P 11 | FOOTBALL P 28 | BASKETBALL QATARI COLTS bOW OUT QATAR RARING TO GO Qatar suffer a shock defeat at the hands of Tajikistan Qatar look to make an impression at the FIBA in their crucial qualifier to bow out of reckoning Asia Championship in China even though for the Asian Under-16 Championship finals. things are unlikely to be easy for them.

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LUCK &Lekhwiya startTOIL their Qatar Stars League title defence with a laboured and somewhat lucky win over Qatar Sports Club. PAGES 6-10 DSP/Mohammed Dabboos DSP/Mohammed

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» The writer can be contacted at: JUST A TOUCH AWAY Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Being role model certainly not Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos a privilege everyone can have A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko rOLE model is someone who can influence a And last week, they shook hands, somewhat Gopakumar K person’s life in a positive light. that’s what it’s all reluctantly and barely looking at each other. the focus Joice Michael Aabout. in media and social media platforms was more on their Technical support Shaheen Mohammed And to be a role model isn’t a privilege everyone can equation than the game itself. Abdul Naser M have. Least of all for Chelsea striker Diego Costa, who the post-match comments from them also reflected set such a bad example in last week’s English premier their antagonistic attitude towards each other which, League match against Arsenal. invariably, has a knock-on effect on the players. What’s the brazil-born Spaniard first hit Arsenal defender more saddening was mourinho’s justification of Costa’s p.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 Laurent Koscielny on his face, not once but twice, and violent conduct and praise for his belligerent ways on www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com then pushed him down before getting into a bust-up the pitch! Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 with another defender Gabriel paulista, who retaliated be that it may, referee Dean too failed to get his e-mail: [email protected] and ended up receiving the marching orders from decisions right, making things more complicated and Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 below-par referee mike Dean. virtually killing the game in the first half itself. It’s indeed e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 both Costa and Gabriel have been subsequently a grave error on his part not to have noticed Costa’s e-mail: [email protected] charged by the Football Association. the former was deliberate foul on Koscielny which ignited more trouble. found guilty of violent conduct and slapped with a Football is a contact sport, but the rules are pretty three-match ban on tuesday. clear about fouls and it’s the responsibility of the referee www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus their clubs too have been charged for failure to and his assistants to pull up those who indulge in www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar control the players, but one moment of madness from dangerous play or use excessive force. Costa, who went unpunished on the field, resulted in Fair play, in a sense, means equal opportunity to www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar the match being degenerated into a no-contest. succeed. but at Stamford bridge, Costa and Chelsea got When it comes to Chelsea-Arsenal rivalry, there’s more away lightly while Arsenal were denied justice. to it than meets the eye! the sight of Arsenal manager Publishers: ASpIrE printing, publishing and Distribution Arsene Wenger pushing his Chelsea counterpart Jose Printed at ASpIrE printing press mourinho when the teams met last season is still fresh in our memory. We also saw Wenger refusing to shake

© Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced hands with his opposite number after winning this Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi without the permission of ASpIrE printing, publishing and Distribution. year’s Community Shield. Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE P 12 | FOOTBALL P 18 | PARALYMPICS P 26 | MOTORSPORT Two close a gap! Notable reflections! Change for Anthony martial shines as International paralympic Committee’s Athletics the better manchester United beat chief ryan montgomery talks about the Southampton and cut the gap sport and World Championships in Doha. the Qatar motor and with neighbours City to two motorcycle Federation points in the premier League. introduces plenty of changes with a view to make the new P 22 | CUE SPORTS P 24 | TABLE TENNIS season more Pin-up player! Platform to perform exciting. Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Ko pin Yi of Chinese taipei the upcoming IttF-Asian Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 holds his nerve against Championships in thailand’s e-mail: [email protected] Shane Van boening of the pattaya offer a great Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 US to emerge as the opportunity for Qatari e-mail: [email protected] new World 9-ball pool competitors to improve champion. their game. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Being role model certainly not Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos a privilege everyone can have A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko rOLE model is someone who can influence a And last week, they shook hands, somewhat Gopakumar K person’s life in a positive light. that’s what it’s all reluctantly and barely looking at each other. the focus Joice Michael Aabout. in media and social media platforms was more on their Technical support Shaheen Mohammed And to be a role model isn’t a privilege everyone can equation than the game itself. Abdul Naser M have. Least of all for Chelsea striker Diego Costa, who the post-match comments from them also reflected set such a bad example in last week’s English premier their antagonistic attitude towards each other which, League match against Arsenal. invariably, has a knock-on effect on the players. What’s the brazil-born Spaniard first hit Arsenal defender more saddening was mourinho’s justification of Costa’s p.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 Laurent Koscielny on his face, not once but twice, and violent conduct and praise for his belligerent ways on www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com then pushed him down before getting into a bust-up the pitch! Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 with another defender Gabriel paulista, who retaliated be that it may, referee Dean too failed to get his e-mail: [email protected] and ended up receiving the marching orders from decisions right, making things more complicated and Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 below-par referee mike Dean. virtually killing the game in the first half itself. It’s indeed e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 both Costa and Gabriel have been subsequently a grave error on his part not to have noticed Costa’s e-mail: [email protected] charged by the Football Association. the former was deliberate foul on Koscielny which ignited more trouble. found guilty of violent conduct and slapped with a Football is a contact sport, but the rules are pretty three-match ban on tuesday. clear about fouls and it’s the responsibility of the referee www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus their clubs too have been charged for failure to and his assistants to pull up those who indulge in www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar control the players, but one moment of madness from dangerous play or use excessive force. Costa, who went unpunished on the field, resulted in Fair play, in a sense, means equal opportunity to www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar the match being degenerated into a no-contest. succeed. but at Stamford bridge, Costa and Chelsea got When it comes to Chelsea-Arsenal rivalry, there’s more away lightly while Arsenal were denied justice. to it than meets the eye! the sight of Arsenal manager Publishers: ASpIrE printing, publishing and Distribution Arsene Wenger pushing his Chelsea counterpart Jose Printed at ASpIrE printing press mourinho when the teams met last season is still fresh in our memory. We also saw Wenger refusing to shake

© Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced hands with his opposite number after winning this Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi without the permission of ASpIrE printing, publishing and Distribution. year’s Community Shield. Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE P 12 | FOOTBALL P 18 | PARALYMPICS P 26 | MOTORSPORT Two close a gap! Notable reflections! Change for Anthony martial shines as International paralympic Committee’s Athletics the better manchester United beat chief ryan montgomery talks about the Southampton and cut the gap sport and World Championships in Doha. the Qatar motor and with neighbours City to two motorcycle Federation points in the premier League. introduces plenty of changes with a view to make the new P 22 | CUE SPORTS P 24 | TABLE TENNIS season more Pin-up player! Platform to perform exciting. Ko pin Yi of Chinese taipei the upcoming IttF-Asian holds his nerve against Championships in thailand’s Shane Van boening of the pattaya offer a great US to emerge as the opportunity for Qatari new World 9-ball pool competitors to improve champion. their game. 4 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 5

PICK OF THE WEEK | FOOTBALL

Warner’s A trinidad and tobago magistrate will rule on Friday fate to be whether to extradite former FIFA Vice-president Jack Warner known on to face charges linked to the corruption scandal sweeping the Friday game’s governing body. JEROME Warner, a 72-year-old a native of the Caribbean island, was indicted in may by a US grand jury on 12 charges of wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering. Attorney General Faris Al rawi authorised the extradition case to JETTISONED proceed and on Friday a JETTISONEDt WAS never intended to be like and fabricated’ as his name was New York about $150m fraud was acting on the request of the magistrate will issue a ruling after studying arguments this. Jerome Valcke always said dragged through the mud like allegations. Her remarks would’ve South African authorities, who presented by the THE SUSPENSION OF SECRETARY GENERAL he would step down after eight never before. been no joke on anyone remotely themselves insist the money about ‘FIFA will survive I prosecution and JEROME VALCKE FOLLOWING ALLEGATIONS OF FINANCIAL years as FIFA’s No.2 when his boss, the damage, of course, had connected with FIFA who has so was a generous donation to the the need defence. Sepp blatter, called it a day next already been done in one way far been outside the investigation African diaspora in the Caribbean to adhere to difficult situation’ FRAUD IS A FRESH BLOW TO FIFA AND ITS BELEAGUERED February. What he never expected because mud sticks. the question but who may now be quaking in as part of South Africa’s World Cup the regulations CHIEF SEPP BLATTER, WRITES ANDREW WARSHAW. or anticipated was to be jettisoned is, why did FIFA react so fast? their non-playing boots. legacy programme and was never and the contract ended IFA president Sepp Blatter has told the five months prematurely. Whatever happened to the concept Still shaken by the aftermath intended to end up in Warner’s up being terminated. organisation’s members that they will “come Just when you thought the of innocent until proven guilty? the of that may morning when seven grubby hands. No one knows for sure which Fthrough this difficult situation together”. corruption scandal enveloping FIFA answer, perhaps, lies in two words FIFA officials were arrested, the Valcke isn’t mentioned by name version of events is correct. but blatter, who is standing down after the election couldn’t get any deeper, blatter’s beginning with the same letter — serious allegations against Valcke in the US indictment yet there’re with Valcke no longer in charge, of a new president on February 26, 2016, wrote the right-hand man was dramatically perception and pressure. couldn’t be simply shrugged off in those who believe he has been FIFA’s Deputy Secretary General message to FIFA’s 209 member associations, a day after relieved of his duties last week Valcke’s suspension came at the current atmosphere. Amidst living on borrowed time ever markus Kattner has now taken Secretary General Jerome Valcke’s departure following and placed on indefinite leave just the end of another tempestuous unprecedented pressure, FIFA’s top since the alleged South African over on a temporary basis. allegations he was involved in a plan to profit from hours after he was the subject of week in which US Attorney General brass knew they couldn’t afford to connection broke. the latest claims So far, of all the high-profile World Cup ticket sales. allegations over a scheme to sell Loretta Lynch, at a press conference make any more slip-ups. the first over World Cup tickets, made by FIFA figures to have either quit the swift action against Valcke was another major 2014 World Cup tickets above face in Zurich, warned to expect more sign of gross misconduct had to be an Israel-American named benny or been forced out, none come blow to blatter. value. arrests in the ongoing probe that punished in order to show the US Alon in a Zurich hotel, represented much bigger than Valcke — “I’m confident we’ll also be able to come through FIFA secretary general, who authorities that FIFA was serious the man who, to his credit, had this difficult situation together,” said blatter. led the organisation’s about reforming itself and putting steered organisers of a number meanwhile, a US judge held a hearing regarding day-to-day administration, VALCKE’S SUSPENSION its house in order. THE MAN WHO HAD of World Cups through a series two marketing executives named in the US indictment but who in recent months had CAME AT THE END Valcke, one could argue, was SO OFTEN ACTED AS of logistically challenging times. — Alejandro burzaco and Aaron Davidson. Evan Norris, become increasingly vulnerable OF ANOTHER the fall guy. the man who had TROUBLE-SHOOTER IS IN but he’s the same man who, a prosecutor, informed US District Judge raymond ŢŢDignitaries at as the crisis intensified, is TEMPESTUOUS WEEK. so often acted as trouble-shooter HOT WATER SUDDENLY. throughout his tenure as FIFA’s the countdown Dearie Swiss authorities had approved the extradition understood to have been en whenever the scandal-tarnished No.2, had punctuated his trouble- ceremony. to the US of another defendant, Eugenio Figueredo. route to russia on ’18 World organisation found itself in hot shooting skills with a series of Cup duty when the game’s has already snared a series of water suddenly had his own the straw that broke the camel’s unfortunate gaffes. remember, governing body issued that high-profile powerbrokers. fingers badly burned. Yet it one back. for instance, how he sparked he had been released ‘with America’s highest-ranking way it was not so surprising. Alon has been arranging a diplomatic row in brazil by immediate effect’ and that prosecutor, whose recent Valcke had faced increasing hospitality packages since 1990 saying that World Cup organisers the allegations against revelations about systematic scrutiny in recent months over through his company Jb Sports needed a ‘kick up the backside’ him had been referred to money-laundering and his dealings with South Africa marketing AG and accused Valcke though he insists he remarks were the Ethics Committee for rackeetering brought FIFA to its concerning the ’10 World Cup. of using him as a conduit to sell misinterpreted. investigation. knees and plunged a string of its According to the American tickets at inflated prices for his the latest claims ultimately Earlier, a ticketing executives into disgrace, made it authorities, $10m was paid by own gain. the company reportedly pushed Valcke over the edge. consultant whose company clear that the net is closing. No South Africa to the disgraced signed a contract with FIFA in With FIFA under unprecedented had dealings with FIFA made one, she implied, was now safe. to former FIFA Vice-president Jack April, ’10, that gave Alon the rights scrutiny and the desperate need allegations about World Cup have Lynch, in FIFA’s own backyard, Warner as a bribe in return for to buy several thousand tickets. for a fresh start, the decision tickets being sold at three times pouring more scorn on conduct his vote. the money is claimed to Alon claims Valcke subsequently has been taken that, on balance, their face value and claimed must’ve been an uncomfortable have been transferred to Warner agreed to provide more expensive he had to be cut loose despite sensationally that Valcke sight, to say the least, for blatter. in ’08 from a FIFA bank account tickets on the agreement that any his undoubted talents as a The countdown begins! profited personally from the timing is everything and the following a request to Valcke profits were split 50-50. Valcke’s commercial and marketing fixer deal. As his plane to russia venue couldn’t have been more from the South African Football lawyers wholeheartedly deny and a canny day-to-day operator. OSCOW’S red Square was national squads. turned round in full flight and sensitive as Lynch, in front of Association. there was any dodgy dealing. the irony is that his departure has transformed into a football “We’re always happy to see guests headed straight back to Zurich the world’s media, put FIFA and the 54-year-old has always Indeed, when it became apparent plunged FIFA into virtual paralysis, Mpitch as russia last week and promise to organise grand to face the music, Valcke’s the game under the microscope vehemently denied he did that tickets were being offered leaving a massive void at the top launched its 1,000-day countdown celebrations in russia, which’ll make lawyers issued denials, publicly for the first time since her anything wrong, saying he went at above face value, Valcke is of the administration just when it to the 2018 FIFA World Cup it will history,” he said. calling the claims ‘outrageous bombshell announcement from through normal protocol and reported to have warned Alon desperately needs stability. host in 11 cities. Kremlin has said that the country Attended by high-ranking officials honestly participated in the bidding and football stars, the celebrations process and that its status as the Joined as returned came as the game’s governing host country should not be called VALCKE AT marketing as secretary body was embroiled in a corruption into question. director in June. general in June. scandal, partly over the awarding of the culmination of the ceremony the ’18 tournament to russia. came when former World Cup 2003 2006 2007 2015 “preparations for the World Cup winners Lothar matthaus of Dismissed from Suspended from in 11 cities of our country are in full Germany and Italy’s Gianluca his job after being office on September swing,” president Vladimir putin said Zambrotta along with Spain’s at the heart of a 17, following by video link from Sochi, the host legend Fernando Hierro and russia’s dispute between allegations of selling two sponsors 2014 brazil World city of the ’14 Winter Olympics. international keeper Igor Akinfeyev — VISA and Cup tickets in the “Everything will be done to pressed the red button launching the masterCard. black market. suitably host the planet’s leading 32 countdown. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 5

Warner’s A trinidad and tobago magistrate will rule on Friday fate to be whether to extradite former FIFA Vice-president Jack Warner known on to face charges linked to the corruption scandal sweeping the Friday game’s governing body. Warner, a 72-year-old a native of the Caribbean island, was indicted in may by a US grand jury on 12 charges of wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering. Attorney General Faris Al rawi authorised the extradition case to proceed and on Friday a JETTISONEDNew York about $150m fraud was acting on the request of the magistrate will issue a ruling after studying arguments allegations. Her remarks would’ve South African authorities, who presented by the ‘FIFA will survive been no joke on anyone remotely themselves insist the money about prosecution and connected with FIFA who has so was a generous donation to the the need defence. far been outside the investigation African diaspora in the Caribbean to adhere to difficult situation’ but who may now be quaking in as part of South Africa’s World Cup the regulations their non-playing boots. legacy programme and was never and the contract ended IFA president Sepp Blatter has told the Still shaken by the aftermath intended to end up in Warner’s up being terminated. organisation’s members that they will “come of that may morning when seven grubby hands. No one knows for sure which Fthrough this difficult situation together”. FIFA officials were arrested, the Valcke isn’t mentioned by name version of events is correct. but blatter, who is standing down after the election serious allegations against Valcke in the US indictment yet there’re with Valcke no longer in charge, of a new president on February 26, 2016, wrote the couldn’t be simply shrugged off in those who believe he has been FIFA’s Deputy Secretary General message to FIFA’s 209 member associations, a day after the current atmosphere. Amidst living on borrowed time ever markus Kattner has now taken Secretary General Jerome Valcke’s departure following unprecedented pressure, FIFA’s top since the alleged South African over on a temporary basis. allegations he was involved in a plan to profit from brass knew they couldn’t afford to connection broke. the latest claims So far, of all the high-profile World Cup ticket sales. make any more slip-ups. the first over World Cup tickets, made by FIFA figures to have either quit the swift action against Valcke was another major sign of gross misconduct had to be an Israel-American named benny or been forced out, none come blow to blatter. punished in order to show the US Alon in a Zurich hotel, represented much bigger than Valcke — “I’m confident we’ll also be able to come through authorities that FIFA was serious the man who, to his credit, had this difficult situation together,” said blatter. about reforming itself and putting steered organisers of a number meanwhile, a US judge held a hearing regarding its house in order. THE MAN WHO HAD of World Cups through a series two marketing executives named in the US indictment Valcke, one could argue, was SO OFTEN ACTED AS of logistically challenging times. — Alejandro burzaco and Aaron Davidson. Evan Norris, the fall guy. the man who had TROUBLE-SHOOTER IS IN but he’s the same man who, a prosecutor, informed US District Judge raymond ŢŢDignitaries at so often acted as trouble-shooter HOT WATER SUDDENLY. throughout his tenure as FIFA’s the countdown Dearie Swiss authorities had approved the extradition whenever the scandal-tarnished No.2, had punctuated his trouble- ceremony. to the US of another defendant, Eugenio Figueredo. organisation found itself in hot shooting skills with a series of water suddenly had his own the straw that broke the camel’s unfortunate gaffes. remember, fingers badly burned. Yet it one back. for instance, how he sparked way it was not so surprising. Alon has been arranging a diplomatic row in brazil by Valcke had faced increasing hospitality packages since 1990 saying that World Cup organisers scrutiny in recent months over through his company Jb Sports needed a ‘kick up the backside’ his dealings with South Africa marketing AG and accused Valcke though he insists he remarks were concerning the ’10 World Cup. of using him as a conduit to sell misinterpreted. According to the American tickets at inflated prices for his the latest claims ultimately authorities, $10m was paid by own gain. the company reportedly pushed Valcke over the edge. South Africa to the disgraced signed a contract with FIFA in With FIFA under unprecedented former FIFA Vice-president Jack April, ’10, that gave Alon the rights scrutiny and the desperate need Warner as a bribe in return for to buy several thousand tickets. for a fresh start, the decision his vote. the money is claimed to Alon claims Valcke subsequently has been taken that, on balance, have been transferred to Warner agreed to provide more expensive he had to be cut loose despite in ’08 from a FIFA bank account tickets on the agreement that any his undoubted talents as a The countdown begins! following a request to Valcke profits were split 50-50. Valcke’s commercial and marketing fixer from the South African Football lawyers wholeheartedly deny and a canny day-to-day operator. OSCOW’S red Square was national squads. Association. there was any dodgy dealing. the irony is that his departure has transformed into a football “We’re always happy to see guests the 54-year-old has always Indeed, when it became apparent plunged FIFA into virtual paralysis, Mpitch as russia last week and promise to organise grand vehemently denied he did that tickets were being offered leaving a massive void at the top launched its 1,000-day countdown celebrations in russia, which’ll make anything wrong, saying he went at above face value, Valcke is of the administration just when it to the 2018 FIFA World Cup it will history,” he said. through normal protocol and reported to have warned Alon desperately needs stability. host in 11 cities. Kremlin has said that the country Attended by high-ranking officials honestly participated in the bidding and football stars, the celebrations process and that its status as the Joined as returned came as the game’s governing host country should not be called VALCKE AT marketing as secretary body was embroiled in a corruption into question. director in June. general in June. scandal, partly over the awarding of the culmination of the ceremony the ’18 tournament to russia. came when former World Cup 2003 2006 2007 2015 “preparations for the World Cup winners Lothar matthaus of Dismissed from Suspended from in 11 cities of our country are in full Germany and Italy’s Gianluca his job after being office on September swing,” president Vladimir putin said Zambrotta along with Spain’s at the heart of a 17, following by video link from Sochi, the host legend Fernando Hierro and russia’s dispute between allegations of selling two sponsors 2014 brazil World city of the ’14 Winter Olympics. international keeper Igor Akinfeyev — VISA and Cup tickets in the “Everything will be done to pressed the red button launching the masterCard. black market. suitably host the planet’s leading 32 countdown. 6 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 7 FOOTBALL | QATAR

COVER STORY QSL WEEK 2 | SHORT TAKES AL SADD 2 UMM SALAL 2 AL GHARAFA 1 MESAIMEER 0

Xavi Hernandez scored his maiden goal for Al Sadd Gharafa began their campaign with a victory over and produced a vital assist in his first home game, promoted mesaimeer. moayad Hassan struck the but it proved inadequate as Umm Salal held them in all-important goal in the 47th. Gharafa, rebuilt by a keenly-contested encounter. Ivorian Yannick Sagbo new brazilian coach pericles Chamusca, are rated as put Umm Salal ahead against the run of play in the one of the favourites to win the title this season, but 14th minute while Xavi equalised in the 63rd. the they did not impress against mesaimeer, who had Spaniard then set up musab Kamal for Sadd’s second slumped to a 0-4 defeat against Sadd in the previous Luckwiya! in the 63rd. Nasser Khalfan drew parity in the 84th. week. LEKHWIYA START THEIR QATAR STARS LEAGUE TITLE DEFENCE WITH A LABOURED WIN OVER QATAR SPORTS CLUB, WRITES N GANESH.

LGErIAN coach Djamel a handful of easy opportunities, EL JAISH 4 AL SAILIYA 0 Viera keen to give belmadi would be satisfied including three sitters messed with the result, but not up by new moroccan forward moroccan forward Abderrazzak Hamdalla netted a A brace (37th and 51st minutes) as Jaish blanked Al Al Rayyan his best the performance after his side mouhcine Iajour. AL WAKRAH 1 AL AHLI 2 Sailiya. Uzbek forward Sardor rashidov had put the Lekhwiya began their title defence but inspirational winger Vladimir Armymen ahead in the 11th while his brazilian strike L rAYYAN’S new foreign player Gonzalo with a laboured and somewhat Weiss came off the bench to put Seasoned performer meshaal Abdullah netted a partner raomarinho completed the rout in the 81st. Viera said he wanted to perform to the lucky 3-1 victory over Qatar Sports Lekhwiya in front in the 81st with a brace as Ahli came from behind to defeat Wakrah. Argentinian striker Sebastian Saez put Wakrah Abest of his abilities at the Qatari club. Club last week. stunning strike while msakni killed ahead in the 26th minute while meshaal struck in “I’m quite happy with the reception I got mohammed Omar put Qatar the game following a solo effort the 41st and 56th minute to give Ahli their first win from rayyan fans. I feel good and want to SC ahead on the half-hour mark deep into stoppage time. and increase their tally to three points. give my best to the club and help them win only for Lekhwiya to equalise 10 Qatar SC were first up for trophies,” said the Uruguayan defender, who minutes later through tunisian Lekhwiya last season as well and was presented at a press conference at the club forward Youssef msakni, who the cops had then emerged as premises last Sunday. converted from the spot. 5-0 winners. but the champions the 28-year-old, who began his senior Qatar SC could have upset them struggled this time to penetrate career in 2007, spent seven seasons with five had they not wasted the rival defence, which 1-2 loss to Kharaitiyat, seemed KICK-OFF ššLekhwiya’s native clubs. He moved to rayyan from leading looked organised despite determined at the start and Youssef msakni, Al Gharafa vs Al Ahli left, and Qatar SC’s montevideo side penarol, where he was playing the absence of moroccan attacked on the break, with Iajour Qatar SC Stadium, 6pm. Hamdi Harbaoui on loan from paraguay’s Cerro porteno. Ismail benlamaalem and tunisian Hamdi Harbaoui El Jaish vs Al Khor engaged in a tussle. Viera, who played under current rayyan coach (knee ligament tear). making their intentions clear. Saturday, Lekhwiya Stadium, 6pm. AL ARABI 1 AL KHOR 0 September 26 Lekhwiya vs Al Kharaitiyat and compatriot Jorge Fossati at penarol, said he belmadi was without mohammed razzaq saw his Lekhwiya Stadium, 8.15pm. Al Arabi defeated Al Khor, thanks to a 24th-minute was instrumental in his move to Qatar. many of his players header scrape past the crossbar at Qatar SC vs Al Arabi Qatar SC Stadium, 8.15pm. Yousef Ahmed goal. It was the second win in as “Fossati is a great coach with a plenty of leading up to the start of the other end before Omar gave many matches for Gianfranco Zola’s men, who are Al mesaimeer vs Al Sailiya success and we had a great time together at the season as they were Qatar SC the lead, much against Al Arabi Stadium, 6pm. second in the standings, behind Al rayyan on goal penarol. His presence at rayyan influenced my away on national team duties, the run of play, when he finished Sunday, Al Sadd vs Al Wakrah difference. Khor, who had lost their first match to Umm Salal, are yet to open their account. decision to come here. but that would not fully explain off a fine move on the left. September 27 Al Sadd Stadium, 6pm. Al rayyan vs Umm Salal “When I searched for more information, the reason for the howlers his Lekhwiya continued to enjoy Al Sadd Stadium, 8.15pm. mainly on social media, I found rayyan defenders committed. possession and Harbaoui had to be enjoy the biggest fan base among all clubs in “there were many errors in at his acrobatic best to clear a Nam with his skilful runs. He volleyed Qatar. that too made me happy as I always our game. I had noticed them tae-Hee free-kick off the goalline home from an Ismail mohammed believe fans are important for any club,” said during the AFC Champions after goalkeeper mohammed cross in the 81st before msakni AL KHARAITIYAT 1 AL RAYYAN 2 Viera. League quarterfinal (against netted the third goal in injury time. rayyan thus completed their foreign-player Al Hilal) as well. We didn’t Al rayyan remained on top of rayyan scored a come-from-behind victory over gritty Kharaitiyat to emerge on top of the standings. quota, having signed striker Sergio Garcia (Spain) get enough time to prepare RAYYAN REMAINED ON the standings after they saw off Former rayyan forward Jarallah Al marri put and midfielders Koh myong-Jin (South Korea) together as most of our TOP OF THE STANDINGS Kharaitiyat’s challenge, winning Kharaitiyat ahead in the 47th while defender Nathan and Victor Caceres (paraguay). players returned from national AFTER THEY SAW OFF 2-1 while 13-time champions Al ribeiro headed home the equaliser in the 62nd. Five minutes later, paraguayan midfielder Victor Caceres the Lions, who were promoted this season team duties only a few days KHARAITIYAT. Sadd looked lethargic in their 2-2 found the back of the net, his second goal in as after spending a season in the Qatargas League, prior to the Hilal match. We draw with Umm Salal. many matches, to give the Lions their second victory. were off to a great start this time, winning both also suffered from fatigue, Al Arabi climbed to second LEKHWIYA 3 QATAR SC 1 matches and topping the league standings. but we want to fix our mubarak messed up with his save. position, Gianfranco Zola’s men problems quickly,” said Lekhwiya found the seeing off Al Khor 1-0 for their Lekhwiya began their title defence with a laboured 3-1 victory over Qatar Sports Club. Qatar SC went belmadi, who took over breakthrough in the 40th when second win. ŠŠLekhwiya’s in front in the 30th, thanks to a mohammed Omar mohammed razzaq from michael Laudrup this Ali Awad brought down Khaled Al Gharafa, considered one of strike, while the cops equalised in the 40th through a tries to control the season. muftah inside the area and msakni the title favourites, got off to a Youssef msakni penalty. Substitute Vladimir Weiss put Lekhwiya in front in the 81st while msakni added a ball during their the exit from the Asian converted the resultant penalty. timid start, defeating mesaimeer match against third in the 95th. Qatar SC. competition together razzaq continued to be a threat. 1-0 while Al Ahli proved they are with the mediocre He narrowly missed an overhead worthy challengers for a top-four performance in their kick and his sharp attempt from finish by scripting a 2-1 come- league opener has put belmadi the right was saved by mubarak. from-behind win over Al Wakrah. further on the back foot and he Qatar SC created more chances Elsewhere, El Jaish announced will have to get them ready in time in the second half, but could not their title credentials with a 4-0 for Saturday’s tie against tricky convert them. belmadi, who grew rout of Al Sailiya, who had customers Al Kharaitiyat. frustrated on the touchline, turned suffered an identical defeat at Qatar SC, who were eager to win to Weiss just before the hour mark the hands of rayyan the previous

DSP/Mohammed Dabboos DSP/Mohammed following their opening week’s and the Slovak made the difference week. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 7

QSL WEEK 2 | SHORT TAKES

AL SADD 2 UMM SALAL 2 AL GHARAFA 1 MESAIMEER 0

Xavi Hernandez scored his maiden goal for Al Sadd Gharafa began their campaign with a victory over and produced a vital assist in his first home game, promoted mesaimeer. moayad Hassan struck the but it proved inadequate as Umm Salal held them in all-important goal in the 47th. Gharafa, rebuilt by a keenly-contested encounter. Ivorian Yannick Sagbo new brazilian coach pericles Chamusca, are rated as put Umm Salal ahead against the run of play in the one of the favourites to win the title this season, but 14th minute while Xavi equalised in the 63rd. the they did not impress against mesaimeer, who had Spaniard then set up musab Kamal for Sadd’s second slumped to a 0-4 defeat against Sadd in the previous Luckwiya! in the 63rd. Nasser Khalfan drew parity in the 84th. week.

