PARA-ATHLETICS MIND & Body WILLING P 8

P 8 | FOOTBALL P 18 | PARA-ATHLETICS RED-HOT ARAbI MIND & bODY WILLING Sergio Dutra does the star turn with The International Paralympic Committee’s a hat-trick as Al Arabi stun champions Athletics Worlds are sure to showcase the Lekhwiya in the Qatar Stars League. triumph of spirit over adversity.

WEDNESDAY, OcTObER 21, 2015 | Vol X | No.38 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on

Al Rayyan’s much-travelled Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati speaks about the factors that hinder the growth of football in Qatar and ways to address them. PAGES 6-7 DSP/Mohan

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 10 | FOOTBALL P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 In support of RAHEEM Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 SPECIAL Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 STORY players in Qatar STERLING www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 3 EXCITEMENT NOW OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: JUST A TOUCH AWAY Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Players’ association should act Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos as a catalyst for more changes A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko HE 2022 FIFA World cup, to be hosted in clubs failing to pay, unilaterally terminating contracts Gopakumar K Qatar, is largely seen as a catalyst for change. and widespread culture of bullying and harassment. Joice Michael TOur country’s wise leadership wants to make It’s here that the players’ association can step in and Technical support Shaheen Mohammed sure the tournament’s impact reaches beyond the support their tribe. Abdul Naser M stadiums, securing a sustainable legacy for our people. the QPA’s formation is indeed a very positive move Ever since Qatar won the World cup bid, our and it should help clear some misconceptions others government has launched several initiatives to ensure may’ve about the way we manage our football system. we complied with the best practices and, at least in the players’ involvement will definitely ensure a P.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 some instances, set standards for others in the region greater degree of transparency and accountability, www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com to emulate, be it labour reforms, human rights or even and I believe the game in Qatar is moving in the right Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 right to form associations. direction at a time when, unfortunately, there’s a crisis e-mail: [email protected] the latest in a long list of such initiatives is the Qatar of confidence in the sport’s governance worldwide. Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 Players Association (QPA) though it has nothing to do I’m sure a player-driven organisation like the e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 with the government. One of its aims is to increase QPA will ensure equal rights and obligations for its e-mail: [email protected] transparency in our country’s football affairs and members and set an example for others. Like the thereby remove any apprehensions whatsoever others ’22 World cup itself, the new body should also be may’ve. a catalyst for more changes even as our country is www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Its primary objective, however, is to improve the marching towards achieving its goal of becoming a www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar players’ conditions, protect their interests and also modern state as envisaged in the National Vision 2030. extend all support to them in case of disputes. the Here’s wishing the QPA all success. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar establishment of an independent player association is fundamental to the attainment of good governance in football and, as such, Qatar has taken a step in the Publishers: ASPIrE Printing, Publishing and Distribution right direction. Printed at ASPIrE Printing Press Some major problems commonly faced by Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi professional footballers, especially in Asia, include Editor-in-chief

INSIDE P 12 | FOOTBALL P 22 | BOXING P 29 | VOLLEYBALL Goal machine Lord of the rings! Qatar runners-up Self-belief, determination the impeccable Qatar finish runners-up, once and the ability to deliver are organisation of Amateur again behind bahrain, at the the key factors that set real World championships enhances Gcc Games in Dammam. Madrid’s all-time top scorer Doha’s reputation as a top sports destination. cristiano ronaldo apart.

P 26 | MOTORSPORT P 28 | GOLF

Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Mideast master Top names likely Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Ace Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al for Qatar Masters e-mail: [email protected] Attiyah annexes his 11th Middle Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 East rally championship crown Many star players are once again e-mail: [email protected] by winning the Jordan leg. expected for the 19th edition of commercial bank Qatar Masters. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Players’ association should act Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos as a catalyst for more changes A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko HE 2022 FIFA World cup, to be hosted in clubs failing to pay, unilaterally terminating contracts Gopakumar K Qatar, is largely seen as a catalyst for change. and widespread culture of bullying and harassment. Joice Michael TOur country’s wise leadership wants to make It’s here that the players’ association can step in and Technical support Shaheen Mohammed sure the tournament’s impact reaches beyond the support their tribe. Abdul Naser M stadiums, securing a sustainable legacy for our people. the QPA’s formation is indeed a very positive move Ever since Qatar won the World cup bid, our and it should help clear some misconceptions others government has launched several initiatives to ensure may’ve about the way we manage our football system. we complied with the best practices and, at least in the players’ involvement will definitely ensure a P.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 some instances, set standards for others in the region greater degree of transparency and accountability, www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com to emulate, be it labour reforms, human rights or even and I believe the game in Qatar is moving in the right Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 right to form associations. direction at a time when, unfortunately, there’s a crisis e-mail: [email protected] the latest in a long list of such initiatives is the Qatar of confidence in the sport’s governance worldwide. Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 Players Association (QPA) though it has nothing to do I’m sure a player-driven organisation like the e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 with the government. One of its aims is to increase QPA will ensure equal rights and obligations for its e-mail: [email protected] transparency in our country’s football affairs and members and set an example for others. Like the thereby remove any apprehensions whatsoever others ’22 World cup itself, the new body should also be may’ve. a catalyst for more changes even as our country is www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Its primary objective, however, is to improve the marching towards achieving its goal of becoming a www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar players’ conditions, protect their interests and also modern state as envisaged in the National Vision 2030. extend all support to them in case of disputes. the Here’s wishing the QPA all success. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar establishment of an independent player association is fundamental to the attainment of good governance in football and, as such, Qatar has taken a step in the Publishers: ASPIrE Printing, Publishing and Distribution right direction. Printed at ASPIrE Printing Press Some major problems commonly faced by Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi professional footballers, especially in Asia, include Editor-in-chief

P 26 | MOTORSPORT P 28 | GOLF Mideast master Top names likely Ace Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al for Qatar Masters Attiyah annexes his 11th Middle East rally championship crown Many star players are once again by winning the Jordan leg. expected for the 19th edition of commercial bank Qatar Masters. 4 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 5

FIFA’s reform committee kept its plans for overhauling the Reform panel scandal-plagued organisation’s structure under wraps after its second meeting last Sunday, saying only that discussions had been won’t reveal “rich and in-depth”. Francois Carrard, the committee’s chairman, PICK OF THE WEEK | FOOTBALL plans for now said progress was “on track”. “It’s been a very positive session characterised by discussions on all aspects of the proposal for the reforms package which is being prepared,” he said.

“I was pleased to see unity among the Executive committee members during our discussions of reform and its critical importance to our organisation and world football. Increasing the transparency of ethics investigations is just one example of our firm commitment to change. It was also significant that we set the course for the upcoming presidential election. HANGINGIN BALANCE Issa Hayatou, Acting FIFA President. with the prospect of world succeed blatter despite growing football’s power base likely to shift calls, including from International THE FIFA EXCOM’S DECISION NOT TO POSTPONE THE FEBRUARY 26 ELECTION IS A BIG BLOW TO SUSPENDED significantly to the east. Olympic committee President UEFA CHIEF MICHEL PLATINI EVEN AS IT PROPOSES A LIST OF REFORMS, WRITES ANDREW WARSHAW. Hence the reason why European thomas bach, for an external members were divided at last contender to be put in place to week’s emergency session of their herald a fresh start. top brass. Despite UEFA attempting bach has called for a “credible O NOW we know. the often tempestuous years in charge opened it again ever so slightly by public over the infamous payment but all major officials in positions of to put on a united front in support external presidential candidate of February 26 FIFA presidential even if his 90-day suspension is explaining that should any ban be of two million Swiss francs he responsibility. of Platini, the reality was very high integrity, to accomplish the Selection date will go ahead extended by a further 45, which is lifted or expire before the election, received from FIFA in 2011 for work Whoever ends up replacing different. UEFA may’ve insisted necessary reforms and bring as planned with all attention now allowable under the rules. by the contenders could theoretically carried out nine years earlier. blatter must implement these there was no Plan b, but the back stability and credibility” focused on who’ll put their names same token, Platini could still run if be retrospectively put back into UEFA members are split over reforms — and do so quickly. Most realisation that Platini and blatter while a raft of other high-ranking forward to succeed Sepp blatter by he too is a free man at the time of the race at the discretion of the whether to carry on supporting football fans don’t really care who’s had no credible explanation for that sports officials and politicians are October 26, the deadline day. the election. Electoral committee. their president and the search in the hot seat at FIFA so long as two million Swiss francs payment urging for a complete break with With the urgent need for a fresh but it’s a big ‘if’. Domenico Scala, Whether Platini will be that could now be on for someone to the organisation can be trusted, led to many federations believing it the past. start after the worst corruption chairman of FIFA’s ad hoc Electoral fortunate is highly questionable. step into the breach instead, with which certainly hasn’t been the was time to cast their leader adrift Yet, those hoping for someone scandal in sports history, FIFA’s committee which rules on the rumours are already growing that Dutch FA boss Michael van Praag, case in recent years. and find someone else. of high regard outside the game to Executive committee took the eligibility of candidates, didn’t he’ll be banned for even longer who withdrew last time, apparently “FIFA has no choice but to reform take charge of FIFA permanently correct decision and resisted the mention Platini by name, but made once the investigation is complete being considered again. Apart from at this point,” says Moya Dodd, the will be disappointed. temptation to postpone the ballot a point of stating that anyone and won’t have time to go through Platini, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Asian Football confederation’s co- DESPITE UEFA Eligibility rules for president, in the wake of blatter and Michel suspended on deadline day would the relevant appeals process a Jordan has put his name forward opted female member on the FIFA ATTEMPTING TO PUT ON reflected in the statutes, state Platini being suspended by its be deemed ineligible. second time. the next few weeks for a second crack at the presidency Excom and one of the few voices of A UNITED FRONT, THE categorically that all candidates ššSepp blatter, left, and Michel Platini. Ethics committee. that appeared to shut the door will obviously be critical to his while Asian Football confederation sanity and reason. “there are some REALITY WAS DIFFERENT. “shall have played an active role technically, blatter could return on Platini’s hopes, but the canny chances though, like blatter, he’s chief Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim good proposals on the table like in association football... for two ‘FIFA probe could just in time to give a farewell Scala, an increasingly influential adamant he’s innocent of any Al Khalifa is also contemplating to enhanced integrity checks, term of the last five years before being Reward for genuine speech after what would be 18 figure in the entire process, then wrongdoing and last Monday went stand. limits, independent members of Platini’s lawyer tried to proposed as a candidate.” take five years’ but potentially more significant the Excom and something which is unsuccessfully to convince member the fact is that the statutes can Switzerland’s attorney than maintaining the election date dear to my heart: improving gender associations that the Frenchman only be changed by a full FIFA general has suggested that work, says Platini balance.” was innocent and should be given congress. that means anyone an investigation into alleged We’ve been there before, of a chance to clear his name. but the lobbying for power based on corruption at football’s IcHEL Platini said the global competitions calendar, work on THE REFORMS INCLUDE course. Only two years ago, a set lawyer was questioned at length an October 26 deadline and a governing body, FIFA, could two million Swiss francs subsidies for the poorest federations, WEAKENING THE EXCOM of proposals were approved and by several unconvinced delegates February 26 election must do so take five years. ($2.1m) he received from funding for football projects and a lot “realistically, in all big M AND ESTABLISHMENT OF implemented yet were followed at UEFA headquarters. “there was under the current rules. Even if investigations, longer than FIFA, a payment which has cast of travel with blatter. A FIFA COUNCIL. not by good governance, but by nothing new provided at all,” one they’re changed, they can’t apply five years is bad,”Michael a cloud over his bid to become Platini said blatter had explained the biggest corruption crisis FIFA European federation chief executive retrospectively. Lauber told SRF radio in president of the world body, was that his contract would stipulate an has ever encountered. Just look at told me. Which only reinforces the need an interview last week. “It legitimate reward for genuine work. annual sum of 300,000 Swiss francs was the provisional list of reforms where we’re now: a dysfunctional UEFA now has to decide whether for FIFA’s 209 member nations always depends on how the In an interview with the Le Monde because that was the top salary rate presented to the Excom and which FIFA missing its suspended to put up a token candidate so as to get it right when they vote for parties to the investigations daily, the UEFA head of Europe’s UEFA at the time. the rest of the one- work with the attorney will go forward, if rubber-stamped president (blatter), secretary not to completely lose the moral blatter’s successor. My feeling football federation said the money million a year would be paid later. general.” in early December, to the February general (Jerome Valcke) and high ground or do some kind is that by the time the deadline Lauber said last month was for work he did for FIFA President Over four years, such a catch-up 26 congress. European vice-president (Platini). of face-saving deal with a non- arrives, more candidates will’ve that the probe, which payment would have totalled 2.8 the reforms, designed to make to say there is a vacuum at the top European candidate. Having been come out of the woodwork. began in March, had not yet million Swiss francs. FIFA “more transparent and is an understatement. soundly beaten last time when that’s what usually happens at reached the half-way mark. PLATINI PROVIDED AN Platini said that when years later accountable” include weakening the problem is that the reform they backed Prince Ali against the last minute. but as I say, FIFA’s awarding of the ACCOUNT OF HOW THE he was asked to send a bill for money the power of the Excom and ideas which matter the most blatter, UEFA has some careful far more important than the 2018 and ’22 competitions is PAYMENTS WERE AGREED still due to him, he mistakenly one of the strands his office instead the establishment of a have invariably failed to see the strategic thinking to do before the election itself is how the person remembered a contract salary sum is investigating. WITH BLATTER. Beckenbauer rejects ‘FIFA council’; a maximum light of day. With the deadline for deadline for candidates. next in charge drives the reform It has also opened a of 500,000 Swiss francs a year rather bribery allegations 12-year term for the FIFA nominations for president fast to complicate matters further, agenda. In a sense, he’ll be under criminal probe into FIFA than 300,000. He therefore sent a bill president; an age limit of approaching, the most crucial thing what few commentators seem to even more pressure than blatter. president Sepp blatter, a Sepp blatter from 1998 to 2002. for a total of only two million francs German legend Franz said in a statement. 74 for senior officials; is not a personality contest, but realise is that no candidate from Why? because the eyes of the move that has led the Ethics Most of the payment, which is for the four years in question. Beckenbauer, who headed “And I’m certain that no enhanced integrity root and branch change. Until and outside football will be eligible world will be watching like never committee to suspend him. being investigated by the Swiss blatter and Platini were the organising committee other member of the bid checks; and disclosure unless the world at large can see under current regulations to before. authorities, was only made in ’11. suspended for 90 days recently after for the 2006 World cup, last committee did something of remuneration — a no-holds-barred road map for both blatter and Platini have denied Switzerland’s attorney general’s office Sunday rejected claims like that.” for years a thorny meaningful change, scepticism is any wrongdoing over the affair. initiated criminal proceedings against that a slush fund had Der Spiegel magazine “AFc members are the people I’m been set up to buy had reported that an topic — not just bound to remain. Platini provided an extensive the former over the payment. votes and bring the alleged slush fund concerning the changing tack slightly, whoever responsible to and whom I’m elected account of how that advisory work blatter had earlier said that the tournament to his had been set up with FIFA president, ends up contesting the presidential to guide and serve. Only after and related payments were agreed payment he made to Platini was a country. €6.7m loaned by election, the continent with most to reviewing their comments, will I even with blatter, telling the newspaper he “gentleman’s agreement”. “I never gave the late adidas cEO lose in terms of geo-politics seems consider such a major step had never been good with finances the English Football Association money to anyone robert Louis-Dreyfus certain to be Europe especially if (FIFA presidency bid). and that he had even short-changed has suspended support for Platini’s in order to acquire for Germany’s World votes so that Germany cup bid committee to pay UEFA president Platini, not so long himself in the case in question. bid to become FIFA president, after ago the clear favourite, among Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Platini said he had asked for one learning “more information relating is awarded the ’06 World cup,” bribes to FIFA officials in order AFc President. beckenbauer, a former World to help land the tournament for those currently suspended. UEFA million Swiss francs a year for the to the issues at the centre of this case cup-winning player and coach, Germany during a vote in 2000. have been left badly exposed work which included reform of the from Mr Platini’s lawyers”. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 5

FIFA’s reform committee kept its plans for overhauling the Reform panel scandal-plagued organisation’s structure under wraps after its second meeting last Sunday, saying only that discussions had been won’t reveal “rich and in-depth”. Francois Carrard, the committee’s chairman, plans for now said progress was “on track”. “It’s been a very positive session characterised by discussions on all aspects of the proposal for the reforms package which is being prepared,” he said.

FOOTBALL | QATAR

‘Top-four finish is our target’ Al rayyan fans are excited over promise anything,” said Fossati. their excellent start in the Qatar “Along with my support staff, Stars League, but Jorge Fossati I always make it a point to give Fossati is miffed said he was staying calm. my best to rayyan. We know “Our fans are excited, but we’ve strong opponents. there’re I’m staying calm. I keep saying a couple of strong favourites to about officials’ I don’t have a magic wand. take the title. Our target will be I take it one game at a time. to finish among the top four. Football involves a lot of hard It’ll be a big achievement for a whimsical moves work. Despite putting in all the promoted club. Let’s see how the HE lack of an own stadium and training COVER STORY effort, you may end up with tournament evolves,” said the unfavourable results. So I never Uruguayan. facilities has affected Al rayyan’s Tpreparations, coach Jorge Fossati said. rayyan boasted a 25,000-seat stadium, but it was EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW demolished last year to build a new facility for the 2022 FIFA World cup. And the Al Sadd Stadium was fixed as the venue for rayyan’s home matches for this season. However, the Qatar Stars League last month because they haven’t decided to do away with the home-and-away done it before. system. Only Sadd will play all home ties at their to play professional own venue in the first phase. football, strong physique is one “the situation isn’t favourable for us. We aren’t main attribute. If you don’t start able to use even our training facilities this time as working at a young age, it becomes salary, they couldn’t a new stadium is being built for the World cup. I System very difficult to build it beyond a insist the boys to join. I can understand that. We fixed Sadd as our home point of time. We found that in was bemused! stadium, but played our home match recently rayyan most youngsters lack it. We’re I know the authorities in this against Mesaimeer at the Al Gharafa Stadium. For trying to give them the necessary country have a great vision. I’ve national side to the first team goes an outsider, it might be a small detail. but believe tips, but unfortunately some young never seen any nation offering better through the same school. I’m not me, it isn’t,” said Fossati. “rayyan fans have easily players haven’t been with us for most support to football. but those who talking about the 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, outnumbered the rest at all venues, but it’s a of the time. work in football must use the support but the methods and style. It’ll help different matter,” he said. in the best way. but the system at the avoid confusion in the minds of Home-and-away factor mattered despite Qatar’s ЂЂBut aren’t most of your young clubs is far from organised that it’s players. I think that’s one detail that small size, according to the Uruguayan. players from the ASPIRE Academy? difficult for a player of 18-19 years to can help. “People may say the home-and-away factor error? ЃЂWhen you’re training and playing make it to the top flight. isn’t of much relevance in Qatar, where most of the AL RAYYAN COACH JORGE FOSSATI TELLS N GANESH MAINLY ABOUT only with your age group, everything In other countries, it’s not like that. ЂЂDo you think Lekhwiya and El action is confined to Doha, but I don’t agree. I’ll cite THE FACTORS THAT HINDER THE GAME’S GROWTH IN QATAR. will look good. but if he remains there For example, here I can’t use the Jaish have really raised the level of one example. Spanish clubs — real Madrid and fulltime, it won’t help. For example, U-17 player in the reserve team. I Qatar football? Atletico — are both from one city. Ask rafa (benitez) if Abdulrahman Al Korbi wants to ЃЂthey’re two more big clubs. the to play their home game at Vicente calderon physicaly match Sebastian Soria, he decisions to quickly form them were Stadium instead of (Santiago) bernabeu and see his NtrODUcING Jorge Fossati to In an exclusive interview with a match, how can they expect us to needs to regularly take professional I CAN TELL YOU THAT THE made by the top authorities and I reaction. Qatar football would sound silly Doha Stadium Plus, Fossati spoke field them. It doesn’t make sense. I workout and train with us. QATARI CLUBS’ YOUTH don’t want to discuss that. Lekhwiya “It’s not about the fans alone, but references the Ias he is one coach who has made about rayyan, their young players want to support the national teams, I’m not a critic, but national teams DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM have almost a dozen players in the players have in their minds at your own venue and history in the Gulf nation. the and Qatar football in general. but let them respect us too. the U-23 give our young players back to us as ISN’T THE BEST. current national squad. It’s one of the some of the minute details. Playing your home former Uruguay goalkeeper, with his player quota to me is not an ideal if on loan! ways the officials looked at improving game at a third venue is like hosting your friend for towering presence and silver hair, ЂЂRayyan went for more naturalised solution, the authorities must find My question is whether they want the standard. So it’s okay. a special dinner at someone else’s house. At your stands out in any crowd, but if he has players despite boasting some of the other ways to strengthen the Olympic to enjoy professional football or not? don’t know why. Should a player be home, you’re comfortable. carved his niche, it is primarily due best youngsters in the country... team. If yes, then give me the players. stopped if our medical team decides ЂЂWhat’s your opinion about Gulf “Even the two training pitches at a stadium to his forthright personality, way of ЃЂI’ve always supported youngsters. I can’t digest some of the rules I remember, when I was at Sadd, he’s fit and I find him good enough? football in general? could be different, the grass may not be similar, size functioning and achievements, since If you take our promising defender which I found on my comeback to we had a champions League game ЃЂI had short stints in Saudi Arabia too can vary. It takes time for players to adjust to first reaching Doha a decade ago. Qatar. one day and Abdulkarim Hassan ЂЂHow do you look at the and the UAE, and know Qatar 20 different conditions. I can understand the situation, Fossati took Al Sadd to an I’ve to obey them and I’ll. but if was made to attend an examination, evolution of Qatar football? times more than them. the major but then why’re Sadd playing all their home unprecedented sweep of domestic IT’S DIFFICULT FOR A you make orders from some corners mathematics or other subject I don’t ЃЂI reached Qatar first almost 10 difference is they’re big countries and matches at their own venue? QATARI PLAYER OF 18-19 titles in the 2006-07 season and, on without considering all aspects, it’ll remember, that same morning at the years ago. I know that all these have more players. Even then, all their ŢЂAl rayyan... “We requested for one stadium, Sadd authorities his second coming, guided them to YEARS TO MAKE IT TO become difficult. Had they asked me, ASPIrE Academy. years, the sport has enjoyed the national team players aren’t born in on a roll. agreed. then someone else is coming and changing the AFc champions League triumph THE PREMIER DIVISION. I would’ve said ‘sorry the Olympic It was conducted specifically for best support. I’m not saying it’s those countries. everything. I can’t in ’11. In between, he managed the team coach can’t decide my team him. Why can’t they schedule it not improving, but had everybody Qatar has a very small population, digest that,” said Qatar national team, helping them formation’. two days later? He’s a professional associated with the game worked and if it needs strong teams, it has to Fossati. progress to the final round of the ’10 bassam Hesham, he came back from player. this is the situation players with real passion and intensity go for foreign-born players for a few World cup qualification. the national Under-20 team only a ЂЂHow do you keep Rayyan’s young are caught in, between the clubs and based on specific targets, Qatar more years. Otherwise, it becomes When the Al rayyan management few days ago. players motivated? Aspire. football would’ve been somewhere difficult to have 14 football sides in set out to rebuild the team on Ahmed Ala’aedin joined the ЃЂOur target is that Qatari players, I know that not all players are else. this country has all the the premier division. then there’re

earning promotion to the Qatar Olympic team early August and especially youngsters, should’ve DSP/Mohan coming from Aspire. but I can tell conditions to progress faster. What volleyball, basketball and several Stars League (QSL) last May, it found returned only last week, after more more places in our first team and you from my experience at Sadd we need is better co-ordination and other disciplines. Fossati the ideal candidate to realise than two months. He got injured become its core. Maybe had bassam and rayyan that the Qatari clubs’ discussion. the players who come in their title ambitions. And under the in between, but the national team trained more with us, he would’ve youth development system isn’t from outside should perform 62-year-old, the Lions have started doctors wanted him to recover under been playing in our first eleven. the best. believe me, I’m quite sure ЂЂWhat stops Qatar from making it professionally and contribute their their pursuit in earnest, making them. Why not? about it. really big? best to Qatar. It isn’t important it five out of five wins so far. the It’s mandatory for clubs to have rayyan have excellent players and When I started the pre-season ЃЂWe need to work in the present whether they’re born in Sudan or QSL acknowledged his good work, one U-23 player on the pitch during there’s no question about their talent. camp in the Netherlands this time, I to create a better future. For that, we Uruguay. adjudging him the best coach for the league games, but if the national but they’re physically weak and need wanted to take the best U-19 players need to put several heads together. month of September. but he knows it team is retaining players and to toil a lot. Many youngsters don’t Jorge with us. the club officials said no. If I’m an authority in Qatar, I would » The writer can be contacted at:

is just the beginning. releasing them only two days before know how to work out professionally Fossati because they weren’t given any insist that the boys from the U-17 [email protected] K BijuRaj DSP/A www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 7

