FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 TENNIS | Page 5 Shahania Sania hits 80th aiming for a straight week To Advertise here strong show as doubles Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 vs Gharafa world No. 1

Thursday, October 20, 2016 CRICKET Muharram 19, 1438 AH England captain Cook GULF TIMES admits to wrench of leaving family SPORT Page 11 FOCUS Qatar’s al-Hitmi Aft er UCI Worlds, a league retains FIG Executive Committee to boost cycling in Qatar post Agencies Royal Air Maroc Cycling League will have points-based system across categories Tokyo

By Yash Mudgal atar Gymnastics Federation Doha (QGF) president Ali al-Hitmi Qhas retained his post as one of the seven members of the FIG atar cycling afi cionados can Executive Committee. now test themselves in a Al-Hitmi is now set to begin his sec- competitive race in a brand ond term as an Executive Commit- new cycling league, which tee member after election results beginsQ tomorrow. were announced by FIG, the world On the back of recently-concluded governing body, here yesterday. UCI World Road Race Championship, A total of 17 members contested Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF) and its the elections for seven seats. Al- volunteer branch Qatar Chain Reac- Hitmi received 60 votes to retain tion (QCR), in association with Qatar his place on the highly influential Cyclists, will start a fi ve-month long committee. Royal Air Maroc Cycling League from “It is a huge honour for me. Yes, Al Thakhira Centre with 150 riders. I am very pleased that a large QCF secretary general Ahmed al- number of members showed Hemaidi said he was pleased with the confidence in me and voted for my start of the local league. success,” al-Hitmi said in a state- “Cycling has reached new heights of ment released by QGF. popularity in Qatar thanks to the UCI “I take this opportunity to thank Road World Championships Doha 2016. HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- We are delighted to announce the new mad al-Thani and HE Sheikh Joaan league for the local people and I’m hope- bin Hamad al-Thani, the president ful it’ll grow even more in the coming of the Qatar Olympic Committee years,” al-Hemaidi said, while address- (QOC). I also thank Dr Thani al-Ku- ing a press conference yesterday. wari, the secretary general of QOC, “The Qatar Cycling Federation is for the support I was extended to delighted to have the support of Royal promote the sport of gymnastics Air Maroc, whose generosity further in Qatar and the region,” he said in propels cycle racing in Qatar forward,” Dr Abdulaziz al-Kuwari of Qatar Cyclists (left), Royal Air Marco’s Saeed al-Hajri (second from left), Qatar Cycling Federation secretary general Ahmed al-Hemaidi his statement. he said. (centre), QCF technical secretary Andrej Fillip (second from right) and QCR chairman Ben Keane (right) at the press conference announcing Royal Air Marco Cycling “I will continue to work hard so Qatar Cycling Federation technical League yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram that we may win greater laurels secretary Andrej Fillip was enthusias- for Qatar in sports. I am willing to tic about the league and said that the the sport. All these are signs that cy- he is hopeful the new league will bring count towards the grand prize for the C’ship from Lusail QCF Technical Zone work tirelessly to promote gym- new league, which will run till April, is cling in Qatar is maturing,” he said. more riders into competitive cycling. series winners. The current points November 25: Al Shamal Road Race nastics around the world,” he said. the next “natural step’ for the evolu- Talking about the ever-growing “At the moment the cycling scene is leaders in each category will have the from Al Shamal Sports Club Two years ago, Doha was awarded tion of cycling in Qatar”. domestic cycling season, Fillip said it on the rise and we have a large number honour of wearing the scarlet jersey. Januray 6, 2017: Raseen Sports Time the rights to host the 2018 Artistic “Although we have conducted so would be “busier than ever”. of riders for the league,” he said. Royal Air Maroc’s Saeed al-Hajri trial from Raff a Street Gymnastics World Championships. many races in the past, we could never “This year, at least 25 races are sched- “We have 150 riders registered for and Dr Abdulaziz al-Kuwari of Qatar January 20: Dukhan Road Race from do a systematic league competition. It uled till the end of April 2017. There will the fi rst race and have closed the regis- Cyclists were also present during press Dukhan Beach Executive Committee members: will change this Friday with the start of be 10 races in the league competition tration process as it is diffi cult to man- conference yesterday. February 24: Al Thakhira Centre Road Ali al-Hitmi (QAT) the Royal Air Maroc Cycling League,” and we will have at least 10 participating age more riders for the inaugural race,” Race from Al Thakhira-Ras Laff an Jesus Carballo Martinez (ESP) Fillip said. teams. I’m confi dent the new league will Keane said. THE RACE SCHEDULE (provisional) March 17: Al Khor Road Race from Al Ron Galimore (USA) “Earlier, cycling in Qatar used to be a be a huge success,” Fillip said. The races have diff erent categories October 21: Al Thakhira Centre Road Khor Cornich Youssef Altabbaa (SYR) sport based purely on individuals’ love One of the organisers behind the including two for women. Race from Al Thakhira-Ras Laff an March 31: Dukhan Road Race from Jani Tanskanen (FIN) and dedication to it. However lately, league, QCR chairman Ben Keane said In addition to providing prizes for November 11: National Time Trial from Dukhan Beach Martin Reddin (GBR) more teams have started coming in. while the cycling scene had already each road race and time trial through Lusail QCF Technical Zone April 14: Final Race (Time Trial) from Kim Dong Min (KOR) Now, there is now more investment in been growing in Qatar in recent years, the season, points accumulated will November 12: National Road Race Lusail QCF Technical Zone

AFC U-19 CHAMPIONSHIP With qualifi cation at stake, Qatar take on Japan today

AFC cisive so I need to decide which are the Manama best eleven players for my team, taking into consideration the conditions and fatigue. I am open to changing some atar coach Oscar Moreno is players”. gearing up for what promises Today’s simultaneous kickoff , Iran to be an intriguing encounter take on Yemen, who have nothing to play against Group C joint-leaders for but pride following their elimination QJapan in their AFC U-19 Championship on Monday. Bahrain 2016 match today. Amir Peiravani’s men are still in con- Although the defending champions tention, but know that only a win will are unbeaten in this year’s tournament do after two consecutive draws against so far, just like their next opponents, leaders Qatar and Japan. Moreno is keen to avoid any slip ups go- “The match between us and Yemen is ing into the fi nal group game at Bahrain a new start,” said the Iran coach. National Stadium. fortable on the pitch and make sure they “I don’t want to think about Japan Qatar drew 1-1 with the Islamic Re- don’t have as much possession as they’d anymore now that match is fi nished. public of Iran in their opening match, like. My players will just concentrate on this following it up with a late Abdulrash- “It will be a nice game despite the match with Yemen and hope to win and eed Umaru winner to beat Yemen 1-0 on pressure because both teams are playing qualify.” Monday despite struggling to fi nish off for qualifi cation”. Opponents Yemen impressed on chances throughout the game. Meanwhile, Japan, who have fi nished Monday against Qatar but came away “I’m not happy with the effi ciency runners-up on six diff erent occasions empty-handed after conceding a late from our attackers but the important but have never won the tournament, are goal. thing is that we are creating chances,” keen to recover from a gritty goalless Coach Mohamed al-Nufi ay is proud said Moreno. draw against the Iran on Monday. of his charges and hopes they will fi nally “I fully trust our three strikers, Ab- “Of course we wanted to win and get open their account against Iran after dulrasheed, Hassan (Ahmad) Palang and three points against Iran but we’re okay failing to register any goals in the losses Sayed (Issa) and if they keep on working, with a draw” said coach Atsushi Uchi- to Japan and Qatar. the goals will come. yama. “I’m proud that my team is one of the “Japan are a diff erent opponent to the “We knew it was going to be a tough 16 best teams in Asia,” said the Yemen teams we’ve faced so far, they have an- game but before the tournament began, coach. other style of play that makes their sen- I was predicting that we would need to “Hopefully they will score and get a ior team one of the favourites to win the play all three games to decide who would goal tomorrow. I know they will perform Asian Cup. qualify from this group. even better than they have in our previ- Qatar players warm up during a training session on the eve of their AFC U-19 Championship match against Japan in “We will try to make them uncom- “This game against Qatar will be de- ous two games.” Bahrain yesterday. PICTURES: Fadi al-Assaad Gulf Times 2 Thursday, October 20, 2016 FOOTBALL

QATAR STARS LEAGUE / PREVIEW AIM In-form striker Mubele wants derby Shahania aiming victory for Al Ahli for a strong show against Gharafa ‘I respect all opponents and Al Gharafa is a strong team. To do what they did with the File picture of Al Ahli striker Mubele (R) in action during a QSL match. players they have is amazing. But we will go into this match looking for three points’ By Sports Reporter by two distinguished coaches, Doha so on paper it looks like an even game. However we have a strong team ethic here at Ahli and this l Ahli striker Firm- will push the tie in our favour.” ing Mubele expects a Mubele also refl ected on the tough clash against lo- last match against Al Wakrah in cal rivals Al Arabi in the which his side came back from fourthA round of QSL action to- behind to draw as a wasted oppor- morrow evening at Al Arabi sta- tunity. “After dropping points to dium. QSL online caught up with Wakrah we are disappointed with the D.R Congo international to ourselves as we targeted the win. get his thoughts on the big derby. However we must now focus on Mubele opened up the con- the game against Arabi and make versation admitting that the up- up those lost points.” coming match will be a tough test “I have been trying to score for Al Ahli. “The match against a goal like that for the last few Al Arabi will be diffi cult. How- weeks now, I am just glad it came ever we are aiming to win after off and that I can help Al Ahli dropping points against Al Sadd achieve their goals this season” and Al Wakrah.” explained Mubele on his outra- “It’s a special game for the geous overhead kick equalizer club, games against Al Arabi are against Al Wakrah. always special and last season we Ending up the interview, played well against them. I hope Mubele stressed that the Al Ahli that we get the victory, it’s al- squad is progressing well and fo- ways good to get a win over local cused on their end of season tar- rivals” noted Mubele when asked gets. “We have started positively about the importance of the Fri- this season; the atmosphere un- day evening clash. der the new coach is good. Our The D.R Congo international target is a top four fi nish, and I also believes his side has the believe that it is realistic for this quality to just edge out Al Arabi group. Now the hard work begins in the match. “Both teams have and hopefully we can show this strong players and are managed with a big win against Al Arabi.”

