Summer Heat a Major Issue for Tokyo 2020

SPORT Friday 30 November 2018 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 Nobody knows Olympic what to champion Le Clos expect from praises Aspire Woods Academy Summer heat a major issue for Tokyo 2020

AFP TOKYO IOC chief lauds Tokyo The possibility of extreme summer heat and typhoons in Tokyo is a “major issue” for the 2020 Olympics, a top official said yesterday, admitting Olympics reparations there would be a knock-on effect on the budget. Speaking to bosses from Olympic Com- REUTERS Minister Shinzo Abe, and Tokyo mittees around the world, Tokyo CEO Toshiro TOKYO 2020 offices and venues, Bach Muto said the Japanese capital had endured has lavished praise on the hosts “unprecedented heat weather and typhoons last The “diligent” preparations for of the next Summer Games that summer.” the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and start in July, 2020. “Tokyo 2020 considers those as major issues,” Paralympic Games are setting a With concerns over can- said Muto, adding that organisers and the Inter- fine example for future bids, didate cities for the 2026 Winter national Olympic Committee (IOC) were working according to International Olympics, the recent Russian together on ways to mitigate the impact on ath- Olympic Committee (IOC) Pres- doping scandal and a contro- letes and fans. ident Thomas Bach. versial election of a new chief IOC chief Thomas Bach said on Wednesday Speaking at the Association overseeing amateur boxing, Bach that medical experts were proposing measures to of National Olympic Committees will be pleased at the stability protect competitors and supporters throughout (ANOC) General Assembly in provided by Tokyo’s solid the Games. Tokyo on Thursday, Bach progress. Tokyo sweltered through a series of deadly praised his hosts following their During his presentation to the heatwaves last summer, raising concerns for the presentation to delegates. General Assembly, Tokyo 2020 wellbeing of athletes, especially competitors of “For everything, there are organising committee CEO endurance events such as the marathon and race solutions and there are solutions Toshiro Muto said the focus of the walking. already underway,” the German Games would be on a “soft When Japan last hosted the Olympics, in 1964, said during his keynote speech. legacy”. the Games were held in October to avoid the coun- “The facilities are ready or will “The 1964 Games (in Tokyo) try’s stifling summer humidity and heat. be ready in time. You will expe- transformed the city with new Muto said he would transmit weather data to rience great test events next year. infrastructure, such as the national Olympic Committees to help their ath- “Tokyo is really an example shinkansen (bullet train) and the letes prepare for the conditions they are likely to for a diligent preparation for an metropolitan expressway having face. Olympic Games and I would like boosted economic development Speaking to reporters afterwards, Muto to thank and to congratulate our in Japan,” he explained. H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee acknowledged that measures to beat the heat had friends from the Tokyo organ- “The Tokyo 2020 Games will (QOC), speaks with International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach during increased demands on the budget. The CEO also ising committee once more.” be long remembered as a cat- said that while the heat countermeasures could the General Assembly of The Association Of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), in During this week’s visit to alyst of the biggest social trans- boost the budget, Tokyo 2020 had been able to Tokyo, Japan yesterday. The largest-ever general assembly of the ANOC convened Japan, which included trips to formation for Tokyo and Japan make cuts in other areas. yesterday discuss matters relating to the 2020 Summer Olympics and the Paralympics. Fukushima with Japanese Prime in this era.” Warm welcome for award-winning Hassan AFC Player of the Year award winner Abdelkarim Hassan is greeted by the General Manager of the AL Sadd club, Turki Al Ali, upon his return from Muscat, Oman at the Hamad International Airport yesterday. Apart from Al Ali, a host of other officials and well- wishers were also there to welcome the inﬂuential Qatari left back. Qatar Manateq Baja: Stage set for Round 4

