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Sunday, November 19, 2017 SPOTLIGHT Rabia I 1, 1439 AH Turkey’s ‘Pocket GULF TIMES Hercules’, thrice Olympic champion, dies at 50 SPORT Page 2

Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani (right) honours Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani (second from left), who won the Grand Prix event of the International Show Jumping Championship, as second-placed QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani and Qatar Equestrian Federation President Hamad bin Abdulrahman Edwina Tops-Alexander (left) of Australia and third-placed Ali al-Khorafi of Kuwait look on. al-Attiyah with the winners of the Qatar International Show Jumping championship.

QATAR INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP Sheikh Ali, Bassem triumph on glorious day for Qatar Sheikh Ali and his horse First Devision were by far the best combination on the field as they flew around the course

By Sahan Bidappa had to settle for third place. “It’s really a nice feeling to win the competition. The horse just came back and we made a plan and it worked. To- heikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani day was his day,” said Bassem, who and his trusted 12-year-old pocketed €6,150 for his victory. “The gelding First Devision dazzled horse just came back to the competi- under the lights at the Qa- tion. I am so happy how he jumped tarS Equestrian Federation’s outdoor today. I am looking forward to the next arena as the ace Qatari rider clinched events,” he added. the Grand Prix of Qatar International His confi dence sky high having won Show Jumping championship. the Doha leg of the GCT at Al Shaqab, In what was a memorable day for Bassem looked back at last weekend’s hosts, Qatari riders won all three class- turn of events and called it the best es on the last day of the championship. victory of his career. “Last week’s win In the Grand Prix, which was also the at Global Champions Tour was the Arab qualifying event for next year’s biggest win of my career. To win es- , Sheikh Ali and his Olym- pecially here in Doha, I am so happy. I pic horse First Devision were by far the am motivated for the coming shows. I best combination on the fi eld as they just need to stay focus and follow the fl ew around the course. The two were plan from trainers. When you also in perfect sync on the night as they have support from His Highness the came out fastest in 55.77 seconds. Father Emir, His Highness the Emir Qatar’s Bassem Mohamed with The Toymaker clinched the 145cm class at the Qatar Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexan- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, International Show Jumping Championship. der had to settle for second spot once HE Sheikh Joaan, then everything is again, after having fi nished runner-up possible,” the 30-year-old said. to Qatar’s Bassem Hassan Mohamed Bassem is currently second in the earlier. The two-time Global Champi- Arab League rankings with 44 points ons Tour winner astride Inca Boy Van as he looks good to qualify for the next T Vianahof fi nished almost eight sec- year’s World Cup in . “I feel con- onds of winning time. The third place fi dent. This event may not be as big as went to Kuwait’s Ali al-Khorafi , fl ying GCT but it’s an important one for us. under the fl ag of FIE, on Cheril as the It’s a good class, there are fast rid- pair came home in 53.57 secs but in- ers too and some good horses. In each curred four faults which dealt a blow to class you have to respect the riders and victory hopes. horses,” he said “It’s a good win as it will give me con- “I am in the second place in the Arab fi dence for next week also,” said Sheikh rankings to qualify for the World Cup. Ali, after collecting his prize from HE I need to fi nish in the top-3 in total. I Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, the will only do two shows here in Doha president of the Qatar Olympic Com- and will skip the rest. Then wait and mittee. “This was very good practice see what will happen,” he added. for future events. My horse has won In the opening event of the fi nal day, three times before and he was sixth in Qatar’s Saeed Nasser al-Qadi mount- the Olympics,” he added. ing Daydreamer EC cruised to victory “It seemed too easy for him but to in the 135 cm class. The two combined win is always special. It is very impor- to record the fastest time of 66.36 secs, tant for me to make my country happy. which was a good six seconds ahead We did that today. We dominated at of their nearest rival. France’s Cyrine Winner of the 135cm class, Qatar’s Saeed Nasser al-Qadi, runner-up Cyrine Cherif this championship because we have a Cherif (Gerlin VD Waterkant) fi nished of France and third-placed Yara al-Hunaidi pose with the off icials. good team now. We have good horses second, while Kuwait’s Yara al-Hun- and good trainers. We work hard (for aidi (Dinky Toy van de Castershoeve) Boy Van T Vianahof. 63.09 secs. €18,380 3. Athina Onassis (Greece) Vannan. 77.06 the wins) and you can see that every Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani astride First Devision celebrates his win in riding under the fl ag of FEI came third. 3. Ali al-Khorafi (FEI) Cheril 4. 53.57 secs. secs. €3,690 year. Hopefully we will have the best the Grand Prix event of the Qatar International Show Jumping championship at €13,785 Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 team in the future also,” the popular QEF’s outdoor arena yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi RESULTS Table A, One Round + Winning Round | Max. 130/135 cm | Prize Money €7,000 Qatari rider added. GRAND PRIX - World Cup Competition | FEI Art. 276.2.1, 2.3 | Max. 145 cm | 1. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Qatar) Day- Despite fi nishing second, Edwina was Earlier, Qatar’s Bassem carried his The pair’s winning time of 54.75 was Two Rounds Min 140 - Max. 160cm Prize €24,600 dreamer EC. Time: 66.36 secs. Prize content with the results. “I am very hap- winning form from the last weekend’s two and half seconds better than Ed- money: €91,900 1. Bassem Mohamed (Qatar) The money: €1,750 py. This was the fi rst time he went out for Global Champions Tour, as he clinched wina Tops-Alexander, who came home 1. Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani (Qatar) Toymaker. Time: 54.75 seconds. Prize 2. Cyrine Cherif (France) Gerlin VD Wa- this Grand Prix. I couldn’t be happier. I the 145cm class. Bassem, astride The on Veronese Teamjoy in 57.37 secs. First Devision. Time: 55.77 secs. Prize money: €6,150 terkant. 73.05 secs. €1,400 am also happy that Ali won. It was a very Toymaker, took out a comfortable error- Greece’s Athina Onassis committed money: €22,975 2. Edwina Tops-Alexander (Australia) 3. Yara al-Hunaidi (FEI) Dinky Toy van de good ride by him,” she said. free round even as his rivals faltered. two faults on Vannan, which meant she 2 Edwina Tops-Alexander (Australia) Inca Veronese Teamjoy. 57.37 secs. €4,920 Castershoeve. 79.32 secs. €1,050 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, November 19, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Turkey’s ‘Pocket Hercules’ Suleymanoglu, thrice Olympic champion, dies at 50

AFP liver transplant earlier this month after Turkish people but the world,” Taspinar spectators with his power and was one Istanbul a suitable donor was found and initial added. of few weightlifters who managed to reports had said that the surgery was The path to stardom for Suleyman- clean and jerk three times his own bod- successful. oglu, who was born Naim Suleimanov yweight. urkey’s legendary triple Ol- Suleymanoglu’s exploits made him a as a member of the Turkish minority in He built up one of the sport’s great- ympic gold-medal winning national hero in Turkey, where he is re- , was not smooth. est ever rivalries with Greece’s Valerios weightlifter Naim Suleyma- garded as one of the greatest sports per- He initially competed for Bulgaria Leonidis which was followed avidly by noglu, the diminutive “Pocket sonalities in the country’s history. but defected from the then-communist Turkish and Greek communities across Hercules,”T has died aged 50, state media President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Bulgaria in December 1986 during the the world. said. who had visited Suleymanoglu in hos- Weightlifting World Cup in . After picking up a third Olympic title Suleymanoglu, was only 1.47 metres pital and received the news while deliv- In an episode that caused a sensa- in Atlanta, he tried a comeback at the (4.8 feet) tall, scored a historic hat-trick ering a speech to supporters, expressed tion at the time, Suleymanoglu left 2000 Games but suff ered a rare of consecutive Olympic titles starting his condolences on live television over for London aboard the Turkish prime failure. He failed to lift 145kg in three in Seoul in 1988 then Barcelona in 1992 Suleymanoglu’s death. minister’s jet, which then took him on attempts and left Australia empty- and Atlanta in 1996. “Turkish weightlifting has suff ered to Turkey where he was given a hero’s handed. The Bulgarian-born Suleymanoglu, a great loss,” the head of the Turkish welcome. He subsequently dabbled in politics, who had in late September been admit- weightlifting federation Tamer Taspi- Bulgaria fumed over his defection paying particular attention to the wel- ted to intensive care after suff ering liver nar told Anadolu. and Suleymanoglu was initially sus- fare of the Turkish minority in neigh- failure, died in hospital in Istanbul, the “He was the ‘Pocket Hercules’ who pended for a year. But he then stormed bouring Bulgaria and standing as a can- Anadolu news agency said. broke 46 records. He was a sports- to victory at the 1988 Olympics. didate for parliament for the right-wing The weightlifter had been given a man who won the hearts not just of the The tiny Suleymananoglu wowed Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Wenger salutes Arsenal Manchester City ‘urgency’ in derby win AFP London

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his side’s inten- sity had been the decisive fac- tor in their 2-0 victory over see off Leicester, northA London derby rivals Tottenham Hotspur yesterday. Quick-fi re fi rst-half goals from Shk- odran Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez at a drizzly Emirates Stadium earned Ar- senal a fi rst win over Tottenham since March 2014. It was Arsenal’s 11th successive United win 4-1 home victory in league football and left them a point behind Spurs, who Tottenham Hotspur lose ground after 2-0 defeat by Arsenal fi nished above them last season for the fi rst time since 1995. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger “They had the urgency, the desire reacts during the match. and the focus,” Wenger said. “In a derby like that, that plays a Ozil struck his free-kick and Arsenal Manchester United’s French midfielder Paul part. We didn’t lose the defensive focus profi ted from the benefi t of the doubt Pogba (L) greets Swedish striker Zlatan for 90 minutes.” in a possible off side call against Alex- Ibrahimovic (R) as Pogba leaves the pitch Wenger also hailed the display of andre Lacazette prior to Sanchez’s goal. substituted during their English Premier German playmaker Mesut Ozil, who “You saw what happened during the League football match against Newcastle departed to a standing ovation late in game,” Pochettino said. United at Old Traff ord in Manchester yesterday. the second half after an uncharacteris- “I’m disappointed because the small tically battling performance. details were against us, which makes it “I’m convinced that Mesut Ozil diffi cult to win.” adds physicality to his game and when Asked about which “small details” he needs it, he can produce it,” the he was referring to, Pochettino replied: Frenchman told Sky Sports. “The free-kick. And I think it was off - “He got a standing ovation because side. he added to the team’s defensive job. “In this type of game, when you play He’s not a specialist in that, but he against a top-six side like Arsenal, the can do that because he’s an intelligent small details change games and put the man.” game on one side.” Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino Wenger said: “I don’t see where the was unhappy about the free-kick that referee’s decisions went for us. For me, led to Mustafi ’s 36th-minute opener, the foul (by Sanchez on Sanchez) was a which was awarded for a challenge on foul. Sanchez by Davinson Sanchez that “I can give you plenty of games since looked clean. the start of the season when we had bad Mustafi was also narrowly off side as luck.”

