FOOTBALL | Page 2 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 7 FIFA chief India eye To Advertise here backs ‘more whitewash as Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 open’ 48-team Kohli looks World Cup for runs

Friday, October 7, 2016 TENNIS Muharram 6, 1438 AH Nadal eases into GULF TIMES quarters on rain-hit day in Beijing SPORT Page 4 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION — ASIA SWIMMING ‘Iron Lady’ Hosszu Son on target as hopes to continue domination at S Korea survive 2016 World Cup

By Sports Reporter length of the pool and secured a re- Doha markable fi nal time of 4:26.36. Hosszu won another gold medal and set a new Olympic record in the fter an amazing perform- 200m individual medley, and won ance in the Rio 2016 Olym- her third gold medal in the 100m brave Qatar pic Games, Hungary’s star backstroke as well as snagging silver swimmer Katinka Hosszu in the 200m backstroke. With a total Adid not stop to catch her breath – Olympic medal haul of three gold and Syria shock China, while late goal gives Japan 2-1 win over Iraq heading straight into the FINA/air- one silver medal, Hosszu won more weave Swimming World Cup series medals in individual events than any – eager to keep her momentum from other swimmer in Rio 2016. Rio. Next up for Hosszu is the Doha After an amazing display of swim- leg of the FINA/airweave Swimming ming supremacy in Rio, it is hard to World Cup which will be held in the imagine that the Iron Lady almost Hamad Aquatic Centre from 8-9 Oc- quit swimming after a disappointing tober. performance in the London 2012 Ol- The Iron Lady picked up her nick- ympics, where she placed 4th in the name after she won fi ve medals in a 400m individual medley. 2012 meet in Beijing in just two days, “I am very happy with my per- which prompted the stunned Chi- formance in the Rio 2016 Olympics. nese media to ask her if she was made I worked very hard since London of iron – a question that is as relevant 2012 to be in a good place for the next as ever. Games and I think we achieved that,” Despite the humble start of her she said, adding “I’m very excited to career – her fi rst participation came get right back to competing, espe- in the 2004 European short course cially in Doha, where it always feels swimming championships in which like home.” she managed a single bronze medal Not knowing the meaning of fa- in the 400m medley – Hosszu has tigue, Hosszu jumped right back into been steadily developing as an athlete the FINA airweave Swimming World and snagging many medals along the Cup series as soon as the Rio 2016 way. In 2013 she took two gold medals Olympics concluded. In the French and one bronze medal in the World leg of the World Cup she took home Championships, and an astound- seven medals including fi ve gold and ing 24 gold medals and 6 new world two silver medals. The swimming records during the FINA/airweave juggernaut continued her domina- Swimming World Cup series. tion in the following Berlin edition The following year proved equally where she snagged a jaw-dropping 11 successful for Katinka as she went medals. Hosszu then headed to Mos- on to break the short course world cow where she took home 6 medals in records in the 100m and 200m indi- total. vidual backstroke events and in the The Hungarian swimmer, who is 100m, 200m and 400m individual coached by her animated husband medleys in Doha. Shane Tusup, will head to Doha from The unstoppable Hosszu, who re- tomorrow to 9 October at the Hamad cently opened her own swimming Aquatic Centre. After an incredible school in her native Hungary named year, Hosszu surely hopes to continue “Iron Aquatics Swimming School”, her massive success in Doha. used her incredible momentum in the Don’t miss out on witnessing 2015 World Championships in Kazan, this incredible athlete in action live Russia to win gold in the 200m indi- in Doha’s state-of-the-art Hamad vidual medal and set a lightning fast Aquatic Centre and get your tickets new world record of 2:06.12, as well online via www.qtickets.com Ticket South Korea’s Jang Hyun-soo and Jung Woo-young vie for the ball with Qatar’s Karim Boudiaf during the World Cup 2018 Qualifier in Suwon, South Korea, yesterday. (Reuters) as another gold medal in the 400m prices are set at QR20 per person per individual medley and a bronze in the session. Given this year’s stellar line AFP ing ball into the net. 200m backstroke event. up of athletes, be sure to book your Doha In Tashkent, Uzbekistan crashed to In the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, ticket well ahead of time. their fi rst defeat, a 27th minute header which marked her fourth Olympic Hosszu will be joined by many oth- from Jalal Hosseini off a Masoud Shojaei appearance, the 27-year-old swim- er Olympians and World Champions, outh Korean sharpshooter Son free-kick proving decisive in the match. mer won the gold medal and abso- with the full line-up for the upcom- Heung-Min kept Qatar’s World Uzbekistan couldn’t breach the lutely demolished the world record ing FINA airweave Swimming World Cup ambitions on hold and strong Iranian defence, having lost in the 400m individual medley by Cup – Doha to be revealed soon. Japan also survived a scare as twice AFC Player of the Year Server almost 2 seconds. China’s Ye Shi- Find out more at www.qatarswim- ChinaS suff ered a potentially calamitous Djeparov to injury after the fi rst half. wen set the world record at the 2012 ming.com, follow us @SWC_Doha defeat to Syria yesterday. In Abu Dhabi, the UAE bounced back London Games, with 4:28.43, Hosszu on Twitter, and search for FINA air- Iran, meanwhile stayed on course for from their loss to Australia to put their was under that pace after 50 meters, weave Swimming World Cup Doha on a Russia 2018 spot after shifting Uz- campaign back on track with a 3-1 win 100 metres, 150 metres — after every Facebook. bekistan from the top of Group A on over Thailand. goal diff erence with a 1-0 victory in Ali Mabkhout was the hero for the Tashkent. hosts with a goal in each half while Iran are also the only team in the Ahmed Khalil added the third in injury group not to concede a goal in three South Korea’s Son Heung-Min celebrates Sebastian Soria scored Qatar’s second time to help UAE record their second matches so far, having beaten Qatar 2-0 after scoring a goal against Qatar. goal yesterday. win of the campaign, including an up- and drawn goalless with China earlier. set victory over Japan. But the torment continued for Qa- confi dence before going to Iran.” Yamaguchi smashed a loose ball from a Substitute Tana Chanabut gave tar as they remained at the bottom af- Qatar’s new coach Jorge Fossati, who corner through a forest of legs and into the Thais some hope with a fi ne 65th ter suff ering their third straight defeat replaced Jose Daniel Carreno only last the Iraqi goal. minute goal, but the UAE were far yesterday. month, said he was still optimistic after Genki Haraguchi had put the four- better on the night as they took their The 2022 hosts were done in by Tot- his team scored their fi rst goals of the time Asian champions ahead with a points tally to six. tenham Hotspur’s Son who extended his third qualifying round. brilliant fl ick between his legs before electric club form with the winning goal “I’m very optimistic about the quali- Saad Luaibi nodded Iraq’s equaliser af- RESULTS in South Korea’s 3-2 triumph in Suwon. fi cation,” Fossati said, adding that ter half-time. Group A Qatar fought bravely and they took a Qatar “confronted one of the top four In Xian, Syrian forward Mahmoud South Korea 3 (Ki Sung-Yueng 11, Ji shock 2-1 lead into the break thanks to teams in Asia”. al-Mawas’s breakaway goal in the 54th Dong-Won 56, Son Heung-Min 58) Qatar Hassan al-Haydos’s penalty and Se- In Saitama, Japan needed a 95th- minute settled a gritty game which left 2 (Al-Haydos 16-pen, Soria 45) bastian Soria’s goal at the end of the minute strike from substitute Hotaru China stranded on one point from their China 0 Syria 1 (Al-Mawas 54) fi rst half. Yamaguchi to down Iraq 2-1 and stay on fi rst three games in Group A. Uzbekistan 0 Iran 1 (Hosseini 27) But Uli Stielike’s men, seeking their track in Asia’s fi nal qualifying round. Seventy-eighth ranked China have Group B 10th World Cup appearance, levelled But China were stunned 1-0 at ambitions of hosting and even winning Japan 2 (Haraguchi 26, Yamaguchi through Ji Dong-Won before Son, who home by war-ravaged Syria as they a World Cup, but al-Mawas dented 90+5) Iraq 1 (Luaibi 60) has scored fi ve for Spurs already this sea- slipped to fifth in Group A, with only their hopes of reaching the tournament UAE 3 (Ali Ahmed Mabkhout 14, son, curled the winner on 58 minutes. the top two teams reaching Russia for a second time at Russia 2018. 47; Ahmed Khalil 90+3) Thailand 1 “This is the fi rst time in two years and the third-placed side going into a The bustling, bearded forward (Chanabut 65) that we’ve come back to win,” said the play-off series. latched onto a long ball and prodded his Saudi Arabia 2 (Taisir al-Jassim German. “This is the victory that is Japan were headed for a morale- fi rst touch past on-rushing goalkeeper 5, Nasser al-Shamrani 79) Australia 2 very important for us because it gave us sapping draw against Iraq when Gu Chao before controlling the bounc- (Trent Sainsbury 45, Tomi Juric 71) Gulf Times 2 Friday, October 7, 2016 FOOTBALL

