break- said. “I really feel at home, which I think through year in 2019 and he was confi - is also very important for a driver — that dent former champions Red Bull, third you feel appreciated.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 13, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS Kawhi’s Clippers Spurs retire French NBA struggle but beat star Parker’s champion Raptors number The Clippers grinded defensively, allowing Toronto only 10 points in the final period

AFP Los Angeles

awhi Leonard endured a diffi cult night against the club he led to an NBA title but his Los AngelesK Clippers surged late Monday to beat reigning cham- pion Toronto Raptors 98-88. The Clippers grinded defen- Tony Parker and family listen to speeches during his jersey sively through the fourth quarter, retirement ceremony at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. allowing Toronto only 10 points in the fi nal period as the Rap- AFP about the player he doubted at tors missed six of their fi rst seven Washington fi rst, then helped mould into an shots while Lou Williams came NBA superstar. off the LA bench for a game-high “Tony, I want to apologise for 21 points. rench NBA star guard all the physical and mental abuse “Just compete on the defen- Tony Parker was given an I gave you the whole time you sive end, contest their shots and emotional tribute by the were here,” Popovich said with a get back on transition,” Leonard FSan Antonio Spurs, who smile. “I’ve been the luckiest guy said as the secret for the Clip- retired his number nine jersey in in the world to see you from age pers’ late success. a post-game ceremony after a 19 to this point. I feel fortunate I Leonard had 12 points, 11 re- loss. was there to see it all. I love you.” bounds and nine assists but shot Parker won four NBA titles in Popovich expects Parker soon only 2-of-11 from the fl oor and 17 seasons with the Spurs, join- to be named to the Basketball 0-of-4 from three-point range. ing the club in 2001 and becom- Hall of Fame. “That’s what a championship ing a starter as a 19-year-old Eu- “Pretty soon we’re going to be team is about,” Leonard said. ropean newcomer after only four there when you enter the Hall of “When your star is not mak- games. Fame,” he said. ing shots, they step up and pull He averaged 15.5 points, 5.6 as- “That’s pretty amazing. You it out. That’s what it’s all about.” sists and 2.7 rebounds over 1,254 have done amazing things.You’ve Leonard was the NBA Finals career NBA games, playing a fi nal made my life richer.” Most Valuable Player for To- campaign last season with Char- Parker appreciated the lessons ronto in June when he sparked lotte after making his fame with he learned about the NBA and life the Raptors over Golden State in San Antonio. from Popovich. the best-of-seven championship “Thanks for all those years,” “You are always the boss but series, but he departed for his Parker said. “It was a crazy ride.” on this night I am,” Parker said hometown Clippers in July. Parker helped spark the Spurs with a smile. “It was fun to compete against to NBA crowns in 2003, 2005, “For me, the impact you had in them,” Leonard said, calling the 2007 and 2014 and was named my life — you were the unbeliev- experience emotional but keep- Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers drives to the basket past Rondae Hollis-Jeff erson of the Toronto Raptors during a 98-88 Clippers win at the 2007 NBA Finals Most Valua- able second dad to me, the way ing his trademark composure. Staples Center on Monday. ble Player when he averaged 24.5 you taught me stuff and made me “We had a fun ride last year. points a game in San Antonio’s better. On and off the court we had fun.” points and 11 rebounds, his sec- their fi rst road loss this season Wilt Chamberlain. points and Karl-Anthony Towns sweep of Cleveland in the best- “Thanks for believing in me. Pascal Siakam led the Raptors ond consecutive double double, while the Celtics improved to an Clint Capela had 11 points added 25 points and team-highs of-seven fi nal. You inspire me. You taught me a with 16 points and 10 rebounds on a night when Jayson Tatum NBA-best 8-1 and stretched their and 20 rebounds for the Rockets of eight rebounds and six assists After Memphis beat the Spurs lot and I’ll be thankful forever.” while shooting 6-of-17 from the went 1-for-18 from the fl oor and win streak to eight games after an while J.J. to lead the Minnesota Timber- 113-109, the ceremony saw sev- All spectators received a black fl oor. The Raptors, without in- Luka Doncic led Dallas with 34 opening night loss to Philadel- Redick led the Pelicans with wolves over host Detroit 120-114. eral former teammates and coach “Merci Tony” T-shirt, the sil- jured Kyle Lowry, lost forward points. phia. 24 points. Jaren Jackson scored Blake Griffi n made his season Gregg Popovich pay tribute to ver lettering accompanied by a O.G. Anunoby to injury after only “I’m just trying to keep win- NBA scoring leader James 24 points, Dillon Brooks added 21 debut for Detroit after left knee Parker, who led the AT&T Cent- drawing of Parker going up for a two minutes on the court. ning, whatever I’ve got to do,” Harden netted 39 points and and Jonas Valanciunas contrib- surgery and a hamstring injury, er crowd in a fi nal cheer before shot. Argentine star guard Manu Boston guard Kemba Walker Brown said. Russell Westbrook added 26 to uted 18 points and 12 rebounds producing 19 points on 6-of-12 watching his number unveiled Ginobili, who recalled being scored 29 points before leaving “We wanted to be aggressive lead the Houston Rockets to a to power Memphis over host San shooting with seven rebounds among the others in the arena showed around as a newcomer late in the game with an injury, defensively.We did a pretty good 122-116 victory at New Orleans. Antonio 113-109 on the night and fi ve assists over 24 minutes. rafters. “I want a big ‘Go Spurs by confi dent teen Parker, said, “It leading the host Celtics over Dal- job.” With 373 points in 10 games, the Spurs retired Tony Parker’s French star center Rudy Go.’ Can we do it one last time for has been a pleasure man. I wish las 116-106. Luka Doncic picked us apart Harden becomes the fi rst player number nine jersey. Gobert scored 25 points to lead me?” Parker exhorted the spec- you all the best.” Celtics coach Brad Stevens but other than that we did a really to score so many so quickly into “We will be together forever,” seven Utah players in double tators, who reward him with a Ex-Spurs star Sean Elliott called the setback “a little whip- good job, They can’t all be pretty an NBA season since Rick Barry the Frenchman told his former fi gures as the Jazz won 122-108 memorable fi nal cheer. called Parker “an absolute master lash” and did not expect it was but we got the job done.” had 381 in 1967. The only player teammates in a post-game cere- at Golden State, which fell to an The most emotional moments in the open court with his speed serious. Jaylen Brown added 25 The Mavericks (6-4) suff ered ever with more was 1960s icon mony. Andrew Wiggins scored 33 NBA-worst 2-9. came when Popovich spoke only matched by his heart.”

NHL Coyotes hang on to beat Capitals in shootout

Reuters tes a 1-0 lead when he scored It was a contrast from Otta- Washington with 5:45 remaining in the fi rst wa’s strong start Saturday night, period. when it posted a 4-1 home vic- The Coyotes then scored twice tory against Carolina. onor Garland scored in in the fi rst minute of the second The Hurricanes snapped a the second round of the period and took a 3-0 lead. four-game losing streak. shootout to give the vis- Christian Fischer scored 10 They scored a total of four iting Arizona Coyotes a seconds into the period after a goals in the fi nal three games of 4-3C victory over the Washington turnover. that slump, so the Monday goal- Capitals on Monday night. Samsonov got his glove on the scoring spree was overdue. Washington rallied for three puck, but the offi cials said the Andrei Svechnikov, Brett Pesce straight goals to force overtime, puck made it over the goal line and Edmundson all notched two and the Capitals appeared poised after the play was reviewed. assists for Carolina. to win when T.J. Oshie scored Then, Arizona got another goal Edmundson, a defenseman with 2:46 left. only 35 seconds later following acquired before the season from However, after a video review, another Washington giveaway. Stanley Cup champion St. the play was ruled off sides. That score came from Michael Louis, assisted on the Hur- The game then went to shoot- Grabner. ricanes’ fi rst two third-period out, where the Caps went fi rst, The Capitals broke through in goals, giving him his fi rst points and Oshie missed before Arizo- the second period when Kuznet- in the 18th game with his new na’s Nick Schmaltz beat Wash- sov scored on a breakaway, team before he posted the game’s ington goaltender Ilya Samsonov. sprung by a Jakub Vrana pass fi nal goal. Round two saw Evgeny 8:47 into period. Foegele, Dzingel and Necas Kuznetsov try to tie it for the Kuznetsov scored again early also had assists for two-point Caps but bang a shot off the left in the third before Oshie sent the nights. Carolina goaltender Petr post. game into overtime by putting Mrazek made 27 saves. Colin Garland then scored to seal away the rebound of an Alex White and Brady Tkachuk scored Arizona’s win. Ovechkin shot with 1:16 remain- for Ottawa. For Washington, the loss end- ing in regulation. Ottawa starting goalie Anders ed a six-game winning streak, The Carolina Hurricanes re- Nilsson gave up four goals on 19 though the Capitals are now 10- sponded from one of their most shots. 0-2 in their past 12 games. miserable games of the season, Nilsson, who was the NHL’s The Coyotes snapped a brief throttling the visiting Senators most-recent First Star of the three-game losing skid (0-2-1). 8-2 on Monday night, avenging a Week, was pulled in the second Arizona goalie Antti Raanta loss at Ottawa two nights earlier. period. Arizona Coyotes center Phil Kessel (81) skates with the puck past Washington Capitals center Chandler Stephenson (18) in the second period of had a strong game, fi nishing with Sebastian Aho scored twice, Craig Anderson replaced him, their game on Monday. PICTURE: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports 31 saves. and Warren Foegele, Martin making 20 saves while also al- He made 12 stops in a fi rst pe- Necas, Haydn Fleury, Dougie lowing four goals. 7, 2018. Foegele scored his sec- Nilsson. Necas scored on a power breakaway, and Fleury and Ham- ended up on White’s stick. riod that saw Washington come Hamilton, Ryan Dzingel and Joel Carolina posted its highest ond goal of the season just 44 play with 2:05 remaining in the ilton extended the lead to 5-0. It was his second goal of the up with a number of scoring Edmundson also scored for the single-game goals total since an seconds into the game when the fi rst period. White put Ottawa on the board season. chances. Hurricanes, who led 5-0 late in 8-5 victory over the New York puck bounced off the skate of Ot- Aho opened the second-peri- when Mrazek mishandled the Ottawa fell to 1-6-1 in road Clayton Keller gave the Coyo- the second period. Rangers on Oct. tawa’s Chris Tierney and got past od scoring with a short-handed puck from behind the net and it games. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 13, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Pundit fi red for Seahawks edge past on-air ‘divisive previously unbeaten remarks’ AFP Ottawa