THE PENINSULA January 18 to 19. In the provi- some new faces like Al Attiyah DOHA sional list, Abdullah Al Raban and Mohannadi are taking part (Baja) and Mohammed Al Mannai in our Qatar Manateq Baja. It is The fourth round of the 2018 (Baja) will be battling for top good to see them exhibiting Qatar Manateq Baja series will be honours in the T1 class along with good driving skills in testing held tomorrow, organisers Sheikh Hamed. conditions,” QMMF President confirmed yesterday. In the T2 class, the battle for Abdulrahman Al Mannai said at Qatar Motor and Motorcycle victory will involve Mohamed the end of last round held in Federation (QMMF), organisers Hargan (Nissan Patrol), Jamal October. of the hugely popular series, said Fakhro (Nissan Patrol), Rashid Al “This a tough sport and it’s a strong field will be finalised by Mohannadi (Nissan Patrol) and expensive and sustainability is evening today. Mohammed Al Meer (Nissan always an issue. So I am glad to Sheikh Hamed Al Thani won Patrol). see drivers continuing a com- Round 3 with co-driver Feras Meanwhile also tomorrow peting,” he added. Allouh in their Nissan Patrol in Nayef Al Nasr (Can-am Maverick The final list of drivers will be the T1 class. A veteran in off-road X3), Mohammed Al Attiyah announced today 9:00pm at racing, Sheikh Hamed is set to tag (Can-am Maverick X3) and QMMF headquarters. The actual along with co-driver Nasser Al Abdulaziz Al Bshayer (Can-am race will commence at 10:25 am Mutari for Round 4. Maverick) will battle for honours tomorrow. The next round will be held in the T3 class. The prize distribution cer- from December 21 to 22. The sixth “We have a good mix of emony will take place by 4:00pm, and final round will be held from some experienced drivers and organisers said. FRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 17

Dortmund and Atletico Madrid AFC award a big achievement qualify with Schalke, Porto for Qatar football, says Hassan AFP PARIS

THE PENINSULA “I am very happy with this I dedicate this achievement to the Amir Borussia Dortmund, Atletico MUSCAT achievement because it has come at an Madrid, Schalke and Porto all important point in my career. H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the secured their tickets to the Asian Player of the Year award winner “I now return to Qatar as the second Personal Representative of the Amir H H Champions League last 16 on Abdelkarim Hassan is thrilled to have player to have won this prestigious Wednesday. been named the best player in the award,” the lanky Qatar national team Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to Dortmund earned their continent after a tireless year of key player added. the people of Qatar: Abdelkarim Hassan presence in the knockout performances. Hassan’s former Al Sadd team-mate stages in a goalless draw at The 25-year-old Al Sadd left-back on and national team striker Khalfan Ibrahim home to Club Brugge. Wednesday edged Kashima Antlers duo bagged the same trophy for his solid per- family, my club-mates and my coaches World Cup which will be held in our Atletico claimed a spot in Yuma Suzuki and Kento Misao to bag the formances in 2006. for helping me along in my journey,” he country,” Hassan said. the knock-out stages beating top Asian honour at a special gathering “I take this opportunity to thank my added. “As we continue to prepare a strong Monaco 2-0 thanks to first staged by AFC in the Omani capital. “You see this is a collective effort squad, I am sure football players in Qatar half efforts from Antoine “I aamm veryvery happyhappy andand proudpror udu becausebece aua see andaannd youyoou neednneed bothboth handshahandnds to clap,” he will also push themselves,” he added. Griezmann and Koke in it is a bibigg acachievementchievemmene t forfor QatarQQataar fofootball,”oootbaall,” said.ssaaidd. Hassan spoke highly of former team- Madrid on Wednesday. HassanHaassan saidsaiid afafterftet r receivingrer ceivvini g thtthee trophytrt opphhy “When““WWheh n I wawass nominatednonommina for this mate Nadir Belhadj who now plays for Porto and Schalke made fromfrfromom AFCAFCC PPresidentreressidentn SSheikhhheeikikh SSaSalmanlmmaan bbininn award,awwardd, I thoughtthoh ugghtht thatthat was a good Al Kharaitiyat. it through from Group D EbrahimEbraahihim AAll KKhalifa.hhaalliifaa. achievementachiieevvemmene t sincesisincnce I wawass uup against two “In my early days I was hugely before the Portugese side veryveverryy goodgooood players.ppllayyeerrs. ButButut nowno that I have impressed with the former Brazilian star beat their German visitors wonwwoon theththe awaaward,wara dd,, I wantwannt toto work harder Roberto Carlos, but honestly I think the 3-1 as Galatasary lost 2-0 to tot becomebeecomome a bbetteretttterer player,”plaay Hassan early success in my career came after Lokomotiv Moscow earlier said.saaidid. Nadir Belhadj returned from (Algeria’s in Russia. HassanHaHassssanan ssaidaaiid ththee awaawardwa is enough stint at) the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” Barcelona claimed top motivationmootitivvaatitionn ffororr hhimimim ttoo ggegetet better in the Hassan said. spot of Group B with a 2-1 comingccoomim