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Sunday, October 9, 2016 Muharram 8, 1438 AH Kohli ends lean GULF TIMES patch with unbeaten ton SPORT Page 6

FINA AIRWEAVE WORLD CUP DOHA Dominant Hosszu hauls in four golds and two silvers ’s Katinka Hosszu was in action in seven events with the Hungarian ‘Iron Lady’ scooping four gold and two silver medals last night, in what was certainly a normal routine for the Olympic champion

By Sahan Bidappa Results Doha Day 1 results t was a familiar story at the Doha Men’s 100m Freestyle leg of the FINA World Cup last 1. Vladimir Morozov (Russia) 45.77s night. At the Hamad Aquatic Cen- 2. Chad le Clos (South Africa) 46.00 tre, Katinka Hosszu was in action in 3. Katsumi Nakamura (Japan) 46.83 Iseven events with the Hungarian ‘Iron

Lady’ scooping four gold and two silver Women’s 200m Freestyle medals on the night, in what was cer- 1. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 1:53.29 tainly a normal routine for the Olympic 2. Madeline Groves (Australia) 1:54.46 champion. 3. Zsuzsanna Jakabos (Hungary) Hosszu won three gold medals and 1:54.67. one silver at the Rio Olympics in Au- gust and is at the peak of her career. But Men’s 50m Breaststroke the 27-year-old has always been queen 1. Felipe Lima (Brazil) 26.14s of World Cup series, bagging medals at 2. Giulio Zorzi (South Africa) 26.47 will. And she continued her dominant 3. Li Xiang (China) 26.71 performance last night in front of a small crowd. Women’s 100m Breaststroke Hosszu started her medal spree by 1. Alia Atkinson (Jamaica) 1:03.18s fi nishing on top in the 200m freestyle, 2. Yulia Efimova (Russia) 1:03.27 coming home in 1:53.29 seconds. Aus- 3. Katie Meili (USA) 1:03.90. tralia’s Madeline Groves and Hungary’s Zsuzsanna Jakabos held a tight race for Women’s 100m Butterfly the remaining two spots on the po- 1. Jeanette Ottesen () 55.93s dium. Groves got her hand to the wall 2. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 56.03 fi rst to claim second with a 1:54.46 over 3. Madeline Groves (Australia) 57.63 Jakabos’ 1:54.67. She had to settle for silver in the 100 Men’s 100m Backstroke metres butterfl y, with Denmark’s Jean- 1. Bobby Hurley (Australia) 50.20s ette Ottesen clocking a 55.93 to win her 2. Pavel Yankovich (Belarus) 50.54 fi rst of two gold medals on the night. 3. Takeshi Kawamoto (Japan) 50.65 In the 50m backstroke, Hosszu and Ukraine’s Daryna Zevina fought a close Women’s 50m Backstroke race, but the Hungarian clocked 26.38 1. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 26.38s seconds over Zevina’s 26.53. 2. Daryna Zevina (Ukraine) 26.53 The 200 individual medley is one 3. Cheng Haihua (China) 27.01 of her signature events and Hosszu cruised to victory with a time of 2:05.77, Men’s 200m Butterfly almost two seconds ahead of second- 1. Daiya Seto (Japan) 1:49.84s placed Yulia Efi mova of Russia. 2. Chad le Clos (South Africa) 1:49.93 Hosszu’s second medal of the night 3. Philip Heintz () 1:52.03 came in 200m backstroke, with Zevina this time coming out on top. The Ukrain- Women’s 200m Individual Medley ian’s fi nal time of 2:01.25 was just slightly 1. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 2:05.77s better than Hosszu’s 2:01.48. Katinka Hosszu in action during the FINA Airweave Swimming World Cup Doha 2016, which is being held at the Hamad Aqautic Centre. 2. Yulia Efimova (Russia) 2:07.29 3. Zsuzsanna Jakabos (Hungary) 2:08.42

Men’s 400m Freestyle 1. Myles Brown (South Africa) 3:39.78s 2. James Guy (Great Britain) 3:41.96 2. Bobby Hurley (Australia) 3:42.44

Women’s 50m Freestyle 1. Jeanette Ottesen (Denmark) 23.84s 2. Brittany Elmslie (Australia) 24.48 3. Katie Meili (USA) 24.63

Men’s 200m Breaststroke 1. Marco Koch (Germany) 2:02.13s 2. Daiya Seto (Japan) 2:05.91 3. Josh Prenot (USA) 2:06.90

Men’s 100m Individual Medley 1. Vladimir Morozov (Russia) 51.75s 2. Philip Heintz (Germany) 52.27 3. Pavel Sankovich (Belarus) 52.68 Japan’s Daiya Seto in action during the 200m breaststroke final. Jeanette Ottesen competes in the 50m freestyle final. Women’s 200m Backstroke 1. Daryna Zevina (Ukraine) 2:01.25s fourth with a timing of 24.74. 2. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 2:01.48 The Hungarian marathon lady In the men’s, reigning World Cup se- ing a 1:49.84 to fi nish ahead of le Clos’ 3. Cheng Haihua (China) 2:07.33 rounded off her night with a gold in the ries champion Chad le Clos had a dis- 1:49.93. 800 freestyle. appointing night by his standards. The Le Clos, however, redeemed himself Men’s 50m Butterfly There was no fatigue on display as South African took one gold and two by winning the 50m butterfl y with a 1. Chad le Clos (South Africa) 22.36s Hosszu touched the wall in 8:27.58, silver medals. 22.36 fi nish. Great Britain’s Benjamin 2. Benjamin Proud (Great Britain)22.57 three seconds ahead of China’s Fang Yi, Le Clos holds the World Record in the Proud and Japan’s Takeshi Kawamoto 3. Takeshi Kawamoto (Japan) 22.62 who took home silver. 200m buttefl y, but the 24-year-old was rounded out the podium with times of In between all the medals she won, pipped to gold by Daiya Seto of Japan. 22.57 and 22.62 respectively. Women’s 800m Freestyle Hosszu just missed out on a podium It was a tight race, with Germany’s In the 100m freestyle, Vladimir Mo- 1. Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) 8:27.58s fi nish in 50m freestyle, coming fourth Philip Heintz jumping to an early lead rozov picked fi rst of his two gold of the 2. Fang Yi (China) 8:30.29 in a race won by Ottesen turning ahead of both Seto and le Clos night. The Russian posted a time of 3. Zsuzsanna Jakabos (Hungary) The Dane stopped the clock at a at the fi rst 50-metre mark. 45.77 seconds to claim his sixth con- 8:31.27. 23.84, fi nishing over half a second But the German was unable to hold secutive gold in the event for the World ahead of the competition. Australia’s off a charging Seto. Heintz held onto Cup 2016 series. Le Clos came second Men’s 400m Individual Medley Brittany Elmslie fi nished second over- second until the 150-metre mark when with a 46.00, while Japan’s Katsumi 1. Daiya Seto (Japan) 4:02.39s all with a 24.48, while the USA’s Katie le Clos moved up to second and began Nakamura fi nished third with a 46.83. 2, Philip Heintz (Germany) 4:04.24 Meili rounded out the podium with a to chase down Seto. The battle of the Morozov later also won in 200m indi- 3. Josh Prenot (USA) 4:05.67 third place fi nish of 24.63. Hosszu was Olympians concluded with Seto clock- vidual medley. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, October 9, 2016 FOOTBALL

WORLD CUP 2018 QUALIFIERS SPOTLIGHT China chief consoles players aft er Ruthless Ronaldo shock Syria upset

AFP all your trouble,” it said on its of- Beijing fi cial account Friday. “With you there, we can face every defeat, and we can over- he chief of China’s come every setback. Keep your hits four; football association head up, we’ll continue the has told the coun- struggle!” try’s players not to China’s beleaguered fans Tlose their confi dence, after have a well-developed sense the team’s embarrassing loss of humour about the travails to war-torn Syria jeopardised of their national side, who hopes of qualifying for the are ranked a lowly 78th in the 2018 World Cup. world and have failed to qual- and Dutch run riot The national side’s 0-1 de- ify for the World Cup since feat on Thursday before a their fi rst and only appearance home crowd of 40,000 in the in 2002. ‘There are eight games left and we want to win them all to reach the World Cup finals’ northern Chinese city of Xi’an In that outing China fi n- had enraged fans, spurring ished winless and goalless, but many to call for the sacking of under China’s president Xi China’s football association Jinping — an avowed football Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his second president Cai Zhenhua. fan — the country has set its goal against Andorra during their World Cup 2018 But he has ignored the calls sights on hosting, qualifying Qualifi cation match on Friday. (Reuters) so far, and sought to reassure for, and winning a World Cup. Team Dragon players they Fans dryly noted that while “absolutely must not lose con- China paid players lavishly, fi dence because of this loss,” the victorious 114th-ranked the Xin Kuaibao newspaper Syrian side had fl own in on a reported Saturday. commercial jet with four layo- “We still have seven games, vers, paid their a coach 2000 you must bring out your fi ght- yuan ($300) per month, and ing spirit. Especially at times lost many players who had fl ed like this (after a loss), you the country’s violence in the mustn’t give up.” past fi ve years. The association told AFP it Others joked in an article would not be making further circulated on WeChat so- comment on the defeat. cial media that if fans had bet China’s national team wrote 1000 yuan against China every a message after the Syria loss match since 1990, they would on their offi cial Weibo social now have 4.59 mn yuan, bet- media account thanking fans ter than investing in stocks or for their “unending cheers” bonds. and “fi ghting by our side”. Though the Syria loss hurt “You are our pride, and to all their chances, China remain our fans who came out yesterday, in the running to reach Russia we’d sincerely like to say we’re 2018, and will face Uzbekistan grateful we have you, thanks for on October 11.

