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Wednesday, December 7, 2016 FOOTBALL Rabia I 8, 1438 AH ‘Lucky’ Zidane GULF TIMES determined to win group SPORT Page 3 STARS LEAGUE Lekhwiya beat Jaish 2-1, cut lead at top to one point Two deflected goals give Lekhwiya the victory in what will be a tough result to take for Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi

By Sports Reporter net on the . Doha The win means that Jaish’s lead at the top of the QSL standings has now been cut down to one point, with Le- ekhwiya cut down El Jaish’s khwiya hot on their heels. lead at the top of the QSL ta- ble with a narrow 2-1 win over Honours even between Al Kharaitiyat Ltheir rivals in a top-of-the- and Al Ahli table game yesterday. The fi rst half saw Yousef Adam’s Al Ahli took the lead in few chances exchanged, but opened up the fi rst half but could not hold on for in the second half. Two defl ected goals the win as Kharaitiyat ended up draw- gave Lekhwiya the win, in what will be ing the game courtesy of an own goal a tough result to take for Jaish coach from John Benson. Sabri Lamouchi. Al Ahli opened the scoring in the The fi rst half was a cagey aff air with eighteenth minute with a headed goal both sides sizing each other up in the from their captain Meshal Abdulla. opening exchanges. Lekhwiya registered Ndombe Mubele knocked in a fi ne their fi rst chance of the tie with twenty cross and found -partner Abdul- minutes on the clock. Winger Ismael la who leaped above his marker to head Mohammed picked out Ali Afi f, however the ball over the keeper, Ahmed Su- his curled eff ort fl ew just wide. fyan and into the goal. The talismanic Djamel Belmadi’s side slowly begun striker got his name on the scoresheet to ramp up the pressure on their table- for the seventh time this season ensur- topping rivals and began to dominate ing his status as one of the best players the play as the fi rst half progressed. The in the league. closest Lekhwiya came to a goal in the Meshal Abdulla had a chance to add opening half was in the 33rd minute. The a second goal in the seventieth minute lively Mohammed Ismael was denied on but his eff ort was saved by Ahmed Suf- the line by Jaish defender Lucas Mendes yan in the Kharaitiyat goal. Kharaitiyat who put his body on the line to deny Le- had a chance to level when Abdelhadi khwiya the opening goal. Ameen passed the ball to Erik Paartalu Lekhiwya where limited to few inside the box whose improvised shot chances by Jaish in the opening half, hit the bar and fell to Jeremy Bokila, however they did manage one more who blasted the ball out of play. chance before the break. Lekhwiya In the eighty-second minute, midfi elder Luiz Martin found strik- Kharaitiyat won a free kick and the er Yusef al-Arabi and was promptly resulting shot ended up in the goal to pounced on by Saoud al-Khater. level the score line. Anwar Diba’s free The second half was again a tight kick came off Al Ahli defender John aff air, however Lekhwiya fortuitously Benson’s head and went straight in took the lead with the game heading for an own goal. Ahmed al-Ajlani’s into the fi nal twenty minutes. Substi- Kharaitiyat held on for the fi nal ten tute Yusef Msakni was picked out on minutes to register an important point Lekhwiya players celebrate a goal against El Jaish during their match yesterday. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed the right hand side. The Tunisian in- for themselves. ternational unleashed a shot from the The result leaves both teams in the Al Sailiya goalkeeper Gregory Gomis. Results left hand side which bounced off Lucas same position in the table. Al Ahli Minutes later Muaither’s Brazilian Mendes and into the back of the net. now have ten points from as many midfi elder William Schuster raced to- Al Sailiya 1 – 0 Muaither Jaish didn’t waste any time and games and are eighth in the table while wards the Al Sailiya goal but with only Al Kharaitiyat 1 – 1 Al Ahli promptly found their way back into the Kharaitiyat languish in the relegation goalkeeper to beat, he misfi red as the El Jaish 1 – 2 Lekhwiya SC tie two minutes later. Star striker Ro- zone with six points from ten games. ball ricocheted off the legs of keeper Al Shahania 1 – 2 Al Arabi marinho struck his eleventh goal of the Gomis in the tenth minute. season, the QSL player of the month Korbi strikes to defeat Muaither Seconds later, Al Sailiya notched for November skipped by a static Chico Al Sailiya were thoroughly tested by their fi rst chance of note thanks to blocked by Muaither goalkeeper Za- Flores and drilled a low shot into the newcomers Muaither as the men in Cameroonian import Paul Efoulou. idan. The loose ball fell to the feet of back of the net to pull Lamouchi’s side blue won a hard-fought clash 1-0 at The 33-year-old striker hoodwinked al-Korbi who headed home with con- back into the game. Al Ahli stadium. Al Sailiya’s Sayaf al- Muaither defenders Huthaifa al-Sale- summate ease to give his side the lead. The once tight and tetchy game Korbi produced the only goal of the mi and Saeed Eisa before slotting the In the first 20 minutes of the sec- opened out with both sides looking match in the 34th minute of the round ball past keeper Basel Zaidan but the ond half, Muaither clearly showed for the vital win. Fortune favoured Le- 10 clash in the QSL. shot narrowly missed the goalpost. greater urgency to find the equaliser khwiya and they grabbed a winner in Muaither striker Ayoub Ouadrassi In the 34th minute, Al Sailiya opened but lack of quality in front of the Al Salemi wasted an open-goal chance minute, a missed chance by Ayoub the 80th minute. Substitute Moez Ali’s missed two easy chances in the fi rst the scoring through al-Korbi. Mubark Saliya goalmouth restricted the new- when he ended up touching the ball Ouadrassi from close range summed shot pinballed off two Jaish defenders seven minutes, both from close range al-Saadi produced a cross from the ly promoted side. with his hand in an attempt to defl ect up the day for Muaither who produced and found its way into the back of the shots that were expertly blocked by fl ank only to see a team-mate’s header Two minutes later, Muaither’s al- a header from close range. In the 84th sustained attacks in the second half.

BOTTOMLINE QFA wins AFC Dream Asia award for Koora Time Koora Time was developed by Shell. The prestigious AFC Dream Asia ticipants. BMI is a measure of body fat “At Qatar Shell we are committed the QFA and Qatar Shell and is Award is given to an outstanding Mem- based on height and weight. to supporting the Qatar National designed to improve the health ber Association in recognition and ap- In recognition for its positive impact Vision 2030 by working with and well-being of Qatar’s youth preciation of its social development on the health of youth, Koora Time has Qatari partners to create and through football work through football. been the recipient of numerous awards deliver long-term contributions Koora Time is a fi ve-year sustain- including the ‘Sports Industry Award’ to society that generate By Sports Reporter able initiative designed to improve for Best CSR Initiative, ‘CSR Award measurable social impact” Doha the health and well-being of Qatar’s Qatar’ for Best CSR Impact Initiative, youth through football. The initiative the ‘Dar Al Sharq Corporate Social Re- QFA’s CSR strategy which aims to con- facilitates access to additional hours sponsibility Award’ for the Best Sports stantly leverage on its existing part- he Qatar Football Association of physical activity and more oppor- Initiative, and the ‘2014 AFC Dream nerships to educate the communities (QFA) was named winner of tunities and spaces to play football. of Asia Award’ in the area of social re- about the positive values of playing the Asian Football Confedera- The fl agship programme Il’Ab We’Yana sponsibility. football and inspire the youth to play Ttion (AFC) Dream Asia Award provides each child with an additional Since Koora Time’s inauguration in football at the AFC Annual Awards 2016 gala 72 hours of physical activity over its 18- March 2013, QFA and Qatar Shell have “At Qatar Shell we are committed to event in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. The week duration. witnessed some truly fantastic results. supporting the Qatar National Vision QFA claimed this year’s social respon- Since its launch in March 2013, the These international awards acknowl- 2030 by working with Qatari partners sibility accolade for the second time in programme has benefi ted over 17,500 edge just how much the two organisa- to create and deliver long-term contri- three years, recognising the success of children across Qatar. Last year’s pro- tions can contribute to society in hopes butions to society that generate meas- the Koora Time Initiative which was gramme saw a signifi cant reduction in that others are inspired to follow suit. urable social impact,” said Mohammed developed in partnership with Qatar Hani Ballan, QFA Board Member receiving the Dream Asia Award. Body Mass Index (BMI) by 80% of par- The Koora Time initiative is part of Abu Jbara, CSR Manager, Qatar Shell. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, December 7, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Celtic reap reward of Dembele’s rendezvous with Rodgers Since being persuaded to move to Glasgow at a meeting in London, the young French striker has created a real buzz with his goalscoring exploits

By David Hytner petitions for Celtic and a buzz has built around The Guardian him. Having cost Celtic just £500,000 in com- pensation to Fulham, he has come to be linked on a seemingly weekly basis to Europe’s elite ad things worked out diff erently, clubs for eight-fi gure sums. Type his name into Moussa Dembélé would have worn Google and you will get the picture. Five months the white of Tottenham Hotspur and into a four-year contract, the talk is of how long be preparing for the club’s Champions Celtic can hope to keep him. The fact that he LeagueH tie against CSKA Moscow at Wembley is classifi ed as a home-grown player, having tonight. There would also have been the thing joined Fulham at 16 from Paris St-Germain, has about the name clash. been noted by his suitors. How would he and Mousa Dembélé have been Dembélé’s youth coach at PSG, Laurent diff erentiated? “I will go to another club, then,” Bonadei, said that Dembélé could become like the Tottenham and Belgium midfi elder with the Raúl, the legend, because of the natural- single S had joked in April. “Or, they’ll need to ness of his fi nishing, and in Glasgow there have fi nd a nickname for him. We’ll see …” been comparisons to Henrik Larsson, the Celtic At that stage, the French centre-forward with great, in terms of his capacity to change a game. the double S still looked likely to move from “I worked with Didier Drogba at Chelsea and Fulham to Tottenham as a free agent. The deal I think Moussa’s of that ilk,” Rodgers said, af- had broken down in January, when Fulham had ter the 3-3 draw against City. “He’s a big-game insisted that Dembélé would have to be loaned player and he has a belief. He is a boy who can back to them for the remainder of their fi ght get to the top but there are some things to work against relegation from the Championship; Tot- upon yet.” tenham had wanted him there and then. The fee It is also worth recounting Rodgers’ com- of £5mn – plus a sell-on clause for Fulham – had ments that night when a journalist put forward a been agreed, along with personal terms. market valuation for Dembélé. “How much? Are But Mauricio Pochettino, the Tottenham you saying £15mn? That’s his left toe,” Rodgers manager, was a big fan, and so why would he said. “Moussa knows where he’s at and he knows not try again for him in the summer, particularly that, in two or three years’ time, if he develops when there promised to be fewer strings? as he can, or how we think he can, the market is Enter Celtic. And, enter Brendan Rodgers. In there. It doesn’t have to be two or three years – a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Dembélé and I don’t think it will be.” in central London, the Celtic manager, who had Rodgers’s meeting with Dembélé in London just joined the club, set out why he wanted to was a defi ning moment. During it he explained, make the 20-year-old his fi rst signing. It is fair in great detail, how he intended to use him and, to say the meeting went well and Dembélé has crucially, how he would improve him. What left not looked back since. an impression on Dembélé was how much Rodg- He has worn the hoops of Celtic with distinc- ers knew about him and his game and, for that, tion and he was preparing for the club’s Cham- the Celtic scout David Moss can take a good deal pions League tie at Manchester City last night as of credit. Moss had watched Dembélé since No- one of the hottest prospects in Europe. It might vember 2015 and compiled dozens of reports on be a dead rubber for Celtic, as they are certain him. Many clubs had wanted Dembélé but, to the to fi nish at the foot of Group C, but it will give player, it was only Celtic who were consumed Dembélé his latest opportunity to shine on the by the prospect. They had, evidently, put in the grandest stage. The high point of his season was hard yards. Rodgers also brought up how Luis arguably the performance he gave in the home Suárez had improved under his management at game against City in September, when he scored Liverpool, together with Daniel Sturridge and twice in the 3-3 draw. That there can be a debate Raheem Sterling. The message to Dembélé was serves to illustrate the impact he has had. clear: if he was ready to apply himself, he, too, Dembélé announced himself with the nerve- could make serious strides. The Suárez example less last-gasp penalty that settled the Cham- struck a chord. pions League third-round qualifi er against As- Celtic, moreover, could off er him regular tana and then scored a hat-trick in the Old Firm playing opportunities in front of a huge home league victory over Rangers. There has also crowd, the chance to develop a winning mental- been the winner against Rangers in the Scottish ity and to play in the Champions League. It was Moussa Dembele has been compared by Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, to Didier Drogba. League Cup semi-fi nal and his goalscoring part the ideal fi t for the next stage of his develop- in the fi nal victory over Aberdeen, the Champi- ment, and Dembélé knew it. To him, it did not football, to develop the skills he already has and speaking no English, because he was well aware Dembélé rose through the ranks with Patrick ons League equaliser at Borussia Mönchengla- matter that he might have earned a larger wage he will get that at Celtic.” of the west London club’s reputation for de- Roberts, another forward now at Celtic – on loan dbach and his two goals for the Under- at another club. “Some will follow the money Dembélé grew up in the unforgiving Paris veloping talent. He came over with his older from Manchester City – and, if it has been tough 21s in the 3-2 win against England. He scored 15 and, believe me, he could have got a lot more suburb of Cergy and at the age of eight was tak- brother for a chaperone and both of them can for Fulham to lose them, they can feel pride and league goals for Fulham last season – plus two money elsewhere,” Rodgers said. en into the PSG setup, where he would meet his tell stories from the early days about how they vindication at the role they have played in their more in the cups – and it was thanks to him, in Even Zinedine Zidane had a comment on the best friend, Kingsley Coman, a forward now at would communicate through body language and formation. large part, that they retained their Champion- business that Celtic had completed. “I like to Bayern. The pair played together at youth level, gesture. The staff at Fulham talk of Dembélé as Fulham were desperate to tie Dembélé to a ship status. According to Opta, his goals and follow the progress of exciting, young French where they terrorised opposition defences, but a personable boy with drive, ever-increasing new contract and the owner, Shahid Khan, made seven assists were worth 22 points to the club. players and I know that Bayern , Monaco Dembélé, as Coman would do himself, came to confi dence and massive ambition. He bulked up a personal intervention last season. But there He was the youngest player to score 15 league and Juventus were all looking at him – so it re- fear that there was no career path from the PSG through hard work in the gym and on the train- was never any possibility of that happening. goals in the top two divisions of England, Spain, ally is big that Celtic managed to sign him,” the academy to the fi rst team. ing pitch, and he enjoyed it when he came to be Dembélé said when he was unveiled at Celtic he , and France last season. Real manager said. Dembélé made the diffi cult but character- known as The Beast, routinely tweeting Beast- wanted to become the best player in the world. This season Dembélé has 17 goals in all com- “It’s a good move for him. He needs fi rst-team shaping decision to move to Fulham, despite mode on match-days. He is convinced he is destined for the top.