ngg years,yeeaarss, eseespeciallyspeec with the “I thank him for his support because victory over a resilient PSV 202220202222 FFIFAIFI A WWoWorldr Cup set to he was a great influence on my person- Eindhoven as Lionel Messi bee hhostedosted in QQatar. ality and career. He helped me become scored and created a goal for “This“T“Thhis awarda is an stronger mentally,” Hassan said. Gerard Pique in the incentiveini cecentivive ffor me to give When asked if winning the award Netherlands. mym bbestesst in the coming would raise expectations at his club, On Tuesday reigning yearsyeeara s as I am just 25 Hassan said: “The pressure is always champions Real Madrid, now.nooww. I have to work there. We are human and if we can’t Manchester City, Bayern harderhah rdde and I am maintain our level of play, we feel Munich and Juventus readyrereaddy for it,” pressure. That’s life. Injuries also can qualified. HassanHass said. happen but if we are strong mentally, Manchester United, “This“ award then we can cope with the pressure.” Roma and Ajax also went alsoalso pushes me to Hassan said his early days spent through. preparepre well for Eupen, Belgium, helped him settle down In round six, played on thetht 2022 FIFA quickly when he entered Al Sadd. the week beginning December 10 Tottenham AFC Men’s Player of the Year Abdelkarim Hassan addressing the media during a Hotspur have to match Inter press conference after receiving his award at the 2018 Asian Football Confederation Milan’s result to claim second (AFC) Annual Awards Ceremony in Muscat on Wednesday. spot in Group B but face a trip to unbeaten Barcelona and Inter welcome PSV Eind- hoven to the San Siro. In Group C three clubs in Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool can still make Messi magic it through. Last year’s runners-up need to beat the Italians 1-0 seals Barca or by two clear goals at Anfield and all PSG have to do is claim a point away at victory at PSV Red Star Belgrade. Shakhtar Donetsk and REUTERS Lyon go head-to-head in EINDHOVEN Kharkiv but the Ukrainians have to overcome the visitors Lionel Messi scored an excellent indi- for the final spot from Group vidual goal and laid on another as F. Barcelona beat PSV Eindhoven 2-1 to secure top spot in Group B of the Cham- pions League on Wednesday. UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Messi provided an assist for defender Gerard Pique to score the second for the Wednesday’s results Spanish side, who have 13 points from GROUP A their five matches and an unassailable Atlético Madrid 2-0 Monaco lead at the top of the pool. PSV will finish Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Club Brugge bottom. Captain Luuk de Jong scored a late GROUP B consolation for the home side as they PSV Eindhoven 1-2 Barcelona matched Barcelona for much of the Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar (second, left) celebrates with French forward Kylian Mbappe (left) Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Inter Milan contest at the Philips Stadion, striking the and team-mates after scoring a goal during their UEFA Champions League Group C match against Liverpool FC at GROUP C woodwork three times in the first half the Parc des Princes Stadium, in Paris on Wednesday. Napoli 3-1 Red Star Belgrade alone and missing a number of other Paris Saint Germain 2-1 Liverpool chances. In a bright start, PSV forward Gaston GROUP D Pereiro latched onto a poor pass from Ivan Lokomotiv Moscow 2-0 Galatasaray Rakitic but his low drive came back off Neymar gets PSG back on track FC Porto 3-1 FC Schalke 04 the post, and minutes later he shot over the crossbar from five yards. PSV had some good fortune, too, STANDINGS though, as Barca had two efforts cleared as Liverpool face early CL exit off the line within the space of a minute, (Groups A-D) after Wednesday's matches with Arturo Vidal the unlucky player on TEAM P W D L POINTS both occasions. REUTERS away group defeat -- the first time they Mbappe then firing straight at the GROUP A PARIS His hooked effort from 12 yards was have lost all three group matches away Brazilian. Atletico Madrid 5 4 0 1 12 (Q) cleared by Pablo Rosario before Angelino from Anfield in the Champions League. Bernat then danced into the Liv- Borussia Dortmund 5 3 1 1 10 (Q) blocked the Chilean’s goal-bound header Paris St Germain revived their Cham- The result sees PSG leapfrog Liv- erpool box after pouncing on Virgil van Club Brugge 5 1 2 2 5 from the resulting corner. pions League (CL) campaign with a 2-1 erpool, with eight points to Liverpool’s Dijk’s poor clearance to break the Monaco 5 0 1 4 1 It was Barcelona thanking their lucky win over Liverpool in Group C on six, with Napoli top of the group on deadlock. stars just before halftime, though, when