‘Top-four finish is our target’ Al rayyan fans are excited over promise anything,” said Fossati. their excellent start in the Qatar “Along with my support staff, Stars League, but Jorge Fossati I always make it a point to give Fossati is miffed said he was staying calm. my best to rayyan. We know “Our fans are excited, but we’ve strong opponents. there’re I’m staying calm. I keep saying a couple of strong favourites to about officials’ I don’t have a magic wand. take the title. Our target will be I take it one game at a time. to finish among the top four. Football involves a lot of hard It’ll be a big achievement for a whimsical moves work. Despite putting in all the promoted club. Let’s see how the HE lack of an own stadium and training effort, you may end up with tournament evolves,” said the unfavourable results. So I never Uruguayan. facilities has affected Al rayyan’s Tpreparations, coach Jorge Fossati said. rayyan boasted a 25,000-seat stadium, but it was demolished last year to build a new facility for the 2022 FIFA World cup. And the Al Sadd Stadium was fixed as the venue for rayyan’s home matches for this season. However, the Qatar Stars League last month because they haven’t decided to do away with the home-and-away done it before. system. Only Sadd will play all home ties at their to play professional own venue in the first phase. football, strong physique is one “the situation isn’t favourable for us. We aren’t main attribute. If you don’t start able to use even our training facilities this time as working at a young age, it becomes salary, they couldn’t a new stadium is being built for the World cup. I very difficult to build it beyond a insist the boys to join. I can understand that. We fixed Sadd as our home point of time. We found that in was bemused! stadium, but played our home match recently rayyan most youngsters lack it. We’re I know the authorities in this against Mesaimeer at the Al Gharafa Stadium. For trying to give them the necessary country have a great vision. I’ve national side to the first team goes an outsider, it might be a small detail. but believe tips, but unfortunately some young never seen any nation offering better through the same school. I’m not me, it isn’t,” said Fossati. “rayyan fans have easily players haven’t been with us for most support to football. but those who talking about the 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, outnumbered the rest at all venues, but it’s a of the time. work in football must use the support but the methods and style. It’ll help different matter,” he said. in the best way. but the system at the avoid confusion in the minds of Home-and-away factor mattered despite Qatar’s ЂЂBut aren’t most of your young clubs is far from organised that it’s players. I think that’s one detail that small size, according to the Uruguayan. players from the ASPIRE Academy? difficult for a player of 18-19 years to can help. “People may say the home-and-away factor ЃЂWhen you’re training and playing make it to the top flight. isn’t of much relevance in Qatar, where most of the only with your age group, everything In other countries, it’s not like that. ЂЂDo you think Lekhwiya and El action is confined to Doha, but I don’t agree. I’ll cite will look good. but if he remains there For example, here I can’t use the Jaish have really raised the level of one example. Spanish clubs — real Madrid and fulltime, it won’t help. For example, U-17 player in the reserve team. I Qatar football? Atletico — are both from one city. Ask rafa (benitez) if Abdulrahman Al Korbi wants to ЃЂthey’re two more big clubs. the to play their home game at Vicente calderon physicaly match Sebastian Soria, he decisions to quickly form them were Stadium instead of (Santiago) bernabeu and see his needs to regularly take professional I CAN TELL YOU THAT THE made by the top authorities and I reaction. workout and train with us. QATARI CLUBS’ YOUTH don’t want to discuss that. Lekhwiya “It’s not about the fans alone, but references the I’m not a critic, but national teams DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM have almost a dozen players in the players have in their minds at your own venue and give our young players back to us as ISN’T THE BEST. current national squad. It’s one of the some of the minute details. Playing your home if on loan! ways the officials looked at improving game at a third venue is like hosting your friend for My question is whether they want the standard. So it’s okay. a special dinner at someone else’s house. At your to enjoy professional football or not? don’t know why. Should a player be home, you’re comfortable. If yes, then give me the players. stopped if our medical team decides ЂЂWhat’s your opinion about Gulf “Even the two training pitches at a stadium I remember, when I was at Sadd, he’s fit and I find him good enough? football in general? could be different, the grass may not be similar, size we had a champions League game ЃЂI had short stints in Saudi Arabia too can vary. It takes time for players to adjust to one day and Abdulkarim Hassan ЂЂHow do you look at the and the UAE, and know Qatar 20 different conditions. I can understand the situation, was made to attend an examination, evolution of Qatar football? times more than them. the major but then why’re Sadd playing all their home mathematics or other subject I don’t ЃЂI reached Qatar first almost 10 difference is they’re big countries and matches at their own venue? remember, that same morning at the years ago. I know that all these have more players. Even then, all their ŢЂAl rayyan... “We requested for one stadium, Sadd authorities ASPIrE Academy. years, the sport has enjoyed the national team players aren’t born in on a roll. agreed. then someone else is coming and changing It was conducted specifically for best support. I’m not saying it’s those countries. everything. I can’t him. Why can’t they schedule it not improving, but had everybody Qatar has a very small population, digest that,” said two days later? He’s a professional associated with the game worked and if it needs strong teams, it has to Fossati. player. this is the situation players with real passion and intensity go for foreign-born players for a few are caught in, between the clubs and based on specific targets, Qatar more years. Otherwise, it becomes Aspire. football would’ve been somewhere difficult to have 14 football sides in I know that not all players are else. this country has all the the premier division. then there’re coming from Aspire. but I can tell conditions to progress faster. What volleyball, basketball and several you from my experience at Sadd we need is better co-ordination and other disciplines. and rayyan that the Qatari clubs’ discussion. the players who come in youth development system isn’t from outside should perform the best. believe me, I’m quite sure ЂЂWhat stops Qatar from making it professionally and contribute their about it. really big? best to Qatar. It isn’t important When I started the pre-season ЃЂWe need to work in the present whether they’re born in Sudan or camp in the Netherlands this time, I to create a better future. For that, we Uruguay. wanted to take the best U-19 players need to put several heads together. with us. the club officials said no. If I’m an authority in Qatar, I would » The writer can be contacted at:

because they weren’t given any insist that the boys from the U-17 [email protected] K BijuRaj DSP/A 8 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 9

QSL WEEK 5 | SHORT TAKES great side and the way they play is KICK-OFF fantastic, but we were quite good Mesaimeer vs Al Kharaitiyat and didn’t deserve to be 1-2 down,” Al Arabi Stadium, 5.30pm. AL AHLI 2 AL KHARAITIYAT 2 MESAIMEER 0 UMM SALAL 3 said Zola. Thursday, Al Wakrah vs Al Gharafa October 22 Lekhwiya Stadium, 5.30pm. Arabi had been off to bright starts Al Ahli came from two goals down to hold Al Umm Salal piled more misery on bottom-placed El Jaish vs Lekhwiya Kharaitiyat. Hassan Abdelfattah (42nd) and Anwar Mesaimeer, with Ismail Mahmoud (23rd), theyab Al Red-hot Dutra many a time in the recent past only Lekhwiya Stadium, 7.45pm. Diba (49th) gave Kharaitiyat a two-goal cushion. Annabi (89th) and Yannich Sagbo (90th) finding the to fizzle out later, but Zola hoped it Al Sailiya vs Umm Salal Ahli’s inspiring captain Meshaal Abdullah pulled one target. the victory helped Umm Salal stay seventh would not be a false dawn. Al Arabi Stadium, 5.30pm. back in the 70th while Iranian midfielder Mujtaba while Mesaimeer are yet to open their account. Friday, Al Sadd vs Al Khor Jabbari netted the equaliser in stoppage time. “If you notice, we’ve won four of October 23 Al Sadd Stadium, 5.30pm. the five games so far. I don’t think Al Ahli vs Qatar Sc rips cops apart we deserved to lose against Gharafa. Al Sadd Stadium, 7.45pm. Saturday, Al rayyan vs Al Arabi We were brilliant against Lekhwiya October 24 Al Arabi Stadium, 5.30pm. home from a goalmouth mix-up of the box and the forward played and it’s the standard we want to set. Tuesday, Al Gharafa vs Lekhwiya N Ganesh following a corner. It was what a brilliant one-two with Paulinho I hope we can continue at the same October 27 Al Gharafa Stadium, 5.30pm. the reds wanted as they played a to beat the defence and send a level. All credit to our players for the compact game in the first half hour low shot past goalkeeper Amine hard work they put in during the keen to start off in the right way. but şŠAl Ahli players are all joy after AD AL ArAbI striker Sergio by resorting to counter-attacks. but a Lecomte. He completed his hat-trick we conceded a goal in the second rodrigo Lima, Dutra heard someone lapse of concentration by defenders in the 66th after working his way minute. though we showed a strong right, scored their predicting at the start of the up through the centre and slotting AL RAYYAN DEFEATED personality to come back into the first goal against H Al Hilal. season that he would score a home a long-ranger. AL KHOR 4-2 TO game, we failed to play it safe during hat-trick to defeat champions DUTRA COMPLETED HIS When Lekhwiya captain Karim REMAIN ON TOP OF THE our weaker moments in the second Lekhwiya 3-2 in last week’s Qatar HAT-TRICK IN THE 66TH boudiaf saw a direct red card 10 STANDINGS. half,” said belmadi. AL GHARAFA 1 EL JAISH 4 Kwon’s late effort Stars League tie, the brazilian would BY SLOTTING HOME A minutes later for elbowing Dutra, Lekhwiya will take on El Jaish, Al have quickly dismissed it as an idle LONG-RANGER. coach Djamel belmadi knew he was Gharafa and Al rayyan in their next AL KHOR 2 AL RAYYAN 4 Jaish came from behind to rout Gharafa. tunisian forward Yassine chikhaoui converted from the sends Ahli through fantasy. but he did exactly that last left with little hope. His desperate pre-season. It’s paying off,” said Zola. three fixtures, and belmadi knows spot to give Gharafa the lead in the 31st while rayyan defeated Khor to extend their winning Sunday and it seemed to have more attempts to bolster the attack at the Lekhwiya had struggled to get he cannot afford to have similar Jaish rallied through goals from romarinho (45th), streak to five matches and remain on top of the Abderrazaq Hamdallah (72nd, 75th) and Uzbek WON Kyung-Won scored in stoppage time to dimensions than one. saw them concede two quick goals expense of defence did not work as their act together at the start of the performances in those games. standings. rodrigo tabata gave rayyan a dream start forward Sardor rashidov (87th). send Dubai’s Al Ahli through to their first AFc In Gianfranco Zola’s pecking order, — by Youssef Msakni and Vladimir Arabi had gained a lot of confidence season and for belmadi, it was back rayyan defeated Al Khor 4-2 to by scoring in the opening minute. While Mubarak champions League final following a 3-2 win Dutra had found himself even Weiss — and fall behind. by then. Arabi have now moved up to square one. the break, during remain on top of the standings. Eid drew parity in the 19th, Uruguayan defender K Gonzalo Viera (21st) made it 2-1. Abdulhamid Anad in a thrilling home leg of their last-four encounter behind Yousef Ahmed, who moved Arabi looked far more determined to third in the table. which 13 of his players (compared Jorge Fossati’s men were never Diri struck in the 25th and set up Sergio Garcia with against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal on tuesday. to Arabi this season following his on resumption and Dutra found Zola said they deserved full to Arabi’s four) were away on really challenged by Khor who a fine cross for rayyan’s fourth goal in the 45th. the South Korean’s deflected effort in the fourth frustrating cameo roles at Al Sadd. the target with the best goal of the points. national team duties, seemed to continued their winless run to stay though Lee Yong pulled another one back for Khor, minute of added time spared Ahli’s blushes after the but Dutra improved under the Italian match soon after the hour mark. “I believe the better team won. have affected them. to add to it was second from bottom in the table. they could not do any further damage and suffered their fourth defeat. 2014 UAE champions had thrown away a 2-0 coach to get the nod in the starting French defender rod Fanni lobbed We delivered top-quality football. the suspension of Ahmed Yasser Sadd stayed close on the heels of half-time lead. eleven in the previous match against the ball to Dutra on the right edge Lekhwiya are a (for indiscipline), which meant rayyan after seeing off Qatar Sports rodrigo Lima gave cosmin Olariou’s side the lead in Gharafa. belmadi had to realign his back club 2-1 while a late burst saw the 17th while Everton ribeiro swelled it in the 45th. Yet, he reserved his best so far four which never looked confident. Jaish come from behind and defeat Hilal fought back through goals from Ailton in Qatar against Lekhwiya. And his the team, as a whole, was a pale Gharafa 4-1. Almeida (51st) and carlos Eduardo (64th), but they performance was a reflection of the shadow of its usual self. Al Sailiya registered a 2-1 victory could not hold on for a draw, which would have sent big improvement Arabi as a team “If you ask me reasons, I’ve plenty over Al Wakrah while Mujtaba AL SADD 2 QATAR SC 1 the Saudis into a second successive final on away has made under Zola, who too has of them. I don’t want to list because Jabbari struck in stoppage time to goals. won the hearts of his players, fans that would sound as excuses,” said help Kharaitiyat salvage a 2-2 draw. Sadd remained in second position after they defeated Qatar Sports club. brazilian striker Muriqui Ahli, who thus won 4-3 on aggregate after a 1-1 and media. belmadi. Mesaimeer continued to languish (fourth) and defender Mohammed Kassola (53rd) draw in the first leg in riyadh, will now face Japan’s Dutra gave Arabi a surprise lead in “It was a game we wanted at the bottom of the table after struck for the Wolves while Mouhcine Iajour pulled Gamba Osaka or china’s Guangzhou Evergrande, the second minute when he slotted to win. We’ve a few important losing 0-3 to Umm Salal. one back in the 79th minute. ŠŠAl Arabi’s who will face off in the semfinal’s second leg on Sergio Dutra gets matches lined up and we were Wednesday, in November’s double-leg title clash. past Lekhwiya’s Karim boudiaf as Abdullah Mubarak Qatar not eager looks on. to host Gulf Cup AL WAKRAH 1 AL SAILIYA 2 Sailiya defeated Wakrah for their second win. brazilian forward Edinho put Sailiya ahead in the AtAr has no intention to host the Gulf cup 28th minute while Moroccan playmaker Mouhcine this December after Kuwait pulled out last Moutouali converted from the spot to equalise in Monday, it has been learnt. the 59th. bahrain international Faouzi Ayesh yet Q Zola pep talk again became Sailiya’s match winner as he found Kuwait’s cabinet took the decision the back of the net with a free-kick in the 64th. following FIFA’s suspension of its spurred me on, football association for governmental says Dutra LEKHWIYA 2 AL ARABI 3 interference, but Qatar would not be a replacement, an official with the game’s brazilian striker Sergio Dutra said coach Arabi shocked 10-man Lekhwiya to prove they are an improved lot under Gianfranco Zola. brazilian governing body in the country told Gianfranco Zola’s pep talk at half-time Sergio Dutra netted a hat-trick for the reds, striking Doha Stadium Plus. helped him score two more goals post the in the second, 61st and 66th minutes. tunisian break and complete a hat-trick against “It’s just another rumour. First of all, forward Youssef Msakni (37th) and Slovak winger Lekhwiya. Vladimir Weiss (40th) found the target for the losers. whether to host it or not is not in our “We played very well in the second half. hands because there’s a Gulf committee Zola’s encouraging words during the break to decide on it. One thing is sure, we increased our enthusiasm. He demanded won’t be hosting it this December. I feel Kuwait will us to give our 100 per cent and that made organise it next year,” said the official. us perform,” said Dutra. Qatar are the reigning champions of the popular “I’m happy to have scored a hat-trick against Lekhwiya. It’s regional tournament. In the final in riyadh last sweeter because we won the November, they defeated hosts Saudi Arabia 2-1 for game,” he added. their first major trophy abroad. Kuwait, home to influential sports power broker and FIFA Excom member Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, were also banned for the same reason in

2007 and ’08. Divakaran DSP/Vinod 8 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 9

2007 and ’08. Divakaran DSP/Vinod 10 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 11 FOOTBALL | QATAR/ASIA

In support of players in Qatar

Our aim is to support, advise and In a video message, Spanish N Ganesh represent our members at local and great Xavi Hernandez, who is WHO ALL international organisations in case currently playing for Qatar’s Al CAN JOIN? of disputes,” said Al Ansari. Sadd, described the QPA as a N A MOVE to increase “You’ve noticed some of the “positive” move while Umm Salal Any national or foreign player transparency in its system of issues — financial and others — captain Fabio cesar, an ex-Napoli registered with the Qatar Ifootball affairs and further take between the players and clubs in midfielder, wished it all success. Football Association can join the world into confidence, 2022 Qatar. the QPA wants to support the QPA will also apply for the QPA. An overseas recruit will be a member of the QPA FIFA World cup host nation Qatar the football system in the country FIFPro (international federation as long as he stays in the has given shape to a new players’ and thus reduce the pressure on of professional footballers) country. body. the QFA,” said Al Ansari. membership soon. the global the Qatar Players Association He said the body would soon organisation based in Hoofddorp, Divakaran DSP/Vinod ššIran captain roozbeh cheshmi hoists the trophy as Saud Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi, front row fourth right, and Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, right, applaud. (QPA), with Salman Al Ansari as the Netherlands, is made up of 58 ABOUT president and senior players bilal national player associations and Mohammed, Wesam rizik, Ibrahim OUR AIM IS TO SUPPORT, represented by 65,000 professional FIFPRO SPECIAL AWARDS Ghanem and Abdulaziz Al Sulaiti ADVISE AND REPRESENT footballers. FIFPro is the worldwide Iran West Asian champions as board members, came into OUR MEMBERS IN CASE However, only three Arab nations representative organisation for existence last week. OF DISPUTES. — Morocco, Egypt and Palestine — all professional footballers — rAN proved their future is quite who surprisingly announced his let there be peace for everyone. I Any player, national or foreign, are full members of it. more than 65,000 players in bright by winning the inaugural decision to step down on the personally believe in peace and that who is registered with the Qatar FIFPro has been a critic of Qatar’s total. Founded on December 15, IWest Asian Football Federation team’s return to tehran, said the football can bring it,” he added. Football Association (QFA), can join hold a meeting with the players, kafala system, under which a 1965, it has 58 members, two (WAFF) Under-23 championship at tournament provided them with a Syria coach Muhannad Al Fakeer the QPA. Overseas recruits can be complete their registration migrant worker can only change candidate members and five the Lekhwiya Stadium last week. perfect test ahead of the inaugural said the silver medal would be a observers. the observers will members of the body as long as and enter into co-operation job or obtain an exit visa with the In a final that came fully alive Asian U-23 championship, to be happy news to his nation, which is be promoted as candidates and PLAYER OF THE FINAL TOP SCORER PLAYER OF THE they stay in the country. agreements with the QFA and QSL. permission of his employer. only in the second half, Iran held in Doha from January 12 to 30 caught in sectarian violence. later as full members based on Arsalan Motahhari Akram Afif TOURNAMENT Speaking at the launch QFA General Secretary Mansoor Qatar has promised to review an evaluation of their standard defeated Syria 2-0. next year. “A gold medal would’ve made our Four goals. Nasouh Nkdhle ceremony, attended by Qatar Al Ansari told Doha Stadium Plus it and introduce several other and activities. the mission Alireza Naghizadeh broke the players and countrymen happier, Stars League (QSL) cEO Hani taleb that the new association was a reforms. It will begin enforcing a ‘FIFPro supports players’ and deadlock close to the hour mark but it’s a game and one team has FAIR PLAY ballan, several other officials as step in the right direction. law that ensures foreign workers mission statement ‘FIFPro is the when he moved up by playing a QATAR FINISHED THIRD to lose. but we take it in our stride. Yemen well as a host of former and current “It’s very important to have get paid on time through banks exclusive collective voice of the one-two with Milad Kamandani WHILE AKRAM AFIF the participation in this tournament world’s professional footballers’ BECAME THE EVENT’S players, Al Ansari said the QPA’s an association like this in Qatar from early November, according to are the two key principles that and drilled in a long-ranger, which was important as we want to primary objective was to improve to support our players and their labour ministry officials. underpin the body’s activities. took a wicked deflection off Syria’s TOP SCORER. make an impact on the Asian the conditions of players. matters. It’ll be an independent centre-back Jihad busmar. championship,” said Muhannad. “We want to provide all players body, but the QFA will extend all » The writer can be contacted at: Syria gave it their all for an “We’ll hold camps in Vietnam and with the necessary protection. support to it,” said the official. [email protected] equaliser, but paid dearly for “We won the title and we’re the UAE, and will return to Doha pouring forward as Iran made it very happy about it. It was a great well prepared for the event,” he ŢŢOfficials and players at the 2-0 in the 81st, playing on the learning experience too as we’ll be added. launch. counter-attack. in Doha again in January for the Qatar defeated Yemen 3-0 to Milad rouhollah intercepted a Asian championship and playing finish third. Ahmed Ala’aedin (19th), rival move in the middle, went up to against some of these teams again. Akram Afif (58th) and Hamza Al the byline on the left and squared We hope our experience will come Senhaji (90th) scored for the hosts. the ball as Arsalan Motahhari, in handy at the continental event,” WAFF President Prince Ali bin Al adjudged the player of the final, said Khakpour. Hussein gave away the trophies placed it home past goalkeeper “I congratulate Syria at this in the presence of Qatar Football Abdullatif Nassan. moment because they too had a Association Vice-President Saud Iran coach Mohammad Khakpour, great tournament. Our message is Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi. Stage all set for inaugural Aspire Banks League HE inaugural Aspire banks the teams are Qatar central team to make things even more League, jointly organised by bank, Qatar National bank, Qatar competitive,” AZF’s corporate

DSP/Mohammed Dabboos DSP/Mohammed Tthe Aspire Zone Foundation Islamic bank, Masraf Al rayyan, communications Manager Hussain (AZF) and Qatar central bank (Qcb) barwa bank, Qatar Islamic Al Qahtani told Doha Stadium Plus. “It’s very important to have an “We want to provide all players “the Qatar Players Association will begin on Saturday. International bank, Al Ahli bank, “We’re very excited about the association like QPA in Qatar with the necessary protection. is a step in the right direction. the 14-team event, to be held International bank of Qatar, Khaliji new tournament. the league will to support our players and Our aim is to support, advise We’re sure it’ll be of great on Saturdays and Sundays at the bank, Qatar Development bank, help build relationships and their matters. It’ll be an and represent our members help to all footballers in ASPIrE Academy’s indoor training commercial bank, Doha bank, co-operation between Qatari independent body, but the at the local and international Qatar. It’ll boost their morale. pitch, will run until February. HSbc and Standard chartered. banks. We would like to thank the Qatar Football Association organisations in case of Bilal Mohammed, Qatar international the new league, which hopes “there’s definitely a lot of AZF for its tremendous support. will extend all support to it. disputes. and QPA board member. to build on the success of a similar interest in the competition and I wish all teams the best,” said Mansoor Al Ansari, QFA General Secretary. Salman Al Ansari, QPA President. event the AZF organised during I’m hopeful we’ll see very tough Qcb’s Head of Financial and WHAT THEY SAID WHAT this year’s ramadan, will feature matches. We may allow one or Administrative Affairs Jassim Al Hussain Al Qahtani Jassim Al Baker 14 teams and 91 games. two professional players in each baker. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 11 DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod ššIran captain roozbeh cheshmi hoists the trophy as Saud Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi, front row fourth right, and Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, right, applaud. Iran West Asian champions SPECIAL AWARDS rAN proved their future is quite who surprisingly announced his let there be peace for everyone. I bright by winning the inaugural decision to step down on the personally believe in peace and that IWest Asian Football Federation team’s return to tehran, said the football can bring it,” he added. (WAFF) Under-23 championship at tournament provided them with a Syria coach Muhannad Al Fakeer the Lekhwiya Stadium last week. perfect test ahead of the inaugural said the silver medal would be a In a final that came fully alive Asian U-23 championship, to be happy news to his nation, which is PLAYER OF THE FINAL TOP SCORER PLAYER OF THE only in the second half, Iran held in Doha from January 12 to 30 caught in sectarian violence. Arsalan Motahhari Akram Afif TOURNAMENT defeated Syria 2-0. next year. “A gold medal would’ve made our Four goals. Nasouh Nkdhle Alireza Naghizadeh broke the players and countrymen happier, deadlock close to the hour mark but it’s a game and one team has FAIR PLAY when he moved up by playing a QATAR FINISHED THIRD to lose. but we take it in our stride. Yemen one-two with Milad Kamandani WHILE AKRAM AFIF the participation in this tournament and drilled in a long-ranger, which BECAME THE EVENT’S was important as we want to took a wicked deflection off Syria’s TOP SCORER. make an impact on the Asian centre-back Jihad busmar. championship,” said Muhannad. Syria gave it their all for an “We’ll hold camps in Vietnam and equaliser, but paid dearly for “We won the title and we’re the UAE, and will return to Doha pouring forward as Iran made it very happy about it. It was a great well prepared for the event,” he 2-0 in the 81st, playing on the learning experience too as we’ll be added. counter-attack. in Doha again in January for the Qatar defeated Yemen 3-0 to Milad rouhollah intercepted a Asian championship and playing finish third. Ahmed Ala’aedin (19th), rival move in the middle, went up to against some of these teams again. Akram Afif (58th) and Hamza Al the byline on the left and squared We hope our experience will come Senhaji (90th) scored for the hosts. the ball as Arsalan Motahhari, in handy at the continental event,” WAFF President Prince Ali bin Al adjudged the player of the final, said Khakpour. Hussein gave away the trophies placed it home past goalkeeper “I congratulate Syria at this in the presence of Qatar Football Abdullatif Nassan. moment because they too had a Association Vice-President Saud Iran coach Mohammad Khakpour, great tournament. Our message is Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi. Stage all set for inaugural Aspire Banks League HE inaugural Aspire banks the teams are Qatar central team to make things even more League, jointly organised by bank, Qatar National bank, Qatar competitive,” AZF’s corporate Tthe Aspire Zone Foundation Islamic bank, Masraf Al rayyan, communications Manager Hussain (AZF) and Qatar central bank (Qcb) barwa bank, Qatar Islamic Al Qahtani told Doha Stadium Plus. will begin on Saturday. International bank, Al Ahli bank, “We’re very excited about the the 14-team event, to be held International bank of Qatar, Khaliji new tournament. the league will on Saturdays and Sundays at the bank, Qatar Development bank, help build relationships and ASPIrE Academy’s indoor training commercial bank, Doha bank, co-operation between Qatari pitch, will run until February. HSbc and Standard chartered. banks. We would like to thank the the new league, which hopes “there’s definitely a lot of AZF for its tremendous support. to build on the success of a similar interest in the competition and I wish all teams the best,” said event the AZF organised during I’m hopeful we’ll see very tough Qcb’s Head of Financial and this year’s ramadan, will feature matches. We may allow one or Administrative Affairs Jassim Al Hussain Al Qahtani Jassim Al Baker 14 teams and 91 games. two professional players in each baker. 12 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 13 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