SERIE A Roma close gap on Napoli aft er derby win

Roma’s Daniele De Rossi celebrates in front of fans after the match.

way we conceded the goals” after the Reuters Results and standings Londom derby defeat scuppered suggestions of a permanent shift in the north London Arsenal 2 (Mustafi 36, Sanchez 41) P W D L G A P balance of power. remier League leaders Man- Tottenham Hotspur 0 Manchester City 12 11 1 0 40 7 34 Arsenal went ahead through a con- chester City brushed aside Bournemouth 4 (Wilson 26, 31, 84, Manchester Utd 12 8 2 2 27 6 26 troversial goal from Shkodran Mustafi , Leicester City 2-0 for their 16th Arter 70) Huddersfield 0 Chelsea 12 8 1 3 23 10 25 which Pochettino thought should not successive win in all competi- Burnley 2 (Cork 29, Barnes 40) Tottenham 12 7 2 3 20 9 23 have stood. tionsP as Manchester United welcomed “The goal was off side. But we lose,” on 28 points after the derby defeat, Swansea 0 Liverpool 12 6 4 2 24 17 22 AFP back long-term absentees Paul Pogba Crystal Palace 2 (McArthur 1, Zaha 35) Arsenal 12 7 1 4 22 16 22 he said. “I’m not blaming the referee. Milan ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Atletico and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a 4-1 rout of Everton 2 (Baines 6-pen, Niasse 45+1) Burnley 12 6 4 2 12 9 22 It’s a strange situation. It changed the Madrid, where they could qualify for Newcastle United. Leicester 0 Manchester City 2 (Jesus Brighton 11 4 3 4 11 11 15 dynamic of the game. We need to ac- the Champions League knockout stag- With Tottenham Hotspur losing 45, De Bruyne 49) Watford 11 4 3 4 17 21 15 cept that. We can’t control that.” oma moved to within two es with a match to spare. ground after a 2-0 derby defeat at neigh- Liverpool 3 (Salah 31, 41, Coutinho 68) Huddersfield 12 4 3 5 8 17 15 At Anfi eld, Mohamed Salah scored points of Serie A leaders Na- “This is a Roma side that is improv- bours Arsenal, the league continues to Southampton 0 Newcastle 12 4 2 6 11 14 14 twice as Liverpool beat Southampton poli after squeezing past local ing and has great belief,” said coach look an argument between Manches- West Bromwich Albion 0 Chelsea 4 Leicester 12 3 4 5 16 18 13 3-0 to record three consecutive Pre- rivals Lazio 2-1 yesterday as Eusebio Di Francesco. “We’ve already ter’s big two who are separated by eight mier League wins for the fi rst time in ItalyR resumed domestic action follow- turned our attentions to the game with (Morata 17, Hazard 23, 62, Alonso 38) Bournemouth 12 4 1 7 11 14 13 points. Manchester United 4 (Martial 37, Southampton 12 3 4 5 9 14 13 2017. ing the World Cup disaster for the na- Atletico Madrid. A tap-in by Gabriel Jesus and a stun- Smalling 45+1, Pogba 54, Lukaku 70) Stoke 11 3 3 5 13 22 12 The Egyptian’s brace on 31 and 41 tional team. “We want to stay up at the top for as ning strike from Kevin De Bruyne pro- Newcastle United 1 (Gayle 14) Everton 12 3 3 6 12 24 12 minutes made it 14 goals in 18 games Eusebio Di Francesco’s side moved to long as possible and I think we’ve got vided the City goals against a Leicester Playing Sunday (1600 GMT) West Brom 12 2 4 6 9 18 10 for Liverpool with Philippe Coutinho third in Serie A level on 30 points with the right mentality to do just that.” team who have often troubled them in Watford v West Ham West Ham 11 2 3 6 11 23 9 rounding off the afternoon with their Inter Milan ahead of Napoli’s clash lat- Dominant Roma looked set for a the past. Playing Monday (2000 GMT) Swansea 12 2 2 8 7 15 8 third to put them one point off the er with AC Milan after a hard-fought comprehensive victory when Perotti The home side went close to equalis- Brighton v Stoke Crystal Palace 12 1 2 9 6 24 5 Champions League places. match decided by two goals in four sec- slotted home a 49th minute penalty ing when Harry McGuire hit the post Chelsea had an equally untroubled ond-half minutes from Diego Perotti and midfi elder Nainggolan after the break, but City went straight afternoon after beating West Brom- and Radja Nainggolan. drilled home a fi ne low strike four min- up the other end and put the result be- wich Albion 4-0, a result that piled “We showed great spirit, we are utes later. yond doubt with a stunning counter- defenders and they will suff er but we will from the bench after seven months out more pressure on Baggies manager Tony in wonderful form,” said goalscorer However a Kostas Manolas handball, attack that De Bruyne rounded off with fi nd a solution.” with a knee injury. Pulis whose side are without a win in 11 Nainggolan. initially missed by referee Gianluca an unstoppable 20-yard shot in the 49th The successful return of Vincent “It’s my head that is playing; my games. The Belgium international was a Rocchi but picked by the video assist- minute. Kompany from injury will provide com- knee just needs to follow,” he said after “The defending was very poor,” said doubt for the derby after picking up a ant referee after protests from Lazio The only concern for City manager pensation although the Belgian was for- his 15-minute cameo. Pulis after the defeat in which Eden groin injury during the international players, gave the away side a lifeline Pep Guardiola was an injury to John tunate to escape with a booking for a foul Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling Hazard scored twice. “It leaves me in the break but was the star of the show for from the spot. Stones, who hobbled off before the break on Jamie Vardy in the third minute. and Romelu Lukaku scored the other position I was in before the game. The Roma in midfi eld. Ciro Immobile tucked away the pen- and may not play again this year. United’s Pogba and Ibrahimovic goals as United hit four in the league for board of directors will decide what they “I always want to help my teammates alty in the 72nd minute to make it 15 “We are going to miss (John Stones) were also back in action at Old Traff ord. the seventh time this season after Mar- have to do.” The Premier League’s two and I gave my all to be ready to play, as goals for the season. for a long time, maybe six weeks off ,” The Frenchman contributed an assist cus Gayle had given Newcastle the lead. worst defences, Crystal Palace and Ever- this is the kind of match you cannot Lazio pressed for an equaliser but said Guardiola after the game. and scored United’s third in an impres- At Arsenal, Tottenham manager ton, predictably leaked goals as honours miss.” Roma held out for a nervy three points “It is tough because the calendar is so sive 70-minute appearance before Ib- Mauricio Pochettino said he was “dis- were shared in an entertaining 2-2 draw Roma’s fi fth straight win saw them that strengthened their claims to be a demanding. We don’t have many central rahimovic made an unexpected return appointed in the performance and the at Selhurst Park. leapfrog Lazio, who drop down to fi fth contender to Juventus’ Serie A crown. Gulf Times Sunday, November 19, 2017 3 SPORT

LA LIGA QATAR-OMAN CO-OPERATION Suarez brace stretches Barcelona’s lead

Barcelona’s Luis Suarez celebrates scoring their first goal against Leganes yesterday.

AFP before Gabriel Pires also dragged an eff ort Madrid wide when well-placed at the edge of the box. However, Leganes’ good work in the opening half hour was undone by a goal- Qatar Basketball Federation President Ahmed al-Muftah (second from left) and Oman Basketball Association Chairman Farid al-Zadjali (third from left) uis Suarez ended a fi ve-game goal keeping error when Ivan Cuellar limply sealing a co-operation agreement between the two federations yesterday. According to the agreement, Qatar and Oman will seek to develop the game drought with a double as Barce- palmed Paco Alcacer’s driven cross into of basketball by holding regular competitions between their men’s teams besides improving technical expertise through regular interaction between ref- lona extend their lead at the top of the path of the grateful Suarez to smash erees and other off icials. QBF General Secretary Ali al-Malki (extreme right) and Oman Basketball Association General Secretary Assad al-Hasani (extreme La Liga with a fl attering 3-0 win home his fi rst goal for a month. Lat Leganes yesterday. Barca’s joy was tempered moments left) are also seen in the picture. Barca now lead second-placed Valen- later when Gerard Pique was booked for cia by seven points ahead of their trip to bringing down Amrabat meaning he will Mestalla next weekend, with both Real be suspended for next weekend’s clash at LIGUE 1 Madrid and Atletico Madrid 11 points Valencia. Amrabat was the creator once adrift before they were scheduled to face more for Leganes’ best chance before the off in the Madrid derby later yesterday. break when he released Alexander Szy- However, two simple Suarez fi nishes manowski inside the area, but the Argen- from close range either side of half-time tine’s curling eff ort was turned to safety and Paulinho’s late tap-in glossed over by the in-form Ter Stegen. another under-par performance from The German goalkeeper was called into Ernesto Valverde’s men, who were again action again early in the second period thankful to a fi ne display from goalkeeper when Leganes substitute Claudio Beau- Cavani nets a Marc-Andre ter Stegen. vue was too quick for the Barca defence Despite tougher tests to come this week only to fi re straight at Ter Stegen. with a trip to Juventus in the Champions In contrast, just as in the fi rst-half, League on Wednesday before Valencia, Barca were ruthlessly effi cient in front Valverde named his strongest available of goal to double their lead on the hour side.Suarez was refreshed after sitting mark. Lionel Messi’s dinked pass released out international duty with Uruguay over Alcacer and after Cuellar parried his fi rst the past fortnight and had the ball in the eff ort, Suarez drilled home the rebound double as PSG net after just four minutes, but Jordi Alba for his second of the afternoon. had already been fl agged for off side as he Barca rode their luck to hold out for a supplied the cross for the former Liver- 12th clean sheet in their last 17 games as pool striker. Ter Stegen saved one-on-one from Am- The busy Nordin Ambrabat fi red a shot rabat and Beauvue blasted well over when thrash Nantes 4-1 over a positive run at the Barca defence unmarked 10 yards out. BUNDESLIGA The win puts PSG on 35 points from 13 games ahead of the defending champions Monaco on 29 Lewandowski goals put Bayern six-points clear

Bayern Munich’s Polish striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates after the second goal for his team yesterday.

