FOOTBALL | Page 3 FORMULA 1 | Page 7 Mahrez miss Hamilton on leaves City, brink of fi ft h Liverpool and title aft er Chelsea all level Suzuka win

Monday, October 8, 2018 CRICKET Moharram 28, 1440 AH Ton-up Hafeez helps GULF TIMES Pakistan dominate Australia in first Test SPORT Page 4 HORSE RACING / QATAR PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE Enable wins second straight Arc to cap thrilling weekend His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani crowns winners z Fazza Al Khalediah wins Arabian feature

By A Correspondent Paris Extension of sponsorship of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe nable, owned by Prince Khalid bin Abdullah bin under consideration, says Sheikh Abdullah Abdulrahman al-Saud, cousin of King Salman By A Correspondent best and had won the trial al-Saud,E won the Qatar Prix de Paris race three weeks ago, but soft l’Arc de Triomphe for the second ground did not help him give straight year in the presence of his usual performance.” other horses, owned by, among is Highness Sheikh Talking about the Qatar’s others, Saudi and one of UAE’s Abdullah bin Khalifa continued partnership with ruling families, at Longchamp Hal-Thani congratulated the iconic racing event, he racecourse in Paris yesterday. the winner’s connections in said, “Qatar’s sponsorship Polish raider Fazza Al Khaledi- the Qatar Arabian World Cup of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de ah staged a big upset in the Qatar (Group 1 PA) on the final day Triomphe started in 2008 and Arabian World Cup (Group 1 PA), of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de will continue till 2022. The as His Highness Sheikh Abdul- Triomphe meeting at Long- renewal of the partnership is lah bin Khalifa al-Thani crowned champ racecourse in Paris under consideration, given the winners on the big day of yesterday. the huge global reputation of the two-day race-meeting at “This race saw a surprise, the event, which comes with the newly-renovated racecourse which no one expected at all. plenty of strength and thrill yesterday. It was a tough race in general year after year. The annual Qatar-sponsored and the winner, Fazza Al Kha- “In addition, dozens of thou- event has been held since 2008 lediah, won the title deserv- sands of race-goers attend under the partnership between edly,” Sheikh Abdullah said. the races at Longchamp along the Qatar Racing and Equestrian “In fact, he gave a wonderful with the TV broadcasting to Club (QREC) and France Galop performance and I congratu- nearly 100 countries, giving and will continue till 2022. late his owners for his class access to at least a billion Present during the fi nale of one and ability to win the Qatar viewers worldwide. I think Qa- of the world’s biggest race meet- Arabian World Cup. tar’s decision to sponsor this ings, were His Highness Sheikh “We should take into consid- event has been a right one.” Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Tha- eration the ground at Long- Sheikh Abdullah concluded: ni, Embassy of Qatar in France champ, which was aff ected “In the coming years, we Charge d’aff aires Nadia al- by the rain today. In horse would like to see more people Sheebi, QREC chairman Issa bin racing, each race has its own from Qatar in this event and Mohamed al-Mohannadi, Qatar circumstances. we will have Marid, who won Equestrian Federation and Asian “Yazeed (owned by Sheikh the Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Equestrian Federation presi- His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani (third from right) with the winners of the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Group 1 PA) after Fazza Al Abdullah) was a favourite, Poulains over 2000m at Saint- dent Hamad bin Abdulrahman Khalediah won the Arabian feature on Day Two of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp racecourse in Paris yesterday. especially as he was at his Cloud two days ago.” al-Attiyah, QREC offi cials, horse owners and trainers from Qatar, besides dozens of thousands of and Qatari raider Ebraz. pack and squeezed through on sac, Wild Illusion, won the Prix had to settle for second. Soldier’s race-goers who fl ooded into the The four-year-old’s nine-race the inside of the home straight. de l’Opéra Longines (Group 1), Call rounded up the top three. iconic Parisian racecourse. winning streak had been snapped She battled for the win and hit after having problems to en- Frankie Dettori rode Enable for on his previous outing in August the post a shade cosily of ter in the starting stalls. his record-extending sixth Arc this year in Warsaw. But he made Matematica, who was She fi nished in victory after fending off a late amends yesterday under Pier on her second time front of Magic charge from Sea of Class yester- Convertino. out. It was her Wand, who day. “The success is all down to trainer Fabrice looked like John Gosden’s four-year-old the horse. He’s the best [Ara- Vermeulen’s the winner fi lly became the fi rst British- bian] horse in the world. It’s the fi rst Group 1 for a while, trained horse to win Europe’s fi rst big international victory for win. Star Terms and also beat top middle-distance race twice Polish [Arabian] racing since the (Sea The Stars) the French and the eighth dual winner of the end of the Second World War. My came a close contender continent’s richest contest. team has done an extraordinary third. Homérique Enable hit the front two fur- job,” a pleased Borkowski said. In the Qatar who made a longs out but Sea of Class rallied Bought Saturday evening Prix Jean-Luc La- good fi nal eff ort. to fi nish second by a short neck, during the Arqana Arc sale for gardere (Grand Cri- Mabs Cross, the with last year’s runner-up Cloth €490,000, Lily’s Candle was terium) – Sponsored British fi lly ridden by of Stars third at the redeveloped quick to reward her new owner, by Manateq, Royal Marine Gérald Mossé, came with Longchamp. Martin Schwartz, by winning became a Group 1 winner on his a strong run to take the Prix de She missed much of the cur- the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac third public outing. l’Abbaye de Longines (Group 1) in rent campaign through injury, – Critérium for fi llies. The fi lly Last years’ winner of the the fi nal strides. Gold Vibe, hav- Manateq CEO Fahad al-Kaabi presents the trophy for the Qatar Prix but an impressive comeback at travelled in the rear end of the Group 1 Qatar Prix Marcel Bous- ing been tracked by the winner, Jean-Luc Lagardere, which was won by Royal Marine yesterday. Kempton ensured she was a red- hot favourite coming into yester- day’s feature. “She wasn’t at her best today. I’ve had a diffi cult year with her and started with a bit more hair than I have now,” Gosden said af- ter the win. “It’s entirely down to the fi lly and her guts and a lovely ride from Frankie. She’s a won- derful fi lly and it’s an enormous sense of relief.” Gosden raised the possibility of Enable staying in training as a fi ve-year-old in a bid to become the fi rst horse to win the Arc three times. Earlier in the day, Michael Borkowski’s ward, Fazza Al Kha- lediah, emerged victorious in the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Group 1 PA). Very well drawn, the Polish raider bided his time before mak- Jockey Frankie Dettori celebrates ing headway on the inside. He after riding Enable to Qatar Prix then went clear in the straight to de l’Arc de Triomphe victory at record an easy victory at the ex- the racecourse in Paris, France, pense of French-trained Khataab Action from the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1) race at the Longchamp racecourse in Paris yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim, Zuzanna Lupa yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Monday, October 8, 2018 HORSE RACING

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Huge Success of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Qatar Airways at renovated Longchamp, says QREC chairman welcomes world’s By our Correspondent out at the race, which Qatar is Paris keen to have, given Qatar’s com- mitment to its great heritage of horse racing elite Purebred Arabians. In the com- atar Racing and ing years, we will continue this Equestrian Club tradition.” (QREC) chairman Al-Mohannadi added: “This to Qatar Prix de Issa bin Mohamed al- year, Qatar Airways and Man- MohannadiQ hailed the success ateq partnered us in the spon- of the 2018 edition of the Qatar sorship of the event. Their Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which presence was strong and active, l’Arc de Triomphe was concluded at Longchamp and contributed to the event. In racecourse in Paris yesterday. addition, thousands of people “No doubt, this year’s edition were at ParisLongchamp, which has been a huge success,” he said, is also in the interest of the or- “especially as it has returned ganisations who partner with us to ParisLongchamp, which is in this sponsorship.” considered the best racecourse worldwide. The renovation has made the racecourse ideal. It can Qatar Racing and Equestrian accommodate a larger number Club (QREC) chairman Issa of race-goers now and it looks bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi much better, which in turn is in (second from right) presents the the interest of the event spon- trophy to the winners of Qatar sored by Qatar over the years. Arabian Trophy des Juments “Having the Qatar Arabian after Al Shamoos won the World Cup run just before the 2000m race on Day One of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe race has brought several ben- race meeting at the Longchamp efi ts. It guarantees a larger turn- race course in Paris on Saturday.