ROUND-UP Southgate cuts Lee from England coaching team

Agencies round of the FA Cup on Monday. London The 44-year-old — who won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and the 1999 Champi- ons League during his three year stay at United ammy Lee has left his role as England’s — has said he fears for his job if a proposed take- assistant manager following Gareth over of the club goes through despite guiding Southgate’s appointment as permanent them to the heady heights of third in the table. manager, an- In a draw short of the ‘romance of the Cup’ the nouncedS yesterday. remaining non league clubs failed to get paired Former Liverpool midfi elder Lee, 57, was with a Premier League club. There are, though, brought in by Southgate’s predecessor Sam Al- four all Premier League clashes. The most eye- lardyce, whose tenure lasted just 67 days after catching is Everton hosting struggling champi- he was brought down by a newspaper sting. Lee ons Leicester with both those sides realistic goal worked alongside Southgate during the latter’s of domestic silverware reduced to the Cup. four-game interim stint at the helm, but having Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City travel to now been awarded a four-year contract, South- West Ham, who like Leicester are hopelessly gate will look to appoint his own assistant. out of sorts, and four other relegation battlers “I have great respect for Sammy,” Southgate are pitched in against each other Hull hosting said. “He is somebody who I worked with as a Swansea and Sunderland at home to Burnley. player and his personality and professionalism FULL DRAW (THIRD ROUND) Ties will take place were excellent. I felt it was important for me to between January 6 and January 9 bring in my own support team and Sammy fully Ipswich vs Lincoln; Barrow vs Rochdale; Manches- respected that.” Lee said it had been a “great ter United vs Reading; Hull vs Swansea; Sunderland honour” to work with England. Southgate is Assistant manager Sammy Lee (right) pictured talking to England players during a training session in November. (Reuters) vs Burnley; QPR vs Blackburn; Millwall vs Bourne- reported to want Chelsea assistant coach Steve mouth; West Ham vs Manchester City; Brighton vs Holland to be his full-time number two. injury victims Paddy McNair, Lynden Gooch in six of their last eight league games, including manager and the players to be there,” he added. Charlton or MK Dons; Blackpool vs Barnsley; Wigan and Lee Cattermole in the Sunderland treat- consecutive 1-1 results against Arsenal, West While no one in Premier League history has vs Nottingham Forest; Birmingham vs Newcastle; SUNDERLAND’S WATMORE ment room. Sunderland failed to win in their Ham United and Everton. Jose Mourinho’s men gone on to win the league with a 13-point defi cit, Chelsea vs Notts County or Peterborough; Mid- OUT FOR SEASON fi rst 10 league games, but have won three of the are 13 points behind league leaders Chelsea, who United did overturn a 12-point gap to Newcastle dlesbrough vs Sheff ield Wednesday; West Brom vs Young Sunderland forward last four to move to the brink of safety. are on 34 points, three more than Arsenal and in 1996. United will hope to break the cycle on Derby; Everton vs Leicester; Liverpool vs Newport will miss the rest of the season with a cruciate four ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City. Sunday when they host Tottenham Hotspur, County or Plymouth; Wycombe vs Stourbridge or ligament injury, the Premier League club an- MAN UNITED HAVE ABILITY TO FINISH “Of course, 13 points is a long distance, es- who are one place above them in the table. Northampton; Watford vs Burton; Preston vs Arse- nounced yesterday. Watmore, 22, was stretch- IN TOP FOUR, SAYS GUARDIOLA pecially when one team is winning games with nal; Cardiff vs Fulham; Stoke vs Wolves; Cambridge ered off after a collision with Christian Fuchs Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has the quality of Chelsea,” Guardiola told report- OLD BOY STAM SET FOR vs Leeds; Bristol City vs Shrewsbury or Fleetwood; during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Leicester City. expressed doubts over whether Manchester ers. “So it is not easy. But to be in the fi rst four? UNITED RETURN IN FA CUP Huddersfield vs Port Vale; Tottenham vs Aston Villa; He subsequently visited a specialist in Lon- United can challenge for the Premier League Of course. I saw the games against Stoke and Former Manchester United hardman defender Brentford vs Halifax or Eastleigh; Bolton vs Crystal don and scans revealed he is facing a long period title but believes they have a realistic chance of Burnley, and other ones at Old Traff ord. They Jaap Stam will return to Old Traff ord in Janu- Palace; Norwich vs Southampton; Sutton United on the sidelines. Watmore, who has made 17 ap- fi nishing in the top four. deserved by far to win the games but football is ary after the second tier side he manages Read- vs AFC Wimbledon; Accrington Stanley vs Luton; pearances this season, joins fellow long-term Sixth-placed United have been held to draws like this. United have the quality, the history, the ing were drawn to meet the holders in the third Rotherham vs Oxford or Macclesfield Gulf Times Wednesday, December 7, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Brazil invite Colombia to play Chapecoense Porto and Sevilla hunt charity match Sao Paulo: Brazil have invited Colombia to play a friendly match next month with proceeds from the game going to families of the Chapecoense play- fi nal knockout berths ers and staff killed in the Medellin air crash, a Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) spokesman told Reuters Three-time reigning Europa League champs Sevilla are favourites to advance alongside Juventus on Monday. Last week’s disaster, which killed 71 pas- AFP sengers and crew, shocked Paris football fans the world over and plunged Brazil into mourning. The small side hile Real Madrid and from southern Brazil were Borussia Dortmund grap- heading to Colombia to play ple for top spot in Group F, local team Atletico Nacional twice former winners Por- in the final of the Copa Suda- Wto and Sevilla look to clinch the two re- mericana. Only six people maining spots in the Champions League survived the crash. last 16 today. “The idea is that the game Portuguese giants Porto, European will be against Colombia, champions in 1987 and 2004, host for all that represents,” the Leicester City in their fi nal group stage spokesman said, “but we match wary of FC Copenhagen pipping don’t know if they will be them to second in Group G. able to come because of the Despite a woeful defence of their Pre- dates. “But a friendly will mier League crown, Leicester are guar- take place, against some- anteed to fi nish top of their section in one else if not Colombia, Europe and avoid the likes of Barcelona probably on either Jan. 22 and Atletico Madrid in the next round. or 25. The proceeds from And the Foxes could well decide which the match will be sent to the team joins them in the knockout phase families of the players, the with Copenhagen, third in the group, staff and those involved with trailing Porto by two points ahead of a Chapecoense who died in trip to pointless Club Brugge. the crash.” Porto halted a run of fi ve straight The CBF also said it would draws courtesy of teenager Rui Pedro’s donate 5 mn reais ($1.46 mn) 95th-minute winner over Braga at the to Chapecoense to help the weekend, ending a club record run of club get back on its feet. 520 minutes without a goal. “What The team lost almost all of matters is that we won three points and their players and will need we are going to try to take advantage of to invest to build a squad for this to continue to grow and believe,” next season. said Porto coach Nuno Espirito San- They were given an extra to. “I believe the results haven’t been incentive on Monday when showing what we do.” South American football’s Porto will secure their passage to governing body named the last 16 with victory over Leicester, them Copa Sudamericana but anything less will open the door champions. The decision for Copenhagen, who have a head-to- gives Chapecoense an au- head advantage over the Portuguese on tomatic place in next year’s away goals. “We kept a clean sheet, and Copa Libertadores, the South now we just have to go Brugge and get a American equivalent of Eu- victory — and then hope that Leicester Porto will secure their passage to the last 16 with victory over Leicester at home on Wednesday. (AFP) rope’s Champions League. do their job and beat Porto,” said Co- Nacional had asked for penhagen’s Swedish international Erik Anthony Lopes targeted by fi recrackers “It’s clear it wasn’t our best match ma’ in 2014 — ahead of their visit to the Leverkusen (GER) v Monaco (FRA) their stricken rivals to be Johansson after last month’s 0-0 home thrown by home supporters. and you pay for that,” said Iborra.”I Santiago Bernabeu. At London: Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) v given the title and it means draw against Porto. The Portugal international, 26, was think we were a bit distracted by the A draw would send Dortmund CSKA Moscow (RUS) the two sides will meet next Copenhagen, unbeaten domestically taken to hospital after suff ering “trau- Lyon game and now that we’re here we through as winners of Group F, with GROUP F year for the Recopa Suda- this term, stretched their lead in Den- matic hearing loss” in both ears but is must make the most of it and achieve Real facing prospect of a tougher draw At Warsaw: Legia Warsaw (POL) v Sporting mericana, a two-legged play mark to 11 points on Saturday after se- expected to make a full recovery with no qualifi cation.” unless Zinedine Zidane’s men come Lisbon (POR) off between the Sudameri- curing an eighth successive win with a lasting damage. Sevilla may welcome back Samir away with all three points. At Madrid: Real Madrid (ESP) v Borussia cana winners and the Copa 1-0 defeat of Randers. His status for today’s fi xture is very Nasri from injury, while Juventus, a Bayer Leverkusen, confi rmed as Dortmund (GER) Libertadores champions. Three-time reigning Europa League much in doubt, but Lyon will draw en- point clear at the top, will be expected runners-up of Group E, host Leon- GROUP G Atletico Nacional won the champions Sevilla are favourites to ad- couragement knowing Sevilla — with- to cement fi rst place with group make- ardo Jardim’s impressive table-topping At Bruges, Belgium: Club Brugge (BEL) v 2016 Libertadores in July. vance alongside Juventus in Group H, out manager Jorge Sampaoli due to a weights Dinamo Zagreb rounding out Monaco, while Tottenham Hotspur FC Copenhagen (DEN) Two-time world player of with Lyon needing to beat the Spaniards touchline ban — have lost on all three their fruitless campaign in Turin. must avoid defeat to CSKA Moscow at At Porto, Portugal: FC Porto (POR) v Leices- the Year Ronaldinho is keen by at least two goals at Parc OL. previous trips to France.Sevilla’s trou- Dortmund are one shy of the 20-goal Wembley to parachute into the Europa ter City (ENG) on helping Chapecoense in Lyon’s preparations were overshad- bles away from home resurfaced in a group stage record — achieved by three League. GROUP H any way possible, his agent owed by the ugly scenes that prompted 2-1 defeat at Granada over the weekend, sides including Manchester United’s FIXTURES (ALL 1945 GMT): At Turin, Italy: Juventus (ITA) v Dinamo and brother Roberto Assis Saturday’s game at Metz to be called off with captain Vicente Iborra lamenting a treble-winning side in 1998-99 as well Group E Zagreb (CRO) confirmed. after just 31 minutes with goalkeeper sub-par performance. as the Real team that landed ‘La Deci- At Leverkusen, Germany: Bayer At Lyon, France: Lyon (FRA) v Sevilla (ESP)

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS ‘Lucky’ Zidane determined to win group Co-owner backs

AFP “You have to highlight the West Ham boss Bilic Madrid side’s work rate. Each player is very professional, they Reuters no doubts that he is doing every- all work very hard, they are London thing he can to address the situ- eal Madrid boss Zinedine Zi- experienced but still hungry. ation and everyone is working dane insists the European They’ve won a lot but they still together to ensure we turn our champions aren’t prepared want to win more and more.” est Ham United co- season around.” to settle for second place be- owner David Sul- Sullivan said he thought Bilic’s hindR Borussia Dortmund in Champions “It’s true I’m lucky. I do what I love livan has backed comments had been an honest League Group F despite the potential for everyday. I have the luck to be at this under pressure response to a heavy defeat and an easier last 16 tie. great club,” he added. “But it is not just Wmanager Slaven Bilic and called not a sign of a between man- Madrid need to beat the German gi- luck, it is the hard work and passion for for a show of unity at the East ager and team. “I saw Slaven’s ants at the Santiago Bernabeu today to what I do that helps. I love football.” London club. comments after the game and as secure top spot and the second leg of Madrid received a double injury boost Bilic was reported in the Brit- always he was completely honest their last 16 clash at home. However, as Alvaro Morata and Toni Kroos re- ish media to be meeting with with his assessment,” he said. given Real can’t face Barcelona or Atleti- turned to training yesterday leaving just club owners on Monday follow- “Despite what some people co Madrid even if they do fi nish second, as Zidane’s only absentee. ing the 5-1 home drubbing by have said, there is still a great as clubs from the same country are kept By contrast, Dortmund suff ered a blow Arsenal at the weekend, which spirit among the players and apart, winning the group could prove as attacking midfi elder Mario Goetze led the Croatian to question the everyone is working towards the more dangerous with Bayern Munich or didn’t travel to the Spanish capital with “intensity and dedication” of same objective.” Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City poten- the rest of his teammates due to a knee his team. With high-fl ying Liv- West Ham, who fi nished sev- tial opponents. injury, the German club. erpool at Anfi eld up next at the enth last season, have gone fi ve “We’re only thinking about winning. Dortmund said the injury to the weekend, Sullivan called for eve- league games without a win and We’re not going to look at or think about 24-year-old was minor, adding that he ryone at the club to rally behind head to Liverpool looking to other things,” said the Frenchman, who had a chance of making the squad for the manager and team. “Slaven break that sequence on Sunday. led Madrid to their 11th European Cup the trip to Cologne in the Bundesliga on cares passionately about the “We are refusing to make ex- in his fi rst season in charge in May. “We Saturday. football club and this defeat will cuses, though, and the players want to fi nish top of the group.” However, the Germans do have a be hurting him as much as any- will know that the performance Real extended an unbeaten run fully-fi t and on-form Marco Reus one,” Sullivan said in a statement was not good enough and we stretching back to April to 33 games fresh from dishing out three assists in on the club website. need to show a lot more if we are thanks to Sergio Ramos’s stoppage time Dortmund’s 4-1 thrashing of Borussia “We all need to stick together to get back on the winning trail,” equaliser at Barcelona in El Clasico on Moenchengladbach on Saturday. Reus and get behind the team. I have Sullivan said. Saturday to maintain a six-point lead missed the 2-2 draw with Madrid back over Barca at the top of La Liga. in September, but has been a consistent Indeed, Real remain on course for thorn in Real’s side in six previous meet- Slaven Bilic fi ve trophies this season having already ings since 2012. pocketed the European and Dortmund’s top scorer Pierre-Emer- with the Club World Cup to come in Ja- ick Aubameyang will also be out to im- pan later this month. press. The African Player of the Year has “You have to highlight the side’s work never hidden his desire to one day sign rate,” added Zidane. “Each player is very for Real and fulfi ll a promise he made professional, they all work very hard, to his Spanish grandfather before he they are experienced but still hungry. passed away two years ago. They’ve won a lot but they still want to And Dortmund sporting director win more and more.” Michael Zorc believes ousting the de- However, despite the stellar start to fending champions into second place his coaching career in line with his feats would be a statement of intent. “That as one of the greatest players of his gen- would top off this outstanding opening eration, Zidane remains humble enough round in the Champions League,” he told to admit luck has been on his side during the club’s website. “It would be the icing Real Madrid’s coach Zinedine Zidane attends a training session on the eve of the a rollercoaster ride in 2016. on the cake.” Champions league match against Borussia Dortmund in Madrid yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 7, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Pardew has chairman’s backing before critical fi xture at Hull City Parish admits the co-owners ‘were not happy’ in the build-up to Saturday’s win over Southampton