legendary Canadian ice hockey commenta- tor was fi red Monday 49ers in NFL thriller Afrom a longtime broad- casting gig over an on-air rant ‘I don’t ever remember playing in a game that was so crazy, back and forth and back and forth’ chiding new immigrants for not wearing honouring fallen sol- AFP diers and veterans. Los Angeles Don Cherry was sacked be- cause of the “divisive remarks” he made during a break in a Na- eattle’s Jason Myers kicked a tional Hockey League game on 42-yard fi eld goal as overtime Saturday. expired to give the Seahawks a “Sports bring people togeth- 27-24 victory over previously er. It unites us, not divides us,” unbeatenS San Francisco in an NFL Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley thriller on Monday. said. In a wild drama fi lled with stellar Cherry, immediately recog- defensive plays and each team missing nisable in his fl amboyant cus- a chance to win in overtime, the Sea- tom-made suits, has courted hawks improved to 8-2 while dropping controversy with his outspoken the 49ers to 8-1, still a half-game atop manner and opinions during in- Seattle in the NFC West division. termission segments of Hockey “I don’t ever remember playing in a Night in Canada for nearly four game that was so crazy, back and forth decades. and back and forth,” Seahawks quar- His comments about fi ghting terback Russell Wilson said. “It was an in hockey, women journalists in incredible game.” dressing rooms, and French-Ca- Deadlocked 24-24 after regulation nadians have frequently landed time, the epic matchup needed the full him in trouble. 10 extra minutes to decide a winner. But the 85-year-old former Wilson completed 24-of-34 passes NHL player and coach’s latest for 232 yards and a touchdown but tirade provoked a big backlash delivered his fi rst interception in 119 from the public, politicians and throws to nearly doom Seattle. the National Hockey League. San Francisco’s Jimmy Garoppolo In it he singled out people he completed 24-of-46 passes for 248 believed to be immigrants in the yards, also with a touchdown and an Toronto area for not wearing a interception. poppy on their lapel for Remem- The drama intensifi ed in overtime as brance Day, and in turn not sup- Wilson drove Seattle deep into 49ers porting veterans. territory but was intercepted to Dre That holiday, known as Veter- Greenlaw at the San Francisco 4-yard ans Day in the US, was celebrated line to thwart the threat. Monday. The 49ers marched to the Seahawks So many complaints were 29 before being stopped, but rookie fi led with the Canadian Broad- kicker Chase McLaughlin, signed only cast Standards Council that the four days ago as an injury fi ll-in, was watchdog said it had to shut wide left on a 47-yard fi eld goal attempt down its online reporting tool with 3:06 remaining. because they had “exceeded the After an exchange of punts, Seattle CBSC’s technical processing ca- took over with 85 seconds remaining at pabilities.” their 36. Wilson scrambled for 21 yards Defense Minister Harjit Saj- on third down to put the Seahawks in jan took to Twitter to highlight fi eld goal range, setting up the winning examples of immigrants who kick by Myers. Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal during overtime against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on fought for Canada, and said “di- “We knew this game was going to Monday. PICTURE: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports versity is our strength and our come down to the wire,” Wilson said. proud military history shows “Any time there’s a chance, we think Only reigning Super Bowl champion Robbie Gould suff ered a quad injury last rick Bourne for a 2-point conversion 1-yard run for a 21-10 Seattle edge. that.” we’ll fi nd a way.” New England (8-1) has as many wins as week in practice. that lifted the hosts within 21-18 and Clowney had returned a Garoppolo Sportsnet and Cherry’s co- It was Seattle’s third win this season the 49ers and Seahawks. The Seahawks had a 21-10 lead when McLaughlin lifted them level on a 39- fumble 10 yards for a touchdown with host Ron MacLean apologised for in games where they trailed by 10 or Myers hit a 46-yard fi eld goal to give San Francisco struck back on a key de- yard fi eld goal with 6:21 remaining in 2:51 remaining in the second quarter to his remarks, calling them “hurt- more points. the Seahawks a 24-21 lead with 1:45 re- fensive play. regulation. pull Seattle within 10-7 at half-time. ful and prejudiced,” while the “Our defensive unit had a great maining but McLaughlin’s 47-yard fi eld Wilson was sacked and lost a fumble Wilson threw a 3-yard touchdown San Francisco seized a 10-0 lead on NHL called them “off ensive.” game,” Wilson said. They made some goal equalized with one second remain- that 49ers’ defensive tackle DeForest pass to Jacob Hollister and, after Garoppolo’s 10-yard touchdown pass But Cherry himself has refused incredible plays when they needed to. ing to force over-time. Buckner returned 12 yards for a touch- Jadeveon Clowney sacked Garop- to Bourne late in the fi rst quarter after to walk back his comments, tell- “That was a team win. That’s what McLaughlin had only been signed down. polo and recovered a fumble at the McLaughlin kicked a 43-yard fi eld goal ing the Toronto Sun: “I know championship teams do.” last Thursday after veteran 49er kicker Garoppolo fl ipped a pass to Kend- 49ers’ 24, Cris Carson scored on a to cap the opening drive. what I said and I meant it.”

