Al Attiyah Looking to Extend Record Run

SPORT Thursday 15 November 2018 PAGE | 28 PAGE | 30 Roger Federer Smith, Warner absence rebounds to keep ATP ‘huge factor’ for India Finals hopes alive series: Ganguly

FIA MERC: Manateq International Rally of Qatar set to ﬂag off at Souq Waqif Al Attiyah looking to extend record run

THE PENINSULA 2018 FIA MIDDLE EAST RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP – POSITIONS AFTER LOSAIL: The 2018 Manateq ROUND 4: International Rally of Qatar gets 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT) 146pts underway with a brand new 2. Vojtech Štajf (CZE) 93pts ceremonial start with the 3. Meshari Al Theﬁri (KWT) 59pts backdrop of the hustle and bustle 4. Roger Feghali (LBN) 38pts of Souq Waqif in downtown Doha 5. Khaled Juma (JOR) 32pts today. 6. Christos Demostheous (CYP) 25pts All three regional rally titles Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Qatari driver 7. Rodolphe Asmar (LBN) 24pts were decided in Kuwait two Al Attiyah is bidding Adel Abdulla 8. Henry Kahy (LBN) 21pts weeks ago and that means that to break his own will make his 9. Eddy Karam (LBN) 19pts individual pride and outright record of 13 wins in debut in a Ford 9. Alexandros Tsouloftas (CYP) 19pts wins are at stake on this week- the Qatar round of Fiesta R5 in the 9. Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah (QAT) 19pts end’s revised final round in the the regional series. R5 Category. 2018 FIA MERC 2 – POSITIONS AFTER northern Qatar deserts. ROUND 4: The Qatar Motor and Motor- 1. Meshari Al Theﬁri (KWT) 117pts cycle Federation (QMMF) have and French navigator Matthieu Kuwait’s Meshari Al Thefiri has Abdullah Al Rawahi heads a Route changes forced on rally 2. Khaled Juma (JOR) 49pts attracted 15 teams on the FIA Baumel the chance to shine in already clinched the title, but Jor- six-car entry from the Sultanate officials by the weather have 3. Savvas Savva (CYP) 37pts starting list, plus National Rally 2017 and opened the door for dan’s Khaled Juma is heading for of Oman that also includes reduced the competitive distance 4. Ihab Al Shorafa (JOR) 33pts entrants, and competitors from Rashed Al Nuami to take his sol- the runners-up spot in the entries for Zakaria Al Shanfari, from 203.40km to 153.82km, but 5. Costas Zenonos (CYP) 30pts eight nations to the final round itary MERC win. absence of both he and rival Ihab Saif Abdullah Al Harthy, Oman- the event still remains within the 6. Ahmed Shaban (JOR) 25pts of the FIA Middle East Rally Resistance in the R5 category Al Shorafa. based Shaun McGonigal, Jarah Al 75% required by the FIA to make 6. George Englezou (CYP) 25pts Championship (MERC). comes from Czech rival Vojtech Abdullah Al Kuwari returns Tauqi and Humaid Al Waili. it eligible for full championship 8. Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah (QAT) 24pts This is despite the conclusion Štajf in a Škoda Fabia and fellow to the hot seat in a Mitsubishi Saleh bin Eidan returns to the points. of the respective category battles. Qatari Adel Abdulla, who makes Lancer Evolution X. The Qatari’s championship and boosts the Today’s timetable features 2018 FIA MERC 3 – POSITIONS AFTER Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah is still his debut in a Ford Fiesta R5 run standout performance so far in entry from Kuwait in a car that technical scrutineering in the ROUND 4: celebrating his record-breaking by Motortune. the regional rally series was first was being refettled against the morning and this precedes over 14th regional title and the Qatari The MERC 2 or Group N cat- in Group N and third overall in clock to ensure that it was ready two hours of live footage on the 1. Henry Kahy (LBN) 127pts will also be bidding to break his egory will see the closest com- Jordan in 2016. for FIA scrutineering checks. Al Rayyan television network of 2. Rony Kanaan (LBN) 39pts own record of 13 wins in the petition with eight Mitsubishi Khaled Al Suwaidi is a non- There is a further entry for the official pre-event press con- 3. Panayiotis Xenophontos (CYP) 37pts Qatar round of the regional Lancers and three Subaru Imp- starter but there are further local Lebanon’s MERC 3 champion ference and the ceremonial start 4. Asem Aref (JOR) 30pts series. rezas set for battle through entries for Mohammed Al Meer Henry Kahy in a two-wheel drive at Souq Waqif in downtown 4. Matthias Njeim (LBN) 30pts Mechanical issues cost him Qatar’s northern deserts. and Rashed Al Mohannadi. Škoda Fabia 1.6. Doha. 4. Constantinos Televantos (CYP) 30pts

Qatar’s Akram Aﬁf (left) kicks the ball during the friendly match against Switzerland, played at the Cornaredo Stadium in Lugano, Switzerland yesterday. Afif’s late goal helps Qatar stun Switzerland in friendly THE PENINSULA through ball from Almoez Ali when Al Annabi play their next as both teams went scoreless friendly match on Monday LUGANO: Promising striker at half time break. against a strong Icelandic Akram Afif scored a match- The win against the eighth outfit. winning goal four minutes from ranked Switzerland yesterday, The clash against Iceland, end to help Qatar record a goes to history books as one who took part in the Russia stunning 1-0 win over hosts of Qatar’s biggest wins and will 2018 World Cup, will take place Switzerland in a friendly serve as a big boost ahead of at the Kehrwegstadion in yesterday. the 2019 Asian Cup to be held Eupen, Belgium. Assisted by Karim Boudiaf, in the UAE in January next In their recent friendly Afif made a fast break and beat year. encounters, Qatar beat China several players before striking Yesterday’s match which 1-0, China 3-0 and Ecuador 4-3 from the centre of the box to was played at the Cornaredo before losing to Uzbekistan 2-0 the bottom left corner. Stadium in Lugano, was Qatar’s in the away match. Earlier, the 21-year-old fifth friendly encounter in the Al Annabi will play more forward missed a chance to lead up to the Asian Cup. international friendlies next score just before the half-time Head coach Felix Sanchez month when they host Jordan, whistle when he was caught will get another opportunity to Kyrgyzstan, Algeria and Iran on offside after receiving a check the fitness of his players December 17, 23, 25 and 31. 26 SPORT THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2018 THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 27 Seeking professional help to combat depression saved my life, says Phelps

RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Swimming legend Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympian ever, yesterday said the decision to seek professional help to combat deep bouts of depression ‘saved’ his life. The 33-year-old from Balti- more yesterday even conceded winning an Olympic medal was easy compared to battling Winning Olympic depression. medals was “It wasn’t easy for me (to open easy compared up about the issue) but it was nec- to battling essary. The decision I made to seek professional help saved my life,” MICHAEL FRED PHELPS II depression. Phelps, the most decorated Olym- pian with 23 gold medals, said yesterday. NICKNAMES: The Baltimore Bullet, Flying Fish Sometimes “That’s why I stand here in NATIONAL TEAM: United States front of you today. It’s an honour BORN: June 30, 1985 (age 33) in Baltimore, my greatest to thank the healthcare commu- accomplishment nity. I am grateful for the chance Maryland, USA has been getting (offered to me) to play my part in out of bed. opening up the conversation about MEDAL RECORD anxiety and depression and removing the stigma over this MEN'S SWIMMING issue,” the retired American swim- EVENT 1ST 2ND 3RD I flew to Qatar to ming giant said. talk about this “To me, self awareness and Olympic Games 23 3 2 issue so it shows vulnerability is empowerment. I World Championships (LC) 26 6 1 know it can be a big challenge for World Championships (SC) 1 0 0 we are making people to discuss and to confront Pan Pacific Championships 16 5 0 success in talking American swimming legend Michael mental health challenges. I under- about this. Four Phelps addressing the World Innovation stand it can seem like an Total 66 14 3 Summit for Health (WISH) at the Qatar insurmountable barrier to getting or five years help and support that is needed,” National Convention Center in Doha BY RACE ago, nobody yesterday. he added. would have ever “As I started opening up and EVENT 1ST 2ND 3RD talking about my mental health brought it up. 100m butterfly 8 3 0 challenges, I found strength, not 200m butterfly 10 2 0 It’s fun for me vulnerability. I realised it is okay 200m medley 9 2 0 to be able to see to not be okay,” Phelps said. 400m medley 6 0 0 people talking “Four years ago, things were happening in my life which indi- 200m freestyle 4 2 1 about it and see rectly led me to stand on this BLAST FROM THE PAST: Michael Phelps is greeted 200m backstroke 0 1 0 what people are stage in Qatar in front some of the by his mother Deborah Phelps and sister Hilary 4×100m freestyle 7 2 2 doing to make world’s leading healthcare Phelps after he won a gold medal as photographers experts. I was a world champion 4×200m freestyle 11 2 0 that change. Who try to capture the special moment during the 2008 swimmer. I had been competing Olympic Games in Beijing, China in this August 17, 4×100m medley 11 0 0 for 18 years and I don’t think I knows where 2008 file photo. Total 66 14 3 we can take this would be boasting if I said I had become pretty good at this sport but my goal is in which I had devoted a huge to save as many amount of my life. inalone. silence. You It’s do okay not toneed not tobe suffer okay. lives as we can. “I enjoyed great professional Thanks to seeking professional success up until the point. But in help, I have a better understand- For me that’s way 2014, none of that mattered. I was ing of myself. I still have tough more exciting down on myself that I spent five days but I have the tools and the PHELPS’ MEDAL HAUL than winning days in my room and frankly I understanding to manage them AT OLYMPIC GAMES an Olympic didn’t want to be alive. I saw now. myself as worthless and some- “I stand here no less the Gold medal – 2004 Athens 100 m butterfly gold medal. I one who let down so many people champion, no less the athlete, no Gold medal – 2004 Athens 200 m butterfly want people to that I cared most about. But hav- less the person who dared to understand that ing reached rock bottom, I started dream big and to work hard. The Gold medal – 2004 Athens 200 m medley to ask for help. And it was one of medals I have won are very spe- Gold medal – 2004 Athens 400 m medley it is okay to not the best decisions of my life,” cial. They pale in comparison to Gold medal – 2004 Athens 4×200 m freestyle be okay: Phelps Phelps recalled. the efforts that myself or all of you “When depression hits, it can are doing to save lives, by Gold medal – 2004 Athens 4×100 m medley be debilitating. I can feel that empowering people to seek the Gold medal – 2008 Beijing200 m freestyle nothing really matters. Some- help and support they need in times my greatest addressing the issues of mental what?’. It was almost like we were Q: Have you got better at be. I am learning to grow and known then what you know Gold medal – 2008 Beijing100 m butterfly accomplishment was just getting health,” Phelps said. lost. I was extremely lost. For me helping people with mental change and if you don’t like who now? Gold medal – 2008 Beijing200 m butterfly out of bed. Compare that with “Our mind can overpower as a kid growing up, I’d say I basi- health issues? I am, then sorry”. A: I wouldn’t change anything Gold medal – 2008 Beijing200 m medley The World winning a gold medal was very anything. You know it’s not true. cally lived in a bubble until I was A: I believe we have made a that happened in my career - the Innovation easy,” Phelps said. We need help from time to time. about 30 years old and I decided lot of good changes over the last Q: Is masculinity an issue good, the bad or the ugly. I Gold medal – 2008 Beijing400 m medley Summit for “As an athlete, I was always I struggled asking for help and I to learn how to communicate, few years in allowing people to with male athletes who may not wouldn’t change it because it has Gold medal – 2008 Beijing4×100 m freestyle thought to be strong and to never think once 2014 hit, I went learn these other lessons that I open up and talk about this. I open up about such issues? made me who I am today. I don’t Health (WISH) show weakness and to push through that huge depression didn’t have the chance to learn. think for a long time it was just A: There are a lot of male think my career would have gone Gold medal – 2008 Beijing4×200 m freestyle is an initiative through any obstacle. There was spell where I didn’t want to be so easy to brush issues under the athletes who are struggling with as smooth as it did if I had known Gold medal – 2008 Beijing4×100 m medley of Qatar no room for negative emotions alive. For me, it was just so easy Q: How much of an unusual rug. I would be the first one to it. You’ll hear me say this a ton things I know now. Gold medal – 2012 London 100 m butterfly Foundation (QF). and at times my depression would to open up because I wanted to life did you have while you were say there are people sitting in this of times that it’s okay to not be overpower me. In the end I was find a different way. I wanted to trying to reach your professional room that have gone through okay. I think that’s something Q: In short, would you say Gold medal – 2012 London 200 m medley The American lucky and thought it was okay find something different to allow peak at a young age? similar things that I have gone that everybody should under- that you suffered from mental Gold medal – 2012 London 4×200 m freestyle swimming that I sit down with a therapist myself to grow as a human A: Going through this process through. That’s what makes us stand. I use myself as an issues? Gold medal – 2012 London 4×100 m medley legend Michael and talk,” he said on day two of being,” Phelps said. was something I dreamed of. I human. example. I