Coaches during the pre-match press conference. (L-R) Shahania’s Jose Fernando, Gharafa’s Pedro Caixinha, Khor’s Jean Fernandez and Kharaitiyat’s Amar Osim. AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE By Sports Reporter Fixtures Speaking about player confi dence lev- aiming for exactly the same in the com- Doha els, Caixinha added: “When the team ing games.” Al Khor vs Kharaitiyat 5:30pm plays and they don’t get the results it “The league is still in the beginning Shahania vs Gharafa 7:40pm changes the confi dence of your squad. So stages and we still have a long way to go Korea’s Motors roar ewly-promoted Al Shahania when you have good performances and and right now we can’t predict anything take on QSL veterans Al Gharafa good results this will get you confi dence because we lost only 6 points,” added the in round four of the league. The the skill of the players. These players put in the players. We always say winning one 62-year-old head coach. into Asian fi nal match will take place at the Al a lot of hard work to come up in the QSL game means you can win the next one and Al Kharaitiyat, like their opponents, NArabi stadium today. and they want to stay here.” that’s what we will try to do tomorrow.” also have three points from three games. Shahania have done surprisingly well Al Gharafa so far have three points After narrowly losing their last game to so far in the league picking up four points from as many games which is a disap- Khor take on Kharaitiyat looking Al Arabi they will be hoping to bounce from three games. They will be aiming pointing start for the Cheetah’s. How- to add to points tally back against Al Khor. to continue their strong performance ever they will be on the hunt for all three Al Khor take on Al Kharaitiyat the Al Amar Osim, the head coach of against Al Gharafa. points against an inexperienced side. Khor Stadium today looking to add to Kharaitiyat, echoed the sentiments of his Jose Fernando, the new head coach of Al Pedro Caixinha, the head coach of Al their tally of points. Khor currently have counterpart, “They are a very good op- Shahania believes that all games are im- Gharafa, spoke about facing two recently three points from as many games. ponents, we have we respect them a lot. portant, “All games for Shahania are big promoted sides in back to back games, “I Jean Fernandez, the head coach of Al We played a lot of friendly games against games. The next game is against Gharafa can connect these last two games as both Khor, believes the two teams are very them in the last couple of years and we and I expect it to be diffi cult. I will put my teams came from the second division and similar, “We are playing against a similar share the same fi eld. We are looking for- best team forward and we will try our best.” both of them are strong defensively. We team and both teams are balanced. We ward to this game.” “I respect all opponents and Al Gharafa need to be strong off ensively and organ- are wishing to have a good game.” Speaking about Al Khor’s attacking is a strong team. To do what they did with ised in defence and learn from our mis- “Kharaitiyat have good players and threat in the form of Mouhcine Iajour the players they have is amazing. But we takes in previous games.” they did well in their last game. This and Madson , Osim added; “Al Khor are will go into this match looking for three “Shahania surprised me in many ways game is much more balanced and the a diffi cult team to face, when the side has points,” added the Portuguese tactician. as they changed the coach and now the team that put in more eff ort will win,” good attackers it makes it even more dif- Speaking about his team’s ambition assistant coach has become the head added the Frenchman. fi cult. So it’s up to us if we can contain Fernando added, “It is important to keep coach. However the tactics remain the Speaking about the upturn in fortunes them and give them a tough time.” the distance from the drop zone and if we same. They are very strong in defence. for his side Fernandez said; “My team “It is a special game for us as we know Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors forward Ricardo Lopes (R) fights for the have more points we can play with con- We are prepared for a team that can capi- has improved after the last season. From them very well and we share the same ball with FC Seoul midfielder Go Yo-Han (L) during their AFC fi dence. If we have less number of points talise on our mistakes,” added the Portu- the start of the season we have improved stadium and I feel this game is kind of a Champions League semi-final second leg match in Seoul yesterday. the confi dence is lower and it’s not about guese head coach. in each game we have played and we are derby,” added the Bosnian tactician. AFP experience and we will come Seoul back stronger.” BOTTOMLINE FC Seoul’s Adriano was in the thick of it during an electric fi rst eonbuk Hyundai Motors half in front of a noisy crowd as stormed into the AFC the hosts pressed for the goals Champions League fi nal they needed to overturn their with a 5-3 aggregate vic- fi rst-leg defi cit. toryJ over FC Seoul despite losing The Brazilian shot just wide on Bengaluru FC beat Johor, create the all-Korean semi-fi nal’s sec- 16 minutes and headed off -target ond leg 2-1 yesterday. eight minutes later. After Jeonbuk had dominated Elsewhere, Jeonbuk midfi elder the fi rst leg 4-1, Brazilian marks- Kim Bo-Kyung was bloodied by man Adriano gave the home side a fl ailing elbow before playing on history to reach AFC Cup fi nal hope when he slotted a record- with a bandaged head. equalling 13th goal of the tour- It was Adriano who lifted IANS Ali’s venomous strike. Bengaluru FC expressed nament in the fi rst half. the home side’s hopes when he Bengaluru Despite taking the lead, the delight at their achieve- But Jeonbuk’s Ricardo Lopes charged on to Kim Chi-Woo’s hosts looked comfortable in ment by tweeting: “Thank doused any hopes of a comeback cutback to put Seoul 1-0 up on 38 midfi eld and should have taken you, India. This is for you! by equalising on 59 minutes, minutes with his 13th goal, equal- engaluru FC became the the lead when Chhetri was de- History created. Bags before Seoul’s Ko Kwang-Min ling the 2013 record of Guangzhou fi rst Indian club to reach nied by the crossbar after a good packed because...” grabbed a consolation goal for Evergrande’s Muriqui. the Asian Football Con- touch from the Johor keeper Seoul in injury time. A shock comeback was on the federation (AFC) Cup initially saw the ball fall back out Centre-back Juanan, fi lling in Jeonbuk, the 2006 champions, cards and FC Seoul came close fiB nal by trouncing holders Ma- to play from where Eugeneson the void left by Curtis Osano this now go into a blockbuster two- to a second goal from a breaka- laysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim 3-1 Lyngdoh hammered a low shot season, joined the act nine min- legged fi nal next month against way seven minutes into the sec- in the semi-fi nal second leg here at goal which Izham Mohammed utes later turning in Lyngdoh’s fellow former winners Al Ain and ond half, but ex-Arsenal forward on yesterday. punched away. free kick with aplomb to net his their feted playmaker Omar Ab- Park Chu-Young’s shot defl ected The two-time I-League The rebound fell to the skipper fi rst goal for the southern outfi t. dulrahman. wide. champions won 4-2 on aggre- on the edge of the six-yard box. With the tie and the semi-fnal The K-League leaders also And Seoul regretted their miss gate and now take on Iraqi club Trying to power the ball into the all but won and separated by a reach their third Asian fi nal de- when Lopes turned Kim Chi- Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the fi nal top of goal, the veteran forward few minutes from history being spite a domestic scandal. Woo and fi red across the face of on November 6. found the horizontal bar. rewritten in Indian football, the They were deducted nine goal to make it 1-1 on the night Bengaluru remained indebted Chhetri found the net minutes I-League champions brought on points and fi ned after one of their and open up a yawning 5-2 ag- to skipper and mercurial forward later, nodding in a free header full-back Keegan Pereira replac- scouts was convicted of bribing gregate lead. Sunil Chhetri who scored a brace off a Lyngdoh corner, which was ing Chhetri in a tactical move. referees. Veteran substitute Lee Dong- on either side of halftime with won by Chhetri himself. The farthest any Indian club “We fought hard and were Gook twice went close for Jeonbuk defender Juanan adding gloss to BFC dominated proceedings has reached before in the con- looking good in the fi rst half,” before Ko gave home fans some- the scoreline after the visitors after the restart with Chhetri tinental meet — an equivalent said FC Seoul’s coach Hwang thing to cheer with a fi erce drive had taken the lead through Safi q and Alwyn George coming close to the Europa League — is the Sun-Hong. “The second goal two minutes into injury time. Bin Rahim early on in the game to taking the lead in the tie. semi-fi nal where both Dempo was important and we were It sets up a home-and-away at the Kanteerava Stadium. In the 66th minute, the Kan- SC and East Bengal lost. pushing for that. Asian fi nal between two sides Johor scored as early as in teerava erupted in joy as Chhetri Bengaluru expressed delight “So I am sorry for the fans who of similar pedigree after Al Ain, the 11th minute, skipper Ra- scored a goal of the highest qual- at their achievement by tweet- came out to support us in good who ousted Qatar’s El Jaish on him heading in from close after Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri (C) celebrates with teammates ity by making space for himself ing: “Thank you, India. This is numbers. We had a good cam- Tuesday, won the inaugural edi- Bengaluru goalkeeper Amrinder after scoring their first goal during the 2016 Asian Football Confed- from well outside the box to beat for you! History created. Bags paign and the players did their tion in 2003 and were runners- Singh failed to parry away Safee eration (AFC) Cup semi-final second leg against Johor Darul Ta’zim. Izham all ends up. packed because...” best... we have learned from this up two years later. Gulf Times Thursday, October 20, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT TALENT Dortmund young guns take aim at Holders are Real knockout stages deal with stunning fi ve-goal victory ‘Of course we can improve, our objective was to play very attacking football and we took risks, conceding a few chances, but the important thing was to win...’ Dortmund’s Gabonese forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores a goal during the Champions League match against Sporting CP.

Reuters his way past several Portuguese Berlin defenders to drill in their second goal with a maturity well past his 21 years was one of the highlights orussia Dortmund’s of an emphatic display. young guns shone in “I really don’t know exactly the absence of almost a what I did when I scored,” Weigl dozen injured regulars to told reporters. “I think the last Bkeep the side fi rmly on track for time I scored was with the un- the Champions League knockout der-19 team.” stages with a defi ant 2-1 victory Coach Thomas Tuchel, in his at Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday. second season in charge, has Dortmund have struggled quickly overcome the departure without Marco Reus, Raphael of stalwarts Mats Hummels, Il- Guerreiro, Sven Bender, Andre kay Guendogan and Henrikh Schuerrle, Adrian Ramos and Mkhitaryan in the close season, Gonzalo Castro among others, plugging the gaps eff ectively, es- picking up a single point in their pecially on the European stage. last two Bundesliga matches “We were incredibly young with an inexperienced lineup. and inexperienced,” Tuchel “There will be setbacks, no said. “But then we go out and doubt, given the age of the team play this first half with such and the three competitions we naturalness. So dominant, so are playing in,” Dortmund CEO strong and effective.” Hans-Joachim Watzke told Reu- To top it off , Tuchel even ters recently. “That is something brought on another teenager in that cannot be avoided.” stoppage time with 18-year-old However, there was no evi- midfi elder Dzenis Burnic adding dence of stage fright among his name to the seemingly end- Dortmund’s talented youngsters less talent pool at the coach’s on Tuesday as they took a 2-0 disposal. fi rst half lead in Portugal before “I found it a really, really good holding on for a win that kept performance from our team them top of Group F on seven even though we started with two points from three matches. (former) reserve team young- Players like 18-year-olds Felix sters and then we brought on a Passlack and Christian Pulisic in- third one with Dzenis Burnic,” tegrated seamlessly into the start- said Dortmund sports director ing lineup, while 19-year-old Ous- Michael Zorc. mane Dembele looked equally as “Now we must fi nish off at comfortable in what is his maiden home what we started. We can Champions League season. take a really big step towards The audacity of holding mid- the round of 16 with our return Real Madrid’s midfielder Lucas Vazquez (L) and Real Madrid’s forward Alvaro Morata celebrate after scoring a goal against Legia Warszawa. fi elder Julian Weigl as he weaved match against Sporting.”

Reuters seven points with Borussia Dortmund, Results strike into the far corner for his fi rst Eu- Madrid and both teams will seal their place in ropean goal since December 2014. SAFE HANDS the last 16 if Zinedine Zidane’s side win Bayer Leverkusen 0 Tottenham Jodlowiec turned in Marcelo’s shot at Legia and the Germans beat Sporting Hotspur 0 soon after but a foul by Real defender areth Bale scored his fi rst Euro- Lisbon at home on Nov. 2. CSKA Moscow 1 (Lacina Traore 34) Danilo allowed Radovic to reduce the pean goal in almost two years as “I’m happy with the result, with the Monaco 1 (Bernardo Silva 87) defi cit from 11 metres and net Legia’s fi rst ‘Brilliant’ Lloris holders Real Madrid moved into a goals and the performance,” Zidane told Real Madrid 5 (Gareth Bale 16, Tomasz Champions League goal for 21 years. commanding position in Cham- BeIN sports. Jodlowiec 19og, Marco Asensio 37, Twenty-year-old winger Marco Asen- Gpions League Group F after cruising to a 5-1 “Of course we can improve, our ob- sio built on his impressive start to his Real Lucas Vazquez 68, Alvaro Morata 84) helps Spurs draw at victory over Legia Warsaw on Tuesday. jective was to play very attacking foot- Legia Warsaw 1 (Miroslav Radovic career by netting his fourth goal of the Bale gave the hosts the lead in the 16th ball and we took risks, conceding a few 22pen) season after being teed up by Ronaldo. minute with a curled left-foot drive and chances, but the important thing was to Sporting 1 (Bruno Cesar 67) Borussia Ronaldo turned provider again by re- Leverkusen an own goal by Legia’s Tomasz Jodlow- win and accumulate points, and that’s Dortmund 2 (Pierre-Emerick Aubam- leasing substitute Morata for the fi fth goal iec, defl ecting in Marcelo’s shot, doubled what we did.” eyang 9, Julian Weigl 43) after Vazquez had lashed home the fourth. their advantage. There was trouble outside the San- Club Bruges 1 (Jelle Vossen 12) The prolifi c Portuguese narrowly Miroslav Radovic pulled one back for tiago Bernabeu stadium before kickoff Porto 2 (Miguel Layun 68, Andre Silva missed out on adding to his haul of 98 the Poles from the penalty spot but Marco on Tuesday, with fi ve supporters and two 90+2pen) goals in European competition by strik- Asensio made it 3-1 in the 37th minute with police offi cers suff ering minor injuries, Leicester City 1 (Riyad Mahrez 40) FC ing wide of the far post. a low shot on his Champions League debut. according to local media reports. Copenhagen 0 “Ronaldo played phenomenally, play- Substitute Lucas Vazquez volleyed On the pitch, Legia nearly caused the Olympique Lyon 0 (Missed penalty: ing passes to everyone else,” added Zi- home a cross in the 68th minute and holders an early surprise with Jodlowiec Alexandre Lacazette 35) Juventus 1 dane. former Juventus striker Alvaro Morata shooting straight at Keylor Navas and (Juan Cuadrado 76) “He didn’t score today but we have a rounded off the win by converting a pass midfi elder Vadis Odjidja hitting the post. Dinamo Zagreb 0 Sevilla 1 (Samir game in four days’ time (against Athletic from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 84th. Real took the lead soon after though, Nasri 37) Bilbao) and I’m sure he’ll have chances to Real are second in Group F, level on Bale cutting inside from the right to score then.”

BOTTOMLINE

Tottenham’s French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

AFP he’s having the best moments of Leverkusen his career.” Ranieri wants Euro form in EPL Lloris agreed the result was good for Spurs. “We can be AFP Jamie Vardy’s deep cross from without defeat, stretching back ottenham Hotspur’s pleased with the point,” said the Leicester the left had been headed back to last season, but they remain coach Mauricio Pochet- French goalkeeper. across goal by Islam Slimani. in second place in the group, fi ve tino hailed goalkeeper “The game turned in the second It was a performance in keep- points below Leicester. Hugo Lloris’ ‘brilliant’ half, Leverkusen pressed high and eicester City manager ing with Leicester’s 5,000-1 “I can live with that,” said Co- displayT to rescue a Champions we struggled a bit. I think the draw Claudio Ranieri urged league title success last season, penhagen coach Stale Solbakken League away point in their goal- is a good result for us. his side to take their fi ne with Copenhagen seeing 54 per- on the end of his team’s unbeat- less draw at Bayer Leverkusen on “In two weeks we’re going to European form into the cent of possession and register- en run. “We can start counting Tuesday. face them again and we need to LPremier League after they closed ing four shots on target to the again. That doesn’t bother me, After a quiet fi rst-half which be ready for this other battle. on a place in the Champions hosts’ two. really. The important thing for his side dominated, the French- “I think we all want to come League last 16. But Leicester’s 100 per- us now is to get back and focus man had a busy second 45 back to Wembley.” Riyad Mahrez’s goal earned cent record was only preserved on the league. minutes at the BayArena as Having now drawn their three Leicester a 1-0 win over FC Co- thanks to a last-minute save by “Leicester come on November Leverkusen beefed up their mid- group games, Leverkusen are penhagen on Tuesday, extending their Copenhagen-born goal- 2. Hopefully we can do a similar fi eld and fi red in 16 shots at the third with three points while their 100 percent record in Group keeper Kasper Schmeichel, who performance. We have our fans Spurs goal. Spurs stay second behind leaders G and leaving them one win away batted away a close-range An- behind us and maybe that can After Dele Alli, Vincent Janseen AS Monaco who drew 1-1 at bot- from the knockout phase. dreas Cornelius shot. be the diff erence. We very rarely and Erik Lamela all went close tom side CSKA Moscow. But the English champions are lose in Parken (Stadium).” with fi rst-half chances for Spurs, Pochettino was pleased his toiling domestically, having lost ‘GOOD FEELING’ He added: “You can always Pochettino singled out Lloris’ side has everything to play for four and won just two of their Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri. Leicester are now assured of fear the game in Porto (where outstanding display to repeatedly when the sides meet again in fi rst eight fi xtures, and Ranieri at least a place in the Europa Copenhagen drew 1-1) was a deny the Leverkusen attack. London on November 2. wants Leicester to get rid of their and play in a big competition, Premier League is our priority. League and they can seal a place one-off in a diffi cult away game. “We were better in the fi rst half, “It was a strong point, an im- split personality. you lose something when you go “But of course also the Cham- in the Champions League last 16 “But now we’ve met the two they were better in the second,” portant one for us, so we need to “For one side, I’m very proud. back in your league. pions League because now, in if they win the return fi xture in favourites in the group away and said Spurs Argentinian coach. be happy with that,” he said. For the other side, when I think of “You spend a lot of energy, one month, three matches, we’re Copenhagen on November 2. we could have had three points, “Some brilliant saves from our “We’re still in the same posi- the Premier League, I’m very, very mental energy, in the Champions in or out. We are in a good posi- “It’s good to go in the Europa we could have had zero. They’ve keeper kept us in the game. tion we were before the game, angry,” the Italian told reporters at League. When you come back a tion. Our destiny is in our hands. League. Now we have to go in been very close, both games. “I can only say good things we’re still fi ghting. the King Power Stadium. little more down, it’s normal. We want to continue this way.” the Champions League,” Ranieri “The players have a good feel- about him, he’s a fantastic goal- “It’s a very competitive group, “But it’s OK, because also in “But we want to change this Mahrez struck in the 40th said. “Little step, step by step.” ing we can beat them in Parken keeper, one of the best in the it was important to get a point my career this has happened. mood now, because the Premier minute, volleying home with Danish champions Copenha- in 14 days. We’re still number world. He showed in every action from here, especially as CSKA When for the fi rst time you go League is now important. The the outside of his left foot after gen had previously gone 23 games two in the group. that he’s one of the best, I think Moscow and Monaco drew.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, October 20, 2016 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE ANALYSIS Is Mourinho getting his mojo back? Saints chase big AFP a job” on his side. London Mourinho’s reputation was tar- nished by Chelsea’s lamentable league title defence last season, n successfully stymieing a but he was up to his old tricks in strongly fancied Liverpool front of the television cameras af- team – and sowing a bit ter the game at Anfi eld. of mischief with his post- United, he said, had shown win at San Siro, Imatch comments – Manchester Liverpool were “not the last United manager Jose Mourinho wonder of the world” and he looked like something approach- even returned to the press con- ing his old self. ference room to quibble statistics Mourinho has made an un- that showed his side only had 35 steady start to life at Old Traff ord, percent of possession. with three successive defeats in Mourinho was seen as a bad fi t mid-September threatening to for United in some quarters due to Van Persie returns derail United’s season before it the club’s attacking traditions and had really begun. former midfi elder Paul Scholes But while they lie seventh in the commented recently that the team ‘If we go and do that (win) it will be a massive statement. When we came to the club Premier League table, their display did not have an “identity”. in Monday’s 0-0 draw at Anfi eld But supporters were broadly they said they wanted to get into Europe, and every summer they’ve backed us’ suggested Mourinho’s methods supportive of his tactics at An- could yet bring about an end to the fi eld, with 85 percent of respond- club’s three-year slump. ents to a poll by local newspaper “United did exactly what Mour- the Manchester Evening News inho would have wanted,” said saying he had found the “perfect former United captain turned Sky game plan”. Sports analyst Gary Neville. The steely showing against “There’s no reason at this Liverpool allows United to ap- stage to not trust Mourinho, as a proach their next three fi xtures Manchester United fan. There’s with a renewed sense of purpose. no point sitting here and saying, They host Fenerbahce in the ‘Well, can he do it this time?’ Europa League today, needing He’s done it wherever he’s been.” a victory to avoid falling behind United’s stifl ing display at An- in the contest for a knockout- fi eld brought to mind Chelsea’s phase place. Mourinho returns 2-0 win there under Mourinho in to Chelsea in the league on Sun- April 2014, which served to tor- day before another meeting with pedo Liverpool’s hopes of league his nemesis Pep Guardiola, the title glory. Manchester City manager, in the United adopted a six-man de- League Cup next Wednesday. fence at times, wingers Marcus The dashing football of the Alex Rashford and Ashley Young drop- Ferguson era remains a distant ping back to assist the full-backs, memory, but for former stalwart while Marouane Fellaini helped Ryan Giggs, Mourinho appears to shore up the centre of the pitch. have at least stopped the rot. Liverpool have run riot on oc- “It’s something we accept at the casion this season – winning 4-3 moment,” said Giggs, who worked at Arsenal, thrashing champions as an assistant to Mourinho’s Leicester City 4-1 and crush- predecessor, Louis van Gaal. ing Hull City 5-1 – but against “If you lose (at Liverpool), the United they mustered only three pressure is on. Then you’ve got attempts on target. to win against Chelsea, got to win The Daily Telegraph called it against Fenerbahce. “vintage Mourinho” and the Daily “It’s about getting back to the Mirror said he had “out-thought” top. We had 35 percent posses- his opposite number Jurgen Klopp. sion (against Liverpool). With Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson Louis it was 65 percent, but we conceded that Mourinho’s men “did weren’t winning.”