FOCUS FRIENDLY US eyeing FIFA chief backs World Cup in ‘more open’ rare Cuba trip AFP the depth of his squad as he mulls his Havana options for World Cup qualifi ers. “There’s a lot at stake for the play- ers to make their case, to show where he United States will have they are right now,” said Klinsmann. one eye on their looming “We have the opportunity to bring 48-team WCup World Cup showdown with some players back that haven’t been Mexico when they face Cuba with us for a little bit, and we want Tin a rare trip to Havana today, only to see if they can put a stamp on this ‘Nobody is perfect, I am the last to be. But I don’t steal, I don’t profit, I don’t cheat’ the third time in history the two na- camp and have a chance for being in tions have met on Cuban soil. the roster next month. AFP The match at the Estadio Pedro “The bigger picture behind this Zurich Marrero is the latest byproduct of the is defi nitely Mexico and Costa Rica, thaw in relations between the United and these two games will show us a States and Cuba, after more than half lot about individual players.” IFA president Gianni Infantino a century of bitter Cold War enmity. Klinsmann has recalled three confi rmed in an exclusive inter- It is the fi rst time the United States German-born players — midfi elder view with AFP yesterday that have played in Cuba since their World Danny Williams, defender Timmy he backs expanding the World Cup qualifying clash in Havana in Chandler and Bayern Munich winger CupF to 48 teams, giving “more of a 2008, when the Americans won 1-0 Julian Green — for the fi rst time since chance to more teams”. courtesy of a Clint Dempsey goal. May, while he has also opted to ex- Infantino believes “a fundamental Aside from that, the only other periment in goal, bringing in David point” for an expanded fi nals would be meeting between the teams in Cuba Bingham, Ethan Horvath and Wil- to have it co-hosted “by several coun- came in 1947, when the hosts won 5-2. liam Yarborough. tries”. Yet while today’s game comes US captain Michael Bradley, whose He also declared himself “quite hap- loaded with political symbolism as father Bob was named this week as py and confi dent for the future” of the the two former foes build towards the coach of Premier League side Swan- scandal-tainted world governing body normalisation of relations, for USA sea, meanwhile said the team was of football. coach Jurgen Klinsmann the match is fi rmly focused on the upcoming clash “Nobody is perfect, I am the last to primarily preparation for World Cup with Mexico. be. But I don’t steal, I don’t profi t, I qualifi ers. “Obviously a USA-Cuba game in don’t cheat and I don’t want to allow Klinsmann’s men open their CON- Havana is special for so many rea- anyone in this organisation to do so,” CACAF “Hexagonal” competition sons, and given where we are in terms he said. with a home match against Mexico of the qualifying cycle and the evo- Infantino, 46, succeeded the dis- in Columbus on November 11 be- lution of the team, it’s another great graced Sepp Blatter at the head of FIFA, fore facing 2014 World Cup quarter- chance for us to spend a week and a and is determined to stamp his own au- fi nalists Costa Rica in San Jose four half together, get to work and play thority on the job as president and on days later. two good games,” Bradley said. the sport’s future. Friday’s friendly, and a further fi x- “We’ll head back to our clubs for a He had already suggested that he ture against New Zealand in Wash- few weeks before we come in togeth- would be in favour of a 40-team World ington on October 11, give Klinsmann er in November, ready to kick things Cup, up from the current 32. an opportunity to cast his eye over off in this fi nal round of qualifying.” “We can consider a World Cup of 48 teams which would in fact be a 32-team format because we have seen that the FIFA president Gianni Infantino speaks during an interview at the governing body’s headquarters in Zurich. (AFP) ideal format is 32 teams,” explained In- fantino. “The idea would be that the best 16 FIFA chief promises clean 2026 Infantino ‘sad, surprised’ at teams in qualifying would qualify di- rectly for the group phase.” World Cup bid Allardyce exit He confi rmed that the 32 other teams would dispute a play-off round from FIFA president Gianni Infantino vowed yesterday that the FIFA president Gianni Infantino has admitted to being “ex- which the winners would enter the next 2026 World Cup bidding process will be free of the con- tremely surprised” and “very sad” at the aff air that ended stage to join the other 16 countries. troversy that surrounded the selection of Russia as 2018 Sam Allardyce’s brief reign as England manager. “This gives more chances for more hosts and Qatar in 2022. “Of course I am extremely surprised. I am also very, very teams. Furthermore, there would be Infantino was responding to a recent claim by US Presi- sad about what has happened, about what we are read- no impact on the football calendar be- dent Barack Obama that decisions on who hosts the ing, that this is just the tip of the iceberg and that there cause these play-off matches would be Olympics and World Cups are corrupt. might be other issues coming and other stories coming played instead of friendlies before the “I can’t speak about the past. But what I can promise, is out,” Infantino said. “It is sad, it is sad for football, but of World Cup. that we need to look very seriously at the application course I know that the English Football Association is process for 2026 (World Cup) to assure ourselves that the looking into the matter and doing their own investigation, ‘16 FINALS’ process is transparent and beyond reproach,” Infantino and will come to their own conclusions, so we should let “From the point of view of the promo- told AFP in an interview. those who do their job, do their job and then come with tion of football, there would be ‘16 fi - In the wake of corruption scandals involving FIFA since conclusions before commenting any further.” nals’ before the real start of the group May 2015, there had been calls for re-votes or overall Allardyce, 61, was sacked last month after he made a phase, real matches taking place to de- cancellations of the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the series of embarrassing comments, notably in relation to termine the 16 teams.” 2022 in Qatar. loopholes in the banned practice of third-party ownership Swiss-Italian lawyer Infantino said Infantino said that for 2026 they would have to make sure of players, to undercover reporters in a newspaper sting. that the projected increase to 48 teams “that the technical report means something concrete and Appointed England manager on a £3mn-a-year contract, “is certainly going to be discussed on that it is not only a political vote”. he also agreed to travel to Singapore and Hong Kong October 13 and 14 when the next FIFA “It’s our job to do this, to ensure that the process will be as an ambassador for their fictitious firm for a fee of Council meets”. open and transparent, that those who must take responsi- £400,000. Allardyce’s reign ended after just 67 days. He “It’s a project, it’s an idea just as the bility take it and ensure that decisions taken from now or took charge of a single game, a 1-0 win away in Slovakia Political symbolism aside, for USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann the match is World Cup with 40 teams is already since February 26 (2016) are definitely not faked.” in a 2018 World Cup qualifier. primarily preparation for World Cup qualifiers. on the table with groups of four or fi ve teams. “We will certainly make a decision quality to be watered down; oth- strong and the level was very high.” women’s football and the integration next year. We need to see what the im- ers were buoyed by seeing the likes of Away from a new-look World Cup, of former players like Zvonimir Boban, West Bank clubs row ‘a priority’ for pact for football at international level is Wales make the semi-fi nals while Ice- Infantino told AFP that he is also com- assistant secretary general, and Marco going to be.” land stunned England on their way to mitted to forging a fresh and clean FIFA Van Basten in the area of technical de- FIFA boss The suggestion to widen the World the quarter-fi nals. after a series of corruption scandals velopment”. Cup to 48 countries is bound to gener- Infantino believes a 48-team World since May 2015. “I was elected on a programme of AFP political issue, for which the world ate mixed emotions. Cup would represent “a high sporting Infantino, who was the right-hand reforms, I have a lot of belief in these Zurich has not yet found a satisfactory The 2016 European Championship in level because from each play-off the man of suspended Michel Platini in his reforms and their implementation” he solution,” said Infantino. France, organised by Infantino’s former best teams would qualify. UEFA career, believes he has the desire added, hailing the measures taken in “We try to put politics aside and employers at UEFA, featured 24 teams “People talk a lot about a decline and the personnel to put FIFA’s dark the context of “good governance and IFA president Gianni Infan- talk football and see how we can in a month-long tournament with just in the standard but in my opinion the days behind them. transparency in fi nancial movements”. tino will make finding a solu- play the best conditions for foot- eight countries being eliminated at the quality of the Euros was not less good, He underlined the importance of “There is obviously still work to do Ftion to the bitter dispute over ball in this region.” end of the fi rst stage. on the contrary. There were teams the work “of the new general secretary but I am quite happy and confi dent Israeli football clubs playing inside He added: “I am always confident Many argued that the format caused who you could not imagine could be so Fatma Samoura, the development of about the future.” the occupied West Bank a “prior- that with dialogue, with discussion ity”, he told AFP in an exclusive and by talking only of sport and interview. by leaving out the politics, we can 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION — AFRICA Six clubs in the Israeli league cur- find a solution.” rently play in West Bank Jewish The Israel Football Association settlements, which are considered argued recently that sport was illegal under international law. being “dragged from the football Nigeria, South Africa seek redemption in World Cup By allowing games to be contested field into a political one” but it had there, FIFA is engaging in busi- faith FIFA would deal correctly ness activity that supports Israeli with the issue. AFP tion including in-form Senegal, con- “Do not forget that Zambia are a big lowed by an away loss at football mid- settlements, Human Rights Watch It needed to focus on “developing Johannesburg fi dent Burkina Faso and Cape Verde, a team, too,” stressed Germany-born dleweights Mauritania left Bafana with (HRW) claimed in a recent report. and maintaining the game as a team ranked No. 1 in Africa for part of Rohr, the recent successor to Sunday a Cup of Nations mountain to scale, HRW said this endorsed the “theft” bridge connecting people and not this year. Oliseh in one of the hottest African and they never looked like reaching the of Palestinian land and that the as a wall that divides them”, the frica Cup of Nations fl ops Ni- Veteran Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy coaching seats. summit. presence of Israeli clubs on the association said. geria and South Africa face Mweene scoff s at media suggestions that “They were the 2012 Nations Cup Poor fi nishing has been a long-run- territory ran contrary to human However, Palestinian Football As- tricky matches in Zambia and the Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) are in winners. ning problem with former defender rights commitments undertaken sociation (PFA) head Jibril Rajoub Burkina Faso this weekend Group B just to make up the numbers. “The group is open, but I think the Mashaba surprisingly reluctant to ac- by football’s governing body. confirmed to AFP they had asked whenA the group phase of 2018 World “When the media say you are no- motivation of the Nigerian team is very cept responsibility. “This is one of my priorities and the Asian Football Confederation Cup qualifying kicks off . hopers and certain to fi nish last, that high. Time is not on my side, but it is “We are brilliant when it comes to our priorities. I have not yet gone and European Union to take up the The Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana motivates you,” he warned Nigeria possible to build a very good team.” building up, but have real problems in the into the area simply because case and were hopeful FIFA’s execu- (The Boys) will be notable absentees at ahead of a Saturday showdown in cen- Injuries have ruled out English Pre- fi nal third of the pitch,” he conceded. the situation is such that at the tive committee would support them. the African showpiece in Gabon during tral city Ndola. mier League pair Isaac Success and He has recalled beanpole Eleazar moment the conditions are not In theory, if the issue is not January and February after losing out to “Deep down, Algeria, Cameroon and Victor Moses, but Manchester City Rodgers from local outfi t Wits, who can there yet, but we’re working on it,” resolved, the PFA could renew its Egypt and Cameroon. Nigeria know it is not going to be easy teenage star Kelechi Iheanacho is be lethal in the air and is also good at re- Infantino insisted to AFP. eff orts to expel or suspend Israel So the former Cup of Nations title- playing against us. Being outsiders poised to trouble Mweene. taining possession in a lone-striker role. Infantino said he had on Wednes- from FIFA. holders want to seek redemption by suits us just fi ne.” Cameroon will be up against it in Winger Gervinho will be the only day taken part in a working Israel seized the West Bank in the fi lling two of the fi ve African places at Caretaker Zambia coach Wedson Blida, a city where Algeria are virtually survivor of the Ivory Coast ‘golden session with South Africa’s Tokyo 1967 Middle East war. the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Nyirenda rewarded ZESCO United for invincible and scored seven goals each generation’ on show against Mali in Sexwale, the chairman of the com- The Palestinians have long op- Five-time World Cup qualifi ers Ni- reaching the CAF Champions League against Ethiopia and Tanzania within Bouake after the recent retirement of mission monitoring the problems posed the participation in the geria appear to have the tougher task semi-fi nals against the odds by includ- the past 12 months. talisman Yaya Toure and the resting of aff ecting the development of Israeli championships of the settle- after being placed with Algeria, Cam- ing seven of their stars. No coach is more conscious of mak- rusty Salomon Kalou. football in Palestine. ment clubs, which play in Israel’s eroon and Zambia, undoubtedly the Zambia also failed to reach the 2017 ing a good start than Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Ghana will lack injured midfi elders “I just got out of a meeting with Mr third, fourth and fifth divisions. ‘group of death’ among fi ve four-team Africa Cup, coming third in a group won Mashaba of South Africa, considered Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew and Kwadwo Asa- Sexwale to try to find a solution to FIFA is expected to discuss the mini-leagues. by minnows Guinea-Bissau, so the pres- by most of the domestic media as lucky moah when they host Uganda in Tama- this issue which should be a foot- issue at an October 13-14 meeting But it is not going to be much easier sure on Nyirenda is almost as much as to still be in the post. le, but veteran striker Asamoah Gyan is ball question but has become a of its executive committee. for South Africa as they try to top a sec- that on opposite number Gernot Rohr. A home draw with lowly Gambia fol- fi t to captain the Black Stars. Gulf Times Friday, October 7, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - EUROPE FOCUS I owe my success to France out to Cruyff : Guardiola exorcise Bulgaria ghost in Paris ‘We need to think about tomorrow before we start thinking about Monday’