Wednesday, leaving the English club’s nine and everything still to play for in After Mbappe and Neymar com- GROUP B De Jong’s header from a free-kick came hopes of reaching the last 16 hanging the final round of matches. bined down the left, the Frenchman Barcelona 5 4 1 0 13 (Q) off the crossbar and the follow-up from in the balance. Liverpool head into the game squared for Edinson Cavani, whose Tottenham 5 2 1 27 close-range by Denzel Dumfries struck PSG set out like a team determined against Napoli at Anfield needing to effort was saved only for Neymar to Inter Milan 5 2 1 2 7 the post. finally to prove their credentials on win 1-0 or by two goals or more to convert the rebound, becoming the PSV Eindhoven 5 0 1 4 1 The visitors took the lead just past the the big European stage, and went in guarantee their spot in the knockout top-scoring Brazilian in Champions hour mark, thanks to a typical piece of front in the 13th minute through Juan stages, while PSG will go through with League history in the process. GROUP C Messi magic as he picked up the ball on Bernat, before Neymar made it 2-0 a win over Red Star Belgrade. After Milner got Liverpool back Napoli 5 2 3 0 9 the edge of the box and, ith four defenders eight minutes before halftime after a Desperate to make an impression into the game, the old PSG, who have Paris SG 5 2 2 1 8 around him, managed to drive forward lightning PSG counter-attack. on the European stage, having not suffered plenty of Champions League Liverpool 5 2 0 3 6 and provide a thunderous finish. Yet with the French champions in reached a Champions League semi- disappointments against high calibre Red Star Belgrade 5 1 1 3 4 It was 2-0 with 20 minutes remaining cruise control, Angel Di Maria need- final since 1995, PSG were handed a opposition, might have let the setback when the Argentine’s free kick was guided lessly brought down Sadio Mane to pre-match boost with both Neymar get into their heads. GROUP D into the PSV net by an unmarked Pique. concede a penalty, which James Milner and Kylian Mbappe passed fit to play. Yet they stood firm as Liverpool Porto 5 4 1 0 13 (Q) De Jong set up a frenetic finish with converted in first-half stoppage time, The duo caused the Liverpool pressed after the break and came Schalke 5 2 2 1 8 (Q) his headed goal but Barcelona were able to give Liverpool hope. backline plenty of problems from the closest to scoring again, when a bullet Galatasaray 5 1 1 3 4 to hold on under heavy home pressure. The visitors could not find an start, with goalkeeper Alisson forced header from Marquinhos was bril- Lokomotiv Moscow 5 1 0 4 3 equaliser, though, slipping to a third into a smart save to deny Di Maria and liantly saved by Alisson. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2018 Nobody knows what to expect from Woods

AP champion who NASSAU ‘Exhausted’ Tiger to adjust returned to No. 1 in the Tiger Woods reacts to his world this week, along putt on the 14th green during Justin Thomas is paired with Tiger schedule after hectic season with Jordan Spieth, The Match: Tiger vs Phil golf Woods in the Hero World Chal- who got married over match at Shadow Creek Golf lenge for the second straight year, REUTERS the weekend in Texas. Course in this November 23, and just like last time, he has an NASSAU Francesco 2018, ﬁle photo. idea what to expect from him. Molinari, the British By now, so does everyone Tiger Woods plans to modify his tournament schedule next year Open champion and else. after admitting being exhausted during a busy close to his Ryder Cup star, also Woods was a mystery a year comeback season following injury. chose to take this year ago. He was No. 1,199 in the world The 14-times major winner enjoyed a strong finish on his off, leaving Masters ranking when he returned from return to golf following spinal-fusion surgery in 2017, playing in champion Patrick a fourth back surgery, having 18 PGA Tour events -- the most he has been involved in since Reed as the only competed in only one PGA Tour 2012. major champion in event since August 2015. Thomas But he admitted it was a mistake to take on such a heavy the field. had played golf with him at home schedule, participating in seven events in the final nine weeks. The unofficial in Florida and thought he looked “I was not physically prepared to play that much golf at the event offers world great, a tough sell to those who end of the year,” Woods said ahead of this week’s Hero World ranking points, which hadn’t seen Woods. Challenge in the Bahamas, an event he hosts. matters most to Justin “The consistency wasn’t “It was just hard for me to maintain my strength and my Rose because he has a there,” Thomas said yestersday weight through all that. I tend to lose a lot of weight when I play. chance to