Qatar Airways Becomes CONMEBOL's Airline Partner

RRALLYINGALLYING | Page 2 NNBABA | Page 5 Al-Attiyah eyes Leonard record-tying guides Raptors 14th MERC title to thumping in Kuwait win over Sixers

Thursday, November 1, 2018 TENNIS Safar 23, 1440 AH Djokovic new GULF TIMES number one as Nadal withdraws SPORT Page 4

FOCUS BBC, Sky demand action against pirating Saudi broadcaster By Anthony Harwood across Europe and the BBC also li- When it was launched last year the Arabsat satellite, which is based in atively aff ects many European compa- rated channels that beoutQ operates, Gulf Times Correspondent, London censes its channels across the con- beoutQ was geo-locked to Saudi Ara- Riyadh and which has the Kingdom of nies and creators.” it steals whatever content it can get tinent. bia as a rival to beIN Sports, the Qa- Saudi Arabia as its largest shareholder. A BBC spokesman said: “The BBC away with, including the NFL Super But a treasure trove of their content tari-based sports channel. Its feed, which is no longer restrict- group is committed to combating Bowl, Formula 1 Grand Prix, Olympic he BBC and Sky have joined is being made available for free via a It was set up after Saudi Arabia ed to sport but also Hollywood movies, piracy of its channels and content Games coverage, world tennis grand forces to demand the Euro- sophisticated piracy service, known as launched a diplomatic, transport and is now being pirated by other opera- worldwide and actively work with our slams, UFC fi ghts and even Hollywood pean Commission takes action beoutQ. trade boycott of Qatar and stopped tions. media partners in fi ghting against pi- movies. against Saudi Arabia over a pi- In its letter to Anna Malmstrom, the its citizens from viewing top sports Sky’s letter to the EU talks about the racy operating in the terrain which our “While for political reasons beIN rateT TV station supplying viewers with European Commission for Trade, the events which beIN Sports had exclu- “very real threats posed to European partners hold exclusive licenses.” was clearly the primary target of this the Premier League, The Bodyguard BBC said: “The availability of the BBC sive rights to across the Middle East. broadcasters and rights owners by a beIN Sports, which has 55 million commercial theft by the KSA, beoutQ and Game of Thrones. channels and content via beoutQ’s pi- The Saudis provoked an outcry relatively new, but rapidly growing, pay-TV customers worldwide, re- and Arabsat have opened a Pandora’s The broadcasters are demanding a rate activity will adversely impact BBC when they tapped into the beIN feed source of audio-visual piracy, namely cently launched a $1bn lawsuit against box – if it’s possible to steal from us, formal protest is made to the govern- studios ability to license these chan- and began illegally pirating the Cham- the beoutQ service”. Saudi Arabia. it’s possible to steal from any broad- ment in Riyadh over the illegal stream- nels to partners throughout Europe pions League, World Cup, Premier It continues: “The UK is just one of Yousef al-Obaidly, deputy CEO of caster or rights holder in the world; ing of shows not only to thousands of and also the ability of our European League and Formula One. seven European countries into which beIN Media Group said: “It is not just and that genuinely puts the entire eco- viewers in the UK, but also in Europe. partners to sell subscriptions to their Now the beoutQ service is transmit- Sky supplies services or jobs, and the football content that is being stolen nomic model of sports and entertain- Sky operates in seven countries television services.” ted internationally on 10 channels via piracy being displayed by beoutQ neg- by Saudi Arabia – across the 10 pi- ment at risk.”

48TH ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DOHA 2018 FOOTBALL Decision on 48-team World Dalaloyan fi nds Cup for Qatar redemption in world next year We are still looking at the feasibility studies and we will be in a ‘better position to provide a feedback All-around victory in the future. But it will be decided before the After an error cost Russia the team title on Monday, 22-year-old edges out Ruoteng for gold qualifi cations... giving Ruoteng hope of retaining sometime in the By Sahan Bidappa fi rst quarter of next Doha his title. However, the Chinese star failed to beat the required total by year. the narrowest of margins, leading to — Hassan al-Thawadi, t’s been a drama-fi lled 48 hours a short period of confusion before SC secretary-general for Artur Dalaloyan at the World Dalaloyan’s name came up at the top Artistic Gymnastics Cham- of the scoreboard. pionships. On Monday in the “I feel pity about that (losing a Iteam fi nal, the gymnast fell off the close fi nal), but I respect the judges Parallel Bars, which cost Russia a and my rival. I basically want to be gold medal to China. number one but anyway. I am still AFP Post the fi nal, Dalaloyan was gut- happy with the result,” Ruoteng Kuala Lumpur wrenched, crying in a corner as he said. “There was a little pressure, trudged off the Aspire Dome main but not so much, because I know hall. But yesterday, Dalaloyan had how to adjust myself and give my upreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy his redemption after he became the best. I am satisfi ed with my per- (SC) secretary-general Hassan al-Thawadi fi rst Russian man to win a world formance,” he added. has said that a decision on expanding the championships All-around title When asked if he knew the score 2022 World Cup to 48 teams will most likely since 1999. But it was not before he he needed to win going in as the last beS taken next year, even as FIFA president Gianni went through some anxious mo- gymnast in the competition, Ruo- Infantino yesterday said the idea was “feasible”. ments. teng said, “I don’t pay so much at- Al-Thawadi told AFP that Qatar was studying the tention to that. I just be myself and 48 teams proposal and would make a decision be- try to do my best to perform my fore qualifying gets under way. routine. When I return to training, “We are still looking at the feasibility studies and I will try my best to improve and be we will be in a better position to provide a feedback stronger to perform better in future in the future,” he said. “But it will be decided before competitions.” the qualifi cations... sometime in the fi rst quarter of Meanwhile, United States’ Sam- next year.” uel Mikulak, who was third heading He added that preparations remained on track. into the fi nal apparatus, had to settle “We are very happy and excited with the progress. for fi fth position after making two It is on track. By 2020-2021 all our (eight) stadiums signifi cant errors in the High Bar. will be ready,” al-Thawadi said. “This is the fi rst The American’s mistake helped World Cup in the Middle East and is a perfect op- Nagornyy to bronze, while China’s portunity to bring people together and contribute Sun Wei was fourth. to the process of healing,” he added. Today, Simone Biles will be eyeing Meanwhile, talking at the Asian Football Confed- a record-breaking fourth women’s eration’s (AFC) annual congress in Kuala Lumpur, world All-around title, which would Infantino said, “We have decided... to increase the take her beyond Russia’s Svetlana number of teams participating in the World Cup fi - Khorkina. nal tournaments from 32 to 48. Russia’s Artur Dalaloyan (also inset, with compatriot Nikita Nagornyy) competes in the men’s All-around final in the On Tuesday, she led the US to team “It will happen in 2026. Will it happen in 2022? Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 at the Aspire Dome yesterday. PICTURES: Thajudheen/AFP gold, tying Gabby Douglas and Aly You know me. It is possible. It is possible. Why Raisman for her country’s record of not?” he added. threw out each gymnast’s lowest was to perform my job from begin- best not to think about it. I didn’t four Olympic/world team titles. Infantino said an expanded tournament would score from the six routines. ning to end without mistakes. I was train yesterday, and tried to focus on The 21-year-old, if she was to see Asia’s allocation rise from 4.5 places to 8.5, rais- There was a moment of confu- surprised and can’t say anything the (All-around) fi nal,” he added. claim two more wins in the indi- ing cheers from the delegates assembled at a luxury sion on Dalaloyan’s face, but after more. I’m just so happy. I feel good, While the battle for gold was ex- vidual apparatus this weekend, will hotel in the Malaysian capital. the Russian was announced as the excellent. I simply tried to put in my pected to be between Ruoteng and overtake Vitaly Scherbo’s mark of 12 “You will have (a bigger) chance. It is possible. winner, he heaved a huge sigh of best. I can’t believe it yet. I need to Nagornyy, who had fi nished 1-2 in for the most golds in Worlds history. It is feasible. We are discussing with our Qatari Defending champion Xiao Ruo- relief and hugged his teammate Ni- probably go to my hotel, take a deep qualifi cations, Dalaloyan was con- friends. We are discussing with many other friends teng needed 14.234 in the Horizon- kita Nagornyy, who took bronze in breath and realise that yes, I won sistent in all six of his routines. FINAL STANDINGS in the region. We hope we have it happen. We al- tal Bar to snatch the gold away from 86.331. this championship,” the 22-year- After Ruoteng took an early lead, 1. Artur Dalaloyan (Russia) 87.598 pts ways have to try,” he said. Dalaloyan, who had already fi nished “When I saw the results I imme- old added. Dalaloyan’s high class Parallel Bar 2. Xiao Ruoteng (China) 87.598 Ahead of FIFA’s presidential election next year, his routines. As it turned out, Ruo- diately saw that No. 2 came next to Dalaloyan only said “super” when routine, which fetched him 15.566 3. Nikita Nagornyy (Russia) 86.331 Infantino said 180 out of the 211 federations had teng fell short by .001, which re- (Xiao’s) name and, of course, felt asked how he felt yesterday, after points, enabled the Russian to jump 4. Sun Wei (China) 85.898 given him their support. sulted in a tie for the total score of happy and amazing,” Dalaloyan having gone through the trauma into the top of the standings by .067 5. Sam Mikulak (United States) 85.273 “You know there is an election coming. I have an- 87.598 points with Dalaloyan. said, still coming to terms with his of losing the team gold to China by going into the last piece of apparatus. 6. Kazuma Kaya (Japan) 84.765 nounced I will be a (presidential) candidate. I have But the Russian walked away with dramatic win. mere .049 on Monday. “Yesterday In the Horizontal Bar, Dalaloyan 7. Kenzo Shirai (Japan) 84.531 received over 180 letters of support,” he said. “And gold via tiebreak after the judges “I had only one goal, and that was an off -day for me. I tried my had a relatively reserved routine, 8. James Hall (Great Britain) 84.298 when it comes to Asia, only a couple are missing.” Gulf Times 2 Thursday, November 1, 2018 SPORT