EL JAISH 4 AL SAILIYA 0

moroccan forward Abderrazzak Hamdalla netted a brace (37th and 51st minutes) as Jaish blanked Al AL WAKRAH 1 AL AHLI 2 Sailiya. Uzbek forward Sardor rashidov had put the Armymen ahead in the 11th while his brazilian strike Seasoned performer meshaal Abdullah netted a partner raomarinho completed the rout in the 81st. brace as Ahli came from behind to defeat Wakrah. Argentinian striker Sebastian Saez put Wakrah ahead in the 26th minute while meshaal struck in the 41st and 56th minute to give Ahli their first win and increase their tally to three points.

1-2 loss to Kharaitiyat, seemed KICK-OFF ššLekhwiya’s determined at the start and Youssef msakni, Al Gharafa vs Al Ahli left, and Qatar SC’s attacked on the break, with Iajour Qatar SC Stadium, 6pm. Hamdi Harbaoui and tunisian Hamdi Harbaoui El Jaish vs Al Khor engaged in a tussle. making their intentions clear. Saturday, Lekhwiya Stadium, 6pm. AL ARABI 1 AL KHOR 0 September 26 Lekhwiya vs Al Kharaitiyat mohammed razzaq saw his Lekhwiya Stadium, 8.15pm. Al Arabi defeated Al Khor, thanks to a 24th-minute header scrape past the crossbar at Qatar SC vs Al Arabi Qatar SC Stadium, 8.15pm. Yousef Ahmed goal. It was the second win in as the other end before Omar gave many matches for Gianfranco Zola’s men, who are Al mesaimeer vs Al Sailiya Qatar SC the lead, much against Al Arabi Stadium, 6pm. second in the standings, behind Al rayyan on goal the run of play, when he finished Sunday, Al Sadd vs Al Wakrah difference. Khor, who had lost their first match to Umm Salal, are yet to open their account. off a fine move on the left. September 27 Al Sadd Stadium, 6pm. Al rayyan vs Umm Salal Lekhwiya continued to enjoy Al Sadd Stadium, 8.15pm. possession and Harbaoui had to be at his acrobatic best to clear a Nam with his skilful runs. He volleyed tae-Hee free-kick off the goalline home from an Ismail mohammed after goalkeeper mohammed cross in the 81st before msakni AL KHARAITIYAT 1 AL RAYYAN 2 netted the third goal in injury time. Al rayyan remained on top of rayyan scored a come-from-behind victory over gritty Kharaitiyat to emerge on top of the standings. RAYYAN REMAINED ON the standings after they saw off Former rayyan forward Jarallah Al marri put TOP OF THE STANDINGS Kharaitiyat’s challenge, winning Kharaitiyat ahead in the 47th while defender Nathan AFTER THEY SAW OFF 2-1 while 13-time champions Al ribeiro headed home the equaliser in the 62nd. Five minutes later, paraguayan midfielder Victor Caceres KHARAITIYAT. Sadd looked lethargic in their 2-2 found the back of the net, his second goal in as draw with Umm Salal. many matches, to give the Lions their second victory. Al Arabi climbed to second LEKHWIYA 3 QATAR SC 1 mubarak messed up with his save. position, Gianfranco Zola’s men Lekhwiya found the seeing off Al Khor 1-0 for their Lekhwiya began their title defence with a laboured 3-1 victory over Qatar Sports Club. Qatar SC went breakthrough in the 40th when second win. in front in the 30th, thanks to a mohammed Omar Ali Awad brought down Khaled Al Gharafa, considered one of strike, while the cops equalised in the 40th through a muftah inside the area and msakni the title favourites, got off to a Youssef msakni penalty. Substitute Vladimir Weiss put Lekhwiya in front in the 81st while msakni added a converted the resultant penalty. timid start, defeating mesaimeer third in the 95th. razzaq continued to be a threat. 1-0 while Al Ahli proved they are He narrowly missed an overhead worthy challengers for a top-four kick and his sharp attempt from finish by scripting a 2-1 come- the right was saved by mubarak. from-behind win over Al Wakrah. Qatar SC created more chances Elsewhere, El Jaish announced in the second half, but could not their title credentials with a 4-0 convert them. belmadi, who grew rout of Al Sailiya, who had frustrated on the touchline, turned suffered an identical defeat at to Weiss just before the hour mark the hands of rayyan the previous and the Slovak made the difference week. 8 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR Xavi shines, but Sadd held

centre-back Welinton, stood firm. the Hassan and belhadj, and squared N Ganesh men in Orange took the lead off their the ball for an unmarked Xavi, who very first move. placed it home. Former Napoli player Fabio Cesar, musab brought further cheers to L SADD’S tie against Umm who captained Umm Salal, played the Sadd camp three minutes later Salal gave their marquee rami Fayez from a short corner and when he chested down a trademark Asigning Xavi Hernandez the left-back picked out Sagbo inside pass from Xavi and drilled in a low something to remember, on a the box with a perfect cross. the right-footer past goalkeeper baba personal note. former Hull City player outjumped his malik. replays, however, showed that the Spanish ace scored a goal and marker and headed the ball home. the right-back was marginally offside. produced a vital assist in his first Defence has been Umm Salal’s two goals in three minutes made home match, but Umm Salal, with strength in the last few seasons and Umm Salal a bit nervy, but coach their resilient approach, snatched they put all their players behind the bulent Uygun changed his two a 2-2 draw, reminding him of the ball. foreign players — Andranik tough road ahead as he looks to help teymourian and Jeremie Sadd regain the Qatar Stars League Aliadiere — as well as shield. AL SADD HAD BREEZED captain Fabio Cesar and Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo put PAST AL MESAIMEER 4-0 brought on Ismail Umm Salal ahead against the run of IN XAVI’S DEBUT FIXTURE mohammed, play in the 16th minute. Sadd had IN THE PREVIOUS WEEK. tamer Jamal and to wait till the 63rd for the equaliser, Dheyab Alinabi. which came through Xavi, who the introduction soon set up young defender musab Xavi still impressed with his of fresh legs made a big difference as Kamal for their second. but midfielder through passes, but Nadir belhadj Umm Salal fought their way back into Nasser Khalfan drew parity for Umm was too often dispossessed by rival the game, with Sagbo proving his Salal in the 84th. defenders. brazilian striker muriqui, worth again. the burly player worked Sadd had breezed past Al the hat-trick hero against mesaimeer, his way up on the right and pulled mesaimeer 4-0 in Xavi’s debut fixture was also tightly marked. the ball back for a waiting Nasser and all eyes were once again on Sadd looked more determined in Khalfan, who tapped it home in the the former barcelona captain. He the second half and wrested back the 84th.

DSP/Mohan soon took control of the midfield advantage with two quick goals. Sadd coach Housseine Amouta proceedings with precise passing. Al Haidous, who kept going said, “We had a lot of possession, but ššAl Gharafa’s Sadd dominated possession for despite some heavy marking, did the we weren’t aggressive in the final

Abdulaziz DSP/Mohan Hatem, left, and Dioko fails to find the first 15 minutes, but they could spadework for the first. the Qatar third to convert them into goals. It mesaimeer’s hardly create a chance. the Umm international got into the box after wasn’t going to work against Umm Hermann Kakou vie Al Gharafa need for possession. his feet on debut Salal defence, particularly brazilian exchanging passes with Abdulkarim Salal, who were defensive.” LAIN Dioko’s first match for Al Gharafa turned out to be disappointing as the “the game maintained a high tempo, with both teams ACongolese international was substituted in fighting all the way. We were disciplined and committed, the 73rd minute after a muscle strain. and that enabled us to fight back after falling behind. to improve a lot Dioko was the top scorer in the Qatar Stars League’s last Bulent Uygun, Umm Salal coach. ššUmm Salal’s Yannick Sagbo, right, challenges Al Sadd’s Xavi Hernandez. towards the end of the season. both teams struggled in humid two seasons, racking up 22 Mohammad Amin-ul Islam “It was our first match in the conditions and the short drinks and 25 goals respectively for league and we faced great difficulty breaks in both halves provided Al Ahli, and has established THINGS LEARNT DURING THE SECOND WEEK because of the humidity. but I don’t some relief to the players. himself as one of the most t WAS not the kind of start Al want to put forward any excuses as the conditions took a toll lethal strikers in recent Gharafa coach pericles Chamusca my team didn’t play well. I wasn’t on the players as mesaimeer’s years. SAILIYA MUST IMPROVE COOL CUSTOMER THE OTHER KHALFAN was looking for as his team satisfied with the performance and rafael Amorin left the field He looked sharp and After completing the signing of their ‘play it simple’ has Sadd brought on a half-fit I three overseas recruits quite early been El Jaish coach Khalfan Ibrahim in the 83rd looked uninspiring in their 1-0 we’re still far from achieving our complaining of a muscle strain in agile as usual and even in the pre-season, Sailiya coach Sabri Lamouchi’s with an aim to kill the game victory over debutants mesaimeer target,” said Chamusca. the 31st minute while Dioko was knocked the ball home Sami trabelsi said they would try to advice to his players against Umm Salal. but it was last week. mesaimeer, who qualified for substituted in the 73rd for the in the third minute, impress this time. but quite contrary and his new recruit the other Khalfan, Nasser, who the win was a big relief in the same reason. but it was turned to the tunisian’s claims, they have Sardor rashidov hogged the limelight, netting an made a terrible start and conceded seems to have 84th-minute equaliser to help end, but Gharafa need to pull up “I hope we play well against down for offside. eight goals in the first two games to comprehended it the men in Orange salvage a GREEN WAVE their socks against tougher and GHARAFA NEED TO PULL Al Ahli in our next match on Whenever he find themselves at the bottom of the in quick time. the draw against the 13-time Al rayyan have taken plenty of plaudits tricky opponents. their next rivals UP THEIR SOCKS AGAINST Saturday. We’ll try to improve had the ball, the table. they hardly look motivated and Uzbek forward league champions. after their fine start to the season, with trabelsi, who guided them to a was arguably the Nasser’s contribution Al Ahli are sure to pose a bigger TOUGHER AND TRICKY our technique and will try to mesaimeer defenders their followers rating them as strong title fourth-place finish in the season before most impressive was not limited to the contenders, but several neutral fans rate Al threat. OPPONENTS. look better,” said Chamusca. “Our were kept busy. last, should again inject confidence and among goal alone. He started Ahli as the best so far. Ahli played out a 1-1 Success-starved Gharafa target is to finish in the top four. In the 33rd, his header hit the winning mentality into the team. Lamouchi’s on the left wing, draw with El Jaish in the opening fixture changed coaches too often in I’ve great confidence in the team’s side-netting much to the relief of wards against attacked steadily and and registered a come-from-behind win Al Sailiya as defended with purpose. the last two-three seasons, but the top flight as Qatargas League capability, but we still need to mesaimeer. over Al Wakrah last week, with their sturdy Alain he scored the the Lekhwiya player, who and spirited performance prompting fans to without any desired results. they runners-up, packed their defence coordinate better.” Dioko Dioko was used to the style of opener — a is on loan at Umm Salal, has the believe that they are capable of a top-four finished seventh last season, while goalkeeper basel Zaidan was Gharafa boast a decent squad play under milan macala at Ahli, cool finish into potential to deliver more. finish this season. which prompted the management confidence personified, effecting a with some proven overseas recruits but he would need some time to the right corner of the net — and to entrust the coaching job to couple of sharp saves to deny Alain including last two seasons’ top settle down at Gharafa. set up Abderrazzak brazilian Chamusca, who had Dioko. scorer Dioko. All Chamusca needs Chamusca would want him to go Hamdallah for the UNDER PRESSURE previously guided Al Arabi to third they were largely successful in to do is inculcate a sense of full throttle in their next match against second. rashidov, the league has completed only two weeks, but there is already a lot of talk who has been about refereeing. Fahad Jaber had shown a direct red card to Al Arabi’s Iranian in 2010-11 and helped El Jaish their effort and could hold their responsibility and fighting his former team, who have one presented with the winger Ashkan Dejagah for a tackle on Al Wakrah captain Ali reheima in the finish fourth the very next season. fancied rivals goalless till the mentality in the players. win and a draw and look to be in good No.10 jersey, proved opening match, but the QFA referees Committee overruled the decision and Chamusca replaced caretaker first-half added time when If that is done, with a shape. he has it in him to be allowed him to play last week against Al Khor. Sultan Salem and his team, who bertrand marchand, who was moayad Fodhayli slotted home a bit of luck, the team can If Dioko, whose perfect positional play a thorn in the rival officiated the match between Sadd and Umm Salal, were criticised heavily by teams’ flesh in the Umm Salal coach bulent Uygun while Salman Falahi, the referee in charge of in charge after Gharafa fired pass from tunisian international dream of a top-four makes him all the more difficult to mark, can coming matches. the Lekhwiya-Qatar SC match seemed not up to the mark either. comeback coach marcos paqueta Yassine Chikhaoui. finish. find his rhythm, Ahli will have their hands full. 8 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR Xavi shines, but Sadd held

centre-back Welinton, stood firm. the Hassan and belhadj, and squared N Ganesh men in Orange took the lead off their the ball for an unmarked Xavi, who very first move. placed it home. Former Napoli player Fabio Cesar, musab brought further cheers to L SADD’S tie against Umm who captained Umm Salal, played the Sadd camp three minutes later Salal gave their marquee rami Fayez from a short corner and when he chested down a trademark Asigning Xavi Hernandez the left-back picked out Sagbo inside pass from Xavi and drilled in a low something to remember, on a the box with a perfect cross. the right-footer past goalkeeper baba personal note. former Hull City player outjumped his malik. replays, however, showed that the Spanish ace scored a goal and marker and headed the ball home. the right-back was marginally offside. produced a vital assist in his first Defence has been Umm Salal’s two goals in three minutes made home match, but Umm Salal, with strength in the last few seasons and Umm Salal a bit nervy, but coach their resilient approach, snatched they put all their players behind the bulent Uygun changed his two a 2-2 draw, reminding him of the ball. foreign players — Andranik tough road ahead as he looks to help teymourian and Jeremie Sadd regain the Qatar Stars League Aliadiere — as well as shield. AL SADD HAD BREEZED captain Fabio Cesar and Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo put PAST AL MESAIMEER 4-0 brought on Ismail Umm Salal ahead against the run of IN XAVI’S DEBUT FIXTURE mohammed, play in the 16th minute. Sadd had IN THE PREVIOUS WEEK. tamer Jamal and to wait till the 63rd for the equaliser, Dheyab Alinabi. which came through Xavi, who the introduction soon set up young defender musab Xavi still impressed with his of fresh legs made a big difference as Kamal for their second. but midfielder through passes, but Nadir belhadj Umm Salal fought their way back into Nasser Khalfan drew parity for Umm was too often dispossessed by rival the game, with Sagbo proving his Salal in the 84th. defenders. brazilian striker muriqui, worth again. the burly player worked Sadd had breezed past Al the hat-trick hero against mesaimeer, his way up on the right and pulled mesaimeer 4-0 in Xavi’s debut fixture was also tightly marked. the ball back for a waiting Nasser and all eyes were once again on Sadd looked more determined in Khalfan, who tapped it home in the the former barcelona captain. He the second half and wrested back the 84th.

DSP/Mohan soon took control of the midfield advantage with two quick goals. Sadd coach Housseine Amouta proceedings with precise passing. Al Haidous, who kept going said, “We had a lot of possession, but ššAl Gharafa’s Sadd dominated possession for despite some heavy marking, did the we weren’t aggressive in the final

Abdulaziz DSP/Mohan Hatem, left, and Dioko fails to find the first 15 minutes, but they could spadework for the first. the Qatar third to convert them into goals. It mesaimeer’s hardly create a chance. the Umm international got into the box after wasn’t going to work against Umm Hermann Kakou vie Al Gharafa need for possession. his feet on debut Salal defence, particularly brazilian exchanging passes with Abdulkarim Salal, who were defensive.” LAIN Dioko’s first match for Al Gharafa turned out to be disappointing as the “the game maintained a high tempo, with both teams ACongolese international was substituted in fighting all the way. We were disciplined and committed, the 73rd minute after a muscle strain. and that enabled us to fight back after falling behind. to improve a lot Dioko was the top scorer in the Qatar Stars League’s last Bulent Uygun, Umm Salal coach. ššUmm Salal’s Yannick Sagbo, right, challenges Al Sadd’s Xavi Hernandez. towards the end of the season. both teams struggled in humid two seasons, racking up 22 Mohammad Amin-ul Islam “It was our first match in the conditions and the short drinks and 25 goals respectively for league and we faced great difficulty breaks in both halves provided Al Ahli, and has established THINGS LEARNT DURING THE SECOND WEEK because of the humidity. but I don’t some relief to the players. himself as one of the most t WAS not the kind of start Al want to put forward any excuses as the conditions took a toll lethal strikers in recent Gharafa coach pericles Chamusca my team didn’t play well. I wasn’t on the players as mesaimeer’s years. SAILIYA MUST IMPROVE COOL CUSTOMER THE OTHER KHALFAN was looking for as his team satisfied with the performance and rafael Amorin left the field He looked sharp and After completing the signing of their ‘play it simple’ has Sadd brought on a half-fit I three overseas recruits quite early been El Jaish coach Khalfan Ibrahim in the 83rd looked uninspiring in their 1-0 we’re still far from achieving our complaining of a muscle strain in agile as usual and even in the pre-season, Sailiya coach Sabri Lamouchi’s with an aim to kill the game victory over debutants mesaimeer target,” said Chamusca. the 31st minute while Dioko was knocked the ball home Sami trabelsi said they would try to advice to his players against Umm Salal. but it was last week. mesaimeer, who qualified for substituted in the 73rd for the in the third minute, impress this time. but quite contrary and his new recruit the other Khalfan, Nasser, who the win was a big relief in the same reason. but it was turned to the tunisian’s claims, they have Sardor rashidov hogged the limelight, netting an made a terrible start and conceded seems to have 84th-minute equaliser to help end, but Gharafa need to pull up “I hope we play well against down for offside. eight goals in the first two games to comprehended it the men in Orange salvage a GREEN WAVE their socks against tougher and GHARAFA NEED TO PULL Al Ahli in our next match on Whenever he find themselves at the bottom of the in quick time. the draw against the 13-time Al rayyan have taken plenty of plaudits tricky opponents. their next rivals UP THEIR SOCKS AGAINST Saturday. We’ll try to improve had the ball, the table. they hardly look motivated and Uzbek forward league champions. after their fine start to the season, with trabelsi, who guided them to a was arguably the Nasser’s contribution Al Ahli are sure to pose a bigger TOUGHER AND TRICKY our technique and will try to mesaimeer defenders their followers rating them as strong title fourth-place finish in the season before most impressive was not limited to the contenders, but several neutral fans rate Al threat. OPPONENTS. look better,” said Chamusca. “Our were kept busy. last, should again inject confidence and among goal alone. He started Ahli as the best so far. Ahli played out a 1-1 Success-starved Gharafa target is to finish in the top four. In the 33rd, his header hit the winning mentality into the team. Lamouchi’s on the left wing, draw with El Jaish in the opening fixture changed coaches too often in I’ve great confidence in the team’s side-netting much to the relief of wards against attacked steadily and and registered a come-from-behind win Al Sailiya as defended with purpose. the last two-three seasons, but the top flight as Qatargas League capability, but we still need to mesaimeer. over Al Wakrah last week, with their sturdy Alain he scored the the Lekhwiya player, who and spirited performance prompting fans to without any desired results. they runners-up, packed their defence coordinate better.” Dioko Dioko was used to the style of opener — a is on loan at Umm Salal, has the believe that they are capable of a top-four finished seventh last season, while goalkeeper basel Zaidan was Gharafa boast a decent squad play under milan macala at Ahli, cool finish into potential to deliver more. finish this season. which prompted the management confidence personified, effecting a with some proven overseas recruits but he would need some time to the right corner of the net — and to entrust the coaching job to couple of sharp saves to deny Alain including last two seasons’ top settle down at Gharafa. set up Abderrazzak brazilian Chamusca, who had Dioko. scorer Dioko. All Chamusca needs Chamusca would want him to go Hamdallah for the UNDER PRESSURE previously guided Al Arabi to third they were largely successful in to do is inculcate a sense of full throttle in their next match against second. rashidov, the league has completed only two weeks, but there is already a lot of talk who has been about refereeing. Fahad Jaber had shown a direct red card to Al Arabi’s Iranian in 2010-11 and helped El Jaish their effort and could hold their responsibility and fighting his former team, who have one presented with the winger Ashkan Dejagah for a tackle on Al Wakrah captain Ali reheima in the finish fourth the very next season. fancied rivals goalless till the mentality in the players. win and a draw and look to be in good No.10 jersey, proved opening match, but the QFA referees Committee overruled the decision and Chamusca replaced caretaker first-half added time when If that is done, with a shape. he has it in him to be allowed him to play last week against Al Khor. Sultan Salem and his team, who bertrand marchand, who was moayad Fodhayli slotted home a bit of luck, the team can If Dioko, whose perfect positional play a thorn in the rival officiated the match between Sadd and Umm Salal, were criticised heavily by teams’ flesh in the Umm Salal coach bulent Uygun while Salman Falahi, the referee in charge of in charge after Gharafa fired pass from tunisian international dream of a top-four makes him all the more difficult to mark, can coming matches. the Lekhwiya-Qatar SC match seemed not up to the mark either. comeback coach marcos paqueta Yassine Chikhaoui. finish. find his rhythm, Ahli will have their hands full. 10 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 11 FOOTBALL | QATAR/ASIA

Baggio’s boots, Messi’s Hilal to face Ahli in shirt and much more battle of Gulf teams ApAN’S Gamba Osaka will face China’s Guangzhou Evergrande while two-time N Ganesh Jcontinental champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia take on the UAE’s Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League semifinals. HAt images do roberto Ahli defeated Iran’s Naft tehran 2-1 in the QSL to help baggio’s pair of boots return leg in Dubai last week to advance on a 3-1 Syrian refugees Wbring to your mind? they aggregate. could be any of the plethora of goals Hilal will host Ahli in the first leg at the King Fahd the Qatar Stars League (QSL) scored by the Italian master dribbler International Stadium in riyadh on September 29 has come up with a noble or, ironically, his infamous penalty ahead of the return fixture in Dubai on October 20. gesture as it gets ready to celebrate Eid Al Adha. miss in the 1994 World Cup final Gamba edged out South Korea’s Jeonbuk motors Accordingly, gates for all against brazil. 3-2 in Japan and the 2008 winners will travel to seven third-round matches the football exhibition at the Guangzhou for the first leg on September 30 before in the QSL, to be played on Lagoona mall, which is on till October hosting Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side in the return Saturday and Sunday, will be 3 where official jerseys of more fixture in Osaka on free. than 50 great players and other October 21. the QSL will give Qr10 SEMIFINAL FIXTURES memorabilia including baggio’s Gamba each to Qatar Charity for each Kick-off in Doha time spectator at the venues. the autographed boots are on display, Tuesday, Al Hilal vs Al Ahli progressed from September 29 King Fahd International total amount raised will takes you down memory lane. Stadium, riyadh, 8.15pm. a rollercoaster

the jerseys of Uruguayan Alcides DSP/Mohan second leg against ššAl mesaimeer’s Osam moun, right, tries to dispossess Al Gharafa’s be donated to aid Syrian Wednesday, Guangzhou Evergrande vs masoud Shojaei. refugees. Ghiggia, scorer of the winning September 30 Gamba Osaka ’06 champions tianhe Sport Center, meanwhile, the QSL’s goal in the 1950 World Cup final game’s world governing body FIFA. Divakaran DSP/Vinod Jeonbuk, courtesy Guangzhou, 3pm. competitions department made against hosts brazil and who died the shirts of real madrid’s Cristiano of Koki Yonekura’s a few changes to Tuesday, Al Ahli vs Al Hilal last July aged 88 on the anniversary ronaldo and barcelona’s Lionel October 20 rashid Stadium, Dubai, dramatic first-phase fixtures taking into ššQatar coach 6.45pm. consideration the engagements of the triumph, and Samba legend messi from the last two Champions Arno buitenweg stoppage-time Garrincha, regarded as the best League finals are drawing youngsters’ consoles players Wednesday, Gamba Osaka vs winner, as the of Olympic and national teams. October 21 Guangzhou Evergrande Addressing a press dribbler in the history of the game, interest while that of ronaldinho and after the defeat to Japanese treble tajikistan. Expo ’70 Stadium, Osaka, Qatari colts bow 1pm. conference, QSL Executive offer tributes to heroes of the past. Zinedine Zidane too are seemingly winners secured Director of Competitions Germany great Franz beckenbauer, priceless. a first semifinal and Football Development who played 13 years for native the exhibition also boasts replicas appearance since clinching the title. Ahmed Al Harmi said, “We’ve rescheduled some games so club bayern munich, is represented of the Jules rimet trophy as well as Ahli advanced after goals from rodrigo Lima and as to help our Olympic and through his New York Cosmos jersey FIFA World Cup and a ceramic statue Ahmed Khalil built on the UAE club’s 1-0 win in the while French legend michel platini’s dedicated to russia’s Lev Yashin, out, Iraq progress first leg in tehran. Although Vahid Amiri pulled one national teams as much as possible.” shirt reminds you of his greatest considered by many as the greatest back for Naft five minutes into the second half, there credential to take charge of the goalkeeper. Arno buitenweg. three-minute spell at the start of was little Alireza mansourian’s Mohammad Amin-ul Islam ššAl rayyan’s mohammed Ala’aedin and Al Kharaitiyat’s mahmoud Qatar looked clueless in attack the second half made it a thrashing. team could do to deny Ahli a Saad vie for possession. and were forced to defend most Alla Adnan Jabbar, who scored place in their first-ever AFC of the time against both Iraq and the winner against Qatar, helped Champions League semifinal. OStS Qatar suffered a shock tajikistan. himself with a hat-trick (19th, 51st “I said to the players they 0-1 defeat at the hands of “It’s a result that leaves us sad, and 54th minutes) while Ahmed represent the Emirates and Htajikistan at the Aspire Dome but it’ll make us stronger. I’m proud Omar (32nd) and Saleh mahdi they went into the field with this last Sunday in their last Group C of the boys and the coaching staff,” (54th) also found the target. motivation. they’ve made all the people proud,” qualifier and thus bowed out of said ASpIrE Academy Football Eleven group winners and four said Al Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu, who has also reckoning for the Asian Under-16 Director roberto Olabe. best second-placed teams qualified managed Qatar’s Al Sadd. Championship finals. tajikistan, who finished third in for next year’s finals in India Ššmushtaq Al though tajikistan finished second the 2006 edition, were disappointed (September 15 to October 2), with Waeli, front row, third right, with on six points behind Iraq, they also that they could not make it to the the hosts receiving an automatic other delegates. could not qualify after failing to find final round, but their performance berth. a place among the four best runners-up from all groups. RESULTS MENA sports industry in focus Iraq, who thumped turkmenistan QATAR LOOKED CLUELESS GROUP C 5-0 in their last encounter, IN ATTACK AND WERE Qatar bt turkmenistan 5-0 Iraq bt tajikistan 3-1 EprESENtAtIVES from “the sports industry in the mENA one of the top destinations for progressed as group champions FORCED TO DEFEND MOST Iraq bt Qatar 1-0 the Josoor Institute spoke region has recently experienced sports events in front of a large while Qatar managed just one win, OF THE TIME. tajikistan bt turkmenistan 5-1 Rabout the business and rapid growth in terms of both international audience,” he added. against turkmenistan (5-0), in their tajikistan bt Qatar 1-0 management of sport in the mENA infrastructure and human capital, It is estimated that the global opener. Qatar had earlier lost 0-1 Iraq bt turkmenistan 5-0 ššUmm Salal’s Andranik teymourian, background, and Juad Ahnach region at the European Association and is still expanding’, said Josoor sports industry is currently worth to Iraq. was encouraging. QUALIFIERS challenge Al Sadd’s Hassan Al Haidous, left, as muriqui looks on. for Sport management’s 23rd Institute’s Executive Director between $480bn and $620bn, and Needing a big win to have any “two wins from three matches Uzbekistan Group A winners conference in Dublin, Ireland, (Acting) mushtaq Al Waeli, who that revenues generated by the chance of progressing as one of the was a really good result considering Oman Group b winners recently. industry will amount to more than top-four runners-up, Qatar could the boys didn’t have any exposure Iraq Group C winners Saudi Arabia Group D winners Delegates from Josoor, a centre of $145bn by the end of this year. not find their footing. tajikistan trips before coming here. they THE GLOBAL SPORTS Iran Group E winners excellence in the sports and events the mENA region is witnessing scored in the 82nd minute through played friendlies at home against Kuwait Group F winners industries founded by the Supreme INDUSTRY IS CURRENTLY rapid growth, with revenues midfielder Ziyovuddin Fuzaylov, local clubs. Qatar were a strong side malaysia Group G winners Committee for Delivery and Legacy, WORTH BETWEEN $480BN growing by seven per cent who found the target from a difficult and a win against them will boost North Korea Group H winners chaired a set of presentations AND $620BN. per annum, according to angle on the right. the team’s morale,” said tajikistan South Korea Group I winners and panel discussions during a pricewaterhouseCoopers’ data. “my boys couldn’t rise to coach Zainidin rakhimov. “the boys Australia Group J winners Japan Group K winners workshop titled ‘business and Such growth is being driven by, expectations in the tournament. We will return with loads of experience.” Vietnam best runners-up management of Sport in the was also the chair at the panel among other things, significant started off well, but couldn’t sustain meanwhile, it was a walk in the thailand Second-best runners-up ŠšNaft tehran’s middle East and North Africa discussion. investments in sports made by the momentum. However, these park for Iraq against turkmenistan. UAE third-best runners-up Alireza Ezati, right, vies for the ball Nepal Fourth-best runners-up region’. It was the first time that a “the conference was a great countries within mENA, and by players have the potential they were cruising 2-0 at half-time with Al Ahli’s workshop focusing on sports in the opportunity for Josoor Institute events being staged and hosted to make it big,” said Qatar coach and three goals in an incredible India Hosts Ahmed Khalil. DSP/Mohan, Fadi Al Assaad, Mohammed Dabboos Fadi DSP/Mohan, ššAl Wakrah’s mouhcine moutouali shoots past Al Ahli’s Younis Ali. mENA region was held in Europe. to position the mENA region as across the region. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 11

