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Thursday, November 8, 2018 CRICKET Safar 30, 1440 AH Foakes, spinners GULF TIMES put England on top in Galle Test SPORT Page 2 SPOTLIGHT Tight battle expected for GCT runner-up position Doha will also provide the last chance for individual riders to qualify for the GCT Super Grand Prix at the Playoff s in Prague

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

ith British rider Ben Maher hav- ing already sealed the title, the Glo- Wbal Champions Tour fi nals at Al Shaqab will see intense battle for the runner-up position. Seven riders are still in contention to fi nish behind Maher, who, with 284 points from 15 rounds, has taken an unassailable lead and will be crowned as new champion on Saturday. Alberto Zorzi is currently sec- ond with 237 points, but the Ital- ian has just a four-point lead over last year’s overall champion Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands. But what makes it interesting is the The vet check for the horses was held at Al Shaqab yesterday. fact that just 28 points separate Zorzi and eighth-placed Christian fi ed for the GCL Super Cup at the fold between the teams currently and test themselves against other Ahlmann of Germany. And with Playoff s and Sheikh Ali was proud in 3rd, 4th and 5th places on the best talents in the country over a 40 points for a win at Al Shaqab, of the achievement and was hop- ranking. Miami Celtics on 244 gruelling 12 legs, which is spread the battle for second place can ing for a podium fi nish at his home points are only nine points ahead over six months. swing many ways. event. “We did our best and we of Rome Gladiators and they are Germany’s Daniel Deusser at could also do better but in another only one point in front of Shang- Global Champions Tour fourth place has 233 points, while way we are happy that we have hai Swans. These highly com- schedule Briton Scott Brash holds fi fth spot at least qualifi ed for the fi nal in petitive teams are fi elding their Today: 2:45pm: CSI 5* Two phases with a tally of 225. Two-time GCT Prague which was the ambition for star performers to ensure they 1.45m (€25.000); 5:45pm: CSI 5* Grand Prix winner Nicola Philip- us this year and we are looking to fi nish in the top 4 to go into the GCL of Doha Round 1 - 1.50/1.55m paerts of Belgium sits in sixth with have a podium in Doha this year,” GC Playoff s. (€60.000 to individual class 219 and two-time GCT title holder he said. Further down the ranking 6th winners) Edwina Tops-Alexander of Aus- Al Shaqab will also play host to place Montreal Diamonds, 7th Tomorrow: 4:30pm: CSI tralia is on 212 overall. the fi nals of the team competi- place Scandinavian Vikings and 5* Against-the-clock 1.45m Smolders said he was eager to tion – Global Champions League, 8th place St Tropez Pirates will (€50.000); 6:30pm: CSI 5* Against- fi nish on the podium this week- Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani (L) and Bassem Mohamed will be hoping for a home win at the which is set for a fascinating cli- be aiming for a podium spot to the-clock with jump-off 1.50/1.55m end, with the Dutchman needing Global Champions Tour at Al Shaqab. PICTURE: Lotfi Garsi max to the season. have a last chance to move up (€145.000) to fi nish in the top 15. He will part- Only 16 out of 19 teams can into the top 4. On Saturday: 2:30pm: CSI 5* GCL ner 14–year-old Stallion Don VHP must-win situation to fi nish third Champions League Super Cup at won silver at the Asian Games in qualify for the new GC Play- Meanwhile, the third leg of of Doha Round 2 - 1.55/1.60m Z N.O.P., and the two have history in the overall championship. The the Playoff s. Jakarta, said it will be a big test off s in Prague in December and the Hathab National Equestrian (€95.000 to individual class of producing top performance to- Australian, is a regular to Doha, For local fans, they will be eager for him as he pairs up with an in- the top four teams will be fast- series will also be held simulta- winners); 5:45pm: CSI 5* Longines gether. and will fancy her chances. Tops- to see another home rider emerge experienced horse. “I will be rid- tracked to the semi-fi nals of neously with the GCT tomorrow Global Champions Tour Grand The pair won in Hamburg Alexander will be astride Califor- triumphant. Last year, Bassem ing a young horse, which does not the GC Playoff s. There are two and on Saturday. A brainchild of Prix of Doha - 1.60m (€375.000) and fi nished third in Paris. “It all nia and Inca Boy van T Vianahof as Hassan Mohamed thrilled the have much experience. But it has teams in contention to win the HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al- Hathab schedule comes down to Doha. If I look at she goes all out for a win. crowd by becoming the fi rst Qatar lot of potential, and we won the trophy - London Knights on 323 Thani, President of the Qatar Ol- Tomorrow: 9am: Against the the scores at the moment, it is Doha will also provide the last rider to taste a GCT Grand Prix win bronze at the Asian Games. I hope points and Valkenswaard United ympic Committee, Hathab was a clock NO Jump Off 1.00/1.15m; very, very close from second to chance for individual riders to at Al Shaqab. While Bassem will that I can produce a top quality on 300 points. Both teams have runaway success in its inaugural 2pm: Against the clock WITH eighth place, with any of those qualify for the GCT Super Grand be going for an encore, there are performance here. We have been been locked in thrilling combat season. Jump Off 1.20/1.30m riders able to fi nish on the podium. Prix at the Playoff s in Prague in hopes that his compatriot Sheikh working hard with it in the last few at 15 events this season and the The series – worth QR1mn in Saturday: 9am: Against the clock I defi nitely want to take my chanc- December. And the top 16 teams in Ali bin Khalid al-Thani will stand weeks, so we will see how it goes. battle is set to go down the wire overall prize money – provides NO Jump Off 1.15/1.25m; 11:50am: es,” Smolders said. the fi nal overall ranking after Doha on top of the podium of this time. It will be a big test for us,” he said. in Doha. an opportunity for young riders Against the clock with Jump Off Tops-Alexander is facing a will go also through to the Global Sheikh Ali, who earlier this year Doha Fursan Qatar has quali- Another great contest will un- from Qatar to gain experience 1.30/1.45m

FOOTBALL CRICKET Infantino: only ‘slim chance’ Boult hat-trick fuels New Zealand’s of 48-team World Cup in 2022 win over Pakistan in Abu Dhabi ODI

DPA “It would be great if it works out but AFP seventh wicket. Zurich it is also great if it doesn’t work out. We Abu Dhabi Boult exposed Pakistan’s batting will have a great tournament, no matter woes early on, bowling Zaman off his what.” By the time of the Miami meeting pads before having Azam caught at slip decision on a possible expan- a FIFA task force, headed by Infantino, rent Boult became the third and then trapping Hafeez leg-before sion of the 2022 World Cup will have completed its look into the New Zealand bowler to claim with a sharp inswinging delivery. from 32 to 48 teams will be controversial Club World Cup and Na- a one-day international hat- He joined fast bowlers Danny Mor- Amade in March at the latest, tions League issue which is backed by trick as his side defeated Pa- rison (v India at Napier in 1999) and and the chances of it happening are slim, 25bn dollars from so far unnamed inves- kistanT by 47 runs in the fi rst match in Shane Bond (v Australia at Hobart in FIFA president Gianni Infantino has tors, the FIFA boss said. Abu Dhabi yesterday. 2007) as the only New Zealanders to said. Infantino confi rmed to DPA that The task force was set up recently ow- Pace spearhead Boult reduced Paki- take an ODI hat-trick. the FIFA Council will decide on the issue ing to pressure from critics within the stan to 8 for 3 in their chase of 267 after Imam-ul-Haq (34) and Shoaib Ma- at its March 14-15 meeting in Miami, and FIFA Council, mainly from Europe, who he dismissed Fakhar Zaman (one), Ba- lik (30) added 63 for the fourth wicket he also expects a decision there on the want more information on the investors bar Azam (nought) and Mohamed Ha- but both fell in successive overs be- introduction of an expanded Club World and possible tournament formats. feez (nought) in the third over. Trent Boult celebrates his hat-trick fore the Sarfraz-Wasim stand briefl y Cup and global Nations League. Infantino dismissed the criticism He fi nished with fi gures of 3 for 54 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. reignited hopes. Football’s ruling body FIFA has al- on a new-look Club World Cup and at as Pakistan were bowled out for 219 in ready approved the expansion to 48 the same time criticised alleged plans 47.2 overs. Veteran batsman Ross Taylor top- BRIEF SCORES teams for the 2026 tournament in the of a breakaway Super League, insisting “It’s nice to be back out there and scored with 80 while wicketkeeper New Zealand: 266 for 9 in 50 overs United States, Mexico and Canada, and that the Club World Cup “is the better get the win for the boys,” said Boult, Tom Latham struck 68 off 64 balls to (Ross Taylor 80, T. Latham 68, FIFA is now looking into a South Ameri- Super League” because it would take who missed the 3-0 loss in the preced- lead New Zealand to 266-9 after they Shaheen 4-46, Shadab 4-38) can proposal to have 48 teams in 2022 in This picture taken on February 29, 2016 place within existing federation struc- ing Twenty20 series due to the birth of won the toss and batted at Sheikh Za- Pakistan: 219 all out in 47.2 overs Qatar as well. shows FIFA president Gianni Infantino tures. Infantino also threatened players his child. yed Stadium. (Sarfraz Ahmed 64, Imad Wasim 50, But Infantino is skeptical that this will (L) and Swiss prosecutor Rinaldo Arnold from clubs who would perform in such “The hat-trick ball I was just trying In response Pakistan crumbled to Boult 3-54, Ferguson 3-36) become reality, saying: “The chance is during a football match organised after a breakaway league with World Cup ex- to make him play and to slide one onto 85-6, before Sarfraz Ahmed (64) and slim. We are trying it. Infantino’s election in Zurich. clusion. the pads is a great feeling.” Imad Wasim (50) added 103 for the Result: New Zealand won by 47 runs Gulf Times 2 Thursday, November 8, 2018 CRICKET

SL VS ENG, DAY 2, 1ST TEST SOUTH AFRICA’S TOUR OF AUSTRALIA Marsh hopeful abscess problem Foakes, spinners behind him: Carey

