SPORT Tuesday 31 OcOctobertober 20201717

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 32-33 PAGE | 34 KohliK becomes PSG, Barcelona onn Champion Hamiltonon topto batsman in verge of Championsons hungry for more worldrld rankingsra again League last 16 titles Matthew prevails in Classic battle

Armstrong Vas QATAR CLASSIC 2017 The Peninsula Three-time World Champion (right) responds to a drop shot First round results hree-time World from German qualifier Raphael Kandra [4] Nick Matthew (Eng) bt [Q] Raphael Kandra Champion Nick Mat- during their first round match of Qatar (Ger) 3-2: 12-10, 11-9, 5-11, 8-11, 11-8 thew yesterday put Classic 2017 at Khalifa International Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt [Q] Alan Clyne (SCO) all his experience to Tennis and Glasscourt yesterday. 3-1: 9-11, 11-9, 14-12, 11-3 ( good use on the Kha- Pictures: Anvar Sadath Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt [Q] Adrian Waller (ENG) Tlifa International Tennis and 3-1: 11-3, 11-13, 11-9, 11-6 Squash Glasscourt to overcome (8) (EGY) bt the challenge of German qual- (EGY) 3-1: 11-4, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7 (43m) ifier Raphael Kandra to (EGY) bt Miguel Angel Rodriguez advance to the second round (COL) 3-2: 13-15, 11-5, 12-10, 10-12, 14-12 of the Qatar Classic 2017. (6) (EGY) bt Paul Coll (NZL) The 37-year-old English- 13-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-6 man, who is set retire from professional squash at the end Today’s last sixteen fixtures of the season, showed that he (1) Gregory Gaultier (Fra) vs Zahed Mohamed has a lot to offer for the game (Egy), 3.00pm in the coming months before (Q) Saurav Ghosal (Ind) vs Diego Elias (Per), he calls it a day. 2.00pm Nicknamed ‘The Wolf’, the (5) (Egy) vs (Q) Leo Au (HKG), 12noon World No.5 survived a tricky Fares Dessouky (Egy) vs (3) Mohamed El Shor- first round test to advance to bagy (Egy), 1.00pm the next stage where he will be Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) vs (4) Nick Matthew joined by Mathieu Castagnet of (Eng), 6.30pm France, Cameron Pilley of Aus- Cameron Pilley (AUS) vs (8) Tarek Momen (EGY), tralia and Egyptian duo of 5.30pm

Tarek Momen and Omar (6) Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) vs Omar Mosaad

Mosaad. (EGY), 8.30pm If day one of the champi- onship had it share of upsets, the second day saw German first round matches are always played on this court before as saw me through,” said running with him which was silly Rafa who has improved Kandra nearly pulling off one. difficult to negotiate. he qualified. He was sharper Matthew. because he’s much younger, but immensely,” tweeted Matthew. However, the Sheffield “It’s a tricky first round. He than me, it was experience that “I was hitting hard and finally at the end I started to use The Englishman will face Wednesday football fan, play- my brain and my experience Frenchman Castagnet in the ing for the 15th year in Qatar, which shows you it’s never too pre-quarter-final test today. came out flying in the grueling late, even 8-8 in the 5th,” he said, Castagnet triumphed 3-1 five-game test. after winning the decider 11-8. over Scottish qualifier Alan Matthew, who has played Matthew added; “I played Clyne in a mammoth battle of countless memorable matches a five setter in 60m, that’s not 66 minutes. Egypt’s Omar on the PSA World Tour won my squash, I’m more of a 3/0 Elsewhere, Australian Pil- 12-10, 11-9, 5-11, 8-11, 11-8, in a Mosaad plays for that length of time! I got out ley once again saw off match which last for a little a forehand of jail today, but in the middle England’s Adrian Waller, by an over an hour. shot against of the game I was mentally identical 3-1 to book a last-six- “The wolf just had a fight Colombian booking my flight back home.” teen clash with Tarek Momen. with an octopus here in Doha,” Miguel Angel “I have to go away and The Egyptian produced an tweeted Matthew after his Rodriguez learn and focus on my own almost error-free performance match. during their first thing and not worry about any- to down compatriot Mohamed Matthew won the first two round match one else. Hopefully I’ll be better Abouelghar 3-1 and move into games but the German made a yesterday. tomorrow.” the second round. remarkable comeback to take Incidentally last year, Mat- Mosaad, survived two the next two and force a thew, who beat Egypt’s Karim match-ball situations to over decider. Darwish in the 2009 Qatar come Colombian Miguel Angel In the decider, when eve- Classic final, came within two Rodriguez in three games to rything seemed lost for points of falling to a shock win 13-15, 11-5, 12-10, 10-12, Matthew and a huge upset defeat to tournament wildcard 14-12 in a marathon battle of seemed well on the cards the Abdulla Al Tamimi of Qatar but 108 minutes. Englishman went back to play survived the test. He will take on countryman his normal clinical squash to “Survival mode. Deja vu Marwan El Shorbagy in the lives another day in Qatar. from last year. Hopefully can second round. El Shorbagy Matthew was delighted improve through the rounds defeated New Zealand’s Paul with the end result and said the again the same way. Credit to Coll 13-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-6.

FIBA World Cup: New Qatar coach eyes success in qualifiers

Rizwan Rehmat QUALIFYING ROUND The Peninsula Group D: Qatar, Iraq, COMING FIXTURES Iran and Kazakhstan atar will be aiming to go step-by- (Some venues are yet to be decided): step in their qualifying campaign Asian Zone qualifying teams will launch Qof the 2019 FIBA Basketball World their campaign with a game against November 24, 2017 Cup, new coach Tim Lewis has hinted. Kazakhstan on November 24 in Doha. Qatar vs Kazakhstan in Doha The Qatar Basketball Federation The other two teams are Iran and Iraq. November 27, 2017 (QBF) has roped in the 50-year-old “I am looking forward to my time Briton who met with QBF President here. People have been extremely wel- Iran vs Qatar in Tehran Ahmad Al Muftah and the Chairman of coming. I am looking forward to help February 22, 2018 the National Teams Committee Abdul grow Qatar basketball,” Lewis said. Rahman Al Hitmi on Sunday. “I just landed I have come to see the Iraq vs Qatar “We have the World Cup qualifying facilities at the federation. Surprisingly February 25, 2018 rounds coming up. Our goal is to be as it is comparable to an NBA facility. It is competitive as possible,” Lewis said in a great venue to bring in the guys to Kazakhstan vs Qatar an interview released by QBF through practice. I am here to help move the June 29, 2018 social media platform. program forward,” he added. “We have Iran, Iraq and Kazakhstan The 2019 FIBA Basketball World Qatar vs Iran in our group. We hope to be one of the Cup qualification - Asia Zone - proc- July 02, 2018 top three teams that go through to the ess will determine the 6 teams from Qatar’s new coach Tim Lewis (right) during his meeting with QBF President

next round,” the former Philippines FIBA Asia and/or FIBA Oceania that

Qatar vs Iraq Ahmad Al Muftah and the Chairman of the National Teams Committee Abdul coach added in the interview. will participate at the 2019 FIBA World Qatar, who are in Group D of the Cup. Rahman Al Hitmi on Sunday. 30 SPORT TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2017 PSG, Barcelona on verge of Champions League last 16