GOLF Westwood happy to be back in Sun City

Agencies Bhullar in spotlight at Panasonic Open India Sun City, South Africa Gurgaon, India: India’s Gaganjeet defeat in Thailand last week and is ee Westwood is primed for Bhullar returns home for his first hoping to bounce back and reclaim his fi rst European Tour title competitive start since March, ready the Panasonic Open India title which defence in fi ve years when he to show why he is one of the coun- he won in 2017. Ltees it up in the Nedbank Golf try’s best golfers when the ninth edi- The 2019 edition will see five of the Challenge hosted by Gary Player – the tion of the US$400,000 Panasonic eight previous winners return to penultimate Rolex Series event on the Open India starts tomorrow. the event with defending champion 2019 Race to Dubai. With nine Asian Tour titles, Bhullar Khalin Joshi hoping to become the The former World Number One fi red holds the most number of victories first to successfully retain his title a stunning fi nal round of 64 at Gary by an Indian golfer on the Asian at the Panasonic Open India which Player Country Club last year to fi n- Tour and is also the player with the tees off at a new venue at the Clas- ish three strokes ahead of Ryder Cup most number of victories in the sic Golf and Country Club this year. teammate Sergio Garcia, returning to field. Rory Hie will be hoping to break lo- the winner’s circle for the fi rst time Lee Westwood won the Bhullar has been playing primarily cal hearts and its dominance again since the 2014 Maybank Champion- Nedbank Golf Challenge last year in Europe this season following his when he returns to his winning ship. to break a four-year title drought. win in Fiji last year. While it has been venue again after two months. The Englishman became the fi rst Eu- PICTURE: Getty Images a season of mixed fortunes, the Hie became the first Indonesian to ropean to win the title three times fol- 31-year-old hopes to turn the corner win a title on the Asian Tour and he lowing his victories in 2010 and 2011, to with his first Asian Tour victory on did so in spectacular fashion with join South African legend Ernie Els and home soil this week. his wire-to-wire victory at the Clas- Zimbabwean Major winner Nick Price Shiv Kapur narrowly missed out on sic Golf and Country Club Interna- Westwood will start the week in Sun his fifth Asian Tour title in a play-off tional Championship in September. City in the company of Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex leader Bernd Wiesberger of Austria and fel- many points to be had over the last to get bigger, really, and in terms of how low Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick, who events again, and a lot of things can important it is to the season everything currently occupies fourth place on the happen. I’m just looking to be prepared and, coming down to the fi nal couple of season-long standings. as good as I can. events, it’s special. Wiesberger has a lead of 387 points “It’s getting a little bit tighter with “The game wasn’t there in China, over Jon Rahm with just two events some of my game that hasn’t been so we had to work on it. But I’ve done left to play. The winner of the Nedbank there the last two weeks. Just look at some good work last week. I feel a lot Golf Challenge will receive 1,665 points that same year, and South African leg- Always done well around here and it three Nedbanks and a Dimension Data. the course and looking really forward better. I feel a lot happier with where and a cheque for US$2.5million – be- end Els, who won the Nedbank Golf brings back good feelings. “It’s nice I know the course well. I know where to this week again. I’m not looking too my swing is and where my head is.” fore players battle for the largest fi rst Challenge in 1999, 2000 and 2002, to be back defending a tournament. they put the fl ags. I read these greens much into the ranking and just con- Ernie Els: “I’m really pleased they prize in tournament golf - US$3million before the event joined the European Tough to win these Rolex Series events pretty well, as well. Distance control trolling what I can control.” gave they the invite. I was coming down – at the DP World Tour Championship, Tour’s International Schedule in 2013. and managed to win this one last year. with the elevation changes and the Tommy Fleetwood: “It’s really to these parts already – I’m over 50 Dubai next week. I’m excited about playing well again. extremes in temperature all come into nice to be back. I missed last year, the now, so I’m the oldest guy in the fi eld, Also teeing it up at the Nedbank Golf WHAT THEY SAY I played well in Turkey last week, and that. I have a pretty good game plan for way scheduling worked out. Coming but I’ve had so many great memories Challenge this week are 2017 Race to Lee Westwood: “I always look for- excited to get back on the golf course the course and I know how to handle back, played it a few years now, and around Sun City from fans and from Dubai winner Tommy Fleetwood, who ward to coming back to Sun City. It’s a this week. the variations in conditions.” got such a great atmosphere, such a big the people I’ve met here, and obviously made his last appearance at this event brilliant resort and great golf course. “I’ve won four times around here: Bernd Wiesberger: “There are so event, it always has been. It continues the golf course is very special to me.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 13, 2019 7 SPORT