have been through a A: Of course. Without a doubt! Phelps was a the 2018 edition of the World wanted to be an Olympic cham- Q: Did it take a while for you handful of pretty big depression It’s something that I still struggle Innovation Summit for Health A Q&A with Phelps after his pion. I wanted to win gold medals to speak about it? spells. with. I flew to Qatar to talk about Gold medal – 2016 Rio de Janeiro 200 m butterfly keynote speaker (WISH), an initiative of Qatar keynote speech at Qatar National and be a world record holder. A: I always made the joke I know that it’s not just going this issue so it shows we are mak- Michael Phelps on the cover page of Sports Illustrated magazine, wearing all Foundation. Convention Centre: That’s what I prepared myself for. that I learned to communicate at to go away. These are things I am ing success in talking about this. Gold medal – 2016 Rio de Janeiro200 m medley at its fourth 23 of his Olympic gold medals. global summit “In sharing my journey I want I guess when you are going 30 but it’s true. I was so laser going to have throughout my life Four or five years ago, nobody Gold medal – 2016 Rio de Janeiro 4×100 m freestyle others to know that you are not Q: You say after every major through that process, you don’t focused on what I was doing in and when they do come up, I have would have ever brought it up. It’s Gold medal – 2016 Rio de Janeiro 4×200 m freestyle which took place Olympics you went into a state know other challenges and the the pool that I wasn’t paying to rise and know how to handle fun for me to be able to see peo- at Qatar National In sharing my journey I want others to know that you of depression. What really things that are going to happen attention to anything else that them and manage them. That’s the ple talking about it and see what Gold medal – 2016 Rio de Janeiro4×100 m medley happened? along the way. I was taught to was going on in my life. hardest process to learn. But it has people are doing to make that Convention are not alone. You do not need to suffer in silence. It’s Silver medal – 2012 London 200 m butterfly A: As an Olympian we get focus on what I was doing and For a long time I was under also been one of most powerful change. Center on okay to not be okay. Thanks to seeking professional ready for competition once every not worry about anything else the impression that I was being processes to learn. For me, it’s Who knows where we can Silver medal – 2012 London 4×100 m freestyle Tuesday and help, I have a better understanding of myself. I still have four years. Once we are done with that was happening in my life. So judged if I was showing a weak- about sharpening up those tools take this but my goal is to save as Silver medal – 2016 Rio de Janeiro 100 m butterfly Wednesday. that meet, we don’t know what to over time, everything just added ness or if I was not perfect. That that show I can be as prepared as many lives as we can. For me that’s tough days but I have the tools and the understanding to do. We don’t know where to go. up inside and I didn’t know how was a struggle and I was finally I possibly can be. way more exciting than winning Bronze medal – 2004 Athens 200 m freestyle manage them now: Michael Phelps We don’t know who to talk to. We to handle it. That’s what sent me able to reach a point where I an Olympic gold medal. Bronze medal – 2004 Athens 4×100 m freestyle don’t know anything. It’s like ‘we into spiral of depression and it said: “You know what? This is Q: Would your successes I want people to understand are back to square one and now was the toughest time of my life. who I am. This is how I am gonna been any different if you had that it is okay to not be okay. 28 SPORT THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2018

Diaz-Figueroa banned for Federer fumes over scheduling row match-ﬁxing AFP France’s RMC Sport recently. Federer is bidding rather than any desire to cater play Monday at the US Open “On the same day Federer to win his 100th career to tennis’s biggest star. and I played on Tuesday night. AP LONDON: Roger Federer has played Jan-Lennard Struff, singles title at the ATP Tiley is an investor in the “It’s all good, you know. I’ve hit back at claims he gets pref- Novak Djokovic played Gael Finals and he made Laver Cup, a Ryder Cup-style had that problem for 20 years LONDON: Guatemalan player erential treatment from tennis Monfils. it clear he wanted to annual tournament promoted in the good way. Sometimes I Christopher Diaz-Figueroa tournaments due to his status “Any tournament director by Federer and his management get help, sometimes I don’t. I has been banned from tennis as one of the sport’s all-time would put Djokovic-Monfils on draw a line under the group Team8, but denies a con- think there you have it. for two years for match- greats. the night session at 7:30pm, favouritism issue. flict of interest. “Yeah, sometimes they fixing. Federer was responding to right? But no. They played at Asked about the contro- come ask, sometimes they The Tennis Integrity Unit, controversial comments from 2:30pm, in 104 degrees. And versy, former world number don’t. But a lot of the facts are which handles corruption French veteran Julien Ben- Federer-Struff played at night. Federer was one Federer said that while he not right, just to be clear there, cases in the sport, says the neteau, who said the 20-Grand “It’s normal that he gets responding to does speak to tournament from what I heard.” 28-year-old Diaz-Figueroa Slam champion was able to use preferential treatment, with controversial comments chiefs about scheduling, he Federer is bidding to win his admitted to match-fixing at his reputation to secure everything he’s done. But, in from French veteran doesn’t believe he gets special 100th career singles title at the an ITF tournament in Prague favourable scheduling. some tournaments, there are Julien Benneteau, who favours. ATP Finals and he made it clear in 2017. Benneteau offered Federer’s big differences in the condi- said the 20-Grand Slam “I get asked ‘would you like he wanted to draw a line under Diaz-Figueroa also had an matches at the last two Aus- tions. He has no idea what that’s to play Monday or Tuesday’ the favouritism issue. extra year ban and $5,000 tralian Opens as evidence, sug- like.” champion was able sometimes. Sometimes I get “I don’t really in feel the fine suspended for three gesting the Swiss star was But Federer was supported to use his reputation asked, ‘Do you want to play day mood during a World Tour years. Diaz-Figueroa hit a granted his preference to play by world number one Novak to secure favourable or night?’ Sometimes they go Finals to discuss that topic, to career-high ranking of 326th in the evening session to avoid Djokovic on Monday, with his scheduling. ask my agent,” be honest,” he said. in 2011 but is now down in the blistering Melbourne heat. rival suggesting the six-time Federer told reporters “The radio interview that 723rd. “Over the last two Aus- Australian Open winner had after his win over Dominic happened over a week ago that He has won five ITF tralian Opens, he played 14 actually earned the right to released a statement saying the Thiem at the ATP Finals on surfaces now in French, Julien, singles titles in the lower- matches, because he was “special treatment” for all the scheduling of Federer’s matches Tuesday. “Sometimes they ask who is a nice guy, I know him level Futures events and is the champion and finalist. And he good he has done for the sport. for the evening was a response me, you know, Asia wants you since the junior times, I think most successful Davis Cup played 12 or 13 of them in the Australian Open tour- to fan demand to watch a to play at night. Yes, sometimes all of this has been totally taken player ever for Guatemala, night session,” Benneteau told nament director Craig Tiley also “once-in-a-generation athlete”, we have our say. But I asked to out of context.” with a career 41-21 record. Federer rebounds to keep ATP Finals hopes alive

