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Monday 12 December 2016 PAGE | 27 PAGE | 31 Kohli smashes Sarra Besbes double ton as wins England slump Grand Prix Xavi surprises workers at Labour City ahead of Match of Champions

The Peninsula

avi Hernandez, the former mid- fielder who is also an ambassador for the XGeneration Amazing Programme of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), paid a surprise visit to football fans at the Labour City this weekend. The Barcelona legend, now the skipper of Al Sadd Club, spent time with the expat workers, The champions of the ITTF World Tour Grand Finals, pose for a photograph with International Federation and Qatar Table speaking about their involvement in the Gener- Tennis Association officials at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena yesterday. Pictures by Kamutty VP and Mohamed Faraj ation Amazing Qatar programme and answering their football-related questions, also not forget- ting to invite the workers to join him at the Barcelona - Al Ahli Saudi FC 'Match of Champi- ons' which will take place in Doha tomorrow. It was a moment of joy for Justin Santiago, a 36-year-old FC Barcelona fan from Chennai, India, who shook hands with the FIFA World Cup Impressive winner in the recreation room of his accommo- dation at Labour City. “I love football, and I’m a huge fan of Bar- celona because they have the best players, like Lionel Messi. I’ve seen so many matches of Xavi on TV, winning the World Cup, the Spanish league and the Champions League, so it was an incredible surprise to see him in person,” San- conquers Doha field tiago said following Al Sadd captain's unannounced visit. For Santiago, the main benefits of the foot- Rizwan Rehmat China dominate match points on hand, but in ball for development project have been felt on The Peninsula the match, I have to control the pitch at Labour City, where the Generation World number one my emotion as much as pos- Amazing Programme is organised in conjunc- orld Ma Long seals China's sible," the champion added. tion with NAAAS Group. number dominance at ITTF Earlier in the women's The programme is also delivered by QDVC one Ma World Tour Grand singles final, third seed Zhu World number and Youth Club in Al Khor, with a total of 570 Long of Finals following Zhu Yuling crushed 's one Ma Long workers benefitting on a weekly basis from the China yes- Yuling's women's Han Ying, the no.11 seed, in of China coaching delivered across both sites. Wterday overcame a four games. Zhu Yuling won “I remember the first time I was given tick- singles win. celebrates mid-match crisis to beat 11-9, 12-10, 12-10, 11-3. with his trophy ets to go to a match, I was five or six years old compatriot in Zhu Yuling's win yester- and it was to attend a Barcelona game. We all during the six games to claim his fifth time that a Chinese has won day underlined China's love football in our family, and we went to a Gam- presentation ITTF World Tour Grand the men's title in the 21-year dominance of the sport. It per trophy with my father and grandfather, it Finals triumph. history of the tournament. was the 18th time that a Chi- ceremony was a great excitement that I felt before the game. It was a repeat of last “I’m very happy to win nese player had won the today. So it was a pleasure to give tickets to the work- year's final and for Ma Long, my fifth World Tour Grand women's crown in the tour- ers involved in the Generation Amazing Qatar the script remained the same Finals Men’s Singles title. I nament's 21-year history. German finalist Han Ying "QTTA has been a long programme for the Barcelona - Al Ahli game. It as he beat his arch-rival once think I’m in quite good form "I was anxious because became the first player in the time organizer on the ITTF was an honour for me to give them these tickets again. After racing to a 2-0 during this tournament, this is the first time for me to history of the tournament to World Tour with the yearly and surprise them in this way,” Xavi said. lead within minutes, Ma Long especially in the final, I made play in the Grand Finals at the reach the title clash from an Qatar Open and it was been According to Isabel Gultresa, CSR Senior Man- won the final 11-5, 11-4, 11-9, it through the challenge of end of the year. I was eager association outside Asia. a long-term goal to host one ager at the SC, the visit was another important 7-11, 12-14, 11-9. Fan Zhendong," Ma Long to win," Zhu Yuling said after Earlier in the women's day also the prestigious step on the journey the Generation Amazing pro- Ma Long is now three said. her win. doubles, Japanese duo Yui year-ending Grand Finals," gramme has embarked on in Qatar. titles wins ahead of compa- "I played well at the start "Luckily, I could stay at Hamamoto and Hina Hayata President of QTTA Khalil Al She said: “It is very important for us to show triot Wang Liqin who has but I did not deal with crucial the crucial points; for me, this crushed Chinese counter- Mohannadi said. to the participants of our projects how much we three ITTF World Tour points well enough when I match is the accumulation of parts Doo Hoi Kem and Lee “We are so happy to host are encompassing football in their development, Grand Finals titles to his was leading at the middle of experience. Ho Ching to clinch the title. the event in Doha this week," and taking them to a live football match is some- name. the match. It was good "Wining this tournament Hamamoto and Hayata added Al Mohannadi who is thing we thought would be very special and It was the 14th instance enough to be able to win the at the end of this year is a won 11-8, 15-17, 11-9, 9-11, also the Deputy President of relevant. We are taking the important moment of an all-Chinese men’s sin- match. I think it’s common small step for me. I hope I can 11-8, 12-10. the International Table Ten- of our ambassador’s former team visiting Qatar gles final. for any athlete to become play well in the next year," It was the third time that nis Federation (ITTF). to celebrate what the power of football can do.” Despite the loss, it was an impatient when you reach Zhu Yuling said. "In the new a Japanese duo had reached “We worked hard to “It was a very intense and a fantastic expe- impressive run of form from match point and I made that circle of Olympics, I think, no the women’s doubles final. ensure that the 2016 ITTF rience,” Xavi said afterwards. “I saw them Fan Zhendong who is only 19 mistake today. The good matter what problem I will The four-day table ten- World Tour Grand Finals enjoying the visit, and I enjoyed it a lot as well. years of age. thing is I won the sixth. Of meet, I will spare no effort to nis extravaganza was and ITTF Star Awards were We have agreed to meet again at the Barcelona Yesterday's impressive course I feel it was a pity to prepare for Tokyo Olympics," organised by Qatar Table staged in a grand manner," vs Al Ahli game on Tuesday. I didn’t expect so win by Ma Long was the 17th lose the fifth game with four she added. In another first, Tennis Association (QTTA). he said. much euphoria, such a warm reception, I thought that some people wouldn’t recognise me, but eve- ryone did. I was proud to be with them.” ayayayayayayayAl Ahli Saudi FC train ahead of Barcelona clash

Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez poses for a photograph with some of the workers who AlAy Ahli Saudi FC players train at the Al Arabi SC Stadium in Doha yesterday, ahead of their 'Match of the Champions' encounter against Barcelona. received tickets for tomorrow's Barcelona vs TheAy game takes place at the Al Gharafa Stadium in Doha tomorrow with the kick-off set for 7pm. Pictures by: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula Al Ahli match during his surprise visit to the Pic: Qassim / The Peninsula Ay. → See also page 26 Labour City. SPORT 12 DECEMBER 2016 MONDAY 27 Brazel dazzles Kohli smashes double to win Hong Kong Open ton as England slump Hong Kong Reuters

ustralian journeyman Sam Brazel prevailed Mumbai India'sIndia's talismanictalismmana ic KohliKohhlil in a tense final hole shoot-out with run- Three doublee ttonsons Virat Kohli greets the crowd AFP hadhad earlieearlierr blblastedasted a dodoubleuubbllee on the fourth day of the Anerup Rafa Cabrera Bello to win the Hong centurycentury ththatat incincludedluuded 225 Kong Open by a stroke and capture his first Euro- The 235-run knockknock fourth Test cricket match tar batsman Virat foursfours anandd ononee sisixix dduduringurrinngg hhisiis between India and England pean Tour title yesterday. Kohli smashed a marked the thirdthird 340-ball340-ball sstay.tay. The 480th-ranked Brazel struck a sublime at the Wankhede Stadium massive double double centuryury ofof It mmarkedarked hihisis thtthirdird ddodou-ouu- approach shot from 175 yards to within eight feet in Mumbai yesterday. The century before Eng- 2016 in whatt has bleble cecenturyntury of 2201600116 in wwhathhaat of the flag and calmly rolled in the winning birdie land slumped to been a sensationalational Indian skipper smashed after his Spanish rival missed a longer putt by S182-6 at stumps on day four and record-breakingbreaking a massive double century inches on a glorious afternoon at Fanling. as India closed in on victory year for thee before England slumped to Doused with champagne and mobbed by his in the fourth Test Indian 182-6 at stumps on day four caddy and friends, Brazel's victory in the co-sanc- yesterday. skipper. as India closed in on victory tioned event earned the 37-year-old €311,844 Captain Kohli struck 235 in the fourth Test yesterday ($329,000) and a two-year exemption on the runs for his third double ton Tour. of the year and Jayant Yadav bowler Bhuvneshwarneshwar "It's been a long time coming but yeah, scored a maiden Test cen- Kumar. Captainn AlastairAlastair stoked," said an overwhelmed Brazel, cradling tury to fire India to a huge Cook walked next,xt, out lbw the trophy after shooting a two-under 68 to fin- first innings score of 631. to left-arm spinnerer RavinRavin-- ish with a 13-under total of 267. England, trailing by 231 dra Jadeja for just 18 runsruns.. "I'd love to come over to Europe, it'd be a runs, and already facing a Moeen Ali thenen lastedlasted great privilege." mountain to climb to win the only three ballss without Fellow Australian Andrew Dodt finished third Test and salvage the series, score as Jadeja ggrabbedrabbed a on 11-under with Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, then endured a nightmare second quick wicketket thanks while U S Masters champion Danny Willett shot start to their second innings to the safe hands of MuraliMurali a 66 to finish sixth. in Mumbai. Vijay. Joint overnight leader with Cabrera Bello, The visitors lost a trio of Joe Root andnd JonnyJonny Brazel fell off the pace with bogeys on the sixth quick wickets in just 13.2 Bairstow did theirir best to hashas beenbeen a sen-sen- and ninth holes but played flawlessly on the back overs to sit at 49-3 at tea as make a contest of it byby sationalsational aandnndd nine. they started to stare defeat putting on a fourth-wicketth-wicket rrecord-breakingecord-breakkinng He drained three successive birdies from the in the face at the Wankhede partnership of 92 bbeforeefore the yeyearar forfor thethe IndianIndiaan 11th to roar back into contention and jostled with Stadium. former was bowleded lbw by skipper.skipper. TThehe 28-year-old28-yyeaar--oldd a group of five at the top of a crowded leader- Keaton Jennings, who Yadav for 77 runs.. putput on a massivemassivvee 241-run241-rrun board over the closing holes. scored a century on his Test Ben Stokes camecame andand partnershippartnership wiwithth YYadavadavv aass Cabrera Bello's hopes of a first European title debut in the first innings, went for 18 whilee Bairstow EnglandEngland fafailediled ttoo tatakeke aanyny in four years appeared bleak early after he went for a golden duck, out was unbeaten onon 50 atat wicketswickets duringduring thethhee morningmornning dropped three strokes on the seventh and eighth lbw off Indian medium pace stumps. session.session. holes. KohliKohli broughtbrougght up hishiiss But he dug deep with birdies on the 16th and SCOREBOARD doubledouble ton wwithith a singlessiinglee offofff 17th holes to reel in Brazel on the last. England (I innings): ...... 400 79-1; Ali 53-5-174-2 Rashid 55.3-5-192-4;-5-192-4; Ball hishis 302nd302nd baballll ooff ththehe mamatch.atct h.h Dodt also grabbed a share of the lead with a India (I innings): 18-5-47-1; Stokes 10-2-32-0; Rootot 10-2-31-2.10-2-31-2. TheThe righright-handert-handderer hashaas birdie on the par-four 17th but rued a wayward L Rahul b Ali ...... 24 England (II innings): beenbeen thethe standoutstandout babatsmanttssmman tee shot on the last that left him with a long par M Vijay c&b Rashid ...... 136 A Cook lbw Jadeja ...... 18...... 18 of the yeayear,r, sscoringcoring a ddoubleoouubble putt he was unable to save. C Pujara b Ball ...... 47 K Jennings lbw Kumar ...... 0...... 0 centurycentury againstagainst thethhe WestWWest Despite never finishing higher than fourth V Kohli c Anderson b Woakes...... 235 J Root lbw J Yadav ...... 77...... 77 K Nair lbw Ali ...... 13 M Ali c Vijay b Jadeja ...... 0...... 0 IndiesIndies in July bbeforeefore repeat-rrepeeaat- on the Asian Tour, the bulky Brazel was a model P Patel c Bairstow b Root ...... 15 J Bairstow (batting) ...... 50...... 50 inging ththee fefeatat aagainstgaaiinnsst NNeweww of composure as he upstaged a host of marquee R Ashwin c Jennings b Root ...... 0 B Stokes c Vijay b Ashwin ...... 18...... 18 ZealandZealand in October.Octobber. names and saved his best golf for last. R Jadeja c Buttler b Rashid ...... 25 J Ball c Patel b Ashwin ...... 2...... 2 HeHe waswas eventuallyeventtually "It wouldn't say I got it out of the middle but J Yadav st Bairstow b Rashid ...... 104 Extras (B-13, LB-2, NB-2) ...... 17...... 17 caughtcaught outout bbyy JaJamesmmes AAnAnder-der- I'm pretty stoked where it finished, I tell you," B Kumar c Woakes b Rashid ...... 9 Total (for 6 wkts) ...... 182...... 182 sonson frfromom ChrChrisis WWoakes.oaakkes. said Brazel of his stunning six-iron approach on U Yadav (not out) ...... 7 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-43, 3-49, 4-141,41, 5-1805-180,, 6-1826-182.. England,England, wwhoho sscoredcored the 18th. Extras (B-5, LB-8, W-3) ...... 16 Bowling: Kumar 4-1-11-1; U Yadavdav 3-0-10-03-0-10-0;; Total (all out) ...... 631 Jadeja 18-3-58-2; Ashwin 16.3-1-49-2;-49-2; J Yadav 440000 in theirtheir firstfirrst innings,innnnings, Former US Open champion Justin Rose shot Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-146, 3-262, 4-279, 6-0-39-1. mustmust win to kekeepeep thethe sserieseeries 69 to finish joint 36th on two-under, while fel-