RONALDO’S MOST MEMORABLE GOALS FOR REAL

CRSELF-BELIEF, DETERMINATION AND THE ABILITY TO DELIVER ARE THE KEY FACTORS THAT SET REAL MADRID’S ALL-TIME TOP Seeking greater heights SCORER CRISTIANO RONALDO APART, WRITES TIM HANLON. ronaldo’s aggressive victory cry, sumptuous ball control before Iain Rogers which prompted widespread ridicule unleashing a telling finish. in social media, mirrored the way he but the statistics favour Messi, plays his football. His game is based who at 28 has two-and-a-half years S WELL as combining sublime games, one more than raul who gestures, how he demands the ball NE moment that perhaps around superb athletic prowess, with on the 30-year-old ronaldo and is skill with extraordinary needed 741 matches. and wants to be the star of the show. best illustrates the difference lung-bursting runs, crashing shots likely to end his career with most of Aathletic prowess, it is cristiano the two are different types of He has backed that up with his Obetween cristiano ronaldo and showy flicks and stepovers. the major scoring records. ronaldo’s strength of character that players, with ronaldo preferring ability to almost single-handedly and his greatest rival Lionel Messi Messi has scored 418 goals in sets real Madrid’s new all-time top the wing where he has more space steamroller opponents with an was the former’s reaction when he 493 games while ronaldo’s tally scorer apart. rather than raul’s old out-and-out astounding efficiency in front of goal. won his third FIFA ballon d’Or award MESSI HAS AMASSED for real is 324 in 310 matches. the the weight of expectancy at striker role, although the Portuguese Among his many records, he has in January. 25 TITLES WITH BARCA, Portuguese striker also netted 118 real is considerable and when the has played the more central position hit over 50 goals in five consecutive ronaldo strode onto the stage INCLUDING FOUR times for Manchester United and Portugal captain arrived in 2009 as intermittently and particularly this seasons and he is the all-time in Zurich, Switzerland, to collect CHAMPIONS LEAGUES. five times for boyhood club Sporting World Player of the Year for a then season under coach rafa benitez. champions League top scorer with the gleaming golden ball before Lisbon, giving him a career total of world record transfer fee of €94m, 82 goals. clenching his fists in front of him and 447 goals in 633 appearances. there was huge pressure to deliver. In comparison with other real bellowing “Si!” (Yes!) at the audience. Messi, by contrast, appears like a In terms of silverware, Messi Many players struggle with RONALDO IS THE greats, ronaldo has arguably had It was the Portugal captain’s shy schoolboy in public and clearly has a clear edge. He has amassed adapting between the more ALL-TIME CHAMPIONS a greater influence on the team second consecutive success after he prefers to be playing football or be at 25 titles with barca, including four physical English Premier League LEAGUE TOP SCORER than even Alfredo Di Stefano, who ended barcelona forward Messi’s home with his family. champions Leagues, while ronaldo and La Liga, which puts greater WITH 82 GOALS. shared the dressing room with run of four straight awards between When he is on the pitch and in full won 10 with United and has a emphasis on technique and tactics, other iconic figures such as Ferenc 2009 and ’12, and the latest skirmish flow, he has the infectious joy of a relatively meagre seven with real but ronaldo, nicknamed cr7 after Puskas and Paco Gento. in the prolific pair’s battle for youngster, scurrying past opponents since joining in ’09, winning Europe’s his jersey number, had the self- “they’re both equally competitive ronaldo’s feats at real will always domination of the world game. with impossibly quick feet and elite club event once with each club. belief and determination to take it and in that I refer to ambition, be measured against the exploits in his stride. looking to improve and an of Lionel Messi for arch-rivals He quickly went from the obsession with work,” said Jorge barcelona. adoration of Manchester United Valdano, who coached raul at real they are clearly two Ruthless finisher to fans at Old trafford to adulation at and was also Sporting Director very different characters, Lionel the bernabeu, where he established when ronaldo joined the club. “the with Messi Messi himself as the undisputed talisman differences are more in terms of considerably more hang up his boots of the side. character and football style.” insular, but what ronaldo’s first year coincided with ronaldo imposes his personality does stand in MONG the glitz and power and efficiency who demands the final season of club hero raul on a match more than raul, who ronaldo’s favour glamour at real Madrid, raul to be in the limelight, raul was more Gonzalez, whom he has surpassed announced he would be retiring at is that his AGonzalez was the rarest of understated, a leader nonetheless as real’s all-time top scorer having the end of the season, and possibly success has commodities — a home-grown but will be remembered for his played fewer than half the number to a greater extent than any real come in two talent with an elegant style of poise and ruthless finishing. of games. player. different play that earned him respect at Like a Spanish bullfighter he ronaldo has 324 goals in 310 this is evident through his leagues. every Spanish ground he graced. would weigh up the moment and the prolific striker announced that deliver the killer blow. REAL’S ALL-TIME TOP SCORERS he would bring down the curtain In the heat of the El clasico clashes on a 21-year career that will always against barcelona when matches be defined by his exploits at real, often turned ugly, raul would remain a club he left in 2010 having made unruffled and sportsmanlike, traits 741 appearances and scored a record admired even by the opposition 323 goals, which was surpassed by when playing at the camp Nou. cristiano ronaldo last week. the biggest disappointment for the 38-year-old, who moved to raul will be on the international CRISTIANO RAUL ALFREDO CARLOS FERENC HUGO Schalke and Qatar’s Al Sadd before stage, however, where he was RONALDO GONZALEZ DI STEFANO ALONSO PUSKAS SANCHEZ arriving at the New York cosmos, part of a Spain side renowned for (2009-present) (1994-2010) (1953-1964) (1971-1988) (1958-1967) (1985-1992) will retire at the end of this season in underachieving and was dropped November. by coach Luis Aragones during raul and ronaldo share a qualifying for Euro ’08. goals324 in 310 goals323 in 741 goals308 in 396 goals290 in 645 goals242 in 262 goals208 in 282 common legacy of having defined So far, he is leaving his future official matches matches over 16 matches over 11 matches over 17 matches over matches over eras at the bernabeu, but that is open and there is a possibility that over seven seasons. seasons. seasons. nine seasons. seven seasons. where any similarities end. he could remain in New York for a seasons. titles titles: 16. titles: 17. titles: 16. titles: 10. titles: 10. Raul with real: 7. While ronaldo is a model of while. Gonzalez www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 13

RONALDO’S MOST MEMORABLE GOALS FOR REAL

After the ball ronaldo picked real and Playing against spun away up the ball 30M great rivals former club from goal at from goal in a barcelona Manchester real were trailing 1-2 2 a corner in a 3 La Liga game 4 were locked 5 United for the at home to Valencia La Liga game at Osasuna in at 0-0 in extra first time since heading into the 89th at rayo Vallecano March, ’12. He time of the ’11 joining real, minute of a La Liga in February, ’12, took a couple of steps King’s cup final ronaldo rescued a 1 game in May, 2014. ronaldo was the first to react. and smashed a shot into the in Valencia and heading for 1-1 draw with another brilliant Angel Di Maria lifted He chased it down and sent an top left corner before famously penalties. Di Maria whipped a header in a champions League the ball across the penalty audacious backheel through raising the leg of his shorts and cross over from the left wing last 16, first leg in Madrid in area and ronaldo pulled off a crowd of players into the pointing to his bulging right and ronaldo leaped high February, ’13. Di Maria was a kind of reverse karate kick corner of the net. thigh muscle. above barca defender Adriano again the provider, crossing for volley to send the ball into the to crash a header past keeper the Portuguese to arrow the net past stunned goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto to win the ball into the corner. Diego Alves. game. Seeking greater heights ronaldo’s aggressive victory cry, sumptuous ball control before Iain Rogers which prompted widespread ridicule unleashing a telling finish. in social media, mirrored the way he but the statistics favour Messi, plays his football. His game is based who at 28 has two-and-a-half years NE moment that perhaps around superb athletic prowess, with on the 30-year-old ronaldo and is best illustrates the difference lung-bursting runs, crashing shots likely to end his career with most of Obetween cristiano ronaldo and showy flicks and stepovers. the major scoring records. and his greatest rival Lionel Messi Messi has scored 418 goals in was the former’s reaction when he 493 games while ronaldo’s tally won his third FIFA ballon d’Or award MESSI HAS AMASSED for real is 324 in 310 matches. the in January. 25 TITLES WITH BARCA, Portuguese striker also netted 118 ronaldo strode onto the stage INCLUDING FOUR times for Manchester United and in Zurich, Switzerland, to collect CHAMPIONS LEAGUES. five times for boyhood club Sporting the gleaming golden ball before Lisbon, giving him a career total of clenching his fists in front of him and 447 goals in 633 appearances. bellowing “Si!” (Yes!) at the audience. Messi, by contrast, appears like a In terms of silverware, Messi It was the Portugal captain’s shy schoolboy in public and clearly has a clear edge. He has amassed second consecutive success after he prefers to be playing football or be at 25 titles with barca, including four ended barcelona forward Messi’s home with his family. champions Leagues, while ronaldo run of four straight awards between When he is on the pitch and in full won 10 with United and has a 2009 and ’12, and the latest skirmish flow, he has the infectious joy of a relatively meagre seven with real in the prolific pair’s battle for youngster, scurrying past opponents since joining in ’09, winning Europe’s domination of the world game. with impossibly quick feet and elite club event once with each club. Ruthless finisher to Lionel Messi hang up his boots MONG the glitz and power and efficiency who demands glamour at real Madrid, raul to be in the limelight, raul was more AGonzalez was the rarest of understated, a leader nonetheless commodities — a home-grown but will be remembered for his talent with an elegant style of poise and ruthless finishing. play that earned him respect at Like a Spanish bullfighter he every Spanish ground he graced. would weigh up the moment and the prolific striker announced that deliver the killer blow. he would bring down the curtain In the heat of the El clasico clashes on a 21-year career that will always against barcelona when matches be defined by his exploits at real, often turned ugly, raul would remain a club he left in 2010 having made unruffled and sportsmanlike, traits 741 appearances and scored a record admired even by the opposition 323 goals, which was surpassed by when playing at the camp Nou. cristiano ronaldo last week. the biggest disappointment for the 38-year-old, who moved to raul will be on the international Schalke and Qatar’s Al Sadd before stage, however, where he was arriving at the New York cosmos, part of a Spain side renowned for will retire at the end of this season in underachieving and was dropped November. by coach Luis Aragones during raul and ronaldo share a qualifying for Euro ’08. common legacy of having defined So far, he is leaving his future eras at the bernabeu, but that is open and there is a possibility that where any similarities end. he could remain in New York for a Raul While ronaldo is a model of while. Gonzalez 14 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 15 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

RESULTS As of Sunday EPL Augsburg lost to Darmstadt 0-2 Hamburg drew bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Newcastle United bt Norwich city 6-2 chelsea bt Aston Villa 2-0 Schalke 04 bt Hertha berlin 2-1 crystal Palace lost to West Ham 1-3 VfL Wolfsburg bt Hoffenheim 4-2 Everton lost to Man United 0-3 Werder bremen lost to bayern Munich 0-1 Man city bt bournemouth 5-1 Mainz lost to borussia Dortmund 0-2 Southampton drew Leicester city 2-2 LIGUE 1 tottenham drew Liverpool 0-0 G bordeaux drew Montpellier 0-0 Bracing for derby Watford lost to Arsenal 0-3 Oly Marseille drew Fc Lorient 1-1 West brom bt Sunderland 1-0 Stade rennes lost to Nice 1-4 them down in 10th place, but there SPFL En Avant Guingamp drew Lille 1-1 Martyn Herman was reason for optimism for Klopp Dundee United lost to Hearts 0-1 Nantes bt troyes Ac 3-0 St Etienne bt Ajaccio 2-0 who replaced the sacked brendan Hamilton drew Dundee 1-1 Kilmarnock bt caledonian thistle 2-0 bastia lost to PSG 0-2 rodgers this month. Motherwell lost to celtic 0-1 Stade de reims bt caen 0-1 OALS rained in for It was Liverpool’s first clean St Johnstone lost to Partick thistle 1-2 toulouse lost to Angers 1-2 Monaco drew Oly Lyon 1-1 Manchester city and sheet for nine matches in all ross county bt Aberdeen 2-0 Manchester United, but competitions. LA LIGA BRAZILIAN C’SHIP G Deportivo coruna drew Athletic club 2-2 Atletico Paranaense lost to corinthians 1-4 Juergen Klopp’s first game as “Goalless draw isn’t my dream Getafe bt Las Palmas 4-0 cruzeiro bt Fluminense 2-0 Liverpool manager was solid rather result, but it’s okay,” said Klopp. “Of real Sociedad lost to Atletico Madrid 0-2 Flamengo lost to Internacional 0-1 than spectacular as they drew course, our target is to have the nil Villarreal lost to celta Vigo 1-2 Gremio lost to chapecoense 2-3 Ponte Preta bt coritiba 3-0 0-0 at tottenham Hotspur in the on the right side and on the other Eibar drew Sevilla 1-1 barcelona bt rayo Vallecano 5-2 Santos bt Goias 3-1 Premier League last week. side another number!” real betis lost to Espanyol 1-3 Sao Paulo drew Vasco da Gama 2-2 raheem Sterling’s hat-trick and England winger Sterling, real Madrid bt Levante 3-0 Sport bt Atletico Mineiro 4-1 Valencia bt Malaga 3-0 Joinville bt Figueirense 1-0 a Wilfried bony double helped signed by city for about £45m Bimmer REUTERS/Fabian SERIE A Avai lost to Palmeiras 1-3 leaders city to a 5-1 home win from Liverpool, lit up the Etihad ARGENTINIAN C’SHIP šŢbayern Munich’s thomas Mueller, third left, celebrates his goal with team-mates. against bournemouth while United Stadium, with all three of his goals Atalanta bergamo bt carpi 3-0 bologna lost to Palermo 0-1 racing club bt boca Juniors 3-1 thumped Everton 3-0, with Wayne coming before halftime. Frosinone bt Sampdoria 2-0 Olimpo bt San Lorenzo 2-1 WEEKLY ROUND-UP rooney scoring his first away With Sergio Aguero facing an Genoa bt chievo Verona 3-2 river Plate drew Aldosivi 1-1 league goal for 11 months. injury lay-off, Sterling, criticised for Inter Milan drew Juventus 0-0 r central bt Argentinos Juniors 2-0 Napoli bt Fiorentina 2-1 tigre bt banfield 3-1 city have a two-point lead over his lack of finishing prowess since Sassuolo bt Lazio 2-1 Estudiantes bt Quilmes 4-1 United and Arsenal, who moved his move, seized the spotlight, Verona drew Udinese 1-1 Lanus lost to Velez Sarsfield 0-1 Bayern on cloud nine! up to second with a 3-0 win at poking in the opener after seven AS roma bt Empoli 3-1 Atletico rafaela lost to Godoy cruz 1-4 torino drew Ac Milan 1-1 Watford. West Ham United, who minutes, dribbling through for colon (Santa Fe) bt Arsenal 3-1 AYErN Munich edged past bundesliga matches. of Serie A despite losing 2-1 at Nueva chicago bt Newell’s Old boys 5-0 won 3-1 at crystal Palace, are a his second after half an hour and BUNDESLIGA struggling Werder bremen Napoli, only the second time they cologne lost to Hanover 0-1 San Martin (San Juan) drew belgrano 1-1 Neymar scores four further two points adrift. completing his hat-trick in ššManchester city’s Wilfried bony scores against bournemouth. Vfb Stuttgart bt Ingolstadt 1-0 crucero del Norte lost to Independiente 0-4 B1-0 last week, courtesy of have failed to win in eight league Liverpool’s sixth draw in seven first-half stoppage time. E Frankfurt lost to borussia M’bach 1-5 Huracan bt Sarmiento 3-0 thomas Mueller’s first-half goal to In Spain, cristiano ronaldo set games this season. matches in all competitions left bony, given his chance because of Aguero’s misfortune, also got in league-winning manager, who and Aaron ramsey as Watford set a bundesliga record for the best a real Madrid scoring record in Lorenzo Insigne and Gonzalo on the scoring act — linking well died aged 69 last week. crumbled. start to a season with their ninth their 3-0 stroll against Levante Higuain scored in the second with Sterling. Goals by Morgan Schneiderlin Jose Mourinho’s troubled start Neymar coy about consecutive victory. and Neymar hit four as champions half for the hosts while Nikola ŢšManchester United’s Wayne “We’re on fire, now we just and Ander Herrera put United in to the season took an upturn as Germany international Mueller, in Kalinic replied for Paulo Sousa’s rooney, left, need to continue. It’s a very control and rooney completed the chelsea steadied the ship with a secret of success sensational form this season, was side, who have 18 points, acknowledges important week for us — Sevilla win at his former club with only 2-0 home win against struggling left unmarked in the box to latch BAYERN WERE MISSING one ahead of AS roma and Inter crowd’s cheers in the company of on Wednesday in the champions second league goal of the season. Aston Villa, although they were EYMAr was delighted after netting his first onto a superb thiago Alcantara chip HALF-A-DOZEN KEY Milan. Jesse Lingard. League and then the Manchester Arsenal carried on where they helped by a goalkeeping error from four-goal haul, including two penalties for and tap in from close range in the PLAYERS, BUT STILL roma beat Empoli 3-1, with derby on Saturday,” he said. brad Guzan and Alan Hutton’s own barcelona, but the brazil forward was not ŢŢbarcelona’s 23rd minute for his ninth league DOMINATED. Daniele De rossi among the N Neymar reacts after United too will relish next goal. about to give away any clues to the secret of his scoring against rayo goal as bayern improved the record scorers on his 500th appearance for derby too after demolishing UNITED WILL TAKE ON High-flying West Ham notched success. Vallecano. they had set themselves in the the club, and Inter drew 0-0 with Everton at a sombre CITY IN THE HIGH-PROFILE a fourth away win this season, It was one of the 23-year-old’s best performances 2012-13 season. barcelona struggled to an ultimately Juventus at San Siro. Goodison Park where MANCHESTER DERBY Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet since joining barca in 2013 as the Spanish and Unbeaten bayern have a flattering 5-2 success against rayo fans took part in a ON SUNDAY. scoring late in a 3-1 victory at European champions fought back from 1-0 down to maximum 27 points, seven more Vallecano. Ibra double lifts PSG minute’s applause London rivals crystal Palace, who beat a spirited rayo Vallecano 5-2 at the Nou camp. than second-placed borussia celta Vigo’s 2-1 victory at In France, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored for Howard played half the match with 10 men After they fell behind in Dortmund, who won 2-0 at Villarreal left real, celta and barca twice as Paris Saint-Germain beat Kendall, the left off against United before the after Dwight Gayle was red-carded the 15th minute, Neymar Mainz 05. level on 18 points from eight Sc bastia 2-0 to maintain their five- club’s twice international break, although they just before the break. won and converted bayern were missing half- matches at the top. point lead at the top of Ligue 1. PSG did not hit their stride until the West Ham’s former manager a pair of spot kicks a-dozen key players, but still were unconvincing until the second second half. Sam Allardyce’s first game in and added two more dominated against bremen, who Napoli down Fiorentina half when their record scorer struck chile winger Alexis Sanchez put charge of Sunderland ended in goals in the second have now lost five consecutive In Italy, Fiorentina stayed top to settle the match. them ahead after 62 minutes and a 1-0 defeat at West bromwich period before teeing further goals followed in quick Albion, leaving them second from up Luis Suarez to succession from Olivier Giroud bottom. score a fifth for the home side late on. Barcelona will fix Houllier denies He is the first barca player other than Manchester United forward Anthony Martial and Lionel Messi to score four in a match defence: Enrique racism claims Martial, tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino since Samuel Eto’o in ’08 and his eight have bagged the Premier League player and goals in La Liga this term are helping ArcELONA coach Luis Enrique remains certain OrMEr France and Liverpool manager Gerard Pochettino manager of the month awards for September. offset the impact of Messi’s absence his team can iron out their defensive lapses Houllier has dismissed allegations by former win EPL Marital joined United for a reported £36m on the through injury. after another poor display by the back line in reds striker Nicolas Anelka that he is a racist. final day of the transfer window and the 19-year- B F One piece of skill particularly caught last week’s 5-2 win over rayo In his autobiography “Je ne old scored three league goals last month, the first awards the eye when Neymar feinted to go one Vallecano. barca have already marcherai jamais seul” (I Will coming on debut against Liverpool and then two more against Southampton. way and tapped the ball through the conceded 11 goals in eight Never Walk Alone), Houllier Spurs won all three of their Premier League legs of Nacho before the rayo defender matches this term compared wrote “for the first time of fixtures in September, including an impressive 4-1 stuck out a leg and felled the brazilian to with a mere 21 in 38 games my life I saw black men win over table-toppers Manchester city. concede a spot kick. last season as they swept to turn red-faced”, referring to It is the first Manager Of the Month award “I can’t explain how I do things, it would a fifth Spanish league title in an argument with Anelka’s for Pochettino since the Argentine took be giving away clues,” said Neymar. “It all seven years. brothers during negotiations to over at Spurs, though he also won it with Southampton in January, 2013. comes from practicing many times.” “the bad run will pass,” said Enrique. “We’re not extend the striker’s deal at Liverpool. “It’s absolutely “It’s a collective honour because we must “I’m very pleased with the win and for how focused enough and the first goal came after a risible and ridiculous. “It’s false, completely false,” he

recognise first our players, all coaching staff we played. rayo are a great team and it Gea REUTERS/Albert mistake in concentration.” was quoted as saying by French sports dailyL’Equipe . and the fans,” said Pochettino. cost us a lot to beat them,” he added. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 15

we played. rayo are a great team and it Gea REUTERS/Albert mistake in concentration.” was quoted as saying by French sports dailyL’Equipe . cost us a lot to beat them,” he added. 16 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 17 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