TENNIS/ATP FINALS RUGBY Gatland turns down All Blacks top job Federer stays alive the commitment I made to those AFP Wellington two sides.” Gatland said if the chance to coach the All Blacks arose again in ormer Wales coach War- the future he would consider it, but ren Gatland confi rmed if not then he had no regrets. yesterday he has turned “I’m a great believer in what will down an off er to apply for be will be,” he said. with Berrettini win; Fthe All Blacks head coaching job. “If you are successful, other op- The New Zealand-born Gatland portunities will come along. It was told Radio Sport his loyalties lie time for me to make a decision to with the Waikato Chiefs club and leave Wales and the northern hemi- coaching the British and Irish Lions sphere and come back to New Zea- in 2021. land and I’m excited by that.” New Zealand Rugby has invited Gatland will coach the Barbar- 26 New Zealand coaches to apply ians against his former Wales side eyes Djokovic for the All Blacks coaching post on December 1 before returning to vacated by Steve Hansen, and has New Zealand to take over the Super ‘We have played a lot of matches since, and I think we both look back at a great match’ previously said if Gatland wanted to Rugby club Chiefs on a four-year be considered then he would have contract which includes a sabbati- to give up the Lions role. cal to coach the Lions. “It was nice to be contacted. I His 12 years with Wales ended politely declined putting my name when they were beaten by the forward,” Gatland said. Hansen-coached All Blacks in “I’m a little bit old school. I’d the play-off for third at the recent made the commitment to the World Cup. Chiefs and I’d made the commit- New Zealand Rugby expects to ment to the Lions, it was important appoint Hansen’s successor before that I carry on with that... honour Christmas.

Roger Federer returns against Matteo Berrettini during their round-robin match on day three of the ATP Finals at the O2 Arena in London yesterday. (AFP)

AFP ing his fi rst round-robin match onship points on his own serve. me to play him again, and maybe fault and won it comfortably 7-2. London in Group Bjorn Borg on Sunday to The Swiss was asked after his that all helps to get a chance to get The Swiss, clad in black, broke Dominic Thiem. win against Berrettini whether that him back or whatever it is, but at immediately at the start of the sec- The six-time champion was defeat had left emotional or mental the end of the day, I’m here for the ond set to leave the Italian with a oger Federer said he had not at his fl uent best yesterday but scars. World Tour Finals and not because mountain to climb. “fl ushed away” the pain ultimately had too much for his “We’ll fi nd out, but I think it’s of the Wimbledon fi nals.” Berrettini earned a clutch of Former Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland. (AFP) of his defeat in the Wim- Italian opponent, who had won all fl ushed away from my side,” Both Federer and eighth seed break points in the eighth game but bledon fi nal as he prepares just three games against Djoko- said Federer, who added that it had Berrettini were solid on serve in the Federer eventually served himself forR a rematch against Novak Djok- vic in his opener. If Austrian fi fth taken him two weeks at most to get fi rst set of their contest. The Swiss out of trouble. ovic after keeping alive his hopes seed Thiem beats Djokovic in the over the loss. eventually earned himself the sniff Federer, as usual enjoying the Former Australia prop Smith retires of a seventh ATP Finals crown yes- evening match, he would seal one “A lot of water has gone under of a chance in the 12th game, win- lion’s share of support from the terday. of the two semi-fi nal spots in the the bridge since then. ning the fi rst break point of the crowd, broke in the next game to Former Australia prop Toby dia release. “I have had some The Swiss put himself back into group, leaving the others to scrap “We have played a lot of matches match but Berrettini snuff ed out seal the set 6-3. Smith has retired from all ongoing issues with concus- the mix at the end-of-season event it out for the second. Federer, 38, since, and I think we both look back the danger and held to take it into Djokovic is hunting a sixth ATP rugby at the age of 31 due to sion, and while I am currently with 