5-305, 6-307, 7-364, 8-605, 9-615, 10-361. To bat: J Buttler, C Woakes, A Rashid,hid, J AndersonAnderson,, alivealive gogoinging inintoto tthehe ffifthifth TTestest low Englishman Ian Poulter capped a forgettable Bowling: Anderson 20-5-63-0; Woakes 16-2- J Ball. in CChennai,hennai, a featfeeata thatthaat nownon w week with a 74 that left him five-over for the llooksooks aallll but imimpossible.possibblle. tournament. Joy of six for 'Iron Lady' Hosszu at Worlds

Montreal But there was an upset for SHORT COURSE SWIMMING AFP teenager Lilly King, the Olympic WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS champion, who suffered a sur- RESULTS ungary's Katinka Hosszu prise defeat in the 100m powered to her sixth gold breaststroke against Jamaica's MEN Hmedal at the Short Course Alia Atkinson. Atkinson, the 4X50M MEDLEY RELAY World Swimming Champion- world record holder, finished in 1. (Andrei Shabasov, Kirill Prigo- ships on Saturday with another 1:03.03, with King just behind in da, Aleksandr Popkov, Vladimir Moro- dominant display in her all-con- 1:03.35. zov) 1min 31.52sec quering year. In the men's 400m medley, 2. United States 1:31.97 Swimming's "Iron Lady" -- Japan's Daiya Seto made it a hat- 3. Belarus 1:32.49 a star of the Rio Olympics where trick of world titles with another 50M BUTTERFLY she won three gold medals -- commanding performance in the 1. Chad Le Clos (RSA) 21.98 finished more than two seconds event he has dominated over the clear of her nearest rival to claim past four years. Seto, gold med- 2. Tom Shields (USA) 22.40 the 200m individual medley allist in the multi-stroke 3. David Morgna (AUS) 22.47 crown. discipline at both the 2012 and 400M INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY The 27-year-old had already 2014 short course champion- 1. Daiya Seto (JPN) 3:59.24 lit up the championships in ships, claimed his third 2. Max Litchfield (GBR) 4:00.66 Windsor, Ontario with victories consecutive title to finish in 3. David Verraszto (HUN) 4:01.56. in the 100m medley, 400m med- 3:59.24. Britain's Max Litchfield ley, 200m butterfly and both the won silver in 4:00.66 while Hun- WOMEN 100m and 200m backstrokes. gary's David Verraszto took 200M INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY On Saturday she added to bronze with a time of 4:01.56. 1. Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 2:02.90 her haul, leading from start to Russia, whose men had 2. Ella Eastin (USA) 2:05.02 finish to come home in 2min claimed gold in the 4x50 free- 3. Madisyn Cox (USA) 2:05.93 2.9sec, ahead of Ella Eastin of the style on Friday, again 50M BACKSTROKE United States, who touched in demonstrated their relay power 1. Etiene Medeiros (BRA) 25.82 2:05.02. to take victory in the 4x50 med- 2. Katinka Hosszu (HUN) 25.99 Katinka Hosszu of competes in the 200m Individual Medley final on day five of the 13th Another American, Madisyn ley relay. 3. Alexandra Margaret De Loof (USA) Cox, took bronze in 2:05.93. FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) at the WFCU Centre in Windsor Ontario, Canada The Russian quartet of Andrei 26.14 But Hosszu was denied the on Saturday. Hosszu won her sixth gold medal of the meet on Saturday. Shabasov, Kirill Prigoda, Ale- 100M BREASTSTROKE opportunity to claim a seventh ksandr Popkov and Vladimir 1. Alia Atkinson (JAM) 1:03.03 gold medal later on Saturday Morozov finished in 1:31.52, just 2. Lilly King (USA) 1:03.35 when she was pipped for first Hosszu in 25.82sec, with the continued his successful meet the competition. The 24-year- ahead of the United States and 3. Molly Hannis (USA) 1:03.89 place by 's Etiene Medei- Hungarian claiming silver in with his third gold of the cham- old from Durban hit the wall in Belarus. The biggest cheer of the 4X200M RELAY ros in the final of the 50m 25.99. Alexandra Margaret De pionships in the 50m butterfly. 21.98sec, almost half a second night came in the final event, 1. Canada (Katerine Savard, Taylor Ruck, backstroke. Loof of the United States took Le Clos, who had smashed his faster than American Tom where Canada's women's Kennedy Goss, Penny Oleksiak) 7:33.89