RB boss rules out a New York move for Schweinsteiger

A potential transfer for Manchester United-reject Bastian Schweinsteiger to Red Bull New York has been ruled out by the club’s head of global soccer, according to a report yesterday. “Bastian Schweinsteiger is a great player with a great career. But there have been no conversations, he isn’t and will not be a topic for us,” Red Bull’s Oliver Mintzlaff told German daily Bild. Schweinsteiger has yet to make an appearance for United under new manager Jose Mourinho this season. The ex-Bayern Munich midfielder and Germany captain has been told it will be “very diff icult” to give him any playing time AFP volley in left footed from around 10 men, Jordi Rubio receiving a front for the fi nal time in a thrill- enormously proud and espe- this season. Paris the penalty spot after the An- second yellow card for clattering ing 3-2 away win in Hungary for cially full of desire. Hard work The 32-year-old, whose contract with the Premier League giants dorra goalkeeper could only par- late and hard into Ronaldo, who a perfect six points from six. pays off .” expires in June 2018, has said United will be his ‘last club in ry a Portugal header. punished the away side soon af- The Netherlands, who failed Europe’. ristiano Ronaldo scored Ronaldo, who has struggled ter with another fi ne half-volley Gameiro at the double to make it to the Euros, top the But there has been speculation of a possible move to other clubs twice in the opening to get back to his brilliant best for 5-0. France, agonisingly beaten by group after they defeated Be- in the Northern American Major League Soccer (MLS). four minutes on the way for Real since returning from his Cynical and increasingly des- Portugal in Paris in the Euro fi nal larus 4-1 in Rotterdam. Quincy “We would receive Bastian with open arms,” MLS boss Don to a four-goal haul as knee trouble, was at it again two perate Andorra saw red again in July, returned to the scene of Promes grabbed a fi rst-half Garber told German magazine Kicker. EuropeanC champions Portugal minutes later when he was left when Marc Rebes was the next that heartbreak and got off to the brace for the Dutch. “He would be a leader for many of our young players. Of course, smashed Andorra 6-0 in World totally unmarked on the six-yard to get sent off , again for cutting worst possible start when they France travel to Amsterdam we’re following exactly what happened with Bastian.” Cup qualifying on Friday, while box to rise and head in. down the man of the moment Ro- conceded after just six minutes on Monday for a mouthwatering ‘We know him from the 2014 World Cup, when he played against France recovered from a goal It was only a matter of how naldo. Andre Silva sealed the pun- at the Stade de France. clash with the Netherlands. the USA. down to thrash Bulgaria. many for the home side after ishment four minutes from time. Mihail Aleksandrov stroked Under-achieving Belgium also ‘Plus he played an All-Star game here with Bayern. We are keep- The Real Madrid superstar that, as Portugal belatedly got “We know that Switzerland home from the penalty spot to enjoyed a fi ne home win, Eden ing a close eye on his situation.’ was making his fi rst appear- three points on the board in and the Faroes won tonight and give the Bulgarians a shock lead Hazard scoring a beauty in the Earlier this week, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan ance for Portugal since he was Group B, after losing in Swit- it will be necessary for us to beat in a very competitive-looking fi rst period as they defeated Bos- slammed the way United have treated Schweinsteiger in eff ec- stretchered off injured and in zerland in the opening group them during qualifi cation,” said Group A. But the French stormed nia and Herzegovina 4-0 to go tively ending his tears from the fi nal of Euro 2016 matches. Ronaldo made it the Ronaldo who now has 65 inter- back with two goals from Kevin top of Group H. Old Traff ord career in the summer. and he wasted no time in making perfect hat-trick just 90 sec- national goals. Gameiro — making his fi rst in- European World Cup qualify- The former man said: ‘I believe that Man- up for his three-month absence onds after the break, grabbing “There are eight games left ternational start in almost fi ve ing continues on Saturday, when chester United could 100 per cent benefit from a fit Bastian from international football. his third — Portugal’s fourth — and we want to win them all to years — in a convincing 4-1 win. England host minnows Malta at Schweinsteiger. The 31-year-old took just 73 with a sweet right-footed volley. reach the World Cup fi nals.” “It was a perfect evening. We Wembley for interim manager “If everything you hear and read is true, you can consider it dis- seconds to make his mark. He Andorra’s nightmare evening The Swiss scored in the 89th reacted well and then ran away Gareth Southgate’s fi rst game in respectful. He’s not just some player, and also not only 18 or 19.” was wrestled to the fl oor at a got that bit worse just after the minute to stay top of Group B, with it,” Gameiro, back in favour charge after the departure in dis- corner but then jumped up to hour when they went down to Valentin Stocker fi ring them in at the age of 29, told TF1. “I felt grace of Sam Allardyce.

FOCUS Serbia must contain Austria’s Arnautovic: Ivanovic

Reuters is shaping up to be a fi ercely competitive Belgrade section, with only the group winners guar- anteed an automatic berth in the 32-team tournament in Russia. ustria forward Marko Arnautovic Georgia and Moldova are yet to earn a poses the greatest threat to Ser- point. bia’s hopes of keeping their 2018 Ivanovic headed Serbia’s second goal in a World Cup qualifying campaign 3-0 win at Moldova on Thursday while the onA track, captain Branislav Ivanovic said Austrians twice came from behind to sal- yesterday. vage a 2-2 home draw against Wales thanks The sides clash in Group D at Red Star to an Arnautovic double. Belgrade’s stadium on Sunday and Chelsea The towering 27-year old said he would defender Ivanovic said the outcome could refrain from celebrating if he scored against have a telling impact on Serbia’s bid to reach Serbia and defender Aleksandar Dragovic, their fi rst major tournament since the 2010 born to Serbian parents in Vienna, echoed World Cup. his view. Having played against Arnautovic several “It would be unfair to the fans,” Arnau- times in the Premier League, the 32-year- tovic told reporters. “It will not be an easy old right back heaped praise on the Stoke night for me because there will be a lot of City forward, who was born to a Serbian fa- emotions, but I will play my heart out.” ther and an Austrian mother. Dragovic added: “We are playing against “I have the utmost respect for Arnautovic my parents’ country and most of my family because he has matured in the last year and will support Serbia, but I think my grand- a half or two,” Ivanovic told a news confer- parents will cheer for me.” ence. Ivanovic said his team needed to keep up “He has drawn a lot of attention here their momentum. because of his heritage and in footballing “The match against Austria is incredibly terms, he has perhaps improved beyond the important for both teams as it could deter- quality of the club he plays for,” he added. mine the entire qualifi cation process,” he “We have to close him down and if we do, said. we have a good chance of keeping a clean “In the past few campaigns, we were sheet.” pretty much out of contention after the Wales, Serbia, Austria and Ireland each opening two or three games whereas the have four points from two games in what situation is entirely diff erent now.” Austria’s Marko Arnautovic (R) celebrates with his teammates during their WC 2018 qualification match against Wales in Vienna on Thursday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, October 9, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

REPORT FOCUS Southgate’s England reign begins with USA beat Cuba 2-0 2-0 win over Malta

AFP England, however. London Rashford reception Bertrand was forced off with irst-half goals by Dan- an apparent hamstring injury in historic friendly iel Sturridge and Dele in the 19th minute, which saw Alli earned England a Danny Rose come on, while laboured 2-0 win over Rooney was lucky to avoid sanc- ‘Today we made history. Thanks to Cuba for the hospitality’ minnowsF Malta yesterday in in- tion for an untidy challenge on terim manager Gareth South- Malta skipper Andre Schembri. gate’s fi rst game in charge. England took the lead in the Southgate has stepped into 29th minute with a goal made in (R) of the United States is congratulated by the breach following the depar- Liverpool, Henderson swishing a Jozy Altidore aft er scoring the fi rst goal against Cuba at Estadio ture of Sam Allardyce, who was cross into the box from deep and Pedro Marrero in Havana on Friday. (AFP) brought down by a newspaper Sturridge steering a header in- sting, and saw his side secure a side the right-hand post. second successive World Cup After Hogg had denied Lingard qualifying victory. and Gary Cahill had sliced wide Sturridge and Alli struck from a corner, England infl ated within nine minutes of each their lead in the 38th minute. other at a nearly full but subdued Wembley, but England were un- The Tottenham Hotspur able to swell their lead despite man’s initial attempt was monopolising possession. repelled by Hogg, but he fol- Southgate, who handed a de- lowed in to prod home his but to Manchester United winger second international goal Jesse Lingard, also lost left-back Ryan Bertrand to injury. Southgate’s men circulated It increases the likelihood the ball patiently before Hend- the former England Under-21s erson lit the detonator, charging coach will call up reinforcements to the edge of the box and then ahead of Tuesday’s next Group F ceding possession to Alli. match in Slovenia. The Tottenham Hotspur Southgate will also preside man’s initial attempt was re- over November’s qualifi er against pelled by Hogg, but he followed Scotland and friendly with in to prod home his second inter- before the Football Association national goal. decides who will succeed Al- Hogg saved from Sturridge, lardyce on a full-time basis. twice, and tipped a Rooney free- Malta’s goalkeeper, Andrew kick over the bar early in the Hogg, hails from London and it second half before sliding out to was no surprise he was a central block from Theo Walcott, who fi gure on his return to the city had been slipped in by Lingard. of his birth. He was called into Walcott and Sturridge gave action for the fi rst time in the way to Marcus Rashford and eighth minute, plunging to his Jamie Vardy, the Manchester right to palm away a curling ef- United youngster and Leicester fort from Wayne Rooney. City striker both getting rousing Rooney, deployed in central receptions from the home fans. midfi eld, was upstaged by his Shy of a Lingard shot that fl ew midfi eld partner Jordan Hender- wide, England struggled to cre- son, whose enterprising running ate chances as the game wore on. and incisive passing kept Malta Malta’s Andrei Agius almost on the back foot in the fi rst half. made things interesting with a His lofted pass freed Lingard, late volley that England goal- whose mishit half-volley fl ashed keeper Joe Hart had to turn be- over, and he teed up Alli for a hind. Alli should have made the header that was parried by Hogg, game safe when he was picked with Sturridge wastefully blaz- out by Rashford, but from barely ing the rebound over. six yards out he sent the ball over It was not all plain sailing for the bar.