REUTERS unforced errors, compared to the 34 against Nishikori, and surren- LONDON: Roger Federer rediscovered dering just six points on serve. his verve in the nick of time to Thiem, who lost his opener to outclass Austrian Dominic Thiem The Swiss star was Anderson, saved a break point in 6-2, 6-3 on Tuesday and maintain erratic and grumpy the first game but Federer kept his hopes of reaching the last four in his straight sets him under constant pressure and at the ATP Finals. defeat by Nishikori, broke at 1-1 when the 25-year- The 37-year-old’s proud record of old sent a forehand long. always reaching the semi-finals at but he returned 48 Two tame volley errors by the season-ender since it moved hours later with a Thiem gave Federer another to London in 2009 looked in peril majestic display which break for a 5-2 lead as he cruised after a surprise loss to Kei Nishikori delighted the sell-out to the opening set. in his opening round-robin match Federer turned the screw to on Sunday. O2 Arena crowd. break again immediately in the Another defeat would have made second set. it impossible for the Swiss to reach Kevin Anderson played this Thiem did let rip with some the semis but the six-time champion afternoon!” Federer, who lost stunning backhands but with the rebounded in style to post a classy their Wimbledon quarter-final world number three back in the win in which he lost only six points clash this year, said on court. groove they made little on serve. “It feels good (today). I am impression as the Swiss sealed a There is still work to do for very happy that I showed a 56th match win at the tour- the second seed, however, espe- reaction after the last match. It’s nament he has qualified for a cially as giant South African Kevin not something I’m used to -- record 16 times. Anderson, who he plays at the losing then coming back to play,” Anderson looks almost certain conclusion of the group on he said. to reach the semi-finals even if Thursday, is in red-hot form. Federer was erratic and he is beaten by Federer today. Anderson, the first player grumpy in his straight sets defeat He produced a near-perfect from his country to qualify for the by Nishikori, but he returned 48 display against Nishikori ATP’s blue riband tournament hours later with a majestic display who he lost to two since 1995, leads the which delighted the sell-out O2 weeks ago in Paris. Lleyton Hewitt group Arena crowd. “It’s amongst with two wins after “I don’t know what happened the best trouncing Nishikori against Nishikori. Maybe it’s the (matches) I’ve 6-0, 6-1. round-robin format that got to played,” world The inspired 32-year- me,” Federer said. number six Switzerland’s Roger Federer returns against Austria’s old won the first 11 games but “So for me it was really Anderson told Dominic Thiem during their men’s singles round-robin was denied only the second important to remind myself what reporters. match on day three of the ATP World Tour Finals in ‘double bagel’ in the event’s a thrill it is to play here at the O2. “I did a really good job con- London on Tuesday. 48-year history after Federer’s I love playing in London, always stantly applying the pressure and 2005 rout of Argentina’s Gaston have, always will.” not letting up. Gaudio. He certainly looked back in “I felt I did a fantastic job “I hope it is not a match like the groove, making only 11 throughout really.”

NBA: Durant stars as Warriors bounce back

AFP row in the early stages against had 22 points and 11 assists as Atlanta, trailing 52-49 at the misfiring Houston Rockets OAKLAND: Kevin Durant halftime against the Hawks, knocked off the Nuggets in a scored 29 points as the Golden who are 3-10. 109-99 victory. State Warriors set aside their The Warriors remain The Warriors raised their Houston, who have been off-court discord to post a on top of the Western game in the second half slow to start this season with 110-103 win over the Atlanta Conference standings however, taking charge after only six wins against seven Hawks on Tuesday. with 11 wins and only outscoring the Hawks by 33-24 defeats, relied on a strong all- The NBA champions went in the third quarter before round offensive display to into the game at the Oracle three defeats. closing out the win. polish off Denver, third in the Arena against a backdrop of Durant was given offensive Western Conference on 9-5. controversy, with power support from Klay Thompson, Six Houston players cracked forward Draymond Green sus- That spat prompted War- who had 24 points while Quinn double figures with Clint Capela pended following his bust-up riors management to take the Cook had 18 and Jonas Jerebko leading the scoring with 24 with Durant 24 hours earlier. unusual step of imposing a one- 14. points and nine rebounds. Durant and Green had a game suspension on Green for The Warriors remain on top In Cleveland, meanwhile, heated off-court exchange “conduct detrimental to the of the Western Conference the struggling Cavaliers bagged Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (left) shoots the basketball during Monday’s 121-116 team.” standings with 11 wins and only only their second win of the against Atlanta Hawks centre Miles Plumlee during the third quarter of overtime defeat to the Clippers The Warriors looked to be three defeats. season with a 113-89 victory their NBA game in Oakland on Tuesday. in Los Angeles. suffering a hangover from the In Denver, James Harden over the Charlotte Hornets. THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 29 Calgary Winter Olympics Hamilton backs ‘more stops in countries with bid dead after ‘no’ vote genuine racing tradition’ REUTERS AFP off the circuit for 10 years CALGARY, ALBERTA: Calgary’s before returning this season. hopes of hosting the 2026 LONDON: World champion “We’ve got a lot of real Winter Olympics were dashed Lewis Hamilton (pictured) racing history in England, on Tuesday after citizens voted has questioned Formula Germany, Italy and now in resoundingly against the western One’s policy of organising the States it is starting to