Medeiros, the world record bronze in 26.14. own world record to claim gold Shields, who took silver in 22.40. 4x200m relay quartet claimed a 2. United States 7:38.65 holder over the distance, pro- Elsewhere on Saturday, in the 100m butterfly on Thurs- Australia's David Morgan won popular gold ahead of the United 3. Russia 7:39.93 duced a late spurt to edge out 's Chad le Clos day, was once again too hot for bronze in 22.47. States. Russia took bronze. 28 SPORT MONDAY 12 DECEMBER 2016 MONDAY 12 DECEMBER 2016 SPORT 29

Leicester City's Jamie Vardy scores their third Vardy's hat-trick shreds Guardiola's City goal against Manchester City's goalkeeper Claudio Bravo during their Premier League match at London Aleksandar Kolarov and Nolito, "They played long balls. We Two minutes and 15 seconds the King Power Stadium AFP had previously fallen to a stormy knew that. They win the ball, later, City failed to clear a long in Leicester, England on 3-1 loss at home to Chelsea and they were looking for our throw-in and Slimani teed up Saturday. amie Vardy broke his three- lie four points below Arsenal, (defence) and they did well." King to arc a fine shot into the month goal drought with a who beat Stoke City 3-1. "Football is a game with mis- top-left corner. Jhat-trick as Premier League Nolito's late goal spared takes, especially today. Our After Slimani had volleyed champions Leicester City sen- Guardiola from his joint-heavi- game is not bad, but in the box over, Leicester added a third, sationally inflicted a humiliating est league defeat as a manager, we have a lot of problems." Mahrez's exquisite cushioned pass 4-2 defeat on Pep Guardiola's but the game exposed huge flaws With Sergio Aguero and releasing Vardy to round Claudio Manchester City on Saturday. in a defence that has registered Fernandinho banned after being Bravo and roll in his second. At a rain-sodden King Power just one clean sheet in 17 sent off against Chelsea, Guar- City, who remain fourth, Stadium, Vardy hit his first top- matches. diola had to reshape his team, bossed the second half, but flight treble and Andy King also "England is so good at one with Kelechi Iheanacho and Vardy completed his hat-trick found the net to ensure Leices- thing, the second balls. The Fernando selected to deputise. in the 78th minute after seizing ter atoned for their 5-0 counter-attack and the second But his plans fell apart in less on a wretched John Stones back- Champions League mauling by balls. They (Leicester) are so than five minutes as quick-fire pass, rendering Kolarov's Porto. tough on the counter-attack and goals by Vardy and King put the free-kick and Nolito's goal "We wanted to make sure defend so well," said champions in charge. anecdotal. we were competitive today and Guardiola. With less than three minutes Leicester manager Claudio see the team fighting for the "We tried until the end. on the clock, Riyad Mahrez's Ranieri said he had seen "the cause and we have done that," Always in the game there are pass was helped on by Islami Sli- true Leicester". Vardy, whose side climbed to some good things. We tried, but mani for Vardy, who drilled "I said I need warriors and 14th place, told reporters. it is difficult at that level after home his first Leicester goal they showed me what I wanted City, who replied through 2-0 and 3-0. since September 10. to see," he added.