Portugal’s ruled out of er meeting between the teams en the visitors a scare with two AFP Ex-Costa Rican soccer chief Li pleads Faroe Islands clash Havana in Cuba came in 1947, when the shots off the post before the hosts won 5-2. United States took control in the guilty in US bribery case Valencia forward Nani has been ruled out of Portugal’s World Cup “Today we made history,” said second half. A former Costa Rican soccer federation president charged in a qualifier away against the Faroe Islands tomorrow due to injury, the he United States warmed forward Jozy Altidore. “Thanks Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, US corruption probe involving the sport’s global governing body Portuguese football Federation said. up for their looming to Cuba for the hospitality and making his US debut, made a FIFA pleaded guilty on Friday, admitting he took hundreds of Nani, 29, who played a starring role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph, World Cup qualifying here’s to continuing to improve save on Roberney Caballero’s thousands of dollars in bribes. Eduardo Li, also an ex-member already missed Portugal’s 6-0 defeat of Andorra at home on Friday clash with Mexico with our relations in the future.” shot in the 28th minute to keep of the executive committee for the North and Central American because of a muscle strain in his right leg. Ta 2-0 friendly victory over Cuba Yet while Friday’s game came the game scoreless, and minutes and Caribbean soccer confederation, CONCACAF, pleaded guilty According to an evaluation by the Portuguese football Federation’s on Friday, only the third time in loaded with political symbolism, later thwarted an attempt by in federal court in Brooklyn to charges including wire fraud and health department, the player “is not fit for the match on Monday” history the two nations have met for USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann Aricheel Hernandez. racketeering conspiracy. In court, Li said as president of Costa and would not travel to the Faroe Islands. on Cuban soil. the match was key preparation The US got a fright of another Rica’s soccer federation, FEDEFUT, he accepted bribes to award Portugal began their qualifying campaign for Russia 2018 with a Chris Wondolowski in the for World Cup qualifi ers. kind in the 80th minute, when contracts for media and marketing rights for matches and for 2-0 loss away to Switzerland on September 6. 62nd minute and Julian Green After an hour of frustration, was kicked in sponsoring team uniforms. “I knew that it was wrong of me to They are third in Group B, a point behind minnows Faroe Islands in the 71st scored for the United San Jose Earthquakes striker the head by a leaping Cuban accept such undisclosed payments,” Li said through a Spanish and three back from leaders Switzerland. States. Wondolowski, a halftime substi- player. He was treated on the interpreter. Li, who prior to his indictment was a member-elect to Meanwhile Dutch captain Wesley Sneijder will miss the mouth- The match at the Estadio tute, broke the scoreless dead- fi eld and was able to walk off un- FIFA’s executive committee, also agreed to forfeit $668,000. watering visit of France in Monday’s World Cup qualifier after the Pedro Marrero was the latest by- lock, slamming in a rebound der his own steam. Li, 57, is one of 42 individuals and entities charged in a US investi- midfielder aggravated a hamstring injury in the victory over product of the thaw in relations from a Green attempt saved Klinsmann’s men open their gation that has rocked FIFA. He was among seven soccer off icials Belarus. between the United States and by Cuban goalkeeper Sandy CONCACAF “Hexagonal” World arrested at a Zurich luxury hotel in May 2015. US prosecutors Feyenoord’s Tonny Vilhena 21, will replace the 32-year-old Sneijder, Cuba, after more than half a cen- Sanchez. Cup qualifying competition with allege Li and others engaged in schemes involving over $200mn the Dutch football federation (KNVB) said yesterday, a day after the tury of bitter Cold War enmity. Less than 10 minutes later, it a home match against Mexico in in bribes and kickbacks that were sought and received by soccer Netherlands saw off Belarus 4-1 and they are top of a competitive It is the fi rst time the United was Wondolowski’s low cross Columbus, Ohio, on November off icials for marketing and broadcasting rights to tournaments Group A with four points after two games. States have played in Cuba since across the Cuban goal mouth 11 before facing 2014 World Cup and matches. Seventeen people and two entities have pleaded France, who came from behind to thrash Bulgaria in Paris, are their World Cup qualifying clash that Bayern Munich winger quarter-fi nalists Costa Rica in guilty. In court on Friday, Li said he negotiated a $500,000 bribe, second and Sweden third, also on four points. in Havana in 2008, when the Green — recalled for the fi rst San Jose four days later. of which $300,000 he actually received, to award a Miami-based Sneijder, who plays for Galatasaray and came off at half-time in Americans won 1-0 courtesy of a time since May — seized to slot They’ll play another tuneup unit of Brazil’s Traff ic Group media and marketing rights for 2022 the Belarus win in Rotterdam, had missed training on Monday and goal. home. friendly on Tuesday against New World Cup qualifier matches. Tuesday with the same injury problem. Aside from that, the only oth- The spirited Cubans had giv- Zealand in Washington.

SPOTLIGHT Southgate caught up in tax avoidance dispute

AFP ing for the 46-year-old and for rich clients of Ingenious, a mov- London the Football Association, the ie fi nancing fi rm that has backed English game’s governing body, fi lms such as Avatar but which as they hope to draw a line under is accused of creating artifi cial ngland interim man- former manager Sam Allardyce’s losses to help investors avoid ager Gareth Southgate is controversial exit. tax. among hundreds of rich Southgate takes charge of Following a tribunal ruling clients caught up in a England for the fi rst time in earlier this year, investors are multi-million-poundE tax avoid- World Cup qualifi er against facing a bill for £434mn (482mn ance dispute with British au- Malta, barely a fortnight after euros, $540mn) in unpaid tax, thorities, a newspaper reported his predecessor quit in disgrace plus interest and legal fees, ac- on Friday, on the eve of his fi rst after just 67 days and one game cording to the Mirror. match in charge. at the helm. Ingenious denies it operated Southgate invested in two Allardyce, 61, was secretly as a tax avoidance scheme. partnerships set up by a fi lm fi lmed by undercover report- A spokesman for the FA investment fund, Ingenious, ers giving advice on how to cir- told AFP: “This is a private which is accused by Her Maj- cumnavigate transfer rules and matter.” esty’s Revenue and Customs mocking England predecessor Meanwhile, The Times news- (HMRC) of being part of an Roy Hodgson. paper reported that England elaborate scheme to avoid pay- Appointed England manager captain Wayne Rooney is facing ing tax, the Daily Mirror said. on a £3 million-a-year contract a £3.5mn tax bill after a separate A source close to the former ($3.9mn, 3.3mn euros), Al- fi lm investment partnership England player told AFP he made lardyce also agreed to travel to in which he put his money was the investments in 2004 in good Singapore and Hong Kong as an also accused of tax avoidance. faith and would not challenge ambassador for their fi ctitious “Wayne’s tax aff airs have any tax demand that might arise fi rm for a fee of £400,000. always been conducted in full when the case was resolved. According to the Daily Mirror, compliance with the law,” a But the timing is embarrass- Southgate is one of about 400 spokesman told the newspaper. England interim manager Gareth Southgate. (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, October 9, 2016 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Snedeker blows clear in Fiji wind Hatton fi res 62 to AFP opening round. Suva, Fiji But he then put together a blemish-free run of 49 holes before tripping up with a bo- merican Brandt gey on the 16th in the third Snedeker tamed the round and then immediately wind yesterday to regained the stroke with a take a three-shot birdie on the next hole. open up 3-shot lead leadA on the third day of the “It was a tough day, I did a European Tour-sanctioned Fiji great job of hanging in there. International at the Natadola I hit the ball really well off the Bay Golf Course. tee with one exception and put Battling the breeze, the the ball where I needed to all eight-times PGA tour win- day,” Snedeker said. ner fi red a two-under 70 to go “A three-shot lead in wind with his opening rounds of 69 like this is one hole so I need at Dunhill Links and 65 to pull clear of Austral- to go out there and play a solid ian Anthony Houston who had round of golf like I did today.” a third-round 73. Hendry also mastered the ‘I’ve never actually got to double digits under par before, so I’m very pleased with that’ Overnight leader Matthew wind, going four under with Giles struggled in the wind a 68 while Paddison, who set with the Australian’s three- a course record 64 on Friday, over 75 pushing him back to signed for a 69. England’s Tyrrell Hatton plays his approach shot on the third on 208, one stroke ahead They were followed by Aus- 18th hole during the third round of the Alfred Dunhill of New Zealanders Michael tralian Ben Eccles, who went Links Championship yesterday. (Reuters) Hendry and Gareth Paddison. two-under 70 to be equal Snedeker had little time to with fellow-Australian Brett get the feel of the course after Rankin and South Korea’s In- fl ying in late from America’s hoi Hur who both shot even Ryder Cup victory and had par to be six-under going into a bogey at the second in the today’s fi nal round.

