SPORT Thursday 29 November 2018 PAGE | 09 PAGE | 10 Missing inswing Bale leads win hurting Amir’s over Roma as progress, Real march into says Akram pre-quarters

Sheikh Joaan leads QOC at ANOC General Assembly FROM LEFT: H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Committee (QOC), Dr Thani Al Kuwari (centre), QOC Vice-President, Jassim Al Buainain, Secretary General of the QOC, attend the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) Executive Council meeting in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. The largest-ever general assembly of the ANOC convened in Tokyo to discuss matters relating to the 2020 Summer Olympics and the Paralympics.

The Al Sadd star wins AFC Asian Player of the Year award Hassan named best in Asia THE PENINSULA MUSCAT THE WINNERS Player of the Year 2018: Influential Qatari left-back Women’s Player of the Year 2018: Abdelkarim Hassan yesterday was Asian International Player of the Year 2018: named AFC Asian Player of the Youth Player of the Year (Men) 2018: Turki Al Ammar Year, beating ’ Yuma Suzuki and Kento Misao to Youth Player of the Year (Women) 2018: Saori Takarada the top award. Men’s Coach of the Year 2018: Hassan, one of Qatar team’s Women’s Coach of the Year 2018: Asako Takakura key players, received the glittering Member Association of the Year 2018: Japan Football Association trophy from AFC President Sheikh Developing Member Association of the Year: DPR Korea FA Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa at Asian Football Aspiring Member Association of the Year: Mongolian Football Federation the Convention and Exhi- Confederation bition Centre. (AFC) President President Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football 2018: Chinese FA The 25-year-old also became Sheikh Salman bin President Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football 2018 - the second Qatari to be named Ebrahim Al Khalifa Developing: Football Association of Singapore AFC Asian Player of the Year after presenting the AFC President Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football 2018 - won the same Player of the Year Aspiring: Palestinian Football Association trophy in 2006. award to Qatari’s President’s Special Recognition Award at the 2018: Wild Boar FC of “I am very happy to receive Abdelkarim Hassan, this award. It is an honour not just during the 2018 Thailand and Japan U-20 women’s head coach Futoshi Ikeda for me but my club and country,” AFC Annual Awards Referees Special Award 2018: Hassan said after receiving the in Muscat, Oman trophy. Diamond of Asia Award 2018: Zhang Jilong yesterday. “It has been a long journey. I begin with my thanks to the Almighty for this honour. Then I Also yesterday, Wang Shuang AFC Futsal Player of the Year, Hasanzadeh, 31, also won the club competition, Hasanzadeh 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017, guided would like to thank my family, my became the fourth player from winning the prestigious honour award in 2014, 2016 and 2017, sur- proved why he is the best when Japan to the 2018 AFC Women’s club mates and the players who China PR to win the coveted AFC for the fourth time. passing compatriot Vahid he guided Mes Sungun of Iran to Asian Cup Jordan, with the played with me when I was Women’s Player of the Year. “I am very pleased with this Shamsaei who won the accolade their maiden AFC Club Futsal Nadeshiko defeating Australia 1-0 young,” Hassan said. Shuang, who plays for Paris award. This will give me more in 2007, 2008 and 2015. Championship in Yogyakarta in the final to defend the title won “I also want to thank the Saint-Germain in the Division 1 power, more desire to do even This year Hasanzadeh was In the coaching awards, in 2014. coaches at club and national team Féminine, claimed the award for better next year. This reminds me Iran’s Most Valuable Player, con- Kashima Antlers head coach Go Japan also claimed the 2018 level. Their support and guidance the first time, following an that I cannot stop, I must continue tributing 12 goals to steer them to Oiwa was named the AFC Men’s Asian Games Indonesia gold have brought me to this stage,” impressive year at both club and to give my best every time I enter the AFC Futsal Championship title Coach of the Year yesterday. medal, defeating China PR 1-0 in Hassan added in his brief speech. international level. the court,” said Hasanzadeh. in Chinese Taipei. In continental Oiwa steered Kashima Antlers the final. The Al Sadd left-back played In another key award presen- to the 2018 AFC Champions Meanwhile, Zhang Jilong of a key role in his club’s advance to tation, former Japan national team League title after defeating Iranian China PR yesterday announced the 2018 AFC Champions League captain Makoto Hasebe was giants Persepolis FC 2-0 on the recipient of the AFC Diamond semi-finals and runners-up finish named the 2018 AFC Asian Inter- HASSAN'S YEAR aggregate, for the Japanese club’s of Asia Award 2018 for his faithful in the 2017-18 national Player of the Year after a 36 first Continental crown. servitude of more than 25 years season. sterling season for country and his IN NUMBERS Matches Oiwa, 46, has been head coach to Asian football. He remains a key player in the German club Eintracht of Kashima since May 2017, AFC President Shaikh Salman Qatar national side and the Frankfurt. Hasebe skippered Japan Wins having been part of the coaching recently presented the award to winning the award will boost his in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia 23 squad at the club since 2011 Zhang Jilong in Beijing. The AFC’s morale ahead of the AFC Asian where the Blue Samurai were the Also yesterday, Japan’s Asako top accolade is the perfect recog- Cup UAE 2019. only Asian team to advance to the Losses Takakura was named the AFC nition to a man who brought calm The native graduated knockout stage before suffering a 7 Women’s Coach of the Year for a and peace to the Confederation at from the and was heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to historic sixth time. a critical point in its history and is only 17 when he first played in the Belgium in the Round of 16. Draws “I feel very proud that I have true recognition of his service to 2011 AFC Champions League, It was his third FIFA World 6 this honour almost every year. But football. coming off the bench against Cup as Japan captain, having also this is really for my players and Through his tireless devotion, Esteghlal. skippered the side who emerged 4 goals all coaches who have given so Zhang Jilong has been instru- Al Sadd went on to win the champions in the 2011 AFC Asian much to the game. mental in raising the standards of AFC Champions League title that Cup. Masebe, 34, announced his 9 Goal-scoring assists “Of course, we aim to win the football in the Continent. year. retirement from international World Cup next year. And I am Born on February 9, 1952 in Hassan continued to progress football after the FIFA World Cup, confident that with unity, we can Yantai City in Shandong province, and was named the Young Player having made 114 appearances for 3,968 make our country proud,” said Zhang has dedicated more than of the Year in the 2012–13 Qatar Japan. Iran’s Aliasghar Hasan- minutes on the pitch Takakura. Takakura, who previ- four decades of outstanding Stars League. zadeh yesterday named the 2018 ously won the award in 2012, service to sport and football. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2018

Gianna Raptors rally for 6th straight win Velarde