EURO QUALIFIERS twenty countries are through to the Euro 2016 finals, including hosts France, as all qualifying matches have been completed. the remaining four finalists will be decided after the double-leg play-offs, to be held from November 12 to 17. TEAMS EIGHT TEAMS IN PLAY-OFFS Hosts France Group b bosnia Group A Iceland, czech republic Group c Ukraine Albania’s Group b belgium, Wales Group D Ireland Group c Spain, Slovakia Group E Slovenia Group D Germany, Poland Group F Hungary Group E England, Switzerland Group G Sweden Group F Northern Ireland, romania Group H Norway Group G Austria, russia Group I Denmark date with Group H Italy, croatia Group I Portugal, Albania history best third team turkey (Group A) three million did come top of a guru-like approach and his global decide our own fate, pick Albanians “Initially, we thought Portugal Benet Koleka 1980s global poll which ranked search for players who could anywhere and convince them to and Serbia would make it and we countries by percentage of represent the country. play for us,” said veteran captain would compete with Denmark. It population attending matches. “When I said Albania could do it, Lorik cana, born in Kosovo but did not cross our mind the others tALIAN coach Gianni De biasi It is fair to say that those they laughed at me,” he said. “but playing for Nantes in France. would make more mistakes than was just the man Albania spectators, more often than not, we’re the kind of team who could He is the only player from before us,” Hafizi said. Luca needed to turn one of did not have a lot to celebrate. cause trouble to anyone because Di biasi’s arrival still in the team. All After the country clinched its I Zidane European football’s poorest, most Albania have never reached the we’re a team with a big t. Our the rest have come into the side in place in the Euro finals with a 3-0 unsuccessful teams into match World cup finals and until this power is our group.” the last three years, although some win in Armenia recently, players winners after decades of failure on week had never come close to the One of the key elements of slipped through the net: Xherdan sang songs on the bus extolling INTERVIEW the international stage. Euros, either. Albania’s new-found success is that Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka, are the unity of Albania and Kosovo, A solid midfielder in his playing but De biasi has changed among six Albanians playing for which should become UEFA’s 55th days, De biasi forged a reputation all that. Albanian FA chairman the Swiss, while Shkodran Mustafi member next year. as a coach for saving lost causes, Armando Duka, tired of always WE SHALL BE DEMANDING plays for Germany. Kosovo’s FA Secretary Erol Salihu either gaining promotion or losing out, chose the Italian to Xhaka’s brother, taulant, does said last week although Kosovo Like father, like son OUR RIGHT TO GET BACK avoiding relegation from seemingly change things — and he quickly THE PLAYERS WHO’VE THE play, as do many others who had given the Albanian team its champions and we’re very happy ЂЂYou’re a goalkeeper who’s very unwinnable positions. made an impact. WILL TO RETURN. could not make it for Switzerland, “backbone” and an enlivened fan Sarah Steiner about that, but at this tournament, active in play. How has this part of So taking over the Albania After their first match under Germany or belgium. base, it will sit down with Albania we go right from the beginning your game developed? national team in December, his guidance, against Georgia “Had the national team come to talk in a “brotherly way” about again. ЃЂI love playing football and I 2011, seemed the perfect match, in February, ’12, he wrote the for the first time, De biasi and his out of the home league, it wouldn’t the future. rANcE are one of the favourites always have. I want to be a part and little under four years later players a letter which has proved assistant, Paolo tramezzani, were have made it to France. but they “We shall be demanding our Belgium set to be for the title at the ongoing FIFA ЂЂHow far can this team go? of the game and I like being Albania are all set for next year’s somewhat prophetic. handed a ticket to fly round the all are quality players from foreign right to get back the players who’ve FUnder-17 World cup in chile. ЃЂWe’re a very ambitious group involved. I want to be our team’s European championship in France “We start today building the world to find eligible players. leagues, and De biasi picked the the will to return,” he said. “Kosovo world No.1 team Among their ranks is Luca Zidane, with a lot of quality, and we’ll go as 11th player out on the pitch. Future after qualifying from a group base to become great. I’ve faith they flew as far as china and best,” Gezim Sinemati, one of the will be accepted as members at the second son of legendary French far as we can, but thinking about goalkeepers will be more and more that included winners Portugal, in you and will be there for Australia to watch 148 Albanians leading sports writers, said. the next UEFA congress and rArE case of unity is breaking out in belgium, footballer Zinedine Zidane. Like his the final now would be a bad idea. involved in the action, I feel sure Denmark, Serbia and Armenia. you,” wrote De biasi, spelling and ethnic Albanians from the Astrit Hafizi, who coached the although we won’t take any where the country is about to take over at the father, Luca dreams of being a world We’ll take it game by game and we about that. And they’ll need to be It is a remarkable achievement out elsewhere the words “fight”, balkans who were either born or team from ’96 to ’99, also gave unilateral steps, everyone should Atop of FIFA’s world rankings after winning their champion, not as a playmaker, but won’t be arrogant in the way we go very good on the ball. I think that for a country whose only “victories” and “tears for the shirt” raised mainly in western Europe or credit to the expanded Euro ’16 understand that nobody should final Euro 2016 qualifier against Israel last week. as a goalkeeper. He spoke to FIFA about our job. We’ll give it our all in a few years, the goalkeeper will international success was winning in bold type. playing elsewhere. format and to Duka’s initiative for prevent anybody the natural but while the modest-sized nation celebrates Weekly about France’s chances play an even more decisive role in the long-defunct balkan cup in And after Albania qualified, De “We had a chance others didn’t improving the team’s financing and right to represent its successas well as the failure of neighbours matches than he does now. 1946 — although the nation of biasi spoke of the laughs at his have. We could, for the first time, infrastructure. his own state.” the Netherlands to qualify for Euro ’16, there is ЂЂYou’re enjoying your first taste of FOR ANY FOOTBALLER, widespread doubt about the value of the honour a World Cup. How are you feeling? THE WORLD CUP IS THE ЂЂBig tournaments like this which, many argue, skews the real strengths of teams. ЃЂI’m feeling good. I’m over the are often decided by penalty ŢŢAlbanian players celebrate after qualifying for Euro 2016. MOST IMPORTANT the red Devils will clinch the No.1 spot when moon to be here in chile, and TOURNAMENT. shoot-outs. How do you prepare the rankings are published in November, following obviously I’m really proud to be yourself for something like that? second-placed Germany’s loss to Ireland and Ecuador’s able to represent my country at this ЃЂI take the situation as it comes. win over current leaders Argentina in the recent past. tournament. For any footballer, the until we’ve left everything out on the I train hard in every aspect of my the FIFA ranking, which takes into account results, World cup is the most important pitch. Obviously, though, our dream game, but I don’t do special the opponents and importance of the games, has tournament. We’re a tight-knit is to lift the trophy. training for penalties. they’re a been criticised for not reflecting a team’s strength and group that has come a long way and thing of intuition and I think I’ve rewarding weak teams who are on a winning streak. now we’re all looking forward to the ЂЂFootball is in your genes. How had that since I was a little kid. belgium, a country of 11 million people, are the challenge in front of us. big an impression has your father It’s a special situation: this second nation since the system’s introduction in 1992 Zinedine left on you? And indeed, one-on-one battle with your to take top spot in FIFA’s rankings without having won ЂЂFrance have been drawn into a to what extent might the name opponent. Instinct takes over and a World cup or European championship. the Dutch, group with New Zealand, Paraguay ‘Zidane’ have been a barrier for it’s all-important. who were there for a month in ’11, at least won the and Syria. What do you make of you? Euros in ’88. your opponents? ЃЂWhen I hear the name ’Zidane’, ЂЂAt the European Championship, ЃЂWe haven’t watched those teams my first thought is of my grandfather, you saved three penalties in the şЂbelgium’s Eden Hazard, yet, so we don’t really know them who’s a really important person in semifinal to help your team reach second left, is that well, but they’re all big names. our family. but obviously I’m also the final. You also took a penalty congratulated Every team can be dangerous for us the son of Zinedine Zidane. I’m yourself and missed. Will you be “When I said by team-mates Albania could after scoring and give us problems. We need to very proud of what my father has stepping forward to take one in do it, they laughed at against Israel take all of them very seriously, and achieved and I’m very happy to carry Chile? during their Euro we’ll. his name, but I also don’t like being Ѓ that’ll depend on the situation. me. but we’re the kind qualifier. Ђ of team who could compared to him. At the end of the day, the coach cause trouble to anyone ЂЂYou started the tournament and the players decide the takers because we’re a team in Chile as European champions. ЂЂIs that the reason you became a together, but you’ve to remember with a big t. Our power Are you feeling the pressure of goalkeeper? how the game has gone and expectation? Ѓ As a goalkeeper, I’m judged on my whether the situation requires is our group. Ђ ЃЂNo. We know that everything performances — there’s no way of someone else stepping up to take Gianni De Biasi, starts from zero — that’s what the comparing me with my father. So in responsibility. And If I’m asked to Albania coach. coaching staff have constantly been that sense, yes, it’s definitely one of take a penalty, then I’ll take one. I’m telling us. We arrived as European the reasons I became a keeper. ready. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 17

Luca Zidane INTERVIEW Like father, like son champions and we’re very happy ЂЂYou’re a goalkeeper who’s very Sarah Steiner about that, but at this tournament, active in play. How has this part of we go right from the beginning your game developed? again. ЃЂI love playing football and I rANcE are one of the favourites always have. I want to be a part Belgium set to be for the title at the ongoing FIFA ЂЂHow far can this team go? of the game and I like being FUnder-17 World cup in chile. ЃЂWe’re a very ambitious group involved. I want to be our team’s world No.1 team Among their ranks is Luca Zidane, with a lot of quality, and we’ll go as 11th player out on the pitch. Future the second son of legendary French far as we can, but thinking about goalkeepers will be more and more rArE case of unity is breaking out in belgium, footballer Zinedine Zidane. Like his the final now would be a bad idea. involved in the action, I feel sure where the country is about to take over at the father, Luca dreams of being a world We’ll take it game by game and we about that. And they’ll need to be Atop of FIFA’s world rankings after winning their champion, not as a playmaker, but won’t be arrogant in the way we go very good on the ball. I think that final Euro 2016 qualifier against Israel last week. as a goalkeeper. He spoke to FIFA about our job. We’ll give it our all in a few years, the goalkeeper will but while the modest-sized nation celebrates Weekly about France’s chances play an even more decisive role in its successas well as the failure of neighbours matches than he does now. the Netherlands to qualify for Euro ’16, there is ЂЂYou’re enjoying your first taste of FOR ANY FOOTBALLER, widespread doubt about the value of the honour a World Cup. How are you feeling? THE WORLD CUP IS THE ЂЂBig tournaments like this which, many argue, skews the real strengths of teams. ЃЂI’m feeling good. I’m over the MOST IMPORTANT are often decided by penalty the red Devils will clinch the No.1 spot when moon to be here in chile, and TOURNAMENT. shoot-outs. How do you prepare the rankings are published in November, following obviously I’m really proud to be yourself for something like that? second-placed Germany’s loss to Ireland and Ecuador’s able to represent my country at this ЃЂI take the situation as it comes. win over current leaders Argentina in the recent past. tournament. For any footballer, the until we’ve left everything out on the I train hard in every aspect of my the FIFA ranking, which takes into account results, World cup is the most important pitch. Obviously, though, our dream game, but I don’t do special the opponents and importance of the games, has tournament. We’re a tight-knit is to lift the trophy. training for penalties. they’re a been criticised for not reflecting a team’s strength and group that has come a long way and thing of intuition and I think I’ve rewarding weak teams who are on a winning streak. now we’re all looking forward to the ЂЂFootball is in your genes. How had that since I was a little kid. belgium, a country of 11 million people, are the challenge in front of us. big an impression has your father It’s a special situation: this second nation since the system’s introduction in 1992 Zinedine left on you? And indeed, one-on-one battle with your to take top spot in FIFA’s rankings without having won ЂЂFrance have been drawn into a to what extent might the name opponent. Instinct takes over and a World cup or European championship. the Dutch, group with New Zealand, Paraguay ‘Zidane’ have been a barrier for it’s all-important. who were there for a month in ’11, at least won the and Syria. What do you make of you? Euros in ’88. your opponents? ЃЂWhen I hear the name ’Zidane’, ЂЂAt the European Championship, ЃЂWe haven’t watched those teams my first thought is of my grandfather, you saved three penalties in the şЂbelgium’s Eden Hazard, yet, so we don’t really know them who’s a really important person in semifinal to help your team reach second left, is that well, but they’re all big names. our family. but obviously I’m also the final. You also took a penalty congratulated Every team can be dangerous for us the son of Zinedine Zidane. I’m yourself and missed. Will you be by team-mates after scoring and give us problems. We need to very proud of what my father has stepping forward to take one in against Israel take all of them very seriously, and achieved and I’m very happy to carry Chile? during their Euro Ѓ qualifier. we’ll. his name, but I also don’t like being Ђthat’ll depend on the situation. compared to him. At the end of the day, the coach ЂЂYou started the tournament and the players decide the takers in Chile as European champions. ЂЂIs that the reason you became a together, but you’ve to remember Are you feeling the pressure of goalkeeper? how the game has gone and expectation? ЃЂAs a goalkeeper, I’m judged on my whether the situation requires ЃЂNo. We know that everything performances — there’s no way of someone else stepping up to take starts from zero — that’s what the comparing me with my father. So in responsibility. And If I’m asked to coaching staff have constantly been that sense, yes, it’s definitely one of take a penalty, then I’ll take one. I’m telling us. We arrived as European the reasons I became a keeper. ready. 18 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 19

MIXEDPARA-ATHLETICS ZONE | QATAR

“I’m confident “the IPc Athletics “We’re really the Doha Worlds is pleased Abdelqader to lead THE INTERNATIONAL PARALYMPIC event will be travelling to to have COMMITTEE’S ATHLETICS WORLD the biggest the Middle such top Qatar’s challenge CHAMPIONSHIPS, WHICH START ON and best to East for the first sportspersons date. coming time and we in Qatar. AtAr will field an eight-member team, its WEDNESDAY, ARE SURE TO SHOWCASE less than 11 couldn’t have asked It’s quite a biggest ever, for the IPc Athletics World THE TRIUMPH OF SPIRIT AND months ahead of the rio for better hosts. the Gcc test prestigious event and Qchampionships. DETERMINATION OVER ADVERSITY, Paralympics, athletes should event gave us valuable insights we promise to make it the host nation’s medal hopes will rest on F34 shot be at the top of their game and into areas for improvement. memorable. the stadium is put world record holder Abdelrahman Abdelqader, MIND WRITES AJU GEORGE CHRIS. who carried the country’s flag at the opening looking to lay down a strong I’m sure Qatari organisers will ready. We’ve done everything IS WILLING, SO IS marker. I expect many world incorporate these observations to make it a success. I wish all ceremony of the ’12 London Paralympic Games. records to be set here. to deliver a flawless experience. athletes the best. Abdelqader, who also won a gold and bronze at t IS SAID adversities often bring participation of 1,282 athletes, the ’14 Asian Para-Games in Incheon, South Korea, Sir Philip Craven, Ryan Montgomery, IPc Amir Al Mulla, cEO, 2015 the best out of human beings. including 443 women, from 97 said he was keen to further improve his world record IPc President. Summer Sports Director. IPc Athletics Worlds. Ithe International Paralympic countries. the total number is 21 in Doha. committee’s (IPc) Athletics World per cent more than the figure at the QATAR SQUAD “For me, competing in PREVIOUS HOSTS MEN championships, which start at ’13 Lyon Worlds in France. Perhaps Long jump F20 front of the home crowd will the Qatar Sports club Stadium on more importantly, the Qatari capital Abdulla Mohammed be a beautiful feeling. It’ll Wednesday and end on October will feature 39 per cent more 1994 1998 2002 2006 2011 2013 Abdulraheem motivate me to capture a World berlin (GEr) birmingham (UK) Lille (FrA) Assen (NED) christchurch (NZL) Lyon (FrA) Shot put F20 29, are sure to provide scores of female athletes as well. Mohammed Ali Al Abd championship medal at home. examples of it. IPc President Sir Philip craven Shot put F34 My family and friends will be the biennial event, coming to sounded enthusiastic. said craven. IPC ATHLETICS “We’re thrilled about bringing our Abdelrahman Abdelqader cheering me on and I hope to the Middle East for the first time, “I’m confident the Doha event Former IPc Athletics chief ryan largest-ever team to Doha. there’re 100/200M T34 make them proud. I’ll do my BODY CLASSIFICATION Khalid Hamad Al Hajri will see some of the world’s best will be the biggest and best to date. Montgomery, who was recently several seasoned veterans as well best,” said Abdelqader. Athletes with varying degrees of disabilities 100/200/400M T34 para-athletes striving to go faster, coming less than 11 months ahead promoted as Summer Sports are classified into different classes as a few exciting young stars with Mohammed rashid Al He will be joined by Sara higher and stronger. of the rio Paralympics, athletes Director, also had few doubts while competing in IPc Athletics World us. With the rio Games near, they’re Kubaisi Hamdi, in F33 shot put, and championships. While ‘t’ and a number 100M T35 Obviously, the stakes are should be at the top of their game about Doha’s ability to put up an signifies a class of track event, those with ‘F’ out to prove a point. We promise to Mohammed rashid Al Kubaisi, Khalifa Abdulla Al Dosari and a number signifies a field event. incredibly high as the winners will and looking to lay down a strong inspirational show. do everything to put team USA on Javelin throw F57 who is set to feature in three T11/12/13 and F11/12/13 directly qualify for the 2016 rio marker. I expect a number of “the IPc Athletics Worlds is top. I’m confident,” said Sellers. Nasser Saed Al Sahoti events — 100, 200 and 400 t34 Athletes with visual impairment. WOMEN Paralympic Games. world records to be smashed travelling to the Middle East for T31 to 38 and F31 to 38 Meanwhile, Great britain’s sprints. the Doha event has here. I also see many new the first time and we couldn’t have Athletes with cerebral palsy, head injury captain Laura Sugar hoped her Shot put F33 At 43 years, ’06 IPc Athletics Sara Hamdi so far confirmed names emerging,” wished for a better host. the Gcc or stroke. team would improve on their fifth- Worlds bronze medallist Nasser T41 to 46 and F41 to 46 test event gave us valuable insights Athletes with amputations or similar place finish in Lyon. Saed Al Sahoti will be Qatar’s most experienced into areas for improvement. impairments “Our aim is to do better than we athlete. the a veteran of three IPc Worlds and two I’m sure Qatari organisers will T51 to 58 and F51 to 58 did in France two years ago. but of Paralympic Games will compete in F57 javelin throw Athletes with varying levels of spinal incorporate these observations cord injury, in addition to some with course, we’ve got a real fight on our in Doha. to deliver a flawless experience,” amputations, musculoskeletal impairments hands. We’ve a lot of new members Khalid Hamad Al Hajri, 19, is Qatar’s youngest and congenital anomalies. said Montgomery, who is now in the team and they’re pumped up entrant and will compete in 100 and 200M t34 tasked with overseeing athletics, for the action.” she said. races. Khalifa Abdulla Al Dosari (100M t35), Abdulla swimming, powerlifting, shooting the event will also provide a Mohammed Abdulraheem (long jump F20) and and wheelchair dance sport THE IPC ATHLETICS platform for aspiring athletes from Mohammed Ali Al Abd (shot put F20) are Qatar’s programmes as well. WORLDS IS TRAVELLING the region, like the UAE’s thuraya Al other athletes. On the competition front, china TO THE MIDDLE EAST FOR Zaabi, to make a bow. has registered the maximum THE FIRST TIME. Al Zaabi, who took up para- number of athletes (79) while USA athletics following a stroke which and russia are close behind with paralysed the left side of her body, 77-strong squads each. the hosts, the stadium is ready. We’ve persevered to become the first with eight athletes, are also looking done everything to make it a Emirati woman to compete in the ’08 to make a mark. success. I wish all athletes the best,” beijing and ’12 London Paralympics. Qatar Paralympic committee he said. “the stroke, which almost left me Executive Director Amir Al Mulla, In Lyon, russia (26 gold, 16 silver paralysed, proved to be a catalyst who is also cEO of the Worlds, and 11 bronze) trumped arch-rivals for my sports journey. While it ş şSome of the welcomed the athletes. USA (17, 18, 17) to take the top wasn’t easy, sports gave me hope. It world’s best ŠŠFrom left, para-athletes “We’re really pleased to have spot. However, US Paralympics track renewed my weak muscles. I hope Mohammed will be in action these top sportspersons in Qatar. and Field High Performance Director my story will inspire other disabled rashid Al Kubaisi, at the Doha IPc Sara Hamdi and Athletics World It’s quite a prestigious event and cathy Sellers said she hoped to set people to excel in life,” added Abdulrahman championships. we promise to make it memorable. the record straight in Qatar. Al Zaabi. Abdelqader. DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod ALED DAVIES (GBR) DAVID WEIR (GBR) EVAN O’HANLON (AUS) EVGENII SHVETSOV (RUS)(RUS) JASON SMYTH (IRE) JEREMY CAMPBELL (USA) HANNAH COCKROFT (GBR) ILSE HAYES (RSA) Date of birth: May 28, 1991 Date of birth: June 8, 1979 Date of birth: May 6, 1988 Date of birth: February 29, 1988 Date of birth: July 6, 1987 Date of birth: August 21, 1987 Date of birth: August 1, 1992 Date of birth: September 1, 1985 Davies, who was in record- Weir cemented his position O’Hanlon, born with cerebral Shvetsov followed up his In ’14, ahead of the IPc Athletics campbell made history in cockroft has won every major title Aged seven, Hayes was diagnosed breaking form last season, will as one of the world’s palsy, is one of the fastest great run at the ’12 London European championships in April, ’12, when he became she competed for since making with Stargardt’s disease — a look forward to retain his shot greatest wheelchair racers Paralympians on the planet Paralympics with an even Swansea, Smyth, the world’s the first para-athlete to throw her international debut in 2011, condition which affects central put and discus throw world of all time by winning four and one of the most decorated more impressive show at fastest Paralympian, was the discus beyond 60M. dominating the t34 wheelchair vision. In April, ’15, she became titles. After changing his coach gold medals at the ’12 as well. His parents and sisters thethe ’13’13 IPIPc AthleticsAthletics WorldsWorlds reclassified and moved from He has a well-established racing class. She used to compete the world’s fastest para-athlete this season, he has already Paralympics. His rivalry with were all involved in elite rowing. inin Lyon.Lyon. DebutingDebuting onlyonly inin the t13 class to the higher t12. rivalry with Great britain’s in swimming, seated discus by clocking 11.89sec to win 100M improved on his world records Switzerland’s Marcel Hug Initially a rugby player, he June,June, ’12,’12, hehe currentlycurrently holdsholds but that hardly bothered him Dan Greaves and the fight throw, wheelchair basketball and gold at the IPc Athletics Grand in shot put (15.93M) and is legendary and it should became the first athlete to break thethe worldworld recordsrecords inin 100,100, and he raced to 100 and 200M between them could be one rugby. ‘Hurricane Hannah’ has Prix in Sao Paulo, brazil. She will discus throw (48.87M). once again be on display 11 and 22-sec barriers over 100 200, 400, 800M and long gold. He is expected to do well of the highlights of the Doha been breaking world records with be looking to continue her great in Doha. and 200M distances respectively. jump.jump. in Doha. Worlds. amazing regularity. form in Doha as well.

ATHLETES TO WATCH TO ATHLETES ACHIEVMENTS: Discus F42 gold, shot put F42/44 ACHIEVMENTS: 800, 1,500, 5,000M and marathon ACHIEVMENTS: 100, 200 and 400M t38 gold at ACHIEVMENTS: 100, 200, 400M t36 and 4x100M ACHIEVMENTS: 100 and 200M t13 gold at ’08 ACHIEVMENTS: Discus F44 and pentathlon gold at ’08 ACHIEVMENTS: 100 and 200M t34 gold at ’12 ACHIEVMENTS: Long jump F13 gold and 100M t13 bronze at 2012 London Paralympics; Shot put F42 and t54 gold at ’12 London Paralympics; 800, 1,500 ’13 IPc Athletics Worlds; 100 and 200M gold at ’12 t35-38 relay gold at ’13 IPc Athletics Worlds; 100, beijing and ’12 London Paralympics; 100 and 200M beijing and discus F44 gold at ’12 London Paralympics; London Paralympics; 100 and 200M t34 gold at ’13 silver at ’12 London Paralympics; long jump F13 gold discus throw F42 gold at ’13 Lyon IPc Athletics Worlds. and 5,000M t54 gold at ’11 IPc Athletics Worlds. London Paralympics. 200 and 400M t36 gold at ’12 London Paralympics. t13 gold at ’13 IPc Athletics Worlds. discus F44 gold at ’13 IPc Athletics Worlds. IPc Athletics Worlds. and 100M t13 silver at ’13 IPc Athletics Worlds. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 19

“I’m confident “the IPc Athletics “We’re really the Doha Worlds is pleased Abdelqader to lead event will be travelling to to have the biggest the Middle such top Qatar’s challenge and best to East for the first sportspersons date. coming time and we in Qatar. AtAr will field an eight-member team, its less than 11 couldn’t have asked It’s quite a biggest ever, for the IPc Athletics World months ahead of the rio for better hosts. the Gcc test prestigious event and Qchampionships. Paralympics, athletes should event gave us valuable insights we promise to make it the host nation’s medal hopes will rest on F34 shot be at the top of their game and into areas for improvement. memorable. the stadium is put world record holder Abdelrahman Abdelqader, looking to lay down a strong I’m sure Qatari organisers will ready. We’ve done everything who carried the country’s flag at the opening marker. I expect many world incorporate these observations to make it a success. I wish all ceremony of the ’12 London Paralympic Games. records to be set here. to deliver a flawless experience. athletes the best. Abdelqader, who also won a gold and bronze at the ’14 Asian Para-Games in Incheon, South Korea, Sir Philip Craven, Ryan Montgomery, IPc Amir Al Mulla, cEO, 2015 said he was keen to further improve his world record IPc President. Summer Sports Director. IPc Athletics Worlds. in Doha. QATAR SQUAD “For me, competing in PREVIOUS HOSTS MEN Long jump F20 front of the home crowd will Abdulla Mohammed be a beautiful feeling. It’ll 1994 1998 2002 2006 2011 2013 Abdulraheem motivate me to capture a World berlin (GEr) birmingham (UK) Lille (FrA) Assen (NED) christchurch (NZL) Lyon (FrA) Shot put F20 Mohammed Ali Al Abd championship medal at home. Shot put F34 My family and friends will be said craven. IPC ATHLETICS “We’re thrilled about bringing our Abdelrahman Abdelqader cheering me on and I hope to Former IPc Athletics chief ryan largest-ever team to Doha. there’re 100/200M T34 make them proud. I’ll do my CLASSIFICATION Khalid Hamad Al Hajri Montgomery, who was recently several seasoned veterans as well best,” said Abdelqader. Athletes with varying degrees of disabilities 100/200/400M T34 promoted as Summer Sports are classified into different classes as a few exciting young stars with Mohammed rashid Al He will be joined by Sara Director, also had few doubts while competing in IPc Athletics World us. With the rio Games near, they’re Kubaisi Hamdi, in F33 shot put, and championships. While ‘t’ and a number 100M T35 about Doha’s ability to put up an signifies a class of track event, those with ‘F’ out to prove a point. We promise to Mohammed rashid Al Kubaisi, Khalifa Abdulla Al Dosari and a number signifies a field event. inspirational show. do everything to put team USA on Javelin throw F57 who is set to feature in three T11/12/13 and F11/12/13 “the IPc Athletics Worlds is top. I’m confident,” said Sellers. Nasser Saed Al Sahoti events — 100, 200 and 400 t34 Athletes with visual impairment. WOMEN travelling to the Middle East for T31 to 38 and F31 to 38 Meanwhile, Great britain’s sprints. the first time and we couldn’t have Athletes with cerebral palsy, head injury captain Laura Sugar hoped her Shot put F33 At 43 years, ’06 IPc Athletics Sara Hamdi wished for a better host. the Gcc or stroke. team would improve on their fifth- Worlds bronze medallist Nasser T41 to 46 and F41 to 46 test event gave us valuable insights Athletes with amputations or similar place finish in Lyon. Saed Al Sahoti will be Qatar’s most experienced into areas for improvement. impairments “Our aim is to do better than we athlete. the a veteran of three IPc Worlds and two I’m sure Qatari organisers will T51 to 58 and F51 to 58 did in France two years ago. but of Paralympic Games will compete in F57 javelin throw Athletes with varying levels of spinal incorporate these observations cord injury, in addition to some with course, we’ve got a real fight on our in Doha. to deliver a flawless experience,” amputations, musculoskeletal impairments hands. We’ve a lot of new members Khalid Hamad Al Hajri, 19, is Qatar’s youngest and congenital anomalies. said Montgomery, who is now in the team and they’re pumped up entrant and will compete in 100 and 200M t34 tasked with overseeing athletics, for the action.” she said. races. Khalifa Abdulla Al Dosari (100M t35), Abdulla swimming, powerlifting, shooting the event will also provide a Mohammed Abdulraheem (long jump F20) and and wheelchair dance sport THE IPC ATHLETICS platform for aspiring athletes from Mohammed Ali Al Abd (shot put F20) are Qatar’s programmes as well. WORLDS IS TRAVELLING the region, like the UAE’s thuraya Al other athletes. On the competition front, china TO THE MIDDLE EAST FOR Zaabi, to make a bow. has registered the maximum THE FIRST TIME. Al Zaabi, who took up para- number of athletes (79) while USA athletics following a stroke which and russia are close behind with paralysed the left side of her body, 77-strong squads each. the hosts, the stadium is ready. We’ve persevered to become the first with eight athletes, are also looking done everything to make it a Emirati woman to compete in the ’08 to make a mark. success. I wish all athletes the best,” beijing and ’12 London Paralympics. Qatar Paralympic committee he said. “the stroke, which almost left me Executive Director Amir Al Mulla, In Lyon, russia (26 gold, 16 silver paralysed, proved to be a catalyst who is also cEO of the Worlds, and 11 bronze) trumped arch-rivals for my sports journey. While it welcomed the athletes. USA (17, 18, 17) to take the top wasn’t easy, sports gave me hope. It ŠŠFrom left, “We’re really pleased to have spot. However, US Paralympics track renewed my weak muscles. I hope Mohammed these top sportspersons in Qatar. and Field High Performance Director my story will inspire other disabled rashid Al Kubaisi, Sara Hamdi and It’s quite a prestigious event and cathy Sellers said she hoped to set people to excel in life,” added Abdulrahman we promise to make it memorable. the record straight in Qatar. Al Zaabi. Abdelqader.