Hilal to face Ahli in battle of Gulf teams

ApAN’S Gamba Osaka will face China’s Guangzhou Evergrande while two-time Jcontinental champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia take on the UAE’s Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League semifinals. Ahli defeated Iran’s Naft tehran 2-1 in the return leg in Dubai last week to advance on a 3-1 aggregate. Hilal will host Ahli in the first leg at the King Fahd International Stadium in riyadh on September 29 ahead of the return fixture in Dubai on October 20. Gamba edged out South Korea’s Jeonbuk motors 3-2 in Japan and the 2008 winners will travel to Guangzhou for the first leg on September 30 before hosting Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side in the return fixture in Osaka on SEMIFINAL FIXTURES October 21. Kick-off in Doha time Gamba Tuesday, Al Hilal vs Al Ahli progressed from September 29 King Fahd International Stadium, riyadh, 8.15pm. a rollercoaster second leg against Wednesday, Guangzhou Evergrande vs September 30 Gamba Osaka ’06 champions tianhe Sport Center, DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod Jeonbuk, courtesy Guangzhou, 3pm. Tuesday, Al Ahli vs Al Hilal of Koki Yonekura’s October 20 rashid Stadium, Dubai, dramatic ššQatar coach 6.45pm. Arno buitenweg stoppage-time consoles players Wednesday, Gamba Osaka vs winner, as the October 21 Guangzhou Evergrande after the defeat to Japanese treble tajikistan. Expo ’70 Stadium, Osaka, Qatari colts bow 1pm. winners secured a first semifinal appearance since clinching the title. Ahli advanced after goals from rodrigo Lima and Ahmed Khalil built on the UAE club’s 1-0 win in the out, Iraq progress first leg in tehran. Although Vahid Amiri pulled one back for Naft five minutes into the second half, there Arno buitenweg. three-minute spell at the start of was little Alireza mansourian’s Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Qatar looked clueless in attack the second half made it a thrashing. team could do to deny Ahli a and were forced to defend most Alla Adnan Jabbar, who scored place in their first-ever AFC of the time against both Iraq and the winner against Qatar, helped Champions League semifinal. OStS Qatar suffered a shock tajikistan. himself with a hat-trick (19th, 51st “I said to the players they 0-1 defeat at the hands of “It’s a result that leaves us sad, and 54th minutes) while Ahmed represent the Emirates and Htajikistan at the Aspire Dome but it’ll make us stronger. I’m proud Omar (32nd) and Saleh mahdi they went into the field with this last Sunday in their last Group C of the boys and the coaching staff,” (54th) also found the target. motivation. they’ve made all the people proud,” qualifier and thus bowed out of said ASpIrE Academy Football Eleven group winners and four said Al Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu, who has also reckoning for the Asian Under-16 Director roberto Olabe. best second-placed teams qualified managed Qatar’s Al Sadd. Championship finals. tajikistan, who finished third in for next year’s finals in India though tajikistan finished second the 2006 edition, were disappointed (September 15 to October 2), with on six points behind Iraq, they also that they could not make it to the the hosts receiving an automatic could not qualify after failing to find final round, but their performance berth. a place among the four best runners-up from all groups. RESULTS Iraq, who thumped turkmenistan QATAR LOOKED CLUELESS GROUP C 5-0 in their last encounter, IN ATTACK AND WERE Qatar bt turkmenistan 5-0 Iraq bt tajikistan 3-1 progressed as group champions FORCED TO DEFEND MOST Iraq bt Qatar 1-0 while Qatar managed just one win, OF THE TIME. tajikistan bt turkmenistan 5-1 against turkmenistan (5-0), in their tajikistan bt Qatar 1-0 opener. Qatar had earlier lost 0-1 Iraq bt turkmenistan 5-0 to Iraq. was encouraging. QUALIFIERS Needing a big win to have any “two wins from three matches Uzbekistan Group A winners chance of progressing as one of the was a really good result considering Oman Group b winners top-four runners-up, Qatar could the boys didn’t have any exposure Iraq Group C winners Saudi Arabia Group D winners not find their footing. tajikistan trips before coming here. they Iran Group E winners scored in the 82nd minute through played friendlies at home against Kuwait Group F winners midfielder Ziyovuddin Fuzaylov, local clubs. Qatar were a strong side malaysia Group G winners who found the target from a difficult and a win against them will boost North Korea Group H winners angle on the right. the team’s morale,” said tajikistan South Korea Group I winners “my boys couldn’t rise to coach Zainidin rakhimov. “the boys Australia Group J winners Japan Group K winners expectations in the tournament. We will return with loads of experience.” Vietnam best runners-up started off well, but couldn’t sustain meanwhile, it was a walk in the thailand Second-best runners-up ŠšNaft tehran’s the momentum. However, these park for Iraq against turkmenistan. UAE third-best runners-up Alireza Ezati, right, vies for the ball Nepal Fourth-best runners-up players have the potential they were cruising 2-0 at half-time with Al Ahli’s to make it big,” said Qatar coach and three goals in an incredible India Hosts Ahmed Khalil. 12 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 13 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

WEEKLY ROUND-UP RESULTS EPL Liverpool drew Norwich City 1-1 Southampton lost to man United 2-3 Two tottenham bt Crystal palace 1-0 Messi double keeps Barca on top bournemouth bt Sunderland 2-0 Aston Villa lost to West bromwich 0-1 ArCELONA’S Lionel messi their perfect Serie A record when their first league win of the season struggling Vfb Stuttgart 1-0 and Chelsea bt Arsenal 2-0 scored a penalty and missed mauro Icardi gave them a 1-0 win when they beat Genoa 2-0 away move up to fourth place. man City lost to West Ham 1-2 Banother as his double helped at unbeaten Chievo to leave them as with an own goal by goalkeeper borussia moenchengladbach Newcastle Utd lost to Watford 1-2 the team sweep Levante aside in a the only team with 12 points from Eugenio Lamanna and a paul pogba coach Lucien Favre resigned as a Stoke City drew Leicester City 2-2 4-1 victory to maintain their perfect their opening four games. penalty. result of their poor run of results, Swansea City drew Everton 0-0 La Liga start. torino are second, two points with his side having lost their SPFL Dortmund on top Last season’s treble winners braca, behind, after a Fabio Quagliarella opening five league matches. Celtic bt Dundee 6-0 having won all of their four games double earned a 2-0 win over In Germany, borussia Dortmund Hearts lost to Aberdeen 1-3 a gap! PSG held again Dundee Utd drew Inverness 1-1 so far, lead the standings with 12 Walter Zenga’s Sampdoria. cruised past bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Hamilton bt motherwell 1-0 points while three teams, including to reclaim top spot in the bundesliga In France, paris Saint-Germain Kilmarnock bt St Johnstone 2-1 YOUNG STRIKER ANTHONY MARTIAL AGAIN SHINES FOR arch-rivals real madrid, are on 10. and stretch their perfect start to five retained their Ligue 1 lead despite ross County bt partick thistle 1-0 close Defender marc bartra showed FRANCESCO TOTTI, 39 wins out of five league matches. being held for the second time in a LA LIGA MANCHESTER UNITED AS THEY BEAT SOUTHAMPTON composure to open the scoring by THIS MONTH, SCORED HIS Champions bayern munich row in a 1-1 stalemate at Stade de Deportivo lost to Sporting Gijon 2-3 AND CUT THE GAP WITH NEIGHBOURS CITY TO TWO converting a messi cross after 50 300TH COMPETITIVE GOAL beat Darmstadt 98 3-0 to move reims. barcelona bt Levante 4-1 POINTS IN THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE, WRITES STEVE TONGUE. minutes with barca having been FOR AS ROMA. to 15 points with a fifth win, but With 14 points from six games, Las palmas lost to rayo Vallecano 0-1 frustrated in the first half by a well Dortmund’s victory, their 11th the champions lead Stade rennais Sevilla lost to Celta Vigo 1-2 organised Levante side. consecutive in all competitions, put and St Etienne by one point. Villarreal bt Athletic Club 3-1 Eibar lost to Atl madrid 0-2 With the game having opened Francesco totti, 39 this month, them ahead on goal difference. meanwhile, 10-man Olympique ŠŠmanchester real madrid bt Granada 1-0 ANCHEStEr City at $56.39m. “Anthony martial is already United’s Anthony up, Neymar finished clinically after scored his 300th competitive goal Vfl Wolfsburg beat Hertha marseille and Olympique Lyon real Sociedad lost to Espanyol 2-3 supporters ended a bad Having scored as a substitute special because we paid a lot of martial runs with 55 minutes and later won a penalty for AS roma in their 2-2 draw at berlin 2-0 to cling on to third spot, shared points in a 1-1 draw with the Valencia drew real betis 0-0 the ball during week by finding old on his premier League debut money for him. A lot of people are on the hour which was converted home to Sassuolo. while Schalke 04 needed talented game interrupted for 23 minutes by Getafe bt malaga 1-0 M their match against enemy manchester United closing against Liverpool, he added two thinking he’s a great star, but he’s a Southampton. by messi. titleholders Juventus claimed teenager Leroy Sane to beat crowd trouble. SERIE A to within two points of them at more goals at Southampton, both boy of 19,” he added. At the other end, barca AS roma drew Sassuolo 2-2 the top of the premier League after expertly taken. Earlier, Arsenal had two players goalkeeper marc-Andre ter Stegen Atlanta drew Verona 1-1 a 3-2 victory at Southampton last Graziano pelle put Southampton sent off when they lost an flapped at a cross that allowed bologna bt Frosinone 1-0 week. ahead in the 13th minute. martial ill-tempered derby 2-0 to Chelsea Victor to slot the ball home after 65 Carpi lost to Fiorentina 0-1 Chievo lost to Inter milan 0-1 Just a little earlier, City were five equalised 10 minutes before as the champions pulled out of minutes. Genoa lost to Juventus 0-2 points clear of their neighbours, half-time with United’s first shot their early-season slump with their messi blazed a second penalty Napoli bt Lazio 5-0 having not even conceded a goal in first premier League win for almost over the bar after he himself was torino bt Sampdoria 2-0 five matches, and the bookmakers a month. fouled, but the Argentinian did score AC milan bt palermo 3-2 were slashing their title odds. ARSENAL HAD TWO Chelsea’s 20-year-old French again with a drive from the edge of Udinese lost to Empoli 1-2 but after a hugely disappointing PLAYERS SENT OFF IN AN defender Kurt Zouma headed the area a minute from time. BUNDESLIGA home defeat by Juventus in the ILL-TEMPERED 0-2 DERBY in the first after 53 minutes of a Youth players Sandro ramirez and borussia bt bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Champions League, they were LOSS TO CHELSEA. fractious game before an Eden munir El Haddadi were both given FC Augsburg bt Hanover 2-0 shocked by West Ham United 2-1 Hazard shot deflected off Calum their chance in the barca attack, Vfb Stuttgart lost to Schalke 0-1 Cologne bt borussia m’bach 1-0 at the Etihad that ended a 100 per Chambers in stoppage time to with coach Luis Enrique resting Luis Hamburg SV drew E Frankfurt 0-0 cent league record. on target, although Juan mata make it 2-0. Suarez and Andres Iniesta while in Darmstadt lost to bayern munich 0-3 United rubbed salt into City’s should have been given offside, Arsenal defender Gabriel was a tactical change messi began in a VfL Wolfsburg bt Hertha berlin 2-0 wounds when they resisted and the 19 year-old Frenchman put red carded for kicking out at Diego deeper role behind the front three. Werder bremen lost to Ingolstadt 0-1 Southampton’s late rally, thanks to United in front following a dreadful Costa just before half-time and Elsewhere, a second-half Karim mainz bt Hoffenheim 3-1 some fine saves from goalkeeper back pass by Southampton’s Santi Cazorla was dismissed with Costa, Gabriel benzema header gave a below- LIGUE 1 David de Gea, who had seemed Japanese defender maya Yoshida. a second booking for sliding in on par real madrid a 1-0 victory over monaco lost to FC Lorient 2-3 certain to leave in the recent mata added United’s third former Arsenal skipper Cesc charged by FA Granada, who squandered several bordeaux drew toulouse 1-1 transfer window. midway through the second half Fabregas after 79 minutes. good chances. Oly marseille drew Oly Lyon 1-1 Chelsea striker Diego showed him catching St Etienne bt Nantes 2-0 Instead, a deal with real madrid before De Gea denied Jose Fonte meanwhile, Liverpool’s Costa and Arsenal’s Arsenal defender the Frenchman, who appeared Angers bt ES troyes 1-0 broke down on the last day of and pelle gave his team late hope hopes of joining the title Gabriel have both Laurent Koscielny with marginally offside, nodded home an Caen bt montpellier 2-1 the window, when United also by heading in Sadio mane’s cross. chase look forlorn after been charged by the his arm in an incident Isco cross after 55 minutes against Avant bt GFC Ajaccio 2-1 brought in Anthony martial “I’ve to make a lot of promoted Norwich Football Association (FA) not spotted at the time a well organised Granada side that bastia lost to Nice 1-3 after incidents in last by the referee. from AS monaco as the world’s compliments to my players,” said City held them 1-1 at attacked with pace. Stade de reims drew pSG 1-1 week’s bad-tempered brazilian defender Stade rennes drew Lille 1-1 most expensive teenage signing United manager Louis van Gaal. Anfield. premier League derby at Gabriel, who was sent Cristiano ronaldo had eight Stamford bridge. off after tangling with goals from his previous two games, BRAZILIAN C’SHIP the FA said that Costa shortly after but he and his real team-mates Atl mineiro bt Flamengo 4-1 WAR Avai bt Sao paulo 2-1 Costa had been charged that incident, was struggled to beat keeper Andres OF Chapecoense lost to Cruzeiro 0-2 with an alleged “act charged with “improper Fernandez. WORDS of violent conduct” conduct” following his Corinthians bt Santos 2-0 Coritiba bt Atl paranaense 2-0 “I think it’s unacceptable what he after television replays red card. Inter Milan maintain record (Diego Costa) does to (Laurent) “He (Diego Costa) played Goias bt Joinville 3-0 In Italy, Inter milan maintained Vasco da Gama bt Sport 2-1 Koscielny. He pushes him like he has to play and that’s ponte preta bt Fluminense 3-1 down, he hits him in the why you’ve full stadiums and ššbarcelona’s Internacional drew Figueirense 1-1 face. I don’t understand you sell football to television Lionel messi, left, palmeiras bt Gremio 3-2 HEADLINES QUOTE TWEET STAT GOAL MOMENT PLAYER fights for the ball referee mike Dean’s around the world for millions and with Levante’s ARGENTINIAN C’SHIP decision at all. Why does millions. man of the match, for • Leaders man City “I“I waswas latelate forfor thethe gamegame “#NUFC awful AGAIN. West Ham have won matt ritchie (for Cunning Costa (for Anthony martial Jefferson Lerma. San Lorenzo bt racing Club 2-1 Costa stay on the pitch and me. I’ve played against Arsenal beaten 1-2 at home as I made it back home Charlie Austin looks cheap away from home bournemouth against Chelsea against Arsenal) (manchester United) Arsenal bt Olimpo 2-1 by West Ham forfor thethe birthbirth ofof mymy son.son. at £15 million now!” against manchester City, Sunderland) Diego Costa avoided a the French teenager banfield bt Crucero 2-1 Gabriel is sent off? He’ll do I don’t know 12, 15, maybe 18 then I shot back up Liverpool and Arsenal for Scotland midfielder red card despite striking followed up his debut • martial scores twice Ex-Newcastle United river plate drew Lanus 1-1 the same next week and it’s times... And only once he (Arsene as manchester United on the plane with the the first time in a top- ritchie scored a goal of Laurent Koscielny twice goal against Liverpool Union bt temperley 2-1 Wenger) didn’t moan. And on directors. striker Alan Shearer rues flight season. the season contender, and then got Gabriel with a nerveless double always the same, he’s always beat Southampton to his old club’s failure Newell’s Ob bt San martin 1-0 provoking. We weren’t surprised, that day, we lost the game. go second chesting down a headed sent off, paving the way as United came from Velez Sarsfield lost to Estudiantes 0-1 Norwich City captain to sign Queens park clearance and crashing for Chelsea’s first home behind to win 3-2 at but I expect the referee to make the but we behaved in a fantastic • Gabriel, Santi Cazorla russell martin, who rangers’ striker Austin Aldosivi drew Huracan 0-0 a left-foot volley into win of the season. Southampton and close Argentinos Jrs lost to boca Jrs 1-3

way, no excuses, no crying, no HIGHLIGHTS EPL sent off in Arsenal scored the equaliser in after 2-1 loss at home right decision. the top-left corner from to within two points of Gimnasia drew tigre 1-1 moaning. defeat at Chelsea a 1-1 draw at Liverpool to Watford leaves them outside the box. leaders manchester City. Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager. hours after the birth of second-bottom. Godoy Cruz lost to rosario Central 1-3 Jose Mourinho, Chelsea manager. his son. Independiente bt Nueva Chicago 2-1 Sarmiento bt Defensa y Justicia 2-1 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 13

WEEKLY ROUND-UP RESULTS EPL Liverpool drew Norwich City 1-1 Southampton lost to man United 2-3 tottenham bt Crystal palace 1-0 Messi double keeps Barca on top bournemouth bt Sunderland 2-0 Aston Villa lost to West bromwich 0-1 ArCELONA’S Lionel messi their perfect Serie A record when their first league win of the season struggling Vfb Stuttgart 1-0 and Chelsea bt Arsenal 2-0 scored a penalty and missed mauro Icardi gave them a 1-0 win when they beat Genoa 2-0 away move up to fourth place. man City lost to West Ham 1-2 Banother as his double helped at unbeaten Chievo to leave them as with an own goal by goalkeeper borussia moenchengladbach Newcastle Utd lost to Watford 1-2 the team sweep Levante aside in a the only team with 12 points from Eugenio Lamanna and a paul pogba coach Lucien Favre resigned as a Stoke City drew Leicester City 2-2 4-1 victory to maintain their perfect their opening four games. penalty. result of their poor run of results, Swansea City drew Everton 0-0 La Liga start. torino are second, two points with his side having lost their SPFL Dortmund on top Last season’s treble winners braca, behind, after a Fabio Quagliarella opening five league matches. Celtic bt Dundee 6-0 having won all of their four games double earned a 2-0 win over In Germany, borussia Dortmund Hearts lost to Aberdeen 1-3 so far, lead the standings with 12 Walter Zenga’s Sampdoria. cruised past bayer Leverkusen 3-0 PSG held again Dundee Utd drew Inverness 1-1 Hamilton bt motherwell 1-0 points while three teams, including to reclaim top spot in the bundesliga In France, paris Saint-Germain Kilmarnock bt St Johnstone 2-1 arch-rivals real madrid, are on 10. and stretch their perfect start to five retained their Ligue 1 lead despite ross County bt partick thistle 1-0 Defender marc bartra showed FRANCESCO TOTTI, 39 wins out of five league matches. being held for the second time in a LA LIGA composure to open the scoring by THIS MONTH, SCORED HIS Champions bayern munich row in a 1-1 stalemate at Stade de Deportivo lost to Sporting Gijon 2-3 converting a messi cross after 50 300TH COMPETITIVE GOAL beat Darmstadt 98 3-0 to move reims. barcelona bt Levante 4-1 minutes with barca having been FOR AS ROMA. to 15 points with a fifth win, but With 14 points from six games, Las palmas lost to rayo Vallecano 0-1 frustrated in the first half by a well Dortmund’s victory, their 11th the champions lead Stade rennais Sevilla lost to Celta Vigo 1-2 organised Levante side. consecutive in all competitions, put and St Etienne by one point. Villarreal bt Athletic Club 3-1 Eibar lost to Atl madrid 0-2 With the game having opened Francesco totti, 39 this month, them ahead on goal difference. meanwhile, 10-man Olympique real madrid bt Granada 1-0 up, Neymar finished clinically after scored his 300th competitive goal Vfl Wolfsburg beat Hertha marseille and Olympique Lyon real Sociedad lost to Espanyol 2-3 55 minutes and later won a penalty for AS roma in their 2-2 draw at berlin 2-0 to cling on to third spot, shared points in a 1-1 draw with the Valencia drew real betis 0-0 on the hour which was converted home to Sassuolo. while Schalke 04 needed talented game interrupted for 23 minutes by Getafe bt malaga 1-0 by messi. titleholders Juventus claimed teenager Leroy Sane to beat crowd trouble. SERIE A At the other end, barca AS roma drew Sassuolo 2-2 goalkeeper marc-Andre ter Stegen Atlanta drew Verona 1-1 flapped at a cross that allowed bologna bt Frosinone 1-0 Victor to slot the ball home after 65 Carpi lost to Fiorentina 0-1 Chievo lost to Inter milan 0-1 minutes. Genoa lost to Juventus 0-2 messi blazed a second penalty Napoli bt Lazio 5-0 over the bar after he himself was torino bt Sampdoria 2-0 fouled, but the Argentinian did score AC milan bt palermo 3-2 again with a drive from the edge of Udinese lost to Empoli 1-2 the area a minute from time. BUNDESLIGA Youth players Sandro ramirez and borussia bt bayer Leverkusen 3-0 munir El Haddadi were both given FC Augsburg bt Hanover 2-0 their chance in the barca attack, Vfb Stuttgart lost to Schalke 0-1 Cologne bt borussia m’bach 1-0 with coach Luis Enrique resting Luis Hamburg SV drew E Frankfurt 0-0 Suarez and Andres Iniesta while in Darmstadt lost to bayern munich 0-3 a tactical change messi began in a VfL Wolfsburg bt Hertha berlin 2-0 deeper role behind the front three. Werder bremen lost to Ingolstadt 0-1 Elsewhere, a second-half Karim mainz bt Hoffenheim 3-1 benzema header gave a below- LIGUE 1 par real madrid a 1-0 victory over monaco lost to FC Lorient 2-3 Granada, who squandered several bordeaux drew toulouse 1-1 good chances. Oly marseille drew Oly Lyon 1-1 St Etienne bt Nantes 2-0 the Frenchman, who appeared Angers bt ES troyes 1-0 marginally offside, nodded home an Caen bt montpellier 2-1 Isco cross after 55 minutes against Avant bt GFC Ajaccio 2-1 a well organised Granada side that bastia lost to Nice 1-3 attacked with pace. Stade de reims drew pSG 1-1 Cristiano ronaldo had eight Stade rennes drew Lille 1-1 goals from his previous two games, BRAZILIAN C’SHIP but he and his real team-mates Atl mineiro bt Flamengo 4-1 Avai bt Sao paulo 2-1 struggled to beat keeper Andres Chapecoense lost to Cruzeiro 0-2 Fernandez. Corinthians bt Santos 2-0 Coritiba bt Atl paranaense 2-0 Inter Milan maintain record Goias bt Joinville 3-0 In Italy, Inter milan maintained Vasco da Gama bt Sport 2-1 ponte preta bt Fluminense 3-1 ššbarcelona’s Internacional drew Figueirense 1-1 Lionel messi, left, palmeiras bt Gremio 3-2 QUOTE TWEET STAT GOAL MOMENT PLAYER fights for the ball with Levante’s ARGENTINIAN C’SHIP “I was late for the game “#NUFC awful AGAIN. West Ham have won matt ritchie (for Cunning Costa (for Anthony martial Jefferson Lerma. San Lorenzo bt racing Club 2-1 as I made it back home Charlie Austin looks cheap away from home bournemouth against Chelsea against Arsenal) (manchester United) Arsenal bt Olimpo 2-1 for the birth of my son. at £15 million now!” against manchester City, Sunderland) Diego Costa avoided a the French teenager banfield bt Crucero 2-1 then I shot back up Liverpool and Arsenal for Scotland midfielder red card despite striking followed up his debut river plate drew Lanus 1-1 on the plane with the Ex-Newcastle United the first time in a top- ritchie scored a goal of Laurent Koscielny twice goal against Liverpool striker Alan Shearer rues Union bt temperley 2-1 directors. flight season. the season contender, and then got Gabriel with a nerveless double Newell’s Ob bt San martin 1-0 his old club’s failure chesting down a headed sent off, paving the way as United came from Norwich City captain to sign Queens park Velez Sarsfield lost to Estudiantes 0-1 clearance and crashing for Chelsea’s first home behind to win 3-2 at Aldosivi drew Huracan 0-0 russell martin, who rangers’ striker Austin a left-foot volley into win of the season. Southampton and close scored the equaliser in after 2-1 loss at home Argentinos Jrs lost to boca Jrs 1-3 the top-left corner from to within two points of Gimnasia drew tigre 1-1 a 1-1 draw at Liverpool to Watford leaves them outside the box. leaders manchester City. hours after the birth of second-bottom. Godoy Cruz lost to rosario Central 1-3 his son. Independiente bt Nueva Chicago 2-1 Sarmiento bt Defensa y Justicia 2-1 14 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 15 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