return to after his pro-am round at Albany I was exhausted by the time I got to the Ryder Cup. I was worn No. 1 in his see-saw Golf Club. “But the great shots - out mentally, physically, emotionally.” battle with Koepka. the ones that made you stop and Woods, who turns 43 on December 30, is no longer able to The winner gets $1m think a second - were. The more train like he did in his prime, and the hectic end to the season - everyone in the field we played, the more we saw it. I ultimately took its toll. earned at least $2.6m wasn’t going to say anything Still, Woods was able to produce good enough form to triumph on the PGA Tour this because you don’t know what’s at the season-ending Tour Championship and cap a stretch in season. going to happen and how he’s which he posted five top-10 finishes over eight tournaments. For Woods, it’s a going to feel. But I thought if he “I played all my good tournaments when I had time off and chance to build on stays healthy, I think he’s going I felt rested,” said the former world number one. momentum going into to win this year. “If I didn’t feel rested, I didn’t play well. Maybe that’s just 2019. “First off, it’s him. You always being a little bit older, but I think it’s important, and playing seven “A guy like Tiger, feel like he’s going to do what of the last nine last (season) was too much. I have to make sure just give him a speck of confi- back here a year ago,” Stenson in France. people don’t expect, because that doesn’t happen again.” dence or a speck of just feeling said. “I thought he was going after That was one week after his that’s what he loves to do.” Woods, whose tally of 14 major championships is second good, anything can happen,” said the ball very strongly and he hit emotional win at the Tour Cham- There are no surprises this only to the 18 held by Jack Nicklaus, may play fewer tournaments Keegan Bradley, a late entry at the it a long, long way. I didn’t really pionship, and he says he was year. next season but he is hopeful that will allow him to be nothing Bahamas when Tommy imagine him being able to go flat drained. Woods now is No. 13 in the short of his best whenever he plays. Fleetwood withdrew. out like I thought he was at that This season, the FedEx Cup world as he hosts this holiday “Being physically in better shape going into next season is “You can see that with Tiger, point. He was obviously ready to playoffs eliminated one tour- tournament for the 20th time. It’s very important in being able to handle the condensed schedule where he’s just such a good play and ready to go after it at full nament, and the Presidents Cup his first 72-hole tournament since and all the big events we play every month,” said Woods. player. speed.” is not until December. The biggest he ended his remarkable “There’s literally a big event every single month, so physi- “He’s going to get some Woods hasn’t figured out his stretch he would face is the British comeback by winning the Tour cally I’ve got to be in better shape than I was last year.” momentum and he’ll do great.” schedule for next year, only that Open and a World Golf Champi- Championship in late September The Hero World Challenge, which benefits Woods’ foun- Henrik Stenson was among he’s thankful he won’t have to onship, a week off, and then three for his 80th career PGA Tour dation, features an elite field of 18 top-ranked golfers, including those who hadn’t seen Woods in play as much at the end of the FedEx Cup playoff events. He victory. four of the top five players in the world, at the Albany course on nearly a year when he arrived at season like he did this year. ended a busy stretch last year by He twice contended at the island of New Providence. the World Challenge last year. Because he was a late qual- winning at East Lake, so he knows majors, taking a brief lead Sunday They were paired in the second ifier for a World Golf Champi- physically he’s up for it. in the British Open and chal- round, and Woods was hitting his onship at Firestone, Woods “Now it’s just about man- lenging Brooks Koepka to the end I was at this point last year and It’s another strong field at Albany drives alongside and often past wound up playing seven times in aging and making sure I’m fresh at the PGA Championship. “Just (before) that point, I think what with six of the top 10 in the world the Swede. nine weeks, all of them big events for events,” Woods said, being able to win a golf tour- I’ve accomplished this year has among the 18 players. Missing is “I thought he was having a lot in hot weather, ending with the “because I know I can win tournament again, considering where been pretty special,” Woods said. Koepka, the US Open and PGA of speed when I saw him coming super-intense Ryder Cup matches naments again.”