Sights from the 2018 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (second from right) with the winners of the Qatar Prix Dollar on Saturday. PICTURES: Juhaim, Zuzanna Lupa

By Sports Reporter Nice. We welcome the many Doha guests and spectators to enjoy the exciting races and elegant setting that mark this spectacu- atar Airways is pleased lar event.” to be the Offi cial Air- QREC chairman Issa al-Mo- line Partner of Eu- hannadi said, “We are delighted rope’s most prestigious with the partnership with Qatar horseQ racing event, the Qatar Prix Airways, the world’s fastest- de l’Arc de Triomphe 2018, which growing airline and Qatar’s fl ag concluded at the newly-renovat- carrier. The ongoing co-oper- ed ParisLongchamp Racecourse ation between QREC and Qa- yesterday. tar Airways in sponsoring horse The spectacular event, held race meetings will provide the against the elegant backdrop of requirements for successful fu- the Bois de Boulogne in the City ture racing events, befi tting the of Light, attracted the horse rac- reputation of Qatar’s equestrian ing elite from around the globe. sport. Qatar Airways also con- With a prize pot of 5 million eu- tributes signifi cantly to the ship- ros, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Tri- ping activities for QREC-spon- omphe is the richest fl at turf race sored events overseas. and features some of the world’s “We have worked in co-op- top race horses, while many eration extensively with Qatar champion purebred Arabian hors- Airways for many prestigious es compete in the Qatar Arabian international events recently, World Cup on the same day. including the Qatar Goodwood The award-winning airline Festival in the UK. Such associa- participated in partnership with tion has been key to the success the Qatar Racing and Equestrian of the Festival, which saw phe- Club (QREC) for the event, which nomenal turnout at one of the is now in its 98th year, and is a world’s most beautiful and his- much-anticipated highlight on toric racecourses. This, in turn, the French social calendar. Qatar enhances the partnership be- Airways’ renowned cabin crew tween QREC and Qatar Airways, was on-hand to present trophies and we look forward to more col- to the race winners. laboration with Qatar Airways to Qatar Airways Group Chief benefi t Qatar and Qatar’s eques- Executive Akbar al-Baker said, trian sport.” “Qatar Airways is delighted to be Qatar Airways currently op- the Offi cial Airline Partner of the erates a total of 21 weekly direct most exclusive event on the in- fl ights between its home and ternational annual horse racing hub, Hamad International Air- calendar, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc port (HIA) in Doha and Charles de Triomphe 2018. As an airline, de Gaulle Airport, Paris. These we have a long tradition of sup- include a daily service on board porting events which not only Qatar Airways A350-900, which showcase excellence in sport, currently features the airline’s but which also champion sport state-of-the-art Qsuite Business as a means of bringing people to- Class seat. The award-winning gether. This is something which airline also operates fi ve weekly has been evident through Qatar fl ights to Nice. Airways’ recent sponsorship of Qatar Airways is one of the major global sporting events, world’s fastest-growing airlines, such as the FIFA World Cup and with a modern fl eet of more than the 2018 Asian Games, and is at 200 aircraft fl ying to business the heart of our brand message – and leisure destinations across Going Places Together. six continents. The award-win- “Our sponsorship of this pres- ning airline recently revealed tigious event also highlights a host of upcoming new global our commitment to France; we destinations, including Gothen- proudly provide direct service burg, Sweden; Da Nang, Vietnam to two key gateways, Paris and and Mombasa, Kenya. Gulf Times Monday, October 8, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE LA LIGA Sevilla go top with Mahrez miss leaves Celta win, Atletico subs see off Betis Reuters ego Simeone shuffl ed his pack. Madrid Kalinic, who started in place of the injured Diego Costa, made way for Thomas Partey while City, Liverpool and evilla moved provisional- Correa came on for record sign- ly top of La Liga by beat- ing Thomas Lemar. The Argen- ing visitors Celta Vigo tine won possession and played 2-1 yesterday for a fourth a one-two with Partey before ar- straightS victory that saw them rowing the ball home in the 74th. climb above Atletico Madrid, “The top teams are stronger who had led the table for a cou- because they have great play- ple of hours after a 1-0 home win ers that can come off the bench, Chelsea all level over over Real Betis. and those substitutes at the top Midfi elder Pablo Sarabia teams are the ones that make the headed Sevilla in front six min- diff erence when a game is very Arsenal rout Fulham 5-1 for their ninth successive win in all competitions utes before halftime and their tight,” said Atletico coach Sime- task was made easier when one. “I’m very happy that despite Reuters Celta’s Mexican defender Nestor our injury problems we were able Liverpool Araujo was sent off for picking up to win a very tough game against two bookings in the space of two a team that plays very good foot- minutes before the hour mark. ball and who have grown a lot de- iyad Mahrez missed a penalty The hosts’ French striker fensively.” — and Manchester City their Wissam Ben Yedder doubled Betis started level on points chance of pulling ahead in the their lead by nudging the ball with Atletico and unbeaten in Premier League — as the cham- home from close range in the their last eight matches in all pionsR could only draw 0-0 with Liverpool 61st minute, although the goal competitions but their usual in a tightly contested game at Anfi eld needed to be verifi ed by the video gameplan, based on monopolis- yesterday. assistant referee (VAR) before it ing possession, bore little fruit With Chelsea making up ground was awarded. against Atletico, who are masters by winning 3-0 at Southampton, the Celta’s Sofi ane Boufal scored of defending under Simeone. league’s three unbeaten teams go into the with an impressive long-range Betis coach Quique Setien international break locked together on 20 strike in the 85th but it proved said: “It’s not easy against a team points. City are top on goal diff erence, only a consolation for the mid- that have players designed to do with Chelsea second and Liverpool drop- table visitors, who lost for the a job like that and we did what we ping to third, two points ahead of Arsenal, second time this season. could but our opponents took the who routed Fulham 5-1 for their ninth Sevilla lead the standings on 16 game very seriously, they were successive win in all competitions. points, while Atletico are second highly disciplined and pressed us Mahrez has now missed fi ve of his past with 15 but Barcelona, who were from the front.” eight Premier League penalties — one visiting Valencia in the late game, for City and four for his previous club have 14 points and can move LA LIGA RESULTS Leicester City — and seems highly un- clear with a win. Real Valladolid 1 (Alcaraz 28) Atletico saw little of the ball likely to be given another chance after Huesca 0; Atletico Madrid 1 (Cor- blasting the ball over the bar in the 86th against Betis but kept them at rea 74) Real Betis 0 ; Espanyol 3 minute. City’s normal penalty taker, Ser- bay with shrewd defensive work (Perez 7, Darder 79, Piatti 90+2) gio Aguero, had already been substituted and had far more chances, with Villarreal 1 (Ekambi 45); Sevilla 2 when Virgil van Dyke clattered into Leroy Croatian forward Nikola Kalinic (Sarabia 39, Ben Yedder 61) Celta Sane in what the defender later admitted hitting the woodwork, although was “not a smart move”. they struggled to score until Di- Vigo 1 (Boufal 85) City defender John Stones said the players had decided among themselves that Mahrez would take the kick after im- pressing with his spot-kicks in training last week.”Riyad feels defl ated, he feels he has let us down,” he said. Stones said City were delighted to keep a clean sheet after conceding seven goals in their past two visits — one game in the Premier League and one in the Champions League — but Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (right) celebrates with Alexandre Lacazette after scoring against Fulham in the English Mahrez’s miss took the gloss off their Premier League at Craven Cottage in London yesterday. (AFP) performance. Liverpool’s front three had been deadly lightful chipped pass for Aubameyang to with nine wins from 11 competitive games said he believed they paid Chelsea “too in those Anfi eld games last season but run to for Arsenal’s fi fth goal, underlining this season. Ross Barkley scored his fi rst much respect” and pointed to a fi rst- they created little yesterday, with the what a big loss he will be if, as expected, goal for the club since joining from Ever- half miss by Danny Ings, who blasted home side’s rhythm further disrupted by he leaves at the end of the season. “For me ton, with Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata over from a couple of metres, as a game- a fi rst-half injury to James Milner. There it was very important for (Ramsey) to take also netting. changer. “We had a chance at 0-0 for was no shortage of goals at Craven Cot- confi dence and take that fi rst goal,” said Barkley’s goal came via his knee from a Danny Ings, if that goes in we get a diff er- tage where Arsenal, who lost their open- Emery. “He did not start in the fi rst 11 to- few metres out and completed a memo- ent frame of mind,” he said.” We never got ing two league games, provided further day but when he was on he scored within rable few days for the midfi elder who has any momentum. Sometimes you have to proof that they are starting to gel under a minute and that gives confi dence for been recalled to the England squad for be brave and we weren’t able to do that.” new manager Unai Emery. both him and us.” the forthcoming games against Croatia (Reporting by Simon Evans; editing by Alexandre Lacazette and substitute Fulham, who equalised through Andre and Spain. Hazard was once again at his Ken Ferris and Clare Fallon) Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang both scored Schurrle, have the worst defensive record imperious best to net his seventh league twice, with Aaron Ramsey also netting in the Premier League and have now con- goal and remain this season’s top scorer. PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS just 39 seconds after coming on as a sec- ceded 21 goals this season. They remain The Belgian said he did not know if he had Fulham 1 (Schurrle 44) Arsenal 5 (Laca- ond-half replacement. Ramsey started on fi ve points, one place above the relega- ever played better than this season. “I’m zette 29, 49, Ramsey 67, Aubameyang and fi nished one of the goals of the season, tion zone. just playing good football because we are 79, 90+1); Liverpool 0 Manchester City scoring with the sort of fl ick that even Jo- Their west London neighbours Chelsea playing good football,” he said. “I want to Sevilla’s Brazilian defender Guilherme Arana (left) vies for the ball han Cruyff would have approved of. have made an altogether more impressive keep doing it and keep everyone happy.” 0; Southampton 0 Chelsea 3 (Hazard 30, with Celta Vigo’s Spanish defender Hugo Mallo during the La Liga The Welshman also provided a de- start to the season and remain undefeated Southampton manager Mark Hughes Barkley 57, Morata 90+3) match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. (AFP)