Canadian city’s plan to bid for races in new countries after grow,” said Hamilton. the Games. this month’s announcement “But you only have one More than 56 percent of of the Vietnam Grand Prix. event per year in those voters said ‘No’ in the plebiscite, Hamilton told the BBC places. If it was my business, a surprisingly lopsided margin that he would prefer to see I’d be trying to do more after both sides had expected a more stops in countries with events in those countries. close call in the city which a genuine racing tradition, He added: “I’ve been to hosted the 1988 Winter Games. rather than expanding to new Vietnam before and it is After witnessing a high markets. beautiful. I’ve been to India turnout, with more than “On the racing side, I before to a race which was 304,000 ballots cast in a don’t know how important it strange because India was reflection of the interest in the is to go to new countries as such a poor place yet we had poll, the unofficial results had such,” said Hamilton who this massive, beautiful Grand 132,832 opting ‘For’ and 171,750 sealed his fifth world title last Prix track made in the middle ‘Against’ Calgary making a bid month. of nowhere. I felt very con- to host the Games. “If you had the Silver- flicted when I went to that The outcome was another stone Grand Prix and a Grand Prix. blow for the International London Grand Prix, it would “We had a Grand Prix in Olympic Committee (IOC), which be pretty cool.” Turkey and hardly anyone has seen interest in hosting The Vietnamese capital, came. Cool track, cool In this file photo taken on February 13, 1988, fans cheer and wave flags as the Canadian delegation Games fall dramatically as the Hanoi, will hold a Formula weekend but poor (lower right) parades during the opening ceremony of the XVth Winter Olympic Games in Calgary. size and cost of staging the One street race from 2020 audience.” multi-sport event has after signing a 10-year deal. Formula One has thrived sky-rocketed. Sapporo and Graz in Austria all More than 56 percent vote against hosting Games. Formula One has steadily in Singapore, but it didn’t last The Calgary vote leaves withdrew earlier this year, while expanded beyond its tradi- long in India and South Sweden’s Stockholm and an Turkey’s Erzurum was last tional heartlands, adding Korea. Vietnam also has Italian bid involving Milan and month eliminated from the Vote a setback for International Olympic Committee. races in China, India, South scant racing tradition. Cortina D’Ampezzo as the only bidding process by the IOC, Korea, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Hamilton said: “If you candidates left in the race. which will elect the winning bid Only two candidates remain for 2026 Games. Bahrain, Russia, Azerbaijan have the German Grand Prix Swiss city Sion, Japan’s in June 2019. and TurkeyTurkey,, with mixed and youyou’ve ve got a Grand Prix While the Calgary vote was results. in Berlin, I think connectingconnecting non-binding, the 15-member city “This all began with great the vote represented a missed At tthehe same timetime,, to cities wherewhere a lotlot ofof peoplepeople council is expected to respect the promise: a chance to bring the “unique opportunity” to bring a historic European areare is probablyprobably a goodgood thing,thing, outcome when it meets on Olympics and Paralympics home renewed vision to the Games. racesraces in England,England, notnot necessarilynecessarily going to Monday to decide whether to to Calgary and Canada. “The Canadian Olympic GermanyGermany andand ItaItalyly countries wherewhere theythey don’tdon’t The opportunity to move the bid process forward. “A chance to re-establish our Committee respects the results havehave come ununderder knowknow so muchmuch welcome the world to The Calgary 2026 Bid Cor- city on the world stage -- put us of tonight’s plebiscite in Calgary, threat, while about Canada, where people poration and Canada Olympic back on the map... It all made but we are disappointed with the FrFrancea n ce FormulaFormula Committee (COC) both acknowl- sense, and it still makes sense.” outcome,” COC said in the drddroppedoppedopped One.”One. can experience the edged that the people had However, those in the ‘No’ camp statement. uniting power of the spoken, with the former saying were jubilant at the result. “The opportunity to Games and within our it would wrap up operations in “I think that people had welcome the world to Canada, nation’s culture of the next few weeks. enough of the establishment, where people can experience the “We know that this was very telling us what to do, what to uniting power of the Games and peace and inclusion, divisive, but it’s time to put that think,” local councillor Sean Chu within our nation’s culture of would have offered behind us,” Bid Corporation CEO said. peace and inclusion, would have countless benefits to Mary Moran told supporters. “They tell you to spend mil- offered countless benefits to all.” She also released a lions, billions, it’s good for you.” Beijing is hosting the next all: COC statement statement which said, in part: The COC, meanwhile, said Winter Games in 2022. Kuchar, Smith headline as top Australian golfers Top-ranked Ariya chases $1m snub home challenge at LPGA Tour Championship AFP REUTERS as well as Marc Leishman, the Vic- improve myself every day because torian who kicked off his 2019 PGA I know I have so much room to SYDNEY: Heavy on history but Tour season in fine style with a win MIAMI: World number one Ariya improve. light on star quality, the Australian at the CIMB Classic in Malaysia last Jutanugarn of Thailand has Ariya, who could become the Open tees off at The Lakes Golf month. captured almost every major LPGA first LPGA player to sweep all the Club this week in somewhat The field does at least boast the award this season but still chases major tour awards, says she has reduced circumstances. most recent winner on the PGA a $1m bonus prize starting today learned how to better cope with The tournament counts the Tour, with Matt Kuchar having at the Tour Championship. the pressure of final rounds against likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold hot-footed his way across the The 22-year-old defending intense LPGA rivals. Palmer and Gary Player as former Pacific from Mexico after winning champion from Bangkok has “It’s not easy at all,” Ariya said. winners, with Rory McIlroy and the Mayakoba Classic on Sunday. won three titles this year, “I mean, I know when I Jordan Spieth having joined the Kuchar, whose triumph at including her second nervous, when I scared, I worry roll of honour in more recent Playa del Carmen was his first on major at the US because I think about the outcome, years. the US Circuit since 2014, is the Women’s Open because I want to play well, I want A lack of financial clout in a top-ranked player in the field but plus the Ladies to hit this shot good because I care golfing world increasingly domi- he did not sound overly confident Scottish Open about other people, what they’re nated by the two major