COLLATED RESULTS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE paris Saint-Germain (Di maria 4, Cavani 61) bt malmo 2-0 real madrid (benzema 30, ronaldo 55-pen, 63-pen, 81) bt Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0 Vfl Wolfsburg (Draxler 40) bt CSKA moscow 1-0 Market study pSV Eindhoven (moreno 45+2, Narsingh 57) bt manchester United & (Depay 41) 2-1 Galatasaray lost to Atletico madrid COMPLAINT BOX! (Griezmann 18, 25) 0-2 Fact file on the legal complaint which benfica (Gaitan 51, mitroglou 62) was lodged by the world players’ union bt Astana 2-0 FIFpro at the European Commission (EC) manchester City (Chiellini 57-og) lost to last week against the transfer system. Juventus (mandzukic 70, morata 81) 1-2 Sevilla (Gameiro 47-pen, banega transfer policy! BACKGROUND 66-pen, Konoplyanka 84) bt borussia FIFpro is the world players’ union, moenchengladbach 3-0 based in the Netherlands, which bayer Leverkusen (mehmedi 4, represents about 65,000 professional Calhanoglu 47, 75-pen, Hernandez 58) players worldwide through its national bt bAtE borisov (milunovic 13) 4-1 affiliates. roma (Florenzi 31) drew barcelona (Suarez 21) 1-1 It is represented on some standing š Dinamo Zagreb (Oxlade-Chamberlain committees at football’s world šJuventus players the transfer system, where celebrate their win 24-og, Fernandes 58) bt Arsenal governing body FIFA and the European Brian Homewood players are traded between clubs for even as manchester (Walcott 79) 2-1 ruling body UEFA, although it does Olympiakos lost to bayern munich fees running into tens of millions of City’s Sergio Aguero not have a place on the Executive wears a dejected English failure (mueller 52, 90+2-pen, Goetze 89) 0-3 euros, is so deeply ingrained that it is Committee of either organisation. Its look. Chelsea (Willian 15, Oscar 45+4-pen, IFprO’S plans to dismantle the hard to imagine the sport without it. president is Frenchman philippe piat. Diego Costa 58, Fabregas 78) bt maccabi tel-Aviv 4-0 transfer system may sound English premier League clubs the complaint is against FIFA, which governs the transfer regulations Dynamo Kiev (Gusev 20, buyalskiy 89) far-fetched and possibly spent £870m on players in the not surprising drew porto (Aboubakar 23, 81) 2-2 worldwide through its regulations F Gent (milicevic 68) drew Lyon (Jallet 58) 1-1 eccentric to the average fan, but the July-August transfer window, on the Status and transfer of players Valencia (Cancelo 54, Gomes 73) lost to world players’ union says there is according to business advisory firm (rStp). the system has existed ESt Ham United is surprised, but it can happen,” bilic Zenit St petersburg (Hulk 9, 44, no other way to fix a sport which is Deloitte. since 2001 and follows an informal manager Slaven bilic has said. Witsel 76) 2-3 agreement between FIFA, UEFA and losing its competitive edge. but getting rid of transfers is the EC. said the disappointing “they play football there as well. EUROPA LEAGUE W Fenerbahce (Nani 42) lost to molde Alarmed at the gap between the exactly what FIFpro aims to achieve results by English premier League they’re a decent team, unbeaten in WHY IS FIFPRO (Hoiland 36-pen, Elyounoussi 53, world’s richest clubs and players in after lodging a complaint at the GOING TO COURT? teams in European competition last 41 games or whatever. Linnes 65) 1-3 less glamorous leagues who scrape European Commission last week, week should not be viewed as a “they (English teams) aren’t Ajax (Fischer 25, Schone 84) drew Celtic FIFpro argues that the current system (biton 8, Lustig 42) 2-2 š a living in what FIFpro president arguing the system infringes and nobody wants that,” said turn into a normal labour market. šphilippe piat, creates a competitive imbalance as only major surprise. naive, but you’ve to know that the bordeaux (Jussie 81) drew Liverpool philippe piat describes as modern European competition law. FIFpro Secretary General theo van players would have a better left, and theo van the biggest clubs can afford the transfer manchester United, manchester other teams are also good,” he said. (Lallana 65) 1-1 Seggelen address a slavery, the union believes the FIFpro, which represents 65,000 Seggelen. chance of finding clubs that suit their fees for the top players. City and Arsenal all slumped to the manager also said City did Sion (moussa Konate 11, 82) press conference in It says it leads to commercial bt rubin Kazan (Kanunnikov 65) 2-1 transfer system needs a radical players around the world, has FIFpro says the dominant clubs language, culture and level of ability brussels. defeats in their opening Champions not deserve to lose 1-2 against exploitation of the trade by agents, Qabala FK drew pAOK 0-0 overhaul. several grievances against the entrench their position in the because the transfer fee would no impedes the free movement of players, League fixtures while Liverpool Juventus, but pointed out the Dortmund (Ginter 45+1, park Joo-ho system, but the main one is that it market by inflating transfer fees and longer be the determining factor in causes speculative management of were held to a 1-1 draw at 90+2) bt FC Krasnodar (mamaev 12) 2-1 midtjylland (Kucharczyk 60-o.g.) bt has reduced the level of competition therefore creating barriers against whether a move went ahead, one clubs and creates conditions for the bordeaux in the Europa League. trafficking of minors. Legia Warsaw 1-0 between clubs, effectively making other clubs to compete with them. FIFpro official said. Chelsea were the only English MAN UNITED IS A BIGGER Napoli (Callejon 5, 77, mertens 19, 25, Another grievance is that even when the sport too predictable. “transfer fees are effectively a If agents’ fees were based on side to win their first Champions Hamsik 53) bt Club brugge 5-0 players are not paid by their clubs, they CLUB — AND THEY rapid Vienna (Schwab 50, On a European level, only tax on employment because they a player’s salary, rather than the have to wait 90 days before they can League fixture this season, beating DESERVED MORE THAN A Hofmann 53-pen) bt Villarreal (Carrilho a small number of clubs represent deterrents for possible transfer fee, they would have an claim just cause. they could also face maccabi tel Aviv 4-0 while DEFEAT IN THAT GAME. baptistao 45) 2-1 from the biggest incentive to find him the right club a lengthy procedure through FIFA’s tottenham Hotspur came from Viktoria plzen (Horava 36, petrzela 75) dispute resolution chamber. bt Dinamo minsk 2-0 leagues, such as and keep him there. FIFpro wants unpaid players to be behind to beat Qarabag 3-1 in their Slovan Liberec lost to Sporting braga barcelona, real FIFPRO DESCRIBES THE the game’s world governing body allowed to leave after 30 days and Europa League opener at White pedigree of the Italian club. (rafa 60) 0-1 change club without waiting for a new FC Groningen lost to marseille (FrA) madrid and CURRENT TRANSFER FIFA, which runs the transfer system Hart Lane. “man City didn’t deserve to lose (Nkoudou 25, Ocampos 39, transfer window. bayern SYSTEM AS MODERN through its regulations on the Status “Why’re people so surprised that game, minimum they deserved Alessandrini 61) 0-3 FIFpro says it wants to encourage munich, SLAVERY. and transfers of players (rStp), did when manchester United a point, but Juventus scored two Dnipro (Seleznyov 90+4) drew Lazio respect of contract and it wants (milinkovic-Savic 34) 1-1 can not return a request for comment. penalties for early termination to be lose a game (1-2) against pSV great goals,” he said. Saint-Etienne (beric 4, roux 87-pen) afford the European football’s ruling the same for players and clubs. It also (Eindhoven)?” bilic was quoted as “You’ve to take (into account) that drew rosenborg (mikkelsen 16, astronomical fees employers to acquire employees’ body UEFA, which organises the wants to create quality jobs for players. saying by Sky Sports. it was Juventus, a team that played Svensson 79) 2-2 Skenderbeu lost to besiktas (Sosa 28) 0-1 for the world’s top services,” said FIFpro Director Jonas showpiece Champions League FIFpro argues it is unfair that a player’s “man United is a bigger club — in the Champions League final (last compensation is calculated on the basis Fiorentina (Kalinic 4) lost to basel (b players. As a result, an baer-Hoffmann. competition, hoped the matter could of his “market value” as this itself is set and they deserved more than a season).” bjarnason 71, El Neney 79) 1-2 elite bunch dominates the Van Seggelen said that, because be settled outside the courts. by the clubs. defeat in that game — but many bilic, who led besiktas to victory Lech poznan drew belenenses 0-0 Anderlecht (Gillet 11) drew monaco Champions League. agents received a commission on “Football and the solutions In some cases, such as that of the big clubs have lost at pSV,” he over Liverpool in the Europa League (traore 85) 1-1 It has also led to nearly all transfer fees, there was an incentive needed in it should be found by brazilian player matuzalem, this can added. “It isn’t a shock.” last season, said that result was tottenham Hotspur (Son Heung-min lead to a player being ordered to pay 28, 30, Lamela 86) bt Qarabag (richard the world’s top players becoming for them to move players around as football people, and not the courts compensation equivalent to several Arsenal lost 1-2 away to Dinamo down to good planning and did not Almeida 7-pen) 3-1 concentrated in a handful of leagues often as possible. who’ve more important things to years’ salary. Zagreb and the Croatian side’s surprise him. ApOEL lost to Schalke (matip 28, — in England, Germany, France, Italy this leads to some players deal with than the game-related coach, Zoran mamic, thanked bilic “For you, it was probably a Huntelaar 35, 71) 0-3 Asteras (mazza 2) drew Sparta prague and Spain. representing more than one dozen matters,” UEFA General Secretary after the game for providing key shock when besiktas knocked out (Lafata 56) 1-1 Clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam clubs, often in several different Gianni Infantino said after a meeting information that helped his team Liverpool last year. For us it wasn’t. partizan belgrade (Oumarou 11, 39, and benfica, once considered major countries, in their careers. in malta. win. “A little surprise, but we were Zivkovic 89) bt AZ Alkmaar (Jop van der Linden 34, Henriksen 90+3) 3-2 forces in European football, have “Why bring a 16-year-old South However, Simon Chadwick, a “You can lose in Zagreb. It was a hoping for that and planning for Athletic bilbao (Aduriz 55, 66, been reduced to the role of feeder American to Europe? because you professor of sports business strategy major surprise, the whole of Croatia that, to be fair,” he said. Susaeta 90) bt Augsburg (Altintop 15) 3-1 clubs for the bigger leagues. want to exploit the player and you and marketing at britain’s Coventry FIFpro says this needs to change. can make money out of him,” said University, said it could have the manchester United full-back Luke Shaw received a visit “We believe that it’s possible Van Seggelen. “I can’t imagine that a opposite effect to what FIFpro Moreno visits from pSV Eindhoven defender Hector Moreno, whose in smaller countries to have an 16-year-old in brazil really wants to intended. challenge in last week’s Champions League tie broke his leg attractive national competition leave his parents and go to a strange “If the EU prompts such a change, injured Shaw in two places. and that balance has to be there, country where it’s always raining.” then we’ll effectively be heading moreno was accompanied last week by pSV coach phillip otherwise in a couple of years we’ll FIFpro officials believe that towards a free market for labour in Cocu at the hospital in Geldorp, where Shaw underwent surgery directly after being admitted. only have 30 clubs in the world, without transfer fees, football would the European Union,” he said. meanwhile, barcelona midfielder rafinha will undergo surgery after damaging the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in last week’s 1-1 Champions League Group E draw at AS roma. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 15

COLLATED RESULTS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE paris Saint-Germain (Di maria 4, Cavani 61) bt malmo 2-0 real madrid (benzema 30, ronaldo 55-pen, 63-pen, 81) bt Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0 Vfl Wolfsburg (Draxler 40) bt CSKA moscow 1-0 pSV Eindhoven (moreno 45+2, Narsingh 57) bt manchester United (Depay 41) 2-1 Galatasaray lost to Atletico madrid COMPLAINT BOX! (Griezmann 18, 25) 0-2 Fact file on the legal complaint which benfica (Gaitan 51, mitroglou 62) was lodged by the world players’ union bt Astana 2-0 FIFpro at the European Commission (EC) manchester City (Chiellini 57-og) lost to last week against the transfer system. Juventus (mandzukic 70, morata 81) 1-2 Sevilla (Gameiro 47-pen, banega BACKGROUND 66-pen, Konoplyanka 84) bt borussia FIFpro is the world players’ union, moenchengladbach 3-0 based in the Netherlands, which bayer Leverkusen (mehmedi 4, represents about 65,000 professional Calhanoglu 47, 75-pen, Hernandez 58) players worldwide through its national bt bAtE borisov (milunovic 13) 4-1 affiliates. roma (Florenzi 31) drew barcelona (Suarez 21) 1-1 It is represented on some standing š Dinamo Zagreb (Oxlade-Chamberlain committees at football’s world šJuventus players celebrate their win 24-og, Fernandes 58) bt Arsenal governing body FIFA and the European even as manchester (Walcott 79) 2-1 ruling body UEFA, although it does City’s Sergio Aguero Olympiakos lost to bayern munich not have a place on the Executive wears a dejected English failure (mueller 52, 90+2-pen, Goetze 89) 0-3 Committee of either organisation. Its look. Chelsea (Willian 15, Oscar 45+4-pen, president is Frenchman philippe piat. Diego Costa 58, Fabregas 78) the complaint is against FIFA, which bt maccabi tel-Aviv 4-0 governs the transfer regulations Dynamo Kiev (Gusev 20, buyalskiy 89) not surprising drew porto (Aboubakar 23, 81) 2-2 worldwide through its regulations Gent (milicevic 68) drew Lyon (Jallet 58) 1-1 on the Status and transfer of players Valencia (Cancelo 54, Gomes 73) lost to (rStp). the system has existed ESt Ham United is surprised, but it can happen,” bilic Zenit St petersburg (Hulk 9, 44, since 2001 and follows an informal manager Slaven bilic has said. Witsel 76) 2-3 agreement between FIFA, UEFA and the EC. said the disappointing “they play football there as well. EUROPA LEAGUE W Fenerbahce (Nani 42) lost to molde results by English premier League they’re a decent team, unbeaten in WHY IS FIFPRO (Hoiland 36-pen, Elyounoussi 53, GOING TO COURT? teams in European competition last 41 games or whatever. Linnes 65) 1-3 week should not be viewed as a “they (English teams) aren’t Ajax (Fischer 25, Schone 84) drew Celtic FIFpro argues that the current system (biton 8, Lustig 42) 2-2 creates a competitive imbalance as only major surprise. naive, but you’ve to know that the bordeaux (Jussie 81) drew Liverpool the biggest clubs can afford the transfer manchester United, manchester other teams are also good,” he said. (Lallana 65) 1-1 fees for the top players. City and Arsenal all slumped to the manager also said City did Sion (moussa Konate 11, 82) bt rubin Kazan (Kanunnikov 65) 2-1 It says it leads to commercial defeats in their opening Champions not deserve to lose 1-2 against exploitation of the trade by agents, Qabala FK drew pAOK 0-0 impedes the free movement of players, League fixtures while Liverpool Juventus, but pointed out the Dortmund (Ginter 45+1, park Joo-ho causes speculative management of were held to a 1-1 draw at 90+2) bt FC Krasnodar (mamaev 12) 2-1 midtjylland (Kucharczyk 60-o.g.) bt clubs and creates conditions for the bordeaux in the Europa League. trafficking of minors. Legia Warsaw 1-0 Chelsea were the only English MAN UNITED IS A BIGGER Napoli (Callejon 5, 77, mertens 19, 25, Another grievance is that even when side to win their first Champions Hamsik 53) bt Club brugge 5-0 players are not paid by their clubs, they CLUB — AND THEY rapid Vienna (Schwab 50, have to wait 90 days before they can League fixture this season, beating DESERVED MORE THAN A Hofmann 53-pen) bt Villarreal (Carrilho claim just cause. they could also face maccabi tel Aviv 4-0 while DEFEAT IN THAT GAME. baptistao 45) 2-1 a lengthy procedure through FIFA’s tottenham Hotspur came from Viktoria plzen (Horava 36, petrzela 75) dispute resolution chamber. bt Dinamo minsk 2-0 FIFpro wants unpaid players to be behind to beat Qarabag 3-1 in their Slovan Liberec lost to Sporting braga allowed to leave after 30 days and Europa League opener at White pedigree of the Italian club. (rafa 60) 0-1 change club without waiting for a new FC Groningen lost to marseille (FrA) Hart Lane. “man City didn’t deserve to lose (Nkoudou 25, Ocampos 39, transfer window. “Why’re people so surprised that game, minimum they deserved Alessandrini 61) 0-3 FIFpro says it wants to encourage when manchester United a point, but Juventus scored two Dnipro (Seleznyov 90+4) drew Lazio respect of contract and it wants (milinkovic-Savic 34) 1-1 penalties for early termination to be lose a game (1-2) against pSV great goals,” he said. Saint-Etienne (beric 4, roux 87-pen) the same for players and clubs. It also (Eindhoven)?” bilic was quoted as “You’ve to take (into account) that drew rosenborg (mikkelsen 16, wants to create quality jobs for players. saying by Sky Sports. it was Juventus, a team that played Svensson 79) 2-2 Skenderbeu lost to besiktas (Sosa 28) 0-1 FIFpro argues it is unfair that a player’s “man United is a bigger club — in the Champions League final (last compensation is calculated on the basis Fiorentina (Kalinic 4) lost to basel (b of his “market value” as this itself is set and they deserved more than a season).” bjarnason 71, El Neney 79) 1-2 by the clubs. defeat in that game — but many bilic, who led besiktas to victory Lech poznan drew belenenses 0-0 Anderlecht (Gillet 11) drew monaco In some cases, such as that of the big clubs have lost at pSV,” he over Liverpool in the Europa League (traore 85) 1-1 brazilian player matuzalem, this can added. “It isn’t a shock.” last season, said that result was tottenham Hotspur (Son Heung-min lead to a player being ordered to pay 28, 30, Lamela 86) bt Qarabag (richard compensation equivalent to several Arsenal lost 1-2 away to Dinamo down to good planning and did not Almeida 7-pen) 3-1 years’ salary. Zagreb and the Croatian side’s surprise him. ApOEL lost to Schalke (matip 28, coach, Zoran mamic, thanked bilic “For you, it was probably a Huntelaar 35, 71) 0-3 Asteras (mazza 2) drew Sparta prague after the game for providing key shock when besiktas knocked out (Lafata 56) 1-1 information that helped his team Liverpool last year. For us it wasn’t. partizan belgrade (Oumarou 11, 39, win. “A little surprise, but we were Zivkovic 89) bt AZ Alkmaar (Jop van der Linden 34, Henriksen 90+3) 3-2 “You can lose in Zagreb. It was a hoping for that and planning for Athletic bilbao (Aduriz 55, 66, major surprise, the whole of Croatia that, to be fair,” he said. Susaeta 90) bt Augsburg (Altintop 15) 3-1

manchester United full-back Luke Shaw received a visit Moreno visits from pSV Eindhoven defender Hector Moreno, whose challenge in last week’s Champions League tie broke his leg injured Shaw in two places. moreno was accompanied last week by pSV coach phillip Cocu at the hospital in Geldorp, where Shaw underwent surgery directly after being admitted. meanwhile, barcelona midfielder rafinha will undergo surgery after damaging the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in last week’s 1-1 Champions League Group E draw at AS roma. 16 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 17

FOCUS ON ASPIRE

swimmers, such athletes are held in high esteem only until they’re Striving to be the world’s best EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW caught. then they’re finished. they Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports “Our qualified sports medicine become an international shame. It’s medicine hospital Aspetar hosted experts are always seeking to tough to return from a fall like that. a meeting with representatives develop and improve our services We’ve to teach our kids it’s simply of national sports clubs and in order to help it become the not worth it. plus, you badly hurt federations last week. world’s leading hospital in sports yourself. One can’t inject drugs and the gathering, held as part medicine. We’ve made a number expect it not to come back at you of the hospital’s National Sports of qualitative leaps in the last few when you’re older. medicine programme (NSmp), years and the NSmp is the latest šЂbarry White oversees a session at Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital Aspetar. activated communication among example of it,” said Aspetar’s all stakeholders. the attendees Acting Director General Dr ЂЂMost Qatar Stars League football discussed various topics pertaining mohamed Ghaith Al Kuwari. fitness classes for multinational maintain it. clubs prepared for the new season to health and physical fitness the meeting also included companies before moving on to by camping in colder European among national and club-level presentations about the latest football and basketball clubs in ЂЂHow can one convince children countries. How effective could players. developments within the NSmp. France. to actively take up sport? they’ve been, considering Doha is through the NSmp, Aspetar Aspetar’s rehabilitation and provides medical care and support NSmp Director riadh miladi It was in early 2006 that I ЃЂOne way is to organise as hot and humid... for clubs as well as national teams and Deputy Executive Director met Aspetar’s rehabilitation many age-group competitions Ѓ It doesn’t matter where you Ђ during local and international Abdulrahman Al Qahtani were and National Sports medicine as possible at the lowest levels. camp as long as you’re working competitions as well as training. also present. programme Director riadh miladi. It should be promoted like major on strengthening the players’ He convinced me to move to Doha. events, with banners being put up foundations. It’s the same in any And I’m still here. around the country. sport — cardiovascular strength, When I was growing up, I recovery rate, flexibility, eating and ЂЂHave you noticed any positive tried my hand at different sports. sleeping patterns. If one used a part change in the perception of fitness I competed in track and field, of the training camp to build and ASPETAR’S SENIOR PHYSICAL COACH BARRY WHITE TELLS AJU GEORGE CHRIS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF programmes in the country over baseball, football and ice hockey protect these, it doesn’t really matter PROMOTING SPORTS AT THE GRASS-ROOTS LEVEL AND CHANGING ATTITUDE TOWARDS FITNESS IN QATAR. the years? before ending up on a basketball where they train. ЃЂWhen I first came to Doha with court. Children should’ve the option When I was a player, we used šЂAspetar officials the concept of specialised fitness to choose their sport. to compete around the world. We with representatives training, I was looked upon as an had to face all kinds of climatic of national IOC must embrace rENCHmAN barry White has Ђ How different was the game it changed? alien. the prevalent notion was conditions. but we always worked sports clubs and Ђ federations. witnessed the evolution of in France? ЃЂthe games are picking up speed that players just needed to play. ONE CAN’T INJECT DRUGS on strengthening our foundations. Qatar’s facilities FQatar’s orthopaedic and sports ЃЂthe game was much slower and, as a result, injuries are more I tried to make them understand AND EXPECT IT NOT TO As a result, I remained injury-free medicine hospital Aspetar from than what I had experienced in common. the players now have to that as COME BACK AT YOU WHEN throughout my professional playing OHA, which bid for the 2016 and ’20 Olympic very close quarters. the US. the number of matches travel much more than we did. In high-performance athletes, they’ve YOU’RE OLDER. life (15 years). Games, was conspicuous by its absence when the 68-year-old, who had was also a lot less. It meant you addition, they play more matches a gift that only a few have. they’ve Now, much more importance DInternational Olympic Committee chief thomas already made a name for could take better care of your body, and hardly have time to rest. to work hard to keep that gift or risk is given to being healthy. Athletes bach announced the list of candidates for the ’24 himself as the first America-born and learn the local language and things weren’t so hectic before. losing it. We should also convince have better access to physiologists, Games last week. basketball player to have featured customs as well. the NbA has now seriously Initially, many athletes used children that education is equally psychologists and nutritionists. While some, like Olympic Council of Asia president in the French national team, is started looking at preventing player to play hard, but ignore fitness important. being able to run up they understand that while their Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, said it was a wise currently a Senior physical Coach injuries. We should provide players regimens, thus risking injuries. and down a court is one thing. but professional career may last for 15 move, several pundits expressed surprise at the city’s at Aspetar. I WAS THE FIRST FRENCH- with systems and methods to the arrival of ace rally driver and being a player who’s able to think or 20 years, life goes on. You’ve to disinterest. the soft-spoken giant, a former AMERICAN PLAYER TO ensure they’re healthy in the long shooter Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, on his feet is far better. Education ensure a healthy body even after American Christine Stoffel, the founder and CEO of NbA player with baltimore bullets FEATURE IN THE FRANCE run, even after retirement. among others, helped change the completes an athlete. you retire. the Sports and Entertainment Alliance in technology (now Washington Wizards), has NATIONAL TEAM. perceptions. (SEAt) Consortium, was confident the Qatari capital worked with several superstars ЂЂWhen and how did you switch ЂЂBut there’re also athletes like » The writer can be contacted at: would eventually host the competition. and teams in different disciplines, to fitness training? ЂЂQatar has been promoting a high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim, [email protected] “In sport, every country has an opportunity to put a and is a respected voice in the but things are way different now. ЃЂWhile I was still a French healthy lifestyle at the grass-roots who gave up his studies to focus on stake in the ground and create its own brand identity, ‘organised fitness’ community. the game in France has started to international, mcDonald’s offered level. How successful has it been? his sports career... and Qatar has been doing that admirably well. It has In an exclusive interview with catch up with that in the US. the me a chance to open their first shop ЃЂthe ASpIrE Academy’s ‘Step Into ЃЂI didn’t mean education as been investing heavily in building sports infrastructure Doha Stadium Plus, White spoke teams are stronger, the matches in the country. I owned it for a few Health’ initiative helped popularise something that’s attainable in the country,” Stoffel told Doha Stadium Plus. about his playing days, switch more intense and popular. years. by that time, I had earned a mass fitness movement for the only inside a classroom. You get “taking into account all that the country is doing to fitness training, experiences a masters degree in physical first time. It was a great start, but education from the environment for sport, and the world-class stadia they’re building, in Qatar and the importance of ЂЂYou’re a player from a different education and that helped we must keep building on it. as well as the people you interact there’s a strong possibility that they get to host the promoting sports at the grass-roots generation, but still follow the me start off in strength the middle East will with. mutaz is a top athlete who quadrennial Games. the IOC should be embracing levels. game closely. How much has and fitness training. undoubtedly face many constantly travels around the what they’re doing here,” she said. being an health issues in future. world. He meets new people and With Qatar being a hotbed of sports initiatives, ЂЂHow did your stint with the ex-professional It’s up to people like understands new cultures. You the official said she was keen to bring the SEAt French national team happen? player helped us to prevent that don’t strictly need a university conference here. ЃЂI played with NbA side me open new from happening. degree to show you’re educated. “I’ve travelled all around the world and it’s baltimore bullets for a few years doors. I started Although my fascinating to know that wherever you go, before moving to France. I featured organising work is largely ЂЂHow do you see the recent people face similar challenges, like improving in four French First Division clubs stress relief limited to increase in the number of doping fan engagement for example. my goal is — Vichy (1970-71, 72-73), Challans and professional cases in world sports? to build a potent sports community that (1973-78), mulhouse (1978-80) athletes, we ЃЂthe root cause of the problem can collaborate on projects and share their and tours (1980-81). also try to here is ambition and money. We experiences. that’s the idea behind the SEAt While I was there, I met my wife educate throw everything at a player and tell Consortium. and we had our first son. When the the public him we want him to be the best. So “It’ll be a great opportunity for the SEAt French national team management about sometimes, he or she takes the easy community to come approached me with an offer to their way out — doping. It’s a shortcut to to Qatar. the world play for them, I accepted. I was the bodies money, fame and recognition. will then get to see first French-American to do so and and but looking at recent examples, things from a different I featured in 48 games for them. It Barry how to from American cyclist Lance perspective,” added the

was a great honour. Divakaran DSP/Vinod White Armstrong to track and field stars to DSP/Mohan Arizona native. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 17

swimmers, such athletes are held in high esteem only until they’re Striving to be the world’s best caught. then they’re finished. they Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports “Our qualified sports medicine become an international shame. It’s medicine hospital Aspetar hosted experts are always seeking to tough to return from a fall like that. a meeting with representatives develop and improve our services We’ve to teach our kids it’s simply of national sports clubs and in order to help it become the not worth it. plus, you badly hurt federations last week. world’s leading hospital in sports yourself. One can’t inject drugs and the gathering, held as part medicine. We’ve made a number expect it not to come back at you of the hospital’s National Sports of qualitative leaps in the last few when you’re older. medicine programme (NSmp), years and the NSmp is the latest šЂbarry White oversees a session at Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital Aspetar. activated communication among example of it,” said Aspetar’s all stakeholders. the attendees Acting Director General Dr ЂЂMost Qatar Stars League football discussed various topics pertaining mohamed Ghaith Al Kuwari. fitness classes for multinational maintain it. clubs prepared for the new season to health and physical fitness the meeting also included companies before moving on to by camping in colder European among national and club-level presentations about the latest football and basketball clubs in ЂЂHow can one convince children countries. How effective could players. developments within the NSmp. France. to actively take up sport? they’ve been, considering Doha is through the NSmp, Aspetar Aspetar’s rehabilitation and provides medical care and support NSmp Director riadh miladi It was in early 2006 that I ЃЂOne way is to organise as hot and humid... for clubs as well as national teams and Deputy Executive Director met Aspetar’s rehabilitation many age-group competitions Ѓ It doesn’t matter where you Ђ during local and international Abdulrahman Al Qahtani were and National Sports medicine as possible at the lowest levels. camp as long as you’re working competitions as well as training. also present. programme Director riadh miladi. It should be promoted like major on strengthening the players’ He convinced me to move to Doha. events, with banners being put up foundations. It’s the same in any And I’m still here. around the country. sport — cardiovascular strength, When I was growing up, I recovery rate, flexibility, eating and ЂЂHave you noticed any positive tried my hand at different sports. sleeping patterns. If one used a part change in the perception of fitness I competed in track and field, of the training camp to build and programmes in the country over baseball, football and ice hockey protect these, it doesn’t really matter the years? before ending up on a basketball where they train. ЃЂWhen I first came to Doha with court. Children should’ve the option When I was a player, we used šЂAspetar officials the concept of specialised fitness to choose their sport. to compete around the world. We with representatives training, I was looked upon as an had to face all kinds of climatic of national IOC must embrace alien. the prevalent notion was conditions. but we always worked sports clubs and federations. that players just needed to play. ONE CAN’T INJECT DRUGS on strengthening our foundations. Qatar’s facilities I tried to make them understand AND EXPECT IT NOT TO As a result, I remained injury-free that as COME BACK AT YOU WHEN throughout my professional playing OHA, which bid for the 2016 and ’20 Olympic high-performance athletes, they’ve YOU’RE OLDER. life (15 years). Games, was conspicuous by its absence when a gift that only a few have. they’ve Now, much more importance DInternational Olympic Committee chief thomas to work hard to keep that gift or risk is given to being healthy. Athletes bach announced the list of candidates for the ’24 losing it. We should also convince have better access to physiologists, Games last week. Initially, many athletes used children that education is equally psychologists and nutritionists. While some, like Olympic Council of Asia president to play hard, but ignore fitness important. being able to run up they understand that while their Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, said it was a wise regimens, thus risking injuries. and down a court is one thing. but professional career may last for 15 move, several pundits expressed surprise at the city’s the arrival of ace rally driver and being a player who’s able to think or 20 years, life goes on. You’ve to disinterest. shooter Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, on his feet is far better. Education ensure a healthy body even after American Christine Stoffel, the founder and CEO of among others, helped change the completes an athlete. you retire. the Sports and Entertainment Alliance in technology perceptions. (SEAt) Consortium, was confident the Qatari capital ЂЂBut there’re also athletes like » The writer can be contacted at: would eventually host the competition. ЂЂQatar has been promoting a high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim, [email protected] “In sport, every country has an opportunity to put a healthy lifestyle at the grass-roots who gave up his studies to focus on stake in the ground and create its own brand identity, level. How successful has it been? his sports career... and Qatar has been doing that admirably well. It has ЃЂthe ASpIrE Academy’s ‘Step Into ЃЂI didn’t mean education as been investing heavily in building sports infrastructure Health’ initiative helped popularise something that’s attainable in the country,” Stoffel told Doha Stadium Plus. a mass fitness movement for the only inside a classroom. You get “taking into account all that the country is doing first time. It was a great start, but education from the environment for sport, and the world-class stadia they’re building, we must keep building on it. as well as the people you interact there’s a strong possibility that they get to host the the middle East will with. mutaz is a top athlete who quadrennial Games. the IOC should be embracing undoubtedly face many constantly travels around the what they’re doing here,” she said. health issues in future. world. He meets new people and With Qatar being a hotbed of sports initiatives, It’s up to people like understands new cultures. You the official said she was keen to bring the SEAt us to prevent that don’t strictly need a university conference here. from happening. degree to show you’re educated. “I’ve travelled all around the world and it’s Although my fascinating to know that wherever you go, work is largely ЂЂHow do you see the recent people face similar challenges, like improving limited to increase in the number of doping fan engagement for example. my goal is professional cases in world sports? to build a potent sports community that athletes, we ЃЂthe root cause of the problem can collaborate on projects and share their also try to here is ambition and money. We experiences. that’s the idea behind the SEAt educate throw everything at a player and tell Consortium. the public him we want him to be the best. So “It’ll be a great opportunity for the SEAt about sometimes, he or she takes the easy community to come their way out — doping. It’s a shortcut to to Qatar. the world bodies money, fame and recognition. will then get to see and but looking at recent examples, things from a different how to from American cyclist Lance perspective,” added the

Armstrong to track and field stars to DSP/Mohan Arizona native. 18 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 19