Rooney expects big things of ‘fantastic’ United Captain Wayne Rooney says held rivals Liverpool to a 0-0 there is enough talent in the draw on Monday to maintain a “fantastic” Manchester United five-point gap behind leaders Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho leaves a press conference at their Carrington base in Manchester, northwest England yesterday. squad to launch a serious Manchester City. challenge for the Premier “I think we’ve got a fantas- AFP what they said, that they wanted to move Fixtures Champions League in 2010. League title despite a mixed tic squad that is ready and Paris the club forward and get into Europe, and Mourinho’s current side Manchester start to the campaign. capable of challenging. I’m every summer they’ve backed us,” goal- At 1700 GMT United entertain Fenerbahce in Group A “I do think we’ll be challeng- sure over the next few weeks keeper Forster told the club’s website. at Old Traff ord. ing this season – we’ve still or couple of months we will outhampton goalkeeper Fraser “They’ve bought players, and step Group K United have four points from two got that belief and it is even have our way of playing, and Forster is looking for the Premier by step we’re achieving those goals and Inter Milan (ITA) v Southampton (ENG) games before a rematch with the Turk- stronger after working with it will be his (Mourinho’s) way League club to make “a massive hopefully we can do ourselves proud in ish giants, with whom they have a bit of this manager and the players of playing. statement” by beating Italian gi- the game, and if we can come out of it Group L history. over the last few months,” “It is a diff erent way of playing, antsS Inter Milan in the Europa League with three points that will be a massive Fenerbahce infl icted a fi rst ever Euro- Osmanlispor (TUR) v Villarreal (ESP) Rooney told British media. but if you’re an individual today. achievement.” pean home defeat on United back in 1996, After suff ering back-to-back you should learn what the The Saints travel to the San Siro – and Southampton, who are fresh from At 1905 GMT while eight years later Wayne Rooney hit defeats last month, a five- manager wants. As a team, it’s as many as seven thousand of their fans beating Burnley 3-1 in the Premier Group A a hat-trick against the same team on his game unbeaten run in all going to take a little bit longer. are expected to follow them – knowing a League at the weekend, have so far beaten Manchester United (ENG) v Fener- European debut. competitions has raised spirits We knew it was going to take a win at the home of the three-time Euro- Sparta Prague 3-0 and drawn 0-0 away bahce (TUR) The Istanbul side are not in good form as seventh-placed United bit of time,” Rooney added. pean champions would be a big step to- in Israel to Hapoel Beer-Sheva. as they travel to England with former wards progressing to the knockout phase In contrast, Inter are struggling. Group D United striker Robin van Persie, now 33, from Group K. Frank de Boer was only appointed in Dundalk (IRL) v Zenit St Petersburg in their baggage. It would also be another memorable the summer but the Dutchman’s side (RUS) In Dublin, Irish surprise package Dun- 2018 WORLD CUP result for a club who were in the third tier have lost two out of two in the Europa dalk must try to shake off fatigue as they of English football just fi ve years ago. League and are in the bottom half of the Group E host 2008 UEFA Cup winners Zenit St “If we go and do that (win) it will be a Serie A table after a 2-1 home defeat to Roma (ITA) v Austria Vienna (AUT) Petersburg. massive statement. You look where the Cagliari at the weekend. After falling just short of reaching the Lippi set for China club was just a few years ago and even in Meanwhile, star striker and captain Champions League group stage, Dun- the time since I’ve joined the club – you Mauro Icardi’s future at the club is in the in a recently-published autobiography. dalk have drawn away to AZ Alkmaar and meet the owner and you meet the chair- air after Inter supporters reacted furi- It is all a far cry from the days un- beaten Maccabi Tel Aviv in Group D to post, says report man, and when we came to the club that’s ously to comments he made about them der Jose Mourinho when Inter won the stay in touch with leaders Zenit. AFP rankings, China have claimed Milan just one point from four games BOTTOMLINE and dropped to bottom place in a Group A which includes Iran, ormer World Cup-win- Uzbekistan, South Korea, Syria ning coach Marcello Lip- and Qatar. pi is being tipped to take Lippi, who steered Italy to over as coach of China their fourth and most recent afterF being off ered the job fol- World Cup triumph in 2006, is Cuadrado strike gives Juve win lowing the resignation of Gao not new to working in China. Reuters His mother moved to another Chelsea the following January. Hongbo, reports said yesterday. The 68-year-old coached Chi- Milan town to fi nd work and he ended But, as so often happens, he “Lippi, coach of China,” ran nese top fl ight side Guangzhou up living with his grandmother struggled to get a place in the the headline on the front page Evergrande to three consecu- who wanted him to study. team which already featured of Italy’s second most popular tive Super League titles between uan Cuadrado’s stunning Cuadrado would play in his Oscar, Willian and Eden Hazard sports daily Corriere dello Sport. 2012 and 2014. strike for Juventus against underpants to avoid return- and was loaned to Juventus for It claimed the Italian maestro Corriere dello Sport said last Olympique Lyonnais of- ing home dirty and arousing his the 2015/16 season. was “inclined to accept the of- month Lippi was set to return fered another tantalising grandmother’s suspicions that The verve and the swagger re- fer” and added: “In the coming to the club on a three-year deal glimpseJ of a player whose natu- he had been playing football turned and he helped Juventus days, the former Italy coach will worth 20m euros net per season ral talent has been overshad- again. win a fi fth Serie A title, but the travel to Beijing to pore over the – a salary that would have put Pep owed at times by personal trag- Despite his slight frame, his summer brought more problems details of the Chinese football Guardiola’s world-beating 17.7mn edy and career setbacks. talent was obvious and he got as the loan spell ended. association’s off er.” euro (£15mn) annual salary at Cuadrado lashed home an un- his break when he was spotted Unwilling to go back to the However, the China Football Manchester City in the shade. stoppable shot from a seemingly by Santiago Escobar – brother of Chelsea bench, Cuadrado pushed Association’s Huang Shiwei told But the Chinese football fed- impossible angle to give Juven- the Colombia defender Andres for a return to Juventus who AFP the selection process for a eration may be about to capture tus a 1-0 win on Tuesday. “I who was murdered shortly after agreed a three-year loan on the new coach was continuing. Lippi at a time when they are looked up and couldn’t see any- the 1994 World Cup – and given last day of the transfer window. “Only 2 things I can tell you looking to make huge strides for- one in the middle, so I tried to hit a place in the team at Independi- It seemed a happy ending but now. Firstly, we have accepted ward in the game. a missile and it worked,” he said. ente Medellin. he struggled to get back into a Gao Hongbo’s resignation. Sec- Often a source of national em- The Colombia winger’s pace Eventually, he moved to Italy, new-look Juventus and report- ondly, for the coach candidate barrassment, improving the level and trickery make him a night- playing for Lecce and Udinese edly walked out of a training ses- of the national football team, we of football at club and national mare for defenders and a de- before joining at Fiorentina sion in late September, although are doing relevant selection work level has been one of the priorities light for spectators who prefer where he settled well and began the club later said it he left due to and our selection has not been of China President Xi Jinping. old-fashioned South American Juventus’ Colombian forward Juan Cuadrado (R) celebrates after to make an impact. family reasons. fi nished,” he said. Even before taking offi ce, Xi trickery. scoring a goal during the match against Olympique Lyonnais. He shone at the 2014 World Those problems now seem to Former China coach Gao re- underlined his ambitions for Yet, his career has been an up- Cup as he helped Colombia have been ironed out and, with signed on October 11 following a Chinese football in 2011: to qual- hill struggle ever since he started centre of the Colombian confl ict rado was only four, caught in the reach the quarter-fi nals, their three years ahead of him at Ju- 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat ify for the World Cup, to host the kicking a ball in the small town with guerrillas, right-wing par- crossfi re of a shootout. best-ever performance, yet that ventus plus a World Cup on the to Uzbekistan. event and to one day win it. of Neocoli on the Caribbean amilitary groups and drug traf- Cuadrado was hiding under became something of a double- horizon in 2018, there seems The result left China’s chances China have qualifi ed only once coast. fi ckers all active the bed at the time, as he had edged sword. every reason to believe that he of qualifying for the 2018 World for the World Cup, quietly de- He grew up in the Uraba re- His father Guillermo, a truck been told to do every time he His performances caught the can fl ourish and produce more Cup in Russia looking slim. parting the 2002 edition without gion which was caught in the driver, was killed when Cuad- heard gunfi re. eye of bigger clubs and signed for memorable moments. Sitting a lowly 78th in FIFA’s scoring a goal. Gulf Times Thursday, October 20, 2016 5 TENNIS KREMLIN CUP Troubled Kyrgios eyes more time off Pavlyuchenkova, the circuit in 2017 roubled Australian tennis He was also questioned on star Nick Kyrgios has whether he enjoyed playing Tindicated he will play tennis, to which he answered: fewer tournaments in 2017 after “lol”. The Shanghai outburst his meltdown at the Shanghai was the latest incident involving Masters saw him slapped with the Australian. Last year he was an eight-week ban. given a suspended one-month Jankovic advance; The world number 14, who ban for making comments to gave away points and swore and Swiss star Stan Wawrinka about argued with fans before being his girlfriend. booed off court after his second- If he goes through with his round defeat in China last week, commitment to seek help for blamed his body for giving up his temper, he could return to physically and mentally. It led the tour on November 7, after to the ATP ordering a $25,000 the three-week ban. But with Suarez Navarro out (22,700 euros) fine and the ban, no more tournaments to play which can be reduced to three then, his year is eff ectively ‘Overall it was tougher than the scoreline suggests. It was a bit unusual with so weeks if the 21-year-old sees a over. Asked on Twitter what his psychologist, which Tennis Aus- biggest win of the year was, many breaks and it was quite diff icult for me to hold my serve. But my good return tralia said he had agreed to do. he replied: “Just beat Ajla in a In a question-and-answer ses- backhand to backhand game,” made the diff erence today. Of course I would love to repeat my 2008 success here’ sion on Twitter yesterday, the referring to his girlfriend, fellow suspended star was asked what tennis player Ajla Tomljanovic, his goals were for next year. despite claiming titles in Tokyo, “More time off ,” he replied. Atlanta and Marseille.

2014 Kremlin Cup champion Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova battled past Czech Katerina Siniakova 7-6 (2), 5-7, 7-5.

New boost for Roland heirs have been fighting to stop Garros expansion work on the 400-million-euro ($448 mn) redevelopment in the he long-running saga plush western sector of Paris. Tover the expansion of The FFT plans to demolish Roland Garros, the historic but certain greenhouses which it cramped home of the French judges to be without architec- Open, received a new boost tural value immediately beside yesterday after the Paris High the historic greenhouses. Op- Court confirmed work could go ponents of the project believe ahead. The Tribunal de Grande this would modify the entire Instance (TGI) ruled that work architecture of the site. on a 5,000-seater stadium in The TGI, however, found the the historic Serres d’Auteuil in “request to suspend unfounded” no way impacted on historic and that “the French Tennis greenhouses by architect Jean- Federation project in no way Camille Formige dating back to aff ected (the greenhouses) listed the 19th century. The court set as historic monuments”. Part of a date of November 3 for a final the redevelopment of Roland examination of the dossier. Garros will also see a roof built “For the second time in a on the central Court Philippe week, the court noted the facts Chatrier but that is not expected and the project and rejected to be finished before 2020. The the application of the descend- sport’s other three Grand Slam ants of Formige,” French Tennis events — Wimbledon and the US Federation (FFT) lawyer Julien and Australian Opens — all have Guinot-Delery said. Formige’s covered stadiums.