SERIE A LIGUE 1 Napoli cut gap on Juventus, Monaco crash again as coach Halilhodzic loses Nantes debut Immobile fi res Lazio into third AFP Paris AFP Milan onaco slumped to a fi fth defeat in nine apoli moved back to within six Ligue 1 matches as points of Serie A leaders Ju- Hatem Ben Arfa ventus yesterday as goals from Mearned Rennes a 2-1 victory yes- Adam Ounas and Lorenzo Insigne terday, while ex-Japan coach Va- Nclinched a 2-0 win over Sassuolo, while hid Halilhodzic was beaten 3-0 Lazio took third by beating Fiorentina. on his return to French football Carlo Ancelotti’s hosts slipped off the following his appointment at pace last weekend with a loss to Juve in Tu- former club Nantes. rin, but managed to avoid dropping further Defender Damien Da Silva Rennes forward Hatem Ben Arfa (right) celebrates with teammates adrift, after the embattled Cristiano Ronaldo turned home a Ben Arfa corner after scoring against Monaco. (AFP) scored in the reigning champions’ victory at to give Rennes, who arrived in the Udinese on Saturday. Algerian youngster principality just two points above on-loan Chelsea defender Matt ter a rash challenge from Miazga Ounas, making his full debut in Serie A, gave 18th-placed Monaco, the lead Miazga. The colourful 66-year- to move onto a joint-best seven Napoli the perfect start with a magnifi cent on 14 minutes. Monaco’s Andrea old Halilhodzic replaced Miguel league goals this term. goal in only the third minute. Napoli players celebrate in front of fans after their win over Sassuolo. (Reuters) Raggi was sent off for throwing Cardoso on Tuesday just eight Marseille rebounded from The 21-year-old latched onto a poor back- a punch at Clement Grenier just games into the season, with throwing away a two-goal lead at pass from Manuel Locatelli, fl icked the ball a 1-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico earlier yes- Marko Pjaca also went close to an equaliser, before half-time, but the home Nantes having won just once in Apollon Limassol in the Europa over the head of visiting centre-back Gi- terday. Simone Inzaghi’s Lazio went into the but the home side held on for their fourth side levelled early in the second the Portuguese’s brief spell in League to climb third following angiacomo Magnani, and hammered home a match looking to bounce back from their 3-1 win in fi ve league games. half through Radamel Falcao. charge. Halilhodzic won a Ligue a 2-0 victory over Caen. Kostas stunning left-footed volley to score his fi rst derby defeat by Roma last weekend, and did AC Milan extended their unbeaten run to However, Rennes secured a 1 title as a striker with Nantes in Mitroglou and Florian Thauvin goal in Italian football. just that to leapfrog their beaten opponents eight matches in all competitions as Gonzalo fi rst win in fi ve games as Mo- the 1980s, and later went on to bagged fi rst-half goals, the lat- The home team dominated throughout, in the table. Higuain scored twice in a 3-1 victory over naco goalkeeper Danijel Suba- coach Lille and Rennes but has ter moving level with Kamano, with Dries Mertens drilling an eff ort wide Marco Parolo fl ashed a shot narrowly wide lowly Chievo at the San Siro. Higuain has sic allowed Ben Arfa’s powerful not worked in France since he was Neymar and Jonathan Bamba before sending an attempted lob from the early on, before Lazio defender Wallace got now scored six goals in just seven appear- 25-yard drive to zip past him on fi red by PSG in 2005. atop the goalscoring chart. PSG halfway line fl oating over. But Insigne came away with a slack pass as Marco Benassi’s ef- ances for Gennaro Gattuso’s men since join- 77 minutes, giving the former Nantes’ rotten run showed no were bidding for a record ninth off the bench early in the second half and fort was kept out by Thomas Strakosha. ing from Juventus in the close-season. Milan Paris Saint-Germain outcast sign of abating though as Yann consecutive win to start the sea- secured the win in trademark style with 18 Immobile made the breakthrough in the sit 10th, but only three points off the top his fi rst league goal since April Karamoh curled in a brilliant son at home to Lyon later, having minutes remaining, cutting inside off the left 38th minute, as Stefan Radu nodded on a three with a game in hand. 2016. Leonardo Jardim’s Monaco, opening goal after just fi ve min- matched the mark set by Olym- wing and curling a ferocious shot into the far corner and the Italy striker stretched to vol- runners-up to PSG last season, utes. They quickly found them- pique Lillois in 1936 last weekend. top corner. ley in at the back post for his fi fth league goal ITALIAN SERIE A RESULTS remain winless since the open- selves two down after a mix-up Insigne also scored the winner against of the season. ing weekend and above the au- between goalkeeper Ciprian Genoa 1 (Piatek 6) Parma 3 (Rigoni 16, Siligar- FRENCH LIGUE 1 RESULTS Liverpool in the Champions League on The 28-year-old, who signed a contract tomatic relegation spots only on Tatarusanu and US international di 26, Ceravolo 30); AC Milan 3 (Higuain 27, Bordeaux 3 (Karamoh 5, Kamano Wednesday. Napoli fi nished the game play- extension which will keep him at the club goal diff erence. Miazga allowed Francois Kamano 7, 42-pen) Nantes 0; Marseille 2 ing against 10 men, after Sassuolo wing- until 2023 earlier this week, has now scored 34, Bonaventura 56) Chievo 1 (Pellissier 63); Earlier, Franco-Bosnian Halil- to take full advantage. back Rogerio’s late red card. 57 Serie A goals since the start of the 2016- Lazio 1 (Immobile 37) Fiorentina 0; Atalanta hodzic watched his Nantes side Kamano struck again in a tor- (Mitroglou 36, Thauvin 45) Caen Ciro Immobile scored his fi rst-ever goal 17 campaign. Giovanni Simeone had a pen- 0 Sampdoria 1 (Tonelli 77); Napoli 2 (Ounas 3, slide to a heavy defeat at Bor- rid fi rst half for the visitors, win- 0; Monaco 1 (Falcao 49) Rennes 2 against Fiorentina to send Lazio third with alty appeal waved away for the visitors, while Insigne 72) Sassuolo 0 deaux on a day to forget for ning and converting a penalty af- (Da Silva 14, Ben Arfa 77) Gulf Times 4 Monday, October 8, 2018 SPORT

CRICKET Ton-up Hafeez helps Pakistan dominate Australia in fi rst Test Hafeez, a late inclusion in the squad, led the run-feast with a knock of 126 — his 10th Test hundred

AFP Dubai SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN I INNINGS Fall of wickets: 1-205 (Imam), pener Mohamed Ha- Imam-ul-Haq c Paine b Lyon 76 2-222 (Hafeez), 3-244 (Azhar) feez celebrated his re- M Hafeez lbw b Siddle 126 Bowling: Starc 21-6-66-0 (2nb), call with an impressive Siddle 15-7-23-1, Lyon 33-10-63-1, century as Pakistan A Ali c Starc b Holland 18 Holland 18-1-72-1, Labuschagne dominatedO the opening day of Haris Sohail not out 15 2-0-9-0, M. Marsh 1-0-5-0 the fi rst Test against Australia in Mohamed Abbas not out 1 Australia XI: Tim Paine (captain), Dubai yesterday. Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Pakistan were 255-3 at the Extras (b1, lb16, nb2) 19 Holland, Usman Khawaja, Mar- close of play, with Haris Sohail Total: (three wkts; 90 overs) 255 nus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, unbeaten on 15 and nightwatch- Still to bat: Asad Shafiq, Babar man Mohamed Abbas one not Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed, Bilal Asif, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc out as Australia’s bowlers toiled Yasir Shah, Wahab Riaz away with little success on a fl at Dubai Stadium pitch. Hafeez, a late inclusion in the squad after a double hundred in a domestic match, led the run- feast with a knock of 126 — his 10th Test hundred — during a 278-minute stay at the crease and put on 205 runs for the open- ing stand with Imam-ul-Haq, who made a career best 76. Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and decided to bat, and Hafeez and Imam laid the platform for a big fi rst innings as Australia’s pace-cum-spin at- tack was held wicketless before tea. Hafeez, whose last of 50 Test appearances came in Eng- land two years ago, brought up his hundred by pushing spinner Jon Holland for two after hitting a pair of boundaries off Mitchell Starc the previous over. aid the team on his comeback. nal, and then initially in the Test getting Imam caught behind in reached lunch at 89-0 before He was given a life on 74 when “I am really happy to score this team. the 63rd over of the day. Imam hit adding a further 110 runs in the Mitchell Marsh could not hold on hundred and helping the team,” “There were too many prob- seven boundaries and two sixes second session. to a tough chance on the bound- said Hafeez. lems and I came to a stage where — both off Holland — to improve Lyon, Holland and Siddle fi n- ary off the bowling of Holland “We back ourselves to score I was ready to take a drastic step on his previous best score of 74 ished a challenging opening having covered some 20 yards in 250 more runs and then put pres- (by retiring) but my wife and not out made against Ireland at day with a wicket apiece. Aus- the outfi eld. Hafeez, whose in- sure on Australia.” (former Pakistan bowler) Shoaib Malahide in May. tralia handed Test caps to Aaron nings included 15 boundaries, Hafeez admitted the last few Akhtar stopped me. I would have Azhar Ali scored at sedate Finch, Travis Head and Marnus was fi nally trapped leg before months were very tough on him, been doing something else had I pace for 18 before giving away Labuschagne while Pakistan in- wicket by Peter Siddle by a ball having missed out on selection not been stopped.” his wicket to Holland, caught at cluded off -spinner Bilal Asif for which beat him on the front push. for the Asia Cup held in the UAE It was only after tea that Aus- mid-off by Starc. Australia cap- his fi rst Test at the age of 33. Pakistan batsman Mohammad Hafeez celebrates after scoring a Hafeez, who turns 38 later this last month, which India wonafter tralia were able to take wickets, tain Tim Paine brought on Lyon The second Test starts in Abu century in the first Test against Australia and Pakistan at the Dubai month, was thrilled to be able to defeating Bangaldesh in the fi - with off -spinner Nathan Lyon in the ninth over but Pakistan Dhabi on October 16. International Cricket Stadium yesterday. (AFP)

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Australia ease pressure on Cheika Second season of Hathab with stunning win over Argentina equestrian series from Oct 12 By Sports Reporter team system has been added to champions. Doha Hathab, where each team will The winners were announced consist of three riders, and each last year at a closing ceremony team will present one of the fol- under the patronage of HE Sheikh fter a successful inau- lowing sponsorship: Al Salam Joaan. The event was attended gural season and a great (main sponsor), Exxon Mobil, Al by Thani bin Abdul Rahman al- rivalry between the lo- Kass, Al Shaqab, QNB, Lusail and Kuwari, second vice president of cal riders, Al Shaqab, Power Steel. the Olympic Committee and Jas- memberA of Qatar Foundation, Hathab, meaning canter in Ar- sim al-Buainain, Qatar Eques- has announced the second sea- abic, is an initiative of HE Sheikh trian and Al Shaqab with a large son of Hathab. Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, pres- number of participating riders in The fi rst leg of competition ident of the Qatar Olympic Com- the competition and sponsoring will be held on 12 October at Al mittee. It is aimed at improv- companies and various media in Shaqab arena. The events will be ing the standard of horse riding the country. held either at Al Shaqab or Qatar among Qatari youths while en- Equestrian Federation. Results of couraging the involvement of Competition details: Show the competition will be used in private stables and individual jumping & Dressage the selection process of riders to horse owners to grow awareness represent Qatar in future inter- of horsemanship as part of Qa- Competition Categories: Future national competitions. tar’s history and tradition. Riders Program (6-12 years); Chil- The 12-leg equestrian series The vision for Hathab is to be dren (12-14 years), Junior (Small has also added a new concept a national series of equestrian Tour) (14-18 years); Young Rider to the popular event. To engage competitions to inspire Qatar’s (Medium Tour); (16-21 years); Sen- community and businesses, a next generation of international ior (Big Tour) Over 21 years old.

