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Sunday, November 17, 2019 CRICKET Rabia I 20, 1441 AH Shami dazzles as GULF TIMES India romp past Bangladesh SPORT Page 4

FOOTBALL/OOREDOO CUP SPOTLIGHT Five-star Brahimi ready leads Khor rout of to embrace England giants Al Duhail players It was Al Khor’s first win after they had drawn 1-1 with Al Arabi in the opening round Reuters

osovo may have missed an opportu- nity to qualify for Euro 2020 but the country hopesK to win hearts by off ering a warm welcome to England and their visiting fans today The Three Lions, who lead Group A with 18 points and have already sealed qualifi cation, play Kosovo who are third and competing for the fi rst time on Europe’s big stage. England’s Raheem Sterling England will be the most high during training yesterday. profi le national team to visit the landlocked country who only hosts only 12,600 fans but Ko- joined UEFA and FIFA in 2016. sovo’s Football Federation said “English players deserve a there were more than 200,000 magnifi cent welcoming,” said requests to buy tickets which Lulzim Berisha, the head of made the online site crash many Kosovo national team fan club times. Some who were lucky to It was a repeat clash between consolation for Al Khor, who are in the fi rst half and completed Dardanet. “Having the team buy a ticket are now selling on Al Duhail and Al Khor at the struggling in 10th place in the his hat-trick in style as the game where football was born in our the black market for up to 250 same venue in successive weeks, league. was drawing to a close. country is an honour and we are euros ($275.50) for a seat that with the former winning in Week Meanwhile, Kayke Rodriguez Qatar SC goalkeeper Motasem proud.” Following the collapse only cost 10 euros. 10 of the QNB Stars League, struck a brilliant hat-trick as Majed was in outstanding form, of Yugoslavia and Kosovo’s lim- Since 2018, the team under which has taken a long break. Qatar SC blanked Al Gharafa eff ecting at least two smart bo status after the 1998-99 war, Swiss coach Bernard Chal- Al Khor were rewarded for 3-0. saves, as Al Gharafa, who missed young players were not allowed landes have only suff ered two Said Brahimi (front) is congratulated by a teammate after he scored their eff orts with three goals in Kayke scored in the sixth, 38th many players due to national to play in international compe- defeats in 18 internationals, against Al Duhail yesterday. Picture at right shows Qatar Sports the fi rst half and four in the sec- and 90+4 minutes. duty, struggled to fi nd a break- titions until three years ago. one of which was a 2-1 loss to Club’s Kayke Rodriguez (C) celebrating his hat-trick against ond. They got the penalty for Qatar SC moved on to six through. The current squad are mainly Czech Republic last Thursday Al Gharafa. a foul on Ahmed Hassan by Al points with their second victory, Kayke fi rst found the target off the children of migrants who which ended Kosovo’s chances Duhail’s Ahmed al- Khuwalid having defeated Al Sailiya 4-0 in a cross from Hamad Mansour. left their homes in the 1990s to of qualifying from Group A. and the former converted from the fi rst round. His second came after he was set escape poverty and confl ict. They still have a chance to By Sports Reporter 50th, 54th, 61st and 84th min- the spot. Al Gharafa now have two up by Elmehdi Barrahma. “I felt bad when I saw how make it to Euro 2020 through Doha utes while a double from Ahmed On the other hand, Al Duhail, points as they had drawn 2-2 Kayke rounded off his and the (Raheem) Sterling was shouted the Nations League playoff s. Hassan al-Mohannadi (14th, who are leading the 2019-20 with Al Duhail earlier. team’s tally off a counter-attack. in Bulgaria and it reminded me Facing objections from Ser- 32nd, penalty) completed the QNB Stars League table with an Qatar SC were the only team In another match, Al Arabi got how we were not allowed to play bia and Russia, Kosovo has no aid Mohamed Brahimi tally. unbeaten record, could not fi nd to have registered a victory in their fi rst victory in the 2019-20 for almost 30 years,” said Afrim seat at the United Nations but scored fi ve goals as Al It was Al Khor’s fi rst victory in their footing as they were the Group B in the fi rst round, as Al edition of Ooredoo Cup, thanks Islami, 40, who put a big ban- with the backing of the United Khor thrashed giants Al this season’s tournament as they more aff ected side due to the ab- Khor drew 1-1 with Al Arabi. to a 2-1 defeat of Al Sailiya . ner at his shop with a photo of States, Britain, Germany and Duhail 7-0 in the second had drawn 1-1 with Al Arabi in sence of senior players. Yesterday, Qatar SC domi- Both goals for Al Arabi were English forward Sterling saying others it has managed to be a roundS of the Ooredoo Cup at the Round 1. The Knights have four Even the three substitutions nated two-time reigning cham- scored by Hamdi Harbaoui in the “Welcome Bro”. member of all sport federations Al Khor Stadium yesterday. points, while Al Duhail, who had they made in the second half did pions Al Gharafa throughout. 23rd and 41st minutes. Al Sailiya Last month, Bulgaria’s home and events. Britain remains In front of home fans, Brah- drawn 2-2 with Al Gharafa ear- not help their cause either. Brazilian forward Rodriguez was had equalised through Hassan match against England was one of the biggest supporters mi found the target in the 11th, lier, have two points. The result was defi nitely a in fi ne form. He scored two goals Sadiq in the 25th minute. temporarily halted by the ref- of Kosovo’s 2008 independ- eree in the fi rst half following ence. British troops were the racist abuse from the crowd. fi rst to enter war-torn Kosovo in Other banners across the 1999 following a Nato bombing FANS FLOCK TO SEE CLUB WORLD CUP TROPHY AT SOUQ WAQIF capital said “Welcome Broth- campaign against po- ers” and “Bros Before Scores”. lice and army forces accused of The committing atrocities.

Kuwait to Host 3rd GCC Games in April 2020

Kuwait will host the Third GCC He explained that the tourna- Games in April 2020, President ment will be held from April of Kuwait Olympic Committee 4-14 with the participation of Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Saudi Arabia, the United Arab al-Ahmad al-Sabah announced Emirates, Qatar, Oman and yesterday. Bahrain, in addition to the host The Games will include 12 Kuwait. sports namely football, vol- He also stressed that the leyball, basketball, handball, Kuwait Olympic Committee, swimming and athletics, in in co-operation with Kuwait’s addition to six other games to General Authority for Sports be determined later, Kuwait will do its utmost to deliver Olympic Committee President a tournament of exceptional said in a press statement. standards. (QNA) Al Arabi qualify for Super Globe handball

Samchok, South Korea: Al process qualified for the Arabi entered the final of the World Club Championship 22nd Asian Club Handball (Super Globe 2020). Championship, which is cur- Al Arabi will now face Saudi rently being played in South Arabia’s Al Wahda in the final Korea. The Qatari club beat today. Al Wahda entered the Football enthusiasts in their hundreds flocked to Souq Waqif to catch a glimpse of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy displayed there. Fans took pictures of the trophy and soaked in their domestic counterparts final after beating Sharjah the festive atmosphere at the venue. The Club World Cup will be played in Doha in December with the participation of the world’s leading club sides. Al Wakrah 22-19, and in the 30-29. (QNA) Gulf Times 2 Sunday, November 17, 2019 FOOTBALL

EURO QUALIFIERS SPOTLIGHT Southgate to bring Sterling back from Italy win 10th England exile match in a row with Bosnia rout SPAIN CLINCH GROUP F IN STYLE BY THRASHING MALTA 7-0

Reuters England manager Gareth Southgate and assistant manager Steve Zenica Holland during training yesterday at St. Albans, Britain.