MATCH-FIXING Six-month ban, fi ne for Mexico’s Garza Agencies success here as it’s always my goal — to seeded Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta Both players suddenly became more Moscow win the tournament that I’m playing.” ousted Austria’s qualifi er Jurgen Melzer comfortable receiving and after the No.1 AFP World tennis was rocked in Pavlyuchenkova, who is seeking a ca- 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/2). seed had restored her advantage, a sloppy London January by allegations that the reer ninth and season’s fi rst title in Mos- Meanwhile, Svetlana Kuznetsova is still backhand into the net put the players back game’s authorities had failed to ormer champions Anastasia Pav- cow, took the opening set in a tiebreak in the hunt for a spot at the WTA Finals af- on level terms. A fi fth straight break gave deal with widespread match- lyuchenkova and Jelena Jankovic after 51 minutes, while Siniakova fought ter she overcame Alize Cornet 6-4, 7-5 to Kuznetsova a 5-4 lead, and she fi nally re- exican tennis player fi xing in the sport. advanced to a second round show- back from 3-0 down in the second to level reach the quarterfi nals. gained her composure to hold when serv- Daniel Garza has The authorities rejected media down at the Kremlin Cup. Pavly- after one hour 52 minutes on court. The The Russian entered this tournament ing for the set. been suspended for reports that 16 players who have uchenkova,F the 2014 winner and seeded deciding set was a mirror refl ection of knowing that she had to win the title to The World No.9 carried her momen- six months and fi ned been ranked in the top 50 had seventh, battled through a tough three- the second as Pavlyuchenkova overcame book a place for Singapore. tum into the second set, breaking Cornet’s M$5,000 after being found guilty been repeatedly fl agged to the TIU set fi rst round clash with Czech Katerina a three-game defi cit to claim her second- In the early exchanges, Kuznetsova made serve for the fourth time in a row with of match-fi xing, the Tennis In- over suspicions they had thrown Siniakova. The Russian, ranked 23rd, won round spot. all the running, missing the chance to break forehand volley. She next faces Timea tegrity Unit said yesterday. matches in the past decade. A 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 7-5 in two hours 46 minutes, Earlier, Croatian lucky loser Ana Konjuh, in the fi rst game before pushing Cornet Babos, a 6-1, 6-4 winner over Kristina The 31-year-old, ranked number of corruption-related to chalk up her third win over the 20-year- ranked 58th, produced the fi rst upset of the even further in her next service game, but Mladenovic. 1,065th in singles, had attempt- cases have since come to light. old Siniakova in as many meetings. tournament beating sixth-seeded Czech the Frenchwoman saved fi ve break points in However, Carla Suarez Navarro’s WTA ed to infl uence the outcome of a Three Italian players were Pavlyuchenkova will face Jankovic for a Barbora Strycova 6-4, 1-6, 6-2. “I’m re- an epic that lasted nigh on 13 minutes. Finals hopes ended after she was forced match at an ITF Futures tourna- banned by their national tennis place in the last eight after the 2008 win- ally pleased to get the win,” the 18-year-old With Kuznetsova rattling through her to retire from her second round clash with ment at Calabasas, California, in federation in July for their roles ner from Serbia eased past Jelena Ostap- Konjuh said. “It wasn’t easy after losing in own games on serve, she was able exert Daria Gavrilova due to a wrist injury. The March 2015, the sport’s corrup- in attempting to fi x matches. enko of Latvia 6-3, 6-3 in 74 minutes. qualifying but today thankfully I played my more and more pressure on Cornet and World No.12 from Spain knew she had to tion watchdog said. The sanctions came days after “Overall it was tougher than the score- own style of tennis. I was more aggressive fi nally got the break that she richly de- win the tournament to reach the fi nals, The case, based on a TIU in- the European Sports Security line suggests,” Jankovic said. “It was a bit than her and that was the key.” served after to go 3-2 ahead. but was trailing the Australian 6-3, 3-0 vestigation, was heard in Miami Association said that tennis ac- unusual with so many breaks and it was In the ATP section, Italy’s Paolo Loren- Having worked so hard to get ahead, when she pulled out. last month. Garza, who achieved counted for the majority of sus- quite diffi cult for me to hold my serve. But zi, the seventh seed, cruised into the Kuznetsova threw up an error-strewn Suarez Navarro’s withdrawal means only a career-high ranking of 294 in picious betting activity it had my good return made the diff erence today. second round with a 6-4, 6-4 win over game and handed the break back to Cornet Kuznetsova can prevent Johanna Konta 2012, has been banned with im- fl agged, with 34 incidents in the Of course I would love to repeat my 2008 a compatriot Federico Gaio, while sixth- with a shot into the tramlines. from fi lling the fi nal spot in Singapore. mediate eff ect. second quarter of 2016.

FOCUS Sania hits 80th straight week as doubles world No. 1 ania Mirza is celebrating Team ‘SanTina’ won their fi rst 14 six years old, there were no clay courts, with their new partners in their very her 80th consecutive week as matches together, including titles at there was no hard courts… We used to next tournament — in the fi nal of the doubles world No.1 this week. the BNP Paribas Open, Miami Open, play and practice on courts made out of Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. Mirza became the fi rst Indian and Volvo Car Open. With their 14th cow s***. No jokes. I mean that was the It was make-or-break fi nal for both. Swoman to hold the No.1 ranking last win, a 6-0, 6-4 win over Casey Dellac- only court that was available. If Mirza and her partner Barbora Stry- season after winning the Volvo Car qua and Darija Jurak in the Charleston “So to come from there and pick up cova won, Mirza would hold on to her Open in Charleston with her former fi nal, Mirza made history and fulfi lled a a tennis racquet and have the guts to No. 1 spot. If Hingis and her partner partner Martina Hingis. lifelong dream. say, ‘okay, I am going to go and play at CoCo Vandeweghe won, Hingis would Mirza’s charge towards No.1 began The Indian star was fi nally the world the highest level in the world’, is against stay as No.1. Mirza and Strycova rallied in 2014. Pairing with Cara Black, the No.1. The milestone was a big state- all odds. Whether I got to No.1 or not, from behind to win their fi rst title to- duo made the semifi nals or better at 10 ment for Indian women in sports. “You it would have always been worth it, but gether, giving Mirza sole ownership of of their 22 events and closed out their have to believe that as a woman and as now, today, to me and myself, I’m so the No.1 ranking. season by winning 14 of their fi nal 16 a girl you are not a weakness; you’re a happy to give this back to my country, to “I think as tennis players it means matches. Mirza and Black capped off strength,” Mirza said after winning in be the fi rst ever world No.1 from India. a lot to us,” Mirza said after the win. their fantastic season by winning the Charleston last year. “We all have a story. Every tennis “Imagine being No.1 at what you do in WTA Finals Singapore. “Anything is possible. If you put player out there has an amazing story. the whole planet. I’ve had that privi- The successful team parted ways your mind to it, you put sacrifi ces to And it all just seems worth it today. lege for the last year-and-a-half. We after that win due to Black’s desire to it, you put hard work to it, anything is And no one can take it away from me.” all want to be No.1. That’s why we play focus on her young family, and Mirza possible, no matter where you’re from. Since taking over the top spot, Mirza tennis. Very few people get to be No.1 then went on to win the Brisbane In- Even if that means you’ve grown up has had to fend off a charge from her in the world. It’s the thing as an athlete ternational title with Bethanie Mat- playing on courts made of cow dung. former doubles partner for the No.1 you dream as a child. To be No.1 in the tek-Sands before fi nding immediate And I think for me that’s women em- there one day where women believe “I’m used to people rolling their ranking. After Mirza and Hingis split world is the most amazing thing.” success with Martina Hingis. powerment, and I hope that we get that anything is possible.” eyes. Tennis at that point when I was ways earlier this year, the two faced off (wtatennis.com) Gulf Times 6 Thursday, October 20, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS Nordic skier Johaug gets two months Confi dent Nadal says suspension over doping

AFP he and Federer can still Oslo orway’s cross country skier Therese Johaug, a former Olympic gold medallist, Nhas been suspended for two months after failing a drug test, the Norwegian anti-doping agency compete with the best said yesterday. The seven-time world champion tested positive for traces of the ‘Roger and I haven’t forgotten how to play and we are working to get back to competing at the highest level’ banned anabolic steroid clostebol during an out-of-competition control on September 16. The steroid was contained in a lip cream called Trofodermin, which she used to treat burns during a training session at altitude in Italy late August. The temporary suspension is pending a final verdict, Norway’s anti-doping committee said in a statement. The use of anabolic ster- oids is punishable by a four-year ban. Johaug’s attorney Christian Hjort told TV2 this week that the Trofoder- min tube had been provided in its original package, which includes a warning showing that the product is on the list of substances prohibited by the World Anti-doping Agency. National skiing team doctor Fredrik Bendiksen has taken responsibility and resigned last week from his post. Hjort said Johaug respected the de- cision to impose a temporary ban. “We will now focus on the main case which is to prove her innocence,” he said. The suspension of 28-year-old Johaug will last until December 18, ruling her out of the first race of the World Cup in Ruka, Finland, on November 26 and 27, a race she won in 2015. The skier has won seven world titles, including three last winter (skiathlon 2x7.5 km, 30 km classic and relay 4x5 km). She also has three Olympic medals, including one gold unhooked with the relay at the Vancouver Games in 2010. It is the second doping incident to shake the Norwegian federation recently after cross country skier Martin Sundby was suspended for two months and stripped of his 2015 overall World Cup and Tour de Ski titles for unauthorised use of medi- cation to treat asthma.

Swiss tennis great Roger Federer (left) Rafael Nadal share a joke during the opening of the Spaniard's tennis academy in his home town of Manacor yesterday. The academy complex boasts 26 clay courts, as well as a fitness centre, two swimming pools and 10 paddle tennis courts. Nadal's family members—partner Xica Perello, sister Maribel Nadal, mother Joana Maria and father Sebastian were also there. (AFP)

AFP to Victor Troicki at the Shanghai Mas- land to celebrate the occasion with his Madrid ters last week. Yet, at sixth in the world longtime rival, was so impressed with rankings, Nadal is still well-placed to the academy that he hinted that he qualify for the end of season ATP Tour might soon need some tennis instruc- afael Nadal insists he can Finals. “Sometimes continuing to play tional services for his four children. still compete with the best in is not the solution. Sometimes the so- “I will send my kids here if they the world for “many years to lution is to stop and restart a training want to play tennis,” said the Swiss come” after opening his ten- programme,” he added. ace, a 17-time Grand Slam winner who nisR academy alongside Roger Federer However, Nadal also hinted he could is likely to return to the tour in January in Mallorca yesterday. return at the Swiss Indoor tournament after ending his season after Wimble- Nadal and Federer have slipped in Basel next week. don to let a knee injury heal. down the world rankings this season The stunning academy complex in Federer added that with his current due to a lack of form and fi tness re- Nadal’s home city of Manacor in the — but fast improving — knee situation, spectively. Balearic Island boasts 26 clay courts, he understood the problems that nine- However, the 30-year-old Span- as well as a fi tness centre, two swim- time Roland Garros champion Nadal iard insists two of the most successful ming pools and 10 paddle tennis has suff ered with knees and wrists players in the history of the sport can courts. throughout his career. make it back to the top. “I still have many years to come in “Now I know what they mean by a “Roger and I haven’t forgotten how tennis, but there is a future and this major injury,” said the 35-year-old, to play tennis and we are working to academy is part of that future,” said whose career up until this season was get back to competing at the highest Nadal. “We were very excited to create remarkably injury-free. level,” said Nadal. something so special and even more so “I wish you good health now that I Federer won’t play again this year in Manacor, it is a dream come true. know what an injury means,” he told due to ongoing rehabilitation on a knee We hope the kids enjoy it as much as Nadal. “This is my fi rst major injury injury, whilst Nadal refused to confi rm possible. We want this facility to be a problem. know how it will be when I return.” return to the elite. if he intends to play again in 2016. success at the professional level for “I have to say it’s been quite easy for The Swiss champion called Nadal “That’s something I’m hoping when The 14-time Grand Slam champion them, but also on a human level.” me, I have spent a lot of time with the “an inspiration” due to how easily he I return in January (for the Hopman suff ered a shock second-round defeat Federer, who fl ew in from Switzer- family. I’m training calmly but I don’t had been able to make comebacks and Cup in Perth),” he said.