Cheika tight-lipped on rant that ignited comeback

Salta, Argentina: Under-fire Skipper Michael Hooper, who Australia coach Michael Cheika scored the first of six Wallabies Australia’s Israel Folau (right) attempts to get past Argentina’s Jeronimo de la Fuente in Salta, Argentina on Saturday. (Reuters) refused yesterday to reveal tries, was equally tight-lipped what he said during a half-time about what was said dur- AFP inched ahead 35-34 on 65 minutes. A second was as good as it got for the visiting side in rant that led to the greatest ing the break. “We had some Salta, Argentina try from Dane Haylett-Petty stretched the the opening half as Argentina scored two Rugby Championship come- pretty firm words in the shed lead to eight points before Foley kicked his more tries and a penalty before a near-ca- back. The Wallabies came from (changeroom) and then it was only penalty to seal success. pacity crowd in the 20,000-seat stadium. 31-7 down at half-time in Salta up to the players,” he said. ustralia wiped out a 24-point half- While the win will come as a huge relief Patience and powerful running ended on Saturday to defeat Argentina “I am still a bit confused as to time defi cit for a stunning 45-34 to Cheika, there are far more formidable ob- with Matias Orlando going over between the 45-34 and avoid finishing last how you can have such diff er- Rugby Championship triumph stacles lying in wait soon. They must tackle posts on 27 minutes and Sanchez converted and dropping to eighth in the ent halves to a game,” admitted over Argentina in Salta on Satur- New Zealand a third time after two heavy before being forced off . Iglesias had been world rankings. the flanker. dayA to ease the pressure on under-fi re coach losses this season in the dead-rubber third on the fi eld less than two minutes when he Australia even outdid Cham- “Very proud of the boys for Michael Cheika. There have been growing Bledisloe Cup match in Japan on October 27. scored a brilliant solo try, including a swerve pionship winners New Zealand, the resilience they showed after public and media calls for Cheika to be axed Then comes a tour of Europe where Wales that left Foley for dead. who trailed by 17 points before what we have been through re- after six losses in eight matches this season and England lie in wait, along with lesser Iglesias converted his try and slotted an snatching a 32-30 triumph cently. We attacked so well and ahead of the trip to South America. lights Italy. Argentina suff ered a serious angled penalty to give the South Americans over South Africa in Pretoria defended equally well in the After trailing 31-7 at half-time, the Wal- blow after 29 minutes when star fl y-half a 24-point advantage by the break. Apart six hours earlier. The crowd at in the first half it was not there,” second half so why could we labies ran in fi ve second-half tries and the Nicolas Sanchez had to retire injured and from the four tries, Pumas coach Mario the Padre Ernesto Martearena he told reporters. not have done the same during recalled Bernard Foley slotted all seven of was replaced by Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias. Ledesma will have been pleased by far bet- stadium watched Cheika on the “Once the lads got some the opening 40 minutes?” his kicks at goal during the match. The re- It took the Pumas just 105 seconds to go ter scrummaging after being humiliated by big screen as he pointed fingers meaning and purpose into their New Zealand finished the markable comeback outdid that of cham- in front as Pablo Matera ran a brilliant an- New Zealand’s pack last weekend. and seemingly screamed game, they played a heck of six-round Championship season pions New Zealand earlier in the day when gled line to take the ball and burst down the Izack Rodda triggered the comeback by during a half-time talk in the a lot better. A few things did with 25 points, South Africa 15, they trailed by 17 points on the hour before middle for a try that Sanchez converted. A going over for a try on 44 minutes which Fo- changeroom. not go our way, but we did not Australia nine and Argentina snatching a 32-30 victory in South Africa. bad start for the Wallabies got worse on four ley converted. “It is not for public airing,” in- make anything of ourselves eight. Australia return to action New Zealand completed the six-round minutes when Reece Hodge was dispos- It opened the fl oodgates and mesmerised sisted Cheika, whose job was on with our approach to the game, on October 27 when they tackle southern hemisphere championship with sessed and two passes set up Emiliano Bof- Argentina conceded further tries to Israel the line after six losses in eight particularly defensively. I was New Zealand in a dead-rubber 25 points while South Africa were second on felli for a run to the line with Sanchez con- Folau and Haylett-Petty, with Foley adding matches this year before travel- obviously very unhappy with third Bledisloe Cup match in 15. Australia were third in the table with nine verting again. the extra points. ling to northwestern Argentina. the first half and very happy Japanese city Yokohama. In and Argentina bottom with eight. Australia skipper Michael Hooper pow- Iglesias scored the only Argentine points “This game is personal. We with the second. The point November, the Wallabies play Down and seemingly out at half-time ered over from close range after clever run- of the half from a penalty for a 34-28 lead, needed to get some personal is that when we want to, we Wales, Italy and England during after being dominated, the Wallabies took ning from a lineout and Foley converted to but David Pocock barged over from a scrum meaning into our game because exhibit talent.” a tour of Europe. control from the second-half kick-off and leave his team seven points adrift. But that and Foley converted for a one-pont lead. Gulf Times Monday, October 8, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB Yankees rout Red Sox to level series, Astros win AFP blast atop the left-fi eld wall in the The Yankees have won a record 27 the best-of-fi ve American League Washington second inning. World Series crowns, most recently in series. The Astros, who beat the Los “He threw me something high in 2009, while the Red Sox last captured Angeles Dodgers in last year’s World the zone and I was able to do some- the title, their eighth, in 2013. Series, can sweep out the Indians with ary Sanchez smashed two thing with it,” Sanchez said through a a victory in game three on Monday in home runs and Aaron Judge translator. COLE STRIKES OUT 12 Cleveland. blasted another to power the Andrew McCutcheon hit a run- At Houston, Astros starting pitcher The Indians are trying to end a 70- New York Yankees over arch- scoring double to left-fi eld in the sec- Gerrit Cole struck out 12 Cleveland year World Series title drought, hav- Grival Boston 6-2 on Saturday in the ond for a 3-0 New York lead, prompt- batters with no walks while scattering ing last captured the championship in Major League Baseball playoff s. ing the Red Sox to remove starting only three hits over seven innings. 1948. The Yankees pulled level at 1-1 in the pitcher David Price. The 28-year-old American right- Cleveland’s Francisco Lindor best-of-fi ve American League playoff Xander Bogaerts answered for hander became only the second opened the scoring in the third in- series with game three set for Mon- the Red Sox with a solo homer in the pitcher with so many strikeouts and ning with a solo homer off a slider day in New York. Either the Red Sox or fourth. no walks in a playoff game, following from Cole, who joined the Astros in a Yankees will face defending champion But Sanchez smashed a three-run Tom Seaver’s 13-strikeout eff ort for January trade after fi ve seasons with Houston or the Cleveland Indians in homer out of the ballpark off Red Sox the New York Mets in 1973. Pittsburgh. the American League Championship reliever Eduardo Rodriguez in the sev- “When it’s on the line, you just want Houston jumped ahead 2-1 in the Series, with the Astros moving to the enth for his fi rst multi-homer game to perform. You want to give them a sixth after Altuve singled, Bregman brink of advancing Saturday with a 3-1 since May 19 to give the Yankees a 6-1 shot to win the game. I felt like we did walked and Gonzalez followed with a home victory over Cleveland. advantage. that,” Cole said. two-run double to rightfi eld. The Yankees smacked the most “He left something there for me and “I’m pretty thrilled with the no Bregman added a solo homer in homers of any club in major league I was able to hit it well,” Sanchez said. walks. Pretty special day. the seventh inning – his sixth career history this season with 267 and have Boston’s Ian Kinsler responded “I had good command with it. I had playoff homer and second in as many sustained their superb slugging into with a run-scoring double in the sev- good command. I really just kept try- games against Cleveland – to produce the playoff s. enth but the Red Sox came no closer. ing to pound the zone and stay aggres- the fi nal margin. Judge belted a solo homer over the Japanese ace Masahiro Tanaka sive.” The National League playoff s famous “Green Monster” left-fi eld started for New York and allowed Bos- Alex Bregman smashed a solo home resume Sunday with Milwaukee at wall at Boston’s Fenway Park to put ton batters only one run on three hits run and Marwin Gonzalez smacked a Colorado and the Los Angeles Dodgers New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (left) celebrates with right fielder Aaron Judge the Yankees ahead in the fi rst inning. with one walk and four strikeouts over two-run double among four hits for at Atlanta, both visiting clubs trying (centre) after hitting an 3-RBI home run during the seventh inning against Boston Red Sanchez followed with another solo fi ve innings. the Astros, who seized a 2-0 lead in to complete series sweeps. Sox in game two of the 2018 ALDS playoff series. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