AFP came even their midfi elder Naby Keita Berlin was down injured. Emil Forsberg converted a penalty on 54 minutes to restore Leipzig’s lead af- obert Lewandowski has now ter Benjamin Henrichs was sent off for netted 17 goals for Bayern Mu- using his hand to save a shot on the line. nich this season after his dou- But a wonderful Kevin Volland vol- Rble left the Bundesliga leaders ley on 74 minutes put Leverkusen level six points clear with a 3-0 thumping of despite the numerical disadvantage. A Augsburg yesterday. draw was not the best result for Leipzig Lewandowski, who has dyed his hair before Tuesday’s Champions League silver, underlined his status as the Bun- match at Monaco. desliga’s top scorer by netting either Striker Mark Uth rescued a point for side of the break in Munich to leave him fourth-placed Hoff enheim with a 91st- Saint-Germain’s Uruguayan forward with 13 goals in 12 league games this minute goal, converting a superb Serge Edinson Cavani shoots during his team’s season. Gnabry cross to seal a 1-1 draw at home match against Nantes (FCN) at the Parc des Bayern looked impressive with to Eintracht Frankfurt, who are sixth. Princes stadium in Paris yesterday. Lewandowski showing off his finishing Frankfurt had taken the lead when skills after Arturo Vidal gave the hosts Kevin-Prince Boateng hit a super fi rst- a deserved lead after 31 minutes at the half solo eff ort, snapping up a stray Allianz Arena. pass and slamming home his shot from Vidal struck after the ball ricocheted outside the area. AFP “We aren’t thinking about Monaco, in horror as the loose ball fell to the draw at newly-promoted Amiens de- around Augsburg’s penalty area as Cologne remain rooted to the bot- Paris just about winning,” Cavani said. wrong man. spite an equaliser from Stevan Jovetic to Lewandowski, then Mats Hummels tom after their 1-0 defeat at mid-table The star of the show yesterday may In between Di Maria took a short drop two points in the Ligue 1 title race. failed to get their shots away before the Mainz, who took the lead when Daniel have been Pastore but Cavani’s brace corner which Marco Verratti returned Christophe Pelissier’s home side Chile midfi elder hit the back of the net. Brosinski netted a fi rst-half penalty dinson Cavani fi red two goals lifted his goal tally to 15 league goals to him before his searching left foot took a shock 31st-minute lead through Lewandowski grabbed his fi rst by fi r- but played the last 20 minutes with 10 past Claudio Ranieri’s Nantes from 13 games, or 68 goals from 67 cross-shot crept in at the far corner to Serge Gakpe, but Jovetic came off the ing home Vidal’s fi nal pass just before men after Italian defender Giulio Do- as Paris Saint-Germain went matches since Zlatan Ibrahimovic left make it 2-0. bench in the second half to equalise. the break, then grabbed his second on nati was sent off for lashing out. Esix points clear in Ligue 1 yes- for Manchester United. Ranieri, the mastermind of Leices- Monaco went into the game four 49 minutes when he converted Joshua Wolfsburg remain unbeaten in the terday with an eye-catching 4-1 win. “Very pleasing for a striker, but ter City’s Premier League title two points adrift of PSG, but were boosted Kimmich’s pinpoint cross. last nine games with a 3-1 win at home With the Champions League visit there’s a long way to go and I want seasons ago, brought on Pjejuce Nak- by the return from injury of captain The victory was a good warm-up to Freiburg as Turkey midfi elder Yu- of Celtic looming in midweek, PSG’s to carry on and get bigger and better oulma at 2-0 down and he pegged PSG Radamel Falcao. for Wednesday’s Champions League nus Malli netted twice in the home win Kylian Mbappe was rested but his re- match after match,” Cavani said. back within three minutes to make it The Colombian quickly went in match at Anderlecht and increases which left the hosts 13th. placement Javier Pastore scored one Cavani timed his run onto Pastore’s 2-1. search of his 14th league goal of the Bayern’s lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund stay third de- and made one, while Angel Di Maria through ball perfectly before lashing But Parstore, fed by Verratti, lobbed season, but twice fi red wide before be- Leipzig who drew 2-2 at ten-man Bayer spite suff ering a third straight defeat on fi red home the other goal from a cor- a fi erce shot low past ‘keeper Cip- the giant Romanian ‘keeper, who got a ing denied by the legs of Amiens goal- Leverkusen. Friday by crashing 2-1 at VfB Stuttgart. ner he had taken himself. rian Tatarusanu on 38 minutes for the hand to the ball only to see it drop over keeper Regis Gurtner. striker Timo Werner con- Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick The win puts PSG on 35 points opener. the line on 65 minutes. The Stade de la Licorne burst into verted an early penalty, but the hosts Aubameyang was suspended for dis- from 13 games ahead of the defending “I gave him the ball and he scored “We were unlucky to lose 4-1, we life just after the half-hour mark as equalised when Jamaica midfi elder ciplinary reasons and Stuttgart went champions Monaco on 29, with the the goal, that’s the kind of player he played a good match. They are a huge Togo international Gakpe surged Leon Bailey got in behind the defence ahead with fi ve minutes when Chadrac sides to meet in a a table-top show- is,” Pastore said. team and you have to congratulate through on goal and confi dently slot- and fi red home a minute before the Akolo scored after a mix up between down on the south coast next week- Cavani’s other strike was a tap- them,” Ranieri said. On Friday, French ted into the corner to score his fi rst break. Dortmund defender Marc Bartra and end. in late on after defenders watched champions Monaco were held to a 1-1 Amiens goal. Leipzig were furious as the equaliser his goalkeeper Roman Burki. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, November 19, 2017 SPORT

CRICKET FOCUS Marsh eager to Sri Lanka gain upper grasp his latest last chance hand against India of brother Mitchell, teammate Reuters Sydney Hilton Cartwright and the in- cumbent Glenn Maxwell. After Visitors were 165-4 in their first innings when bad light ended a dramatic day in Kolkata playing in all four Tests on the atsman Shaun Marsh tour of India earlier this year, is determined to grasp Marsh was dumped for the fol- what he admits is prob- lowing tour of Bangladesh in ably a fi nal chance to what was quite a blow given he establishB himself as a regular was considered something of member of the Australia Test subcontinent specialist. side after earning an Ashes re- His recall did not cause as call. The 34-year-old, who has much surprise at that of 32-year- played 23 Tests since his debut in old wicketkeeper Tim Paine, a 2011, was one of a couple of sur- pick criticised as “confused” by prise inclusions in the Australia spin bowling great Shane Warne, squad named on Friday for next and Marsh himself was left with week’s opener against in just one prevailing emotion. . “It’s just excitement,” Marsh Marsh secured his eighth recall added. “I hadn’t really thought to the test side with some solid about it much over the last two form for Western Australia but or three of months. I just thought conceded that failure on Austral- if I played good for WA ian cricket’s biggest stage could then I might have a sniff . I just end his test career. can’t wait to get out there and “I’m not trying to think about have a crack. An Ashes series in it that way, it’s another opportu- Australia, it doesn’t get any bet- nity for me to get out there and ter than that, I’m going to give it play some good cricket for Aus- a red hot crack.” tralia,” Marsh, who averages 36 in Injury has also played a signif- Tests, told reporters in Brisbane. icant role in Marsh’s stop-start “I know I’ve got some runs in me career but he said he was in good still to go, so I’ve just got to pre- shape going into the fi ve-match pare well and just enjoy it, have a series. “My body’s in really good lot of fun and bat myself in.” condition at the moment,” he Marsh has been opening for said. “I feel like I’m hitting the his state but is likely to bat in the ball the best I have done for a number six spot against Eng- long while so I’ll go in with plen- land having seen off the claims ty of confi dence.”

Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews (left) and Lahiru Thirimanne run between the during the third day of the first Test against India at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. (AFP)

AFP Thirimanne, who was dropped on 27, unplayable deliveries. But we should have U. Yadav not out 6 Kolkata registered his fi fth Test fi fty but soon made bigger scores,” the left-handed Extras (lb4, b6) 10 edged a moving delivery by Yadav, and batsman added. In the morning session, Total (all out, 59.3 overs) 172 skipper Virat Kohli made no mistake at a late-order push by Indian batsmen saw Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Rahul), 2-13 (Dhawan), ahiru Thirimanne and Angelo second slip. Yadav struck again in his next the hosts post 172, a score that looked un- 3-17 (Kohli), 4-30 (Rahane), 5-50 (Ashwin), Mathews hit half-centuries to over to send Mathews, making a 50 in an likely at 128-8. After overnight batsman 6-79 (Pujara), 7-127 (Jadeja), 8-128 (Saha), give Sri Lanka the advantage impressive comeback from injury, back Cheteshwar Pujara fell early on 52, vital 9-146 (Kumar), 10-172 (Shami) against India on day three of the to the pavilion after giving away a simple contributions from Wriddhiman Saha Bowling: Lakmal 19-12-26-4, Gamage 17.3-5- Lrain-hit opening Test yesterday. The visi- catch to Lokesh Rahul at short cover. (29), Ravindra Jadeja (22) and 24 from 59-2, Shanaka 12-4-36-2, Karunaratne 2-0-17- tors were 165-4 in their fi rst innings when With the light fading and the ball con- number-10 Mohammed Shami frustrated 0, Herath 2-0-5-0, Perera 7-1-19-2 bad light ended a dramatic day at Kolka- tinuing to move, Chandimal was repeat- the Sri Lankan bowling. Shami limped off ta’s Eden Gardens. edly beaten on both edges during his during the Sri Lankan innings fi ve balls SRI LANKA I INNINGS They trail India by seven runs with 33-ball scrap. He was given relief shortly into an over which he could not fi nish. S. Samarawickrama c Saha b Kumar 23 skipper Dinesh Chandimal not out on after 4pm local when bad light forced Pace spearhead Suranga Lakmal fi nished D. Karunaratne lbw b Kumar 8 13 and Niroshan Dickwella on 14. In- early stumps for the third straight day. with fi gures of 4-26 after taking three L. Thirimanne c Kohli b Yadav 51 dian paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kumar struck early to remove open- wickets on day one to justify the visitors’ A. Mathews c Rahul b Yadav 52 Umesh Yadav claimed two wickets each ers , for eight, and decision to fi eld fi rst. Sri Lanka, despite D. Chandimal not out 13 on a day when almost three full sessions Sadeera Samarawickrama, for 23, as the being underdogs against the top-ranked N. Dickwella not out 14 were played. Only 31.5 overs were bowled visitors slipped to 34-2 before bouncing hosts, are eyeing their fi rst Test win on Extras (lb4) 4 on the fi rst two days because of rain and back. “The conditions were challenging Indian soil during the three-match series. Total (4 wickets, 45.4 overs) 165 bad light. The islanders depended on a out there. Once in a while we got un- Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Karunaratne), 2-34 99-run third stand between Thir- playable deliveries,” said Thirimanne. SCOREBOARD (Samarawickrama), 3-133 (Thirimanne), 4-138 imanne, who made 51, and Mathews, who “Overall, I think we batted really well. INDIA 1ST INNINGS (Mathews) scored 52, after losing their openers early. Angelo and I spoke about not just batting C. Pujara b Gamage 52 Still to bat: D. Shanaka, D. Perera, R. Herath, The left-right batting combination of through the overs but scoring runs. We W. Saha c Mathews b Perera 29 S. Lakmal, L. Gamage Thirimanne and Mathews mixed caution couldn’t convert the fi fties into big scores R. Jadeja lbw b Perera 22 Bowling: Kumar 14.4-2-49-2, Shami 13.5-5- and aggression against a persistent In- but that’s what happens on this pitch. B. Kumar c Dickwella b Lakmal 13 53-0, Yadav 13-1-50-2, Ashwin 4-0-9-0, Kohli The 34-year-old batsman Shaun Marsh has played 23 Tests since his dian pace attack. Even when you’re in the fi fties you get M. Shami c Shanaka b Gamage 24 0.1-0-0-0 debut for Australia in 2011.