By Dominic Fifield The Guardian Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew lan Pardew has received public backing gives a thumbs up to the fans after win from his chairman at Crystal Palace, over Southampton on Saturday. (Reuters) Steve Parish, but will go into the criti- cal fi xture at Hull City this weekend acutelyA aware he still faces a battle to convince the club’s investors that he is the right man to remain in charge. Palace checked a run of six successive de- feats with a fi ne win against Southampton on Saturday to thrust them back into mid-table, three points clear of the cut-off , and ease the immediate pressure on their manager of almost two years. Pardew had expressed his thanks to Parish in the immediate aftermath of that vic- tory, only to muddy the waters by suggesting the chairman had spent the week defending his manager in talks with his fellow “serious inves- tors at the club who perhaps don’t know a lot about football”. That was perceived to be a criticism of the American major shareholders David Blitzer and Josh Harris who, a year ago, each purchased an 18% stake in Palace to match that owned by Parish. The chairman has now insisted Pardew’s comments, while unwise, had actually been di- rected at other minor shareholders who bought into the club in December 2015. “We’ve got smaller shareholders and we went to a dinner with them the week before [last], and a lot of them kept saying to Alan: ‘We don’t know anything about football,’” Parish said. “It wasn’t the smartest, [the] lack of diff er- entiation between Josh and David who we deal with all the time and are close to everything all the time, and some of the other guys. I think [Pardew’s] intention was to thank me, Josh and David, but unfortunately that has been twisted out of shape.” Parish admitted the co-owners “were not happy” in the build-up to Saturday’s game but, when asked if Pardew’s position was now as- sured for the short-term, said: “Look, it’s ‘total- ly safe’ in that every manager is under pressure. You need to win football matches. It’s a very bi- nary industry. And we’re all under pressure. You can’t lift that pressure from people. That’s no more constructive than putting it on them. We Manchester United and Chelsea after that, not land. It is understood the 62-year-old, if under with the likes of Damien Delaney and Joe Led- ance on the pitch with the squad we’ve got,” don’t have to have those conversations because too easy [games], so we need to get points on the consideration, would want to take up the reins ley restored to the starting lineup, had been far Parish said. “Sometimes if you turn the dial a Alan knows the game, he knows where he is and board. That’s what is important, and everyone is sooner rather than later to allow him to prepare more pragmatic against Southampton, taking bit too far, and try and go toe to toe with some of he knows what he has to do. behind Alan in doing that.” properly for the January transfer window, when fewer risks going forward as they sought to se- these teams, you can make it diffi cult for your- “The most important thing is we want him to Both Blitzer and Harris, along with the minor tweaks could be made to the squad. cure a fi rst clean sheet in the league since April. self. Albeit very exciting. succeed all the things around the club are geared investors, had grown alarmed by the club’s slide Yet Pardew remains intent on making a suc- Delaney subsequently suggested the players “We’ve scored 24 goals, which is the most towards making him succeed. He’s a positive into trouble to prompt scrutiny of Pardew’s cess of his time at the club he represented as a had met without the manager in the wake of the we’ve ever scored at this stage in the topfl ight in force in everything around the football club. So position – not least after the dismal recent 5-4 player and, having resisted the option of adding loss at the Liberty stadium and pushed to re- our history. So there’s plenty [going] right. We everybody is geared towards making Alan a suc- defeat at Swansea – and had been made aware another defensive coach to his back-room staff , vert to a style more akin to the rugged approach just have to fi x the things that are wrong … But cess at the club. of Sam Allardyce’s desire to return to topfl ight may have to reassess the pace at which he wants which had secured a fourth successive season in if we’re in crisis then there are a lot of clubs in “Hull is an important game because we have management after his 67-day stint with Eng- this team to transform their style of play. Palace, the topfl ight. “We’ve got to fi nd the right bal- crisis.”

SEVERAL BRITISH CLUBS FOCUS HUSHED UP ABUSE: LAWYER ’s not-so-big spenders live London: There are claims “several” British foot- Eighteen British police forces ball clubs have used gagging orders to silence are investigating claims of sexual victims of sexual abuse at the hands of youth abuse spanning four decades and lines in the shadow of big guns coaches, a lawyer working with victims has said. of inquiry are reportedly being pursued Chelsea have apologised to former player at 55 clubs. Queens Park Rangers are AFP Gary Johnson, who was abused by late chief the latest club to have been touched by Dongguan, China scout Eddie Heath, after waiving a confidential- the scandal, the London side revealing ity clause in a 50,000 pounds ($63,850, 59,230 they have been made aware of euros) agreement they made with him. allegations against former chief scout ewly rich Chinese football isn’t all Lawyer Edward Smethurst, who helped set up Chris Gieler, who died in 2004 about millionaire players and fa- the Off side Trust for abuse victims, said players mous coaches — just ask the smaller forced to sign non-disclosure agreements in England’s Football Association announced teams, who are living fi rmly in the Nshadow of their well-heeled neighbours. return for compensation were coming forward yesterday that a new lawyer has been placed “all the time”. in charge of its internal review of the scandal. clubs took the trans- “Certainly, the allegations have been made by Barrister Clive Sheldon has replaced Kate Gal- fer market by storm this year when they col- victims that confidentiality clauses have been lafent “in the light of the increased scope of the lectively splashed out more than $400mn on used in relation to other clubs, but I’m not in a review” and “with respect to her other profes- players, including some still in their prime. position to independently verify this,” he was sional commitments”. Guangzhou Evergrande were among the quoted as saying by British newspapers. “It’s Sheldon’s previous work includes a number big spenders, extending a policy which has unfolding as we speak. It’s a number. It’s several, of investigatory reviews involving matters of brought them six straight Chinese titles and (but) less than five.” child protection and safeguarding. The FA also two AFC Champions League wins in recent The Off side Trust, set up by abuse victims revealed the terms of reference for its review, years. But just a short distance away at the Andy Woodward, Steve Walters and Chris which will “commence immediately” but has no Yuexiushan Stadium, life is very diff erent for Unsworth, launched in Manchester on Monday. fixed deadline. “The precise number of players, Evergrande’s city rivals Guangzhou R&F, who Since Woodward came forward three weeks ago alleged abusers and clubs as yet is unknown,” take a more low-key approach. to reveal he was abused by convicted paedo- the FA said in a statement. “The FA has deter- R&F don’t pay exorbitant sums for foreign phile Barry Bennell during his time at Crewe mined that it is necessary to instruct external players, and they’re a long way from win- Alexandra, a wave of allegations has swept leading counsel to conduct a review into what if ning Asia’s Champions League. Instead, they through British football. anything the FA and clubs knew about these al- put their faith in their academy system and Evergrande’s city rivals Guangzhou R&F don’t pay exorbitant sums for foreign players. (AFP) Eighteen British police forces are investi- legations at the relevant time (and) what action home-grown talent. “Evergrande spend a gating claims of sexual abuse spanning four was taken or should have taken place. lot of money, and they pick the best players power. It left China’s more thrifty teams with football boom could last for another fi ve decades and lines of inquiry are reportedly be- “The FA continues to work closely with the from around the world and every single club a decision to make: try to match the spend- years. “We expect the competition is going ing pursued at 55 clubs. Queens Park Rangers relevant authorities and respects the ongoing in China,” assistant general manager Tyler ing of Evergrande, Jiangsu Suning, Shandong to be more fi erce next season. We’re actu- are the latest club to have been touched by the investigation by the police being coordinated Guo said at last week’s LeSports Connects Luneng and others, or fi nd diff erent ways ally pumping more money into it,” he said. scandal, the London side revealing they have by Operation Hydrant into childhood sexual sports business forum in Dongguan, a couple to compete. Tyler said R&F concentrate on “Sometimes it’s not about how much you been made aware of allegations against former abuse in football.” of hours’ drive from Guangzhou. grassroots and their “southern China style” spend in absolute terms — it’s how much you chief scout Chris Gieler, who died in 2004. “We operate in a relatively more rational of football, which he describes as short-pass- spend in comparison to others.” “The club takes these allegations very seri- ABUSE SCANDAL WILL SPREAD way. We produce our own players, we pro- ing with an emphasis on control, “a little bit Guo said much of Chinese clubs’ spending ously and will cooperate fully in any forthcom- BEYOND ENGLAND: DEIN mote Chinese talent so they can play and like Barcelona”. came from private sources, as TV revenues ing investigation,” the second-tier club said in a Meanwhile, former vice-chairman of the reach the national team. We also transfer a lot Their biggest acquisition by far this year only account for about 40-50mn yuan ($5.8- statement. “Any form of abuse has no place in Football Association David Dein insisted (of players) out to other clubs to make a bal- was attacking midfi elder and Israel captain 7.2mn) a year, roughly a tenth of their overall football or society.” yesterday that sexual abuse scandal engulfing ance fi nancially too.” Eran Zahavi from Maccabi Tel Aviv for 7.2mn budget. Revenue from merchandising and Smethurst, who is based in Manchester, English football was “bound to” spread to other R&F’s modest strategy means attracting euros ($7.6mn). Zahavi was “obviously un- sponsorships — which are often taken up by said the same names were being repeated countries, fans can be hard — they have an average at- dervalued”, said Guo.”He’s really, really good the company that owns the club — also re- by abuse victims and some alleged abusers Speaking on the fringes of a Soccerex Asian tendance of around 10,000, the lowest in the in terms of (his statistics), strategic fi t and the mains “very, very small”, he said. were still working at the highest levels of the Forum in Doha, Dein, also a former vice-chair- Super League, while Evergrande draw about coach’s requirement. “We typically look for “You can feel that everybody’s still invest- sport. “There are specific allegations against man of Arsenal and the man responsible for 44,000. But R&F fi nished a creditable sixth these kinds of players.” ing a lot of money. It’s not about returns, not specific individuals, many of whom have been appointing Arsene Wenger as manager, said he this year, one place above Hebei China For- Such sentiments aren’t often associated yet... I’m not sure how they measure their rumoured to be involved for a long time, some had heard no rumours about the problem while tune, who spent big to lure ex-Manchester with the Super League, which welcomed return on investment, but I’m quite sure they of whom still work in the senior echelons of at the FA. “I don’t think we have heard the end City and Real Madrid coach Manuel Pel- Hulk, Graziano Pelle, Alex Teixeira, Ezequiel have very, very deep pockets,” said Guo. football, and it’s extremely worrying,” he said. of it,” said Dein. “Not just in England by the way, legrini. President Xi Jinping fi red the starting Lavezzi and Ramires among a parade of top- As well as their strong academy system, “There are certain names who are coming in it will permeate to other countries, it’s bound to, gun on China’s race to acquire players — and level players this year. Guo said the “crazy” partly masterminded by head coach Dragan who do come up repeatedly.” it’s bound to.” foreign clubs — when he outlined ambitions spending was only set to continue in China’s Stojkovic, R&F work hard on their commu- to turn the country into a global football 16-team top tier, predicting the country’s nity involvement in Guangzhou. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 7, 2016 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT LPGA China’s Feng looks to continue fi ne ’s Bjorn Dubai form

AFP even if she wins on Saturday. Dubai Both Allen and Aditi were ex- pected to reach Dubai late on Tuesday for the tournament hina’s world number starting Wednesday, as they par- named Europe’s four Shanshan Feng ticipated in the fi nal stage of the will look to extend LPGA Tour Qualifying School in her domination in the Florida that fi nished on Sunday. COmega Dubai Ladies Masters, Allen fi nished inside the top- the season-ending champion- 20 and secured a category 12 card ship of the Ladies European for next year, while Ashok was Tour, when she seeks a fourth tied 23rd and will have a category title in last five years. 17 status. Ryder Cup captain Feng is the highest ranked Feng has turned around her player in the fi eld, which also game after a poor start to the boasts of two-time major cham- season. She won the bronze ‘Three past captains were key decision makers in selecting Thomas. They put a great pion Suzann Pettersen of Nor- medal in the Rio Olympic Games, way and England’s Charley Hull, and thereafter, she hasn’t fi n- case together for him. We are thrilled to have one of the great Danes as our captain’ a winner on the LPGA Tour a ished outside the top-10 in her fortnight ago. last seven starts. However, the thrill of a sea- And Feng said she was keeping son-ending championship will her goals modest, as she does at be slightly diminished this year, every tournament. with both Order of Merit and “Top-fi ve. It’s like I said earli- Rookie of the Year awards already er, I never set a goal that will real- decided. ly put me under a lot of pressure. American Beth Allen, who Going for a top-fi ve is something won back-to-back titles in I feel quite comfortable doing it, France and Abu Dhabi, leads the so I think that’s maybe my goal Order of Merit with earnings of right now,” said the trailblazing 311,391 euros and her lead at the 27-year-old Chinese, who won top is insurmountable in the half the tournament last year by a million euro tournament that of- whopping 12 shots after shooting fers a winning cheque of 75,000 21-under par. euros. The tournament also fea- ’s 18-year-old Aditi tures Cheyenne Woods, niece of Ashok, who is having a sensa- 14-time major champion Tiger tional season, is placed second in Woods, who made his comeback the Order of Merit, having won to tournament golf after nearly her last two tournaments - the 16 months of injury lay-off . Indian Open and the Qatar Open. Cheyenne is now an LPGA Her earnings of 180,415 euros Tour regular, having secured cannot be matched by second- her card by fi nishing 96th in the placed Spain’s Nuria Itturios Money List this year.