SPOTLIGHT NBA Celtics, Cavaliers fi nd intensity in Nurmagomedov pre-season scuffl e

AFP Washington

eBron James is gone, but beats McGregor as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics still have an intense NBA ri- Lvalry that spilled over into a scuffl e in a pre-season game. Cleveland guard J.R. Smith and Celtics guard Marcus Smart were involved in an altercation brawl mars UFC bout 8min 22sec into the fi rst quarter of the Cavaliers’ 113-102 pre- UFC chief refused to hand Nurmagomedov his belt, saying he feared it would further inflame the crowd season home victory over Bos- ton. AFP The rematch of last season’s Los Angeles Eastern Conference fi nals lacked some of the drama of May’s showdown between the clubs, habib Nurmagomedov which featured James before the thwarted Conor Mc- four-time NBA Most Valuable Gregor’s bid to regain Player left the Cavs for the Los the UFC lightweight Angeles Lakers. Kcrown on Saturday with a But it wasn’t lacking for pas- dominant submission victory sion after Smith and Austral- in a grudge match marred by a ian forward Aron Baynes of the post-fi ght brawl. Celtics tangled in the paint and Lonnie Walker. Nurmagomedov improved began shoving each other. to 27-0 in his professional ca- That prompted Smart to join NBA season, the club announced reer – 11-0 in UFC bouts – with in and shove Smith, with both Saturday. Walker underwent an the win at a sold-out T-Mobile men needing to be restrained to MRI exam Saturday morning Arena in Las Vegas. calm matters. that showed he had suff ered a The UFC lightweight cham- Smart was ejected and Smith torn medial meniscus in his right pion had McGregor on the issued a technical foul. More knee in the fourth quarter of a ground less than a minute into punishment could be coming 117-93 pre-season home victory the opening round and kept the from the league. over Detroit. Irish fi ghter – a former UFC “I’m not too worried about Spurs team physician David featherweight and lightweight it,” Smart said. “Whatever con- Schmidt will perform the opera- champion – on his back for sequences come with it, come tion, after which a timeline for much of the fi ght. with it.” his return will be determined, McGregor managed to stay Smart also said he gestured for although typical recovery time on his feet for most of the third Smith to “meet him in the back” would be a minimum of six round, but the once feared to which Smith replied on Twit- weeks. striker couldn’t hurt Nurma- ter: “Meet me on street damn Walker scored six points in gomedov and in the fourth, the the back!!” his only pre-season appearance. champion took him down again. The teams will have some The 19-year-old American was McGregor managed to roll time to cool off before they meet the 18th selection in June’s NBA away briefl y before Nurmago- again. That will come in a regu- Draft and played for the Spurs medov ended up in a full mount, lar-season contest at Boston on Summer league squad. getting him in a brutal rear-na- November 30. The Spurs, who have not ked chokehold that had McGre- The Cavaliers open the season missed the playoff s since 1997, gor tapping out at 3min 3sec of October 17 at Toronto while the were seventh in the Western the round. Celtics open October 16 at home Conference last season and lost Nurmagomedov had bare- against Philadelphia. in the fi rst round to eventual ly released his hold when he Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia takes down Conor McGregor of Ireland in their UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 229 champion Golden State. launched himself over the Oc- event inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Getty Images/AFP) SPURS LOSE GUARD WALKER The team has revamped the tagon fence, apparently target- AFTER RIGHT KNEE SURGERY roster since last season, with ing McGregor’s training partner crowd. “If I put this belt on you, vestigation. in defeat – but still earned Mc- two intensifi ed in April, when San Antonio Spurs rookie guard long-time guard Tony Parker Dillon Danis. everyone’s going to start throw- “It’s a big deal,” White said, Gregor some $100 million. McGregor was at the centre of Lonnie Walker will undergo now at Charlotte and DeMar As security tried to quell the ing s*** into the Octagon,” he adding that three members of His return sparked massive an extraordinary melee in New right knee surgery today and DeRozan joining the Spurs this chaos in the crowd, two people told Nurmagomedov. the Russian’s camp were briefl y interest, with White predicting York. McGregor hurled a dolly miss the start of the upcoming season from Toronto. from Nurmagomedov’s camp The ring announcer declared detained by police. White said the bout would break the UFC through a window of a bus fi lled leapt into the cage, one of them Nurmagomedov the winner af- a suspension and “big money record of 1.65 million pay-per- with other UFC fi ghters at the taking a shot at the exhausted ter both fi ghters had departed. fi nes” could be looming for view buys. Barclays Center – apparently McGregor, who eventually de- Nurmagomedov told re- Nurmagomedov, who might The crowd included a mass of angered that Nurmagomedov Mildenberger, German parted in a huddle of security porters that Russian President also fi nd himself facing diffi cul- chanting, fl ag-waving Irish fans had intimidated one of the Irish heavyweight who fought Ali, dies personnel. Vladimir Putin had called to ties obtaining a visa to fi ght in as well as a sprinkling of celeb- fi ghter’s friends, Artem Lobov. Nurmagomedov was also congratulate him. He also criti- the United States in the future. rities including Hollywood stars Two athletes were injured German former heavyweight 1964 to 1968, but his most hustled out surrounded by se- cised McGregor for trash-talk- Matt Damon and Mel Gibson and McGregor pleaded guilty to boxer Karl Mildenberger, who famous bout was when he took curity offi cers as the pro-Mc- ing, saying: “This is a respect ROUGH RETURN and Northern Ireland golf star disorderly conduct in a Brook- lost a world title fight against Ali to 12 rounds of a 15-round Gregor crowd jeered and threw sport.” McGregor was returning to Rory McIlroy. lyn criminal court in July in a Muhammad Ali in 1966, has world title bout in Frankfurt in drinks at him. White said that the Nevada mixed martial arts for the fi rst Taking on the powerful plea deal that allowed him to died at the age of 80, Germany’s September 1966. UFC chief Dana White re- Athletic Commission, which time since November 2016, hav- champion from Dagestan in his avoid jail time. All felony counts professional boxing association He was the first southpaw to fused to hand Nurmagomedov oversees combat sports in the ing detoured in 2017 to a cross- comeback fi ght was a risk for were dropped and he was or- BDB confirmed. fight for a world heavyweight his belt, saying he feared it state, was withholding Nurma- combat boxing bout against McGregor, but the drumbeat dered to do fi ve days of commu- Mildenberger died on Friday in title against then-unbeaten Ali would further infl ame the gomedov’s purse pending an in- Floyd Mayweather which ended for a showdown between the nity service. his home city of Kaiserslautern. in a first heavyweight world title “A great (boxer) has gone. The bout held in Germany. fight against Ali earned him a With Ali a clear favourite, the Beterbiev knocks out Johnson to keep crown place in boxing history,” BDB fight was not expected to last president Thomas Puetz told long, but Mildenberger, badly Russia’s Artur Beterbiev knocked out to 17-1 but not before a game eff ort to Johnson for the rest of the round, and the the past two years, admitted he was a bit DPA on Saturday. cut over the left eye, got up British challenger Callum Johnson in topple the champion. Beterbiev, who two traded more big blows in the third. “tense and nervous” coming in. Mildenberger’s death follows from the canvas three times the fourth round on Saturday to retain fights out of Canada, waded in early and Beterbiev put Johnson down for the “Believe me, I’ll be back, and I believe one that of Germany’s former before the referee stopped the his International Boxing Federation light dropped Johnson late in the first round. second time with 37 seconds left in the day I’m going to be a world champion.” super-middleweight and fight in the 12th round. heavyweight world title. Beterbiev, 33, The knockout artist was clearly looking to fourth, landing two rights to the chal- On the same card at Wintrust Arena, light-heavyweight champion Mildenberger fought 62 profes- maintained his perfect record with his finish Johnson off in the second. He had lenger’s head. Johnson tried to rise, but American Danny Roman retained his Graciano Rocchigiani, who died sional bouts, winning 53 and 13th knockout win in 13 professional landed a string of punishing blows when he couldn’t beat referee Celestino Ruiz’s World Boxing Association super ban- early Tuesday in a road accident losing six with three draws. He fights. Johnson nailed him with a left hook that count before it reached 10 and it was over tamweight world title with a 10th-round in Sicily. retired in 1968 at the age of 31 The 33-year-old Johnson, in his first world sent Beterbiev to the canvas at 1:24 of the at 2:36 of the fourth. technical knockout of British challenger Mildenberger was European after losing his European title to title fight, lost for the first time, falling second. Beterbiev managed to stave off Johnson, who had fought just once in Gavin McDonnell. heavyweight champion from Britain’s Henry Cooper. Gulf Times 6 Monday, October 8, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Smith wins QGL tournament