FOCUS South Korea’s Jang takes lead in Taiwan

AFP way and really good score,” she Taipei said. Jang is aiming for her third win of the season after vic- outh Korea’s Jang Ha- tories at the Coates Golf Na fi red a stunning Championship Presented by 10-under 62 yesterday R+L Carriers and the HSBC to take the lead in the Women’s Champions earlier thirdS round of the LPGA Tai- this year. Second place Feng wan Championship. carded a 5-under 67 yesterday Jang pulled off a awlessfl with a three-day total of 206 performance to set a personal to keep just a one-shot lead best scoring record and man- over South Korea’s Park Hee- aged to match her outward 31 Young, who co-led the second despite the bad weather on the round with Jang. back nine. “I would say overall the fi rst Jang extended her lead to few days I’ve done well,” Feng 6-shots over China’s Feng said. Shanshan with a three-day “So I’m just happy that I can total of 16-under 200 at the keep on with my good condi- tournament at Miramar Golf tion. Somebody shot 62 today. and Country Club in New Tai- Maybe I’ll shoot 62 tomorrow.” pei City. Defending champion Lydia “Just be patient (at) every Ko of New Zealand was tied for hole... Just thinking hitting 16th at 4-under with a three- the fl ag and hitting the fair- day total of 212.

AFP event. Hatton’s eff ort equalled his But while Hatton was working at Carnoustie, one of the three hind at the start of the day, so St Andrews, United Kingdom European Tour best after record- his way to the top of the leader- host venues, to move to 14-un- the main goal was to make the ing a similar 62 during last year’s board in the $5mn event, a lot der par. cut with my father as my ama- Konta to meet Radwanska in fi nal European Masters but on a par-70 of attention was on his amateur “It was a decent round of golf teur partner,” said 2010 winner Britain’s Johanna Konta withstood a fightback by Madison ngland’s Tyrrell Hat- host course in Switzerland. playing partner, Jamie Doran, but then you never know what Kaymer. Keys and third seed Agnieszka Radwanska beat Ukraine’s Elina ton equalled the St. An- “This round is clearly the best the Northern Ireland-born actor you are going to get when you “For myself, I’m very pleased Svitolina yesterday to reach to the China Open final. drews Old Course record round I’ve ever had,” he said. and star of 50 Shades of Grey. turn up to Carnoustie,” he said. the way I played today and if Konta beat Keys 7-6(1) 4-6 6-4 victory and will become the first Ewith a blistering 10-un- “I’ve never actually got to “We were all hoping for ‘Car- I’m four or fi ve shots behind, it’s British woman to break into the top 10 of the WTA rankings since der par 62 to move three shots double digits under par before, The German pair of dou- nicely’ and not ‘Car-nasty’. We fi ne. It’s going to be an interest- Jo Durie in 1984. clear on day three of the Alfred so I’m very pleased with that. ble Major winning Martin got ‘Car-nicely’ as it was a beau- ing Sunday, any ways.” Radwanska, the 2011 champion, secured a 7-6(3) 6-3 victory over Dunhill Links Championship. “The goal now is to get a win. Kaymer (65) and Florian tiful day to play the place.” However, there will be no Sun- Svitolina, who upset world number one Angelique Kerber earlier Hatton, who turns 25 next Fri- But then it’s been a really con- Fritsch (65) are next best in South African Richard Sterne day play for Masters champion in the tournament, in one hour 41 minutes. day, capped his round of 10 bird- sistent year, and it would be nice fi ft h spot at 12-under par (65) and Sweden’s Joakim Lager- Danny Willett who continued to Keys committed 47 unforced errors against the 11th-seeded ies with three in succession from to have a good fi nish.” gren (69), and both competing at struggle signing for a third day Konta, who will move up to eighth place in the race to qualify for his eighth hole and then another The current world number 53 “It’s good fun playing along- St. Andrews, share third place on 76 at St. Andrews and slumping the season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore. pair on his closing two to move to has enjoyed six top-10s in his 17 side Jamie Doran as there were 13-under par. to a share of 143rd place at four “I’m definitely enjoying my time here. It’s my first time in Beijing 17-under par. European Tour events this year, big crowds out there all three The German pair of double over par. and I hope to play many more times here. It’s an amazing atmos- His eff ort over the course, capped by being runner-up in days, so it’s all been good fun,” Major winning Martin Kaymer Joining him in missing the cut phere, such a beautiful stadium, it’s a real pleasure to play here,” that also hosted last year’s Brit- July’s Scottish Open and then said Hatton. (65) and Florian Fritsch (65) are was Ryder Cup teammate, Lee Konta told reporters. “She’s (Keys) such a high-quality player, ish Open, matched a 62 recorded fi nishing in a tie for fi fth a week Fellow Englishman Ross next best in fi fth spot at 12-un- Westwood who improved with a has such a weight of shot -I just tried to run down as many balls by three others including com- later in his very fi rst British Open Fisher let slip his overnight one- der par. 69 after Friday’s shock 82 to end as I could and tried to take the chances I got.” patriot Paul Casey in the 2013 appearance. stroke advantage in adding a 69 “I was quite a few shots be- his challenge at 10-over par.

CHINA OPEN Murray continues Djokovic chase by reaching fi nal

Reuters far this week. I’ll try to play another his fi rst two ATP titles this year, is yet Beijing high-level match tomorrow. to drop a set in the tournament and he “But it’s very positive leading into overpowered the French second seed Shanghai. Hopefully I can fi nish the in one hour 30 minutes. op seed Andy Murray con- year strong.” “It was an unbelievable match, tinued his pursuit of Novak Murray leads Dimitrov 7-3 in head- we both played very well. The crowd Djokovic in the race to end to-heads but did lose to the Bulgarian loved it and we both had a lot of fun the year as number one in the this year in Miami. out there. Not many people on tour TATP rankings with a crushing 6-2 6-3 Big-serving Raonic was forced to can hit the type of shots Gael can,” defeat of Spain’s David Ferrer to reach play twice on Friday, beating Tunisia’s Kyrgios told the ATP website (www. the fi nal of the China Open yesterday. Malek Jaziri and Pablo Carreno Busta atpworldtour.com). The 29-year-old, yet to drop a set in to advance to the last four and he sus- “He’s an unbelievable entertainer Beijing, clocked up a seventh succes- tained the injury during the win over and athlete. We play diff erent games. I sive victory over the dogged Ferrer to the Spaniard. rely on my serve more, but I want set up a fi nal against Bulgaria’s Grigor “Yesterday during my second to work to become as athletic as he Dimitrov. match in the evening, I rolled over my is and also be an entertainer like Dimitrov was given a walkover in ankle, obviously caused it some level him.” his semi-fi nal after Canada’s Milos of a sprain,” the Canadian told the Belgian Goffi n, who will play his Raonic withdrew due to an ankle in- ATP website. fi rst ATP fi nal of the season today, jury. “I did a test this morning, which trailed 5-3 in the opening set, but With Djokovic not defending his showed I had a partial tear on the out- he broke back and won the next four title in China because of an elbow side of my ankle. I was told to give it a games against Croatian Cilic, the 2014 problem Murray could close the gap try. I tried to warm up just before the U.S. Open champion. to 1,555 points if he wins the title – a match like I would normally, and I was “I didn’t play my best tennis at the sizeable gap but that the British player unable to play.” beginning of the week, but match by could overturn with a strong fi nish to match I was able to fi nd my rhythm,” the season. Kyrgios to meet Goff in Goffi n said. “I felt like if I could fi nd a way to get in Japan Open final “I was looking to play the ball deep through the fi rst couple of matches, Sixth seed Nick Kyrgios battered with pace, since it was not easy to I’d start to feel better and play bet- Gael Monfi ls 6-4 6-4 and David Gof- generate angles when I’m trying to re- ter here,” Murray, who has had an fi n outlasted Marin Cilic 7-5 6-4 yes- turn his serve. In the second set, espe- exhausting summer in which he won terday to advance to the Japan Open cially, I was winning many points hit- Wimbledon and the Olympics, said. fi nal in Tokyo. ting down the middle as he got more Andy Murray of Britain gestures after winning a point against David Ferrer of Spain during their men’s singles semi-final of the “Thankfully that’s been the case so Australian Kyrgios, who captured tired.” China Open in Beijing yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, October 9, 2016 5 SPORT

FORMULA 1 ANGRY Seething Hamilton snubs media in Japan Rosberg grabs pole AFP Suzuka

ewis Hamilton stormed out of a press briefi ng after Japanese qualify- ing yesterday, protest- to keep Hamilton Ling what he called “disrespect- ful” coverage of the triple world champion earlier this week. The peeved Briton was widely criticised by international me- Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. dia for fi ddling with his mobile phone throughout Thursday’s are super-supportive of me,” said FIA news conference at Suzuka. Hamilton huffi ly. under pressure After being pipped to pole po- “But there are others, unfortu- sition by Mercedes team-mate nately, who often take advantage Nico Rosberg, Hamilton let rip. of certain things. Unfortunately ‘The end of qualifying was pretty intense but I had a good feeling — I knew if I put in a “I’m not actually here to an- the decision I take aff ects those swer your questions, I’ve decid- who have been super-supportive. decent lap then it should be enough. I still need to get the job done on the start...’ ed,” he sniff ed. “But, yeah, I don’t plan on sit- “The other day was a super- ting here many more times at lighthearted thing and if I was these kind of things,” he added disrespectful to any of you guys, before turning on his heel. “So my or you felt I was disrespectful, it apologies, and I hope you guys en- honestly was not the intention. joy the rest of your weekend.” “It was just a little bit of fun,” Hamilton’s focus was called added Hamilton, who was robbed into question following his Ma- of victory in Malaysia last week- laysia nightmare last week after end when his engine caught fi re, he hinted that his third power leaving him 23 points behind Ros- unit failure of the year may have berg in this season’s Formula One been the result of sabotage from title chase with fi ve races left. within his Mercedes team. “But what was more disre- Those remarks drew a sharp spectful was what was then writ- response from the team, with ten worldwide.” technical chief Paddy Lowe hit- Hamilton spent much of the ting back that “anyone with an time uploading selfi es of himself ounce of intelligence” could see and photos of rival drivers to his such claims would be false. Snapchat account at Thursday’s Hamilton clearly did not want news conference, adding cartoon to address the subject upon ar- bunny ears and whiskers, spark- rival in Japan and when asked ing a fl urry of criticism on social what it was he found so amus- media. He also drew criticism for ing during Thursday’s FIA press posting the message: “This shit conference, at fi rst he pretended is killing me.” not to hear the question. “Just “With the utmost respect, some snaps of us drivers,” he said there are many of you here who fi nally. “It’s quite funny.”