EVGENII SHVETSOV (RUS) JASON SMYTH (IRE) JEREMY CAMPBELL (USA) HANNAH COCKROFT (GBR) ILSE HAYES (RSA) Date of birth: February 29, 1988 Date of birth: July 6, 1987 Date of birth: August 21, 1987 Date of birth: August 1, 1992 Date of birth: September 1, 1985 Shvetsov followed up his In ’14, ahead of the IPc Athletics campbell made history in cockroft has won every major title Aged seven, Hayes was diagnosed great run at the ’12 London European championships in April, ’12, when he became she competed for since making with Stargardt’s disease — a Paralympics with an even Swansea, Smyth, the world’s the first para-athlete to throw her international debut in 2011, condition which affects central more impressive show at fastest Paralympian, was the discus beyond 60M. dominating the t34 wheelchair vision. In April, ’15, she became the ’13 IPc Athletics Worlds reclassified and moved from He has a well-established racing class. She used to compete the world’s fastest para-athlete in Lyon. Debuting only in the t13 class to the higher t12. rivalry with Great britain’s in swimming, seated discus by clocking 11.89sec to win 100M June, ’12, he currently holds but that hardly bothered him Dan Greaves and the fight throw, wheelchair basketball and gold at the IPc Athletics Grand the world records in 100, and he raced to 100 and 200M between them could be one rugby. ‘Hurricane Hannah’ has Prix in Sao Paulo, brazil. She will 200, 400, 800M and long gold. He is expected to do well of the highlights of the Doha been breaking world records with be looking to continue her great jump. in Doha. Worlds. amazing regularity. form in Doha as well.

ACHIEVMENTS: 100 and 200M t13 gold at ’08 ACHIEVMENTS: Discus F44 and pentathlon gold at ’08 ACHIEVMENTS: 100 and 200M t34 gold at ’12 ACHIEVMENTS: Long jump F13 gold and 100M t13 beijing and ’12 London Paralympics; 100 and 200M beijing and discus F44 gold at ’12 London Paralympics; London Paralympics; 100 and 200M t34 gold at ’13 silver at ’12 London Paralympics; long jump F13 gold t13 gold at ’13 IPc Athletics Worlds. discus F44 gold at ’13 IPc Athletics Worlds. IPc Athletics Worlds. and 100M t13 silver at ’13 IPc Athletics Worlds. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

RAHEEM STERLING RAHEEM STERLING 22 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 23

the Amateur International boxing Association (AIbA) Outstanding World championships, which concluded in Doha last week, stood up for the quality of its television coverage. A coverage for total of 16 Grass Valley LDX Series cameras, four ultra BOXING top event and six super slow-motion and the latest generation EVS slo-mo server were used in production.

şşQatar Olympic committee President HE Moroccan Rabii, the Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al thani with Dr ching-Kuo Wu at the medal pride of Arab region ceremony. OrOccAN Mohammed Moroccans in the stands. rabii became the only “this is amazing for me and my MArab to win gold at the country. the fans helped me reach World championships in Doha my goal in the ring. I’m a world when he beat Kazakhstan’s world champion and I’m so happy,” said champion Daniyar Yeleussinov in rabii. welterweight final last week. cuba’s Yosbany Veitia and Yeleussinov was heavily favoured, European Games champion Elvin but rabii, who was chosen as the Mamishzada were engaged in an World Series of boxing boxer of intense battle for the flyweight title, Double delight for the Year a day before the bout, but in the end the Azerbaijan boxer’s overwhelmed his fancied opponent, patience paid off. Cuba’s La Cruz winning by a unanimous decision. It In lightweight, champion Lazaro Alvarez started cautiously against THE IMPECCABLE ORGANISATION OF AMATEUR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ENHANCES DOHA’S UbAN Julio cesar La cruz, who topped the Azerbaijan’s unbeaten Albert REPUTATION AS A TOP SPORTS DESTINATION, WRITES MOHAMMAD AMIN-UL ISLAM. World Series of boxing (WSb) in 2014 and won FRENCHMAN TONY YOKA Selimov. but he grew in strength and Cthe gold at this year’s Pan American Games in PULLED OFF A MAJOR confidence and won by a technical toronto, was chosen as the boxer of the Year by the SHOCK TO WIN GOLD IN knockout for his third gold in World Amateur International boxing Association (AIbA) at a SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT. championships. HE Amateur International quotient was always on the higher boxers had to pass through rigorous Klitschko brothers, was completely ceremony in Doha last week. Irish light heavyweight Joe Ward boxing Association’s (AIbA) side. qualification from their respective surprised to see the huge turnout at the light heavyweight boxer added the world title presented cuban Julio cesar La cruz TWorld championships in Doha, “the competition once again confederation championships, the the state-of-the-art Ali bin Hamad Al to his collection when he defeated Ireland’s Joe Ward also meant he kept his astonishing with the biggest test of his Doha the first in the Middle East, stood re-affirmed Qatar’s ability to host quality of bouts was high and AIbA Attiyah Arena. in the final in Doha last week. unbeaten record intact for the whole campaign, but the AIbA boxer of up for the quality of the sport and major sports events. this was not only President Dr ching-Kuo Wu described “I didn’t expect to see such a Morrocco’s African confederation boxing season. the Year looked focused on a third impeccable organisation, thereby history in the making, but this was the Worlds as the ‘best ever’. fantastic venue, but it was a great championships winner Mohammed rabii was Yeleussinov started brightly, but successive world title. La cruz took enhancing Doha’s reputation as a top one big celebration for the sport, with “this has been a huge step for experience,” said Wladimir, who named WSb’s boxer of the Year after an undefeated rabii quickly gained momentum and the first two rounds and, though sports destination. the competitors and fans responding the global development of boxing. postponed his proposed fight against season. cuban rolando Acebal became the best seemed to be lifted by the roaring Ward came up with a late rally, As many as 260 boxers — Asia (66), in remarkable fashion,” said QbF bringing the championships to Qatar Great britain’s tyson Fury from October MEDALS TALLY WSb coach, russia’s Olympic and former world support in the stands as the bout managed to retain the gold in style. Americas (51), Africa (32) Europe (94) President Yousuf Ali Al Kazim. and the Middle East for the first time 24 to November 28 because of a calf cuba 4 2 1 champion Aleksander Lebziak bagged the AIbA progressed. Frenchman tony Yoka pulled off and Oceania (17) — contested in 10 “With 500 million people watching was really special,” said Wu. injury. russia 2 1 1 best coach award. Great britain’s Nicola Adams After the bout was won, the a major shock to win gold in super Azerbaijan 1 1 2 categories. “It was heartening to see the “Qatar has the space and Ireland 1 1 1 was crowned Women boxer of the Year. china’s ecstatic 22-year-old heavyweight (above-91kg). cuba won four gold, two silver and local communities support their infrastructure to host world-class France 1 0 0 Lu bin won the AIbA Pro boxing best boxer promptly set off on the 23-year-old outpointed one bronze medals to emerge on top, QATAR HAS THE SPACE boxers during the competition. the events and if the local population loves Morocco 1 0 0 prize, with compatriot tingjiang Dong bagging a lap of honour to Kazakhstan’s Ivan Dychko in a followed by russia with two gold, one AND INFRASTRUCTURE arena, facilities and the organising boxing, I think the facilities here can Uzbekistan 0 3 3 the best AIbA Pro boxing coach award. the delight of the close fight, a reward for his Kazakhstan 0 2 0 silver and a bronze. Azerbaijan finished TO HOST WORLD-CLASS were top class. Doha has really set provide a perfect setting for athletes china 0 0 2 huge number of positive approach. third with one gold, a silver and two EVENTS. a new benchmark for the World whether they’re elite or just starting Ukraine 0 0 2 bronze while Ireland, France and championships and I think it was the out,” he added. Algeria 0 0 1 belarus 0 0 1 Morocco all won a gold each. best ever,” he added. Even the foreign media praised the brazil 0 0 1 With the Qatar boxing Federation the championships on tV, it was clear reigning world heavyweight venue as well as Qatar as the top host. Egypt 0 0 1 (QbF) and AIbA inviting world’s top the media played a significant role champion Wladimir, the younger of “Qatar is a brilliant setting for any Philippines 0 0 1 India 0 0 1

DSP/Mohan professional boxers, the 10-day in showcasing Qatar’s ability to host sports venue. the Ali bin Hamad Al Great britain 0 0 1 tournament managed to attract huge sports events. We’ve made history and Attiyah Arena is surely the best facility thailand 0 0 1 interest from fans which was probably we’ve showed the world how much and the tournament was one of the GOLD MEDALLISTS unseen in the previous editions. Qatar loves the sport. thanks to the best-organised AIbA events,” said BBC Light flyweight Joahnys Oscar Perez (cUb) If Manny Pacquaio of the Philippines impeccable work ethic and attention Sports presenter Ore Oduba. (below-49kg) Flyweight and Amir Khan of Great britain added to detail of the Local Organising “Everything was top notch. the Elvin Mamishzada (AZE) (below-52kg) glitz to the first phase, the presence committee and Qatar Olympic information was always readily bantamweight Michael conlan (IrL) of world-famous Klitschko brothers committee, the tournament will leave available and Wi-Fi was strong,” (below-56kg) Lightweight from Ukraine, Wladimir and Vitali in a lasting legacy,” he said. said Sean McGoldrick of Dublin’s Lazaro Alvarez (cUb) (below-60kg) German city Hamburg’s bid for the 2024 the second, made sure the glamour considering the fact that all the Independent News and Media. Light welterweight Vitaly Dunaytsev (rUS) (below-64kg) Olympic Games got a boost last week Welterweight when it was awarded the 2017 Amateur Mohammed rabii (MAr) (below-69kg) Mohammed International boxing Association (AIbA) Middleweight Rabii Arlen Lopez (cUb) World championships by its Excom held in (below-75kg) Hamburg Doha last week. Light heavyweight Julio cesar La cruz (cUb) “the World championships are the (below-81kg) to host Heavyweight best foundation to push our ’24 Olympic Evgeny tishchenko (rUS) (below-91kg) 2017 Worlds bid. We’re looking forward to host the Super heavyweight tony Yoka (FrA) tournament which will be of huge (above-91kg) importance to the continuing growth of the sport in the country,” said German boxing Federation President Juergen Kyas. Germany had earlier hosted the Worlds in “the competition once again reaffirmed Qatar’s 1982 (Munich) and ’95 (berlin). ability to host major sports events. this was not Hamburg is competing against Los Angeles, Paris, rome and budapest to host only history in the making, but this was one big the ’24 Olympics but the city must first win a celebration for the sport, with the competitors and referendum on November 29 to approve the fans responding in remarkable fashion. ’24 Games bid. the International Olympic committee will elect the host city in Lima, Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, Qatar boxing Federation President. Peru, in ’17. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 23

the Amateur International boxing Association (AIbA) Outstanding World championships, which concluded in Doha last week, stood up for the quality of its television coverage. A coverage for total of 16 Grass Valley LDX Series cameras, four ultra top event and six super slow-motion and the latest generation EVS slo-mo server were used in production.

şşQatar Olympic committee President HE Moroccan Rabii, the Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al thani with Dr ching-Kuo Wu at the medal pride of Arab region ceremony. OrOccAN Mohammed Moroccans in the stands. rabii became the only “this is amazing for me and my MArab to win gold at the country. the fans helped me reach World championships in Doha my goal in the ring. I’m a world when he beat Kazakhstan’s world champion and I’m so happy,” said champion Daniyar Yeleussinov in rabii. welterweight final last week. cuba’s Yosbany Veitia and Yeleussinov was heavily favoured, European Games champion Elvin but rabii, who was chosen as the Mamishzada were engaged in an World Series of boxing boxer of intense battle for the flyweight title, Double delight for the Year a day before the bout, but in the end the Azerbaijan boxer’s overwhelmed his fancied opponent, patience paid off. Cuba’s La Cruz winning by a unanimous decision. It In lightweight, champion Lazaro Alvarez started cautiously against UbAN Julio cesar La cruz, who topped the Azerbaijan’s unbeaten Albert World Series of boxing (WSb) in 2014 and won FRENCHMAN TONY YOKA Selimov. but he grew in strength and Cthe gold at this year’s Pan American Games in PULLED OFF A MAJOR confidence and won by a technical toronto, was chosen as the boxer of the Year by the SHOCK TO WIN GOLD IN knockout for his third gold in World Amateur International boxing Association (AIbA) at a SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT. championships. ceremony in Doha last week. Irish light heavyweight Joe Ward the light heavyweight boxer added the world title presented cuban Julio cesar La cruz to his collection when he defeated Ireland’s Joe Ward also meant he kept his astonishing with the biggest test of his Doha in the final in Doha last week. unbeaten record intact for the whole campaign, but the AIbA boxer of Morrocco’s African confederation boxing season. the Year looked focused on a third championships winner Mohammed rabii was Yeleussinov started brightly, but successive world title. La cruz took named WSb’s boxer of the Year after an undefeated rabii quickly gained momentum and the first two rounds and, though season. cuban rolando Acebal became the best seemed to be lifted by the roaring Ward came up with a late rally, MEDALS TALLY WSb coach, russia’s Olympic and former world support in the stands as the bout managed to retain the gold in style. cuba 4 2 1 champion Aleksander Lebziak bagged the AIbA progressed. Frenchman tony Yoka pulled off russia 2 1 1 best coach award. Great britain’s Nicola Adams After the bout was won, the a major shock to win gold in super Azerbaijan 1 1 2 Ireland 1 1 1 was crowned Women boxer of the Year. china’s ecstatic 22-year-old heavyweight (above-91kg). France 1 0 0 Lu bin won the AIbA Pro boxing best boxer promptly set off on the 23-year-old outpointed Morocco 1 0 0 prize, with compatriot tingjiang Dong bagging a lap of honour to Kazakhstan’s Ivan Dychko in a Uzbekistan 0 3 3 the best AIbA Pro boxing coach award. the delight of the close fight, a reward for his Kazakhstan 0 2 0 china 0 0 2 huge number of positive approach. Ukraine 0 0 2 Algeria 0 0 1 belarus 0 0 1 brazil 0 0 1 Egypt 0 0 1 Philippines 0 0 1 India 0 0 1 Great britain 0 0 1 thailand 0 0 1 GOLD MEDALLISTS Light flyweight Joahnys Oscar Perez (cUb) (below-49kg) Flyweight Elvin Mamishzada (AZE) (below-52kg) bantamweight Michael conlan (IrL) (below-56kg) Lightweight Lazaro Alvarez (cUb) (below-60kg) German city Hamburg’s bid for the 2024 Light welterweight Vitaly Dunaytsev (rUS) (below-64kg) Olympic Games got a boost last week Welterweight when it was awarded the 2017 Amateur Mohammed rabii (MAr) (below-69kg) Mohammed International boxing Association (AIbA) Middleweight Rabii Arlen Lopez (cUb) World championships by its Excom held in (below-75kg) Hamburg Doha last week. Light heavyweight Julio cesar La cruz (cUb) “the World championships are the (below-81kg) to host Heavyweight best foundation to push our ’24 Olympic Evgeny tishchenko (rUS) (below-91kg) 2017 Worlds bid. We’re looking forward to host the Super heavyweight tony Yoka (FrA) tournament which will be of huge (above-91kg) importance to the continuing growth of the sport in the country,” said German boxing Federation President Juergen Kyas. Germany had earlier hosted the Worlds in 1982 (Munich) and ’95 (berlin). Hamburg is competing against Los Angeles, Paris, rome and budapest to host the ’24 Olympics but the city must first win a referendum on November 29 to approve the ’24 Games bid. the International Olympic committee will elect the host city in Lima, Peru, in ’17. 24 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 25 BOXING

şŠVitali Klitschko, left, and Wladimir, Khan may not right, with the light heavyweight medallists. fight Pacquiao british professional boxer Amir Beauty & Khan may not fight Manny Pacquiao, who is trying to organise a rematch with Floyd Mayweather of the US. both Pacquiao, recovering from a surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff brawns! following his defeat to Mayweather in May, and Khan were in Doha cuba have never fielded women’s “Our women boxers are Mohammad Amin-ul Islam during the World championships Qatar may allow teams at major tournaments. outstanding and they also need a and their representatives had a “cuba will’ve to change their rules chance to show their mettle,” she said. discussion on a proposed bout to allow women to compete. I hope Interestingly, cuba fielded women between them sometime in April women to compete t SOUNDS a bit strange, but cuba, it happens sooner and we’re eagerly in wrestling and taekwondo at the next year. one of the traditional powerhouses waiting for their federation to take Pan Am Games in toronto, canada, in Pacquiao, 36, is eyeing one final OMEN’S boxing made its competitive in amateur boxing, does not allow a call on it,” said AIbA President Dr June where they won medals, but not fight next year before retiring, but it I does not look like that contest will entry into the Olympics at the 2012 women to compete. ching-Kuo Wu, who played a key role in their most traditional sport. involve Khan, who has accused the WLondon Games, where bouts were cuba’s International Olympic in including women’s boxing in the the IOc’s Olympic Agenda 2020 Filipino of stalling, with the prospect fought in flyweight (51kg), lightweight (60kg) and committee (IOc) member Yumilka ’12 London Games. vows to work with the international of a second fight with Mayweather middleweight (75kg) categories. ruiz, who is also the former captain of Former cuban boxing Federation federations to achieve 50 per cent Band of Klitschko brothers apparently still on the cards. Great britain’s Nicola Adams (flyweight), Ireland’s the national women’s volleyball team technical director Pedro roque had female participation at the Games and Khan, who is camping in Doha, Katie taylor (lightweight) and USA’s claressa and a passionate advocate of gender stimulate women’s involvement by KrAINE’S Klitschko brothers “I appreciate the AIbA for allowing Germany, on November 28. said he would not wait on Pacquiao Shields (middleweight) made history by becoming equality, believes the rule will soon creating more opportunities. Vitali and Wladimir, who were boxers to fight without head Wladimir, with a 64-3 record, is as he believes it would again result in disappointment, just like he did the first Olympic gold medallists. change. CUBA SHOULD DROP Even Saudi Arabia sent women the Qatar boxing Federation’s guards which, I think, has made the unbeaten for 11 years since he lost to U when he waited on Mayweather. With Olympic Agenda 2020 empowering the “Attitude towards women’s ITS GUARD AND ALLOW athletes to the Olympic and Asian special guests on the final night amateur sport look more Lamon brewster. It is likely that Khan, a silver International Olympic committee to work with participation in the sport needs to be WOMEN TO PARTICIPATE Games, but cuba’s discrimination of the Amateur International interesting. boxing has become With his 6-foot-6-inch frame, medallist at the 2004 Athens various international federations to achieve 50 per changed. It’ll have to change,” ruiz IN THE SPORT. against its boxers still remains a boxing Association’s (AIbA) World much bigger and it’s really great to muscle-beach biceps and rock jaw, Olympics, will pursue other fights cent female participation in the Games, told Doha Stadium Plus last week. mystery. championships in Doha last see it spreading far and wide,” added it was a tad difficult to believe when against top competitors such as Qatar boxing Federation President Yousuf Ali Al ruiz, 37, represented cuba in four the progressive attitude towards week, have dominated the world Vitali, who has Wladimir spoke philosophy. Danny Garcia, Lamont Peterson and Kazim hopes to introduce women’s boxing in the consecutive Olympics starting from said in ’09 that their women should women’s sports is fast spreading heavyweight scene for a long time. but, like Vitali, he too holds a compatriot Kell brook. country. the 1996 Atlanta Games in the US. not be allowed to take blows to the and the communist regime in cuba Wladimir, 39, is the current world doctorate degree in sports science “We’re studying on the possibilities to allow She has won two gold medals (’96 face so as to protect their feminine should drop its guard and allow champion while 44-year-old Vitali, BOXING IS CLOSER TO REAL and is currently an adjunct professor women’s participation in the sport, but it’ll take and 2000 Sydney) and a bronze, at the beauty, but ruiz totally disagrees with women to participate in the sport. who is now the Mayor of Ukraine’s LIFE THAN ANY OTHER in a master’s degree-level course ŠŠManny some time before we can arrive at a decision,” said ’04 Athens. the thought. there is a need for change and capital city Kiev, has won the World SPORT WHERE FIGHTERS at the University of St Gallen in Pacquiao, Al Kazim. cubans showed their prowess “I don’t see how boxing deprives the only way to welcome it is to boxing council and World boxing GO THROUGH 12 ROUNDS. Switzerland. left, and Amir Meanwhile, during the World championships in at the Amateur International women of their femininity, women encourage women’s boxing. Organisation titles before finally “I believe in ‘challenge Khan. Doha, AIbA chief Dr ching-Kuo Wu reiterated his boxing Association (AIbA) World are feminine at any time in any Wu, who persuaded cuba to retiring in 2013. management’ philosophy and sports desire to increase women’s participation in Olympic championships in Doha last week as sport. Saying women shouldn’t box end its decade-long ban on men’s “It was great to be in Doha at the a 45-2 record, including 41knockouts. is never far away in the lesson plan. boxing from three to five weight categories. they had done at the Pan Am Games is like saying they shouldn’t sprint. professional sport in 2013 and enter a World championships. I’m not active Wladimir will be defending the boxing is closer to real life than in June this year. At the ’12 London cuban women boxers also have team at the World Series of boxing, is in the sport anymore, but boxing International boxing Federation, any other sport where fighters go Olympics, they had won two gold the right to participate in various optimistic cuban women would soon will be there in my heart. I still don’t World boxing Organisation, through 12 rounds and experience and as many bronze medals to competitions and the Olympics,” said be allowed to compete. forget my association with the AIbA International boxing Organisation the highs and lows,” said Wladimir, medals have been won finish third. ruiz. “I’ve visited cuba three times and as I was also an amateur when I and World boxing Association who won gold at the 1996 Atlanta by cuba’s male boxers Despite the success of their met with the officials there. It has started off,” Vitali told Doha crowns against british challenger Olympics in super heavyweight at the Olympics, the men and the fact that boxing opened their eyes and they can’t close Stadium Plus. tyson Fury in Dusseldorf, category. most by any country is one of the most popular the door on women boxers for long,” 67 sports in that country, said Wu. OCA president praises flawless organisation ŠŠGreat britain’s Nicola Adams punches china’s LYMPIc council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad cancan ren in the Al Fahad Al Sabah, who is also an International women’s flyweight final at the London OOlympic committee member, congratulated WHAT THEY SAID Olympics. the Qatar Olympic committee (QOc) and Qatar boxing Federation (QbF) for the flawless organisation of World championships. “I appreciate QOc chief HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al thani for providing the boxers and fans with an excellent environment at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. the QbF too did an excellent job,” said Sheikh Ahmad. “We’re keen to host more such international events in the region,” he added. “Attitude towards women’s “cuba will’ve to change Sheikh Ahmad also praised Amateur participation in the sport their rules to allow International boxing Federation President Dr ching-Kuo needs to be changed. It’ll women to compete. I hope Wu for choosing Doha as the host. have to change. it happens sooner. “Dr Wu has a vision to popularise boxing and that can be seen the way it’s being developed in countries where Yumilka Ruiz, International Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, Amateur it isn’t so popular. We were extremely happy when Doha Olympic committee member International boxing Association was chosen to host the Worlds. the event, no from cuba. President. doubt, encouraged Arab boxers in a great way,” he said. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 25

şŠVitali Klitschko, left, and Wladimir, Khan may not right, with the light heavyweight medallists. fight Pacquiao british professional boxer Amir Khan may not fight Manny Pacquiao, who is trying to organise a rematch with Floyd Mayweather of the US. both Pacquiao, recovering from a surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff following his defeat to Mayweather in May, and Khan were in Doha during the World championships and their representatives had a discussion on a proposed bout between them sometime in April next year. Pacquiao, 36, is eyeing one final fight next year before retiring, but it does not look like that contest will involve Khan, who has accused the Filipino of stalling, with the prospect of a second fight with Mayweather Band of Klitschko brothers apparently still on the cards. Khan, who is camping in Doha, KrAINE’S Klitschko brothers “I appreciate the AIbA for allowing Germany, on November 28. said he would not wait on Pacquiao Vitali and Wladimir, who were boxers to fight without head Wladimir, with a 64-3 record, is as he believes it would again result in disappointment, just like he did the Qatar boxing Federation’s guards which, I think, has made the unbeaten for 11 years since he lost to U when he waited on Mayweather. special guests on the final night amateur sport look more Lamon brewster. It is likely that Khan, a silver of the Amateur International interesting. boxing has become With his 6-foot-6-inch frame, medallist at the 2004 Athens boxing Association’s (AIbA) World much bigger and it’s really great to muscle-beach biceps and rock jaw, Olympics, will pursue other fights championships in Doha last see it spreading far and wide,” added it was a tad difficult to believe when against top competitors such as week, have dominated the world Vitali, who has Wladimir spoke philosophy. Danny Garcia, Lamont Peterson and heavyweight scene for a long time. but, like Vitali, he too holds a compatriot Kell brook. Wladimir, 39, is the current world doctorate degree in sports science champion while 44-year-old Vitali, BOXING IS CLOSER TO REAL and is currently an adjunct professor who is now the Mayor of Ukraine’s LIFE THAN ANY OTHER in a master’s degree-level course ŠŠManny capital city Kiev, has won the World SPORT WHERE FIGHTERS at the University of St Gallen in Pacquiao, boxing council and World boxing GO THROUGH 12 ROUNDS. Switzerland. left, and Amir Organisation titles before finally “I believe in ‘challenge Khan. retiring in 2013. management’ philosophy and sports “It was great to be in Doha at the a 45-2 record, including 41knockouts. is never far away in the lesson plan. World championships. I’m not active Wladimir will be defending the boxing is closer to real life than in the sport anymore, but boxing International boxing Federation, any other sport where fighters go will be there in my heart. I still don’t World boxing Organisation, through 12 rounds and experience forget my association with the AIbA International boxing Organisation the highs and lows,” said Wladimir, as I was also an amateur when I and World boxing Association who won gold at the 1996 Atlanta started off,” Vitali told Doha crowns against british challenger Olympics in super heavyweight Stadium Plus. tyson Fury in Dusseldorf, category. OCA president praises flawless organisation

LYMPIc council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, who is also an International OOlympic committee member, congratulated the Qatar Olympic committee (QOc) and Qatar boxing Federation (QbF) for the flawless organisation of World championships. “I appreciate QOc chief HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al thani for providing the boxers and fans with an excellent environment at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. the QbF too did an excellent job,” said Sheikh Ahmad. “We’re keen to host more such international events in the region,” he added. Sheikh Ahmad also praised Amateur International boxing Federation President Dr ching-Kuo Wu for choosing Doha as the host. “Dr Wu has a vision to popularise boxing and that can be seen the way it’s being developed in countries where it isn’t so popular. We were extremely happy when Doha was chosen to host the Worlds. the event, no doubt, encouraged Arab boxers in a great way,” he said. 26 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 27

Five-time defending champion Alexander Cudlin won both races in the Cudlin second round of Qatar Superbikes championship (QSbK). the Australian rider, who won both races in opening round held last month, finished unstoppable ahead of local riders Mishal Al Naimi and Nasser Al Malki, who came MOTORSPORT second and third respectively. the podium had an identical look in both races. the next round of QSbK will be on November 7.