AFP joined Atletico Madrid from Sevilla in Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola (left) poses with Jordi Cruyff , son of Paris the summer, it would be a fi rst inter- Dutch legend Johan, at a promotional event in London yesterday. (AFP) national start since November 2011. “The players are fi tter now but we AFP Guardiola won the European Cup as rance make their fi rst appear- weren’t exactly far off in Borisov, be- London a player during Cruyff ’s reign, a golden ance at the Stade de France cause we created chances in the sec- period which included four successive since the Euro 2016 fi nal today ond half. We just lacked the fi nishing league titles for the “dream team”. as Didier Deschamps’ side play touch to take the three points,” Des- anchester City manager Cruyff , of course, was also a sub- hostF to a Bulgaria side with whom they champs said. Pep Guardiola has saluted limely gifted forward for Barcelona, have a bit of history. “The objective will be the same on Barcelona and Dutch legend Ajax and the Netherlands. Almost three months on from their Friday, but this time it will be with Johan Cruyff as the inspira- While Guardiola was a successful draining extra-time defeat to Portu- players who have mostly played up to Mtion behind his incredible success. midfi elder in his own right, he never hit gal on a sticky night in the European seven games since then.” Guardiola has established himself as the heights Cruyff did. Championship fi nal, Les Bleus have Bulgaria began their campaign by one of the fi nest managers of his gen- Guardiola has outstripped Cruyff as moved on to their next goal, reaching beating Luxembourg 4-3 in Sofi a with eration after winning a host of trophies a manager however after winning the the 2018 World Cup in Russia. a stoppage-time winner. with Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Champions League twice as Barcelona Their qualifying campaign did not Since then they have appointed a The 45-year-old played under Cruyff manager. get off to the best of starts, as Des- new coach, with Petar Hubchev, 52, when the Dutchman was in the process The Spaniard also won three La Liga champs’ men were held to a goalless replacing Ivaylo Petev, who has taken of becoming one of Barcelona’s most crowns with Barca, then added three draw in Belarus in their Group A open- over Croatian champions Dinamo Za- iconic coaches and Guardiola believes German league titles at Bayern Munich er in September. greb. the lessons he learnt from that period before joining City earlier this year. That means there is a bit of pressure Hubchev’s current squad contains laid the foundations for his own im- Guardiola said he admired the way on Les Bleus ahead of a double-header few stars, and the most exotic name pressive achievements in the dug-out. Cruyff could connect with his players of games, with Bulgaria’s visit fol- at his disposal is the Brazilian-born Cruyff died of lung cancer in March, and make them commit to his cause lowed by a trip to Amsterdam to take midfi elder Marcelinho of Ludogorets but his legacy lives on in former players while also maintaining his belief foot- on the Netherlands on Monday. Razgrad. such as Guardiola, who have captured ball should be played in an entertaining “We need to think about tomorrow Hubchev was in the Bulgaria team his purist principles in their own teams. fashion at all times. before we start thinking about Mon- the last time they came to France for “I was a lucky guy, I coached City, “He wasn’t sitting during the train- day. There are nine matches left, it will a World Cup qualifi er at the Parc des Bayern and Barca because I met him,” ing sessions, he was playing with us, be a long road,” warned Deschamps Princes in Paris in November 1993. Guardiola said, speaking at the Lon- but better than us,” Guardiola said. on Thursday as his side prepare to re- France, with Deschamps in the side, don launch of the autobiography Johan “He would not tell us how to do turn to the national stadium in Saint- needed only a point to clinch their Cruyff : My Turn. things, he would do them. Every single Denis, just to the north of Paris, where place at the following year’s World “I thought I knew about football but training session was a masterclass. a crowd of up to 70,000 is expected. France’s head coach Didier Deschamps watches his players during a training Cup in the United States. when I met him, a whole new world “He had knowledge, charisma, per- “It’s our stadium. We have played all session in Saint-Denis near Paris yesterday. (Reuters) However, with 23 seconds left, Emil opened in front of me. sonality. Everyone knows about foot- our qualifi ers there for years. We have Kostadinov’s stunning goal secured “He taught us — not only me, but to ball, everyone, but there’s not many had great moments there. Our most though they were also guilty of miss- With Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette a 2-1 Bulgarian win, eliminating the a generation of players — to understand people that you will follow if he tells recent game there was not, but it’s still ing a host of chances in the second sidelined and still no comeback for Real French in the most dramatic circum- the game, to understand why you took you to. You followed him. our stadium. It’s always a pleasure to half. Madrid’s Karim Benzema, a year after stances. that decision. “He was the most courageous man- play here,” added Deschamps, even if One of the guilty parties in Borisov the sextape blackmail scandal fi rst came The French fall-out led to coach “Football is the most complicated ager I ever met... he believed in the he acknowledged that “obviously the was Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, al- to light, Kevin Gameiro looks set to start Gerard Houllier resigning, while Bul- game, it’s very open and you have to ‘efecto mariposa’ (butterfl y eff ect), context is not the same as a Euro fi nal.” though he is missing this time due to a as France’s central striker. garia went on to reach the World Cup take a lot of decisions. His impact on that a good pass at the beginning could France disappointed in Belarus, al- toe injury. For 29-year-old Gameiro, who semi-fi nals. people was enormous.” create a wonderful thing at the end.”

Cahill keen to silence critics and prove worth at Chelsea SPOTLIGHT Reuters 30-year-old told the BBC. Chelsea defence. Bengaluru “I made a few big errors and we all “I am my own fiercest critic, I do look Guendogan surprised know that... it gets noticed. I’m not at myself of course. I think that’s the stupid... I basically made my own way you should be and is the way I helsea defender Gary Cahill mistakes out of nothing, so as ridicu- have improved. That’s how I got to is eager to iron out the “easy lously as bad as they were, they are where I am today,” he said. by Schweinsteiger Cto correct” errors in his game also easy to correct.” “I don’t point (the blame) at eve- to both prove doubters wrong and Cahill’s place in the starting line-up is rybody else. I look at how I can retain his starting spot in Antonio looking increasingly vulnerable after improve... Whether it’s club level or snub at Man Utd Conte’s first team. Chelsea signed defender David Luiz international level, there’s always Cahill has come under intense in August with captain John Terry competition. It’s good.” Reuters scrutiny in recent weeks following Emirates Stadium last month. and fellow centre back Kurt Zouma Cahill, who is closing in on a 50th London a number of high-profile mistakes, “The only people I have to prove my- also nearing a return from injury. cap for England, is part of the na- including a glaring error that gifted self to is the manager of the football However, the England international tional squad for World Cup qualifiers Arsenal the opening goal in Chelsea’s club that I’m playing at and my team was unconcerned by the raised in- against Malta at Wembley on Satur- anchester United would be 3-0 Premier League defeat at the mates that I’m playing with,” the tensity in the battle for places in the day and in Slovenia three days later. better off having midfi elder Bastian Schweinsteiger in the side, Manchester City’s MIlkay Guendogan has said of his fellow BOTTOMLINE German, who remains unlikely to fi gure in manager Jose Mourinho’s plans. After making 18 Premier League ap- pearances last season, 32-year-old Sch- weinsteiger has failed to turn out for United since the Portuguese coach re- Cup qualifi ers after almost a year out placed Louis van Gaal in the close season. of the side due to injury problems, be- Arsenal could win three Schweinsteiger has also been left out lieves he can fi ll the void for his country of the side’s Europa League squad, with following Schweinsteiger’s interna- Mourinho confi rming that it would be tional retirement. “very diffi cult” for him to play for the “I trusted myself to do that before club again. (Schweinsteiger’s retirement), but this trophies this season, says Hleb “I believe that Manchester United has nothing to do with saying his re- could 100 percent benefi t from a fi t tirement is positive or negative. We Reuters work out and he was sent out on loan Wenger will always remain his favour- Bastian Schweinsteiger,” Guendogan should be thankful that we had such a Minsk by manager Pep Guardiola. ite head coach. told Sport Bild magazine. great player,” he added. “On the one hand I regret that I did “I think he is a great,” said Hleb. “I “He’s not just some player, and also Germany face the Czech Republic not stay at Arsenal. Wenger was like a remember that Jens Lehmann used to not only 18 or 19.” tomorrow and then host Northern Ire- ormer Arsenal star Alexander father to me and trusted me. I get sad record how Wenger took training eve- Guendogan, who was named in Ger- land three days later in the World Cup Hleb says he made a mistake when I start to think about this,” he said. ry day. I also wanted to do the same, many’s squad for this month’s World qualifi ers. by leaving the Emirates to join “On the other hand, Barcelona was but I thought, ‘I will still have time as Barcelona in 2008, and ex- and still is the strongest club. I did not I am under contract for a long time’...” pressedF regret at turning his back on play that often, but I still got game time.” managerial “great” Arsene Wenger. In a frank appraisal of his time at Czech stars fi ned for ‘go back to The Frenchman has been in charge Barcelona, Hleb said that he only had Cazorla eager to of the Gunners for more than two dec- himself to blame. extend stay at Arsenal kitchen’ woman ref blast ades and Hleb believes this could be “I was behaving like a bloke. Guar- Spanish midfi elder Santi Cazorla one of his most successful seasons yet, diola was young and had only just tak- would be happy to sign a new contract AFP team. with Arsenal capable of winning three en over the club. He could not fi nd the with Arsenal despite local media link- Prague The pair believed that referee Lucie trophies. right words,” he said. ing him with a move to La Liga side Ratajova should have blown for an “Wenger always sets the highest “If Wenger had been in his place, he Atletico Madrid. off side in the move which led to goals. He has managed to keep his would have come up to me and talked The 31-year-old, who extended his wo Czech internationals were Zbrojovka’s final goal of the game. key players and they are playing great to me. I am not blaming Guardiola. I contract with the Gunners in July last fined yesterday for telling a “Women should stay in the kitchen football. They are tearing everyone The midfi elder, who is now 35 and should have behaved more profession- year, has scored 25 goals under man- Twoman referee to “go back and not referee men’s matches,” apart,” Hleb told Reuters, as he pre- on the verge of winning another Be- ally. Had it not been for the wrong deci- ager Arsene Wenger since joining from to the kitchen” after she failed to said Koubek. pared for Belarus’ World Cup qualifi er larus title with BATE Borisov, says his sion that I took, I could have been play- Malaga in 2012. whistle for an off side decision. Vacha echoed his teammate’s against the Netherlands. career never hit the same heights after ing at a top club for another fi ve years.” “I am happy here. I am trusted by Sparta Prague goalkeeper Tomas complaints on social media, telling “I hope the team will win three leaving the British capital. Hleb said the Spaniard had made a the manager and my teammates. I am Koubek and midfielder Lukas Vacha Ratajova to go “to the kitchen”. trophies this season — the Premier “I was playing at the top of my game strong start to his career at Manches- feeling important here, and if they’ll were each fined 40,000 koruna Richard Bacek, the head of the League, the FA Cup and the Cham- in London and it was the best mo- ter City, who currently lead the Pre- off er me a new contract, I’ll sign it be- (1,500 euros) and ordered to con- Czech league’s disciplinary commit- pions League. This Arsenal side cer- ments of my career,” said Hleb, who mier League table. cause I am very happy with this great duct a training session for the club’s tee, told the pair they had a duty “to tainly has the ability and I will really never won a trophy with Arsenal. “I think that Guardiola could have club,” Cazorla told Spanish radio sta- junior side for their outbursts after behave professionally”. be supporting them.” “In my fi rst season we got to the the same success in Manchester that tion Cadena Ser. Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Zbrojovka Meanwhile, Ratajova, dubbed by After three years at the Emirates, Champions League fi nal. We lost, but he had in Barcelona,” he said, playing a Cazorla has scored twice in seven Brno. some sections of the Czech media where Hleb established himself as a I remember this fi nal more than the crisp, short-passing game at speed. “I Premier League appearances this sea- They had already been ordered by as “the most famous Czech chef” key fi gure after joining from Stuttgart, other one when I won with Barcelona think that Manchester City and Arse- son. The London club, who are third in their club to spend a number of has paid a heavier price for her error the Belorussian decided to move to in 2009, but I didn’t play.” nal will be battling it out for the title.” the standings, host Swansea City on days training with Sparta’s women’s by being suspended for four games. Barcelona. His move to the Catalans did not Despite respect for Guardiola, October 15. Gulf Times 4 Friday, October 7, 2016 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Bhullar shares lead in Indonesia Noren leads aft er AFP tories. Jakarta “It was a bogey free round and at the end of the day, that’s the target. I’m trying to repeat ndia’s Gaganjeet Bhullar what I did last week,” said Bh- extended his recent fi ne ullar, a six-time Asian Tour form when he shared the winner, according to an Asian opening round lead at the Tour press release. equalling course IBNI Indonesian Masters yes- Gunn suff ered a wrist injury terday, as other hopefuls got in 2014 and is slowly fi nding off to a shaky start. his form again after winning Bhullar produced a fl awless on the local circuit in Thailand round of six-under-par 66 to in July and in China in Sep- tie at the top alongside Gunn tember. Charoenkul of Thailand and Japan’s Kawamura, who has Masahiro Kawamura of Japan one win on the Asian Tour, record at Carnoustie in the $750,000 Asian Tour recovered from an opening event. bogey to fi re seven birdies in- It comes after the Indian cluding one on the last to take ‘It was tough conditions but probably one of the best rounds I’ve played, so I’m very happy’ won the Korea Open last week, his place among the leaders. ending an Asian Tour drought following a serious wrist in- Scores after round one jury two years ago. 66 — Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND), But other big names lagged Gunn Charoenkul (THA), Ma- behind, including India’s Ani- sahiro Kawamura (JPN) rban Lahiri who shot a three- 67 — Arjun Atwal (IND), Phach- over-par 75, and Australia’s ara Khongwatmai(THA), Sura- Marcus Fraser who scored a dit Yongcharoenchai (THA) three-under 69. 68 — Lu Wei-chih (TPE), Bhullar, 28, who started Thongchai Jaidee (THA), Nam- from the 10th tee, overcame chok Tantipokhakul (THA), early nerves to make the turn Darren Tan (AUS), Janne Kaske in 32 at the Royale Jakarta Golf (FIN), Shiv Kapur (IND), Kalem Club before adding birdies on Richardson (AUS), Chinnarat seven and nine to stay in con- Phadungsil (THA), Lionel tention for back-to-back vic- Weber (FRA).