AFP “We will make some changes, taly won 10 internationals Pristina for sure, but the seeding in the in a row for the fi rst time group could be critical and we in their 109-year history know it’s a big night for the Ko- when goals from Francesco areth Southgate is set sovans,” Southgate said. IAcerbi, Lorenzo Insigne and An- to bring Raheem Ster- “It’s a shame for them that drea Belotti gave them a 3-0 vic- ling back from his brief they’re now out of this part tory at Bosnia & Herzegovina in GEngland exile in to- of the qualifi cation, although a lop-sided Euro 2020 qualifi er day’s Euro 2020 qualifi er against they’ve still got the play-off s in on Friday. Kosovo as he seeks to end the which I think they’ll be a huge The Italians, who were already controversy over the Manchester threat in that format. assured of advancing, top Group City star’s row with Joe Gomez. “So, it will be a good test for J with a maximum 27 points and Sterling was dropped for us because it will still be a lively were joined by second-placed Thursday’s 7-0 rout of Mon- environment. Finland (18 points) who earlier tenegro after clashing with Eng- “The enthusiasm for the game reached their fi rst major tourna- land team-mate Gomez in the is high and we want to fi nish the ment with a 3-0 home win over Three Lions’ training base can- group with as many points as we Liechtenstein. teen. can.” The result meant coach Rob- It is believed Sterling was un- Liverpool captain Jordan erto Mancini improved on Vit- happy with Gomez following an Henderson could return fol- torio Pozzo’s run of nine straight altercation with the Liverpool lowing a one-match ban, while wins between 1938 and 1939. defender during City’s Premier Southgate has to decide whether “Let’s remember that he won League defeat at Anfi eld last to keep faith with Ben Chilwell fi ve trophies with the national weekend. ahead of Danny Rose at left- team so there is still a long road Although Sterling was left out back. ahead,” said Mancini, who took of the Montenegro game as pun- Harry Kane may have scored over after Italy missed out on Players of Italian national soccer team celebrate after scoring against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica on Friday. ishment for his attack on Gomez, a hat-trick against Montenegro last year’s World Cup and has Southgate has confi rmed the but it was Leicester’s Chilwell overseen a remarkable turna- ing the Bosnia-Italy game to a ni. “When we are tired, we need Romania. Alvaro Morata put ments later marked the occasion winger will return for England’s who was named England’s man round. dead rubber, it was played at to hold the ball and make the op- the Spaniards on their way to a by scoring his side’s fi fth goal, fi nal Group A fi xture. of the match following a fi ne “Of course, I’m pleased to walking pace for long spells but position run.” resounding victory over malta while Gerard Moreno soon fol- Sterling and Gomez, left with display in which he provided have bettered a legend such as the gulf in class was apparent as by netting midway through the lowed by netting his fi rst goal for a scratch under his eye after three assists in the opening 24 him.” defender Acerbi fi red the visitors SPAIN WIN 7-0 fi rst half, scoring for the seventh Spain. the incident, are said to have minutes. Under Pozzo, Italy won the ahead with a fi ne individual ef- Meanwhile, Spain clinched consecutive game for club and Jesus Navas produced the patched up their relationship, “Ben, I liked the hunger in his 1934 and 1938 World Cups, the fort in the 21st minute. top spot in Group F in style by country. most impressive strike of the but the centre-back was jeered game, the enthusiasm to get for- 1936 Olympic Games as well as Insigne doubled Italy’s lead hammering Malta 7-0 at home Santi Cazorla doubled the lead evening for goal number seven, by England fans at Wembley ward,” Southgate said. the now defunct Central Euro- with a bouncing shot on the turn on Friday for their biggest win of shortly before halftime with his fi nding the top corner from out- when he came on as a substitute “The whole team pressed well pean International Cup twice. in the 37th, while goalkeeper their Euro 2020 qualifying cam- fi rst goal for his country in over side the area, while substitute against Montenegro. but he also pressed well from Italy’s current streak includes Gianluigi Donnarumma denied paign as seven players got on the four years, a special moment for Paco Alcacer was not far away Both Southgate and Ster- that full-back position, got into a friendly win over the United Bosnia’s Ermin Bicakcic and scoresheet. the much-loved 34-year-old from hitting goal number eight ling expressed their support for overlaps, his quality of delivery States followed by nine matches Adnan Kovacevic with a pair of Spain had sealed their place who has staged a remarkable re- when he rattled the post. Gomez and criticised the boo- was excellent.” in Euro 2020 qualifying so far. excellent saves at the other end. at next year’s tournament last covery from a career-threaten- “I leave here feeling very sat- ing supporters, with the England Although England have They fi nish by hosting Armenia Disgruntled home fans treated month in unconvincing fashion ing foot injury. isfi ed because we never lost our manager reportedly comforting cruised through their qualifying tomorrow Belotti to a standing ovation af- by drawing 1-1 with both Nor- Robert Moreno’s side turned desire. Every time Malta took a the shocked 22-year-old and his group, Southgate believes the Bosnia dropped to fi fth on ter the striker made it 3-0 with way and Sweden but they cre- on the style in the second half, centre to restart the game we felt family after the match. 2018 World Cup semi-fi nalists 10 points and, while Finland’s a spectacular 53rd-minute goal, ated a party atmosphere in Cadiz with defender Pau Torres mark- compelled to go looking for an- Now Southgate could include still have room for improvement victory dashed any slim hopes as he took a through ball in his with a superb display of attack- ing his debut with a goal in the other goal,” said Moreno. Gomez against Kosovo in a show as they chase a fi rst major title they had of fi nishing in the top stride and beat Ibrahim Sehic ing football. 62nd minute and Pablo Sarabia “It’s great when new players of support for the Liverpool since 1966. two, the Balkan country can still with a thunderbolt from 18 me- Spain lead the standings with also netting for the fi rst time for come in and bring fresh air with player. “There were a couple of progress to next year’s tourna- tres. 23 points from nine matches, Spain less than a minute later. them. I’m very happy for the With England already guaran- chances we conceded that just ment via the Nations League “If I had to fi nd a problem, it’s fi ve more than second-placed Dinamo Zagreb striker Dani lads that made their debuts and teed to qualify for Euro 2020 in shouldn’t happen, so that’s still playoff s in March. that in the fi nal 15 minutes we Sweden who booked their place Olmo then came off the bench to scored because it shows the team fi rst place in their group, South- part of our game that we’ve got With Finland’s success reduc- dropped a bit deep,” said Manci- at Euro 2020 with a 2-0 win over make his Spain debut and mo- is ready to renew itself. gate already planned to make to improve upon,” he said. changes, although he is keen to “If we are to be a team that are ensure England fi nish with a win going to challenge seriously, al- as they eye a top-six seeding in though we’re young, we’ve got to Denmark win sets up crunch qualifi er in Dublin next year’s tournament. manage games well.”

Copenhagen: Denmark got they will need to sharpen goals rather than their own from the Danes and the pace Eriksen scored the fifth with a off to a slow start before up their play after making ingenuity. of striker Christian Gytkjaer shot from outside the penalty Messi and Tite exchange words overwhelming Gibraltar 6-0 heavy weather of beating tiny Winger opened allowed him to get to the pass area 6 minutes from time and on Friday to take over the Gibraltar, whose population the scoring in the 11th minute first and slide it home. then added another with the but Argentine has last laugh top of Group D and set up a is not much more than the after Gibraltar’s diminutive Martin Braithwaite converted last kick of the match as a decisive Euro 2020 qualifier in 24,033 who watched the goalkeeper, Kyle Goldwin, an easy tap in 4 minutes clearance was kicked straight Dublin on Monday. game at Copenhagen’s Parken twice failed to hold on to the later after Goldwin parried at him. Denmark will qualify for Stadium. ball but for the rest of the half ’s square Denmark have 15 points next year’s European Denmark, unbeaten in the the hosts battled to break pass into his path and from seven matches, one Championship if they avoid qualifiers, were ahead only down a determined defence. Skov grabbed a second for more than second-place defeat against Ireland at the 1-0 at halftime and had lapses Straight after the break, himself in the 64th minute as Switzerland, who finish their , after moving of concentration by the Goldwin mistimed coming out Gibraltar’s defence failed to campaign away at Gibraltar 3 points clear of the Irish. But part-timers to thank for their to cut off a long kick upfield clear a cross. on Monday.

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Argentina forward holds up a trophy after their win over Brazil in a friendly match in Riyadh on Friday.