GOLF Love, Ochoa, Woosnam among new World Hall of Famers

AFP Fame, which will not feature 155 peo- ings for 50 weeks in 1991 and 1992. The Ochoa, the fi rst Mexican-born golfer “She said she thought it would be good to Westwood taking British Miami ple, received 75% support from the former European Tour Order of Merit in the Hall, won 27 LPGA events, two get a diff erent set of eyes out there.” Masters to Newcastle in 2017 16-member selection group, whose winner was named European Player of of them majors, and was world number After rewriting the amateur record members include Jack Nicklaus, Gary the Year in 1987 and 1990 and played on one for 158 consecutive weeks from books, Ko enjoyed a dream start to her Lee Westwood is to succeed fellow ajor winners Davis Love, Player and Annika Sorenstam. eight Ryder Cup teams. 2007 to 2010. Longhurst, a long-time professional career and claimed 14 former world number one Luke Donald Ian Woosnam, Lorena Love captained the 2016 US Ryder “Woosie got a lot out of his game. British newspaper columnist, was a LPGA titles, including two majors. But by hosting next year’s British Masters Ochoa and Meg Mallon and Cup team to victory earlier this month He was a great competitor and handled pioneering British television golf com- the Korean-born Kiwi’s form has fal- at the Close House course in Newcastle. journalist Henry Longhurst at Hazeltine after his 2012 squad lost to himself very well. He has been a great mentator. He died in 1978 at age 69. tered lately and she fi nished 51st at last It will be the fi rst time a European Tour Mhave been named 2017 inductees to the the greatest last-day comeback in Ry- contributor to golf from the European week's Korea LPGA Championship. event has been held at Close House, the World Golf Hall of Fame. der Cup history. side, and I’m delighted to have him in- Ko’s caddie sacking a sign Fellow New Zealander Williams, who club where the 43-year-old Englishman The selection committee for the Love won 21 US PGA Tour titles, in- ducted,” 18-time major winner Nick- of panic, says Williams has caddied for Tiger Woods, Greg Nor- has been tour professional since 2011. St. Augustine, Florida, attraction an- cluding the 1997 PGA Championship, laus said. man and Adam Scott, said dumping “I’m sure it will be a fantastic test nounced the honor group on Tuesday and also played six times each on Ryder Mallon won 18 LPGA titles, in- New Zealand’s world number one Lydia Hamilton looked like a knee-jerk reac- of golf for the players coming up to the from among 16 fi nalists, with enshrine- and Presidents Cup teams. cluding four major crowns, and was a Ko has “hit the panic button” by sacking tion. “It’s very surprising news, this is north-east,” Westwood said. “We’ve ment ceremonies set for September “Davis has an outstanding record member of nine Solheim Cup squads, her caddie in response to a form slump, the fi rst form slump of any kind she’s had not had a tournament up there for a few 26, 2017, in New York ahead of the area not only as a player but as a gentleman,” serving as captain of the 2013 US team. high-profi le bagman Steve Williams said as a professional, and it’s only a slight years now, so it will be great to take the hosting the Presidents Cup. said South African legend Player. “He “Meg Mallon has been a great player yesterday. Ko’s Australian caddie Jason form dip,” he said. “It doesn’t seem like British Masters to Newcastle.” “We have the privilege of bringing has been a tremendous contributor and and a great contributor. She has been Hamilton confi rmed this week that he a reason to release her caddie. Maybe Westwood, who had two spells at the in one of our strongest classes to date,” all-around man for golf. It’s terrifi c to involved heavily in the game of golf. had parted ways with the 19-year-old they’ve hit the panic button a bit early.” top of the rankings in 2010 and 2011, said World Golf Hall of Fame president see him in the World Golf Hall of Fame.” Everybody likes her. Everybody knows after almost two years together. “She Ko, who went into Rio Olympics as fi nished third on Sunday behind Swed- Jack Peter. Welshman Woosnam, the 1991 Mas- what her talent is. She’s just an amazing felt like now was a good time to make a favourite but had to settle for silver, has ish champion Alex Noren when Donald Each new member of the Hall of ters champion, topped the world rank- gal,” Nicklaus said. change,” Hamilton told golfchannel.com. not named a replacement for Hamilton. hosted the tournament at The Grove. Gulf Times Thursday, October 20, 2016 7 SPORT

FORMULA 1 WORLD SUPERBIKE Rea with massive It’s about hitting advantage every race hard, heading to Qatar says Hamilton Wins in all the remaining races not enough if Rosberg finishes second every time

Jonathan Rea (right) and Tom Sykes in action during last year’s World Superbike race at Qatar’s Losail International Circuit.

wo points is all Jonathan Rea fast pace all year- as shown by his eight needs to successfully defend pole positions this year, he has only his WorldSBK title after two been able to win fi ve races. This means rostrum fi nishes at Round 12 moving on to 2017, Sykes will be look- Tin Jerez. If the Northern Irishman wins ing to extend his qualifying perform- the title he will become the fi rst rider ances into race situations if he plans since Carl Fogarty to win two consecu- to challenge for the title once again. tive WorldSBK titles and cement his After Rea suff ered two consecutive re- status as a championship legend. tirements this season, Sykes was given The 29-year-old has traditionally a ray of hope in the title fi ght but ulti- struggled at the Spanish venue but af- mately it has almost certainly come to ter having succeeded in preserving his nothing at the end of the campaign. lead against his title rival Tom Sykes, There is no doubt that Sykes is one he knows that he is almost certain to be of the top three riders in WorldSBK and crowned in the desert night of Qatar. there is little to choose between him, While Chaz Davies dominated pro- Rea and Davies, but this year has seen ceedings once again, Rea is in the en- a gap develop between the trio and if viable position of knowing that his Sykes is to change perceptions he will Welsh rival could hand him the title need that process to begin in Qatar by winning the opening race in Qatar. where he has fi nished third in every His teammate Sykes needs to win both race since WorldSBK fi rst ventured to races to stand a chance of winning the Losail in 2014. title and as Davies- who has won fi ve of The last round of the WorldSBK will the last six races- is in the best form of be at the Losail International Circuit his life, Sykes admitted that he is now from October 28-30 with QAR 100 for “clutching at straws” for his title bid. the Grandstand ticket for the 3-days Though Sykes has had blisteringly event. (WSBK)

Mercedes’ drivers Nico Rosberg (foreground) is 33 points ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton (left) in the championship standings. (Reuters) PLANS

Reuters title this season, given that even win- ergy into this weekend.” raoke night. Austin, Texas ning all the remaining races will not It seemed to do the trick, the Ger- be enough if Rosberg fi nishes second STRONG SUPPORT man reeling off seven wins in a row every time. Hamilton could do with some of that on the back of the Texas defeat and McLaren boss ewis Hamilton will be starring But the same bad luck that saw him after a negative Japanese Grand Prix in returning a year later much more than in the next Call of Duty video retire with an engine failure while which he seemed determined to take “half way there” and searching for his game due out in November leading in Malaysia this month can on all-comers. 10th victory of the season. but the Formula One world also strike elsewhere. At Suzuka two weeks ago, he was “Last year this race obviously didn’t Dennis says he is Lchampion has a real and more imme- “We’ve got four races left to make criticised for playing with Snapchat work out so great for me, so I’m look- diate fi ght on his hands in Texas this the most of it and that’s exactly what I on his phone during the main Thurs- ing forward to getting back out there weekend. plan to do. It’s just about hitting every day news conference and then walked and doing my best to get it right this The Mercedes driver, returning to the race weekend as hard as I can, going out of a team media briefi ng after hit- time,” said Rosberg. not stepping down US Grand Prix circuit where last year he all out for every win and seeing what ting out at “disrespectful” criticism of Red Bull, the only team other than won his third title, told 3.8mn followers happens from there,” said Hamilton. his behaviour by journalists. Mercedes to have won races this sea- on Twitter that he would be a character “I’ll be holding nothing back out If Hamilton hopes for a return to form son with Australian Daniel Ricciardo Reuters Dennis, who started in Formula One in the Infi nite Warfare edition. there. in Texas, Rosberg has unfi nished busi- and Dutch teenager Max Verstappen, Austin, Texas in the 1960s and has been involved Hamilton, 33 points behind Ger- “I’ve got some great memories from ness to deal with as he charts his way — will also be hoping to get in the mix as with McLaren since 1980, stood down man teammate Nico Rosberg with four Austin, with three wins from four one race at a time — towards a fi rst title. will Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Kimi as team boss in 2009 but returned as rounds remaining, is determined to races and, of course, the title win last His mistake in Austin last October, Raikkonen. cLaren group head Ron group chief executive in January 2014. give it his best shot on the track as well year. That was one of the highlights of while leading the race, gifted the title With no US driver on the grid, the Dennis said he was “cat- McLaren also changed their name in — even if it is looking an increasingly my career, no doubt. to Hamilton in bitter circumstances. US-owned Haas team will be making a egorically” not stepping 2014 to McLaren Technology Group, long one. “It’s almost like the American fans Rosberg went off to console him- fi rst home appearance while Force In- down after a report yester- incorporating the car company and The Briton knows the odds are now have adopted me as their own, so I’ll self after the race by belting out Bon dia’s Mexican Sergio Perez can count on Mday suggested he would be leaving his applied technologies as well as the F1 stacked against him winning a fourth try to channel all of that positive en- Jovi’s Living on a Prayer at a team ka- strong support from across the border. role as chairman and chief executive at team. the end of the year. Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund The autosport.com website said Mumtalakat agreed that same year to BOTTOMLINE Dennis, 69, would not have his current sell some of its 50 % stake in McLaren contract renewed when it expired. to Dennis who was set to become the It gave no source for the information majority shareholder but there has but added that McLaren Automotive, been no confi rmation of that happen- the separately-constituted road car di- ing. Brawn blames lack of trust for Mercedes exit vision, was not aff ected by any change “Over many years, many decades in of leadership at McLaren Technology fact, McLaren shareholders have often Reuters Group. entered into dialogue on the subject of Austin, Texas “Ron Dennis responded by stating potential equity movements and rea- categorically that he is not stepping lignments and Ron and Mansour have down,” a McLaren spokesman said always been central to those discus- ormer Mercedes principal ahead of Sunday’s US Formula One sions,” said the spokesman. Ross Brawn has blamed cur- Grand Prix at Austin’s Circuit of the “That is still the case. Their recent rent bosses and shareholders Americas. conversations can therefore be catego- Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda for “Moreover, he remains contracted rised as ‘more of the same’.” Fa breakdown of trust that led to his de- as chairman and chief executive offi cer He gave no further details. parture from the now-dominant For- of McLaren Technology Group and he McLaren, the sport’s second most mula One team in 2013. retains a 25 % shareholding — exactly successful team historically, have not The 61-year-old Briton, who won equal to that of (Saudi-born Luxem- won a race since 2012 and have strug- the constructors’ and drivers’ cham- bourg-based business partner) Man- gled on the track since they started a new pionships with Brawn GP in 2009 be- sour Ojjeh.” partnership with Honda last season. fore selling it to Mercedes in 2010, set out his version of events in a book to be published in Britain on Nov. 3. “What happened at Mercedes is that people were imposed on me who I couldn’t trust,” he said in Total com- petition, lessons in strategy from For- mula One that he co-authored with former Williams chief executive Adam Parr. An advance copy has been made available to Reuters. “I never knew really what they were and I wasn’t interested in the team cal head at Mercedes, had been signed “Even with Paddy Lowe, I was never trying to do. I mean Niki would tell me any more and I wasn’t motivated and I from McLaren. quite sure — he was quite happy to one thing, then I would hear he was wasn’t doing this, I wasn’t doing that. “When I challenged Toto and Niki jump in and take my job,” he added. saying something else.” That the team needed a fresh impe- they both blamed each other,” he said. “I couldn’t trust those people so I Brawn, the former Benetton and tus,” said Brawn. “I met them together to have it out saw no future unless I was willing to Ferrari strategist who played a big part “So I was beginning to deal with with them and they both pointed to go to war and remove them.” in Michael Schumacher’s seven titles, people who I didn’t feel I could ulti- each other.” Mercedes have won the last three said Wolff made critical comments in mately trust; people within the team Neither Wolff nor Lauda were im- contructors’ championships with a taped conversation with former F1 who had let me down already in terms mediately available for comment. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, team boss Colin Kolles. of their approach.” Brawn, 61, said the lack of trust both signed while Brawn was in “He said that I was resting on my Brawn said he then discovered early became disconcerting and was not charge, and are on course for a third money now. I had got all this money in 2013 that Paddy Lowe, now techni- something he was used to. successive drivers’ title. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, October 20, 2016 SPORT

MLB NBA Snell will get chance Jays stay alive, Dodgers to start for Bucks: Kidd

By Charles F Gardner ease ahead of Cubs Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ‘We’re still down three games to one. It’s a must win each and every game’ ony Snell went from the back of the bench in Chicago to a starting role in Milwaukee. Just like that. TThe Bucks’ desperate need at shooting guard led to the trade late Saturday that sent point guard Michael Carter-Williams to the Bulls and brought the 6-foot-7 Snell a great opportunity in Milwaukee. Snell admitted Tuesday it was a stunning turnaround for him, but the former New Mex- ico player said he would be ready by the time the Bucks open the regular season against Charlotte on Oct. 26. “I was really excited,” Snell said. “It was really mind-blowing to come in and get the (chance to) start and show what I can do best. “I already talked to some of my teammates and I saw the fi rst practice. I know what this team needs. I’m going to go in and try to pro- vide my knowledge and everything I learned from the Bulls the last three years. Bring it here and do the best I can.” Snell sat out Tuesday’s practice with a sprained left ankle suff ered in a Bulls practice. But he was confi dent he would be able to re- turn to the court in a few days. Bucks coach Jason Kidd said he believes Snell can handle a starting role and help fi ll the gap left by Khris Middleton, who will be out at least six months following hamstring surgery. The 6-7 Middleton led the Bucks in scoring last season and was the team’s primary three- point threat. “He’s still young and is still learning the game,” Kidd said of Snell. “He’s extremely long and fi ts the makeup of what we’re trying to do here. “He has an opportunity to start. If we can get him up to speed by Wednesday we could look at starting him against Charlotte. That’s a possibility.” The Bucks (2-3) close their six-game pre- season schedule against Indiana on Wednes- day at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Then they will have a week to prepare for the real thing. The 24-year-old Snell has started 67 of 213 games in his NBA career and averaged 5.3 points and 18.5 minutes while shooting 35.1 percent from three-point range with the Bulls. Those numbers could rise given the Bucks’ need at shooting guard. “He can play multiple Roberto Osuna (right) and Russell Martin of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians with a score of 5 to 1 in game four of the American League Championship Series at positions as a wing,” Kidd said. Rogers Centre in Toronto. (AFP) “You look at being able to stretch the de- fense. And he’s not just a shooter but can put AFP pitched six strong innings for the Cleveland last won it all back in Wednesday and Thursday. Corey Seager had opened the the ball on the fl oor and get to the basket. Los Angeles Blue Jays, who handed Cleveland 1948. Down 3-1 in the series, the Los Angeles starting pitcher Rich Dodgers’ account with a run-scoring “Defensively, he uses his length and always their fi rst defeat of the post-season. Blue Jays still face a formidable task. Hill allowed just two hits with six single in the third, and the Dodgers is taking the challenge of guarding the better Ezequiel Carrera singled in a run in The only baseball team to over- strikeouts over six scoreless innings added two more runs in the eighth. of the two wings. He enjoys playing both sides he Toronto Blue Jays kept the fourth to put Toronto up 2-0. come a 3-0 post-season series defi - as the Cubs were shut out in back- Dodgers relief pitchers Joe Blan- of the ball, which we defi nitely like.” their hopes of reaching Ma- Robert Perez doubled in a run for cit was the 2004 Boston Red Sox, to-back games for the fi rst time ton and Grant Dayton combined to Snell said he wouldn’t try too hard to re- jor League Baseball’s World Cleveland to trim the defi cit, but who rallied past the New York Yan- since May of 2014. throw 1 2/3 scoreless innings before place Middleton’s production. Series alive on Tuesday with the bases loaded in the bottom kees in the ALCS. Hill, who just 14 months ago was closer Kenley Jansen recorded the fi - “That’s the last thing to put on yourself in Twith a 5-1 home victory over the of the seventh Encarnacion smacked “It’s an uphill battle,” said Don- with an independent league team nal four outs. a new spot, to put pressure on yourself,” Snell Cleveland Indians. a single to center that scored two aldson, who belted his fi rst homer of having bounced around and out of “More than anything, I think we said. “When you work hard, there’s no such The Blue Jays denied the Indians runs to stretch Toronto’s lead to 4-1, the playoff s off Cleveland starter Co- the major leagues, called it the big- need to get a couple runs and hits and thing as pressure.” a four-game sweep of the best-of- and they tacked on another run in rey Kluber in the third inning. “We’re gest game of his career, although he runs early to try to get that kind of Snell said he’s excited about playing with seven American League Champi- the bottom of the eighth. still down three games to one. It’s a said he couldn’t aff ord to think about feeling back,” said Cubs manager Joe Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker, onship Series, which will send the “They hit better than us, they must win each and every game. that during the contest. Maddon, whose team haven’t scored the Bucks’ 21-year-old duo. winners into a title showdown with pitched better than us, they played “The have a good team over there, “t’s all about staying in the mo- since the eighth inning of game one “They’re young superstars,” Snell said. either the Chicago Cubs or Los defense better than us today, so they we understand that and we’re just ment and executing when you’re in of the series in Chicago on Saturday. “They’re really talented and very young, so Angeles Dodgers. deserved to win,” Cleveland short- going to continue to go out there and that moment and that’s all you can Despite the Cubs’ off ensive strug- they’ve got a lot of room to grow. But so far, The Cubs, trying to end a World stop Francisco Lindor said. “Their handle and control the things that think about,” Hill said. gles, Grandal said the Dodgers they’re amazing.” Series drought that stretches back hitters looked a lot better today, a lot we can.” Cy Young Award-winner Arrieta, couldn’t take anything for granted Snell said he learned from many of the Bulls to 1908, slipped 2-1 down in the Na- more comfortable.” who pitched a no-hitter at Dodger against the team that posted the best veterans over the last few years. He mentioned tional League Championship Series Toronto host game fi ve on Dodgers rough up Arrieta Stadium in August of last year, gave regular-season record in baseball. Taj Gibson, Kirk Hinrich, Carlos Boozer and with a 6-0 game-three defeat in Los Wednesday, with the Indians again In Los Angeles, Yasmani Grandal up six hits in fi ve-plus innings, in- “You can’t look ahead,” Grandal Luol Deng. Angeles. aiming to secure their fi rst World and Justin Turner homered off Cubs cluding Grandal’s two-run blast in said. “These guys won 100-some “It kind of caught me off -guard,” Snell said In Toronto, Josh Donaldson Series appearance since 1997, when ace Jake Arrieta to help the Dodgers the fourth and Turner’s solo shot in games. They’ve got the talent. When of the trade. homered, Edwin Encarnacion drove they were beaten by the Florida Mar- to a 2-1 series lead with games four to lead off the sixth that spelled the you think ahead, that’s when bad “But I know everything happens for a rea- in two runs and Aaron Sanchez lins in a seven-game thriller. and fi ve coming up in Los Angeles on end of Arrieta’s night. things happen.” son, and I’m here.”