Vettel plays down Ferrari boss’s comments on future Sebastian Vettel said he had distracted by other aspects of nothing to sort out with Mau- the team’s operation. rizio Arrivabene, playing down Vettel, 29, joined Ferrari at the comments the Ferrari team start of last season, hoping to principal made that the Ger- emulate boyhood idol Michael man had to earn his place at Schumacher by turning the Italian Formula One team. the sport’s most successful “I know that there is nothing season into a championship- between us, nothing that we winning force again. need to sort out,” Vettel, who The partnership won three said he was not aware of the races in their first year comments, told reporters at together, becoming the only Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Nico Rosberg (R) celebrates taking pole position next to his teammate Lewis Hamilton (L) after the qualifying session at the Japanese GP. the Suzuka circuit yesterday team apart from Mercedes to after Japanese Grand Prix stand on the top step of the AFP nail-biting fi nish to qualifying. Grid (Top 10) second Haas of Esteban Gutierrez round- qualifying. podium. Suzuka Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen will start ed out the top 10. “I enjoy a really good relation- But an expected title chal- from third in today’s race, next to Dutch 1. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) There was frustration for McLaren ship with him and I think if lenge has failed to materialise teenager Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. 2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) in engine supplier Honda’s home race, there’s something that I don’t this year with Ferrari slipping ico Rosberg stormed to pole “I knew I could do it. I just had to get 3. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) however, with Fernando Alonso starting like, I tell him and equally the back behind Vettel’s former position at the Japanese Grand my head down and nail it,” said Rosberg 4. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) on row eight and Jenson Button one row other way around,” the four- team Red Bull. Prix in a pulsating climax to after securing his eighth pole of the year, 5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) behind after failing to escape the fi rst times world champion said. The German, who retired on yesterday’s qualifying, piling the same number as Hamilton. 6. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) qualifying round. Arrivabene, speaking to the opening lap of the last race Nyet more pressure on world title holder “The end of qualifying was pretty in- Hamilton insisted he could still halt 7. Sergio Pérez (Force India) broadcaster Sky Sports Italia, in Malaysia after shoving Nico Lewis Hamilton. tense but I had a good feeling — I knew 8. Romain Grosjean (Haas) Rosberg’s surging momentum by win- made the comments in refer- Rosberg’s Mercedes into a spin, The German, who has a 23-point lead if I put in a decent lap then it should be 9. Nico Hülkenberg (Force India) ning today’s race, having done exactly ence to Vettel’s future. has also come in for criticism over Hamilton in the Formula One cham- enough,” added the German, whose slen- 10. Esteban Gutierrez (Haas) that in Japan the past two years. “Each of us has goals,” Ar- from the Italian media. pionship with fi ve races to go, will start der edge over Hamilton was calculated “I did as well as I could I think,” said rivabene said, adding that a “As much as the team wants alongside his British foe on the front row by Mercedes to work out to just 82 cen- Hamilton, who courted controversy this decision on Vettel’s contract, to perform, I want to perform,” as the two Mercedes continued to domi- timetres. “I still need to get the job done Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel was week by hinting his Malaysia heartbreak which is up for renewal at the said Vettel, who qualified nate in Suzuka. on the start tomorrow, then race pace, fourth fastest for Ferrari but a three- may have been caused by sabotage from end of next season, would be fourth behind team mate Kimi Rosberg has been quickest all week- strategy. We’re feeling good about it and place grid penalty for a fi rst-corner crash within Mercedes. made during 2017. Raikkonen in Japan but will end with Hamilton forced to play sec- we think we can be quickest tomorrow.” with Rosberg in Malaysia means he starts “History has shown you don’t have to “So it is only right that anyone, drop three places on the grid ond fiddle after being cruelly robbed of seventh. be on pole to get the win.” no matter who it is, earns their as punishment for colliding victory in Malaysia by a blown engine REVERSAL OF FORTUNE Daniel Ricciardo, who inherited victo- The Briton bristled when asked if he place and their salary,” Arriva- with Rosberg at Sepang. six days ago. Rosberg, chasing his fi rst win in Japan and ry in Sepang after Hamilton’s misfortune, was too hard on his engines. bene added. “I had races this year where The triple world champion asked ques- his fourth in his last fi ve races, is hoping for lines up fi fth ahead of Force India’s Sergio “For people’s reference there’s noth- He suggested Vettel needed I didn’t do so, I wasn’t happy tions of his fi erce rival, but Rosberg showed a reversal of fortune at Suzuka after fail- Perez, while Vettel starts alongside Ro- ing wrong with my driving style,” sniff ed to focus on getting the most with myself because there was nerves of steel to produce a blistering lap ing to convert pole into victory in 2014 and main Grosjean’s Haas on the fourth row. Hamilton. “I asked the team and it’s of the car and not get more on the table,” he added. that pipped Hamilton by just 0.013s in a 2015, both times losing out to Hamilton. Nico Hulkenberg’s Force India and the the case, it never has been.”

BASEBALL Cubs win pitching duel against Giants

AFP vision Series which resumes Saturday. Troy Tulowitzki, Kevin Pillar, Los Angeles Cubs starting pitchers topped the Ezequiel Carrera and Edwin Encarna- major leagues this season with 81 vic- cion all homered for Toronto off Japa- tories and a 2.94 ERA. nese ace Darvish. avier Baez blasted an eighth in- Friday was no diff erent as left- Shortstop Tulowitzki set the tone ning solo home run as the Chica- hander Lester gave up fi ve hits, struck when he smacked a two-run blast in the go Cubs won a pitching duel over out fi ve and walked none in a precision second inning to put Toronto up 2-0. the San Francisco Giants with a 86-pitch outing. The Rangers trimmed the defi cit to 1-0J victory at Wrigley Field on Friday. “It was awesome playoff baseball. I 2-1 in the fourth. The solo shot by Baez came off Gi- am obviously really happy to be on the But Toronto centre fi elder Pillar ants starter Johnny Cueto and broke winning side,” Lester said. opened the fi fth with a solo homer to left. open a scoreless contest, allowing Cubs Lester departed for pinch hitter Carrera followed with a homer and En- starter Jon Lester to take the victory in Tommy La Stella with two out in the carnacion ended the burst with another game one of the Major League Baseball eighth. solo homer in the fi fth that made it 5-1. playoff series. Cueto, who took the loss, otherwise Texas scored twice in the eighth, one “This guy was written off as a hitter,” had a solid three-hit performance. run coming when Carlos Gomez lined Lester said of Baez.”But at times this He struck out 10 while walking none. a single that hit Jays pitcher Francisco year he has carried us on both off ence The Giants, who defeated the New Liriano in the back of the neck. and defence. York Mets in the wild card game to He departed the game, but was able “Tonight with a big swing he got us reach the NL Division Series, are trying to walk off under his own steam and on top 1-0.” to stretch their run of even-year playoff was treated in hospital before being re- In the other National League playoff magic, after winning World Series titles leased. contest, Corey Seager and Justin Turn- in 2010, 2012 and 2014. In Washington, Seager hit a solo er hit home runs as the Los Angeles homer in the fi rst and Turner had a Dodgers beat the Washington Nation- DARVISH GIVES UP 4 HOMERS two-run shot in the third — both off als 4-3 in their series opener. Chicago Cubs’ Javier Baez (9) acknowledges the crowd after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants. In Arlington, Texas, the Blue Jays hit Max Scherzer — as Los Angeles defeat- In American League games Friday, four home runs off Texas pitcher Yu ed the Nationals. Cleveland and Toronto moved to within Texas Rangers 5-3. ries title in more than a century. ground out to second baseman Baez to Darvish and seized a commanding lead Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw was one victory of advancing to the next The Cubs compiled the best regular Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman al- seal the win and earn a save. in their best-of-fi ve series. also hit hard as he allowed three runs round as the Indians routed the Boston season record in the major leagues (103- lowed a two-out double to Buster Posey The victory gave Chicago a 1-0 lead They will try to close things out at and eight hits with seven strikeouts on Red Sox 6-0 and the Blue Jays beat the 58) in their quest for their fi rst World Se- in the ninth, but got Hunter Pence to in the best-of-fi ve National League Di- home tomorrow. 101 pitches over fi ve innings. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, October 9, 2016 CRICKET