LAUREL Golfer Stenson grabs Swedish sports award for Open win

DPA to Dubai title as the European Tour’s top player for the second time and he also came home This file photo shows Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn playing off the third tee during the second round of the 2015 French Golf Open at Le Golf National in Guyancourt, near Paris. with a silver medal from the wedish golfer Henrik 2016 Rio Olympics. Reuters Seve Ballesteros and in 2002 and 2014. Factbox on Europe’s 2018 Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn Stenson was yester- “I thought I had a good London “It’s amazing...I watched a lot of cap- day named winner of chance... but it’s hard to com- tains as a player and as a vice-captain and Born: Silkeborg, Denmark (45 years old) He has served as vice-captain on four the prestigious Svenska pare diff erent sports,” Stenson I always wondered what that feeling would DagbladetS gold medal for the said from his home in Orlando, occasions, in 2004, 2010, 2012 and enmark’s Thomas Bjorn was be like to be the man in charge, and heading He is the most successful Danish golfer 2016, winning every year but the last. sporting achievement of the Florida. named as Europe’s Ryder Cup a team of 12 great players,” Bjorn said. on the European Tour, with 15 tourna- He won the event three times as a year for his Open Championship Stenson is the second golfer captain yesterday with the task “Now it’s my turn to do it. To lead them ment victories and is the first Scandina- player. victory. to win the prize the Stockholm of reclaiming the trophy from out will obviously be a great honour.” vian to be handed the captaincy. The jury cited his “barrier- daily set up 1925. theD United States at Le Golf National in breaking feat, won with ice-cold Former women’s Tour great Bjorn was appointed by a five-man Paris in 2018. FRONTRUNNER Bjorn was the first Dane to represent panel comprising the three most recent precision and technical bril- Annika Sorenstam, who won in The 45-year-old, three times a player Bjorn, who becomes only the fourth Europe against the United States when captains, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley liance” referring to his triumph 1995, said the Stenson-Mickel- in the biennial contest, becomes the fi rst skipper from continental Europe, and he made his debut under Seve Balles- and Olazabal, European Tour chief at Royal Troon in af- son duel was “a classic.” Scandinavian to be handed the captaincy. Ireland’s Padraig Harrington were seen teros in 1997 at Valderrama, Spain. executive Keith Pelley and ’s ter a thrilling duel against Phil In contention for this year’s “We had terrifi c candidates. The three as frontrunners for the job. British Open champion Henrik Stenson. Mickelson of the United States. prize was swimmer Sarah Sjos- past captains were the key decision mak- The three past captains in the deci- He is only the fourth skipper from con- Stenson fi red an eight-un- trom who won the award last ers in selecting Thomas,” European Tour sion-making process were Clarke, Paul tinental Europe after German Bernhard The 2018 edition of the biennial team der-par 63 on his fi nal round to year and scooped three Olympic chief executive Keith Pelley said. McGinley and Jose Maria Olazabal. Langer and Spaniards Ballesteros and event will be played at Le Golf National became the fi rst Swedish male medals at the Rio games includ- “They put a great case together for Tho- A 15-times European Tour winner, Jose Maria Olazabal. in Paris from Sept. 28-30. golfer to win a major. ing gold in the 100-metre but- mas...we are thrilled to have one of the Bjorn knows the host venue well after The 40-year-old said on a live terfl y. great Danes as our Ryder Cup captain.” playing there 14 times in the Open de stream on the Svenska Dagb- Also mentioned were Swe- Bjorn was an assistant to Darren France with a best fi nish of third in 2007. the European Tour and Team Europe and 2006 when Bjorn branded captain Ian ladet daily’s website that it was den’s women’s football team Clarke at Minnesota’s Hazeltine National “Thomas has many wonderful char- he wants the Ryder Cup to be the greatest Woosnam as “barmy” and “pathetic” for “great to receive the accolade that took silver in Rio, and Jenny this year, when Europe lost 17-11 as the acteristics which he will bring to the role sporting event it can be,” he added. choosing Lee Westwood as his second after the best season in my ca- Rissveds who won an Olympic Americans ended a run of three succes- of captain,” said Pelley, highlighting the “So when you look at these character- wildcard instead of him. reer.” gold in the women’s mountain sive defeats. Dane’s experience and commitment as istics, I am convinced they will make him Woosnam acknowledged that Bjorn, Last month, he won the Race biking cross-country event. The Dane, also an assistant in 2004, 2010 the fi rst two. “Thirdly, he has passion. a great Ryder Cup captain.” who later apologised, “wasn’t a happy and 2012, played in the Cup in 1997 under Not only for this wonderful game, but for Some of that passion was evident in chappy when I told him”. TENNIS BOTTOMLINE Federer, Serena skip IPTL over cash crunch How Woods ‘banter’ fi red up Reed AFP climate in India and the un- New Delhi certainty of spending money, I AFP “Don’t worry Patrick, you full potential just playing at reached out to both Roger and Hong Kong only need 74 more wins and home,” he said, following his re- Serena to explain the situation,” 14 more majors,” Woods prieve by the European Tour. ennis stars Roger Fed- said Bhupathi, but he was ulti- was quoted as saying, “You’ve got to put your- erer and Serena Williams mately unable to convince them atrick Reed yesterday referring to his tournament self outside of your little bub- have both pulled out of to appear as planned. described how he had victories ble, outside your comfort zone, an exhibition tourna- “They have been both been been fi red up by some see diff erent courses, diff erent mentT in India next week as a re- very supportive of the IPTL the “friendly banter” with time this century. cultures, weather — those are sult of the country’s cash crunch, fi rst two seasons and we look PTiger Woods en route to his star- Reed was also paired with things that help you grow as a organisers said yesterday. forward to bring them in future ring role in the USA’s Ryder Cup Woods at last week’s Hero World golfer.” The two former world number years.” win in October. Challenge, where the former Reed said he had gained valu- ones had been the big-name The tournament was to Reed said he had thoroughly world number one made his re- able experience last year in how draws of the Indian leg of this have marked the comeback of enjoyed his mid-round trash- turn after 16 months out with to tackle Hong Kong’s Fanling year’s International Premier 35-year-old Federer, who has talk with the American great, injury. course, which he described as Tennis League (IPTL) which is been sidelined since July with who was a non-playing vice- He said it was “awesome” to among the shortest and narrow- scheduled to take place in Hy- knee problems. captain at Hazeltine. have Woods back in the game est he had played. derabad from December 9-11. The government’s so-called According to reports, Woods and said he had shown some “I’m always playing aggres- But the IPTL said in a state- “demonetisation” scheme has fi red a verbal broadside at Reed glimpses of his old form in the sively,” said the renowned big- ment it was “sad to announce caused major cash shortages as he played with Jordan Spieth Bahamas. hitter, adding that he would have that Roger Federer and Serena across India, with big queues against Sergio Garcia and Rafa The 26-year-old Texan fi n- to play “position golf rather than Williams won’t participate at outside banks now common- Cabrera-Bello in the Saturday ished third at last year’s Hong power golf”. this year’s IPTL”, citing the “un- place after authorities placed a foursomes. Kong Open, which is co-sanc- Other top names at the $2 certainty” sparked by the gov- daily limit on withdrawals. “Don’t worry Patrick, you tioned by the European Tour and million event include defend- ernment’s decision last month Hyderabad is the third and fi - only need 74 more wins and the Asian Tour. ing champion and Olympic to withdraw high-denomination nal leg of this year’s IPTL which 14 more majors,” Woods was He was delighted to have gold-medallist Justin Rose, who notes from circulation. promotes a shortened version of quoted as saying, referring to his US golfer Patrick Reed speaks during an interview in Hong Kong. been allowed to keep his Euro- pulled out of the Hero World “We have had challenges this the game that organisers say is tournament victories. pean Tour card, despite failing Challenge with a bad back. year, and we were hoping to get more television-friendly than Reed said there was no malice “It was friendly banter... But It certainly didn’t harm to contest the minimum fi ve Masters champion Danny past them,” said Mahesh Bhupathi, the traditional format. intended in Woods’ comment, I defi nitely did what I needed to the form of the current world tournaments when he skipped Willett, who is also struggling the veteran Indian tennis player The fi rst leg was held in Tokyo recalling: “There were a lot of do that week,” he said, ahead of number eight, who was one of the Turkish Airlines Open over with a back injury, and Ian Poul- who is a founder and managing from December 2-4, while the shots where we gave it back and this week’s Hong Kong Open. “It the stand-out performers as the security concerns. ter are also among the competi- director of the IPTL. second leg begins later Tuesday forth to each other.” was fun.” USA won for only the second “You’re not going to get your tors in Hong Kong. “With the current economic in Singapore. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 7, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT US bobsled and skeleton athletes fear Sport faces ‘defi ning Russia World Ch’pionships

AFP Los Angeles moment’ in battle nited States athletes have voiced concerns about competing in Unext year’s World Champion- ships in Russia but will not take any ac- tion on participation until the release of a new report on doping in the country. The New York Times reported on Sunday that American bobsled and skel- against dope: Tygart eton athletes were mulling a possible boycott of the World Championships in Sochi in February in protest at the Rus- ‘On the one hand, it has been a challenging year but on the other hand, being on the brink of sian doping scandal. USA Bobsled & Skeleton chief Darrin holding state-supported doping to account is exactly what needs to happen. It presents a Steele said in a statement that the organisation was opposed to “organisa- defining moment, but that window is about to close. We have to get sport off of its solidified tional boycotts” as a “general principle”. However, he confirmed that most US power position to make the necessary reforms to ensure that we’re never in this situation again’ athletes due to take part in Sochi had voiced concerns about competing in Russia. AFP He added that no decision would be Los Angeles taken until after the release this week of the latest report by Canadian law professor Richard McLaren which is he sporting world faces a “de- expected to shine more light on doping fi ning moment” in the battle in Russia. against drugs as it prepares “The majority of our athletes do have for the release of a new report concerns about competing in Sochi, but Tinto accusations of state-run cheat- they are also waiting for the McLaren ing in Russia, the head of the United report and they are hoping that their States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) concerns will be alleviated so they has warned. can focus on competition at the World USADA chief Travis Tygart (pic) Championships,” Steele said. told AFP in an interview that a year The NYT report quoted US athletes dogged by scandal had presented au- expressing frustration at the fact that thorities with a window of opportu- the Championships were taking place nity to get tough and reform — or risk in Russia despite results of a World a backlash from frustrated clean ath- Anti-Doping Agency investigation that letes if they failed to do so. alleged a state-sponsored scheme to “On the one hand, it has been a manipulate test results at the 2014 challenging year but on the other Winter Olympics. hand, being on the brink of holding “The fact that nothing has been done state-supported doping to account is about the Sochi scandal and the fact that exactly what needs to happen,” Tygart we’re still going to race there — it doesn’t said. “It presents a defi ning moment, make us feel secure, or that they’re tak- but that window is about to close. We ing the situation seriously,” US skeleton have to get sport off of its solidifi ed racer Katie Uhlaender (pic) said. power position to make the necessary Kyle Tress, another skeleton racer, reforms to ensure that we’re never in said a decision to participate had been this situation again.” “passed down the line”. Tygart was speaking ahead of the “Now it’s fallen into the lap of ath- release on Friday of a report by Cana- letes,” Tress said. “There’s tremendous dian law professor Richard McLaren, support to skip this event, and I think which is expected to lift the lid once it’s the right decision.” more on doping in Russia. The fi rst instalment of McLaren’s report, ordered by the World Anti- Doping Agency, detailed a sophisticat- ed state-backed scheme in Russia to rig drug tests at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Tygart believes a failure to act de- cisively against Russia could have dis- astrous consequences for the future of Russia needs to be held accountable on the individuals, it’s positional. You the president of the US anti-doping WADA’s investigative reach around the clean sport. “Clean athletes are watch- for their actions.” can’t simultaneously be an IOC execu- organisation.” world — the cost — could be remedied ing. They are very frustrated and even Tygart said the tumultuous events tive board member and be president of Giving WADA the power to issue by the IOC at a stroke if it chose to do angry at what has occurred in a pow- of the past 12 months have highlighted WADA. Because sometimes you have provisional sanctions against coun- so, Tygart believes. erful country that has had tremendous structural fl aws of a system which al- to make decisions that are the best tries or individuals would be a step “The IOC could solve the problem success in international competitions, lows for overlap within WADA and the for clean athletes and their rights that in the right direction, Tygart added. today,” Tygart said. that could be running a doping pro- International Olympic Committee, might be against the short-term inter- “Once you change the governance “They have a $1.4 bn dollar fund. gram at the extent as it did,” he said. “If presenting the possibility of a confl ict ests of sport.” of WADA you obviously have to give They could take $500 mn of that and the change is not put in place to ensure of interest. Tygart cited the example of USA- them clear authority to investigate and set it aside in a blind trust to spill off that doesn’t ever happen again, those The Olympic movement is well DA’s leading role in exposing Lance sanction,” Tygart said. money to fund WADA and the eff orts athletes are either going to revolt or represented on both the WADA Foun- Armstrong as a doping cheat. “That doesn’t mean they’re the for clean sport,” Tygart added. they are just going to join the dopers. dation Board (18 members) and the “It would have been like the presi- judge. It just means that they operate Failure to invest in enforcing clean That’s unacceptable.” agency’s executive committee (fi ve dent of international cycling being like every other democratic organisa- sport could ultimately erode revenue Previous investigations published members). The fact that WADA’s on our board at USADA when we held tion that has compliance powers. They streams if fans, sponsors and broad- this year had shown “beyond any President, Craig Reedie, is also an IOC Lance Armstrong and the Postal Serv- put in place the sanction but then that casters no longer had confi dence in the doubt...that the sport system in Rus- member, is problematical, Tygart said. ice’s team accountable because of their can be appealed to an independent ju- spectacle. sia was rotten to the core,” Tygart said. “We have to remove sport from the cheating,” Tygart said. dicial body, the Court of Arbitration “The IOC benefi t from having com- “It corrupted the Olympic Games governance at WADA because there’s “You can only imagine that out- for Sport. But WADA absolutely has to petition on the fi eld that is played by and it robbed clean athletes. And now an inherent confl ict of interest,” Tygart come might be diff erent if the presi- have the sanctioning powers.” the rules,” Tygart said. “Because at those athletes deserve justice. And said. “It’s not personal, it’s not based dent of international cycling was also The oft-cited obstacle to enhancing some point, the fans walk away.”

RUGBY Wallabies hoping to benefi t from building depth Reuters intensity and performance are only going tough times I think have put us in a re- for the past seven and a half years and to hold Australian rugby in good stead.” ally good position for future success.” wish them the very best in the future. As well as building depth, Australia My attention now turns to helping Bris- showed they could challenge the All tol retain their place in the Premiership.” he Wallabies believe they are Blacks and England when their back- Bristol sign Ireland lock Tuohy Bristol are six points adrift of safety at on the right track after building line was at its most cohesive, as in the Bristol have signed Ireland internation- the foot of the Premiership table and depth in 2016, despite slump- fi rst half against England last Saturday. al lock Dan Tuohy from Celtic League face 11th-place Worcester in their next ing to nine losses in a season They also pushed the All Blacks in their side Ulster with immediate eff ect, the domestic outing on December 26. Twhere they thought they would close third test in Auckland in October be- English Premiership club announced the gap on world champions New Zea- fore a strong second half from the world yesterday. The 31-year-old, who was land and win back the Bledisloe Cup. champions side put the game away. born in Bristol, previously played for Cooper to coach Stade Francais Michael Cheika’s (pic) side re- Flyhalf Bernard Foley echoed Grey’s Gloucester and Exeter in the English Ex-All Black Greg Cooper will take turned from their end-of-season tour confi dence but also acknowledged that a top fl ight and won the last of his 11 Ire- over from Argentinian Gonzalo Que- of Europe yesterday, having beaten lack of consistency at crucial times had land caps in 2015. sada as head coach of Stade Francais Wales, narrowly pipped Scotland and hurt the Wallabies throughout the year. News of Tuohy’s arrival comes a day next season, the Top 14 club announced France then lost their fi nal two games to “We’ve seen it this year in spurts and if after the announcement that Connacht yesterday. Cooper, who joined the Pa- Ireland and England. we can play those games consistently head coach Pat Lam will take over at risian club as backs coach this season, Those losses book-ended a poor re- every week, I’m sure this team has the Bristol at the end of the season. signed a three-year contract as “sport- turn for the team, having been swept in ability to compete with those sides and “We are pleased to welcome Dan into ing manager” starting at the end of this a home series by England, lost all three get back to where we want to be,” he said. the fold. He is a formidable presence season, a move Stade described as a matches to New Zealand and also been The 27-year-old said the team, hav- in the second row and an experienced “new cycle”. beaten by one of the poorest South ing fi nished 2015 as comfortably the line-out operator,” Bristol’s acting head “The decision wasn’t easy to take Africa sides in the long history of the second best team in the world, had coach Mark Tainton told the Bristol because I’m extremely attached to this Springboks. entered 2016 with in a confi dent frame website. “I know Dan well from his time club and this squad,” said Quesada, who Wallabies assistant coach Nathan of mind before the reality check of the in the Ireland international set-up. His joined Stade in 2013 and led them to the Grey said the team had been trying to England series. knowledge of the game at the highest Top 14 title in 2015. “I’m fully commit- build depth and the new caps intro- “There was a lot of optimism when level, as well as his leadership skills, will ted to the end of the season and that’s duced to test rugby this year would we fi rst got together this year and re- be of signifi cant benefi t to the team.” the sole thing that concerns me today.” help get the side back to the level they alistically we were shut down pretty Tuohy said: “When speaking to Stade currently sit ninth in the Top reached when they made last year’s quickly and so we had to rebuild and Mark, it was clear to see the vision he 14 after a disappointing start to the World Cup fi nal. face the challenges,” he said. had for the club. I am very excited to season. Cooper, 51, was capped seven “Exposing some younger guys to that “I think out of those tough times and have the opportunity to add something times by the All Blacks at full-back next level is something that we did on that adversity a lot of guys stood up and to the group. and went on to coaching roles with the this trip,” Grey said. “The more you can that’s where I think the optimism and “I want to thank Ulster Rugby and Highlanders and Blues in Super Rugby expose those players to those step ups in the potential going forward is. Those the IRFU (Irish Rugby Football Union) and NEC in Japan. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 7, 2016 7 SPORT