Reuters Melbourne

ustralia batsman put England on Shaun Marsh is hope- ful of playing in the second one-day inter- nationalA against South Africa to- morrow after having surgery on an abscess on his buttock, team- mate Alex Carey said yesterday. Marsh missed the six-wicket top in Galle Test thrashing by South Africa in the series-opener in Perth on Sun- day due to the problem, with Bangladesh dismiss Zimbabwe for 181 in their second innings but face record chase Ben McDermott brought into the “We’re really confi dent still, squad as cover. obviously the conditions were “He is pretty positive that he’ll quite tough over there (in Perth) Scorecard be right for Friday,” vice-captain but that’s no excuse,” said the Carey told reporters in Adelaide. wicketkeeper-batsman. ENGLAND 1st inn (o/n 321-8) “Shaun obviously (in the) last “The work we’re doing off the R. Burns c Dickwella b Lakmal 9 series over in England was sen- fi eld with JL (coach Justin Lang- sational, he scored two hundreds er) and the players coming in, K. Jennings b Perera 46 for us. we’re doing so much good stuff M. Ali b Lakmal 0 “So for SOS (Marsh) to come and it’s going to start to show.” J. Root b Herath 35 in at three and probably play a bit Australia went with a four- of an anchor role around some of pronged pace attack in Perth but B. Stokes b Perera 7 those top order explosive play- it was unable to do much to halt J. Buttler c Dickwella b Perera 38 ers... it’s a little bit of stability up South Africa’s charge to victory, B. Foakes c De Silva b Lakmal 107 the top, hopefully.” and the hosts are likely to bring in S. Curran c Chandimal b De Silva 48 Australia were skittled for 152 a spinner for Adelaide. by South Africa’s formidable at- South Australia legspinner A. Rashid c De Silva b Perera 35 tack and slumped to their 17th Adam Zampa will be a chance to J. Leach c de Silva b Perera 15 defeat in 19 matches, raising bowl on his home wicket if selec- J. Anderson not out 0 alarm bells only seven months tors overlook left-arm spinner out from their World Cup de- Ashton Agar. Extras (b1, lb1) 2 fence in England. “If it’s Zampa, if it’s Agar, if it’s Total (all out, 97 overs) 342 The team has also had to battle the same four quicks, I defi nitely Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Burns), 2-10 (Ali), distractions caused by a scathing think we have got the bowling at- 3-72 (Root), 4-98 (Jennings), 5-103 cultural review into Cricket Aus- tack to go through South Africa,” (Stokes), 6-164 (Buttler), 7-252 (Curran), tralia commissioned in the wake said Carey. 8-306 (Rashid), 9-330 (Leach), 10-342 of the Cape Town ball-tamper- “Obviously the batters, hope- (Foakes) ing scandal. fully, get a few more runs on the Cricket pundits have lined up board. Bowling: Lakmal 18-5-73-3, Perera to put the boot into Aaron Finch’s “But Adam Zampa (on his) 31-6-75-5, Dananjaya 20-2-96-1, Herath team and their brittle batting or- home deck, I’m sure he’s really 25-4-78-1, De Silva 3-0-18-0 der, but Carey said the side were excited and hopeful to be in the primed to turn a corner. side.” SRI LANKA 1st inn D. Karunaratne c Foakes b Anderson 4 K. Silva lbw b Curran 1AFTERMATH England’s wicketkeeper Ben Foakes (right) celebrates after taking a catch to dismiss Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya on second day of K. Mendis b Ali 14 the first Test at Galle, Sri Lanka, yesterday. (Reuters) D. de Silva c Stokes b Leach 19 A. Mathews c Jennings b Ali 52 Bangladesh coach AFP there with the boys. A great a hundred in his fi rst Test. for early tea. Galle, Sri Lanka day for us. It was always nice Burns, who injured his D. Chandimal st Foakes b Rashid 33 for a spinner to get some pur- MATHEWS’ GRIT shoulder blades at the base N. Dickwella c Buttler b Ali 28 vows to bounce back chase on a wicket like this, I For Sri Lanka, Angelo Math- of his neck after trying to ngland spinners led by got into things quite early on,” ews top-scored with 52 and duck under a sweep shot from D. Perera c Buttler b Leach 21 Moeen Ali helped dis- said Leach, who made an im- put on a crucial 75-run stand Dickwella, came back to fi eld, A. Dananjaya c Foakes b Ali 0 from Zimbabwe loss miss Sri Lanka for 203 pact with his left-arm spin in for the fi fth wicket with skip- much to the delight of the S. Lakmal c Anderson b Rashid 15 and build on their ad- just his second Test for Eng- per Dinesh Chandimal, who English fans. AFP and that’s what I love about the vantageE after wicketkeeper- land. made 33, to frustrate the op- The biggest cheer though R. Herath not out 14 Bangladeshi dressing room. They Sylhet, Bangladesh batsman Ben Foakes’ debut “Massive infl uence Moeen position bowlers. was reserved for the retiring Extras (lb2) 2 keep surprising me and they keep ton in the fi rst Test yesterday. has been great to be around Rashid broke the key stand Rangana Herath who walked in Total (all out, 68 overs) 203 bouncing back,” Rhodes told re- The islanders conceded and good banter when he’s after getting Chandimal amid a rousing reception as the angladesh coach Steve porters in Sylhet. Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Karunaratne), 2-10 a 139-run lead in response around in the change room. stumped on a classic leg- English team lined up to receive Rhodes yesterday prom- “Certainly the only thing that (Silva), 3-34 (Mendis), 4-40 (De Silva), to England’s 342 after being “We are enjoying it...Jimmy spinner but Mathews went on the spin legend in the middle. ised his team would went wrong in this game was our 5-115 (Chandimal), 6-136 (Mathews), bowled out in the fi nal session (Anderson) and (Sam) Curran to register his 30th Test 50. He remained unbeaten on bounce back from their batting in the fi rst innings. We 7-171 (Dickwella), 8-173 (Dananjaya), of play on day two on a turn- bowled really well at the top He did not trouble the scor- 14 after Rashid got the fi nal openingB Test defeat against Zim- lost the toss when there was not 9-175 (Perera), 10-203 (Lakmal) ing Galle pitch notorious for and took the pressure off us,” ers after the tea break as Ali wicket Suranga Lakmal for 15. babwe to square the two-Test se- much happening and we did a its low scores. Leach said of England’s bowl- got the dangerman trudging Herath, 40, bids farewell to Bowling: Anderson 10-0-26-1, Curran ries in Dhaka. great job in bowling them out for Ali claimed four wickets ing attack. back to the pavilion in the fi rst his international career at the 6-1-16-1, Leach 18-2-41-2, Ali 21-4-66-4, Zimbabwe thrashed Bangla- 282,” he said. and was ably supported by But it was Foakes who stood over of the fi nal session. start of the three-match se- Rashid 9-1-30-2, Stokes 4-0-22-0 desh by 151 runs in the fi rst Test “Then we needed 350 or 400 fellow spinners Jack Leach out with his patient yet eff ec- Dilruwan Perera, who ries at his favourite hunting in the northeastern city of Syl- and if we didn’t get that score ground that accounts for 100 and Adil Rashid who took two tive batting in England’s fi rst picked up fi ve wickets in the ENGLAND 2nd inn het, posting their fi rst Test win then it was always going to be each. essay to give the team a chal- England innings, crossed — he got to the mark in Eng- in fi ve years since they defeated diffi cult batting last. England were 38 for no loss lenging total after electing to 1000 Test runs on his way to land’s innings after getting R. Burns not out 11 Pakistan at Harare in 2013. “So we missed an opportunity at stumps in their second in- bat fi rst. 21. He became the fastest Sri skipper Joe Root out for 35 — K. Jennings not out 26 Bangladesh were heavily criti- in our fi rst innings batting and nings, stretching their lead The 25-year-old Foakes, Lankan to claim a double of of his 431 Test victims. Extras (lb1) 1 cised for their poor show in the there was nothing wrong with to 177 runs. Debutant Rory who replaced injured Jonny 100 wickets and 1,000 runs. “I have watched Herath game, in which the team was our plans or tactics, we just made Burns, on 11, and Keaton Jen- Bairstow converted his over- England were troubled by over the years, he’s been a leg- Total (no loss, 12 overs) 38 dismissed for 143 and 169 runs a mess of it in our fi rst innings. nings, on 26, were batting at night 87 to 107 in the morning a nasty hit to Burns while end for Sri Lankan cricket,” Bowling: Perera 5-0-12-0, Lakmal 3-0- in two innings — making eight “To get rolled for 140 (143) and close of play. session to become only the fi fth fi elding at forward short leg, Leach said in praise of the vet- 14-0, Herath 3-0-10-0, Dananjaya 1-0-1-0 consecutive Test innings where be a 140 (139) behind, going into “It’s great to be back out wicketkeeper-batsman to score prompting the umpires to call eran left-arm spinner. Bangladesh failed to cross the the third innings of the game, 200-run mark. was quite disastrous for us.” But Rhodes said he is hop- He said the team would put FOCUS ing the team will make a strong things right in the second and comeback in the next match. last Test match at Dhaka’s Mir- “These guys are really de- pur ground beginning on Sun- termined to put things right day.

CA boss Roberts says board ‘See ball, hit ball’, New Zealand duo belt 43 runs off single over

Reuters going. Wellington “We came together (at the considering lift ing player bans end of the over) and said ‘how many did we get on that?’ I Reuters “The ACA submission around by England and a stinging de- entral Districts medium think we said it was 39. We Melbourne the players’ sanctions was re- feat in Sunday’s series-opener pacer Willem Ludick missed a four there.” ceived by the board a few days against South Africa in Perth. Cearned an unwanted Although batting greats Ravi ago,” Roberts told reporters. Amid the teams’ struggles, place in the record books Shastri and Garry Sobers ricket Australia (CA) is “It was addressed to the board a number of prominent cricket yesterday when Northern famously smashed six sixes considering a demand rather than to me or all manage- pundits and former players have Districts took 43 runs off one off the overs of Tilak Raj and by the players’ union ment. So not for me to comment said the ball-tampering bans of his overs in a domestic Malcolm Nash respectively in that ball-tampering on a board matter other than to were overly harsh and off ered one-day cricket match in New first class matches, the world bansC on former captain Steve say that the board will be re- various suggestions as to how Zealand. record is by no means clear. Smith, David Warner and Cam- specting that submission and the three should be rehabili- Northern Districts batsmen South Africa’s Herschelle eron Bancroft be lifted immedi- giving it due consideration.” tated. Joe Carter and Brett Hampton Gibbs also hit six sixes for a ately, the governing body’s CEO Smith and vice-captain Roberts, who was at the cen- belted six sixes — two of which tally of 36 off Netherlands Kevin Roberts said yesterday. Warner were each suspended for tre of an acrimonious pay dis- were hit off no balls — a four legspinner Daan van Bunge CA has come under pressure 12 months after the ball-tam- pute with players last year, said and a single during the first during a 2007 World Cup from the Australian Cricket- pering scandal broke in March, repairing relations with the class match at Hamilton’s Sed- match in St. Kitts, the most in ers’ Association (ACA) to end while opening batsman Bancroft players’ union remained a top don Park. an international one-dayer. the bans following the release of was banned for nine months. priority. Carter finished on 102 not out, Website Cricinfo, in what it the Longstaff review, which laid The bans extend to the do- “I think what’s really impor- while Hampton was dismissed allows is a potentially incom- some of the blame for the Cape mestic Sheffi eld Shield and the tant is that we at Cricket Aus- for 95 as Northern Districts plete list, awards the first class Town scandal at the door of the Big Bash Twenty20 competi- tralia need to embrace the play- scored 313 for seven in their one-day record to Zimbabwe board. tion. ers and we need to make sure 50 overs in the game that they international Elton Chigum- Earlier yesterday, team per- A depleted Australia have that the players feel a really val- eventually won by 25 runs. bura, who belted 39 off Alaud- formance boss Pat Howard, struggled to recover from the ued part of Cricket Australia,” he Ludick finished with figures of din Babu during one over in who was due to leave next year, crisis, with the test team losing said. 85 for one off 10 overs. Bangladesh in 2013. brought forward his departure two of their last three matches “There’s no doubt that we “It was right at the end and I They discounted the 77 runs to next week, while broadcast- forced out last week and former Cricket Australia said the lat- since Tim Paine took over the need to face up to the review and suppose it was a ‘see ball, hit that former New Zealand bats- ing chief Ben Amarfi o left, Test captain Mark Taylor quit as est changes signalled a “new captaincy in South Africa. the fact that it acknowledged ball’ scenario,” said Hampton. man Robert Vance conceded Cricket Australia said. a director. Former CEO James chapter” under the leadership of The one-day team, now led by that the organisation hasn’t “We got a couple of free no during a first-class match The latest departures come Sutherland stepped down last incoming chief executive Kevin Aaron Finch, have lost their last been united enough across the balls which helped us to get against Canterbury in 1990. after chairman David Peever was month. Roberts. seven including a 5-0 whitewash playing and long-playing sides.” Gulf Times Thursday, November 8, 2018 3 SPORT

