www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 Ashwin stars as Pogba lifts Franceance India whitewash as Belgium beateat Black Caps Gibraltar

WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER 2016 • 11 MOHARRAM 1438 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Iran top of Group A, Adbulraheem shoots four to down Thailand

The Peninsula Abdulrahim lurking to fire home from close range. The Thailand ‘keeper was seeing a great deal more of the ball than his outfield : Sardar Azmoun struck team-mates but he was beaten in the 25th minutes recorded again on 25 minutes after his a thrilling 1-0 win against South parry from Yasin’s shot went only Korea while Iraq’s Mohanad as far as Abdulraheem who con- Adbulraheem scored all four goals verted from inside six yards. to spearhead a 4-0 rout against Again, Kawin pawed away a Thailand as the third round of goal-bound free-kick from Adnan ’s Hassan Al Haydos FIFA World Cup 2018 Asian with eight minutes of the half (right) celebrates after Qualifiers continued yesterday. remaining. scoring a penalty during Both games took place in the Just before half-time Yasin their 2018 World Cup Irani capital. had a golden chance to make it qualifying football match Iran’s win at Azadi Stadium 3-0 at the break as Iraq surged against at the Jassim took them to the top of Group A up field on the counter-attack but Bin Hamad Stadium in and also ensured their undefeated when Abdulraheem laid the ball yesterday. record. on for his team-mate, Yasin could Despite Iran dominating the only steer his shot wide of Kawin’s game the margin of victory was left-hand post. slight, with Team Melli indebted Thailand improved after the to a fine instinctive strike from restart though and Iraq custodian Azmoun as he fired home Ramin Mohammed Hameed had to be Rezaeian’s cross inside the open- quick off his line to deny Teerasil ing half hour. Dangda with a brave block at the Al Haydos on target as Qatar The victory for Carlos Que- striker’s feet. iroz’s side is their second But just as they were struck a consecutive 1-0 win in less than blow on 69 minutes as defender a week, after they won in Koravit was dismissed by refe- by the same scoreline ree Ma Ning following a coming last Thursday, and the result also together with Iraq’s Ahmed edge Syria to pick up points sees them leapfrog over the Cen- Ibrahim. tral Asians who had temporarily Abdulraheem ensured Thai- taken the pole position in Group land’s miserable outing was A after defeating China 2-0 in the complete by firing home two group’s earlier tie. more late goals to take his and Star striker’s At Tehran’s PAS Stadium, Iraq’s tally to four for the night. Adbulraheem’s heroics also I n T a s h k e n t , U z b e k i s t a n g o t successful spot earned Iraq’s first points of the their third round campaign back kick earns first win FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Asian on track after they rebounded Qualifiers Third Round. from last Thursday’s loss to Iran for Qatar in final Abdulraheem, who scored the with a 2-0 win over China. qualification round opener in the Matchday Two tie The result also triggered the against Saudi Arabia, got Iraq off resignation of the visitors’ coach to a flying start on eight minutes Gao Hongbo. After a goalless before he added his second in the first half in the Uzbek capital, By Rizwan Rehmat 25th minute as Iraq ran rampant Marat Bikmaev broke the dead- The Peninsula in the first half. lock five minutes after the restart Thailand raised their game and thereafter it was largely one- after the break but Koravit Nam- way traffic for the hosts, although wiset’s red card and Prathum they had to wait until five minutes DOHA: Striker Hassan Al Haydos Chutong’s withdrawal through before the end and a strike from yesterday produced the only goal of hamstrung injury halted their Otabek Shukurov to ensure the the match as hosts Qatar edged Syria revival before Abdulraheem three points. 