FOCUS Rio the most perfect imperfect Games ever: IOC Reuters eral countries their fi rst medals and “We will see. The team in Rio was to Lausanne, Switzerland with global coverage which beat past remind the world of the situation (of Tonga’s Rio fl ag-bearer aims for 2018 Winter Games records. “We are right on target when refugees),” Pere Miro, the IOC’s Depu- you consider the money that was spent ty Director General for Relations with Reuters Tonga’s first male he Rio de Janeiro Olympics may for these Games,” Dubi said. the Olympic Movement, told report- Bear Mountain, California Olympic cross-country not have been perfect but or- Rio was awarded the Games in 2009 ers. “(For Tokyo) this has not yet been skier in a video for the ganisers exceeded expectations amid Brazil’s booming economy at the decided. To have a team in Rio was not Olympic Channel, a dig- given the political and eco- time and a diff erent set of expecta- an objective in itself but a means to put ita Taufatofua, ital platform launched Tnomic situation in the South Ameri- tions by the IOC before the political this problem to the world,” Miro added. the sculpted by the International can country, the International Olympic crisis and the sharp fi nancial downturn “We will now go step by step.” Ptaekwondo fighter Olympic Committee in Committee (IOC) said yesterday. changed organisers’ plans. The 10-member refugee team, hand- who caused a sensation August. Rio, the fi rst Olympic host city on the They then had to deal with a daily picked by the IOC, hogged the spotlight when he carried Tonga’s In Rio, Taufatofua lost continent, had to grapple with a protract- barrage of questions and criticism re- after marching as the penultimate team flag at the Rio Olympics his opening taekwondo ed political crisis, the worst recession in garding organisation, with empty seats before hosts Brazil in the Opening Cere- earlier this year, has an- bout to Iranian Sajjad more than 80 years and a string of organi- in venues and unsold tickets marring mony at the Olympic stadium on August 5. nounced plans to go to Mardani by a score of 16-1. sational problems due to a lack of cash. the start of the Olympics. More than a million refugees streamed the 2018 Winter Games Taufatofua’s bid to The run-up to the Games was an ob- A lack of spectators was evident in into Europe in the past year alone as they as a cross-country skier. compete in a winter stacle course for local organisers and the even the most iconic venues during the fl ed fi ghting in Syria and other coun- “I spent my whole life sport is reminiscent of IOC had to put up hundreds of millions 16-day event in August, including the tries. Millions more are housed in camps chasing my dream and the 1988 Winter Olym- of dollars of its eventual contribution be- Copacabana beach volleyball stadium on in countries across the world, having es- that was to become an pics in Calgary, where fore the start of the Olympics to help out. the famed Rio beach. “Someone called caped dozens of wars or armed confl icts Olympian in 2016,” the Michael ‘Eddie the Eagle’ The Games’ anti-doping programme them the most perfect imperfect Games,” in their home nations. 33-year-old said of his Edwards competed as was also aff ected by a lack of funding amid IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. “It’s The Refugee Olympic Team (ROT) desire to compete in Britain’s first Olympic a widening Russian drugs scandal while actually quite a good characterisation.” included fi ve athletes from South Su- Pyeongchang, South ski jumper, and the venues were hit by problems including dan, two from Syria, two from the Korea. “I’m going to Jamaican bobsled team water quality in pools and a virtual ab- IOC undecided over refugee Democratic Republic of Congo and one be taking my Olympic entered for the first time. sence of branding around the Olympic team for Tokyo 2020 Games from Ethiopia. dream one step further. Tonga, a Polynesian park due to issues with banner suppliers. Miro said although a decision on My goal is to let people kingdom of more than “From an operational point of view The newly-formed refugee team Tokyo had yet to be taken, all national see if I can do it, they 170 islands, is better everything worked,” the IOC’s Olympic competing at this year’s Olympics was Olympic committees had been tasked can do it. The goal is to known for its rugby Games executive director Christophe one of the highlights in Rio de Janeiro with locating any potential Olympians hunt down that Olympic prowess. The snowless, Dubi told reporters. “Were they per- but it is not clear if it will compete at the among refugees living in their countries. medal at the 2018 tropical nation made its fect? No. But with the results we can re- 2020 Games in Tokyo, the International As for the 10 refugees who took part Olympics.” Winter Games debut in ally take our hat off (to Rio organisers). Olympic Committee (IOC) said. in Rio, Miro said the IOC would continue Taufatofua, whose the 2014 Sochi Winter It is amazing what they delivered con- The IOC unveiled its fi rst team of refu- supporting them in their quest for sport- shirtless performance Olympics, with its only sidering their standpoint,” he added. gees in June in an eff ort to raise awareness ing achievement or just a normal life away was one of the high- representative Bruno Dubi said the IOC was satisfi ed with of the issue and it was one of the feel- from war and violence. “We have not lights of the opening Banani finishing 32nd the Rio Games, especially with athletes’ good stories of the Rio Olympics. But it abandoned the 10 athletes,” he said. “We ceremony, announced out of 39 in the men’s performances that yielded 100 world has yet to decide whether to send another continue working with them. We have the his desire to become luge event. and Olympic records and brought sev- refugee team to Tokyo in four years time. duty to continue working with them.”

FORMULA ONE Alonso being considered as Rosberg’s replacement: Wolff ‘You have to consider Fernando. He is a driver I respect a lot. He combines talent, speed and experience. It’s all there. But he is in a contract with McLaren-Honda at the moment and we just need to weigh all the other options up’

Reuters London Fernando Alonso (left) is on the list of possible replacements for retired ernando Alonso would be on F1 world champion Nico the list of possible replacements Rosberg at Mercedes. for retired Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg at Mer- cedesF despite his contract with McLaren, according to team boss Toto Wolff . “You have to consider Fernando,” the Austrian told Sky Sports television in an interview to be broadcast tomorrow as part of a look at Rosberg’s season. “He is a driver I respect a lot. He combines tal- ent, speed and experience. It’s all there. But he is in a contract with McLaren- Honda at the moment and we just need to weigh all the other options up.” McLaren said on Monday that Alon- so was happy where he was and they were not worried about the double world champion Spaniard leaving. Rosberg stunned Formula One, and threw a spanner in Mercedes’ plans for 2017, when he announced his retire- ment on Friday, just fi ve days after win- ning his fi rst world title in Abu Dhabi. The seat he leaves behind is the most coveted in Formula One, with Mercedes winning 19 of 21 races this year and clinching both world championships for the third season in succession. Between them, Rosberg and triple champion teammate Lewis Hamilton lost just eight races in three years and started all but one on pole position in 2016. While big names like Alonso have been bandied about, all the top drivers are under contract with rival teams who are unlikely to countenance their depar- ture for the sport’s most dominant team. Alonso is, however, out of contract at the end of 2017 and that has also trig- gered speculation that Mercedes could an agreement with another team for a have our values, our racing ethos and opt for a stop-gap if serious about driver. Wolff also added that he would racing spirit settled for next year and Abu signing the 35-year-old who partnered like to see Wehrlein drive for a smaller Dhabi is a race we have to learn from.” Ricciardo promises to unlock ‘hidden Honey Badger’ Hamilton at McLaren in 2007. team for the time being. aniel Ricciardo is ready to “un- weight and keeping kilos off , and the Ricciardo said third place in 2016 The favourite for the empty seat re- “If I had to make a Christmas wish- Red Bull, Aston Martin lock the hidden Honey Badger” training itself isn’t that challenging. felt more convincing and more mains the team’s German reserve driver list, then I would wish for him to stay Dwhen he starts training for next Next year will be diff erent.” sustainable than it had in 2014. “This Pascal Wehrlein, who raced for tailend- in a mid-tier team for another year or extend partnership season’s new-look Formula One. “Being able to put on some strength year I felt like I did everything I did in ers Manor this year. two. But my wishlist for this year didn’t The Australian, nicknamed after the and muscle will be more challenging ‘14, but at a higher level when I really Wolff said that whoever was signed, work out, so in that respect we have to Red Bull and Aston Martin, who are de- cuddly but ferocious animal, finished and more rewarding, so I’m up for that. pushed myself,” added the Australian, he would have the same terms to Ham- fi nd a good compromise and maybe we veloping an Adrian Newey-designed third overall this year, the best of the I’m all for making it harder. Time to un- who had 19-year-old Dutch teammate ilton. “Both drivers will have equal sta- need to make a bold decision, like Nico AM-RB 001 ‘hypercar’ incorporating rest behind the Mercedes pair, and lock the hidden Honey Badger,” added Max Verstappen pushing him hard tus and equal opportunity to the best of (Rosberg) did,” Wolff said. Formula One technology, have extended said in a column for Red Bull he was Ricciardo, who has as a picture of the from May onwards. “I was able to find our abilities. We owe it to the fans. You Though Wolff said it would be nice their partnership to the end of 2017. The looking forward to a harder off -sea- animal on the back of his racing helmet. some pretty good levels through the can’t have a pecking order,” he said. to have a German driver, the “fi rst pri- loss-making sportscar company’s logos son workout. The Australian, who won in Malay- year, and there were quite a few times Wolff further said that Sebastian Vet- ority is the performance” of someone also feature on Red Bull’s F1 car. The 2017 regulations, with wider sia in October and started on pole that I was able to exceed my own ex- tel will not replace Rosberg. When asked who can “fi ght for race victories and “Our relationship with Red Bull Racing tyres and revised aerodynamics, in Monaco, shed more than three pectations for what I thought I could about Vettel’s recent public reference to possibly also the championship”. One has done for Aston Martin exactly what should make the cars faster through kilogrammes before the start of do, maybe even surprise myself a bit.” a contract that he has with Ferrari for benefi ciary of the sudden rush for a new we expected it to do,” said Aston Martin the corners and harder to handle, the 2016 season in a bid to improve Otherwise, Ricciardo said he was 2017, Wolff said: “Yes, we respect the driver could be Hamilton, who diso- chief executive Andy Palmer in a state- which puts more of a premium on performance. looking to get home and relax once contracts which drivers have at other beyed team orders to speed up towards ment. “It is helping us to continue to build driver strength. Former champions Red Bull were his team commitments were over. “It’s teams. We also wouldn’t want our driv- the end of the decisive season-ending our brand across the globe.” Aston Mar- “We’ll have to change some things handicapped in 2015 by their uncom- little things that I get to experience ers to look around for the next-best op- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. tin, whose cars are closely associated with up in the preparation, and the in- petitive Renault engine and sought again in the off -season that make me portunities. Contracts exist for these “That’s still a topic we have to discuss fi ctional British secret agent James Bond, season training will change too,” said other ways of closing the gap, one of realise why I love being home when I kinds of situations and we respect that.” internally,” Wolff said. “After the events said all 150 road-going AM-RB 001 cars Ricciardo. “In the past few years we’ve them being reducing weight where can be. My mates treating me like an However, the Mercedes team boss of the last few days, however, not quite due to be built had now been sold and cus- concentrated on things like trimming possible. idiot, basically,” he said. said he would “not rule out” coming to the same priority. Of course we want to tomer deliveries would begin in early 2019. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, December 7, 2016 SPORT

NBA NFL Luck at brilliant best as Colts Thompson explodes pound NY Jets

The Sports Xchange East Rutherford, New Jersey

n his fi rst game back since suff ering a con- for 60 as Warriors cussion, Andrew Luck reminded the Indi- anapolis Colts they are set at quarterback for the next decade — and helped offi cially Isend the New York Jets back to the drawing board in their quixotic search for a franchise signal-caller. Luck threw four touchdown passes — in- cluding three to tight end Dwayne Allen in the rout Pacers 142-106 fi rst half — and fi nished with the best single- game passer rating of his career Monday night as the Colts moved into a tie for fi rst place in Thunder’s Westbrook maintains average of triple-double with his 11th of the season the AFC South by routing the Jets 41-10 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. “It’s always great to have your starting quar- AFP terback under centre,” Colts head coach Chuck Los Angeles Pagano said. “I don’t think we threw very many passes. Completed a bunch.” Luck, who was injured Nov. 20 and missed lay Thompson exploded for the Colts’ 27-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers a career-high 60 points in four days later, fi nished 22-of-28 for 278 yards a phenomenal individual and a passer rating of 147.6 before giving way display as Golden State early in the fourth quarter to Scott Tolzien. A Ksteamrolled the Indiana Pacers 142- perfect passer rating is 158.3. 106 on Monday. “We know he’s a talented guy, but it goes Thompson tormented Indiana back to his preparation,” Pagano said. “He does with a mesmerising performance not like to not be available for his teammates. which saw him rack up 40 points in He hated missing that game. the fi rst two quarters alone. “It’s great to have him back.” A further 20 points in the third Luck, who is in the fi rst year of a six-year quarter gave Thompson the highest deal worth a maximum of $139.1mn, complet- individual game tally of his career ed his fi rst six passes — including touchdown and the highest of any player in the strikes of seven yards and 21 yards to Allen, NBA this season as the Warriors im- who was wide open both times — in directing proved to 18-3. the Colts to a 14-0 lead less than eight minutes Thompson sat out the entire into the fi rst quarter. fourth quarter so was denied the op- Luck capped the Colts’ fi rst drive of the portunity to improve his tally, which second half with a 3-yard touchdown pass to included eight three-pointers. Donte Moncrief that put the Colts up 31-3 He Kevin Durant added 20 points for exited after Indianapolis’ fi fth touchdown, the Dubs with Stephen Curry chip- a 5-yard run by backup running back Robert ping in with 13, but the night be- Turbin. longed to Thompson, who had the “It’s always fun, especially when you miss a Oakland crowd on its feet as baskets game — that’s no fun,” said Luck, who missed rained down from all angles. the fi nal seven games of last season with a lac- “It was fun, I was in a great erated kidney. “To get back out and do some rhythm, took all good shots for the things was good.” most part. Still missed a few wide So, too, was moving back into fi rst place. The open threes I wish I’d got, but it Colts (6-6) are tied atop the AFC South with was a fun night, to say the least,” the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans. Thompson said on court afterwards. The Jets (3-9), meanwhile, will miss the Thompson declined to speculate playoff s for the sixth straight season after be- on what his point tally might have ing eliminated from postseason contention. been had Steve Kerr not elected to sit Head coach Todd Bowles said afterward that him in the fourth quarter. second-year quarterback Bryce Petty, who re- “Good question,” a smiling placed Fitzpatrick to start the second half, will Thompson said. “Who knows?” play out the string behind centre for New York. Paul George led the scoring for the Pacers with 21 points as Indiana Klay Thompson racks up 40 of career-high 60 points in the first two quarters alone against Indiana Pacers. fell to 10-11 for the season. Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time record things,” said Thabo Sefolosha, 34 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers “It’s always a tough place to play,” Westbrook marches on of nine consecutive triple-doubles Westbrook’s former Thunder team- snapped their three-game losing James said. “Their fans are incred- Thompson’s virtuoso display was set in 1968. Westbrook has compiled mate who was given the thankless streak with a hard-fought 116-112 ible and their team is very good and the highlight of another busy round 11 triple-doubles so far this season task of attempting to guard him. win over the Raptors, a repeat of last well-coached. It’s absolutely tough of NBA games which saw Russell — the same number as the rest of the “He has such a high energy level. season’s Eastern Conference Finals to get a win in here; and, for us to be Westbrook maintain his extraordi- NBA combined. You have to try to take his air space, showdown. able to do that twice already, it’s big nary run of form with a sixth straight “What Russell is doing is incred- contest his shot. He made a bunch James led the scoring for the Cavs, for our team.” triple double. ible, remarkable. It’s something the tonight.” who also saw Kevin Love pour on 28 Westbrook moved to within one league hasn’t seen like this in a long, Donovan meanwhile praised points with 14 rebounds as the Rap- Results game of equalling Michael Jordan’s long time,” Thunder coach Billy Do- Westbrook’s ability to read the game tors’ six-game winning streak came Utah 107 LA Lakers 101 seven consecutive triples in 1989 novan said. “But I also give Russell, before choosing when to strike. to an end. Golden State 142 Indiana 106 when he secured his 10th mid- and our guys, a lot of credit. We’re “I think he was just kind of biding The Cavs had looked to be eas- Charlotte 109 Dallas 101 way through the third quarter of a team... They’re all trying to make his time, seeing what was going to be ing to victory after opening up a Portland 112 Chicago 110 Oklahoma City’s 102-99 win over each other better.” open,” Donovan said. “He’s reading 15-point lead in the fourth quarter. San Antonio 97 Milwaukee 96 the . Westbrook, who is averaging tri- the game in his mind and then he’s But a determined Raptors fi ght- Memphis 110 New Orleans 108 (OT) Andrew Luck (C) of the Indianapolis Colts Westbrook eventually fi nished ple double numbers for the season going to take advantage of the op- back saw them move to within four Houston 107 Boston 106 slides down against the defense of Leonard with 32 points, 13 rebounds and 12 of 31 points, 10.9 rebounds and 11.3 portunities that he thinks are there.” with two seconds left, sending Cleveland 116 Toronto 112 Williams (R) and David Harris (L) of the New assists as the Thunder improved to assists, made 10 of 22 from the fl oor the game down to the wire before Washington 118 Brooklyn 113 York Jets in the first quarter during their game 14-8. The 28-year-old is now three and 9 of 14 from the foul line. LeBron stops the rot Cleveland dug deep for a win which Oklahoma City 102 Atlanta 99 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New away from matching the legendary “He does so many diff erent In Toronto LeBron James scored boosted them to 14-5. Denver 106 Philadelphia 98 Jersey. (Getty Images/AFP)