RALLYING Al-Attiyah eyes record-equalling 14th MERC title in Kuwait

By Our Correspondent Al-Attiyah will also be chas- Kuwaiti drivers Jassim al-Mu- tor Musa Djiyerian also eager to Arifjan, Kuwait ing his 68th MERC win, while qahwi, Mubarak al-Thefi ri and clinch the MERC 3 Co-Drivers’ victory for his navigator Mat- Fahad al-Mutairi. Championship. thieu Baumel would be his 17th in Nasser Khalifa al-Attiyah re- Action gets underway with a asser Saleh al-Attiyah MERC history. It would move the turns to active competition af- timed special stage of 2.3km at will be aiming to match Frenchman ahead of John Spiller ter a long absence working in a Kuwait Motor Town Race Circuit one of the longest- into tied third in the regional Hall senior role within both the Qatar from 16.00hrs today afternoon, standing records in of Fame behind Ronan Morgan Motor and Motorcycle Federation but the desert action is split into Nworld motor sport when he heads (41 wins) and a tying Giovanni (QMMF) and the FIA. He teams two loops of six diff erent loose an international fi eld of competi- Bernacchini and Chris Patterson up with the experienced Italian surface stages tomorrow and on tors from eight nations into Ku- (25 wins apiece). navigator Nicola Arena, who won Saturday. wait’s exciting return to the FIA Al-Attiyah said: “This is an the regional title with the late “We had a look at some of the Middle East Rally Championship important rally for several rea- Misfer al-Marri in 2010. stages on Tuesday and the rest (MERC) at Kuwait Motor Town sons. Obviously the record is im- Arena, who competed in Ku- on Wednesday,” said al-Attiyah’s today afternoon. portant, but the Kuwait Rally is wait in 2016 with al-Nuami, said: navigator Baumel. “There is a While Kuwait celebrates its always challenging and it would “The stages are nice, quite fast brand new stage – KMT – and own milestone of hosting an be nice to wrap up the champi- in places and a little confusing that will be the second and fi fth international FIA-sanctioned onship before the fi nal round in where there are diff erent tracks special and the fi rst one on Fri- event for the fi rst time at its new Qatar in two weeks’ time.” from the other drivers doing the day. It is sandier than we may FIA Grade One race circuit fa- Czech driver Vojtech Stajf is recce. Nasser and I are working have expected, but that is easier cility, south of Kuwait City, al- attempting to become the fi rst well together.” on the car and we run less risk of Attiyah is focusing on claiming non-Arab driver ever to win the Al-Attiyah got to grips with punctures or damage.” outright victory in the three-day regional rally series and Ladis- a rally car again at a recent test In a total route of 587.80km, event with his Autotek-run Ford lav Kucera has replaced Marketa session in Lebanon and aired his 198.62km will be timed against Fiesta R5. This result would net Skacelova as his navigator in the Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (right) and Matthieu Baumel chase more silverware in Kuwait this week. rally car in the desert close to the clock. the Qatari a record-equalling Skoda Fabia R5. Kuwait Motor Town on Wednes- 14th regional rally title and put Stajf trails al-Attiyah by 32 suffi cient for Stajf to prevent al- for Group N cars such as the Sub- Khaled Juma leads the way for day afternoon. He will be hop- 2018 FIA MIDDLE EAST RALLY him alongside Dubai’s Mohamed points in the title race after rallies Attiyah from retaining the title, aru Impreza and derivatives of the Jordan and still has a chance to win ing to fi nish on his return to the CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS Ben Sulayem in the history books. in Jordan, Lebanon and Cyprus, however, and al-Attiyah’s chal- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. the title, while fellow countrymen MERC – a series he came within a (TOP FIVE) The Qatari already has the but there are two rounds to go lenger will need to push hard over Local driver Meshari al-Thefi ri Ihab al-Shorafa and Shadi Shaban whisker of winning outright back 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT) record for the greatest number and a possible 39 points available the opening stages to try and gain stands on the verge of claiming will be challenging hard. in 1993. 107pts of successes in the history of the to the winner of each race with 30 the upper hand on leg one. another showroom title with Qa- Abdullah al-Rawahi fl ies the Lebanon’s Henry Kahy needs 2. Vojtech Stajf (CZE) 75pts Kuwait Rally with six wins (2009, potentially on off er to the Czech While the leading duo swap tari navigator Nasser al-Kuwari, fl ag in the category for Oman and to stay out of trouble and cross 3. Roger Feghali (LBN) 38pts 2011 and 2013-2016) to Ben Su- if he can shadow his Qatari rival seconds for supremacy at the top but competition is sure to be there are further Group N entries the fi nish line to confi rm the 4. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT) 30pts layem’s four (1985, 1988, 1989 to the fi nish and complete all the of the leader board, a fascinating fi erce from a host of Jordanian, for Qatar’s Nasser Khalifa al-At- MERC 3 title for two-wheel drive 5. Christos Demostheous (CYP) and 2006). special stages. That would not be tussle is sure to develop in MERC 2 Omani, Qatari and Kuwaiti rivals. tiyah and Rashed al-Nuami, and cars with Jordanian naviga- 25pts

HORSE RACING SPOTLIGHT Registrations open for 2019 De Mieulle, Diese open Ooredoo Doha season with thrilling Marathon Al Ruwais Cup win Trainers al-Malki and Ghazali saddle two winners each on the first day of the new racing season

Branding and Corporate Communications director Mustafa Jameel al-Qatami speaks at the Ooredoo Doha Marathon press conference.

By Sports Reporter Doha

he registration for 2019 Ooredoo Doha Mara- thon has been opened, Ooredoo announced at a Tpress conference. The seventh annual Ooredoo Marathon will take place on Fri- day, January 11, 2019 in Doha, with the exact route to be an- nounced in the coming weeks. Ooredoo began the marathon Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Racing manager Abdulla al-Kubaisi event to inspire Qatar’s commu- (right) presents the trophy to Alban de Mieulle after Diese won the Al nities to get fi t and raise money Ruwais Cup at the Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Ronan Thomas (left) rides Diese to victory in the Al Ruwais Cup ahead of Ehwaz, ridden by Tomas Lukasek, at the Al Rayyan Park yesterday. for a good cause. The registration fees for the By Sports Reporter Bughanaim-ridden Bsheer by a event for horses rated 75 and be- Mosallam. sim Mohamed Ghazali. Casamento), 3. Saab (Syed event will depend on the select- Doha short head for a third place fi n- low. Earlier in the day, Ghazali Race 2: 1. Yvanlend (Jimmy Sadath), 4. Lolita Du Panjshir ed course and the age of the par- ish. In the six-furlong sprint, the opened the new season just as Quinn), 2. Qianlong (JP Guil- (Saleem Golam). Won by: 1 ¼, ticipant, and 100 percent of the Ibrahim al-Malki and Cham- mare, ridden by Anas al-Sey- he closed out the previous one — lambert), 3. On The Front Line 5 ¾, 4 ¼. Time: 1:20.14. Owner: same will be donated to charity. n a thrilling fi nish to the sea- pion Trainer Ghazali notched abi, beat Mubarak Mohamed with a victory. (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Eledeed Subaiya Awad Ibrahim. Trainer: Ooredoo Qatar COO Yousuf son’s opening race meeting two victories apiece on the sea- al-Khayareen’s Udai Al Wajba In the 1200m Purebred Arabi- (Jean Baptiste Hamel). Won by: Mohamed Khaled Elahmed. Abdulla al-Kubaisi said, “I’m at Qatar Racing and Eques- son’s opening day. by a little over a length. Khalid an Maiden Plate event for fi llies 2 ¼, ¾, 2 ¼. Time: 1:49.71. Owner: Race 6: 1. Damsah (Jimmy delighted to announce that reg- trian Club’s Al Rayyan Park, After both saddled maiden Nasser al-Naimi-trained Saab and mares, Khalifa bin Sheail al- Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Quinn), 2. Khat Al Nar (Anas istration is now open for the IAlban de Mieulle-trained Diese winners earlier in the day, al- was third. Kuwari’s Legtaifi ya was ridden 2019 Ooredoo Marathon. This Jassim al-Thani. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Seyabi), 3. Akram (Shakir picked up a victory in the Al Ru- Malki’s Damsah comfortably Deborah Mountain-saddled to her fi rst career win by Cham- al-Malki. al-Balushi), 4. Al Watan (JP Guil- event promises to be our most wais Cup yesterday. won the Local Thoroughbred Technicolour bounced back pion Jockey Harry Bentley. Race 3: 1. Baker De Saularie lambert). Won by: 2 ¾, Shd, 1 ¼. diverse ever, as we are inviting Olivier Materne-owned Diese Handicap event for horses rat- from a winless season with a The other Arabian to shed the (Stephan Ladjadj), 2. Hareemah Time: 1:13.97. Owner: Mohamed all of Qatar’s communities to had come close quite a few times ed 80 and below under Jimmy handsome victory in the Thor- maiden status was Osama al- (Ronan Thomas), 3. AJS Al Abdulla Abdulmalik. Trainer: take part, as well as runners from last season, fi nishing in the top Quinn, while Sheail bin Khalifa oughbred Handicap event for Dafea-trained Baker De Saularie, Moheen (Harry Bentley), 4. AJS Ibrahim al-Malki. around the world.” three eight times out of 10, in- al-Kuwari’s Cloudberry, with JP horses rated 75 and below. winning the 1700m Purebred Lafan (Jimmy Quinn). Won by: Race 7: 1. Cloudberry (JP The 2019 edition of the mara- cluding two victories. Guillambert in the saddle, edged The gelding, owned by Abdul- Arabian Maiden Plate, while al- 26, 2 ½, 2 ½. Time: 1:59.71. Owner: Guillambert), 2. Perfect Storm thon will feature courses for Yesterday, jockey Ronan Tho- out an al-Malki ward, Perfect lah Hassan Ali Abdulmalik had Malki-schooled Yvanlend shed Osama Omer al-Dafea. Trainer: (Stephan Ladjadj), 3. Third Order runners of all abilities, including mas capped the day, which saw Storm, at the post by a short fi nished in the frame four times his maiden status on his Qatar Osama Omer al-Dafea. (Harry Bentley), 4. Elkhart (Syed a 10km run, half-marathon, full him fi nish in the frame two more head in the 1800m Thorough- last season out of his eight out- debut in the Class 6 Thorough- Race 4: 1. Technicolour (Rashid Sadath). Won by: Shd, 4 ¼, 2. marathon, 5km run and a special times for de Mieulle, with a close bred Handicap event for horses ings, but the win had eluded bred Maiden Plate event. Ali al-Marri), 2. Tijan (Faleh Time: 1:55.23. Owner: Sheail bin children’s 1km fun run. win at the post, as Hadi Nasser rated 70-90. him. Bughanaim), 3. Al Fouz (Ali Khalifa al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Prizes will be awarded to the al-Ramzani-trained Ehwaz, After skipping the last season, Yesterday, Qatari rider Rashid RESULTS Khalid al-Mosallam), 4. Zainat Mohamed Ghazali. best runners in a range of cat- helmed by Tomas Lukasek, Subaiya Awad Ibrahim-owned Ali al-Marri was in the saddle of Race 1: 1. Legtaifiya (Harry (Abdulla Mubarak al-Maadeed). Race 8: 1. Diese (Ronan Thomas), egories, based on age and gender. breathed down his ride’s throat Bint Al Akaber returned to Al the fi ve-year-old when he won Bentley), 2. Shaza Al Sulaimi (JP Won by: 9 ¼, 1 ¾, Shd. Time: 2. Ehwaz (Tomas Lukasek), 3. AJS More information can be in the fi nal stages of the 1900 Rayyan Park for only her sec- by a little over nine lengths on Guillambert), 3. Maraam (Ronan 1:48.95. Owner: Abdullah Hassan Wathanan (Marco Casamento), 4. found at https://www.premier- race on dirt. ond victory in Qatar, when the Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani’s ward, Thomas), 4. Ellianka (Faleh Abdulmalik. Trainer: Deborah Bsheer (Faleh Bughanaim. Won online.com/event/ooredoo_ Jassim Mohamed Ghazali’s seven-year-old, trained by Mo- Tijan, helmed by Bughanaim. Bughanaim). Won by: 1 ¼, Shd, 1 Mountain. by: Hd, 3 ¼, Shd. Time: 2:15.09. doha_marathon_2019_3912, or AJS Wathanan, helmed by Mar- hamed Khaled Elahmed, topped Ghazali’s Al Fouz completed the ½. Time: 1:20.51. Owner: Khalifa Race 5: 1. Bint Al Akaber (Anas al- Owner: Olivier Materne. Trainer: by following the #RunWithUS co Casamento, edged out Faleh the Purebred Arabian Handicap top three under Ali Khalid al- bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jas- Seyabi), 2. Udai Al Wajba (Marco Alban de Mieulle. on Ooredoo’s social media pages. Gulf Times Thursday, November 1, 2018 3 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Pakistan down N. Zealand in last-over thriller AFP Pakistan’s varied bowling, led by Hasan Abu Dhabi Ali with 3-35, pulled them back signifi cantly. Munro opened up in style, hiting two sixes and a four off Imad Wasim’s fi fth over of the eft-arm pace bowler Shaheen Shah innings before greeting Hasan with a six and Afridi defended 17 runs in the last a boundary to complete New Zealand’s fi fty over as Pakistan defeated New Zea- in just 5.4 overs. land by two runs in a thrilling fi nish But Pakistan dismissed Glenn Phillips Lto the fi rst Twenty20 international in Abu (12), Munro, captain Kane Williamson (11) Dhabi yesterday. and Colin de Grandhomme (six) as New Zea- New Zealand needed six off the last deliv- land stalled at 89-4. ery to tie the match but experienced bats- Earlier, Pakistan lost in-form Babar Azam man Ross Taylor managed just a boundary for seven in the third over while Sahibzada as New Zealand - set 149 to win - fi nished at Farhan fell for one as they struggled to 10-2 146-6 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. before Hafeez and Asif Ali (24) lifted them The victory gave world number one during their 67-run stand for the third wick- ranked Pakistan their seventh consecutive et. Hafeez hit fi ve boundaries and a six in his win since July and 15th in 17 Twenty20 in- 36-ball knock while Asif’s 21-ball innings ternationals this year. had a six and a boundary. Pakistan, who are on a roll after white- Pakistan managed 81 runs in the last ten washing Australia 3-0 in Dubai on Sunday, overs with skipper Sarfraz Ahmed chip- now have a 1-0 lead in the three-match se- ping in with a 26-ball 34 which had three ries with the last two matches in Dubai on boundaries and a six. Imad Wasim smashed Friday and Sunday. a six and boundary in the last over to fi nish Mohamed Hafeez top-scored with 45 in with 14 not out while Faheem Ashraf made Pakistan’s 148-6 after they won the toss and 10 not out. For New Zealand, pace bowler batted. Adam Milne fi nished with 2-28 while Ajaz Taylor fi nished with a 26-ball 42 not out Patel, Ish Sodhi and de Grandhomme took a with three boundaries but could not keep wicket apiece. the run rate down as New Zealand needed 53 in the last fi ve overs. BRIEF SCORES That was in contrast from the fi rst fi ve Pakistan 148 for 6 (Hafeez 45, Sarfraz 34, overs of their innings, dominated by opener Milne 2-28) beat New Zealand 146 for 6 Colin Munro’s 42-ball 58 with three sixes (Munro 58, Taylor 42, Hasan 3-35) by two and six boundaries. runs. Pakistan’s players celebrate after defeating New Zealand in their T20 match at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium yesterday. (AFP)