Paris Saint-Germain’s Paris unbeaten streak to 62 matches with Sat- reach the last 16 with both teams still French forward Kylian AFP urday’s 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock. But to play a game against struggling Qara- M’Bappe (L) controls Brendan Rodgers’ team face a stiff test bag. A thrilling 3-3 draw at Chelsea last the ball during a ig-spending Paris Saint-Ger- against Bayern Munich as they bid to time out prevented the Premier League training session at main, five-time champions keep their European adventure alive. A champions from moving five points Barcelona and Jose Mourin- resurgent Bayern eased to a 3-0 win over clear at the top of Group C, with Roma Saint-Germain-en- ho’s Manchester United are the Scottish champions a fortnight ago, now looking for a victory to overtake Laye, western Paris, among the teams looking to and a repeat success would all but end Antonio Conte’s men. Roma won their yesterday. PSG take on Bbook a Champions League last-16 place Celtic’s chances of reaching the knock- last home game against Chelsea in the Anderlecht today.. today. The pick of the action sees Ander- out rounds. Jupp Heynckes is hopeful group stages nine years ago, but have lecht take on Neymar and co. in Paris, striker Robert Lewandowski will be fit not reached the quarter-finals since while Barcelona face Olympiakos and for the trip to Glasgow after limping out 2007-08. Chelsea gave their English Roma go head-to-head with Chelsea in of Saturday’s 2-0 victory over RB Leip- title defence a boost by beating Bourne- Italy. zig -- their second triumph in four days mouth at the weekend to stay nine Here we take a look at what is at over their title rivals after a shootout win points off top spot, while Roma are stake in each group: in the second round of the German Cup. seven points behind Serie A leaders Napoli with a game in hand. GROUP A At Paris At Manchester, England Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) v Ander- GROUP D Manchester United (ENG) v Benfica lecht (BEL) At Piraeus, Greece (POR) Olympiakos (GRE) v Barcelona Unai Emery’s French heavyweights (ESP) Jose Mourinho’s side can secure a have cruised through their opening three place in the last 16 with two matches to fixtures -- netting 12 goals with none Barcelona could secure a last-16 spare with a win at Old Trafford, if Basel conceded -- and will be expected to place today. A fourth straight group- avoid defeat against CSKA Moscow. again sweep aside Anderlecht at the Parc stage win in Greece would book a United are unbeaten at home in 12 meet- des Princes. Edinson Cavani struck twice knock-out spot unless Sporting Lisbon ings with Portuguese opponents -- their more in Friday’s 3-0 victory over Nice, beat Juventus. Ernesto Valverde’s men last home loss in Europe came in a 2-1 giving the Uruguayan 15 goals in 14 are on a 14-match unbeaten run in all reverse against Real Madrid in the matches this term, as PSG stayed four competitions since losing both legs of 2012/13 competition. Benfica are likely points clear in France. Neymar is also the Spanish Super Cup to Real Madrid. heading towards an early exit after los- set to return after serving a domestic The five-time European champions are ing their first three group games and will one-match ban following his red card flying high in Spain, having only dropped be without veteran defender Luisao fol- against Marseille. Anderlecht have yet two points in their first 10 outings. Barca lowing his dismissal in the 1-0 defeat by to register a goal or point in this season’s talisman Lionel Messi is La Liga’s top- United in Lisbon. Brazilian striker Jonas group stage, with their last away win in scorer so far this term with 12 goals and scored his league-leading 12th goal in a the Champions League proper coming has also netted three times from three 1-0 win over Feirense on Friday, while in December 2005. Champions League outings. The first United bounced back from a shock loss meeting two weeks ago saw Barcelona at Huddersfield Town by edging Totten- GROUP C ease to a 3-1 win with only 10 men, while ham Hotspur 1-0 on Saturday courtesy At Madrid Olympiakos, bottom of Group D, will be of Anthony Martial’s late winner. Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Qarabag eliminated if they lose and Sporting fail (AZE) to beat Juventus. At Basel, Switzerland Basel (SUI) v CSKA Moscow (RUS) Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are At Lisbon still searching for their first win of the Sporting Lisbon (POR) v Juventus Basel will clinch a spot in the knock- competition after a goalless draw in (ITA) out phase with a second straight win Azerbaijan a fortnight ago. They are in over CSKA Moscow, if Benfica fail to beat danger of missing out on the knockout Sporting and Juventus look set to United. After a slow start to the season, stages for the first time since failing to be in a straight fight for second place Basel have hit their stride with six wins qualify at all in 2012-13. The Spanish side in Group D behind Barcelona, with in their last eight games. Conversely, have made a solid start in La Liga and Tuesday’s match in Lisbon crucial after CSKA are in the middle of a terrible run are unbeaten in their first 10 games, but the Italians’ 2-1 win at Turin. Jorge of form after only winning once in their sit eight points adrift of leaders Barce- Jesus’ team are looking to draw level last eight matches and scoring just twice lona in fourth place after five draws. on points with their opponents, in that period. A 1-0 defeat at Arsenal Although Qarabag picked up their first although last season’s runners-up Tula on Friday left them four points off Champions League point in Baku, Atletico would move all but into the knockout leaders Lokomotiv in Russia, but Alan will be expected to have little trouble in rounds with victory. After winning six Dzagoev could return after a month out closing the gap on Chelsea and Roma, consecutive Serie A titles, Juve trail in- with an Achilles injury. ahead of a home match against the Ital- form Napoli by three points ians and a crucial visit to Stamford Bridge. domestically despite a strong start to GROUP B the campaign. Jesus is hoping to At Glasgow, Scotland At Rome improve Sporting’s European pedigree Celtic (SCO) v Bayern Munich (GER) Roma (ITA) v Chelsea (ENG) as the Portuguese giants have not reached the last 16 since 2009, when Celtic matched their century-old Brit- The winner of the clash at the Sta- they lost 12-1 on aggregate to Bayern ish record by stretching their domestic dio Olimpico will be well-placed to Munich. Liverpool on right path ahead of Maribor clash, says Mignolet

London “Everybody knew Reuters it wasn’t good enough and we had to change imon Mignolet (pictured right) has said and respond in the Liverpool will go into their Champions right manner, and I S League match at home to Maribor think we’ve done that.” tomorrow with their confidence restored Liverpool are level thanks to Saturday’s 3-0 win over Hudders- on five points with field Town in the Premier League. Spartak Moscow in Goals from Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Group E in the Cham- Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum lifted pions League, just one Juergen Klopp’s team up to sixth in the stand- ahead of third-placed Chelsea’s ings, just six days after they suffered a 4-1 Sevilla. Eden Hazard defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur. The Reds thrashed is seen Goalkeeper Mignolet admitted morale Slovenian minnows during a had been damaged by the result at Wem- Maribor 7-0 in their warm-up bley and said it was a relief to have bounced previous encounter and session at back against a Huddersfield team that had are expected to domi- Cobham defeated Manchester United in their previ- nate once again at Anfield. fixtures. “I don’t want to speak about ‘big ous league game. Their week will then be completed by a weeks’ because every week is a big week,” Training “It’s good for the boys and I think today trip to West Ham United in the Premier the Dutch midfielder said. Centre, will give everybody a lift in confidence, League on Saturday, another match they will “Every week you have to collect points London, which is what we needed after last week,” start as favourites. and win games and deliver so for me every yesterday. Mignolet told the club’s official website Wijnaldum, however, was reluctant to week is a big week, especially when you play (www.liverpoolfc.com). place unnecessary expectation on the two for Liverpool.” TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 31