NHL Penguins earn wild victory over Senators 8-5

By Jason Mackey scoring a goal, and Justin Schultz and went to work. Matt Cullen made it Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Ian Cole adding two-point eff orts. 4-3 with a short-handed, breakaway Schultz scored for the third game in a goal. Kessel threw a shot at the goal row. from 39 feet that moved like a slider in here are still a few defensive Malkin put the fi nishing touches on baseball, and Schultz put the Penguins kinks left to iron out, but the his performance with his 10th goal of ahead, 5-4, with his third in as many Penguins have certainly found the season at 1 minute, 5 seconds of the games. an off ensive groove. third period, charging through a pair The three goal came in a span of 6 TThe Penguins set a season-high for of Senators defenders and backhand- minutes, 9 seconds after the Senators goals scored in an 8-5 win over the ing a puck past Craig Anderson. After had taken a 4-2 lead. Malkin set up Ottawa Senators on Monday at PPG that, former Penguin Mike Condon Rust for an early Penguins goal before Paints Arena. took over for Ottawa, the fourth goal- Kyle Turris answered for the Senators Again the Penguins had to come tender of the evening. for a breakaway goal of his own. The from behind – they trailed, 4-2, at 7 Dion Phaneuf cut the Penguins’ Penguins challenged, but the ruling minutes, 8 seconds of the second peri- lead to 6-5 at 6:17 of the third with was upheld. od – but their off ense proved to be too Ottawa’s third man-advantage goal of Sidney Crosby picked up his 17th of much for the Senators to handle. The the night after a scrum in front at 6:17. the season later in the fi rst period to Penguins have scored 19 goals in their Rust picked up the fi nal two, on a pen- push the Penguins ahead, 2-1. Karls- past three games. alty shot and an empty-netter. son, though, beat Fleury from the The Penguins have won three in a Matt Murray picked up the win in right circle to pull the teams even at 2 row, their longest stretch since picking relief after stopping 16 of 17 shots, a after one period. up four consecutive victories October performance that’s sure to continue Malkin’s two assists stretched his 25-November 2. They’ve also won four the debate over how the Penguins are home point streak to 11, during which in a row against Ottawa and are 7-0-2 rotating their goaltenders. he has four goals and 17 points, and in their last nine against them. Ottawa jumped out to a 4-2 lead his overall streak to six. The Penguins Bryan Rust had a career night with with a pair of power play goals in the also survived a few injury scares early the fi rst hat trick of his career and a second period. Mark Stone knocked on. On Rust’s goal, Zack Smith hit and four-point night, but the downside a puck out of the air, and Mike Hoff - tripped Malkin, apparently on pur- of Monday’s win was the fact that the man buried a one-time feed from pose, with no call. And in the second, Penguins allowed three power play Erik Karlsson. It appeared as though Tom Pyatt drove Kris Letang hard into goals, and Marc-Andre Fleury, making Stone’s stick may have been above the the boards. Letang was slow getting to a third start in a row, was yanked after crossbar, but offi cials took another his feet but stayed in the game. allowing four goals on 16 shots. The look and it was determined to be at le- Penguins’ eight goals came from six gal height when he made contact with RESULTS diff erent players, as they raised their the puck. Penguins 8 Senators 5 record to 16-7-3. After allowing four goals on 16 shots Bruins 4 Panthers 3 (overtime) Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel con- in 27:08, coach Mike Sullivan replaced Capitals 3 Sabres 2 (overtime) Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (L) celebrates with center Nick Bonino after scoring a goal to complete a hat trick tributed three points apiece, each Fleury with Murray, and the Penguins Blue Jackets 4 Coyotes 1 against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Wednesday, December 7, 2016 9 CRICKET

CHAPPELL-HADLEE TROPHY SPOTLIGHT Morgan, Hales back in England squads Six-ton Warner sees for ODIs and T20s

Reuters Bangladesh, Bayliss said: “No, London not at all. He’s been the cap- tain for the last couple of years during a successful period in ngland captain Eoin white-ball cricket. Australia past Kiwis Morgan and opening “There have been no whis- batsman Alex Hales pers around the squad or from have returned to the anyone. In fact, everyone is one-dayE international (ODI) looking forward to welcoming and T20 squads for the tour of him back to the fold.”. India which starts next month. The selectors on Monday Both players are back in the also announced a 15-man IT20 international set-up, hav- squad for the India series on to reclaim ODI series ing chosen to miss October’s the ECB website (www.ecb. Bangladesh tour over security co.uk). concerns. England will play three ODIs ‘It was great batting with the skipper (Smith) and running between the wickets’ Batsman Joe Root is also in- and three T20s on the three- cluded after being rested for week tour with the fi rst ODI FP the 2-1 victory in the ODI se- scheduled for Jan. 15 in Pune. Canberra ries against Bangladesh, but Ben Duckett, Steven Finn and ODI squad James Vince all miss out. Eng- Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, avid Warner slammed his sixth land have won nine of their last Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos But- one-day century of the year 12 ODIs and head coach Trevor tler, Liam Dawson,, Alex Hales, to lead Australia to a crushing Bayliss said there was no never Eoin Morgan (captain), Liam 116-run victory and reclaim the any doubt Morgan and Hales Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Chappell-HadleeD Trophy series off New would return despite deciding Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Zealand yesterday. not to go to Bangladesh. Willey, Chris Woakes. Warner smashed 119 off 115 balls to pro- “No-one was annoyed that pel the Australians to an imposing 378 for they didn’t go,” Bayliss told T20 squad fi ve after being sent into bat. They then the BBC on Monday. “They are Moeen Ali, Jake Ball, Sam Bill- bowled out the Black Caps for 262 off 47.2 good mates of all the players in ings, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, overs at the bat-friendly Manuka Oval. the team. There are certainly Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Tymal New Zealand had to win in Canberra to no problems at all.” Mills, Eoin Morgan (captain), keep alive their hopes of retaining the tro- Asked if Morgan’s position Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe phy after losing by 68 runs in the opening as captain had been weakened Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, game in Sydney on Sunday. by his decision not to tour David Willey. Warner led the way in Australia’s third- highest ODI total and was supported by skipper Steve Smith’s 72 off 76 balls and Travis Head’s 57 from 32 balls, while Wicketkeeper Patel retained Mitchell Marsh bludgeoned seven sixes in a unbeaten 76 off just 40 balls. for fourth Test against England The Black Caps made a spirited attempt Wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has India’s cricket board (BCCI) to chase Australia’s hefty total and were retained his place in the India has not made a decision on 177 for three when Jimmy Neesham fell side for the fourth Test against the fate of the final Test match in the 31st over for 74, ending a 125-run England after Wriddhiman against England next week, stand with skipper Kane Williamson. Saha failed to recover from but is monitoring the situation Williamson was dismissed nine overs a thigh strain, the team said in Chennai following the death later for 81 off 80 balls with fi ve fours and yesterday. Pace bowler Ishant of Indian politician Jayalalith- two sixes, and with him went New Zea- Sharma, who has not played aa Jayaraman on Monday. land’s faint hopes of reeling in the Aus- any of the three Tests so far, Jayalalithaa was chief minister tralian target. was also released from the of southern India’s Tamil Nadu Williamson’s gamble on sending the team after local media reports state, of which Chennai is the Australians into bat backfi red spectacu- that he was getting married. capital. The fifth Test in the larly when the home side feasted on a per- “The BCCI medical team has current series between India fect batting wicket. confirmed that wicketkeeper and England is scheduled The pugnacious Warner set the tone Australia’s batsman David Warner celebrates his century during the second ODI against New Zealand in Canberra yesterday. (AFP) Wriddhiman Saha is still to be held at Chennai’s MA with his 10th ODI century — the third recuperating from the strain Chidambaram Stadium from century in his last fi ve ODI innings and his cameo. Smith said: “330, 340 runs was in his left thigh, which he December 16-20, but local me- fi rst against New Zealand. probably par. 380 was a big total. You need sustained during the second dia reported that the BCCI is Only three other Australian batsmen a lot of things to go right to chase it down.” Scoreboard Test match,” the BCCI said considering switching venues. have scored more hundreds in ODIs — The Black Caps lost both openers by in a statement. “As a precau- “An unfortunate incident has Ricky Ponting (30), Mark Waugh (18) and the ninth over, with Tom Latham caught Australia Cummins ...... 81 tionary measure, Saha has taken place in Chennai, but Adam Gilchrist (16). and bowled by Josh Hazlewood for four D. Warner c Williamson b de Grandhom- J. Neesham c Starc b Hazlewood ...... 74 been advised rest. The BCCI the BCCI is making clear that “It was a fantastic wicket and once you and Martin Guptill caught behind off Pat me ...... 119 C. Munro c Marsh b Faulkner ...... 11 medical team is monitoring no decision has been taken keep wickets in hand you can make 100 Cummins for 45. Neesham looked in good A. Finch b Santner ...... 19 C. De Grandhomme c Wade b Starc ....12 the wicketkeeper-batsman’s regarding Chennai Test,” BCCI runs in the last 10 overs,” Warner said. touch with 74 off 83 balls before he was S. Smith c Santner b Southee ...... 72 M. Santner b Starc ...... 2 progress.” secretary Ajay Shirke told a “It was great batting with the skipper caught in the deep by Mitchell Starc off T. Head c Munro b Southee ...... 57 B.J. Watling c Warner b Faulkner ...... 17 Saha replaced Mahendra news conference yesterday. (Smith) and running between the wickets. Josh Hazlewood in the 31st over. M. Marsh not out ...... 76 T. Southee c Bailey b Cummins ...... 2 Singh Dhoni as India’s Test “We’re keeping a close watch This year is going great.” James Faulkner got Colin Munro to hole M. Wade b Boult ...... 11 M. Henry c Faulkner b Cummins ...... 7 wicketkeeper after the former on the situation and taking Warner was out to a low catch from out on 11 to long-on, where Marsh took a G. Bailey not out ...... 0 T. Boult not out ...... 2 captain retired from the five- inputs from the local associa- Williamson at cover off medium-pacer safe catch, and Starc had de Grandhomme Extras: (lb11, w10, nb3) ...... 24 Extras :(lb1, w4) ...... 5 day format at the end of 2014. tion about sentiments of the Colin de Grandhomme in the 37th over, caught behind for 12. Total: (5 wickets, 50 overs) ...... 378 Total: (all out, 47.2 overs) ...... 262 The 31-year-old Patel was people. We will act accord- ending a 145-run partnership with Smith. Williamson was deceived by a Pat Cum- Fall of wickets: 1-68 (Finch), 2-213 Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Latham), 2-52 (Gup- brought in for the third Test in ingly.” India lead the five- Smith followed up his career-best ODI mins slower ball and found Warner in the (Warner), 3-248 (Smith), 4-319 (Head), till), 3-177 (Neesham), 4-191 (Munro), 5-229 Mohali, which Virat Kohli’s side match series 2-0 ahead of the score of 164 in Sydney with 72. covers to leave the Black Caps on 232 for 5-357 (Wade) (de Grandhomme), 6-232 (Williamson), won by eight wickets to take a fourth test in Mumbai starting The Australian skipper, who was struck six. Wickets tumbled among the lower or- Bowling: Henry 10-0-91-0 (2nb, 2w), Boult 7-236 (Santner), 8-243 (Southee), 9-254 2-0 lead in the best of five se- tomorrow. a painful blow in the groin by a de Grand- der, with Cummins fi nishing with four for 10-0-80-1 (3w), Santner 10-0-47-1 (1w), (Henry), 10-262 (Watling) ries. Patel, who had not played homme delivery on 56, sliced to Mitchell 41 as Australia cruised to victory ahead of Southee 10-0-63-2 (2w), De Grandhomme Bowling: Starc 10-0-52-2 (2w), Hazlewood a Test since 2008, opened the Pace bowler Ishant Shar- Santner at deep point. Friday’s third and fi nal ODI in Melbourne. 9-0-74-1 (1nb, 1w), Neesham 1-0-12-0. 9-1-42-2 (1w), Cummins 10-0-41-4 (1w), innings with Murali Vijay and ma, who has not played Head hit his second half-century of “Australia is one of the best sides in the Head 7-0-31-0, Faulkner 8.2-0-69-2, Marsh scored 42 and 67 not out in any of the three Tests the series before he was caught off Tim world and at home they are the best side in New Zealand 3-0-26-0 the match. The fourth Test in so far, was also released Southee. the world,” Williamson said. M. Guptill c Wade b Cummins 45 Result: Australia won by 116 runs Mumbai starts on December from the team aft er local Marsh provided late fi reworks with “The ‘death’ overs really hurt us, and T. Latham c and b Hazlewood ...... 4 Series: Australia 2-0 8, with the last match in Chen- media reports that he some prodigious hitting, including three Australia have been showing us how to K. Williamson c Warner b Man of the match: David Warner (AUS). nai from December 16-20. was getting married. consecutive sixes off Matt Henry in a lusty build partnerships.”