Club America Spectacular Ronaldo awaits to meet Real in World Cup

Suita, Japan fourth Ballon d'Or coronation QNA ilvio Romero starred as Paris FIFA, which will revert to his second-half brace AFP Ballon D'Or bestowing a "Best" accolade of Shelped Mexico's Club its own on January 9 to both America beat South Korean Ronaldo first won the ome 19:00 GMT today, male and female players. side Jeonbuk Motors 2-1 in the award in 2008, but it what looks to be a The Ballon d'Or will hence- Club World Cup, in the match poorly kept secret will was only in 2013 he forth be decided by a vote of 173 played yesterday. officially be out -- added his second and journalists while national team Romero converted a cor- Cristiano Ronaldo will made it a hattrick in captains and managers will no ner kick by Michael Arroyo in Cbag his fourth Ballon d'Or as the 2014. longer have a say. the 74th minute to send his world's top footballer. and Barcelona star team to a semifinal clash with The Real Madrid and Portu- Up to 1994 only Messi landed a record fifth crown tournament favourites Real gal star won the Champions European players last year. A win will lift Ronaldo Madrid on Thursday. League for the second time in were eligible. The first to within one award of Messi's Club America lost to Chi- three seasons and third time non-European to win record haul of five. na's Guangzhou Evergrande overall after one title with Man- it was Liberian star Ronaldo first won the award in the first round of last year's chester United in 2008. George Weah. in 2008 after Premier League tournament. He then led Portugal to their and Champions League triumphs Club America were first major title at Euro 2016 -- Madrid last month to underpin with Manchester United. crowned CONCACAF cham- albeit he went off early through their domination in La Liga. But it was only in 2013 he pions for the second year in injury in the win over . Despite such effusive praise, added his second and he made a row in April, after beating As has been the case for Ronaldo, rested at the weekend it a hattrick the following year. compatriots Tigres 2-0 away almost a decade now, the 31-year- ahead of the Club World Cup in The first Ballon d'Or was won and 2-1 at home in the two- old's main rival will be Lionel Japan, has had some negative by Stanley Matthews, at the time legged final. Messi of Barcelona -- but the headlines -- not least pertaining with Blackpool, who beat Alfredo The Club World Cup fea- Argentine maestro has had by his to accusations of tax evasion. Di Stefano for the inaugural title tures international football's own exalted standards a less than Denying any wrongdoing, he in 1956. six continental champions stellar year both for club and responded by publishing his Up to 1994, only European Cristiano plus a team from the host country with the top prizes elud- financial records on Thursday -- players were eligible. The first Ronaldo smiles nation. ing him on both fronts. showing last year he earned a non-European to win it was the after receiving Ronaldo was spotted mid- bumper €227.2m ($240m). following year, AC Milan's Libe- the Ballon d’Or week in training having dyed his An international consortium rian star George Weah. globe award hair gold in advance and for his of media organisations has From 2007 it honoured the in Zurich, club coach, there can only be one claimed the superstar hid €150m world's best player, with FIFA Mueller ends in man for the crown this year. from image rights in the British under former president Sepp "For me there is no debate. Virgin Islands. Blatter entering into a deal with this file photo 999-minute The Ballon will be for him," Zine- This year marks the end of France Football in 2010 to merge of January 12, dine Zidane said after his six years of joint awards by the Ballon d'Or with FIFA's best 2015. goal drought talisman's hattrick saw off Atletico founders France Football and world player honour.

Berlin AFP Key partners confirmed for Match of Champions homas Mueller was full of festive cheer for Bay- Tern Munich's Christmas The Peninsula Saudi FC and FC Barcelona are two of the party on Saturday after end- most famous football clubs in the region ing his 999-minute goal he Supreme Committee for Deliv- and the world, and their strong ties with drought to help Bayern go top ery & Legacy (SC), Qatar Football Qatar are well known. Football is a glo- of the Bundesliga again. TAssociation and the Qatar Stars bal game, uniting people from all around Mueller scored his first League, hosted a host of key match spon- the world, which is exactly what we at German league goal since the sors of the FC Barcelona vs Al-Ahli match Katara Hospitality do. end of April when he tapped to a signing ceremony at Al Bidda Tower The Match of Champions draws on home Arjen Robben's pass to here yesterday. the inspiration of Qatar’s ambitions in claim Munich's fourth goal in The two teams clash on December 13 world football, and we are proud to be a 5-0 home romp against in a highly anticipated Match of Cham- sponsoring an event that aims to fulfil the Wolfsburg -- hours before pions at Al Gharafa’s Thani bin Jassim same aspirations that we have for Qatar, Bayern's Christmas party. Stadium. its industries and its people. Congratula- "It felt good. It's nice that Nasser Al Khater, CEO of the LOC, tions to the executives of both football the goal drought is now over," welcomed the sponsors and hailed their clubs, Qatar Airways and the Qatar Foot- said the Bayern star who had efforts in preparing to make the game a ball Association for orchestrating such a been scoring in the Champi- major success for the fans who will key highlight on Qatar’s events ons League and in Germany attend. calendar.” internationals. He said: “Firstly I would like to thank Ooredoo has been formally confirmed "But the goal wasn't as everyone who has taken the step to Nasser Al Khater, CEO of the Organising Committee and Salem Ghanem Al as the Official Telecom Sponsor. Chief important to me as some become a key sponsor for the Match of Kubaisi, Chief Corporate Services Officer of Katara Hospitality during the Operating Officer Yousuf Al Kubaisi com- people had made out and I Champions between FC.Barcelona and sponsorship signing ceremony in Doha yesterday. mented: “Having the current La Liga and felt good after our last few Al-Ahli. The match on Tuesday promises Saudi Professional League champions games. to be an exciting one, and without the of Qatar's position as a destination for with the attractive packages we have play in Doha will help inspire football fans "Of course, you want to help of our sponsors this game would not global sporting events. We are pleased to worked with Qatar Airways and Qatar in Qatar, and encourage our next-gen- score, especially when it's have been possible.” join hands yet again with our partners at Airways Holidays to provide regional eration of football stars to work hard and expected from you, but I Qatar Tourism Authority has been Qatar Airways to bring this event to Doha, audiences, promise an unforgettable follow their dreams. This is a huge step didn't make as much of it as elected as the presenting sponsor. Rashed attracting fans of the two teams from experience for Qatar’s visitors this week.” forward for our country’s standing as a some people wrote about it." Al Qurese, Chief Marketing and Promo- around the region to enjoy football, Salem Ghanem Al Kubaisi, Chief Cor- top sporting destination and Ooredoo will Mueller was the tion Officer at Qatar Tourism Authority played in world-class facilities, and sur- porate Services Officer of Katara do all it can to ensure this event is shared league's third top-scorer said: “The hosting of this Match of Cham- rounded by our authentic Arabian Hospitality, “We are delighted to be sup- around the world via our award-winning last season with 20 Bun- pions is testament to the growing strength hospitality. This historical match, together porting the Match of Champions. Al-Ahli Supernet.” desliga goals. 30 SPORT MONDAY 12 DECEMBER 2016 2017 Qatar ExxonMobil Open celebrates 25 years of tennis excellence