FORMULA 1 ADDITION Vietnam to host Mercedes ready Formula One race to wrap up fi ft h in Hanoi from 2020 successive title ‘Target was to win both championships, so our mindset is one of unfinished business’

Models in traditional dresses walk in front of a Red Bull F1 car on stage during a ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam, yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters Long citadel and featuring elec- Hanoi tronic music and traditional dance and drumming. Retired British F1 driver David ietnam will host a For- Coulthard also attended with a mula One grand prix for Red Bull demonstration car. the fi rst time in 2020 Vietnamese prime minis- with a street race in the ter Nguyen Xuan Phuc had met Vcapital Hanoi, organisers said Carey earlier. yesterday. “This is an important event The Vietnamese Grand Prix not only in the fi eld of sport but is the fi rst entirely new addition also in culture and society, con- to the calendar since US-based tributing to the development of Liberty Media took over as com- Vietnam,” Phuc said in a govern- mercial rights holders last year ment statement. and replaced former dealmaker Vietnam’s largest conglomer- and supremo Bernie Ecclestone. ate, Vingroup JSC, has signed “We are delighted to announce a “multi-year deal” to host the that Hanoi will host a Formula event, the Formula One press re- One Grand Prix,” the sport’s lease said, without elaborating. chairman Chase Carey said in a VinFast, a unit of Vingroup, statement. is set to become Vietnam’s fi rst “Since we became involved in fully-fl edged domestic car man- this sport in 2017, we have talked ufacturer when its fi rst produc- about developing new destina- tion models built under its own tion cities to broaden the appeal badge hit the streets next August. of Formula One and the Viet- The Hanoi race will be run on a Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the 2018 drivers’ title with his fans after the Mexican Grand Prix on October 28, 2018. (AFP) namese Grand Prix is a realisa- 5.565-km layout in the west of the tion of that ambition. city, adding another street race Reuters this year. clearly on the objective and trust show, particularly if — as often well for McLaren’s Fernando “We are thrilled to be here in to the existing ones in Monaco, London Mercedes are 55 points clear in our processes and people to happens — the heavens open. Alonso, who won his two world Hanoi, one of the most excit- Singapore, Azerbaijan and Mel- of the Italians, with 43 still to be deliver.” Red Bull’s exciting overtak- titles with Renault at the Brazil- ing cities in the world right now bourne’s Albert Park in Australia. won after Brazil. ers Max Verstappen and Daniel ian track in 2005 and 2006 and with such a rich history and an Chairman of the Hanoi Peo- ewis Hamilton is cele- Despite that, Mercedes are BIG BONUS Ricciardo, who has retired from is leaving Formula One after Abu incredible future ahead of it.” ple’s Committee Nguyen Duc brating his fi fth Formula sticking to their time-worn In 2015 and 2017, Hamilton did his last two races, will hope to Dhabi. The South-East Asian country Chung said the race would refl ect One world champion- mantra of taking one race at a not win again after taking the do that as will Hamilton’s team “I haven’t had the chance is a growing market for sponsors Vietnam’s ability to hold global ship already and Sunday time and nothing for granted, title with races to spare and it mate Valtteri Bottas now freed to fi ght for a couple of grands such as brewer Heineken and will events. Lshould see Mercedes catch up even if nobody will be surprised would also be no surprise for from team orders and seeking prix now, so I hope we can have give the region four races on the “It provides an opportunity with their driver by securing a to see celebratory T-shirts ap- that to happen again. his fi rst win of 2018. a clean battle and show what’s calendar again after the depar- for inward investment to Viet- fi fth successive constructors’ pear on Sunday. The constructors’ champi- “In general Interlagos doesn’t possible,” said the Spaniard. ture of Malaysia last year. nam and importantly to bring the title in Brazil. “Our target for this season onship is still a very big deal suit our car that well, but after All teams will approach In- The others are China, Singa- exciting wheel-to-wheel racing Only Ferrari have enjoyed was to win both championships, for everyone at the 900-strong fi nishing on the podium there in terlagos with some trepidation pore and Japan. of Formula One to the people of such a previous run, with six in not one title or the other, so our team, and not just because staff 2016 and winning last week in after Mercedes mechanics and Ecclestone told Reuters last Vietnam,” he said. succession between 1999 and mindset is one of unfi nished bonuses are paid on it rather Mexico, anything can happen in others were targeted by armed year that he had talks with the While the country does not 2004, and Sebastian Vettel and business as we head to Sao Pau- than the drivers’ one. the race,” said Verstappen. robbers outside the circuit last Vietnamese about a race while have much of a tradition of mo- teammate Kimi Raikkonen are lo,” said team boss Toto Wolff . With no Brazilian driver in the “I’ve had some great battles time, with tighter security he was in charge but had decid- torsports, sporting events or the only ones who can delay the “We have a big battle on our race, Felipe Massa’s departure and overtakes there and I’m hop- measures promised. ed, despite the money on off er, competitions in which the na- seemingly inevitable. hands for the constructors’ title at the end of last year ending an ing for another exciting race.” “We have worked with the against it because he felt there tional team does even marginally For Mercedes to be denied at and we have lost ground to Fer- unbroken line extending over Vettel won last year, after Bot- promoters and with the local were enough in that part of the well are widely watched and pas- Sao Paulo’s atmospheric Inter- rari in each of the past (two) race four decades, the carnival at- tas took pole, and the champi- authorities (and) the police,” world already. sionately celebrated. lagos circuit, Ferrari will have to weekends — even though we had mosphere may be slightly more onship runner-up has the best Force India team boss Otmar Yesterday’s announcement There will again be 21 races on score 13 points more than Mer- the base performance to do better. muted. record of anyone on the current Szafnauer told racefans.net. was marked with a launch party the 2019 calendar, with the same cedes — a feat they have man- “This is the moment to keep But there will still be no short- grid with three past wins in Brazil. “Apparently they’re going to held inside the centuries-old races as this year retaining their aged only twice in 19 races so far our feet on the ground, focus age of drivers keen to put on a The race will also be a fare- have a much bigger presence.” walls of central Hanoi’s Thang places.

CHESS Carlsen to defend crown against great American hope

AFP players ever,” British Chess become another chess sensation London Magazine editor Milan Dinic told in the 12-match series that plays AFP. out over the coming weeks in London. orway’s Magnus ‘NOT NERDY LOOKING’ The Italian-American from Mi- Carlsen will seek to The Norwegian won his third ami has played for both countries cement his reputation world title in a series of rapid play and became a grandmaster at 14. as history’s greatest tiebreakers against Russia’s Sergey He earned his shot against Nchess player tomorrow when Karjakin in 2016 in New York. Carlsen by winning this year’s he launches a defence of his His fi rst came when he top- Candidates Tournament in crown against the fi rst US title pled Viswanathan Anand on the Berlin. contender since Bobby Fischer former champion’s home turf And his climb up the FIDE in 1972. in India. Carlsen defended his chess federation’s rankings to Both Carlsen — a 27-year-old crown in a rematch played the the number two spot has taken superstar at home who is also a subsequent year in Russia. him within just three points of part-time model — and 26-year- But he really began making a Carlsen’s total of 2,835. old Fabiano Caruana are prodi- name for himself when he man- “Caruana had an amazing gies returning mass appeal to aged to draw Garry Kasparov 2018 which gives him a lot of their highbrow game. — the Soviet and Russian legend vigour ahead of the match,” said The world title will go up whose record ranking Carlsen US chess player Fabiano Caruana. British Chess Magazine’s Dinic. for grabs in a former London eventually broke — at the tender “Also, I think Caruana is psy- school of art and design whose age of 13. lost, but can console himself IN FISCHER’S SHADOW chologically stronger than Karja- sweeping glass dome and impos- Carlsen actually beat with the knowledge that he held What Carlsen has done for the kin was in 2016, while Carlsen ing columns have featured in a Kasparov’s compatriot and out against Carlsen for nearly global game, Caruana is achiev- is a bit weaker on that front recent series of fashion shows. nemesis Anatoly Karpov at the twice as many moves as Micro- ing in the United States. compared to two years ago.” It is a fi tting venue for Carlsen. same event. soft’s Bill Gates. Americans have not had a Chess has its own unique The champion since 2013 has He has spent a good part of Carlsen has succeeded in chess hero since Fischer stunned scoring system that awards the also been one of the faces of his time since then making chess “removing the stigma associated Soviet champion Boris Spassky winner of each game one point. a street-smart Dutch apparel fun again. with chess,” championship or- in an epic series in 1972 that A draw sees the contenders brand since 2010. Carlsen took time off prepara- ganiser Ilya Merenzon told AFP. epitomised the Cold War rivalry share half a point. But the chess world is more tions for the London series to “He’s not a nerdy looking male between the two superpowers. The title goes to the fi rst per- enthralled with Carlsen’s in- play an exhibition game against and he’s not just another Russian Now, US media is fascinated son to reach 6.5 points. tuition and prodigious memory the Liverpool football team’s chess player,” said Merenzon. with the possibility of the chess A rapid series of tiebreakers than his rugged looks. chess-loving right-back Trent “Carlsen has galvanising title coming home nearly 50 are played in case the two are In this December 1, 2016, picture, Magnus Carlsen of Norway holds up “There is no doubt that Alexander-Arnold. mainstream interest in chess and years later. level on points after the fi rst 12 his trophy after defeating Russia’s Sergey Karjakin at the World Chess Carlsen is one of the best chess The 20-year-old rising star (is) bringing new people to it.” Caruana has the credentials to games. Championship in New York. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Thursday, November 8, 2018 SPORT

FOOTBALL Mighty Al Sadd challenge for bottom side Kharaitiyat Al Duhail will take on Al Shahania, while Qatar SC and Al Gharafa lock horns today