ALEX NOREN Japan’s Yokomine takes lead in Taiwan Taipei: Japan’s Sakura Yokomine went to the top of the leader- board yesterday after battling windy conditions in the opening round of the LPGA Taiwan Championship. Yokomine scored a five-under-par 67, including five birdies and an eagle. Defending Agencies holed a tricky birdie putt at the went better than I expected.” ing two further birdies with a one we experienced in practice, champion and world number one Lydia Ko could only manage St Andrews, Scotland fi fth to take a share of the lead on Fisher, starting from the tenth bogey on the back nine to fi nish it completely fl ipped around so it tied 10th place. fi ve under. tee at Kingsbarns, reached the the day on six under. was almost like playing a diff er- Ko had to fight back from a double-bogey on the fifth hole to The 34-year-old picked up turn in 35 after making just one Fisher was happy with his ent course. finish on 70 at the Miramar Golf and Country Club in New Taipei lex Noren will take a another shot at the long sixth birdie on his front nine. performance as he posted a bo- “So it took a few holes to get City. She made history in Taiwan last year as an 18-year-old, narrow one-shot lead before saving par at the next. But the 35-year-old caught gey-free 65 to sit second after into the round and get used to when she became the youngest player to capture her 10th vic- into day two of the And Noren fi nished with a fi re on the back nine, following the opening round. the conditions, but the birdie on tory on the LPGA Tour. US player Paula Creamer was one of only Alfred Dunhill Links fl ourish, rolling in from 15 feet up an eagle at the third with a Fisher, who lost out to Alexan- 16 got me off and running and I three players to go in bogey-free in the first round and is tied ChampionshipA after he equalled for a birdie at the eighth before birdie at the next before making der Levy in a play-off at the Por- didn’t look back after that.” second with Korea’s Amy Yang and Canada’s Brooke Henderson. the course record at Carnoustie repeating the trick from 12 feet at back-to-back gains at the sixth sche European Open in his last Starting at the tenth tee, Fish- “I’ve always played really well when it’s windy and just kind of yesterday. the ninth to move to eight under. and seventh to move to six under. outing, was thrilled to fi nish the er reached the turn in 35 after tough,” Creamer said. “You have to think a lot out there.” Fourth- The Swede fi red eight bird- Noren was delighted with his And Fisher reduced Noren’s fi rst day on seven under. making one birdie on his front ranked Henderson made a late rally, birdieing three of her final ies in a fl awless 64 at the course fi rst-round display. He said: “I lead to one when he rolled in his He said: “I’m obviously very nine. four holes. “It was really the ideal ending,” said Henderson. widely regarded as the toughest putted great and then yeah, got birdie putt at the ninth - his last. pleased with the round, and it’s But his round came to life of the three host venues to sit it going. It was tough conditions Noren’s countryman Lager- a good continuation of the form on the back nine, with an eagle Leading first-round scores one stroke clear of Englishman but probably one of the best gren notched six birdies and I showed in Germany a couple of at the third and birdies at the 67—Sakura Yokomine (JPN) Ross Fisher after his fi rst round. rounds I’ve played, so I’m very no bogeys in his fi rst round at weeks back. fourth, sixth, seventh and ninth 68—Paula Creamer (USA), Amy Yang (KOR), Brooke Hender- Matt Ford and Joakim Lager- happy right now. Carnoustie. “Kingsbarns is normally the propelling him up the leader- son (CAN) gren are in a tie for third on six “The course, all three courses, He was pleased with his putting easier of the three courses so you board. Fisher added: “The eagle 69—Park Hee-young (KOR), Beatriz Recari (SPN), Jang Ha-na under after producing opening are in probably the best shape yesterday. He said: “I played very know you have to make a decent on three was obviously the high- (KOR), Ai Miyazato (JPN), Lee-Anne Pace (SA) rounds of 66. I’ve ever seen them. The greens well and was solid all day, I would score here, but when the wind light, and to fi nish with another 70—Shanshan Feng (CHN), Ji Eun-hee (KOR), Kim Hyo-joo Beginning his fi rst round at are running great. It’s in great say. I putted really well and made blows here it’s anything but easy, birdie on the ninth was the icing (KOR), Lydia Ko (NZL) the tenth tee, Noren carded bird- shape.” some great saves coming in on the because some holes are very ex- on the cake. 71—Caroline Masson (GER), Tsai Pei-ying (TPE), Lee Mi-hyang ies at three of his fi rst fi ve holes Speaking about Carnoustie, last fi ve or six holes.” posed to the elements. “But I’m almost more pleased (KOR), Catriona Matthew (SCO), Mika Miyazato (JPN), Azahara to reach the turn in 33. Noren added: “I like it but I’ve Ford got to the turn in 31 af- “So I’m delighted with seven to have kept the bogeys off my Munoz (SPN), Ryu So-yeon(KOR), Jenny Shin (KOR), Chang After starting his back nine never shot lower than maybe 71 ter fi ring fi ve birdies on his front under to start. card, because it’s not an easy Ya-chun (TPE), Haru Nomura (JPN) with another gain at the fi rst, he here. I didn’t expect much but it nine at Kingsbarns, before mix- “It’s a diff erent wind to the course in those conditions.”

TENNIS Nadal eases into quarters on rain-hit day

Reuters Beijing Svitolina stuns Kerber to reach China Open last eight Elina Svitolina stayed calm in the face of adversity a stunning run to the quarter-finals in this year’s econd seed Rafael Nadal survived a late fi ghtback to secure a surprise 6-3 7-5 win over world number Australian Open, will face Britain’s Johanna Konta, from Adrian Mannarino as he beat the French one Angelique Kerber, while Zhang Shuai ousted who battled past US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova qualifi er 6-1 7-6(6) yesterday to reach the quar- fourth seed Simona Halep 6-0 6-3 to advance into 6-1 3-6 7-6(2), for a spot in the last four. ter-fi nals of the China Open during a rain-hit day the quarter-finals of the China Open yesterday. Third seed Agnieszka Radwanska safely negoti- inS Beijing. Svitolina saved nine of 10 break points in the open- ated a tricky tie against former world number one The 30-year-old got off to a quick start, winning nine ing set, six of them coming in a topsy-turvy ninth Caroline Wozniacki, winning 6-3 6-1 to secure a of the fi rst 11 games. However, Mannarino rallied back to game, before unleashing a forehand winner past quarter-final berth. force the second set into a tiebreak before Nadal ended the stranded Australian Open and US Open cham- The Pole will next face either Alize Cornet or the contest on his second match point. pion to seize the first set after 45 minutes. Yaroslava Shvedova, whose third-round match was “I think I played a fantastic fi rst set. Great level of ten- The 16th-seed, who stunned former world number postponed until today due to rain. nis, serving very good, hitting so good. During the sec- one Serena Williams at the Rio Olympics, rallied ond set, I slowed the rhythm a little bit and he played from an early loss of serve in the second set to very well,” Nadal, a 14-times grand slam champion, told break the German twice more on her way to a reporters. fourth win against a top-10 opponent in 2016. “I think I played with the right amount of determina- The 22-year-old Ukrainian will next face Australian tion in the tiebreak. It’s very important for my confi dence Daria Gavrilova, who beat Caroline Garcia 6-4 6-3. to pass through these tough moments.” “I was just trying to be really focused on every ball, Nadal will face Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov in the quar- and of course try to win,” Svitolina told the WTA’s ter-fi nals today. Dimitrov, who is bidding to reach his third website (www.wtatennis.com). fi nal of the year, was two points away from defeat against “I was trying to think about my next step, what I sixth seed Lucas Pouille but fought back for a gruelling should try to do. I tried to make my first serve and 6(3)-7 7-6(0) 6-4 victory in two hours and 26 minutes. concentrated on the next shot, but still I was a little “Especially in the second set, when he was serving for bit shaky.” the match. I felt I was playing good tennis,” the 25-year-old Home favourite Zhang coasted to victory in just Dimitrov told reporters. “All I could do was stay composed, under an hour against world number five Halep, try to hit every ball that I could and use every opportunity. who was let down by her serve. Elina Svitolina of Ukraine celebrates after win- They came a bit late, but I’m pretty happy with it.” The Romanian hit six double faults and converted ning against Angelique Kerber of Germany in All other matches were cancelled due to rain, including Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning a point against Adrian Mannarino of just two of her seven break point opportunities. their singles third round match of the China third seed Milos Raonic second round clash against Tuni- France during their second round singles match at the China Open in Beijing The unseeded Zhang, who broke through with Open in Beijing yesterday. (AFP) sia’s Malek Jaziri. yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, October 7, 2016 5 FORMULA ONE