Finland into fi rst major fi nals as Riyadh: Argentina captain one of the outstanding Lionel Messi and Brazil coach performers for Argentina on Tite exchanged words during his return to international the clash between the South football after missing four American giants on Friday but games through suspension. Pukki double seals 3-0 victory it was the forward who had He scored the only goal after AFP to play. the last laugh after his team’s 14 minutes — his penalty was Helsinki Pukki’s goalscoring form Teemu Pukki of Finland good run continued with a 1-0 saved but he followed up to in the Premier League has celebrates his goal with Jasse win in Saudi Arabia. beat Alisson — and could have dried up but he was sharp Tuominen and Paulus Arajuuri. Messi looked to the touchline had another couple of goals inland qualifi ed for from the fi rst whistle in the and put his fingers to his lips but for some stout defending their fi rst major Finnish capital. before making another hand and the keeper’s awareness. tournament fi nals When his surge for goal sign that appeared to tell the The result was encouraging as they beat Liech- was stopped by a Liechten- Brazil coach he had too much for Argentina, who have now tensteinF 3-0 on Friday to stein challenge the ball fell to say for himself. gone six games without defeat guarantee a place at Euro into the path of Tuominen Tite admitted he had been — their longest such run since 2020. who slid home in the 21st complaining to the referee 2016. Norwich City forward minute to open the scoring. during the first half and said “From the very start we tried Teemu Pukki scored twice Liechtenstein held fi rm the two men exchanged to play. We had a couple of in Helsinki and Jasse until half-time but in the words. misses and they had their Tuominen also netted to 64th minute Pyry Soiri was “I complained because he chances,” Messi said. “But in bring the home crowd felled by Livio Meier and (Messi) should have been the second half we were much pouring onto the pitch at Pukki calmly sent goal- shown a yellow card and he better. “When you win, it puts the fi nal whistle as Finland keeper Benjamin Buechel told me to shut my mouth and you more at ease and that secured second place be- the wrong way from the I told him to shut his mouth,” is very positive for what lies hind Group J winners Italy. penalty spot. Tite said. “And that was it.” ahead. I ended the match well, Armenia’s 1-0 defeat at Pukki got his second goal The Brazil coach played down we all ran quite a bit. And that home to Greece was im- after rounding the ‘keeper the incident and highlighted is what we were there to do.” material as Finland made only to see his shot stopped Messi’s performance in the Argentina play Uruguay in a their fi nals berth safe with on the line, but he reacted well-deserved friendly victory. friendly next week while Brazil 18 points, seven ahead of quickest to lash in the re- The Barcelona forward was face South Korea. the Greeks with a game left bound. Gulf Times Sunday, November 17, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS ‘Our art and his art’: inside Cirque du Soleil’s show Show’s female freestyler and Barca Women captain on the project and dedicated to Messi their hopes for women’s sport By Sid Lowe Slowly, things change. The The Guardian World Cup played an important role, with the women’s game broadcast on television and the The e-mail said: ‘You’ve increased presence it gives play- been chosen for Messi10’ ers as role models – which sees and I started to cry,” Cata- them challenge attitudes. lina Vega says. “I looked at “I run my own football camps it“ again: ‘Wow.’” Sitting along- and it tends to be 50, 60 kids, side her, Vicky Losada asks: just four boys,” Losada says. “Had you ever done anything as “One year, two boys cancelled big as this?” last minute because there were The circus is empty now but so many girls. We have to change for the occasional stagehand education, culture, and sport wondering through. On the way is the best way. Last year, it in, a woman from wardrobe was mostly girls again. Maybe I passes carrying a tiny jacket in shouldn’t have, but I called the lurid colours with huge shoulder parents and warned them. This pads and a No 10 on the back. time, they said, ‘no problem, the It’s quiet, late morning, 10 hours boys know.’ And the boys had the until the circus starts, but this same relationship with girls as I place is still imposing. A huge saw in the US. A few years ago, marquee, a blue stage, 3,000 that was unthinkable here. Being seats rising around it, spotlight on the telly changes things; kids on, nowhere to hide. It is big. follow us now. We’re starting to “No, never,” Vega says. be well known. I don’t like the Vega is a Chilean footballer word, but: famous.” who was once approached by Do you get stopped in the Atletico Madrid but is now a street? “Yeah, sometimes,” freestyler in Cirque du Soleil’s Losada says. “I do now. The oth- show dedicated to Leo Messi. er day I was eating and someone Born in Catalonia, Losada – like asked for a photo. And it wasn’t Messi – is captain of FC Barce- a kid, it was a man. If you’re lona, the club where she began exposed to the public and the and to which she returned three public responds, it’s good: that times, having played in the US will bring sponsors, investment, and at Arsenal. She’ll be sitting better conditions. It’s a respon- in these seats again soon, a spec- sibility but it secures a future. tator. Vega will be down there, a Although, truth is, sometimes I performer with ball at her feet. don’t feel like going out locally At her feet, head, thigh, shoul- because I feel watched. And der, chest. Ear, too. The lights that’s tiny compared to what the will be on her, pressure too. men experience.” “This is the fi rst contract I’ve Vega says: “I don’t know if I had out of university. So, it was would like that part of Messi’s … ” Vega blows out her cheeks. Catalina Vega is on her first contract since leaving university and is starring for the Cirque du Soleil. (Messi10 by Cirque du Soleil) life.” Losada adds: “Me neither.” “The fi rst three shows, I felt But people want to be like nerves, here,” she says, pointing alongside the Argentinian’s. I never thought possible.” Vega yes,” Losada says. “Very diff er- not making half the money we ter to take the values that inspire Messi, even if they wouldn’t like at her stomach. “But I’m lucky: “And that changes things,” she takes up the theme: “When I ent,” Vega laughs. “I’m the only are, because we’re a country Messi [than Messi himself] to some of what being Messi brings. because it’s a football theme, says. started, it was enjoyment, not Chilean to have the chance to that’s football, football, football inspire the kid to be their best There’s inspiration there. There you can jump and shout, which Vega’s aim in Barcelona, where an income. I also knew any op- get where I am [fi nancially]. And … we’re lucky. So, we have to be version. They can’t be a Michael is inspiration here too, in these gets it all out. I don’t hold back, the show runs until 4 January, is portunities would be outside this is diff erent to football itself: grateful.” Phelps, a Usain Bolt. No, be the two footballers, sitting chatting then I’m better. Now, 12 shows to express Messi’s career through Chile. There, even now, only one more visual, more artistic.” Not that it reaches the levels person you are, fi ght for your in an empty circus marquee, and in, I feel more in control, more performance. “In fact,” she says, or two teams pay salaries. But we More circus than football? “No, of the men’s game. “Ultimately, own dreams. Of course, inspira- those that follow them. empowered.” “there are things we can’t do women do it for love, passion, more football. That someone that’s an aspiration, but hon- tion is there, motivation, but it “That’s already happening,” Empowered. Maybe that’s the because we have to project his because we love football.” pays you for [freestyling], when estly: [in the men’s game], any- doesn’t need to carry a player’s Losada says, and Vega adds: word, somewhere to start a foot- values: you can’t be boasting.” On the way in, Losada hears many players pay their own way one costs €100m and no one’s name. Simone Biles said it: peo- “The other day, I saw a little ball conversation between these Losada grins, and names another that Spain’s female footballers and clubs can’t generate money, looking at their real quality; very ple put other gymnasts’ names girl jumping and clapping and two women who have lived for player for whom it might be have voted to strike over salaries. makes me feel fortunate. But few are worth that, but that’s on her but it’s her, Simone Biles, that fulfils you, really touches it and made a living from it. The diff erent. “The show’s called Now she adds: “It wasn’t so dif- women’s football is growing. the market,” Vega says. Losada who does it.” you. At the end of the show, excuse is Messi, who has inspired Messi, so we’re careful,” Vega ferent in Spain until a few years We’re fi ghters, warriors, so of adds: “It’s a business and you see “Fans look to project a Messi your hairs stand on end; the them both, although Losada had says. “To do a show about him, a ago. When I went to the US and course it is …” amounts that are embarrassing, on to a [female] player,” Vega applause is amazing. And for a posters of Pep Guardiola as a portrait, was hard. We wanted to England, then came back here, “You have to be,” Losada says. almost shocking. The market is continues. “There’s a desire little girl or little boy to say the kid and Vega, a full-back before, project our art and his art, what I realised things had changed. It “But people are supporting us what it is, though. I wouldn’t like to project male qualities on to next morning: ‘Daddy, I want watched Dani Alves – a “fi ghter” he means to people. At the end, was ‘just’ a passion before, now now. If you put a game on the to compare myself with them; women players too, instead of to do what I saw last night’ is she admired and “aspired to be his name’s chanted, the audience it’s a profession too. But there telly and no one watches it, they of course, we’d like to earn more identifying them with their own lovely. There’s a message: ‘Help like” – and talks of the impact of join in. It’s powerful.” are still many teams where girls won’t put it on again, but now but I’d like sportswomen [from playing style. People talk about me, guide me.’” the USA women’s team. It goes beyond Messi, of don’t earn salaries proportionate people are watching. In Spain, other sports] to earn a quarter physique but we have as much “It’s like that after a game,” Losada’s fi rst coach in the fi rst course. If it’s about inspiration, to their work. It’s still sobrevivir, we have so many female sports- what we do. They deserve it, fi ght. My dad never projected on Losada says. “You stop, sign team, Xavi Llorens, was Messi’s it shouldn’t be about imitation, no vivir: a salary to survive on, women who are the best – water probably more than us, given to me, he just watched me play. autographs, take pictures. There fi rst too, aged 13. And Vega notes they argue. “Football’s a way of not to live on.” polo, gymnastics, basketball – their history.” My brother’s terrible; he can are kids there who want to be like that when she visited the Camp life,” Losada says. “All the more Is it still fun, being profes- who’ve been world champions “[Male] idols get projected on barely kick it. I swear. He went in you, girls who are starting to say: Nou, Losada’s picture was there so now I’m a professional, which sional? “It’s very diff erent, but and no one knows them, they’re to kids,” Vega says. “But it’s bet- goal because he was bad.” ‘I want to be like Vicky.’”

SPOTLIGHT Henry’s Montreal landing tips MLS’s rep as managerial incubator

By Graham Ruthven earn itself a reputation as a prov- United’s new manager as dam- instructions as well as he could The Guardian ing ground for young managers. aged goods having fl opped badly as a player. Encouragement Not so long ago, MLS struggled at Crystal Palace and Inter. Early very quickly became frustration to attract high-calibre coaches. on it seemed that he might fl op and this was with a squad that e was the right man at For all the big name stars lured at Atlanta too, but his ideas and included Cesc Fabregas, Radamel the right time for the across the Atlantic as designated methods took root over time, Falcao and Nacer Chadli. If New York Red Bulls. players, MLS managers tended taking his team to the Eastern Henry allowed Monaco’s lack of Having just moved to be former stalwarts of the Conference fi nal. If de Boer gets quality to frustrate him, he might Hinto their jewel of a new stadium league (like Jason Kreis and Ben another chance in Europe it will get a shock at his fi rst Montreal in Harrison, New Jersey, they Olsen) or the same old suspects be in no small part down to the Impact practice session. needed something to capture (like Dominic Kinnear and Sigi work he’s done in MLS. As an MLS franchise, the new fans and a local media Schmid). The (ill-fated) appoint- Even De Boer’s Atlanta United Montreal Impact have long oc- market which had somewhat lost ment of Ruud Gullit by the LA predecessor, Tata Martino, used cupied a strange no man’s land interest. The signing of Thierry Galaxy in 2007 was about as MLS in his resume to secure his between the marquee level and Henry fi t the bill, with the adventurous as it got. next job, taking over as Mexico the bottom feeders. They have legendary striker not just going Henry’s arrival at Montreal, national team boss after win- made big moves before, like on to become one of the most however, only adds to a growing ning MLS Cup in 2018. Sure, he the one to sign Didier Drogba infl uential fi gures in RBNY’s trend. The Frenchman should already had a lot on his resume, back in 2015, they have shown history, but Major League Soccer aim to follow the precedent working with Lionel Messi at ambition, like with the appoint- as a whole. set by his former Arsenal and both Barcelona and Argentina, ment of former Aston Villa and Now Henry will attempt to international teammate Patrick but defeats in back-to-back Lyon manager Remi Garde in make a similar impact as a man- Vieira, who got his senior mana- Copa América fi nals left him 2017, but have never been able to ager following his confi rmation gerial start at New York City FC, with a point to prove. He did that match the likes of the LA Galaxy, as the Montreal Impact’s new proving himself in the Bronx be- at Atlanta United. Atlanta United, Los Angeles FC head coach. It always seemed fore making the return to Europe Henry is widely regarded as a and rivals Toronto FC both in likely that Henry would one with Nice. Even for a fi gure of student of the game and having terms of mainstream attention day take a coaching job in MLS. Vieira’s stature, MLS was useful tions of RB Leipzig, where he charge. Indeed, Henry did do due diligence on a coach who worked under Pep Guardiola and and silverware. That he accepted an off er from to him as a stepping stone. served as assistant for a season, nothing to hint at any top level fl amed out spectacularly in his Arsene Wenger as a player he Henry’s appointment on its Canada and not from the Red Jesse Marsch is another who and then Red Bull Salzburg, potential as a coach during his fi rst and only managerial job has surely soaked a lot up. As is own won’t do that, but Montreal Bulls was more of a surprise, but has proved the league’s worth where he became the fi rst Amer- time in and so he needs to date? Have Montreal been the core challenge of manage- hope that his arrival at Stade in a French-speaking, diverse for young managers. Of course, ican coach to win a Champions this opportunity in MLS to show seduced by Henry’s name rather ment, he now has to impart that Saputo will herald a new age for and most suitably, cool, city like unlike Vieira he was an MLS League game this season. a truer refl ection of himself. than his qualifi cations for the wisdom and knowledge on his the club. The Frenchman’s arriv- Montreal the 42-year-old may native, playing as a midfi elder Of course, the Montreal Montreal Impact president position? Montreal players and make sure al in MLS as a player nine years well feel at home. for DC United, the Chicago Fire Impact job isn’t Henry’s fi rst in Kevin Gilmore clearly liked what Another MLS precedent for it sticks. ago carried a certain signifi cance MLS might also be the right and Chivas USA, but did enough senior management. That came he heard, with Henry the only Henry to follow would be the At Monaco, Henry often and the same could prove to be place at the right time for Henry. during three years in charge of at Monaco where the 42-year- candidate they interviewed for one set by Frank de Boer in 2019. struggled to understand why true of his return to the league as This is a league that’s starting to RBNY to fi rst attract the atten- old lasted just 20 matches in the job. Did this allow them to The Dutchman arrived at Atlanta his players couldn’t perform a manager. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, November 17, 2019 SPORT