AGENCIES Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (left) MEMPHIS drives against Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley during their NBA game at Kyle Lowry scored 24 points, FedExForum, Memphis on Tuesday. including 15 in the second half, and the visiting Toronto Raptors overcame a 17-point deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 122-114 on Tuesday night. Kawhi Leonard added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Raptors, who won their sixth Cancer survivor game in a row. Fred VanVleet was 6-for-6 set to compete from the field for 18 points off the bench -- 14 in the second in Dakar Rally half -- for the Raptors. Serge Ibaka contributed 16 points. IANS Marc Gasol led Memphis LIMA with 27 points, and Mike Conley added 20 points. Gianna Velarde is set to Nuggets 117, Lakers 85 become the first Peruvian Paul Millsap had 20 points woman to compete in the and 11 rebounds, Jamal Murray Dakar Rally in the motor- scored 20, and host Denver cycle category, an enormous routed Los Angeles. challenge she could never Malik Beasley also had 20 have imagined when, at age points to establish a career high, 15, she rode a motorcycle and Nikola Jokic had 14 points, for the fist time -- and there seven rebounds and seven found the strength to assists for the Nuggets. Denver overcome cancer. has won four straight after “The motorcycle gave dropping six of its previous me a lot of strength, seven. freedom and independence. The Lakers were 5 of 35 Discovering all those things from behind the 3-point arc and at that stage probably shot just 39.1 percent overall. makes you a very powerful Kyle Kuzma, who led Los Pacers a 107-104 lead. After NBA RESULTS open jumper on the left wing Griffin produced his sixth woman in a few years,” Angeles with 21 points, was Devin Booker just missed a and got the ball to Josh Rich- 30-point game of the season Velarde told EFE in an 1-for-7 from long range, and 3-point try, Darren Collison was Miami 113 Atlanta 115 ardson, whose 3-point attempt as Detroit shot 47.5 percent, interview. LeBron James missed all four of fouled and made two free Denver 117 LA Lakers 85 missed off the front rim to end controlled the paint by a 56-38 “The motorcycle was his 3-point attempts. James fin- throws to clinch the game for Phoenix 104 Indiana 109 the game. margin and posted its fourth my escape valve, my means ished with 14 points and seven Indiana with 12 seconds left. Memphis 114 Toronto 122 Miami, which has lost six straight home win. Reserve of feeling strong and above rebounds. Six players scored in double Detroit 115 New York 108 consecutive home games, was Stanley Johnson and starter all, feeling that I was a Pacers 109, Suns 104 figures for the Pacers, who also led by Richardson, who scored Reggie Jackson contributed 21 winner,” she said. Domantas Sabonis scored 21 got 21 points from Doug nine of his 22 points in the points apiece as the Pistons On those two wheels, points and grabbed 16 rebounds McDermott. T.J. Warren paced and 10 assists as Atlanta edged fourth quarter. Atlanta won its also won for the seventh time Velarde was able to with- to lead Indiana to a win at the Suns with 25 points, and host Miami. second straight game overall in their past nine games stand the 16 rounds of Phoenix. rookie Deandre Ayton recorded Trailing by two points, the and also snapped a seven-game overall. chemotherapy and 32 radi- With the game tied at 104 his 12th double-double with 18 Heat had the ball after a timeout road losing skid. Rookie Allonzo Trier led ation treatments she with under a minute to play, points and 12 rebounds. with 14.4 seconds left in the Pistons 115, Knicks 108 the Knicks with 24 points and received to eliminate a Bojan Bogdanovic, the league’s Hawks 115, Heat 113 fourth quarter. However, Blake Griffin scored 30 points, 10 rebounds off the bench, but cancer of the lymph nodes. top 3-point shooter, cashed in Rookie Trae Young had a Dwyane Wade, coming off a and Detroit continued its success New York saw a three-game “I suddenly saw I could from the corner to give the double-double with 17 points 35-point game, passed up an at home at New York’s expense. winning streak end. zoom up the same hills as the men. With my helmet on, nobody knew I was a woman. I was one more in the pack. And that helped me a lot,” she said. Sabres extended NHL’s longest Now 24, Gianna still has the character of the cocky girl who disobeyed her mom and learned to ride a winning streak by beating Sharks motorcycle with her dad, an experience that turned her AGENCIES life around on the sand BUFFALO, NEW YORK dunes south of Lima. “With my wig and Jeff Skinner scored 1:41 into overtime as helmet, I sped around and the Buffalo Sabres extended the NHL’s around, I fell and came out longest winning streak to 10 games with covered in sand, but I came a 3-2 victory over the visiting San Jose out feeling happy, and that Sharks on Tuesday. was something I hadn’t felt Skinner tallied in the three-on-three for a long time,” she overtime period when San Jose goalie recalled. Martin Jones came out and made a weak Similarly, Gianna’s play on the puck. Skinner collected it and parents tried to persuade sent a backhander in for his team-leading her not to compete in the 19th goal for the win. 2019 Dakar Rally, but then The Sabres have their first 10-game stopped and are now the winning streak since the 2006-07 season. first to cheer her on. Buffalo last lost on Nov. 4 against the New “The Dakar has really York Rangers. The win was Buffalo’s sixth united my family. For me, consecutive at home and broke a four- Dakar is a chance to face my game losing skid against San Jose. own demons and start a Rasmus Ristolainen and Nathan new chapter in my life,” Beaulieu also scored for Buffalo, and Joe Velarde said. Pavelski scored twice for San Jose. Her first rally was the Golden Knights 8, Blackhawks 3 Inca Challenge last Sep- Cody Eakin and Shea Theodore each Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (left) makes a save on a breakaway attempt by Colorado tember, when “everything had two goals and an assist, and Alex Tuch Avalanche left wing Matt Calvert during their NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday. happened to me”. At one added a goal and an assist as Vegas won point overheating and a at Chicago. The Golden Knights scored a jammed clutch made her franchise-record eight goals while the latter part of the game. Phillip Danault NBA RESULTS assist and Archibald also had his first assist wait for her bike to “cool off cruising to their fourth straight victory. scored in the third period for the Cana- of the season for the Coyotes, who had so I could continue climbing William Karlsson, Ryan Reaves and diens, who are winless in their past five Toronto 4 Boston 2 lost eight of 10. Zach Parise scored his the dunes”, she said. Daniel Carr also scored goals and Deryk games (0-3-2). Florida 4 New Jersey 3 (OT) fourth goal in the past five games and Despite the many acci- Engelland had a career-high three assists Penguins 4, Jets 3 Washington 4 NY Islanders 1 Jared Spurgeon had three assists for the dents, Velarde kept going: for Vegas, which has outscored its past four Zach Aston-Reese’s third-period goal NY Rangers 4 Ottawa 2 Wild, who had a two-game winning streak “I didn’t feel bad physically opponents 19-5. Marc-Andre Fleury made gave Pittsburgh its first and only lead in a Columbus 7 Detroit 5 broken. Charlie Coyle and Jason Zucker nor incapable. I navigated 21 saves for his 13th win of the season for win at Winnipeg. also had goals for the Wild. well and the times I got lost the Golden Knights to move into a tie with Sidney Crosby, Riley Sheahan and contributed two assists each for the Sen- Avalanche 3, Predators 2 I was able to get back on Toronto’s Frederik Andersen for the NHL Derek Grant also scored for the Penguins, ators, who snapped a four-game losing Tyson Jost scored the game-winning track. Aside from any lead. who are 3-0-2 in their past five games. streak. Senators goaltender Mike McKenna goal, and Nathan MacKinnon tallied twice mechanical failures, I can do Dylan Strome had a goal and an assist, Three times they erased one-goal stopped 34 shots. as Colorado beat host Nashville for its well at Dakar.” and Gustav Forsling and Erik Gustafsson deficits. Coyotes 4, Wild 3 fifth consecutive victory. Whether she finishes also scored goals for Chicago, which lost Mark Scheifele scored twice, Brandon Josh Archibald scored his first two goals Semyon Varlamov made 36 saves in the 2019 Dakar Rally or not, for the third time in four games. Tanev scored, and Wheeler and Nikolaj of the season, the second on a breakaway the win as Colorado beat Nashville for Gianna Velarde promised to Hurricanes 2, Canadiens 1 Ehlers each had two assists for the Jets, who midway through the third period, and the first time in 12 regular-season keep up her university Curtis McElhinney stopped 48 shots as are 1-3-0 in their past four. Arizona broke a four-game losing streak meetings. studies and her volunteer Carolina held off host Montreal. Senators 4, Flyers 3 