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Surly Hamilton Rosberg wary of blames ‘guy above’ Hamilton backlash AFP reading the news, for example, Suzuka or playing computer games, or for engine woe going partying until fi ve in the morning.” ico Rosberg is bracing It was not clear if that remark ‘It’s just some snaps of us drivers, it’s quite funny. Hey man, we’ve been doing this a himself for a backlash was a sly dig at Hamilton and his from wounded Mer- elaborate lifestyle, but Rosberg long, long time and it’s the same each time. We’ve got to keep adding new things to it’ cedes teammate Lewis is in the form of his life and a HamiltonN after seizing the ini- fi rst-ever victory in Suzuka this tiative in the Formula One weekend would severely dent itle race. Hamilton’s title hopes. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain (centre, front) records Hamilton, the reigning Rosberg played down con- video footage using his smartphone during a press conference with world champion, looked cerns that technical problems (from left to right) Scuderia Ferrari’s Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen, to be cruising to victory in could decide the championship tMalaysia last weekend before his race. Manor’s Racing’s German driver Pascal Wehrlein, Renault Sport F1 Team’s British driver Jolyon Palmer, and McLaren Honda’s Spanish engine blew up as Rosberg’s bat- “I’m not worried because I driver Fernando Alonso ahead of the Formula One Japanese Grand tling third-place fi nish allowed have learnt to put my energy Prix in Suzuka yesterday. (AFP) the German to open a 23-point into things that I can infl uence lead with fi ve races left. — and that’s something I defi - Rosberg, whose feud with nitely can’t infl uence,” said the Hamilton has threatened to boil 31-year-old, who fi nished sec- over in previous years, predicted ond behind Hamilton last year yesterday that Hamilton would after starting on pole. come back strong in the champi- “I also have all the trust in the onship run-in. team,” added Rosberg, who suf- “I don’t draw encouragement fered an ERS (energy recovery from (Hamilton’s troubles),” in- system) problem in the 2014 title sisted Rosberg, who threw away decider in Abu Dhabi. a 43-point advantage earlier this “They always do the best they season. I don’t really think too can to make sure problems like much about Lewis’s misfortune, that don’t happen again. They I think more about my situation. have come with certain changes “Anyways I know that Lewis, for this weekend. when he has diffi culties like that, “It’s just the approach I’ve de- will come back fully-motivated,” cided to take this year and which he added. “So it’s not really en- has been working well: just to couraging to know that he’s go- not think about the big picture ing to come back as strong as and just take it race by race. It ever.” works for me to simplify things In stark contrast to Hamilton, and just be very much in the who angrily tore into Mercedes moment.” after his third engine failure of the season in Sepang, Rosberg is enjoying a purple patch of form, having won three races in a row before Malaysia. “I really learnt to manage my energies and know where not to waste energies in rubbish stuff ,” said Rosberg. “There for sure I’ve made big progress. It’s impor- tant to me and I really like to take that approach.” Asked to elaborate, he smiled: “The rubbish stuff would be

Schumacher’s F-1 collection to go on display

AFP races left this season, has since ers on mobile app Snapchat, do it for a while, so it just turned he shrugged. “I put all my feel- Michael Schumacher’s private Details of the exhibition, which Suzuka gone to great lengths to deny giving himself bunny ears and out to be the appropriate time,” ings on there. They have the memorabilia collection from his will range from his days in kart- any suggestion of skullduggery, Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz a he insisted. right to their own opinions,” he career as seven-time Formula ing to becoming F1 champion, posting several photos on social “Bambi” face. Whether or not he had been added. “But as you’ve seen from One world champion is to go on were also presented at a press ewis Hamilton cut a media praising his “awesome When asked by reporters what instructed by team chief Toto my post, you’ve seen how pas- public display from the end of conference in Berlin. It is to be surly fi gure in Suzuka car crew”. he was up to, Hamilton gave a Wolff to distance himself from sionate I am about this team and next year, his management said hosted at Motorworld Cologne, yesterday, fi ddling with By yesterday, Hamilton was withering look, at fi rst pretend- his remarks, Hamilton did not about my guys.” yesterday. on the site of a former airfield. Lhis phone during a news blaming God for his mechanical ing not to hear the question. look a happy camper. Meanwhile, Mercedes dis- “It is the heartfelt wish of The exhibition is intended to be conference and complaining a issues — claiming that was what “It’s just some snaps of us As the dust settled last week- covered the cause of Hamilton’s Michael’s family that all inter- both a homage and a tribute to higher power caused his dra- he meant all along. drivers, it’s quite funny,” he end, Hamilton posted on his In- engine failure following ex- ested fans get to see Michael’s Schumacher’s followers “who matic engine fi re in Malaysia. “It hasn’t changed, nothing’s sighed. “Hey man, we’ve been stagram account: “I have 100% haustive investigations, reveal- collection,” his manager Sabine accompanied him during his As his Sepang victory hopes changed,” he sniff ed. “It ap- doing this a long, long time and faith in my team. It’s not how we ing that a big-end bearing fail- Kehm said in a statement. extraordinary went up in smoke last weekend, pears currently the ‘guy above’ it’s the same each time. We’ve fall, it’s how we get up.” ure in the crankshaft led to the Schumacher, 47, suff ered severe career and still accompany him the world champion appeared to doesn’t really want me to win got to keep adding new things And that was his default set- blow-out and sabotaged a race head injuries in a skiing ac- today,” Kehm said. point to a Mercedes conspiracy right now. But I’ve made a point to it.” ting after arriving in Japan, he was dominating. cident in 2013 and after months A Schumacher exhibition against him in a furious rant, on my Instagram so I don’t really where he will be going for a hat- It was Hamilton’s third power in a coma he was transferred to hosted by one of his long-term fuming: “Someone doesn’t have much more to say about it.” Charm off ensive trick of Suzuka victories. unit failure of the year and he his home in Switzerland. He has sponsors in Marburg opened in want me to win this year.” A distracted Hamilton played Hamilton then elaborated Fans who felt Hamilton had will revert to the engine he used not been seen in public since February this year and is sched- The Briton, who has seen with his phone throughout the on his sudden charm off ensive been hard done by after his en- in Singapore this weekend. Ros- his accident and details of his uled to run to early 2018. The Mercedes rival Nico Rosberg press conference. He took a since rowing back on Sunday’s gine conked out in Malaysia berg will use the same one he health are unknown. new exhibition is open-ended. open a 23-point lead with fi ve selfi e and photos of fellow driv- outburst. “I’ve been planning to “can just go on my Instagram,” ran in Malaysia.

STATEMENT Defi ant Vettel bristles over ‘idiot’ jibe

AFP “I’m a bit surprised you say hard at times this year as Fer- Suzuka you’ve never seen me like this,” rari struggled to keep pace with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel of Germany he shrugged. the rampant Mercedes and were attends a fan event. (Reuters) “I’ve attacked quite a lot of out-performed by the Red errari’s Sebastian Vet- cars in all the starts I did in my Bulls. tel said yesterday he had life into turn one and most of the “I don’t think there is too done very little wrong time got away with it — some- much to analyse other than that Fwhen he collided with times I didn’t and I guess last you try to squeeze everything Nico Rosberg’s Mercedes at last time was one of the occasions you can from the car at any week’s Malaysian Grand Prix. where it just didn’t work.” time,” he said. The four-time world cham- Vettel, who is languishing “Sometimes you fi nd yourself pion was hit with a three-place in fi fth in the standings, called overdriving. It’s normal, it’s hu- penalty for this weekend’s Japa- Rosberg to off er his version of man and sometimes you don’t nese race after darting inside the events after Sepang, insisting he push hard enough, so it’s about Red Bull of Max Verstappen at had been in total control. fi nding the sweet spot in the the fi rst corner only to lock up “I went to the inside and ob- middle.” and send Rosberg spinning. viously was able to go side-by- Meanwhile, Spain’s Fernando The move ended Vettel’s race side with Max,” he said. Alonso, who spent fi ve years but Rosberg roared back to take “As it turned out, I was prob- with Ferrari from 2010-2014 third and stretch his lead in ably a little bit too late in com- before rejoining McLaren, also the standings to 23 points over parison to the fi rst two cars but I weighed in on his former team’s teammate Lewis Hamilton, who made the corner. reliability issues. was forced to retire after his en- “These things happen,” “They are struggling a lit- gine caught fi re. he added. “I’m not shooting tle bit now but it didn’t change Vettel, who has had a season to straight like crazy so of course it probably the situation in the last forget, was called an “idiot” by is a risk and in that case it didn’t couple of years,” said the former teenage tyro Verstappen, while get rewarded. It was quite bad for world champion. Rosberg said his fellow German Nico because he had nothing to “Hopefully they can improve. was “out of control”. do with it.” I wish always the best for Ferrari. But Vettel denied he had been Vettel confessed he may I will have always Ferrari in my reckless. have been guilty of pushing too heart.” Gulf Times 6 Friday, October 7, 2016 SPORT

DEVELOPMENT 2024 OLYMPICS Games bidders present second dossier to IOC Boxing body KOs all AFP of guarantee from Prime Minis- Paris ter Viktor Orban. Los Angeles has not yet an- nounced its budget but it is andidates bidding to known that the project relies host the 2024 Olympic solely on private funds. Gener- Games — Budapest, ous sponsors have announced CLos Angeles, Paris and their contribution should the Rio Games offi cials Rome — will submit the second Californian bid win. part of their bid to the Inter- As public guarantees are es- national Olympic Committee sential, the city of Los Angeles ‘The judging system can never become a scapegoat for boxers and coaches who (IOC) in Lausanne today. and the state of California have Stage two deals with ‘Gov- each agreed to $250mn (223mn perform disappointingly in the ring and display inappropriate behaviour. This will be ernance, Legal and Venue Fund- euros) available to guarantee ing’ and is the most important in any additional costs. The federal even more closely monitored in the future and firm disciplinary action will be taken’ the eyes of the IOC as it provides government will assure the se- the guarantees that the Games curity of the event. will be fi nancially solid come President Barack Obama what may. has not really been involved in Paris, which boasts having the project, even stating in a 95% of the necessary infra- recent interview that the deci- structure, will present a budget sions of the IOC were “a little bit of 3 bn euros, fi nanced jointly cooked” after Chicago lost out by public and private funding, for the 2016 Games. including the construction of an If Rome submits the second Olympic village, an aquatic cen- part of its bid it will be merely tre and an Arena. symbolic after the new mayor’s Local authority investments request to withdraw support. are expected to chip in to the Mayor Virginia Raggi’s position tune of 357 mn euros with an- is that the cash-strapped city other bn provided by the State needs to sort out its own prob- to be formalised today by Prime lems before being in a position Minister Manuel Valls. The to host the Games. French dossier will also include Stage three of the bid proc- letters of support from all po- ess will be a dossier on ‘Games litical parties and potential can- Delivery, Experience and Venue didates for the presidency of Legacy’ for February 3 next, be- France in May 2017. fore the Evaluation Commission Budapest’s bid will also be visits cities in May and the fi nal accompanied by a signed letter vote on September 13 in Lima.