CRICKET/FIRST TEST MOTOGP Rookie Quartararo romps to sixth pole India demolish position at Valencia

AFP “For a fi rst season to be ‘Rook- Valencia, Spain ie of the year’ with six poles and six podiums is great, especially if you look where we came from,” rench whizz kid Fabio Quartararo added. Bangladesh as Quartararo romped to Six-time top-class world his sixth pole position champion Marquez managed of the championship second place on the grid despite Fat the season-closing Valencia a fall in practice yesterday morn- Grand Prix yesterday, with world ing. champion Marc Marquez right “It was a good lap in the end, on his tail. we are happy with second place,” Under bright blue skies, said Marquez, who has won 11 of Shami leads rout Yamaha-SRT’s 20-year-old the 18 races so far this season. Quartararo dominated the clos- “For the race on Sunday we Kohli wanted his quick bowlers to exploit the early morning conditions and it worked ing stage of qualifying on the will have to do it diff erently be- tight 4km Ricardo Tormo circuit cause Quartararo was very fast,” after choosing the more danger- added the Spaniard. ous hard tyres for the cold con- The emergence of the French ditions. rookie has spiced up the close of Ducati have won three times the 2019 season with the Yamaha at Valencia and their Austral- man losing out on the last lap in ian rider Jack Miller also made cat-and-mouse struggles with the front row to give the Italian Marquez twice. team a shot at a surprise victory The race will also serve as a on Sunday. swansong for retiring former No French rider has won a three-time MotoGP world MotoGP race for 20 years, but champion Jorge Lorenzo, 32, the rookie Quartararo insisted whose season has been littered his aim was only a seventh podi- with accidents. um fi nish of the campaign today. “He is a real champion. The Trying to snap the French moment he feels he can’t be hoodoo, Quartararo could be in the top places he decided to forgiven for seeing an omen in stop,” his teammate Marquez the fact Regis Laconi’s triumph said. in 1999 was at Valencia and was Lorenzo’s place in the Honda achieved on a Yamaha. team may be taken by Marquez’s “The main goal tomorrow is to younger brother Alex, champion get a very strong fi rst three laps, of the Moto2 category this sea- after that we’ll see, the target is son. the podium,” he said.

Mohammed Shami (right) celebrates after the dismissal of Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam during the third day of the first Test match at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters Earlier, India’s massive 343-run fi rst New Delhi innings lead convinced Kohli to de- SCORECARD clare on their overnight score at Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium. ndia crushed Bangladesh by an in- Kohli wanted his quick bowlers to BANGLADESH I INNINGS 150 ALL OUT Abu Jayed not out 4 nings and 130 runs inside three days exploit the early morning conditions (M. RHAIM 43, M. HAQUE 37; Ebadat Hossain c Yadav b Ashwin 1 MOHAMMED SHAMI 3-27) after Mohammed Shami led the and it proved a smart decision as Bang- hosts’ superb display of hostile seam ladesh lost both their openers inside INDIA I INNINGS 493/6D (M. AGAR- Ibowling in the opening test in Indore yes- seven overs. WAL 243, A RAHANE 86; A. JAYED Extras ((b 2, lb 9, nb 1, w 1) 13 terday. Umesh Yadav induced Imrul Kayes into 4-108) Total (all out, 69.2 overs) 213 After India declared their fi rst innings a drive, only for an inside edge to crash BANGLADESH II INNINGS 213 ALL Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Imrul Kayes), on their overnight score of 493-6, their into the leg stump. OUT 2-16 (Shadman Islam), 3-37 (Mominul pace attack, led by Shami, claimed four In the next over, Ishant Sharma Haque), 4-44 (Mohammad Mithun), 5-72 wickets in the morning session to eff ec- breached the bat-pad gap to sent back Shadman Islam b I Sharma 6 (Mahmudullah), 6-135 (Liton Das), 7-194 tively seal the fate of the match. Shadman Islam. The openers made six Imrul Kayes b Yadav 6 (Mehidy Hasan), 8-208 (Taijul Islam), Mushfi qur Rahim, who made 64, each, mirroring their fi rst innings score. M. Haque lbw b Mohammed Shami 7 9-208 (Mushfiqur Rahim), 10-213 (Ebadot forged fi fty partnerships with Liton Das Mominul Haque, who made seven, sur- and Mehidy Hasan Miraz but Bangladesh vived a review before falling to one which M. Mithun c Agarwal b M. Shami 18 Hossain) still could not make India bat again and India challenged an original not-out de- Mushfiqur Rahim c Pujara b Ashwin 64 Bowling: I Sharma 11-3- 31-1 were all out for 213. cision after Shami had rapped the Bang- Mahmudullah c Sharma b M. Shami 15 Mohammed Shami 16-7-31-4 Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed ladesh captain on his pad. 3-42 but it was Shami and his pace col- Mohammad Mithun hit four bounda- Liton Das c & b Ashwin 35 RA Jadeja 14-2-47-0 leagues who infl icted telling blows that ries in his 18 but was jolted by a Shami Mehidy Hasan Miraz b Yadav 38 R Ashwin 14.2-6-42-3 Bangladesh could never recover from. (4-31) bouncer which he pulled tamely to T. Islam c Saha b Mohammed Shami 6 Result: India won by an innings and 130 “It’s a clinical performance all around,” Mayank Agarwal at midwicket. runs India captain Virat Kohli said afterwards. Liton and Mushfi qur briefl y resisted “We were really good with the bat. Play- India with a 63-run stand. Ashwin took a ing with fi ve batters with one guy taking re- sharp return catch to send back Liton who green track, a decision that pleased Kohli cision he made after winning toss aff ected sponsibility, that’s what we want.” made 35 and went on to dismiss Mush- who wanted his quicks to exploit the the team’s performance. India opener Mayank Agarwal was ad- fi qur as well. morning conditions on Thursday. Kolkata hosts the second and fi nal Fabio Quartararo rides during the qualifying session of the MotoGP judged man-of-the-match for his career- Bangladesh were bundled out for 150 “Defi nitely... it was a diffi cult deci- match, which will be the fi rst day-night Valencia Grand Prix at the Ricardo Tormo racetrack in Valencia, Spain, best 243. in the fi rst innings after opting to bat on a sion,” Mominul said when asked if the de- test for both sides, from Nov. 22. yesterday. (AFP)

SECOND T20 Janat stars as Afghanistan upset WI to level series AFP Some of Afghanistan’s mid-order , India wickets went cheaply and with dew mak- ing bowling diffi cult, West Indies captain must have thought his arim Janat came in from the cold side’s unbeaten record in the tour so far to take a starring role yesterday was safe. as Afghanistan beat West Indies But medium pace bowler Janat was by 41 runs to level their three- well-supported by the other Afghan Kmatch Twenty20 series. bowlers and the West Indies batsmen The 21-year-old was only a substitute looked sluggish as they chased a run-rate in the fi rst clash in Lucknow that West that quickly got out of control. Indies easily won. But he took fi ve wickets “At the halfway stage, we were happy as West Indies were restricted to 106-8 in with 147,” said Pollard. “Their batsmen the chase for Afghanistan’s 147-7 in the came hard at us, but we came back well, second game. especially Kesrick. We cannot fault the Janat’s 26 from 18 balls, including fi ve bowlers. fours, was also the joint-highest score for “We didn’t get a good start in the pow- Afghanistan along with opener Hazratul- erplay, and we lost wickets every time we lah Zazai. were trying to be aggressive. “I was the 12th man for the last game “We just have 24 hours to wrong the and that was the best way for me to see rights, and hopefully we can come back what the line should be. I had a plan in and do those things right tomorrow.” mind and I kept to it,” said Janat, whose The fi nal game is also in Lucknow, change of pace and skillful choice of where Afghanistan play their home length claimed valuable scalps including games, today. West Indies beat Afghani- and . stan 3-0 in the one-day series before the “On this wicket, change of pace is a T20s. good weapon to have.” Afghanistan had looked on course for BRIEF SCORES a bigger total but Kesrick Williams took AFGHANISTAN 147 for 7 (Zazai 26, Janat two wickets in two balls to claim openers 26, Naib 24, Williams 3-23, Holder 2-23) Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz after they beat WEST INDIES 106 for 8 (Ramdin 24*, put on 42. Janat 5-11) by 41 runs. Afghanistan’s Karim Janat plays a shot during the second T20 match against West Indies at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, India, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, November 17, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Russell accepts Hall of Fame ring Harden’s 44 points 44 years late

AFP Nat Clifton became the NBA’s New York fi rst African-American play- ers. Cooper was the fi rst black player drafted by an NBA club, ill Russell accepted taken by Boston with the fi rst power shorthanded his Basketball Hall of pick of the second round in Fame ring on Friday 1950. after refusing it in Russell, who helped spark 1975,B the 11-time NBA cham- the US squad to men’s bas- pion saying other black play- ketball gold at the 1956 Mel- ers deserved to be enshrined bourne Olympics, accepted before him. the ring alongside retired NBA The 85-year-old NBA leg- pals Bill Walton and Alonzo Rockets past Pacers end led the Boston Celtics to Mourning and former wom- a record 11 league crowns from en’s star Ann Meyers. ‘There are going to be games where I got to play high minutes. The coach doesn’t 1957-1969 and was selected as “In a private ceremony the NBA Most Valuable Player w/my wife & close friends want that so we got to try to keep those minutes down. I felt really good tonight’ fi ve times. A.Mourning @AnnMeyers He also served as coach @billwalton & others I ac- of Boston’s NBA champion- cepted my #HOF ring,” Rus- ship teams in 1968 and 1969, sell tweeted. “In ‘75 I refused the fi rst black coach in North being the 1st black player to go American professional sports. into the @Hoophall I felt oth- The dominating centre ers before me should have that became the NBA’s fi rst black honor. Good to see progress; superstar but did not feel it ChuckCooperHOF19.” was his place to become the Regarded as one of the fi rst black player in the Hall of greatest players in basketball Fame given the pioneers who history, Russell scored 14,522 came before him. points, grabbed 21,620 re- That issue was somewhat bounds and passed off 4,100 eased this year when Chuck assists. In 2011, Russell was Cooper was inducted into awarded the US Presiden- the sporting honour shrine in tial Medal of Freedom for his Springfi eld, Massachusetts. achievements in basketball as In 1950, Cooper and fellow well as for his work in the civil Hall of Famers Earl Lloyd and rights movement.

In this file photo taken on July 20, 2019 basketball Hall of Fame member Bill Russell waves as he is introduced at a game between the Minnesota Lynx and the Las Vegas Aces at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)

Pirates to name Cherington GM The Pittsburgh Pirates will 2012 trade that sent Josh Houston Rockets guard James Harden (left) drives to the basket while Indiana Pacers forward TJ Warren defends at the Toyota Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports name Ben Cherrington Beckett, Carl Crawford and as the team’s new general Adrian Gonzalez to the Los doesn’t want that so we got to try to keep points as Charlotte’s balanced scoring was manager, the Pittsburgh Angeles Dodgers. He also AFP RESULTS Los Angeles those minutes down. I felt really good to- backed up by some superb defense. Post-Gazette reported on replaced manager Bobby Charlotte 109-106 Detroit night,” he said. Galloway scored 32 points and Blake Friday. Valentine with John Farrell Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 16 Griffi n fi nished with 19 for the strug- Orlando 111-109 San Antonio The former Boston Red Sox before the 2013 season, and ames Harden scored 44 points and points for Los Angeles, and Kyle Kuzma gling Pistons, who have lost four straight executive vice president the Red Sox went on to win had eight rebounds as the Houston Houston 111-102 Indiana chipped in 13, all in the fi rst half. games. and general manager, 45, the title. Rockets beat the Indiana Pacers Memphis 107-106 Utah Evan Fournier hit two clutch three- has been the Toronto Blue The Pirates fired general 111-102 on Friday night to stretch Washington 137-116 Minnesota HORNETS DOWN PISTONS pointers in the fi nal 2 1/2 minutes to boost Jays’ senior vice president of manager Neal Huntington theirJ winning streak to six games. Elsewhere, Malik Monk nailed a 26-foot the Orlando Magic to a 111-109 win over baseball operations for just last month. They also parted Harden scored 40-plus points for the Oklahoma City 127-119 Philadelphia three-pointer at the buzzer as the Char- the San Antonio Spurs. over three years. ways with president Frank fourth time in six games. Boston 105-100 Golden State lotte Hornets stepped up their game at The Spurs led by as many as 16 points Cherington, who replaced Coonelly in October. One When he needed a rest in the third Lakers 99-97 Sacramento both ends of the fl oor for a 109-106 win in the fi rst half but Orlando stormed back Theo Epstein in Boston of Cherington’s first major quarter, Ben McLemore picked up the over the Detroit Pistons. and turned the game into a see-saw con- following the 2011 season, moves will be to replace slack, scoring 10 of his season-high 21 Domantas Sabonis fi nished with 18 Marvin Williams and Monk each had a test. Fournier fi nished with 26 points as spent four seasons in his Red manager Clint Hurdle, who points in the third. points and 13 rebounds for the Pacers, who three-pointer in the last 24 seconds after the host Magic won their third game in the Sox post before Dave Dom- was fired at the end of In the late game, Anthony Davis made shot just eight for 33 from beyond the arc. Langston Galloway hit a shot from beyond last four. browski was brought aboard September. a clutch defensive play at the buzzer just In Los Angeles, Davis blocked Harrison the arc to give Detroit a three-point lead Aaron Gordon hit two free throws with as the team’s president of moments after LeBron James hit the go- Barnes’ layup with two seconds left, al- with 50 seconds remaining in the fourth. 13 seconds to play and Nikola Vucevic baseball operations. Cher- ahead free throws as the Los Angeles Lak- lowing the Lakers to beat the Kings and Pistons Derrick Rose turned the ball added another less than a second later ington was invited to remain ers beat the Sacramento Kings 99-97. win their 10th game in the last 11. over with one second on the clock to give to make it 110-106 and give the Magic a as GM, but he left his role Harden scored 12 straight points in the James scored 18 of his 29 points in Charlotte an opportunity to steal the win. comfortable lead. with the Red Sox with a year fourth to give Houston a double-digit lead the second half and recorded 11 assists Monk took the inbound pass from Terrence Ross added 20 points off the remaining on his contract. at one point. He also tallied fi ve assists and and Davis fi nished with 17 points. Davis teammate Cody Martin and drained the bench for the Magic, with Gordon scoring The 2013 Red Sox won the four steals. missed the previous game with a sore winning shot to snap the Hornets’ four- 14. Al Farouq Aminu and Markelle Fultz World Series with Chering- Houston played without Clint Capela shoulder. game losing streak. added 13 points each. ton making the personnel (concussion), Eric Gordon (right knee He has played a lot of minutes for the Monk and Terry Rozier scored 19 points DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with moves, but the team failed to surgery) and Danuel House Jr. (sore back). Lakers this season and Friday was no ex- apiece for the Hornets. 21 points, with Rudy Gay scoring 14 and reach the playoff s in his oth- Russell Westbrook had 17 points but ception as he fi nished with 39. Devonte’ Graham poured in 18 points, LaMarcus Aldridge and Patty Mills scor- er three seasons at the helm. shot just fi ve of 21 from the fl oor for the “There are going to be games where PJ Washington added 11 points, and Cody ing 13 points each for the Spurs, who have Cherington orchestrated the Rockets. I got to play high minutes. The coach Zeller and Bismack Biyombo each had 10 lost four consecutive games.

FOCUS LeBron says he is nowhere near retirement ters I physically can’t or... mentally least Tuesday in New Orleans, medical updates will be provided Los Angeles I’m a little checked out,” he said. meaning he will miss a chance at that time.” “Then you could start looking to face his most recent former The 28-year-old guard has at that. I have no idea when that team, the Houston Rockets, on started 10 games for the Lakers os Angeles Lakers for- happens but I’m not there.” Monday, ESPN reported. this season, averaging 9.6 points ward LeBron James on After missing time with inju- and 3.2 rebounds over 27.4 min- Friday said he is a long ries in a disappointing fi rst sea- LAKERS GUARD BRADLEY utes a contest. way from hanging up his son with Los Angeles, it appeared OUT WITH LEG FRACTURE The Western Conference- Lhigh tops and likened himself to the league’s gruelling schedule Los Angeles Lakers guard Av- leading Lakers, 9-2 entering a veteran New England Patriots might fi nally be catching up to ery Bradley will miss at least Friday home game against Sac- quarterback Tom Brady, who is the three-time NBA champion, the next one or two weeks of the ramento, also host Atlanta and still going strong at age 42. who reached the fi nals in eight NBA season with a hairline frac- Oklahoma City before visiting Asked by reporters whether consecutive seasons. ture in his right leg, the team an- Oklahoma City next Friday. retirement had crossed his mind, But James has been his domi- nounced on Friday. In the following week, the the 34-year-old James shook his nant self in the early going of this The injury took place when Lakers visit Memphis, San An- head. “I’m not at the end of my campaign, leading a retooled he collided with San Antonio’s tonio and New Orleans before story,” James said prior to a game Lakers roster to a 9-2 record to Dejounte Murray on November playing host to Washington on between his fi rst place Lak- sit atop the loaded Western Con- 3 and missed a game before re- November 29, the latest point at ers and the visiting Sacramento ference. turning to the lineup. which Bradley’s leg would be re- Kings at Staples Center. James, who joined the NBA He underwent an MRI exam evaluated. “So no, not the way I feel right out of high school as the fi rst on Thursday that detected the Bradley, a 2016 NBA All-De- now. overall draft pick by the Cleve- break after initial x-rays had not. fensive Team player, spent his “Me and Tom Brady are one land Cavaliers in 2003, made his “An MRI last night revealed a fi rst seven seasons with Bos- and the same. We’re going to comments the day after it was hairline fracture in a non-weight ton before splitting the 2017-18 keep playing until we can’t walk reported that 10-time bearing bone of Avery Bradley’s campaign between Detroit and no more,” he said with a smile. All-Star Carmelo Anthony right leg (on the fi bular head),” a the Los Angeles Clippers and last As long as I still feel great and as would be making his return to old Anthony, who was also thought his playing days may be a one-year contract. Lakers statement said. season between the Clippers and long as I can still play at a high the league. drafted in 2003, hasn’t played done. But he is now expected to Anthony isn’t expected to “Bradley will be re-evaluated Memphis before signing with the level... I will play this game until The sharpshooting 35-year- in more than a year, and many join the Portland Trail Blazers on make his Blazers debut until at in one to two weeks and further Lakers in July. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, November 17, 2019 SPORT

NFL FOCUS 24-plus teams to attend Kaepernick Browns prepare for workout: report

Reuters tending. Multiple outlets San Francisco reported the league will not provide Kaepernick with a list of names of those attending, ore than 24 despite the belief the NFL had playoff push without NFL teams plan agreed to do so. to attend Co- A video of the workout, lin Kaepernick’s along with an interview, will Mopen workout in Atlanta, ES- be prepared and sent to every PN’s Adam Schefter reported head coach and general man- on Friday. ager in the league. Kaepernick, the former San NFL Network reported the Francisco 49ers quarterback receivers at the workout will suspended Garrett who began kneeling on the be provided by the National sideline during the national Football Scouting Service, ‘We will have 11 out on the field, and those 11 will be expected to do their job’ anthem to bring attention which is putting on the event to social injustice, has not and runs the NFL Scout- Reuters played since the 2016 season. ing Combine each year. The New York The NFL scheduled a work- receivers are expected to be out for Kaepernick at the At- mostly players who were on lanta Falcons’ practice facil- teams during the preseason. he NFL’s suspension of Cleveland ity. Former Cleveland Browns Kaepernick, 32, has played Browns defensive end Myles Gar- head coach Hue Jackson, with six seasons in the NFL and rett on Friday dealt a severe blow the help of former Miami Dol- participated in six postseason to the team’s playoff hopes but phins head coach Joe Philbin, games, including Super Bowl Tthey are determined not to let the incident will direct the session. XLVII in 2013, when the 49ers defi ne their season. The league earlier had an- lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Cleveland kept their hopes alive with nounced that 11 teams - Ari- Ravens. Kaepernick passed a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on zona, Atlanta, Cleveland, for 302 yards and one touch- Thursday but lost Garrett, one the game’s Denver, Detroit, Miami, New down in that game. top defenders, for at least the rest of the England, New York Giants, The Nevada product, who 2019 season after he used a helmet to at- New York Jets, Tampa Bay, was a second-round draft tack another player. and Washington - confi rmed pick by the 49ers in 2011, has Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens, they will attend in some ca- passed for 12,271 yards in his who is trying to steer the team to their pacity. career with 72 TDs and 30 fi rst playoff berth since 2002, said losing NFL Network reported interceptions. He also rushed a player of Garrett’s calibre makes things teams have until Saturday to for 2,300 yards and 13 more tougher but that he feels his players are submit names of people at- TDs. ready for the challenge. “There has been adversity hit it seems like all year so these guys have answered the call of adversity, and I expect them to do the same moving forward,” Kitchens said on a conference call. “There will not be any excuses. We will have 11 out on the fi eld, and those 11 will be expected to do their job.” With their victory over the visiting Steelers, the Browns improved to 4-6 on the season and remain very much alive in the playoff picture, but will have to keep their focus on the task at hand. “Sometimes in the biggest storm, that is when people come together the closest,” Browns guard Joel Bitonio said on the conference call. “We have a decision to make as a team. It is not one day everybody is saying, ‘Yeah, we are in it together,’ but it is your actions through the week of practice, through games that we have to make that collective choice.” Garrett, a former fi rst overall draft pick who on Friday apologised for his actions, Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. is tied for fourth in the NFL with 10 sacks through 10 games this season and could Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (right) hits Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with his own helmet as have been Defensive Player of the Year off ensive guard David DeCastro tries to stop Garrett during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Eagles’ Sproles out for season, Ajayi signed candidate if not for the ban. “He is a guy that gets after the quar- Week 1, when he sustained a broken clavi- situation where we have an opportunity to Houston in the division race. Last week’s Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles is out for the terback, plays the run well. He is a great cle while throwing a touchdown pass in make a run, that’s all we can ever ask. I’m defeat to Miami was one of the most puz- rest of the season due to a torn right hip flexor, the team an- player. It is tough,” said Bitonio. the fi rst quarter of a loss to Kansas City. grateful and happy to be back with those zling results of the year in the NFL. Even nounced on Friday. The Eagles signed Jay Ajayi later in the day. “Anytime you lose a guy to injury, to Brissett is back after missing last week’s guys,” Foles said. Besides getting its vet- with backup Brian Hoyer under centre, Ajayi gained 592 yards with four touchdowns in 11 games over suspension or to anything of that nature, 16-12 home loss to Miami with a knee in- eran starter back under center, Jackson- Indianapolis (5-4) was a double-digit fa- the past 1 1/2 seasons with the Eagles. He has 2,516 yards and 13 it is something that you have to try and fi ll jury suff ered during a 28-26 defeat Nov. ville has had a week off to get healthy after vourite. But Hoyer’s fi rst start in two years career rushing TDs over four seasons with the Miami Dolphins that spot.... It is tough when you lose your 3 in Pittsburgh.Without Foles, Jackson- enduring a 26-3 beating from Houston on was an unmitigated disaster, as he was just and Eagles. “It’s a blessing to be back in the NFL and with this best defender.” ville (4-5) at least managed to tread water. Nov. 3 in London. The addition of Foles 18 of 39 for 204 yards with three crushing team, said Ajayi, who recently had tryouts with the Detroit Lions The Browns will resume their playoff Rookie Gardner Minshew threw 13 touch- gives a team with a powerful running back interceptions. and Arizona Cardinals. “Philly is a special place for me, and to push at home against Miami on Nov 24 down passes and just four interceptions in Leonard Fournette, as well as develop- Through eight games, Brissett has com- come back here is wonderful. I’m looking forward to Sunday before heading to Pittsburgh the following after Foles’ injury, establishing himself as ing young receivers, a veteran who knows pleted a career-best 64.8 percent of his (against the New England Patriots) and seeing what that brings.” week for what could be a hotly-contested a viable option for the long run, whether about winning big games. passes for 1,649 yards with a 14-3 touch- Ajayi suff ered a torn ACL in his left knee on Oct 7, 2018 and has rematch. that’s in north Florida or somewhere else. “More is on the line,” Foles said of play- down-interception ratio. Coach Frank been working to come back from the serious injury. While the Jaguars are occupants of the ing in November and December. “Of- Reich said Friday that Brissett “was full go As for Sproles, the 36-year-old originally suff ered the hip injury FOLES, BRISSETT TO RETURN division cellar, they still possess play- fenses and teams and cultures have been (in practice) the whole week” and ready to in a 31-6 win over the New York Jets on October 6. He missed AS JAGUARS BATTLE COLTS off hopes. And no one knows better than developed. Each year a team develops a play. Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, the team’s the next three games, but returned and had three off ensive Welcome back, Nick Foles. You too, Jaco- Foles the meaning of having a chance. Af- culture. That’s the biggest challenge of leading pass catcher with 32 receptions, touches in a 22-14 win over the Chicago Bears on Nov 3. Sproles by Brissett. The return of the Jacksonville ter all, he did take Philadelphia on a sur- stepping back in there and just playing won’t play, Reich said Friday. Hilton (calf) didn’t report any problems after that game and returned to Jaguars’ and Indianapolis Colts’ starting prise Super Bowl run after Carson Wentz’s football.” has missed the past two games and wasn’t practice the following week, but reported the injury after quarterbacks injects extra juice into Sun- season-ending injury two years ago, and By that standard, Brissett should have able to practice on Wednesday. Wednesday’s session. Sproles finishes the season with 17 carries day’s AFC South battle at Lucas Oil Sta- helped rally the Eagles by going 5-1 down an easier time fi nding a rhythm. All he’s This is the teams’ fi rst meeting of the for 66 yards and six receptions for 24 yards in six games this dium in Indianapolis. the stretch in 2018 and won a wild-card missed is a game and a half. But that was year. They will play again in the season fi - season. Foles will make his fi rst start since game last year at Chicago. “To be back in a enough time for the Colts to fall behind nale at Jacksonville.

NHL Canadiens use 4-goal 2nd period to storm Capitals Reuters RESULTS feated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 on Fri- Washington day night. Charlie Coyle added a goal and an Canadiens 5-2 Capitals assist and Zdeno Chara scored a goal for the Bruins 4-2 Maple Leafs Bruins, who ended a four-game losing streak. Auston Matthews and Kasperi Kapanen omas Tatar had a goal with three as- Devils 2-1 Penguins sists and Phillip Danault recorded scored for the Maple Leafs, who have lost one with two helpers as the visiting Blue Jacke 3-2 Blues four in a row. Boston’s Tuukka Rask made Montreal Canadiens used a four-goal Senators 2-1 Flyers 29 saves, and Toronto’s Frederik Andersen Tsecond period to win their third straight, 5-2, stopped 30 shots. and end the Washington Capitals’ 13-game ing 6:22 into the period for a 1-0 lead. Weber Marchand gave the Bruins a 2-1 lead with a point streak on Friday night. struck less than three minutes later to make wrist shot only 11 seconds into the third peri- Shea Weber, Jordan Weal and Nick Su- it 2-0. The veteran defenseman drove home od after going around a defenseman. Brandon zuki also scored for the Canadiens, who have a laser shot, from the top of the circle on the Carlo and Patrice Bergeron earned assists. earned at least one point in fi ve consecutive near board, over the shoulder of Samsonov The Maple Leafs tied the score 2-2 at 3:54 games (4-0-1) and are 7-1-1 in their last nine. with 10:44 to go in the second. of the third when Kapanen scored his sixth Carey Price made 26 saves as Montreal out- Montreal made it 3-0 while putting pres- goal from the edge of the net on a pass from shot the hosts 40-28. sure in front of the Washington net, culmi- John Tavares. Zach Hyman also had an assist. Alex Ovechkin scored his 14th on the power nating with Weal getting a backhander past The Bruins regained the lead at 5:08 of the play and Evgeny Kuznetsov also delivered in Samsonov with 8:19 to go in the middle pe- third period when Marchand scored again, the third period for Washington, but by that riod. The Canadiens then fi nished off some on a wrist shot off his own rebound. Coyle’s time it proved too late. The Capitals, who en- nifty passing with Suzuki’s defl ected goal pass set up the chance. Chara scored his tered Friday an NHL-leading 32 points, were with 5:18 left in a nightmare second period for fourth goal, into an empty net at 18:27. Coyle amid an 11-0-2 stretch before falling Friday. Washington. Ovechkin came through with scored his third goal, from the slot, at 13:48 of Montreal outshot the Capitals 15-9 in the his one-timer 5:34 into the third. Kuznetsov the fi rst period. The goal was set up by Matt fi rst period. However, the game was score- scored his ninth via a breakaway with 4:22 Grzelcyk, who circled behind the net before less after 20 minutes as Washington backup to go in regulation for Washington, which sending a pass in front. Anders Bjork earned goalie Ilya Samsonov (35 saves), starting this ended a 5-0-1 home stretch. Tatar added an the other assist. Toronto’s Trevor Moore left back-to-back situation, more than once empty-netter with 2:31 left for his seventh of the game with a shoulder injury after a col- came up with a big save. the season. lision with Boston’s Chris Wagner early in Samsonov was sharp early in the second the fi rst period and did not return. The Ma- period before the Capitals gave up the puck in MARCHAND’S TWO GOALS HELP ple Leafs tied it at 9:20 of the second period their own zone. Tatar corralled it and found BRUINS DOWN LEAFS when Matthews defl ected Jake Muzzin’s slap Danault alone in front of the net, where he Brad Marchand scored two goals in the third shot from the left point for his 14th goal. Wil- Tomas Tatar of the Montreal Canadiens scores a goal against the Washington Capitals during the third made a move on Samsonov before convert- period and the visiting Boston Bruins de- liam Nylander earned the other assist. period at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, November 17, 2019 7 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Warburton joins Wales coaching staff Jones wants to turn “I’m delighted to bring both AFP Cardiff , United Kingdom Byron and Sam into the set-up and add to what is already a vast- ly experienced coaching team,” x-captain Sam War- said Pivac. burton and former in- “Byron has a great coaching ternational Byron Hay- CV with experience in England, ward are joining the the club game in Wales, the age- England into rugby WalesE backroom team under new grade system and his fi ve suc- head coach Wayne Pivac, it was cessful years with the Scarlets,” announced on Friday. he added. ‘I am definitely staying Hayward will be defence coach “Sam is one of the most ex- and Warburton will be a techni- perienced leaders in rugby with as England’s coach cal adviser for breakdown/de- excellent knowledge and com- fence. munication skills and having for another two years’ The defensive pair join only recently retired he has a full ‘powerhouse’ Stephen Jones, Jonathan Hum- grasp on the international game.” phreys and Neil Jenkins in the Warburton said he was de- coaching team, with all fi ve of lighted to be part of the coaching Pivac’s assistants former Wales team. internationals. Three are former “It is a genuine privilege to be captains. considered for such a role and Warburton played 74 Tests for I can’t wait to do my utmost to Wales and led his country more contribute to help improve the times than any other Welshman. team and players,” he said. He also led the British and Irish New Zealander Pivac replaced Lions on two tours. Warren Gatland as head coach He retired in July 2018 at the after the World Cup in Japan, age of 29 following a string of where Wales reached the semi- injuries. fi nals.

Eddie Jones (right) during the Killik Cup at the Twickenham Stadium in London yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP turned out, in the biggest game years,” says Jones. Springboks in the 2015 World “My fi rst thoughts are for the London of our four-year cycle, I got it “My contract runs until 2021. Cup, accepts his days as a na- players. They will be distraught. badly wrong,” writes Jones in his I’m excited by what our young tional coach are drawing in. “They have been brilliant, soon-to-be-published auto- team can achieve. “I know the clock is ticking coming together as a powerful, ngland coach Eddie biography ‘My Life and Rugby’ “The potential is massive. on my time at the top of inter- united England team which has Jones wants his team which is being serialised in The Not only are they great rugby national coaching,” he said. done everything asked of it and to become the “power- Times. players but they are better peo- “But I feel privileged to coach more.” house of world rugby” “Hindsight is a wonderful ple with outstanding character. England and, for however long Jones believes the squad have butE has admitted he made a teacher.” “I believe I can keep making that lasts, I will give my best ef- given the country a welcome mistake in his selection for the Jones has turned England’s a diff erence with them over the fort every day. distraction from the divisions Lombard recovers to keep nose World Cup fi nal. fortunes round after taking next two years. We want to be- “We’ve taken a side that created over Brexit. in front at Nedbank Challenge The 59-year-old Austral- over following their humiliat- come the powerhouse of world couldn’t get out of the group “They have played with fl air ian, who has committed to see- ing pool-stage exit in the 2015 rugby. stage in a home World Cup to and tenacity and, during a dif- AFP coaster second round when ing out his contract which runs World Cup. “After that? We’ll see. It’s too being the second-best team in fi cult and uncertain time at Sun City, South Africa he suff ered five penalty until 2021, is not renowned for A crushing victory over two- early to know and, right now, I the world. home, they have given people strokes in making 71. owning up to errors. time defending champions New am happy to just hit the pause “There was one team ahead of something to smile about,” he Successive birdies at 10 and But he says part of the blame Zealand in the semi-fi nals last button.” us, and 18 behind us.” says. outh Africa’s Zander 11 put Detry in a three-way tie for the 32-12 defeat by South month has given Jones plenty In spite of England’s failure in “The subsequent news that Lombard recovered with Lombard and Oost- Africa in the fi nal lay with his of enthusiasm to continue, but ‘A LASTING IMPACT’ the fi nal, Jones — who concedes the fi nal was watched by the from a poor start to huizen before a magnificent decision to start with George he has stopped short of com- Jones, who says the win over the Springboks were “outstand- biggest television audience in shoot a level-par 72 190-yard iron shot from Ford and Mako Vunipola ahead mitting to taking the team to the the All Blacks is one of four ing” — remains fi ercely proud of the UK this year (over 12.5mn), andS retain the lead after the a fairway bunker set up a of Henry Slade and Joe Marler. 2023 World Cup. matches in his long career that what they achieved. and that supplies of replica jer- third round of the Nedbank birdie at the 13th to put him “I had been right against Aus- “I am defi nitely staying as stand out for him, including “In the fi nal minutes my mind seys had sold out, proved the Golf Challenge at the Gary in the lead on his own. tralia and New Zealand but, as it England’s coach for another two Japan’s epic victory over the starts to wander,” he writes. boys had made a lasting impact.” Player Country Club yester- At that stage he was the only day. player in the field not have Lombard’s 11-under-par total dropped a shot during the GOLF of 205 kept him one shot round. ahead of fellow countryman But a pulled tee shot on the Louis Oosthuizen (71) and par-five 14th bounced off Belgium’s Thomas Detry a cart path into thick bush (69). and Detry was forced to play On a day when sub-70 scores three off the tee for the third were a rarity, Oliver Wilson of time in two days. Lee’s blistering front nine England soared up the lead- He made a double-bogey erboard with a five-under-par seven, while both Lombard 67 to share fourth place on and Oosthuizen made bird- eight-under with Sweden’s ies to be two ahead of the Marcus Kinhult (70). Belgian. secures one-shot lead in Mexico Chasing a first prize of Detry fought back with Reuters and 13th. $2.5mn, Lombard saw his superb iron shots to birdie Mexico But he lost his bid for a sub-60 overnight two-shot lead the next two holes before he round with a bogey at the par-four disappear when he dropped drove into a fairway bunker 14th, then collected pars on the fi nal three shots over the first on the 18th hole, leading to anny Lee’s sizzling start four holes. eight holes, largely because another dropped shot. propelled the New Zea- Vaughn Taylor, Mark Hubbard, of erratic tee shots on a Wilson said he was delighted lander to a one-stroke lead Zach Johnson and Chris Baker demanding course. with his round, which was in the rain-delayed Maya- shared fourth after shooting seven- But birdies on successive bettered on the day only by kobaD Golf Classic in Mexico on Fri- under par 64s. par-fives at 10 and 11 started Scottish rookie Robert Mac- day. Billy Horschel and Harris English his fightback. Intyre, who shot 65 to climb Lee put together fi ve birdies and were at six-under 65 with 14 others Lombard, who lost his into a tie for 21st place. an eagle in his fi rst eight holes while at 66 as conditions softened at the European Tour card in 2017 “It’s not easy,” said Wilson. “I shooting nine-under 62 to pace Camaleon course in Playa del Car- and had to survive qualifying had a few breaks but I played Americans Brendon Todd and Adam men. school last year to regain his solid golf. I hit a lot of greens Long, who had 63s, as the weather Lee has not won on the PGA Tour status, has yet to win on the and kept it relatively stress- improved in Playa del Carmen after since 2015 when he topped a four- tour. free.” Thursday’s fi rst-round washout. man playoff at the Greenbrier Clas- If he can close out the win it Wilson’s breaks included a “I changed my swing a little bit sic. will almost treble the career chip-in at 15 and a long birdie to gain distance off the tee,” said Todd and Long are also previous earnings of a player ranked putt at 17 which looked set to the South Korean-born golfer who winners. Todd’s victory came two 234th in the world. A finish in miss narrowly on the right of started play shortly after sunrise. weeks ago at the Bermuda Champi- the top eight will earn him a the hole before deviating off “I think it’s been showing me a lot onship and Long claimed the Desert place in next week’s season- a pitch mark and going in. of good results.” Classic title in January. ending Tour championship Defending champion Lee Lee, the tournament’s runner-up Two other Americans celebrated in Dubai. Westwood had a solid round last year, opened play with a birdie, holes-in-one at the fourth hole. Detry is also seeking a first of 69 to move into a five-way then added another at the fourth Cameron Tringale aced the 116- win and for much of the tie for sixth place on 210. hole before his eagle at the par-fi ve yard par-three layout in his 69 and Danny Lee plays a shot on the 17th hole during the first round he maintained what Also on six-under was Race fi fth. Three more birdies followed. about 45 minutes later rookie Chase round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic at El Camaleon he described as “stress-free” to Dubai leader Bernd Wies- He made the turn at seven-under, Seiff ert followed suit while shooting Mayakoba Golf Course in Mexico on Friday. (AFP) golf, in contrast to his roller- berger, who fired a 70. then added birdies at the 11th, 12th 68.

Sunday, November 17, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FORMULA 1 Verstappen takes Krug’s book weaves pole position for Brazilian Grand Prix

DPA were brilliant in all three ses- Sao Paulo, Brazil sions,” Horner said in a message over team radio. magical tale of Qatar’s Hamilton clinched a sixth ca- ed Bull’s Max Verstap- reer world title with two races to pen clinched pole posi- spare almost two weeks ago in tion yesterday for the the United States, but it is now Brazilian Grand Prix the ninth race weekend without aheadR of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vet- a pole for the 34-year-old Briton. football evolution tel and world champion Lewis “Congrats to Max, obviously a Hamilton in a Mercedes. great lap by him,” he said. Verstappen posted a fastest lap “We seemed quite competitive ‘Being born and raised in Qatar in a family obsessed with sports allowed me to see of 1 minute 07.508 seconds on in P3 (third practice with Hamil- the 4.309-kilometre Interlagos ton fastest) and then we seemed how rapidly the nation’s athletic and football landscape has developed over the years’ track, edging Vettel by 0.123 sec- to lose or they gained, but none- By Amjad Vanimal onds, to head the grid for today’s theless I’m happy I could divide Doha grand prix, the penultimate race the Ferraris.” of the Formula One season. Vettel said he was “carefully Hamilton was third, 0.191 sec- optimistic” for today’s race. amad Bin Khalifa Uni- onds behind Verstappen, and Fer- “Happy with the front row — versity Press launched rari’s Charles Leclerc fourth ahead now we see what we can do to- its latest book Journeys of Valtteri Bottas in a Mercedes. morrow,” he said. on a Football Carpet, Leclerc is however, demoted “We got better through quali- Hwritten by Doha-born novelist by 10 places on the grid after an fying which was the target and and sports journalist Matthias engine change. we were improving, so we’ll see Krug. The launch took place It was a second career pole for how it plays out in the race.” during an open forum at Qa- Dutchman Verstappen, whose The remaining top 10 posi- tar National Library’s Special previous was at this season’s tions were taken by Red Bull’s Events Area on Thursday and Hungarian Grand Prix. He did Alexander Albon, Pierre Gasly in was attended by a large number qualify on pole for the Mexican a Toro Rosso, Romain Grosjean of sports fans, book enthusiasts, GP but was later handed a three- in a Haas, Kimi Raikkonen in an and members of the media. place grid penalty for a yellow Alfa Romeo and Kevin Magnus- When Qatar won its bid to fl ag breach. sen in a Haas. host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, “The car was really good,” he Lando Norris (McLaren), Dan- it was the ultimate sporting said. iel Ricciardo (Renault), Antonio miracle for a young and ambi- “The track temperature was Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo), Nico tious nation. But the critics changing so we had to adjust Huelkenberg (Renault) and Ser- were quick to judge, saying that to that but straight away from gio Perez (Racing Point) missed Qatar, with no football history Q1 the car was fl ying and really the cut in the second session. of its own, didn’t deserve the enjoyable to drive, so I’m really Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso), chance to host the biggest foot- (From left) Author Matthias Krug, Qatari football legend and Al Kass TV sports analyst Badr Bilal, German ambassador to Qatar Hans-Udo happy with this pole position.” Lance Stroll (Racing Point), ball tournament in the world. In Muzel, Qatar’s first professional boxer Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid al-Thani, Krug’s father, Joachim, a coaching staff member for the Qatar national Verstappen’s pole came on the George Russell (Williams), Rob- Journeys on a Football Carpet, athletics team, Team Qatar athlete Mariam Farid and Ghenwa Yehia-Malaeb of HBKU Press at the launch of the book Journeys on a Football birthday of Red Bull team princi- ert Kubica (Williams) and Carlos Krug sets out to debunk that Carpet at Qatar National Library’s Special Events Area. (Below) The book Journeys on a Football Carpet is on display at the forum. pal Christian Horner. “That was Sainz (McLaren), who had an en- myth by sharing the fascinat- the best birthday present — you gine problem, went out in Q1. ing inside story of the country’s ther, Joachim, one of the fi rst book is a documentation of football evolution over the past foreign athletic coaches to arrive Qatar’s history. At HBKU Press, six decades. in Qatar in 1982 and currently a we are committed to publish- Weaving in his family’s per- coaching staff member for the ing books that provide the glo- sonal journey spanning two Qatar national athletics team. bal community with insight on generations in Qatar, the book The forum started with the Qatar and highlight the nation’s shares the untold story of Qa- opening remarks of German success.” tar’s surprising, challenge-fi lled ambassador to Qatar Hans-Udo Headquartered in Doha, and inspirational journey. Muzel, and went on to discuss HBKU Press publishes a wide “Being born and raised in the book and the panellists’ per- range of texts including fi ction Qatar in a family obsessed with sonal experiences that explored and non-fi ction titles, children’s sports allowed me to see fi rst- Qatar’s sports history and chal- books, collections, and annual hand how rapidly the nation’s lenged the status quo. reports. In addition, it pub- athletic and football landscape “Sports bring cultures to- lishes peer-reviewed, scholarly has developed over the years,” gether. This is what we are try- research in the natural and so- author Krug said. ing to do tonight (at the forum). cial sciences through academic “Whenever I travelled around This is one of the very special books, open-access reference the world over the years, I was points Matthias Krug tries to materials and conference pro- surprised that people knew very inspiring people who helped Bilal, Qatar’s fi rst professional make in his book,” the German ceedings. little about Qatar’s fascinating to shape those journeys on the boxer Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid envoy said while delivering his Journeys on a Football Carpet and ever-developing sports his- sporting fi elds.” al-Thani, currently undefeated opening speech. is available in the HBKU Press tory. I was inspired to write this The open forum was attend- in his sport, and Mariam Farid, Speaking about the impor- Bookstore (located in the Col- book, not only to relate some of ed by a panel of sports experts, Qatari female athlete and IAAF tance of publishing a book on lege of Islamic Studies building my family’s very personal ex- including the author himself, World Athletics Championships Qatar’s football evolution, Ba- in Education City), in book- Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen acknowledges the crowd periences, but to document the Qatari football legend and Al Doha 2019 ambassador. char Chebaro, Executive Direc- stores across Qatar, and on Am- after taking pole position for the Brazilian Grand Prix at the Interlagos experiences of a nation and the Kass TV sports analyst Badr Also present was Krug’s fa- tor of HBKU Press, said, “This azon Kindle as an eBook. racetrack in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday. (AFP)

TENNIS Tsitsipas shocks Federer to reach fi nal at ATP Finals

AFP London, United Kingdom Ending year as number one is big satisfaction: Nadal

Reuters tefanos Tsitsipas shocked London, United Kingdom six-time champion Roger Federer 6-3, 6-4 to reach the fi nal of the ATP Finals t all felt a little odd at the O2 inS his tournament debut yester- Arena on Friday. day. IRafael Nadal had just beaten The Greek sixth seed, 17 years rising Greek force Stefanos younger than his 38-year-old Tsitsipas in a classic scrap at opponent, beat the Swiss at the the ATP Finals but had no idea Australian Open but had fallen to whether it was good enough to him twice since then. keep him in the tournament. Federer was unrecognisable Then, moments after his 6-7 from the player who dominat- (4), 6-4, 7-5 victory the 19-time ed Novak Djokovic in his fi nal Grand Slam champion was pre- round-robin match, struggling sented with an enormous silver on serve and hitting a total of 26 trophy by the ATP’s soon-to-be- unforced errors compared with former chief Chris Kermode. just fi ve against the Serbian. It looked and felt like a victory Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates with the ATP World No 1 trophy in But Tsitsipas belied his years celebration despite the busi- London, United Kingdom, on Friday. (Reuters) with a performance full of con- ness end of the tournament still fi dence and grit, saving 11 out of to play and Nadal’s participa- feats on the European clay. “I think this trophy is the work 12 break points during the match. tion in it out of his hands. He arrived for the ATP Finals of the whole year, a great year “I’m so proud of myself today, a As it turned out, Alexander with doubts about an abdomi- in all terms,” Nadal, who first great performance and once again Zverev’s victory later over Da- nal injury and had not com- achieved it in 2008, told report- the people were great,” he said. niil Medvedev made all Nadal’s pleted a tournament since the ers. “This trophy with me is a “I really enjoyed myself on the hard work redundant. US Open in September. Yet after big personal satisfaction. court and sometimes in matches But there was no denying the a disappointing display against “There have been some de- like these you wonder how you 33-year-old Spaniard deserved Zverev in his opening match at moralising moments this year recover from diffi culties and the ATP year-end number one the ATP Finals, he rebounded in in terms of physical issues. But break point down. trophy — even though it was stunning fashion to fight off two super happy for everything. “It is a mental struggle and I’m longtime rival Roger Fed- of the players expected to fill “The big gap between the first proud how many I saved today, I Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas (left) saved 11 out of 12 break points during the match against Switzerland’s erer’s sublime win over Novak the void when Nadal, Federer until today, 11 years, is a big thing. was trying not to give an easy time Roger Federer in the ATP World Tour Finals semi-final in London, United Kingdom, yesterday. (AFP) Djokovic the previous night that and Djokovic depart stage left. I don’t know if somebody did it or to Roger, he was playing well.” actually put it into his arms. On Wednesday he was 5-1 not, but is something diff icult.” Coming into the match, the dropped just six points on his count — his 10th, to level at 2-2. thundering ace. Even Nadal, it seems, needs a fa- down in the third set against Nadal said he was honoured to Greek 21-year-old led the tour- serve in the fi rst set and saw a Undaunted, Tsitsipas, domi- A year ago, Tsitsipas won the vour occasionally. Unfortunately Medvedev but found an escape match Federer and Djokovic and nament in service games won, whopping six break points come nating rallies from the back of the Next Gen ATP Finals. Now, on Medvedev could not oblige. route. Then on Friday he was pointed out that had it not been with 35 out of 37. and go. court, broke again straight away his tournament debut he is one Nadal won a 12th French Open a set down against strutting for injuries he might already Tsitsipas conceded a break Tsitsipas was forced to dig with a forehand cross-court match away from winning the title this year and then closed Greek stylist Tsitsipas before have surpassed Pete Sampras’s point in his fi rst game as cries deep to see out the set in a dra- winner for a 3-2 lead. season-ending event, featuring to within one major of Federer’s unleashing a furious onslaught six year-end number ones. of “Let’s go Roger, let’s go” rang matic 13-minute fi nal game in At 5-4 down Federer knew he the year’s best eight players. Grand Slam record when he won to claim victory. “I cannot complain, but at some around London’s O2 Arena but which he saved two break points had to break Tsitsipas for only the Tsitsipas fi rst broke into the the US Open, beating Medvedev. His hopes of winning the ATP point I feel that there is a couple he survived the scare and broke and needed seven set points to second time in the match. top 100 of the ATP rankings only He also reached the Austral- Finals title for the first time of years out there that I have Federer in the next game, taking close it out 6-3. The Greek slipped to 15-40 25 months ago. ian Open final and the semis was over for another year but been in a position that I had advantage of two missed over- Federer was in deep trouble down but Federer again could not He will play either defending at Wimbledon, all in a year in matching Federer and Djoko- chances to be the number one heads from the Swiss. when Tsitsipas broke him to love take advantage, spraying a fore- champion Alexander Zverev or which his confidence hit rock vic’s five year-end top spots was and I got injured and I could not Thereafter it was a case of what in the third game of the second set hand out to give his opponent a fi fth seed Dominic Thiem in to- bottom after some shock de- consolation. fight for it,” he said. might have been for Federer, who but he fi nally made a break point match point and he won with a day’s fi nal.