with a comeback victory over Minnesota The Avalanche are 7-0-1 in their past work of teaching motorcycle McElhinney, playing for the fourth time Matt Duchene scored with 2:59 in St. Paul, Minn. eight, while the Predators lost for just the riding to poor children and in a five-game stretch, has a personal four- remaining in the third period to cap a The Coyotes, who had only one shot second time in six games. those with cancer, to whom game winning streak. Victor Rask and three-goal rally, carrying visiting Ottawa on goal in the second period, scored three With the score tied after 40 minutes, she wishes to transmit the Trevor van Riemsdyk scored for Carolina, past Philadelphia. goals in the first nine minutes of the third Jost cashed in on a power play at 5:07 of same passion and feeling of which has won four of its last five games. Brady Tkachuk had two goals and an period, two by Archibald and one by the third period, ripping a glove-side shot empowerment that motor- Carey Price made 20 saves for Mon- assist while Thomas Chabot added a goal Michael Grabner, to overcome a 3-1 deficit. past Predators goalie Pekka Rinne to cycles give her treal, which controlled play for much of for Ottawa. Mark Stone and Colin White Lawson Crouse had a goal and an settle the see-saw affair. THURSDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 09

Rain washes Missing inswing hurting Amir’s out 1st day of India four-day progress, says Pakistan’s Akram tour match AP SYDNEY RIZWAN REHMAT Wasim Akram THE PENINSULA The first day of India’s only tour match ahead of the first Pakistan bowling great Wasimm cricket Test against Australia Akram has said struggling pacerer has been washed out by tor- Mohammad Amir must try toto rential rain. regain his trademark inswing ttoo The four-day match make an impact on the interna-a- against a Cricket Australia Xi tional stage again. was scheduled to start yes- Amir, who made a comebackck terday morning, but storms into the Pakistan side at the startart and heavy downpours of 2016 following a lengthy banan ensured the covers stayed on for spot-fixing, was droppeded at the Sydney Cricket Ground. from the side in late Septemberer The forecast was so poor for lack of form. that India’s Test squad never Akram, considered one of thehe arrived at the SCG. The game’s most devastating left-t- showers did eventually stop arm fast bowlers, said technicalal and there was brief hope of a flaws are hampering thehe mid-afternoon toss, but play progress of the quick bowlerer was abandoned without a who was the game’s rising starar single delivery being bowled. before his ban in 2010. India captain Virat Kohli “Amir’s pace is there. He is opted for a gym session for still one of the quickest ini the team rather than a day off. Pakistan (but) I feel with the new Amir’s pace is there. He is The match was only orig- ball, he is not swinging as much,” still one of the quickest in inally scheduled for three Akram said in a new interview days before Cricket Australia posted on social media Pakistan (but) I feel with the (CA) agreed to add yesterday’s yesterday. new ball, he is not swinging earlier start at India’s request. “If you see his spell in the as much. With the new ball, India will also be able to Champions Trophy final (against use 14 players from its squad Mohammad Amir India last year), he got wickets. he has lost his inswing. after asking for the game not With the new ball, he has lost his to be given first-class status. inswing,” Akram, the man of the The first of the four-Test match in the 1992 World Cup Cup beating England in the final to go to the gym. Imran had this played the fast bowlers, you unfortunate that youngsters or series begins on December 6 final, added. in Melbourne. tremendous belief in himself would sense that he had that budding cricketers in Pakistan in Adelaide. The teams play “In the last edition of the “My all-time favourite because he worked hard. He extra second at his disposal to do not get the chance to see their the final Test beginning Pakistan Super League, I told cricketer has always been one knew hard work would lead him crack those shots he played (pre- heroes in action like how we did January 3 at the SCG, with him that at the last step before man and it will always be that to success. He is still very fit. He senting an on-drive flick with his when we were in our teens,” others at Perth and Mel- his final delivery stride, he jumps guy - and that is Imran Khan,” runs every morning. He goes to hand),” Akram said about Akram said. bourne in between. to a side causing him to lose the Akram said when asked about the gym regularly and he eats Inzamam. “He was pretty much “For the last seven or eight wrist position (that generates his favourite player who is now healthy. That’s very important like Rohit Sharma these days. years, that has not been the case swing),” the 52-year-old said. the Prime Minister of Pakistan. for anyone at any age,” Akram Any pacer who would normally and I feel for the youngsters. In Bayliss wants “So when you want to move “In my younger days, I would recalled. disturb top order batsmen would fact I also feel for young Pakistan closer to the wickers before your have his poster of Imran Khan “Imran would be very tough find it difficult with Inzy. He was international players who don’t ‘exemplary’ delivery stride, a bowler will adorning the walls of my room. on players pretending to be a phenomenal talent. There’s no get to play in front of their own have to train the change in action In fact I had posters of Javed working hard whereas they doubt about that. fans. Young players get to play Stokes to or position for at least six months Miandad, Zaheer Abbas and Asif would essentially be sulking “He did not live up to his (domestic) matches in front of before you get complete control Iqbal also. I used to go watch from hard work. He could easily potential at the start but once he empty stadiums. avoid ban of the swing. them practice at Qaddafi gauge from a player’s attitude settled down, he worked really “When we used to play, any “That’s because you have Stadium,” Akram said. whether and an individual was hard and developed into a hotel lobby would be packed REUTERS trained yourself in the mind to “What made him great was genuinely breaking a sweat or world-beater. He won Pakistan with fans. When we would LONDON land in a specific way so unless that he always led from the front. just pretending to be ‘busy’. You so many matches, yes. He is def- commute in the team bus, there you change that, you won’t be I met him when I was 17 or 18. I could never fool him. He would initely one of the greats of the would be crowds everywhere we England coach Trevor Bayliss able to swing the ball,” Akram had just played for Pakistan tell us to play brave and bold game in my book. Imran gave went. Fans would be waving at is hopeful that Ben Stokes’ explained. (November 1984). What a good cricket and made sure we him the confidence at the us because we were their own “exemplary” conduct since an Akram, who appeared in 104 leader does is he believes action weren’t actually faking our beginning. Skipper knew he had team. It is so difficult to motivate altercation outside a Tests, was tutored by former speak louder than words. And courage,” Akram said. it in him to be a great player,” youngsters to take up cricket nightclub last year can help Pakistan skipper Imran Khan for nobody knew this better than Akram said current Pakistan Akram, who played 12 years now. I am talking about young the all-rounder avoid a ban early part of his 19-year-old Imran Khan. He used to lead selector and former skipper along side Inzamam, added. cricket fans who want to be like ahead of the side’s tour of the international career. from the front. You’d never find Inzamaul Haq remained ‘one of Akram said lack of interna- their heroes. When they don’t see West Indies starting in The fast bowler blossomed Imran sitting in one place and the game’s greats’. tional cricket in Pakistan was them play at home then it January. under the tutelage of Khan who asking his team players to do all “Imran Khan rated Inzy very hampering the game’s devel- becomes so difficult to sustain Stokes and batsman Alex captained the side when the hard work like sprinting highly. You don’t see such opment in the