By Sports Reporter when he spoke at the pre-match Press Doha conference. “This is an important match for us because it is the fi rst game of the second leg. We want to continue l Kharaitiyat face an uphill at the same pace and we know that we task when they run into Al are having a diffi cult game against a Sadd in the QNB Stars League team that faced a number of diffi culties. today at the Al Sadd Stadium. In the fi rst leg, they managed to present TheA teams go into the match with to- themselves well in many matches,” said tally diff erent missions. Al Sadd, who Maaloul whose team will be without have played only nine matches (due to regular goalkeeper Amine Lecomte and their AFC Champions League commit- defender Lucas Mendes. ments), are currently third in the table Al Shahania are also in great form. with 20 points and need to collect as They are eighth in the table with 12 many points as possible if they are to be points, having won and drawn three in contention for the title. games, and lost fi ve. They have a goal Al Duhail, who have played 10 games, diff erence of -8 after scoring 10 goals are the table toppers with 28 points, and conceded 18. whereas second-placed Al Rayyan have Al Shahania have not tasted defeat in 21 points. Al Sadd’s matches against Al their last three matches. They beat Al Khor from Week 5 and Al Duhail from Sailiya in Week 9 and then drew with Week 9 are pending owing to their AFC Umm Salal and Al Gharafa. Champions League commitments. In third match of the day, Qatar SC They have been scheduled for 28th No- and Al Gharafa will clash in what is ex- vember and 11th December respectively. pected to be a thriller. Gharafa are sixth The Wolves possess the best attack and in the standings with 15 points. They have scored 38 goals, conceding nine to have won and lost four games each, and have a goal diff erence of +29 (the most drawn three times to have a goal diff er- by any team). They have won six games, ence of +7 (22 goals for and 15 against). drawn two and lost one (to Al Ahli). The Cheetahs have the third-best Al Kharaitiyat, who lost 0-5 to Al attack line in the QNB Stars League Sailiya in Week 11, are placed at the that has scored 22 goals so far. They are bottom with only three points and face behind only Al Sadd (38) and Al Duhail relegation. They have dismissed Mo- (27). Al Gharafa, who were held goalless roccan coach Abdelaziz El Amri and by Al Shahania last week, will be keen handed over the reins to Wesam Rizk. to be back on the winning path and Their only victory came against Al thus start their second-leg campaign Gharafa. They have a goal diff erence of on a victorious note. More so because -23, having scored eight goals and con- they are eager to fi nish among the top- ceded 31. Ahead of the game, Al Sadd four teams. On the other hand, Qatar coach Jesualdo Ferreira dismissed the SC, who lost 0-2 to Al Rayyan in Week suggestion that it will an easy match for Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira (right) and midfielder Pedro Miguel address a press conference ahead of their match against Al Kharaitiyat 11, are in the 10th place with 11 points. his team. “Some may think that facing They have won three games, drawn six Al Kharaitiyat will be easy as they are places. This has made me learn an im- psychological aspects of players and the line of defence. The management Knights are the only unbeaten team in and lost two to have a goal diff erence of the bottom-placed team in the league portant lesson — not to underestimate the team is preparing hard for the Al has contracted with good players, both the tournament. They have nine wins -7 (12 goals for and 19 against). table. In fact, the clash will be diffi cult. any team in the Qatar league. We are Sadd game. We have noticed that the overseas and Qataris. There are still 11 and one draw, with one game in hand Overall The Kings have been enjoy- We have already had similar experi- expecting a strong reaction from the Al players are doing a great deal of train- matches. We have to make up for the against Al Sadd. ing a good run with a series of positive ences. We will put up our best to win,” Kharaitiyat team after they changed the ing, but in the games they show fear, setbacks in the fi rst leg and put in more Al Duhail have the best defence that results ever since Argentinian coach Ferreira coach. We only think about providing not because of the opponents, but be- eff orts. Then, we will have a great op- has conceded only six goals from 10 Sergio Batista took over the side. In The Portuguese manager said he was our best regardless of the conditions,” cause of the defeats,” said Badarudeen. portunity to stay in the league,” said games. They scored 27 goals to have a the four games under him, Qatar SC not ready to underestimate any team if said Ferreira. “When we look at the rankings, the Badarudeen. goal diff erence of +21. Only Sadd (38) won two, drew one and lost one. The his team wants to win the title. “Al Sadd Al Kharaitiyat’s fi tness coach Ahmed teams that concede many goals are in a In another match today, Al Duhail have scored more goals than Al Duhail match will also be noted for the star have lost the league title twice before Badarudeen said his team need to im- bad situation. The problem may be that will take on Al Shahania at the Al Du- and have better goal diff erence (+29). presence of Dutchman Wesley Sneijder when we failed to win against teams prove their mental approach and play some clubs focus more on attackers hail Stadium. Duhail are the leaders af- Al Duhail coach Nabil Maaloul un- (Al Gharafa) and Cameroonian Samuel from the middle of the league or the last without fear. “We have focused on the when they attract players and ignore ter the fi rst leg with 28 points. The Red derlined the importance of the game Eto’o (Qatar SC).

RUGBY Qatar’s Fares wins bronze All Blacks show faith in under pressure Williams at Weightlifting World Championships AFP London

ew Zealand plan to remain pa- tient with Sonny Bill Williams despite having a midfi eld quar- tet “jumping out of their skin” Nahead of Saturday’s clash against England at Twickenham. Cross-code internation- al Williams won his 50th All Blacks cap as the world champions beat Australia 37- 20 in Yokohama last month. But the 33-year-old centre did not fea- ture in last weekend’s 69-31 rout of Japan in Tokyo. “Sonny’s had the least rugby, he’s still fi nding his top form; I think that’s fair to say,” New Zealand assistant coach Ian Foster said yesterday. “I don’t think our patience (with Wil- liams) will be driven by his background, more based on how we see players per- form in training. I think when we look at the physical nature of the game, how they are training, sometimes things are go- ing really good off the park and it hasn’t quite gelled to the extent they want on the park. Sometimes players are deemed to have had a quiet game, but in reality they may not have had too many opportuni- New Zealand’s Sonny Bill Williams trains in London yesterday. (Reuters) ties to show what they are good at,” Foster added. little longer to get their feet right. All our ed by injuries, had been due to make his of the same this weekend. New Zealand will take on Ireland in midfi elders right now are actually jump- fi rst England appearance in more than “I was gutted when he pulled out (of Dublin on November 18, and conclude ing out of their skin, to be honest. In the two years during last Saturday’s 12-11 the South Africa match), but it was a tiny their tour of the northern hemisphere last two weeks, the energy levels and win over South Africa at Twickenham niggle,” said Youngs. “But with someone with a trip to Rome to face Italy on No- work rate is as good as it’s been all year in before a minor groin strain ruled him out like him, it was not worth risking. It’s vember 25. “We’ve got a whole lot of that group.” of a place on the bench. Tuilagi’s argu- great to see him running around in train- players who have had injuries this year, England will hope to unleash a pow- ably best match in an England shirt came ing. I’m really please he’s able to get back Qatar’s Fares Ibrahim talks to the media after winning a bronze signifi cant injuries over time, and they’ve erhouse centre of their own on Saturday during his try-scoring display in a 38-21 out there. He’s looking good. We know medal at the World Weightlifting Championships in Ashgabat, come back and at various degrees of ac- if Manu Tuilagi is able to make his long- win over New Zealand at Twickenham what a world-class operator Manu is. It Turkmenistan, yesterday. Competing in the 96kg class, Fares curacy in their game,” said Foster. awaited Test comeback. The Leicester in 2012. Leicester teammate Ben Youngs, settles down the boys to know that he’s lifted a total of 388 kilos. Iran’s Sohrab Moradi won the gold with “But also some of them have taken a midfi elder, whose career has been blight- the England scrum-half, is eager for more there.” a lift of 416 kilos, while China’s Tao Tian took silver with 407.

TENNIS ‘Struggling’ Kyrgios seeing psychologists, working on mental health AFP for his on-court antics. sues that had plagued him throughout about it, I don’t feel like I’ve got to hide ters in the fi rst round last month, where I’ve got it right the last couple of years Sydney Kyrgios fi nished his season early in the season. “I was obviously struggling that sort of stuff any more.” he was also criticised for his lacklustre because I haven’t made it to the end of October after an elbow injury forced with a couple of things on and off the The supremely talented but com- performance. Kyrgios said he was “very the year once,” he said. Kyrgios started him out of the Kremlin Cup in Moscow. court this year, so it hasn’t been easy,” bustible Kyrgios has become infamous lucky” to have had an international the year well when he captured a fourth emperamental Australian ten- The fi ery 23-year-old lost his status as he told the Canberra Times. for petulant behaviour, outbursts and tennis career and announced an over- career title in Brisbane in January. nis star Nick Kyrgios says he Australian number one to 19-year-old “But I’m starting to see some psy- meltdowns on court. At the US Open in haul of his playing schedule to try and But he then missed two months of is talking to psychologists and Alex de Minaur in the same month. chologists and trying to get on top of August, an umpire gave the Australian avoid a repeat of his mental and physi- the campaign, including the French “trying to get on top” of his Returning home to prepare for next my mental health. I probably left it a controversial pep talk during his sec- cal burnout. Open, in the spring. A hip injury forced Tmental health after another roller- year, the world number 37 admitted he a little too long. But I’ve been doing ond-round game for his perceived lack “I’m going to work with my team to his early withdrawal from the ATP sea- coaster season where he was criticised was working through mental health is- that and I feel more open about talking of eff ort. He exited the Shanghai Mas- get the correct schedule, I don’t think son last year. Gulf Times Thursday, November 8, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NFL McCollum’s 40 Panthers, Steelers points power the ready for off ensive Blazers past Bucks battle Among his myriad highlights, a wicked move around Field Level Media down tosses in each of the games. Pittsburgh He has rushed for 342 yards and four touchdowns this year. Donte DiVincenzo that brought the Bucks rookie to his knees Christian McCaff rey is Con- ner’s counterpart. He leads the onight’s matchup of the Panthers with 502 yards rushing, visiting Carolina Pan- and like Conner, is also a threat thers and the Pittsburgh catching the ball. TSteelers shapes up as a “You should start with Cam showdown of big off enses. Newton because he can run it, he Pittsburgh running back James can throw it, he’s strong, he can Conner has emerged as one of make all the throws (with) accu- the top stories in the NFL. A fi ll- racy from a distance standpoint,” in for the disgruntled Le’Veon Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. Bell, Conner has four consecu- “But I really think what’s going tive 100-yard rushing games to on with them is looking at the in- stand second in the league with fusion of roles between what he 706 rushing yards overall. He and McCaff rey are able to do. You also has proven eff ective catch- talk about multitalented players, ing the ball out of the backfi eld. multidimensional players that “He’s a beast,” Carolina line- are really performing well to- backer Luke Kuechly said of gether.” Conner, according to the Pan- The short week can exacerbate thers’ website. “They are re- injury situations, but that seems ally good up front — they’re big to be aff ecting Carolina more and physical. They work really than Pittsburgh. together, but that guy is really Ryan Kalil did not practice good. He’s playing with a lot of Monday and Tuesday, but coach confi dence. Ron Rivera said the Panthers “He’s like these new-age backs “feel pretty comfortable” about where they are good, obviously, the center being ready today. running the ball, but he can catch “He did some stuff with the the ball and cause some mis- trainers and he’s feeling pretty matches as well.” good,” Rivera said. The two other biggest names Carolina safety Eric Reid has in Pittsburgh’s off ense haven’t been limited in practice after he changed. Receiver Antonio fi nished Sunday’s game against Brown is off his standard pace Tampa Bay despite a sprained with 51 catches for 594 yards, but right shoulder. Receiver Torrey he is tops among receivers with Smith (knee) did not practice nine touchdowns. Tuesday, and he could miss a Quarterback Ben Roethlis- third consecutive game. berger has spread the ball around Pittsburgh looks to be in good primarily to Brown, JuJu Smith- shape. The only new injury was Schuster, his tight ends and to receiver James Washington Conner. His average of 320 pass- (knee), who was a full participant ing yards per game ranks third in in practice Tuesday. the NFL. Roethlisberger was limited in Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (3) looks for an opening as he is guarded by Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo (34), Malcolm Brogdon (13) and center Brook The Steelers (5-2-1) have won practice Tuesday, but that was Lopez (11) at Moda Center on Tuesday. PICTURE: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports four in a row. The Panthers (6-2) because of a broken left (non- have won three straight. throwing) index fi nger, which did AFP He added six assists and fi ve thwarted Washington’s bid to fourth quarter for a 113-102 vic- 18 points and 10 assists but Roethlisberger’s counterpart, not stop him from playing a full Los Angeles rebounds as the Trail Blazers rally in the second half. tory on Tuesday night. scored only four in the second Cam Newton, has been limited in game Sunday against the Balti- snapped a four-game losing “It’s been a long time since we The Hornets went on a 17-4 half. Kent Bazemore fi nished practice because of a right shoul- more Ravens. streak to the Bucks. won a game,” Mavericks coach run early in the fourth to turn with 16 points, and Alex Len der problem, but that is consid- Steelers off ensive tackle Mar- J McCollum scored 40 “I just tried to be aggressive Rick Carlisle said. “Feels good.” an 84-83 defi cit into a 100-88 scored 12. ered to be precautionary, and cus Gilbert (knee) seems likely to points Tuesday as the and take advantage and help the The Wizards trailed by as lead, and they went on to lead by The Hawks led 25-23 after Newton should be ready to go. miss his third game in a row, but Portland Trail Blazers team get a win,” McCollum said. many as 24 in the fi rst half and as many as 15 points from there. one quarter and 54-51 at half- With 1,893 passing yards, Matt Feiler has fi lled in capably Ccooled off the red-hot Evan Turner posted his fi rst were down 70-49 at halftime. Marvin Williams played a time. The Hornets scored the Newton easily could eclipse as a starter for two weeks, play- Milwaukee Bucks with a 118-103 double-double of the season But they piled on the pressure key role in the rally, with eight fi rst nine points of the third 2,000 today. He has averaged 245 ing a part in Conner’s rushing NBA victory. with 16 points and 11 rebounds, in the second half, and trailed by fourth-quarter points, includ- quarter and went on to lead 81- passing yards a game during the total. McCollum connected on 17 also handing out four assists for just six with 5:33 to play when ing two 3-pointers. He fi nished 77 after three. Atlanta led 84-83 winning streak, with two touch- of 23 attempts from the fi eld, the Blazers. Damian Lillard, Ju- Smith got past Dwight Howard with 20 points for the game. after Alex Poythress’ 3-pointer including fi ve of 10 from three- suf Nurkic and Jake Layman also for an off ensive rebound and fed Walker came into the game with 10:04 remaining before the point range, as the Trail Blazers scored in double fi gures. DeAndre Jordan for a dunk that averaging 28.0 points per game, Hornets regrouped and went improved to 8-3 and handed Gi- Antetokounmpo led a trio of stretched Dallas’ lead to 101-93. fi fth best in the NBA, but he had on their run. The Hawks were Celtics ace Irving annis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks players to score in double Less than a minute later not hit his average in any of the without Taurean Prince (ankle), Bucks just their second defeat of digits with 23 points, along with Smith connected with Jordan on previous three games. He fi n- John Collins (ankle) and Justin the season. nine rebounds and six assists. an alley-oop dunk, and Smith ished the night 12 of 22 from the Anderson (leg). The Hornets fi ned for ball toss “It’s a great win for us,” said Meanwhile, Luka Doncic came up with a steal to feed fi eld and 4 of 10 from 3-point continue to be healthy, and they McCollum, who scored 19 points scored 23 points to lead fi ve Dal- Harrison Barnes for a three- range. He also had seven assists, have not lost a player to injury in the third quarter alone. las players in double fi gures as point play that pushed the Mavs three rebounds and three steals. for any game this season. Among his myriad highlights, the Mavericks snapped a six- lead to 106-93. “Resilience,” The Hornets got 13 points The Hawks will return home a wicked move around Donte game skid with a 119-100 vic- Carlisle said of what he saw apiece from Jeremy Lamb and to face the New York Knicks on DiVincenzo that brought the tory over the Washington Wiz- from his team.John Wall led the Malik Monk, and 10 points from Wednesday. The Hornets closed Bucks rookie to his knees. ards. Wizards with 24 points. Otto Nicolas Batum, who also hit out a 3-1 homestand. They will “Whenever you see a rookie Doncic, the 19-year-old Porter Jr. and Bradley Beal had a key 3-pointer in the fourth- open a three-game road trip to- you’ve got to be aggressive, at- Slovenian rookie, added six re- 19 each, although Beal struggled quarter surge. morrow at Philadelphia. tack them, make them move bounds and three assists for from three-point range, making The Hornets have won two their feet,” McCollum said. the Mavs. Wesley Matthews just one of nine. straight and three of their past RESULTS It was a breakout performance added 22 points and Dennis In Charlotte, Kemba Walker four. The Hawks have now lost Dallas ...... 119 Washington ...... 100 for McCollum, who had strug- Smith contributed 19 — mak- scored 29 points, and the host fi ve of their past six. Portland ...... 118 Milwaukee ...... 103 gled to fi nd his shooting touch in ing a trio of crucial plays down Charlotte Hornets pulled away Jeremy Lin led the Hawks Phoenix ...... 82 Brooklyn ...... 104 the fi rst 10 games of the season. the stretch as the Mavericks from the Atlanta Hawks in the with 19 points. Trae Young had Charlotte ...... 113 Atlanta ...... 102