PARALYMPICS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ‘The sport has moved on’ International paralympic Committee’s Athletics head ryan montgomery sympathised with South African blade runner Oscar pistorius, but said the sport had moved on. “First and foremost, the entire pistorius episode has been very unfortunate. Our thoughts are with him. but reflections! if you ask me whether it Notable has affected the growth of numbers have shot up to 1,700. It’s para-athletics in any way, INTERNATIONAL PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE’S ATHLETICS CHIEF RYAN MONTGOMERY TELLS AJU GEORGE CHRIS fast becoming a global movement. then my answer would be

It also helped us structure the sport no,” montgomery told Doha DSP/Mohan ABOUT THE SPORT AND UPCOMING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN DOHA. into a calendar year and build upon Stadium Plus. šЂQatar’s Shareefa Al Haddad races to victory in the women’s 100m for the deaf. its popularity. “the South African was a the Gp’s opening leg is held in focal point and poster boy for our sport for so many years. rEpArAtIONS for the seventh Arab Games, was happy with We came here with a number of event, with around 1,300 athletes isn’t as simple as the IAAF World Dubai in February. After the ’16 rio but now, we’ve moved on. edition of the International the preparations. In an exclusive questions in mind and those were from 100 countries taking part. It’ll Championships. but it needn’t Olympic and paralympic Games, thanks to the ’12 London Qatar fourth at GCC event Pparalympic Committee’s (IpC) interview with Doha Stadium Plus, satisfactorily answered. Doha can add to Doha’s legacy as a promoter of necessarily be the reason why more we’ll review the competition and paralympic Games, new Athletics World Championships, to montgomery spoke about the now welcome the world’s best. Since sports events. people aren’t watching it. If you look its stops. At that point, we’ll assess superstars have come into the AtArI athletes won 20 paralympic gold medal for Qatar be held in Doha from October 21 to lessons learnt from the GCC event the organisers have been working on I’m pleased to say the event at world sports, except for five or what all venues should be added spotlight. things have changed medals, including seven at the ’16 rio Games. It’ll be my 31, are in the final stage. and the sport’s future. the IpC event since ’12, I expect it to has helped the city become six dominant disciplines, all others and taken off. Like any other city, a lot,” montgomery added. Qgold, nine silver and four greatest achievement and I’m Last week, the Qatar paralympic be of the highest standard. more aware of the requirements struggle for attention and funding. Doha too stands a chance of being pistorius, who was bronze, to finish fourth in the GCC working towards that,” he added. sentenced to five years in Committee organised a test Ђ What were your observations On another front, the event of people with disabilities. For Ever since the ’12 London added to the programme. para-Athletics Championships at Shareefa Al Haddad, who won Ђ prison last October after being event — the GCC para-Athletics about the GCC Para-Athletics helped put the region’s para athletes example, the Hamad International paralympics, we’ve worked on a convicted of culpable homicide the Qatar Sports Club Stadium last three gold for Qatar in women’s Championships — to assess its level Championships? in the spotlight. that several world Airport’s ability to handle the flow comprehensive promotional and ЂЂDo you see Olympics eventually for shooting his girlfriend week. races, was also happy. of preparedness and identify areas ЃЂConsidering it was put together at records were broken in Doha also of passengers with disability has broadcasting strategy. If we had said coming to Doha? reeva Steenkamp, suffered a Saudi Arabia won 50 medals “For me, the Doha event has for improvement, if any. IpC Athletics such short notice, the organisers did helped. Despite having so many improved tremendously. While we were going to have an annual ЃЂmy personal opinion is that setback last week after South (25, 14, 11) to win the overall title, been immensely successful. chief ryan montgomery oversaw the pretty well. It confirmed our belief strong athletes, they hardly get the hotels increased the number of event watched by more than 20,000 organising the biggest para- Africa’s parole review board followed by the UAE (17, eight, Winning three gold was a dream competition. that the venue (Qatar Sports Club), attention they deserve in their own rooms for use by people with people over two hours five years ago, athletics event in the world will postponed his plea for nine) and Kuwait (eight, 19, 10). I DID WELL AND I’M MORE come true. I hope I can continue an early release by the official, whose first visit accommodation and transportation countries. I’m hopeful all that will we would’ve been laughed at. but only help potential bidders add bahrain came fifth with four gold, my form into the Worlds and two weeks. CONFIDENT NOW. I CAN to Doha was during the 2011 are ready for bigger challenges. change now. the GCC event was a that’s exactly what we achieved with strength to their attempt for nine silver and a bronze medal and WIN A FEW MEDALS AT do something significant for my perfect build-up to the Worlds. IPC ATHLETICS WORLDS the Grand prix Final. the quadrennial Oman (four, one, one) finished last. THE WORLDS AT HOME. country,” said Al Haddad. WILL PROVE TOP-LEVEL Our events are now broadcast Games. but whether Qatari athlete Abdelrahman “I wouldn’t have been able to ЂЂDo you see scope for further SPORT ISN’T JUST FOR live to millions of homes and Doha will bid for Abdelqader, who won three achieve anything had it not been improvement? THE ABLE BODIED. we’ve a very strong social media it or whether it’ll be medals including a world record really hard as it was my last major for the constant support of my ЃЂI would say there’s definitely presence. All these have helped us successful, isn’t for me to say. gold in shot put, said he was ready competition before the Worlds. family and coach. running room for better understanding. by improve consistently. We’re on a for the International paralympic I did well and I’m much more takes a lot of dedication and hard organising test events, you try to disabilities by five per cent, all public strong growth curve. the good thing Committee’s (IpC) Athletics World confident now. I’m sure I can win work. I’m happy it’s all started to identify shortcomings and solve buses have been made accessible about para-athletics is that it’s still Championships in Doha. a few medals at the Worlds at pay off. I’ll soon give everyone them. there were a few flaws for people on wheelchairs. the IpC a young sport. We can learn from “I couldn’t be more happier with home,” said Abdelqader. more reasons to cheer,” she in Doha, but nothing that can’t event brought the problems faced the examples of older, established my performances in Doha. I tried “my ultimate aim is to win a added. be made right. What I felt was by disabled people to the forefront sports. We needn’t repeat the same there needs to be a better flow of and companies reacted to them mistakes they made. Oscar communication between various admirably. Pistorius officials and departments.t hat’ll the IpC Athletics Worlds will also ЂЂCan you elaborate? help us deliver an unforgettable drive home the point that top-level ЃЂmany older sports had been WHAT World Championship experience. sport isn’t just for the able bodied. reluctant to accept the popularity THEY It’ll motivate more people with of social media at first and hence SAID ЂЂThe Doha IPC Worlds is the first disabilities to step up and make a suffered. We learnt from their ever in the Middle East. Have you mark. mistakes and embraced it early. We observed any far-reaching changes knew we had to be ahead of the pack in the country? ЂЂPara-athletics has a lot more when it comes to analysing the latest “the GCC para-Athletics “the GCC para-Athletics “We’ve witnessed ЃЂthe IpC Worlds is the categories and is more complex trends on social media and cash in Championships were Championships helped great developments in sport’s showpiece than regular track and field events. on it. very successful on the us carry out crucial paralympic sports in the How much has it affected its the audience is getting younger ticket sale for the 2015 I organisational front. operational tests region in recent times. started at the Qatar OlympicpC Athletics Committee World headquarters Championships recently. popularity? every day and its ideas are also more We’re now more than ahead of the world For me, it’s very exciting Come, buy the Local Organising Committee has partnered Q- ЃЂI totally agree that our sport dynamic. We’ve a very vibrant team to offer a fast and convenient way to purchase tickets online. ready to host the IpC event. We’re now fully that a number of world who cater to their needs. We’ve tickets for tickets for the opening ceremony will cost Q tickets para-Athletics World geared up for the IpC records were broken at made use of the latest technologies, depending on the category. Championships. We Worlds next month. the GCC event in Doha. Worlds! r like twitter periscope for example, as the 10-day competition consists of morning30 and (9.30am Qr50, to hope the GCC event has It’ll definitely have an I hope it’ll provide our that’s where the youngsters are. 12.30pm) and afternoon sessions (4pm to 10pm). While admission to morning sessions are free, tickets will still have given regional athletes impact on Qatar and athletes with extra to be printed out from the Q- a platform to prepare the region that’ll go motivation to do the ЂЂHow much has the Grand Prix evening sessions range fromt icketsQ website. Charges for the for the Worlds. We wish way beyond just 10 same during the IpC series evolved? Will it eventually be multi-day passes are also available. While the cost of a five- them luck. days of world-class Worlds. r10 to Qr50. held in Doha? day pass ranges from Q action. Ѓ Q r35 to Q ЂWhen the IpC Athletics Grand prix r60 to Qr300. r175, 10-day pass is worth Khalid Hamad Al Mohannadi, Jassim Hassan Mubarak, series was launched in ’13, just about tickets can be purchased from doha2015.q-tickets.com. GCC para-Athletics Amir Al Mulla, GCC Organising Committee Ryan 1,000 participants competed in it Championships Organising para-Athletics Worlds Local for Disabled Sports Secretary Committee president. General. DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod Montgomery the entire year. but this season, the Organising Committee CEO. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 19

‘The sport has moved on’ International paralympic Committee’s Athletics head ryan montgomery sympathised with South African blade runner Oscar pistorius, but said the sport had moved on. “First and foremost, the entire pistorius episode has been very unfortunate. Our thoughts are with him. but reflections! if you ask me whether it has affected the growth of numbers have shot up to 1,700. It’s para-athletics in any way, fast becoming a global movement. then my answer would be

It also helped us structure the sport no,” montgomery told Doha DSP/Mohan into a calendar year and build upon Stadium Plus. šЂQatar’s Shareefa Al Haddad races to victory in the women’s 100m for the deaf. its popularity. “the South African was a the Gp’s opening leg is held in focal point and poster boy for our sport for so many years. Dubai in February. After the ’16 rio but now, we’ve moved on. Olympic and paralympic Games, thanks to the ’12 London Qatar fourth at GCC event we’ll review the competition and paralympic Games, new its stops. At that point, we’ll assess superstars have come into the AtArI athletes won 20 paralympic gold medal for Qatar what all venues should be added spotlight. things have changed medals, including seven at the ’16 rio Games. It’ll be my and taken off. Like any other city, a lot,” montgomery added. Qgold, nine silver and four greatest achievement and I’m Doha too stands a chance of being pistorius, who was bronze, to finish fourth in the GCC working towards that,” he added. sentenced to five years in added to the programme. para-Athletics Championships at Shareefa Al Haddad, who won prison last October after being convicted of culpable homicide the Qatar Sports Club Stadium last three gold for Qatar in women’s ЂЂDo you see Olympics eventually for shooting his girlfriend week. races, was also happy. coming to Doha? reeva Steenkamp, suffered a Saudi Arabia won 50 medals “For me, the Doha event has ЃЂmy personal opinion is that setback last week after South (25, 14, 11) to win the overall title, been immensely successful. organising the biggest para- Africa’s parole review board followed by the UAE (17, eight, Winning three gold was a dream athletics event in the world will postponed his plea for nine) and Kuwait (eight, 19, 10). I DID WELL AND I’M MORE come true. I hope I can continue an early release by only help potential bidders add bahrain came fifth with four gold, my form into the Worlds and two weeks. CONFIDENT NOW. I CAN strength to their attempt for nine silver and a bronze medal and WIN A FEW MEDALS AT do something significant for my the quadrennial Oman (four, one, one) finished last. THE WORLDS AT HOME. country,” said Al Haddad. Games. but whether Qatari athlete Abdelrahman “I wouldn’t have been able to Doha will bid for Abdelqader, who won three achieve anything had it not been it or whether it’ll be medals including a world record really hard as it was my last major for the constant support of my successful, isn’t for me to say. gold in shot put, said he was ready competition before the Worlds. family and coach. running for the International paralympic I did well and I’m much more takes a lot of dedication and hard Committee’s (IpC) Athletics World confident now. I’m sure I can win work. I’m happy it’s all started to Championships in Doha. a few medals at the Worlds at pay off. I’ll soon give everyone “I couldn’t be more happier with home,” said Abdelqader. more reasons to cheer,” she my performances in Doha. I tried “my ultimate aim is to win a added.

Oscar Pistorius

WHAT THEY SAID

“the GCC para-Athletics “the GCC para-Athletics “We’ve witnessed Championships were Championships helped great developments in very successful on the us carry out crucial paralympic sports in the ticket sale for the 2015 I organisational front. operational tests region in recent times. started at the Qatar OlympicpC Athletics Committee World headquarters Championships recently. We’re now more than ahead of the world For me, it’s very exciting Come, buy the Local Organising Committee has partnered Q- to offer a fast and convenient way to purchase tickets online. ready to host the IpC event. We’re now fully that a number of world tickets for tickets for the opening ceremony will cost Q tickets para-Athletics World geared up for the IpC records were broken at depending on the category. Championships. We Worlds next month. the GCC event in Doha. Worlds! r the 10-day competition consists of morning30 and (9.30am Qr50, to hope the GCC event has It’ll definitely have an I hope it’ll provide our 12.30pm) and afternoon sessions (4pm to 10pm). While admission to morning sessions are free, tickets will still have given regional athletes impact on Qatar and athletes with extra to be printed out from the Q- a platform to prepare the region that’ll go motivation to do the evening sessions range fromt icketsQ website. Charges for the for the Worlds. We wish way beyond just 10 same during the IpC multi-day passes are also available. While the cost of a five- them luck. days of world-class Worlds. r10 to Qr50. day pass ranges from Q action. Q r35 to Q r60 to Qr300. r175, 10-day pass is worth Khalid Hamad Al Mohannadi, Jassim Hassan Mubarak, tickets can be purchased from doha2015.q-tickets.com. GCC para-Athletics Amir Al Mulla, GCC Organising Committee Championships Organising para-Athletics Worlds Local for Disabled Sports Secretary Committee president. Organising Committee CEO. General. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

FRANCESCO TOTTI FRANCESCO TOTTI 22 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 23

CUE SPORTS

Mishel saves Qatar’s blushes

Unheralded Mishel Turkey was the saving grace for Qatar as he was the only player, out of eight, from the host nation to reach the round of 64. mishel’s moment of glory came when he beat 2007 champion Daryl peach 9-4 en route to the round of 64, where he fell Shane Van Boening 1-11 to the philippines’ Dennis Orcollo. ššKo pin Yi champion Niels Feijen, former “It’s simply incredible being receives the “Daryl peach is a big winner Darren Appleton and a double champion,” Yi dwelled trophy from name. I tried my best on So near, yet so far tournament favourite Dennis further about his achievement. mohammed the table and I won so I’m KO PIN YI OF CHINESE TAIPEI mubarak Al very happy. but Orcollo Orcollo all falling by the wayside, “I didn’t play perfect in the ramzani as was too tough for me,” said for Van Boening HOLDS HIS NERVE WHEN IT it was the turn of Yi to take centre final. but I played really good in Qatar Olympic Committee mishel, who works with MATTERS THE MOST AGAINST stage. And luck too was on his side, the semifinal and that’s more Assistant the Qatari Armed Force HE LASt American to have won the World 9-ball player Secretary General which he acknowledged. important because that got me to (QAF). Championship is Earl Strickland in 2002. that AMERICAN SHANE VAN “In the previous matches I the final. I’m happy I was able to mishal bin Nasser the 19-year-old dwelled triumph 13 years ago was Strickland’s third, a Al Khalifa looks T on the positives. BOENING TO EMERGE AS O pIN YI is the new king of Incidentally, Chia Ching, who was playing perfect, just like Van stay patient. You’ve to wait until on. record which he still holds. blue baize. barely six months took Chinese citizenship later and boening, who is such a great the last 9-ball drops in this format,” “this year, I really Shane Van boening came close to breaking the THE NEW WORLD 9-BALL improved and feel more after winning his maiden competes under his new name player. but it’s the final of a World he added. American jinx only to be felled by Chinese taipei’s Ko K confident that I can do POOL CHAMPION, WRITES 10-ball pool world title in the Wu Jia Qing, was Yi’s semifinal Championship and so many things Yi has no time to relax as he well,” mishel said. pin Yi’s brilliance in the final. SAJITH B WARRIER. philippines, the Chinese taipei opponent in Doha. can happen. I think we both played headed for London for the 10th “Earlier, I was very Van boening played a near-perfect tournament, cueist added another feather “When I won the World 10-ball good and made some mistakes as annual World Cup of pool, where nervous. but after joining trounced favourite Dennis Orcollo of the philippines to his cap by annexing the title in the philippines, that was well. he is teaming up with compatriot the QAF, I lost a lot of and teenage star Ko pin Chung by identical scores of 9-ball crown in Doha. great,” Yi gushed. “but winning the “I got a few lucky rolls to help me Chang Yu Lung. the event starts on weight and I feel much 11-1 in the quarterfinal and semifinal respectively, and Fighting against USA’s World 9-ball Championship, this win the match. In the ninth rack, I Wednesday. confident. I’m still an looked to be the man to beat in the final. unknown player and don’t Shane Van boening for a is unbelievable. I’m really happy missed two chances, then had the have a lot of experience. It’s With scores level at 11-11, Van boening missed an gripping 2hr, 42min in the cue ball in line and yet missed. It » The writer can be contacted at: still an honour to represent easy shot, allowing Yi to take the crucial lead. final at the Al Arabi Sports felt like I was going from heaven [email protected] Qatar on the world stage,” And, that miss proved very costly. Club, Yi delivered when WINNING THE to hell. but then, I just waited for he added. “I felt a little pressure. my opponent got a few it mattered the most to WORLD 9-BALL POOL my chances and changed the line RESULTS fortunate balls and I didn’t get some, but that’s how win 13-11 and reassert his CHAMPIONSHIP IS of breaks. I slowed down to get the FINAL the game goes. I didn’t pin him up,” rued Van boening. RACE-TO-13 supremacy. UNBELIEVABLE. line right and that paid off,” added Ko pin Yi (tpE) bt Shane van 13-11 the 32-year-old also admitted that the break shot, In the process, he became Yi as he collected the winner’s boening which was his forte till the final, was not working well. just the second 9-ball pool cheque for $30,000 from Qatar SEMIFINALS “my break shot wasn’t working for me. I really think world champion from because before I came to Doha, billiards and Snooker Federation RACE-TO-11 that was the difference. I was having trouble getting a Shane Van boening (USA) bt Ko pin 11-1 taipei, after Wu Chia I wasn’t playing that good. but I president mohammed mubarak Al Chung (tpE) clear shot to run out,” he said. Ching accomplished worked really hard on my game, ramzani. Ko pin Yi (tpE) bt Wu Jia Qing (CHI) 11 -10 Van boening, however, promised his fans that he the feat as a especially my break shot”. Yi credits his father, who worked QUARTERFINALS would end a world title drought soon. Ko pin Yi (tpE) bt John morra (CAN) 11-6 16-year-old in If the win in manila in February in a local pool, for his initiation into Wu Jia Qing (CHN) bt Aloisius Yapp 11-7 “I’m not that disappointed. It’s an honour to play in 2005. served to show Yi’s glimpses the sport. His brother Ko pin Chung, (SIN) the World Championship final. I know I can’t win every of talent, the Doha triumph who lost to boening in the other Ko pin Chung (tpE) bt Wojciech 11-5 tournament. Either way, if I win or lose it was fun to Szewczyk (pOL) underlined his supremacy. last-four encounter, has also Shane Van boening (USA) bt Dennis 11-1 play in the final. I’ll be back,” he added. With big names like defending established himself firmly. Orcollo (pHL)

ŠŠKo pin Yi lines up a shot during the It’s all in the family! final . ROLL OF HONOUR t IS ALL in the family for the ‘Ko leading the way. Last 10 champions pins’ as two of them made it to “there’re a many pool players in Ithe last four of the World 9-ball Chinese taipei. We play against each 2015 2014 2013 2012 pool Championship. other often and that’s a good way to Ko Pin Yi Niels Feijen Thorsten Darren Appleton Ko pin Chung, the younger improve our game,” said Chung. (TPE) (NED) Hohmann (GER) (ENG) brother of eventual champion Ko the 20-year-old had defeated pin Yi, made it to his second World USA’s Shane Van boening 11-7 in 2011 2010 2007 2006 Championship semifinal this year. the final of the CSI 8-ball Invitational Yukio Francisco Daryl Peach Ronato Alcano In February, Chung lost to Yi in the tournament in Las Vegas last year. Akakariyama Bustamante (PHI) (ENG) (PHI) (JPN) World 10-ball pool semifinal and though Van boening proved though there was no fight between too good for Chung in the Doha the brothers this time, the Ko pin semifinal, the teenager admitted tournament was not held in 2008 and ’09 2005 2004 family’s popularity has increased. that it was no grudge match. Wu Chia Ching Alex Pagulayan Ko Pin (TPE) (CAN) Chung At 26, Yi has already bagged two “boening is a great player. He’s world titles while Chung, who is just never arrogant and I’ve always found 20, has been making giant strides. him as a gentleman across the table Just like the philippines, which even when he blocks my moves. I is a powerhouse in pool sports, think he’s among the best players in Chinese taipei is also unearthing the world and commands respect,”

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod quality talent and the Ko pin family is pin Chung added. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 23

Mishel saves Qatar’s blushes

Unheralded Mishel Turkey was the saving grace for Qatar as he was the only player, out of eight, from the host nation to reach the round of 64. mishel’s moment of glory came when he beat 2007 champion Daryl peach 9-4 en route to the round of 64, where he fell Shane Van Boening 1-11 to the philippines’ Dennis Orcollo. ššKo pin Yi champion Niels Feijen, former “It’s simply incredible being receives the “Daryl peach is a big winner Darren Appleton and a double champion,” Yi dwelled trophy from name. I tried my best on So near, yet so far tournament favourite Dennis further about his achievement. mohammed the table and I won so I’m mubarak Al very happy. but Orcollo Orcollo all falling by the wayside, “I didn’t play perfect in the ramzani as was too tough for me,” said for Van Boening it was the turn of Yi to take centre final. but I played really good in Qatar Olympic Committee mishel, who works with stage. And luck too was on his side, the semifinal and that’s more Assistant the Qatari Armed Force HE LASt American to have won the World 9-ball which he acknowledged. important because that got me to Secretary General (QAF). Championship is Earl Strickland in 2002. that “In the previous matches I the final. I’m happy I was able to mishal bin Nasser the 19-year-old dwelled triumph 13 years ago was Strickland’s third, a Al Khalifa looks T on the positives. was playing perfect, just like Van stay patient. You’ve to wait until on. record which he still holds. boening, who is such a great the last 9-ball drops in this format,” “this year, I really Shane Van boening came close to breaking the improved and feel more player. but it’s the final of a World he added. American jinx only to be felled by Chinese taipei’s Ko confident that I can do Championship and so many things Yi has no time to relax as he well,” mishel said. pin Yi’s brilliance in the final. can happen. I think we both played headed for London for the 10th “Earlier, I was very Van boening played a near-perfect tournament, good and made some mistakes as annual World Cup of pool, where nervous. but after joining trounced favourite Dennis Orcollo of the philippines well. he is teaming up with compatriot the QAF, I lost a lot of and teenage star Ko pin Chung by identical scores of “I got a few lucky rolls to help me Chang Yu Lung. the event starts on weight and I feel much 11-1 in the quarterfinal and semifinal respectively, and win the match. In the ninth rack, I Wednesday. confident. I’m still an looked to be the man to beat in the final. unknown player and don’t missed two chances, then had the have a lot of experience. It’s With scores level at 11-11, Van boening missed an cue ball in line and yet missed. It » The writer can be contacted at: still an honour to represent easy shot, allowing Yi to take the crucial lead. felt like I was going from heaven [email protected] Qatar on the world stage,” And, that miss proved very costly. to hell. but then, I just waited for he added. “I felt a little pressure. my opponent got a few my chances and changed the line RESULTS fortunate balls and I didn’t get some, but that’s how of breaks. I slowed down to get the FINAL the game goes. I didn’t pin him up,” rued Van boening. RACE-TO-13 line right and that paid off,” added Ko pin Yi (tpE) bt Shane van 13-11 the 32-year-old also admitted that the break shot, Yi as he collected the winner’s boening which was his forte till the final, was not working well. cheque for $30,000 from Qatar SEMIFINALS “my break shot wasn’t working for me. I really think billiards and Snooker Federation RACE-TO-11 that was the difference. I was having trouble getting a Shane Van boening (USA) bt Ko pin 11-1 president mohammed mubarak Al Chung (tpE) clear shot to run out,” he said. ramzani. Ko pin Yi (tpE) bt Wu Jia Qing (CHI) 11 -10 Van boening, however, promised his fans that he Yi credits his father, who worked QUARTERFINALS would end a world title drought soon. Ko pin Yi (tpE) bt John morra (CAN) 11-6 in a local pool, for his initiation into Wu Jia Qing (CHN) bt Aloisius Yapp 11-7 “I’m not that disappointed. It’s an honour to play in the sport. His brother Ko pin Chung, (SIN) the World Championship final. I know I can’t win every who lost to boening in the other Ko pin Chung (tpE) bt Wojciech 11-5 tournament. Either way, if I win or lose it was fun to Szewczyk (pOL) last-four encounter, has also Shane Van boening (USA) bt Dennis 11-1 play in the final. I’ll be back,” he added. established himself firmly. Orcollo (pHL)

ROLL OF It’s all in the family! HONOUR t IS ALL in the family for the ‘Ko leading the way. Last 10 champions pins’ as two of them made it to “there’re a many pool players in Ithe last four of the World 9-ball Chinese taipei. We play against each 2015 2014 2013 2012 pool Championship. other often and that’s a good way to Ko Pin Yi Niels Feijen Thorsten Darren Appleton Ko pin Chung, the younger improve our game,” said Chung. (TPE) (NED) Hohmann (GER) (ENG) brother of eventual champion Ko the 20-year-old had defeated pin Yi, made it to his second World USA’s Shane Van boening 11-7 in 2011 2010 2007 2006 Championship semifinal this year. the final of the CSI 8-ball Invitational Yukio Francisco Daryl Peach Ronato Alcano In February, Chung lost to Yi in the tournament in Las Vegas last year. Akakariyama Bustamante (PHI) (ENG) (PHI) (JPN) World 10-ball pool semifinal and though Van boening proved though there was no fight between too good for Chung in the Doha the brothers this time, the Ko pin semifinal, the teenager admitted tournament was not held in 2008 and ’09 2005 2004 family’s popularity has increased. that it was no grudge match. Wu Chia Ching Alex Pagulayan Ko Pin (TPE) (CAN) Chung At 26, Yi has already bagged two “boening is a great player. He’s world titles while Chung, who is just never arrogant and I’ve always found 20, has been making giant strides. him as a gentleman across the table Just like the philippines, which even when he blocks my moves. I is a powerhouse in pool sports, think he’s among the best players in Chinese taipei is also unearthing the world and commands respect,” quality talent and the Ko pin family is pin Chung added. 24 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 25