country. their (dwindling) interest,” Hales face a disciplinary Pakistan won the 1992 World across the ground or asking them players nowadays. Whenever he “These days it is so Akram said. hearing early next month after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had charged the pair with bringing the game into dis- Clarrie who? Yasir targets Clarke warns Aussies repute following the Sep- tember 2017 incident in Bristol. Australian legend’s record nice guys don’t win “I hope he (Stokes) is AFP available for our next game. AFP later. He took 21 and 25 wickets SYDNEY I think he’s learnt a lesson DUBAI respectively in series wins over since that time. The way he’s the West Indies. Former captain Michael Clarke has slammed attempts to conducted himself since he’s Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah Yasir reached 100 wickets improve Australian cricket’s image in the wake of a cheating come back into the fold has does not know much about in 17 Tests, second only to Eng- scandal, insisting the national team “won’t win a game” without been exemplary,” Bayliss told Clarrie Grimmett but is aware lishman George Lohmann who its infamous abrasive attitude. reporters. that he has a strong chance of reached the target in 16 matches A scathing independent review into the ball-tampering “The hearing coming up shattering a record set by the during a Test in Johannesburg scandal released last month revealed a bullying culture within hasn’t affected him, I haven’t Australian 82 years ago. in 1896. the sport and criticised cricketers for “playing the mongrel” heard it mentioned once Yasir tormented New “I am very happy to have against opponents. In response, the team produced a so-called around the changing room.” Zealand on his way to a match contributed to the team’s wins,” Players’ Pact, urging Australians to “compete with us, smile The pair could face any of haul of 14-184 to help Pakistan said Yasir. “That is my job.” with us, fight with us, dream with us”. a range of penalties from a achieve a series-leveling win by Yasir’s figures in Dubai are Test captain Tim Paine has also spoken of shaking oppo- warning to the termination of an innings and 16 runs in the the second best match return nents’ hands before a series and respecting the umpires, in stark their contracts. Stokes, who second Test in Dubai on ever for Pakistan in Test cricket, contrast to the Australians’ previous conduct. was cleared of affray in Tuesday. bettered only by former captain However, the nice-guy approach did not sit well with Clarke, August, played an important The 32-year-old now has and current prime minister who said winning should be Australia’s top priority, regardless role with bat and ball as 195 wickets in 32 Tests and Captain Sarfraz Ahmed (left) Imran Khan who took 14-116 of what anyone thought. England completed their first needs just five more in the third with Yasir Shah after Pakistan against Sri Lanka in Lahore in “Australian cricket, I think, needs to stop worrying about 3-0 test series sweep in Sri and final Test starting in Abu beat New Zealand in the second 1982. being liked and start worrying about being respected,” he told Lanka on Monday. Dhabi from Monday to become Test at the Dubai International “I have equalled Imran Khan commercial radio. “Play tough Australian cricket. Whether we “You can throw the ball the quickest bowler to reach Stadium on Tuesday. Shah and that’s a big honour for me,” like it or not, that’s in our blood.” to him, you can put him in any 200 Test wickets. bagged 14 wickets in the match. said Yasir. “My name will come Clarke said fans wanted victory more than they wanted a situation with the bat, you can In fact, he will take the with his and that’s great and I likeable team. “If you try and walk away from it, we might be put him where the ball is record if he can pick up those “I want to beat that record.” await his message.” the most liked team in the world, we’re not going to win shit,” coming in the field. For me, wickets any time in his next Since taking seven wickets Yasir admitted the loss of his he said. “We won’t win a game. Boys and girls want to win.” he’s the first picked,” Bayliss three Tests as Grimmett -- also on debut against Australia in mother just days before the New The cheating scandal involved Australian players using sand- added. a leg-spinner -- took his 200th 2014, Yasir has been a key figure Zealand series had made him paper to alter the flight of the ball in a Test match against South “His averages may not be wicket in his 36th Test against in Pakistan’s Test team. anxious. Africa last March at Cape Town’s Newlands Stadium. the greatest in each of his South Africa in 1936. He took 12 wickets in that “It was tough coming here,” Coach Darren Lehmann quit in the wake of the controversy positions, but you add those Yasir admits the record is in 2-0 series win over Australia in said Yasir. “I was very tense. You and then-captain Steve Smith, deputy David Warner and three disciplines together, it his mind but knows little about United Arab Emirates in 2014 are nothing without your batsman Cameron Bancroft received lengthy bans. adds up to one hell of a the holder of it. and followed that with 15 against mother. When I used to go out The affair also claimed the scalps of CA chief executive James player.” “Grimmett? I don’t know New Zealand in a 1-1 draw the for the match I would call her to Sutherland, chairman David Peever and team performance England take on West much about him,” said Yasir. same year. pray for me to get five wickets boss Pat Howard. The Australians have endured a dire run of Indies in three Tests, five “He played so many years ago, That was followed by 24 and she would reply that ‘why form since Cape Town, losing 17 matches out of 24 in all formats. one-day internationals and but I know about the record wickets against Sri Lanka in not 10 or 15, why just five? They face a tough home Test series against top-ranked India three Twenty20 interna- because his name comes first 2015 and ten wickets in a match “I would like to dedicate this starting in Adelaide on December 6. tionals from January to whenever I see the list. to beat England at Lord’s a year feat to my mother.” March. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2018 AGCFF consultative meeting held in Muscat THE PENINSULA Qatar Football Association (QFA) MUSCAT President and Football Federation (AGCFF) Qatar Football Association (QFA) Pres- Executive Committee President ident Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani yesterday met with the Ahmed Al Thani (left, centre) Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation addressing the AGCFF officials (AGCFF) officials to discuss matters of during a meeting held in Muscat, mutual interest. Oman yesterday. The meeting The QFA President is also the head took place on the sidelines of of the AGCFF Executive Committee. the AFC Asian Awards ceremony. During yesterday’s meetings, BOTTOM: The QFA President holding being held on the sidelines of the AFC discussions with Oman Football Asian Awards ceremony hosted by Association (OFA) President Sheikh Oman Football Association (OFA), saw Salem Al Wahaibi. AGCFF President hold discussions with OFA President Sheikh Salem Al Wahaibi. Among those who attended yester- day’s meeting included Abdul Khaleq Masoud, President of the Iraqi Football Federation, Jassim Al Buainain, Sec- retary General of AGCFF, Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Assistant Secretary General, the postponement of the General mentioning the date and venue of the Hameed Al Shaibani of Yemen, Jassim Assembly Meeting (AGM) due to be held meeting - to discuss the agenda of the Al Shakeili of Oman and Kuwaiti in Muscat on December 30th in Muscat meeting, which will also deliberate member Mohammed Khalil. Football and the august AGCFF Executive Com- the dates of Gulf Cup to be hosted by officials from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and mittee approved the move. Qatar next year. Yesterday’s meeting Bahrain abstained from attending the It is expected that the AGCFF will was held in the presence of five fed- meeting. send official letters to all regional erations: Oman, Qatar, Yemen, Kuwait OFA President Al Wahaibi requested football federations - including and Iraq.