NHL O’Reilly’s hat trick sends Blues past Hurricanes

Reuters enth game of the season. Now, the fi rst period. The goal was New York O’Reilly has seven goals and Slavin’s fi rst of the year and end- eight assists over his last eight ed a 24-game goalless drought games, with the eight-game dating back to last season. yan O’Reilly’s fi rst ca- point streak matching his previ- The Hurricanes scored just New York: Boston Celtics following Murray’s attempt, reer hat trick led the St. ous career best. the one goal despite a hefty 39- star Kyrie Irving was fined suggesting the 21-year-old had Louis Blues to a 4-1 win Tarasenko and Tyler Bo- 20 edge in shots, with Jordan $25,000 on Tuesday after an- showed a lack of respect. over the visiting Caro- zak each had two assists in the Staal and Lucas Wallmark each grily throwing a basketball into “The ball deserves to go in the linaR Hurricanes on Tuesday. game, all coming on helpers for contributing fi ve shots apiece. spectator stands, the NBA said crowd after a move like that,” O’Reilly scored twice in the O’Reilly. Playing his third game Carolina also came close on four in a statement. Irving said later. “So I threw it in fi rst period, netting the game’s after an absence of nearly 21 more occasions that saw the Irving hurled a ball into the the crowd.” fi rst goal after a pass from months from NHL action, Blues puck bank off the post, with Se- public seating area at the end Nuggets head coach Michael Vladimir Tarasenko at the 11:57 center Robby Fabbri scored at bastian Aho twice putting scor- of Boston’s 115-107 defeat to the Malone denied Murray had mark. The center then struck 14:01 of the fi rst period to notch ing chances off the ironwork. Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi intended to be disrespectful to again on a late power play, fi ring his fi rst goal since Dec. 28, 2016. Center in Colorado on Monday. the Celtics. a Tarasenko pass from behind Fabbri put the fi nal touch on Results A furious Irving was incensed “He’s young, he’s still learning,” the net into the Hurricanes’ goal a quality series of passes from TORONTO ...... 3 Las Vegas ...... 1 after Nuggets ace Jamal Murray Malone said afterwards. with just fi ve seconds remaining the Blues, who quickly took the NY RANGERS 5 Montreal ...... 3 attempted a three-pointer with “You never want to disrespect in the period. St. Louis Blues center Ryan O’Reilly (90) celebrates with left wing puck back the other way after COLUMBUS ...4 Dallas...... 1 the final move of the game. anyone. I think it wasn’t disre- An empty-net goal at 16:50 of Alexander Steen (20) after scoring an empty net goal for his first Carolina rookie Andrei Svech- OTTAWA ...... 7 N Jersey ...... 3 Murray, who finished the spect; he was trying to get to 50 the third period capped off the career hat trick during the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes nikov’s shot hit the post. DETROIT ...... 3 Vancouver 2 (SO) Nuggets’ win with 48 points, points, which you understand. night for O’Reilly, giving him his at Enterprise Center. PICTURE: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports Jaccob Slavin accounted for TAMPA BAY .....5 Edmonton ...... 2 had been attempting to break But our veterans talked to him, fi rst hat trick after 664 career Carolina’s only goal, a power- ST. LOUIS ...... 4 Carolina ...... 1 through the 50-point barrier. and it’s something he’ll learn NHL games. Sabres to the Blues in the off - Louis began somewhat slowly, play eff ort on a slapshot from LOS ANGELES ....4 Anaheim ...... 1 Irving however reacted furiously from.” After being traded from the season, O’Reilly’s tenure in St. as he didn’t score until the sev- beyond the circle at 19:34 of SAN JOSE ...... 4 Minnesota ...... 3 Gulf Times 6 Thursday, November 8, 2018 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE In-form Arsenal face Sporting Lisbon, eye knockout spot The Gunners are top of Group E having won all three of their matches so far

AFP team plays good and I don’t need to Paris think about scoring more goals than other players,” Morata told Chelsea’s website, after breaking a terrible run of nai Emery’s Arsenal head into form that saw him net just four times today’s clash with Sporting in his previous 31 matches. Elsewhere Lisbon at the Emirates bid- on Thursday, record fi ve-time winners ding for a place in the Europa Sevilla travel to Turkish side Akhisar ULeague knockout stage, buoyed by an Genclik Spor looking to strengthen impressive display in their draw against their grip on top spot of Group J, while Premier League title hopefuls Liver- Gennaro Gattuso’s AC Milan travel to pool. The Gunners are top of Group E Spain hoping to avenge their defeat by having won all three of their matches Real Betis two weeks ago. so far, and have looked revitalised in the early stages of the post-Arsene Wenger FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) era. A second straight victory over Por- Group A: Bayer Leverkusen (GER) v Zu- tuguese giants Sporting would extend rich (SUI) (2000); Ludogorets Razgrad their unbeaten run to 15 matches in all (BUL) v AEK Larnaca (CYP) (2000) competitions. Back-to-back defeats by Manches- Group B: Rosenborg (NOR) v Salzburg ter City and Chelsea at the start of (AUT) (2000); Celtic (SCO) v RB Leipzig the campaign had left some onlook- (GER) (2000) ers questioning whether Arsenal could Group C: Bordeaux (FRA) v Zenit St compete with stronger opposition, but Petersburg (RUS) (2000); Slavia Prague close-season signing Bernd Leno said (CZE) v FC Copenhagen (DEN) (2000) Saturday’s performance had proved a point. “I think we saw that we can play Group D: Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v Trnava our way against big teams,” the German (SVK) (2000); Fenerbahce (TUR) v goalkeeper told the club’s website. “We Anderlecht (BEL) (1550) controlled Liverpool. We played out Group E: Arsenal (ENG) v Sporting Lis- from the back. It was not just lucky or bon (POR) (2000); Vorskla Poltava (UKR) lucky things to create from. We played v Qarabag (AZE) (2000) the ball with passes from behind and that’s the way we want to play.” Group F: Real Betis (ESP) v AC Milan (ITA) The 2006 Champions League run- (2000); Olympiakos (GRE) v Dudelange ners-up failed to qualify for Europe’s (LUX) (2000) top competition in each of Wenger’s Group G: Rapid Vienna (AUT) v Villarreal last two seasons at the helm, but are (ESP) (1755); Spartak Moscow (RUS) v now in contention to end that run on Rangers (SCO) (1755) two fronts. Leno thinks that Emery’s Group H: Apollon Limassol (CYP) v Ein- infl uence has been key to changing the tracht Frankfurt (GER) (1755); Lazio (ITA) mood around the Emirates Stadium. “The coach gives us a lot of confi - v Marseille (FRA) (1755) dence to play like this,” he added. Group I: Genk (BEL) v Besiktas (TUR) “I can’t compare it because last (1755); Malmo (SWE) v Sarpsborg (NOR) year I was not here but I think (Emery) (1755) changed some things — of course, the Group J: Akhisar Genclik Spor (TUR) v way we play from behind but also to Sevilla (ESP) (1755); Krasnodar (RUS) v play very aggressive, the defence is get- Standard Liege (BEL) (1755) ting better, controlled. “Tactically, it is one step better than at the beginning of Group K: FC Astana (KAZ) v Jablonec the season because it needs time and it Arsenal players (from left) Alexandre Lacazette, Sead Kolasinac, Shkodran Mustafi and Hector Bellerin share a light moment during training yesterday. (Reuters) (CZE) (1550); Dynamo Kiev (UKR) v also needs time now in the next weeks. Rennes (FRA) (1755) If we work like this and play like this, we last 32 with victory over BATE Borisov win over Crystal Palace at the weekend. City in August, and have scored 18 goals and will qualify for the last 32 with a Group L: BATE Borisov (BLR) v Chelsea could have a great season.” in Belarus, after seeing Alvaro Morata Maurizio Sarri’s side are unbeaten since over their last six outings. win. “I have started scoring again for (ENG) (1755); Vidi (HUN) v PAOK (GRE) Chelsea will also book a ticket for the make it fi ve goals in six games in their a 2-0 Community Shield loss to Man They top Group L with nine points two weeks and now I am happy, the (1755)