Bangladesh tackles illegal cricket betting SPOTLIGHT Dhaka: Bangladesh has launched a series or in some cases nine seconds after the university student was allegedly murdered England humbled by novice pair of police raids to crack down on illegal bet- original actions take place (on the ground). following an argument over a bet during a ting in cricket stadiums that has gripped Gamblers were using the time gap to do BPL match in Dhaka on November 6. the country’s main Twenty20 competition, betting,” he said. The bettors were moni- But Mallick said cricket authorities in fi nal Ashes warm-up draw tournament off icials said yesterday. Some tored at the venues, before being caught alone could not stop illegal gambling. The 77 people have been thrown out of two and evicted with assistance from special cricket board has tried similar tactics to AFP cricket grounds in the cities of Dhaka and branch police, Bangladesh Cricket Board curb betting in the past — at least four Townsville, Australia Sylhet in the past few days after being sus- spokesman Jalal Yunus said. suspected bookmakers were thrown out of pected of betting during the Bangladesh The BPL has been dogged by betting cricket stadiums in 2015 — but that has not Premier League (BPL), a lucrative com- allegations since its first two editions in stopped the gamblers. Last year the Bang- ovices Jason Sangha petition modelled on the Indian Premier 2011 and 2012 were blighted by a match- ladesh Telecommunication Regulatory and Matt Short scored League, off icials said. fixing scandal involving players and team Commission blocked 12 betting websites in their maiden fi rst-class Betting is illegal in Bangladesh, but the owners. Top Bengali daily Prothom Alo an attempt to curb gambling during cricket centuries for a Cricket NAustralia XI to frustrate Eng- alleged off enders — 10 of whom were In- reported last week that betting has be- matches. Nearly 50 foreign cricketers, in- dian nationals — used their mobile phones come common in cities and remote towns cluding Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga, the West land on the last day of their fi nal to place live bets before scores were broad- during BPL matches. Tea stalls, restau- Indies’ Chris Gayle, New Zealand’s Brendon Ashes warm-up game yesterday. cast on television and online, BPL secretary rants and auto-rickshaw garages have all McCullum and England’s Jos Buttler are Eighteen-year old Sangha and Ismail Haider Mallick told reporters. become venues for fans to place their bets taking part in the seven-team BPL tourna- team skipper Short — with only “Matches go on air four to five seconds during the matches, the newspaper said. A ment this year. seven fi rst-class matches be- tween them — shared in a 263- run fourth-wicket stand to draw the four-day game ahead of next week’s fi rst Brisbane Test. Sangha hit 133 off 226 balls with 13 fours and a six, while Short remained unbeaten on 134 Axelsen to play Chen Long in fi nal off 264 balls when the game was England’s captain Joe Root speaks to his two spinners Moeen Ali called off late on the fi nal day in (left) and Mason Crane during the warm-up match against Australia AFP Townsville. Sangha is the sec- XI at the Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville, Queensland. (AFP) Shanghai ond-youngest player to score a Viktor Axelsen of Denmark. century against England behind ished on 364 for four off 110 overs ing wicketless for 65 off 15 overs. India great . to lead by 99 runs when the rival Off -spinner Moeen Ali, in his orld number one Viktor Ax- He was fi nally caught off leg- captains agreed a draw. Sangha fi rst game of the tour after a side elsen of Denmark will play the spinner Mason Crane, allowing was dropped by Mark Stoneman injury, bowled a total of 48 overs reigning Olympic champion the tourists to avoid the indignity on 43 but England’s bowlers cre- in the match. But fellow spinner and home hope Chen Long in of going wicketless on the fi nal ated few other chances. England Crane was loose, fi nishing the Wtoday’s mouthwatering fi nal of the China day. “It’s not really damaging to comfortably defeated a similar second innings with two for 97 Open. In the women’s draw in Fuzhou, the us,” England coach Trevor Bay- CA XI in Adelaide last week and from 30 overs. By the end, Eng- Japanese fi fth seed takes liss said. “Obviously we’d like for two days in north Queensland land were using part-time spin- on the Chinese qualifi er Gao Fangjie, who to take 10 wickets for 90 runs in they had looked set to do so again. ners Joe Root and Dawid Malan had previously never made it past the fi rst every game, but this is what can The CA XI ended the third day on to protect the frontliners and round of a Superseries event. who booked his ticket for the fi nal with a Gao. The teenager stunned current Olympic happen in cricket. A number of 121 for three, trailing England by hasten the fi nish. “It was good to The 23-year-old Axelsen, the current topsy-turvy 21-17, 10-21, 21-7 victory over champion Carolina Marin of Spain 21-19, guys spent time in the middle 144 and short of a batsman be- spend some time in the fi eld. I’m world champion and top seed, needed just South Korea’s second seed Son Wan-Ho in 21-19 in one hour. Gao’s opponent in the de- with the bat and the bowlers got cause of an injury to Nick Larkin. sure there will be times during 39 minutes to defeat unseeded Angus Ng 71 minutes. Chen, 28, holds a strong advan- cider will be the Japanese Yamaguchi, who a lot of overs under their belts. But Sangha and Short made the the Test series where we’re out Ka-long of Hong Kong 21-12, 21-17 in their tage in his meetings with Axelsen, beating defeated ’s Ratchanok Intanon, Hopefully everyone now has got most of the benign conditions to in the fi eld all day,” Bayliss said. one-sided semi-fi nal yesterday. the Dane seven times and losing to him just seeded eight, 21-14, 21-18. Both top-ranked their rhythms right and they can ensure England spent the fourth “There were two young guys out The imperious Axelsen is just one win once. The home crowd will also have anoth- Tai Tzu-ying of Chinese Taipei and India’s come out next week and go from day toiling in the tropical heat. there that batted very, very well. away from his maiden triumph. er Chinese to roar in today’s women’s fi nal second-ranked PV Sindhu had suff ered de- ball one.” Pace bowler Craig Overton All credit to them. It’s good for But fi rst he must see off the sixth seed Chen, in the form of 19-year-old surprise-package feats in the quarter-fi nals. The inexperienced CA XI fi n- was treated with disdain, go- Australian cricket.” Gulf Times Sunday, November 19, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA Aldridge, Spurs erase 23-point defi cit to beat Thunder 104-101 'They pounded the rock, kept a great attitude, kept their minds on playing basic basketball and things turned their way'

Reuters San Antonio, Texas

aMarcus Aldridge scored 26 points, the fi nal two on a crucial basket in the last minute, as the San Antonio Spurs roared back from a ragged beginning to defeat Lthe Oklahoma City Thunder 104-101 at the AT&T Center on Friday night. After trailing by as many as six points in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City pulled to within 100-99 on a free throw by Paul George with 45 seconds to play. On the ensuing possession, Aldridge scored on a putback to push San Anto- nio’s lead to 102-99 before the Thunder’s Car- melo Anthony canned a jumper with his right foot on the three-point line with fi ve seconds remaining to cut the lead to 102-101. Pau Gasol then hit two free throws with two seconds to play and, after a time out, Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook had to settle for a con- tested, wild shot at the buzzer that didn’t even hit the rim. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich praised the way his side had fought back from its early defi cit. “They pounded the rock, kept a great attitude, kept their minds on playing basic basketball and things turned their way,” Popovich said. “The eff ort was great and we played a lot smarter in the second half, took care of the ball and showed a lot of courage. A lot of good per- formances from a lot of guys, but overall a great team win.”

CAVALIERS 118, CLIPPERS 113 (OT) LeBron James scored 19 of his 39 points in the second half and overtime to lead Cleveland over Los Angeles. Kevin Love added 25 points and Dwyane Wade scored 23 points with a season- high 11 rebounds for the Cavs, who did not lead until overtime and trailed by as many as 15. The Clippers have lost seven straight. Blake Griffi n led them with 23 points but shot 8-for- 25. It was the second time this week the Cavs had been forced to dig themselves out of a hole after recovering from a 23-point defi cit against the Knicks in New York. “That’s how the game is being played for us at this point in the season,” said James. “It’s good to know that we’re building character and build- ing resiliency and you can do that with a new LaMarcus Aldridge (centre) of San Antonio Spurs scores during the NBA game against Oklahoma City Thunder at AT&T Centre in San Antonio, Texas, on Friday night. (AFP) group then that defi nitely can help us in the long run, so we can’t say that we wish we wouldn’t do and Taj Gibson (10 points and 11 rebounds) each and grabbed fi ve rebounds in 31 minutes. Allen seconds showing. Beal scored 22 of his 26 points rebounds and seven assists, Nikola Jokic had 13 that, but it is what it is. That’s the way the game notched double-doubles. Crabbe added 18 points, DeMarre Carroll con- in the second half. points and 11 rebounds and Emmanuel Mudiay is being played and we got to adjust to it.” tributed 17 and Trevor Booker chipped in 14. scored 19 for Denver (9-6). BULLS 123, HORNETS 120 PACERS 107, PISTONS 100 The 146 points were a season high for Den- KINGS 86, TRAIL BLAZERS 82 Justin Holiday scored 27 points, Kris Dunn had RAPTORS 107, KNICKS 84 Victor Oladipo scored 21 points and grabbed 15 ver and the most the Pelicans have allowed the Willie Cauley-Stein set a season-high with 22 22 and Lauri Markkanen hit a pair of free throws Kyle Lowry scored 22 points and added 10 as- rebounds to help Indiana rally from a 22-point season. The Nuggets hit 62.9% from the fi eld a points, the last one a free throw with 3.4 sec- with 2.6 seconds remaining as Chicago beat sists and eight rebounds as Toronto defeated third-quarter defi cit. Indiana scored the fi rst game after Toronto shot 59.2% against New Or- onds remaining that lifted Sacramento over Charlotte. Denzel Valentine scored 18 points to New York. DeMar DeRozan also scored 22 points seven points of the third quarter to cut the lead leans. Portland. Cauley-Stein, relegated to coming off go along with 16 from Markkanen. and added seven assists and six rebounds for the to 58-54 but fell behind 78-56. the bench for the fi rst time this season, scored Jerian Grant and Bobby Portis each fi nished Raptors, who have won three games in a row. The Pacers went on a run of trim the defi cit to SUNS 122, LAKERS 113 13 in the second half and had two key put-backs with 10 points for the Bulls (3-10).Kemba Walk- The Raptors led by as many as 22 points early 10 points after three quarters. Indiana narrowed Devin Booker scored 22 of his 33 points in the in the fourth quarter. Sacramento won its third er scored 47 points for Charlotte, which lost its in the third quarter and carried a 14-point lead the defi cit to 92-91 on Lance Stephenson’s fi rst half and the Phoenix Suns held on to de- straight at home and snapped a three-game los- sixth straight. into the fourth quarter. three-pointer with 5:43 left. Domantas Sabonis feat the Los Angeles Lakers 122-113 at Staples ing streak. hit two free throws to give the Pacers a 93-92 Center. Alex Len had 17 points and 18 rebounds NETS 118, JAZZ 107 HEAT 91, WIZARDS 88 lead. After a basket by Stephenson, Tobias Har- off the bench, Tyler Ulis had 14 points and seven TIMBERWOLVES 111, MAVERICKS 87 Spencer Dinwiddie compiled a career-high 25 Hassan Whiteside had 22 points and 16 re- ris sank a thee-pointer to make it 95-95. assists and TJ Warren had 13 points and seven Jimmy Butler scored 21 and Andrew Wiggins points and eight assists as Brooklyn beat Utah. bounds as Miami fended off a frenzied come- rebounds for the Suns (6-11). added 19 points to lead a balanced attack and Dinwiddie made his third start of the season in back attempt by Washington. Otto Porter’s two NUGGETS 146, PELICANS 114 Kyle Kuzma scored 28 of his season-high 30 Minnesota rallied from a 14-point defi cit to rout place of D’Angelo Russell, who underwent ar- free throws with 11.3 seconds remaining pulled Jamal Murray scored 31 points, Gary Harris re- points in the second half for the Lakers (6-10). Dallas. The Timberwolves had six players score throscopic knee surgery earlier in the day. the Wizards within 89-88. turned from missing two games with a sore Brook Lopez had 19 points and 10 rebounds and in double fi gures, including all fi ve starters. With Russell watching the game on television After Miami’s James Johnson hit one of two right shoulder to score a season-high 22 and Brandon Ingram 17 points and eight rebounds Karl-Anthony Towns (15 points and 11 re- from his Manhattan hospital room, Dinwid- free throws with 5.8 seconds left, Bradley Beal the Denver Nuggets routed the New Orleans for Los Angeles, which beat the Suns in Phoenix bounds), Jeff Teague (15 points and 10 assists) die hit 9-of-14 shots, 6-of-10 three-pointers missed a potential game-tying jumper with 2.6 Pelicans 146-114. Paul Millsap had 20 points, six twice this season.