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 win against will face the Serbian second seed at a great match. I think we both a tie-break. Federer upped the level Finals title to pull level with Fed- his struggles with concussion symptom-free, I do not wish to Italian debutant Matteo Berrettini. tomorrow in a repeat of July’s can take away some confi dence of his game in the shootout, helped erer’s record and is also seeking to injuries. put that at further risk. The third seed had put himself marathon Wimbledon fi nal, during from the match.” by some wayward shots from his pip Rafael Nadal to the year-end Smith, who played six tests for “I’m really grateful for the under enormous pressure by los- which he squandered two champi- He added: “Actually, it’s good for opponent plus a Berrettini double- number one ranking. the Wallabies and appeared at support and encouragement the 2015 World Cup, had opted I have had from the Hurri- Sparkling Zverev tastes fi rst victory over Nadal to not renew his contract with canes and NZR and I now look the Wellington Hurricanes to forward to new challenges,” he World number one Rafael Nadal to secure the year-end forehand wide. The 33-year- Nadal’s 13 and winning 30 of It proved quite the day for preserve his long-term health, said. Smith played 108 Super made a disappointing start at number one ranking for a fifth old dropped his serve again at 34 points behind his first serve. ending losing streaks. Just as the Super Rugby side said yes- Rugby games in total with the the ATP Finals as he suff ered a time, showed no sign of the the start of the second set and World number seven Zverev, 22, Zverev claimed a first win in six terday. “I am making the dif- Waikato Chiefs, Melbourne first career loss to Germany’s abdominal injury sustained with Zverev rock solid on his has now beaten Roger Federer, meetings with Nadal, Stefanos ficult choice now to leave the Rebels and Hurricanes. reigning champion Alexander in Paris this month, but was own delivery he never allowed Novak Djokovic and Nadal in Tsitsipas had earlier beaten game I love and that has given He made his Hurricanes debut Zverev, going down 6-2 6-4 on comprehensively outplayed. the Spaniard a glimpse of an consecutive matches at the Daniil Medvedev 7-6(5) 6-4 me so many amazing experi- in 2018 but was restricted to Monday. Zverev broke serve in the fifth opportunity. The statistics told O2 Arena where last year he in the battle of the debutants ences and where I have made 21 games in two seasons due The Spaniard, seeking a first game and again two games the story of the match with claimed the biggest title of his having been 0-5 against the some life-long friendships,” to battles with concussion and title at the event and hoping later when Nadal blazed a wild Zverev striking 26 winners to career. Russian in previous meetings. Smith said in a Hurricanes me- other injuries. Reuters

FOCUS Vodafone’s 5G network to cover Aspire Beach Volleyball Cup By Sports Reporter sorship, Mohamed Mohsin al- Doha Yafei, head of public sector, Vodafone Qatar, said, “We’re excited to be involved in the Qatar Volleyball Association odafone Qatar an- Aspire Beach Volleyball Cup President Ali Ghanem al-Kuwari nounced yesterday and to support Qatar’s out- (left) and Vodafone Qatar Head that it is the offi cial standing role in hosting inter- of Public Sector Mohamed telecommunications national sports tournaments. Mohsin al-Yafei at the Al Gharafa Vsponsor of the Aspire Beach The incredibly fast speeds Sports Club yesterday. Volleyball Cup taking place and ultra-low latency that from 12-15 November 2019 at 5G technology delivers, will the Al Gharafa Sports Club. increasingly form a large part As part of the sponsor- of delivering an unforgettable ship, Vodafone Qatar’s world fan experience during major class 5G GigaNet network will tournaments when seamless cover the event that will allow connectivity is expected that organisers, participants and allows many people to share fans to capture and share all a massive number of videos, the highlights. pictures and messages with Organised by the Qatar people online.” Volleyball Association, the Ali Ghanem al-Kuwari, Aspire Beach Volleyball Cup Qatar Volleyball Association is the fourth stop on the 2019- president, said, “We’re de- 2020 FIVB Beach Volleyball lighted to partner with Vo- World Tour Calendar before dafone Qatar that has a long Olympic qualifying for the history of supporting sports Tokyo 2020 Summer Games. in the country. As an Asso- Men’s teams from 20 coun- ciation, we are always looking tries including 3 teams from for ways to enhance the tour- Qatar will compete with naments we host and the op- thousands of fans expected portunity to have the Aspire to attend the tournament Beach Volleyball Cup covered to cheer on their favourite by 5G will set the precedent teams. for future volleyball tourna- Commenting on the spon- ments globally.”