Real Madrid’s Mandzukic Gareth Bale (left) Man City scores their first winner takes goal past AS fight back to Roma’s Robin Olsen during Juventus into Tuesday’s UEFA earn a place Champions knockouts League Group in the last 16 G match at the AFP Stadio Olimpico in REUTERS TURIN Rome, Italy. LYONL

Mario Mandzukic scored the Manchester City progressed to only goal as Juventus eased the knockout stages of the into the knockout stages of the Champions League from Champions League on Group F on Tuesday after Tuesday with a 1-0 win over twice coming from behind to Valencia in their Group H draw 2-2 with Olympique clash. Lyonnais, a team Pep Guar- pro- diola hailed as one of the vided the assist that allowed toughest he has ever faced. the Croatian to tap in just Goals from Maxwel Cornet before the hour mark in Turin. were cancelled out by Aymeric The win for the Italian Laporte and Sergio Aguero to champions, who only needed leave City top of the group on a point to ensure qualification, 10 points. Lyon are second on combined with Manchester seven points, two ahead of United snatching a late 1-0 Bale leads win over Roma as Shakhtar Donetsk who win over Young Boys at Old snatched a late 3-2 win at Hof- Trafford means Valencia crash fenheim to keep alive their out of the competition. hopes of reaching the last 16. ’s side Real march into pre-quarters Guardiola’s City side often will now have to wait to see found themselves on the back whether they top the group AFP UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE his replacement, Justin Kluivert foot in France and struggled when they play their final ROME shot over. Schick failed to Man United qualify to contain Ivorian forward group game mid-December Tuesday’s results connect from close range. Cornet who went close to in Bern against Young Boys. Real Madrid’s magic touch in GROUP E Madrid were hanging on, after controversial scoring after half an hour but Juventus have 12 points the Champions League remains AEK Athens 0-2 Ajax with one Roma assault leaving a heavy touch let him down from five games with Man- undimmed after Gareth Bale Bayern Munich 5-1 Benfica a handful of white shirts late Fellaini winner right in front of goal. chester United on ten. inspired a 2-0 win over Roma GROUP F sprawled across the penalty He also attempted an Ronaldo came out firing on Tuesday that ensures they Lyon 2-2 Manchester City area. Thibaut Courtois saved REUTERS acrobatic scissor kick that hit on all cylinders after his con- will go through top of the 1899 Hoffenheim 2-3 Shakhtar Donetsk with his feet, Dani Carvajal MANCHESTER the crossbar just before troversial red card during his group. GROUP G blocked, before Aleksandar halftime, but finally got his first Champions League game Bale scored one and then CSKA Moscow 1-2 Viktoria Plzen Kolorov fired off a trademark Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini reward in some style, giving for Juventus in Valencia back provided the cross that led to Roma 0-2 Real Madrid shot from range that whistled struck a controversial stoppage-time the hosts the lead 10 minutes in September, which Allegri’s another as Lucas Vazquez GROUP H wide. winner to bring blessed relief to Old after the break with a fine left- side still won 2-0. wrapped up a clinical 2-0 win Juventus 1-0 Valencia The worst miss of the half, Trafford after a laboured 1-0 win over foot finish from the edge of the The five-time Ballon d’Or at the Stadio Olimpico. Manchester United 1-0 Young Boys and perhaps the season, was Young Boys edged them into the area. winner was in top form in the Roma squandered several to come. Carvajal dallied in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday. A few minutes later, Lyon Allianz Stadium with chances chances in the first half, the STANDINGS corner, teeing up Nicolo United’s struggles at home and goalkeeper Anthony Lopes in the first three minutes, best of them falling to Cengiz Zaniolo to cross. At the back their fans’ disenchantment had looked made a good save to keep out (Groups E-H) after Tuesday's matches including a powerful drive Under, who was guilty of a TEAM P W D L POINTS post, Madrid had not set to continue as it seemed that, for Sergio Aguero’s header from straight at Valencia’s Brazilian shocking miss from six yards, GROUP E recovered, neither had the first time in their history, they were point-blank range. goalkeeper Neto. with the goal gaping. Bayern Munich 5 4 1 0 13 (Q) Courtois, who was scrambling going to fail to score at their own Yet Guardiola’s side soon Juventus controlled the Federico Fazio’s mistake Ajax 5 3 2 0 11 (Q) from the other side of the goal. ground in a European tie for three equalised when Laporte Benfica 5 1 1 3 4 matches in a row. game with Rodrigo Bentancur then gifted Bale the opener and AEK Athens 5 0 0 5 0 Under, without pressure, headed in just after the hour and Blaise Matuidi masters of Roma faded thereafter, blazed over. Yet, after largely dominating the following a flick on from the midfield with Dybala up allowing Madrid to erase mem- GROUP F He trudged off at half-time match while being betrayed by a blunt David Silva. front flanked by Ronaldo and ories of their shock defeat to Manchester City 5 3 1 1 10 (Q) and was consoled like he had edge up front, Belgian Fellaini turned The game was petering Mandzukic. Miralem Pjanic Eibar last weekend by finishing Lyon 5 1 4 0 7 missed a penalty, but it seemed to shoot home in the 91st minute, out until Cornet struck again Shakhtar Donetsk 5 1 2 2 5 and had top of Group G. Hoffenheim 5 0 3 23 inevitable Roma would pay for despite the ball appearing to come off 10 minutes from fulltime with penalty calls waved aside, Both teams knew they had the error. his hand as he swivelled to strike it. a low angled finish after with Ronaldo again skimming already qualified thanks to GROUP G They did, twice in 12 United, though, were also grateful latching on to a through ball the post after 25 minutes. Viktoria Plzen’s win over CSKA Real Madrid 5 4 0 1 12 (Q) minutes. First, Fazio com- for the right hand of goalkeeper David from Memphis Depay. Roma 5 3 0 2 9 (Q) de Gea, who made a truly remarkable A clever Moscow in the early kick-off, Viktoria Plzen 5 1 1 3 4 pounded Olsen’s poor Once again City quickly backheel flip was picked up by making this a golden chance to CSKA Moscow 5 1 1 3 4 clearance with a worse header second-half save at full stretch from a levelled with a header, this Joao Cancelo whose curling secure first place. back, which landed at the feet deflected Ulisses Garcia strike, clawing time Aguero making no effort flew past the post to the Madrid seized it, showing GROUP H of Bale and he made no the ball off the line at full stretch. mistake straight from a Riyad frustration of Ronaldo who had once again their immunity in Juventus 5 4 0 1 12 (Q) mistake. It was so brilliant that it even Mahrez corner to salvage a Manchester United 5 3 1 1 10 (Q) prompted United manager Jose been position for the pass. the Champions League, where Valencia 5 1 2 2 5 Then Bale was involved in hard-earned point for his side. However the hosts could the