tours, of landing back-to-back titles. and her second going to think about me. however, has left the 2018 edition “It’s hard to be good every Kingsmill Champi- “But then I have to come back short of the sort of big names who week,” the world number 29 told onship crown in three to myself and know that other have battled for the Stonehaven reporters on Wednesday. years. people expectation is not my expec- Cup in the past. “Certainly the form I’m in, I Ariya has already clinched tation. I expect to have a good com- That has not been helped by expect to keep going well, but I the LPGA Player of the Year Award, mitment with every shot. I expect the absence of Australian major also know that like everybody else, the season money title, the Annika myself to have fun, enjoy, and feel winners Jason Day and Adam Scott you could wake up tomorrow and Award for best results in the free on the course. So I have to come go what just happened? majors and the Top 10 prize with back and work on that stuff.” Keegan Bradley and Brandt 16 top-10 showings. She leads the Ariya has two wins, two Matt Kuchar Snedeker are the other Americans tour in birdies, under-par rounds, runner-up finishes, a third and a from the top 50 in the world who rounds in the 60s and scoring fourth in 14 events starting with will be out to master the infamous average. the US Women’s Open to hold off Sydney winds from today. The Vare Trophy for low South Korea’s second-ranked Park The absence of Day, Scott and scoring average is likely Ariya’s as Sung-hyun for the ranking lead. Leishman leaves Cameron Smith well, needing only to finish within The Thai star’s nearest rival for as the top-ranked Australian, and 15 strokes of South Korea’s Ko Jin- the $1m bonus is Australia’s fifth- he feels he has a point to prove young to hoist the hardware. ranked Minjee Lee, who is trying after losing out to Spieth in a And she leads the season points to set aside thoughts of the bonus playoff when the American lifted chase for the CME Globe season prize. the Stonehaven Cup for the second bonus prize of $1m entering the “This is no different to any time two years ago. season finale at Tiburon Golf Club other tournament,” she said. “I’m His near namesake and com- Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand lines up a putt in Naples, Florida. always going to try my best and patriot Cameron Davis, who during the final round of the Blue Bay LPGA “It means so much to me this do my best. I’ll put my 100 percent recently embarked on his rookie golf tournament in Sanya on China’s Hainan year because I felt like I work so in each shot. So I haven’t really hard,” Ariya said on Tuesday. thought about the CME at the end season on the PGA Tour, is the Island last Saturday. defending champion after a one- “My only goal, I just want to of the week.” stroke victory at The Australian club last year. 30 SPORT THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2018 Curran and Buttler lift England

AFP who took four wickets, Malinda Pushpakumara (three) and Akila KANDY: Sri Lanka’s spinners Dananjaya (two) when Buttler England’s Sam Curran claimed some big-name England came in to counter-attack with (right) plays a shot wickets on the first day of the five boundaries and a crucial second Test yesterday before Jos 45-run stand with Adil Rashid during the ﬁrst day of Buttler and Sam Curran rescued who made 31. the second Test match the innings. Buttler’s 63 off 67 deliveries against Sri Lanka at the Buttler’s 63 and a crucial 64 ensured Sri Lanka did not Pallekele International from Curran at the end lifted convert a good position into a Cricket Stadium in England to 285 all out after they dominant one, as he swept and Kandy yesterday. had been struggling on 89-4 on reverse swept furiously and the turning Pallekelle stadium effectively. pitch. Curran, fast becoming an He was eventually out top- England hero, said reaching near edging a reverse sweep off left- 300 was a “massive” arm spinner Pushpakumara, achievement. playing his first Test for more England spinner Jack Leach than a year. then strengthened England’s Curran was even more position, dismissing opener important, taking 50 balls to Kaushal Silva in the 12 overs Sri reach double figures before he Lanka faced as the home side tore into the Sri Lankan bowling. reached 26 for one at the close. He hit six sixes and a four off the A day that saw Ben Stokes, spinners and his last wicket part- batting at the key number three nership of 60 with Jimmy position, become the latest to fail Anderson was the best of the also reinforced Buttler and Cur- innings. ran’s standing lower down the “It was crucial. You saw in order. the evening how much it spun. England were in trouble Getting close to 300 was massive against spinners Dilruwan Perera for us,” said Curran. SCOREBOARD England (I innings) Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-44, 3-65, 4-89, 5-134, R Burns c de Silva b Dananjaya ...... 43 6-165, 7-171, 8-216, 9-225, 10-285 K Jennings c Dickwella b Lakmal ...... 1 Bowling: Lakmal 12-1-44-1, Perera 24.4-5-61-4, B Stokes lbw b Perera ...... 19 Pushpakumara 23-4-89-3, De Silva 2-0-4-0, Danan- “Me and Jimmy had quite a the on-field umpire had turned Curran said the wicket was of slip off the bowling of Ali when J Root b Pushpakumara ...... 14 jaya 14-1-80-2 bit of fun out there. He was down an appeal. He was out for fast breaking up and the cracks he was on 12. Leach then made J Buttler c Karunaratne b Pushpakumara .... 63 Sri Lanka (I innings) probably the one telling me to 19. growing so England spinners the breakthrough at the other M Ali lbw b Pushpakumara ...... 10 Dimuth Karunaratne (batting) ...... 19 calm down and trust him.” England captain Joe Root, must be looking forward to the end, getting a ball to break B Foakes c de Silva b Perera ...... 19 Kaushal Silva b Jack Leach ...... 6 Stokes, who batted at number who scored 35 and three in the second day. Ten of the 11 wickets sharply off the surface and beat S Curran c Karunaratne b Perera ...... 64 Malinda Pushpakumara (batting) ...... 1 five in his team’s opening win first Test, was bowled by Push- to fall yesterday went to Kaushal Silva’s forward defence, A Rashid lbw b Perera ...... 31 Total (1 wkt) ...... 26 J Leach b Dananjaya ...... 7 Fall of Wickets: 1-22 Silva last week, was boosted up the pakumara in the 18th over for 14 spinners. to rattle off stump - the batsman J Anderson (not out) ...... 7 Bowling: James Anderson 3-0-8-0; Sam Cur- order in the latest bid to find a and opener Rory Burns (43) soon There were several near dismissed for 6. Extras (B4, LB 3) ...... 7 ran 2-0-5-0; Jack Leach 4-0-7-1; Moeen Ali 3-1 solid number three. Off-spinner followed as England lost regular misses during the 12 overs Sri Nightwatchman Pushpa- Total (all out, 75.4 overs) ...... 285 6-0 Perera successfully reviewed an wickets on the dry, crumbling Lanka faced, with Karunaratne kumara then survived the 15 lbw decision against Stokes after surface. edging a ball just low and wide balls he faced before stumps.