FOCUS Despite the accent I feel English, says Jennings

AFP England in 2011, committing himself to Mumbai four years there so he could become eli- gible to play for the national side. “The opportunity, the professional- atsman Keaton Jennings was ism, I don’t know if I can put my exact born and bred in South Africa fi nger on it but there was a combination and captained the Proteas un- of feeling really welcome, feeling loved, der-19s but insisted yesterday feeling pushed as well,” he said of his de- aheadB of his expected England debut that cision to make himself available for Eng- he feels “very English”. land instead of South Africa. The 24-year-old opener is tipped His impressive scoring for Durham to make his international bow for his captured the attention of England’s se- adopted country in England’s do-or-die lectors and Jennings, who owns a house fourth Test against India, which starts in the northeast English town, says he at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai feels very much settled in his new life. tomorrow. “I suppose the more time you spend in The tall left-hander was a late call-up the country the more you feel local. I’m for England’s two remaining must-win blessed that they’ve welcomed me with matches after Haseeb Hameed injured open arms,” he said. his hand during the third Test and was England trail 2-0 in the fi ve-match ruled out of the rest of the series. series and anything less than a victory Jennings said joining up with his new would see India seal the rubber. Jen- teammates had been “surreal” but that nings, however, welcomes the pressure. he would relish the opportunity to open “I have always been taught that pres- the batting with captain Alastair Cook sure is a privilege. It’s the sort of a thing this week if picked. my dad tried to infuse into me as a kid,” “At the moment I’m feeling very com- said Jennings, whose father Ray played fortable and very English, despite my for South Africa during the apartheid accent,” he joked to reporters at a news era. conference following a training session “I like to think that I bring positive en- in India’s fi nancial capital. ergy and a smile to the group. I am gen- Jennings, whose mother is English, erally quite a happy guy. We’re 2-0 down was born in Johannesburg and went on to and it’s a tough position. Hopefully we captain South Africa at under-19 level. can throw a few jibes and throw some But after leaving school he moved to punches back,” he added. England’s Keaton Jennings (L), captain Alastair Cook (C) and Ben Stokes look on during a training session at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, December 7, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS GOLF Search for HWPA Derby Qatar Masters Awards ceremony volunteers is on held in London QREC general manager presents awards to winners

By Sports Reporter Doha

he 50th annual Horserace Writers & Photographers As- sociation (HWPA) Derby Awards, supported by the TQatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), was held at the Lancaster in London on Monday in presence of QREC general manager Nasser Sher- ida al-Kaabi and over 550 people. By Sports Reporter Volunteer co-ordinator for the Com- Racing Post journalist Tom Kerr was Doha mercial Bank Qatar Masters. announced as Racing Writer of the “Many volunteers return year after Year. Kerr, who was nominated for the year and it fi lls me with such pride to fi rst time, beat the likes of freelancer head of the historic 20th edi- know that the Commercial Bank Qatar Kevin Blake, and The Guardian’s two tion of the Commercial Bank Masters has become a meeting point racing writers Chris Cook and Greg Qatar Masters in January, for international golf fans to immerse Wood. organisers of the prestigious themselves in the action at the Doha The Peter O’Sullevan Trophy for EuropeanA Tour golf tournament are Golf Club. We couldn’t do what we do Broadcaster of the Year, founded in calling on volunteers from across the without the dedication of our volun- 2004, went to Nick Luck of Chan- GCC to join their team as they seek to teers!” nel 4 Racing for a record seventh time make next year’s milestone event most Volunteer roles vary from marshalls following his victories in 2014, 2013, successful yet. and stewards, to walking scorers, lead- 2011, 2009, 2008 and 2007. Golf fans now have the chance to erboard operators and tee shot measur- Channel 4 Racing gives way to ITV be part of history by volunteering at ers for the international television cov- at the end of the year and Luck proved the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. erage and tournament statistics. more popular than Matt Chapman Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi speaks at the HWPA Derby Awards in London. Volunteering is an excellent way to be- Richard Millington, chief marshall (winner in 2010), Simon Holt and John come involved in the game of golf and of Volunteers at Commercial Bank Qa- Hunt, who was successful last year. The recipient of the Qatar Racing a great way to meet people and make tar Masters, commented: “I have been The second award for a journalist, & Equestrian Club Arabian award, to new friends who have similar interests volunteering for many years along- the John Oaksey Trophy for the Racing recognise outstanding achievement to you. It is also an easy way to gain ex- side people I am now proud to call my Reporter of the Year which is in its fi fth in Arabian racing, is owner, breeder, perience — whether that is in specifi c friends. Every year for Commercial year, had a strong set of nominations sponsor and patron HH Sheikh Ham- roles such as coaching, event manage- Bank Qatar Masters we need something — The Guardian’s Chris Cook (winner dan bin Rashid al-Maktoum. The ment and leadership or just by being of the order of 450 volunteers that rep- in 2012 & 2014), Jon Lees (winner in other nominees were racehorse Al involved in large sporting events. resent 25,000 man-hours of volun- 2013) and Lee Mottershead, both from Mourtajez, owner and trainer Delyth Over the course of 20 years the teering. Most of the volunteers that the Racing Post, and Marcus Townend Thomas and amateur rider Simon Commercial Bank Qatar Masters has apply come from the local community; of the Daily Mail. Walker. contributed to the growth and de- they could be golfers, golf fans or sim- The award went to Townend for the velopment of golf in the Middle East ple people who are looking to experi- fi rst time. WINNERS AT THE 2016 HWPA by providing a world-class sporting ence golf for the fi rst time. I, myself, Edward Whitaker of the Racing Post DERBY AWARDS spectacle, bringing Qatar’s communi- am a golfer and what I fi nd that the best became the Photographer of the Year International Trainer of the Year: ties together for a weekend of family part about volunteering is that I get the for a record seventh time after previ- Charlie Appleby fun, and exposing new audiences to the opportunity to see the best golfers play ously enjoying success in 2014, 2012, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club sport. And it is the team of dedicated and learn from their game.” 2006, 2003 2002 and 1999. Arabian Award: H H Sheikh Hamdan volunteers that is responsible for en- Qatar Golf Association president His portfolio of photos was judged bin Rashid al Maktoum suring all areas of the event, from on- Hassan al-Naimi said, “We look for- best of the four nominees, also includ- Picture of the Year: Patrick Mc- course action to hospitality and public ward to providing our devoted and ing Alan Crowhurst, Patrick McCann Cann village, run smoothly for the profes- enthusiastic volunteers with a memo- and Hugh Routledge. John Oaksey Trophy for Rac- sionals, VIP guests and thousands of rable experience, and are so grateful for The Picture of the Year award came Year and Jockey of the Year in 2012. Jean Bishop, Ontoawinner, Strecker & ing Reporter of the Year: Marcus paying spectators alike. the work they always do to help make into existence in 2012 and went to Mc- This year Aidan O’Brien, after a Burke and Susannah Ricci. Townend “For the past 20 years, the hundreds the tournament such a great success. Cann for the second successive year stellar Flat season, was voted HWPA Charlie Appleby is the International Owner of the Year: Coolmore of volunteers, who are passionate about Ultimately, it’s all about the work, and ahead of Dan Abraham (winner in Trainer of the Year, with the other Trainer of the Year, an award decided George Ennor Trophy for being a part of the Commercial Bank it’s all about the community that we 2014), John Hoy and Whitaker. nominees being Laura Mongan, Willie by the International Racing Bureau. Outstanding Achievement: Geoff Qatar Masters, have been integral in have built here across the years at the McCann, based in Ireland for the Mullins and Colin Tizzard. The Godolphin trainer, who has had Greetham keeping the tournament running and Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. So Racing Post, won the Picture of the Jim Crowley, Stobart Champion a fruitful time in Australia lately, won Jockey of the Year: Jim Crowley maintaining the highest of standards we encourage golf fans across the GCC Year accolade for his photograph of Jockey for the fi rst time in 2016, won ahead of David O’Meara, Sir Michael Trainer of the Year: Aidan O’Brien for this world-class, elite sports event. to take the chance to step inside the horses jumping a hurdle at Bellews- the Jockey of the Year award, in front Stoute and Roger Varian. Peter O’Sullevan Trophy for Our volunteers play a critical role in ropes in January and volunteer at one town framed by a rainbow. of Josephine Gordon, Richard Johnson Geoff Greetham on Timeform Broadcaster of the Year: Nick Luck the tournament every year, provid- of the region’s most prestigious sports The separate National Hunt and Flat and Ryan Moore. gained the George Ennor Trophy for Photographer of the Year: Ed- ing much-needed support, assistance, events” awards for Trainer of the Year and Jockey Coolmore, whose horses are mainly Outstanding Achievement, in recog- ward Whitaker and individual attention that is crucial More details about the volunteer op- of the Year at the HWPA Derby Awards trained by O’Brien, is the Owner of nition of his work on the Timeform Clive Graham Trophy for Racing for the growth and development of the portunity is available at qatar-masters. were amalgamated into Trainer of the the Year. The other nominees were annuals and more. Writer of the Year: Tom Kerr tournament,” explains Monica Rokk, com/tournament.

BASKETBALL ASPIRE BANKS TOURNAMENT Happy Journey dump Masraf Al Rayan edge closer to Pampanga in Aspirants game QNB in Aspire Banks tourney

By Sports Reporter left in the last quarter cutting Doha the lead to just nine points but Pradas and Parico were always there to come to the rescue to appy Journey’s top crawl back the double digit scorers went on a edge. rampage and were Castillo’s conversion in the unstoppable in the crossover drive put his squad Hlatter part of the game as they with another glimpse of hope claimed a convincing 91-78 inching closer to another victory over Pampanga VDB in eight-point defi cit with 4:34 the Aspirants Division of the left. Nissan Cup 2016. A 15-point edge by Happy The tournament hosted Journey with 3:02 left in the by Pinoy Basketball of Qatar game with the masterful com- (PIBAQ) has advanced to the mand of the game of the magic crucial semi-fi nal rounds. duo sealed the game for good The duo — M Pradas and for them. M Parico —dominated 26 In the other game, Jireh Ea- Masraf Al Rayan’s players warm-up ahead of their Aspire Banks Tournament match. and 23 points respectively. gles managed another victory Their momentum remained over Warriors, 80-66, to se- By Sports Reporter Bank, while Masraf Al Rayan played win against Ahli Bank. Meanwhile, unperturbed despite several cure the other fi nals slot in the Doha Ahli Bank. Mashreq Bank scored another big attempts by the rivals of an- hotly contested tournament in Standard Chartered Bank improve win with a fi nal score of 7-3 against swering back with their own the division. their chance of qualifying to the Qatar International Islamic Bank. rally. The Nissan 21st Season n its fi fth week, the Aspire quarter-fi nals, after winning against In the sixth week’s qualifying The defi ning moment of Men’s Championship Cup Banks Tournament, organised International Bank of Qatar with nine round, taking place on December 10, Happy Journey was the con- of Pinoy Basketball of Qatar by Aspire Zone Foundation impressive goals to none, prevent- Group A matches will be played be- version of Parico’s basket (PIBAQ) is presented by Oore- (AZF) in collaboration with Qa- ing International Bank of Qatar from tween Standard Chartered and Barwa from beyond the arc with 2:03 doo and McDonald’s Qatar. Itar Central Bank (QCB), concluded securing any points for the fi fth con- Bank, and International Bank of Qa- left in the third quarter that The tournament is brought by with four thrilling matches between secutive week. In the same category, tar and Qatar Central Bank. Group B sealed a comfortable 13-point Qatar Basketball Federation some of the tournament’s leading Doha Bank was able to beat Commer- matches are scheduled to be played edge and from then on they and the Philippine embassy teams. cial Bank with four clean goals, bring- between Qatar National Bank and never looked back to maintain in Qatar and co-sponsored by This week’s matches saw Group A ing their total number of points to Qatar Islamic Bank, and Qatar Inter- a double-digit advantage until Alicafe, Diana Jewellery and action as Standard Chartered Bank seven, as against one point for Com- national Islamic Bank and Ahli Bank. the fi nal buzzer sounded. Watches, GO Sports, Philip- played International Bank of Qatar, mercial Bank. The qualifi er rounds are being Pampanga’s Paul Castillo pine Airlines, Filipino Com- while Doha Bank faced off against Masraf Al Rayan edged closer to played until December 17, and the and Fermin Bigcas tried to munity Center, Fraser Suites Commercial Bank. Qatar National Bank, who currently quarter-fi nals, semi-fi nals and fi nal Mark Louie Pradas of Happy Journeys (right) in action against stage a comeback with back- Hotel and Shuttersbug Pho- In Group B, Mashreq Bank played lead the group with nine points, will take place in the fi rst and sec- Pampanga VDB in the Aspirants Division of the Nissan Cup. to-back baskets with still 8:45 tography. against Qatar International Islamic after scoring an impressive 10-2 ond weeks of January 2017. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 7, 2016 11 SPORT

Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan post wins in Qatar Basketball League

Al Wakrah’s Ayeni Olatunbo (left) and Al Shamal’s Justin Tubbs in action during the Qatar Bas- In the second match of the day, Al Rayyan (in black) dominated Qatar Club (in yellow) in their 121-92 victory. A collective eff ort on the part of Ngombo ketball League match at the Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. Olatunbo scored 27 points in his Tanguy Alban (26 points), Abdelhaleem Abdelrahman (22 points), Marcus Bell (22 points) and others gave Rayyan the advantage in the game. James team’s 78-69 victory, while Tubbs was the top-scorer in the match with 28 points. Edward Justice Jr and Quinton Meddrick Doggett scored 44 and 32 points respectively in Qatar Club’s losing eff ort.