Rea falls agonisingly short of points record

t WAS a case of so near yet so far bit gutted that I missed out as my for World Superbike champion target really was to score the most IJonathan Rea in Doha last week. points in a season. Honestly, I’m not though the Englishman had already even sure as to what happened to been crowned the world champion my bike. It was a frustrating way Mideast master HOW THE JORDAN with two rounds to go at Jerez, to end the year, but looking back Abdulaziz hopes to do RALLY WAS WON Spain, the interest in final leg at at the astounding season I had, ACE QATARI DRIVER NASSER SALEH AL ATTIYAH ANNEXES HIS 11TH MIDDLE EAST RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP Losail centred around whether with so many race wins and the he could surpass American collin championship, I feel happy for sure,” CROWN BY WINNING THE JORDAN LEG IN GREAT STYLE, WRITES SAJITH B WARRIER. well at Oman event Nasser and French co-driver Matthieu Edwards’s record points haul of 552. said rea, who won 14 races en route Oman will make a return to FIA Middle East rally baumel edged into a After collecting 20 points to the title. championship (MErc) for the first time since 1 slender 2sec lead after for his runner-up finish coming into the final HE age-old adage that of greats. Ever since he won his the region. Nasser may be forced to skip the Dead Sea. 2007 as it is set to host the penultimate round of the opening timed in race 1 behind round under lights, a the eight-leg series from November 5 to 7. ‘lightning never strikes twice’ maiden regional crown in 2003, his So dominant was Nasser in Jordan next round of MErc, to be held in the 44-year-old is known for his super special stage. Spaniard Jordi torres, fierce battle was on for the event will have 13 timed special stages and Tis a myth that Nasser Saleh Al stature has grown over the years. that he completely put his rivals Oman from November 5 to 7. but he funny ways of celebrations. After will cover 254.38km. rea needed just five the second spot, with As his main rival Attiyah keeps defying all the time. Only twice — in ’04 to the UAE’s to shade as his winning margin can still catch up with bin Sulayem’s winning Pharaons cross-country Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah more from race 2 to Welshman chaz Davies Abdulaziz Al Kuwari close on the heels of his recent Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi and in ’10 of 29min, 31sec over compatriot record in the final leg in the rally rally in Egypt, Nasser, who has a had won the event for obliterate Edwards’s having a 16-point lead lost 23 minutes when four years in a row from cross-country World cup victory, to compatriot Misfer Al Marri — in legend’s homeground in Dubai (from penchant for horses, rode an Arabian he hit a small rock long-standing record over England’s tom Sykes. the Qatari driver won in Jordan last the last 13 years has he finished as November 27 to 29). thoroughbred against the backdrop ’03 while the UAE’s 2 set in 2002. the second-place finish in and broke a wheel Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi week to annex his 11th Middle East ruuner-up in MErc. THIS IS ANOTHER but Nasser, as is his wont, played of the stunning Pyramids. rim, Nasser continued rea was ready, but not race 2 was enough for Davies triumphed when Oman rally championship (MErc) crown. the Ford Fiesta driver’s fourth FANTASTIC WIN FOR ME down the significance of the record He did not celebrate much though in cruise control and his Kawasaki ZX-10r bike, which to cling on to the overall runner-up was a part of the MErc extended his lead after And the lightning is likely to strike successive and ninth overall win in AND ANOTHER MERC and was looking at the larger picture in Jordan as he was heading straight calendar last time in ’07. developed a technical snag in spot ahead of Sykes who finished 11 special stages on the again. If Nasser wins the rally of Jordan was his 59th in MErc history. TITLE. I’M VERY HAPPY. instead. for Salou, Spain, for the Wrc2’s Last year, when it was the sixth lap to end his challenge third in both races. second day. Spain this weekend, he will annex that puts him just one victory away “When I’m inside the car, I keep penultimate leg. run as a candidate race for its prematurely. His compatriot Leon “I’m really happy. I came to Qatar the World rally championship’s from equalling the record of 60 trying not to lose my concentration “celebrations can wait,” said inclusion in MErc, Qatar’s Abdulaziz Haslam won the race. with the aim to finish second in the the Qatari began the support category also, as his dream held by the UAE’s Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari proved. Husam and maintain a good rhythm all the Nasser. Al Kuwari had reigned supreme. In the end, rea finished with 548 championship and did just that. final 10 stages with a season, which began with his Sulayem. Salem brought something to cheer time. I believe in myself and I believe And if you have any doubts as to Abdulaziz, who finished second in Jordan last points and his tally of 23 podium It’s been a great season, I’ve been week, will be eyeing a good show in Oman as he comprehensive 20min, second Dakar rally triumph in “this is another fantastic win for for the home crowd as he finished I can do it,” added Nasser, who won where he will keep all the trophies, finishes beat the record set by consistently up front, fighting for is keen to finish as runner-up in the MErc. 3 19.5sec lead. though January, continues with gusto. me and another MErc title. I’m very third. 18 of the 21 stages in then do not worry as Nasser has an “I’ve had three podiums in the last four weeks he conceded his first Australia’s troy bayliss in ’02. podiums. collecting more than 400 Nasser’s 11th MErc crown in 13 happy,” was all that Nasser said Due to his commitments in the Jordan rally, which finished in answer for it. and I hope I can continue in the same rhythm in stage of the event “I gave 200 per cent in race 1 points over the season isn’t bad years truly put him in the pantheon after ascertaining his supremacy in shooting, where also he dazzles, the picturesque backdrop of the “there’s a special place,” he said. Oman,” said Abdulaziz, who is second in MErc in the 18th to Saudi and it was amazing. I wanted to at all. but I can always improve, of standings, with 66 points. Arabia’s Yazeed Al rajhi, do my best in race 2. I’m just a course,” said Davies. there was no stopping ROLL OF Nasser as he held firm 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 en route to the win. HONOUR Nasser Saleh Nasser Saleh Nasser Saleh Nasser Saleh Nasser Saleh Misfer Al Marri Nasser Saleh Nasser Saleh Nasser Saleh Nasser Saleh Last 10 champions Al Attiyah (QAt) Al Attiyah Al Attiyah) Al Attiyah Al Attiyah (QAt) Al Attiyah Al Attiyah Al Attiyah Al Attiyah

ŠŠNasser Saleh Al Attiyah in action in the Jordan rally.

RESULTS şşNasser Saleh Al 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah Attiyah is all smiles Ford Fiesta 3:07.51 (QAt)/Matthieu baumel (FrA) after winning the 2. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari (QAt)/ at Jordan rally. Ford Fiesta Marshall clarke (Gbr) 29.31 3. Husam Salem/Nancy Al Mitsubishi ŠşJonathan rea 33.15 Majali (JOr) Lancer Evo IX negotiates a turn during race 1 of the STANDINGS World Superbike 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAt) 125 championship in

2. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari (QAt) 66 Losail. DSP/Mohan 3. Khalid Al Qassimi (UAE) 51 Torres ends British run

Photo/ Marian Chytka Photo/ won a thrilling race 1 in team Aprilia’s first win since the Losail. opening round in Australia. torres, on an Aprilia, “It’s a breakthrough victory for rode the race of me and I’m really happy about it. I his life to fend off also feel for my team. I’ve found a the challenge of second family with Aprilia. the guys Englishmen Jonathan worked hard all season to help me rea and tom Sykes. grow and learn,” said torres, who the Spaniard had over took Sykes incredibly at the started only sixth on halfway mark. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 27

Five-time defending champion Alexander Cudlin won both races in the Cudlin second round of Qatar Superbikes championship (QSbK). the Australian rider, who won both races in opening round held last month, finished unstoppable ahead of local riders Mishal Al Naimi and Nasser Al Malki, who came second and third respectively. the podium had an identical look in both races. the next round of QSbK will be on November 7.

Rea falls agonisingly short of points record

şşNasser Saleh Al Attiyah is all smiles after winning the Jordan rally.

ŠşJonathan rea negotiates a turn during race 1 of the World Superbike championship in

Losail. DSP/Mohan Torres ends British run

PAIN’S Jordi Torres the grid, but made his way through ended the british run a crowded pack of riders to notch up Sin the World Superbike the victory, the first by a non-british championship when he rider in the 2015 season. It was also won a thrilling race 1 in team Aprilia’s first win since the Losail. opening round in Australia. torres, on an Aprilia, “It’s a breakthrough victory for rode the race of me and I’m really happy about it. I his life to fend off also feel for my team. I’ve found a the challenge of second family with Aprilia. the guys Englishmen Jonathan worked hard all season to help me rea and tom Sykes. grow and learn,” said torres, who the Spaniard had over took Sykes incredibly at the started only sixth on halfway mark. 28 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 29

MIXED ZONE | QATAR

VOLLEYBALL Arabi, Jaish in CYCLING ֫ GOLF ֫ ֫ Qatar promotes same group Qatar flatter to deceive the Qatar Volleyball Association’s season-opening Qatar Masters Worlds in Japan AtArI spikers flattered to QATAR’S RESULTS Federation cup begins at deceive as they played bt Saudi Arabia 25-21, 25-21, 23-25, the Al Arabi Sports club on HE Qatar cycling Federation (QcF) has second fiddle to bahrain 25-21 Wednesday. Q bt UAE 25-17, 25-18, 25-11 stepped up its efforts to promote the 2016 once again at the Gcc Games in Al Arabi are the defending Lost to bahrain 25-18, 25-23, 26-28, UcI road World championships, which will Dammam, Saudi Arabia, last week. champions of the low-profile from January 27 T 28-30, 26-28 tournament, which national take place in Doha from October 9 to 16. Qatar won three of their bt Oman 25-22, 25-10, 26-28, 23-25, 15-12 players skip most of the time. As part of it, a Qatari delegation set up a four matches in the biennial It is no different this time as the title at the 7,374-yard won in ’14, former world No.1 promotional booth during the Japan cup road tournament played in round-robin well, as the national players Sajith B Warrier DGc course designed by Peter players Justin rose of England and race at the Utsunomiya Forest Park last week. format. And the 25-18, 25-23, Oman, also notched up victories will take time off after the Gcc Harradine, one of the world’s best Sweden’s Henrik Stenson are some “the Organising committee is leaving no stone 26-28, 28-30, 26-28 loss to their against the UAE (25-17, 25-18, Games in Dammam, Saudi in the industry. of the big names to have competed unturned to ensure that the UcI road Worlds in bogey team cost them the title. 25-11) and Saudi Arabia (25-21, Arabia. HE 19th commercial bank “the commercial bank Qatar in the $2.5m prize-money event Doha is a big hit with competitors and spectators Qatar had only themselves to 25-21, 23-25, 25-21) to finish as ten teams are drawn into two groups, with the top two Qatar Masters will be held at Masters is a leading fixture on over the years. alike. Our team visited Japan to promote the blame as they frittered away a 2-0 runners-up in two consecutive from each advancing to the Tthe Doha Golf club (DGc) Qatar’s annual sports calendar. Meanwhile, last Monday marked event there. We’ll travel to more countries to lead. bahrain clawed their way back editions. semifinals. from January 27 to 30, 2016. the 100-day countdown to one of request their support in the coming days,” said in the marathon contest, which “We came to the tournament Arabi are in Group b along the organisers of the European the region’s biggest sports events. QcF President Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al thani, lasted a little less than three hours. with great expectations. We had a with last year’s runners-up and tour event have been opting for LAST MONDAY MARKED “We’re proud to be working with who is also chairman of the ’16 UcI road Worlds Qatar had lost to the same good training camp in Poland and two-time winners El Jaish, Al Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, second Shamal, Al Khor and Al Gharafa. a Wednesday start since ’13 to THE 100-DAY COUNTDOWN the Qatar Olympic committee, Organising committee. right, Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz opponents at the 2013 edition in the players were all raring to go. take advantage of the Middle East TO THE PRESTIGIOUS QGA and DGc to stage one of the Doha. We tried hard, but bahrain proved Group A constitutes Al and other dignitaries at the opening of Second GCC Games at the Prince Mohamed rayyan, Police, Al Wakrah, Al weekend and the practice will TOURNAMENT. leading events in the region. It’s bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. Qatar, who began their campaign too good for us. Hats off to them,” Ahli and Al Sadd. continue in the coming edition as also a huge opportunity for some with a thrilling 25-22, 25-10, 26- said Qatar’s Argentinian coah Juan the final will be on well. of Qatar’s promising young golfers 28, 23-25, 15-12 win against Manuel cichello. November 16. the tournament, a part of the the tournament continues to to play alongside the best in the ŠšQatar volleyball AQUATICS coach Juan Manuel European tour’s Middle East swing encourage young Qataris to take world,” said commercial bank cEO ֫ (other stops are Abu Dhabi and up the sport and learn from the Abdulla Saleh Al raisi. cichello, third left, Dubai has always drawn the crème European tour stars. Preparations instructs his wards during their match Š de la crème of golfers to the DGc. for the next edition are well under ŠQatari officials Qatar set to field against Saudi Arabia. with Japanese fans It has produced 16 winners in way together with our partners at the Utsunomiya 18 editions, with Australian Adam who’ve played a vital role in Forest Park. 12-member team Scott and Scotland’s Paul Lawrie enhancing the event experience for having won it twice. players and spectators each year,” AtAr will field 12 swimmers at the FINA/ reigning champion South said Qatar Golf Association (QGA) Abdullah and Isora airweave World cup, to be held at the Africa’s branden Grace faces an President Hassan Al Nuaimi. QHamad Aquatic centre, on November 2 uphill task as nobody has defended Spaniard Sergio Garcia, who reign supreme and 3. Abdullah Al Yahri, Waleed AtAr international Abdullah Afif and Isora rafeeq Dalloul, Abdulrahman Al “the commercial bank Qatar Masters is Sosa caballero won the men’s and women’s Kuwari, Abdulrahman Khalid BEACH HANDBALL a leading fixture on Qatar’s annual sports Q‘A’ category respectively at the Ooredoo Al Kuwari, Omar Hisham, ֫ calendar. the tournament continues to cycling For All series in Dukhan last week. Noah Al Khulaifi, Hassan encourage young Qataris to take up the While Afif finished ahead of Mohamed Abdulaziz Al Obaidly, Abdulla sport and learn from European tour stars. Abdelhakim and Mousa Said, Isora proved too good Musallam Al Nabit, Abdulla Brazil, Qatar to play three matches for Emily Kelly and carmel Lord. Mohammed Aboughazala, Hassan Al Nuaimi, Qatar Golf Association President. Mohamed Lamine triumphed in the men’s ‘b’ Abdulrahman Hisham championships in budapest, continental teams. but we felt it category, ahead of Farhan Farizi and Andreas Dopfer. Mohammed and Firas Mourad Saidi Aju George Chris Hungary. wouldn’t test the limit of our players. Vergel Delfin emerged as victorious in the men’s c‘ ’ are Qatar’s representatives in the men’s category. “We defeated Spain by identical Unlike other teams, the brazilians race, leaving Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi and Aaron Nada Mohammed Wafa Arakji, who donned 2-1 margins in the first three games are full-time professionals whose bruce behind. Qatar colours at the ’12 London Olympics, will be AtAr will play three matches and we won the fourth 2-0. Now only focus is beach handball. they’ll Jenn Wicks-Hancock clinched the women’s ‘b’ the only female member. against three-time world we’re gearing up to meet the world give my players the right kind of title, pushing behind Eulogy van Dyk and Aoife Abdulrahman, who vied for honours in the Qchampions brazil at the Al champions in Doha. these games, workout,” added the coach. boyce. World cup series’ Singapore leg earlier this year, Gharafa courts this week. against such tough opponents, will Hassan said the team would camp Branden More than 150 riders took part in the race, jointly said he was ready for the fight. they had already played four help us prepare for the ’16 Worlds Grace organised by the Qatar cycling Federation and Qatar “I always love taking part in such competitions. games against 2015 European in budapest,” Ali Hassan told Doha chain reaction. It’s a big learning opportunity for me. competing runners-up Spain, winning all by Stadium Plus. QATAR’S BEST DISPLAY the next race in the series will be held at the Al against some of the best swimmers in the world respectable margins. Qatar coach “Qatar are the reigning Asian AT THE BEACH WORLDS Shamal Sports club on November 6. will certainly help me get better. We all work Khaled Ali Hassan said they were champions and we could’ve easily CAME LAST YEAR, IN together as a team and we can’t wait for the preparing for the ’16 beach World arranged matches against some RECIFE, BRAZIL. .FOCUS ON ASPIRE competition to begin,” he said ֫

Qatar will organise the Second International in brazil ahead of the ’16 Worlds. Youth Athletics Coaching Congress held Six teams Open water polo tournament at the Katara “We’ll go to brazil in April or May, for open beach on Friday and Saturday. Six teams, four ’16, for a short camp, before leaving HE ASPIrE Academy joined sports science specialists discuss experience is an ideal way to help champions, Qatar’s long-distance from Qatar and one each from Saudi Arabia and for budapest. there we’ll play a hands with Qatar Athletics the future of coaching in track develop and enrich knowledge of our coach Jama Aden, who was named water polo the UAE, are expected to be a part of the open few friendlies which, hopefully, age-category event. Federation and Olympic and field. Qatari trainers were also coaches which will, in turn, reflect the International Association of will prepare our players for the T tourney Meanwhile, the Qatar Swimming Association council of Asia to organise the updated about the latest training positively on our students,” said Athletics Federations’ World coach will launch a seven-month-long Qatar Under-13 challenges ahead,” he said. second annual Youth Athletics methodologies. ASPIrE Academy Director General of the Year in 2008, and Ekkart League, featuring nine club sides, in November. Qatar’s best performance at the Jama coaching congress last week. “We’re delighted to have hosted Ivan bravo. Arbeit, one of the world’s greatest the event will be held at the old Hamad Aquatic biennial beach Worlds came last Aden the three-day event saw several this event for the second year in a Loren Seagrave, who helped train throw coaches, were among those centre’s diving pool. An U-16 league, featuring year, in recife, brazil, where they world-renowned coaches and row. Sharing industry expertise and several Olympic and world jumping who shared their experiences. six teams, is also on the cards. ššQatar’s beach handball players. finished third. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 29

VOLLEYBALL Arabi, Jaish in ֫ same group Qatar flatter to deceive the Qatar Volleyball Association’s season-opening AtArI spikers flattered to QATAR’S RESULTS Federation cup begins at deceive as they played bt Saudi Arabia 25-21, 25-21, 23-25, the Al Arabi Sports club on second fiddle to bahrain 25-21 Wednesday. Q bt UAE 25-17, 25-18, 25-11 once again at the Gcc Games in Al Arabi are the defending Lost to bahrain 25-18, 25-23, 26-28, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, last week. champions of the low-profile 28-30, 26-28 tournament, which national Qatar won three of their bt Oman 25-22, 25-10, 26-28, 23-25, 15-12 players skip most of the time. four matches in the biennial It is no different this time as tournament played in round-robin well, as the national players format. And the 25-18, 25-23, Oman, also notched up victories will take time off after the Gcc 26-28, 28-30, 26-28 loss to their against the UAE (25-17, 25-18, Games in Dammam, Saudi bogey team cost them the title. 25-11) and Saudi Arabia (25-21, Arabia. Qatar had only themselves to 25-21, 23-25, 25-21) to finish as ten teams are drawn into two groups, with the top two blame as they frittered away a 2-0 runners-up in two consecutive from each advancing to the lead. bahrain clawed their way back editions. semifinals. in the marathon contest, which “We came to the tournament Arabi are in Group b along lasted a little less than three hours. with great expectations. We had a with last year’s runners-up and Qatar had lost to the same good training camp in Poland and two-time winners El Jaish, Al Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, second Shamal, Al Khor and Al Gharafa. right, Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz opponents at the 2013 edition in the players were all raring to go. Doha. We tried hard, but bahrain proved Group A constitutes Al and other dignitaries at the opening of Second GCC Games at the Prince Mohamed rayyan, Police, Al Wakrah, Al bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. Qatar, who began their campaign too good for us. Hats off to them,” Ahli and Al Sadd. with a thrilling 25-22, 25-10, 26- said Qatar’s Argentinian coah Juan the final will be on 28, 23-25, 15-12 win against Manuel cichello. November 16. ŠšQatar volleyball AQUATICS coach Juan Manuel ֫ cichello, third left, instructs his wards during their match Qatar set to field against Saudi Arabia. 12-member team

AtAr will field 12 swimmers at the FINA/ airweave World cup, to be held at the QHamad Aquatic centre, on November 2 and 3. Abdullah Al Yahri, Waleed rafeeq Dalloul, Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Abdulrahman Khalid BEACH HANDBALL Al Kuwari, Omar Hisham, ֫ Noah Al Khulaifi, Hassan Abdulaziz Al Obaidly, Abdulla Musallam Al Nabit, Abdulla Brazil, Qatar to play three matches Mohammed Aboughazala, Abdulrahman Hisham championships in budapest, continental teams. but we felt it Mohammed and Firas Mourad Saidi Aju George Chris Hungary. wouldn’t test the limit of our players. are Qatar’s representatives in the men’s category. “We defeated Spain by identical Unlike other teams, the brazilians Nada Mohammed Wafa Arakji, who donned 2-1 margins in the first three games are full-time professionals whose Qatar colours at the ’12 London Olympics, will be AtAr will play three matches and we won the fourth 2-0. Now only focus is beach handball. they’ll the only female member. against three-time world we’re gearing up to meet the world give my players the right kind of Abdulrahman, who vied for honours in the Qchampions brazil at the Al champions in Doha. these games, workout,” added the coach. World cup series’ Singapore leg earlier this year, Gharafa courts this week. against such tough opponents, will Hassan said the team would camp said he was ready for the fight. they had already played four help us prepare for the ’16 Worlds “I always love taking part in such competitions. games against 2015 European in budapest,” Ali Hassan told Doha It’s a big learning opportunity for me. competing runners-up Spain, winning all by Stadium Plus. QATAR’S BEST DISPLAY against some of the best swimmers in the world respectable margins. Qatar coach “Qatar are the reigning Asian AT THE BEACH WORLDS will certainly help me get better. We all work Khaled Ali Hassan said they were champions and we could’ve easily CAME LAST YEAR, IN together as a team and we can’t wait for the preparing for the ’16 beach World arranged matches against some RECIFE, BRAZIL. competition to begin,” he said.