Australia’s Steve Mahmudullah, spinners Smith (right) and David Warner seen in this ﬁle give Bangladesh edge picture. AFP SCOREBOARD Bangladesh (I innings): ...... 522-7 decl. Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-10, 3-10, 4-25, 5-143, 6-151 DHAKA: Mahmudullah Riyad Zimbabwe (I innings): ...... 304 Bowling: Jarvis 11-2-27-2, Tiripano 11-1-31-2, Williams scored his first Test century in Bangladesh (II innings): 16-2-69-1(w1), Raza 7-0-39-1, Mavuta 9-0-52-0 more than eight years as Bang- Liton Das b Jarvis ...... 6 Zimbabwe (II innings): ladesh set Zimbabwe a towering Imrul Kayes c Mavuta b Jarvis ...... 3 H Masakadza c Mominul b Mehidy ...... 25 443-run target to win the second Mominul Haque c Chakabva b Tiripano ...... 1 B Chari lbw b Taijul ...... 43 Test in Dhaka yesrterday. Mohammad Mithun c Chakabva b Raza ...... 67 B.Taylor (batting)...... 4 The hosts began their victory Mushfiqur Rahim c Mavuta b Tiripano ...... 7 S Williams (batting) ...... 2 Extras (B1, LB1) ...... 2 push, reducing Zimbabwe to Mahmudullah Riyad not out ...... 101 Ariful Haque b Williams...... 5 Total (two wkts, ) ...... 76 76-2 at stumps on the fourth day Mehidy Hasan (not out) ...... 27 Fall of wickets: 1-68, 2-70 after Mahmudullah’s unbeaten Extras (B5, LB1, W1) ...... 7 Bowling: Mustafiz 3-1-2-0, Taijul 13-2-34-1, Khaled 101 off 122 balls helped the side Total (Decl for six wkts) ...... 224 4-1-15-0, Mehidy 7-2-16-1, Ariful 3-1-7-0 declare the second innings on 224-6. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan first away Test win in 17 years. amends for his first innings duck broke a 68-run opening stand A draw in the game would to score 67 off 110 balls. Mah- by removing Hamilton Masa- give them their first Test series mudullah hit four fours and a kadza for 25 after he dropped win in seven years. six in an impressive innings, the Zimbabwe captain on five Bangladesh, who must with his last 51 runs coming off off debutant pacer Khaled win to square the series, only 52 balls. Ahmed. declared their innings at the Zimbabwe had successes Mehidy also dropped Brian tea break after Mahmudullah against Bangladesh early in their Chari on naught but fellow completed his century by second innings, after the hosts spinner Taijul Islam dismissed pushing leg-spinner Brandon decided against enforcing the the opener for 43 soon after Mavuta towards cover for two follow-on despite their 218-run Bangladesh got their first runs. first innings lead. breakthrough. Mahmudullah, whose only Kyle Jarvis removed openers Smith, Warner absence ‘huge Brendon Taylor and Sean other Test ton came against New Imrul Kayes and Liton Das in the Williams remained at the Zealand at Hamilton in 2010, space of three balls in the fifth crease on four and two respec- lifted Bangladesh from a pre- over for three and six runs factor’ for India series: Ganguly tively, facing a monumental carious 25-4 after Zimbabwe respectively. IANS task to win or avoid a loss as seamers rattled the home side First-innings centurion like the Indian team not having a test series in Australia, keeping Zimbabwe still trailed the hosts early on day four. Mominul Haque quickly fol- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli,” in mind their bowling attack. by 367 runs. The right-hander shared an lowed the openers, edging KOLKATA: Former India Ganguly told reporters on the “It’s a great moment for Zimbabwe lead the two- 118-run stand for the sixth Donald Tiripano to wicket- captain Sourav Ganguly sidelines of health drink Com- Indian cricket. This is their best match series 1-0 after last wicket with debutant keeper Regis Chakabva for one yesterday said the possible plan’s programme of which he opportunity to beat Australia. week’s victory in Sylhet -- their Mohammad Mithun, who made in the next over. absence of Steve Smith and is the brand ambassador. India are a good side and have David Warner in the Australia Complan had launched ‘Aro good bowling attack. I have seen team for the series against India Sapno-Aro Bere Otho (Dream in England that they (bowlers) Bangladesh captain would be a ‘huge factor’ as it’s More, Grow More) contest last have taken 20 wickets in every Mahmudullah Riyad like India not having Virat Kohli month, of which the winners test,” Ganguly said. reacts after scoring and Rohit Sharma in their ranks. were announced here at a plush “But you also have to keep a century during the The Australian Cricketers hotel to celebrate the aspirations in mind that Australia in Aus- fourth day of the Association (ACA) had made a of children on Children’s Day. tralia are a different kettle of second Test match submission to Cricket Australia The contest was held across fish. Many feel that they are a against Zimbabwe at the start of the month to lift 100 schools in the city and weak outfit but I don’t think so,” at the Sher-e-Bangla the ban on Australian captain children were asked to bring the 46-year old added. National Cricket Smith and vice-captain Warner. their dreams to life through cre- India play four Tests starting Stadium in Dhaka But indications are that they ative expression. Students from December 6 at Adelaide Oval. yesterday. are not ready to bring the trio classes 2-6 participated in the India’s best result Down Under (Cameron Bancroft included) challenge. was 1-1 in 2003-04 series under back to international cricket Ganguly went through the Ganguly. early. created artworks and selected Asked about Kohli’s ‘leave Therefore, there seems little ten winners of the contest. The India’ comment to a fan, hope they will play Test cricket winners took home Rs 1 lakh Ganguly said, “I would not like before March 29 when the ban prize money each. to comment on that. It’s not nec- on them ends. Ganguly further said that essary to react to each and every “It’s a huge factor. This is this is India’s best chance to win comment.” THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 31 Show jumping championship: QEF Outdoor Arena set for top event THE PENINSULA AL RAYAN INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPING DOHA: The three-day Al Rayyan COMPETITION 2018 International Show Jumping event kicks off today at Qatar CSI2*-W Al Rayyan Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) Today Outdoor Arena. 