Dwayne Smith won the golf the special prize for ‘longest tournament organised by putt’, Naeem Nanji won the Qatar Golf Lovers (QGL) over ‘closest to pin’, D Anand won the weekend at the Doha Golf the ‘closest to rope’ and ‘Gymnastics Worlds will confi rm Club. Forty-two golfers partic- Elias Aboud won the ‘longest ipated in the event which was drive’ awards. QGL hosted a played on a Stableford for- prize distribution and dinner mat. David Brazeau finished for all golfers and gave away Qatar’s ability to host Olympics’ second. Ken MacLeod won prizes to all winners. By Sports Reporter confi dence in Qatar’s ability to days ahead, and certainly the main Doha host the Olympics because we venue for the championships and have all the requisites to host the all related facilities being ready. Olympic Games given our facili- We are now preparing for recep- ince the Qatar Gymnas- ties, capabilities and expertise at tion of the delegations that will tics Federation (QGF) the highest level.” arrive in Doha, and we confi rm was established in 2002, Al-Jaber is confi dent of the that the committee for Interna- sport has come a long 2018 World Gymnastics refl ect- tional Relations is fully ready to wayS in Qatar. The forthcoming ing Qatar’s status as a global provide support for all guests who FIG Artistic Gymnastics World capital in hosting major sport will attend the tournament. We Championships Doha 2018 will events once again. are keen to show all our guests and mark another historic step for the Mohamed Abdulrahman al-Jaber “We were keen to set up the visitors what they aspire to see in QGF and Qatar as the champion- world gymnastics championships Qatar, and that the world gymnas- ships will be the fi rst of its kind to dream and soar higher. and we chased that dream. We at this time as a refl ection of our tics sees one of its most important be staged in the Middle East. “The hosting of the 2018 presented the world with one of desire to convey to the interna- steps in history here.” It will also mark the road ahead World Artistic Gymnastics the best Asian Games. We have tional community that we are Gymnasts from 78 countries for Qatar to host the Olympics in Championships has been a cul- continued to dream until now to ready to host major champion- will be seen in action at the Aspire Winner Dwayne Smith (second from left) pose with captain of future, says Mohamed Abdul- mination of planning and prepa- host the world’s greatest gym- ships, and we are always fulfi lling Dome from October 25 to Novem- QGL PK Mathew (third right) and other winners. rahman al-Jaber, Chairman for ration of many years. In 2002, nastics championships. our promises. Gymnastics is an ber 3. “Our facility is global and we International Relations of the the Qatar Gymnastics Fed- “It is a sign of both – success opportunity to confi rm this and have the potential to push for a his- Organising Committee of the eration was founded under the and planning – working hard show our leadership to the whole toric organisation of this version of 2018 World Gymnastics Cham- chairmanship of Late Abdulla al- and always looking forward to world, especially the Arab coun- gymnastics championships. We are FOCUS pionships. While Qatar is look- Meer. It was a step towards host- presenting an honourable im- tries. proud of our organisational abilities ing to deliver an unprecedented ing Doha Asiad in 2006, so that age of our beloved nation. The “We have reached a very ad- and we will provide all with the best Gymnastics Worlds, al-Jaber in- gymnastics becomes an Olym- dream, however, will not stop as vanced stage in the preparation towards a wonderful and outstand- sisted that Qatar will continue to pic sport. Then, we had a dream we aspire to the best. I have great process, with starting date only ing tournament,” said al-Jaber. Aspetar to deliver

TENNIS best services during Doha Athletics Worlds

By Sports Reporter important to us because it is an Doha advanced medical institution and has considerable input in sports medicine and health.” Basilashvili stuns s part of its ongoing Al-Hamad added: “Being a preparations to sup- Qatari citizen myself, I am very port the 2019 World proud of Aspetar. It helps Qatar Championships in and the world. It has become a Athletics,A Aspetar, the ortho- world reference in sports med- paedic and sports medicine icine. hospital, held a lecture on “As IAAF vice president, we Tuesday for healthcare pro- need to reassure ourselves of ailing Del Potro for fessionals, dentists, nurses, the health of team offi cials and pharmacists, physicians, athletes, and we will benefi t sports scientists, coaches and from Aspetar’s research and ‘I did everything that I can to be researches on how to deliver services.” the best medical and scientifi c The lecture was delivered better for the final, it wasn’t enough services during the landmark by Dr Juan-Manuel Alonso, competition. Sports Medicine Physician at time to feel 100 percent’ The 2019 World Champion- Aspetar and the Chief Medi- Beijing title ships in Athletics are sched- cal Offi cer (CMO) of the 2019 uled to take place from Sep- World Championships in Ath- AFP tember 28-October 6, 2019 letics. Beijing at Khalifa International Sta- He discussed several top- dium. Aspetar will be the offi - ics including the scope and cial medical provider for more context of medical and scien- uan Martin del Potro said than 1,500 athletes and 2,000 tifi c services delivered to the that he was battling ill- team offi cials at all training and upcoming world competition ness after he suff ered a competition venues. and explained the importance shock defeat in the China The IAAF Vice President of strategic thinking and plan- OpenJ fi nal yesterday, losing 6-4, and the Vice-Chairman and ning for such mega events. 6-4 to unseeded Nikoloz Basi- Director-General of the Local Alonso also discussed with lashvili of Georgia. Organising Committee of the the participants the most im- In the women’s fi nal, world 2019 World Championships portant health risks to athletes number two Caroline Wozni- in Athletics Dahlan al-Hamad and described the key steps acki defeated Latvia’s Anastasija as well as Aspetar’s senior of- in dealing with them, includ- Sevastova 6-3, 6-3 for her 30th fi cials headed by Aspetar’s ing how to construct a public WTA singles title. Director General and CEO of health risk analysis and risk Argentine top seed Del Potro Aspire Zone Foundation, Mo- mitigation plan throughout the was far from his best and has hamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi, and Championships. been fi ghting fl u or a cold for Dr Abdulaziz Jaham al-Kuwari, Following the lecture, As- several days in the Chinese capi- Acting CEO of Aspetar, were in petar announced the opening tal. attendance. of registration for its medical The world number four said In his welcoming remarks, staff who will be volunteering that he did his utmost in diffi cult Aspetar’s al-Kuwari said: “We to take part in medical services circumstances. are very honoured to welcome to the visiting sports delega- “I did everything that I can to Director-General Dahlan al- tions. be better for the fi nal, it wasn’t Hamad who spares no eff ort Aspetar’s ongoing collabo- enough time to feel 100 percent,” in providing his support to the ration with the Local Organ- the 30-year-old said. 2019 World Championships in ising Committee of the 2019 “As you can see, my game to- Athletics. We are very proud of World Championships in day wasn’t as good as it was in our partnership and I believe Athletics is another example the last matches in the tourna- this will be an exciting event of its commitment to help- ment. I had some problem the for our team. We are especially ing athletes achieve their full last three days and it aff ected a encouraged by the prospect of potential during sports events little bit my game.” using Aspetar’s literature and hosted in Qatar. Del Potro, who reached last research on heat and sports By supporting such events, month’s US Open fi nal and is en- to help support athletes to Aspetar is cementing its lead- joying one of the best seasons of achieve their maximum per- ing role in the treatment and his injury-interrupted career, is formance and full potential.” prevention of injury to local, now in a race to be better for this Meanwhile, Dahlan al- regional and international ath- week’s Shanghai Masters. Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia poses with China Open trophy in Beijing yesterday. (Reuters) Hamad, said: “I would like to letes across all sports. “I wasn’t able to play with that thank all our friends at Aspetar Aspetar’s experts have a fi re that I have in all my match- rankings after her run. for all their great work. Aspetar wealth of experience in sup- es,” Del Potro added, saying “She didn’t give me any is one of our main partners. porting athletes participating however that 34th-ranked Basi- presents, it was tough,” said Sev- When we were bidding for the in major tournaments in Qa- lashvili “played unbelievable”. astova, who retired in May 2013 championship, our main con- tar, including the 24th Men’s It is only the second title of because of persistent injuries, cern was heat. Handball World Champion- 26-year-old Basilashvili’s ca- only to return in January 2015. “The studies presented by ship in 2015, the 2015 AIBA reer, having won his maiden ATP Aspetar in this domain provid- World Boxing Championships, title in Hamburg in July. QUALIFIER MEDVEDEV ed good solutions and helped and the 2016 UCI Road World “Playing against Juan, he was STUNS NISHIKORI TO us win the bid. Aspetar is very Championships, and abroad. sick today for sure, I could see WIN JAPAN OPEN that,” said the all-action Geor- Russian qualifi er Daniil gian. “But he put me in really Medvedev stunned home fa- tough situations. I needed to re- vourite Kei Nishikori in the fi nal ally work it, to work hard, win to claim the Japan Open title af- the points.” ter a comfortable 6-2 6-4 vic- tory in Tokyo yesterday. WOZNIACKI RUTHLESS Medvedev came out of the There was to be no surprise in blocks fast and Nishikori, aiming the women’s decider. for his third title at this event, Denmark’s Wozniacki was im- could not cope with the big-hit- pressive all week, never dropping ting Russian who broke his serve a set and rarely looking troubled, at the second time of asking. sealing her spot in the WTA Fi- After that it was a story of nals Singapore in the process. mistakes by world number 12 The 28-year-old, who won her Nishikori – 11 unforced errors fi rst Grand Slam at the Austral- in the fi rst set – and consist- ian Open at the start of this year, ent serving by Medvedev who was imperious against the un- Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark celebrates with China Open trophy. (Reuters) strolled to a 6-2 fi rst set in just 25 seeded Sevastova. minutes. It is her second China Open “As a little kid I had a dream of “Having done everything, all been patchy in the second half Nishikori corrected issues crown – she also won it in 2010 becoming a professional tennis of that, it’s pretty amazing. of the year, was ruthless on her with his own serve in the sec- – and 30th overall. player, becoming number one in “I think I had a dream of that, serve and wrapped up the fi rst ond set but still could not have “I’m just happy to have the world. but I don’t know how realistic I set with an overhead smash to an impact on Medvedev’s service IAAF vice president, and vice chairman and director-general of reached 30 today, I’m going to “Then after number one in the really believed that was going to underline her superiority. games, winning only one point Local Organising Committee of the IAAF World Championships enjoy that,” said Wozniacki, a world, I wanted to win a Slam, be.” Sevastova, 28, will fi nd her- on the Russian’s serve during the Doha 2019, Dahlan al-Hamad (centre), with senior Aspetar off icials former number one. then I wanted to lift trophies. Wozniacki, whose form has self just outside the top 10 in the entirety of the second set. during a lecture on healthcare on Tuesday. Gulf Times Monday, October 8, 2018 7 SPORT