team’s problems in Young Boys 5 0 1 4 1 the second, a clipped cross Mourinho to hail the Spaniard as “the Guardiola had high praise thank goalkeeper Wojciech domestic competitions are finding Karim Benzema, whose best goalkeeper in the world.” for Lyon, who are the only Szczesny for going into the seemingly never transferred. clever header down gave The save came as the Swiss cham- team to have defeated City this break 0-0 when his one- They have gone more Vazquez plucked Bale’s cross Vazquez a simple finish. pions grew in confidence in the second season, having won the first handed save stopped Mouctar than eight hours without a out of the sky and cut back for In between, Bale could half, encouraged by the prosaic efforts group game 2-1 at the Etihad Diakhaby’s searing header. goal and two weeks without Luka Modric, whose deflected have made it two himself when of United, who struggled to create Stadium in September, and the But Mandzukic broke a permanent coach but San- shot was well saved by the foot he was set free on the break, chances and squandered the few they only side to score twice through in the 59th minute as tiago Solari still leads Real of Robin Olsen. as Roma lost momentum, did fashion. against the English champions. Ronaldo shook off Gabriel into the knock-out stages as From there, the best shape and belief. Marcus Rashford, one of their The draw would have been with some fancy footwork and group winners with one game chances belonged to the hosts. Bale, Benzema and Modric livelier players, was also their most enough for both sides to reach flashed a low shot across the to spare. Raphael Varane diverted away were all taken off, rested for wasteful, missing five opportunities, the last 16 were it not for Sha- face of goal that found the A breathless first half was from the boot of Patrik Schick Valencia on Saturday, as an ini- including an outstanding one in the khtar’s late winner. Lyon Croatian forward, who just dominated by Roma but and over his own bar. Stephan tially close contest became opening five minutes. travel to Ukraine in a final had to finish off. Madrid had the first chance. El Shaarawy hobbled off and comfortable. group showdown next month. THURSDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 11 Atletico into Champions League last 16 AFP former club. Stefan Savic’s tougher final assignment away

MADRID handball conceded the spot-kick to Club Brugge. and he was sent off, after Monaco, meanwhile, cannot Atletico Madrid moved one step receiving a second yellow card. even trump Brugge to third and closer to their dream Champions It was a disappointing end a place in the Europa League League final on home turf by for Falcao, who had been pre- even if they, and Henry, have beating Thierry Henry’s Monaco sented with a plaque before more serious domestic Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 yesterday to secure their kick-off and warmly cheered concerns. Vitolo and AS place in the last 16. by the home fans when intro- At times, this match Monaco’s Andrea Atletico could hardly have duced as a substitute in the resembled a cup tie between a Raggi vie for ball imagined a more straight- second half. giant and an opponent two or possession during forward passage into the knock- To return here for the final three tiers below, but Henry the Champions out stages as a struggling Monaco on June 1, Atletico will have to must have expected as much League Group Stage side, ridden with injuries and beat far stronger opponents than when he rested key players, match at the Wanda focused on avoiding relegation this but, after a slow start, their including Falcao, and fielded Metropolitano in from Ligue 1, offered precious season appears to be taking four teenagers in his starting Madrid, Spain, little resistance at the Wanda shape. line-up. yesterday. Metropolitano. They have now lost only Correa’s twisting run put A rout looked possible when once, albeit a thumping by Jemerson on the ground, and he Koke and Antoine Griezmann put Borussia Dortmund, in 16 returned to Griezmann to touch Atleti two up within half an hour matches. into the far corner. but they eased off and Monaco Dortmund could yet snatch Porto and Schalke also made could even have pulled a goal top spot in Group A, particularly it through from Group D as back, only for Radamel Falcao given they face Monaco last, with Galatasary lost 2-0 to Lokomotiv to miss a penalty against his Atletico owning the slightly Moscow in Russia. Ireland legend Keane hangs up boots

AFP DUBLIN: Ireland manager Mick McCarthy with his assistants Terry Connor and Robbie Keane during Guardiola a press conference at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Sunday. given Irish football legend Robbie Keane brought the curtain down on over two reminder of decades as a player yesterday saying his career had exceeded all his hopes when uphill task he was a “football-mad boy growing up in Dublin”. in Europe The 38-year-old -- his country’s record goalscorer on 68 well clear of REUTERS Niall Quinn who is next with 21 -- is to LYON focus on his new duties as assistant manager to new Ireland handler Mick Pep Guardiola’s Manchester McCarthy. City are sweeping all before Keane, who replaces Roy Keane (no them again in the Premier relation) in the role after the latter and League but the Spanish coach manager Martin O’Neill were fired last acknowledged on Tuesday week, captained Ireland for a decade. that they perhaps still have “Today, after 23 wonderful years, I some way to go if they are to am formally announcing my retirement win the Champions League as a professional footballer,” Keane said for the first time. in a statement. City had to come from “From Crumlin United around the behind twice to draw 2-2 at world to the likes of Milan, London and Olympique Lyonnais and Los Angeles, I could never have imagined often found themselves on the the path my football life would take. back foot against the only side “It has exceeded all the hopes I had to have defeated them this as a football-mad boy growing up in season, with the French club Dublin.” winning 2-1 in the first Group Keane, unlike his near namesake, F match in September. enjoyed good relations with McCarthy The English champions in the latter’s first spell in charge of the still secured their progression national side. to the last 16 for the seventh He was one of their stars at the 2002 straight season but Guardiola World Cup -- which infamously saw conceded his team were their one world class player Roy Keane Tottenham Hotspur, although he also for his long service to his country on the finding it much tougher in sent home after launching a tirade of had spells with Coventry, Leeds United pitch -- winning 146 caps and aside from Europe than back home. abuse at McCarthy -- where the Irish and Liverpool in the elite league. the 2002 World Cup appearing also in “Today the Champions went out on penalties in the last 16 to “Leaving home at 15 years of age to two European Championships. League showed me again that Spain. pursue my professional career in “Playing and captaining my country Today, after 23 wonderful