PREVIEW MATCH-FIXING ICC suspends Sri Lanka bowling coach India aim to extend month. The ACU is acting fur- AFP Colombo ther on their previous investiga- tion which in January 2016 saw Galle stadium curator Jayananda he International Cricket Warnaweera banned for three Council (ICC) yesterday years after he failed to cooperate suspended Sri Lanka’s with the ACU. bowling coach Nuwan ACU head Marshall last month dominance over ZoysaT after accusing him of said: “There is currently an ICC match-fi xing and other “corrupt (ACU) investigation under way conduct” in the sport. in Sri Lanka. Naturally as part of “Mr Zoysa has 14 days from this we are talking to a number of 1 November 2018 to respond to people.” the charges,” the ICC said in a It was not immediately clear brief statement. Zoysa is charged, if the charges against Zoysa and among other things, for “being Jayasuriya relate to the same case Windies in fi nal ODI party to an eff ort to fi x or contrive or if they are being investigated or to otherwise infl uence improp- separately. Sri Lanka has re- Kohli-led hosts lead the five-match series 2-1 after the second match ended in a tie erly the result, progress, conduct cently sought help from neigh- or other aspect of an Internation- bouring India to drafting laws to IANS al match”, the statement said. combat cheating in the game. Thiruvananthapuram It gave no further details. Colombo has also promised Forty-year-old Zoysa is the to establish a special police unit second Sri Lankan to be charged to investigate match-fi xing af- rimming with confi dence after by the ICC’s anti-corruption ter a documentary aired in May the massive 224-run win in the unit (ACU). showed Galle groundsman Tha- penultimate game, India will be Earlier this month, dashing ranga Indika and professional eyeing to register their eighth former batsman, ex-chief selec- cricketer Tharindu Mendis al- straightB series win over the West Indies tor and former captain Sanath legedly talking about doctoring when they face off in the fi fth and final Jayasuriya was charged for fail- the pitch for the Test against contest of the rubber at the Greenfi eld ing to cooperate with a match- England starting November 6. international stadium yesterday. fi xing probe and concealing in- Indika and Mendis have been After the resounding victory in the formation. suspended by Sri Lanka Cricket fourth One-day International (ODI) at Jayasuriya, 49, was reportedly pending an ICC investigation. the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, the asked to cooperate with an in- A third man, provincial coach Virat Kohli-led hosts lead the series 2-1, quiry from ACU chief Alex Mar- Jeevantha Kulatunga, was also with the second match being tied. shall who visited Sri Lanka last suspended. The last time the Carribean side won a bilateral series against India was way back in 2006. With the northeastern monsoon in full cry, the match could well MASTER AND HIS PUPILS end up shortened as the the weatherman has predicted a brief thunderstorm in the afternoon and late evening. This is only the second international cricket match to be staged at the Green- fi eld Stadium. The fi rst was on Novem- ber 7 last year when the hosts defeated New Zealand in a T20 match that was shortened to inclement weather and saw just saw an eight over per side match. In- dia won by six runs. The organisers, the Kerala Cricket As- sociation, are in an upbeat mood as the ground boasts of one of the best drainage systems in the business and even if the rain comes crashing down, they will be able to get it back into shape quickly once Indian bowler Yuzvendra Chahal (right) prepares to bowl in the nets while his teammate and batsman Ambati Rayudu looks on the rain stops. during the team’s practice session on the eve of fifth one day international (ODI) match against West Indies at the Greenfield Going into the fi nal ODI, with opener International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram yesterday. (AFP) Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu and skip- per Kohli in top form, India will like to keep the momentum into the series de- India plays 60 per cent more cricket than other teams: Bharath Arun cider. Rayudu also took a step ahead in Former players Sachin Tendulkar (left) and Vinod Kambli pose for cementing his place at No. 4 slot with a Indian cricketers play 60 per cent more one of them. Arun praised the swanky beach and had a round of beach volley- a picture with their coach Ramakant Achrekar (centre) as they fi ne century in the previous game. cricket than other international teams Greenfield Stadium, which will be host- ball. Sanju Samson, a local lad who has seek his blessings for the Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy in Rohit also smashed an impressive 162 and hence there is a heavy workload ing just its second international cricket previously donned the Indian colours, Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) off 137 balls in the fourth ODI while the for the bowlers, Indian bowling coach match today. Meanwhile, Nic Pothas, the lamented he is not playing for his coun- skipper has three tons from four games. Bharath Arun has opined. fielding coach of the Windies side, went try, which he would have loved to at his The Indian batting will once again most- Interacting with the media here at the ga-ga over the sprawling 45,000 capac- home town. ly rely on the shoulders of these two on Greenfield International Stadium ahead ity cricket stadium and heaped praises Samson was busy preparing for the Ran- Thursday. of the final one-day international (ODI) on the facilities. ji Trophy match against Hyderabad that Ganguly fi res missive Despite impressive performances by with the West Indies, Arun said: “Since While the West Indies skipped a practise also kicks-off on Thursday at a nearby the top order, the cause of concern for the India plays 60 per cent more cricket session at the stadium, Indian captain stadium. The stadium will be opened Former captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his “deep sense of fear” team management will be the fl op show than other teams, it’s natural that there Virat Kohli, former skipper Mahendra for spectators at 11 a.m. Ticket sales about the running of Indian cricket as he slammed the sloppy of stumper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. is a heavy work load on the fast bowlers Singh Dhoni and a few senior members continue briskly, with over Rs4 crore handling of #MeToo allegations against board chief executive Rahul The former skipper has failed to live up and hence they will be rotated,” said preferred to rest at the hotel, the rest already realised and the organisers are Johri, among other key issues. Johri was accused of sexual harass- to the expectations, which also resulted Arun, a former fast bowler who donned of the team had a two-hour net session confident that it will be a full-house for ment on October 12 in an account shared by author Harnidh Kaur on in his exclusion from the Twenty20 in- the Indian colours. under the watchful eyes of head coach the series decider. Around 1,500 police Twitter, and the board’s administrative committee gave him a week ternational (T20I) series against the He said the whole policy of rotation Ravi Sasthri. The Windies side was seen personnel have been deployed for the to explain. However, the Supreme Court-appointed committee is Windies and Australia. is to manage the work load of each taking a stroll in the famed Kovalam match. divided on the issue, with its two members arguing over the course It will be the litmus test for Dhoni, who of action against Johri. Ganguly, who heads Bengal’s state cricket as- has been under fi re for his continous poor sociation, criticised the functioning of the national board, the richest performances. neshwar Kumar are expected to disman- Hope are the only two batsmen who have sibly miss the services of off -spinner and most powerful cricket body in the world. “I write this mail to you In the bowling department, china- tle the Windies top order in the initial shown some fi ght against the home side. Ashley Nurse, who has been a consistent all with the deep sense of fear as to where Indian cricket administra- man Kuldeep Yadav has been impressive overs, while Khaleel Ahmad, who was a They both have hit a century each and performer with fi ve wickets from the se- tion is going,” Ganguly wrote to BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary, in this series so far after scalping eight surprise package in Mumbai with fi gures would like to repeat it for one fi nal time ries. president CK Khanna and treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary, in a letter wickets from three games and Kohli will of 3/13, could be a crucial support for his to help their side tie the series. Nurse is doubtful for the series decider seen by AFP. “I don’t know how far it’s true, but the recent reports of like him to replicate his past, specially in seniors. Captain Jason Holder has shown he after suff ering an injury during the last harassment has really made the BCCI look very poorly... more so the the middle overs. Coming to the West Indies squad, can be fruitful with the bat down the game. His absence could aff ect the hopes way it has been handled,” he said. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuv- batsmen Shimron Hetmyer and Shai order. However, the visitors could pos- of the visitors in a crucial contest. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, November 1, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS RUGBY Wales great Jenkins to retire Djokovic new aft er Zebre clash number one as Nadal withdraws Spanish ace troubled by abdominal injury, says doctor advised him not to play