FORMULA 1 Bjerregaard denies Hatton Dunhill Hamilton on brink of hat-trick St Andrews, United Kingdom: Lucas Bjer- regaard’s barnstorming final round at St Andrews yesterday saw the Dane take advantage of a back-nine collapse from Tyrrell Hatton, 5th title aft er Japan win who missed out on a third successive Alfred Dunhill Links Championship title. England’s Hatton held a Ferrari's Vettel collides with Verstappen, fights back from 19th to finish sixth in Suzuka five-stroke lead after a run of four consecutive front-nine Reuters birdies, but fell apart on the Suzuka, Japan back nine with four bogeys. Hatton, bidding to become just the second Englishman ewis Hamilton won the Japa- after Nick Faldo to win the nese Grand Prix to stand on the same European Tour event brink of a fi fth Formula One title three years in a row, started yesterday while Ferrari rival Se- the final round with a one- Lbastian Vettel fi nished sixth after col- stroke advantage, but missed liding with Max Verstappen. Hamilton a birdie putt at the last to led from pole to fl ag, crossing the line force a play-off . 12.9 seconds ahead of teammate Valtteri On a day when tee-off Bottas in a second successive Mercedes times were brought forward one-two. Verstappen fi nished third. because of exceptionally The Briton now has a 67-point lead strong winds, with a ‘shotgun over Vettel with four races remaining start’ in which the field all and can sew up the championship next commenced their rounds at week with victory in Austin should the same time, Hatton failed the German fi nish lower than second. to match Faldo’s achievement Hamilton will fancy his chances of do- at the 1991-1993 Irish Opens. ing just that given his record at the US The 26-year-old was pipped Grand Prix, where he has won every race by Bjerregaard’s impressive but one since 2012. five-under-par-67, which saw “We’ve gone from strength to the Dane finish on 15-under strength as a team this year. Austin is for the tournament. That left generally a good track for us and I can’t him a shot in front of Hatton wait to unleash this beast there,” said and fellow English Ryder Cup- Hamilton after leading every lap at Su- winner Tommy Fleetwood, zuka for his 71st career win. He is now who fired a 69 yesterday. only 20 victories off Michael Schu- World number 92 Bjerregaard macher’s all-time record. “I hope you had just one previous Tour guys are not getting bored of this, be- victory to his name, at the cause I’m defi nitely not,” added Ham- 2017 Portugal Masters. ilton, who has now won six of the last seven races and four in a row.”I loved it.” STRONG FINISH KEEPS Vettel, who had started eighth after a SNEDEKER IN LEAD failed tyre gamble in qualifying, made Brandt Snedeker closed with contact with Verstappen’s Red Bull and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton three straight birdies in a spun while trying to pass the young celebrates after winning three-under par 69 on Satur- Dutch driver for third on the eighth lap. Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka day to maintain his three-shot The German resumed in 19th and yesterday. (Reuters) lead at the Safeway Open, the scythed his way back through the fi eld, first event of the US PGA Tour setting the fastest lap of the race in the it, having crossed the line 1.3 seconds Frenchman Pierre Gasly, who started rari) at 1min 09.873sec; 7. Sergio Perez 331 pts; 2. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 264; 3. 2018-19 season. As afternoon process. Stewards reviewed the Ver- behind Bottas. seventh on the grid, fi nished 11th after (MEX/Force India) at 1:19.379; 8. Romain Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 207; 4. Kimi Raikko- winds made for tough go- stappen contact and took no action. “If “The touch with Sebastian... in that losing out to Sainz two laps from the end Grosjean (FRA/Haas) at 1:27.198; 9. Este- nen (FIN) 196; 5. Max Verstappen (NED) ing on the Silverado Resort I don’t go for that gap and that gap was corner you can’t overtake. I even gave while New Zealander Brendon Hartley, ban Ocon (FRA/Force India) at 1:28.055; 173; 6. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 146; 7. Ser- course in Napa, California, there, I might as well go home. Sorry for him space but he understeered into my who lined up sixth, fell to 13th at the fi n- 10. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Renault) 1 lap; 11. gio Perez (MEX) 53; 8. Kevin Magnussen Snedeker came alive late. the result,” said Vettel. car,” said Verstappen. ish. The safety car was deployed early Pierre Gasly (FRA/Toro Rosso) 1 lap; 12. (DEN) 53; 9. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) 53; Even for the round through Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene said Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who on after Kevin Magnussen’s Haas suf- Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber) 1 lap; 13. 10. Fernando Alonso (ESP) 50; 11. Esteban 15 holes after two birdies and started 15th after an engine failure in the podium had been within the team’s fered a puncture, scattering debris on Brendon Hartley (NZL/Toro Rosso) 1 lap; Ocon (FRA) 49; 12. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) two bogeys, he roared home grasp. “I know the situation looks im- qualifying, fi nished fourth for Red Bull the track as the Dane limped back to the with a three-foot birdie at the 14. Fernando Alonso (ESP/McLaren) 1 lap; 39; 13. Romain Grosjean (FRA) 31; 14. possible but our job is to challenge the and ahead of Raikkonen after making pits on a rim and a fl ailing tyre carcass. par five 16th and a seven- 15. Stoff el Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren) 1 Pierre Gasly (FRA) 28; 15. Charles Leclerc impossible, this is what we are going the jump during the pitstops. Mexican footer at 17. At 18, his putt to do in the next four races,” the Ital- Sergio Perez took best of the rest hon- lap; 16. Sergey Sirotkin (RUS/Williams) 1 (MON) 21; 16. Stoff el Vandoorne (BEL) 8; from off the green left him ian said. Hamilton now has 331 points ours for Force India in seventh while RESULTS (53 LAPS) lap; 17. Lance Stroll (CAN/Williams) 1 lap 17. Lance Stroll (CAN) 6; 18. Marcus Erics- a tap-in for his fifth birdie of to Vettel’s 264, while Mercedes lead Romain Grosjean was eighth for Haas. son (SWE) 6; 19. Brendon Hartley (NZL) 2; the day and a 16-under total 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) Retirements: Charles Leclerc (MON/ Ferrari in the constructors’ standings Esteban Ocon completed a double 20. Sergey Sirotkin (RUS) 1 of 200. American Kevin Tway 307.471km in 1hr 27min 17.062sec; 2. Valt- Sauber): lap 39; Nico Hulkenberg (GER/ with 538 points to 460 for the Italians. points fi nish for Force India in ninth Renault): lap 37; Kevin Magnussen (DEN/ Constructors: 1. Mercedes 538 pts; 2. was alone in second on 203 Verstappen pushed the other Ferrari while Carlos Sainz took the fi nal point teri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) at 12.919sec; after a bogey-free four-under 3. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) at Haas): lap 10. Ferrari 460; 3. Red Bull 319; 4. Renault 92; of Kimi Raikkonen off the track in an for Renault. Honda-powered Toro Ros- 5. Haas 84; 6. McLaren 58; 7. Force India 68. Tway added birdies at 16 eventful race. so were unable to convert their impres- 14.295; 4. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) and 18 to edge ahead of South 43; 8. Toro Rosso 30; 9. Sauber 27; 10. He was penalised fi ve seconds and sive qualifying in the manufacturer’s at 19.495; 5. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) Championship Drivers: standings after Korean rookie Im Sung-jae. Williams 7 could well have fi nished second without home race into points. at 50.998; 6. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Fer- 17 of 21 races : 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR)

SPOTLIGHT MOTOGP Youth Olympic Games kicks off in Buenos Marquez snatches victory in Aires with stunning Opening Ceremony Thailand aft er Dovizioso duel By Our Correspondent Reuters can wrap up the series in Japan in track in February and it looked Buenos Aires Buriram, Thailand two weeks with a win at Motegi. gloomy for the Italian as Mar- “Amazing to win here after a dif- quez bided his time to strike. fi cult weekend,” Marquez said, With four laps left, Marquez he third edition of the Youth Olym- otoGP cham- fl ashing his toothy grin after his pounced and snatched the lead pic Summer Games offi cially kicked pion Marc Mar- seventh win of the season. “But but Dovizioso bravely wrested it off with an Opening Ceremony that quez snatched the the boys did very, very good work back quickly to kick off a breath- defi ed gravity and set off a celebra- lead from Andrea through the whole weekend. less series of overtakes. Ttion in the very heart of Argentina’s capital. MDovizioso at the death to win the They give everything. So one Marquez appeared to have It was a historical night for the 200,000 inaugural Thailand Grand Prix more step to the fi nal dream.” struck a decisive blow in the people who came to the Obelisk in Bue- yesterday and take a huge stride Yamaha-rider Maverick penultimate lap but Dovizioso nos Aires. It was unforgettable night for toward a third successive title. Vinales fi nished third ahead of again stormed back to take the the 4,000 athletes who, for the fi rst time in After fi erce wheel-to-wheel rac- teammate Valentino Rossi. Mar- race into the fi nal corner. In the modern Olympic history, were the stars of ing in the closing laps at Buriram, quez started on pole after win- end, it was a bitter pill to swallow an Opening Ceremony that was set outside the Honda-riding Spaniard nosed ning his 50th qualifying on Sat- for the Italian who has battled of a stadium, open to the public and free of in front at the last corner and urday but relinquished the lead gamely but fruitlessly through- charge. It was one hour and 53 minutes of edged the Italian by 0.115 seconds after a poor early lap, allowing out the series to reel in a cham- pure emotion – an urban experience that to prevail in a thrilling duel. Rossi and Dovizioso to pass. Vet- pion who often seems racing in a celebrated sport with an inclusive, interac- The win extended the four- eran Rossi’s challenge soon fell class of his own. “It’s not nice to tive and multicultural approach. times champion’s lead to 77 away, leaving Dovizioso to battle lose at the last corner but... at the Qatar’s young swimmer Yaqoub al-Khu- points over Ducati’s Dovizioso Marquez alone. end we battled for the victory so laifi carried the Qatari fl ag during the pa- with four races left, and Marquez Ducati had tested poorly at the we did incredible work,” he said. rade. The opening ceremony was attended by Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sec- retary General Jassim al-Buenain and Khalil Fireworks explode during the opening ceremony of the third Youth Olympic Games in al-Jaber, president of the Qatar Swimming Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Saturday night. Federation. Qatar has sent fi ve athletes for Youth Olympic Games – Awab Baro, Abdul Aziz Mohamed, Ahmed al-Haj in athletics and Yaqoub al-Khulaifi in swimming and Mo- hamed al-Kashouti in Equestrian. Last night al-Khulaifi was taking part in the 100m butterfl y. In the Sarajevo Inter- national Swimming Championships held in Bosnia and Herzegovina this year, al-Khu- laifi won two gold medals in the 50m butter- fl y and silver medal in the 200m freestyle, which sealed his place in the Youth Olym- pics. Meanwhile, the budget for the 2018 Youth Olympics has been “reduced by 40 Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary General Jassim al-Buenain (right) and Khalil al-Jaber, percent” from its initial costing of $200mn, president of the Qatar Swimming Federation at the opening ceremony. International Olympic Committee presi- dent Thomas Bach said on Saturday, just on where the savings will be made. and 2004. hours before the opening ceremony. Argentina is in the midst of an econom- “After these Youth Olympics, they will be “The IOC was presented with a budget of ic crisis but Bach insisted that the South in a better position to organise the Olym- $200mn for these Youth Olympics but the American country should not be discour- pics,” added Bach. “At the same time, we are latest information is that the budget will be aged from bidding to host the Olympics aware that Argentina is living through some Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez (left) celebrates after finishing ahead of Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso to win 40% less,” said Bach who did not elaborate despite failed attempts for 1956, 1960, 1968 diffi cult moments.” the Thailand MotoGP at Buriram International Circuit yesterday. (AFP)