WARNING IOC must redeem itself for 2018: iNADO

Reuters tem that corrupted clean sport,” London iNADO said. “Equally disap- pointing, in the eyes of many the IOC chose to associate itself he International Olym- with such a system by failing to pic Committee (IOC) lost reject it categorically.” the anti-doping battle at Joseph de Pencier, chief ex- AFP kyo in 2020. That means no return to the punch- AIBA dropped a number of unidenti- Rio but can redeem itself ecutive of iNADO, said the In Rio professional fi ghters took part counting method used at some previous fi ed judges and referees during the com- Tin time for the 2018 Pyeongchang IOC must ensure that “the re- Lausanne, Switzerland at an Olympics for the fi rst time — in the Olympics that also threw up numerous petition, after fi nding that “less than a Winter Games, anti-doping offi - ception of Russian athletes in event only three made it — and AIBA also scandals, although the AIBA will make handful” of the decisions from 239 bouts cials said yesterday. Pyeongchang is very diff erent ll 36 referees and judges used at banned headguards for men boxers, both some subtle tweaks in an eff ort to make reviewed were not at the level expected. It The 59-member global In- than the one in Rio”. the Rio Olympics boxing com- part of moves to make Games boxing clos- scoring more transparent and says it will also reassigned its French executive direc- stitute of National Anti-Doping iNADO said a starting point petitions have been removed er to the pro fi ght game and thus more at- help fi ghters and coaches to better under- tor Karim Bouzidi to a new role. Organisations (iNADO) said in a would be for the IOC to rec- for the time being as the sport’s tractive to the public. stand how bouts are scored. AIBA said its Referees&Judges and strongly-worded statement that ognise that the fi ndings of the amateurA governing body investigates the The AIBA said these reforms had en- “As a governing body, AIBA will always Technical&Rules commissions had met in the IOC had “failed the clean McLaren report, which revealed offi ciating which overshadowed the ac- joyed a “seamless integration”, but ad- seek to evolve the sport but will continue Lausanne to discuss reforms and a ‘road athletes of the world” at the the system of state-sponsored tion in the ring, it said yesterday. mitted that “a small number of decisions to refute unsubstantiated claims that have map’ for the next Olympic cycle leading to Summer Games in August. doping in Russia, were well- Several beaten fi ghters in Rio alleged under debate indicated that further re- tarnished the reputation of our sport,” the the 2020 Tokyo Games. The IOC resisted calls for a documented and reliable. they had been the victim of poor or even forms... were necessary”. statement added. AIBA said that although the scoring blanket ban on Russians com- Another would be for indi- corrupt judging at the August Olympics “The results of a specifi c R&J (referees “The judging system can never become system occasionally led to ‘misunder- peting in the Games due to the vidual IOC members to cease and the International Boxing Association and judges) investigation, currently un- a scapegoat for boxers and coaches who standings’, it remained the best method. country’s doping record, leaving attacks on the World Anti-Dop- (AIBA) sent home an undisclosed number derway, will allow AIBA to fully assess perform disappointingly in the ring and However, the commission had recom- decisions on individual athletes’ ing Agency (WADA) that com- of referees and judges at the time, while what action needs to be taken,” it said in a display inappropriate behaviour or com- mended in future opening up all fi ve of the participation with their respec- missioned the report. strenuously denying claims of corruption statement. “In the mean time, it has been ments to media. This will be even more ringside judges’ scorecards to determine tive sports federations. It added that whistle-blowers and threatening legal action. decided that all 36 R&Js that were used closely monitored in the future and fi rm the winner of the bout. Last month’s Paralympics did should be encouraged and WA- “Rio 2016 was a watershed moment for at the Olympic Games will not offi ciate disciplinary action will be taken when In Rio, the scores of only three judg- ban all Russian athletes. DA’s independence strength- AIBA. Boxing was in the spotlight for pos- at any AIBA event until the investigation necessary.” es were counted after being chosen at “Sadly for sport, just as the ened, with the agency given the itive reasons, but occasionally also for the reaches its conclusion.” Ireland’s world bantamweight cham- random by a computer. The boxing body 1988 Seoul Olympic Games investigative capacity it needs. wrong ones,” AIBA president Wu Ching- Despite the judging controversies, pion Michael Conlan was one of the most also recommended that, for greater trans- are remembered by (Canadian Governance in sporting or- Kuo (pic) said, after top offi cials held talks the AIBA said it would stick with the vociferous critics of the judging in Rio, parency, the assignation of judges and sprinter) Ben Johnson’s infamy, ganisations needed to be im- in Lausanne this week to discuss how to “10-point must system” of scoring bouts calling AIBA “cheats” after he was con- referees for each bout be automated rath- this year’s Games will be re- proved to restore confi dence, avoid more controversy when Olympic based on the same method of scoring pro- troversially beaten on points by Russia’s er than chosen by a three-person draw membered by participation of with public oversight of opera- boxing takes centrestage once more in To- fessional fi ghts. Vladimir Nikitin in a quarter-fi nal bout. commission. athletes served by a Russian sys- tions and spending.

Fury dragging SPOTLIGHT boxing through mud: Klitschko Hackers may have doctored leaked data: WADA Reuters tions to allow athletes to take certain Reuters London substances. Berlin “As of October 5... analysis is over Russian Chicherova stripped of 90% complete, and it has not found he World Anti-Doping Agen- any evidence of additional compro- ladimir Klitschko has accused world cy (WADA) said yesterday mise to ADAMS data beyond the export 2008 Olympics high jump medal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury that some of the athlete data of the Rio 2016 ADAMS Account data Wof throwing boxing into disrepute leaked by a Russian cyber es- through 12 September, as described ussian high jumper Anna Chich- to test with newer methods or for new presence of a prohibited substance, Tpionage group has been changed from above,” WADA said in a statement. after the Briton twice called off a fight against erova was off icially stripped substances. The ruling body conducted but also in ensuring due process to the Ukrainian, briefly retired from the sport its initial form, and has asked “af- “It should also be noted that in the Rof her 2008 Beijing Olympics targeted re-tests before the Rio Olym- the athlete in coming to a fair and and admitted to substance abuse. fected parties” for feedback on any course of its investigation, WADA has bronze medal after she tested positive pics. A total of 98 samples were positive reasonable decision. Fury, WBA and WBO champion, had been inaccuracies. determined that not all data released for banned substances in re-tests of in reanalysis from the Beijing Games While Barber was allowed to due to defend his titles against Klitschko in Since the hacking group fi rst re- by Fancy Bear (in its PDF documents) samples, the International Olympic and 2012 London Olympics as the IOC compete at the Rio Games in August, July but pulled out with an ankle injury. The leased confi dential medical data on accurately refl ects ADAMS data. Committee said yesterday. attempted to root out cheats and stop where he went on to finish a disap- fight was then rescheduled for this month September 13, it has released fi ve more “However, we are continuing to Chicherova, who won gold in the them from going to the Rio Games. pointing 10th, he was stripped of his but postponed again due to an unspecified batches involving athletes from coun- examine the extent of this as a priority high jump at the 2012 Olympics, is 2016 Canadian pole vault title for hav- medical condition, with Fury making further tries including the United States, Ger- and we would encourage any aff ected among several athletes to have been Canadian pole vaulter tested ing a banned substance in his body. headlines by telling Rolling Stone magazine many, Britain, Poland and Denmark parties to contact WADA should they stripped of their Olympic medals positive for cocaine before Rio "This has been a learning experi- he had taken to drinking and cocaine to who competed at the Rio Olympics. become aware of any inaccuracies in following re-tests of samples from the ence for Shawn, he is a young athlete deal with depression. The hacking group, known as the data that has been released.” 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Canadian world champion pole learning how to compete on the field “Fury is dragging boxing through the APT28 and Fancy Bear by US cyber- WADA has reached out to the na- “Re-analysis of Chicherova’s vaulter Shawn Barber was at the of play, and prepare away from it," mud,” Klitschko told Bild newspaper security researchers, has posted data tional anti-doping organisations and samples from Beijing 2008 resulted Rio Olympics despite earlier testing said Athletics Canada. yesterday. about athletes such as US gymnast international federations whose ath- in a positive test for the prohibited positive for cocaine but the decision Klitschko, who lost his titles to Fury in a Simone Biles, US tennis players Ser- letes have been impacted by the data substance dehydrochlormethyltesto- to allow him to compete was the right Five Moroccans get dope bans surprise defeat last year, has been waiting ena and Venus Williams and Eng- releases to provide support. sterone (turinabol),” the IOC said in one, Athletics Canada said yesterday. for almost 12 months for a rematch. land’s Olympic golf champion Justin WADA, which believes the attacks a statement. Turinabol is a perform- The Sport Dispute Resolution Cen- Five Moroccan athletes, including “This just shows how unfair Fury is,” Rose, British cyclists Chris Froome were carried out as retaliation for the ance-boosting steroid. tre of Canada's ruling was released a teenage 110m hurdler, have been Klitschko’s manager Bernd Boente told the and Bradley Wiggins, British distance agency’s investigations that exposed The IOC also requested from the yesterday and said Barber inadvert- banned for between two and eight newspaper. “He stalls with Wladimir. He runner Mo Farah and Spanish tennis state-sponsored doping in Russia, said international athletics federation ently ingested the banned substance years for doping violations, the coun- blocks the world title.” great Rafael Nadal. it would continue to provide relevant (IAAF) to “modify the results of the during a sexual encounter the night try's track and field federation said yes- Fury has also been charged with an anti- WADA said the hackers gained ac- updates as circumstances evolve. above-mentioned event accordingly before the Canadian trials in July with terday. Hanane Ouhaddou, a 3000m doping rule violation by UK Anti-Doping cess to its anti-doping administration It added that the hackers had tak- and to consider any further action a woman who had taken cocaine. steeplechaser, and 1500m runner after a urine sample from February 2015 and management system (ADAMS) en a “cheap shot” at sporting stars within its own competence”. Barber had faced a four-year ban Abdelhadi Labali were both banned for — nine months before his victory over Kl- via an IOC-created account for the who haven’t broken any anti-doping Fellow Russian Elena Slesarenko, but the Canadian Centre for Ethics eight years. Hurdler Zakarya Rabah, 17, itschko, showed traces of the banned stimu- Rio Games, which has since been se- rules. “The criminal activity under- a gold medallist at the 2004 Athens in Sport ruled him to be at no fault received a four-year suspension, as did lant nandrolone. He has denied doping. cured and investigated by a premier taken by the cyber espionage group, Games, finished fourth in the competi- or negligence for an anti-doping rule Mohcine Cheaouri and Adil Annani. The 28-year-old on Monday announced security and forensic consulting fi rm. which seeks to undermine the TUE tion in China. Russia have been stripped violation. "The positive finding in this Morocco has a rich history in his retirement from the sport in an exple- According to WADA, the account program and the work of WADA and of several medals, including the wom- case was found to be of no fault of athletics, but has recently found itself tive-laden tweet, only to abruptly reverse included confi dential medical data its partners in the protection of clean en’s 4x400 and 4x100 metres events the athlete," Athletics Canada said in in the crosshairs of the International the decision hours later, saying he planned such as Therapeutic Use Exemptions, sport, is a cheap shot at innocent ath- from 2008 following the re-tests. a statement. "We are thankful that the Association of Athletics Federations to carry on fighting. which are issued by sports federations letes whose personal data has been The IOC stores samples for a decade proper procedures recognized the (IAAF) anti-doping crusade. and national anti-doping organiza- exposed.” Gulf Times Friday, October 7, 2016 7 CRICKET