TABLE TENNIS

academy and sufficient Qatari duo set to impress infrastructure, but the results are SPIRE Academy products not forthcoming. Jassim Al Sanadi and This is one area AAbdulrahman Al Najjar are to where both the One more hailed as the future stars by most latform governing body and foreign coaches plying their trade coaches need to find a gold medal in Qatar. solution. The pair, who represents Al Sadd “The sport is growing in at Tokyo? club, have also done well in Gulf Qatar, but it’ll take some time and Arab competitions. International Table Tennis for our players to make a mark “We’re good friends since the Federation (ITTF) President for at the international level,” said Thomas Weikert met Tokyo age of seven when we started QTTA President Khaleel Ahmed Al playing together,” said Jassim who, 2020 Olympic Games Abdulrahman erform Mohannadi. Organising Committee along with Abdulrahman and Jassim Al Sanadi Al Najjar THE FORTHCOMING ITTF-ASIAN “Over the years, there’s a surge President Yoshiro Mori to other players, will represent Qatar of interest in table tennis and we discuss the possibility of at the forthcoming senior Asian CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THAILAND’S PATTAYA thank the ASPIRE Academy for introducing an additional Championships. gold for the sport. its support. We’re taking a lot of In 2013, the duo won the cadet most dedicated juniors. playing in international events and OFFER A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR QATARI Weikert had COMPETITORS TO IMPROVE THEIR GAME, efforts to promote the sport at submitted a proposal boys’ team title at the Bahrain “During my decade-long stay that’ll help them,” said Fischer. schools,” said Al Mohannadi. to the International Junior and Cadet Open while in the country, I haven’t seen such ASPIRE Academy’s head coach addlers WRITES MOHAMMAD AMIN-UL ISLAM. The presence of technically- Olympic Committee Jassim also took the cadet boys’ dedicated youngsters. They’re very Zlato Novakovic was also all praise sound Chinese stars in the to add mixed doubles singles crown. They continued punctual and never missed their for them. Qatar Professional League gives competition to the their top form this year, winning trainings,” said Yan, who is now “Jassim and Abdulrahman are the national players a great Tokyo Games to the junior boys’ team title at the with El Jaish. exceptional talents who always complement the ATARI paddlers may not country, but the enthusiasm and “The QTTA is making every effort opportunity to test their wits same event in Manama last Sadd coach Ferenc Fischer worked hard to achieve success. existing four events. win any medals at the 22nd potential of some Qatari youngsters to promote the sport. There’re some against the best in the business “The ITTF’s month. echoed the sentiments. The results they’ve achieved P ITTF-Asian Championships give hope for the future. youngsters who’ve done well in the and thereby improve their initiative to add Former Qatar Under-15 coach “Their recent achievements demonstrate the ongoing success Q in Pattaya, Thailand, from The Qatar Table Tennis GCC and Arab competitions in recent technique. Training with them will the mixed doubles Yan Hong Jun said Jassim and show they’ve a bright future. of our programme at the academy,” September 26 to October 3, but the Association (QTTA) and ASPIRE years and that’s something positive,” also boost their confidence. was well received Abdulrahman were among the They’re getting great exposure by said Novakovic. tournament is definitely going to Academy, which has produced a lot he added. and Mori was very be a learning experience for them. of good players, are playing a crucial Ahmed Khaleel Al Mohannadi, positive about the » The writer can be contacted at: idea,” said Weikert. Matches will be held in seven role in developing the sport in the Waleed Nasser and Fahad Al [email protected] categories — men’s singles, country. Mughanne are the experienced women’s singles, men’s doubles, Qatari players have been players in the squad, but Vukelic China look ready women’s doubles, mixed doubles, competing in a lot of tough picked youngsters like Jassim Al men’s team and women’s team. tournaments around the world Sanadi and Abdulrahman Al Najjar to dominate China’s Ma Long, Xu Xin, Fan and that has reflected on their as future stars. It’s a tough tournament Zhendong and Zhang Jike, the performances in the Arab region. “They’re talented and have a right and there’s no doubt about HINA look set to dominate the ITTF-Asian world’s top four players, are Qatar’s national coach Boris frame of mind to excel on the big the Chinese domination, Championships which start in Pattaya, Thailand, ŠŠQatar’s expected to fight for the title. Vukelic felt playing against strong stage. Their recent performances but playing at the Con Wednesday, with world champion Ma Long Ahmed Khaleel Al Qatari players, who will in the regional and ITTF junior starting as the favourite in the men’s competition. Mohannadi during continental event will be a a training session. play from the qualifiers, face a competitions say a lot about their Ma, who won the singles title in the last three mammoth task, but playing against QATAR ARE ONE OF THE potential,” said Vukelic, who was huge learning experience editions, is one of the all-time best players. technically-superior opponents will BEST TEAMS IN THE forced to quit the sport at a young for the players. The 26-year-old won his maiden Asian crown definitely help them improve their REGION. WE’VE SOME age due to a shoulder injury. Boris Vukelic, Qatar coach. after beating Zhang Jike in 2009 at Lucknow, India, game. TALENTED PLAYERS. He felt Qatar could become a top and two years later at Macau, China, he repeated The game is relatively new in the team in the Arab region. the feat, with Zhang again forced to settle for the “Qatar are one of the best teams second best. players could bolster his wards’ in the region. We’ve some talented At the last edition held in the South Korean city confidence. players, but we need to work hard of Busan, Ma, who claimed the Qatar Open in ’13, “It’s a tough tournament and and devote more time to trainings beat Yan An in the final to emerge as champion. there’s no doubt about the Chinese to improve,” said Vukelic, who first Compatriot and ’12 Olympic champion Li Xiaoxia domination, but it’ll be a huge coached the junior team in his also showed her class, finishing as runner-up thrice learning experience for the players,” native country from 2009 to ’11. He in succession. She will be one of the top contenders Vukelic told Doha Stadium Plus. was promoted as head coach of the this time. The Serb, who took over Qatar in senior side in ’11 and he stayed in In ’07 at Yangzhou, China, she lost to Zhang Yining, January last year, said the sport was that post till ’13. and in ’09 at Lucknow, India, Li was beaten by Ding on the rise in the country because Like in any other sport in the Ma Ning, before going down to Guo Yan two years later of the team’s regular participation in country, the thrust is on youth Long in Macau. Li various competitions. development. The QTTA has an Li did not compete in Busan, where Liu Shiwen Xiaoxia and Ding Ning finished first and second respectively

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod to extend the Chinese domination. “The sport is growing in Qatar, but it’ll take some time for our ROLL OF HONOUR Last 10 champions. players to make a mark at the international level. 2013 2011 2009 2007 2005 2003 2000 1998 1996 1994 Khaleel Ahmed Al Mohannadi, MEN’S Ma Long Ma Long Ma Long Wang Hao Wang Liqin Wang Hao Chiang Peng- Wang Liqin Kong Linghui Kong Linghui SINGLES (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) Lung (TPE) (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) Qatar Table Tennis Association President. WOMEN’S Liu Shiwen Guo Yan Ding Ning Zhang Yining Lin Ling Niu Jianfeng Lin Ling Li Ju Chire Koyama Deng Yaping SINGLES (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) (HKG) (CHN) (HKG) (CHN) (JPN) (CHN) www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 25

academy and sufficient Qatari duo set to impress infrastructure, but the results are SPIRE Academy products not forthcoming. Jassim Al Sanadi and This is one area AAbdulrahman Al Najjar are where both the hailed as the future stars by most governing body and One more foreign coaches plying their trade coaches need to find a gold medal in Qatar. solution. The pair, who represents Al Sadd “The sport is growing in at Tokyo? club, have also done well in Gulf Qatar, but it’ll take some time and Arab competitions. International Table Tennis for our players to make a mark “We’re good friends since the Federation (ITTF) President at the international level,” said Thomas Weikert met Tokyo age of seven when we started QTTA President Khaleel Ahmed Al playing together,” said Jassim who, 2020 Olympic Games Abdulrahman Mohannadi. Organising Committee along with Abdulrahman and Jassim Al Sanadi Al Najjar “Over the years, there’s a surge President Yoshiro Mori to other players, will represent Qatar of interest in table tennis and we discuss the possibility of at the forthcoming senior Asian thank the ASPIRE Academy for introducing an additional Championships. gold for the sport. its support. We’re taking a lot of In 2013, the duo won the cadet most dedicated juniors. playing in international events and Weikert had efforts to promote the sport at submitted a proposal boys’ team title at the Bahrain “During my decade-long stay that’ll help them,” said Fischer. schools,” said Al Mohannadi. to the International Junior and Cadet Open while in the country, I haven’t seen such ASPIRE Academy’s head coach The presence of technically- Olympic Committee Jassim also took the cadet boys’ dedicated youngsters. They’re very Zlato Novakovic was also all praise sound Chinese stars in the to add mixed doubles singles crown. They continued punctual and never missed their for them. Qatar Professional League gives competition to the their top form this year, winning trainings,” said Yan, who is now “Jassim and Abdulrahman are the national players a great Tokyo Games to the junior boys’ team title at the with El Jaish. exceptional talents who always complement the opportunity to test their wits same event in Manama last Sadd coach Ferenc Fischer worked hard to achieve success. existing four events. against the best in the business “The ITTF’s month. echoed the sentiments. The results they’ve achieved and thereby improve their initiative to add Former Qatar Under-15 coach “Their recent achievements demonstrate the ongoing success technique. Training with them will the mixed doubles Yan Hong Jun said Jassim and show they’ve a bright future. of our programme at the academy,” also boost their confidence. was well received Abdulrahman were among the They’re getting great exposure by said Novakovic. and Mori was very positive about the » The writer can be contacted at: idea,” said Weikert. [email protected] China look ready to dominate It’s a tough tournament and there’s no doubt about HINA look set to dominate the ITTF-Asian the Chinese domination, Championships which start in Pattaya, Thailand, but playing at the Con Wednesday, with world champion Ma Long starting as the favourite in the men’s competition. continental event will be a Ma, who won the singles title in the last three huge learning experience editions, is one of the all-time best players. for the players. The 26-year-old won his maiden Asian crown Boris Vukelic, Qatar coach. after beating Zhang Jike in 2009 at Lucknow, India, and two years later at Macau, China, he repeated the feat, with Zhang again forced to settle for the second best. At the last edition held in the South Korean city of Busan, Ma, who claimed the Qatar Open in ’13, beat Yan An in the final to emerge as champion. Compatriot and ’12 Olympic champion Li Xiaoxia also showed her class, finishing as runner-up thrice in succession. She will be one of the top contenders this time. In ’07 at Yangzhou, China, she lost to Zhang Yining, and in ’09 at Lucknow, India, Li was beaten by Ding Ma Ning, before going down to Guo Yan two years later Long in Macau. Li Li did not compete in Busan, where Liu Shiwen Xiaoxia and Ding Ning finished first and second respectively to extend the Chinese domination.

ROLL OF HONOUR Last 10 champions. 2013 2011 2009 2007 2005 2003 2000 1998 1996 1994 MEN’S Ma Long Ma Long Ma Long Wang Hao Wang Liqin Wang Hao Chiang Peng- Wang Liqin Kong Linghui Kong Linghui SINGLES (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) Lung (TPE) (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) WOMEN’S Liu Shiwen Guo Yan Ding Ning Zhang Yining Lin Ling Niu Jianfeng Lin Ling Li Ju Chire Koyama Deng Yaping SINGLES (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) (CHN) (HKG) (CHN) (HKG) (CHN) (JPN) (CHN) 26 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 27

MOTORSPORT

Cudlin starts title defence in style IVE-tImE Qatar 1 while Saeed Al Sulaiti brought transition to sprint racing. Superbike champion up the last spot on the podium in “I haven’t changed anything FAlexander Cudlin began race 2. much from the last season. All I his title defence in rollicking Kawasaki ZX10r rider Cudlin, who did was to change the oil to fit into style by winning both races started on pole, was in a class of his this temperature. I felt confident in the opening round at the own at the illuminated 5.3km Losail right from the start. mishal gave Losail International Circuit. circuit and clocked his best time of me a tough fight in both races. the Australian beat last 2:03.5 in the seventh lap. but everything went well for me Abdulla offers year’s runner-up mishal Al according to the plan fortunately,” beacon of hope Naimi by 0.88sec in race 1 Cudlin said. while he finished 9.98sec IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT the next races will be held on As the Qatar motor and ahead of the same TO GET OFF TO A GOOD October 17 along with the final motorcycle Federation (QmmF) Change continues its quest to unearth opponent in race 2. START IN THE round of the World Superbike a local rider for its team in the Nasser Al malki OPENING ROUND. Championship and Cudlin sounded for the better moto2 category of the FIm finished third in race confident. World Championship, Abdulla Al “I enjoyed the good break back SUPERBIKE (1,000CC) Qubaisi offers a beacon of hope. HE Qatar motor and competed together. there were a be only 15, but he has the RACE 1 RACE 2 “both aces were fantastic. It’s good home in Australia. During the off- motorcycle Federation’s few accidents too. Hence we felt the necessary skills and talent to the 15-year-old, who 1. Alexander Cudlin 31.10.1 1. Alexander Cudlin 31.02.7 to start the season with two wins season, I had put in a massive effort trained at the QmmF’s Losail THE QATAR MOTOR AND MOTORCYCLE (QmmF) new domestic need to separate the two. those in compete at the top level. I hope 2. mishal Al Naimi at 0.88 2. mishal Al Naimi at 9.98 under my belt. It was a great battle in my physical condition so that I’m T International Academy, 3. Nasser Al malki 5.12 3. Saeed Al Sulaiti 13.3 season, which got under way at 600cc ride at a slow pace compared his presence on the grid will inspire and it feels nice to come away with 100 per cent ready. FEDERATION INTRODUCES PLENTY OF made his debut in the Qatar SUPERSPORT (600CC) CHANGES WITH A VIEW TO MAKE THE the Losail International Circuit to 1,000cc. many youngsters in Qatar and Supersport category’s opening RACE 1 RACE 2 the silverware,” said Cudlin, who “It’s a great feeling to return to last week, has brought in a lot of “by bifurcating them, we’re sort middle East in general to take up round. He finished 16th in race 1. Abdulaziz bin Laden 32:45.7 1. Abdulaziz bin Laden 32:23.8 has dominated the scene since he Qatar for my sixth straight title. It’s NEW SEASON MORE EXCITING, changes. of creating a level-playing field. the sport,” Al Attiyah added. 1 and earned a 10th-place finish 2. Fahed Al Suwaidi at 20.6 2. Fahed Al Suwaidi at 2.08 started competing in Qatar in 2011. going to be another long season. So RESULTS the Qatar Superbike the riders can challenge for top the second round of QSbK will in race 2 to show glimpses of 3. Ahmed Al muyini 47.2 3. Ahmed Al muyini 1:01.3 Cudlin, who took part in it was important to get off to a good WRITES SAJITH B WARRIER. QATAR CHALLENGE (CARS) Championship (QSbK) has been positions in two different categories. be held along with the final round his potential. the Australian Long track and start in the opening round. I’m really “to earn a top-10 finish on 1. mark Holroyd 38:09.2 split into two categories this time We’ve experimented this in the past of WSbK on October 17 while the 2. peter de Vido 24.05 Oschersleben 8-hour Endurance looking forward to the season with my debut is a good start. there 3. Adam Spence 5.1 — Superbike (for 1,000cc bikes) and and had positive feedback,” penultimate leg on march 20, 2016, were many international riders events in June, quickly made the full of confidence,” he said. Supersport (600cc). A Challenge Al Attiyah said. is a support race for the opening on the grid and giving them Cup for women riders has been the opening round of QSbK saw round of motoGp. a close fight helps my introduced while there is also a new “We’ve a few surprises lined up confidence a lot. I want Developing champion championship for veterans. for the season. When we’ve the to thank the QmmF With some of the rounds of QSbK WE’VE A CLEAR VISION QSbK along with international for giving me an opportunity to ride in to be held along with international TO CREATE A NEW BRAND events like WSbK and motoGp, Supersport at such a women rally drivers events like World Superbike OF RIDERS AND FELT THE the riders will naturally raise the young age. I hope Championship (WSbK) and motoGp, NEED TO BRING CHANGES. bar. they know that they’re being to do better HE Qatar motor and of encouraging women to take the QmmF has a few surprises up watched at the international level. in the next motorcycle Federation up motor sports, especially in the Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah its sleeve if one goes by the word of right now our riders — mishal round,” said T(QmmF) has shortlisted middle East. its president Nasser bin Khalifa Al an increase in the number of riders Al Naimi and Saeed Al Sulaiti — Abdulla. 18 women to participate in its two-wildcard candidates from Attiyah. and Al Attiyah sees it as a harbinger are doing well in the Spanish CEV worldwide Women’s Cross-Country the middle East and North Africa “Change is the instrument of of things to come. Championship, which is considered rally training programme. region are also included in the Nasser, Abdulaziz to progress. We’re happy to start the “the number just keeps as a feeder school of motoGp. Our the women will take part in a 18-member list. season with a lot of changes. We’ve increasing on the grid and that’s a riders are doing reasonably well five-day training and assessment “We were impressed by the fight for supremacy a clear vision to create a new brand positive sign. this time, I’m proud in the moto2 category of the FIm programme in Qatar from calibre of applicants, which made of riders and felt the need to ring in to say that we’ve more Qatari riders World Championship as well,” he November 2 to 7, and the best this initial selection process very AtArI drivers Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and a few changes,” Al Attiyah told Doha on the grid, especially youngsters. concluded. trainee driver and co-driver will be Abdulaziz Al Kuwari are favourites at the Stadium Plus on the sidelines of the Abdullah Al Qubaisi, who is just 15, offered an opportunity to compete Qmiddle East rally Championship’s (mErC) fifth opening round of QSbK. made his debut in the Supersport in the 2016 Sealine Cross-Country THERE’RE A LOT OF round beginning in Cyprus on Friday. Al Attiyah justified the rationale category. He’s a product of our rally. WOMEN OUT THERE Nasser, winner of the opening three behind the move to have two Losail International Academy and is the programme will be WHO WANT TO TRY A rounds in Qatar, Kuwait and Iran, separate categories for bikes. definitely a future prospect. monitored by two of the finest DIFFERENT DISCIPLINE. suffered a setback in Lebanon as he “In the past few years the grid “the presence of riders like competitors in the sport — had to retire through a mechanical has been too much crowded as Abdullah shows there’s no dearth Germany’s Jutta Kleinschmidt, the problem. He will be eyeing a the 1,000cc riders and 600cc riders of talent in the country. He may only woman to win the legendary difficult,” said FIA Women in redemption in Cyprus, where he has Dakar rally in 2001, and Italy’s motorsport Commission president won a record 11 times. ŢŢAlexander Fabrizia pons, Cross-Country rallies’ michele mouton. However, his task is easier said than done as he Cudlin, right, speeds World Cup-winning co-driver. “this has really proved that faces a stiff competition from Abdulaziz, who had won past mishal Al Naimi in race 1 of both legends will guide the there’re a lot of women out in Cyprus last year. Qatar Superbike candidates through an intense there who want to try a different Khalid Al Suwaidi and rashid Al Naimi are the other Championship. programme encompassing all discipline. We thank QmmF Qatari drivers in the fray for the event, held alongside essential techniques required for president Nasser bin Khalifa Al the eighth round of the FIA European rally. rallying. Attiyah for supporting this project MERC Nasser, with 75 points, sits at the top the QmmF had received 85 and giving women an opportunity. STANDINGS of mErC standings. With his closest rival 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah 75 applications from 39 countries For those applicants who weren’t 2. Khalid Al Qassimi 51 Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi of the UAE Michele for the programme held successful on this occasion, I urge 3. Khalid Al Suwaidi 32 pulling out of the rest of season, a good Mouton under the aegis of FIA them to continue following their 4. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari 30 outing in Cyprus, will help Nasser a lot. Women in motorsport dream and never give up. For the 5. Khalifa Al Attiyah 26 Fourth in standings with just 30 points, before it pruned the others we’ll meet in Qatar, where REMAINING Abdulaziz has a lot of catching up to do. His final list to 18. this adventure starts!” added ROUNDS chances were hampered by his absence the initiative mouton, who was helped by October 15-17 Jordan from Lebanon due to sponsorship woes Nasser bin falls in line with Kleinschmidt and pons in screening November 5-7 Oman and nothing less than an encore in Cyprus November 27-29 Dubai Khalifa Al Attiyah Divakaran DSP/Vinod the QmmF’s policy the applications. will put his campaign back on track. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 27

Cudlin starts title defence in style IVE-tImE Qatar 1 while Saeed Al Sulaiti brought transition to sprint racing. Superbike champion up the last spot on the podium in “I haven’t changed anything FAlexander Cudlin began race 2. much from the last season. All I his title defence in rollicking Kawasaki ZX10r rider Cudlin, who did was to change the oil to fit into style by winning both races started on pole, was in a class of his this temperature. I felt confident in the opening round at the own at the illuminated 5.3km Losail right from the start. mishal gave Losail International Circuit. circuit and clocked his best time of me a tough fight in both races. the Australian beat last 2:03.5 in the seventh lap. but everything went well for me Abdulla offers year’s runner-up mishal Al according to the plan fortunately,” beacon of hope Naimi by 0.88sec in race 1 Cudlin said. while he finished 9.98sec IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT the next races will be held on As the Qatar motor and ahead of the same TO GET OFF TO A GOOD October 17 along with the final motorcycle Federation (QmmF) continues its quest to unearth opponent in race 2. START IN THE round of the World Superbike a local rider for its team in the Nasser Al malki OPENING ROUND. Championship and Cudlin sounded moto2 category of the FIm finished third in race confident. World Championship, Abdulla Al “I enjoyed the good break back SUPERBIKE (1,000CC) Qubaisi offers a beacon of hope. RACE 1 RACE 2 “both aces were fantastic. It’s good home in Australia. During the off- the 15-year-old, who 1. Alexander Cudlin 31.10.1 1. Alexander Cudlin 31.02.7 to start the season with two wins season, I had put in a massive effort trained at the QmmF’s Losail 2. mishal Al Naimi at 0.88 2. mishal Al Naimi at 9.98 under my belt. It was a great battle in my physical condition so that I’m International Academy, 3. Nasser Al malki 5.12 3. Saeed Al Sulaiti 13.3 and it feels nice to come away with 100 per cent ready. made his debut in the Qatar SUPERSPORT (600CC) Supersport category’s opening RACE 1 RACE 2 the silverware,” said Cudlin, who “It’s a great feeling to return to round. He finished 16th in race 1. Abdulaziz bin Laden 32:45.7 1. Abdulaziz bin Laden 32:23.8 has dominated the scene since he Qatar for my sixth straight title. It’s 1 and earned a 10th-place finish 2. Fahed Al Suwaidi at 20.6 2. Fahed Al Suwaidi at 2.08 started competing in Qatar in 2011. going to be another long season. So RESULTS in race 2 to show glimpses of 3. Ahmed Al muyini 47.2 3. Ahmed Al muyini 1:01.3 Cudlin, who took part in it was important to get off to a good QATAR CHALLENGE (CARS) his potential. the Australian Long track and start in the opening round. I’m really “to earn a top-10 finish on 1. mark Holroyd 38:09.2 2. peter de Vido 24.05 Oschersleben 8-hour Endurance looking forward to the season with my debut is a good start. there 3. Adam Spence 5.1 were many international riders events in June, quickly made the full of confidence,” he said. on the grid and giving them a close fight helps my confidence a lot. I want to thank the QmmF Developing champion for giving me an opportunity to ride in Supersport at such a women rally drivers young age. I hope to do better HE Qatar motor and of encouraging women to take in the next motorcycle Federation up motor sports, especially in the Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah round,” said T(QmmF) has shortlisted middle East. Abdulla. 18 women to participate in its two-wildcard candidates from worldwide Women’s Cross-Country the middle East and North Africa rally training programme. region are also included in the Nasser, Abdulaziz to the women will take part in a 18-member list. five-day training and assessment “We were impressed by the fight for supremacy programme in Qatar from calibre of applicants, which made November 2 to 7, and the best this initial selection process very AtArI drivers Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and trainee driver and co-driver will be Abdulaziz Al Kuwari are favourites at the offered an opportunity to compete Qmiddle East rally Championship’s (mErC) fifth in the 2016 Sealine Cross-Country THERE’RE A LOT OF round beginning in Cyprus on Friday. rally. WOMEN OUT THERE Nasser, winner of the opening three the programme will be WHO WANT TO TRY A rounds in Qatar, Kuwait and Iran, monitored by two of the finest DIFFERENT DISCIPLINE. suffered a setback in Lebanon as he competitors in the sport — had to retire through a mechanical Germany’s Jutta Kleinschmidt, the problem. He will be eyeing a only woman to win the legendary difficult,” said FIA Women in redemption in Cyprus, where he has Dakar rally in 2001, and Italy’s motorsport Commission president won a record 11 times. Fabrizia pons, Cross-Country rallies’ michele mouton. However, his task is easier said than done as he World Cup-winning co-driver. “this has really proved that faces a stiff competition from Abdulaziz, who had won both legends will guide the there’re a lot of women out in Cyprus last year. candidates through an intense there who want to try a different Khalid Al Suwaidi and rashid Al Naimi are the other programme encompassing all discipline. We thank QmmF Qatari drivers in the fray for the event, held alongside essential techniques required for president Nasser bin Khalifa Al the eighth round of the FIA European rally. rallying. Attiyah for supporting this project MERC Nasser, with 75 points, sits at the top the QmmF had received 85 and giving women an opportunity. STANDINGS of mErC standings. With his closest rival 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah 75 applications from 39 countries For those applicants who weren’t 2. Khalid Al Qassimi 51 Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi of the UAE Michele for the programme held successful on this occasion, I urge 3. Khalid Al Suwaidi 32 pulling out of the rest of season, a good Mouton under the aegis of FIA them to continue following their 4. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari 30 outing in Cyprus, will help Nasser a lot. Women in motorsport dream and never give up. For the 5. Khalifa Al Attiyah 26 Fourth in standings with just 30 points, before it pruned the others we’ll meet in Qatar, where REMAINING Abdulaziz has a lot of catching up to do. His final list to 18. this adventure starts!” added ROUNDS chances were hampered by his absence the initiative mouton, who was helped by October 15-17 Jordan from Lebanon due to sponsorship woes falls in line with Kleinschmidt and pons in screening November 5-7 Oman and nothing less than an encore in Cyprus the QmmF’s policy the applications. November 27-29 Dubai will put his campaign back on track. 28 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 29

Qatar’s Abdullah Al tamimi finished as Al Tamimi runner-up at the eighth annual Nash Cup at second at the London Squash and Fitness Club. He lost 9-11, 11-13, 7-11 to England’s Declan James MIXED ZONE | QATAR Nash Cup in the final. It was James’s third victory in a row in the amateur event organised by the London Squash racquets Club.

VOLLEYBALL CRICKET ֫ BASKETBALL ֫ ֫ Pakistan Super League Qatar get ready for Qatar raring to go GCC Championship may be moved to UAE FtEr a brief lull, the Qatar internationals are back in action as they prepare in earnest for DSP/Mohan HE inaugural pakistan Super However, according to latest last Sunday, however, Athe GCC Championship, to be held in riyadh at FIBA Asia event League (pSL) twenty20 media reports, an agreement has has not made a formal from October 12 to 20. SHOOTING Ttournament, scheduled to been reached between the ECb and announcement on the Qatar had finished fourth, their best-ever ֫ China, the most successful side with the experience of veterans Saad be held in Qatar, may instead be pCb to hold the event in February, venue of the tournament performance, at the Asian Championship in tehran Aju George Chris 15 titles, are the favourites in Group Abdulrahman, Daoud mousa Daoud, moved to the UAE. that will feature around last month and they continued their impressive C, which also has South Korea, Khalid Sulaiman Abdi, Erfaan Ali Mahbubeh makes the UAE was originally the first 40 international stars form to beat Kuwait 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 25-17 in Jordan and Singapore. Saaeed and mohammed Yousuf choice, but as the Emirates Cricket THE QATAR CRICKET including the likes of a friendly at the Al Arabi Sports Club last Sunday. ULF champions Qatar will Greek coach Vasilis Fragkias, who mohammed. Having played together cracking comeback board (ECb) had already allotted ASSOCIATION DID NOT Chris Gayle and Kevin It was the last match for the spikers before be looking to make an took charge of Qatar in April, ’14, has for almost two decades, they know its venues in Abu Dhabi, Dubai CONFIRM THE REPORT pietersen. they leave for poland for a fortnight-long Gimpression at the 28th FIbA helped them do reasonably well. He each other’s game very well and that and Sharjah to the masters Cricket EITHER. the Qatar Cricket training camp on September 28. Asia Championship, which begins in guided them to a sixth-place finish will surely help the team. Sajith B Warrier League around the same period, Association did not confirm “We were playing a competitive match Changsha, China, on Wednesday. Qatar basketball Federation the pakistan Cricket board (pCb) the report either. after a short break. Luckily, our players hit their but things are unlikely to be easy president Sheikh Saoud bin decided to move the event to 2016, in the UAE. “there’re rumours, but no straps in no time. We managed to control the for them. YOU CAN’T DISMISS ANY Abdulrahman Al thani was AtAr’S Mahbubeh Akhlaghi made a winning the Asia town Stadium in Doha’s the pCb, which unveiled the pSL official news,” said QCA’s head game and won,” said Qatar’s Argentinian coach Qatar, bronze medallists in 2003 TEAM IN OUR GROUP AS optimistic. comeback in 50m rifle three positions at the Industrial Area. logo at a glittering event in Lahore of events Gul Khan. Juan Manuel Cichello. and ’05, will open their Group D WEAK. WE’LL ALWAYS “You can’t dismiss any team in our QAssociation Cup. campaign against Kazakhstan on HAVE TO BE AT OUR BEST. group as weak. We’ll always have to mahbubeh, who had taken a long break from the RUGBY the opening day before taking on be at our best. the opening matches category due to health issues, shot 438.8 in the final ֫ Lebanon and Chinese taipei on will be very crucial. Our players are to edge Aisha Yousef Al Suwaidi by 3.8 points. Aisha thursday and Friday respectively. at the ’14 Incheon Asian Games and ready and they’ll try to put their best Ibrahim Al mutawa finished third on 424.1. three-time winners Iran, Japan, win the GCC title in Dammam last foot forward,” said Sheikh Saoud. While Olympian bahya mansour Al Hamad failed to Doha in a class of their own malaysia and India are in October. “Captain Yasseen moussa’s even make it to the title clash, mahbubeh was in a class Group A while five- “We had preparatory camps in retirement will affect the team of her own at the Losail Shooting range. OHA rugby Football Club while Saracens came third. Asia rugby which is the game’s time champions Lithuania, the philippines and China. a lot. After all, he has been with “Overall, I’m very happy with this competition (DrFC) won the inaugural Qatar rugby Committee president governing body on the continent, philippines are We played many matches against us for more than 20 years and is because it was part of my preparations for two DAsia Western Clubs Yousef Al Kawari congratulated the was happy with the tournament’s clubbed with local sides. the players are fully fit, irreplaceable,” he added. very important upcoming events in Kuwait — Champions League title with an winners. organisation. palestine, Kuwait sharp and raring to go. I feel they Winners of the championship, GCC Championship and Asian Championship — in unblemished record in Dubai last “I’m extremely pleased with our “the tournament was an and Hong Kong in can put up a good show,” said which concludes on October 3, November. week. performance. Our players tried experiment and I’m happy it worked Group b. Fragkias. will directly qualify for the ’16 rio “I’m delighted with my results. I’m contesting in 50m Doha opened their campaign hard and their concentration never out so well. I thank the authorities Hosts Qatar will once Olympic Games. Second and third- rifle three positions after four years due to some health with a 19-14 win over Abu Dhabi wavered. Since rugby sevens has in Qatar, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and again rely placed teams will go into an inter- problems. I love this event as this has more action and Saracens before steamrollering become an Olympic sport, we’ll the UAE for supporting this event,” heavily on continental play-off next year. fun,” said mahbubeh, who has been in the field for Kazakhstan’s Olymp 59-12. they now focus on developing a strong said Gregory. nearly 12 years. then defeated Sri Lanka’s Kandy national team. We can do really well “We’ll try to develop this into a TEAMS Earlier, Nasra mahmoud beat Al Dana Saad Al 29-17 to clinch the title. on the continent,” said Al Kawari. competition between the best sides GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C GROUP D mubarak 8-2 in 25m pistol final. Soud Waleed Al Khater Kandy finished as runners-up trevor Gregory, who heads in the region,” he added. ššDoha rugby Football Club team members celebrate their triumph. Iran the philippines China Qatar clinched the bronze. Japan palestine South Korea Kazakhstan meanwhile, Oleg Engachev clinched the men’s ֫ ֫ malaysia Kuwait Jordan Lebanon India Hong Kong Singapore Chinese taipei 50m pistol gold with an aggregate score of 187.2. the SCHOOLS OLYMPIC PROGRAMME HANDBALL Incheon Asian Games gold medallist also won the 25m rapid fire pistol event with a new national record. ֫ şşSaad Abdulrahman... SPORTS SECURITY Ninth edition to start on October 4 Working towards Qatar’s key player. HE ninth edition of the Qatar competitions in 12 disciplines for the 2016 rio Olympics. a common dream! War on manipulation of competitions Olympic Committee’s Schools — athletics, basketball, fencing, A ‘Young reporters’ programme TOlympic programme (SOp), football, gymnastics, handball, has also been initiated, with the AtArI clubs have expressed solidarity with the in sport, made at the fifth world to be held under the theme ‘Sport shooting, swimming, table tennis, winner getting an opportunity national team’s aim of qualifying for the 2016 Mohammad Amin-ul Islam conference of sports ministers in and media,’ will start on October 4. taekwondo, tennis and volleyball to work with Qatar’s media Qrio Olympics. may, 2013. SOp Executive Director delegation to the rio Games. With Doha hosting the Asian Olympic Qualifying “We’ve been involved in many mohammed Essa Al Fadhala said the girls’ and boys’ finals will be tournament from November 14 to 23, clubs have HE United Nations discussions and international the event had continued to grow ‘ROAD TO RIO’ held at the Aspire Dome on march agreed to release national team players from the Educational, Scientific projects to tackle the issue, of over the last eight years. PROGRAMME WILL 17 and 18 respectively. Qatar League which starts three days earlier. Tand Cultural Organisation match-fixing,” said ICSS president “We’re immensely proud that PROVIDE A SPIRIT OF the decision was taken at a meeting between the (UNESCO) is keen to strengthen mohammed Hanzab. the SOp now covers 279 boys’ and COMPETITION. clubs’ representatives and Qatar Handball Association the ties between governments, “I thank the UNESCO for trusting 263 girls’ schools across Qatar. Our (QHA) president Ahmed mohammed Abdulrab Al “We had preparatory regulatory authorities and sports about concrete actions that could us and the co-operation initiated programme has set a benchmark Shaabi last week. QHA General Secretary mohammed camps in Lithuania, federations which will help a long be implemented in the short two years ago within the framework for other nations to follow. We’ve — in addition to athletics and table Jaber Al mulla and board member Khalifa tayseer Al the philippines and way in fighting manipulation of and medium terms to effectively of our Joint Capacity building received queries from other Gulf tennis for differently abled. Jassim were also present. China. We played many sports competitions. fight manipulation of sports programme,” he added. countries to share our expertise For the first time, the organising “I thank the clubs for supporting the national matches against local more than 60 international experts competitions,” said Angela Melo, ICSS Executive Director of with them. In fact, Oman, committee’s ‘road to rio’ team and agreeing to release players for the Asian sides. the players are attended the meeting organised by Director for Division of Youth Ethics Sport Integrity Chris Eaton said, SaudiArabia and the UAE programme will provide a spirit of event. It’s our dream to qualify for the rio Games. I’m the UNESCO and International Centre and Sport, Sector for Social and “transnational organised crime have already started similar competition among participants confident we’ll do well,” said Al Shaabi. fully fit, sharp and for Sport Security (ICSS) in Doha last Human Sciences of UNESCO. is now a very real issue and the programmes,” Al Fadhala said at a through quiz programmes A decision to increase the contract period of raring to go. I feel they week to discuss the problem which the meeting was the first meeting was about bringing co-ordination committee meeting designed around Olympic professional players from three to five years, provided can put up a good show. has become a global threat. to follow-up on the berlin together the highest calibre of last week. sports. the winner will get Mohammed it followed all guidelines from the International Vasilis Fragkias, Qatar coach. “the meeting hopes to bring recommendation to curb corruption experts from around the world.” the SOp is set to have a chance to travel to brazil Essa Al Fadhala Handball Federation, was also taken. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 29