AFP tant to me that after all the work London I have put in, I run out with my team one last time and fi nish on my own terms.” ales’ record cap Jenkins has appeared in almost holder Gethin 200 games for the Blues in two Jenkins will retire spells, while he also captained from rugby union Wales during an international Wafter taking part in Cardiff Blues’ career that saw him play a key PRO14 clash against Zebre on role in three Six Nations Grand Sunday. Slams. The Blues announced yester- Refl ecting on his career, day the 37-year-old prop forward Jenkins said: “I have so many would end a career that yielded memories from over the years 129 Wales caps and saw him tour and could stay here all day listing three times with the British and them, but the biggest thing I will Irish Lions, playing in fi ve Tests. miss is that camaraderie with the Jenkins, who has been strug- boys, the buzz of running out gling to overcome a chronic knee and playing and the feeling in the injury, said: “I have been work- changing rooms after a win. ing hard rehabbing over the last “I am very proud of everything three months and I was confi dent I have achieved in my career.” I was going to be back playing, so Jenkins is now set to take up a it’s disappointing to be retiring coaching role within the Cardiff after Sunday’s game against Ze- Blues academy. bre. Blues coach John Mulvihill, “It’s obviously a big decision, paying tribute to the front-row- but I’ve had a good innings, it’s er, said: “Gethin Jenkins is a leg- time to fi nish and I am looking end of Welsh rugby, a great serv- forward to one more run-out on ant for both club and country the weekend and hopefully fi n- and it is fi tting that he fi nishes ishing on a high.” his career in front of his home Jenkins, who made his Wales crowd at Cardiff Arms Park. debut in 2002, added: “The pain “After 13 seasons at Cardiff I have been experiencing from Blues, at the top of his game, this rugby, in my daily life, simply weekend marks the end of an era isn’t tolerable, but it is impor- at the club.”

Spain’s Rafael Nadal gives a press conference on day three of the ATP World Tour Masters at The AccorHotels Arena in Paris yesterday. Below, Novak Djokovic. Seven Russians given four-year bans

DPA opponent Milos Raonic withdrew with Moscow: Russia’s anti-doping nikov and Fatima Umakhanova Paris injury. Raonic won an epic three-set en- body RUSADA said yesterday have all been given four-year counter with home hopeful Jo-Wilfried that seven athletes in athletics bans from their governing Tsonga on Tuesday but succumbed to an and weightlifting have been giv- body, ruling them out of the orld number one Rafael elbow problem. en four-year bans for violating world championships which Nadal withdrew from the Federer, 37, is chasing his 100th career the country’s anti-doping rules, begin in Turkmenistan today. Paris Masters due to injury title will now begin his Paris campaign in with another being suspended Russian media said that Temnik yesterday, handing the top the third round today against either Fa- for two years. and Umakhanova tested spotW in the standings to Serbia’s Novak bio Fognini or Marton Fucsovics. Shot putter Yana Mikhailova’s positive for banned substances Djokovic for the fi rst time in two years. On court, Germany’s Alexander two-year ban has been backdat- while Rednikin and Oreshnikov It completes a remarkable turnaround Zverev triumphed 6-4, 6-4 against ed to July 12 of this year, while were sanctioned for failing to for Djokovic in 2018 as he started the year American Frances Tiafoe in a topsy- Natalia Polyakova, Tatyana appear at doping tests. poorly before returning to form. Wins at turvy encounter. There were 23 missed Kachegina and Sergey Kotov RUSADA was last month Wimbledon and the US Open sent him break points between the pair as Zverev have all received four-year reinstated by the World Anti- fl ying up the rankings while Nadal strug- faced seven break points behind a poor sanctions from the All-Russian Doping Agency following its gled for fi tness. Nadal has battled knee 43-per-cent fi rst serve success rate in Athletics Federation. suspension in November 2015 issues since withdrawing from the fi nal the opening set, where Tiafoe could not Weightlifters Valeriy Temnik, for allegations of state-spon- grand slam of the year in New York but it take advantage. Roman Rednikin, Sergey Oresh- sored doping in Russia. was an abdominal problem which ended However, 21-year-old Zverev fi nally his hopes in Paris. broke serve in the 10th game to claim He withdrew shortly before a second the fi rst set lead after Tiafoe wilted with round match against compatriot Fern- a netted return. Tiafoe saved one match GOLF ando Verdasco. “It was great to be here point in the second set but after a dou- in Paris for a couple of days and practice ble-fault released a second opportunity and in terms of tennis, I think I am better to wrap up the contest for Zverev, who than I thought one week ago,” Nadal said. entered the third round with a Tiafoe er- American Wise “But I started to feel something the ror after 1 hour and 44 minutes. last few days in the abdominal, especial- positive.” Nadal could yet end the year as Damir Dzumhur in the French capital, It is Zverev’s fi rst ever victory at the ly when I was serving. The doctor says it number one, especially if he can perform has lost only twice in 34 matches as well Paris event after losing on his debut named PGA is recommended to not play. well at the season-ending ATP fi nals in as winning the last two Masters crowns match last year. Japan’s Kei Nishikori ad- “It has been a tough year for me. I London next month. But when the new in Shanghai and Cincinnati. vanced with a 7-5, 6-4 win over French- want to avoid drastic things. The doc- rankings are released on Monday, it will While Nadal was suff ering, another of man Adrian Mannarino and American Rookie of Year tor says if I try to win the tournament, be Djokovic’s name at the top for the fi rst his long-time rivals moved into the last John Isner progressed after claiming the abdominal will break for sure. I am time since October 2016. 16 without fi ring a shot. Roger Federer 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-1) victory against AFP not happy but I have to accept and stay The in-form Djokovic, who next faces progressed without playing as Canadian Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin. Los Angeles

BOTTOMLINE aron Wise, who cap- tured his fi rst US PGA Tour title in his 18th start as a member, won Kasatkina hits out at scheduling aft er Keys defeat theA 2018 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Award on Tuesday. AFP set at the Hengqin International times to take the opening set. The 22-year-old American, Zhuhai, China Tennis Center, and although Goerges, 29, fell heavily on to who was born in Cape Town, Kasatkina put up a fi ght in the the hard court in the sixth game left South Africa for the United second, the sixth seed clinched of the second set, and needed States when his family moved at op seed Daria Kasatki- the tie. to ice her right leg during the age three. na slammed the tour- The American showed little changeover. “My parents did well to keep nament scheduling at sign of the left knee injury which Clearly slightly rattled, the food on the table,” Wise said. Tthe WTA Elite Trophy forced her to retire from her last German nevertheless dug deep “We didn’t have much.” became the 10th of 12 rookies in in China on Wednesday after two tournaments, in Wuhan and to claim the set, pumping her Wearing oversized shoes so the Tour Championship to win losing in straight sets to Madi- Beijing. fi st and gesturing to her coach as he would need fewer pairs, Wise Rookie of the Year in voting by son Keys. After the match, she said: “I she celebrated. battled through to win the 2016 players. Kasatkina, 21, was beaten with think I had a really good start However, it was the 22-year- US college title and helped Or- “It has been a year of ups and relative ease by the 23-year-old today, and that defi nitely helped old Estonian Kontaveit who won egon win the college team crown. downs,” Wise said. “The highs American, who took 70 minutes me. the decider. Wise earned a US PGA Tour have been amazing, but there to seal the win 6-2, 6-4. “Overall, I think I just played World number 20 Kontaveit spot for the 2017-18 campaign have been some lows. To fi nish The Russian, who fi nished her really solid and went out and did has now played both her round- and in just his 18th start as a it on a good note was a point of previous round-robin tie against what I needed to do.” robin matches, after losing member took the Byron Nelson emphasis.” Wang Qiang at 10pm on Tues- Daria Kasatkina of Russia hits a return against Madison Keys of the Earlier, defending champion on Tuesday to Belgium’s Elise tournament crown, hitting 66 of Wise was the fi fth-youngest day, looked tired on court and US in their second round match of the Zhuhai Elite Trophy tennis Julia Goerges suff ered a bruising Mertens, who will play Goerges 72 greens in regulation, the most player to qualify for the show- had already criticised the match tournament in Zhuhai yesterday. defeat to Anett Kontaveit. today. by any tour winner since 1997. down at East Lake, behind Tiger timetable, saying it “sucks”. The fi fth seed took a nasty Yesterday’s third and last World number 53 Wise, three Woods, Jordan Spieth, Spain’s Asked if she stood by the cause in less than 24 hours I’ve “So there’s nothing I can say, tumble mid-way through the match saw Spain’s Garbine Mu- off his career-best world rank- Sergio Garcia and South Korea’s comments at her post-match played two matches. nothing I can do. I was fi ghting, match, which she went on to guruza beat China’s Zhang Sh- ing, will open his 2017-18 cam- Kim Si-woo. press conference on Wednesday, “The girls [Keys and Wang] I mean I did everything I could. lose 2-6, 6-4, 4-6 after more uai. paign this week at Las Vegas. “Qualifying for the Tour she took a deep breath and said: are not playing tomorrow, they “I gave more than 100% of my than two hours. The seventh seed dropped the Wise was the only rookie to Championship as a rookie proved “Yea. I mean if they want me to are playing on Friday, and I was abilities, so this is professional Kontaveit, the tournament fi rst set, but recovered to win reach the season-ending Tour there’s no stage too big for him,” pull out of the tournament then supposed to play two matches in sport.” tenth seed, started brightly, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in just over two Championship from among eight PGA Tour commissioner Jay they are doing a good job, be- less than 24 hours. Keys cruised to take the fi rst breaking the world no. 14 three hours. who qualifi ed for the playoff s. He Monahan said. Gulf Times Thursday, November 1, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA Leonard guides Raptors to thumping win over Sixers It was the sixth straight home victory to open the season for the Raptors, a franchise best