1-0 in a tense 2018 FIFA World Cup rubbed salt into wounds with his The result also sees qualifying match. hat-trick on 87 minutes and the Uzbekistan pick up their third Playing in front of a packed Al game’s final goal of the night in win in four games in qualifying Sadd Stadium, Al Haydos converted stoppage time. and remain very much in conten- a penalty kick in the 37th minute as Kawin could do nothing about tion for a place at the 2018 FIFA Qatar picked up their first points in the opener just three minutes World Cup finals. four Asian Zone qualifying matches. later though as Saad Abdu- For China, the result has even The hero of the day, Al Haydos lameer nodded on Ahmed Yasin’s more far-reaching ramifications said: “I am very happy. We played Qatar coach Jorge Fossati gestures during their 2018 World Cup qualifying football match against Syria at corner and Abdulzahra’s subse- with coach Gao announcing his really well. We created chances. We the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: Qatari footballer Sebastian Soria controls the ball. quent header across goal found departure from the national team. Pictures by: Baher Amin/The Peninsula wasted a lot of chances also in the first half. This is the best three points of the qualifying season for us. We In their first actual threaten- card as heated exchanges between later, Syria coach Ayman Al Hakeem are motivated to carry on the good ing move, Qatar striker Mohammed the two sides increased. The two brought in Rafat Mohtadi in place of work.” Kasola jumped high in the air but teams walked off the pitch at half Khaled Mobayed. He added: “There was a bit of his snap-header flew past the Syr- time with Qatar leading 1-0. In the 68th minute, influential hesitation between me and Sebastian ian goalmouth without causing any Soon after the resumption of Qatar forward Al Haydos had only Soria as we missed chances to score. damage in the 19th minute. play, both teams upped the ante in the Syrian goalkeeper to beat but his Every game is hard. We are prepared Striker Al Haydos produced a bit a desperate bid to control the game. feeble lob ball from close range was to play in the coming games also.” of a cameo move to score the home However, Qatar showed better resil- easily deflected by Alma. Coached by Jorge Fossati, Qatar team’s match-winning goal in the ience up front. Coach Fossati - who relied on braved a physical onslaught from 37th minute. Syria, reeling from a goal’s def- ’s brilliance to win the Syrian players who stuck to their Al Haydos dribbled past Moayad icit, ushered in their first substitute last season’s ‘defense first’ approach for much of Al Ajan and charged into the Syria in the 53rd minute as Osama Omari (QSL) title - brought on the Brazil- the game. box where Zaheera Al Medani came off the bench to replace Yousef ian-born striker in the 77th minute, In what was a cagey start to the brought down the Qatar forward Kalfa. Seconds later, striker Akram in place of Assadalla. proceedings, Syria launched their with a needless tackle. Afif fired a superb low pass to Soria, Syria’s Omar Khribin curled in a trademark physical game, bringing The referee promptly pointed who raced into the box, shrugged off David Beckham-like free kick in the down Qatar players twice in the first to the spot kick which was expertly his marker but fired straight at Syria 84th minute but Qatar goalkeeper two minutes of the game. On both converted by Al Haydos, aiming for goalkeeper Alma in the 54th minute. Saad Al Sheeb produced a diving occasions, referee warned Syria’s the right of the Syrian goalkeeper Four minutes later, Syria’s Al deflection with his left palm, much Mahmoud Al Mawas for ‘reckless Ibrahim Alma. It was Al Haydos’ Mawas went for a long-range mis- to the delight of the home fans at Al foul-play’. second consecutive goal off a pen- sile but his shot flew past the Qatar Sadd Stadium. Qatar held on to the Iran’s Ashkan Dejgah (right) tackles South Korea’s Ki Sung- Qatar midfielders and strikers alty kick in as many games. He also goalpost safely. slender lead to take their first points. yueng during the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match kept Syria defense edgy but it was scored against Korea last week. At the one hour-mark, Qatar The Qatar players walked around at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran yesterday. the referee who was forced into play Soon after the goal, Qatar’s Ali coach Fossati brought in Karim the Al Sadd Stadium pitch to thank to clam frayed tempers on both sides. Asadalla was slapped with a yellow Boudiaf to replace Afif. Four minutes their fans for the support. WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER 2016 21