NHL NFL ROUND-UP Blue Jackets beat NY Rangers Tampa Bay star Winston faces Reuters groping probe by the NFL New York AFP including a 2012 allegation of rape by a fellow Miami student at Florida State. Winston did not face ach Werenski and Artemi Panarin charges following the incident. each scored a goal, Sergei Bobrovsky posted his second shutout of the sea- he NFL confi rmed on Friday it is inves- CARDINALS’ QUARTERBACK GABBERT son and the Columbus Blue Jackets tigating an allegation of sexual assault TO START AGAINST TEXANS Zdefeated the New York Rangers 2-0 in the Na- against Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarter- Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said quar- tional Hockey League at Nationwide Arena. back Jameis Winston after a female Uber terback Blaine Gabbert will start over injured The Blue Jackets (12-7-1) won their third Tdriver complained of being groped by the star last Drew Stanton for today’s game against the Hou- straight game and Bobrovsky has been in goal year. BuzzFeed News reported that the driver had ston Texans. Arians told reporters that Stanton, for all three, allowing a combined two goals. alleged Winston grabbed her crotch during a ride who has a sprained knee, will be Gabbert’s backup Bobrovsky fi nished with 36 saves against the in Scottsdale, Arizona in March 2016. Winston if he can physically play. Rangers for his 11th win of the season. has denied the allegation. Winston is now being Stanton has been the starter since Carson Henrik Lundqvist made 40 stops for New probed by the NFL’s special counsel for investiga- Palmer went down with a broken arm in Week York. Brandon Dubinsky, Boone Jenner and tions, Lisa Friel, who had written to the quarter- 7. If Stanton can’t go, Matt Barkley, who signed Oliver Bjorkstrand each had an assist for the back’s accuser. “The League has been informed with the Cardinals earlier this week, will back up Blue Jackets. that you may have been the victim of such a viola- Gabbert. Meanwhie, the Cardinals signed wide Meanwhile, Blue Jackets signed right wing- tion perpetrated by Tampa Bay Buccaneers player receiver Larry Fitzgerald to a one-year contract er Cam Atkinson to a seven-year, $41.125mn Jameis Winston,” Friel wrote in the letter. “The extension that keeps the 10-time Pro Bowl wide contract extension that will run through the league takes allegations of this nature very seri- receiver under contract through the 2018 season. 2024-25 season. The contract has an average ously and has opened an investigation into this In his 14th season, the 34-year old Fitzgerald has annual value of $5.875mn, general manager matter,” Frield added. 60 catches for 677 yards and three touchdowns to Jarmo Kekalainen announced on Friday. Buff alo Sabres center Kyle Criscuolo (centre) skates with the puck during the second period Winston, 23, issued a statement in response to lead the Cardinals in all three categories. Atkinson, 28, owns 233 points (125 goals, against the Detroit Red Wings in Detroit, USA, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) the BuzzFeed report, denying the allegations. “A 108 assists) and 106 penalty minutes in 397 news organisation has published a story about me GOODELL CONTRACT EXTENSION career NHL games, all with the Blue Jackets. Lehner’s pad and into the net. serve, the team announced. The move is ret- regarding an alleged incident involving a female NEGOTIATIONS TO BE DISCUSSED He ranks second in team history in goals and Dylan Larkin added an insurance goal when roactive to Oct. 10, the last time DeKeyser Uber driver from approximately two years ago,” The Roger Goodell contract extension negotia- game-winning goals (25), fourth in points, he knocked the rebound of a Xavier Ouellet played in the third game of the season. Winston said. “The story falsely accuses me of tions will be discussed on December 13 during an seventh in games played and 10th in assists. shot past Lehner with 4:06 to play in the third He was injured when the puck struck his making inappropriate contact with this driver. I owners-only session at the league’s meetings in period. Luke Glendening also scored for the ankle from close range. In a corresponding believe the driver was confused as to the number Irving, Texas. The decision to conduct a discus- RED WINGS 3, SABRES 1 Wings (10-8-2) while Ryan O’Reilly replied move, the Red Wings recalled defenseman of passengers in the car and who was sitting next sion at the meetings comes on the heels of Dallas Tomas Tatar’s fi fth goal of the season, 8:36 for the Sabres (5-10-4). The victory ended Brian Lashoff from the American Hockey to her. The accusation is false, and given the na- Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ recent request for a into the third period, snapped a 1-1 tie and Detroit’s four-game losing streak against League’s Grand Rapids Griffi ns. ture of the allegation and increased awareness and special meeting on November 28. propelled the Detroit Red Wings a 3-1 victory Buff alo. The Toronto Maple Leafs agreed to terms consideration of these types of matters, I am ad- That request was denied but Jones and the oth- over the Buff alo Sabres. With Wings forward with forward Josh Leivo on a one-year con- dressing this false report immediately.” er owners will get to chat about the demands of Justin Abdelkader screening Sabres goalie RED WINGS’ DEKEYSER INJURED tract extension worth $925,000, the team Winston is in his third season with Tampa Bay Goodell as reports suggest the NFL commissioner Robin Lehner, Tatar’s long wrist shot from The Detroit Red Wings placed defenseman announced. Leivo, 24, has one assist in fi ve after being the top pick in the 2015 draft. His is looking for an annual package of nearly $50mn just inside the blue line banked off the top of Danny DeKeyser on long-term injured re- games for the Maple Leafs this season. college career had been dogged by controversy, in his next contract. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, November 19, 2017 SPORT

RUGBY England, helped Patrick to race Daytona, Indy by TMO, see off 500s before retiring in 2018 Australia 30-6 Reuters Toronto