Qatar’s Abdullah Al tamimi finished as Al Tamimi runner-up at the eighth annual Nash Cup at second at the London Squash and Fitness Club. He lost 9-11, 11-13, 7-11 to England’s Declan James Nash Cup in the final. It was James’s third victory in a row in the amateur event organised by the London Squash racquets Club.

VOLLEYBALL CRICKET ֫ ֫ Pakistan Super League Qatar get ready for GCC Championship may be moved to UAE FtEr a brief lull, the Qatar internationals are back in action as they prepare in earnest for HE inaugural pakistan Super However, according to latest last Sunday, however, Athe GCC Championship, to be held in riyadh League (pSL) twenty20 media reports, an agreement has has not made a formal from October 12 to 20. Ttournament, scheduled to been reached between the ECb and announcement on the Qatar had finished fourth, their best-ever be held in Qatar, may instead be pCb to hold the event in February, venue of the tournament performance, at the Asian Championship in tehran moved to the UAE. that will feature around last month and they continued their impressive the UAE was originally the first 40 international stars form to beat Kuwait 25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 25-17 in choice, but as the Emirates Cricket THE QATAR CRICKET including the likes of a friendly at the Al Arabi Sports Club last Sunday. board (ECb) had already allotted ASSOCIATION DID NOT Chris Gayle and Kevin It was the last match for the spikers before its venues in Abu Dhabi, Dubai CONFIRM THE REPORT pietersen. they leave for poland for a fortnight-long and Sharjah to the masters Cricket EITHER. the Qatar Cricket training camp on September 28. League around the same period, Association did not confirm “We were playing a competitive match the pakistan Cricket board (pCb) the report either. after a short break. Luckily, our players hit their decided to move the event to 2016, in the UAE. “there’re rumours, but no straps in no time. We managed to control the the Asia town Stadium in Doha’s the pCb, which unveiled the pSL official news,” said QCA’s head game and won,” said Qatar’s Argentinian coach Industrial Area. logo at a glittering event in Lahore of events Gul Khan. Juan Manuel Cichello.

RUGBY ֫ Doha in a class of their own OHA rugby Football Club while Saracens came third. Asia rugby which is the game’s (DrFC) won the inaugural Qatar rugby Committee president governing body on the continent, DAsia Western Clubs Yousef Al Kawari congratulated the was happy with the tournament’s Champions League title with an winners. organisation. unblemished record in Dubai last “I’m extremely pleased with our “the tournament was an week. performance. Our players tried experiment and I’m happy it worked Doha opened their campaign hard and their concentration never out so well. I thank the authorities with a 19-14 win over Abu Dhabi wavered. Since rugby sevens has in Qatar, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and Saracens before steamrollering become an Olympic sport, we’ll the UAE for supporting this event,” Kazakhstan’s Olymp 59-12. they now focus on developing a strong said Gregory. then defeated Sri Lanka’s Kandy national team. We can do really well “We’ll try to develop this into a 29-17 to clinch the title. on the continent,” said Al Kawari. competition between the best sides Kandy finished as runners-up trevor Gregory, who heads in the region,” he added. ššDoha rugby Football Club team members celebrate their triumph.

HANDBALL SCHOOLS OLYMPIC PROGRAMME ֫ ֫ Ninth edition to start on October 4 Working towards HE ninth edition of the Qatar competitions in 12 disciplines for the 2016 rio Olympics. a common dream! Olympic Committee’s Schools — athletics, basketball, fencing, A ‘Young reporters’ programme TOlympic programme (SOp), football, gymnastics, handball, has also been initiated, with the AtArI clubs have expressed solidarity with the to be held under the theme ‘Sport shooting, swimming, table tennis, winner getting an opportunity national team’s aim of qualifying for the 2016 and media,’ will start on October 4. taekwondo, tennis and volleyball to work with Qatar’s media Qrio Olympics. SOp Executive Director delegation to the rio Games. With Doha hosting the Asian Olympic Qualifying mohammed Essa Al Fadhala said the girls’ and boys’ finals will be tournament from November 14 to 23, clubs have the event had continued to grow ‘ROAD TO RIO’ held at the Aspire Dome on march agreed to release national team players from the over the last eight years. PROGRAMME WILL 17 and 18 respectively. Qatar League which starts three days earlier. “We’re immensely proud that PROVIDE A SPIRIT OF the decision was taken at a meeting between the the SOp now covers 279 boys’ and COMPETITION. clubs’ representatives and Qatar Handball Association 263 girls’ schools across Qatar. Our (QHA) president Ahmed mohammed Abdulrab Al programme has set a benchmark Shaabi last week. QHA General Secretary mohammed for other nations to follow. We’ve — in addition to athletics and table Jaber Al mulla and board member Khalifa tayseer Al received queries from other Gulf tennis for differently abled. Jassim were also present. countries to share our expertise For the first time, the organising “I thank the clubs for supporting the national with them. In fact, Oman, committee’s ‘road to rio’ team and agreeing to release players for the Asian SaudiArabia and the UAE programme will provide a spirit of event. It’s our dream to qualify for the rio Games. I’m have already started similar competition among participants confident we’ll do well,” said Al Shaabi. programmes,” Al Fadhala said at a through quiz programmes A decision to increase the contract period of co-ordination committee meeting designed around Olympic professional players from three to five years, provided last week. sports. the winner will get Mohammed it followed all guidelines from the International the SOp is set to have a chance to travel to brazil Essa Al Fadhala Handball Federation, was also taken. 30 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 31

MIXED ZONE | INTERNATIONAL

TENNIS GOLF ֫ ֫ Dazzling Day has Belgium and Britain the world at his feet in final showdown UStrALIA’S Jason Day claimed his fourth victory in six starts and surged to the world tEVE Darcis completed a 5-5 in the third set when Delbonis ANo.1 ranking after going wire-to-wire to win thrilling comeback to send dropped serve and Darcis then the bmW Championship by six shots last Sunday. Sbelgium into their first Davis converted his first set point. the 27-year-old closed out his tournament with Cup final for more than 100 years, three consecutive breaks of a two-under-par 69 to finish at 22-under 262 at winning the deciding fifth rubber serve, two for Darcis, in the fourth Conway Farms, Illinois, US, six clear of American against Argentina. saw him serve at 5-4 but two ššSebastian Vettel cruises to victory at the Singapore Grand prix. rookie Daniel berger (69) in the third of the pGA the hosts had trailed 1-2, match points went begging and tour’s four FedExCup play-off events. but David Goffin crushed Diego Delbonis forced a tiebreak. MOTORSPORT American Scott piercy (70) was third at 15-under Schwartzman 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 to level ֫ with rickie Fowler (69), rory mcIlroy of Northern things up and then Darcis, roared COLLATED RESULTS Ireland (70) and Jb Holmes (68) sharing fourth at on by home fans, fought past WORLD GROUP SEMIFINALS AT GLASGOW 14-under. Federico Delbonis 6-4, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 Great Britain bt Australia 3-2 Day began his final round with a six-shot lead (7-3). Andy murray (Gbr) bt thanasi 6-3, 6-0, 6-3 over a star-studded pack that included mcIlroy, who Darcis had squandered two Kokkinakis (AUS) bernard tomic (AUS) bt Dan 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), he toppled from the No.1 spot, and US Open and match points at 5-4 in the fourth Evans (Gbr) 6-7 (4-7), 6-4 Street-smart Seb! masters winner Jordan Spieth — who was ranked set, but after forging ahead in Andy murray/Jamie murray 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, (Gbr) bt Lleyton Hewitt/Sam 6-7 (6-8), 6-4 second going into the event. the tiebreak he powered away a Groth (AUS) ErrArI’S Sebastian Vettel obviously I didn’t get that,” said and made a flying getaway from meanwhile, little-known Swede rikard Karlberg smash to end the contest and was Andy murray (Gbr) bt bernard 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 won an incident-packed Hamilton. the front of the grid. beat twice major winner martin Kaymer on the immediately mobbed by his team- tomic (AUS) thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) bt 7-5, 6-4 FSingapore Formula One Nico rosberg finished fourth the 28-year-old opened up Intruder sets second hole of a play-off to win the Italian Open. mates who rushed on to court to Dan Evans (Gbr) Grand prix last Sunday after world for mercedes to cut Hamilton’s a commanding 3sec lead over Karlberg (67) and German Kaymer (70) ended celebrate. AT BRUSSELS champion Lewis Hamilton retired championship lead to 41 points. ricciardo on the opening lap and pulses racing the tournament with matching 19-under totals of Jason belgium, who have never won Belgium bt Argentina 3-2 David Goffin (bEL) bt Federico 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) early for the first time this season. Vettel trails Hamilton by 49 and was never seriously challenged. A lone intruder set pulses racing 269 before the Swede took the title by birdying the Day the team competition, will have Delbonis (ArG) 6-3 Starting from pole position, raikkonen is 145 adrift with a at the Singapore Grand prix second play-off hole. home advantage against Andy Leonardo mayer (ArG) bt 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 Vettel led all the way to take the maximum of 150 points available when he ambled across the Seven players tied for third place on 270. murray’s britain who reached their Steve Darcis (bEL) (7-1), 4-6, 6-3 RESULTS floodlit track midway through Carlos berlocq/Leonardo 6-2, 7-6 (7-2), chequered flag for the fourth time from the remaining six races. 1. Sebastian Vettel (GEr) Ferrari 2:01:22 first final for 37 years by beating mayer (ArG) bt ruben 5-7, 7-6 (7-5) the race and strolled by the at the floodlit marina bay Street No other driver has a chance of 2. Daniel ricciardo (AUS) red bull at 1.47 Australia. bemelmans/Steve Darcis (bEL) metal fences as cars sped past. Circuit. winning the championship. 3. Kimi raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari 17.1 Victory had looked a big ask as David Goffin (bEL) bt Diego 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 4. Nico rosberg (GEr) mercedes 24.7 Ferrari winner Sebastian Vettel US captain Juli Inkster had urged her players to “stomp on” Schwartzman (ArG) “It must be one of my best races. Vettel’s win was the German’s 5. Valtteri bottas (FIN) Williams 34.2 got the fright of his life when US stomp Europe and they carried out the instructions to a tee, fighting Argentina won the doubles to take Steve Darcis (bEL) bt Federico 6-4, 2-6, 7-5, It was pretty intense. If we’ve third this season and the 42nd of STANDINGS he spotted the man as he came on Europe! back to win a controversial Solheim Cup match in Germany. a 2-1 lead, but the failure of their Delbonis (ArG) 7-6 (7-3) more races like this, we can catch Hamilton was running fourth his career, enabling the quadruple DRIVERS around a corner. the home team went into the last 12 singles holding a No.1 Leonardo mayer to take mercedes,” said Vettel. approaching the halfway of the world champion to overtake the 1. Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) 252 the German shouted over 10-6 lead, following unsavoury scenes over the to court against Goffin helped 2. Nico rosberg (GEr) 211 the team radio that there was a non-concession of a short American putt in the four balls carried “maybe we can make the 61-lap race when he lost engine late Ayrton Senna into outright ŢŢmembers belgium swing the tie around. 3. Sebastian Vettel (GEr) 203 over from the previous day, but the US rallied to triumph by 14.5 impossible possible and we’ll power, dropping back through third place for the most wins, man on track as race stewards of the bmC Goffin described his 4. Kimi raikkonen (FIN) 107 instantly ordered the drivers to to 13.5 points. racing team definitely go for it,” he added. the field before he was told to trailing only michael Schumacher 5. Valtteri bottas (FIN) 101 slow down. the Americans were enraged when Alison Lee and brittany celebrate with performance as ‘perfect’ as he Australia’s Daniel ricciardo return to the garage and call it a (91) and Alain prost (51). CONSTRUCTORS the safety car was deployed Lincicome lost to Charley Hull and Suzann pettersen by two holes. the medals. left the stage for Darcis, perhaps finished second for red bull, his night. A proven master on the slow 1. mercedes 463 best known for beating rafael 2. Ferrari 310 while the man slipped back best result of a frustrating year, “I was waiting for that time and twisty Singapore track, Vettel 3. Williams 198 through another hole in the Nadal at Wimbledon in 2013. while Vettel’s team-mate Kimi when I could push and see what gave his rivals no chance when he 4. red bull 139 fence without crossing the track. Darcis sailed through raikkonen crossed the line third. I could get from the car, but, planted his foot on the accelerator 5. Force India 69 the first set, but Delbonis dominated the second with RUGBY his opponent growing Steve ֫ weary. Darcis Japan do giant-killing act! the crunch moment came at ApAN recorded the biggest in a dramatic late onslaught that tears of joy at the end of a thrilling upset in World Cup history ultimately carved the opening for encounter that ebbed and flowed Jas substitute Karne Hesketh Hesketh to dive over in the corner. throughout, though few, if any, scored on the last play of the game “We always thought we could would have predicted defeat for the to seal a 34-32 victory over beat them. It’s fantastic for the team 1995 and 2007 champions. CYCLING two-time winners South Africa. ֫ It was only the second win in 25 COLLATED RESULTS Former US Open semifinalist Yanina World Cup matches for the Asian IT’S GOT TO GO DOWN AS POOL A Wickmayer Wickmayer produced a superb fightback to nation, but they fully deserved to ONE OF THE GREATEST BMC Racing win team time trial Wales bt Uruguay 54-9 breaks jinx beat poland’s magda Linette 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 take the spoils from the pulsating GAMES IN WORLD CUP England bt Fiji 35-11 and win the Japan Open. pool b encounter at the brighton HISTORY. POOL B mErICAN outfit bmC rohan Dennis clocked 42min, “this was a huge goal for us, Wickmayer, who reached the 2009 US Community Stadium in East Sussex, Samoa bt United States 25-16 racing retained their men’s 7sec on the 38.6km course. I’m honoured to be part of that Open final, had not won a tournament since ’10. the belgian dug herself out of a hole in England. Japan bt South Africa 34-32 Ateam time trial title at the they beat belgian team Etixx- team,” said phinney, who recently Japan’s bravery and tenacity was and for Japanese rugby. We worked POOL C road World Championships in Quick Step, led by triple individual returned to competition after tokyo as she claimed the fourth title of her Yanina career. in evidence throughout the contest, hard for this. It’s got to go down as New Zealand bt Argentina 26-16 richmond, the US, last Sunday. time trial world champion tony more than a year on the sidelines Wickmayer meanwhile, Annika beck won her second but no more so than in the dying one of the greatest games in World Georgia bt tonga 17-10 Italians manuel Quinziato martin, by 11sec, according to following a crash. career title and avenged a loss at the US stages. Eschewing the chance to Cup history,” said Japan coach Eddie POOL D and Daniel Oss, American taylor provisional timings. the women’s team time trial Open with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Jelena kick a penalty that would have tied Jones. Ireland bt Canada 50-7 phinney, Swiss Silvan Dillier Spanish side movistar took the event was won by the Velocio- Ostapenko in the Quebec City Open. ššJapan’s Karne Hesketh, right, scores winning try against South Africa. the scores, Japan went in for the kill Japan players and fans shed France bt Italy 32-10 and Stefan Kung and Australian bronze. SrAm team. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 31

TENNIS GOLF ֫ ֫ Dazzling Day has Belgium and Britain the world at his feet in final showdown UStrALIA’S Jason Day claimed his fourth victory in six starts and surged to the world tEVE Darcis completed a 5-5 in the third set when Delbonis ANo.1 ranking after going wire-to-wire to win thrilling comeback to send dropped serve and Darcis then the bmW Championship by six shots last Sunday. Sbelgium into their first Davis converted his first set point. the 27-year-old closed out his tournament with Cup final for more than 100 years, three consecutive breaks of a two-under-par 69 to finish at 22-under 262 at winning the deciding fifth rubber serve, two for Darcis, in the fourth Conway Farms, Illinois, US, six clear of American against Argentina. saw him serve at 5-4 but two rookie Daniel berger (69) in the third of the pGA the hosts had trailed 1-2, match points went begging and tour’s four FedExCup play-off events. but David Goffin crushed Diego Delbonis forced a tiebreak. American Scott piercy (70) was third at 15-under Schwartzman 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 to level with rickie Fowler (69), rory mcIlroy of Northern things up and then Darcis, roared COLLATED RESULTS Ireland (70) and Jb Holmes (68) sharing fourth at on by home fans, fought past WORLD GROUP SEMIFINALS AT GLASGOW 14-under. Federico Delbonis 6-4, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 Great Britain bt Australia 3-2 Day began his final round with a six-shot lead (7-3). Andy murray (Gbr) bt thanasi 6-3, 6-0, 6-3 over a star-studded pack that included mcIlroy, who Darcis had squandered two Kokkinakis (AUS) bernard tomic (AUS) bt Dan 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), he toppled from the No.1 spot, and US Open and match points at 5-4 in the fourth Evans (Gbr) 6-7 (4-7), 6-4 masters winner Jordan Spieth — who was ranked set, but after forging ahead in Andy murray/Jamie murray 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, (Gbr) bt Lleyton Hewitt/Sam 6-7 (6-8), 6-4 second going into the event. the tiebreak he powered away a Groth (AUS) meanwhile, little-known Swede rikard Karlberg smash to end the contest and was Andy murray (Gbr) bt bernard 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 beat twice major winner martin Kaymer on the immediately mobbed by his team- tomic (AUS) thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) bt 7-5, 6-4 second hole of a play-off to win the Italian Open. mates who rushed on to court to Dan Evans (Gbr) Karlberg (67) and German Kaymer (70) ended celebrate. AT BRUSSELS the tournament with matching 19-under totals of Jason belgium, who have never won Belgium bt Argentina 3-2 David Goffin (bEL) bt Federico 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) 269 before the Swede took the title by birdying the Day the team competition, will have Delbonis (ArG) 6-3 second play-off hole. home advantage against Andy Leonardo mayer (ArG) bt 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 Seven players tied for third place on 270. murray’s britain who reached their Steve Darcis (bEL) (7-1), 4-6, 6-3 Carlos berlocq/Leonardo 6-2, 7-6 (7-2), first final for 37 years by beating mayer (ArG) bt ruben 5-7, 7-6 (7-5) Australia. bemelmans/Steve Darcis (bEL) Victory had looked a big ask as David Goffin (bEL) bt Diego 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 US captain Juli Inkster had urged her players to “stomp on” Schwartzman (ArG) US stomp Europe and they carried out the instructions to a tee, fighting Argentina won the doubles to take Steve Darcis (bEL) bt Federico 6-4, 2-6, 7-5, back to win a controversial Solheim Cup match in Germany. a 2-1 lead, but the failure of their Delbonis (ArG) 7-6 (7-3) on Europe! the home team went into the last 12 singles holding a No.1 Leonardo mayer to take 10-6 lead, following unsavoury scenes over the to court against Goffin helped non-concession of a short American putt in the four balls carried Ţmembers belgium swing the tie around. over from the previous day, but the US rallied to triumph by 14.5 Ţ of the bmC Goffin described his to 13.5 points. racing team the Americans were enraged when Alison Lee and brittany celebrate with performance as ‘perfect’ as he Lincicome lost to Charley Hull and Suzann pettersen by two holes. the medals. left the stage for Darcis, perhaps best known for beating rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2013. Darcis sailed through the first set, but Delbonis dominated the second with his opponent growing Steve weary. Darcis the crunch moment came at

CYCLING ֫ Former US Open semifinalist Yanina Wickmayer Wickmayer produced a superb fightback to BMC Racing win team time trial beat poland’s magda Linette 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 breaks jinx and win the Japan Open. mErICAN outfit bmC rohan Dennis clocked 42min, “this was a huge goal for us, Wickmayer, who reached the 2009 US racing retained their men’s 7sec on the 38.6km course. I’m honoured to be part of that Open final, had not won a tournament since Ateam time trial title at the they beat belgian team Etixx- team,” said phinney, who recently ’10. the belgian dug herself out of a hole in road World Championships in Quick Step, led by triple individual returned to competition after tokyo as she claimed the fourth title of her Yanina career. richmond, the US, last Sunday. time trial world champion tony more than a year on the sidelines Wickmayer meanwhile, Annika beck won her second Italians manuel Quinziato martin, by 11sec, according to following a crash. career title and avenged a loss at the US and Daniel Oss, American taylor provisional timings. the women’s team time trial Open with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Jelena phinney, Swiss Silvan Dillier Spanish side movistar took the event was won by the Velocio- Ostapenko in the Quebec City Open. and Stefan Kung and Australian bronze. SrAm team. 32 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 33

PEOPLE SPORT THIS WEEK

West bromwich’s Saido Chinese world No.1 Chen Long Spain’s Javier Gomez won his Croatia have named Ante Cacic Berahino had vowed never to defeated India’s Ajay Jayaram fifth triathlon world title with a as their new football coach. QATAR play for chairman Jeremy peace 21-14, 21-13 in the men’s runner-up finish in the World He replaced Niko Kovac, who SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 again, but all was forgiven as singles final of the $600,000 triathlon Grand Final in Chicago was sacked earlier this month FOOTBALL he scored the only goal in a Korea Open badminton last week. He finished in 1hr, following their dismal Euro 2016 Qatar Stars League, Al Gharafa vs Al derby win over Aston Villa. Super Series in Seoul last 44.57sec, just four seconds qualification campaign. Cacic, 61, Ahli, 6pm at Qatar SC Stadium, El the baggies’ burundi-born week. Long, who clinched behind compatriot mario mola. who won the league-and-cup Jaish vs Al Khor, 6pm at Lekhwiya England Under-21 striker the tie in a little over 40 Gomez scored 4,930pts to win double with Dinamo Zagreb in Stadium, Lekhwiya vs Al Kharaitiyat, 8.15pm at Lekhwiya Stadium, Qatar had threatened to strike minutes, thus won his the world title for the third ’12, is seen as the man to revive SC vs Al Arabi, 8.15pm at Qatar SC over a thwarted move second successive title. time in a row. Croatia’s flagging fortunes in the Stadium. to EpL rivals tottenham Euro Cup qualifiers. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Hotspur. FOOTBALL Qatar Stars League, Al mesaimeer Slovenian mountain bike France’s Davis Cup captain Golf superstar Tiger Woods Veteran pakistan batsman vs Al Sailiya, 6pm at Al Arabi Stadium, Al Sadd vs Al Wakrah, rider Blaza Klemencic, a Arnaud Clement was sacked said he would be sidelined Younis Khan is facing 6pm at Al Sadd Stadium, Al rayyan two-time Olympian, has last week after his team’s 1-3 until 2016 after a second disciplinary action for lashing vs Umm Salal, 8.15pm at Al Sadd received a provisional loss to Great britain in the back surgery, but confidently out at selectors when it became Stadium. suspension from the quarterfinal stage in July. predicted he would make clear he was to be dropped International Cycling Union the 37-year-old former a full recovery. In an article for next month’s One-Day (UCI) three years after giving Wimbledon doubles champion, posted on his website, the International cricket series in a doping sample for EpO. who helped guide France to 14-time major champion Zimbabwe. the 37-year-old hit the UCI said that the sample the 2014 Davis Cup final, was revealed he had a out a day before the squad was INTERNATIONAL given on march 27, 2012, replaced by former captain microdiscectomy announced. “If I’m not selected, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 TENNIS had tested positive when Yannick Noah. surgery in Utah. the one-day team won’t be able Atp at metz and St petersburg; WtA reanalysed recently. to stand up,” said Younis. at tokyo, Seoul, Guangzhou (till Sunday). THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 GOLF EpGA at European Open, bad Griesbach; USpGA at tour STAR OF THE WEEK JASON DAY MOVERS&SHAKERS Championship, Atlanta (till Sunday). SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 CRICKET Zimbabwe vs pakistan, 1st t20I at Harare. Button hints at quitting MOTORSPORT Japanese Formula One Grand prix, ASON Day has been making was inspired by the exploits of Aragon motoGp. golf look simple lately but, tiger Woods. but he was chided F1 by end of the year MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 after claiming the world No.1 as a presumptuous upstart when, TENNIS J Atp at Kuala Lumpur Shenzhen; WtA CYCLING ranking he had long coveted, as a young pro, he told a group of CLArEN driver Jenson only there if you’re fighting at the at Wuhan, tashkent (till October 4). revealed that it had been anything reporters on a conference call that Button has increased front, because you feel like you’re World road-racing Championships, richmond (till Sunday). TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 but easy. he believed he could topple the speculation he is set achieving something,” the 2009 M RUGBY CRICKET “It has been very, very difficult American from the summit. to retire from Formula One after world champion said after last World Cup in England (till October Zimbabwe vs pakistan, 2nd t20I at for me to try and downplay getting Day admitted he was telling british reporters that week’s Singapore Grand prix. 31). Harare. to No.1, because I’ve really wanted unprepared for the criticism he the ‘joy’ of competing button’s words sounded to reach this goal for a long time received then. was missing and he had markedly different to now,” the 27-year-old Australian “It wasn’t the response that I made a decision about last season, when there said after another convincing was expecting,” said Day. “I mean, his future. was also considerable win in the US pGA tour’s bmW I expected to get a little bit, but media reports speculation about his Championship catapulted him to not the response that I got from suggested the future, but he ended the top. practically everyone.” 35-year-old, whose wife up staying while young Day led wire-to-wire, As his career progressed and is Japanese, was likely to Dane Kevin magnussen was jump-starting his run with a Day’s undeniable talent failed to announce at the Japanese Grand dropped to a reserve role. spectacular first-round 61, and yield a major title, the naysayers prix on Sunday that he would be then, with the car still an never looked back. gained steam. leaving F1 at the end of the year. unknown quantity, he was His 22-under total of 262 had but all that changed in August “the joy of being in the car is adamant he wanted to stay. echoes of his record-setting when he built on the momentum 20-under triumph at the pGA of another major near-miss at the Championship last month, where british Open to win the Canadian Indian cricket chief is dead Day at last broke through for his Open. first major title. Now with four wins in his OrmEr International Cricket right to host the 1987 and ’96 World His fifth win of the season last six events, he is on top Council (ICC) president Cups on the subcontinent. has him poised atop the FedEx of the world and can afford FJagmohan Dalmiya, hailed as He went on to become ICC Cup play-off standings, in pole to be magnanimous when the architect of India’s rise as the president from 1997 to 2000 and bCCI position to seize the $10m play-off contemplating his earlier critics. game’s financial superpower, president from ’01 to ’04. bonus at the season-ending tour “I would love to say, ‘I told passed away last Sunday. though Dalmiya Championship. you so’, but that wouldn’t be the 75-year-old returned as the bCCI but it is the No.1 ranking that very nice,” Day chuckled. “I president of the board of chief in march, he resonates with Day even though would still thank them because Control for Cricket in India was dogged by health he is the third man in three weeks that was kind of the fuel that lit (bCCI) died in a hospital in problems and had been to claim it after Jordan Spieth and the fire for me, especially with his hometown of Kolkata absent from recent board rory mcIlroy traded the top spot. the dedication over these last few after falling critically ill with meetings. Day said it was a dream he had years. I know that a lot of people a heart condition. His death triggered an nursed since childhood, when he were thinking against me on that.” Dalmiya first shot to fame when outpour of tributes, including he, along with bureaucrat Inderjit from legendary batsman Sachin Singh bindra, broke Australia and tendulkar and prime minister England’s hold on the ICC to win the Narendra modi. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 33