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Beckham celebrates as Miami FA appeals against decision to clear voters approve path to stadium Mourinho of foul language charge AFP Coral Gables, United States AFP League champions and leaders Manchester London City as the appeal hearing will not take place before the international break. avid Beckham was cel- The written reasons explaining the com- ebrating in South Flor- he Football Association is appeal- mission’s decision show that both Mourinho ida on Tuesday after ing against the decision by an inde- and the FA employed Portuguese language his dream of building pendent regulatory commission to experts. Mourinho accepted the words as- aD team in Major League Soccer clear Jose Mourinho of using foul cribed to him by the FA’s expert, but said took a notable step forward. The Tlanguage at the end of Manchester United’s they were an “inwardly-directed expres- former England captain’s push Premier League match against Newcas- sion of relief and happiness”, with the man- to bring a franchise to Miami has tle, the English game’s governing body an- ager asking who in fact had been off ended been hamstrung for close to fi ve nounced yesterday. by his outburst. It was a view endorsed by years with a suitable venue for a Television footage showed Mourinho the commission, who ruled: “We fi nd that new stadium extremely diffi cult saying something, apparently in his native JM (Jose Mourinho) was celebrating victory to fi nd. But voters in Miami on Portuguese, while at one point looking into without aiming the words at anyone in par- Tuesday came out in favour of a a camera, as he headed towards the tunnel ticular. The words mouthed were a Portu- change in regulations that will after the fi nal whistle of the 3-2 comeback guese colloquial profanity. Thus, the objec- allow his ownership group — Mi- win over Newcastle on October 6. tive person would have had to lip read JM’s ami Freedom Park Group LLC — But on October 31 it was announced the mouth and interpret Portuguese colloquial- to negotiate a 99-year lease for FA charge against Mourinho of using abu- isms to accurately decipher the comments.” the latest target: city owned land sive language had been “not proven”. Now, Mourinho could well face questions about at the Melreese Country Club, however, the FA has decided to prolong the appeal after United’s match away to the city’s only municipal golf the case with an appeal. “Having carefully Italian giants Juventus in the Champions course, near Miami airport. considered the written reasons of the inde- League last night. Mourinho had been under The measure voted on Tues- pendent regulatory commission relating to intense pressure heading into the Newcastle day, which allows for a no-bid the case involving Jose Mourinho, the FA can game at Old Traff ord amid speculation he process in negotiations, had a David Beckham’s lavish $1bn, privately financed project in Miami will confi rm it is appealing the decision, it said in would be sacked as United had not won any 60% lead with 88% of precincts include a stadium complex as well as a huge shopping mall, a 750 a statement. of their four previous matches. reporting. The 73 acre site is room hotel, off ice space and a 58-acre public park. (AFP) Mourinho had been thought to have es- Newcastle went 2-0 up inside 10 minutes the fi fth location put forward caped a touchline ban following the original but United recovered to win, with Alexis by Beckham, whose investment dream of bringing a team to this MLS expansion agreement. commission decision but this now remains Sanchez’s 90th-minute goal sealing victory. group consists of Jorge Mas and great city. Critics fear the clean-up costs a possibility. However, the Portuguese The 55-year-old Mourinho said after the his brother Jose, owners of local We want to create a legacy, could spiral and leave the taxpay- manager is expected to take his seat on the match he had been the subject of a media infrastructure company Mas- something our children will as- ers footing the bill — a daunting touchline for Sunday’s derby with Premier “manhunt”. Tec, as well as Sprint chairman pire to. But we also want to win. prospect after the uproar caused Marcelo Claure and SoftBank I am not coming here just to have after baseball’s Miami Marlins chief executive Masayoshi Son. a pretty team. Winning champi- Stadium fi asco left locals with The saga has stretched on onships are important to me.” a tab which has almost reached since February 2014, when Beck- The next step, however, is far $3bn. Beckham’s lavish $1bn, Dortmund must bounce back against Bayern: Goetze ham fi rst announced his inten- from straightforward. Beck- privately fi nanced project will tions to own a franchise. There’s ham’s group must now earn ap- include a stadium complex as Berlin: Mario Goetze says German league we knew it would be a very intense week defeat off . “We were not so fresh, Atletico much more work to do, yet the proval from four of the fi ve city well as a huge shopping mall, a leaders Borussia Dortmund must put their with Atletico and Bayern — now we have to closed down the space, which was very 43-year-old Londoner was de- commissioners. Two of them — 750 room hotel, offi ce space and first defeat of the season behind them and bounce back,” said Goezte, who replaced diff icult for us, we only found a few ways lighted to have cleared the latest Manolo Reyes, a staunch critic of a 58-acre public park. Locals bounce back in Saturday’s crunch Bundes- striker Paco Alcacer for the last 15 minutes through,” said Reus. “It was the first defeat, hurdle in what has been a tortur- the plans, and Willy Gort, whose were encouraged to vote ‘yes’ to liga showdown at home against Bayern in Madrid. but life goes on.” ous process so far. district includes Melreese — op- ensure jobs and other benefi ts for Munich. Goalkeeper Roman Buerki, who has only The defeat in Madrid leaves both Dort- “I need to say a big thanks to posed the referendum earlier this Miami including $20mn to help Atletico Madrid avenged their 4-0 drub- been beaten 10 times in as many league mund and Atletico neck-and-neck on nine the fans who have stuck by us,” year. Furthermore, with the Mel- reinvigorate other public parks in bing at Dortmund from a fortnight ago games this season, said the defeat may points in Group A with two matches left. the former Manchester United, reese site built on a toxic waste the area. with a 2-0 home victory on Tuesday in the have done Dortmund some good. However, their focus now is on this week- Real Madrid and LA Galaxy star dump which could cost upwards MLS stress the team will begin group stages of the Champions League as “Perhaps it’s not so bad, that we have end’s Bundesliga showdown as Dortmund said after speaking emotionally of $35mn to clean up, doubters playing in 2020 although it will the Germans suff ered their first loss of the come back down to earth after a few weeks look to prove their status as Germany’s top in front of an excitable crowd in have suggested the plans will en- have to be at a temporary venue, 2018/19 season. when everything was going so well,” said side and make amends for their heavy de- Coral Gables, many of whom counter many more roadblocks potentially at the Hard Rock Sta- Dortmund lead the Bundesliga and have Buerki. feat to the Bavarians the last time they met. were decked out in Inter Miami before building permits are dium, home of the Miami Dol- a four-point lead over defending cham- Club captain Marco Reus, who has been Bayern thrashed Dortmund 6-0 in Munich FC colors. granted, something which must phins, or the Marlins baseball pions Bayern Munich who they host this in great form this season with nine goals in March, as Robert Lewandowski netted a “Today is an exciting day,” happen by November 2019 ac- stadium. “We will look at all op- weekend. “Losing is a new situation, but and seven assists in 16 games, brushed the hat-trick against his former club. Beckham said. “We have had a cording to the previously agreed tions,” Jorge Mas said. Gulf Times Thursday, November 8, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Super League players would risk a World Barca through, Liverpool Cup ban, says FIFA boss London: FIFA President Gian- ni Infantino warned yesterday that any players taking part in a breakaway European super league would be excluded stunned by Red Star from the World Cup and other international tournaments. Those who might be barred Thierry Henry’s Monaco eliminated following a resounding loss to Club Brugge should such a league get off the ground could include the likes of Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Brazilian Neymar, France’s Kylian Mbappe and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. “You are either in or you are out,” the head of the world football body said. “If there are players who don’t play organised football then that encompasses everything — national leagues, confedera- tion competitions, the Euros and the World Cup,” told the Times. German news magazine Der Spiegel reported last week that plans for a Super League, involving top clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United, were back on the table. The magazine shared access to the documents with more than a dozen other media outlets in cooperation with European Investigative Col- laborations (EIC). According to Der Spiegel, a 16-team Super League would replace the Champions League and feature 11 ‘founders’ — includ- ing Messi’s Barcelona and Real Madrid — who could not Red Star Belgrade’s Milan Pavkov (centre) is over the moon after scoring be relegated for the first 20 against Liverpool during the Champions League group stage match at years. Other clubs mentioned Rajko Mitic stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, on Tuesday night. (Reuters) include Manchester United, Mbappe and Neymar’s Paris St Germain, Bayern Munich AFP er, after Kane’s late brace secured a 2-1 The defeat exposes the Anfi eld club The two favourites in Group A are Galatasaray 2-0 in Gelsenkirchen. and Ronaldo’s Juventus. Paris win over PSV Eindhoven. to the threat of an early elimination in not guaranteed a path to the last 16 yet, “We have seen for many The Dutch side had got off to a su- Group C, with Napoli coming from be- however, after Club Brugge claimed a CHAMPIONS LEAGUE years these attempts to perb start at Wembley, taking the lead hind to draw 1-1 at home to Paris Saint- stunning 4-0 win at Monaco. The Bel- RESULTS ON TUESDAY break away outside of the gians had not won a Champions League arcelona secured their place in when Luuk de Jong headed home in Germain in the night’s other game. Group A: At Monaco: Monaco (FRA) 0 structures, going back to the the Champions League knock- the second minute. Mauricio Pochet- Kylian Mbappe set up Juan Bernat to match since 2005, but they were 3-0 up Club Brugge (BEL) 4 (Vanaken 12, 17-pen, 1990s,” said Infantino. “It is out stage on Tuesday night with tino’s team were starting to get desper- put Paris ahead just before the break, midway through the fi rst half at the Sta- up to us to protect football Wesley 24, Vormer 85); At Madrid: Atleti- a 1-1 draw away to Inter Milan, ate when skipper Kane equalised with but Lorenzo Insigne beat Gianluigi Buf- de Louis II. Hans Vanaken scored twice, and come up with solutions co Madrid (ESP) 2 (Niguez 33, Griezmann asB Harry Kane revived Tottenham Hot- 12 minutes left, and he headed home in fon from the penalty spot in the second including a penalty, and the Brazilian that benefit clubs and also the 80) Borussia Dortmund (GER) 0 spur’s hopes but Liverpool slumped to a the 89th minute with the help of two half as these sides played out a draw for Wesley belted in the third before Ruud world football community.” shock defeat. defl ections as Spurs got their fi rst win the second time in a fortnight. “This is Vormer sealed the win. Group B: At Milan, Italy: Inter Milan (ITA) Infantino said the Club Last year’s runners-up were beaten of the campaign. a diffi cult group but we saw with Liver- Semi-fi nalists in 2017, Monaco are 1 (Icardi 87) Barcelona (ESP) 1 (Malcom World Cup was his answer by Red Star Belgrade, although the big- “We had to dig deep and fi nd another pool losing that everything is possible,” now eliminated. It was a dreadful dis- 83); At London; Tottenham (ENG) 2 (Kane to any breakaway attempt, gest losers on the night were Thierry level when it mattered. The whole sea- said PSG’s Julian Draxler. “A draw in play from a side who have not won in 78, 89) PSV Eindhoven (NED) 1 (De Jong presenting it as a competi- Henry’s Monaco, who were eliminated son we’ve been grinding out results here Naples is not bad and we still have our 15 games, including fi ve matches under 2) tion that would generate following a resounding loss to Club and there,” said Kane. Liverpool were fate in our own hands.” Henry. This result also came on the day Group C: At Naples, Italy: Napoli (ITA) more revenues for the clubs Brugge. Lionel Messi was still missing strong favourites away to Red Star in Liverpool and Napoli are locked on the club’s Russian billionaire owner 1 (Insigne 63-pen) Paris Saint-Germain but also benefit the foot- six points from four games, with PSG Dmitry Rybolovlev was arrested in a for Barcelona at the San Siro, and it was Serbia, but Jurgen Klopp’s team were (FRA) 1 (Bernat 45+2); At Belgrade: Red ball community. Infantino substitute Malcom who came off the poor in a 2-0 defeat to the 1991 Euro- one behind and Red Star another point corruption investigation. Star Belgrade (SRB) 2 (Pavkov 22, 29) revealed plans in May for a bench to give the Spanish champions a pean Cup winners. adrift. Liverpool travel to the French “We started well, but once we fell new Global Nations League Liverpool (ENG) 0 late lead. Milan Pavkov scored twice in seven capital in their next game. behind we stopped playing and that’s and a revamped Club World But Inter hit back to earn a point fi rst-half minutes, heading in the open- Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid gained a little bit worrying,” said Henry of Group D: At Porto, Portugal: FC Porto Cup which he says are backed thanks to Mauro Icardi’s 87th-minute er and then beating Alisson with a pow- revenge for a 4-0 defeat away to Borus- his team’s performance. Porto are on (POR) 4 (Herrera 2, Marega 42, Corona by a ‘solid and serious’ group leveller, keeping the three-time former erful strike from range, to the delight sia Dortmund last month as Diego the brink of qualifi cation from Group 67, Otavio 90+3) Lokomotiv Moscow of investors willing to spend winners on course to join Barcelona in of a huge home support. “The boys are Simeone’s side defeated the Germans D after a 4-1 win at home to Lokomo- (RUS) 1 (Farfan 59); At Gelsenkirchen, $25bn over a 12-year cycle qualifying for the last 16 from Group B. very disappointed, I’m very disappoint- 2-0 in Spain, Saul Niguez and Antoine tiv Moscow. They lead the section by Germany: Schalke 04 (GER) 2 (Burgstall- starting in 2021. Tottenham remain in the hunt, howev- ed and we have to do better,” said Klopp. Griezmann scoring the goals. two points from Schalke, who defeated er 4, Uth 57) Galatasaray (TUR) 0