WorldSBK riders in action at last year’s round held at Losail International Circuit. Rea returns to favourite 25 points up hunting ground in Qatar for grabs as www.worldsbk.com Mahias eyes hey say it changes when the sun goes down, and this is cer- tainly the case as the desert glory MOTUL FIM Super- T bike World Championship heads to the Losail International Cir- www.worldsbk.com strong battle to return from cuit for the final round of the injury sustained five weeks ago season. ontinuing with the stun- in France, the 33-year-old Set under the stunning ningly dramatic action won’t go down without a fight floodlights, the 5.3km circuit Cthe 2017 FIM Supersport on board his ZX-6R. With eight won’t let anything hide in the World Championship has appearances around Losail shadows, and stunning on track treated us with, the title fight under his belt – two of those battles are guaranteed around goes down to the final round in WorldSBK – the Turkish the circuit. in the heat of the desert as rider has only won around the With second position in the Lucas Mahias (GRT Yamaha track once, back in 2007. championship still to play for, Official WorldSSP Team) looks He has however taken four and another opportunity to to dethrone Kenan Sofuoglu podium finishes and is a rider make history for Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and you can never rule out of the (Kawasaki Racing Team), it take the title in Qatar. fight. If he takes the title it will won’t be a round to forget. Jonathan Rea in action. With Sofuoglu hoping to be nothing short of heroic, but 2017 world champion return from injury this week- if anyone can try its Sofuoglu. Jonathan Rea heads to Qatar off end, there is all to play for and No longer in with a chance the back of a stunning perform- mark his 80th with the manu- victory, Jordi Torres (Althea 25 points up for grabs. of taking the title, Jules Cluzel ance in Southern Spain, taking Star act! facturer. Securing some BMW Racing Team) has a lot of Following a heroic ride in (CIA Landlord Insurance his first ever victory around the World champion stunning results with the team confidence around the Losail front of his home fans around Honda) and PJ Jacobsen (MV Jerez circuit, which then became this season despite some early International Circuit and will be Circuit de Nevers Mangy- Agusta Reparto Corse) will be Jonathan Rea heads to a double victory. season set-backs, the British looking to end the season on a Cours, Lucas Mahias heads to searching for their first win of Qatar off the back of a Losail International Circuit rider will be looking to go out high after some testing rounds Qatar with a 20 point advan- the season after the pair have is now the only track on the 2017 stunning performance in on a high. But at a circuit he has in 2017. tage over Sofuoglu with just come so close on so many calendar the Northern Irishman Southern Spain, taking struggled around over his four Sitting in the top nine in the one round remaining. occasions so far in 2017. is yet to win around, but if his his first ever victory appearances – with two retire- world championship standings, Struggling with his rear Cluzel has secured two pace in Jerez is anything to go around the Jerez Circuit. ments, an 18th and a 13th – the the Spanish rider will look to tyre in the final European podiums in the series around by, this won’t the case for long. 31 year old has a big challenge build on his two top eight fin- Round at Jerez, Mahias has left Qatar, whilst Jacobsen has had Holding the race, pole and ahead of him to brighten up the ishes from 2016 with the German himself with even more work a varied history so far. circuit record around Qatar, the been able to nurse his hand back Qatari skies. bike. Taking on the final round to do around the Losail Inter- But with the two riding Kawasaki rider has a good feel- and secure two podium finishes, Irish rider Eugene Laverty after a tough season for the Red national Circuit. with even more confidence, ing with his ZX-10RR and will be keeping his runner up spot in the (Milwaukee Aprilia) heads to Bull Honda World Superbike Taking two fourth position they will certainly be up at the out with a point to prove this championship battle within Losail International Circuit with Team, Davide Guigliano and finishes around the track – sharp end and the title battle weekend. He will also be chas- arm’s reach. a wealth of knowledge behind Jake Gagne will both make their both with Yamaha – the won’t be the only think to keep ing down the record of the most Ready for the battle this him, following two appearances return to the Dutch-based Ten Frenchman has a solid history an eye on. points scored in one season – weekend, he won’t go down with MotoGP™ and two with Kate squad for the final time in around the circuit, however he One rider to not forget is currently held by Colin Edwards without a fight. WorldSBK. Facing a tough 2017. will have much more on his Brit Kyle Smith (Gemar Team taking 552 in 2002. Continuing to improve his round back in 2014 in the class, American Gagne will be deb- mind than taking his first vic- Lorini), who has taken the vic- Sitting in joint second posi- pace on the YZF-R1, Alex Lowes Laverty is nearing the end of his uting around Qatar, whilst tory here. tory in the WorldSSP race on tion in the world championship (Pata Yamaha Official comeback to the series and has Guigliano’s previous results in If Sofuoglu does ride, all the last two occasions around standings is Chaz Davies (Aruba. WorldSBK Team) heads to Qatar had some hard battles to face the desert show two top eight Mahias has to do is finish five the Losail Circuit. Following a it Racing – Ducati), who is the searching for a final podium so far. finishes. points ahead and he will be strong start to the season, man to beat around Losail. spot of the season, but has a Hoping to put these behind Still working on improving crowned champion, which Smith’s run of form took a dip Dominating the last two tough record around the 5.3km him, the 31 year old has one the Honda Fireblade sounds easy. But nothing is throughout 2017 but heading races in the desert, the Welsh circuit. round remaining to get back CRB1000RR SP2, the pair will easy in motorbike racing. to a circuit where he will no rider will be hoping to increase With four top ten finishes onto the podium in 2017. be giving it their all to make Looking to be the man to doubt have a lot of confidence his win tally in 2017 following a out of six appearances, Lowes Heading back to the scene some progress under the stop Mahais, is reigning cham- around, he will be one to watch difficult few rounds. has been steadily improving his of his debut and only WorldSBK floodlights. pion Sofuoglu. Putting up a this weekend. Hunting down second posi- pace with the Yamaha, and will tion in the championship, be looking for find some extra Davies’ mind will be focused on tenths under the floodlights. Kenan Sofuoglu. taking the runner up position as On the other side of the he will be locked in a battle with garage, Michael van der Mark Sykes. Only finishing outside the (Pata Yamaha Official top five in one occasion out of WorldSBK) heads to Qatar off six around Losail, he will be a the back of his MotoGP™ debut tough man to beat on the in Malaysia. Panigale. In a similar situation to On the other side of the bat- Lowes, he has been improving tle, Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing the pace of his Yamaha and will Team) heads to a track which hope to end the season on a has welcomed some consistent high at Losail, a circuit which results for the Brit, with five he has taken a top five finish in podiums and seven top five fin- WorldSBK and the victory in ishes to his name. WorldSSP in 2014. Fighting back from a tough Leon Camier (MV Agusta weekend in Portugal which saw Reparto Corse) will prepare for Sykes forced to sit out of two his final race with the Italian races with a broken wrist, he has factory, and Saturday’s race will 32 SPORT TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2017 TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 33