SPORT THIS WEEK

Croatia have named Ante Cacic as their new football coach. QATAR He replaced Niko Kovac, who SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 was sacked earlier this month FOOTBALL following their dismal Euro 2016 Qatar Stars League, Al Gharafa vs Al qualification campaign. Cacic, 61, Ahli, 6pm at Qatar SC Stadium, El who won the league-and-cup Jaish vs Al Khor, 6pm at Lekhwiya double with Dinamo Zagreb in Stadium, Lekhwiya vs Al Kharaitiyat, 8.15pm at Lekhwiya Stadium, Qatar ’12, is seen as the man to revive SC vs Al Arabi, 8.15pm at Qatar SC Croatia’s flagging fortunes in the Stadium. Euro Cup qualifiers. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 FOOTBALL Qatar Stars League, Al mesaimeer Veteran pakistan batsman vs Al Sailiya, 6pm at Al Arabi Stadium, Al Sadd vs Al Wakrah, Younis Khan is facing 6pm at Al Sadd Stadium, Al rayyan disciplinary action for lashing vs Umm Salal, 8.15pm at Al Sadd out at selectors when it became Stadium. clear he was to be dropped for next month’s One-Day International cricket series in Zimbabwe. the 37-year-old hit out a day before the squad was INTERNATIONAL announced. “If I’m not selected, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 TENNIS the one-day team won’t be able Atp at metz and St petersburg; WtA to stand up,” said Younis. at tokyo, Seoul, Guangzhou (till Sunday). THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 GOLF EpGA at European Open, bad Griesbach; USpGA at tour MOVERS&SHAKERS Championship, Atlanta (till Sunday). SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 CRICKET Zimbabwe vs pakistan, 1st t20I at Harare. Button hints at quitting MOTORSPORT Japanese Formula One Grand prix, Aragon motoGp. F1 by end of the year MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 TENNIS CYCLING Atp at Kuala Lumpur Shenzhen; WtA CLArEN driver Jenson only there if you’re fighting at the at Wuhan, tashkent (till October 4). Button has increased front, because you feel like you’re World road-racing Championships, richmond (till Sunday). TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 speculation he is set achieving something,” the 2009 M RUGBY CRICKET to retire from Formula One after world champion said after last World Cup in England (till October Zimbabwe vs pakistan, 2nd t20I at telling british reporters that week’s Singapore Grand prix. 31). Harare. the ‘joy’ of competing button’s words sounded was missing and he had markedly different to made a decision about last season, when there his future. was also considerable media reports speculation about his suggested the future, but he ended 35-year-old, whose wife up staying while young is Japanese, was likely to Dane Kevin magnussen was announce at the Japanese Grand dropped to a reserve role. prix on Sunday that he would be then, with the car still an leaving F1 at the end of the year. unknown quantity, he was “the joy of being in the car is adamant he wanted to stay. Indian cricket chief is dead

OrmEr International Cricket right to host the 1987 and ’96 World Council (ICC) president Cups on the subcontinent. FJagmohan Dalmiya, hailed as He went on to become ICC the architect of India’s rise as the president from 1997 to 2000 and bCCI game’s financial superpower, president from ’01 to ’04. passed away last Sunday. though Dalmiya the 75-year-old returned as the bCCI president of the board of chief in march, he Control for Cricket in India was dogged by health (bCCI) died in a hospital in problems and had been his hometown of Kolkata absent from recent board after falling critically ill with meetings. a heart condition. His death triggered an Dalmiya first shot to fame when outpour of tributes, including he, along with bureaucrat Inderjit from legendary batsman Sachin Singh bindra, broke Australia and tendulkar and prime minister England’s hold on the ICC to win the Narendra modi. 34 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 35

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HE limited edition of the strength, the new bespoke model LIFESTYLE rolls-royce Wraith Inspired by adds yet another unique twist to SPORTMART TFilm is now available in Qatar. an already impressive car, thus Wraith, the most powerful and appealing to the most discerning of Serena gives latest fashion looks dynamic rolls-royce in history, has our clientele who look for something experienced an overwhelmingly truly remarkable.” ErENA Williams put a brave to cheering fans at the end of the Wintour, the editor-in-chief of positive response from Qatari Wraith Inspired by Film features a face on her shock US Open show. Vogue as well as a powerful arbiter customers since its introduction in unique two-tone Silver and Jubilee Sdefeat, unveiling her latest Williams presented 23 looks — of style and huge tennis fan, chatted 2013. Silver paint scheme, with a fashion collection in New York all available for immediate purchase in the front row to Drake and rolls-royce motor Cars Doha is the solid-silver hand-cast Spirit of Ecstasy last week with Anna Wintour and online. model-of-the-moment Gigi Hadid. Wraith importer of the car, designed with elegantly propped on the bonnet. rumoured boyfriend Aubrey Drake the rumour mill went into the Serena Williams Signature the curious, confident and bold in the spectacular vehicle boasts an Graham in the front row. overdrive over Drake and Williams’s Statement for retailer HSN was mind. anthracite leather interior accented the tennis ace, whose dreams of relationship status after the practical, comfortable, affordable Alfardan Automobiles General with casden tan that exudes winning a calendar-year Grand Slam Canadian rapper kissed Williams’s and infused with the relaxed, of manager Ihab Allam said, “It’s with confidence and power like a modern were shattered in the semifinal at hand backstage and she used some everyday casual vibe one would great pleasure that we welcome super-hero’s costume while its steely Flushing meadows, looked beautiful of his music to accompany the expect from a sportswoman with a the the new Wraith ‘Inspired by Film’ character is suggested by a pin sharp in black and gave a bashful smile models down the runway. keen eye for style. titans! to Qatar. While we’ve experienced aluminium band shooting through great success with the Wraith model the maccassar Ebony open pore and expect it to go from strength to panelling. CAMEO HEALTH LG backs Yas Marina Circuit South Korea’s LG became the Official Weight-reducing op Electronics partner of the Yas marina Circuit, the home to Formula One’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand prix. helps type 2 diabetics LG will supply the circuit with screens and handheld devices on and off the HE benefits of weight-loss surgery for track as part of the deal. mildly obese people with type 2 diabetes can last at least five years, according to a T agreement with international new study. BMW stays with logistics company DHL. As part However, it is too early to say whether mildly of the deal, the ‘DHL winning obese people with diabetes live longer after DP World Tour pass’ award will be introduced for weight loss surgery than those who receive non- Low vitamin D German auto giant bmW agreed players who accumulate the most surgical treatments. levels linked to to extend its sponsorship of golf’s assists over the season. “the mortality data take a long time to show Dp World tour Championships up,” said Dr robin blackstone, a weight-loss memory loss until at least 2017. the deal will surgery expert who wrote an editorial on the new Older adults with low vitamin D see bmW continue as the official study in JAMA Surgery. levels may lose their memories car of the $8m tournament, which Weight-loss operations, or bariatric surgery, use and thinking abilities faster has Dubai-based port operator Dp World as the title sponsor. It various methods to shrink the size of the stomach. than those with normal vitamin D levels, US researchers say. will be held on the Earth course they reduce hunger and limit the body’s ability to at Jumeirah Golf Estates from absorb food. Dr Joshua W miller from Manchester United the rutgers University in November 19 to 22. New Jersey and a team at revenues fall the University of California’s manchester United’s revenues Davis’s Alzheimer’s Disease fell by 8.8 per cent last season, Center looked at the association but the club predicted record between blood levels of vitamin revenues of £500m D and changes in memory and BCCI to fly with to £510m for thinking ability in 318 adults 2015-16. over an average of five years. Air India United’s failure participants were an average to qualify for the board of Control for Cricket in BBC extends deal with of 76 years old, and included the lucrative India (bCCI) entered into a tie-up MEDIA 158 whites, 113 African Champions Wimbledon tennis with Air India. Accordingly, the Americans and 96 Hispanics. League saw airline will fly national team players, the BBC has ended fears of losing coverage of revenues for the period 2014-15 bCCI staff and officials. Air India Wimbledon tennis to pay-per-view television by fall by £38m to £395.2m, largely Watch Bundesliga more! also endorses Indian stars such as agreeing a three-year extension to the current due to losses in gate receipts Suresh raina, Harbhajan Singh, HE German bundesliga is the format, conceived by contract. and broadcasting income. A statement from the corporation said rights ACHIEVEMENT Yuvraj Singh and robin Uthappa. opening the doors to its the DFL and produced by meanwhile, Arsenal risked for television and radio coverage had been agreed unique vaults, offering renowned production companies, further criticism from supporters T until 2020. after accounts released showed historical footage and fresh includes more than 30 hours of “the BBC consistently delivers large national Forbes list more diverse than 1995 cash reserves having shot up to insight covering some 52 years of entertainment. Initially, around 50 audiences for Wimbledon and they deliver those £193m in may while only one professional football via a episodes will be available in eight audiences with high-quality production values, HE world’s highest-paid endorsements, up significantly highest among the eight new senior player (goalkeeper video-on-demand service. different categories , including live across multiple platforms and always with athletes are a much richer from the $490m made by the non-Americans who made it to petr Cech) was signed in the Sky Germany, which has been ‘Liga legends’, ‘the best goals’, ‘my a strong narrative,” said All England Club Chief and more international highest earners in 1995. the ’95 list. recent transfer window. that Executive richard Lewis. T signed up as the first partner, will season’ and ‘Season finals’. group than those who dominated Among those on the current American boxer Floyd DHL delivers Indian figure is an increase of £20m. be offering the programme content the material includes the same list 20 years ago, Forbes list, 21 were born outside the mayweather Jr was the runaway Super League to its customers via the ‘bundesliga historical footage and original tV said last week. US, including four of the top five. leader atop the current list with — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment Collection’. commentaries as well as the top 40 earners in sports over by comparison, former Formula $300m while in ’95, Hall of Fame the Indian Super League football www.csm.com the DFL is currently in talks with recently-recorded reminiscences by the last year combined to earn One driver michael Schumacher basketball player michael Jordan signed a major sponsorship @FastTrack_ME further potential partners. well-known contemporaries. $1.9bn in prize money, salary and of Germany, ranked ninth, was led the list with $43.9m. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 35

LIFESTYLE Serena gives latest fashion looks

ErENA Williams put a brave to cheering fans at the end of the Wintour, the editor-in-chief of face on her shock US Open show. Vogue as well as a powerful arbiter Sdefeat, unveiling her latest Williams presented 23 looks — of style and huge tennis fan, chatted fashion collection in New York all available for immediate purchase in the front row to Drake and last week with Anna Wintour and online. model-of-the-moment Gigi Hadid. rumoured boyfriend Aubrey Drake the rumour mill went into the Serena Williams Signature Graham in the front row. overdrive over Drake and Williams’s Statement for retailer HSN was the tennis ace, whose dreams of relationship status after the practical, comfortable, affordable winning a calendar-year Grand Slam Canadian rapper kissed Williams’s and infused with the relaxed, were shattered in the semifinal at hand backstage and she used some everyday casual vibe one would Flushing meadows, looked beautiful of his music to accompany the expect from a sportswoman with a in black and gave a bashful smile models down the runway. keen eye for style. CAMEO HEALTH LG backs Yas Marina Circuit South Korea’s LG became the Official Weight-reducing op Electronics partner of the Yas marina Circuit, the home to Formula One’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand prix. helps type 2 diabetics LG will supply the circuit with screens and handheld devices on and off the HE benefits of weight-loss surgery for track as part of the deal. mildly obese people with type 2 diabetes can last at least five years, according to a T agreement with international new study. BMW stays with logistics company DHL. As part However, it is too early to say whether mildly of the deal, the ‘DHL winning obese people with diabetes live longer after DP World Tour pass’ award will be introduced for weight loss surgery than those who receive non- Low vitamin D German auto giant bmW agreed players who accumulate the most surgical treatments. levels linked to to extend its sponsorship of golf’s assists over the season. “the mortality data take a long time to show Dp World tour Championships up,” said Dr robin blackstone, a weight-loss memory loss until at least 2017. the deal will surgery expert who wrote an editorial on the new Older adults with low vitamin D see bmW continue as the official study in JAMA Surgery. levels may lose their memories car of the $8m tournament, which Weight-loss operations, or bariatric surgery, use and thinking abilities faster has Dubai-based port operator Dp World as the title sponsor. It various methods to shrink the size of the stomach. than those with normal vitamin D levels, US researchers say. will be held on the Earth course they reduce hunger and limit the body’s ability to at Jumeirah Golf Estates from absorb food. Dr Joshua W miller from Manchester United the rutgers University in November 19 to 22. New Jersey and a team at revenues fall the University of California’s manchester United’s revenues Davis’s Alzheimer’s Disease fell by 8.8 per cent last season, Center looked at the association but the club predicted record between blood levels of vitamin revenues of £500m D and changes in memory and BCCI to fly with to £510m for thinking ability in 318 adults 2015-16. over an average of five years. Air India United’s failure participants were an average to qualify for the board of Control for Cricket in of 76 years old, and included the lucrative India (bCCI) entered into a tie-up 158 whites, 113 African Champions with Air India. Accordingly, the Americans and 96 Hispanics. League saw airline will fly national team players, revenues for the period 2014-15 bCCI staff and officials. Air India fall by £38m to £395.2m, largely also endorses Indian stars such as due to losses in gate receipts Suresh raina, Harbhajan Singh, and broadcasting income. ACHIEVEMENT Yuvraj Singh and robin Uthappa. meanwhile, Arsenal risked further criticism from supporters after accounts released showed Forbes list more diverse than 1995 cash reserves having shot up to £193m in may while only one HE world’s highest-paid endorsements, up significantly highest among the eight new senior player (goalkeeper athletes are a much richer from the $490m made by the non-Americans who made it to petr Cech) was signed in the Tand more international highest earners in 1995. the ’95 list. recent transfer window. that group than those who dominated Among those on the current American boxer Floyd DHL delivers Indian figure is an increase of £20m. the same list 20 years ago, Forbes list, 21 were born outside the mayweather Jr was the runaway Super League said last week. US, including four of the top five. leader atop the current list with — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment the top 40 earners in sports over by comparison, former Formula $300m while in ’95, Hall of Fame the Indian Super League football www.csm.com the last year combined to earn One driver michael Schumacher basketball player michael Jordan signed a major sponsorship @FastTrack_ME $1.9bn in prize money, salary and of Germany, ranked ninth, was led the list with $43.9m. 36 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 37

CLOSE-UP DSP/ Vinod Divakaran Vinod DSP/

ššTable topper! ŢšKeen tussle! ŢšEye-to-eye! Chinese taipei’s Ko pin Al Khor’s Julio Cesar fights the Netherlands’ thiemo de bakker Yi eyes a shot during for the ball with Al Arabi’s returns to hosts Switzerland’s the World 9-ball pool Abdullah marafiya, left, and roger Federer during their Davis Championship final against boualem Khoukhi during their Cup tennis World Group play-off in USA’s Shane Van boening in Qatar Stars League football Geneva. Federer won 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 Doha. Yi won 13-11. match in Doha. Arabi won 1-0. to guide his country to victory. AFP/ Emmanuel Dunand AFP/

şŢTough tackle! šŢUp & above! ŢŢAll focused! Canada’s D t H van der Hosts France’s Nicolas batum, Japan’s Kento momota returns to Hong merwe, right, is challenged centre, vies with Spain’s pau ribas Kong’s Wei Nan during their Korea Open by Ireland’s Ian madigan during their Eurobasket semifinal Superseries badminton quarterfinal in during their rugby World in Lille. Spain won 80-75 and Seoul. momota won 21-13, 21-16, but Cup pool D match in Cardiff, went on to clinch the title, beating lost to eventual champion China’s Chen Wales. Ireland won 50-7. Lithuania 80-63 in the final. Long in the last four. AFP/ Loic Venance AFP/ AFP/Fabrice Coffrini AFP/Fabrice AFP/Jung Yeon-Je AFP/Jung DSP/A K BijuRaj DSP/A www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 37 AFP/ Emmanuel Dunand AFP/

şŢTough tackle! šŢUp & above! ŢŢAll focused! Canada’s D t H van der Hosts France’s Nicolas batum, Japan’s Kento momota returns to Hong merwe, right, is challenged centre, vies with Spain’s pau ribas Kong’s Wei Nan during their Korea Open by Ireland’s Ian madigan during their Eurobasket semifinal Superseries badminton quarterfinal in during their rugby World in Lille. Spain won 80-75 and Seoul. momota won 21-13, 21-16, but Cup pool D match in Cardiff, went on to clinch the title, beating lost to eventual champion China’s Chen Wales. Ireland won 50-7. Lithuania 80-63 in the final. Long in the last four. AFP/ Loic Venance AFP/ AFP/Jung Yeon-Je AFP/Jung 38 WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 39

3 7 1 5 3 1 It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSp. 9 MIND 5 7 SQUARE4 Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE 5 3 7 9 1 8 6 8

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 24 | CUE SPORTS ATTITUDE CHANGE NEEDED ORCOLLO, THE ACE OF BAIZE 7 6 2 4 Seriousness, proper education and Dennis Orcollo, the star attraction at the discipline are important to raise the ongoing World 9-Ball Pool Championship, standard of teams in the Gulf region. talks about his thirst for success. SCDL lauds role of Indian community SUDOKU-491 8 5 The Supreme Committee for Delivery said Qatar’s Indian community would not only to Qatar, but to you as well. We udoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 3 7 1 5 2 4 9 8 WEDNESDAY, SEpTEmBER 16, 2015 | Vol X | No.29 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on and Legacy (SCDL) joined India’s play an integral role in the organisation look forward to working together for 9x9 grid with several given numbers. Independence Day celebrations of 2022 FIFA World Cup. the next seven years,” said Al Khater. S the object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in 3 1 organised by the Indian Cultural Centre “The Indian community has been in Indian Ambassador to Qatar Sanjiv the empty squares so that each row, each column and at the Diplomatic Club last week. Qatar for long. You form an integral part Arora was among the dignitaries each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. SCDL Assistant Secretary General for of our society and our progress. I want present. 9 5 7 4 Tournament Affairs Nasser Al Khater to make sure this World Cup belongs SCDL sent the details and photographs. Solution-490 5 3 1 7 5 6 8 4 3 9 2

Comeback campaigners Al Rayyan make their intentions loud and clear 2 9 8 3 5 7 4 1 6 by thumping Al Sailiya in the Qatar 7 9 1 8 Stars League’s lung opener. pAGES 8-11 DSP/Mohan

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 12 | FOOTBALL P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 Zero tolerance SEBASTIEN Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE 3 4 6 9 1 2 5 7 8 Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW on fan trouble OGIER 4 3 1 5 2 9 6 8 7 6 8 5 6 9 8 7 1 2 4 3 7 6 2 4 Al Rayyan back to 8 2 7 4 3 6 1 5 9 where they belong 7 5 2 1 6 8 9 3 4 8 5 It’s great to see Al rayyan mark their return to the 6 1 4 7 9 3 8 2 5 Qatar Stars League after a one-season gap with a 9 8 3 2 4 5 7 6 1 2 4 9 8 thumping win (Doha Stadium Plus, September 16). the team looked in fine nick while routing Sailiya 4-0 in the lung opener. Aspire Zone Foundation rayyan, coached by Uruguayan Jorge Fossati, have a bunch of good players. Qatar international extends helping hand Sebastian Soria gives the attack a potent look The Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) support. The AZF has always been a while rodrigo tabata is one of the best players in strengthened its ties with Sheikh big help and we’re happy with our the country when it comes to orchestrating the Thani bin Abdullah Foundation for continued collaboration,” said the TOP TWEETS midfield. Humanitarian Services last week by foundation’s Manager of Marketing, the Lions, undoubtedly, are one of the most donating 4,000 clothing items to be Media and Public Relations Ali Yousef attractive sides in the league this time. distributed to people in need around Al Kuwari. Nasser Al Rumaihi, Doha. the world. AZF staff also made donations towards “We want to thank the AZF for this supporting people in Somalia and the generous initiative which comes at a Philippines. The match between arch-rivals Chelsea and Arsenal was always time when our brothers and sisters Mohammed Hassan sent the details expected to be a fiery affair. Sure enough, tempers flared quickly Big test awaits Belmadi around the region are in need of such and photograph. as Chelsea’s1 Diego7 Costa5 riled6 his rivals8 with aggressive4 3 tactics. 9 2 Lekhwiya’s defeat in the AFC Champions League He grappled with Laurent Koscielny, pushing the Frenchman in quarterfinal(Doha Stadium Plus, September 16) the face with his hands before catching him with a flailing arm, which 2 prompted 9 Gabriel8 to come3 to the5 aid of7 his fellow4 defender. 1 6 was sad news to Qatar football. Costa was soon tussling with Gabriel and both were booked, the cops were the only Qatari side in the but the Brazilian naively fell for the tricks of the Spaniard who knockout stage and a semifinal berth would’ve continued 3 the4 altercation 6 and9 induced 1 a retaliation2 from5 him. 7 8 enhanced their reputation on the continent. Referee Mike Dean flashed the red card after Costa claimed he Lekhwiya have been consistent performers in the had been kicked. While Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho felt Costa last two seasons, particularly last term, when they deserved 4 to be3 the ‘man1 of the5 match,’ 2 a majority9 of fans6 begged8 7 were coached by michael Laudrup. to disagree. Taking to Twitter, they were quite critical of the player. Here are some reactions. His replacement Djamel belmadi will now be QVA ties up with Suliman & Brothers 5 6 9 8 7 1 2 4 3 under pressure to defend the league title. The Qatar Volleyball Association Board member Ali Haider Suliman volleyball pair of Cherif Younousse Mohammad Al Sulaiti, Doha. michael owen Piers Morgan with hitler, bin laden and like standing up (QVA) has signed an agreement Al Haider signed the deal. and Jefferson Pereira, who reached @themichaelowen @piersmorgan 8Diego 2Costa... 7 4 3to a bully6 who1 harasses 5 9 with real estate firm Suliman As per the agreement, the company the quarterfinal of the FIVB massive injustice at Going to church now for I’d shoot Diego Costa..... people and later its u Amazing Nasser & Brothers for the forthcoming logo will feature prominently on World Championships held in the Stamford bridge. my cousin’s wedding. Will twice. who gets punished ! domestic season. the jerseys of players in the league Netherlands in July. Costa gets away with pray for Diego Costa’s sins, 7 5 2 1 6#Costa 8 9 3 4 Amazing is probably the apt word to describe QVA President Khalid Ali Al and cup tournaments. Mohammad Malas sent the details a red Card and Arsenal the filthy cheat. Stacie Dawson Qatari star Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (Doha Stadium Mawlawi and Suliman & Brothers The QVA also honoured the beach and photograph. go down to 10 men @stacie_dawson Tushar Kamath Plus, September 16). seconds later. ChaitanYa 6I love 1Diego Costa!!4 that7 9@GlorifiedUnited 3 8 2 5 It’s absolutely incredible that he manages to @CechmateChait is all I dare Costa to play this compete in two different sports — shooting and Spencer FC Every Club: Fans are our provocations game with Galfar, United @SpencerOwen 12th man. 9Bob Wilson8 3 2 4r oy Keane.5 He’ll7 be torn6 1 motor sports — at the highest level. He’s greatly Diego Costa cares not for Chelsea: Since we don’t @bobWilsonbWSC into two pieces with one talented, and has the passion, discipline as well sportsmanship. have fans, ref is our 12th Another game ruined by being thrown in brazil, as mental toughness to back his skill. that’s what reign supreme man. @ChelseaFC @ match officials’ inability other in Spain. makes him a champion. Rizlan scored 40 to steer Galfar Al Misnad to a Elizabeth Ammon diegocosta to see the full picture Abdullah Mansour, Doha. @legsidelizzy #CFCvAFC TweetChelseaFC five-wicket win over Commercial Bank in the Qatar Diego Costa seems like GP MORGAN @tweetChelseaFC Cricket Association’s Sprite Stars T20 Super League final the sort of chap my @parisbent Harish Lets be honest, if you Djokovic is the king at the Asian Town Stadium. Put in to bat, the bank men mother wouldn’t have Nice performance from @harishAFC had Diego Costa in your were restricted to 92 for eight. Saman was the pick of approved of. Diego Costa and mike Football isn’t football side, you would love Novak Djokovic proved he’s the world’s best tennis Galfar bowlers with figures of two for 12. Dean. ref mike Dean won wen u have ppl like Costa him. player by beating roger Federer in the US Open Meanwhile, riding on Shijith’s all-round brilliance Hayley man of the match. playing it. that guy has no final (Doha Stadium Plus, September 16). (101, four for 23), United Challengers beat Strikers Club by 52 runs to win the junior category final. @HayleyWright place in a sport field. Footy Humour Federer was the crowd favourite, but the Serb Batting first, United posted 166 for eight and bowled Is Costa Coffee anything the_go_to_cech @FootyHumour simply was unstoppable. Djokovic’s mental to do with Diego Costa? I @morrow_7 Romeo Diego Costa would start out their opponents for 114. toughness also played a key role in his victory over don’t care. I’m never going If I had a gun with 2 bullets @Arsenal490304 a fight with his own Former star Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in there again. and was locked in a room this is soo frustrating. Its reflection in the mirror. the Swiss maestro. Way to go champion! awarded the winners. Allan Steward, Doha. Jamshaid Ahmad sent the details and photograph. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, SEptEmbEr 23, 2015 39

It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSp. Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE

SCDL lauds role of Indian community The Supreme Committee for Delivery said Qatar’s Indian community would not only to Qatar, but to you as well. We and Legacy (SCDL) joined India’s play an integral role in the organisation look forward to working together for Independence Day celebrations of 2022 FIFA World Cup. the next seven years,” said Al Khater. organised by the Indian Cultural Centre “The Indian community has been in Indian Ambassador to Qatar Sanjiv at the Diplomatic Club last week. Qatar for long. You form an integral part Arora was among the dignitaries SCDL Assistant Secretary General for of our society and our progress. I want present. Tournament Affairs Nasser Al Khater to make sure this World Cup belongs SCDL sent the details and photographs.

Aspire Zone Foundation extends helping hand The Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) support. The AZF has always been a strengthened its ties with Sheikh big help and we’re happy with our Thani bin Abdullah Foundation for continued collaboration,” said the Humanitarian Services last week by foundation’s Manager of Marketing, donating 4,000 clothing items to be Media and Public Relations Ali Yousef distributed to people in need around Al Kuwari. the world. AZF staff also made donations towards “We want to thank the AZF for this supporting people in Somalia and the generous initiative which comes at a Philippines. time when our brothers and sisters Mohammed Hassan sent the details around the region are in need of such and photograph.

QVA ties up with Suliman & Brothers The Qatar Volleyball Association Board member Ali Haider Suliman volleyball pair of Cherif Younousse (QVA) has signed an agreement Al Haider signed the deal. and Jefferson Pereira, who reached with real estate firm Suliman As per the agreement, the company the quarterfinal of the FIVB & Brothers for the forthcoming logo will feature prominently on World Championships held in the domestic season. the jerseys of players in the league Netherlands in July. QVA President Khalid Ali Al and cup tournaments. Mohammad Malas sent the details Mawlawi and Suliman & Brothers The QVA also honoured the beach and photograph. Galfar, United reign supreme Rizlan scored 40 to steer Galfar Al Misnad to a five-wicket win over Commercial Bank in the Qatar Cricket Association’s Sprite Stars T20 Super League final at the Asian Town Stadium. Put in to bat, the bank men were restricted to 92 for eight. Saman was the pick of Galfar bowlers with figures of two for 12. Meanwhile, riding on Shijith’s all-round brilliance (101, four for 23), United Challengers beat Strikers Club by 52 runs to win the junior category final. Batting first, United posted 166 for eight and bowled out their opponents for 114. Former star Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar awarded the winners. Jamshaid Ahmad sent the details and photograph. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

Eid Mubarak! The management, Editor-in-Chief and staff of Doha Stadium Plus extend warm greetings to all its readers on the happy occasion of Eid Al Adha.

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