The Peninsula The maiden event featured Ger- privilege to welcome our fans once man superstar Boris Becker who won again to Doha in the 25th anniver- eld consistently since 1993, against the backdrop of a semi-final sary of the world-class event, Qatar the 2017 Qatar ExxonMobil victory over Sweden’s Stefan Edberg ExxonMobil Open is a symbol of the H Open, celebrates 25 years of before thumping Croatia’s Goran strategic and enduring partnership top class tennis tournament, one that Ivanisevic in the final, 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-5 between the Energy Company Exx- has become a pacesetter on the ATP to lift the maiden golden falcon onMobil and QTF aimed at taking the World Tour’s 250 series and the high- trophy. sport to higher heights and bringing est prize-money event of the Tour. This time around, another clash the community of Qatar the finest The 2017 tournament will be held between Murray and the defending tennis and entertainment.” from January 2 to 7. champion and world number two Tournament Director; Karim Since its inception, the season- Novak Djokovic of is a very Alami said, “We are happy to wel- opening event which won the award tempting and likely prospect and one come the world once again to Doha. as the best 250 ATP Tour tournament tennis fans cannot afford to miss. Qatar is the hub of global sport and of 2015, has continued to attract Other superstars grazing the we are passionate about tennis. I’ve some of the best players who descend Doha skyline are Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, no doubt that the 2017 Qatar Exxon on the city of Doha at the beginning the 2012 champion and Tomas Ber- Mobil Open will surpass the previ- of every year to display fantastic dych among others. ous editions in all ramifications,”. skills and athleticism on the courts In all, there are 25 direct and Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2017, of the ultra-modern Khalifa Inter- three wild card entries for the tour- Without any doubt, our tournament national Tennis & Squash Complex. nament in addition to four qualifiers has grown over the years to become Just like in the previous years, the in the singles event while the dou- one of the most keenly contested ten- courts are ready to be set ablaze by bles will have.16-teams participating nis event in the region and on the the skills of some of the top players - a tradition that dates back to the ATP Tour and through this event we The defending champion and world number two in the world of men’s tennis at this very first event. could move tennis forward in our Novak Djokovic (left) of Serbia receives the 2017 year’s event with the world number Tareq Zainal, Secretary General region and also helped in develop- QatarExxon Mobil Open award from Tournament one Andy Murray leading the pack Assistant at QTF and the event’s Gen- ing the game with increasing Director Karim Alami in this file photo. of the gladiators. eral Coordinator said, “It is a great interests”