R oad to title

AUSTRALIA, MARCH 26 Hamilton started the season from pole position after a record lap time in qualify- ing but Sebastian Vettel put his Ferrari alongside on the front row. Vettel won by 9.9 seconds, his 43rd victory in Formula One, with Hamilton second. Vettel 25 points, Hamilton 18 Hamilton joins F1 greats with fourth CHINA, APRIL 9 Hamilton took pole position, again with the fastest ever lap of the circuit, and went on to win the race. Vettel qualified second and finished second, 6.2 seconds behind. The win was Hamilton’s fifth in Shanghai. The pair were tied on points. Hamilton 43, Vettel 43 BAHRAIN, APRIL 16 world title at dramatic Mexican GP Finland’s ended team mate Hamilton’s run of six poles in a row with his first. Hamilton qualified alongside while Vettel was third. The Mexico City FORMULA ONE GP MEXICO RESULT German turned the tables in the race by winning, with Hamilton second season starts, but they still provided thrills Reuters and 6.6 seconds behind. Hamilton’s tally of titles took as they fought back. Hamilton, who had a thrilling wheel- 1. Max Verstappen (Netherlands): Red Bull - TAG ’s ninth-place finish in Mexico secured his fourth Vettel 68, Hamilton 61 him above fellow-Briton Formula 1 world title, making him Britain’s most successful F1 driver n ecstatic Lewis Hamilton Jackie Stewart and also his to-wheel tussle with former McLaren Heuer: 1:36:26.552 became Britain’s first four- team mate Fernando Alonso in the latter RUSSIA, APRIL 30 late Brazilian idol Ayrton 2. Valtteri Bottas (Finland): Mercedes: +00:19.678 HAMILTON: CAREER IN NUMBERS times Formula One world stages that could have cost him dear, had Vettel ended a Mercedes streak of 18 successive poles with Ferrari’s first Senna in the all-time lists. 3. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland): Ferrari: 00:54.007 champion on Sunday after hoped to celebrate by spraying the win- Debut for McLaren, aged 22, 4. Sebastian Vettel (Germany): Ferrari: 01:10.078 since 2015. Team mate Kimi Raikkonen completed a front row lockout. fighting back from last place ner’s champagne from the top of the finishing third in Australia Bottas won the race after jumping the Ferraris at the start. Vettel was 5. Esteban Ocon (France): Force India - Mercedes: 1 followingA an opening-lap collision with In a race won by 20-year-old podium. Grands Prix second, Hamilton fourth. arch-rival Sebastian Vettel at the Mexi- Dutch prodigy Max Instead, there was the considerable lap victories this season Vettel 86, Hamilton 73 can Grand Prix. 6. Lance Stroll (Canada): Williams-Mercedes: 1 lap Verstappen, in a Red Bull, the consolation of being one of only five men Most wins in 7. Sergio Perez (Mexico): Force India - Mercedes: 1 SPAIN, MAY 14 In a race won by 20-year-old Dutch 32-year-old Mercedes driver -- Germany’s , single season (2014) prodigy Max Verstappen, in a Red Bull, finished ninth to cement his Argentina’s , France’s lap Hamilton was back on pole, the 250th by a British driver in Formula One, Age he become youngest with Vettel alongside on the front row. The order remained the same in the the 32-year-old Mercedes driver finished place as his country’s most and Vettel -- to win four titles 8. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark): Haas - Ferrari: 1 lap ninth to cement his place as his country’s or more since the championship started World Champion in 2008 – race, with Hamilton taking the chequered flag 3.4 seconds clear. 9. Lewis Hamilton (Britain)vMercedes: 1 lap most successful driver of all time. successful driver of all time. in 1950. eclipsed by Vettel in 2010 Vettel 104, Hamilton 98 10. Fernando Alonso (Spain): McLaren: 1 lap Vettel, the only man who could have Prost and Vettel both have four, with 11. Felipe Massa (Brazil): Williams-Mercedes: 1 lap Total race victories – second delayed the seemingly inevitable, ended the late Fangio on five and Schumacher only to Schumacher MONACO, MAY 28 A winner nine times this 12. (Belgium): McLaren: 1 lap up fourth after starting on pole position seven. Raikkonen took his first pole since 2008, with Vettel qualifying second. season, including five of the 13. Pierre Gasly (France): Toro Rosso - Renault: 1 lap All-time record number and then dropping to 19th following a pit- six before Mexico, ninth was Hamilton’s tally of titles took him of pole positions Hamilton started 13th. Vettel then became the first Ferrari driver since stop to replace a broken front wing. above fellow-Briton Jackie Stewart and 14. Pascal Wehrlein (Germany): Sauber - Ferrari: 2 Michael Schumacher in 2001 to win Monaco. Hamilton finished seventh. his lowest placing of the laps Hamilton has an unassailable lead of campaign and he did it despite also his late Brazilian idol MOST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES Vettel 129, Hamilton 104 56 points with two races, worth a total of in the all-time lists. 15. Romain Grosjean (France): Haas - Ferrari: 2 laps having a badly damaged car at 50, remaining in Brazil and Abu Dhabi. “An unusual way to be world cham- Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes GP is surrounded by photographers as the Briton celebrates CANADA, JUNE 11 “It doesn’t feel real. That’s not the a track where overtaking is pion but you are world champion very FORMULA ONE DRIVER STANDINGS after winning his fourth F1 World Drivers Championship after the Formula One Grand Hamilton took pole position to equal late boyhood hero Ayrton Senna’s kind of race that you want but I never difficult enough anyway. simple. Nobody cares how you do it,” said 1. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes: 333 Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, Mexico on Sunday. career haul of 65. Vettel qualified second. Hamilton won the race for the gave up. I kept going right to the end,” Mercedes’ non-executive chairman Niki 2. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari: 277 said a jubilant Hamilton, the British flag Lauda, himself a triple champion. Michael Juan Manuel Alain Sebastian Lewis sixth time with Bottas runner-up. Vettel finished fourth after fighting back 3. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes: 262 proudly draped over his shoulders. position, seized the lead with an aggres- “Who cares? It’s about the result,” Schumacher Fangio Prost Vettel Hamilton from last. 4. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull: 192 Vettel 141, Hamilton 129 He had raised both hands to his hel- sive move through the opening said team boss , when asked 1994, 1995, 1951, 1954, 1985, 1986, 2010, 2011, 2008, 2014, met as he took the chequered flag, with right-left-right corners and the Red Bull how it had felt to see Hamilton lapped by 5. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari: 178 2000-04 1955-57 1989, 1993 2012, 2013 2015, 2017 6. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull: 148 AZERBAIJAN, JUNE 25 the crowd rising to applaud. bumping wheels with Vettel as he went Verstappen. “He was lapped because he Champion Hamilton Hamilton took pole with Bottas completing a Mercedes front row. Vettel “Lewis has done a superb job all year through. was crashed into.” 7. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India: 92 lined up fourth. The German hit the back of the Briton’s Mercedes during and deserves to win the title,” said Vet- Hamilton, starting in third place, tried The victory was the third of Verstap- 8. Esteban Ocon (France) Force India: 83 the race while behind the safety car and Daniel Ricciardo won for Red Bull. tel. “Congratulations to him. It is his day.” to follow Verstappen but the Ferrari’s pen’s career and second of the season, 9. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Renault: 54 Sunday’s race was both the best and front wing sliced Hamilton’s rear right cementing the youngster’s position as the Vettel finished fourth and Hamilton, who had to pit to fix a loose headrest, 10. Lance Stroll (Canada) Williams: 40 worst of afternoons for the sport’s big- tyre as they made contact at turn three. rising star of the sport. 11. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams: 36 hungry for more fifth. gest star, who ended up sprinting down “Did he hit me deliberately?” asked France’s Esteban Ocon was fifth for 12. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Renault: 34 Vettel 153, Hamilton 139 Mexico City the pitlane chased by fans. Hamilton over the radio, limping back to Force India, with his Mexican team mate 13. Romain Grosjean (France) Haas: 28 Reuters Who’s saying what AUSTRIA, JULY 9 A winner nine times this season, the pits and fully aware that Vettel’s only Sergio Perez seventh and behind the Wil- 14. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) Haas: 19 Race including five of the six before Mexico, real hope of getting back into the reck- liams of Canadian rookie Lance Stroll. Bottas took pole position, with Vettel alongside, after Hamilton collected a 15. Stoffel Vandoorne (Belgium) McLaren: 13 wins 24 51 46 62 about Hamilton’s ninth was his lowest placing of the cam- oning would be if the Briton went out. Danish driver Kevin Magnussen was ewis Hamilton says he plans to go out at the five-place grid penalty for a gearbox change and started eighth. The Finn 91 paignpaign anandd hhee d didid it it d despiteespite h havingaving a ab abadlydly “Not sure, Lewis,” hhisis racerace enengineergineer eightheighth fforor Haas witwithh AAlonsolonso tatakingking t thehe top but is not about to “do the easy thing” like fourth F1 title then held off Vettel to win, with Hamilton fourth. damageddamaged car at a tractrackk wwherehere overtaovertak-k- PeterPeter Bonnington saisaidd in in rep reply.ly. It It l oolookedked ffinalinal point. former Mercedes team mate Vettel 171, Hamilton 151 L iningg is ddifficultifficult enoenoughugh ananyway.yway. farfar ffromrom ddeliberateeliberate anandd stewar stewardsds swi swiftlyftly who quit days after winning last year’s Formula “It doesn’t feel real man. It’s not the Hamilton’sHamilton’s teateamm mmateate VValtterialtteri BBot-ot- decideddecided tthathat no ffurtherurther investiinvestigationgation o off RaceRace One world championship. race you want when you’re 40 sec- BRITAIN, JULY 16 tas finifinishedshed secosecondnd at tthehe AAutodromoutodromo the incident was necessary.necessary. ststartsarts 51 Hamilton clinched his fourth title in Mexico onds down, but I never gave up.” Hamilton was back on pole at home, with Vettel qualifying third. The Hermanos RodriguezRodriguez wit withh Ferrari’s Ferrari’s Ki Kimimi VettelVettel pittepittedd wwhilehile HamiHamilton,lton, wwhoho 306 199199 196196 206 with two races to spare on Sunday, becoming the -- Hamilton after his ninth-place fin- ish in Mexico Briton went on to win while a late puncture slashed Vettel’s lead to one RaikkonenRaikkonen tthird.hird. hadhad startestartedd tthehe ddayay 66 ppointsoints cclearlear ooff Sources:SouSoSoouurcerrcceces:s FIAFIA,, ReuterReuterss Pic Pictures:icctturtuuurreeses:s: GeGGettytty ImageImagess © GGRAPHICRAPHIC NEWNEWSS most successful British driver of all time, but he point. The German finished seventh. VettelVettel hhadad nee neededded to to b bee in in th thee top top two two hishis rivarival,l, hhadad a llongeronger stop wwhilehile reassured reporters that he was far from done. “What Mercedes have done the past Vettel 177, Hamilton 176 to hhaveave ananyy c chancehance o off ta takingking th thee tit titlele fi gfightht mechanicsmechanics insinspectedpected hhisis carcar f foror f fur-ur- “Four is a great number. But I want number five downdown to BrBrazilazil in in t twowo w weeks’eeks’ t imtimee bu butt hi hiss ther damadamage.ge. now,” declared the 32-year-old, who also races with couple of years is incredible. I’m so alreadyalready sslimlim hhopesopes seemeseemedd to to h haveave d dis-is- TThehe inciincidentdent rorobbedbbed tthehe crowcrowdd the number 44 on his car. grateful.” HUNGARY, JULY 30 aappearedppeared witwithinhin seconsecondsds ooff t thehe start start.. ofof tthehe prospect ooff a a rea reall d dueluel b etweenbetween “I want to go out at the top ... I could do the easy -- Hamilton Vettel took pole on an all-Ferrari front row with Hamilton fourth. The Ger- Verstappen,Verstappen, witwithh not nothinghing to to l oselose a andnd thethe two contencontenders,ders, wwhoho wiwillll bbothoth b bee thing, like obviously Nico did, which is just stop and man won while the Mercedes driver sportingly gave third place back to everythingeverything to gaingain fromfrom hishis frontfront rorrowow four-timesfourfour-t timesimes chachampionsmpions whewhenn nextnext retreat with these four titles. But I think there’s more “Did he hit me deliberately?”; “Not Bottas after the Finn let him past earlier. in me. sure, Lewis.” Vettel 202, Hamilton 188 “I think there’s more to come, more of a chal- -- Hamilton querying Sebastian Vet- lenge. There’s harder times ahead and I like that, I tel’s first lap clash which left both BELGIUM, AUG. 27 love that. That’s challenging and it would be so bor- men having to pit - and his team’s Hamilton returned from the August break to equal Michael Schumacher’s Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates after ing without it.” reply. all-time record of 68 pole positions in his 200th race. He went on to win winning his fourth F1 World Drivers Championship after the Formula Rosberg announced last December, days after with Vettel second. One Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in securing his first title, that he was retiring after a “Simply, simply lovely.” -- Race winner Max Verstappen after Vettel 220, Hamilton 213 Mexico City on Sunday. career spent battling Hamilton. The German, a family man, made clear he had grabbing the lead on the first lap. ITALY, SEPT 3 been drained by the 2016 campaign and was not Hamilton set an all-time pole position record and went on to win, wresting prepared to expend the same amount of physical “I don’t fear him. I like racing against him and I just wish I could have done the outright lead from Vettel for the first time this year. Mercedes were and mental energy to defend a title that had been so hard to win. more of it this year.” one-two, Vettel finished third. Hamilton, who is developing interests outside -- Vettel on Hamilton Hamilton 238, Vettel 235 of the sport in music, film and fashion, said he too had considered a change of scene but that was still “I don’t know why Sebastian drove SINGAPORE, SEPT 17 some way down the road. so aggressively to destroy his race. Vettel started on pole but the two Ferraris collided at the start in a battle “I will continue to race while I love it, I’ve Lewis was in front and Vettel hit him with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Hamilton came through from fifth to win. enjoyed it this year more than ever,” he said. with his front wing, I just don’t Hamilton 263, Vettel 235 “I do think about how it would be so nice at understand it.” some stage just to live in one place, a lot more -- Mercedes director , a MALAYSIA, OCT 1 socialising, walking your dogs every day or three-time world champion, on the Hamilton started on pole position, with Vettel last after a power unit surfing. Vettel-Hamilton clash. problem sidelined him in qualifying. Verstappen won the race with Hamil- “But then I’m thinking, there’s a lot of life to ton second and Vettel fourth. live beyond 40. There’s a lot to go.” “Congratulations Lewis. Well Hamilton 281, Vettel 247 Next season will see two four times world deserving champion! Also brilliant champions, Hamilton and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vet- for Team Mercedes to clinch both tel, duelling on track with Red Bull’s 20-year-old titles.” JAPAN, OCT 8 Dutch star Max Verstappen leading a new -- Hamilton’s former teammate and Hamilton took another pole and went on to win while Vettel retired after generation. 2016 champion Nico Rosberg on four laps with a spark plug problem that surfaced before the start. McLaren’s double title-holder Fernando Alonso Twitter @nico_rosberg Hamilton 306, Vettel 247 will also potentially be in a more competitive car. “It’s kind of cool to be in this battle with him,” “I hated the race but I am super UNITED STATES, OCT 22 the Briton, who now has a record 72 pole positions happy now. Lewis has achieved it Hamilton started on pole, with Vettel second and the race ended that way. and the second most wins (62) after Michael Schu- and team has won. This is the most Mercedes secured the constructors’s title for the fourth year in a row. macher (91), said of his new arch-rival Vettel. important.” Hamilton 331, Vettel 265 Hamilton, who is expected to agree a contract -- Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff extension soon, said the fact that Vettel had signed MEXICO, OCT 29 for three more years with Ferrari, keeping him “I’m happy for your bro’.” Vettel took pole, with Hamilton qualifying third but needing only a fifth there until 2020, was also a source of -- Brazilian football superstar Ney- place to take the title. A first corner collision between Hamilton and Vettel motivation. mar sends message to Hamilton. dropped both to the back of the field. “I’m like:‘Ferrari are not going to like me for Hamilton fought back from last place to finish ninth, while Vettel climbed the next couple of years’,” he said. “@lewishamilton Legend!!!!! Well from 19th to fourth. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the race. Hamilton “But it’s OK because we are going to make it as done bro...!!” secures fourth world championship. hard as it can possibly be for them to win cham- -- British Olympics gold medallist Mo Hamilton 333, Vettel 277 pionships. I really am looking forward to that battle Farah with them.” 34 SPORT TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2017 US Open star Stephens eyes quick rebound at Elite Trophy