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Tottenham still alive, insists Kane Malcom fi nally delivers aft er AFP London diffi cult start at Barcelona AFP knock-out stages with two games kid. He’s done really well and the arry Kane believes Tottenham Barcelona to spare, even if Mauro Icardi’s goal will do him good. He is going can still make the last 16 of the late equaliser denied the visitors to help us a lot.” Champions League after coming victory in Group B. “Malcom Ex- Busquets believes the criticism to his side’s rescue once more in a alcom cried tears ists”, read Diario Sport’s front has also been severe. “It’s not fair Hlate turnaround to beat PSV Eindhoven 2-1 of joy after scoring page headline yesterday, while that he’s judged on one game in on Tuesday night. Mauricio Pochettino’s against Inter Milan Mundo Deportivo also centred on the cup because he had hardly side were only 12 minutes away from being in the Champions the Brazilian, with the headline played all season before that,” he eliminated as they struggled to recover from MLeague on Tuesday night but his “Malcom X”. said. “It’s impossible to have any Luuk de Jong’s opener for PSV after 61 sec- emotions must have marked re- “We’re all so happy for Mal- sort of rhythm. There was a lot of onds at Wembley. lief too after a diffi cult start at com,” Valverde said after the unfair criticism about the players But England captain Kane came to the Barcelona. match.”He gave us the edge that that played in the cup match.” rescue with a predatory equaliser before Signed from Bordeaux for we had been missing at other Malcom had been linked with heading the crucial last-gasp winner with 41mn euros ($47mn) in the sum- times in the game. “He has been Tottenham and Arsenal last year, the aid of a defl ection off PSV’s Trent Sains- mer, the 21-year-old was always working hard to get better every and was on the cusp of signing bury. “We were just on the attack all the circled as a player for the future day. He’s still young and there’s a for Roma before Barca made their time,” said Kane. “In the end we managed to but his lack of involvement this lot of room for improvement.” move. He indicated his long- take a couple but I think we deserved it. We season has been a surprise. He After fi nishing off a slick Barca term future remains at the Camp had to dig deep and fi nd another level when was poor when handed a rare break with a smart left-foot fi n- Nou. it mattered. The whole season we’ve been outing against Cultural Leonesa ish, Malcom celebrated in the “My dream with Barca is just grinding out results here and there. Obvi- in the Copa del Rey last month corner, his hands covering his starting,” Malcom said. “My ously we’d like to be higher up the table in while some have suggested Mal- face. His teammates soon joined dream is to make history and do the league and doing better in the Champi- com was signed at the behest of him. “His tears were emotional,” big things. ons League, but we’re still fi ghting.” the club, not coach Ernesto Val- Sergio Busquets said. I have to thank my teammates Spurs still face an uphill task to reach verde, who has started him only “He’s not getting the minutes for showing confi dence in me. the knockout stage as they need to beat Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane (right) scores against PSV Eindhoven during the Champi- once so far this term. he wants but in training he’s Making my debut in the Champi- Inter Milan at home in their next Champi- ons League group B match at Wembley Stadium in London. (AFP) His goal at the San Siro, how- working really hard. He wants to ons League and scoring will stay ons League clash and most likely Barcelona ever, sent Barca through to the turn things around. He’s a great in my memory forever.” away on December 11. “It’s another game we But the 33-year-old, now based in the much about how he’s going to do it when must win, we want to have the possibility to United States where he plays for Major we play but it’ll be great to see him again go to the next stage,” said Pochettino, who League Soccer side DC United, is set to and I’m sure he’s looking forward to seeing Barcelona’s Malcolm reacts praised his players’ eff orts after an arduous wear the Three Lions shirt one last time a few of the boys. It’s a great experience for after scoring against Inter run of four games in eight days. at Wembley on November 15. “I think it’s the younger players in our team. So I think Milan on Tuesday. (Reuters) “The team is growing up. In these four great,” Kane said. Next week’s match will be everyone should get right behind it, and it’ll games, three victories, we lost to Man City called The Wayne Rooney Foundation In- be a good send-off .” and I think the draw was more the fair re- ternational in support of the striker’s chil- And Kane said he would have no prob- sult. Pleased of course, we’re always trying dren’s charity, and England manager Gareth lems handing over the captain’s armband to to improve, but with all the circumstances Southgate has named Rooney in the squad. Rooney should the former skipper come off the team is fi ghting.” FA chiefs have faced accusations they are the bench. “He deserves it. He was a great devaluing international football by recall- captain for us. He was captain when I got CAPTAIN KANE HAPPY TO HONOUR ing Rooney but Kane was in no doubt about into the squad. So if he plays, of course he’ll ROONEY IN FINAL ENGLAND FAREWELL having his predecessor as England skipper be the captain,” said Kane. Meanwhile, England captain Kane has giv- involved one last time. Former Everton and United forward en his backing to the honouring of former “It’s a really good thing that everyone Rooney scored 53 goals in 119 England ap- skipper Wayne Rooney in an international should be a part of. Wayne is one the great- pearances. He scored 12 times for DC United friendly against the United States next est ever players to play for England, the after joining them in June following a second week. Rooney, a record goalscorer for both greatest goalscorer to play for England, so spell at boyhood club Everton, and helped Manchester United and England, retired why not give him the send-off he deserves? them climb from the bottom of the league to from international football in August 2017. I’ve not spoken to Gareth (Southgate) too the play-off s.

Thursday, November 8, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING MOTORSPORT Abdulla sets up drive for Manateq Guillambert stars Qatar rally