Arsene Wenger London Premier League flank, McAuley was in position AFP Costa's 12th league to snuff out any danger, but he goal gave Chelsea a was too casual and Costa Don't let iego Costa fired ninth successive showed why Conte dubbed Chelsea back to him a "real warrior" this week league win for the the top of the Pre- as he took full advantage. standards slip, first time since 2007. mier League as Muscling McAuley off the the striker's Henrikh Mkhitaryan ball, Costa was suddenly clean Wenger warns Dlate winner clinched a hard- through but there was still scored his first fought 1-0 victory against West work to be down and the Span- Premier League goal Arsenal Bromwich Albion yesterday. iard was up to the task as he Henrikh Mkhitaryan for United but was curled a fine finish into the far scored his first Premier League later stretchered off. corner to send Chelsea back to London goal for Manchester United but the top. AFP was later stretchered off as It was 38 years since In Old Trafford, Henrikh Jose Mourinho's side claimed Albion had left the Bridge with Mkhitaryan left the game on a rsene Wenger believes a timely 1-0 victory over Tot- three points, but Tony Pulis's stretcher after scoring scored Arsenal must maintain tenham Hotspur. side arrived in confident mood his first goal in the League in Athe standards they set In Stamford Bridge, Antonio after winning three of their last Manchester United's jersey, in beating Stoke if they are to Conte's side had been knocked four matches. earning Jose Mourinho much last the course in the Premier out of first place by Arsenal on Caught in Albion's defen- needed three points from Tot- League title race. Saturday, but they reopened a sive web, it was almost half an tenham Hotspur. Wenger's side recovered three point lead over the Gun- hour before Chelsea untangled Mkhitaryan converted after falling behind to claim ners thanks to Costa's superb themselves long enough to Ander Herrera's through ball a 3-1 victory at the Emirates finish in the closing stages at manage their first shot when just before the half hour to end Stadium on Saturday that Stamford Bridge. N'Golo Kante's scuffed effort a frustrating run of four suc- moved them to the top of the PREMIER LEAGUE Costa's 12th league goal in deflected off team-mate Pedro cessive home draws and give table for 24 hours before RESULTS his last 15 appearances gave before drifting just wide. United just a second win in Chelsea claimed their spot Yesterday Chelsea a ninth successive With Chelsea still labouring nine league matches. back after beating West Bro- Chelsea 1-0 West Brom league win for the first time to make the breakthrough after It was his second goal in mwich Albion yesterday. Man United 1-0 Tottenham since 2007. The west London- half-time, Luiz's free-kicks were two games, after he opened his And the manner in which Southampton 1-0 Middlesbrough ers have scored 23 goals and the only source of menace for account for the club against Arsenal held their nerve to conceded just two in that blis- Foster, who saved another of the Zorya Luhansk on Thursday, secure the two-goal victory tering streak, raising hopes of Brazilian's efforts after it but he exited on a stretcher confirmed to Wenger that his a Premier League title in Con- deflected off Hazard. after turning his ankle in a late team are growing increas- te's first season in charge. Conte sent on Willian and challenge by Danny Rose. ingly resilient. While this was far from Fabregas in a bid to spark Chel- United remain 13 points "We finished second in Chelsea's Diego Costa celebrates Chelsea's best effort under the sea into life and the changes paid below leaders Chelsea, but the league last year but I after scoring a goal against Italian, their refusal to be dividends in the 76th minute, closed to within three points believe we have improved," West Bromwich Albion during denied by a stubborn opponent with a helping hand from Albion of fifth-place Spurs and six off Wenger said. their Premier League match suggests they have the required defender McAuley. Manchester City, who occupy "We have to show that on at Stamford Bridge Stadium in character and class to last the When Fabregas played a the fourth and final Champi- a longer term. I believe that London, England, yesterday. pace in the title race. hopeful ball down the right ons League berth. we have created confidence. "I think we are ambitious but what is at stake is to keep urgency levels very high, humility levels very high and togetherness very high. Guardiola facing searching questions as City slump "We have to show that in every single game now. Then we will see where we Manchester pass-and-move crispness of the best the Premier League but asked if he stand." Reuters Guardiola teams and showcasing real would compromise on his philosophy, With little to separate the defensive deficiencies. he said: "I have to improve to solve that, title contenders so far, ep Guardiola was hailed as the best It left City fourth in the table, four yeah, that's true." Wenger is intrigued to see if thing to happen to English football points behind Arsenal and seven points There was also an intriguing Arsenal can make the most of P when he swanned into Manches- off the pace from leaders Chelsea. exchange in light of City's fragility about their impressive form and win ter City at the start of this season and It is far from a calamity for City but his approach to on-field duels. "I'm not the Premier League for the immediately swept all before him with as Guardiola tried to explain away the a coach for the tackles, so I don't train first time since 2004. 10 cultured victories in a row. defeat afterwards, there were hints that, the tackles," he said. "At the minute there is no Yet if that all seemed too good to be after his triumphs in Spain and Germany, As ever, though, Guardiola was pro- difference anyway with the true, City fans now know it really was. he is finding the manic puzzles of the tective about the performance of his other teams, but we are in In the subsequent 15 matches in all com- Premier League rather harder to solve. players, saying: "I'm not disappointed there at the top. No matter petitions, Guardiola's team have won "I have tried to control games so we with them." what the results will be. Psy- just four times. One of those was a stel- concede few goals in my career as a Others are, though. Having been so chologically it is difficult to lar night against Barcelona but they have coach, and here I cannot do that, and I far accorded in Manchester the respect win when everybody expects too often flattered to deceive. have to analyse why," he told reporters his record and reputation as the world's you to win. I believe we want If that was all worrying enough, Sat- afterwards, promising to work overtime leading coach deserves, there were signs to build a momentum and urday's 4-2 defeat at Leicester City was to put things right. in the reaction to the Leicester defeat Pep Guardiola everyone expects you to win positively alarming, a shambolic per- He has always said he would not that any fawning may be well and truly the game, you want to win it. formance with a striking absence of the dilute the way he goes about playing in over. Especially at home." MONDAY 12 DECEMBER 2016 SPORT 31

Sarraayayayayayayay Besbes of Tunisia wins Qatar Grand Prix

Sarra Besbes of Tunisia celebrates her victory in the Qatar Grand Prix at Aspire Zone in Doha yesterday. In the final, Besbes got the better of Violetta Kolobova of Russia 15-8. In the semi-final, the Tunisian defeated Ewa Nelip of Poland 15-6. CENTRE: The podium winners of the Qatar Grand Prix. RIGHT: The gold, silver and bronze medal winners pose for a picture with officials of Qatar Federation.