Reuters Rodney Hood scored a season-high 26 Toronto points and helped Cleveland beat visit- ing Atlanta to earn its fi rst win in seven games this season. The win marked the awhi Leonard scored 31 points debut of Cleveland coach Larry Drew, and grabbed seven rebounds, who took over following the fi ring of and Jonas Valanciunas added Tyronn Lue on Sunday. 23 points off the bench as the The Cavaliers also got 20 points TorontoK Raptors defeated the visiting from Cedi Osman, who has reached Philadelphia 76ers 129-112 on Tuesday that mark in the past two games. night. Kyle Lowry added 20 points and The Cavaliers were playing with- 12 assists for his fi fth double-double out Kevin Love, who missed his of the season for Toronto, and Pascal third straight game with a sore left Siakam fi nished with 15 points and 15 foot. Trae Young led Atlanta with 24 rebounds. Serge Ibaka chipped in with points, and Alex Len had 20 points 16 points and eight rebounds, and Dan- and nine rebounds. ny Green scored 10 points, putting all fi ve starters in double digits in points. KINGS 107, MAGIC 99 It was the sixth straight home vic- Sacramento won for the fourth straight tory to open the season for the Raptors, time, beating host Orlando for the a franchise best. They also have de- Kings’ best start in four seasons. feated the 76ers in 12 consecutive home Sacramento’s 5-3 start this season is games. Joel Embiid scored 31 points its best since a 5-3 opening to the 2014- and grabbed 11 rebounds for Philadel- 15 season, and the Kings are two games phia, and Ben Simmons fi nished with over.500 for the fi rst time since Nov. 28 11 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds that same season. — along with 11 turnovers. Robert Cov- Buddy Hield led the Kings with a ington added 15 points while JJ Redick season-high 25 points and 11 rebounds, (13) and Mike Muscala (12) combined and Nemanja Bjelica added 21 points. for 25 off the bench. Willie Cauley-Stein contributed 14 “Good bounce back, good win,” points and 11 rebounds. Aaron Gordon Lowry said afterward. “It was a good (18 points, 10 rebounds) and Nikola win. We were very active tonight, we Vucevic (15 points, 15 boards) had dou- were all over the place. It was a very ble-doubles for the Magic. scrappy night defensively and our guys played really great on defense.” HORNETS 125, HEAT 113 Tony Parker came off the bench for 24 TRAIL BLAZERS 104, ROCKETS 85 points and 11 assists as host Charlotte Jusuf Nurkic, Damian Lillard and CJ beat Miami for the second time in 11 McCollum combined for 63 points and days. Parker, a 17-year veteran in his visiting Portland dismantled suddenly fi rst season with the Hornets, shot 8 hapless Houston, the Rockets’ fourth of 15 from the fi eld on a night when the straight loss. The Trail Blazers, com- Hornets hit 54.3% from the fl oor and pleting a four-game, six-day road trip, were 13 of 28 from 3-point range. overcame a sluggish start and pulled Malik Monk and Nicolas Batum each away from the rested Rockets with a had 20 points for Charlotte. Dwyane 15-3 run in the second quarter. Wade topped the Heat with 19 points, Nurkic and Lillard each had 22 points, and Hassan Whiteside contributed 16 and McCollum added 19. The Rockets, points and 12 rebounds. playing a second consecutive game without All-NBA guard James Harden GRIZZLIES 107, WIZARDS 95 (Grade 1-plus left hamstring strain), Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (right) looks to get past Philadelphia 76ers guard TJ McConnell during the NBA match in Toronto. (USA TODAY Sports) Garrett Temple scored 20 points, and off ered token resistance in the second Mike Conley and Marc Gasol added half, trailing by as many as 28 points host Boston to a big lead — which the of the third quarter before the Celtics THUNDER 128, CLIPPERS 110 Westbrook, who missed the fi rst two 19 apiece as Memphis topped visiting while remaining winless at home. Chris Celtics nearly blew before hanging on scored 10 straight points to take a lead Russell Westbrook and Paul George each games of the season after undergoing a Washington for its second straight win. Paul led Houston with 17 points and in a wild one against Detroit. Irving led they never relinquished. The Pistons scored 32 points, and Oklahoma City knee procedure, has scored at least 23 Temple hit 4 of 7 3-point attempts and nine assists, and Clint Capela had 14 all scorers with 31 points, helping the rallied within 90-89 on a Reggie Bul- used an off ensive eruption to open the points in three of the four games he has all six of his foul shots. points and 14 rebounds. Celtics beat the Pistons for the sec- lock free throw with 4:21 remaining, second half and ultimately overrun visit- played. He also grabbed seven rebounds. ond time in four days. Blake Griffi n (24 but Irving, Jaylen Brown and Marcus ing Los Angeles. Trailing 67-54 at half- He has scored at least 30 points John Wall scored 22 points and Brad- CELTICS 108, PISTONS 105 points, 15 rebounds) and Andre Drum- Morris countered with consecutive time, the Thunder went on a 23-2 run twice. He was not on the court when ley Beal added 17 for the Wizards, who Kyrie Irving capped a 23-7 third-quar- mond (17 points, 12 rebounds) each had hoops to create some breathing room to open the third quarter, winning their Oklahoma City lost to the Clippers dropped the fi nal four games of their ter run with 11 consecutive points, in- double-doubles for the Pistons. and the Celtics went on to win their second consecutive game after opening 108-92 on Oct. 19 at Los Angeles. fi ve-game road trip. Wall had seven as- cluding three 3-pointers, propelling Detroit led 60-58 in the third minute third straight. the season with four consecutive defeats. CAVALIERS 136, HAWKS 114 sists and nine turnovers.

NHL Eberle scores twice to lead Islanders past Penguins Reuters Arvidsson also scored goals for Nash- games, have been one of the most pro- New York ville, while Kevin Fiala chipped in with lifi c scoring teams in the league lately, two assists. Reilly Smith scored the with 20 goals in their last four games. lone goal for Vegas, on a fi rst-period Ottawa goalie Mike Condon gave up he New York Islanders pro- power play. Malcolm Subban, play- three goals on 11 shots and was pulled at duced a three-goal second ing against his brother and 2013 Norris 15:30 of the fi rst period. period on Tuesday, two of the Trophy winner PK Subban for just the The only goal for the Senators, los- tallies from Jordan Eberle, and second time in their careers, fi nished ers of four straight, was the fi rst NHL Trolled to a 6-3 win over the host Pitts- with 25 saves for Vegas. tally for 2017 second-round pick Alex burgh Penguins. Andrew Ladd, Brock Formenton. Nelson, Matt Martin and Tom Kuhn- BRUINS 3, HURRICANES 2 hackl also scored as the Islanders won Brad Marchand scored twice and Pa- FLYERS 3, DUCKS 2 their third straight. Sidney Crosby had trice Bergeron assisted on all three Bos- Nolan Patrick scored the game-win- a goal and an assist, and Dominik Si- ton tallies in a victory at Raleigh, NC ning goal with 1:51 remaining, and Brian mon and Evgeni Malkin also scored for Boston goalie Jaroslav Halak made 42 Elliott made 23 saves as visiting Phila- Pittsburgh, which had won four in a saves while Carolina goalie Scott Dar- delphia snapped a three-game losing row. New York’s Robin Lehner stopped ling made 28 saves in his fi rst appear- streak with at Anaheim. Sean Coutu- 23 of 25 shots before leaving after the ance of the season. Micheal Ferland and rier and Ivan Provorov also scored goals second period for undisclosed reasons. Dougie Hamilton scored for the Hur- for the Flyers, who had been outscored Thomas Greiss stopped 12 of 13 shots in ricanes. 13-2 in their three previous games. the third. Claude Giroux fi nished with two as- STARS 4, CANADIENS 1 sists for Philadelphia, which was play- LIGHTNING 8, DEVILS 3 Devin Shore scored a third-period goal ing the fi rst of four games on a Western Brayden Point scored the tiebreaking after assisting on two second-period Conference road trip. goal and added four assists in a fi ve- tallies as visiting Dallas skated past Pontus Aberg scored both goals for point night as Tampa Bay rallied from Montreal. Esa Lindell added a goal and Anaheim, which lost its sixth consecu- an early defi cit and pulled away for an assist in the victory, which was the tive game. He also scored his fi rst two blowout victory over visiting New Jer- Stars’ fi rst on the road this season after goals of the season in the Ducks’ 4-3 sey. Point snapped a 2-2 tie 31 seconds three losses. overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks into the second period by sweeping a Dallas also got goals from Miro He- on Sunday night. Ryan Miller fi nished loose puck into a vacated net. iskanen and Alexander Radulov while with 33 saves for the Ducks. He also set up the fi rst of Braydon winning for the third time in four Coburn’s two goals in the opening peri- games. Montreal, which lost for the RANGERS 4, SHARKS 3 (SO) od, a power-play goal by Steven Stam- second time in its past four games, New York Islanders’ Anders Lee (left) handles the puck as Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby defends. (USA TODAY Sports) Chris Kreider scored a pair of third- kos in the second and tallies by Tyler scored when Brendan Gallagher skated period goals, and Kevin Shattenkirk Johnson and Ryan McDonagh in the hard into the net and pushed home the He shoveled the puck toward the when Matthew Tkachuk redirected a their only lead of the game and helped scored the lone shootout marker as third period. Point recorded the 11th rebound of a Tomas Tatar shot early in front, where Bertuzzi snared it and beat shot into the net. After the Flames had them improve to 1-1-0 on their season- New York Rangers ended a two-game fi ve-point game in team history and the third period. Sergei Bobrovsky just below the cross- to kill a penalty for the fi rst two minutes high, seven-game trip. Granlund, who losing streak with a shootout win at San third since the start of last season. bar. Larkin added an empty-net tally at of overtime, Gaudreau ended the game also had an assist, extended his points Jose. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist RED WINGS 5, BLUE JACKETS 3 19:17 to put the game away. Josh Ander- 2:40 into the extra frame, netting the streak to nine games. He has six goals made 31 saves through regulation and PREDATORS 4, KNIGHTS 1 Tyler Bertuzzi scored the go-ahead goal son, Markus Nutivaara and Pierre-Luc score after a nice passing play with Sean and six assists during the run. Leon overtime and denied all three San Jose Ryan Hartman scored two goals and Ju- with 3:24 remaining, Dylan Larkin sup- Dubois scored for the Blue Jackets. Monahan and Mark Giordano. Buff alo’s Draisaitl, Connor McDavid and Alex skaters in the shootout. use Saros had 23 saves as host Nashville plied two goals and an assist, and visit- Jack Eichel scored in the fi rst period. Chiasson scored for Edmonton. San Jose’s Tomas Hertl scored with scored four unanswered goals to rally ing Detroit recovered after giving away FLAMES 2, SABRES 1 1.3 seconds left in regulation to force for a victory over Vegas in a matchup a three-goal lead to down Columbus. A late equalizer and Johnny Gaudreau’s WILD 4, OILERS 3 COYOTES 5, SENATORS 1 overtime. Brent Burns and Timo Meier of the last two Western Conference Bertuzzi’s goal came after the Jackets overtime goal gave Calgary a comeback Mikael Granlund scored the tie-break- Alex Galchenyuk scored his fi rst goal also scored for the Sharks, while the champions. erased a 3-0 defi cit during the third road win in Buff alo. After being un- ing goal at 14:12 of the third period as of the season in a two-point night, and Rangers got a fi rst-period goal from Hartman’s two goals came just 57 period. able to solve Sabres goaltender Carter Minnesota ended host Edmonton’s Antti Raanta made 25 saves as Arizona Mats Zuccarello. Martin Jones made 34 seconds apart in the second period and Rookie defenseman Dennis Hutton over the fi rst 59 minutes of the three-game winning streak. Gran- defeated Ottawa at Glendale, Arizonz, saves through regulation and overtime marked the third multi-goal game of Cholowski skated in from the point and game, Calgary fi nally broke through lund’s power-play goal, assisted by Eric for its fourth straight win. The Coyo- for the Sharks, who are 4-0-2 in their his career. Calle Jarnkrok and Viktor went around the back of the net. at the 19:04 mark of the third period Staal and Ryan Suter, gave the Wild tes, shut out in three of their fi rst four past six games. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, November 1, 2018 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Messi back in Barca training as arm Asian football boss injury heals quickly