Woods Ashwin stars as India postpones comeback whitewash Black Caps AFP LOS ANGELES: Tiger Woods rocked the golf world on Mon- Mystery spinner claims day after abruptly cancelling his long-awaited comeback, raising Zimbabwe career best figures fresh questions about his ability of 13 for 140 to lead to return to the highest levels of appoint the sport he once ruled. 3-0 series sweep as Just three days after the PGA ex-captain India receive ICC Test Tour issued a statement trumpet- Championship mace ing the former world number one’s Streak as coach participation at the Safeway Open in California this week, Woods announced he was not ready to return from his 14-month injury AFP AFP layoff.The 14-time major winner, 40, who has been out of action since undergoing surgery late HARARE: Former Zimbabwe cap- last year to cure a long-standing tain Heath Streak (pictured) has INDORE: Spinner Ravichandran back injury, said concerns over been appointed national cricket Ashwin claimed seven wickets to form -- rather than fitness -- were head coach to replace Dav What- lead India’s whitewash of New Zea- behind the decision to delay his more who was dismissed in June. land as the hosts romped to a 321-run comeback. “Zimbabwe Cricket has named victory on day four of the third and “After a lot of soul-searching former captain Heath Streak as final Test yesterday. and honest reflection, I know that the new national head coach,” Ashwin with career-best match I am not yet ready to play on the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said in figures of 13-140 helped India skit- PGA Tour or compete in Turkey,” a statement on Tuesday. The tle out the visitors, who were chasing said Woods, who was also due to 42-year-old was unveiled at a a daunting 475-run target, for 153 in take part in next month’s Turkish press conference in Zimbabwe’s under two sessions of play at Indore. Airlines Open in Antalya. second largest city Bulawayo after Ashwin, the highest wicket-taker “My health is good, and I feel accepting a two-year contract. in the three Tests with 27 scalps, was strong, but my game is vulner- “For me, having captained this named both man of the match and able and not where it needs to country, to be offered the post of player of the series. be,” added Woods, who however head coach is a great honour and India, who climbed to the top said he hoped to play in Decem- I know with it comes responsibil- of the world Test rankings after ber’s Hero World Challenge in the Indian skipper Virat Kohli (left) and Ravichandran Ashwin hold the ICC Test Championship mace after ity not just to the players but to the their series-clinching win in Kolk- Bahamas. fans and supporters of Zimbabwe ata, remain in number one position becoming the No. 1 ranked side after winning the thirdTest against New Zealand at Holkar Cricket Stadium Woods was one of the US cricket as well,” Streak said. ahead of Pakistan. in Indore, India, yesterday. Ryder Cup assistant captains as “My promise is, I will leave New Zealand, whitewashed in the hosts won back the trophy off no stone unturned in terms of India for the second successive time Ashwin then disposed of the tail SCOREBOARD Europe just over a week ago at our endeavour and our quest to after their 2-0 loss in 2012, suffered as the hosts celebrated their 3-0 Hazeltine. Woods said while that improve the team’s performances. an early blow when Umesh Yadav series triumph. India (I innings): 557/5 decl M Guptill lbw Jadeja 29 experience whetted his appetite to “I believe that we have the trapped opener Tom Latham lbw Earlier in the day, a century New Zealand (I innings): 299 K Williamson lbw Ashwin 27 return to playing, he realized he resources here in Zimbabwe to for six. by Cheteshwar Pujara had put the India (II innings): R Taylor b Ashwin 32 was not ready to compete against do just that and planning is obvi- The visitors took tea on 38 for one hosts on course to set New Zealand M Vijay (run out) 19 L Ronchi b Ashwin 15 the world’s best. ously going to be a major factor.” but lost nine more wickets in the final a daunting victory target at India’s “When I announced last week G Gambhir c Guptill b Patel 50 J Neesham c Kohli b Jadeja 0 Streak previously coached a session of play. newest Test venue, Indore’s Holkar I was going to Safeway, I had every local cricket team and had stints Ashwin, who registered his 21st Stadium. C Pujara (not out) 101 B J Watling (not out) 23 intention of playing, or I wouldn’t as bowling coach for Bangladesh five-wicket haul in Tests, took charge Pujara struck an unbeaten 101 V Kohli lbw Patel 17 M Santner b Ashwin 14 have committed,” added Woods, and Zimbabwe. He takes over as in the evening session to remove as India, who started the day on 18 A Rahane (not out) 23 J Patel b Ashwin 0 whose last major victory came in Zimbabwe bid to qualify for the skipper Kane Williamson for 27. without loss, declared their second Extras (B-4, LB-1, W-1) 6 M Henry c Shami b Ashwin 0 2008 and who has not won a US 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. It was the fourth time in a row