3RD TEST/ INDIA vs NEW ZEALAND Dream ODI debut for Ball

AFP Kohli ends lean patch Dhaka ast bowler Jake Ball made a dream debut in Dhaka by becom- Fing the first England bowler to take five in his first one-day international during Friday’s 21-run win against Bangladesh. Bangladesh, replying to England’s with unbeaten ton as 309-8, appeared to be coasting towards their target with opener Imrul Kayes (112) clubbing a century and racking up a 118-run partnership with all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. With the hosts needing 39 runs off 52 balls, Ball helped England claw their way back into the fight by removing Shakib, India end Day 1 at 267-3 who played one of the finest innings of his career before going for 79 off 55 balls. Ball bowled young Mosaddek Hossain ‘We will try to bat as long as possible tomorrow. The kind of position we are in, we will look to get off the next ball and completed the dramatic win with the of Taskin 400 and if we don’t lose quick wickets tomorrow and continue like we are doing, we will keep batting. Ahmed as England claimed the last six wickets for 17 runs to dismiss Bangla- We hope for a big total and when our spinners bowl we expect some more help from the wicket’ desh for 288 runs. The visitors have a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. “It was a debut you can’t forget really,” Ball said after Friday's match. “It was a dream debut.” Ball, whose only Test match to date Indian captain Virat Kohli celebrates after has been against Pakistan in July, also reaching his 13th Test century during praised the England dressing room. the first day's play of the third Test at the “I think it’s a really nice dressing room Holkar Stadium in Indore yesterday. (AFP) to be in,” he said. “The first thing I noticed is how much of unit everyone is as they all back each other. Confidence is really high. “We play a brand of cricket that we believe ourselves and back ourselves. We did that today and managed to come out on top.” A fierce competition to get a place in the starting line-up also helped him, said the Nottinghamshire man. “The players on the sideline would probably walk into another team,” he said. “It makes you keep performing. There are always people snapping behind you to come into the team.” England play Bangladesh in the second one-day international at the same Dhaka venue today. The two teams then move to Chittagong for the third and final match of the series on October 12.

Aussie ‘mystery’ spinner Gleeson passes away at 78 ustralian cricketer John Gleeson, who mystified batsmen with his unique Abent finger spin, has passed away aged 78, Cricket Australia said yesterday. Gleeson played 29 Tests between 1967 and 1972, and debuted for his country in the 1967- AFP all parts of the Holkar Stadium. home and celebrated his hundred. India lost both its openers in the below three was a good achievement. 68 Test series against India in the first Test at Indore Rahane, who seemed to gain con- New Zealand skipper Kane Wil- morning session with the returning Couple of quick wickets tomorrow the Adelaide Oval. He captured 93 wickets in fi dence from the free-fl owing Kohli liamson, who returned to lead the side Gautam Gambhir (29), who was play- we’re still in game,” said Neesham. his Test career at an average of 36.20. at the other end, brought up his fi fty after missing the second Test with a ing after a two-year gap, The hosts, who took a 2-0 lead af- Gleeson used a unique “bent-finger” kipper Virat Kohli struck form — the tenth of his Test career — with a viral infection, juggled his bowling letting go of a good start. Pace spear- ter winning the second Test in Kolkata action using two fingers — a bent middle with a gritty century as In- six off Jeetan Patel. options but Kohli and Rahane held head Trent Boult cut short Gambhir’s last Monday, have set their sights on a finger and the thumb pressing against the dia ended the opening day’s “Virat played a very good innings fort. The hosts did not lose a single breezy knock, which was studded whitewash against the tourists. ball on both sides in an attempt to extract a play on a commanding 267 for and got the fi rst century (from either wicket in the space of 34 overs in the with three fours and two sixes, after new variety of bowling tricks. threeS against New Zealand in the third side) in the series and Ajinkya too fi nal session as the batting duo enter- trapping the left-handed batsman “John captured the imagination of cricket and fi nal Test in the central Indian city batted well,” number three batsman tained the raucous home crowd. lbw on an incoming delivery. Scoreboard fans everywhere as he bamboozled bats- of Indore yesterday. Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored 41, “We will try to bat as long as pos- Boult, Santner and Patel, who India (1st innings) men with his odd bowling grip, borrowed The hosts, who elected to bat fi rst, told reporters. “Their partnership was sible. The kind of position we are in, struck fi rst after sending back Murali M Vijay c Latham b Patel ...... 10 from another mystery 1950s Australian rode on an unbeaten 167-run partner- crucial and if it carries on (tomorrow) we will look to get 400 and if we don’t Vijay for 10, shared a wicket apiece in G Gambhir lbw b Boult ...... 29 spinner, Jack Iverson,” Cricket Australia chief ship between Kohli (103) and Ajinkya it will be good for us.” lose quick wickets tomorrow and con- the 90 overs of play. C Pujara b Santner ...... 41 executive James Sutherland said. Rahane(79) to gain control of the in- The 27-year-old Kohli worked hard tinue like we are doing, we will keep New Zealand allrounder James V Kohli (batting) ...... 103 “We were deeply saddened to hear of nings after early losses. in the initial part of his innings but batting. We hope for a big total and Neesham, who was added to the A Rahane (batting) ...... 79 John’s passing and are truly appreciative of Kohli recorded his 13th Test ton in grew in stature after getting past fi fty when our spinners bowl we expect starting lineup in place of Neil Wag- Extras (b1, lb2, nb2) ...... 5 his contribution to the game, which, beyond 48 matches after a string of low scores and his assured stroke-making soon some more help from the wicket on ner, said the visitors were in with a Total (3 wickets, 90 overs) ...... 267 his distinguished playing career, included time in his last seven innings since his fi rst dominated the New Zealand bowling. day two and three,” added Pujara. chance provided they strike early on Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Vijay), 2-60 as an administrator with World Series Cricket. Test double hundred against West In- Kohli tapped a rising delivery from Earlier, in post-lunch play, number day two. (Gambhir), 3-100 (Pujara) “He will be remembered as someone who dies in July. The top-order batsman, Matt Henry to run a quick single that three Pujara was bowled off a beauty by “I don’t know if we could have done Bowling: Boult 16-2-54-1, Henry 20-3- played for his country at the highest level and, who tackled the New Zealand bowlers saw a direct hit at the non-strikers left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner for it a whole lot diff erent with the ball, 65-0, Patel 24-3-65-1, Santner 19-3-53-1, with his unique skills, had the ability to regularly with excellent footwork, hit the ball to end but the star batsman scampered 41. He had put on 40 runs with Kohli. stuck at it well... Keeping the run rate Neesham 11-1-27-0 (2 nb) dumbfound the best batsmen in any team.” WARM-UP GAME Pakistan include in-form Azam for day-night Test Bishoo shines in tour game AFP his prolific form. “We felt Azam did from October 21 while the final AFP Ahmed (63), Shan Masood (58) Karachi very well on the big stage and is Test is in Sharjah from October 30. Sharjah and Ahmed Shehzad (52) all got in good form so we have included The opening match, in Dubai good starts but failed to score big him in the team so he could be from October 13, will only be the in their attempts to stake Test akistan included in-form groomed,” Inzamam said. second Test played under lights eg-spinner Devendra Bi- claims. Opener Mohamed Ha- Babar Azam for the first Test The selectors have dropped and with a pink ball, instead of shoo grabbed three wickets feez fell for nought in the third Pagainst the West Indies yes- misfiring openers Mohamed the usual red. Australia played Las West Indies geared up for over in his attempt to regain the terday, Asia’s first day-night match Hafeez and Shan Masood from the first-ever day-night Test in the Test series against Pakistan place he lost at The Oval on Paki- to be played with a pink ball. the 15-man squad which levelled Adelaide in November last year in with a three-day tour game start- stan’s tour of England in August. The 21-year-old batsman notched the four-match Test series against an attempt to beef up dwindling ing in Sharjah. The 30-year-old Masood was also dropped on that up 360 runs during the West England 2-2. crowds for the five-day matches. from Guyana fi nished with 3-77 tour while Shehzad was not se- Indies one-day series that ended Inzamam explained the axing Left-arm spinning all-rounder in 29 overs as a Pakistan Cricket lected for the England trip. Wednesday. Azam, who has played of other regular openers. “We con- Mohammad Nawaz, who has yet Board Patron’s XI scored 241-5 Iftikhar, who replaced Hafeez 18 one-day internationals and four sulted the captain (Misbah-ul-Haq) to play a Test, is also part of the on the fi rst day, played with a at The Oval, hit six boundaries Twenty20s, has yet to play a Test. and coach (Mickey Arthur) and Pakistan squad. pink ball because it is a day-night and two sixes before he became Senior batsman Younis Khan they wanted the same combina- game. At close, Asif Zakir was un- one of Bishoo’s wickets. Masood will, however, miss the first of the tion which played in the Oval Test Squad: beaten on nine and Adnan Akmal was run out after smashing two three Tests as he continues recov- where Azhar Ali and Sami Aslam Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Azhar Ali, was 26 not out after the Patron’s sixes and three fours while Sheh- ering from dengue fever. had opened,” said Inzamam of Sami Aslam, Asad Shafiq, Babar XI won the toss and batted. zad was caught off Bishoo. Skip- The squad for the other two Pakistan’s last Test in August. Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Sarfraz The fi xture is a warm-up for the per Fawad Alam (32) became Tests will be announced later. He hoped Younis would recover Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Mohammad day-night Test—the fi rst in Asia— Bishoo’s third wicket, giving the Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq in time for the second Test. The Amir, Imran Khan, Wahab Riaz, starting in Dubai from Oct 13. West Indies some hope of match- said Azam was being rewarded for second Test starts in Abu Dhabi Sohail Khan, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali For the Patron’s XI, Iftikhar ing Pakistan in the Test series. Gulf Times Sunday, October 9, 2016 7 SPORT