years, I am it’s a different competition,” Keane also enjoyed a highly suc- England seems a lifetime ago now,” said has been the highlight of my career,” said formally announcing my retirement as he said. “The players are cessful, if peripatetic, club career which Keane. Keane. a professional footballer. From Crumlin better. Here when you press ended with a period as player/manager “I was a street footballer full of hope “I enjoyed every moment of the most United around the world to the likes they don’t lose the ball. The at Indian outfit ATK, in the season that armed with huge ambitions and a deter- incredible journey with the Ireland team of Milan, London and Los Angeles, I demand is so high. finished in March. mination to succeed. over an 18-year period and as I have said could never have imagined the path my “When people say it’s In all, Keane scored 126 goals in 349 “All I needed was that one chance.” many times before, words cannot easy in the Champions Premier League matches, 91 of them for Keane had especially warm words express how proud I am to be Irish.” football life would take: Keane League you cannot imagine how confused they are about that. We’ll be there again in February: one more year for City is good news.” City won the Premier Leicester reach League Cup quarters League with a record 100 points last season, scoring REUTERS minutes remaining after he would have given it because more than 100 goals but were LEICESTER Redmond bundled his way into it happened so quickly,” Hughes eliminated from the Cham- the box before Davis swept told Sky Sports. pions League in the quarter- Leicester City’s Nampalys Mendy home. Earlier this month, South- finals by Liverpool. fired home the decisive spot kick His effort, however, was ampton striker Charlie Austin They still have to avoid as they beat Southampton 6-5 chalked off by the Video made a passionate plea for the defeat against Hoffenheim on penalties after a 0-0 draw on Assistant Referee for a handball technology to be introduced in next month to secure top spot Tuesday to book a League Cup against Redmond after the ball the Premier League after having in Group F and a more quarter-final with holders had cannoned into the South- a goal disallowed in the 1-1 draw favourable draw for next Manchester City. ampton winger’s arm as he with Watford. year’s knockout stage. But Southampton had a Steven battled into the area. Top flight clubs have agreed Guardiola was relieved more Davis goal disallowed by the VAR Gabbiadini hit the bar with in principle to allow the system than anything that domestic late in the second half and hit the a dipping, curling free kick in to be used from the start of next duties can take precedence crossbar through Manolo Gab- stoppage time before Southamp- season. again. biadini in stoppage time with the ton’s luck deserted them further “In recent weeks, we have “Tonight we showed per- match going straight to penalties in the shootout. demanded it be introduced, so sonality, we got the point that without extra time. Leicester will be at home to we can’t complain too much,” we needed. Qualifying for the After 10 successive penalties City in the last eight. Meanwhile, Hughes added. last 16 means we can now found the net, Gabbiadini’s weak Southampton manager Mark “But if the guys behind the play the Premier League and effort was saved by Leicester Hughes has been a strong screen looking at a situation slow the cups and prepare our- Leicester City’s Nampalys Mendy celebrates with team-mates keeper Danny Ward and Mendy advocate of the video assistant it down to nth-degree, then selves for (the knockout stage after scoring the winning penalty during the shoot-out against slotted home the winner. referee (VAR) but the Welshman something that’s not deliberate in) February,” he said. The fourth-round fixture was Southampton at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, on Tuesday. felt the technology had been in real time then looks deliberate While City were playing originally scheduled for last used badly in Tuesday’s League when it is not. in France, their English month but was postponed after game’s first real chance when he came down off the crossbar and Cup fourth-round defeat to “From our point of view, it’s League Cup quarter-final the Leicester chairman Vichai toe-poked wide after 22 minutes, dropped at Obafemi’s feet, but Leicester City. a valid goal that should have opponents were decided as Srivaddhanaprabha was killed but it was his miss in the second he somehow contrived to prod “We’ve had a perfectly good stood and we should have won Leicester City defeated South- in a helicopter crash. half that is likely to play on his wide. goal chalked off by VAR... the the tie. I suppose the more the ampton on penalties in a Southampton’s 18-year-old mind for a little longer. Southampton thought they referee, in fairness to him, system is used, the better it’ll rearranged fourth round striker Michael Obafemi had the Nathan Redmond’s effort had taken the lead with eight actually said if it wasn’t for VAR, get.” clash. THURSDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 07

We have brought the action FOOTBALL FOOTBALL closer to public and give Al Kuwari, Chairman volleyball enthusiasts of all AC Milan vs Dudelange, Spartak Moscow vs Rapid of Qatar Master levels the opportunity to enjoy 8.55pm Vienna 6.50pm Organising Committee a fun-filled atmosphere. Real Betis vs Olympiakos, Rangers vs Villarreal ACTION

TODAY’S 8.55pm 11.00pm Beach Volleyball: Blazing start for Cherif, Tijan at Qatar Master

FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA Spikers savour Top seeds Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan Janko yesterday got off to a flying start with a lop-sided action at Aspire victory on the opening day at the Asian Volleyball Confederation FAWAD HUSSAIN (AVC) Aspire Beach Volleyball THE PENINSULA Qatar Master 2018. The first outing at the three-day The organisers of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) tournament proved favourable for Aspire Beach Volleyball Qatar Master 2018 have made the seeded teams as Australian and special arrangements to host the event at Aspire Park, Iranian outfits also registered wins and their efforts have not been in vain. to start their campaigns on winning Spikers from several Asian countries, who are taking notes at Aspire Park. part in the contest, have backed the idea of hosting the Qatar’s Cherif and Tijan, three-day competition at Aspire Zone, hailing the arrange- however, recorded victory in ments saying they were thoroughly enjoying action, which quickest time as they outclassed started yesterday. Thailand’s Duanginda D.Kitti and A total of 16 teams from eight countries are taking in Surin Onglang in straight games in the event, the previous edition of which was played at only 24 minutes under lights. Katara Beach last year. Beach sand was brought at the The Qatari duo looked in the venue to ensure suitable playing conditions for the popular same form that powered them to sport. the Asian Beach Volleyball Cham- “We have brought the action closer to public and