MIXED ZONE | INTERNATIONAL

GOLF Zaheer calls ֫ TENNIS ֫ time on career Grillo makes his ššSouth Africa’s Morne Morkel, second right, celebrates with team-mates after taking the wicket India’s Zaheer Khan announced of India’s Ajinkya rahane in rajkot. his retirement from international duty, but said he would continue mark at Frys! CRICKET to play the domestic twenty20 ֫ Chinese sojourn! rGENtINA’S Emiliano Grillo made a perfect form for one more season. t PrOVED all too easy once again has played. the second set where he worked the 37-year-old left-arm start to his career as a PGA tour member for Novak Djokovic as the world the 30-year-old tsonga had hard to fight off break points and South Africa take lead paceman, who was part of India’s Awhen he beat American Kevin Na in a No.1 continued his frightening shown his serving prowess in taking stay on serve through the opening 50-overs World cup-winning play-off at the Frys.com Open in northern I team in 2011, last played in a dominance by blitzing past out rafael Nadal 6-4, 0-6, 7-5 in the eight games as Djokovic sauntered PENING batsman Quinton Earlier, Indian captain Mahendra california, the US. test match in New Zealand in Frenchman Jo-Wilfried tsonga to semifinal, but against the imperious through his own service. de Kock provided the early Singh Dhoni had hammered 92 not February, ’14. After missing a three-footer that would have won win another Shanghai Masters title returning skills of Djokovic he had no but the pressure proved too much Oflourish with his seventh out in a 22-run win in the second ODI Meanwhile, there were it at the first extra hole, Grillo made amends at the last Sunday. answers. as Djokovic pummelled balls to all century while fast bowler Morne in Indore. conflicting reports that Virender next, the par-five 18th, with an eight-foot birdie to the Serbian, a 10-time Grand the 28-year-old, who brushed angles with supreme court Morkel applied the finishing touch With India reeling at 124 for Sehwag too called it quits. the edge Na at the Silverado resort in Napa. Slam champion, brushed aside the aside Andy Murray 6-1, 6-3 in coverage. He broke at with four wickets as South Africa six, the 34-year-old produced an dashing batsman reportedly In Vilamoura, Andy Sullivan won the Portugal challenge of a befuddled tsonga the third attempt in the beat India by 18 runs in rajkot to 86-ball blitz, to help the hosts to a announced his retirement in Masters by a comfortable nine shots for his third Dubai, but he himself later Jelena 6-1, 6-4 to claim his third Shanghai crucial ninth game and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match competitive 247 for nine. European tour title of the season. Jankovic denied it. Masters and ninth title of a standout THE SERBIAN WORLD served out for victory. one-day series. Dhoni then returned to neatly the 29-year-old Englishman was already up by year that has left him being spoken NO.1 CLAIMED HIS “the key was to get De Kock continued his purple stump Amla, take three catches and five at the start of the final day and never looked of among the sport’s all-time greats. THIRD SHANGHAI as many serves back patch in ODIs against India, scoring cleverly rotate his bowlers as South like relinquishing that lead as he carded a superb 66 It was a second straight MASTERS TITLE. into play because he his fourth century in seven innings Africa were all out for 225. to finish a massive 23 under par. Jankovic on song tournament Djokovic had won (tsonga) has one of to set up South Africa’s total of 270 All-rounder ravindra Jadeja has Meanwhile, Matt Kuchar secured a four-stroke without dropping a set after he the biggest serves for seven in 50 overs after they chose been recalled to India’s squad in place victory at the Fiji International, savouring a special in Hong Kong landed his sixth china Open title the other last-four encounter, in the game,” said to bat. of spinner Harbhajan Singh for next moment with his father, who carried his bag in beijing recently. the Serb now nullified tsonga’s most Djokovic. India could only manage 252 for month’s first two tests against South throughout the tournament. ErbIAN Jelena Jankovic fought back from boasts a 38-1 record on chinese hard potent weapon to break six in their 50 overs. Africa. Starting the final round with a two-shot lead, a set down to beat Germany’s Angelique courts. his three opening service Kuchar fired a three-under 69 to finish well ahead Kerber to take the Hong Kong Open title. Djokovic won three Grands Slam games and take a first set Novak of Australia’s Aron Price. S Djokovic the former world No.1 triumphed 3-6, 7-6 this year, was runner-up at the which the Frenchman played Herath spins Lanka to victory Elsewhere, Australian Scott Hend came out top in (7-4), 6-1 to claim her 15th WtA title and second French Open and since suffering predominantly way behind his latest Macau Open shoot-out with Anirban of the year. a surprise quarterfinal loss to Ivo the baseline. rI Lanka needed less than Karunaratne. In reply, the West said Herath, the man of the match. Lahiri as he held off the Indian to win the Kerber started brightly with an opening break as Karlovic in Qatar in January, has things improved for four days to thrash West Indies were all out for 251 with West Indies’ hopes of avoiding a Asian tour title by three shots. she took the set 6-3. the second proved another made the final of all 13 events he tsonga at the start of SIndies by an innings and six Herath taking six for 68. heavy defeat rested on Darren tight affair with three breaks of serve each before runs in the opening test at Galle, Herath claimed four bravo (31), who scored a a tie-break which Jankovic edged 7-4. with Rangana Herath leading the in the second innings 50 in the first innings, Jankovic found her serving rhythm in the Nadal books World Tour Finals berth victory charge by claiming his fifth to finish with match but the left-hander decider as Kerber failed to force a break point and 10-wicket haul. figures of 10-147. edged Nuwan Pradeep Spaniard Rafael Nadal and the czech republic’s collapsed as the Serb ran out a strong winner. tomas berdych have secured their places at the the touring side, who have never three of the 37-year- behind after captain Meanwhile, Poland’s Agnieszka radwanska AtP World tour Finals, leaving just two spots won a test match in Sri Lanka, were old’s landmark hauls Angelo Mathews’s booked a spot at the WtA Finals after outclassing in the eight-man field to fill. bundled out for 227 in their second have come at Galle, the decision to allow the Montenegrin Danka Kovinic 6-1, 6-2 to win the Nadal and berdych will compete innings, after being asked to follow venue for his test debut paceman one more over Tianjin Open in china. alongside Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, on by the hosts. against Australia more than 16 was vindicated. In Austria, russian seventh seed Anastasia roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka at the Sri Lanka made 484 in their first years ago. the second match of the season finale to be held in London from Pavlyuchenkova won her first title of the year and November 15 to 22. innings thanks to centuries from “When I play here, there’s always two-test series starts in colombo eight of her career when she defeated unseeded Nadal qualified for the 11th Dinesh chandimal and Dimuth something for me as a spinner,” on thursday. German Anna-Lena Friedsam, 6-4, 6-3 in the Linz consecutive season after reaching the MOTORSPORT Open final. semifinals of the Shanghai Masters. ֫

RUGBY Wily Marquez steals ֫ What a Foley, and Scots pay penalty! Lorenzo’s thunder! Emiliano LASt-MINUtE bernard Foley — who thrashed Ireland 43-20. a record-setting master class to EFENDING MotoGP champion He quickly cheered, however, Grillo penalty completed the New Zealand will play South African rout France 62-13, while South Marc Marquez snatched the having closed the gap on leader first-ever Southern in the other semifinal this weekend Africa had a tougher time getting lead from Jorge Lorenzo on rossi to 11 points. A D American Lexi Thompson took Hemisphere clean sweep of World after they beat France and Wales, past Wales, with captain Fourie a thrilling last lap to win a classic rookie Alex rins won the Moto2 Thompson advantage of a faltering final cup semifinal places and set off a respectively. du Preez touching down with five Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, category in which Qatar Motor and round by world No.2 Lydia Ko to storm of controversy as Australia With Scotland leading Australia minutes left to snatch a 23-19 win with championship leader Motorcycle Federation racing team’s shines in claim the $2m LPGA KEb Hana upset Scotland in London. 34-32 amid a rainstorm, Joubert at twickenham. Valentino rossi finishing fourth. Mika Kallio finished eighth. Incheon bank championship by one shot television replays indicated hit trouble by ruling that Scottish At the climax of a daredevil racing in Incheon, South Korea. referee craig Joubert made a replacement prop Jon Welsh had QUARTERFINAL RESULTS between the top four finishers, RESULTS the world No.5 fired a final mistake in awarding the penalty strayed off-side. Australia scrum- Argentina bt Ireland 43-20 Marquez coaxed his Honda past 1. Marc Marquez (ESP) Honda 40:33.8 round three-under-par 69 at the 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) Yamaha at 0.15 Sky 72 club, west of Seoul, for a that saw the Australians overtake half Nick Phipps appeared to touch Australia bt Scotland 35-34 Lorenzo before the final turn and South Africa bt Wales 23-19 3. Andrea Iannone (ItA) Ducati 0.26 15-under total of 273 to leapfrog Scots for a 35-34 win last Sunday. the ball before Welsh was left in an roared home to win his first race at 4. Valentino rossi (ItA) Yamaha 0.32 New Zealand bt France 62-13 joint overnight leader Ko (72) and the South African official sprinted off-side position. Phillip Island and fifth of the season. 5. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) Honda 0.51 claim her sixth LPGA tour title off the field to boos and jeers from Wallaby fly-half Foley expertly SEMIFINAL FIXTURES Having grabbed and lost the lead STANDINGS and second of the year. Scottish supporters at twickenham scored the winning points. Kick-off in Doha time. time and again over the course 1. Valentino rossi (ItA) 296 Former world No.1 Yani tseng 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) 285 after he blew the final whistle. Earlier, in the other quarterfinals, Saturday, New Zealand vs South Africa, of the race, Lorenzo initially cut a continued her return to form by October 24 twickenham, 6pm. 3. Marc Marquez (ESP) 222 finishing joint second with South but Australia celebrated setting Julian Savea scored a bulldozing dejected figure when crossing for 4. Andrea Iannone (ItA) 188 Sunday, Australia vs Argentina, Korean Park Sung-Hyun. ššbernard Foley scores the penalty which gave Australia the win. up a semifinal against Argentina hat-trick as New Zealand delivered October 25 twickenham, 7pm. second place. 5. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) 165 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 31

GOLF Zaheer calls ֫ time on career Grillo makes his ššSouth Africa’s Morne Morkel, second right, celebrates with team-mates after taking the wicket India’s Zaheer Khan announced of India’s Ajinkya rahane in rajkot. his retirement from international duty, but said he would continue mark at Frys! CRICKET to play the domestic twenty20 ֫ form for one more season. rGENtINA’S Emiliano Grillo made a perfect the 37-year-old left-arm start to his career as a PGA tour member South Africa take lead paceman, who was part of India’s Awhen he beat American Kevin Na in a 50-overs World cup-winning play-off at the Frys.com Open in northern team in 2011, last played in a PENING batsman Quinton Earlier, Indian captain Mahendra california, the US. test match in New Zealand in de Kock provided the early Singh Dhoni had hammered 92 not February, ’14. After missing a three-footer that would have won Oflourish with his seventh out in a 22-run win in the second ODI Meanwhile, there were it at the first extra hole, Grillo made amends at the century while fast bowler Morne in Indore. conflicting reports that Virender next, the par-five 18th, with an eight-foot birdie to Morkel applied the finishing touch With India reeling at 124 for Sehwag too called it quits. the edge Na at the Silverado resort in Napa. with four wickets as South Africa six, the 34-year-old produced an dashing batsman reportedly In Vilamoura, Andy Sullivan won the Portugal beat India by 18 runs in rajkot to 86-ball blitz, to help the hosts to a announced his retirement in Masters by a comfortable nine shots for his third Dubai, but he himself later take a 2-1 lead in the five-match competitive 247 for nine. European tour title of the season. denied it. one-day series. Dhoni then returned to neatly the 29-year-old Englishman was already up by De Kock continued his purple stump Amla, take three catches and five at the start of the final day and never looked patch in ODIs against India, scoring cleverly rotate his bowlers as South like relinquishing that lead as he carded a superb 66 his fourth century in seven innings Africa were all out for 225. to finish a massive 23 under par. to set up South Africa’s total of 270 All-rounder ravindra Jadeja has Meanwhile, Matt Kuchar secured a four-stroke for seven in 50 overs after they chose been recalled to India’s squad in place victory at the Fiji International, savouring a special to bat. of spinner Harbhajan Singh for next moment with his father, who carried his bag India could only manage 252 for month’s first two tests against South throughout the tournament. six in their 50 overs. Africa. Starting the final round with a two-shot lead, Kuchar fired a three-under 69 to finish well ahead Novak of Australia’s Aron Price. Djokovic Herath spins Lanka to victory Elsewhere, Australian Scott Hend came out top in his latest Macau Open shoot-out with Anirban rI Lanka needed less than Karunaratne. In reply, the West said Herath, the man of the match. Lahiri as he held off the Indian to win the four days to thrash West Indies were all out for 251 with West Indies’ hopes of avoiding a Asian tour title by three shots. SIndies by an innings and six Herath taking six for 68. heavy defeat rested on Darren runs in the opening test at Galle, Herath claimed four bravo (31), who scored a with Rangana Herath leading the in the second innings 50 in the first innings, victory charge by claiming his fifth to finish with match but the left-hander 10-wicket haul. figures of 10-147. edged Nuwan Pradeep the touring side, who have never three of the 37-year- behind after captain won a test match in Sri Lanka, were old’s landmark hauls Angelo Mathews’s bundled out for 227 in their second have come at Galle, the decision to allow the innings, after being asked to follow venue for his test debut paceman one more over on by the hosts. against Australia more than 16 was vindicated. Sri Lanka made 484 in their first years ago. the second match of the innings thanks to centuries from “When I play here, there’s always two-test series starts in colombo Dinesh chandimal and Dimuth something for me as a spinner,” on thursday. MOTORSPORT ֫ Wily Marquez steals Lorenzo’s thunder! Emiliano EFENDING MotoGP champion He quickly cheered, however, Grillo Marc Marquez snatched the having closed the gap on leader lead from Jorge Lorenzo on rossi to 11 points. D American Lexi Thompson took a thrilling last lap to win a classic rookie Alex rins won the Moto2 Thompson advantage of a faltering final Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, category in which Qatar Motor and round by world No.2 Lydia Ko to with championship leader Motorcycle Federation racing team’s shines in claim the $2m LPGA KEb Hana Valentino rossi finishing fourth. Mika Kallio finished eighth. Incheon bank championship by one shot At the climax of a daredevil racing in Incheon, South Korea. between the top four finishers, RESULTS the world No.5 fired a final Marquez coaxed his Honda past 1. Marc Marquez (ESP) Honda 40:33.8 round three-under-par 69 at the 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) Yamaha at 0.15 Sky 72 club, west of Seoul, for a Lorenzo before the final turn and 3. Andrea Iannone (ItA) Ducati 0.26 15-under total of 273 to leapfrog roared home to win his first race at 4. Valentino rossi (ItA) Yamaha 0.32 joint overnight leader Ko (72) and Phillip Island and fifth of the season. 5. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) Honda 0.51 claim her sixth LPGA tour title Having grabbed and lost the lead STANDINGS and second of the year. time and again over the course 1. Valentino rossi (ItA) 296 Former world No.1 Yani tseng 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) 285 of the race, Lorenzo initially cut a continued her return to form by 3. Marc Marquez (ESP) 222 finishing joint second with South dejected figure when crossing for 4. Andrea Iannone (ItA) 188 Korean Park Sung-Hyun. second place. 5. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) 165 32 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 33

PEOPLE SPORT THIS WEEK

Former German international Gordon Strachan will continue bournemouth manager Eddie World boxing Association champion Stefan Effenberg enjoyed a as Scotland manager through Howe signed a contract extension Gennady Golovkin grabbed the QATAR winning start to his coaching the 2018 World cup qualifying beyond 2018 at the south-coast International boxing Federation belt, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 PARALYMPICS career when his Paderborn team campaign despite failing to club having been rewarded for running his unbeaten winning streak to IPc Athletics World championships, defeated Eintracht brunswick 2-0 lead them to next year’s steering them into the English 34 with an eighth-round stoppage of 9.30am onwards at Qatar Sc Stadium in the German Second Division. Euro cup. the Scottish FA Premier League (EPL). the EPL David Lemieux in front of a 20,548 crowd (till October 31). the former bayern Munich star had said the former Manchester club announced the agreement at Madison Square Garden in New York, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 been working as a television expert United and Leeds United but did not disclose the terms. the the US. the Kazakh put on an explosive FOOTBALL before taking on a coaching job for midfielder had signed a 37-year-old coach was tied to the display of punching power in the Qatar Stars League, Al Sailiya vs Umm the first time, announcing himself two-year contract extension. club until ’18, but has negotiated fight, dominating the former canadian Salal, 5.30pm at Al Arabi Stadium, Al as ‘the New One’ when he was “It’s an honour to manage my a longer deal after last season’s champion from the opening bell. Sadd vs Al Khor, 5.30pm at Al Sadd Stadium, Al Ahli vs Qatar Sc, 7.45pm unveiled to the media. country,” said Strachan. promotion. at Al Sadd Stadium. SAILING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 Zimbabwe cricket (Zc) has Danish Formula One driver Kevin Striker Danny Ings, who won the UAE’s Abdullah Qassem 2015 Optimist Asian and Oceanian FOOTBALL championships, 10am onwards at banned controversial batsman Magnussen is leaving McLaren his first England cap last week, was jailed for three months after the Katara beach (till October 31). Qatar Stars League, Al rayyan vs Al Mark Vermeulen for what they after being informed by e-mail suffered a cruciate knee ligament insulting national football team Arabi, 5.30pm at Al Arabi Stadium. described as repulsive remarks on his birthday that the team had injury in training and will coach Mahdi Ali in a video, local BEACH HANDBALL SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 and ignorance. the 36-year-old, no place for him. team boss ron be out for the rest of the media reported. the 29-year-old Friendly matches, Qatar vs brazil, VOLLEYBALL who has played nine tests and 43 Dennis confirmed the split, saying season. the 23-year-old, had made indecent gestures and 9am, 5pm on Wednesday and 5pm Association cup, El Jaish vs Al One-Day Internationals, made the the youngster deserved to be in who joined Liverpool from criticised Ali after the coach had on thursday at Al Gharafa courts. Shamal, 5.30pm and Al Arabi vs Al remarks in July in response to an F1 and McLaren would do burnley in the summer and not included him in the team. VOLLEYBALL Qatar Sc, 6.45pm at Al Arabi Sports article posted on Facebook about what they could ‘to help has scored three goals in his Abdullah, along with a second Association cup, Al Shamal vs Al club. national team player Prosper him embark on the eight appearances, is likely to unnamed player who filmed the Khor, 5.30pm and El Jaish vs Al MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 Gharafa, 6.45pm at Al Arabi Sports Utseya’s letter to Zc alleging next chapter of his miss the Euro 2016 finals next rant, was given three-month club. VOLLEYBALL racism. career.’ summer. sentences by an Abu Dhabi court. Association cup, Police vs Al Ahli, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 4pm and Al rayyan vs Al Wakrah FOOTBALL 5.30pm at Al Arabi Sports club. Qatar Stars League, Mesaimeer vs TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 Al Kharaitiyat, 5.30pm at Al Arabi Stadium, Al Wakrah vs Al Gharafa, VOLLEYBALL FOOTBALL 5.30pm at Lekhwiya Stadium, El Jaish Association cup, Police vs Al Wakrah, Qatar Stars League, Al Gharafa vs vs Lekhwiya, 7.45pm at Lekhwiya 4pm and Al Ahli vs Al Sadd 5.30pm at Lekhwiya, 5.30pm at Al Gharafa STAR OF THE WEEK ALASTAIR COOK MOVERS&SHAKERS Stadium. Al Arabi Sports club. Stadium. England’s Taylor enters INTERNATIONAL GOLF APtAIN Alastair cook struck a miraculous win before being WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 Australia’s male den! EPGA and Asian tour at Hong Kong FOOTBALL a mammoth 263 as he led denied by bad light as they fell Open; LPGA at taiwan championship; champions League, group stage. CEngland’s charge in the 25 runs short of the target after NGLAND’S wicketkeeper- and I’m just another player,” added USPGA at Las Vegas (till Sunday). opening cricket test against bowling out the opposition for batsman Sarah Taylor made taylor, who has played eight tests, MOTORSPORT Pakistan, which ended in a 173 in the second innings. Ehistory by becoming the first 98 One-Day Internationals and 73 rally of Spain (till Sunday). thrilling draw at Abu Dhabi last the 30-year-old said his team’s woman to play men’s grade cricket twenty20s for England. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 week. resurgence made him just as in Australia. cricket Australia’s team FIGURE SKATING Skate America at Milwaukee, After Pakistan declared their proud as any of his test wins as the 26-year-old performance manager Pat Wisconsin (till Sunday). first innings at 523 for eight, England captain. appeared for Northern Howard was all praise SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 England responded with 598 for “I’m proud of my team. the Districts against for taylor. CYCLING nine, thanks to cook’s innings, fact that you concede 523 and Port Adelaide at “As the women’s RUGBY Saitama criterium, Japan. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 which was the third-longest then you’re the side who’re pretty Salisbury Oval in South game becomes World cup in England (till October GYMNASTICS CRICKET 31). in test cricket. the left-handed much going to win the game Australia’s premier men’s increasingly professional, World championships, Glasgow (till India vs South Africa, 5th ODI at opener batted for 836 minutes is a good sign. We’ve to show competition last week. there’re more opportunities TENNIS November 1). Mumbai. and faced 528 balls in his long the same kind of resilience and “I’ve always wanted to push than ever before for elite AtP at Stockholm, Vienna and SWIMMING MOTORSPORT Moscow; WtA at Luxemburg and World cup at beijing (till Sunday). vigil, which had 18 boundaries. character in the coming tests,” myself and check where I’m at in female players,” he said. Moscow (till Sunday). US Formula One Grand Prix at Austin; Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang. Pakistan’s Hanif Mohammad said cook, who added 141 for the terms of my game,” said taylor. taylor has already signed to play THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 holds the record for the longest fourth wicket with Joe root. “It shows that if you’re good for Adelaide Strikers in the inaugural CRICKET TENNIS test innings with 970 minutes cook’s innings was a stunning enough, doors will open. I just want edition of the Women’s big bash Sri Lanka vs West Indies, second test AtP at Valencia and basel, WtA during his 337 against the West feat of endurance. by the time he to build that respect I’m not a girl League this winter. at colombo (till Monday); England vs Pakistan, second test at Dubai (till tour Finals at Singapore Indies at bridgetown in 1958, was finally dismissed, top-edging Monday); India vs South Africa, 4th (till November 1). ahead of South African Gary a sweep to square leg off Shoaib ODI at chennai. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 Kirsten’s 878-minute knock during Malik in the final hour of the Everton great Kendall dies FOOTBALL BASEBALL his 275 against England at Durban fourth day’s play, he had put his Europa League, group stage. World Series starts. in ’99. team in a position of strength. OrMEr Everton player and Howard Kendall,” Everton announced cook’s innings may have cook attributed his good form managerial great Howard on their website, without disclosing finished some way shy of the in tough Asian conditions to FKendall has died at the age of a cause of death. duo’s feats, but it remains one patience. 69, the English Premier League club “the most successful manager of the best played by an English “I don’t quite know why I’ve got announced. in the history of the club and batsman in Asian conditions, such a good subcontinent record,” Kendall played for one of the greatest players which have always tested the said cook, who now has eight Everton as a midfielder in to pull on the Everton patience of visiting batsmen. hundreds in Asia. the 1970s and had three jersey. He passed It was cook’s third double “It’s pretty much a game of spells as manager at away in hospital in century and as he rumbled on patience out a lot of the time and Goodison Park, including Southport at the age of his way to a monumental playing to your strengths,” he a six-year stint in the 69, surrounded by loved knock, it almost gave England added. ’80s that was the most ones,” the club added. successful period in the club’s In a managerial career history. of more than 700 games, Kendall “It’s with great sadness that the also took charge of blackburn, club has learned of the passing of Manchester city and Notts county. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 33