Reuters Nou Camp without Messi last Madrid week to go top of Champions League Group B, before thrash- ing Real Madrid 5-1 on Sunday ionel Messi returned to go fi rst in La Liga. urges ‘fair play’ in to training earlier than expected with Barce- ALVES TRAINS WITH TEAM- lona yesterday as the MATES EYEING PSG RETURN Lforward continues his recov- Dani Alves trained with his ery from an arm injury which Paris Saint-Germain team kept him out of the team’s wins mates for the fi rst time in al- against Inter Milan and Real most six months on Wednes- Madrid last week. day as the Brazilian defender presidential poll The Argentine forward was moved closer to a return from set to miss three weeks after a serious knee injury, French breaking a bone in his right arm media said yesterday. ‘In Asia and particularly here at AFC, we have built a positive reputation and image in the last five on October 20 during a match Alves damaged the cruci- against Sevilla, but reports in ate ligament in his right knee years. We do not need nor do we want any third-party interference or influence in our elections’ Spain suggest Messi may be during the French Cup fi nal available for fi rst-team action against Les Herbiers on May 8 quicker than forecast. and has not played since, miss- Messi, not included in the ing the World Cup for Brazil squad for Barcelona’s Copa del and pre-season training with Rey game yesterday at Cul- his club. tural Leonesa, is unlikely to The 35-year-old former feature on Saturday in the La Barcelona and Juventus player Liga match against Rayo Val- began light training earlier this lecano. month but club offi cials did Barcelona face Inter in the not put a date on his return to Champions League on Nov 9 fi rst-team action, L’Equipe re- then play Real Betis in La Liga ported. on Nov 11. Alves joined PSG in July 2017 They beat Inter 2-0 at the on a free transfer.

Di Maria extends PSG contract

Paris Saint-Germain winger be a part of such an ambitious Angel Di Maria has signed a project - unique in Europe. two-year contract extension Along with my teammates, we with the club keeping him at have a lot more great things to the French champions until achieve and we will continue June 2021. to help PSG grow as a big club The 30-year old joined PSG internationally,” he added. from Manchester United in After starting with Rosario 2015 for an estimated fee of Central in south America he 60 million euros ($68.9mn), moved to Europe and joined at the time it was the second Benfica in 2007, before signing largest transfer fee paid by for Real Madrid three years the Parc des Princes club for later. He moved to Manchester a player, behind Uruguayan United in 2014 and then PSG. striker Edinson Cavani. He has scored 57 goals and “I have loved the last three made 58 assists in 150 games years in Paris where I have for the French club. everything I need to play my He won the Ligue 1 title in 2016 FIFA president Gianni Infantino (right) and AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifah hold a plaque after inaugurating the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) new head- best football” Di Maria said in and 2018 as well as the French quarters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. (AFP) a statement. “Every day I feel Cup and French League Cup in honoured and motivated to 2016, 2017 and 2018. AFP April. Sheikh Salman fi rst took this matter.” ball Federation. football federation last month, Kuala Lumpur the reins in 2013 when the Asian The congress passed an However, the sheikh said he saying he wanted to focus on the body was still reeling from a amendment to an electoral rule had letters of support from 40 AFC elections. corruption scandal which saw which said candidates must be of the federations in the AFC, While Saudi Arabia has long sian Football Confed- his predecessor, Mohamed bin backed by their home country which has infl uence as the been a marginal player in the eration (AFC) president Hammam, banned from football and two other federations. Any world’s second biggest confed- game, the oil-rich kingdom - Sheikh Salman bin Ib- for life. three nominations are now ac- eration behind Africa. currently involved in a diplo- rahim al-Khalifah yes- “In Asia and particularly ceptable. “All member associations must matic row with 2022 World Cup terdayA called for “fair play” in here at the AFC, we have built It also approved a proposal be free to exercise their rights for hosts Qatar - is seen as being in next year’s elections where he a positive reputation and image to formally recognise fi ve re- the good of the game. And this, the midst of a push for infl uence will seek a fresh, four-year term in the last fi ve years,” he told the gional associations within the we must remember, is the Asian in football. as president. AFC annual congress in Kuala AFC. football family. Our family must Sheikh Salman was elected in The Bahraini royal said he had Lumpur. At the AFC Congress in April, stick together,” he said. 2013 and completed the last two the support of nearly 90 percent “We do not need nor do we Sheikh Salman could face a chal- “I can say is I won’t let you years of bin Hammam’s term, of the AFC’s 46 full members, want any third-party interfer- lenge from Saudi Arabia’s Adel down,” added the sheikh. before being re-elected unop- but warned against “third-party ence or infl uence in our elec- Ezzat, head of a new regional His potential challenger, Ez- posed to a full, four-year term in interference” in the vote next tions. We need to be strong on bloc, the South West Asian Foot- zat, resigned as head of the Saudi 2015.

LEAGUE CUP EPL Superb Stanislas strike helps Mourinho escapes FA charge over abusive language

Agencies Bournemouth into quarters London Reuters Bournemouth, England ose Mourinho will not face a touchline ban af- ter an independent pan- superb goal from Jun- el cleared him of using ior Stanislas helped foulJ language after Manchester Bournemouth reach United’s 3-2 win over Newcas- the League Cup quar- tle, the FA has announced. ter-fiA nals with a 2-1 win over Mourinho was charged with Norwich City on Tuesday while improper conduct for remarks third tier Burton Albion beat he allegedly made as he left the Nottingham Forest 3-2 to reach fi eld at Old Traff ord after the the last eight for the fi rst time. comeback win against New- Bournemouth, who are fl y- castle. ing high in sixth in the Premier United vigorously contested League, opened the scoring in the 55-year-old’s charge and the 39th minute when Stanislas an Independent Regulatory ROONEY URGES MAN paid stars to play with more weaved into the area with a cou- Commission convened yester- UNITED FLOPS TO pride and passion regardless of ple of stepovers and then rifl ed day and decided Mourinho will SHOW RESPECT their issues with Mourinho. the ball into the net. avoid any sanction. Wayne Rooney has urged In an interview with Foot- It was a fantastic goal but A statement from the FA Manchester United’s under- ball Focus, published on the harsh on second-tier Norwich, read: “A charge against José achieving stars to show more BBC Sport website, DC United who had played well in the fi rst Mourinho for allegedly us- respect for their troubled club. striker Rooney said: “Obvious- half and went close when Dennis ing language which was abu- United are languishing in ly they are going through a dif- Srbeny’s eff ort came back off the sive and/or insulting and/or eighth place in the Premier fi cult period at the minute, but inside of the post. Norwich were improper has been found not League and have made a slow Jose Mourinho is very experi- level with 20 minutes remaining proven following an Independ- start to their Champions enced and I think some players through Onel Hernandez, but ent Regulatory Commission League campaign. Sunday’s 2-1 have to do a little bit better. parity lasted only two minutes as Bournemouth’s English midfielder Junior Stanislas (centre) celebrates scoring the opening goal during hearing today. win over Everton did little to “In my experience, I have a Bournemouth corner resulted the English League cup fourth round match against Norwich City at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, “It related to an incident lift the gloom around Old Traf- never seen or heard of a player in Steve Cook’s shot fi nding the southern England. (AFP) at the end of the Manches- ford, with United manager Jose not wanting to play in the game net via a defl ection on the line. ter United versus Newcastle Mourinho under scrutiny fol- because they have had a falling Burton’s victory was particu- them and to be in the last eight is Fraser added a second eight to volley home with superb tech- United game on October 6, lowing a spluttering run which out with the manager. larly sweet for manager Nigel wonderful. We can’t wait for the minutes later when he stroked nique, but there was still time for 2018. Written reasons for the has seen key players fail to pro- “I don’t think as a player you Clough, who made more than draw.” home after being teed up by late drama as Forest substitute decision of the Independent duce consistent performances. could do that, you’ve got to re- 400 appearances for four-times Clough’s side missed a fi rst- Boyce, yet Forest clawed a route Arvin Appiah prodded home in Regulatory Commission will be Mourinho has clashed with spect the club and the fans and League Cup winners Forest over half chance to take the lead when back into the match when Lewis stoppage time. published in due course. This United stars including Paul also respect your team-mates. two spells. “To get to the last eight Northern Ireland striker Liam Grabban slotted home from six Leicester City’s fourth round decision is subject to appeal.” Pogba, Luke Shaw, Alexis “I don’t think any player, as a League One club is pretty Boyce blazed a penalty over the metres. match against Southampton was The full written reasons Sanchez and Anthony Martial. certainly at Manchester Unit- special,” he told Sky Sports. bar, but did open the scoring Forest’s comeback hopes were postponed after the chairman of are likely to be published next And Rooney, who became ed, will be not playing for Jose, “To get to the last 16 was a when Scott Fraser’s shot took a stalled, however, with the goal of the Midlands club Vichai Sri- week, when the FA’s discipli- United’s record goalscorer be- I’m sure they’re all working hell of an achievement. We’ve wicked defl ection before looping the game as Fraser turned pro- vaddhanaprabha was killed in a nary department will consider fore leaving in 2017, believes it hard behind the scenes to get had our breaks but we’ve earned into the net. vider, crossing for Jake Hesketh helicopter crash on Saturday. whether to appeal. is down to the team’s highly- results.” Gulf Times Thursday, November 1, 2018 7 SPORT