NHL Canucks stun St Louis Blues 2-1 in overtime

By Jeremy Rutherford the second intermission, some- plays in the fi rst period, and a goalie Jacob Markstrom. Mark- St. Louis Post-Dispatch thing the team did only three Blues’ penalty-killing unit miss- strom got the surprise start in times all of last season. ing both Brodziak and Lehtera place of former Blue Ryan Mill- To put this in even more per- erased them all, including one that er, who arrived at Rogers Arena he night began in Van- spective, the Blues were on the carried over into the second peri- Tuesday with “stiff ness,” ac- couver Tuesday with the verge of shutting out Vancouver od. The Canucks couldn’t convert cording to the Canucks. They microphone shorting for the third consecutive game, on the man-advantage, but they had to bring in a goalie from a out on St. Louis-born but after going 177:34 without a began applying more pressure. local university to be the emer- TJim Byrnes. The fans at Rog- goal, the Canucks scored twice Horvat got through the Blues’ gency backup. ers Arena fi nished off the “Star in 4:35. defense and hit the post, and a That Tarasenko had the fi rst Spangled Banner,” followed by It cost the Blues their second minute later Allen had to swal- goal of the game came as no sur- “Oh Canada,” before the puck 4-0 start in franchise history, low up a shot by Daniel Sedin to prise. His fourth of the season, dropped between the St. Louis dropping them to 3-0-1 before keep the game scoreless. tying him for the NHL lead with Blues and Vancouver Canucks. heading to Edmonton Thursday. The Blues, meanwhile, changed three other players, handed the In the fi rst of a three-game The Blues were about to leave up their line combinations ear- Blues a 1-0 lead with 9:37 left in road trip through Western Can- Vancouver with the win Tuesday, ly in the second period. Rattie the second period. ada, the off ense then shorted but late in regulation, Canucks lasted only a handful of shifts be- The game stayed that way un- out on the Blues. A team that defenseman Erik Gudbran- fore Ken Hitchcock swapped him til late in the third period, when had netted 11 goals in a 3-0 start son released a big shot from the with Nail Yakupov, placing the things started to short out for the came up with just one Tues- point. Jake Allen made the save, newcomer with Stastny and Fab- Blues. day from Vladimir Tarasenko. but center Bo Horvat was on the The Vancouver Canucks celebrate the win against the St. Louis Blues during overtime at Rogers Arena. bri and slipping Rattie down the It looked like that would be doorstep to knock in the rebound The Canucks won 2-1 in overtime. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports lineup with Magnus Paajarvi and RESULTS enough, but Vancouver scored for a 1-1 score with 2:55 left. Then Patrik Berglund. New Jersey 2 Anaheim 1 with 2 minutes, 55 seconds re- in OT, Sedin fi nished off another ries. Center Jori Lehtera didn’t into Brodziak’s role on the fourth streak of 120:29 into the game The Blues’ off ensive spark, San Jose 3 NY Islanders 2 maining in regulation, sending play on Allen’s doorstep, this make the trip to Vancouver, and line. That prime-time assign- and that appeared to be over just though, would come from a Washington 3 Colorado 0 the game to overtime, and then time ending the evening. while center Kyle Brodziak and ment didn’t last long for Rattie, 6:10 into the game when a puck save by Allen. Henrik Sedin got Montreal 4 Pittsburgh 0 Henrik Sedin fi nished off the Vancouver outshot the Blues defenseman Carl Gunnarsson who found himself strapped to went in off the skate of the Ca- behind the defense, but Allen Ottawa 7 Arizona 4 Blues in overtime. 26-24 and the teams were a did travel, they did not suit up the bench at the end of the pe- nucks’ Luca Sbisa. turned him away. Tampa Bay 4 Florida 3 (SO) Sedin’s goal just 1:40 into the combined zero for seven on the Tuesday. riod and on a diff erent line in the Allen signalled his thoughts Seconds later, Alexander Steen Dallas 2 Nashville 1 3-on-3 OT provided Vancouver power play. Ty Rattie took Lehtera’s spot second period. to offi cials, kicking his leg in the sprung teammate Tarasenko on a Minnesota 6 Los Angeles 3 with a 2-1 win over the Blues, The Blues were missing all in the lineup and went into his The fi rst period was scoreless, air after the goal, and following 2-on-1 with Scottie Upshall the Chicago 7 Philadelphia 4 improving the Canucks to 3-0 three players that left Satur- season debut on a line with but only after an offi cial review a video review, they agreed that other way. Tarasenko took one Calgary 4 Buff alo 3 (OT) on the season. They have rallied day’s game against the New York Paul Stastny and Robby Fab- negated a would-be Vancouver it was a distinct kicking motion. look toward Upshall and then Edmonton 3 Carolina 2 to win all three games, trailing at Rangers with upper-body inju- bri, while Dmitrij Jaskin stepped goal. The Blues carried a shutout Vancouver had three power ripped a shot past Vancouver Vancouver 2 St. Louis 1 (OT) Gulf Times Thursday, October 20, 2016 9 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Munster back in action aft er Foley funeral Savea back for All AFP of Killaloe, County Clare, on Dublin Friday. Foley captained Munster to European Cup fi nal victory in 2006 with a win over Biarritz in unster’s European Cardiff and also gained 62 caps Champions Cup tie for Ireland, leading the national at home to Glas- side on three occasions. gow will go ahead He played 86 European Blacks record bid Mas scheduled on Saturday, just matches for Munster and re- 24 hours after the funeral of the tired in 2008 as the club’s most- Irish province’s head coach An- capped player with 194 appear- ‘Australia will be coming here with a lot more confidence than when we played earlier’ thony Foley, team offi cials con- ances. fi rmed yesterday. The 26,500-capacity ‘Intelligent’ Thomond Park stadium in Lim- Glasgow coach Gregor JULIAN SAVEA erick is expected to be sold out Townsend, who fi rst played for what will surely be an emo- against Foley as a schoolboy, was tionally-charged experience well aware of the “enormity” of both on and off the fi eld. Foley, Saturday’s match as he paid his 42, died last weekend of a heart own tribute to the Munster leg- disorder in a Paris hotel room end. ahead of Munster’s match with “It is such a loss for our game, French side Racing 92. a huge loss for Munster rugby Munster director of rugby so our thoughts go with them Rassie Erasmus, speaking at a and Anthony’s family,” said Limerick news conference yes- Townsend. terday, described former Mun- “Munster was probably the ster and Ireland back-row for- team that shaped the Cham- ward Foley as “a fallen friend” pions Cup for what it is today,” but insisted Saturday’s match the former Scotland playmaker should go ahead. added. “As diffi cult as it will be to “Winning away from home, play the next game, no mat- winning in France, getting to fi - ter the time, opposition and nals, winning big games in those venue, we have an opportunity fi nals and having huge travelling to play there this Saturday; that support. is something that is hugely im- “I was playing for (French portant to all of us and cannot be club) Castres and I think we easily dismissed,” he said. played Munster fi ve times over “Playing in Thomond Park two seasons and Anthony was a further ties us to his memory and key player for them. will be a chance for all, including “I think we played each other our supporters and the commu- in the schoolboy teams a long nity, to feel that connection and time ago, the Munster games closeness to him at this time,” and Ireland. He was aggressive Erasmus added. and intelligent too. A really good Meanwhile emotional team modern No 8 with a great ball- captain Peter O’Mahony said he carrying side to his game. “couldn’t do justice” to Foley’s “I was looking forward to importance to Munster. catching up with him. He was “He’s been there since the always very good after games start – every team that I sup- whether Munster won or we won.” ported he was in it,” O’Mahony Townsend said his side were said. Thomond Park has become prepared for a highly-charged the focal point for Munster sup- atmosphere on Saturday. porters to express their grief, “I think it is a game to remem- with the main gates awash with ber what Anthony did and help fl owers, jerseys, fl ags and mes- create at Munster,” he said. sages of condolence for the Foley “I would imagine it would be family. a huge game in terms of crowd During the week, Munster support. players signed books of condo- “Our players appreciate the lence across the southern Ireland enormity of what has happened province and all are expected to and being involved in the game attend Foley’s funeral at St Flan- will hopefully bring out the best AFP went through the recently only back replacements be- the Australians have won three on Saturday. The New Zealand- nan’s Church in his home village in both teams.” Auckland completed Rugby Champion- ing Cruden, who has recovered of their last nine outings. born hooker, who earlier this ship unbeaten and thrashed the from the groin injury that side- The Wallabies have a dismal year led England to a Six Nations Wallabies in both the home and lined him in recent months, record at Auckland’s Eden Park Grand Slam and a 3-0 series win lockbusting wing Julian away matches of that series but Fekitoa and scrum-half Tawera where they last won a 1986 vic- in Australia, has been out of ac- Jeptoo eyes return to elite marathon running “the Bus” Savea returns Hansen is expecting a more for- Kerr-Barlow. tory and have since lost 16 times tion since September 11 follow- Kenyan marathon runner Rita Jeptoo says she hopes to return soon to the New Zealand midable opposition this time. TJ Perenara keeps the starting to the All Blacks. ing a series of back spasms. to elite distance running after her two-year doping ban ends at the line-up in one of only “Australia will be coming scrum-half role in place of Aar- New Zealand (15-1) However, he has now re- end this month. The 35-year-old three-time Boston marathon winner threeB changes for Saturday’s here with a lot more confi dence on Smith who misses a second Ben Smith; Israel Dagg, Anton turned to full training and tested positive for the banned blood booster EPO, in an out of com- world record bid when they play than when we played earlier in consecutive Test in the wake Lienert-Brown, Ryan Crotty, Northampton backs coach Alan petition test in September 2014, and was given a two-year sanction Australia in Auckland. the season,” he said. of his toilet tryst scandal when Julian Savea; Beauden Barrett, Dickens said Wednesday: “Dy- by Athletics Kenya. Savea takes over from Wai- “They’ve made some signifi - he was seen entering a disabled TJ Perenara; Kieran Read (capt), lan’s been injured. He’s on the But her return depends on the outcome of her appeal to the Court sake Naholo on the left wing cant changes to their game and toilet cubicle with a woman at Matt Todd, Jerome Kaino; Sam route back. of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which is set to rule on her case on with the other changes to the would like nothing better to end busy airport. Smith was stood Whitelock, Brodie Retallick; “He trained fully last week. October 26, after the IAAF requested that the ban be doubled to side that crushed South Africa their Southern Hemisphere Test down for the South Africa Test Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Joe He’s trained fully this week, it’s four years. two weeks ago coming on the season with a win. and has voluntarily withdrawn Moody just dependent on how he reacts. “I have returned to serious training with the hope that I will return bench with the recall of Aaron “They’ve said they are keen from this match. Replacements: Codie Taylor, He’s there or thereabouts,” he to the marathon soon,” Jeptoo told AFP from her hometown of Cruden and Malakai Fekitoa. to bring it on, and have outlined In the forwards, there is no Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumui- added of this weekend’s match Eldoret. Victory for the All Blacks will their intentions, so the stage is lock replacement and Matt na, Liam Squire, Ardie Savea, away to French club Castres. “I am optimistic my appeal to CAS will go through,” said Jeptoo, who give them a record 18th consec- set for another huge trans-Tas- Todd remains the starting Tawera Kerr-barlow, Aaron Hartley’s increasing fi tness is decided to launch her own appeal with the sport’s highest court utive win, eclipsing the current man battle.” openside fl anker role for the ex- Cruden, Malakai Fekitoa welcome news for both North- after her lawyer withdrew from the case in July. record for a top tier nation of 17 Savea, with an impressive 43 pected crucial battle with David ampton, looking to back up Athletics Kenya also opted out of the case despite having previ- which they currently share with tries from 48 Tests, has shown Pocock, with Ardie Savea to be England captain Hartley their 16-14 win in last week’s ously announced its attendance in the arbitration appeal hearing in the Springboks and two previ- inconsistent form this year, but used as an impact player off the ‘on the route back’ Champions Cup opener against Lausanne, Switzerland. ous New Zealand squads. Hansen indicated he was re- bench. England captain Dylan Hart- Montpellier, another French Following her ban, Jeptoo’s result as the winner of the 2014 Chicago It is a “hugely-anticipated freshed after not being required While the All Blacks have ley is aiming to make his fi rst club, and England, who open marathon was disqualified, and she is also likely to forfeit the 2013- Test,” coach Steve Hansen said in South Africa. won their last 17 Tests, which appearance in six weeks when their end-of-year Test series 2014 World Marathon Majors (WMM) title to fellow Kenyan Edna when announcing the line up His recall leaves no room for include beating the Wallabies Northampton travel to Castres against South Africa at Twick- Kiplagat. early Thursday. The All Blacks Naholo in the squad with the in the World Cup fi nal last year, in the European Champions Cup enham on November 12.