innings on 216 for three in the after- PGA event for three years. Total (for 3 wkts decl) 216 T Boult c&b Ashwin 4 His immediate assignments that he had dismissed the Black Caps’ noon session. “I spent a week with the US are a two-match Test series at star batsman, who missed the second Pujara, who recorded his eight Fall of wickets: 1-34, 2-110, 3-158. Extras (B-2, NB-1) 3 Ryder Cup Team, an honor and home to Sri Lanka, and a one-day Test due to a viral infection. Test hundred, put on 76 for the sec- Bowling: Boult 7-0-35-0; Patel 14-0-56-2; Total (all out) 153 experience that inspired me even international tri-series involving Ross Taylor showed some aggres- ond wicket with Gautam Gambhir Santner 17-1-71-0; Henry 7-1-22-0 (1w); Nee- Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-42, 3-80, 4-102, 5-103, more to play. I practiced the last West Indies. sive intent with 32 off 25 balls (50). sham 4-0-27-0. 6-112, 7-136, 8-138, 9-138, 10-153. several days in California, but “I feel that with the upcoming including five fours and a six, but did “If you see Pujara hitting a fast New Zealand (II innings): Bowling: Shami 7-0-34-0; Yadav 8-4-13-1; after a lot of hours, I knew I wasn’t series and the latter half of next not last long before he was bowled bowler back over his head, it is the T Latham lbw Yadav 6 Ashwin 13.5-2-59-7; Jadeja 16-3-45-2. ready to compete against the best year we have some really good by another Ashwin turner. best example of expressing your- golfers in the world.” cricket coming up so we can really Left-arm spinner Ravindra self. This is a proper team series Woods’ sudden withdrawal is work towards improving,” he said. Jadeja soon joined forces with Ash- win. It wasn’t just one individual,” massive first innings score of 557 The star batsman put on a record a bodyblow for the Safeway Open, Streak replaces caretaker win to dash New Zealnd’s hopes of said Kohli. for five declared. Kohli’s second 365-run fourth-wicket partnership which had reportedly sold around coach Makhaya Ntini with the surviving the day after getting the India had already gained the Test double-century paved the way with Ajinkya Rahane (188) to keep 28,000 tickets since the golfer South African returning to his all-important wickets of Martin Gup- upper hand after bowling out New for India’s dominance as he regis- the New Zealand bowlers on the field first announced he planned to role as bowling coach. till and James Neesham. Zealand for 299 in response to their tered his career-best score of 211. for close to six sessions. make his comeback at the event. Goffin ends Del Potro’s triumphant run Pain forces China’s Zhang out of AFP Tianjin Open SHANGHAI: Juan Martin del Potro’s late-season resurgence came crashing to a halt when he AFP Maria was dumped out of the Shang- Sharapova hai Masters by David Goffin yesterday. The lanky Argentine, play- BEIJING: Asian number one Zhang Shuai crashed out Sharapova ing on a wildcard, faded after of the Tianjin Open yesterday in the latest home-turf taking the first set against the blow to the Chinese star. returns to court Belgian seed who won 4-6, 6-3, Zhang withdrew from her match against unseeded 7-5 in 2hr 18min. It also ends a compatriot Peng Shuai, who will proceed to the sec- in charity event triumphant run for del Potro, ond round, without hitting a ball. who reached the Rio Olympics “I have some pain in the waist and knee,” the Ten- final and the US Open last eight cent Sports website quoted her as saying at a press Reuters before leading Argentina into conference in the northern port city. the Davis Cup final. “It’s the second time I’ve had to pull out of the “I was close to winning, I Tianjin Open because of injury in three years, which LAS VEGAS: Maria Sharapova played a good match,” said del is very disappointing,” she added. returned to the tennis court for Potro, after a rollercoaster third The home soil loss is Zhang’s second in a week two exhibition matches on Monday, set which featured five breaks after she was defeated in the quarter-finals of Bei- her first appearance since testing of serve. jing’s China Open. positive for the banned substance “But for me it has been a In another Tianjin upset, the US’ Shelby Rogers, David Goffin of Belgium plays against Juan Martin meldonium at the Australian Open great season. Trying to do a ranked 66, despatched Russia’s third-seeded world del Potro of Argentina during the Shanghai Masters in January. good comeback after many number 19 Elena Vesnina 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 in a tight match. tennis tournament