Germany's El Jaish gain full points as Al Morig takes early lead at Shahaniya draw with Al Ahli Qatar Open The Peninsula Rashidov shines their resilient play rather than from each team and a scoreless liver Morig of Germany technical excellence on the pitch second half meant that both averaged 239 to take A double from Uzbek - found the equaliser through sides left the game honours even Othe early lead in the international Ouadrassi. with a 1-1 draw. Qatar Bowling Open after the Rashidov helps El In injury time, Muaither's It didn’t take long for Al Sha- opening qualifying day at the Jaish to quell the Mahmoud Zatara headed a lob haniya to open their account Qatar Bowling Center in challenge of ball towards Ouadrassi who Abdulla Alyazidi scored in the Doha. newcomers Muaither. flicked one from close range eighth minute. Striker Fahad Morig rolled games of with a short jump near the El Khalfan dribbled the ball in from 244, 247, 278, 178, 243 and Jaish goal-line. the left and attempted a cross 244 in squad 1 to lead the The Peninsula El Jaish goalkeeper Saoud which bounced off a defender 81-player field from 31 coun- Mubarak Al Khater had little back into his path, he then tries with 1434 six-game atar Stars League time to stop the ball on the goal- played it backward to Alyazidi series and to pocket a $300 (QSL) giants El Jaish line though he had the support who calmly passed the ball into bonus for the highest series yesterday relied on a of captain Ali Sanad the unguarded net. of the day awarded by the double from Al-Nuaimi. With six minutes to go to Qatar Bowling Federation. QUzbekistan interna- In the second half, intense half-time, Al Ahli levelled the Morig beat out squad 2 tional Sardor Rashidov to quell battle for ball possession con- scoreline thanks to Ndombe leader Mika Koivuniemi of the challenge of newcomers tinued. But after much slog, QSL Mubele’s fifth goal of the sea- Finland for the top spot and Muaither at Lekhwiya giants El Jaish prevailed after son. Iranian midfielder Mojtaba the bonus by just five pins. Stadium. Rashidov's second goal of the Jabari played a defence splitting The two-time PBA Player of Rashidov opened the scor- match. In the 86th minute, pass to the Mubele, who took the the Year, now the head coach ing for El Jaish in the second defender Yasir Abubakar Isa ball in his stride, beating the off- of the UAE national team, was minute before helping his side produced the near-perfect lob side trap and powerfully shot second with 1429, including find the winning goal late in the ball for a header from the left the ball past the keeper, Khalifa games of 231, 268, 215, 241, second half (86). flank. The ball sailed above the Al Dossari, from close range to 240 and 234, an average of For Muaither, their only goal head of Muaither's Mohamed make it 1-1. The first half ended 238.17. was scored by Ayoub Ouadrassi Medhat and dipped on Rashidov with both sides level pegging. Al Placed 3-5 belonged to in injury time (45 + 1). who easily headed the ball home Ahli enjoyed the majority of the Malaysian bowlers. Two-time The two teams barely set- from close range.Goalkeeper possession and had more shots world champion Esther tled in the game when Rashidov Zaidan could do little to block on goal compared to Shahaniya Cheah was the best of seven found the back of the net with a the well-taken snap-header who were on the back foot after women on the first day with close-range shot. from Rashidov. scoring the early goal. 1371 scratch (228.50 average) El Jaish defender Murad It was points leaders El The second half saw an and 1419 total, including eight Hussein slipped a neat ball Jaish's 9th win of the season excellent double save from Al games handicap each game. towards Rashidov - who under from 11 games. Shahania stopper Khalifa Al Her fellow country- pressure from Ouadrassi - Meanwhile, Al Ahli and Al Dossari as he kept his side in the woman Sin Li Jane toppled Al Ahli Gnuessan Kissito (left) and Al Shahaniya's Nabeel deflected the ball past Basil Shahaniya played out a one-all game. Apart from that, there was 1348 pins and added 48 pins Mohammad vie for ball possession during the Qatar Stars League Zaidan in the second minute. draw at the Al Ahli stadium on little goalmouth action as both handicap to sit in fifth place (QSL) match at Al Ahli stadium yesterday. The match ended in After a numerous exchanges, Sunday. sides seemed satisfied with a with 1396. Sandwiched an one-all draw. Pics by: Baher Amin/The Peninsula Muaither - know for Two first half goals, one point to their name. between the two women was World Singles Championships silver medalist Rafiq Ismail who hit 1400 on the nose. World Singles champion Jesper Agerbo (right) of Den- mark was 24 pins behind Plucky Al Rayyan scrape through Ismail in seventh place with 1376, including a 290, the The Peninsula following a corner kick that had sailed highest game of the opening above the goalkeeper's head. day. Agerbo was sandwiched eigning Qatar Stars League (QSL) For the first time in almost two hours between Swedes Martin champions Al Rayyan yesterday on the pitch, Al Rayyan players broke into Paulsson and Peter Hellstrøm Rrelied on an own goal by Al Wak- smiles as coach Michael Laudrup watched in sixth and eighth place with rah to post a 1-0 win at Saoub Bin from the touchline presenting a somber 1381 and 1373, respectively. Abdulrehman Stadium. look. In the 35th minute, Al Rayyan's Kendle Miles, United It was Al Rayyan's only fifth win of feared striker Soria charged towards the States, was ninth with 1361. the season. goal but defender Mohamed Arafa pro- The best Qatari bowler, Jas- Al Wakrah's Abdulrahman Ahmed duced in a well-timed tackle to kill the sim Al-Muraikhi, rounds out Fakhroo yesterday got the dubious dis- threatening move inside his own box. the top 10 with 1353, includ- tinction of scoring an own goal as Al In the 55th minute, Soria wasted a ing high games of 280 and Rayyan celebrated picking up three golden opportunity to score for Al Rayyan. 257. The top 10 at the end of points. Soria charged into the Al Wakrah box and the qualifying will receive a Playing their first game after the 5-0 dribbled past the goalkeeper - who had first-round bye. With only thrashing at the hands of Al Sadd, Al darted off from the goal-line. two out of 17 qualifying Rayyan - sporting white jerseys and red Al Wakrah defenders Al Fakroo squads in the books, Yaqoub shorts - stitched together a couple of and Sultan Hussain Al-Bareek offered Al-Shatti of Kuwait holds the impressive moves before making their stiff resistance as Soria ran out of gas 34th and last spot to advance first positive move in the 17th minute. while trying to flick the ball into an from the overall standing Veteran striker Sebastian Soria fired open net. Two minutes later, Soria once with 1215 or an average of a bullet towards the Al Wakrah goal but again was provided with a near-perfect 202.50. For comparison, last goalkeeper Mohmad Enyas dived to his pass inside the Al Wakrah box but the year’s qualifying cut was 1355 right to block the shot. Qatar national team forward couldn't find (225.83). Qualifying contin- In a shocking run of play, Al Wakrah the pace to beat defender's Mohamed ues today. The tournament conceded an own goal in the 34th minute. Arafa's lunge that eventually killed the offers total prize fund of Defender Fakhroo - under pressure threat. $155,000 with $40,000 going from Sergio Garcia of Al Rayyan - mis- In the other match, Al Sailiya won 2-1 Al Sailiya's Sayaf Mohsin and Al Gharafa's Vadimir Weiss vie for ball possession to the winner, $20,000 to the takenly tapped the ball into his own net against Al Gharafa. during their QSLmatch at Al Ahli Stadium yesterday. runner-up.