OLYMPICS SUMMIT Sporting leaders want more power for WADA

Reuters WADA’s annual budget of around Lausanne $30 mn, funded partly by national IOC ASKS WADA TO CREATE NEW ANTI-DOPING BODY governments and partly by the IOC, is not enough and IOC President Thomas he International Olympic lympic chiefs yesterday asked ing fight, with their eff ectiveness often the appeals process. He has previously sponsored doping programme and Bach agreed that it would now need an Committee (IOC) wants to the World Anti-Doping agency to limited by conflicts of interest. argued that giving CAS the primary role questioned the agency’s governance. increase. give more power to the World Ocreate a new drug testing body In a statement issued after the sum- on deciding doping sanctions would WADA countered that it has been left “If these reforms were to be imple- Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and called for sports’ top court to rule mit, IOC leaders called for the creation increase transparency and consistency dangerously under-resourced. mented 100 per cent, this would mean Tin the fi ght against drug-cheating by substantial commitments and a sub- on doping sanctions, moves aimed at “of a new anti-doping testing authority”. within the global anti-doping eff ort. But by maintaining its supervisory role athletes, it said yesterday. curbing the powers of federations. That body will be created by WADA, with In a clear indication that the IOC wanted in the global anti-doping fight and by stantial increase in the tasks and re- The IOC said it was agreed at a The proposals to overhaul the global an- the Montreal-based organisation retain- to limit the role of federations, the summit leading the eff ort to forge a new testing sponsibilities of WADA,” Bach said in a meeting of world sports leaders that ti-doping fight were made at a high-stakes ing supervision and compliance powers resolved “to make anti-doping testing authority, WADA has been assured a teleconference. the WADA should oversee the testing International Olympic Committee (IOC) in the anti-doping eff ort. independent from sports organisations”. crucial role moving forward. He said that national Olympic of athletes while sanctions would be summit in Lausanne that sought to chart a The proposals must still be approved Yesterday’s outcome will be seen by “I’m very happy with it,” WADA chief committees could divert the money decided by the Court of Arbitration for path forward following a damaging crisis at WADA’s meeting next month and by some as a victory for WADA, after its re- Craig Reedie said after the meet. they currently spend on anti-doping Sport (CAS). triggered by the Russian cheating scandal. the IOC’s full executive board, which lationship with the IOC hit historic lows The recommendations “will strength- to WADA and provide it with person- Testing is currently conducted by IOC President Thomas Bach had meets next in December. ahead of this summer’s Rio Games. en WADA. We’re to be given substantial nel, but he did not think that the bill either national anti-doping agencies argued that a spate of recent scandals In a conference call after the meet- Some IOC leaders accused WADA of additional authority and substantial could be passed on to sponsors and or international sports federations, proved international sports federations ing, Bach noted that CAS was “already reacting too slowly to evidence that additional power, so I’m perfectly happy broadcasters. who also decide on the sanctions. had far too much power in the anti-dop- involved” in most doping cases through Russia was running a massive state- with that”, he added. “I do not see this as a solution be- WADA’s role is mainly a regulatory one cause I think it is the obligation and the which includes compiling the list of duty of the sport organisations to fi ght banned substances. The IOC said the proposals would be Reedie told reporters. “We have been ympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. ban on Russians competing in the Rio against doping and to protect the clean The so-called Olympics Summit, put to WADA, which has the fi nal say in given powers on compliance and....we Relations between the IOC and Games due to the country’s doping athletes,” he said. held behind closed-doors at a luxury whether to approve them, at their next are going to produce a whole range of WADA have been strained since record, leaving decisions on individ- “To have sponsors and broadcasters hotel in Lausanne, also proposed that meeting in November. potential sanctions for diff erent de- two independent reports commis- ual athletes’ participation with their paying for anti-doping appears to me WADA should have more control over “We are to be given substantial ad- grees of non-compliance, so that’s in sioned by WADA revealed evidence of sports federations. Last month’s Para- to be not to be the right way, but indi- national anti-doping agencies, and ditional authority and substantial ad- our hands and we will do that.” widespread, state-sponsored doping lympics, however, did ban all Russian rectly it will happen anyway because should supervise national anti-doping ditional power, so I am fairly happy He said it was hoped to have the new in Russia. athletes. our money is comes from sponsors and programmes. with that,” WADA president Craig system in place by the 2018 Winter Ol- The IOC resisted calls for a blanket Reedie has complained that broadcasters.”

SPOTLIGHT CHICAGO MARATHON Chumba, Kiplagat eye repeat triumph Aspire Academy AFP Micah Kogo. Chicago Kogo is still seeking a fi rst marathon victory. He set his personal best of enyans Dickson 2:06:56 in fi nishing fourth in Chumba and Flor- Chicago in 2013. ence Kiplagat aim to Another intriguing defend their titles at challenger is Kenyan Stephen U17 side beats Celta theK Chicago Marathon today, Sambu, making his marathon with 2012 winner Tsegaye Ke- debut. bede out to spoil Chumba’s re- Sambu, who has been out- peat bid in the Windy City. standing in shorter distance Chumba pulled away in the road races since graduating fi nal three miles to lead a Ken- from the University of Ari- yan sweep of the podium last zona in 2012, warmed up for year in 2hr 09min 25sec, with the event with a victory in the De Vigo, Hyundai Sammy Kitwara second and seven-mile Falmouth Road Sammy Ndungu third. Race in August. It was the slowest time In the women’s race, Kipla- ‘The Tri-Series tournament has gone from strength to strength since its establish- in Chicago since 2007 after gat will try to become the fi rst organizers opted not to use woman to win back-to-back ment. It provides the best opportunity to help our student-athletes fulfil their poten- pace-setters. titles since Berhane Adere of The 29-year-old Chumba, Ethiopia in 2006 and 2007. tial and serves as an important stepping stone to further achievements in the future’ who fi nished third in Tokyo in Kiplagat made her decisive 2:07:34 in his only prior mara- surge in the 25th mile last year thon this year, is expected to to pull away from Ethiopians face a strong challenge from Yebrqual Melese and Birhane Ethiopia’s Kebede, whose 2012 Dibaba. time of 2:04:38 was a personal Fellow Kenyan Edna best and then-course record. Kiplagat, who is the only other Kebede is also remembered woman in the fi eld to have run for a thrilling 2010 duel in faster than 2:20, will make be Chicago with Sammy Wanjiru, running in Chicago for the fi rst who emerged with the victory. time, as will Ethiopian Gulume World record-holder Den- Chala. nis Kimetto was initially The other former champion scheduled to race but was in the fi eld is Atsede Baysa, forced to withdraw due to a leg who won in Chicago in 2010 injury. and 2012, while Melese returns Three other men in the fi eld vying to improve on her run- have run 2:07 or better, includ- ner-up fi nish of last year. ing Ethiopian Abayney Ayele Paris Marathon winner — who clocked 2:06:45 in Du- Visiline Jepkesho, who repre- bai this year — and Chumba’s sented Kenya at the Rio Olym- fellow Kenyans Abel Kirui and pics, is also in the fi eld.