1:30pm Class 1 Two Phases FEI Art. 274.5.3 | Max. 115 cm | 2 Horses per athlete | 350 m/min | €4,000 The series - which was 4:00pm Class 2 Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 | Max. 120/130 cm | launched in 2014 - is organised 2 Horses per athlete | 350 m/min | €5000 by QEF in cooperation with Al 6:00pm Class 3 Special Two Phases FEI Art. 274.5.6 | Max. 140 cm | Shaqab, a member of Qatar 2 Horses per athlete | 350 m/min | €7,000 Foundation. Tomorrow More than 100 horses will 1:30pm Class 4 Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 | Max. 115 cm | feature in the three-day event 2 Horses per athlete | 350 m/min | €5,000 with a total prize bag of €61.000. 4:00pm Class 5 Table A, Against the clock with Jump Off FEI Art. 238.2.2 | Riders from Qatar, Canada, Max. 130 cm |2 Horses per athlete | 350 m/min | €6,000 France, Jordan and Morocco will 6:00pm Class 6 Qualifying competition for the FEI World Cup™ competition number.9 | Table A, feature in the event, organisers Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 | Max. 145 cm | 2 Horses per athlete | 350 m/min | €8,000 said. The tournament comes less On Saturday than a week after the end of the 1:30pm Class 7 Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 | Max. 120 cm | final round of the Longines 2 Horses per athlete | 350 m/min | €6,000 Global Champions Tour (LGCT) 4:00pm Class 8 Accumulator Competition with Joker FEI Art. 269.5 | Max. 135 cm | which was staged at Al Shaqab. 2 Horse per athlete | 375 m/min | €8,000 This week’s event is a two- 6:00pm Class 9 GRAND PRIX - World Cup™ Competition | Two Rounds FEI Art. 273.3.3.1 & star tournament with nine com- 273.4.3 + 273.2.2 + Annex D FEI World Cup Arab League rules + Annex VIII art 6| Min 145 - Max. petitions spread across three 160 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 350 m/min | €12,000 | LR (Group E) days. The feature event on Sat- urday will be the Grand Prix, a Vet checks being carried out by the technical staff at Qatar Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) Outdoor Arena ahead of this week’s Al Rayyan International Show Jumping qualifier for the World Cup and Championship. a round of the Arab League. The Grand Prix has an overall prize bag of €12,000, organisers Championship is a key event on quality action.” Tournament planned family activities for He added: “The passion for excites us. The Qatar Equestrian said yesterday. our annual calendar. A top field Director Ali Al Rumaihi said: “We young kids. All in all, this week riding is increasing among the Federation is doing its best to Badr Al Darwish, Secretary is ready for action. Young Qatari have seen good crowds throng one again it will be a great show youth in the country. We see a promote the sports of equestrian General of QEF said: “Al Rayyan riders will also feature in the the QEF’s Outdoor Arena over jumping festival that fans wait high level of competition among and I would say we are doing International Show Jumping event. We look forward to some the years as we have always for every year.” the young participants and that well.” QFA cancels Sneijder’s red card THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Al Gharafa captain and Dutch star Wesley Sneijder has won a reprieve after it was announced that the Disciplinary Committee of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) cancelled the red card he received during his team’s last QNB Stars League Wesley Sneidjer (left) match. and referee Abdull Ali On November 8, former cham- Athba in this ﬁle picture pions Al Gharafa beat Qatar SC 2-0 of November 8. but the win was marred by the marching orders for Sneidjer by referee Abdull Ali Athba. An angry Sneijder was seen storming off the pitch at Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium Hammadi, the QFA’s Disciplinary According to Article 85/3 of the and fined QR 20,000, for his after receiving the red card. Committee yesterday announced Disciplinary Regulations, the com- rough play against Umm Salal The next day, the hugely the following decisions after mittee decided to draw the which took place on November popular Dutchman tweeted: reviewing the reports of the match attention of the player to his 9th in the 12th week QNB Stars “While playing a football match I referees. unsportsmanlike departure from League. The Disciplinary Com- reacted in the heat of the moment The Disciplinary Committee the pitch after leaving the game mittee also decided that Al to a red card I did not deserve. decided to cancel the red card of against Qatar SC in the 12th week Markhiya player Abdulkarim However, to counter any false Sneijder on the recommendation of the QNB Stars League. Ahmed Juma has been suspended media speculations: I enjoy living in the report from the referees’ In another decision, Al for one match and fined QR 2,000 and playing football in Qatar!” from the match played last week, Sailiya’s experienced Moroccan for his poor behaviour in a match In its weekly meeting under a report on qfa.com.qa wesbite midfielder Tiberkanine Rachid against Al-Bidda match in the sixth the chairmanship of Hassan Al said. was suspended for two matches round of the Second Division. Selby eases past Mosaad to clinch QSF No.1 title THE PENINSULA

DOHA: England’s Daryl Selby won the QSF No.1, PSA Bronze tournament as he beat top seed Omar Mosaad of Egypt in straight games in the final at the Khalifa Inter- national Tennis and Squash Complex here yesterday. The former World No.9 from England, took 42 minutes to win straight games over the former World No.3 from Egypt. Selby took the first game at 11-9 and then followed it up by wining the next two at identical scores of 11-6 to wrap up the proceedings. Earlier in the semi-finals on Tuesday, Top seed Mosaad recovered from a slow start, losing the first game heavily to unseeded Englishman George Parker, England’s Daryl Selby (left), but recovered to take the games comfortably, but winner of the QSF No.1, PSA next three games with some couldn’t quite overhaul Lob- comfort. ban’s 8-4 lead in the fourth Bronze tournament, poses with Selby, also lost his as the Scot set up a decider. the trophy along with runner-up opening game as Scotland’s After a close opening to Omar Mosaad of Egypt at the fifth seed Greg Lobban took the fifth, Selby forged ahead Khalifa International Tennis a swift lead. Selby struck reaching 10-6 and closed it and Squash Complex in Doha back, taking the next two out on his third match ball. yesterday. RIGHT: Selby in action.