OLYMPICS ‘2020 events should be held in disaster zone’

Reuters some events of the Olympic Games in Tokyo Tokyo 2020 in the disaster aff ected ar- Paralympics chief apologises to eas in order to contribute to the regen- eration of the area, and also to send a IOC’s Bach over prank call nternational Olympic Committee message of confi dence and hope to the International Paralympic Committee chief Phil Craven has apologised in a letter to (IOC) President Thomas Bach has people there,” he added. the International Olympic Committee for comments he made about IOC President proposed that some 2020 Tokyo Baseball and softball, dropped from Thomas Bach during a prank call, a source said yesterday. Craven made disparag- Olympics events should be held in the Olympics after Beijing in 2008, are ing comments about Bach and two IOC members this month in a call he thought Ithe northeastern region devastated by one of fi ve sports to be added to the was with former Olympic track and field champion Edwin Moses. the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nu- Tokyo Games. The IPC chief, who is also an IOC member, had said “public opinion across the world clear disaster. “An inaugural (game) of baseball is against (Bach)” over the IOC’s decision not to ban all Russian athletes from the Tokyo’s Olympic bid pledged that with the participation of the Japanese Rio de Janeiro Olympics due to a doping scandal. The IOC had only suspended the roughly 80% of events would be held team could, I think, be a very powerful country’s track and field team from attending Rio over the fallout of a state-backed within 8km (5 miles) of the athletes’ message,” he said. doping system in the country. village in downtown Tokyo but eff orts “But it is not the only option we are Craven, whose organisation suspended all Russian athletes from competing at the to cut ballooning costs has already discussing.” Paralympics in Rio because of the same doping aff air, also had said German Chan- forced several venues to be moved out Bach met with Koike on Tuesday cellor Angela Merkel “couldn’t stand” Bach. of the city. and they agreed to form a working “The President has personally accepted the apology from Sir Phil about his com- A review of expenses commissioned group comprising Tokyo, the central ments,” a source told Reuters, adding that Craven had written a letter to Bach. “As by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike has government, 2020 organisers and the far as Bach is concerned personally the matter is now closed.” proposed moving rowing and canoe/ IOC to fi nd ways to avoid wasteful In the recording of the prank call released by Russian television on Oct. 7 Craven kayak sprint events some 400km spending, with the fi rst meeting as also said he would “slam Bach” if he attempted to “pull a fast one” during an Olym- north of Tokyo to existing facilities in early as next month. pic summit earlier in October to discuss doping. “If Bach tries to pull a fast one, I’m one of the aff ected areas, but this has After that meeting, Bach, who set going to slam him... and I hope Craig Reedie (President of the World Anti-Doping been opposed by organisers and sports IOC president Thomas Bach (L) with President of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Or- into motion cost-cutting reforms Agency) does the same. offi cials as too hard on the athletes in- ganising Committee Yoshiro Mori during a press conference at the Tokyo 2020 known as “Agenda 2020”, did not “If Bach doesn’t change his tune, he’s going to be in a very diff icult situation be- volved. headquarters after their meeting in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) comment on the proposed venue cause public opinion all over the world is against him. And particularly in Germany. Games organisers had already been moves but emphasised that athletes Germany can’t stand him. Angela Merkel can’t stand him.” considering staging a baseball or soft- cident since Chernobyl following the Abe that other sports could also be in- had to come fi rst and suggested To- Craven and Bach are due to meet in Tokyo during a World Economic Forum meet- ball game in Fukushima prefecture, tsunami, but Bach told reporters after cluded. kyo should try to stay close to its bid ing today. hit by the world’s worst nuclear ac- a meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo “We discussed the idea... to have proposal. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, October 20, 2016 CRICKET

SECOND ODI SPOTLIGHT We have struggled Kumble backs Pandya against India: to continue good form says Boult AFP India face New Zealand today in the second ODI of the five-match series in New Delhi New Delhi

IANS ew Zealand’s batsmen New Delhi are struggling for an- swers against India’s bowling attack, Black ith Hardik Pandya picking up the man NCaps pace spearhead Trent Boult of the match award in his One-Day conceded yesterday, before the International (ODI) debut during the second one-day international in fi rst match against New Zealand, In- New Delhi. Wdia coach Anil Kumble is confi dent that the all- The Kane Williamson-led side rounder will bring in much needed balance to the mustered just 190 runs in the team. Pandya returned fi gures of 3 for 31 in Dhar- opening match in Dharamsala amsala last Sunday as India restricted New Zea- earlier this week, a total which land to a total of 190 runs. Kumble asserted that India chased down in just 33.1 such an encouraging performance on his ODI de- overs. “We are looking to get but will give Pandya the confi dence to perform well more runs, as basic as it sounds. in the second match of the series as well. If we could put more runs on “He is someone who obviously gives us the right (the) board we could off er more balance because he can bowl. He bowls at a pretty scoreboard pressure on a good decent pace as well. It was nice that he really bowled Indian side,” Boult told reporters well in the fi rst game with the new ball. That was on the eve of today’s game. something that Dhoni wants him to try and it was “They are a quality side and heartening that he got the man of the match in his they are putting a lot of pressure fi rst game. So it was something that I am sure will on us at the moment and at the give him a lot of confi dence. All-rounders who can moment we don’t have the an- run in and bowl quick and bat are certainly an as- swers for their questions,” said set. He is someone who will be closely monitored Boult, whose teammates were and we will see how he progresses. He certainly has whitewashed by their hosts in the potential. He has shown his potential in the the Test series. limited opportunities that he has got,” Kumble said Debutant medium-pacer yesterday. Hardik Pandya led an inspired “As someone who has just started his interna- bowling attack on Sunday, rat- tional career we do not want to put pressure on him tling New Zealand who slipped by giving him specifi c plans as to what is expected to 48 for fi ve and 106 for eight of him. He is someone who likes the freedom. That before Tom Latham and Tim is what we have given to someone like Hardik. We Southee gave some respectabil- tell him to bowl freely and not worry about get- ity to the visitors’ total. ting hit. We don’t tell him to bowl in one particular “There are still four matches spot. Even with his batting, he has the freedom to up for grabs. An opportunity go and bat freely whatever be the match situation,” India cricket coach Anil Kumble (left) and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (second left) warm up with teammates during a training session at the Ferozshah (is there) for us to right a few the India coach added. Kotla stadium in New Delhi yesterday, on the eve of the second One Day International match against New Zealand. (AFP) wrongs and put in a good per- Kumble, who refused to divulge the Indian play- formance,” said Boult, who ex- ing XI, said the Ferozeshah Kotla ground here will ish (Pandey) is someone who has done really well pects to play at Delhi’s Feroz be suitable for batting. “It should be a good surface in the recent past. He started off well even in Dhar- Shah Kotla stadium after being for one-day cricket. It should be a good surface amsala. Manish is someone who has shown prom- Indian all-rounder Hardik rested for the fi rst game. for batting. As far as (team) combination goes, we ise and the performances to back it as well,” Kum- Pandya bowls in the nets at the With the conditions at the still have time. We will let you know tomorrow,” he ble remarked. Ferozshah Kotla stadium Ferozeshah Kotla favouring the said. Kumble is also pleased with opener Ajinkya “He is certainly the number four we are looking in New Delhi yesterday. (AFP) spinners, the hosts will bank Rahane’s form and asserted that the right-hander into. But in ODI’s I don’t think it is necessary that on their last ODI performance will continue to open the innings in the near fu- you should have some positions fi xed. It all de- where Kedar Jadhav and leggie ture. “At the moment Rahane certainly fi ts in at the pends on the situation. You could see someone else Amit Mishra ran through the top of the order. That is something we will persist walking in as well,” he added. Kiwi’s middle and lower order. with. It does give us an option once Shikhar (Dha- The 46-year-old also asserted that India captain Batsman Suresh Raina will also wan) and KL Rahul are fi t,” Kumble said. Mahendra Singh Dhoni will continue to bat in his miss the second ODI as he is still “We have a lot of time before the next ODI series present position as he has the required experience recovering from a bout of viral against England. In this series, Rahane will open to fi nish off a chase. “It all depends on match situa- fever. In the batting department, the batting. Looking at the Champions Trophy we tions. While chasing you need more experience. As Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, will then decide who is our opening combination.” far as MS is concerned, he has enough experience. Manish Pandey and Dhoni had The former leg-spinner also said that although He has shown over the years that he has enough decent starts. The bowling de- fl exibility in the batting remains a target in limit- capabilities as a batsman,” Kumble insisted. partment has settled down into a ed-overs cricket, Manish Pandey is being looked “We don’t need to really look close at giving him nice rhythm as pacers and spin- upon as a potential fi xture at the number four slot. time to settle in. You will probably see a diff erent ners chipped in with vital break- “We have a couple of options at that spot. Man- batting order depending on diff erent situations.” throughs when needed.

WATSON HITS BACK AT ROUND-UP CLARKE OVER ‘TUMOUR’ JIBE Pakistan to stage ‘fl y-in, fl y-out’ Sydney: SHANE WATSON has hit back at Michael Clarke’s claim he was part of a group that was “like a tumour” in Australia’s cricket team, saying it Twenty20 fi nal in Lahore reflected poorly on the former captain. In a televi- sion interview with Australia’s Channel Nine to pro- Agencies mote his autobiography, the retired Clarke spoke Dubai of stormy relationships during his long career. This included with Watson, who was one of four players suspended by then-coach Mickey Arthur akistan will stage the 2017 fi nal of and captain Clarke for the third Test against India their Twenty20 franchise league in in Mohali in 2013. Vice-captain Watson was sus- Lahore but teams will fl y in and fl y pended and sent back to Australia for not doing out for the showpiece event in a so- Pbering nod to the delicate security situation his “homework”, after he failed to provide a written report on how to improve the team’s performance. in the country. Clarke denied singling out the all-rounder as Some 414 players were placed in the draft a “cancer” on the team, a claim made by Arthur for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) yes- in documents connected to legal action over his terday, a list which included former New sacking three years ago. But he admitted saying Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, West Watson was one of a number of players who were Indian stars Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, “like a tumour, and if we don’t fix it, it’s going to Australia’s Shane Watson, Bangladesh’s turn into a cancer”. Shakib Al Hasan and England’s Twenty20 Watson, who has also retired from interna- towards me,” Watson told Fox Sports late Tuesday. captain Eoin Morgan. tional cricket, said it was pointless reopening old “In the end it is really disappointing that things Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen wounds. “For me I think it was more a reflection like that start to come out two or three years later will also take part, while the inclusion of of the person he is more than what it was directed on when we are all very content in retirement.” Morgan is particularly noteworthy after he withdrew from England’s ongoing tour of Pakistani captain Misbah-ul-Haq of Islamabad United (left) and bowling coach of Islamabad Bangladesh over security concerns. Five Wasim Akram attend the second edition of PSL draft in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) teams took part in the inaugural edition of FOCUS the PSL which was held entirely in Dubai WRIGHT SET FOR ($4.8mn) bail-out from from the England and Sharjah in February this year. DERBYSHIRE RETURN and Wales Cricket Board – a cash injection PSL chairman Najam Sethi announced Former New Zealand and India coach John that came with the tough conditions of rele- yesterday that the 2017 fi nal will be held Wright is to return to Derbyshire as a spe- gation from the First Division of the County Khawaja may open in fi rst Test in Lahore, the bustling city where the Sri cialist coach when the county takes part in Championship and a 48-point penalty at Lankan team bus was attacked by militants the 2017 edition of English cricket’s Twen- the start of next season. in 2009. That outrage forced Pakistan to play ty20 Blast competition, it was announced Durham County Council announced in a against South Africa: Lehmann their “home” matches at the neutral venues yesterday. Left-handed opening batsman tweet that a plan had been agreed to convert of the United Arab Emirates with only a brief Wright played for Midlands club Derbyshire £3.74mn in outstanding debt to the local au- Reuters yesterday. “It depends on the make-up of the side. visit by Zimbabwe in 2015 snapping the iso- in the late 1970s and 1980s while also rep- thority into shares in the club’s new struc- Melbourne At the end of the day the captain will decide where lation. “International players know what we resenting New Zealand, for whom he made ture as a community interest company. The the batting order lies and we’ll just give him the side can do; most of them are ready to come to 82 Test appearances. After his playing days sanctions imposed on Durham by the ECB we think is the best prepared and the best team to Pakistan and play.” were over, the 62-year-old Wright went on also include a stipulation that their Chester- ustralia batsman Usman Khawaja could win that particular game.” Sethi said top-level security will be put in to coach India, New Zealand and, more re- le-Street headquarters will no longer stage fi nd himself opening against South Af- At three, Khawaja enjoyed a prolifi c home sum- place for the players. “It will be a fl y-in, fl y cently, the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Test matches for the foreseeable future, rica’s formidable pace attack in the fi rst mer against New Zealand and West Indies, smash- out plan and the government has promised Premier League Twenty20 tournament. although the ground can continue to host Test in Perth on Nov. 3, just months after ing a century in three Tests and adding a fourth ton to give full security to the players. We are limited overs internationals such as next beingA dropped during a poor tour of Sri Lanka. on tour in New Zealand in February. The stylish convinced that the fi nal will happen in La- year’s Twenty20 between England and the LOCAL COUNCIL AGREES Khawaja has played most of his cricket at number left-hander’s form deserted him on the fl at wickets hore,” he said. DURHAM RESCUE PACKAGE West Indies. The ECB’s decision to relegate three for Australia but could end up at the top of the in Sri Lanka, however, where he managed only 55 Pakistan’s Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq Cash-strapped Durham took another step Durham and retain Hampshire, who as the order for the Test at the WACA after Shaun Marsh runs from four innings before being omitted for the led Islamabad United to the PSL title earlier towards remaining a fi nancially viable fi rst- second-bottom side in the top fl ight should suff ered a hamstring strain. “I think you can look third test in Colombo in August. Khawaja will hope this year. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) an- class club after the local council agreed a have been relegated, sparked a furious re- at him (Khawaja) as a one, two or three,” Australia for a good knock captaining Queensland in the fi nal nounced a profi t of $2.6mn (260mn rupees) ‘rescue package’ for the northeast side. sponse from Kent, who felt they should have coach Darren Lehmann told reporters in Sydney of a local one-day tournament on Sunday. from the fi rst edition. Durham had already agreed a £3.8mn been promoted instead. Gulf Times Thursday, October 20, 2016 11 CRICKET

FIRST TEST Anderson set to miss opening India Test Proud England captain Chittagong, Bangladesh: Asked whether he was op- England’s record-breaking timistic the 34-year-old would bowler Jimmy Anderson, who play some part in the five-Test has already been ruled out of India series, Cook refused to the current tour of Bangladesh, give any guarantees and said will miss next month’s first Test a decision on when he would Cook admits to wrench against India, captain Alastair travel had still to be made. Cook said yesterday. “You should probably speak “I don’t think he’ll be there to the medical team and Jimmy for the start. He might be on that. He hasn’t yet bowled ready to do some training, since, and that has been the but he won’t be ready for the problem in the past,” Cook of leaving family first Test match” in India, Cook told reporters in Chittagong. told reporters. “I don’t know “He’s making some really good what’s happening — they will strides and we’ll know more be making some decisions later on.” Cook will become England’s most capped Test player today in Chittagong over the next seven days or so. Anderson’s continued I spoke to him last night and absence would be a significant he is training well and in good blow to England’s chances shape physically.” Anderson, in India, who are the world’s England’s all-time leading Test number one Test side and have wicket-taker, has not played a formidable home record. Eng- since the fourth Test against land are expected to field three Pakistan in August because of spinners in the Chittagong Test, a shoulder injury. He has not with the 39-year-old Gareth travelled to Bangladesh, where Batty expected to be selected England today begin a two-Test after more than a decade in the series in Chittagong. international wilderness.