BOXING Burns eyes Broner bout aft er victory

AFP that landed on the 26-year- London old Relikh towards the end of the fourth round brought forth cheers from the crowd. cotland’s Ricky Burns The resilient Relikh kept made a successful fi rst pursuing Burns and he landed defence of his World with a couple of heavy punch- Boxing Association es in the 10th round. super-lightweightS title with Three-weight world cham- a hard-fought points win pion Burns went down in over Kiryl Relikh in Glasgow the 12th and fi nal round, but on Friday. only due to a slip rather than Victory took Burns, 33, a punch, and by that stage he closer to a clash with Ameri- had done enough to hold on to can four-weight champion the WBA belt. By Sports Reporter defeated by one goal from the Spanish course, we’re all very proud of what we ries tournament has gone from strength Adrien Broner. After the bout, he quickly Doha side, Celta De Vigo. have accomplished in this tournament. to strength since its establishment. We But he did not have things turned his attention to the The Tri-Series football tournament, a “It’s really a great honour for me to be are, of course, thrilled to see our young all his own way before prevail- prospect of facing Broner in vital part of the Academy’s commitment named the Most Valuable Player in our student-athletes thrive in international ing 118-110, 116-112, 116-112 on Las Vegas. he 2016-17 season of Aspire to enabling the sporting success of its match against Celta Di Vigo, and I will do competitions, with the U17 leading their the three judges’ scorecards for “If the money is right, I will Academy’s Tri-Series—a football student-athletes, provides a chance for my best to show strong games in the future group, and the U16 coming in second with a unanimous points decision. fi ght anyone,” Burns told Sky tournament format that features students to compete head-to-head with and to improve further.” a 4-0 win in the fi rst match. The fi ght was made all the Sports. “Broner, when he is on Tclubs from all over the world that world’s leading football clubs. The number of teams that have visited “This tournament provides the best more emotional for Burns and his game, is a very good fi ghter. compete against the Academy’s teams— The opportunity to play against oppo- Aspire Academy to compete in the Tri-Se- opportunity to help our student-athletes his legion of fans after it was I don’t see the point in going was held from October 3-6, with a thrilling sition from some of the world’s most es- ries tournament has grown steadily since fulfi l their potential and serves as an im- announced Wednesday that all anywhere else. At some point competition that saw the Academy’s U17 tablished footballing countries provides it was launched in 2012. Last year, a total portant stepping stone to further achieve- money from remaining ticket I can get a big fi ght over there.” and U16 football teams compete against exposure to diff erent playing styles, man- of 32 clubs and associations participated in ments in the future.” sales would be donated to the As for his victory over Re- internationally renowned youth clubs, agement philosophies and tactics from the tournament, with more than 30 clubs The selection criteria for overseas teams family of dead boxer Mike likh, Burns conceded: “In the including the Spanish side Celta De Vigo, around the globe. to take part in this year’s competition. taking part in the Tri-Series competition Towell. second round he caught me and South Korean club, Ulsan Hyundai. This in turn sculpts the footballing tal- Participating teams have included major included a strong emphasis on the nature Towell died in hospital last with a couple. This year’s competition, which runs in ents of the young Academy cadets, and football clubs such as Liverpool FC (Eng- of their youth development programmes, Friday after being stretchered “He could whack. I know a season circle from October 2016 till June prepares them as they embark on their land), Paris St-Germain (France), Ajax in addition to their standard of football from the ring in Glasgow the people go on about big punch- 2017, saw Aspire Academy’s U17 football journey to becoming future leading foot- Amsterdam (Netherlands), Zenit St. Pe- and footballing style. previous day. ers all the time but there were team lead the group with 6 points, winning ballers on a local and an international level. tersburg (Russia), Nagoya Grampus Eight During their time in Qatar, representa- Belarus boxer Relikh, some punches there — I can against both sides and netting a total of 5 Aspire Academy’s U17 player Hisham (Japan), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) and tives from the visiting clubs are also invited coached by former world hardly lift my hands tonight. goals in two matches. Ali, scorer of the fi rst goal against Celta Palmeiras (Brazil) as well as national youth to present their philosophy and manage- champion Ricky Hatton, made But we stuck to the game- Whereas the U16 football team started De Vigo, said: “It’s always great to play teams from Canada and Denmark. ment approach when working with junior a strong start as he fully justi- plan, we stuck to boxing. the tournament with an astonishing win at this tournament and face strong teams Commenting on the occasion, Stephan players, which is of considerable benefi t fi ed his pre-fi ght record of 19 “I got the win and that is the that saw young promising talent fi re 4 like Celta De Vigo. Winning against such Hildebrandt from Aspire Academy’s both to coaches at Aspire Academy as well knockouts in 21 wins. main thing. We move on to the goals into Ulsan Hyundai’s net, they were a team was a great achievement and, of Football Department, said: “The Tri-Se- as those of the Qatar National teams. But a straight right by Burns next one.” Sunday, October 9, 2016 GULF TIMES UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS QOC secretary general inspects UCI World Championships venues atar Olympic Committee Secre- tary General, Dr Thani al-Kuwari, Qjoined the Local Organising Committee leadership, Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari and Ahmed al-Hemaidi, in a complete site inspection of the finish line area for the UCI Road World Cham- pionships, beginning today. With the first off icial time trials taking place today and races lasting through till October 16, Dr Thani al-Kuwari was on hand to inspect the key facilities that make up the stadium-like atmos- phere near the finish line. He inspected various venue build- ings such as the Fan Zone, the Hospi- tality Tent, the Mixed Zone, the Press Tents, the Majlis, the TV compound, and other facilities. “I’m very happy, and my first impression of what is going on is more than excellent. I truly wish great success for this event. Also, the Qatar Olympic Committee is 100% behind the UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016,” Dr al-Kuwari said. The UCI Road World Champion- ships is a free event to the public, and will off er water taxis and shuttle serv- ices to fans who wish to experience one of the most important cycling events of the year. Qatar is the first country in the FROM LEFT: Ahmed al-Hemaidi, Dr Thani al-Kuwari, and Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari lead an inspection of Arabian Gulf to ever host the road Dr Thani al-Kuwari looks on at the developments of the UCI Road World Championship venues, the key sporting and fan facilities for the UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016 beginning today. cycling world championship. alongside Ahmed al-Hemaidi of the Local Organising Committee. The event runs till October 16.

FOCUS FIRST DAY, FIRST SHOW Spectacular battles expected in men’s Qatari cyclists set and women’s TTT By Sports Reporter the curvy circuit of The Pearl. Doha The six women that form each team will have to duly coordinate their eff ort. Since the fourth rider is he fi rst day of action at the the one to clock the team’s time, the to experience top UCI Road World Champi- squad can only drop two elements onships will see the men’s before reaching the fi nish line. Team Time Trials (TTT) Canyon–SRAM are the de- followT the women’s, and the com- fending champions. The TTT is petition is expected to be fi erce. a relatively new addition to the The trials will start at 15:20 hours UCI Road World Championships today. Few cycling races are as spec- programme; it was only included tacular, when the most powerful in 2012. Its four women’s editions level competition riders of the world tag along to ride have been won by the team run by as fast as possible for an hour. But it Velocio Sports S.L.U. in its diff er- is not a matter of legs alone—skills ent incarnations: Specialized-lu- Abdullah Afif, Jassim al-Jabri and Farhan Farizi carry local hopes in the prestigious event are also crucial in order to be as effi - lulemon (2012-2014) and Velocio- cient as possible and gain time that SRAM (2015). may prove essential later on. Velocio folded its professional By Sports Reporter The Doha 2016 course is divid- cycling team last winter. Its sport- Doha ed in two main sections. For start- ing director Ronny Lauke set up a ers, the teams will encounter the new squad named Canyon-SRAM fl at, straight road between Lusail that has on its roster several of the he UCI Road World Championships and Doha city, ideal for the squads riders that conquered the TTT Road Doha 2016 is here and the country to work as genuine trains. World Championships in previous is abuzz with excitement. After all, Later on, in The Pearl, harmony years, such as Germany’s Lisa Bren- it is not every day that you get to see will be based on bike-handling nauer or Belarus’ . Tsome of the world’s best men, women and abilities and gradual acceleration junior cyclists take to Qatar’s roads. eff orts to avoid wearing out its el- The host nation will fi eld three riders — ements. After all, teams here are Who to look out for: Abdullah Afi f, Jassim al-Jabri and Farhan formed by six riders and it’s the After placing in the runner- Farizi — for the prestigious competition. fourth one who clocks the squad’s up spot last year at the UCI RWC For 30-year-old Abdullah, taking part in the time on the standings. Disband- Richmond 2015, Boels-Dolmans UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016 is ing too early is devastating for a has excelled this season in the art a dream come true. He joined the team at the squad’s chances of succeeding. of team time trialling. The Dutch last minute, following a groin injury to Ahmed The outcome of this event is al- team has won three of the four Elbourdainy. The rider said he would make the ways tight and breathtaking. Take TTT races it has taken part in this most of the opportunity given to him. the Firenze 2013 race, for instance, year, taking advantage of the huge “Since July I had been training with the where the winning team claimed engines of riders like Ellen Van Qatar national team in Europe. But hon- the title by a mere second! Dijk, Evelyn Stevens and current estly, my appearance at the UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016 is quite unexpected. Personally, this is a great op- portunity for me and I promise every- one to do my best,” said the senior rider. Abdullah will compete in the Elite Men’s In- dividual Time Trial on October 12. Qatar national team coach Tareq Ismaili, himself a former rider, was pragmatic and said that while the Qatari riders are not as BMC Racing Team, the defend- Road Race UCI world champion experienced as the world’s best riders, they ing champions, set the UCI RWC Lizzie Deignan. will be aiming to perform well on home soil. TTT as a real goal three years ago, The only team that has beaten “People should understand that competi- commissioning its then-rider Boels-Dolmans is the Ameri- tions at this level are very tough. Europe has Marco Pinotti to become a coach can outfi t Twenty16-Ridebiker, a long and rich history in cycling and it’s very with the sole task of making the which defeated the Dutch squad tough to beat riders from that continent. But team excel in this type of race. back in May at the Amgen Tour of having said that, Abdullah has been training This Swiss-American outfi t de- California TTT. Led by Kristian for some time in , Croatia and Slovenia. livered its fi rst title at Ponferrada Armstrong, who claimed the gold I’m sure he’ll fi ght hard to put up a competi- 2014, and went on to win again medal at the ITT tive show,” he said. at Richmond 2015. Claiming its this summer, the team also fea- Jassim, who is 18 years old and has been a third straight victory is a feasible tures on its roster Chloé Dygert, member of the Qatar national team since 2013, challenge for the team, as proven the promising 19-year-old rider will compete in the Junior Road Race (October by the two World Tour TTTs it who netted both women’s Junior 14). He promised to learn as much as possible has won this year thanks to gifted UCI Road World Championships from being part of such a major event. athletes such as Australia’s Ro- last year and a silver medal in a “It is a great honour to represent Qatar on han Dennis, Switzerland’s Stefan event at Rio 2016. the world stage just two years after taking up Küng and Italy’s Daniel Oss. The Dutch Rabo-Liv team is cycling. I know how hard the race will be. I am The women’s Team Time Trials also set to be a contender after prepared for it and all I can say is I will give it shall kick off at 14:10 hours, a race winning the TTT at Giro del Tren- my best shot. I am also eagerly looking forward where technical skills and team tino. It also obtained one silver to watch, observe, interact and receive tips from spirit count more than power alone. medal and a bronze one in the riders like Tom Boonen and Mark Cavendish. I Working as a unit is essential previous UCI RWC. Road Race really hope to be able to do well in Doha,” he said. to effi ciently cope with the wind Olympic champion Anna Van der At 17 years of age, Farhan Farizi is the Qatar along the road between Lusail Breggen is the main powerhouse national team’s youngest member. A late en- Sport Complex and Doha city, of the team, along with female cy- trant into the sport, he has bloomed in recent while bike-handling will be key in cling legend Marianne Vos. times. He spoke confi dently about his quest in front of home fans. “I have been preparing for this moment for the last 12 months. A few weeks back, I took my fi rst stage win during a road race in Slov- enia, and it has proved to be a huge morale booster for me. My personal aim in Doha is to fi nish among the top-50 junior riders,” he said. “Until a year ago, I had been playing vol- leyball and competing in triathlon events. But now, my only focus is on cycling. All my friends from school will be at The Pearl-Qatar to cheer me on. I can’t wait for the competition to be- gin,” he added. Farhan’s event, the Junior In- dividual Time Trial, will be held on October 11.