New York impressive triumph and surge up the winning the US Open, having those good 29-year-old German. “It’s a tough tour- Reuters world rankings she suffered first-round results, I was basically trying to get into nament but it’s an opportunity to get defeats at the Wuhan Open and the the Australian Open. These tournaments better, have good competition and S Open champion Sloane China Open in Beijing before pulling out were really necessary for me to play.” maybe also going with a good feeling to Stephens (pictured) is deter- of the Hong Kong Open earlier this Stephens, seeded third, is placed at next season,” said the former world Umined to end the season on a month. the top of the Camellia Group alongside number one. positive note at the WTA Elite Trophy Stephens, who will play her first Latvian Anastasija Sevastova and Bar- Kerber was drawn in the Rose Group in Zhuhai, China after failing to win a round-robin event at this week’s Elite bora Strycova of Czech Republic. alongside fourth seed Russian Anasta- match since her shock victory at Flush- Trophy, blamed her recent defeats on a Angelique Kerber, who clinched sia Pavlyuchenkova and Ashleigh Barty ing Meadows. lack of preparation. both Australian and US Open titles last of Australia. The 24-year-old American stunned “I’d say winning the U.S. Open isn’t year, said the Elite Trophy will allow her The Elite Trophy features the world’s the sport in September when in her first the best preparation to go play two tour- to lay a foundation for a fresh start in top 12 singles players who did not qual- grand slam final she became the low- naments right after,” she told a news 2018. ify for the WTA Finals last week. est-ranked woman (83) to win the US conference yesterday. “I’m trying to look ahead and trying The round-robin format will see the Open singles title. “But I had to get out there and play to end the year as well as I can by putting winners from each of the four groups However, despite her because it was on my schedule. Before everything on the court,” said the advance to the semi-finals. West Indies crawl to 78 for one in Hazlewood targets England’s Zimbabwe batting greenhorns in Ashes Bulawayo Reuters