By Sports Reporter Doha

del Abdulla has pieced as Scudding tops together a last-minute deal to drive a powerful Ford Fiesta R5 in next week’sA Manateq International Rally of Qatar, the fi nal round of Jockey rides four winners on the the FIA Middle East Rally Cham- pionship (MERC). day including the feature-topper The former FIA T2 world Qatar Cup champion has been tackling rounds of the FIA World Cup for By Sports Reporter Al-Ramzani too completed Cross-Country Rallies in recent Doha his double when Tomas Lu- seasons, but has held the ambi- kasek rode Tijan to victory in the tion of tackling his home round Thoroughbred Handicap event of the regional rally series since timing is ideal. P Guillambert rounded for horses rated 75 and below. taking part in the event for the “There are no plans to fi ght to up a great performance in Alban de Mieulle-schooled fi rst time as a navigator in 1990. win. I will do my best. It is my the saddle with four vic- Akmar, owned by Umm Qarn, The Doha-based driver will fi rst time to drive this type of car. tories, guiding Mohamed topped one of the four maiden drive a car under the manage- I did my fi rst race here in 1990 Riyaz-saddledJ Scudding to vic- races of the day. ment of Roger Feghali’s Autotune and now I have a chance to do it tory in the Qatar Cup at the Al operation and is hopeful that the as a driver after three years driv- Rayyan Park yesterday. RESULTS experienced Lebanese naviga- ing in the Cross-Country World The Thoroughbred Condi- Race 1: 1. Khat Al Nar (Anas tor Joseph Matar will accompany Cup.” tions event for fi llies and mares, al-Seyabi), 2. Al Huwailah (Harry him to the offi cial start at Souq Abdulla’s challenge for suc- yesterday’s 1,700m feature on Bentley), 3. Shaman Bu Thaila Waqif in downtown Doha from cess comes with the support of dirt, saw Guillambert, riding in (Jimmy Quinn), 4. Sharhan Az- 19.00hrs next Thursday (No- the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle the colours of Khalifa bin Sheail zam (Faleh Bughanaim). Won by: vember 15). Federation (QMMF) and Oore- al-Kuwari, guide the four- 7 ¾, 2 ¼, 2. Time: 1:12.85. Owner: Abdulla said: “I saw that there doo Qatar. year-old to a comfortable vic- Subaiya Awad Ibrahim. Trainer: were a lot of drivers entering the While he is realistically not out tory ahead of Marvin Suerland- Mohamed Khaled Elahmed. rally and I wanted to take part. I to challenge the likes of 14-time helmed Tea Leaf, who locked out Race 2: 1. Take A Nap (JP Guil- made the deal very late. It is my regional champion Nasser Saleh the top two spots for the trainer. lambert), 2. Acclaimed Dancer dream to do the Qatar Interna- al-Attiyah and his season-long Harry Bentley was astride Jas- (Adnan Hawa), 3. Almasah tional Rally. It is a good time of Czech rival Vojtech Stajf in the R5 sim Mohamed Ghazali-trained (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Qianlong year, good weather and I think it battle, Abdulla is hopeful that a Hillside Dream to third. (Harry Bentley). Won by: 7 ¾, will be good experience for me. podium fi nish is the realistic goal Ghazali combined with Guil- 1 ½, ¾. Time: 1:11.82. Owner: There are no more races in the against a strong fi eld of MERC 2 lambert for his two victories Abdullah Mohamed al-Kuwari Cross-Country this year, so the entrants. earlier in the day. Sons. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Ghazali’s second victory of Ghazali. Al Shaqab Equestrian Facility Expert Majid Nasser al-Kaabi (centre) presents the owner’s trophy to the day was a one-two with Race 3: 1. Akmar (Ronan Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari after Scudding won the Qatar Cup at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s SPOTLIGHT Guillambert-helmed Yaarmen, Thomas), 2. Fawwaz Al Shajaa Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim owned by Shaheen bin Khalid (Rashid Ali al-Marri), 3. Wishah Shaheen al-Ghanim, winning (Harry Bentley), 4. Broog Stefa- the 1900m Thoroughbred Grad- nia (Saleem Golam). Won by: 1 Qatar to host AFC uation Plate event, three quar- ¼, 3 ½, 13. Time: 1:19.88. Owner: ters of a length ahead of Bentley Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de and his ride, Perigee. Mieulle. U23 group qualifi ers Guillambert even rode Ghaz- Race 4: 1. Shaza Al Sulaimi ali’s Take A Nap to his maiden (JP Guillambert), 2. Jazalah QNA Republic in Group E. victory. (Ronan Thomas), 3. Alanoud Kuala Lumpur Reigning champions and Scudding was Riyaz’s second (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 4. Yanar host nation Uzbekistan will be- winner of the day after Shaza Al (Harry Bentley). Won by: ¾, 10, gin their title defence against Sulaimi registered her fi rst ca- 6. Time: 2:00.97. Owner: Jassem atar will host AFC U23 Tajikistan, India and Pakistan in reer win, also with Guillambert Mohamed al-Badi. Trainer: Mo- Championship Finals Group F. Mongolia will be count- as her partner. hamed Riyaz. Group A qualifi ers on ing on home support when they Faleh Bughanaim, after com- Race 5: 1. Yaarmen (JP Guillam- March 22-26, 2019. host Group G and go up against ing close on the fi rst two days of QThe qualifi ers divided the 44 North Korea, Hong Kong and bert), 2. Perigee (Harry Bentley), 3. the season, snapped up two vic- Comrade in Arms (Saleem Golam), participating teams into two zones Singapore. tories in quick succession, rid- 4. Almakfee (Marco Casamento). of West (West, South, Central) Cambodia have yet to reach ing AJS Al Ruwais to victory in Won by: ¾, 7, 1 ½. Time: 2:02.87. with 24 teams, and East (East, the Finals but they are deter- the Purebred Arabian Handicap Owner: Shaheen bin Khalid ASEAN) with 20 teams. Qatar will mined to impress when they wel- event for horses rated 70 and be- Shaheen al-Ghanim. Trainer: Jas- face Oman, Nepal and Afghani- come Korea Republic, Australia low, before leading a Qatari one- sim Mohamed Ghazali. stan, according to the AFC. and Chinese Taipei in Group H. two in the Local Thoroughbred Race 6: 1. AJS Al Ruwais (Faleh Host of Group B, Bahrain, will After missing out on two edi- Handicap event for horses rated Bughanaim), 2. Fawwaz (JP make their fourth attempt at tions, Group I host, Myanmar, 75 and below astride Sandaan. Guillambert), 3. Udai Al Wajba qualifying to the Finals, as they will play against 2016 winners Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani’s (Harry Bentley), 4. AJS Al Maha go up against Palestine, Bangla- Japan, Timor-Leste and Macau. ward, AJS Al Ruwais, edged out (Tomas Lukasek). Won by: ½, 1 desh and Sri Lanka. Group J host Malaysia, who Riyaz’s charge, Fawwaz by half ¼, 1 ½. Time: 2:01.28. Owner: Al Iran, the host nation for Group reached the quarter-fi nals of the a length at the post, before Ab- Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser C, will prove their mettle against competition for the fi rst time in dulla Sultan Ahmed al-Jabir- al-Ramzani. inaugural champions Iraq, Turk- their history in January, are set to saddled Sandaan beat Al Ayyar, Race 7: 1. Sandaan (Faleh menistan and Yemen. host China PR, Laos and Philip- ridden by another Qatari jockey Bughanaim), 2. Al Ayyar (Rashid Saudi Arabia, the 2013 run- pines. Rashid Ali al-Marri, by one and Ali al-Marri), 3. The Shark (Marco ners-up, will be aiming to better Vietnam, who fi nished run- a half lengths. Casamento), 4. Al Khazileah (JP their previous best result after ners-up in the 2018 edition re- Another rider, who had a Guillambert). Won by: 1 ½, Shd, failing to progress past the group turns to the Qualifi ers as host of double on the day, was Anas al- No. Time: 1:52.91. Owner: Ahmed stage in January. They host Unit- Group K, where they will meet Seyabi, who after guiding Khat Sultan Ahmed al-Jabir. Trainer: JP Guillambert rides Scudding to victory in the Qatar Cup yesterday. ed Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei Al Nar to his maiden victory in Abdulla Sultan Ahmed al-Jabir. Maldives in Group D. Darussalam. the fi rst race of the card, helmed Race 8: 1. Tijan (Tomas Lukasek), Owaida Salem al-Hajri. Trainer: Waves (JP Guillambert). Won by: Suerland), 3. Hillside Dream Kuwait were among the fi rst The 11 group winners and Ibrahim al-Malki’s Victory Lau- 2. Magic Line (Rashid Ali al- Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. Nk, 1 ¾, ¾. Time: 1:04.76. Owner: (Harry Bentley), 4. Festive teams to participate in the fi rst- four best second-placed teams rel as the gelding topped the Marri), 3. Lawless Louis (Jean Race 9: 1. Victory Laurel (Anas Ibrahim al-Malki. Trainer: Ibrahim (Marco Casamento). Won by: 1 ½, ever AFC U23 Championship in among all groups will qualify for penultimate race of the day, the Baptiste Hamel), 4. Greyscape al-Seyabi), 2. Cristofano Allori al-Malki. 1 ¼, ¾. Time: 1:51.09. Owner: Kha- 2013, and will bid to reach the the Finals, with the host nation 1,100m Class 2 Thoroughbreds (Jimmy Quinn). Won by: Nk, 1 ¾, (Stephan Ladjadj), 3. My Sharona Race 10: 1. Scudding (JP Guil- lifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Finals again when they face op- of the Finals receiving automatic event. ½. Time: 1:12.17. Owner: Nasser (Marco Casamento), 4. Receding lambert), 2. Tea Leaf (Marvin Mohamed Riyaz. ponents Jordan, Syria and Kyrgyz qualifi cation.

FOOTBALL / UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Insigne beats Buff on as Napoli hold PSG AFP very end, we’re holding on tight,” worked free-kick, Kalidou Kouli- safety before guiding Mertens’ Naples, Italy said Ancelotti. baly rescued the Italians twice lobbed eff ort over the bar mo- PSG sit third, only one point in succession with a well-timed ments later. adrift, leaving Buffon with tackle on Mbappe and a timely Napoli should have scored orenzo Insigne beat plenty of belief in their last-16 interception to prevent Mbappe when acrobatic control by former Italy teammate chances. reaching Thomas Meunier’s pass. Mertens set up Callejon to the Gianluigi Buff on from the “Paris played a great game, it right of Buff on’s goal, but the spot to keep Napoli well in was a solid performance and I’m MBAPPE MAGIC Spaniard bundled wide. Lthe hunt for a place in the last 16 happy because I think we’re on At the other end, Callejon set up As PSG panicked at the back, of the Champions League thanks the right road,” Buff on told RMC Insigne for a deft volley which Buff on palmed Callejon’s close- to a 1-1 draw at home to Paris Sport. the diminutive Napoli midfi elder range cross into the path of Saint-Germain on Tuesday. “Red Star did both us and fi red a yard wide of Buff on’s up- Mertens only for the Belgian to PSG travelled to the Stadio San Napoli a big favour earlier but right. fi re over from two yards out. Paolo looking to go one better af- there’s everything to play for in But Napoli’s fans were in de- Napoli fans were further frus- ter being held to a 2-2 draw in the the fi nal matches. spair moments later courtesy of trated when former Juventus French capital two weeks ago. “But I’m confi dent because more Mbappe magic. legend Buff on stood his ground But after Juan Bernat capped we’re improving and each draw The World Cup star’s pace car- to parry Fabian Ruiz’s fi rst-timer a dominant first-half perform- for us sends an important mes- ried him on to a cross down the following Mertens’ cross. ance from PSG to hit the opener sage.” left and he bamboozled Raul Al- Buff on was fi nally beaten, but on the stroke of half-time, In- In what was captain Marek biol before sending a deft cutback only from the spot, by Insigne’s signe made no mistake when Hamsik’s record 512th appear- into the path of Bernat. 62nd-minute penalty. the hosts were awarded a pen- ance for Napoli, former team- The Spaniard took a touch and, PSG coach Thomas Tuchel in- alty just after the hour as Jose mate Edinson Cavani played only as he fell to the turf, swiped with troduced Cavani for the fi nal 14 Callejon was sandwiched in the a cameo role after replacing An- his right foot to stun Ospina. minutes while Mertens, holding area. gel Di Maria for the fi nal quarter- A half-time pep talk by Ance- an injured arm, was replaced by The result sees Napoli go top hour. lotti appeared to have had the de- Adam Ounas. of Group C, level on points with It left Neymar and Kylian sired eff ect when a far more en- The much-needed boost in Liverpool following their shock Mbappe pulling the strings up terprising Napoli emerged after attack failed to materialise for 2-0 defeat by Red Star Belgrade front for the visitors, who pro- the interval, with the 40-year- PSG, who five minutes from earlier Tuesday. duced a strong fi rst 45 minutes Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne (foreground) in action during the UEFA Champions League match against Paris old Buff on rolling back the years time saw Mbappe somehow But in comments to Sky Sport, that had Napoli’s demanding Saint-Germain in Naples, Italy, on Tuesday. (Reuters) with some fi ne saves. sweep his strike from Thilo Ke- coach Carlo Ancelotti warned fans frustrated throughout. The former World Cup win- hrer’s delivery wide of Ospina’s qualifi cation is not secure yet. The fi rst real scare for Na- Mbappe ran on to Neymar’s half volley that dipped just over After Mertens poked wide of ner fi rst stretched to palm Nikola upright when eight yards from “We’ll have to battle until the poli came on 23 minutes when looping cross to fi re a left-footed David Ospina’s crossbar. Buff on’s upright after a well- Maksimovic’s angled eff ort to goal.