FOCUS Bangladesh ready for England, says captain Rahim

England cricketers (from left) Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Alastair Cook and Moeen Ali attend a training session on the eve of their first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong. (AFP)

AFP 2015 World Cup, but he now admits that Chittagong, Bangladesh Test cricket’s 10 most capped players could have been a blessing in disguise. “Noticeably not playing one day crick- 1. Sachin Tendulkar (IND) 200 (1989-2013) 8. Mahela Jayawardene (SRI) 149 (1997- et has lightened my load up,” he said. lastair Cook has admitted to 2. Ricky Ponting (AUS) 168 (1995-2012) 2014) 149 “You get more substantial breaks which questioning how much longer 3. Steve Waugh (AUS) 168 (1985-2004) 9. Mark Boucher 147 (RSA)(1997-2012) refresh you mentally a lot more than it he can extend his record-break- 4. Jacques Kallis (RSA) 166 (1995-2013) 10. Shane Warne (AUS) 145 (1992-2007) has ever done. You can isolate each series ing England career, torn be- 5. S Chanderpaul (WIS) 164 (1994-2015) *The total for Kallis, Dravid and Boucher or tour knowing that I have 10 weeks here tweenA the pride of playing for his country includes matches for an International but January, February, March are back at 6. Rahul Dravid (IND) 164 (1996-2012) and the wrench of being parted from his 7. Allan Border (AUS)156 (1978-1994) Cricket Council (ICC) World XI. home and you can do your training block young family. Cook will become Eng- or get away from it and spend some qual- land’s most capped Test player today But after fl ying back to rejoin the squad As one of the few countries that still ity time at home.” when he leads his side out against Bang- in Bangladesh only days after his wife Al- draws packed houses for fi ve-day match- Cook said being captain of the Test ladesh in Chittagong at the start of a two- ice gave birth to their second daughter, es, England play far more Test cricket team was “something I am very proud of” match series — his 134th appearance in Cook acknowledged that the prospect of than their counterparts and are due to and never dreamed when he made his de- whites for his country. many more years of touring was daunt- play at least 14 Test matches within the but 11 years ago that he was embarking on Given that he is still only 31, remains ing. “We play Tests so quickly nowadays next 12 months. a record-breaking career. at the top of his game and is remark- so I could do (break Tendulkar’s appear- Cook at least will have a break from the “I would never have thought in 2006 ably injury-free, talk is growing that In- ances record). The danger is looking at it,” international circuit between Christmas when I made my debut I would get close dian legend Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time he said in Chittagong. and July next year given that England to breaking that. It will be a very special record of 200 Test appearances could be “Seventy-odd Test matches now seems have an extensive programme of one- moment. It doesn’t matter whether you vulnerable. Cook is already the only Eng- a long way away and if I am brutally hon- day cricket in that period, including the are playing your fi rst game or your 130th. lishman to score more than 10,000 Test est the more times you pack your bags to Champions Trophy. England’s selectors It is a very proud moment to play for Eng- runs and widely tipped to also overtake leave your family at home you do ques- controversially axed Cook as limited- land and you should never ever forget that Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 runs. tion how long you can keep doing it for.” overs captain just two months before the and I certainly don’t.”

SPOTLIGHT Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim bats in the nets during a training session on the eve of the first Test against England at The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday. (AFP)

AFP ternational cricket, Bangladesh’s Arthur warns of Windies backlash performances in limited overs Chittagong, Bangladesh have earned them respect and AFP they are no longer regarded as Abu Dhabi Pakistani cricketers take part in a training aptain Mushfi qur Ra- pushovers — especially on home session at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket him insisted yesterday turf. They won six consecutive stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP) that Bangladesh would ODI series at home in a sequence akistan head coach Mickey not use their long break dating back to November 2014, Arthur expects a strong response Cfrom Test cricket as an excuse before England’s narrow 2-1 vic- from the West Indies in the sec- as they seek a fi rst victory over tory earlier this month. ond Test in Abu Dhabi after the England in the game’s longest “The last two years we played Ptourists came close to pulling off a re- format. While Bangladesh have ODIs very consistently. We did markable comeback in Dubai. infl icted embarrassing defeats on not win all the matches but the Pakistan were forced to ward off a chal- England in ODI and Twenty20 graph has been on an upward lenge from Darren Bravo, whose pugna- cricket, they have lost all eight of path,” said Rahim. cious 116 gave the West Indies hopes of their Test matches and are des- “So we want that we can be- an upset before ultimately losing by 56 perate to break that sequence in come a team like that in Tests runs in the last hour on the fi fth and fi nal the next fortnight. too, that we can play better and day. That gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the Given that Bangladesh have better with each Test.” three-match series, but Arthur urged his not played a Test match for 15 While Bangladesh have had a team not to lose their edge ahead of to- months, they could be forgiven dearth of Test cricket, England morrow’s second Test. for being somewhat ring-rusty play more Test matches than any “I think West Indies will come down when the fi rst contest in a two- other nation, something which hard on us considering their exceptional match series begins today in their skipper Alastair Cook ac- fi ght in Dubai,” Arthur told AFP. Chittagong. knowledged should give them an “I am really impressed with their fi ght But Rahim said the hosts advantage. and Bravo was outstanding so we have to would not dwell on their lack of “You get into a rhythm of play exceptionally well next Test.” fi ve-day cricket and instead seek playing Test cricket, there’s no Pakistan had amassed 579 for 3 de- inspiration from their vastly- doubt about it,” said Cook while clared in their fi rst innings, with opener Arthur, formerly coach of his native Arthur said fast bowler Mohammad ally happy with the fi tness of the players,” improved form in the shorter stressing that England would not Azhar Ali smashing 302 not out, but were South Africa and Australia, said he was Amir — who returned to international said Arthur.”We still have a lot of work to formats. “If we start thinking be guilty of complacency. then dismantled by leg-spinner Deven- satisfi ed with the progress of the team. “I cricket in January after a fi ve-year ban do and that’s good.” about these things, then we are “As we saw in the one-day se- dra Bishoo whose 8-49 bundled them out am confi dent that if we keep growing and for spot-fi xing — has a role to play in all The coach added that selection head- going on the back foot,” he said. ries, Bangladesh are a hugely im- for a mere 123 second time round. keep learning then it’s good,” said Arthur, formats. aches, with a number of players waiting “Now is the time to play and proved cricketing nation over the Arthur said Pakistan allowed the West who replaced former Pakistan fast bowler “His return has been steady and I on the sidelines, could serve the team we are focusing on that. Being a last three or four years. There’s Indies to claw their way back in the Test, Waqar Younis as coach in May this year. think he is getting better and better. His well. “It’s excellent for any team that you professional cricketer you can- talent, which we hadn’t nec- just the second ever day-night Test played “We have won 10 games since the Car- pace was up and I am comfortable that have a good bench strength. We want not say that we have not played essarily seen in the past, and a with a pink ball. “I am disappointed with diff match (ODI) and if you include the he is going to play a massive role going competition to be created within the team for the last 15 months. The im- pathway through for guys. I think the batting in the second innings,” said Test at The Oval that is in three diff erent forward,” Arthur said of Amir, who took because it’s challenging the players and I portant thing is how you can do it will be a really good test for us.” Arthur. “We allowed West Indies to come formats and that gives you confi dence, 3-63 in the second innings in Dubai. don’t want comfort zones in the team, so well in the coming fi ve days. We The second Test against Eng- back into the game but sometimes it’s and players are learning and that’s a real Arthur also said Pakistan are improv- we are heading in the right direction.” The are not concentrating on not land will start in Dhaka on Octo- good that you learn and make sure that it good feeling in the dressing room,” said ing their fi tness, an area regarded as the third and fi nal Test will be played in Shar- having played for a long time.” ber 28 before the tourists head to doesn’t happen again,” he said. Arthur. weakest at international level. “I am re- jah from October 30-November 3. Once the whipping boys of in- India.

Thursday, October 20, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Losail Circuit SC league to meet club opens Karting, Mini Qatar’s demand for Moto track grassroots football Qatar Community Football League will see over 600 players from 75 nationalities

osail Circuit Sports Club a helmet along for safety reasons. will open its outdoor However, if not available, the cir- Karting and Mini Moto cuit can provide one. track again starting today During the weekend of the Lwith activities scheduled 17:00 World Superbike Championship to 22:00. — October 28-30 — the track will The price for a karting session be open but it will be compul- is QR100 for 15 minutes and for sory to have a WorldSBK ticket both activities the registration (Grandstand – Paddock or VIP) will be done directly at the VIP to access the karting area. car park of the Losail Interna- The coming dates of the kart- tional Circuit. ing are October 20, 21, 28 (kart- For karting, the minimum age ing only-WSBK ticket required), is 15 years old and any partici- 29 (karting only-WSBK ticket re- pant under the age of 18 needs quired), 30 (karting only-WSBK permission signed by a legal ticket required); November 3, 4, guardian. Also, to take part in the 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 (karting only), 25 karting it is compulsory to bring (karting only); December 1, 2. ne of the world’s most socially diverse football leagues, the Qatar Community Football League (QCFL), has returned forO a new season to meet the insatiable Ahli win QHL thriller demand for the sport among football- mad residents of Qatar. Sponsored by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Lega- cy (SC), the QCFL kicked-off on Tuesday with a launch event, entertainment and the fi rst of many games at the world-class facilities in the Aspire Zone. The QCFL, which will run until April 2017, is a two-tiered pyramid league in which 24 teams across both divisions compete. The upper division’s bottom two sides will get relegated at the end of the season and the top two fi nishers of the second division will take their places. Over 600 players from 75 nationali- ties are taking part in the league, making make. Grassroots tournaments such as portunities to play football. Six commu- pions Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern it more diverse than the English Premier this exhibit Qatar’s passion for football in nity teams have entered this season with Munich for their winter training camps. League (64 nationalities), the Bundes- all its glory, all the while keeping people another two teams sponsored through Each match lasts 60 minutes and teams liga (55) and La Liga (51). With commu- fi t and healthy in a fun environment. I’m construction companies. The QCFL thus are allowed to use an unlimited number of nity representation from every continent, pleased to see players of all ages and na- meets the demands set out in the Qatar substitutes. particularly Asia, Africa and Europe, the tionalities taking part today as it makes National Vision 2030, which explicitly Tariq al-Abdulla, Venues manager at QCFL epitomises football’s ability to football’s ability to unite diverse com- calls for the promotion of sports partici- AZF, said: “The only way I can describe bring diverse groups together. munities evident for all the world to see. pation and physical activity to encourage this tournament is that it’s the foot- With the Aspire Zone Foundation Qatar is made up of several communities, a happy and healthy society, very eff ec- ball equivalent of the legendary Rio de (AZF) co-sponsoring this year’s tourna- but here we are one community.” tively. Janeiro Carnival. Players have brought ment, Qatar’s football family has united The QCFL’s return marks another Ronan Kelly, QCFL secretary and cap- their families and friends to watch the behind the QCFL to give fans and play- milestone in the delivery of a lasting tain of Parkhouse Caledonian FC, said: action unfold, there’s healthy competi- ers yet another opportunity to enjoy the positive legacy for Qatar thanks to the “I’m delighted because we’ve been raring tion between the teams on the pitch - it’s beautiful game. country’s preparations for the 2022 FIFA to get on the pitch. You can see the pas- just a wonderful atmosphere. One of our SC Community Engagement manager World Cup. In addition to SC initiatives sion on the faces of everyone here and the core objectives at Aspire is to promote Khalid al-Jumaily said after the launch that specifi cally focus on using sports support shown by the diff erent commu- sports among the local community. Ini- event: “The SC is always eager to cre- to empower social change among kids nities, especially the Kenyans.” tiatives such as the QCFL do so beauti- Action from the Qatar Handball League match between Al ate new opportunities for Qatar’s sport- and local communities, the QCFL adds QCFL matches will take place every fully by both getting people moving and Ahli (in green) and Qatar Sports Club (in yellow and black) ing passion to fl ourish so the decision to the wildly successful Workers Cup in Tuesday and Wednesday on the same by encouraging a community to develop yesterday. Ahli won 30-29. PICTURE: Anas Khalid to sponsor the QCFL was an easy one to off ering communities in Qatar more op- pitches used by the likes of Ligue 1 cham- around sport.” (SC.qa)

Jaish, Ahli post 3-1 wins in QVA League

An El Jaish player (right) smashes during the QVA League match against Al Gharafa yesterday. Jaish won the fame 3-1 (25-19, 25-14, 20-25, 25-21). PICTURES: Othman Iraqi Action from the match between Al Ahli (in green) and Al Khor yesterday. Ahli won 3-1 (25-19, 25-15, 23-25, 25-16).