give pionship title (in September) and volleyball enthusiasts of all levels the opportunity to enjoy the Asian Games gold (in August) a fun-filled atmosphere,” said Mohammed Mubarak Al as the Thai pair looked over- Kuwari, the Chairman of the Organising Committee. whelmed by the shot-making of Australia’s Cole Durant,(pictured) who is a part of their Qatari opponents. second-seeded team in the tournament, gave thumbs up With Tijan being clinical in to the arrangements. defense, lanky Cherif wasted no “Beautiful facilities, the sand is really nice. The weather opportunity in scoring points with is perfect, it’s not too hot and not too cold,” Durant told his trademark attacking display The Peninsula. particularly the drop shots to out- “We have been looked after very well. There is a grand smart the opponents. stand for spectators to give chance to maximum spec- The home side took the first tators, which is a very good idea,” he added. game at 21-7 and a score of 6-3 was Qatar’s Cherif Younousse also lauded the organising Action from a match during the opening day of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Aspire Beach the closest gap Onglang and D Kitti committee for their efforts. Volleyball Qatar Master 2018 held at Aspire Park yesterday. could manage against the pre- “Aspire Zone is a very nice place, it’s a family zone. event favourites. Following the The organisers have done a pretty nice job by organising score, Cherif and Tijan grabbed 10 Cherif said after the victory home side. Mahmoud and Abdel- Christopher McHugh and Zachery this event here. It was a hard job but it will give attract a points without giving anything in yesterday. rasoul, however, can take heart Schubert, seeded third, defeated good number of spectators,” he said. quick time and eventually sealed “Our team was ranked better from their performance in the first Sergey Bogatu and Dmitriy, also “For us, as we are playing at home, with more people the first game to take lead. than Thailand and I am content that game, which they won by 18-21 from Kazakhstan’s 2-0 (21-16, coming to support us, we’ll get more energy,” added Cherif, It was almost the same story in we proved our top billing,” he after a good fight, before the Ira- 21-18). The second pair from Iran whose team is defending the title. the second game, which the World added. nians bounced back by taking the comprising Arash Vakili and The Organising Committee has made arrangements No.10 side claimed with a margin The Qatari star, however, next two games 21-17 and 15-12. Bahman Miinjehbo, also got off to to accommodate thousands of fans in a befitting manner. of 21-11 to complete rout over the downplayed the favourites tag, Another Qatari outfit featuring a winning start after defeating The teams of organisers have established a dedicated Fun Thais. saying the event will get tougher as Nasser Ahmed Al Meer and Hamad Oman’s Mazin Al Hashim and Nouh Zone for parents and children to get a taste of the game. “We are happy with the start,” it will advance. Al Kuwari fell to Thailand’s N Al Jalbub with scores of 21-14 and A unique kids area is set, including ‘Kidzania Go!’ – a “Anything can happen. The Banlue and P Sedtawat who won 21-19. mini version of Kidzania tournament is open and all we are the match in straight games (21-17, Earlier, New Zealand’s Nicklin World, which showcases looking is to maintain our standard. 21-7). Alani and Hartles Thomas defeated some of Kidzania’s most We are taking one match at a time Meanwhile, second seed from Japan’s Takahashi Takumi and popular activities outside of We are happy with the and not thinking about the quarter- Australia Cole Durrant and Damien Yoshiumi Hasegawa 2-1 (15-21, its premises for the first start. Anything can happen. finals or semi-finals,” he said. Schumann rallied for their opening 21-14, 13-15). time in Qatar. The tournament is open While Cherif and Tijan win against Kazakhstan’s Alexey The group stage will conclude Aspire Zone Foundation and all we are looking is to enjoying smooth sailing on the Sidorenko and Alexander today with the quarter-finals also has also allocated a special maintain our standard. We opening day, it was not the same Dyachecnko. scheduled for the second day. area for mini volleyball, case for the other two Qatari sides. The Kazakhs stunned the A total of 16 teams are taking football and basketball are taking one match at a The pair of Assam Mahmoud Aussies by claiming the first game part in the tournament with players activities for families and time and not thinking about and Tamer Abdelrasoul suffered 17-21 before Durrant and eyeing maximum points to increase friends, as well as a F&B the quarter-finals or defeat at the hands of Iran’s Schumann secured victory, seizing their chances of qualifying for area offering a wide variety semi-finals: Cherif Rahman Raoufi and A. Mirzaali, the next two games at 21-19, 15-12. World Championships, which has of choices for visitors. who claimed a 2-1 victory over the Another Australian pair of just four slots from Asia.

Action from the QNB Stars League match between Al Bounedjah double helps Sadd and Al Khor in Doha yesterday Al Sadd get full points

THE PENINSULA After Al Khor showed early The hosts were unlucky to miss DOHA enthusiasm, Al Sadd dominated the a penalty when Diogo’s shot from proceedings in the first half, in the spot was collected by Saad Al Al Sadd defeated Al Khor 2-1 in the which they enjoyed 70 per cent of Dossari. The penalty was awarded QNB Stars League at the Al Khor possession. when Bounedjah fouled Wagner Stadium yesterday. Al Sadd continued to miss inside the box. The match was rescheduled influential and Spanish After Hamed Ismail’s shot was from Week 5 due to Al Sadd’s star Hernandez due to a parried by Al Khor goalkeeper engagements in the 2018 AFC muscle injury. Fellow Spaniard Mohammed Al Bakri, Champions League, where they Gabi Fernandez was a doubtful sent the ball narrowly wide of the lost out to Iran’s Persepolis on starter, also through an injury, but post towards the end of first half. aggregate in the semifinals. he started and controlled The The game really came to life in scored Al Wolves’ midfield. the second session, with Al Khor Sadd’s goals in the 16th and 86th Bounedjah led the Al Sadd upping the ante. minutes, while Wagner Ferreira attacks through the centre, ably They succeeded in equalising found the target for Al Khor in the supported by Hassan Al Haydous as Diogo made amends for his 70th minute. through the right. penalty lapse by crossing the ball Al Sadd moved to 29 points For Al Khor, Diogo Farias for Wagner to score. with their ninth victory, while Al spearheaded the offence. Just when it looked like a 1-1 Khor stayed on eight points, having Al Sadd created more oppor- draw came Al Sadd’s winner, crashed to their ninth defeat. tunities and they were not to be with Bounedjah heading in sub- Bounedjah took his personal denied for long. Bounedjah placed stitute Jung Woo-Young’s cross tally to 21 goals on top of the home a cross from the right by Al from the left as Al Bakri had left scorers’ chart. Haydous. his charge.