Wednesday, November 13, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

ASIAN SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIPS China’s Meng and Di win mixed skeet gold aft er a thrilling fi nal South Korea’s Daehun clinches the men’s 50m pistol with a total of 567 points ahead of India’s Rana and Cheema

By Sports Repoter Shreya’s 250.6 in the fi nal. Khushi Saini Doha also won individual bronze for India in the event with a fi nals score of 228.8. The trio of Shreya, Khushi and Aakri- hina dominated the penul- ti Dahiya had earlier combined for a timate day of the 14th Asian team bronze in the event with a total of Shooting Championships by 1877.1. China won the gold with a new winning three gold medals world and Asian record score of 1882.4. atC the Lusail Shooting Complex. Wei In the men’s 10m running target Meng and Jin Di won the mixed team mixed event, Pak Myong Won led a skeet fi nal, while Yang Zeng triumphed North Korean one-two fi nish with a in the women’s 10m running target total of 382 points. Kwon Kwang Il was mixed event. In the Junior women’s the runner-up after defeating Kaza- 10m air rifl e, Yan Jinjing won gold. khstan’s Bakhtiyar Ibrayev 17-16 in a In an thrilling mixed team skeet fi nal, shoot-off , with both having ended on Meng Wei and Ji Din edged out India’s 381 points. Ganemat Sekhon and Angad Vir Singh A total of 38 quota places for next Bajwa 36-33. year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo were In the qualifi cations, Meng and Ji distributed during the Asian Shooting scored 73 and 72 respectively, while the Championships. The most went to In- Indian pair scored 73 each book their dia with six, while Japan and Thailand berth in the gold match as the top seed. took fi ve ahead of Iran with four. Qatar Bajwa had won gold gold and Olympic won a quota in trap. The other 18 were quota in men’s skeet on Sunday. The split between a further 11 countries. bronze medal match saw Japan’s Naoko Ishihara and Hiroyuki Ikawa over- THE RESULTS: came Kazakhstan’s Olga Panarina and Mixed team Skeet: 1. China (Wei Vladislav Mukhamediyev 35-33. South Korea’s Park Daehun won the Meng, Jin Di) 36 (145); 2. India (Gane- men’s 50m pistol with a total of 567 mat Sekhon, Angad Vir Singh Bajwa) points. India’s Gaurav Rana fi nished 33 (146); 3. Japan 35 (144); 4. Kaza- second with 562 points, while compa- khstan 33 (144) triot Arjun Singh Cheema came third Men’s 50m free pistol: 1. Park Daehun with 560. The Indian duo were level (Kor) 567; 2. Gaurav Rana 562 (Ind); 3. Mixed skeet team gold medallist Wei Meng and Jin Di (centre) of China, runner-up India’s Ganemat Sekhon and Angad Vir Singh Bajwa (left) and bronze medal winners on scores heading into the fi nal round Arjun Singh Cheema 560 (Ind). Japan’s Naoko Ishihara and Hiroyuki Ikawa pose on the podium during the 14th Asian Shooting Championships at the Lusail Shooting Complex. PICTURES: Nasar T K and trailed leader Park by three, mak- ing it a tense fi nale. The Korean shooter scored 96 in the fi nal round which was enough to win the gold medal, whereas Rana and Cheema managed 93 and 91 respectively, and had to settle for the second and third spot. Meanwhile, teenager Dhanush Sri- kanth made his junior India debut count in glorious fashion, gunning down a double gold by winning both the individual and team 10m air rifl e men junior competitions. Srikanth fi rst qualifi ed for the fi nals with a relatively modest 625.3, but then won the gold with a 248.2 in the eight- man 24-shot fi nal, leaving silver win- ner Jiang Xuanle of China a whole 2.5 points behind. Another Indian Shahu Tushar Mane won the bronze with a fi nals score of 226.4, after topping the qualifi cation round with 629.3. The third Indian Hriday Hazarika, who also reached the fi nals fi nishing eighth in China’s Yan Jinjing (centre) won the Junior women’s 10m air rifle gold, while qualifi cation with 622.5, managed an India’s Shreya Agrawal (left) claimed silver and Khushi Saini took bronze. overall seventh place fi nish. The trio had earlier secured the team gold with Korea 1860.2. their qualifi cation round exploits to- Team: 1. Korea 1672; 2. China 1659; 3. 50m free pistol: 1. Sung Yunho (Kor) talling 1877.1, ahead of silver winning India 1653. 