FOCUS War games in Bangladesh ahead of England battle

AFP Dhaka

angladeshi army commandos abseiled into the national sta- dium yesterday in a show of strength designed to reassure England’sB cricketers over their security on the eve of the opening ODI of their controversial tour. More than a dozen commandos scaled down ropes from helicopters hovering over the nets at Dhaka’s Sher- e-Bangla National Stadium, which is hosting the fi rst two games in a three- match series beginning today. The side is being skippered by Jos Buttler after regular one-day captain Eoin Morgan decided not to go on the tour in the wake of an attack by jihad- ists earlier this year on a cafe full of foreigners. England ODI captain Jos Buttler and Bangladesh opening batsman Tamim Iqbal (right) take part in a practice session as Bangladesh army commandos hold a mock drill at the Twenty-two people were killed in Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, ahead of the first match of the three-game ODI series between the two sides to be played at the same venue today. (AFP) July’s assault on the Holey Artisan Cafe in Dhaka’s upmarket Gulshan district, think the guys within the group haven’t since gunmen attacked Sri Lanka’s Buttler, who hit an unbeaten 80 year’s World Cup but they have im- casting doubt over whether Bangla- even mentioned it. That’s fantastic for team bus during a 2009 Test in Lahore. in their only warm-up, said his team proved dramatically since and recently desh’s security forces could guarantee us as the guys in the group are very set- Australia pulled out of a planned tour would start as “underdogs” against a broke the record for the highest ODI the England team’s safety. tled and focused on cricket.” a year ago after their cricket board cited side which has won home ODI series score by spanking 444 against Pakistan. But speaking to reporters yester- Reg Dickason, the England board’s a “risk of terrorism” while Australia’s against India, New Zealand and Pa- Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mor- day, Buttler insisted there had been security chief who endorsed the tour football team was only persuaded to kistan in the last few years. “They are taza said England were now a very dif- no sense of unease among the players after a fi eld trip to Bangladesh, ex- travel to Dhaka for a World Cup qualifi er very strong at home in their own con- ferent proposition from the team they since they had arrived last weekend. pressed his satisfaction with the safety last November after authorities drew up ditions,” he said. humbled in Adelaide. “Everything has been in good order. measures. “It gives a lot of confi dence,” an extensive security plan. With opener Alex Hales also stay- “If you look at the makeover of Eng- squad after he was left out for the re- Travel to and from the ground has been he told reporters. “The security over- While Morgan has stayed home, ing home on security grounds and Joe land team I think we are going to play cent home series against Afghanistan. great for us although I’m sure it’s been all... in Bangladesh is outstanding.” Alistair Cook will fl y out later to take Root being rested for the ODIs, Buttler one of the best teams in the world. Left-arm spinner Mosharraf Hossain, a bit frustrating for the locals,” he said Bangladesh is desperate to avoid charge of the team for two Test match- indicated that batsmen James Vince and Since the World Cup they’ve played who played his fi rst ODI in more than in reference to road closures ordered on the fate of Pakistan who — apart from es that follow the three ODIs, the last Ben Duckett would be in the starting XI. like champions,” said Mortaza. eight years against Afghanistan last security grounds. a lone series against Zimbabwe — have of which is being held in the port city England were soundly beaten by Bangladesh have recalled pace- Saturday, has been retained for the “Security has been great so far, I not hosted any international cricket of Chittagong. Bangladesh in Adelaide during last man Al-Amin Hossain in their 14-man England ODIs.

THIRD TEST/ INDIA vs NEW ZEALAND Indian cricket board gets apex court ultimatum aft er resisting reforms Reuters refuses to give any undertaking India eye whitewash New Delhi (to accept the reforms),” chief justice of India Tirath Singh Thakur said yesterday. he influential Indian crick- A disgruntled administrator et board (BCCI) is facing a at the Cricket Association of Bi- Tpossible leadership crisis har, which is not recognised by after the country’s Supreme the BCCI, had approached the Court demanded it accept top court, demanding transpar- as Kohli looks for runs sweeping changes by today. ency in the board’s operations. The BCCI finds itself on a The court made it clear that ‘I don’t think there is anything called form. It’s how you feel on a particular day. sticky wicket after it agreed to the BCCI, run largely by politi- implement only part of a raft cians and industrialists, could My own form? I don’t really think about these things, because cricket is a game of changes recommended by not cherry pick recommenda- a court-appointed panel, which tions by the Lodha panel. was set up last year to usher in “You behave like lords. Fall in where you prepare well but the result cannot be in your hand all the time’ reforms at the world’s richest line or else we will make you,” cricket board. the chief justice said last week AFP The panel, headed by former after the panel recommended Indore chief justice of India RM Lodha, ousting the BCCI’s highest of- recommended, among other ficials for non-compliance. things, age and tenure restric- The panel blocked the BCCI ndia skipper Virat Kohli (pic) will tions for top off icials as well from making two payments to look to lead Test cricket’s new number as banning them from serving its state associations on Tuesday, one side to a whitewash in the series successive terms. while approving routine ex- fi nale against New Zealand starting “We will pass an appropriate penditure, with the home series Itomorrow — and halt a rare slump in his order tomorrow if the BCCI against New Zealand underway. own form in the process. Since scoring his fi rst Test double cen- tury against the West Indies in July, the LOOKING AHEAD normally prolifi c Kohli has failed to pass 50 in any of his subsequent seven innings and is averaging only 20 against the Black Caps. India’s comfortable wins in the fi rst two Pak ready for World matches of the three-Test series have al- lowed them to overtake Pakistan at the top of the rankings and also divert attention Cup push: Azhar Ali away from Kohli’s downturn in form. New Zealand’s Trent Boult dismissed AFP have gelled well,” said Ali, who the right-hander both times in the second Abu Dhabi singled out batsman Babar Test in Kolkata after his strike partner Neil Azam for his three successive Wagner had softened him up the other end hundreds. “Babar (Azam) stood with a string of bouncers. akistan’s one-day skip- out in this series and to score Kohli, who has been widely praised for per Azhar Ali insisted consistently with back-to-back soaking up the additional pressure since India recall Raina for New Zealand ODIs yesterday that his fast hundreds shows that he has that taking over from MS Dhoni as Test captain developing team is well hunger. He has given a world last year, has been playing down the con- Pset to qualify directly for the class performance,” added Ali of ndia’s national selectors yesterday played in Indore from tomorrow. cerns about his own form. recalled veteran batsman Suresh Paceman Umesh Yadav was 2019 World Cup. the 21-year-old. “I don’t think there is anything called IRaina (pic) in a 15-member squad brought back into the ODI team after Pakistan whitewashed the Azam scored 120, 123 and 117 form. It’s how you feel on a particular day,” for the first three one-day internation- missing the Zimbabwe tour. West Indies 3-0 with a convinc- in the three matches to become the 27-year-old said in comments carried als against New Zealand beginning Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has ing 136-run win in the third and only the third Pakistani and by Indian media this week ahead of the later this month. retired from Tests, returns to take fi nal one-dayer in Abu Dhabi on eighth batsmen in all one-day third Test at Indore’s Holkar Stadium. Raina, 29, who last played in Octo- the helm of the one-day side, ranked Wednesday. cricket to hit three consecutive “My own form? I don’t really think about ber 2015, was overlooked for India’s fourth in the world behind third- The series win lifted Pakistan hundreds. these things, because cricket is a game one-day series against Australia at the placed Kiwis. one place to eighth in the cur- Pakistan’s next one-day se- where you prepare well but the result can- start of the year and against Zimba- The first of the five ODIs against rent rankings and relegating the ries will be in Australia early next not be in your hand all the time, especially bwe in June. New Zealand will be held in the West Indies to ninth in the fi ght year and Ali feels his team has batting where you have only one chance.” “We brought in Raina because he northern hill town of Dharamsala on for a direct berth at the World the potential to do well. “We can Kohli aside, India’s batting has been also off ers a good bowling option,” October 16. The remaining matches Cup fi nals in three years’ time. challenge Australia as well be- sound in the fi rst two Tests but Shikhar MSK Prasad, India’s new chairman of will be played in New Delhi (Oct 20), Hosts England and the top cause we have new players who Dhawan’s broken thumb has opened the selectors, told reporters in New Delhi. Mohali (Oct 23), Ranchi (Oct 26), and seven teams in the one-day rank- are match winners,” he said. door for a recall at the top of the order for The left-handed Raina has scored Visakhapatnam (Oct 29). ings on September 30 next year veteran Gautam Gambhir. 5,568 runs from 223 ODIs while taking Meanwhile, paceman Shardul will get a direct place in the World Recovering Younis to The aggressive left-hander, who enjoyed 36 wickets. Thakur could make his debut for India Cup. The bottom four teams in a successful opening partnership with the Key spinners Ravichandran Ashwin after he was called up as a replace- the standings will be joined by miss day-night Test now retired Virender Sehwag, played the and Ravindra Jadeja were rested as ment for seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar six Associate sides in a 10-team Senior Pakistan batsman Younis last of his 56 Tests on India’s tour of Eng- was paceman Mohamed Shami for for the final match of the three-Test se- qualifying round in 2018 from Khan has withdrawn from the land in the summer of 2014. But he has the first three ODIs, keeping in mind ries against New Zealand. The 24-year- where only two teams will qualify. fi rst Test against the West Indies forced his way back into contention after a India’s long home season ahead. old Thakur earned his first call-up to Ali said the win over West In- following advice from doctors to strong showing on the domestic circuit. Medium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the India squad for the tour of the dies was important in the quest rest after he contracted dengue There will also be a change to the bowl- nursing a back strain, was also left out. West Indies earlier this year but would for a World Cup place. “It was an fever, the Pakistan Cricket Board ing line-up after medium-pacer Bhuv- The 26-year-old Kumar played a key be earning his first international cap if important series and it’s just the said yesterday. The 38-year-old neshwar Kumar, who took six wickets in role in India’s 178-run win in the sec- he starts in Indore tomorrow. start of more challenges,” said was infected by the mosquito- Kolkata, was ruled out on Wednesday with ond Test against the Kiwis this week India will also be without Shikhar Ali. “We have to keep this im- borne virus last month and was a back strain and the uncapped Shardul which helped the hosts take an unas- Dhawan after the opening batsman provement with one year to go for admitted to a local hospital. Thakur drafted in as a replacement. sailable 2-0 lead in the three-match sustained a “very minor fracture” on the (World Cup 2019) deadline.” The fi rst Test, a day-night af- New Zealand are expected to welcome series. The third and final Test will be his left thumb. Since the 2015 World Cup, fair to be played with a pink ball, back skipper Kane Williamson, who missed Pakistan had slumped to ninth starts in Dubai on October 13. the second Test due to a viral infection. The after being routed 3-0 in Bang- Younis — who is the highest Black Caps will be aiming to avoid their still keen to display their aggressive brand next Test and hopefully we can get a bet- India (BCCI) had privately threatened to ladesh and suff ering defeats Test scorer for Pakistan with second successive series whitewash in India of cricket in the fi nal Test. ter result.” cancel the series after their accounts were against England (in the United 9456 runs in 108 Tests — will after losing the 2012 rubber 2-0. “We’re still fi zzing to go for Indore, There had been question marks over allegedly frozen by the panel but they later Arab Emirates last year and in be available for the second Test The tourists have performed well in hopefully we can play some fear-free whether the Test would go ahead follow- stepped back from the brink. England) and New Zealand. starting in Abu Dhabi on Oc- patches but have been guilty of failing to cricket to put India under pressure,” Tay- ing a row between the Indian board and a The match marks the fi rst time the But Ali believes the confi - tober 21. The stylish batsman push home their advantage at key mo- lor said after the 178-run loss in Kolkata. Supreme Court-appointed panel which Holkar Stadium, located in Indore in Mad- dence level of the players was scored an epic 218 in Pakistan’s ments. “We’ve tried to be aggressive, we always has ordered the organisation to institute hya Pradesh state, has hosted a Test match high after the series win over the Test at The Oval last month, Senior batsman Ross Taylor, who led the try and be aggressive. It didn’t work this reforms. and the pitch is expected to favour bats- struggling West Indies. helping them to draw the four- team in Kolkata, said New Zealand were time but we will still be aggressive in the The Board of Control for Cricket in men and seam bowlers. “We have good players who match series 2-2.