EPL SPOTLIGHT Wenger vows to return in 2019 Leicester to face fourth in the table, just four AFP London points behind Premier League leaders and reigning champi- ons Manchester City, despite rsene Wenger has losing their fi rst two league promised he will be games this term. back in football man- “When Arsenal win I am agement at the start happy,” said Wenger. “I felt I Cardiff aft er owner ofA 2019, but the Frenchman worked very hard and I think I does not yet know at which left it (the club) in good shape. club. “After that, I’m a supporter The 69-year-old veteran like anyone else - I want them boss ended his 22-year reign to win football games.” at Premier League side Arsenal He added: “As a manager at the end of last season but you have an infl uence, not insisted at the time he was not only on the careers of players, Vichai’s tragic death yet fi nished with football. the style of play and results but Asked when he would be on the structure and impact ‘An announcement on the rearrangement of the club’s League Cup fourth round tie back in management, Wenger you give to the club and overall told Sky Sports yesterday: “At that is very important - that against Southampton, postponed earlier this week, will be made in due course’ the beginning of the year. the club can always continue “It will seem odd to go at a very good level.” somewhere else but I can’t tell Wenger, in a separate inter- you (where) because I don’t view with talkSPORT radio, know where I’ll be. I’ll be was asked if Arsenal could win somewhere - but I don’t know the Premier League this sea- where. I have had a good rest son, having last been crowned and watched football a lot. I champions of England under have many good memories, so him in the 2003/04campaign. I miss them.” “Why not?,” he replied. Meanwhile Wenger, whose “When you look at last sea- fi nal seasons in charge of Arse- son at home we won 15, drew nal saw the once mighty Gun- two and lost two - it’s away we ners struggling to contend for were not good enough. the English title, was pleased “But overall the quality’s by the north London giants’ there. They have a chance - start to this season. but at the moment we have Under new manager Unai some other teams who look Emery, Arsenal are currently very strong as well.”

UEFA ‘closely monitoring’ Wembley pitch for Spurs-PSV clash

European soccer’s governing the situation at the Wem- body UEFA said it is keeping bley Stadium and working a close eye on the playing together with the Club, The conditions at Wembley Sta- Football Association and the dium for Tottenham Hotspur’s management of the stadium, upcoming Champions League to guarantee safe playing match against PSV Eind- conditions for the upcoming hoven. UEFA Champions League Buddhist monks lay tributes by a photograph of Leicester City Football Club’s Thai chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, outside Leicester City Football Club’s King Power Stadium Repeated delays to Spurs’ match,” the body said in an in Leicester, eastern England, yesterday in honour and remembrance of those who died in a helicopter crash at the club’s stadium on October 27 including the club’s owner new stadium have meant they email to Reuters. Srivaddhanaprabha. (AFP) have had to play additional Manchester City manager matches at Wembley amid Pep Guardiola was critical of AFP day’s scheduled home League Southampton, postponed earlier from around the globe. of his father’s duty-free empire other sporting events already the pitch on Monday, blaming London Cup tie against Southampton. this week, will be made in due Vichai’s heavy investment King Power and also vice-chair- booked in at England’s major it for errors from both sides. But the club announced on course.” after buying Leicester in 2010 man of Leicester. arena. Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat Both Tottenham and PSV Tuesday that they will make the Cardiff chief executive Ken transformed the unglamourous Aiyawatt was joined by the by Manchester City in the need to win next week to eicester have confi rmed trip to south Wales to face Car- Choo was respectful of Leices- club into shock Premier League Leicester team, including striker Premier League on Monday have any realistic hope of their Premier League diff this weekend. ter’s wish to return to action champions as 5,000-1 outsiders Jamie Vardy, centre-back Harry came a day after an NFL reaching the last 16 of the clash at Cardiff will go A minute’s silence will be ob- seven days after the horrifi c ac- in 2016. Maguire and keeper Kasper Sch- match on the same pitch Champions League. ahead on Saturday fol- served before kick-off at the cident. The 60-year-old was widely meichel, with the group pausing between the Jacksonville Tottenham were originally Llowing the tragic death of owner Cardiff City Stadium and players “Following Saturday evening’s admired in Leicester for his in refl ection in front of the fl ow- Jaguars and the Philadelphia due to move into their new Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. will wear black armbands in Vi- terrible events at King Power charitable donations to the local ers. Eagles. 62,000-seater stadium in Thai billionaire Vichai was chai’s honour. Stadium, the thoughts and feel- community. Leicester have also opened a The playing surface retained August but the opening has among fi ve people killed when “Leicester City’s Premier ings of Leicester City FC are That warmth was refl ected in book of condolence in memory significant and visible wear repeatedly pushed back. his helicopter crashed outside League fi xture at Cardiff City at the forefront of our minds,” the outpouring of grief following of Vichai in a marquee at the and tear as well as gridiron Last week the north London Leicester’s King Power Stadi- this Saturday will go ahead as Choo said. the news of Vichai’s death. stadium, while the City Hall and line markings from the NFL club announced the opening um following Saturday’s match scheduled, as the club continues “As such, we will be off ering Vichai’s son Aiyawatt and County Hall will light up in blue event and UEFA said it was would not be until 2019. against West Ham. its tributes to its late chairman, our support to Leicester City in widow Aimon walked through a this week to honour Vichai. concerned with making sure They are in their second With mourners fl ocking to the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha,” a any way necessary in respect of sea of tributes from fans outside The Air Accidents Investi- the conditions were safe for season playing at Wembley stadium and the crash site cor- statement read. this weekend’s fi xture.” the stadium on Monday, includ- gation Branch (AAIB) are still the Champions League Group having moved out of their doned off as investigators picked “An announcement on the re- The death of the charismatic ing fl owers, football scarves and conducting their investigation B match. White Hart Lane ground in through the wreckage, Leicester arrangement of the club’s League Vichai has stunned the football Buddhist statues. into what caused Saturday’s “UEFA is closely monitoring May 2017. had already postponed Tues- Cup fourth round tie against world, with tributes pouring in Vichai’s son is chief executive tragedy.

FOCUS ‘Sociopolitical factors no hindrance for journalists’ By Sports Reporter of your article that are opinions or points or Doha colour pieces that are completely new and you have to write them with photos and eve- rything, so it is a diff erent thing.” he AIPS president Gianni Merlo “See most often the reader knows the re- yesterday stressed that despite the sult before he reads the newspaper also in sociopolitical or geographical road- most cases the result is written write at the blocks, a journalist can still be inde- top of the article so the reader is looking for Tpendent or vociferous in his writing. an opinion,” he added. “Yes, if he wants. Yes he can be independ- Earlier, the AIPS President even spoke ent and I am one of them,” said Merlo. He about the criteria adopted for selecting the was speaking on the sidelines of the AIPS best entries. Executive Committee/Jury Meet, yesterday. “Here we are choosing the journalists that “In many countries they live in a diffi - are going to the semi-fi nals, so nobody is a cult situation, but this doesn’t mean we are loser. So it is only a criteria; the criteria of judging anybody. We are only judging 9the journalism and so on... and we are very sat- entries) from the journalistic point of view; isfi ed as the level of the entries is very good. it’s not the politics that is moving us. No one is not accepted, it is only that if “For example, today we saw an article that there is somebody that has more meaning, sent to jail the president the country’s foot- doesn’t mean that the other journalist is ball federation. The journalist even got sued less. It depends on the articles that he has for it, but he won.” decided to submit. It may be possible that “So, we know how to judge and everybody the journalist may not have submitted his here is free minded. The problem is that best piece.” there are a lot of journalists, who are doing The primary objective of the Meet is to a good job (and that makes our job diffi cult).” shortlist the candidates for the ‘AIPS Sport He also pointed out that regulation match Media Awards’ scheduled for Lausanne, reports have become redundant today. Switzerland, in January 2019. “Match report... who cares, now you have television , you can see the entire match AIPS president Gianni Merlo (centre) during there. AIPS Executive Committee/Jury Meet in The future of journalism are the contents Doha, yesterday.