SPORT THIS WEEK

World boxing Association champion Gennady Golovkin grabbed the QATAR International boxing Federation belt, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 PARALYMPICS running his unbeaten winning streak to IPc Athletics World championships, 34 with an eighth-round stoppage of 9.30am onwards at Qatar Sc Stadium David Lemieux in front of a 20,548 crowd (till October 31). at Madison Square Garden in New York, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 the US. the Kazakh put on an explosive FOOTBALL display of punching power in the Qatar Stars League, Al Sailiya vs Umm fight, dominating the former canadian Salal, 5.30pm at Al Arabi Stadium, Al champion from the opening bell. Sadd vs Al Khor, 5.30pm at Al Sadd Stadium, Al Ahli vs Qatar Sc, 7.45pm at Al Sadd Stadium. SAILING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 the UAE’s Abdullah Qassem 2015 Optimist Asian and Oceanian FOOTBALL championships, 10am onwards at was jailed for three months after the Katara beach (till October 31). Qatar Stars League, Al rayyan vs Al insulting national football team Arabi, 5.30pm at Al Arabi Stadium. coach Mahdi Ali in a video, local BEACH HANDBALL SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 media reported. the 29-year-old Friendly matches, Qatar vs brazil, VOLLEYBALL had made indecent gestures and 9am, 5pm on Wednesday and 5pm Association cup, El Jaish vs Al criticised Ali after the coach had on thursday at Al Gharafa courts. Shamal, 5.30pm and Al Arabi vs Al not included him in the team. VOLLEYBALL Qatar Sc, 6.45pm at Al Arabi Sports Abdullah, along with a second Association cup, Al Shamal vs Al club. unnamed player who filmed the Khor, 5.30pm and El Jaish vs Al MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 Gharafa, 6.45pm at Al Arabi Sports rant, was given three-month club. VOLLEYBALL sentences by an Abu Dhabi court. Association cup, Police vs Al Ahli, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 4pm and Al rayyan vs Al Wakrah FOOTBALL 5.30pm at Al Arabi Sports club. Qatar Stars League, Mesaimeer vs TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 Al Kharaitiyat, 5.30pm at Al Arabi Stadium, Al Wakrah vs Al Gharafa, VOLLEYBALL FOOTBALL 5.30pm at Lekhwiya Stadium, El Jaish Association cup, Police vs Al Wakrah, Qatar Stars League, Al Gharafa vs vs Lekhwiya, 7.45pm at Lekhwiya 4pm and Al Ahli vs Al Sadd 5.30pm at Lekhwiya, 5.30pm at Al Gharafa MOVERS&SHAKERS Stadium. Al Arabi Sports club. Stadium. England’s Taylor enters INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 GOLF Australia’s male den! EPGA and Asian tour at Hong Kong FOOTBALL Open; LPGA at taiwan championship; champions League, group stage. NGLAND’S wicketkeeper- and I’m just another player,” added USPGA at Las Vegas (till Sunday). batsman Sarah Taylor made taylor, who has played eight tests, MOTORSPORT Ehistory by becoming the first 98 One-Day Internationals and 73 rally of Spain (till Sunday). woman to play men’s grade cricket twenty20s for England. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 in Australia. cricket Australia’s team FIGURE SKATING Skate America at Milwaukee, the 26-year-old performance manager Pat Wisconsin (till Sunday). appeared for Northern Howard was all praise SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 Districts against for taylor. CYCLING Port Adelaide at “As the women’s RUGBY Saitama criterium, Japan. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 Salisbury Oval in South game becomes World cup in England (till October GYMNASTICS CRICKET 31). Australia’s premier men’s increasingly professional, World championships, Glasgow (till India vs South Africa, 5th ODI at competition last week. there’re more opportunities TENNIS November 1). Mumbai. “I’ve always wanted to push than ever before for elite AtP at Stockholm, Vienna and SWIMMING MOTORSPORT Moscow; WtA at Luxemburg and World cup at beijing (till Sunday). myself and check where I’m at in female players,” he said. Moscow (till Sunday). US Formula One Grand Prix at Austin; Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang. terms of my game,” said taylor. taylor has already signed to play THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 “It shows that if you’re good for Adelaide Strikers in the inaugural CRICKET TENNIS enough, doors will open. I just want edition of the Women’s big bash Sri Lanka vs West Indies, second test AtP at Valencia and basel, WtA to build that respect I’m not a girl League this winter. at colombo (till Monday); England vs Pakistan, second test at Dubai (till tour Finals at Singapore Monday); India vs South Africa, 4th (till November 1). ODI at chennai. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 Everton great Kendall dies FOOTBALL BASEBALL Europa League, group stage. World Series starts. OrMEr Everton player and Howard Kendall,” Everton announced managerial great Howard on their website, without disclosing FKendall has died at the age of a cause of death. 69, the English Premier League club “the most successful manager announced. in the history of the club and Kendall played for one of the greatest players Everton as a midfielder in to pull on the Everton the 1970s and had three jersey. He passed spells as manager at away in hospital in Goodison Park, including Southport at the age of a six-year stint in the 69, surrounded by loved ’80s that was the most ones,” the club added. successful period in the club’s In a managerial career history. of more than 700 games, Kendall “It’s with great sadness that the also took charge of blackburn, club has learned of the passing of Manchester city and Notts county. 34 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 35

MOSAIC

rAINING patients to practise few decades has linked practices HEALTH deep relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga to SPORTS MEDICINE LIFESTYLE Tlike yoga and meditation beneficial physiological changes may also lead them to make fewer in the body ranging from better doctor visits, a US study suggests. cardiac function to reduced Rice and rise of researchers analysed data on inflammation, noted lead study AIBA all praise for Aspetar more than 4,400 patients who author Dr James Stahl, director wheat in Asia! were referred by their health care of the Institute for technology MAtEUr International destination for medical care of fractures, oral injury prevention, providers to the benson-Henry Assessment at Massachusetts boxing Association (AIbA) participants.” and the effects of nutrition on oral SIA is losing some of its appetite for rice in Institute for Mind body Medicine at General. APresident Dr ching-Kuo He made the remarks at the health and sport performance. favour of wheat, a trend that is nowhere Massachusetts General Hospital in What the current study offers is a Wu expressed his appreciation for Orofacial trauma in boxing “Aspetar has a leading role in Amore pronounced than South Korea where boston, where they received what link between these forms of stress all efforts and services provided conference, an event held by sports medicine, and organising bread and pastries have become a new staple. is known as relaxation response reduction and fewer visits to the by Aspetar at the World boxing Aspetar in conjunction with the this event reflects its position in From working mothers, who find toast more training. doctor, Stahl added. championships which concluded championship. this sector,” said AIbA Medical convenient to prepare for breakfast, to city dwellers After a year, these people had an “Meditation and yoga reduce last week in Doha. Some of the world’s best commission chairman Dr flocking to new eateries for baguettes, South average 43 per cent reduction in stress, which in turn promotes Wu stated that “AIbA selected doctors participated in the Abdelhamid Khadri. Koreans are at the forefront of an Asia-wide trend their use of health services. Over wellness, which in turn reduces Aspetar as the medical partner conference, discussing topics that has seen wheat demand climb at nearly twice the same period, health services seeking and using healthcare for the championships due to such as facial and dental injuries the rate of rice consumption since 2008. use was little changed for another resources,” said Stahl, who its skilled staff, capabilities, and in boxing, oral health and South Korea’s rice consumption hit a group of 13,000 similar patients practises at Dartmouth-Hitchcock advanced facilities, all of which sports performance, surgical record low of 65.1kg per person last Yogawho did not receive relaxation Medical center in New Hampshire. make the hospital a preferred management of mandibular year while flour consumption was the keeps response training. the relaxation response elicited highest since ’06 at 33.6kg, according to Plenty of evidence over the last by practices such as meditation, industry and official data. prayer and yoga is meant to help In Indonesia, noodle consumption the doctor away people counteract the toxic impact has helped increase wheat demand in of chronic stress by slowing down the world’s second-biggest importer by their breathing and relaxing their more than 60 per cent since ’05 to nearly eight muscles. million tonnes annually. In yoga, for example, a sun salutation is a series of poses done in a fluid sequence CAMEO and designed to focus on breathing and improving muscle Pirelli extends Formula One deal strength and flexibility. Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli announced the Such relaxation techniques extension of its deal with Formula One until can be an antidote to the at least 2019. the new contract, which runs flight-or-flight response, a for three years has to be confirmed by motor survival mechanism that racing’s international governing body FIA. Pirelli has been the Official kicks in when people feel TECHNOLOGY F1 tyre Supplier since ’11 and is reported to spend an additional $40 of threatened and experience trackside advertising each year. a surge in stress hormones that cause muscles to tense and Stair-climbing wheelchair on way the heart to race, Stahl and his Nissan power Fiat drives Italian colleagues wrote in PLOS ONE. N ELEctrIc wheelchair University of the Arts. Scalevo ascends the stairs that can climb most stairs, When being used on normal flat backwards. When it reaches a set for ICC football Aincluding spiral staircases, ground, it balances on two wheels of stairs, the user presses a button Japanese auto brand the Italian football has been developed by like a Segway and allows users to to lower the tracks to the ground Nissan signed a federation Zurich-based students. turn on the spot in order to quickly and its rubber grips hook onto the long-term deal with extended its the Scalevo Wheelchair can change direction. two rubber tracks steps above to propel the chair and the International sponsorship with Stress mount one stair per second and mounted to the bottom of the chair its occupant upwards. As it reaches cricket council to Italian automotive was designed by 10 students can be summoned at the press of the top, a smaller pair of support become its Global giant Fiat. As part of Partner. the sponsorship is the deal, Fiat will continue at the Swiss Federal Institute of a button to allow the user to climb wheels descend to prevent the and stroke risk reported to run for a minimum to be a ‘top sponsor’ and the technology (EtH Zurich) and Zurich stairs. wheelchair from toppling over. of eight years. Official car of the national team P tO ONE in four jobs are Guangzhou, china, the senior for the next four years. “high strain,” and people author of the study. Uin these lines of work Xu’s team considered the data OFFBEAT PSG stay stylish may be at increased risk of stroke, from six studies involving a total according to a new analysis of past of 138,782 participants who were in Hugo Boss research. followed for three to 17 years. and Standing up to Boris! Qatar-owned based on studies that included found that people with high stress French Ligue 1 Bayern trust nearly 140,000 participants, jobs involving high demand and E WAS described by a british Video footage showed the football club Paris researchers found an overall 22 low control, like waitresses and columnist earlier this month lumbering mayor — dressed in a Saint-Germain HypoVereinsbank per cent higher stroke risk among nurses, were 22 per cent more as the “albino warthog” — a white shirt and tie, his sleeves rolled announced the H HypoVereinsbank, the German those in high-strain jobs versus likely to suffer a stroke than people name London Mayor boris Johnson up — running down the side of a extension of its sponsorship with Hugo boss. arm of pan-Euro bank Unicredit, low-strain occupations. In some with low stress jobs. fully lived up to in tokyo last week small pitch chased by children. announced the extension of its cases, the risk was elevated by up And the risk of ischemic stroke when he flattened a 10-year-old One particularly brave boy stood the German fashion house will continue as the club’s Official sponsorship of bayern Munich to 58 per cent. — which is usually caused by a rugby fan. his ground only to be floored by the tailor for the rest of the current until at least 2022. the bank Previous studies of work clot that blocks blood flow to the famously eccentric british mayor’s considerable bulk, sending 2015-16 campaign. As part of the first became a sponsor of the stress and stroke had been the brain — was 58 per cent politician, renowned for his flop of both parties tumbling to the ground. deal, PSG’s players and coaching German champions in ’03. inconsistent, said greater in the high strain blond hair and off the cuff remarks, “I’m so sorry, are you okay?” staff will wear Hugo boss suits at — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment Dr Dingli Xu of the jobs group compared to was showing off his ball “skills” to Johnson could be heard asking the the club’s league and champions www.csm.com Southern Medical those in low-strain a group of schoolchildren during a boy who nodded and then shook the League home games. @FastTrack_ME University in ones. three-day visit to the Japanese capital. mayor’s hand. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 35

SPORTS MEDICINE LIFESTYLE Rice and rise of AIBA all praise for Aspetar wheat in Asia! MAtEUr International destination for medical care of fractures, oral injury prevention, boxing Association (AIbA) participants.” and the effects of nutrition on oral SIA is losing some of its appetite for rice in APresident Dr ching-Kuo He made the remarks at the health and sport performance. favour of wheat, a trend that is nowhere Wu expressed his appreciation for Orofacial trauma in boxing “Aspetar has a leading role in Amore pronounced than South Korea where all efforts and services provided conference, an event held by sports medicine, and organising bread and pastries have become a new staple. by Aspetar at the World boxing Aspetar in conjunction with the this event reflects its position in From working mothers, who find toast more championships which concluded championship. this sector,” said AIbA Medical convenient to prepare for breakfast, to city dwellers last week in Doha. Some of the world’s best commission chairman Dr flocking to new eateries for baguettes, South Wu stated that “AIbA selected doctors participated in the Abdelhamid Khadri. Koreans are at the forefront of an Asia-wide trend Aspetar as the medical partner conference, discussing topics that has seen wheat demand climb at nearly twice for the championships due to such as facial and dental injuries the rate of rice consumption since 2008. its skilled staff, capabilities, and in boxing, oral health and South Korea’s rice consumption hit a advanced facilities, all of which sports performance, surgical record low of 65.1kg per person last make the hospital a preferred management of mandibular year while flour consumption was the highest since ’06 at 33.6kg, according to industry and official data. In Indonesia, noodle consumption has helped increase wheat demand in the world’s second-biggest importer by more than 60 per cent since ’05 to nearly eight million tonnes annually. CAMEO Pirelli extends Formula One deal Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli announced the extension of its deal with Formula One until at least 2019. the new contract, which runs for three years has to be confirmed by motor racing’s international governing body FIA. Pirelli has been the Official TECHNOLOGY F1 tyre Supplier since ’11 and is reported to spend an additional $40 of trackside advertising each year. Stair-climbing wheelchair on way Nissan power Fiat drives Italian N ELEctrIc wheelchair University of the Arts. Scalevo ascends the stairs that can climb most stairs, When being used on normal flat backwards. When it reaches a set for ICC football Aincluding spiral staircases, ground, it balances on two wheels of stairs, the user presses a button Japanese auto brand the Italian football has been developed by like a Segway and allows users to to lower the tracks to the ground Nissan signed a federation Zurich-based students. turn on the spot in order to quickly and its rubber grips hook onto the long-term deal with extended its the Scalevo Wheelchair can change direction. two rubber tracks steps above to propel the chair and the International sponsorship with mount one stair per second and mounted to the bottom of the chair its occupant upwards. As it reaches cricket council to Italian automotive was designed by 10 students can be summoned at the press of the top, a smaller pair of support become its Global giant Fiat. As part of Partner. the sponsorship is the deal, Fiat will continue at the Swiss Federal Institute of a button to allow the user to climb wheels descend to prevent the reported to run for a minimum to be a ‘top sponsor’ and the technology (EtH Zurich) and Zurich stairs. wheelchair from toppling over. of eight years. Official car of the national team for the next four years. OFFBEAT PSG stay stylish in Hugo Boss Standing up to Boris! Qatar-owned French Ligue 1 Bayern trust E WAS described by a british Video footage showed the football club Paris columnist earlier this month lumbering mayor — dressed in a Saint-Germain HypoVereinsbank as the “albino warthog” — a white shirt and tie, his sleeves rolled announced the H HypoVereinsbank, the German name London Mayor boris Johnson up — running down the side of a extension of its sponsorship with Hugo boss. arm of pan-Euro bank Unicredit, fully lived up to in tokyo last week small pitch chased by children. announced the extension of its when he flattened a 10-year-old One particularly brave boy stood the German fashion house will continue as the club’s Official sponsorship of bayern Munich rugby fan. his ground only to be floored by the tailor for the rest of the current until at least 2022. the bank the famously eccentric british mayor’s considerable bulk, sending 2015-16 campaign. As part of the first became a sponsor of the politician, renowned for his flop of both parties tumbling to the ground. deal, PSG’s players and coaching German champions in ’03. blond hair and off the cuff remarks, “I’m so sorry, are you okay?” staff will wear Hugo boss suits at — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment was showing off his ball “skills” to Johnson could be heard asking the the club’s league and champions www.csm.com a group of schoolchildren during a boy who nodded and then shook the League home games. @FastTrack_ME three-day visit to the Japanese capital. mayor’s hand. 36 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 37

CLOSE-UP DSP photos/Mohan, Vinod Divakaran Vinod photos/Mohan, DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 37 DSP photos/Mohan, Vinod Divakaran Vinod photos/Mohan, DSP 38 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 39

8 7 9 6 2 5 8 It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSP. 4 MIND 8 1 SQUARE Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE 5 4 6 8 9 6 8 7 Qatari sailors won three gold, one silver (18) took silver while Mohammed Al medal, a bronze in hobie 16. Qatar Sailing P 13 | FOOTBALL P 22 | BOXING 4 5 9 GULF PLAYERS HAVE QUALITY STARS DEScEND ON DOHA and two bronze medals in the Sail Qatar Suwaidi (19) claimed bronze. Waleed Al and Water Sports Federation President New Zealand coach Anthony Hudson believes The presence of top professionals Manny Gulf players, like Qatar’s Khalfan Ibrahim, have Pacquaio and Amir Khan as guests at the 4SUDOKU-495 2 8 3 the potential to succeed in European leagues. Worlds boosts the sport’s profile in Qatar. Qatari sailors regatta held at the Katara Beach last week. Sharshani, the 2006 Doha Asian Games Khalifa Mohammed Al Suwaidi awarded The hosts made a clean sweep of the laser silver medallist, won gold in laser standard the winners. 3 udoku is1 a number-placing puzzle4 based on a 8 7 9 4.7 race, with Abdulrahman Ajineh (11 and Faris Al Bakri reigned supreme in laser Sarah Lord sent the details and Vihaan the 9x9 grid with several given numbers. WEDNESDAY, OcTObER 14, 2015 | Vol X | No.37 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on strike it rich points), winning the gold. Ali Al Muftah radial. Hassan Al Baker bagged Qatar’s final photographs. S the object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in 6 2 5 8 the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. 4 8 1 Solution-494 5 4 6 5 1 2 3 9 8 5 6 4 7 5 4 5 6 7 3 1 8 9 2 8 9 Qatar thrash Maldives to make it five wins from as many matches and consolidate their

DSP/Fadi Al Assaad DSP/Fadi position on top of Group C in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualification. PAGES 6-7

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 10 | FOOTBALL P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Getting paid for NASSER SALEH 7 8 9 4 6 2 3 1 5 Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW chasing passion! AL ATTIYAH 3 1 8 2 5 7 9 6 4 6 8 7 2 6 5 3 4 9 1 7 8 4 5 9 Qatar have the team 9 4 7 8 1 6 5 2 3 to make it to Russia 5 7 4 6 9 8 2 3 1 4 2 8 3 Qatar’s back-to-back victories over china and 8 9 2 1 7 3 4 5 6 Maldives in the 2018 FIFA World cup qualification 6 3 1 5 2 4 7 8 9 3 1 4 suggest Daniel carreno’s men are on the right path (Doha Stadium Plus, October 14). Even though Qatar haven’t played any big opponents so far, I’m hopeful the players won’t disappoint this time. the current World cup qualification is of utmost QMMF felicitates importance to Qatar as it’s their last chance to book a maiden berth in the showpiece tournament before TOP TWEETS hosting it in 2022. champions Adjad Mariam, Doha. The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) hosted the awards ceremony of the 2015 FIM World Superbike Championship (WSBK) at the St Regis Hotel Coaches’ conundrum last week. Superbike champion Jonathan Rea and Supersport Serbian world No.1 Novak Djokovic is living a dream, the interview with Guam coach Gary White (Doha winner Kenan Sofuoglu received the honours from winning trophies with amazing consistency this season. Stadium Plus, October 14) made an interesting read. QMMF President Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah and He clinched three Grands Slam — the Australian Open, 1 2 3 9 8 5 6 4 7 He made relevant remarks about some foreign WSBK Executive Director Javier Alonso respectively Wimbledon and US Open — and finished second at the coaches who’re only interested in making money. as the awards night brought curtains on another French Open. He annexed his career’s 57th singles trophy in spectacular season. 4Shanghai, 5 China,6 and became7 the3 first 1professional 8 tennis9 2 the Qatar Stars League (QSL) teams offer big Kawasaki won the manufacturer’s title in both classes, player to surpass $16m prize money during a season. salaries to hire European as well as Latin American becoming the first-ever to achieve the feat in a single Djokovic’s, millions of Twitter fans, who opt for the moniker coaches, but many of them hardly give anything in season. 7#NoleFam, 8 were9 ecstatic. 4 They poured6 love2 and adulation3 1 on 5 return. Valentina Conti sent the details and photographs. the champion. Here are some of the tweets. there’re exceptions, like current Al rayyan coach 3 1 8 2 5 7 9 6 4 Jorge Fossati and former Lekhwiya master Michael Laudrup, but still the QSL sides should stop going after big names. Joe Kennard best current player in the It is now mathematically points to defend. #NoleFam 2 6 5 3 4 9 1 7 8 Salah Balkis, Doha. Superbike stars visit Al Shaqab @JoeKennard world when you don’t have impossible for Novak to #toughSeasonSoon. Novak Djokovic is the most to gain any more points. lose the #1 before 21/ Some of the riders who competed in the World tour of the impressive Al Shaqab facility. dominant athlete in the Djokovic for you. 9March/16. 4 1907 weeks as8 #1 1Novak 6 Canadian 5 Fans 2 3 Superbike Championship’s final round in Qatar The riders were briefed about the daily world and playing some of guaranteed. @NovakcanadaFans HeadsUp! a good campaign last week took time off to explore the world routines of the many show horses at the centre the best tennis EVEr. He’s Niclas Gyllensvaerd @DjokerNole has smashed the Amateur International boxing Association’s (AIbA) of Arabian horses at the Al Shaqab Equestrian including their dietary and training habits on another level right now. @nicgyl 5Nole is7 the No.1!4 6 9the record8 for prize2 money3 1 decision to drop head guards (Doha Stadium Plus, Centre. before being escorted around the stables. #NoleFam. Wow what an impressive @JuanNoleFam95 won in single season October 14) looks to be a wise one in hindsight as the Chaz Davies, Tom Sykes, Jordi Torres, Michael Torres and Camier also used the opportunity to and unbelievable season by .@DjokerNole is the FIrSt eclipsing Nadal and van der Mark, Alex Lowes, Alex Phillis, Ayrton take horse rides. sport looks more intense now. luciahoff Nole!!!!! #Nole #Djokovic. 8man in9 HIS tOr2Y to reach1 7Federer’s 3 marks4 with $16m5 6 Badovini and Leon Camier were given a guided Neus Ramos sent the details and photograph. @luciahoff the final of SEVEN #M1000 and counting #NoleFam. the World championships in Doha showed how #Djokovic might be the Olayinka tournaments in a single year. the boxers are a trained lot to adjust to the changes. best player of all times, not @Yincar 6#NoleFam. 3 1 5 2Sara Sisti4 12 7 8 9 It seems the AIbA’s HeadsUp! campaign, aimed at in terms of the number As expected. He’s been the @SaraaZ creating awareness of the decision to do away with of slams, but the quality main man in tennis in the IanMoone congrats @DjokerNole no head guards, has worked wonders. Qatar International Boat of tennis being played. @ last few years #DjokerNole. @ianmoone888k words can describe what Jalal Mohammed, Doha. DjokerNole. #NoleFam 2015 not finished you have accomplished Lachie Murray yet, but Iam already excited this year and in your entire Show from November 10 Chelsea Pundit @actuallylachie about 2016. Imagine Nole career! So proud to be a King Lewis, indeed @cfcpundit I think Novak Djokovic is winning rG2016 and #NoleFam. As many as 85 luxury boats will be successful from a business point Novak Djokovic feels 2015 having the best season the gold in rio..OMG just It’s incredible how Lewis Hamilton is performing in on display at the third edition of the of view, with sales of more than has been his best year as a we’ve seen in 30+ years. imagine!!! Oliver Musiji. the Formula One World championship (Doha Stadium Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) QR80m and further prospective professional tennis player Hate to say it, but his 2015 @therealMusiji Plus, October 14). to be held at the Mourjan Marinas in orders. The third edition will be Lusail City from November 10 to 14. no exception as we’ve expanded and hopes for much more beats Fed’s 2006. #djoker. Mohd Shahrul Rizal @Djokernole All I wish that he has a chance to seal the title in Austin, success in the future. @shahrul6386 is for you to be careful and The boats will be displayed on land its international presence through texas, this week, with three more rounds to spare, Yolita I’m worried about @ stay safe for the coming and at seven stands in water. promotions around the globe,” said shar Ahsan @Yolitatennis DjokerNole’s chances in ssn. It’s been a good shows his domination this season. the sport needs The organisers are expecting to QIBS’ Board of Directors Chairman @AsharAhsan rANKINGS UPDAtE FOr tHE 2016. He’s won so many streak,which must continue. colourful personalities like him to attract more young attract around 15,000 visitors, an Essa Al Mannai. You know you’re by far the #NOLEFAM points in 2015. So many #nolefam. fans. increase of 3,000 from last year. Hiba Fares sent the details and Steve Mason, Doha. “Last year’s show was very photograph. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 21, 2015 39

It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSP. Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE

Qatari sailors won three gold, one silver (18) took silver while Mohammed Al medal, a bronze in hobie 16. Qatar Sailing and two bronze medals in the Sail Qatar Suwaidi (19) claimed bronze. Waleed Al and Water Sports Federation President Qatari sailors regatta held at the Katara Beach last week. Sharshani, the 2006 Doha Asian Games Khalifa Mohammed Al Suwaidi awarded The hosts made a clean sweep of the laser silver medallist, won gold in laser standard the winners. 4.7 race, with Abdulrahman Ajineh (11 and Faris Al Bakri reigned supreme in laser Sarah Lord sent the details and Vihaan the strike it rich points), winning the gold. Ali Al Muftah radial. Hassan Al Baker bagged Qatar’s final photographs.

QMMF felicitates champions The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) hosted the awards ceremony of the 2015 FIM World Superbike Championship (WSBK) at the St Regis Hotel last week. Superbike champion Jonathan Rea and Supersport winner Kenan Sofuoglu received the honours from QMMF President Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah and WSBK Executive Director Javier Alonso respectively as the awards night brought curtains on another spectacular season. Kawasaki won the manufacturer’s title in both classes, becoming the first-ever to achieve the feat in a single season. Valentina Conti sent the details and photographs. Superbike stars visit Al Shaqab Some of the riders who competed in the World tour of the impressive Al Shaqab facility. Superbike Championship’s final round in Qatar The riders were briefed about the daily last week took time off to explore the world routines of the many show horses at the centre of Arabian horses at the Al Shaqab Equestrian including their dietary and training habits Centre. before being escorted around the stables. Chaz Davies, Tom Sykes, Jordi Torres, Michael Torres and Camier also used the opportunity to van der Mark, Alex Lowes, Alex Phillis, Ayrton take horse rides. Badovini and Leon Camier were given a guided Neus Ramos sent the details and photograph.

Qatar International Boat Show from November 10 As many as 85 luxury boats will be successful from a business point on display at the third edition of the of view, with sales of more than Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) QR80m and further prospective to be held at the Mourjan Marinas in orders. The third edition will be Lusail City from November 10 to 14. no exception as we’ve expanded The boats will be displayed on land its international presence through and at seven stands in water. promotions around the globe,” said The organisers are expecting to QIBS’ Board of Directors Chairman attract around 15,000 visitors, an Essa Al Mannai. increase of 3,000 from last year. Hiba Fares sent the details and “Last year’s show was very photograph. WE WON’T LET YOU GET AWAY FROM THE GAME

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