Friday, October 7, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

CYCLING UCI chief Cookson eagerly looking forward to Doha 2016 ‘The wind is likely to play a major role in the outcome of each race. I’m absolutely certain about seeing some highly exciting races’

By Sports Reporter Doha UCI PRESIDENT BRIAN COOKSON TRAFFIC UPDATE With just two days left to go, the world’s best and most celebrated he course is ready, com- cyclists are descending on Doha for one of the major highlights of petitors are fl ying in, and the cycling season — the UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016. battle lines have been Qatar is set to be on centre stage for the sports world, with more drawn for the Middle than 500mn viewers expected to watch the championships. This TEast’s fi rst-ever UCI Road World event further showcases Qatar by becoming the first country in the Championships. Arabian Gulf to host the UCI Road World Championships. In just four days, almost 1,000 With the prestigious sporting event from 9-16th October, tomorrow riders from 75 countries will de- morning sees the Time Trial Training, running from 10:00am to scend on Doha to try and earn 1:00pm. With the starting point at Lusail Shooting Complex, cyclists bragging rights for an entire year. will participate in the time trials towards the finish line at The Union Cycliste Internationale Pearl-Qatar. (UCI) president Brian Cookson is The time trial training event sees temporary road closures across eagerly looking forward to the start Viva Bahriya, Porto Arabia and Medina Centrale, with roads closing at of the festival of cycling in Doha. 9:00am and re-opening at 1:30pm. “From our earlier experiences With traff ic closures being implemented at The Pearl-Qatar, alterna- of the annual Tour of Qatar, we tive transportations facilities are being provided to residents of the know that the competition in island, including water shuttles and shuttle buses. With water shuttle Doha is going to be quite strong. services running 8:00am – 3:30pm, departing every 20 minutes, The wind is likely to play a major residents shall have the option of travelling from Porto Arabia and role in the outcome of each race. Viva Bahriya to Katara Cultural Village and vice-versa. I’m absolutely certain about see- Shuttle bus services, running 8:00am – 3:30pm, depart every 10 ing some highly exciting races.” minutes from Medina Centrale to Katara Cultural Village/Doha Exhibi- “Doha’s organisational skills tion Center (DEC) and vice-versa. Both services are free of charge. are well known and I feel they Residents and visitors will also have the option of being transported will set new benchmarks for fu- within The Pearl-Qatar on golf carts. Tomorrow will be highlighted ture hosts. I simply cannot wait with the opening ceremony and time trials. for the UCI Road World Cham- pionships Doha 2016 to begin,” A complete list of events and race-related transportation and added the top offi cial. closures follows: Cookson, who served as presi- 7:00am: The Hub opens (an exclusive lounge to residents of The dent of British Cycling from 1997 Pearl-Qatar) to 2013 before taking charge of 8:00am: Shuttle bus service begins the world body, was impressed 8:00am: Water taxi service begins with the level of interest cycling 9:00am: UCI RWC circuit road closure has generated in the region. 10:00am: Time Trial Training begins from Lusail (Please join us! Entry “Over the last two years, cy- is free for everyone.) cling has made quite an impact 1:00pm: Time Trial Training ends at The Pearl-Qatar (Please join us! in the Gulf. I am not just talk- Entry is free for everyone.) ing about governments, but also 1:30pm: UCI RWC circuit roads re-open at The Pearl-Qatar spectators. You may think that the 3:30pm: Shuttle bus service ends Middle East’s hot and humid cli- 3:30pm: Water taxi service ends mate is not conducive for cycling, 5:13pm: Sunset but people always fi nd a way to be 6:00pm: The Hub closes there. That is amazing,” he said. 7:30pm: Opening Ceremony (invite only – Qatar Foundation; live on Cookson had no hesitation Facebook.com/UCIDoha2016) in spelling out the races he was Stay tuned to www.dohacycling2016.com/traff ic and monitor hash- looking forward to in Doha. tag: #QATraff ic for road closure and other transportation-related infor- “The elite races for men and “These races are not going will make the races quite inter- Next year, the Tour of Qatar will cles on a daily basis. The same is mation. The off icial hashtag for the championships is: UCIDoha2016. women are the UCI Road World to be a walk in the park. Cy- esting,” he added. be raced as a World Tour event.” the case with Switzerland, where Championships’ blue ribbon clists will have to fi ght hard for Cookson felt that the tradi- Cookson said he was proud I’m currently based. events. They will undoubtedly victory.” tionally European sport was about how the sport had grown “People have woken up to the be the most exciting events in Cookson, a former rider who gradually making inroads into in the public sphere in recent health benefi ts of cycling as rid- Doha. tried his hand at road racing, other parts of the world. years. ing a bicycle to work helps cut “In our sport, there is an old track, cyclo-cross and MTB, be- “We are keen to take cycling “We’ve witnessed a tremen- your spending on fuel. People saying that ‘it is the riders who lieved that the Doha conditions to new areas of the world. I am dous change in fortunes for our are wholeheartedly embracing make the race.’ In Doha too, will make the races diffi cult: hoping this will be the fi rst of sport in the last two decades. I the new culture of healthy liv- they will decide how hard to go, “You don’t need a tall moun- many World Championships to come from the UK where cycling ing,” he said. whether to force the pace into tain to organise a hard race. The come to the Middle East. More activity used to be moderate. But The UCI Road World Cham- the wind, how to tackle cross- wind, heat, terrain and twisting and more tour events are now all that has changed now. More pionships Doha 2016 commence winds and so on. nature of the Pearl-Qatar circuit being organised in the GCC. people than ever are riding bicy- on October 9.

RALLY OF MOROCCO Abdulla slips to second place aft er stage four

Agencies Saeidan crossed the fi nish line Erfoud, Morocco in a time of 4hr 29min 39sec to Adel Hussein Abdulla in action during the secure the T2 lead, Frenchman fourth stage of the OiLibya Rally of Morocco. Nicolas Falloux was second and issan’s Adel Hussein Qatar’s Mohamed al-Harqan Abdulla has it all to do was third. Adel Hussein reached over today’s fi nal spe- the stage fi nish in fourth in 4hr cial stage if he has to 45min 02sec. Nclinch victory in the FIA T2 cat- “One stage to go now,” said egory at the 2016 OiLibya Rally Adel Hussein. of Morocco. “The stage today was actu- The Qatari, driving a Nissan ally better for me than the one Patrol with support from Nissan yesterday. I wasn’t feeling com- Middle East, Nissan Qatar and fortable during the fi rst 100km, the Qatar Motor and Motorcy- especially with the dampers, cle Federation (QMMF), ceded which are nearly standard. I lost his overnight lead to arch rival a lot of time in those early kilo- Yasir Saeidan on the demanding metres and then I came close to loop stage through the Moroccan the dunes and it was better. To- deserts around the town of Er- morrow is a new day and the last foud and trails the series leader day of the rally. I will push right by 15min 30sec heading into the to the end to try and get back my fi nal day. fi rst position.” The rally concludes with a Saeidan crossed the fi nish punishing 230km selective sec- line in a time of 4hr 29min tion through the Erg Chebbi to- 39sec to secure the T2 lead, day morning that precedes the Frenchman Nicolas Falloux ceremonial fi nish in Erfoud to- was second. day afternoon.

The Qatari led the category for Positions after leg 4 Series Production Cross-Country (T2 class — unoff icial): Vehicles at the eighth round of the 1. Yasir Saeidan (SAU)/Alexei FIA World Cup for Cross-Coun- Kuzmich (RUS) Toyota Land try Rallies by 2min 09sec at the Cruiser 200 14hr 23min 13sec start of the fourth stage – a 319km 2. Adel Hussein Abdulla (QAT)/ section that featured a wide vari- Sébastian Delaunay (FRA) Nis- ety of desert terrain to test man san Patrol 14hr 38min 43sec and machine to the limit. 3. Abdullah Saleh (SAU)/Michael But he and French naviga- Orr (GBR) Toyota Land Cruiser tor Sébastien Delaunay lost the 15hr 22min 09sec lead through the opening rocky 4. Nicolas Falloux (FRA)/Antonia kilometres to the fi rst passage de Roissard (FRA) Toyota Land control check point at 58km and Cruiser 16hr 24min 22sec were playing catch up for the rest 5. Mohammed al-Harqan (QAT)/ of the stage until they reached a Nasser al-Kuwari (QAT) Toyota series of dunes. Land Cruiser 16hr 26min 17sec.