Monday, October 8, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

QATAR AT ASIAN PARA GAMES

Members of the Qatar goalball team take on Iraq in the Asian Para Games in Jakarta yesterday. Qatar’s Nasser al-Sahoti (C) and and Mohamed al-Kubaisi are also seen in action.

FOOTBALL/QNB STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Duhail go two Sanchez names Qatar squad for clear as Sadd Ecuador and Uzbek friendlies By Sports Reporter held by Sailiya Doha atar football coach Felix Sanchez has an- Duhail enjoyed 57% of the possession and created more chances nounced 26-member squad combining youth and experience for the friendlies against Uzbekistan and Ecuador this monthQ in the build-up to the prestigious Asian Cup early next year. The Spaniard said Qatar’s preparations for the Asian were continuing apace and the friendlies would give him a clearer picture as to the make-up of the fi nal squad for the continental event. “The Asian Cup is a very important tournament for us. We want to be competitive in the tourna- ment and show our rivals what we capable of,” Sanchez told reporters at a press conference yes- terday. “Obviously we want to have our best players in the squad for the Asian Cup and the friendlies are a great opportunity for us to test ourselves,” he added. Qatar will face Ecuador in Doha on October 12 and Uzbekistan in Tashkent on October 16. Sanchez added that Ecuador are a strong team and would be aiming to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Coach Sanchez speaks at his press conference “Ecuador are physically very strong. They also yesterday. have good skills and we hope that playing against them would also raise our level. We are focusing on that they concentrate on their match against Perse- playing against strong teams in the friendlies,” he polis in Tehran,” said Sanchez. Baghdad Bounedjah celebrates said. scoring against Al Sailiya yesterday. Qatar are also scheduled to meet Switzerland and The squad: Saad al-Sheeb, Pedro Miguel, Salem PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil and Iceland in friendlies in November and possibly also al-Hajiri, Tariq Salman, Hassan al-Haydos, Akram Shemeer Rashid Brazil and Iran in March in the build-up to the Copa Afif, Boualem Khoukhi and Abdulkareem Hassan America in which Al Annabi would be participating (Al Sadd); Bassam Hisham, Assim Madibo, Almoez for the fi rst time. Ali, Karim Boudiaf, Mohamed Musa, Ali Afif, Sultain By Sports Reporter second session. However, a goal eluded 15 goals. Akram Afi f, also of Al Sadd, is sec- He said some of the Al Sadd players would not al-Brake, Abdulla Abulsalaam (Al Duhail); Youssef Doha them, with Sagbo sending an opportunistic ond on eight. play against Uzbekistan as they would be prepar- Hassan, Abdulaziz Hatim, Ahmed Alaa (Al Gharafa); strike straight to Khalifa and Syrian striker Both teams had their share of chances. Al ing for the second leg of the Asian Cup semi-fi nals Ahmed Fathi, Mohamed Salah al-Neel (Al Arabi); Mahmoud al-Mawas unleashing a bullet Sailiya’s Moroccan ace Rashid Tiberkanine against Persepolis on October 23. Mohamed al-Bakri (Al Khor), Abdulkareem al-Ali (Al olders Al Duhail continued their shot over the horizontal. and striker Abdulqadir Ilyas came close to “After the match against Ecuador, some of the Al Sailiya); Ahmed Moeen and Ali Awad (Qatar Sports winning run by beating Umm Al Duhail’s second goal came off a coun- scoring at least on a couple of occasions in Sadd players will be relieved from national duty so Club) and Mohamed Alaa (Al Rayyan) Salal 2-0 but Al Sadd were held ter-attack. Moroccan striker Yousef El the fi rst half. to a shock 1-1 draw by Al Sailiya in Arabi found Edmilson on the right and the Al Sadd’s best opportunity to score saw theH QNB Stars League yesterday. latter found an unmarked Almoez who only Al Sailiya goalkeeper Saoud al-Khater ATHLETICS Nam Tae-Hee (13th minute) and Almoez had to apply the fi nishing touch deep into thwart Akram after he brilliantly played a Ali (90+3) scored struck for Duhail who the game. In the late match, Al Sadd were one-two with Ali Asad. took their points tally to 19. Yesterday’s held 1-1 by a fi ghting Al Sailiya. As the stalemate continued, Al Sadd was their sixth win from seven matches Tournament top scorer Baghdad made a pair of substitutions (Ahmed Sayyar Farah wins Chicago Marathon and they are the only unbeaten team in the Bounedjah netted Al Sadd’s goal in the 66th replacing Ali Asad and Tarik Salman com- tournament so far. The only occasion they minute of the fast-paced game, where Al ing in for Hamed Ismail) and Bounedjah’s AFP dropped points was when they were held by Sailiya put up a stiff resistance against their goal came soon afterwards. Chicago Al Rayyan. fancied opponents. The Algerian spearhead caught hold of a Umm Salal’s three-match winning streak Al Sailiya drew parity when Abdulqadir loose ball and cut in through the left before thus came to an end yesterday. The Orange Ilyas converted from the penalty spot in the dodging past two defenders and beating Fortress are fi fth on 13 points. 88th minute. Saoud. ritain’s Mo Farah won the Chicago Mara- Al Duhail enjoyed 57% of the possession Al Sadd thus lost the leaders’ position to Al Sailiya earned the penalty when Al thon with a spectacular fi nishing surge and created more chances. They forced Al Duhail, who have 19 points, two more Sadd defender Yasir Abubackar fouled Il- yesterday, shattering the European record seven corners as against Umm Salal’s three. than The Wolves. yas and the latter coolly converted from the Bto serve notice his distance-racing domi- Umm Salal showed more alacrity in the Bounedjah’s personal tally now stands at spot. nance is far from over. second half during which they were un- In only his third marathon start, Farah crossed lucky not to have scored a goal that would the fi nish line in 2hr 5min 11sec in cool and rainy have helped them pull off a draw and a valu- conditions to defeat Ethiopia’s Mosinet Geremew able point as the rivals struck a second time by 13sec with Japan’s Suguru Osako third in 2:05:50. at the fag end of the game. The world and Olympic 5,000 and 10,000-metre The fi rst goal came off the boot of South champion, who switched to the marathon distance Korean attacking midfi elder Nam with a de- a year ago, became the fi rst British man to win at fl ection off Umm Salal defender Mohamed Chicago since Paul Evans in 1996. Kassola’s body. Farah smashed the former European mark of Mo Farah of Britain (R) and Brigid Kosgei of Kenya Umm Salal’s Ivorian striker Yannick 2:05:48 set by Norwegian Sondre Nordstad Moen in celebrate after winning the Chicago Marathon. Sagbo curled in a free-kick nicely towards Fukuoka last December and easily improved on his the end of fi rst half only to see Al Duhail former British record and personal best of 2:06:22 in 2:22:15. Two-time champion Florence Kiplagat of goalkeeper Khalifa Aboobacker, standing in from a third-place showing at London in April. Kenya, returning to competition after dropping out of for injured fi rst choice Amin Lecomte, just The 35-year-old Somalia-born Briton stayed last year’s race with a thigh injury, was fourth, 7:33 adrift. about tip the ball over the bar. with the lead pack most of the race, fell back at 30 In the fi rst major marathon since Kenyan Eliud Al Duhail’s Paolo Edmilson kept rival kilometres but charged directly back among the Kipchoge smashed the world record in Berlin last goalkeeper Bazel Zaidan busy in the fi rst leaders then outlasted every rival to the fi nish, dis- month with a time of 2:01:39, Farah stole the show half even as the Brazilian forward’s team- patching Geremew with a strong closing kick. in what was billed as a battle with his former train- mate Abdulla Abdulsalam hit over the hori- Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei won the women’s title in ing partner, 2017 Chicago winner Galen Rupp of the zontal. Nam Tae-hee of Duhail is congratulated by his teammates after he scored against Umm 2:18:35, also a personal best. Ethiopia’s Roza Dereje was United States.Kosegi, 24, surged ahead by 45 seconds Umm Salal showed more purpose in the Salal yesterday. second in 2:21:18 with compatriot Shure Demise third at 35km and stretched her lead to the fi nish line.