India’s batsman Virat Kohli plays a shot on the second day of the tour match War of words: Clarke slams against Cricket Australia XI at the SCG in Sydney yesterday. ‘headline-chasing coward’

SYDNEY leadership, my integrity” were attacked, insisting AFP his conduct as an honest and rules-based captain had never been questioned. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has “For Gerard Whateley to insinuate that I am angrily rejected suggestions he helped create a responsible for the ball-tampering issue makes culture that led to the ball-tampering scandal, him nothing more than a headline-chasing slamming a leading broadcaster as a “headline- coward,” Clarke wrote. chasing coward”. “If you think that the current No.1 team in the The war of words stems from comments world in cricket right now puts being liked as of Clarke made on Wednesday criticising attempts higher importance than being respected and to improve the cricket team’s image in the wake playing to win inside the rules of our game than of the cheating row in South Africa this year, insisting they “won’t win a game” without their A ﬁle photo of infamous abrasive attitude. Michael Clarke “Australian cricket, I think, needs to stop wor- posted by the rying about being liked and start worrying about former skipper being respected,” he told commercial radio. on his official “Play tough Australian cricket. Whether we Twitter handle like it or not, that’s in our blood.” @MClarke23. Long-time Clarke rival Simon Katich blasted him for “once again... missing the point”, saying the team were caught “blatantly cheating” and Five Indian players Teen Australian that “our behaviour is a big part of that”. Current skipper Tim Paine, who has advo- score half-centuries sensation strikes cated a more nice-guy approach, also weighed in, saying the team’s friendlier way of playing was you’re as delirious as you are ill-informed.” in tour match once again not so much about being liked, but knowing when The cheating scandal involved Australian to ease up on the aggression. players using sandpaper to alter the flight of the But it was the reaction from Melbourne-based ball in a Test match against South Africa last March AP AFP sports broadcaster and writer Gerard Whateley in Cape Town. SYDNEY SYDNEY that sparked a scathing Instagram response from Coach Darren Lehmann quit in the wake of Clarke late Wednesday. the controversy and then-captain Steve Smith, Five players scored half-centuries for India as the Australian teenager Aaron Hardie snared the “Clarke’s interpretation of the predicament deputy David Warner and batsman Cameron Ban- tourists finally got their scheduled four-day match wicket of India captain Virat Kohli yesterday, the Australian men’s Test team finds itself in is croft received lengthy bans. under way yesterday after rain washed out play on his latest high-profile victim after dismissing breathtaking,” said Whateley. The affair also claimed the scalps of Cricket the first day. England skipper Joe Root in a similar “That he would continue to rely on the line -- Australia chief executive James Sutherland and India made 358 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, warm-up match last year. the fiction his and subsequent teams used to chairman David Peever. while a Cricket Australia XI was 24 without loss in The 19-year-old paceman had Kohli excuse all manner of boorish behaviour -- might The Australians have endured a dire run of reply late yesterday. caught and bowled for 64 as the tourists pre- be the single greatest piece of nonsense over the form since losing 17 matches out of 24 in all Prithvi Shaw top-scored for India with 66 while pared for next week’s opening Test by scoring past nine months.” formats, ahead of a home Test series against top- captain Virat Kohli added 64. 358 all out against a Cricket Australia XI on Clarke said he would not stand by while “my ranked India starting on December 6. The 19-year-old Shaw scored a century on Test day two of the four-day match. debut last month and is expected to open the batting Hardie, who ended with 4-50 off 13 overs, at Adelaide Oval next week in the first Test against is one of Western Australia’s most exciting I’m deeply saddened and hurt by the aspersions Australia. The right-hander stroked 11 boundaries. prospects, having captained the state at cast on me, my commitment to the game and 20 CA XI captain Sam Whiteman won the toss and under-17 and under-19 level, and earned a decided to bowl. rookie contract for 2018-19. years of playing for my country. The hard work, The match was only originally scheduled for three After torrential rain scuppered the Mithali Raj denies sweat, in vain. Today, my patriotism doubted, my days before Cricket Australia (CA) agreed to add opening day of play at the Sydney Cricket she threatened to Wednesday’s earlier start at India’s request. Ground on Wednesday, India were keen to quit after being skill set questioned and all the mud slinging -- it’s The first of the four-Test series begins December get in the middle for some batting practice in dropped at T20 WC. the darkest day of my life.” 6 in Adelaide. The teams play the final Test beginning their only game ahead of the four-Test series. January 3 at the SCG, with others at Perth and Mel- The CA XI were on 24 without loss at bourne in between. stumps. FRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 19