Australia has two tries disallowed by Television Match Off icial anica Patrick will drive in the Daytona and Indianapolis Reuters 500s next year before retiring, London the world’s most recognisable andD successful female driver said on Friday. ngland battled to a fi fth suc- Patrick, the only woman to win an In- cessive win over Australia dyCar race and to start from pole at the when they triumphed 30-6 at Daytona 500, announced her decision a sodden Twickenham yester- ahead of the NASCAR Cup season fi nale dayE but they had the TMO offi cial and on Sunday in Homestead, Florida. three tries in the last eight minutes to “This will be my last season as a full- But it was the Indy 500 where the di- thank for a record, but highly fl atter- time driver,” the 35-year-old Patrick minutive driver loomed large by taking ing victory. told a news conference as tears ran third in 2009, the best result ever at the Australia had two tries disallowed down her face. Brickyard for a woman driver. by the Television Match Offi cial, who “I feel like this is where my life Patrick was never able to match that also allowed England’s early try by El- should be headed. And sometimes we result in NASCAR despite driving for liot Daly. just get kind of nudged there. Stewart-Haas Racing, one of the series The Wallabies were on top and “But I’m not totally done. I’m going top teams. thought they had levelled the match to do the Daytona 500 next year and the She has competed in 189 NASCAR at 13-13 with 12 minutes to go after Indy 500. I think it’s going to be a great races but never found Victory Lane, her the third decision went against and in way to cap it off .” best result was a sixth at Atlanta in 2014. a remarkable fi nish Jonathan Joseph, One of the most marketable athletes Her biggest success in NASCAR Jonny May and Danny Care scored to in North America, Patrick had seen her came in 2013 when she grabbed the turn what had been a knife-edge game popularity wane in recent years, unable Daytona 500 pole. into England’s biggest victory over England’s hooker (centre) holds up the Cook Cup after their win over Australia at Twickenham yesterday. (AFP) to produce the type of results many “The diffi culty is that it (NASCAR) their old rivals. had expected when she made her much is super competitive,” said Patrick. “I “There was not much in it but we That contributed to a frustrating half game and starved England of the ball, zie and Beauden Barrett scored tries publicised jump for IndyCar to NAS- mean, it’s twice the fi eld of Indy cars. had the bounce of the ball and we al- for Australia, who gave away nine pen- reducing the gap with a Foley penalty. for New Zealand after the sides were CAR in 2012. It’s 40 cars instead of 20, basically. ways back ourselves to play for 80 alties, had a Hooper try ruled out for They cut through more shaky England deadlocked at 3-3 at halftime, while One of the “nudges” Patrick was re- “I tried every approach I could to fi g- minutes,” England coach Eddie Jones off side then lost the fl anker and fullback defending to send Marika Koroibete Jonny Gray stretched over for Scot- ferring to was her inability to secure a ure it out how to make the car go fast. said after his team ended Australia’s Kurtley Beale to the sin-bin to leave over — only for the TMO to again rule land’s fi rst try and Huw Jones added a full-time sponsor next season. “I was like, shoot, nothing really seven-match unbeaten run. them down to 13 men and trailing 6-0. against them, disallowing the try for second three minuets from time. “I was faced with situations at the works. So here I am.” “It got away from us at the end. A long-range penalty by Reece Hodge obstruction. Handling errors cost a beginning of the year that I had never Patrick said she hopes to announce There were a couple of decisions that closed the gap nine minutes into the Instead of being level, Australia real chance of a historic win but they faced before,” said Patrick. “I had never which teams she will drive for in the didn’t go our way,” Australia captain second half as England lost their shape were suddenly on the ropes as England kept the All Blacks pinned back for had sponsor issues. next two weeks but no matter the re- Michael Hooper said. “It’s hard to and kept sending relatively aimless kicks got behind them. good parts of the game, starting with a “It made me think about things and sults she already knows what she would judge when you’re on the fi eld, but I into the hands of the visitors. Replacement Care chipped quick tempo and keeping up the pres- so I’m excited about the next phase. like to be her legacy. thought they were both tries.” The game changed decisively in through for Joseph to chase and slide sure right to the end when the visitors Trust me.” “What I’ve always wanted is to just England showed more intent than the 54th minute. A brilliant tackle- over, May showed remarkable deter- had two players in the sin-bin. Patrick established herself as an elite be remembered as a great driver, then in last week’s “grindathon” victory bursting run and offl oad by Samu mination to forced his way over after driver and fi erce competitor in Indy- remembered as a girl,” said Patrick. “I over Argentina but on a cold day with Kerevi looked set to put Tevita Ku- another Care kick and the scrumhalf IRELAND GIVEN SCARE BY FIJI Car, blazing a path to the winner’s cir- don’t care if your remember me as a girl. a greasy ball there was a lot of tactical ridrani through but his centre partner completed a memorable cameo by Wing Darren Sweetnam scored his cle when she took the chequered fl ag at Of course I am, it’s obvious. But to be re- kicking — and errors when players did knocked on. scoring the final try. fi rst international try as a second- a race in Japan in 2008. membered as a great driver. That’s it.” take it into contact. England regathered and Ben string Ireland survived a massive scare Youngs’s long kick deceived Beale by ALL BLACKS STILL UNBEATEN with a narrow 23-20 victory over Fiji RELIABLE KICKER hugging the touchline but slicing in. World champions New Zealand held in Dublin yesterday. Number eight LOSS In such conditions a reliable kicker is As Beale relaxed Daly was alive to it, off a game challenge to keep intact their Jack Conan and wing Dave Kearney crucial and the return of Owen Far- hacked forward and scored the key try, 112-year unbeaten record against Scot- also scored tries for the hosts. rell showed just that as he slotted two which, after a lengthy TMO discus- land with a hard-fought 22-17 win at Fiji showed guts on defence and penalties while Bernard Foley, who sion, Farrell converted. Murrayfi eld yesterday. The All Blacks their usual confi dence in attack as British rider Hegarty was supreme with the boot when the Instead of Australia leading 10-6 outscored their hosts three tries to two they managed tries through scrumhalf Wallabies knocked England out of the they were suddenly 13-3 down with 25 but were given a tough test by a side who Henry Seniloli and wing Timoci Na- World Cup two years ago, sent his only minutes to go. are still to beat them in 33 meetings. gusa, with fl yhalf Ben Volavola adding dies in crash fi rst-half attempt horribly wide. The visitors still had more of the Codie Taylor, Damian McKen- two conversions and two penalties. AFP cumbed to his injuries en route to the Hong Kong Conde S. Januario Hospital,” the race organisers said in a statement. Argentina score three tries to continue mastery over Italy “The Macau Grand Prix Organising ritish rider Daniel Hegarty Committee extends its deepest sympa- AFP Italy. after 20 minutes. er picked up from the back of a maul, died yesterday after hitting thies to the family and friends of Daniel.” Florence, Italy Italian coach Conor O’Shea kept the Winger Sebastian Cancelliere brushed aside a tackle and strolled a barrier at the Macau Grand Glenn Irwin from Northern Ireland team that has beaten Fiji the previ- stretched over to put Argentina across the Italian line for a try. Prix during the feature motor- was declared the winner after the race cycleB race. was stopped. ous week, but was unable to end a ahead after 26 minutes. Sanchez, Sanchez converted to put Argentina rgentina scored 17 unan- winless run against Argentina that back on the field, missed the conver- nine points ahead and when fullback The 31-year-old, who rode for Top- But the podium event was a sombre swered points in the final 20 stretches back to 2008. sion which allowed Canna restored Joaquin Tuculet scampered over with gun Honda, came to grief at Fisher- aff air, with all three riders visibly upset Aminutes yesterday to beat Argentina were forced into a change Italy’s lead before the half. four minutes the Pumas were sure of men’s Bend during the sixth of 12 as fears spread for Hegarty, according Italy 31-15 in an autumn international after 10 minutes as Juan Martin The lead switched back and forth a comfortable victory. scheduled laps on the 3.8 mile Guia to media reports. in Florence. Martinez briefly came on for Nicolas early in the second half as Sanchez “The game was close, point for point, circuit. The last death at the Macau Grand In a match in which the lead changed Sanchez at fly half. Within a minute kicked three more penalties for until the 60th minute when in the The race was immediately stopped Prix was in 2012 when Portugal’s Luis hands nine times, all the home team’s Italy strayed off side and Martinez Argentina split by a penalty by Canna key moment we were not disciplined and Hegarty was taken to hospital in Carreira was killed during qualifying. points came from the boot while the kicked the penalty. and a drop goal by Marcello Violi for enough,” Sergio Parisse, the Italian the semi-autonomous southern Chi- The 35-year-old also came off at Fish- Pumas scored three tries as they won A minute later Carlo Canna replied Italy. captain, told Italy after the nese city. erman’s Bend. for the seventh straight game against for Italy and then put the hosts ahead With 12 minutes to go, Marcos Krem- game. “It is with great regret that we have Macau has hosted the street race for to announce that the British rider suc- cars and motorbikes since 1954.

BOTTOMLINE 16 teams for Lions’ touch rugby 7s tournament

By Sports Reporter “The Lions Touch Sevens aims to up. Group D – is defi nitely the group Doha spread health and fi tness amongst our of death with three top contenders community while at the same time pro- stacked within,” Rico said, referring to viding a fun family outing. The tourna- the group that features Wesley, Dhar- s many as 16 teams will fi ght ment also helps bring the Sri Lankan maraja and Isipathana, besides an invi- it out for honours in the Li- colleges and their families together tational team. ons Sri Lankan Schools Touch fostering and improving our social re- The tournament will be played at the Rugby 7s Championship 2017, lationships.” Sheraton Hotel Greens, on Friday. The whichA will be held on Friday, November Lions RFC committee member and day will commence at 7.30am and con- 24, 2017. player Ratnayake praised the organ- tinue through to the evening. Matches The offi cial draw ceremony for the ising committee saying, “I must ac- will be played across two halves of competition was held at the City Cen- knowledge the sheer determination of seven minutes each with a one-minute tre Rotana Hotel, West Bay, on Friday, the Lions committee for organizing and interval. The rules of the tournament and the teams were divided into four steering the competition annually. will be governed by the Federation of groups each of four teams. “This is the biggest Touch event International Touch (FIT). The draw guarantees a minimum of of the year for the colleges and we are The all-day event is sponsored by three matches with the top two teams proud of our services to our communi- Sports Corner, OilExec, Sri Lankan advancing through to the knockout ty. There is a lot of pride at stake as the Airlines, Total Sports, Thepapare.com, stages for their spot in either the cup, tournament tests more than endurance Sampath Bank, Al Rayyan Water, Well plate bowls or shield fi nals. There will and stamina – it tests character and On Restaurant, Bloomsbury Resort, be a separate segment for four invita- status quo.” Deluxe Travels, Puncha’s Rent a Car. tional clubs. Describing the draw format, Rico Present during the draw were Lions said, “There were no seeded teams this GROUPS RFC president Nimo Amit, organis- year as all clubs are of even quality. The Group A: St. Anthonys, Royal, St. Peters ing committee members Haresh Rat- last band in each group has been kept and Invitational team A nayake, Leon Khalid and Danny Mo- open for our invitational clubs and Group B: Carey, DSSC, Zahira and Invita- ses, event partner Qatar Touch offi cial Lions RFC Sri Lankan Schools Touch Rugby 7s organising committee members, participating club captains and other off icials schools. This format allows for better tional team B Samuel Rico, college team captains, at the draw ceremony in Doha on Friday. knock stages and strong preliminary Group C: Manhanama, St. Slyvesters, club representatives and event sponsor competition. Trinity and Inviiational team C members. will hold the seventh edition of the Li- Qatar Touch. We are very proud of our continues to thrive and develop year “All four groups look impressive Group D: Wesley, Dharmaraja, Isip- “It is with great delight the Lions ons Touch Sevens in collaboration with existence that started so humbly and after year,” Amit said. with each college having a strong line athana and Invitational team D Gulf Times Sunday, November 19, 2017 7 SPORT

TENNIS / ATP FINALS PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE MIDDLE EAST Qatar-resident Goffi n shocks Frijns impresses in season-opener Federer, in fi nal Agencies he failed to gain momentum which re- Bahrain sulted in him conceding to both driv- ers by lap two, dropping to fi fth. Frijns This was Belgian’s first victory over Swiss world number two managed to keep a three-second gap on elivering a fl awless drive from 6th place driver Glynn Geddie to cross AFP pole to chequered fl ag, Ku- the line in 5th overall. London waiti driver Zaid Ashkanani Speaking after his win, Ashkanani took the opening win of the said, “It was the perfect return to the PorscheD GT3 Cup Challenge Middle championship for me; qualifying in avid Goffi n produced a daz- East Season 9 and the fi rst victory ever pole position and a strong start allowed zling comeback to beat in a new generation GT3 Cup car in the me to create a good gap early on. Once hot favourite and six-time region. out in front I knew that I had to con- champion Roger Federer 2-6, Under the lights at Bahrain Interna- centrate on making no mistakes and 6-3,D 6-4 yesterday and reach the fi nal tional Circuit, Ashkanani returned to getting the car across the line. Tom Oli- of the ATP Finals. the championship he won back in 2014 phant managed to close the gap and put The Swiss world number two hit the to be troubled only by British driver me under a bit of pressure towards the ball sweetly from the start and the Bel- Tom Oliphant. Clocking some quick end, but I managed to keep my cool and gian had no answer to his variety and laps, Oliphant attempted to reduce the fi nish with the win.” weight of shot, lacking the weapons to gap Askhanani created, but the Kuwaiti Commenting on this performance, put Federer under sustained pressure. showed his fellow Porsche Mobil 1 Su- Frijns said, “It was great to be back out Federer, who had only lost four percup driver some impressive defence on the track racing again today. Unfor- matches all year, rocked Goffi n back skills to race away and take the win. tunately, the result wasn’t what I was on his heels at the beginning of the Last season’s runner-up Charlie Fri- looking for, but there is always another match, breaking him after multiple jns was back in Bahrain to gun for the opportunity in Race 2.” opportunities in the fi rst game to es- championship title. Qatar-resident The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge tablish an early grip. Frijns had a poor start, resulting in a Middle East will consist of six race The Belgian regrouped but Federer battle to keep Al Faisal Al Zubair and weekends with 12 races over a period of threaded a trademark backhand down Fahad Algosaibi at bay. Unfortunately, six months. the line to bring up three more break points in game fi ve and secured the double break. Unveiling his full array of shots in Koepka blitzes Phoenix to extend lead front of a purring crowd at London’s O2 Arena, including a remarkable low Defending champion Brooks Koepka will take a four-stroke lead into the final backhand volley at the net, he was day of the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament after firing a sizzling seven-under-par briefl y held up by Goffi n but sealed the 64 in the third round yesterday. The US Open champion mixed eight birdies set 6-2 with an ace. with a single bogey at Phoenix Country Club in Miyazaki to move to 16-under But in a surprising twist, seventh- 197 for the tournament, four shots better than South Korean Lee Sang-hee, seed Goffi n quickly found himself 3-0 whose 66 was good enough for second place. Koepka’s compatriot Xander up in the second set after breaking Fe- Schauff ele hit five birdies and a single bogey in his 67 for third place on derer at his fi rst opportunity and sud- 11-under, with another South Korean, Ryu Hyun-woo, a shot further back in denly looked rejuvenated. fourth after a 69. Japan’s world number four Hideki Matsuyama bogeyed his The 26-year-old Belgian, who had Belgium’s David Goff in celebrates his win over Roger Federer (below) in the ATP Tour Finals semi-final yesterday. (Reuters) penultimate hole to drop to a level-par 71 and sixth place on eight-under, a never beaten his much-vaunted op- stroke behind his fifth-placed compatriot Toshinori Muto (68). ponent, looked far more aggressive earned a break point but Goffi n fended Federer, who has won the ATP Fi- and was not willing to allow Federer to off his charge to hold and, looking in- nals six times, in Houston, Shanghai Rookie Cook edges clear at Sea Island dictate play as the Swiss player lost his creasingly assured, held again for 4-2. and London, has enjoyed a remarkable precision. Goffi n rose to serve for the match at 2017 season after a long layoff in 2016. Austin Cook drained a birdie on his final hole to complete an eight-under- The single break proved enough for 5-4 and made no mistake, holding his He won seven titles in total includ- par 62 and grab a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the RSM Classic on Goffi n to level the match and take it nerve to secure a famous victory. ing the Australian Open and a record Friday. The 26-year-old PGA Tour rookie held his nerve on the last hole of into a decider. Federer, 36, was joined in the last eighth Wimbledon crown and only the day on the par-70 Seaside course to move to 14 under, one clear of Brian Federer appeared more focused four at the season-ending showpiece Rafael Nadal’s equally memorable sea- Gay, who shot a second round 64 at Sea Island, Georgia. Cook’s 18th hole at the start of the third set but Gof- by three fi rst-time semifi nalists — son has denied him the chance to reach birdie completed another remarkably consistent round for the rookie, who fi n broke in the third game to take a Goffi n, Grigor Dimitrov and Jack Sock. the world number one spot again. is one of only two players in the field not to have carded a bogey through 36 2-1 lead and heap the pressure on the It is the fi rst time in the tournament’s Dimitrov and Sock were scheduled holes. Three players are tied for third, with Taiwan’s Pan Cheng-tsung joining Swiss. history that three debutants have to play later yesterday for the right to American duo Chris Kirk and Vaughn Taylor on nine under, five adrift of In a tense fourth game Federer reached the semis. meet Goffi n in today’s nal. fi leader Cook. A group of six players were a further shot back on eight under, including Zimbabwe’s Brendon de Jonge and Canada’s Ben Silverman.