cautious West Indies crawled to 78 for one Ain their first innings at the close on the second day of the second Test against Zimbabwe yesterday. If you get Joe Root, Alastair Cook The tourists took 49 overs, in which they hit six bound- and Jonny Bairstow, who have aries, to reach a score that left been scoring runs the last few them with a first-innings def- icit of 248 runs after they had years, it places extra pressure on bowled Zimbabwe out for Josh Hazlewood the inexperienced guys even 326. of Australia more so: Josh Hazlewood Opener Kieran Powell bowls during was unbeaten on 43 from 123 play on the balls, along with nightwatch- first day of the man Devendra Bishoo, who first Test match has yet to score. against the West Indies lost Kraigg West Indies, Brathwaite (32 from 160 balls) 15 minutes before the close at Windsor when he was caught by Ham- Park Stadium ilton Masakadza at slip off the in Roseau, Sydney batsmen, there is an air of con- the top couple for no reason,” bowling of Graeme Cremer. Dominica, in this AFP fidence among their bowling Hazlewood said. Zimbabwe had resumed June 4, 2015 file attack heading into the open- “He seems to be scoring on 169 for four after a rain- picture. ustralia paceman ing Test at the Gabba on quicker at the moment as well, hit opening day with Josh Hazlewood has November 23. at 80 strike-rate, the last 12 Masakadza’s 147 anchoring warned Joe Root’s “If you get Joe Root, Alastair months. their first innings. Sikandar England tourists and Cook and Jonny Bairstow, who “He’s definitely getting on Raza’s 80 allowed them to their raft of Ashes have been scoring runs the last with it so hopefully that gives post a par score on a slow debutantsA they risk being few years, it places extra pres- us an extra couple of opportu- wicket that is taking turn. exposed if their big guns don’t sure on the inexperienced guys nities. He’s got a pretty Masakadza’s fifth Test fire in the coming series. even more so,” Hazlewood told well-rounded game at the century had dominated a England’s depleted squad Fairfax Media. moment.” rain-hit opening day on which touched down in Perth on Sun- “If we get the wood on them Starc’s best first-class fig- Zimbabwe scored 169 for day without suspended star hopefully the rest fall in line.” ures of his career could not have four, with Peter Moor contrib- all-rounder Ben Stokes. Only Root, Cook and come at a better time, but will uting 52. The opener resumed Their arrival coincided with Bairstow have played a Test in also be welcomed by the Eng- his innings on 101 on the sec- Hazlewood’s Test pace partner Australia, while Gary Ballance land seamers, particularly ond morning, and with Mitchell Starc picking up a was dropped during the last Stuart Broad. Sikandar Raza providing solid career-best eight wickets with Ashes series and James Vince, Broad is expected to be a support the pair added 77 the pink ball in a Sheffield Mark Stoneman and Dawid handful at Adelaide Oval when over the first 21 overs of the Shield match in Adelaide. Malan have played a combined the tourists play their first day- day before Masakadza top- The world number two’s total of 17 Tests without scoring night Test in early December. edged a delivery from inexperienced batting line-up a century. “It’s been a long time since Devendra Bishoo and was has been highlighted as its big- Root, rated the world’s sec- I’ve played a four-day fixture caught by Shane Dowrich. gest weakness as it aims to ond-best Test batsman, shapes so it was nice to get some overs West Indies won the first emulate the feat of Andrew as the key wicket for Australia under the belt (37.4 for the Test at the same venue by 117 Strauss’ men by becoming only despite a horror campaign in game) and get ready for that runs as they seek a first away the second England team to 2013/14 when he passed 50 first Test,” a fit-again Starc said. test series victory since a 2-0 retain the Ashes urn in Australia once in eight innings and was “The ball swung and nipped triumph in Bangladesh in 2012. in 31 years. then dropped. a little bit and I managed to get While doubts remain about “He’s a pretty good all- it to move both ways and find a SCOREBOARD the security of Australia’s top six round player, you don’t get to way to get a few wickets.” Zimbabwe (I innings): H Masakadza c Dowrich b Bishoo ...... 147 S Mire c Dowrich b Roach ...... 4 C Ervine b Gabriel ...... 0 B Taylor b Roach ...... 1 P Moor b Chase ...... 52 S Raza c K Hope b Gabriel ...... 80 M Waller b K Brathwaite ...... 0 R Chakabva b Bishoo ...... 10 G Cremer run out (Holder) ...... 11 T Chisoro lbw b Roach ...... 9 Kohli becomes top batsman in rankings again C Mpofu (not out) ...... 4 Extras (LB-6 NB-2) ...... 8 New Delhi just 10 days. Kohli was the game at Kanpur’s Green like favourites with 35 serieses triumph,triumph, added.added. Total (all out) ...... 326 AFP top run-scorer in the New Park Stadium. runs required from the last “The aim is always Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-11, 3-14, 4-156, 5-246, 6-248, 7-267, 8-310, 9-319, 10-326 Zealand series, accumu- Meanwhile, Kohli 24 balls, ended on 331-7 to hhelpelp thethe team win Bowling: S Gabriel 22 - 4 - 64 - 2(nb-1); K irat Kohli (pictured lating 263 over three hailed India’s death bowl- despite Latham’s 52-ball games,mes, regarregardlessdless ooff Roach 18.1 - 5 - 44 - 3(nb-1); J Blackwood 4 - 1 right) reclaimed his matches including his ing after paceman Jasprit 65. howw mamanyny runs I - 8 - 0; J Holder 16 - 2 - 49 - 0; D Bishoo 25 - 2 Vthrone as the 32nd ODI century on Sun- Bumrah helped the hosts “It was a pretty close score.re. Very hhappyappy - 82 - 2; R Chase 14 - 1 - 50 - 1; K Brathwaite 10 world’s best one-day day as India secured a 2-1 pull off a thrilling six-run game. Credit to New Zea- we could get - 0 - 23 - 1 international batsman yes- series victory. win and clinch the one- land, they fought hard in anotherother one in tthehe West Indies (I innings): terday after smashing his He also paired with day international series this series and forced us to bag,”,” saisaidd KoKohli.hli. K Brathwaite c H Masakadza b Cremer ....32 K Powell (batting) ...... 43 sixth ton of the year in opener Rohit Sharma for 2-1 on Sunday. play our best cricket,” “But it was ththee D Bishoo (batting) ...... 0 India’s series-clinching a 230-run stand as they Bumrah claimed three Kohli said at the post- superbperb ddeatheath Extras (B-2 LB-1) ...... 3 victory over New became the first batsmen wickets and effected a cru- match presentation. bowlingwling show byby Total (for 1 wkts) ...... 78 Zealand. to share four double cen- cial run out of dangerman “I decided that I let the Bumrahmrah tthathat stoostoodd Fall of wickets: 1-76 The India skipper, who tury ODI partnerships. Tom Latham in the 48th bowler do what he wants out in tthehe big-scoringbig-scoring To bat: K Hope, S Hope, J Blackwood, R Chase, cracked a 106-ball 113 in Kohli, 28, who also over to make the visitors to do, and that’s why I was game.me. Leg-spinner S Dowrich, J Holder, K Roach, S Gabriel Kanpur, surpassed South tops the Twenty20 batting falter in their 338-run calm....glad the bowlers Yuzvendrazvendra ChahalChahal Bowling: C Mpofu 11 - 5 - 17 - 0; S Mire 4 - 2

- 2 - 0; G Cremer 12 - 2 - 31 - 1; S Raza 13 - 6 - Africa’s AB de Villiers as chart, also became the chase at Kanpur’s Green came out on top,” Kohli, alsoo chipped in with 10 - 0; T Chisoro 9 - 4 - 15 - 0 number one as he resumed fastest batsman to reach Park Stadium. who led India to their sev- twoo crcrucialucial the top spot after a gap of 9,000 ODI runs in the The Kiwis, who looked enth successive bilateral wickets.”kets.” TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 35 Astros on verge of title

Houston because everybody did something to AFP Rare crown in help us win the game.” sights for Houston None gave more than Alex Breg- ighting back from a four-run Fighting back from a man, whose two-out, 10th-inning deficit and a later three-run single plated Derek Fisher with the four-run deficit and a hole, the Houston Astros winning run. later three-run hole, scrapped their way into an “We’re never out of the game. F the Houston Astros epic 13-12 World Series tri- We’re going to keep fighting to the umph on Sunday over the Los Angeles scrapped their way end,” Bregman said. “And now look Dodgers. into an epic 13-12 at us, we’re one win away from being Now the Astros lead Major World Series triumph World Series champions.” League Baseball’s (MLB) best-of- on Sunday over the Los Bregman homered in game four seven final 3-2 and are on the verge Angeles Dodgers. They off Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen of the first crown in their 55-year his- are on the verge of the and knew what to expect with the tory -- provided they can stand the first crown in their game on the line this time. strain of such tense dramas. 55-year history “I took one more swing on the “It’s crazy man. These games are on-deck circle and I looked to Correa. hard on me. I feel like I’m going to Correa said, ‘It’s your time,’” Bregman have a heart attack out there every The Dodgers, who host game six said. single time,” said Puerto Rican short- Tuesday in Los Angeles and a game “Last night (Jansen) threw me a stop Carlos Correa, whose two-run seven if needed on Wednesday, slider and was fortunate enough to blast was among five home seized a 4-0 lead but squandered put a good swing on it and hit it out runs by the Astros in the such an edge for the first time all year. of the yard. I basically eliminated the 10-inning slugfest. They jumped back in front 7-4 slider. “It’s high pressure only to see the Astros’ Venezuelan “I was looking for something out there. The game second baseman Jose Altuve match down in the (strike) zone that I could i s going back and Yuli Gurriel in smashing a three-run stay on top of it. As soon as it left the forth. Both homer that again lifted Houston level. bat, I knew Fisher would score.” teams are “It’s a lot of emotions going on in And his hit touched off a wild cel- Houston Astros great, that game. But the thing is we never ebration by players and spectators second baseman give up,” Altuve said. “It doesn’t mat- alike in a game that rivals the great- Jose Altuve hits a ter if we start the game est Bregman has ever played. three-run home 4-0, but we keep playing, “This one ranks right up there,” run against the Los we keep putting some he said. “Back and forth, the two best Angeles Dodgers really good at-bats together. teams in baseball fighting to the very in the fifth inning scoring runs and there’s “We came back twice, we end and going toe to toe with each in game five of the a lot of pressure on you took the lead, they tied the game, and other. Everybody was used on both 2017 World Series when you’re out there and you want we did it again. This is the team we teams, pretty much, every single at Minute Maid to win. are. This is the team we’ve been all player. Park on Sunday. “So hopefully we can win one season long. And I’m really proud of “It was special for us to come out more game and take a break.” every single guy in that clubhouse, on top.” Cavs and Warriors toppled as early season struggles continue