Thursday, November 1, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHT Qatar Airways becomes CONMEBOL’s airline partner The multi-year agreement will provide Qatar Airways with maximum exposure in South America atar Airways has announced embark on this journey with Qatar Air- strengthening ties with the continent. that it is the Offi cial Global ways, one of the world’s most prestig- Qatar Airways holds an extensive Airline Partner of The South ious airlines, to drive football develop- global sports portfolio, sponsor- QAmerican Football Confed- ment in South America. CONMEBOL’s ing some of the biggest teams around eration (CONMEBOL), adding another competitions have a rich heritage and the world. In addition to its existing strong sporting partnership to its ex- off er some of the world’s most exciting partnership with the German foot- panding portfolio. The agreement was and competitive professional football. ball club giants FC Bayern München signed at a ceremony that took place in And thanks to recent improvements, AG, for which it is a Platinum Partner, Doha yesterday at the Oryx Rotana ho- our tournaments are also among the Qatar Airways also recently revealed tel, attended by Qatar Airways Group world’s fastest growing. Naturally, multi-year sponsorship agreements Chief Executive, Akbar al-Baker, and we’re delighted to partner with Qatar with Italian football club AS Roma, for the Secretary-General from CONME- Airways, the world’s fastest growing which it is the Offi cial Jersey Spon- BOL, José Manuel Astigarraga, and Qa- airline, to bring our continents closer sor, and with Argentinian football club tar Football Association Board Member together through sport and build a Boca Juniors, for which it is the Offi cial Ahmed al-Buainain. brighter future for all of South Ameri- Jersey Sponsor. The multi-year agreement will pro- can football.” Earlier this month, the airline an- vide Qatar Airways with maximum Qatar Airways, the fi rst-ever airline nounced that it is the Offi cial Global exposure in South America, while partner for CONMEBOL’s club com- Airline Partner of the NBA’s Brooklyn strengthening the airline’s global petitions, will leverage high brand as- Nets and the team’s home, Barclays sponsorship portfolio. As part of the sociation and large audience visibility Center, the Brooklyn, New York venue agreement, Qatar Airways will be the at all 260 matches in both year-long that hosts many of the world’s most sponsor of CONMEBOL’s profession- competitions across the South Ameri- exciting entertainment and sporting al football club competitions across can continent, and will feature begin- events. South America for the next 4.5 years, ning with the CONMEBOL Libertado- In May 2017, Qatar Airways an- with immediate eff ect through 2022, res semi-fi nals on 31 October. nounced a groundbreaking sponsor- including the Copa CONMEBOL Lib- The airline will also be the present- ship deal with FIFA, which saw the ertadores, South America’s most pres- ing and sole partner for the Recopa award-winning airline become the tigious football competition, as well as Sudamericana, the home and away fi x- Offi cial Partner and Offi cial Airline of the Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana ture between the champions of CON- FIFA until 2022. The partnership, one and the CONMEBOL Recopa. MEBOL Libertadores and CONMEBOL of the biggest sporting sponsorships in The agreement was negotiated on Sudamericana. the world, will give Qatar Airways ex- behalf of CONMEBOL by FC Diez Me- Qatar Airways has long celebrated tensive marketing and branding rights dia, the joint venture between IMG and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar al-Baker, and the Secretary-General from CONMEBOL, José Manuel its strong ties with South America; at the 2022 World Cup Qatar™, with Perform Group, set up exclusively to Astigarraga, sealing the sponsorship agreement yesterday. earlier this year the airline announced an expected audience reach of more service the confederation. it was the Offi cial Jersey Sponsor of the than two billion people. The agree- CONMEBOL is the continental gov- Described as the “toughest qualifi - ways is thrilled to partner with CON- sector. We are also excited to further world-renowned Argentinian foot- ment sees Qatar Airways become the erning body of football in South Amer- ers in the world”, CONMEBOL national MEBOL, which is the oldest continen- expand our presence in South Amer- ball club the Boca Juniors through the Offi cial Airline Partner of the FIFA ica and is one of FIFA’s six continental teams have won nine FIFA World Cups, tal confederation in the world. We are ica, and look forward to supporting 2022/23 season. In addition, Qatar Club World Cup, the FIFA Women’s confederations. The entity is respon- and CONMEBOL clubs have won 22 continually striving to boost our global the forthcoming CONMEBOL football Airways Group acquired 10 per cent World Cup, the FIFA Under-20 and sible for the organisation and govern- Intercontinental Cups and four FIFA sporting sponsorship portfolio, and competitions.” of South American LATAM Airlines Under 17 World Cups, the FIFA Beach ance of South American football’s ma- Club World Cups. this partnership is just one more ex- CONMEBOL President, Alejandro Group in December 2016 through Soccer World Cup, and the FIFA Inter- jor international tournaments. Akbar al-Baker, said: “Qatar Air- ample of our dedication to the sports Domínguez, said: “We are proud to a strategic investment, further active World Cup.

FOOTBALL SQUASH Confi dent Qatar take on Peru’s Elias stuns S Korea in semis today ElShorbagy in last 8

Diego Elias of Peru (front) in action against top seed Mohamed Elshorbagy of Egypt in the quarter-finals of the Qatar Classic yesterday. The Peruvian advanced to the last 4 with an upset victory.

By Sports Reporter Doha iego Elias of Peru pulled off a huge upset Qatar U-19 coach Bruno Pinheiro guides a training session in Bogor, Indonesia, yesterday. as he defeated defending champion and world number one Mohamed ElShorbagy AFC Thailand in the quarter-fi nals amongst their aff ected by any pressure,” he said ahead of Dof Egypt to reach the semi-fi nals of the Bogor, Indonesia successes. the encounter at Bogor’s Pakansari Stadium. 2018 Qatar Classic – the PSA World Tour Platinum With the Qataris just two wins away from “I think that the situation has told on us at event yesterday. repeating their 2014 title success, Pinheiro times, and because of it we have not always At the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash atar U-19 coach Bruno Pinheiro is adamant however that his side’s approach played as well as we know we can. Neverthe- Complex the eight seed overcame the Egyptian, has called on young charges to re- will not change in the semi-fi nals where less, we have reached the semi-fi nals, so I who was aiming for his fourth title in Qatar, 11-8, main focused on the task at hand they will be without the suspended Ahmed hope my team will forget about the pressure 11-13, 13-11, 10-12, 11-7, in 76 minutes. – winning the Asian title – instead Suhail. surrounding the game and do their very best “I’m really happy to be into the semis of a major Qof adopting a relaxed approach because they “South Korea are a diffi cult team, and it against Qatar. event for the fi rst time in my career and to do it by have already qualifi ed for next year’s FIFA will be a very tough game for us, but we will “The fi rst goal for all the teams here was beating the World No.1 is special,” Elias said. U-20 World Cup in Poland. play our usual brand of football, which is to obviously to qualify for the World Cup. Now In the semi-fi nals, Elias will meet Germany’s Si- The Qatar young guns will take on South have the ball as much as possible and to make we have done that, the game against Qatar mon Rosner. Korea today in the semi-fi nals of the AFC the most of our possession in the fi nal third,” is not only a crucial semi-fi nal, but also the “I have a big opportunity now and I don’t want to U-19 Championship in what promises to be he said. fi rst step in our preparation for the World waste it so I will do everything I can to recover for yet another thrilling battle. The winners get “We are not about to change our ap- Cup.” tomorrow and come back and do my best against German Simon Rosner goes for a shot against New to play either Japan or Saudi Arabia, who will proach. It really does not matter if you win Korea Republic’s plans will not, however, Rosner. It will be tough against him – we’ve only Zealand’s Paul Coll. PICTURE: Jayan Orma be contesting the other semi-fi nal. 5-4 or if you win 1-0. The most important include striker Oh Se-hun who is serving a played once before and he smashed me – but I’m “It is sometimes normal for a team to relax thing is to win.” one-match ban after picking up yellow cards feeling good and hopefully I can play well,” Elias “I’m very, very happy to be into the semis. I a little after qualifying for something such as Meanwhile, South Korean head coach against Vietnam and Tajikistan. said. haven’t been in the semis in Qatar, so I had my eye a World Cup,” Pinheiro declared. Chung Jung-yong has urged his boys to take Despite the 19-year-old’s absence, Chung Earlier in the day, Rosner defeated New Zealand’s on this one but it’s too early to celebrate – hopefully “We will not be relaxing though. Of a confi dent approach into the match. believes the Koreans have enough quality in Paul Coll 3-1 (8-11, 11-9, 11-4, 12-10) to book a place I can go all the way” he said. course, it was important for us to reach the Chung’s talented charges topped Group reserve to cope, and is viewing the chance in semi-fi nals. Third seed Tarek Momen of Egypt won 3-1 (8-11, World Cup so that we could pit ourselves C and then saw off Tajikistan in the quarter- to utilise alternative personnel as a distinct “I’m trying to improve constantly and put in 11-6, 14-12, 11-6) against Welsh’s Joel Makin in the against the planet’s best players and coach- fi nals – a win which guaranteed them a place positive. “Our players are still young, and everything that I can. I have good memories from quarter-fi nals. es, but this team has the potential to go even at next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup. they have been preparing for a long time for here last year, it’s good to be back at the semis and further (in this competition). With South Korea’s initial target already this competition both back home and here in it’s time to prepare for a really tough battle tomor- RESULTS “It is now a question of preparing the team achieved, Chung is hoping for even greater Indonesia. We have some of the squad who row,” said Rosner. [4] Simon Rosner (Ger) bt [7] Paul Coll (Nzl) 3-1 (8- both physically and mentally. We always things from his side as they continue their are taking more time to recover after the last In the second semi-fi nal, Egypt’s Tarek Momen 11, 11-9, 11-4, 12-10) (64m) want to win every game we play, and I am not hunt for what would be a 13th AFC U-19 match, some who are carrying knocks and will be against compatriot Ali Farag. Farag defeat- [8] Diego Elias (Per) bt [1] Mohamed Elshorbagy expecting anything diff erent from my team Championship title. one who is suspended,” he explained. ed 2016 champion Karim Abdel Gawad in straight (Egy) 3-2 (11-8, 11-13, 13-11, 10-12, 11-7) (76m) against South Korea.” “My players have been under a lot of pres- “There are also, of course, players who games (11-9, 11-7, 11-8) in their quarter-fi nals ear- [2] Ali Farag (Egy) bt [6] Karim Abdel Gawad (Egy) High scoring games have been a feature of sure during this tournament, but I believe have not had an opportunity to feature lier in the day. 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-8) (45m) Qatar’s campaign thus far, with a 6-5 group now is the time for them to approach the much, this is therefore a great opportunity Farag was delighted with his maiden semi-fi nal [3] Tarek Momen (Egy) bt Joel Makin 3-1 (8-11, 11-6, stage defeat of Indonesia and a 7-3 win over game with more confi dence rather than be for them to do just that.” spot. 14-12, 11-6) (Wal)