Murray splits with coach Ivan Lendl for second time LPGA GOLF AFP of the current season through injury, with three months to run. London will continue to work on his fitness Murray’s 2012 US Open and 2013 in Miami before heading to Australia Wimbledon titles came under Lendl ahead of the Australian Open, the and after they split in 2014 he worked Park takes three-stroke ormer world number one Andy first of the year. with former French player Amelie Murray announced on Friday he “I wish Andy well going forward. We Mauresmo before reuniting with Fhas split with coach Ivan Lendl had a great run and a lot of fun,” said Lendl in 2016. lead at CME Group Tour for the second time as he works Lendl, himself an eight-time Grand The top of the men’s game is current- towards regaining full fitness for the Slam winner as a player. ly beset by a glut of injuries to big- 2018 season. Lendl will continue to work in the name players, with Murray, Djokovic Championship The 30-year-old Scot has enjoyed all field of player development at the US and Stan Wawrinka all missing from of his Grand Slam success under the Association, where his group’s the ongoing ATP Finals in London, guidance of Lendl, securing a second Patrick Kypson recently won his first which Murray won last year. Wimbledon title last year and another professional event. Murray has slipped to 16th in the Olympic title in the second instalment Murray has won just a single title in world this year. of their fruitful partnership. had great success and learned a 2017 after his golden year in 2016. Nadal pulled out of this year’s tourna- Overall, in his two spells with Lendl, lot as a team,” Murray said on his ment after his opening round-robin Murray won three Grand Slams, two website. INJURY-RAVAGED 2017 match. Olympic golds and reached the top “My focus now is on getting ready for That came in Dubai in March, while Murray replaced Djokovic as world of the rankings in a fearsomely com- Australia with the team I have in place his best Grand Slam performance number one in November 2016 and petitive era of men’s tennis featuring and getting back to competing.” was reaching the semi-finals of the held the top spot for 41 weeks before Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and The statement said the decision to French Open. being replaced by Nadal Novak Djokovic. end the coaching relationship had A hip problem ruined his Wimbledon Murray practised with ’s “I’m thankful to Ivan for all his help been mutual. defence and forced him out of the US Dominic Thiem for two hours ahead and guidance over the years. We’ve Murray, who has missed a big chunk Open, ultimately ending his season of the ATP Finals last week.

GOLF / DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP Rose, Fleetwood heat up in fi nal showdown

AFP feet for birdie on the 16th. Reuters and sank a 30-foot putt for an eagle on Dubai “The short game has been sharp this New York the par-5 17th hole. week. It’s probably been the highlight “I didn’t know I had made fi ve in a of my week,” Rose said. “I’m certainly row,” she said. “I got behind in writing ustin Rose and Tommy Fleet- not thinking about being the leader ark Sung-hyun put herself in down my score and when I did and re- wood accelerated into the fi nal because I think it is such a condensed position for a number of year- alized what I had done it felt good.” lap of the race to end the sea- pack and someone tomorrow is going end honours with her per- Park is slightly behind Lexi Thomp- son as Europe’s number one by to have to play great golf to win.” formance on Friday. son in the competition for the Vare shootingJ 65s in the third round of the Looking ahead to the fi nal round, PThe 24-year-old South Korean shot Trophy, which is awarded to the player DP World Tour Championship in Du- Rose said: “It’s going to be a day where a second-round 65 at the Tiburon Golf with the best scoring average for the bai. you’re out there not paying too much Club in Naples, Florida, to give her a year. But if Park continues her high lev- Rose, who is aiming to win a third attention to the leaderboard early in two-day total of 12-under-par 132 and el of play she could also take home that title in as many starts after success in the round. You just have to put your a three-shot lead at the CME Group award as well. WGC-HSBC Champions and Turk- blinkers on and play good golf.” Tour Championship Thompson shot a 67 Friday to put ish Airlines Open, preserved his slight Fleetwood was delighted to turn Park already claimed rookie of the her at 6-under for the event and tied edge over his rival with a bogey-free around what was proving to be a frus- year honours, but she has also made for 12th but is trying not to think about seven-under round that put him atop trating day. herself a leading candidate for Player of the possibilities at stake. the leaderboard on 201. “When you know the scoring is the Year and the prize money title. “I’m not really focusing on it at all,” Fleetwood, the Race to Dubai lead- quite low, it’s not nice to have noth- She also would likely reclaim the Thompson said, according to the LPGA er, matched Rose’s eff ort in brilliant ing going at all,” he said. “Then it just world number one ranking if she were website. “I just really wanted to play fashion. One over after seven holes kick-started. I hit a great shot in and to win this week, and is in prime po- solid golf. Whatever happens, hap- and seemingly going nowhere, the FLEETWOOD NEEDS TO WIN at 10-under par after the third round. started holing a few putts. I just played sition to claim the $1mn bonus in the pens. I know I practised so much in my 27-year-old made his fi rst birdie at the Fleetwood leads the Race to Dubai by With accessible pin positions and really well. It just shows, that’s what Race to the CME Globe. off weeks and off season. I’m trying my eighth. Eight birdies in his last 11 holes 256,737 points, but, unless he wins the hardly any wind, the course was there can kind of happen on the golf course.” Park nearly set the tournament best, so whatever happens, I’ll be proud moved him into a tie for fourth, two tournament, Rose will win his second for the taking, which is exactly what “Tomorrow, it’s nothing closest to record for two rounds, but a three-putt of myself no matter what.” shots behind Rose. European number 1 title by fi nish- most players did. Six players, includ- the biggest day of my life, but in my bogey on her fi nal hole ruined that pos- Sitting three strokes back in second Spaniard Jon Rahm (65) and South ing fi rst or solo second. If Fleetwood ing Rose and Fleetwood, hit 65s, while career, it is. I just want to enjoy these sibility. Instead she shares the two-day place are Caroline Masson, who shot a African Dylan Frittelli (63) were tied slumps in the fi nal round, a top-fi ve Frittelli shot 63 and David Lipsky 64. moments. This is what you practice total of 12-under established by Lydia 66 Friday, and Sarah Jane Smith, who for second at 14-under 202 one ahead fi nish could be enough for Rose. Bogey-free Rose was solid from tee for and this is what you play for. It’s Ko last year. had a 69. of Fleetwood, South African Dean Sergio Garcia is the only other play- to green. He chipped in from the fringe brilliant, it makes me smile. Besides the lone bogey on number 18, Another shot back are Nelly Korda Burmester (65) and Thai Kiradech er who can win the Order of Merit, but for a birdie on the 13th, and made sev- “It’s been an absolute pleasure try- Park had six birdies, including fi ve in a (66), Pernilla Lindberg (67) and Made- Aphibarnrat (67). he needs a win and is fi ve behind Rose eral long putts, including one from 45 ing to win a Race to Dubai.” row from the fi fth through ninth holes, lene Sagstrom (68).

Sunday, November 19, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

QNB STARS LEAGUE Duhail should have it easy ‘We know that bottom-half teams have a lot of motivation against Kharaitiyat while playing against top teams’