556; 2. Wang Zhehao (Chn) 546; 3. China and bronze winning Korea. Junior men’s 10m air rifle: 1. Dha- Peechnat Khlaisuban (Tha) 540 In the junior women’s air rifl e, India’s nush Srikanth (Ind) 248.2 (625.3); Team: 1. Korea 1632; 2. China 1597; 3. India’s Dhanush Srikanth (centre), Tushar Mane (right) and Hriday Hazarika won team gold in the men’s junior 10m air rifle. Shreya Agrawal topped the qualifi ca- 2. Jiang Xuanie (Chn) 245.7 (626.1); Thailand 1577; 4. India 1559. Agrawal (Ind) 250.6 (632.1); 3. Khushi 1877.1; 3. Iran 1876.7. Feng Sixuan (Chn) 27 (583) tion with 632 points, but had to settle 3. Shahu Tushar Mane (Ind) 226.4 Saini 228.8 (628.3). for silver, coming second to China’s Yan (629.3). Junior women’ s 10m air rifle: 1. Yan 25m sports pistol: 1. Zhou Hu (Chn) Team: 1. China 1736 (WRJ); 2. Korea Jinjing in the fi nal. Jinjing shot 251.8 to Team: 1. India 1877.1; 2. China 1876.4; 3. Jinjing (Chn) 251.8 (623.8); 2. Shreya Team: 1. China 1882.4 (WRJ); 2. India 35 (575); 2. Chen Jing (Chn) 32 (578); 3. 1717; 3. India 1703.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Qatar Expat Cricket Community T20 event starts FIVB Aspire Beach Volleyball Cup begins By Sports Reporter Qatar has placed on a Doha Doha podium once in the previous fi ve stops as Cherif Samba and Ahmed Tijan fi nished third in the he fi rst of two events to March 2018 Katara Beach Vol- be staged in Qatar on the leyball Cup competition. Over- 2019-2020 FIVB Beach all, Qatari pairs have claimed six Volleyball World Tour FIVB World Tour medals, in- Tcalendar began yesterday with cluding one gold, two silvers and qualifi cation matches for the three bronzes. $5,000 Aspire Beach Volleyball Other countries competing in Cup at the Al Gharrafa Beach the 2019 Aspire Beach Volleyball Complex. The FIVB World Tour Cup are Australia, Cameroon, returns to Qatar for the sixth Croatia, Gambia, Iran, Italy, Ja- season since the inaugural tour- pan, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, nament in 2014. Doha has hosted Netherlands, Niger, Norway, the previous fi ve events. Oman, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Following yesterday’s qualify- Sweden and United States. ing rounds where four pairs ad- Five teams entered in the 2019 vanced to the main draw, today’s Aspire Beach Volleyball Cup have schedule will feature pool play secured FIVB medals, including matches followed by two elimi- Masato Kurasaka/Kensuke Shoji nation rounds tomorrow with (one gold) and Hitoshi Muraka- the fi nal four contests on Friday mi/Takashi/Tsuchiya of Japan where the gold medal team will (one bronze), Alireza Aghajani/ collect the $1,000 fi rst-place Javad Firouzpourbandpei of Iran prize. A total of 31 teams from 20 (one silver), Ahmed Alhousni/ countries have entered the Aspire Haitham Alshereiqi of Oman In the fifth edition of the tournament, a total of 126 local cricket teams are taking part in a league format, which will be followed by play-off s. Beach Volleyball Cup, includ- (one silver) and David Ahman/ ing three pairs from host Qatar Jonatan Hellvig of Sweden (one he Qatar Expat Cricket Com- in to 9 divisions, with 14 teams making country. The best player of the tourna- new jersey designs for the tournament. - Saifeddine Elmajid/Benlouaer gold). 2018 Buenos Aires Youth munity (QECC) in association each group. Each division will have one ment will be given a round-trip fl ight This league will be held under the auspic- Ziad, Assam Mahmoud/Mahdi Olympic champions David Ah- with 98.6 Malayalam FM have champion and runner-up and they will ticket to his home country. es of the QECC with a vision to promote Sammoud and Denis Messel- man (left) and Jonatan Hellvig launched the biggest T20 cricket be rewarded with cash prize. Also other The title sponsors for the tournament cricket in the Qatar. The idea behind the mani/Ahmed Nassir. Of the three of Sweden will be competing in Tcarnival in Qatar. exciting prizes and cash awards will be are Truth Group & D-Grill Restaurant, tournament is to provide a competitive Qatari teams, only Elmajid/Ziad Doha. The 2019 Aspire Beach In the fi fth edition of the tournament, a given to division wise man of the match, while Al Tamyoz Technologies are the as- platform to all expatriate cricket aspir- have competed in an FIVB World Volleyball Cup is the 462nd total of 126 local cricket teams are taking best bowler, batsman and all-rounder. sociate sponsors and Adams Adlar is the ants and community members to learn Tour event as the pair placed 13th men’s event on the FIVB World part in a league format, which will be fol- The matches will be played on every jersey partner. and play competitive cricket and to make this past August at the Salalah Tour (open, grand slam, Olympic lowed by play-off s. The teams are divided Fridays at various grounds across the On November 6, teams revealed their their dream come true Qatar. tournament in Oman. and Goodwill).