South African Olympic champion Chad Le Clos taking a photograph of the Aspire facilities. Swimming sensation Le Clos praises Aspire Academy

Qatar’s Ahmed Tijan Janko (right) THE PENINSULA scores a point against Australia’s DOHA Christopher McHugh and Zachery Schubert, during the quarter-ﬁnal of the AVC Aspire Beach Volleyball South African swimmer and 2012 Olympic champion Qatar Master 2018 yesterday. Chad Le Clos is currently in Doha to prepare for the PICTURES: SYED OMAR upcoming 14th FINA World Swimming Championships taking place in Hangzhou, China from December 11–16, 2018. While using Aspire Zone’s five-star swimming facilities at Hamad Aquatic Center and Aspire Academy, he also used the opportunity to take a guided tour of the Qatar Master: Cherif, Tijan reach Academy on Wednesday. What the 26-year-old athlete, who holds 13 World Championships semi-finals after Aussie thriller gold medals in 50m, It’s just phenomenal. For 100m and 200m but- me it’s the best facility terfly, saw, truly I’ve ever seen. I think the FAWAD HUSSAIN Kazakhstan’s Alexey impressed him. whole Aspire Academy is THE PENINSULA Sidorenko and Alexander “I have been coming a great concept to give Dyachenko also reached the semi- to Qatar for many, many kids the opportunity to Defending champions Cherif finals with a 23-21 and 21-19 win years now. To be honest, learn, to recover, to train, Younousse and Ahmed Tijan over Iran’s Mirza Ali and Rahman I only saw half, or maybe to study everything under Janko held their nerves to pull off Raofi in the other quarter-final. a quarter of Aspire one roof, where everything can be really done a nail-biting 2-1 victory over They will meet Australia’s second Academy back in 2014, efficiently. So, for me I wish Australia’s Christopher McHugh seed Cole Durrant and Damien 2015. So today was the I had these opportunities and Zachery Schubert, and Schumann, who edged Oman’s first time I got the chance as a youngster. It’s a advance into the semi-final of Mazin and Nouh 2-1 with a 18-21, to see everything – phenomenal concept: Le Clos Asian Volleyball Confederation 21-14 and 15-7 score-line. including the recovery (AVC) Aspire Beach Volleyball Earlier, yesterday, Cherif and labs, the football centres, Qatar Master 2018. Taijan continued their perfect the school, the library. It’s just phenomenal. For me it’s In yesterday’s first quarter-final run in the first phase of the tour- the best facility I’ve ever seen. I think the whole Aspire which turned out to be the most nament by outclassing Oman’s Academy is a great concept to give kids the opportunity thrilling contest of the 16-team Ali Al Shibli and Hood Al Jalabhu to learn, to recover, to train, to study everything under event at Aspire Park so far, the top 21-11 and 21-9 in their final Pool one roof, where everything can be really done effi- seeded Qatari duo had to win tie- A match. The Qatar stars ciently. So, for me I wish I had these opportunities as a breaker to secure a 23-21 victory defeated Thailand and Japan in youngster. It’s a phenomenal concept,” the global in the decisive game after the their first two matches on the swimming sensation added. match was levelled at 1-1. opening day. He also had the opportunity to meet Aspire Academy The star Qatari duo went into Australia’s Durant and swimmers during the tour and they used the oppor- the match as hot favourites and Cherif Younousse (left) and Ahmed Tijan Janko celebrate Schumann also notched victory in tunity to ask him about his secret of success. they looked on track after after scoring during their quarter-ﬁnal match yesterday. their final Pool B match with a “I think my goal was always very simple. As a kid winning the first game 21-17, 21-9, 21-7 rout over Qatar’s Nasser I wanted to be the best that I could be. My dad taught before the third seeded Aussies, Ahmed Al Meer and Hamad Al me never to give up on my dreams and never listen to led by fiery McHugh gave them a “We were expecting a close Cherif said Qatar will continue Kuwari. Aussies Mchugh and naysayers that want to bring you down, because in life run for money. With McHugh battle and we were ready for it,” to give their best in the finals. Schubert also culminated their you would have a lot of people that are jealous of you taking points off an aggressive said a jubilant Tijan after winning “Both the matches are must- Pool C campaign on winning note and of this opportunity. Just go out there, have fun and display, the Australians edged the the quarter-final that lasted for win, obviously, if we want to as they eased past Qatar’s Assam be the best that you can be. At