Los Angeles rebounds for the Knicks, who NBA RESULTS 46.2 percent from the field but AFP handed LeBron James and the benefitted from the Warriors’ Cavaliers a fourth defeat in eight Detroit 115 Golden State 107 sloppy play. he NBA champion Golden days. NY Knicks 114 Cleveland 95 The Warriors connected on State Warriors and beaten “Tonight’s loss and the last Denver 124 Brooklyn 111 a blistering 61.4 percent of their Tfinalists Cleveland tumbled couple are unacceptable, and the shots over the first three peri- on Sunday as early season strug- only way we’re going to be able Charlotte 120 Orlando 113 ods, but trailed 101-88 at 6:25 of gles continued for the league’s to get out of it is to put the work Wash’tn 110 Sacramento 83 the fourth quarter. powerhouse teams. in -- as players, as coaches,” The Warriors were down

Tim Hardaway Jr and Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said. Indiana 97 San Antonio 94 108-105 with 1:55 to play when Kristaps Porzingis combined for “And we’re going to do that. So, Milwaukee 117 Atlanta 106 they got a steal from Stephen 66 points to lead the New York not concerned.” Curry. But he missed the con- Knicks to a 114-95 victory over A day after falling to the New tested layup and then a the Cavs in Cleveland. Orleans Pelicans, the Cavaliers “What is this? October? I’m three-point attempt. Running back Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys runs up In Oakland, California, the looked lethargic as they trailed not about to go crazy over it right Tobias Harris added a three- Warriors coughed up 25 turno- by 18 points in the third now,” James said. pointer for Detroit, before Curry field against the Washington Redskins during the second vers in a 115-107 loss to the quarter. “It’s too long of a season and lost the ball to Avery Bradley, quarter of their NFL game at FedEx Field on Sunday in Detroit Pistons. They trimmed the deficit to I’ve been a part of this too many whose layup sealed it for the Landover, Maryland. The Knicks notched their 94-88 on a James layup with times so, I’m the wrong guy to Pistons. first win over the Cavs since 8:20 to play before the Knicks ask.” Perennial Western Confer- October 30, 2014, ending a regained control. While the Cavs have strug- ence contenders San Antonio Elliott, Nugent star 10-game losing streak against Kevin Love again led Cleve- gled with slow starts, the also fell as Indiana’s Victor Olad- the Cavs, tipped before the sea- land with 22 points and 11 Warriors have been finding it ipo drained the game-winning son to be headed to the finals for rebounds. James added 16 hard to hold onto leads. three-pointer with 10.3 seconds in victory for Dallas a fourth time. points, 10 rebounds and seven Golden State squandered a remaining in a 97-94 win over Hardaway scored 34 points assists and again said it’s too 14-point third-quarter advan- the Spurs. and Porzingis added 32 with 12 early in the season to worry. tage over Detroit, who shot just The Pacers led much of the New York NFL RESULTS game before the Spurs rallied to Agencies Tim Hardaway Jr. take a nine-point lead in the Pittsburgh 20 Detroit 15 (left) of the New fourth quarter. Dallas 33 Washington 19 York Knicks looks “We just stayed poised,” said zekiel Elliott ran for 150 Seattle 41 Houston 38 for a pass while Oladipo, who finished with 23 yards and two touch- Atlanta 25 NY Jets 20 under pressure points. Edowns, Mike Nugent Carolina 17 Tampa Bay 3 from JR Smith “It’s a long game, there’s a kicked four field goals and the Philadelphia 33 San Francisco 10 of the Cleveland lot of ups and downs. It’s a game Dallas Cowboys defeated the of runs. You’ve just got to lift Washington Redskins 33-19 in New Orleans 20 Chicago 12 Cavaliers during each other up. We did a good job the rain on Sunday. New England 21 LA Chargers 13 the second half of that.” Elliott carried 33 times and Buffalo 34 Oakland 14 of their NBA Oladipo admitted that his scored on runs of 13 and one Cincinnati 24 Indianapolis 23 game at Quicken shot from 30 feet away, which yards and had a 27-yard score Minnesota 33 Cleveland 16 Loans Arena put the Pacers up 95-94, was negated by a holding penalty. on Sunday in “maybe too deep”. He recorded his third career Cleveland, Ohio. “Honestly, I didn’t really performance of at least 150 a career-best 452 yards and want to shoot it that far, but the yards in what could be his last engineered another late come- move felt good and I just held game for some time. Dak Pres- back to spoil Houston rookie my follow-through and it went cott was 14 of 22 for 143 yards Deshaun Watson’s big day. in,” he said. for Dallas (4-3). Wilson hit tight end Jimmy “He was deep and he was Washington, which began Graham on an 18-yard touch- off-balance, but give him credit, the game without three mem- down with 21 seconds left, he knocked it down,” said Spurs bers of its offensive line, lost capping an 80-yard drive over coach Gregg Popovich after his two more in the second half. the final 1:39, for his fourth team’s second straight defeat. Quarterback Kirk Cousins touchdown pass of the game. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 completed 26 of 39 passes for Graham and wide receiver Paul points to lead the Spurs. But he 263 yards, one touchdown and Richardson both scored twice. missed a jump shot with 5.1 sec- one interception, and the Red- Watson also passed for four onds left and Patty Mills missed a skins (3-4) gained just 49 touchdowns, going 19-for-30 for potential game-tying three- rushing yards. a season-best 402 yards, but also pointer just before the buzzer as Meanwhile, Seattle quarter- threw three costly interceptions San Antonio’s rally effort fell short. back Russell Wilson passed for in the loss by Houston (3-4). 36 SPORT TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2017 Halep, Muguruza Federer skips Paris as Rafa at top of the chart