By Sports Reporter end. I always tell my players to pro- Doha duce their best. If you win, you’re heroes. You don’t win or lose before a match, so it mainly boils down to Sailiya continue run with thrilling win over Gharafa jamel Belmadi’s Al Duhail preparations and performance on should have no problems the pitch.” thanks to a stunning Soroush Hussein seeing off Al Kharaitiyat Al Rayyan boss Michael Laudrup, volley. The ball was headed clear by a and maintain their un- meanwhile, is looking to extend his Qatar SC defender, but dropped just beatenD run in the QNB Stars League, team’s domination over Al Arabi. outside area and Soroush was on hand the eighth round of which will be “This is my third derby with Al to fire a 25-yard volley into the corner. completed today with three matches Rayyan against Al Arabi. Last sea- Parity was quickly restored as Al Khor scheduled. son, we won 3-1 and the other game were adjudged to have fouled from The only time Al Duhail faltered was drawn 1-1. I hope we extend our a corner resulting in a penalty to the this season was on October 28 when domination. We’ve been winning home side. Brazilian midfielder Bruno they dropped points after a 1-1 draw of late, be it the league or cup en- Gallo stepped up to calmly strike the with Al Gharafa, a rare blemish that gagements, and that’s a good sign, ball to the goalkeeper’s left. cut their lead to just one point over so we expect to win this match also Late into the second half, referee Al Rayyan and Al Sadd. and thus consolidate our position in awarded a penalty to Al Khor following But Al Kharaitiyat, who have just the standings,” said the Danish, Real a foul on Naif Mubarak. It was Madson six points from seven matches and Madrid and Barcelona legend. who, with all the composure in the could well end up engaged in a tough “But then, this is a derby and Al world, struck his shot to the goalkeep- relegation battle, hardly have the Arabi will try everything they pos- er’s right. attack or the defence to upset a team sibly can to win. They’ll have re- that boast the strongest line-up in spect for Al Rayyan, considering our MESHAAL AGAIN TO AHLI’S RESCUE Qatar. good form and position. Moreover, Al Ahli sealed full points from their In fact the only worry Belmadi is they’ve a new coach (Luka Bonacic) game by overcoming a resolute Al that Al Kharaitiyat will throw every- who is no stranger to Qatar football. Markhiya at the Al Arabi Stadium. It was thing at Al Duhail knowing that they Obviously, he’ll have new tactics, so captain Meshaal Abdulla who made the have nothing to lose. we’re preparing for more possibili- diff erence midway through the second “We know that bottom-half ties and I do expect a tough resist- half. teams have a lot of motivation while ance. The first half was a quiet aff air, with playing against top teams. Some Al Arabi’s new coach Luka Bonac- the teams anxious to maintain a clean players will be more keen to exhibit ic, however, is still fi nding his feet. sheet and not allowing their adversar- their full skills in order to impress. “I’ve got only a few days to pre- ies to get on top. That makes the rivals’ task harder,” pare the side after taking over from Al Sailiya’s Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov (left) and teammate Nadir Belhadj celebrate a goal during their QNB Stars League The game’s defining moment did even- Belmadi told reporters. Qais Yaakoubi. My biggest concern match against Al Gharafa yesterday. PICTURE: Anas Khalid tually come in the 68th when Meshaal Belmadi also used the opportu- is the defence,” he said. was on hand to pounce on defensive nity to congratulate foreign players “The team is lying in the ninth By Sports Reporter The Peregrines took their points tally purpose in their attacks, with Ab- mix-up between the rival keeper and in his team who helped their coun- position with just fi ve points and has Doha to 18 with sixth victory, while The Chee- dukholiqov and Valentin Lazar taking a defender. The ball fell to the much- tries qualify for the 2018 World cup conceded double (16) the number of tahs stayed on seven with one win and the initiative. experienced striker who swept home in Russia. goals than we’ve scored. Overall, four draws. Al Sailiya are next up against Al Khor from close. “I take this opportunity to con- we’ve much work to do in order to go l Sailiya continued their winning After Mudhater struck home what and Al Gharafa run into Al Rayyan. The win took Al Ahli to eight points gratulate our players Youssef Msa- up the standings, particularly in the run by beating hosts Al Gharafa turned out to be the winner in the last prior to their next match against Al kni (Tunisia), Youssef El Arabi (Mo- defence. A3-2 in a Round 8 thriller of the minute, al-Yahri almost hit again for Al MADSON STRIKES LATE FOR KHOR Kharaitiyat. Al Markhiya remained on rocco) and Nam Tae-Hee (South “If you analyse some of the games QNB Stars League yesterday. Gharafa in virtually the last kick of the Al Khor secured a vital 2-1 away win five points and will hope to get more Korea) on helping their teams qual- played by Al Arabi, we’ve conceded Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov (61st-minute match, but for a diving save by the rival against hosts Qatar SC, thanks to a late from Round 9 against Al Arabi. ify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in last-minute goals many times. All penalty), Nadir Belhadj (72nd) and goalkeeper. penalty from Madson. The result meant Russia. that has aff ected us very badly. I’ve Mohamed Mudhater (90th) scored for Al Sailiya played an attacking game new coach Nassif al-Bayawi picked up RESULTS “We’re also delighted that they’ll much experience in Qatar football Al Sailiya, while Othman al-Yahri (68th) from the word go, while Al Gharafa his first league win in charge of The Al Gharafa 2 Al Sailiya 3 play in the showpiece tournament,” and I do hope to reverse the trend and Ahmed Alaeldin (85th) found the were defensive. Al Sailiya had much Knights. Al Markhiya 0 Al Ahli 1 he said. and make a turnaround in our for- target for Al Sailiya. more ball possession and showed The game got off to a spectacular start, Qatar SC 1 Al Khor 2 Al Kharaitiyat coach Ahmad al- tunes.” Ajlani, meanwhile, was candid in admitting his team faced an uphill task. SPOTLIGHT “In the fi rst place, I’m very real- istic ahead of this game. Al Duhail are the league leaders and they’re a formidable side. There’s no doubt Tough task for Umm Salal when they take on Al Sadd today about it. So, if we get one point against them, we’ll be happy,” he By Sports Reporter tion, just two points behind Al Sailiya. target,” Jaber told reporters. from our defeat to Al Sailiya in the last not found their full rhythm, as admit- said. Doha But they could well come face to “In the short term, we’re focusing round and we hope to take them to our ted by Ferreira, and that refl ected on “After beating Al Gharafa, we face with a few home truths as they on this game as Al Sadd are a strong advantage against Al Sadd. We’ve had their ‘Qatar Clasico’ loss to Al Rayyan drew our last two games against Al take on Xavi’s Wolves, although coach side. They’ve a good coach and out- many missed opportunities. When in Round 6. The earlier they achieve Arabi and Al Markhiya. That calls mm Salal’s quest to fi nish Mahmoud Jaber didn’t seem to wor- standing players such as Xavi Hernan- you don’t score and concede goals, you that, the better for them in the title for us to improve our performance. in the top four of the QNB ried on the eve of the match. dez, Baghdad Bounedjah, Hassan lose. It’s as simple as that. I hope my chase. In football, you do your best and Stars League faces a tough “We used the break to prepare thor- al-Haydous and Jugurtha Hamroun, strikers will deliver against Al Sadd,” Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah then wait for the results. We must challenge when they meet oughly for this game and analyse our so we must bring out our best. We’re the Egyptian added. and Qatar international Hassan al- plan well, prepare well and perform AlU Sadd in a key match today at the mistakes. We still have four games left prepared for any result even though Al Sadd will be bolstered by the re- Haydous add teeth to their attack. well. The results will follow. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. before the league reaches the halfway we’re well prepared. covery from injuries of key players Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo “We’re learning new lessons So far they have had a fi ne run, win- mark. We slipped from the top four in “We’ve the players who can win us such as midfi eld maestro Xavi, Algeri- leads Umm Salal’s challenge and Syr- every week. We lost concentration ning four of their seven matches to gar- the last round and reaching there again big games and this match can be no an attacking midfi elder Hamroun and ian professional Mahmoud Al Mawas in some games and lost some valu- ner 13 points and occupy the fi fth posi- by the end of fi rst phase is our main diff erent. We’ve taken a lot of positives Boualem Khoukhi. Their players have lends stability to their midfi eld. able points. So we must fi ght till the

IBSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS MOTORSPORT QTCC practice Jans stays unbeaten on Day One helps drivers set cars up for season

By Sports Reporter season together with the FIA Doha World Touring Car Champion- ship. “I am very excited to be he new season for Qa- back. This is where it all start- tar Touring Car Cham- ed for me and I am planning to pionship (QTCC) will defend my title and give a good kick off on November show to WTCC drivers and au- T30-December 1 during the Qa- dience,” al-Khelaifi said. tar round of FIA World Touring Also, on Friday, there was Car Championship as the sup- another edition of the Losail port race. Time Attack. An offi cial practice for the Divided into 3 diff er- QTCC took place on November ent groups depending on the 16-17, to help the participants specifi cations of the car, each set their cars up for the open- driver was able to drive for two ing round. During the two days 20 minutes sessions to get the of practice, Qatari driver Nass- best time they could and the er al-Kuwari in a GT86 was the drivers with the best lap time Belgium’s Wendy Jans (left) and Pakistan’s Asjad Iqbal (right) in action on day one of the IBSF World Snooker Championship at Al Arabi Sports Club yesterday. (IBSF) fastest driver with a lap time of entered into the fi nal. 2:27.028. Qatari driver Mohamad By Sports Reporter Elsewhere in the women’s competition, Yousuf too posted victories on day one, His compatriots Laxman Rawat, Rafath “Overall I am happy with the al-Kaiat in his McLaren MP4 Doha Thailand’s Waratthanun Sukritthanes while Mohamed Naseem Akhtar was beat- Habib and Pandurangaiah E too posted performance during these two 12C was the fastest driver in A clinched a 3-0 win over Russia’s Aleksan- en 1-4 by Russia’s Ivan Kakovsky. wins, while Cherag Ramakrishnan suf- days as it will be my fi rst time category, followed by Makram dra Bogatyreva with a 57-point break. Bashar Abdulmajeed and Mohsen Buk- fered a 0-3 defeat at the hands of Ireland’s in this type of competition, Bouchacra of Lebanon and nbeaten in the last fi ve cham- Former world No.2 Anastasia Nechaeva shaisha were the only two winners for Brian McPhee. having raced in rallies before. Martin Staff el of Germany. pionships, six-time champion of Russia beat Hong Kong’s Pui Ying Chu hosts Qatar on the day. While Abdulama- Brazil’s , the 2009 run- I want to thank to my father “Overall the event was very Wendy Jans of Belgium started 3-0. jeed beat Syrian 15-year-old Yazan Al- ner-up, returned to IBSF competition af- for all his support with this good, everybody enjoyed a lot,” her campaign in the IBSF World Among the men, Asjad Iqbal of Pakistan hadad 4-2, Bukshaisha blanked Iran’s Ali ter eight years. car in order to compete in the al-Kaiat said at the end of the USnooker Championships with a century took just over an hour to complete a 4-0 Reza Jokar 3-0. He fi rst played in the IBSF Snooker QTCC,” al-Kuwari said. podium ceremony. break at Al Arabi Sports Club yesterday. win over Qatar’s Waleed Majed. Iqbal’s Last year’s runner-up Andrew Pagett of championship in 2009 in Hyderabad, In- The second fastest driver Argentinian driver Juan Jans, who has won the last fi ve world win in the fi rst session of the fi rst day’s Wales beat Ales Herout of dia, where he played Alfi e Burden of Eng- was Saadon al-Kuwari with a Pablo Pinto was the winner titles, in the process thumped Australia’s competition saw him make breaks of 58, 4-0, while two-time IBSF snooker cham- land in the fi nal, and fi nished runner-up lap time of 2:27.394 and Abdul- in group B and Mohamed al- Theresa Whitten 3-0. 65 and 51 to beat Majed. pion Pankaj Advani of India too registered after a close 8-10 game. lah al-Khelaifi was in third po- Khayarin was the fastest in Jans’ magnifi cent clearance of 102 Former champion Mohamed Asif of a 4-0 win over Heikki Niva of Finland. On his second appearance in tourna- sition with a time of 2:27.807. group C. points in the fi rst frame was the highlight Pakistan notched a 4-0 win over Yem- Advani had won the 150-Up format ment yesterday, he beat Ukraine’s Vladys- The QTCC defending cham- Al-Kaiat also got the trophy of the morning session on the fi rst day of en’s Emad Seif. Asif’s compatriots Imran world billiards title, his 17th world title lav Vyshnevskyy 4-1, armed with breaks of pion Abdullah al-Khelaifi is for the fastest lap during the the competition. Shahzad, Khurram Agha and Mohamed overall, on Wednesday. 60 and 73 points. looking forward to start a new event with a time of 2:16.985.