the end of the day, if you hosts 21-19 in the second game to 60 minutes. retain the title. We are 100 Mahmoud and Tamer Abdelrasoul can give 100 percent, you know whatever result comes, force the decider. “I am very happy with the win percent confident, but you never 21-17, 21-14 in 35 minutes. you can be proud of yourself,” Le Closs said, The final game went down to and it doesn’t matter who we will know, we will just try to keep the Oman’s Mazin and Nouh Besides preparing for the upcoming FINA World wire and when the scores reached play in the semi-final. We are just same level as usual, and will try emerged as winner in longest Swimming Championships in China, the 2020 Summer 13-13, it seemed to be anybody’s focusing to win the next two to play our best game,” he added. match of the first round clash as Olympics in Tokyo are one of the big goals for the three- match. The seasaw battle con- matches and clinch the title, irre- “We know everybody is tar- they defeated Japan’s Takahash time Commonwealth Games winner. tinued till 21-21 with Cherif and spective of the opponents,” he geting us after we have won two Takumi and Yoshiumi Hasegawa “I know that when I go to the next Olympic Games McHugh competing evenly for added. major tournaments in Asia, and 21 (21-14, 25-27, 12-15) in 47 I leave no stone unturned. That’s why I am coming here points, involving tense rallies. But The Qatari duo will take on we are trying not to give any minutes. to Aspire Academy, training here, training around the lanky Cherif had the last laugh as Japan’s Yuya Ageba and Gottsu chance to our opponents in the In final Pool D match yes- world at great facilities. I know that I have given myself he struck the last two winning Ishijma in the semi-final. The Jap- knock-out stage,” said the Qatari terday, Iran’s Vakili and Salemi the best opportunity. Winning, of course, is the most points with a deadly drop shot anese pair defeated Iran’s Arash star, who led the team to Asian rallied to beat New Zealand’s important thing for me, but if I come second or fourth and a clinical block to take Qatar Vakili and Bahman Miinjehbo Beach Volleyball Championship Nicklin Alania and Hartles Thomas or tenth, I know that I have given my best and I can through with a 21-17, 19-21 and 21-17 and 21-11 in the other and the Asian Games triumphs with a 17-21, 21-15, 15-12 sleep well at night,” he said. 23-21 score-line. quarter-final. this year. score-line. QMA welcomes a new generation of young riders

THE PENINSULA Khalid Al Remaihi, LCSC General DOHA Manager and Vice-President, Richard Tremere, Head of Devel- More than 200 children took part opment Program at Aspire in the activities of the Family Academy, and José Luis Cardoso, Open Day program at Qatar Head of QMA, before heading to Motorsport Academy (QMA) the practical sessions. Young riders take recently. There is a specific criteria part in the activities Last month, Losail Circuit which the children need to fit in during the Family Sports Club (LCSC), Dorna Sports order for them to be accepted Open Day program SL and Aspire Academy joined so after the final selection, the at Qatar Motorsport forces and launched the QMA more capable will be chosen to Academy (QMA) which gives young riders enter the QMA. This will give the recently. between the ages of 8 and 16 coaches more opportunity to years, the opportunity to learn focus individually on the riders from the experts, improve their and to let them progress at a with the response we have Cardoso said: “I am very Qatari rider Saeed Al Sulaiti, skills and abilities, and work their steadier pace and at a more received, with more than 200 happy to see many kids at the one of the QMA coach said: I’m way to becoming a world advanced level. children pre-registering for beginning of our Academy. It has very happy because we’ve been champion. Al Remaihi said: “We are Academy. The Academy capacity been a few months of hard work, waiting for an academy like this Registrants were made up very happy to kick-start the Qatar is less than this number and we enthusiasm and desire to see our for a long time. Having partners of 17% Qatari children and there Motorsports Academy activities. will have to carefully choose who goals fulfilled. The participation like Dorna and Aspire is a guar- were a total of 25 nationalities We have worked very hard, with stays with the Academy. It is of our riders has been incredible antee for all of us and this great represented among all the the help of Dorna Sports SL and really nice to see the excitement and I am sure that we will enjoy project. I did not expect to have children. Aspire Academy, to make this of all the children that joined us passing our experience on to the so much demand from the The briefing that took place project a reality.” today and amazing to share this kids. Thanks to all the team for beginning so I am very happy after registration was given by He added: “We are delighted experience with all of them.” the great work done.” about it.”