WORLD SINGLES BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIPS FOCUS Enhanced international collaboration required Poppler widens in major event security, says ICSS expert

By Sports Reporter fectively address the growing challeng- lead aft er round Doha es major sport events are facing around their safety and security. “As we have seen over the last 12 ith the growing infl uence months, hosting and bidding nations of technology and the continue to face a growing number increasing security chal- of challenges when it comes to major lenges facing host and event security. These include issues Wbidding nations, a leading Safety and around cybersecurity, fan violence and two qualifying Security expert from the International crowd management issues, terrorism, Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) high- crime and unmanned aerial vehicles lighted the need for enhanced interna- (UAVs) to name just a few. Swedish duo Hellstrom, Paulsson move to the top of the men’s leaderboard tional collaboration and information “As an organisation established to sharing at a global level between sports serve and safeguard sport, the ICSS irgit Poppler of Germany av- and countries in major event security. encourages an integrated approach to eraged 229 for eight games Speaking on the sidelines of the Soc- sharing knowledge and expertise in and held on to the lead after cerex Asia Forum, having spoken on sport safety and security. We are also the second round of quali- a panel entitled ‘Preparing for Major fi rmly committed to bringing together fyingB in the women’s World Singles Event Tournaments’, Andrew Cooke, knowledge and experience from all Championships at Qatar Bowling ICSS director of Security Operations, sectors around the world and sharing Center in Doha yesterday. drew upon his 25-year experience our expertise to help host cities and The 2012 European Bowling Tour working in security to underline how nations ultimately deliver a safe and women’s point ranking leader led the the growing infl uence of technology in secure event. 53-player fi eld from 33 countries af- sport is resulting in the need for more “At a time where major events are ter the fi rst four-game on the 40 sports and countries around the world looking to cut costs yet the number of foot Athens lane conditioning pattern to collaborate and share knowledge in security threats are continuing to in- with 938 and added 894 in the second the fi eld of major event security and to crease, the need for global collabora- block, the second-best series yester- ensure lessons are learnt in combatting tion and collective action in fi eld of day. security issues in sport. major event security has never been With 1832 pinfall total, Poppler Speaking at the forum, Cooke said, more important.” widened her lead to 74 pins out aver- “At a time where technology is play- Cooke spoke yesterday on the ‘Pre- aging her nearest competitor, New Hui ing an increasingly central role in our paring for Major Event Tournaments’ Fen (left) of Singapore by more than lives and the way people consume ma- panel at the Soccerex Asia Forum, which nine pins. jor sport events, there is now a very real took place in Doha, Qatar. The two-day The 2016 PWBA Rookie of the Year need for governments of host cities and forum took place on 5-6 December and almost matched Poppler’s score with nations, as well as sporting bodies, to featured expert insights from the top- 893 to jump from 9th to second place better collaborate and share informa- level names and rights holders from with 1758 (219.75). tion at a global level about how to ef- across the football industry. Sin Li Jane of Malaysia closed her 871 set with 237 and 266 to move from sixth to third place with 1750 (218.75). Multiple Pan American Bowling Confederation champion Rocio Re- strepo of Colombia played in her own league yesterday out averaging Pop- pler by more than 15 pins. Restrepo fi red games of 223, 277, 243 and 212 for 955, an average of 238.75, and 1746 to- tal. Restrepo jumped from 24th and re- As the leader of first block, Germany’s Birgit Poppler (right) received a bonus from Qatar Bowling Federation on Monday. ceived a $200 bonus for the daily high series awarded by the Qatar Bowling 8th place with 1696. HELLSTROM, PAULSSON TAKE total and an overall average of 235.75 Federation. Two-time World Champion and LEAD IN MEN’S SECTION for eight games. Rounding out the top 5 was 2016 World Cup champion, Clara Juliana Peter Hellstrom and Martin Pauls- Hellstrøm also received the daily World Cup champion Jenny Wegner Guerrero (left) of Colombia and Laura son of Sweden averaged over 240 in high series award of $300, paid by the of Sweden, who leaped sixth spots Beuthner (right) of Germany, who the second qualifying round of men’s Qatar Bowling Federation. with 1718 thanks to an 863 series were third and second after the fi rst World Singles Championships to Paulsson, who won gold in doubles yesterday. round, fell to 9th and 10th place with move to the top of the 81-player lead- with Mathias Arup at the 2010 Men’s Wegner is followed by Kristie Lopez 1692 and 1683. erboard. World Championships in Munich, of Puerto Rico, who slipped two spots With just four more qualifying Starting the day in 11th place be- Germany, was just 13 pins behind his to sixth place with 1715. Three-time games to go, 10th place Beuthner is hind an 895 fi rst-round series Sunday, teammate in squad 2 yesterday morn- EBT women’s point ranking leader 175 pins above the cut line. Sandra Hellstrom rolled games of 223, 255, 279 ing with 978, including games of 235, Britt Brondsted of Denmark leaped Gongora of Mexico holds the 32nd and and 234 in squad 2 yesterday morning 277, 188 and 278 to jump from 19th to one place to 8th with 1699, while Lara last place to advance with 1508 or an for the fi eld-best 991 series, an aver- second place with 1838 (229.75). Posadas, Philippines, fell one spot to average of 188.50. age of 247.75, to take the lead with 1886 (BowlingDigital.com)

India cricket coach Kumble satisfi ed with DRS, not worried about injuries

IANS “It (DRS) has been really good, it has On India’s forced shuff ling of their legendary leg-spinner added. Mumbai been an experiment that has been opening combination multiple times “For New Zealand also we had three happening in the series, but overall in the series against England due to diff erent opening pairs. In West Indies players have been very satisfied with injuries, Kumble said, “Yeah, that’s not too (Murali) Vijay got injured, then head of the fourth Test, start- the outcome,” said Kumble. in our control. Injuries are part and Shikhar was injured against New Zea- ing here tomorrow, India coach “I don’t think it’s a matter of score- parcel of the game and unfortunately land, then Gautam (Gambhir) had that AAnil Kumble said he is happy keeping which team has done better. (KL) Rahul got hit. Parthiv (Patel) came freak injury in Indore but he could bat with the outcomes from the Decision It’s a matter of whether we have got a in the last game and did a fantastic job so there is something happening with Review System (DRS) so far in the decision right and we have done that at the top. I am sure Rahul will have the openers in terms of injury. Hope ongoing series against England. in the last three Tests.” a hit today and should be fine,” the that it doesn’t go on.” Andrew Cooke, director of Security Operations at International Centre for Sport Security speaks at Soccerex Asia in Doha yesterday.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Football looks to the Al-Thawadi addresses future as Soccerex Qatar’s comes to a close ambassadors upreme Committee for Whilst taking the opportunity Delivery & Legacy (SC) to address high-profi le issues ‘Video Assistant Referee is being trialled by FIFA... for game changing incidents’ secretary general Hassan such as workers’ welfare, al- al-Thawadi was this week Thawadi used the opportunity to invitedS to be the guest speaker at talk a captive audience through By Sports Reporter Doha a Diplomatic Salon in Doha. legacy-based programmes such Organised by the Ministry of as Generation Amazing, the Foreign Aff airs, al-Thawadi met Josoor Institute, Challenge 22 he Soccerex Asian Forum 2016 and addressed around just over and the recently-launched Be- concluded in Doha following two 100 ambassadors to Qatar at the havioural Insights Team (BIT). days of high-level discussion and prestigious Diplomatic Club on He said: “We have a deep vi- networking between the world’s Monday evening. The session sion for this tournament and it Tkey industry decision-makers. Ensuring was moderated by Dr Hassan al- was important to share this vi- that football keeps up with the digital age Muhannadi, director of the Dip- sion with people in Qatar who was high on the agenda on Day 2 of the lomatic Institute at the Ministry I consider as friends and col- Forum with expert insight from David of Foreign Aff airs. leagues. Dein and representatives from La Liga. The Diplomatic Salon is an an- “We have a duty to share as Former Arsenal and English Football nual event held and organised by much information as we can with Association chairman David Dein was the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs our ambassadors, to ensure they the highlight of the day, providing an Diplomatic Institute in which can answer the questions asked engaging presentation about the future ambassadors, directors at MoFA of them in their own countries. of football. Dein, who was instrumen- and diplomats are invited. This We have tried to build the legacy tal in the creation of the English Premier year an invitation was sent to the of this tournament based on a League, spoke about the importance of SC’s Secretary General to present foundation of engagement with- the digital age, with premierleague.com as the guest of honour. in our communities. The same having grown to 15mn monthly users and The event serves two explicit rationale applies here.” overseas followers growing stronger and purposes: fi rst, building and Conducted in an atmosphere stronger. strengthening diplomatic rela- of collaboration and openness, He also spoke about the growth of the tions internally. Second, ambas- many of the issues raised by the women’s game in the UK with over 1mn sadors send reports back to their ambassadors ranged from work- women and girls now playing football and respected governments with up- ers’ rights, legacy plans, a desire 45,000 people watching a women’s game dates and comments on the event. for continued transparency and at Wembley, as well as how independ- Showcasing the plans ahead of an appetite to acknowledge what ent time-keeping is now high on FIFA’s the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, was being done to ensure this schedule to ensure that referees are keep- al-Thawadi addressed the gath- truly was a World Cup for the ing the right time. However, it was his an- ered dignitaries for almost two Middle East. nouncement that Video Assistant Refe- hours, out-lining the vision of the Al-Thawadi added: “For us, reeing (VAR) is currently being trialled by fi rst World Cup in the Middle East this World Cup is no longer sim- FIFA that was the most ground-breaking and demonstrating the progress ply a sporting event. It hasn’t news to come out of the forum. Former English Football Association chairman David Dein spoke about the importance of the digital age. on promises made to date. been for a long time. We must Dein said, “I’ve had 30 years at the top Six years after winning the grasp the platform we have to of the game and every time I wake up in Authority of Sports will grant licenses to bid, the half-way point in Qatar’s showcase our diff erences and the morning, I think how can we drive the these companies with certain terms and historic journey represented the celebrate them – not allow them game forward, how can we make it bet- conditions, which we will have to wait for perfect opportunity to update to become a barrier. This tourna- ter? VAR is the next extension to goal line and see. The Authority will also develop the wide range of nations cur- ment will bring people together technology. The Video Assistant Referee rules and regulations for the operation of rently carrying out their ambas- like no other event in history.” is being trialled by FIFA and will only be the clubs. This privatisation of clubs is sadorial duties in Doha. (SC.qa) used for game changing incidents. In the expected to increase investment available next couple of years I believe we will see to build stadiums and bring in foreign VAR being introduced which will assist transfers.” referees immensely.” The Forum concluded with a session The impact of the digital age was also focusing on bringing football events to stressed in a panel session focusing on the world with input from Lega Serie A the success of La Liga’s Internationalisa- CEO Marco Brunelli, Qatar Stars League tion. La Liga has a TV audience of 1.2bn, CEO Hani Ballan and Duncan Walkin- the best players in the world and the most shaw, assistant director of Programmes successful clubs in Europe. at BeIN Sports. Managing director for International Discussion centred around bringing Development, Vicente Casado, spoke the Italian Supercup to Doha at the end of about the importance of having world- December and the importance of putting wide offi ces to have a presence around the Italian football on the global stage by world, searching for players for the future bringing it to diff erent fans and audiences and developing the future of the organi- Qatar Stars League CEO Hani Ballan speaks on Day Two of the forum. to enjoy in their own countries not just on sation. He also spoke about the impor- TV. The panellists also looked at the op- tance of keeping up with current trends er moving forward. Today the world is ball growth, where they bring high pro- portunity for Qatar in terms of increas- and explained how La Liga’s partnership very fast and we need to be fast and stay fi le players to their local leagues and buy ing interest and viewership in the region with Microsoft is crucial to this. up with the current trends. More traffi c, clubs in Europe, and how this could help and showing Qatar’s capabilities as a host He said: “The fans want an experi- more information — the objective is to be football in the GCC. ahead of the 2022 World Cup. ence and 90 minutes is not enough. We a global reference.” He said: “This privatisation is a learn- Refl ecting on the 2016 edition, Soc- need to provide a digital online experi- Day 2 of the Forum also continued to ing for us, in the GCC, where we have cerex chairman Tony Martin said, “It has ence for fans that carries on and off the look at the growth of football in Asia and loads of opportunities, particularly with been fantastic to partner with the Supreme pitch. Our partnership with Microsoft is the Middle East through a panel session Qatar hosting the World Cup in 2022. Committee for Delivery and Legacy and one of the biggest things we have done for moderated by Trevor Watkins, the Glo- China is defi nitely a great place to learn connect over 750 members of the football our future. We are working to develop the bal Head of Sport at Pinsent Masons. from. Saudi Council of Ministers has ap- fraternity here in Qatar this week ahead of online experience for our fans and being Presidential Candidate for the Saudi proved privatisation of professional foot- the 2022 FIFA World Cup. We look forward partnered with a worldwide known brand Arabian Football Federation, Adel Ezzat, ball clubs in the Kingdom and convert- to seeing everyone back in Qatar next De- like Microsoft will only make this strong- discussed the Chinese model for foot- ing them into companies. The General cember for the 2017 Asian Forum.” SC secretary general Hassan al-Thawadi at Diplomatic Salon this week.

QATAR STARS LEAGUE Rayyan look to bounce back against undefeated Sadd

By Sports Reporter really want to win this game. The way top teams it gives you confi dence and Doha we play now I am satisfi ed with it so I motivation for the rest of the season. will continue with the same style,” he And that is important if you want to said at the pre-match conference yes- challenge for the title,” added the as- hampions Al Rayyan take on terday. sistant coach. arch rivals Al Sadd in the Qatar Al Sadd are undefeated in the league In the eight matches between the two Clasico in the tenth round of so far this season and are currently teams, Al Rayyan have won twice whilst the Qatar Stars League at the third in the table. The Wolves will look Al Sadd have won on three occasion. AlC Sadd Stadium today. to continue their good form against The sides have also drawn on three oc- Al Rayyan suff ered their fi rst defeat their biggest rivals Al Rayyan. casions. of the season and slipped to fi fth in the Al Sadd assistant coach Hisham Za- It promises to be a high scoring aff air table after a derby match against Al hid said his team is ready for the crunch with 25 goals scored in the 8 games at an Gharafa. The Lions will be looking to encounter, “We are ready for all the average of 3.12 goals per match. Al Sadd pounce on Al Sadd in the biggest match games and the players know the im- have scored 13 goals while Al Rayyan of the season for both teams. portance of this game. We expect a re- have scored 12 goals. Rayyan head coach Michael Laudrup action from Al Rayyan after their loss Today’s fi rst match will see Umm knows the importance of this game and against Gharafa. We will continue our Salal take on in-form Al Gharafa at Qa- what it means to the players. preparation until the match and we tar SC stadium. Both sides have enjoyed “It’s a diff erent game, it’s the Clasico have no absences. It will be a diff erent solid starts to the season, and will be and all over the world there are matches atmosphere from all the other games aiming to continue their winning runs like this. Everybody wants to see this and we are looking forward to it.” over their potential top four rivals. game and both sides want to get the Speaking about his opponents, Zahid At the same time in Al Khor stadium, three points. It will be a game in which said, “Rayyan is a good team, one of the Al Khor will take on Al Wakrah. Both small things will decide who wins be- best in the league and even if they lose teams will be hoping for a big result to cause both teams are on a good level.” some games they are still very strong. relieve their relegation fears. Wakrah Speaking about the match fi tness of We won against them last season and are rock bottom of the QSL standings, Victor Caceres, Laudrup said, “He was we hope we can repeat that result.” and are desperate for all three points a very important player for us but he is “I think El Jaish deserve to be in fi rst after drawing their last two games in injured for this whole season and we are place. They get more chances because the league. sorry for him but this is part of football. Al Rayyan head coach Michael Laudrup (centre) expects his players to rise the occasion. they work hard and they are playing He is now back in training and we hope much better than everyone else right TODAY’S FIXTURES he can join us later in the season. When he will be back to his best before AFC players to rise to the occasion. “We are to win this game as last season we now. From our side, we will try our 4pm: Umm Salal vs Al Gharafa he comes back we need to give him time Champions league starts in February.” expecting a reaction from our team af- played three games against Al Sadd. best to be in the fi rst position and chase 4pm: Al Khor vs Al Wakrah to get him back to his best. But I think The Danish tactician expects his ter the defeat. The players really want Two losses and one draw so the players them. When you get points from the 6:10pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd