FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 NNBABA | Page 5 Ireland part Green company lift s Raptors with O’Neill to victory and Keane over Magic

Thursday, November 22, 2018 CRICKET Rabia I 14, 1440 AH Aussies edge GULF TIMES India in thrilling T20 opener SPORT Page 7 SPOTLIGHT/FOUR YEARS TO GO Teen crash Coaching legend survivor vows to race again

Hong Kong, AFP

17-year-old racing Bora says Qatar driver who fractured her spine in a hor- Arifying crash at the Formula Three Macau Grand Prix has vowed to return to the sport after surviving surgery lasting nearly half a day. German Sophia Floersch flew will host a ‘perfect’ off the track on Sunday, hurtling into marshals and photogra- phers, before being rushed to a Macau hospital in a stable condition. “I survived the operation which took 11 hours. Hope from now on it only gets better,” she wrote in World Cup in 2022 a Facebook post late Tuesday. “I’m going to come back!” she added. establish what the cause was,” ‘It will be a dream World Cup. The venues are all close by. The players won’t be tired’ Floersch said she had to stay “a Whiting told AFP. few more days” in Macau until “We know the initial cause for EVENT WILL LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY it is possible to transport her her loss of control but we need By Sports Reporter elsewhere. to analyse very very carefully. Doha The 2022 World Cup will leave economic revenue, and drive She thanked the medical staff “It takes a few weeks to analyse a lasting legacy, Afra al-Noaimi, for sports and events industry,” who treated her as well as the data from the car, analyse the acting director of Genera- she added” people who helped at the scene video very carefully and try and ora Milutinovic’s name tion Amazing, said yesterday. Generation Amazing is a social of the crash for their “encour- establish exactly how the two may not ring a bell for “Our legacy programmes will initiative aimed at young- aging, calming words in these cars made contact, how they young football fans ensure that the impact of the sters and has projects up and tough minutes in my car”. interacted and what played around the world, but World Cup would be felt for running in several countries. Dramatic footage captured which part and where. We have Bfor the game’s enthusiasts in several years after the event Spain and Barcelona and Xavi gasps from the crowd as the to do it right. Qatar he is an almost ubiquitous concludes, especially in the Hernández is one of its ambas- Van Amersfoort Racing driver’s “When an accident like that hap- fatherly fi gure who is as much Middle East,” al-Noaimi said. sadors. car flew through the air and pens, our thoughts are with the at ease with stars as well as kids “People will definitely feel the So far more than 250,000 into safety netting at the Guia people involved and the injured who are just learning the ropes diff erence in areas of develop- people have benefited from the Circuit’s Lisboa bend, a sharp people. of the game. ment like economic change, programme. right-hander. “We look to try and understand A resident of Qatar for more Running 16th, she lost control why they were injured and then than 10 years, the 73-year-old in a contact down the straight, we need to find out what we can Serbian coach is now an am- a dream World Cup. The venues playing for the Pumas. launched off a kerb and learn and what improvement bassador for Generation Amaz- are all close by. The players won’t “It is my beloved team – one bounced off Tsuboi’s TOM’s can be made to insure that if the ing, the Supreme Committee’s be tired.” Milutinovic, whose two of my beloved teams. There I Racing car. same accident happened again, fl agship legacy project that is brothers played for the Yugo- became a coach. So with Pumas “My thoughts are also with we would have zero injured.” involved with several communi- slavian national team, is partly we got excellent results, and af- everyone who was involved in At least three people have died ty-based initiatives around the credited with the invention of ter the ’82 World Cup, I started the accident. I hope everybody on the Macau Grand Prix circuit. world. That gives him an incred- the Mexican wave that has spread managing Mexico’s national is healthy,” Floersch said in her British rider Daniel Hegarty died ible insight into Qatar’s ingenu- across the world. team, where I stayed until ’86. post. last year after hitting a barrier ity, dynamism and vision, espe- “Well, it was a coincidence We came sixth at the ’86 World The International Motoring at Fisherman’s Bend during the cially when it comes to the 2022 that it happened during an im- Cup. Federation (FIA) has opened an Macau Grand Prix’s motorcycle FIFA World Cup. portant match whilst we were “I remember before the match investigation but FIA race direc- race. Known as the “Miracle Work- preparing for the ’86 World Cup. against Belgium there were tor Charlie Whiting said it is “too In 2012, Portuguese motor- er” for helping fi ve countries Bora Milutinovic, also seen below conducting a coaching clinic. We were playing against Argen- sound problems, so they couldn’t soon” to say what caused the ac- cyclist Luis Carreira and Hong — the US, Nigeria, Costa Rica, PICTURES: Thajudeen tina, and the people of Monter- play the national anthem, and cident. Whiting also insisted that Kong driver Phillip Yau were China and Nigeria qualify for rey were so happy that they ex- Tomás Boy, the then captain, the Macau Grand Prix circuit is killed within two days of each the World Cup — Milutinovic is World Cup kicks off in Qatar on always sporting a cheery smile. pressed their joy by doing a wave, asked what we should do, and I not dangerous. other during the Macau Grand a highly-respected fi gure in all November 21 that year. “Life in Qatar has been good. and that was the beginning of the told him to stay in the middle of “It is too soon to try and Prix. continents. Past players speak “I enjoy coaching. Coaching I have enjoyed every moment of ‘Mexican Wave, in September the pitch and start singing the of him with reverence, while is the same, be it kids or pro- it. Now, I look forward to the next 1984,” Milutinovic had said dur- national anthem. So they started younger coaches aspire to emu- fessional players. It is the same four years, and of course to the ing an earlier interview. singing the national anthem and late his achievements. game, it requires the same pas- World Cup,” which, according to “Every time I go to stadiums everyone in the stadium sang it EQUESTRIANISM “Oh, I miss coaching,” he said sion.” him, is going to be “perfect.” around the world today and see a too. I thought to myself: ‘Today, yesterday, hastening to add, “oh With age he has mellowed. A “I fi rst came to Qatar in 1993 Mexican Wave, I remember those no one will be able to beat us’.” no, I don’t miss, I still coach,” no-nonsense coach during his and since then I’ve visited regu- days when, thanks to the quality But nothing beats Qatar, ac- pointing some 20 odd kids who heyday – he once told legendary larly before settling down. I can and the eff orts of my players, this cording to him. Stage set for QNB had gathered at Aspire Zone for a US goalkeeper Alexi Lalas to get a tell you with confi dence that Qa- expression of joy was born.” “Of course, Qatar is excep- Generation Amazing function to haircut if he wanted to be on the tar’s World Cup dream is perfect. He speaks fondly of Mexico tional. There is no doubt about mark four years before the 2022 team – Milutinovic speaks softly, Their vision is perfect. It will be where he fi nished his club career that.” Qatar International Showjumping

By Sports Reporter World Cup. The two-star com- Doha petition, which was launched in 2014, is organised by the QEF in co-operation with Al ver 56 riders and 100 Shaqab. horses from several Equestrian enthusiasts can countries will take expect to enjoy a festive at- O part in the QNB Qa- mosphere with free pony rides tar International Showjumping for children as well as experi- Championship beginning at ence al fresco dining provided the Qatar Equestrian Federa- by specially selected food out- tion’s (QEF) outdoor arena to- lets to add variety to the event. day. The three-day competition Today’s Schedule will also serve as a qualify- 15:30hrs – 17:15 Class 1: Two ing event for the International Phases FEI Art. 274.5.3 | Max. Equestrian Federation’s FEI 140cm | 2 Horses per athlete | World Cup Jumping 2019. 350m/min | €7,000 The mandatory vet check of 18:00 – 17:05 Class 2: Table A, horses was conducted yester- Against the clock with Jump day. A horse inspection will Off – FEI Art. 238.2.2 | Max. also be done prior to the start 115cm | 2 Horses per athlete | of the competitions on Thurs- 350 m/min | €5,000 day morning. 19:50 – 20:15 Class 3: Table A, The feature class – the Grand Against the clock with Jump Prix on Saturday will also serve Off – FEI Art. 238.2.2 | Max. as one of the qualifying rounds 130cm | 2 Horses per athlete | of the Arab League for the 2018 350m/min | €6,000 Gulf Times 2 Thursday, November 22, 2018 FOOTBALL

DEVELOPMENT Ireland part company with O’Neill and Keane Reuters to replace experienced Italian tive match in 2018 or to score Dublin Giovanni Trapattoni, and former in O’Neill’s last four games in Manchester United midfi elder charge, yet the 66-year-old re- and Ireland international Keane mained bullish earlier this week. reland have parted com- joined him, it was seen as a “The players are getting used pany with manager Martin “dream team” to revive Ireland’s to each other. When it comes O’Neill and his assistant fortunes after they missed out to the big games I think we’ll Roy Keane after a run of six on the 2014 World Cup. be ready,” O’Neill said after the Imatches without a victory, the The early signs were encour- draw with Denmark. “We’ve country’s Football Association aging with Ireland qualifying been very very strong when it said yesterday. for the Euro 2016 Championship comes to the games that matter.” Their last game in charge was after beating Bosnia in a playoff . Former Manchester United a turgid 0-0 draw with Denmark Ireland then progressed to the midfi elder Keane won 67 caps for in the UEFA Nations League on last 16 after a group stage win Ireland and had been O’Neill’s Monday. over Italy. Their run was ended right-hand man for fi ve years. “I would like to thank Martin, by a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Goalkeeping coach Seamus Roy, and the management team hosts France after having taken McDonagh and assistant coach for the impact that they had with an early lead. Ireland reached Steve Guppy have also left the the Ireland team,” said FAI Chief a playoff for this year’s World Ireland team. Executive John Delaney. “There Cup fi nals in Russia but were The FAI said its board would have been many highlights dur- thrashed 5-1 at home by Den- meet promptly to discuss the ing Martin’s reign – none more mark, having drawn the fi rst leg process of recruiting a new so than Euro 2016 in France, 0-0 in Copenhagen. manager. Ideally they would like which will live long in the mem- Since then, however, results to have one in place before their ory of all Irish supporters.” have been disappointing and Euro 2020 qualifying stage draw Former Leicester City and they fi nished bottom of their Na- in Dublin on December 2. Celtic manager O’Neill was ap- tions League group, losing home Former Ireland defender and pointed in November 2013 and and away to Wales and drawing manager Mick McCarthy is had 55 games in charge. 0-0 twice with Denmark. available and one of the favour- When O’Neill was appointed They failed to win a competi- ites to replace O’Neill. Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane (left) and manager Martin O’Neill at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on October 16, 2018. (Reuters)

NATIONS LEAGUE ASEAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP Bedic’s late goal earns point for Philippines Forrest treble earns feat when Supachai Jaided put Reuters Kuala Lumpur the Thais in front in the 56th minute, just fi ve minutes after Azkals captain Phil Younghus- ovin Bedic scored a lucky band missed the best chance of late equaliser to secure the game. Younghusband was a deserved 1-1 draw for unmarked and in space just six Sven-Goran Eriksson’s yards from goal when his eff ort Scotland promotion, PhilippinesJ against champions found the arms of Thai goal- Thailand yesterday evening in keeper Chatchai Budrom, while the Asean Football Federation Supachai made no mistake at the Championship that keeps Azkal other end when he coolly slotted hopes of a semi-fi nal place alive. past Michael Falkesgaard. Both teams move on to seven The Philippines, though, points from three games follow- claimed a deserved leveller with ing the meeting in Bacolod and just nine minutes remaining Serbia also through remain one point ahead of group when Bedic’s shot from outside B rivals Singapore, who closed the area was defl ected onto the ‘It showed a lot of character that we kept going and we managed to get the goals’ the gap on the top two to a point post before rolling across the with a 6-1 thrashing of East face of goal and directed over the Reuters second goal, turned provider Timor. Defending champions line by the diving Chatchai. Belgrade again in the 64th minute as For- Thailand will seal their place in the Singapore’s hopes of a place rest took a low pass in his stride, last four on Sunday with a draw in the next round were enhanced beat a defender and calmly against the Singaporeans while the as Safuwan Baharudin claimed hat-trick by in-form side-footed the ball past Israel Philippines will go through even if a hat-trick in a comfortable win Scotland midfi elder goalkeeper Ariel Harush. they lose to already-eliminated over East Timor, and victory James Forrest earned Scotland were forced to hang Indonesia and the Singaporeans over Milovan Rajevac’s side in them a 3-2 home win on in the closing stages after lose to the Thais. Bangkok on Sunday would take overA Israel in the Nations League Eran Zahavi pulled one back The Philippines looked set to them through to the semi-fi nals and promotion to the competi- for the visitors with a thump- go down to an undeserved de- for the fi rst time since 2012. tion’s second tier on Tuesday. ing low shot from 20 metres and The result, which also sealed the home team’s keeper Allan Scotland’s Euro 2020 playoff McGregor did well to keep out a German league to ditch Monday matches from 2021 berth if they fail to qualify au- fi erce Tomer Hemed shot in the tomatically, left them top of dying minutes. The German Football League kick off s, Germany’s top flight Group 1 in League C on nine “It’s a great night,” Scotland’s (DFL) yesterday confirmed that is bucking the trend, following points from four games, three hat-trick hero Forrest told Sky Monday night matches will be pressure from fans. Fans rallied ahead of Israel and six in front Sports. “It showed a lot of char- scrapped in the Bundesliga against the five matches held of Albania. acter that we kept going and we from the 2021/22 season. While on Monday nights last season, Serbia also sealed their pas- managed to get the goals. other European leagues are when the initiative was intro- sage to League B with a 4-1 “You need to be contributing prolonging their Football week- duced, either with silent pro- home win over Lithuania which either goals or assists and I’m end with televised Monday tests at matches or boycotts. clinched Group 4 with 14 points delighted with the last couple of from six games, two more than games to be doing that.” Romania who won 1-0 in Mon- Serbia took a 2-0 lead over tenegro. Lithuania when an Artu- SPOTLIGHT Scotland fell behind to a ras Zulpa own goal and an Ale- sumptuous 25-metre strike by ksandar Mitrovic header put Israel’s Brighton & Hove Albion them in command after a goal- forward Beram Kayal before less fi rst half. China teams face Forrest, who scored twice in Lithuania, however, reduced Saturday’s 4-0 win at Albania, the arrears through Deimantas turned the match on its head Petravicius. salary cap in latest with some clinical fi nishing. Substitute Aleksandar Pri- The Celtic winger equalised jovic headed in Serbia’s third in the 34th minute when he before Adem Ljajic rounded off move to curb spending drilled home a rebound from 12 a swift break to wrap up Serbia’s metres after Andy Robertson’s win on a chilly night at Partizan Reuters ident Xi Jinping, China has also shot was blocked and fi red the stadium. Beijing been using its fi nancial might Scots ahead two minutes before Scotland and Serbia joined to invest in prestigious overseas halftime with a fi ne eff ort from Norway and Finland, who had clubs like Inter Milan in Italy. inside the penalty area. already sealed their passage to Scotland’s James Forrest (foreground) celebrates with Steven Fletcher after scoring against Isreal in lubs in the Chinese Su- A spate of marquee signings Ryan Fraser, who set up the League B. UEFA Nations League match on Tuesday. (Reuters) per League (CSL) will has seen players such as Brazil’s be required to adhere to Oscar and Argentine Carlos Tevez a new set of regulations make big-money moves to China Ingenious format and even games equals Nations League success fromC next season, including a in recent years, but it has not player salary cap to prevent them made any substantial impact on UEFA’s new Nations League competition traditional World Cup and Euro qualify- four divisions, or leagues, ranging from The smaller teams also had cause for to from splurging on fees. the national team’s performance. has proved an instant success thanks to ing tournaments where six-team groups A, the strongest, to D. These are in turn be happy. Instead of parking the bus The China Football Association China has only qualifi ed once the apparently simple, but often forgot- feature mismatches such as Germany each divided into four groups of three or and aiming to keep the score respecta- (CFA) has taken various meas- for the World Cup fi nals – in ten, combination of an ingenious format against San Marino and Spain against four teams. ble, they are able to dream about winning ures in recent years to discourage 2002 – but President Xi has de- and evenly-matched teams. Liechtenstein. The winners of each group are either pro- matches and topping their groups. wastefulness by top fl ight clubs, clared a desire to see the coun- Initially seen as another unwanted England’s progress to the last World Cup moted, in the case of Leagues B, C and D, “At the start of this campaign our main who have spent vast sums to lure try qualify for, host and win the addition to an already cluttered fixture was so serene that, when they beat Slov- or qualify for the so-called Final Four in objective was to top the group,” said high-profi le overseas players and tournament in the near future. list, the Nations League has proved a enia 1-0 to guarantee their place the case of League A. Faroe Islands coach Lars Olsen – a coaches to the country. Authorities, however, have welcome alternative to lukewarm friendly in Russia, bored fans threw paper planes The bottom team in each group is remark he would be unlikely to make dur- As part of the new regulations, stepped in to curb overspending internationals and one-sided European onto the pitch instead of celebrating. relegated. ing traditional European qualifiers. the CFA would introduce restric- on transfer fees and salaries. qualifying ties. “We always had complaints from the big The dividing line between disaster and Kosovo, only admitted to international tions on cash injections for clubs, Regulations were put in place The last week saw England go from football countries about playing against glory can be very thin, as England and football in 2016, took one point from as well as player bonuses, trans- last year, imposing a tax on relegation to winning their group in eight small countries, (instead of) among each Croatia found out on Sunday. Leading 10 matches as they found themselves fer fees and salaries, according to transfer fees valued at more than minutes, a dramatic qualification for the other, and complaints from small ones 1-0 with 15 minutes left, Croatia were out of their depth in the last World Cup state news agency Xinhua. The 45 million yuan ($6.49 million) Netherlands at the expense of world that they never win,” said UEFA president heading for top spot and England for rel- qualifiers. But in the Nations League, they rules will require clubs to ad- for foreign players and 20 mil- champions France and the astonishing Aleksander Ceferin. “Now, every game is egation – until two goals in eight minutes blasted 15 goals and won four out of six here to unifi ed accounting and lion yuan for Chinese players. humbling of Belgium by Switzerland. interesting.” gave England a 2-1 win and reversed the games in winning Group D3. player contract standards, while The CFA also put rules in place Trailing 2-0 after less than 20 minutes One of the lessons from the competition situation. They will now go into playoff s with the the salary cap will set limits on just days before the start of the and needing to score four times to win is that less can be more in a sport where The Netherlands found themselves other group winners in the league – the amount of earnings they can 2017 season which saw clubs their group, the Swiss pulled themselves competition formats are often based facing elimination as they trailed 2-0 to Georgia, Belarus and Macedonia – with spend on player remuneration. forced to select one under-23 together to beat the World Cup semi- on guaranteeing teams a set number of Germany on Monday until two late goals the eventual victors earning a place at By the 2019 season, every do- player in their starting lineup, finalists 5-2. games, making them bigger and more gave them a 2-2 draw. Euro 2020. mestic player must sign labour a move that proved unpopular Lower down the ladder, the competition complex and resulting in too many unap- This meant they finished level on points “It’s great for the D league where a team contracts and single-game bo- among coaches. Authorities in- has produced historic first competitive petising fixtures. with France and won the group on their can qualify for the Euro, something they nus limits will be introduced, troduced the policy to ensure wins for Gibraltar and Kosovo, putting the The Nations League format itself looked head-to-head record against the world could never do before,” said Ceferin. with the amounts announced at more inexperienced players latter within two matches of an improb- Byzantine when it was first presented but champions. “I know some big teams are disappointed the start of each season. Cash were given opportunities to play able place at European Championship turns out to be remarkably simple. Eu- Germany, meanwhile, suff ered the em- because they were relegated but this is payments and similar types of in the country’s top fl ight after in 2020. It has been a far cry from the rope’s 55 national teams are divided into barrassment of relegation. sport and this is why it’s interesting.” awards will be forbidden. years of disappointment for the Driven by soccer-loving pres- national team. Gulf Times Thursday, November 22, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT QSL plays proactive role in schools football festival marking countdown to Qatar WCup n an eff ort to further promote football the guests. The events also featured football culture and build constructive partner- matches among school students, including ships with many sections of the soci- those from the Al Noor Institute for the Blind. ety, the Qatar Stars League (QSL) played a HE Dr al-Hammadi expressed his delight Iproactive role in the schools’ football festival over the success of the festival and lavished organised by the Yarmouk Preparatory School praise on the students. for Boys to coincide with the start date of 2022 “Today, 21st November, marked the be- FIFA World Cup in Qatar four years from now. ginning of four-year countdown to the Qatar More than 350 students representing 30 World Cup, which will be an exceptional event schools took part in the festival, held in col- not just for the State of Qatar, but for the en- laboration with the Ministry of Education and tire Arab world. Higher Education and Supreme Committee “This festival succeeded in highlighting the for Delivery & Legacy yesterday. importance of such an important event es- Minister of Education and Higher Educa- pecially among members of the educational tion HE Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali al- community,” he said. Hammadi graced the festival, which marked Al-Kuwari said, “At the outset, we thank the four-year countdown to the Qatar World the Yarmouk Preparatory School for Boys for Cup. their eff orts. We also thank the Ministry of QSL’s Executive Director of Marketing, Education and Higher Education for support- Sales and Communications Hassan Rabia ing such an initiative that marked the four- al-Kuwari, representatives of all stakehold- year countdown to the World Cup. ers, QNB Stars League stars such as Sebastian “I wish there’re more such initiatives and Soria, Meshaal Abdulla, Nigel de Jong, Mah- events in future. The QSL, as part of its Cor- moud al-Mawas and Adel Rhaili, artists Ali al- porate Social Responsibility, is keen to engage Malki and Saad Burshid as well as celebrities all sections of the society.” and media representatives attended the event. Al-Kuwari hailed the festival’s success- Yarmouk School Principal Ibrahim al-Ei- ful organisation as well as the participation dan, Sports Education Co-ordinator Abdul- of QNB Stars League stars and added that it lah Mubarak and Physical Education Teacher would further promote sports in general and Khamis Mohammed al-Kuwari welcomed football in particular at the age-group levels.

SCARE FOCUS Mancini nurturing green shoots of PSG stars Neymar, recovery at improving Italy

Reuters win over the United States in Rome Belgium, Italy needed a 94th- Mbappe injured minute Matteo Politano strike to seal victory despite boasting 74 welve months after a hu- percent possession and having miliating 0-0 draw in a 17 attempts on goal. playoff against Sweden The numbers are indicative ensured Italy would miss of the style Mancini has imple- Tthe World Cup for the fi rst time in mented, built around a techni- 60 years, a repeat of that score- cally gifted midfi eld who move ahead of Reds clash line against Portugal at the week- the ball quickly in a 4-3-3 sys- end was greeted with far more tem, a game plan that has drawn ‘A 48-hour period of treatment will be undertaken to assess their clinical evolution’ positivity by the local media. comparisons to Maurizio Sarri’s A year ago, the Corriere dello Napoli and Chelsea sides. AFP Sport said the 1-0 aggregate de- Although the goal drought Paris feat to the Swedes was “an intol- remains a concern, the general erable footballing shame” while consensus is that performances the Corriere della Sera warned: will eventually yield results. aris Saint-Germain forwards “Italian football is about to be Gazzetta dello Sport acknowl- Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are battered by an unprecedented edged the improvement, saying both in a race against time to storm”. “we can console ourselves with recover from injuries in time for The failure to reach Russia a national team that’s growing, Pthe crucial Champions League clash with cost coach Gian Piero Ventura playing well and knows how to Liverpool, the French club said yesterday. his job and it was left to Roberto fi ght”, but warned: “In March, PSG said a scan had showed that Ney- Mancini to navigate Italy though we can’t make any more mis- mar strained an adductor muscle in his that storm and salvage some- takes: the road to Euro 2020 groin in Brazil’s 1-0 friendly win against thing from the wreck of a failed starts.” Cameroon on Tuesday. World Cup campaign. Improvement on the pitch has And Mbappe has a shoulder contusion Since taking over in May, the also helped Mancini begin to win after falling heavily in France’s 1-0 win former Manchester City, Lazio back supporters, with 73,000 over Uruguay at the Stade de France. and Inter Milan coach has suc- fans packing out San Siro for the “A 48-hour period of treatment will be cessfully built foundations for a visit of Portugal. undertaken to assess their clinical evolu- solid future, while beginning to The stalemate saw Italy set an tion,” PSG said. restore the national team’s tar- unwanted record of failing to win It appears likely that both players will nished reputation in the eyes of six consecutive home games for miss PSG’s Ligue 1 match against Tou- its public. the fi rst time, but the statistic louse on Saturday, but their real target The goalless draw at the San been received as an unwelcome will be Wednesday’s Champions League Siro against Portugal on Sat- side note rather than a devastat- match against Liverpool at the Parc des urday was only good enough to ing indication of Italy’s fall from Princes. All four sides could still qual- seal second place in their UEFA grace. ify for the knockout phase from Group Nations League group, however, Mancini’s readiness to give C. Liverpool have the same number of and afterwards Mancini de- youth a chance has provided an- points as leaders Napoli while PSG sit scribed the task ahead of him. other reason for optimism. third, one point behind Liverpool and “There’s a long way to go and Juventus’ 18-year-old striker one point ahead of Red Star Belgrade. we are working, trying to reno- Moise Kean came off the bench Neymar played down his injury, say- vate the national side with young against the US to become the ing in an Instagram message that “it was players and a diff erent tactical fi rst senior Italy international nothing serious”. approach,” he said. born in the 21st century, while In Tuesday’s match, the Brazilian for- The new tournament was his Gigi Donnarumma (19), Nicolo ward had treatment for an apparent groin team’s fi rst competitive test and Barella (21), and Federico Chiesa problem after just fi ve minutes and col- while results have not blown (21) have featured regularly. lapsed to the turf soon afterwards to boos anyone away, the performances Additionally, there have been from the crowd in the central English Combination made shows Brazil’s striker Neymar (left) leaving the pitch injured in Milton on Tuesday and France’s forward Kylian have been encouraging as Italy recalls for Mario Balotelli and town of Milton Keynes. Mbappe holding his shoulder in pain after getting injured in Saint-Denis. Neymar and Mbappe could be an injury doubt for Paris avoided relegation to the second Sebastian Giovinco, and sur- Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Liverpool next week after they both left the pitch injured during their respective tier by fi nishing ahead of Poland prise call-ups for lesser-known also said on Tuesday the 222-million- international friendly matches. in the three-nation pool. Italians playing abroad such as euro ($253-million) player did not appear Scoring goals has been the Vincenzo Grifo of Hoff enheim to have a serious problem. In Paris, Mbappe hurt his right shoul- Mbappe, the 19-year-old forward who lineup, Everton’s Richarlison, headed in main problem but not for a lack and Valencia’s Cristiano Piccini. “He felt discomfort,” Lasmar said. “He der as he challenged Uruguay goalkeeper shot to global prominence at the World on the stroke of half-time to secure vic- of trying, and in four games Mancini’s open-door policy will need a bit more time to evaluate it Martin Campana for the ball in the World Cup, “had some shoulder pain after his tory for the Selecao. against Portugal and Poland, the should ensure that no talent is and take a scan, but in principle it is not Cup winners’ victory. fall”. France won thanks to Olivier Giroud’s Azzurri hit 53 shots, 12 on target, left wasted and once his swash- a serious injury.” France coach Didier Deschamps said Neymar’s replacement in the Brazilian 52nd-minute penalty. but managed to score just three buckling style starts to produce times. goals, Italy may fi nally exorcise During Tuesday’s 1-0 friendly their November 2017 demons. ‘I want to win Ballon d’Or’ says German wunderkind, 14 A German football wunderkind, who His breakthrough last season was stag- persist. According to his off icial certifi- only turned 14 on Tuesday, says his goal gering. cate, issued at the German consulate in is to one day lift the Champions League As a 13-year-old, he netted 40 goals in 28 Yaounde, his date of birth is November trophy with Borussia Dortmund and win games to help Dortmund’s juniors win the 20, 2004, but he admits the constant the Ballon d’Or. Under-17 league title, scored the winning speculation over its authenticity annoys Burly teenager Youssoufa Moukoko, a goal in June’s 3-2 cup final win over Bay- him. “Last season was hard for me, with goal machine in German youth football, is ern Munich. He also became a Germany that whole story. I can’t do anything already well on his way to a professional Under-16 international. about the fact things have gone so well,” contract with Dortmund, the current However, it is at least three years before said Moukoko. Bundesliga leaders. Moukoko can make his Bundesliga debut Nevertheless, the German wunderkind He has scored 22 goals in 12 games for as the minimum age is 17, and then only has tried to play down expectations on their Under-17s this season - including with special exemption. his young shoulders. hat-tricks on four occasions - and hit four Even though he is much younger than “I have plenty of time to develop. The goals, as well as contributing two assists, most of his team-mates, defences strug- next thing I want to do is play for the in a 10-0 romp against Hennef last month. Champions League with Borussia and win gle to cope with the robust Cameroon- (Dortmund) Under-19 team,” he said. “If I am honest, my aim is to be a profes- the Ballon d’Or,” Moukoko told German born teenager. “We’ll see after that, not everything has to sional footballer with Dortmund, lift the magazine Sport Bild in his first interview. However, doubts about his true age go so fast.” Italy coach Roberto Mancini during his team’s friendly match against the USA in Genk, Belgium, on Tuesday. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, November 22, 2018 SPORT

FOCUS Win over Woods worth more than $9mn, says Mickelson Reuters than the money,” Mickelson said at a mouth baiting that is part of boxing and The showdown will be highlighted by Las Vegas news conference on Tuesday to drum UFC promotions were left sadly disap- several side bets and Mickelson wasted up interest in “The Match”. pointed as the news conference turned no time throwing down the gauntlet by “Every time I see you I want to be into a love-in. betting Woods $100,000 that he would ragging rights will be worth able to rub it in. I want to sit in the The 42-year-old Woods and Mickel- birdie the fi rst hole. more than the $9mn prize Champions locker room at Augusta and son, 48, spent so much time lavishing Woods took the bait but not before money to Phil Mickelson when talk smack. I want that.” praise on each other that it was hard to upping the ante, telling Mickelson, he takes on Tiger Woods in an That was about as close as Woods remember there was time when they “Why not $200,000”. 18-holeB winner-takes-all pay-per- and Mickelson, two of the most fasci- actually disliked each other. “So you think you can make birdie view showdown in Las Vegas. nating and successful golfers of their Even an attempt to end the news on the fi rst hole,” said Woods smiling. For two of the world’s richest athletes generation, came to trading shots as conference with a traditional boxing “Double it.” the prospect of pocketing millions for they attempted to help sell the pay- nose-to-nose stare down ended in farce The biggest bet being put down, how- playing an afternoon round at Shadow per-view duel which can be seen for a with neither man able to keep a straight ever, is the one made by WarnerMedia Creek Golf Club tomorrow may not set modest $19.99. face for more than a few seconds before and Turner Sports who are gambling the heart racing. Despite their best eff orts the obliga- breaking into laughs and a hug. there is enough interest to make the But for Mickelson the thought of tory trash talk around the golfi ng cage “He’s one of the greatest players to unique pay-per-view event a success. forever being able to wave that cheque match has been forced and limp. ever pick up a golf club,” said Woods, “This is me versus him, this is winner in Woods’ face was something price- Fifteen years ago the dislike was real the winner of 14 major titles. take all and it has a unique special feel less that left him giddy with excitement and palatable, the jabs they took at each “Greatest of all time,” replied Mick- golf doesn’t have all the time or rarely ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday clash. other stung. elson, who has fi ve majors in his trophy has ever had if ever,” said Mickelson. “It’s great to win the $9mn but I just But that once frosty relationship has case. “I am hopeful that this is received don’t want to lose to him and give him thawed to the point that they play prac- One aspect of the event not manu- well, I am hopeful we provide a glimpse the satisfaction because the bragging tice rounds together. factured is the competitiveness Woods into the future of what sport-watching Phil Mickelson (left) and Tiger Woods shake hands during a press conference in Las rights are what is going to be even worse Anyone expecting the sort of foul and Mickelson bring to the golf course. is all about.” Vegas on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports)

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Singh, US PGA Tour Laid-back Aussie pair settle deer-antler doping dispute

AFP behind us. The PGA TOUR fully Miami supports Vijay as he continues to be a true champion on the PGA embraces favourites Tour and PGA Tour Champions. hree-time major cham- “The PGA Tour recognises pion Vijay Singh of Fiji that Vijay is one of the hardest and the US PGA Tour an- working golfers ever to play the nounced Tuesday they game and does not believe that Thave reached a settlement deal he intended to gain an unfair ad- over a 2013 doping dispute over vantage over his fellow competi- tag at World Cup deer-antler spray. tors in this matter. The issue began with com- “Vijay fully supports the PGA ments Singh made fi ve years ago Tour’s Anti-Doping Program and Starting today, 28 teams will vie for US$7mn over 72 holes of stroke play to Sports Illustrated for a story all eff orts to protect the integrity about steroid alternatives, the of the game that he loves so much. AFP Ryder Cup teammates Tyrrell Fijian saying he had used deer The parties will make no state- Melbourne Hatton and Ian Poulter are repre- antler spray. The PGA Tour sus- ment concerning the settlement senting England, with the likes of pended Singh after fi nding the terms resolving this matter.” world number one Justin Rose and spray contained IGF-1, a banned Singh won the 2000 Masters ustralian pair Mark ninth-ranked Tommy Fleetwood substance under the tour’s anti- and 1998 and 2004 PGA Champi- Leishman and Cam- opting to give it a miss. doping rules. onships. He was also a 2003 Brit- eron Smith are em- While Australia are the early Singh appealed the 90-day ish Open runner-up and shared bracing the favourites favourites, Poulter has plenty of suspension and while the case third at the 1999 US Open. tagA at this week’s golf World World Cup experience and a su- was considered, the World Anti- Former world number one Cup, insisting they are laid- perb record in team events. Doping Agency (WADA) ruled it no Singh, 55, played 10 PGA events back enough to deal with the He has represented England longer considered using the spray this past season, his best fi nish a pressure. fi ve times and was desperate to a doping violation unless there share of 49th at the Masters. The 59th staging of the tour- play again, approaching 25th- was a failed drug test involved. On the 50-and-over PGA Tour nament at the Metropolitan ranked Hatton to pick him as his That was not the case in Singh’s Champions, Singh won three Golf Club marks its third-con- partner. situation so the ban was revoked. times this year, including this secutive playing in Melbourne’s “Team events are pretty spe- Singh, however, sued the tour month’s Schwab Cup Champion- famous sandbelt region, where cial, they don’t happen often later in 2013, saying he was treated ship thanks to a fi nal-round 61. bunkers can be cut right on the enough,” said Poulter. “When you unfairly in how the doping viola- Singh’s most recent PGA title edge of a green. look at the type of course we are tion was handled, causing unfair came at the 2008 Deutsche Bank Starting today, 28 teams will playing on this week, it’s easy to harm to his reputation. It was this Championship, when he won vie for US$7mn in prize money get very fi red up to play good golf. suit that was settled Tuesday. the season money crown for the over 72 holes of stroke play. The “Obviously on our rankings, “The PGA TOUR and Vijay third time in six seasons. fi rst and third days will be four- we’re supposed to fi nish up there, Singh are pleased to announce His 34 career PGA titles, the ball play and the second and fi - but sometimes that is diffi cult. that we have resolved our prior most by any player from outside nal days foursomes. “So I’m not taking it lightly dispute,” the statement said. the United States, included 22 World number 21 Leishman is that we’re coming in here and “The settlement refl ects our beyond the age of 40, breaking on home turf and he couldn’t be Australia’s Cameron Smith (left) and Marc Leishman pose with the Golf World Cup trophy in Melbourne going to have an easy week. We mutual commitment to look to Sam Snead’s 40-and-over career happier. on Tuesday. (AFP) need to play well, we need to the future as we put this matter win mark. “It will be diff erent, being play smart, it’s (a) tricky course.” favourites, for sure. But I think tion shouldn’t faze us. But it will more seasoned Adam Scott, and the perfect blend of fl amboy- The American challenge most of it is pressure you put on be a new experience for us both, admits it was a tough call to make. ant youth and wily experience comes from Kyle Stanley and yourself,” said the Australian, going in as a favourite. It would “It was a very hard phone to capture the 2016 edition at Matt Kuchar, who won in Mex- who won the PGA Tour-sanc- be nice to prove everyone right.” call to make to Scotty, I’m great Kingston Heath Golf Club. ico this month, with none of the Italian Bracciali banned for life, tioned CIMB Classic in Malaysia Australia’s top-ranked player mates with (him) and Cam,” They are back to defend their US contingent in the world’s top Starace for 10 years last month. Jason Day ruled himself out of a Leishman said. “Cam pretty title, but will have their work 10 wanting to make the long trek “We are mindful of that. We trip home with his wife recently much made it impossible for cut out in what could be a tough Down Under. Italian former world top-50 player Daniele Bracciali has been have been playing with each giving birth in the United States, me not to pick him when he was tournament in Melbourne’s fi ckle Mexico could be a dark horse, banned from tennis for life after being found guilty of match- other’s golf balls, chipping meaning Leishman became his next in line on the rankings.” weather. Rain is forecast and the led by Abraham Ancer who con- fixing, the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) said yesterday. Bracciali, 40, around, thinking about what we country’s top eligible player and Scott teamed with Day to win winds are expected to howl. vincingly won the Australian was found guilty by an Independent Anti-Corruption Hearing of are going to do in foursomes. was able to choose his team- the event in 2013. Many of the world’s top golf- Open in Sydney on Sunday by match-fixing off ences at the ATP 500 event in Barcelona on 2011. “We are laid-back enough mate. Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen ers, though, have stayed away fi ve shots, ahead of the likes of He was also fined $250,000. Former Italian player Potito Starace that the pressure and expecta- He opted for Smith over the and Thorbjorn Olesen proved after a long and gruelling season. Smith and Kuchar. was also handed a 10-year ban from any future involvement in tennis, and a $100,000 fine after being found guilty of match-fix- ing and associated off ences at the same tournament. Both men TENNIS will have the right of appeal through the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The TIU is an initiative of the sport’s various governing bodies, the Grand Slam Board, the International Tennis Federa- tion and the ATP and WTA Tours. France seek rare repeat in ‘last’ Davis Cup fi nal Venus Williams settles lawsuit over

Reuters there are doubts over whether Noah also has former world fatal Florida car crash London two team competitions can ex- number fi ve Jo-Wilfried Tsonga ist, especially in such close up his sleeve after including the Tennis star Venus Williams has settled a wrongful death suit proximity on the calendar. injury-troubled 33-year-old in related to a fatal traff ic accident she was involved in near her hen the play- The ATP Cup’s slot, just be- his squad for the fi nal. Florida residence in June 2017, according to court records. The ers of France and fore the Australian Open, makes France have won their last six terms of the agreement between Williams and the estate of Croatia step onto it an attractive proposition for ties on home soil but Zeljko Kra- Jerome Barson, 78, who died in the crash, were not disclosed in the clay court laid the players. jan’s Croatia will certainly not the court documents. The lawsuit, which was filed in Palm Beach Wdown inside Lille’s huge Stade But for this weekend, at least, be intimidated by the raucous County Circuit Court, was settled on Nov. 15. Representatives Pierre Mauroy tomorrow it will the Davis Cup will have the atmosphere they will encounter. for Williams and Barson’s estate did not immediately respond to mark the end of an era for the spotlight for a fi nal in which Marin Cilic, the world number requests for comment. Barson, who was a passenger in a sedan 118-year-old Davis Cup. Croatia, hoping to repeat their seven, is vastly-experienced on that collided with the SUV that Williams was driving, died 13 days This year’s fi nal will be the 2005 triumph, will start slight the big stages and has won 27 of after the accident. His wife, Linda Barson, 68, was driving the last in its current guise after favourites. his 38 Davis Cup singles. sedan. the International Tennis Fed- France captain Yannick Noah, Youngster Borna Coric has eration’s decision to revamp the who led his country to the title risen to 12th in the ATP rankings LPGA backs pioneering men’s and team event starting in 2019. last year and will be in charge this season and has twice sealed It has not been a pain-free for the last time before Amelie victory for Croatia during their women’s Aussie golf tournament process and fans and players Mauresmo takes over, is without run to the fi nal, most notably alike will lament the scrapping France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (left) shares a light moment with team several top names. winning the fi fth rubber in the The LPGA will co-sanction a pioneering tournament where men of the ‘home and away’ format captain Yannick Noah during a training session in Villeneuve d’Ascq, Richard Gasquet is injured and semi-fi nal against American and women compete for equal prize money on the same course which has been such an integral France, yesterday. (AFP) Gael Monfi ls and Gilles Simon are Frances Tiafoe in Zadar. at the same time, Golf Australia said yesterday. The Vic Open, part of the Davis Cup’s charm. missing, yet with a fanatical home In Franko Skugor and Mate which aims to highlight the disparity in prize money between Next year, after an initial petition that has been here for like it’s the last one.” crowd cheering every point, Les Pavic they also have a formi- the tours, sees men and women play concurrently off alternating qualifying round in February, decades and for us we see it as “(The ITF) tried to think of Blues will still feel confi dent of dable doubles lineup while tees. The event, to be held early February at the 13th Beach Golf 18 nations will assemble in Ma- the last fi nal,” Herbert, runner- something new and it needed back-to-back titles for the fi rst 35-year-old Ivan Dodig adds Links south of Melbourne, will be jointly sanctioned by the Euro- drid in November to compete in up with Nicolas Mahut at last it because the best players were time since 1932. useful backup. pean Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia for the men’s competition, a week-long competition to fi nd week’s ATP Finals, told Reuters not playing. But I think the In world number 32 Lucas “We’re having another op- and the LPGA and Australian Ladies Professional Golf for the an overall winner. ahead of the tie. changes they have done are the Pouille and number 40 Jeremy portunity now. Two years ago we women’s. Organisers are hopeful the involvement of the prestig- French doubles player Pierre- “The next one will maybe worst for the competition.” Chardy they still boast two dan- were close,” Cilic said, referring ious US-based LPGA will attract the world’s top female players Hugues Herbert is unequivocal have the same name but will be With the announcement of gerous singles players while Ma- to the 2016 in which Croatia lost to the competition, which has a prize of Aus$1.5mn (US$1.08mn) when asked what this week’s something new and something the ATP Cup to start in Australia hut and Herbert are the reigning to Argentina. “We have a good for each of the men’s and women’s divisions. This year’s women’s showdown in Lille means. we don’t know but we will see in January 2020, just six weeks French Open doubles champi- chance. But it’s going to be a fi ght, event was won by world no.6 Australian Minjee Lee. “They are killing the com- what happens. It defi nitely feels after the new Davis Cup fi nale, ons. a big battle against France.” Gulf Times Thursday, November 22, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS NBA star Durant fi ned $25k for harsh Green buzzer-beater words to heckler

AFP New York

olden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant was fi ned lift s Raptors to 93-91 $25,000 by the NBA on Tuesday for an obscenity-laced response to a heckler during a loss Saturday at Dallas. The violation, technically, for directing inappropriate Glanguage toward a fan, took place with 61 seconds remaining in the fi rst quarter of the Mavericks’ 112-109 victory over the reigning NBA champions. A cell phone video of the confrontation obtained by TMZ Sports showed Durant walking to the spectator’s courtside seat behind a win against Magic basket and say: “Watch the *** game and shut the*** up.” The move came after Durant had been taunted with the word ‘I just got a good look and got the shot up. Luckily it went in’ “cupcake” from the start of the contest. The term has been thrown at Durant as an insult since he de- parted Oklahoma City for Golden State in 2016 and an ex-Thunder teammate posted on social media a photo of cupcakes. Durant won his fi rst two NBA titles with the Warriors in the past two seasons, combining with fellow stars Stephen Curry, Dray- mond Green and Klay Thompson to form a powerful lineup. But the Warriors have struggled so far this season, losing three games in a row to fall to 12-6, out of the Western Conference lead behind Memphis, Portland and the Los Angeles Clippers. Meanwhile, J.R. Smith, who helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win the 2016 NBA title, will no longer play for the league-worst Cavs as they try to rebuild after losing superstar LeBron James. The Cavaliers announced that Smith, a 33-year-old guard, “will no longer be with the team as the organisation works with JR and his representation regarding his future.” The move comes hours after the release of an interview with Smith by The Athletic that featured him saying the Cavs, 2-13 overall and 0-8 on the road, were trying to lose. “The organisation wishes JR and his family well and appreci- ates and thanks him for his contributions in the community, to the team and his role in the 2016 NBA Championship,” the Cavaliers said in a statement. The Cavaliers will try to trade Smith and he will work out away from the team until his future is settled. He won’t play or attend Cavs games, including Wednesday’s return by James to Cleveland with his new Los Angeles Lakers teammates. Smith joined the Cavaliers in 2015 from the New York Knicks and was a key outside shooter in the team’s 2016 championship run, but is averaging a career-low 6.7 points a game this season. Smith averaged 12.6 points a game in his fi rst 14 NBA campaigns, which included stints at New Orleans and Denver before a 2011-12 season with China’s Zhejiang Golden Bulls and an NBA return with the Knicks.

Toronto Raptors guard Danny Green celebrates with forward Kawhi Leonard, guard Kyle Lowry, forward Pascal Siakam and teammates after shooting the game winning basket during the fourth quarter to beat the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

Agencies Hardaway Jr. had a game-high 32 points and drive I’ve had for this team, to hear I RESULTS Washington for the Knicks, who lost their sixth game might be traded, to hear all those things in a row. is kind of funny and frustrating all at the Toronto 93-91 Orlando At Miami, Brooklyn’s D’Angelo Russell same time,” Wall said. anny Green sank a jump shot Washington 125-118 Clippers scored 20 points to lead six Nets scorers in “I just try to stay above all that, doing with half a second remaining Brooklyn 104-92 Miami double fi gures in a 104-92 victory over the everything I can to pull it together. It’s just Tuesday to lift the Toronto Rap- Portland 118-114 New York Heat. Hassan Whiteside had game highs about eff ort.In the second half we played tors over the Orlando Magic 93- of 21 points and 23 rebounds in a losing with eff ort and heart. 91D and into the Eastern Conference lead. last-second heroics. cause. The Washington Wizards, playing In the fi rst half we didn’t play with any the dramatic Florida matchup improved “I just got a good look and got the shot without injured center Dwight Howard, urgency.” the Raptors to 14-4 overall, a league-best up. Luckily it went in,” Green said. rallied from a 24-point fi rst-half defi cit Down 20 points in the third quarter, 7-2 on the road and one game ahead of “We wanted to show some character with a stunning second-half revival to the Wizards saw Jeff Green score 10 of his Milwaukee atop the East. and maturity and somehow fi nd a way to defeat the visiting Los Angeles Clippers 20 points in the fourth quarter, including Leonard led the Raptors with 18 points execute. We did that.” 125-118. back-to-back 3-pointers and a slam dunk while Pascal Siakam added 15, Spain’s The Portland Trail Blazers seized the Washington closed the game with a in the crucial closing run. Serge Ibaka added 14 and Green fi nished lead in the Western Conference with a 28-13 run over the fi nal 7:28 to shock the “We just played harder than them in the with 13. An Ibaka jumper put Toronto 118-114 victory at New York, improving Clippers, Wizards star John Wall shrug- second half,” Wizards coach Scott Brooks ahead 91-89 but the Magic equalized on to 12-5, one game ahead of Memphis and ging off reports he might be on the trade said. “We showed mental toughness and a dunk with 2.3 seconds remaining in the defending champion Golden State. block to score 30 points with eight assists, resiliency and just kept after it. fourth quarter by Evan Fournier, who led C.J.McCollum scored 31 points and two steals and two blocked shots while They have to do a better job of fi nding In this file photo taken on November 17, 2018, Kevin Durant (left) Orlando with 27 points. Damian Lillard added 29 points and eight backcourt partner Bradley Beal added 27. it in them.” Tobias Harris led the Clippers of the Golden State Warriors controls the ball against Harrison But that only set the stage for Green’s assists to lead the Trail Blazers while Tim “It’s amazing. All the heart and eff ort with 29 points. Barnes of the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas. (Getty Images/AFP)

NHL Oilers nip Sharks in OT to win Hitchcock’s debut Reuters and Jari Kurri. San Jose McDavid also collected three Blues, Oilers fi re coaches aft er woeful NHL starts points. Marcus Sorensen put the Sharks Todd McLellan was fired Tuesday as works sometimes. We got to wake eon Draisaitl scored 51 sec- ahead a second time at 10:32 of the coach of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers up here.” Oilers general manager onds into overtime to cap opening frame, another benefi ci- and replaced by Ken Hitchcock only Peter Chiarelli began pondering the a three-point night as the ary of horrid defensive play that hours after the rival St. Louis Blues move after Edmonton’s 6-3 home visiting Edmonton Oilers left him alone in prime position. dumped coach Mike Yeo. loss Sunday to Vegas. “I felt like it was Lovercame three defi cits to beat the Joe Thornton collected the assist, The latest ousters raised the number time,” he said. “I saw levels of flatness San Jose Sharks 4-3 on Tuesday the 1,033rd of his career, which of axed coaches this season to four and levels of non-responsiveness night. ties him with Mario Lemieux for after seven weeks, following a cam- and when that happens, the radar Draisaitl’s goal came when the 11th place on the NHL’s all-time paign in which no coaches lost their goes up.” McLellan, 51, was named puck banked off his skate and into list. jobs. The Oilers have dropped six of Oilers coach in May 2015 after seven the net to give new head coach Ken Again the Oilers evened the their past seven games, falling to 9-10 seasons with the San Jose Sharks. He Hitchcock the 824th victory of his score when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with one over-time loss for 19 points, was 123-119-24 with Edmonton and in career on the day he took the reins tallied 1:45 of the second period, sixth in the Pacific division. 2017 guided the Oilers to their first after Todd McLellan was fi red. just as a Sharks power play ended. Edmonton’s frustrations come despite playoff berth in 10 seasons. Hitchcock, The sign it would be a see-saw Nugent-Hopkins took a feed while having one of the NHL’s top young 66, ranks third on the all-time NHL clash came early when Joonas on a two-on-one rush and nailed a stars in 21-year-old Canadian Connor coaching win list at 823-506-119 with Donskoi opened the scoring for short-side shot. McDavid, who ranks third in the 88 drawn over 22 seasons with Dallas, the hosts just 45 seconds from the Logan Couture put the Sharks league in total points with six goals Philadelphia, Columbus and St. Louis. drop of the puck. Left alone in the ahead a third time when he and 12 assists. “Obviously disap- He guided Dallas to the 1999 Stanley slot, Donskoi pounced on a re- snapped his scoring drought at 10 pointed,” Oilers captain McDavid said. Cup. “I know what’s wrong but it’s bound for the easy goal. games with 56 seconds remaining “Todd was a guy that everyone liked, not going to get fixed overnight,” Edmonton’s Connor McDavid in the second period. He waltzed but ultimately we’re a team that’s Hitchcock said. “I think I can clear the tied the game at 8:09 of the fi rst around Adam Larsson before go- underachieving right now and no one deck. I think I can help this team turn period with the 100th goal of ing top shelf with his shot. likes where we’re at, so the change it around.” Hitchcock had retired from his career. McDavid cruised un- However, Drake Caggiula forced is necessary.” Edmonton’s 3.3 goals coaching last season after Dallas went touched into the slot and took overtime when he fi nished a a game ranks 24th in the 31-team 42-32-8 and missed the playoff s. Yeo a feed from Draisaitl, which he three-way passing play with Drai- league while the penalty-killing unit was fired just before midnight after promptly buried for the mile- saitl and McDavid at 3:32 of the ranks 27th. “It’s tough to pinpoint a 2-0 Monday home loss to Los An- stone marker. He reached the 100- third period to make it a 3-3 count. what we need, but we’re all to blame geles, leaving both teams level at the goal mark in his 230th game, the Oilers goalie Mikko Koskinen here,” McDavid said. “This obvi- bottom of the NHL with only seven fourth-fastest player in Oilers his- made 22 saves to net the win, while San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier and center Logan Couture and defenseman Brent ously isn’t on Todd at all. It’s on us as wins, and replaced by associate coach tory to reach triple fi gures behind Sharks netminder Martin Jones Burns celebrate after scoring against the Edmonton Oilers durign their NHL game at San players. That’s just how the business Craig Berube on an interim basis. Wayne Gretzky, Glenn Anderson stopped 19 shots. Jose. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, November 22, 2018 SPORT

GOLF Tiger-Mickelson off ers relief from the burdens of age The numbers suggest that as Woods has declined as a force in golf, so has the number of black golfers

By Kareem Abdul-Jabbar The Guardian

n Friday, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will play for a win- ner-takes-all purse of $9mnO in Las Vegas. The biggest question isn’t which of these multimillionaires will triumph, but why anyone would care. The match-up has nothing to do with golf any more than Mu- hammad Ali’s 1976 fi ght with Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki had anything to do with boxing. Or, for that matter, my 1992 one- on-one matchup with Julius Irving had anything to do with basketball. Since these showbiz events don’t enhance or redefi ne sport in any way, there must be some kind of metaphoric value that justifi es the millions of dol- lars they generate — a glitzy- yet-heartfelt theme we can all get behind. My own match against Dr J 26 years ago — billed as the “Clash of the Legends” — wasn’t great basketball, but it wasn’t meant to be. Julius was 41 and I was 44, roughly the same ages as Woods and Mickelson are now. It was showbiz, giving fans what they wanted. We huff ed and puff ed and did our best, but we were clearly not the players we were in our prime. But so what? The fans wanted to see two middle-aged men work prove that we still had the spark of greatness, if not the full- blown fl ames. We did just that. The score didn’t matter, nor who won. What mattered was that we showed we still had a few moves, a few fl ashes of glory. As for Wood v Mickelson, this certainly isn’t a “great white Phil Mickelson (left) and Tiger Woods (right) address the media during a press conference before The Match: Tiger vs Phil golf match at Shadow Creek Golf Course. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports hope” event that pits white against black to determine racial both golf and Woods. Despite dramatically for minorities in In basketball, let’s say you are community. He’s never been an model either. He’s a troubled fi ve without a tournament win. superiority. the presence of municipal golf golf,” a white player from the suburbs. outspoken civil-rights beacon, man who has waded neck-deep Mickelson also broke a fi ve- Given the political atmos- courses, which are meant to be Woods said years later about You haven’t been battle-tested famously describing himself as into the fl otsam of fame. His ar- year losing streak when he won phere created by golfer/White more aff ordable, it still costs his historic victory. “I hoped until you’ve gone into the in- a “Cablinasian” (a mix of Cau- rest for driving under the infl u- the WGC-Mexico Champion- Nationalist-in-Chief Donald J around $40 for 18 holes versus my win would encourage them ner city and played with some casian, black, American Indian, ence of prescription drugs, his ship in March. Trump that has amped up racial $0 for shooting hoops in the to play, or to chase their dreams brothers. The same thing goes and Asian). Some felt that was a adultery, his messy divorce, and The theme of this showdown tensions, one could understand park. And if you want to play at whatever they were. But it would with golf in reverse. A lot of kids sidestepping of his responsibil- his proclaimed sex addiction is perseverance in the face of if some mistook it for that. the top courses, like Augusta have been naive of me to think can play golf to an impressive ity toward his black heritage. have produced a lot of tongue- the inevitable decline of athletic However, Woods and Mick- National, annual fees can reach my win would mean the end of level. But until you’ve played The racist truth is that in clucking and fi nger-wagging prowess. elson are friendly toward each fi ve or six fi gures. ‘the look’ when a person from country club golf, under country America, it doesn’t matter what among African Americans who Every year age jams another other and are jovially promot- This may be why even a his- any minority walked into some club conditions, with country the percentages of genetic in- realize that, fair or not, the en- 10lbs weight into our backpacks, ing this as nothing more than a torically black school like Bet- golf clubs, especially the game’s club kids, you have not played gredients are, if you have any tire community gets judged by slowing us down and making us high-noon duel between veteran hune-Cookman University has private clubs.” elite golf.” black heritage you are treated as the public failures of its most fa- contemplate that time when we pros. Plus, it’s golf. Not a whole a nine-member men’s golf team Wendell Haskins, a former The numbers suggest that as 100% black. That used to be the mous members. stop altogether. But Woods and lot of African Americans have with only two black players while PGA senior director of diversity Woods has declined as a force national law, now it’s just cul- And yet, many of us are root- Mickelson’s recent unexpected racial pride invested in the four-member women’s team and multicultural initiatives as in golf, so has the number of tural legacy. Marginalised people ing for him now more than ever. triumphs raised the spirits of all The Stroll Toward Another has only one black player. This is well as an associate with the NBA, black golfers. There were 1.5mn need all the heroes they can get, More than a representative of of us sagging under the weight Far Away Hole (not exactly the 21 years after Woods destroyed describes the challenge black kids black golfers in America in 2007; so it irks some when someone race, he’s a symbol of the one of years. They inspire hope, the dynamic ring of The Thrilla in the white ceiling by winning the face who want to seriously pursue 10 years later, there were only of Woods’s international stature thing we all grudgingly share: illusion of permanence, that Manilla). Masters by 12 strokes. golf: “You have to have access to 800,000. Then again, Woods doesn’t step up. aging. His victory at the Tour no matter the age, we can al- African Americans have al- “I knew none of this meant, elite golf to play elite golf,” he told hasn’t exactly endeared himself Woods’s private life hasn’t es- Championship in September ways rally ourselves for one last ways had a mixed reaction to necessarily, things would change the Undefeated. to the entire African American tablished him as much of a role was a startling comeback after challenge.

ARAB SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIPS NFL Redskins hope real Al Dana equals Aisha’s 4-gold haul McCoy can halt By Sports Reporter Doha Cowboys revival

atar’s Al Dana al-Mu- AFP er ideas, however, as the Red- barak joined her team- Los Angeles skins look to halt the Cowboys’ mate Aisha al-Suwaidi resurgence in its tracks. Impor- as the winner of the tantly, McCoy can draw from mostQ number of gold medals at he Washington Red- the experience of already hav- the 14th Arab Shooting Cham- skins are banking on ing won a game at the Cowboys pionships at the Losail Ranges veteran back-up quar- stadium. In one of his rare starts yesterday. terback Colt McCoy to for the Redskins, he led the Till yesterday, al-Suwaidi was reigniteT their faltering season team to a 20-17 overtime vic- the leading the table with four today as they travel to Texas tory in Arlington back in 2014. titles in the rifl e individual and for a Thanksgiving showdown In the intervening period, team events. Mubarak however against the Dallas Cowboys. McCoy has made just a hand- tied her as she and Osama Nasser Two weeks ago, the Redskins ful of appearances, while serv- al-Shaiba struck the gold medal seemed to be surging towards ing as a back-up, fi rst to Kirk in the 10m air pistol mixed team the playoff s with a two-game Cousins and then Smith. Mc- contest. lead at the top of the NFC East Coy, however, is adamant that Mubarak contributed 371 with with the Philadelphia Ea- he is ready to seize his oppor- six Xs, while Shaiba added 372 (7 gles and Dallas both mired in tunity following Smith’s injury. Xs) to raise 743, which enabled a slump. But road victories “I think, for me, now is not them to beat Omani rivals Wadha against the Eagles and Atlanta a time to really kind of think al-Balushi and Ismail al-Abri just Falcons have hauled Dallas back about what got me to this point by a point. Balushi collected 370 into contention, while Wash- right here,” McCoy told report- and Abri’s eff orts were worth 372. ington’s campaign suff ered a ers. “Now, it’s time to play. I Oman’s second pair of Sohir body blow with a season-end- rely on a lot of the preparation al-Jahmani and Jamal al-Hat- ing injury to Alex Smith in a de- I’ve put in the last several years tali took home the bronze medal feat to Houston on Sunday. when Kirk (Cousins) was here. when they totalled 739. Hattali With the Eagles sliding to a Kirk never got hurt. He played hit a massive 378, but his team- record-breaking loss to New well, but I was always ready to mate could manage only 361. Orleans last weekend, the play. You know the same thing Jordan’s two teams were fourth The winners of 10m air pistol mixed team pose on the podium at the 14th Arab Shooting Championships yesterday. Cowboys can now overtake with Alex. “It’s a huge game and fi fth, while Kuwait came the Redskins with a win before let’s be honest. I think we’ll be sixth. Obaid al-Osaimi, Secre- mittee, crowned the winners. their tally to impressive fi gures of silver medals out of 14. Osama Nasser al-Shaiba) 743 their home fans at the AT&T all right. We just have to go out tary-General of the Kuwaiti and Overall, it was the 13th gold 23. (13x) 2. Oman (Wadha al Balushi Stadium in Arlington today. there — I have to be calm, get Arab shooting, and Ali Mohamed medal for hosts Qatar. On top of Oman have 24 medals, includ- RESULTS & Ismail al-Abri) 742 (9x) 3. Oman McCoy, 32, who will be mak- playmakers the ball and hope- al-Kuwari, QSAA President and this, they have claimed four sil- ing fi ve gold and 13 silver. Kuwait 10m air pistol mixed team: (Sohir al Jahmani & Jamal al- ing his fi rst start in an NFL fully we can put our best foot chairman of the organising com- ver and six bronze medals, taking are third with four gold and fi ve 1.Qatar (Al Dana al-Mubarak & Hattali) 739 (16x). game since 2014, will have oth- forward out there.” Gulf Times Thursday, November 22, 2018 7 CRICKET

INDIA’S TOUR OF AUSTRALIA FOCUS Bangladesh’s Hosts edge India in Shakib doubtful confi dence-boosting for fi rst West India needed 13 off the last over Indies Test AFP from Stoinis, but lost two wickets Chittagong, Bangladesh T20 victory and missed the DLS target angladesh suff ered a blow yesterday after skipper Shakib Al Has- an said he was not sure Bif he would be fi t in time for the opening Test against the West Indies. Shakib, 31, missed the recent Test series against Zimbabwe because of surgery on an injured fi nger in September. The batsman was declared fi t by the team’s physio and includ- ed in the squad for the two-Test West Indies series starting today in Chittagong. “We know how challenging it is to play a fi ve-day match. So still there is confusion whether I have reached that level (to play),” Shak- ib told reporters in Chittagong. “I have trained only in four sessions. Among them, two ses- sions were optional. Let’s see, I we will perform well.” may have to wait till the end.” West Indies captain Kraigg Shakib’s return was a big boost Brathwaite said they must not for the home side, who have rest on their success during the struggled in recent Tests. home series against Bangladesh. They were thrashed 2-0 by “Pitches are obviously diff er- the West Indies in July, and then ent to what we played on (in the salvaged a 1-1 home series draw Caribbean). Whatever we do, against Test minnows Zimbabwe whether fast bowling or spin, we earlier this month. have to do it well,” he said. Shakib acknowledged playing “We can’t think about the past the West Indies would be more series. We have to stick to our challenging than the Zimbabwe plans, and I think we will go on series, but said the two sides are top.” closely matched. The West Indies have never “I think both the teams will lost a Test match in Bangladesh, have equal chances. The wicket winning six and drawing one. may get spin... (but) sometimes The second Test will be played the wicket starts behaving well in Dhaka from November 30 to after a few days of playing,” he December 4. said of the Chittagong venue. The visitors will also play three “As both the teams are very one-day internationals and three close in rankings — eighth and Twenty20 internationals during ninth, I think the series will be a their month-long tour of Bang- very important one. I am hopeful ladesh.

Australia’s wicketkeeper Alex Carey (left) misses a catch off India’s Shikhar Dhawan during the first T20 match in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) SPOTLIGHT

AFP to fi nd their feet after the ball- well) batting well. And a really off Billy Stanlake’s bowling. Short fell to Khaleel Ahmed Brisbane, Australia tampering scandal in South Af- good knock from Shikhar (for for seven, bringing Lynn to the rica in March. us).” QUICK-FIRE crease and he set the Gabba on ‘Spare part’ Anderson They have endured a dire run Dhawan opened the innings in It left Rishabh Pant and Dinesh fi re by crunching three huge ustralia edged India by of results since and had lost the run chase and immediately Karthik needing to score 78 sixes in one loose over from four runs for a nerve- fours T20s before this one. began plundering the Australian runs off 36 balls. They whittled Ahmed. out of fi nal SL Test wracking win in their “The boys played really well attack, smashing two bounda- it down to set up a nail-biting Finch went for 27 soon after opening Twenty20 especially through the middle ries off Jason Behrendorff ’s fi nish before succumbing to the when fooled by a wrong’un from yesterdayA despite a gallant 76 overs with the bat. They showed opening over. pressure. Kuldeep Yadav and Lynn also fell from Shikhar Dhawan, giving a lot of courage,” said skipper Behrendorff got the scalp of Earlier, Maxwell smacked four to the spinner after a quick-fi re them a huge confi dence boost Aaron Finch. dangerman Rohit Sharma for sixes in an explosive display be- 37 off 20 balls. after a run of poor results. “The bowling was outstand- seven, but there was no stopping fore the heavens opened and the Maxwell played himself in then With a rain-marred match ing under a lot of pressure. I was Dhawan who hit 16 off one over teams were called off by the um- went into Lynn mode, whacking in Brisbane reduced to 17 overs, confi dent. Stoinis was the one I to bring up his ninth T20 50 off pires after 16.1 overs. three successive sixes to take 23 the visitors were set 174 to win pencilled in to do that job at the just 28 balls. After an hour-long delay, they off a Krunal Pandya over. under the Duckworth-Lewis- end. He had clear plans and ex- Lokesh Rahul made 13 be- came back out to face fi ve balls Ably partnered by Stoinis — Stern system after the hosts ecuted his plans really well.” fore he was cleverly stumped by and Maxwell was out to the fi rst who clubbed an unbeaten 33 — made 158-4, Glenn Maxwell Indian captain Virat Kohli Alex Carey, bringing Kohli to the of them, with Australia making they put on 78 before the weath- top-scoring with 46. called it an “exciting see-saw crease to huge roars from the big 158-4. er halted their progress. India needed 13 off the last battle”. Indian contingent. Experienced bowlers Jasprit over from Marcus Stoinis, but “A lot of Indians came to sup- But he didn’t last long, gone Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Ku- BRIEF SCORES: Australia 158 in a desperate bid to get the runs port us. It was a great atmos- for four with Chris Lynn taking mar had set the early tone, re- for 4 in 17 overs (Maxwell 46; two wickets fell and they missed phere to play in,” he said. a catch at third man off Adam stricting Finch and D’Arcy Short Kuldeep 2-24) beat India 169 the target. “We bowled well and then Zampa. And Dhawan wasn’t far to just 12 runs off the opening for 7 in 17 overs (Dhawan 76; It eased the pressure on Aus- they came back into the game behind, caught on the boundary three overs after Kohli put them Zampa 2-22) by four runs on tralia who have been struggling with Stoinis and Maxy (Max- ropes attempting an upper cut into bat. DLS method

England’s James Anderson (right) and Stuart Broad (left) speak with BOTTOMLINE coach Trevor Bayliss during a practice session at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo yesterday. (AFP)

AFP best but it’s not really been a se- Colombo ries for the seamers,” he added. “I feel like a bit of a spare part but I think that’s just the nature Defeat worst of my career, says ngland have left record- of playing cricket here.” breaking fast bowler England sewed up the series — James Anderson out of a fi rst away series win since beat- the fi nal Test against Sri ing South Africa in 2015-16 — on LankaE starting tomorrow to give Sunday in Kandy. Pakistan coach Arthur match practice to fellow pace- And Anderson said he was AFP The victory gave New Zealand small targets, after also falling man Stuart Broad. happy to have been part of a Abu Dhabi a 1-0 lead in the three-match short in a chase of 136 against “Yes I’m not playing this game, squad that has played so well series and was the fi fth narrow- Sri Lanka last year at the same Broady’s going,” Anderson said away from England. est win by runs in Test cricket’s venue. yesterday, expressing frustration The veteran of many highs and akistan head coach history. “The most disappoint- over a tour in which he has taken lows in England’s fortunes said Mickey Arthur on Arthur said his batsmen’s ing thing was that it happened just one wicket in two Tests where the tour under captain Joe Root Tuesday described his shot selection was poor, having against Sri Lanka last year as spinners have dominated. had been “a real big stepping team’s narrow four-run needed 139 on day four with all well,” he said. Anderson, who has taken more stone for us as a team.” Pdefeat in the fi rst Test against ten wickets intact. “That’s the thing the batting Test wickets than any other fast “We’ve been good in parts over New Zealand in Abu Dhabi as the New Zealand grabbed three unit needs to get over and that bowler in history, said that while the past 18 months but a bit in- “worst of his coaching career”. quick wickets in the space of we need to chase down targets in Broad was “delighted” at get- consistent. I think the improve- Pakistan, set a modest 176- eight balls before Azhar Ali (65) fourth innings,” said Arthur, be- ting a chance he was feeling like ments we’ve made and continue run target, were undone by a and Asad Shafi q (45) added 82 fore pointing to Pakistan’s fail- a “spare part”. to make have really shown this shambolic batting display as runs for the fourth wicket. ure to get a bigger fi rst-innings “The thinking is that with the trip.” they lost their last seven wick- Arthur refused to accept his lead than the 74 they managed series sewn up it’s an opportu- He highlighted the batting ets for just 41 runs after being batsmen were complacent. after New Zealand’s 153. nity to rotate.” of stand-in wicketkeeper Ben on course for victory at 130-3 on “There was no complacency, “We left ourselves too much “I think the feeling is they Foakes, Rory Burns and Keaton Monday. I can certainly say,” said Arthur, to do in the fourth innings. We want Broady to get some Test Jennings as well as England’s Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel under whom Pakistan have now had that opportunity to nail this cricket under his belt,” added the spin trio Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid had a dream debut for New Zea- lost 13 of their 23 Tests, with game off in the fi rst innings but 36-year-old. and Jack Leach. land as he picked up 5-59 on a nine wins and one draw. we let that go.” England go into the third and “I certainly feel like in the past turning Sheikh Zayed Stadium “The guys tried unbelievably Arthur also defended batting fi nal Test in Colombo with a 2-0 previous teams might not have pitch. hard and everyone was disap- coach Grant Flower, who has lead and gunning for a white- played as positively as we have Arthur said Pakistan were pointed from the decision of shot been in the role since 2014. wash. with the bat,” said Anderson. hurting from the defeat. selection under pressure. We “Grant works incredibly hard “So it’s going to be a week off . “The message from Joe is to go “This is probably one of the Australia, told AFP. use this defeat as a motivation to need to learn from this and move with the batsmen and his level It’s been a frustrating trip for me out, be confi dent. We’ve played worst defeats I have ever suf- “Everyone from myself as give ourself every opportunity forward very, very quickly.” of commitment and the work really because you want to con- positively, tried to take the at- fered in my career,” Arthur, who head coach to the players and to win the second game,” vowed Arthur also bemoaned his and eff orts he put in is second to tribute to the wins. tacking option and I think that’s also coached South Africa and the staff are hurting but we will Arthur. side’s continued failure to chase none.” “But I feel like I’ve tried my why we’re 2-0 up.”

Thursday, November 22, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING COMMENT I feel the Third Dimension motivation in Qatar to deliver wins thrilling Al the best World Khor Cup duel Cup: Dembele Ghazali’s ward completes treble for trainer; double for jockeys Bentley, al-Marri

Central Municipal Council member Nasser Ibrahim al-Mohannadi (fourth from left), Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (centre) Tottenham Hotspur’s Mousa Dembele (right) with an Aspetar medical and QREC Racing manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (second from right) with the winners of the Al Khor Cup after Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Third Dimension won the 1900m team member during his recovery from a recent ankle injury. race at the Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim By Sports Reporter cus is always on the next game By Sports Reporter Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Jassim Doha and I think we have all the ingre- Doha Mohamed Ghazali. dients to have a positive future: Race 4: 1. Haddaj Dukhan (Rash- we train hard, we have a new id Ali al-Marri), 2. AJS Wathanan uring a press event at stadium opening soon, we have halifa bin Sheail al- (Marco Casamento), 3. Saab Al Aspetar, Qatar’s lead- very good players, and we play Kuwari’s Third Dimen- Manal (Harry Bentley), 4. Fahdah ing orthopaedic and very positive football. I like what sion completed a treble Al Naif (Stephan Ladjadj). Won sports medicine hospi- Tottenham is doing by building for champion trainer tal,D Tottenham Hotspur’s mid- a stable environment and infra- by: ¾, Nk, Nk. Time: 2:01.61. KJassim Mohamed Ghazali with fi elder Mousa Dembele, sharing structure around football and Owner: Mansoor Mesfer al-Hajri. a thrilling victory in the Al Khor Trainer: Mansoor Mesfer al-Hajri. updates on his recovery from a our players.” Cup, a Thoroughbred condi- Race 5: 1. Could Be (Eduardo recent ankle injury, said that his Dembele also refl ected on tions race on dirt that was also Pedroza), 2. Comrade In Arms rehab and treatment are on track. Belgium’s team performance at the feature of the eight-race (Saleem Golam), 3. Alizoom Dembele noted that he is im- the 2018 FIFA World Cup Rus- card at Qatar Racing and Eques- (Ray Fuentes), 4. Elkhart (Jean proving rapidly as a result of his sia, saying, “I think what we did trian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yes- Baptiste Hamel). Won by: Shd, 1 personalised comprehensive in Russia was an achievement terday. ¼, ¾. Time: 2:04.39. Owner: Ab- programme with Aspetar’s ankle and everyone very proud, but we With champion jockey Harry dulatif Hussain al-Emadi. Trainer: injury experts and that he is hap- could have done better. I think Bentley in the saddle, the gelding Ibrahim al-Malki. py with the progress achieved so we are going to get stronger. edged out Deborah Mountain’s Race 6: 1. Al Ayyar (Rashid Ali far. “I wanted to receive the best There are lots of young players fi ve-year-old ward, Shabbab, at al-Marri), 2. Sarmad Bu Thaila treatment. That’s why I came to who are joining the team and the post by a nose to brush aside (Anas al-Seyabi), 3. Sandaan Aspetar. I am very happy with getting more experience as well. a winless last season. (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Waeed everything here. I work with We started very well, and we The top two horses were (Jean Baptiste Hamel). Won by: several specialists who take care learned from our mistakes, so I locked in a duel on the home 2 ¼, 11, 2 ¾. Time: 1:51.70. Owner: of diff erent aspects of my health see a bright future for the team.” straight, with Jimmy Quinn- Harry Bentley (foreground) rides Third Dimension to victory in the Al Khor Cup yesterday. Khalid Nasser al-Naimi. Trainer: and fi tness,” Dembele said. On Thierry Henry’s move to ridden Topsy Turvy fi nish- Khalid Nasser al-Naimi. While sharing his impressions Monaco, he said: “Obviously he ing eight lengths behind Ray the day, guiding Mansoor Mes- cap races. Dr Mohamed Rashid al-Marri. Race 7: 1. Munira Eyes (Eduardo about Qatar, Dembele noted that: has a diff erent plan, he wanted to Fuentes’ ride. fer al-Hajri’s Haddaj Dukhan Shakir al-Balushi started the Race 2: 1. Captain Vancouver Pedroza), 2. Receding Waves (JP “This is my fi rst time in Qatar. be the head coach. For us he did a Earlier in the day, Bentley and Khalid Nasser al-Naimi’s day astride Dr Mohamed Rashid (Harry Bentley), 2. Qianlong (JP Guillambert), 3. Cristofano Allori You can see that it’s a very organ- great job. A lot of players looked was also astride Captain Van- Al Ayyar to victories in the Lo- al-Marri’s Hamee, who shed his Guillambert), 3. Eledeed (Jean (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Shaka Zulu ised country and that its people up to him, which shows the trust couver, Ghazali’s fi rst winner cal Purebred Arabian Handicap maiden status in the six furlong Baptiste Hamel), 4. Lo De Nalane (Jimmy Quinn). Won by: Shd, 3 love sports. I feel the motivation he built among the players.” of the day, who shed his maiden and Local Thoroughbred Hand- Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Marco Casamento). Won by: 1 ¼, 2. Time: 1:04.84. Owner: Abdu- to deliver the best World Cup and In parallel with Qatar’s emer- status. Injaaz Stud’s Town Crier icap races respectively. event. ½, 7 ¾, 2 ¼. Time: 2:05.13. Owner: latif Hussain al-Emadi. Trainer: I am excited to see this happen. gence as a sports medicine hub, topped the six furlong Thor- The owner-trainer-jockey Nasser Saeed al-Eida. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. My personal view is also refl ected Aspetar has come to occupy a oughbred Handicap event for trio of Abdulatif Hussain al- RESULTS Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. Race 8: 1. Third Dimension in the many Belgian expats living leading role in the treatment Qatari riders as jockey Saleh Emadi, Ibrahim al-Malki and Race 1: 1. Hamee (Shakir Race 3: 1. Town Crier (Saleh (Harry Bentley), 2. Shabbab (Ray in Qatar, from our Ambassador, and prevention of injuries for Salem al-Marri registered his Eduardo Pedroza combined al-Balushi), 2. Ellianka (Faleh Salem al-Marri), 2. Take A Nap Fuentes), 3. Topsy Turvy (Jimmy who told me he is enjoying his local, regional and international fi rst victory of the season. for two winners on the day — Bughanaim), 3. AJS Al Maha (To- (Ali Khalid al-Mosallam), 3. Quinn), 4. Karraar (Tomas stay in Qatar, to other compatri- athletes across all sports to help Qatari apprentice rider Rash- Could Be and Munira Eyes. mas Lukasek), 4. Barq Al Shajaa Acclaimed Dancer (Rashid Ali Lukasek). Won by: No, 8, 2. Time: ots I met working here.” them achieve their maximum id Ali al-Marri continued with Both the horses registered close (Saleem Golam). Won by: 7 ½, 1, al-Marri), 4. Bretherton (Khalid 2:02.00. Owner: Khalifa bin performance and full potential. an impressive run of results short head victories in their re- 1. Time: 1:20.62. Owner: Dr Mo- Abdulaziz al-Kuwari). Won by: Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim I would 100 percent Over the past few years, Asp- this season, with a double on spective Thoroughbred Handi- hamed Rashid al-Marri. Trainer: 2 ¾, No, 1. Time: 1:12.83. Owner: Mohamed Ghazali. recommend for my etar has become the destination peers and colleagues of choice for treating many of the to come to Qatar. It’s a best-known fi gures in the game ‘ including several Spurs players SPOTLIGHT good place, everybody here makes you feel at home. such as midfi elder Harry Winks They really focus on the as well as winger Lucas Moura player and I think the and defender Serge Aurier when Qatar U18 team win Arab Golf Championship silver environment is very they played for former Club Paris healthy as well. Saint-Germain. They join a long list of players from leading teams By Sports Reporter — Mousa Dembele Doha around the world who have also Tottenham Hotspurs midfielder travelled to Aspetar. Aspetar was offi cially accred- atar youth under-18 golf team ited as a FIFA Medical Centre of won the silver medal at the 19th When asked if he would rec- Excellence (F-MARC) by FIFA Arab Golf Championship in ommend for other athletes to Chief Medical Offi cer in 2009. Morocco recently. come to Qatar for rehabilitation, Aspetar is the region’s fi rst QAs many as 120 players from 12 Arab and Dembele said: “I would 100 per- Sports Medicine Centre to re- Gulf countries participated in the tourna- cent recommend for my peers ceive such an honour and joins ment, which was held under the aegis of and colleagues to come to Qa- a prestigious list of 49 medical the Arab Golf Federation. tar. It’s a good place, everybody centres and clinics worldwide The Qatari team won with a total of 463 here makes you feel at home. who have also been accredited to strokes after facing strong competition They really focus on the player this high standard. from the likes of hosts Morocco, Tunisia, and I think the environment is Aspetar plays an essential role Bahrain and the UAE. very healthy as well. Chang- in the development of sports in Qatar Golf Association secretary- ing the environment is good for the State of Qatar and has be- general and head of Qatari Delegation, both mental and physical health come a preferred destination for Fahad Nasser al-Naimi, said that the an- and encourages oneself to work athletes to experience world- nual tournament is considered as one of hard. I am excited to go back and class medical service. Shaped by the strongest championships in the youth to show that I am really doing its vision to be a global leader in category. He added that the Qatari team well.” sports medicine and exercise sci- succeeded to secure the second place for Commenting on Tottenham’s ence by 2020, Aspetar welcomes the fi rst time in the history of the tourna- performance in the Premier elite athletes from around the ment. League, Dembele said, “Our fo- world for treatment purposes.