Paris eyes year-end No.1 spot AFP nd-of year world number one Simone Halep topped the latest WTA rankings released yesterday with ECaroline Wozniacki up three places into third after Basel ATP RANKINGS vious attempts at the indoor on Sunday. The 23-year-old will the Dane’s WTA finals success in Singapore. AFP tournament. have to at least make the final in Halep became the 13th year-end women’s number 1. Rafael Nadal ()(ESP) 10465 ppts The 31-year-old’s31-year-old s best efforteffort front of his home crowd,crowd, but was one despite struggling at the WTA Finals winning just afael Nadal will bbee 22.. Roger Federer (S(SUI)UI) 99005005 came with a final defeat by DavidDavid once to bow out at the round-robin stage. crowned as the year-ar- 3.3 AndyAnddy MMuMurrayrray ((GBR)GBR) 44790790 Nalbandian in 2007.2007. The Romanian reached the top ranking for the first end world numberer 44.. AleAlexanderxander ZZverevverev ((GER)GER) 4400 ((+1)+1) TheThe hard courts at Bercy willwill time earlier this month and narrowly held on when one if he wins his firstrst 55.. Marin Cilic ((CRO)CRO) 4185 ((-1)-1) also see the final two places forfor world number three Karolina Pliskova lost her semi- match at this week’sk’s 6. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 39339355 the World Tour Finals decided, final in Singapore. RParis Masters, after Roger Fed-d- 7. Novak DDjokovicjokovic (S(SRB)RB) 33765765 with seven players still hunt- Former world number one Wozniacki beat Venus erer withdrew from thehe 88.. GGrigorrigor Dimitrov ((BUL)BUL) 36365050 ing a ticket to London.London. Williams 6-4, 6-4 in Sunday’s final. tournament. 9. SStantan Wawrinka (S(SUI)UI) 3360 BelgianBelgian David Goffin The two old rivals have bothth and US Open semi-final-semi-final- 1010.. DDaDavidviid GGoGoffinffiin ((BEL)BEL) 22975975 WTA RANKINGS had stunning seasons, returningng ist Pablo Carreno Busta 1. Simona Halep (ROM) 6175 pts 111.1. Pablo Carreño (ESP) 26502650 to form and fitness with twowo currently hold the sev-sev- 2. Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 6135 112.2. Milos Raonic ((CAN)CAN) 22555555 Grand Slam titles each. enth and eighth spots.spots. 3. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 6015 (+3) But Federer, who could haveve 113.3. SSamam QQuerreyuerrey ((USA)USA) 22525525 ((+1)+1) ButBut Sam Quer-Quer- 4. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 5730 (-1) still usurped Nadal at the top of 114.4. John Isner (USA)(USA) 25052505 (-1)(-1) rrey,e y, KKevinevin 5. Venus Williams (USA) 5597 the rankings with titles in thehe 115.5. Jo-Wilfried TsonTsongaga (FRA) 24924900 Anderson,Anderson, del Potro, 6. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 5500 (-2) French capital and at the Worldrld 116.6. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 2470 (+1(+1)) Jo-Wilfried TsonTsongaga 7. Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 5010 Tour Finals in London, pulled outut 117.7. Juan Martín Del Potro (A(ARG)RG) 22435435 ((+2)+2) aandnd LucasLucas PouillePouille allall 8. Caroline Garcia (FRA) 4420 of the final event of the regularar 118.8. Lucas Pouille (FRA)(FRA) 22352235 (+7)(+7) remain in contention.contention. season to protect a backck FormerFormer US Open 9. Johanna Konta (GBR) 3610 19. Tomas Berdych (C(CZE)ZE) 2230 (-1)(-1) problem. championchampion ddelel Potro hhasas mamadede 10. Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) 2885 20. Kei Nishikori ((JPN)JPN) 2175 ((-4)-4) The 36-year-old said winningng a stunningstunning late charchargege after 11. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 2856 his eighth Swiss Indoors title oonn sittingsitting 47th in the points 12. Coco Vandeweghe (USA) 2819 Sunday against Juan Martin ddelel second-roundsecond-round clashclash to securesecure thethe standinstandingsgs onlonlyy two months 13. Sloane Stephens (USA) 2722 Potro left him unfit to play at thehe toptop ranking heading into next ago.ago. 14. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 2425 Bercy Arena. year.year. The 29-year-old reached thethe “I am very sorry to have to The Spaniard, who claimed semi-finals at FlushingFlushing Meadows, givengiven a 15. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 2295 pull out of the Paris Masters butut hishis 10th10th FrencFrenchh Open tittitlele anandd tthehe beatingbeating FeFedererderer on tthehe waway,y, boost 16. Madison Keys (USA) 2213 my body needs a rest after Basel,”l,” US Open crown to take his Grand before also making the ShanghaiShanghai whwhene n 17. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 2195 said the Swiss legend. Slam tally to 16 major titles this Masters last four and winning in hhandedanded 18. Julia Goerges (GER) 2060 “I’ve played a lot of tennis thishis season,season, willwill start hishis campaign StocStockholmkholm aheadahead ofof hishis runner-runner- FFederer’sederer’s 19. Angelique Kerber (GER) 2042 year and need to make sure I lookok against either German serve-and- up effort in BaselBasel.. place in the 20. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 2031 after my physical wellbeing iff I volleyervolleyer Mischa Zverev or That makes the ArgentinianArgentinian draw.draw. want to continue to compete at promising South Korean Hyeon the form man going into Paris, Pouille,Pouille, the highest level for years to Chung.Chung. wherewhere he will play either ItalianItalian thethe only man to come. DespiteDespite his love affair with PaoloPaolo Lorenzi or qqualifierualifier JoaJoaoo winwin tournaments “I love to play at Bercy, it’ss a the clay of Roland Garros, Nadal Sousa in round two.two. onon clay, grass and few times now that I’ve notot hahass nevernever wowonn ththee PaParisris MaMasterssters FrenchmanFrenchman PouillePouille is alsoalso hard courts this year,year, Wozniacki says played there. It’s a tough one butut in ffiveive makingmaking a last-gasplast-gasp bid for a placeplace is nnotot sseededeeded to ffaceace a they have to understand that it’st’s ppre-re- atat the eight-man seasoseason-n- ttop-10op-10 player until the for the cause of staying injury-y- endingending finals, after qquarter-finals,uarter-finals, where he is injury lay-off free and healthy. bbeatingeating his compcompa-a- duedue to face Austrian fifth seed “I’d like to be fully fit for Lon-n- ttriotriot TsonTsongaga ttoo DominicDominic Thiem.Thiem. don and for 2018.” wwinin hihiss tthirdhird Top seed Nadal, who has a titletitle ooff tthehe did her good bye for the first round in Paris, yearyear inin World Number one just needs to win his opening ViennaVienna Rafael Nadal of Spain Singapore AFP

aroline Wozniacki said an extended injury break last year was a crucial factor behind her WTA Players with most titles in the Open Era CFinals victory, an echo of this season’s brilliant comebacks by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The former world number one beat Venus Williams Roger Federer, 36, battled past Juan Martin del PLAYER/COUNTRY SINGES TITLES Top two for the first time in eight attempts to seal the biggest Potro to win his eighth Swiss Indoors and 95th title of her career at the prestigious season finale in Sin- JIMMY CONNORS career title which puts him into second on the JIMMY CONNORS gapore late on Sunday. United States 1972–96 109 all-time list behind the 109 of Jimmy Connors, Country: United It’s an outcome that seemed unlikely just over 12 ROGER FEDERER States months ago, when Wozniacki languished at number 74 Switzerland 1998– 95 Born: September after struggling to return from a major ankle injury sus- IVAN LENDL 2, 1952 (Age 65) tained early in 2016. Czechoslovakia/US 1978–94 94 Height: 1.77 m (5 But the 27-year-old Dane, who appeared fresh and JOHN MCENROE ft 10 in) hungry as she lost just once in five matches in Singa- United States 1978–06 77 Turned pro: 1972 pore, said the 10-week layoff was a blessing in RAFAEL NADAL Retired: 1996 disguise. Spain 2001- 75 Prize money: “I strongly believe everything happens for a reason ROD LAVER $8,641,040 and maybe I wouldn’t be here if that (injury) wouldn’t have happened,” she told reporters after her 6-4, 6-4 Australia 1968–76 74 Int. Tennis HoF: 1998 win. NOVAK DJOKOVIC Singles: “I think the break from tennis for me was great. I Serbia 2003– 68 Career record: 1256–279 (81.82%) really enjoyed being home, just doing normal stuff and BJÖRN BORG Career titles: 109 (1st in the Open not being able to hit a ball actually felt nice. Sweden 1973–83 64 Era) “When I felt ready, I came back and I was enjoying PETE SAMPRAS to play out there.” United States 1988–02 64 ROGER FEDERER Wozniacki’s success follows revivals by Nadal and GUILLERMO VILAS Country: Switzerland Federer, who both struggled with injury last year but Argentina 1968–92 62 Born: August 8, 1981 (Age 36) have returned to split the men’s Grand Slam singles ANDRE AGASSI Height: 1.85 m titles and the top two rankings in 2017. United States 1986–06 60 Turned pro: 1998 Federer, 36, is a proponent of taking time to rest ILIE NĂSTASE Prize money and he has announced that he will skip this week’s Paris Romania 1968–89 58 US$109,853,682 Masters, admitting: “My body is asking for a break.” BORIS BECKER All-time leader in earnings Players have long complained about the arduous Germany 1984–99 49 Singles: tennis season, which stretches from January to Novem- ber with rankings points available at tournaments ANDY MURRAY Career record: 1129–249 (81.93%) around the globe. United Kingdom 2005- 45 Career titles: 95 (2nd in the Open Era) With Sunday’s win, Wozniacki will finish the year third in the rankings, having come into the tournament at six having won the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo last month. Wozniacki flourished in Singapore with her Brisbane September and was named the renowned counter-punching complemented by extra AFP Muguruza, Stephens 2017 WTA Player of the Year. firepower as she beat Elina Svitolina, world number “The conditions are perfect one Simona Halep and Karolina Pliskova. rand Slam champions Gar- leading into the Australian Open; “I think I managed to stay aggressive,” she said. bine Muguruza and Sloane to contest in Brisbane the weather, the stadium and the “Even when I was pushing against the big hitters, I GStephens have been con- strong competition all help when still managed to not be pushed too far behind the base- firmed to play the Brisbane ranked three in the world, in a successful season for me in 2017 you are preparing for the first line, which was key this week. International in January, organis- strong women’s field. and it was an easy decision to play Grand Slam of the year,” she said. Wozniacki may now be hopeful of landing a first ers said yesterday. World No.1 Rafael Nadal and again next year,” said Muguruza, Stephens will play in Brisbane Grand Slam title, after reaching the US Open final in Wimbledon winner and third-ranked Andy Murray are the who will make her third consec- for the first time. 2009 and 2014. world No.2 Muguruza and this star drawcards in the men’s event utive appearance in Brisbane. The tournament runs from But she said she wasn’t yet thinking about the Aus- year’s US Open champion as they prepare for the Australian After winning her second December 31 to January 7 with the tralian Open -- the first Slam on the 2018 calendar -- and Stephens will join defending Open. Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, Australian Open starting in Mel- was instead looking forward to another break. champion Karolina Pliskova, “Brisbane was the start of a Muguruza rose to world No.1 in bourne on January 15. “In a month’s time, I will start preparing for the next season,” she said.