in Shanghai, China, yesterday. She played at the World Team injuries. This is just a match. Puerto Rico’s Monica Puig saw off Japan’s Kurumi Tennis “Smash Hits” event in Las I’m so glad to be playing in this Nara in a swift two-set victory. Vegas, which raises money for the tournament.” Meanwhile, the USA’s Alison Riske -- who won Elton John Aids Foundation. Shara- Del Potro has endured tor- “Hopefully I can be better country,” he said. Elsewhere World number one Novak the tournament in 2014 -- beat Tímea Babos of Hun- pova, who has slipped to 93rd in turous injury struggles since in the next two tournaments Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, fresh Djokovic was due on court gary 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 to secure a second-round berth. the world rankings, partnered winning the 2009 US Open, but for me.” from winning the Japan Open against Fabio Fognini as he China has hosted an increasing number of WTA American Taylor Johnson and lost he can end 2016 on a high when “Then I will rest and on Sunday, extended his blister- returns to action after an elbow tournaments as it seeks more clout in the game. her first match to Martina Navra- Argentina play Croatia in next prepare the big important ing run of form with a 6-4, 6-4 injury and admitting problems The Tianjin Open carries a total prize purse of tilova and Liezel Huber. month’s Davis Cup final. challenge for me and for my win over Sam Querrey. with motivation. $426,750, according to the WTA’s website. 22 WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER 2016 SPORT

Spanish clubs record Pogba lifts France as massive drop in tax debt

AFP Espanyol of La Liga and Valladolid, Mallorca, Zaragoza and Elche of the second tier -- responsible for over 70 percent of that sum. Neither Real Belgium beat Gibraltar MADRID: Spanish football clubs Madrid nor Barcelona owe any tax have slashed their tax debts to to the government. around a third of their €650m The debtors have all been sub- ($720m) apex from three years ago, ject to La Liga safeguard measures continue La Liga officials said yesterday. and had negotiated gradual repay- First and second division clubs ments with the tax authorities. La their downfall by have a cumulative €230m debt Liga predicts the debt control meas- losing in Amsterdam to the Spanish government, with ures now in place will see the debt while Belgium striker six clubs -- Atletico Madrid and reduced to €50m by 2020. Benteke set a new World Cup record for the fastest goal ever

AFP

AMSTERDAM: A searing first-half WORLD CUP 2018 strike from Paul Pogba handed EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS France a 1-0 win at rivals the Neth- erlands as Belgium and Portugal GROUP A clocked up 6-0 victories and Chris- At Borisov tian Benteke grabbed a slice of World Belarus 1 Luxembourg 1 Cup qualifying history. At Solna Japan’s Takuma Asano fights for the ball with Australia’s Criticised by coach Didier Des- 3 Bulgaria 0 Matthew Spiranovic during their World Cup 2018 football champs for his performance in At Amsterdam qualification match in Melbourne on Monday. Friday’s 4-1 win over Bulgaria in Netherlands 0 France 1 Paris, the world’s most expensive GROUP B footballer emphatically replied with At Riga a towering display for Les Bleus in Latvia 0 Hungary 2 Amsterdam in the most eye-catch- At Andorra Wasteful Australia held by ing fixture on Monday. The United midfield- Andorra 1 Switzerland 2 er’s powerful hit from 25 metres out At Torshavn the Samurai in Melbourne after half an hour left diving Dutch Faroe Islands 0 Portugal 6 goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg GROUP H able to get his hands to the fizzing At Tallinn ball but unable to stop it. Estonia 0 Greece 2 Reuters game,” a deflated Postecoglou told France, losing finalists on home At Zenica reporters. soil at Euro 2016, are equal on seven Bosnia-Herzegovina 2 “We should have just taken the points at the top of Group A with Cyprus 0 MELBOURNE: Australia coach Ange game to them.” Sweden, who beat Bulgaria 3-0 at At Faro Postecoglou criticised his team for Australia, who drew 2-2 away to home in Solna. The two countries Gibraltar 0 Belgium 6 “wasting” the first half of their 1-1 Saudi Arabia last week, remained will play on November 11 at the Stade draw with Japan in Melbourne yes- on top of Group B of Asian quali- de France. terday which slowed the home side’s fying, but can be leapfrogged by Pogba, 23, was imperial in front progress to the World Cup finals in either Saudi Arabia or United Arab of a central defence made up of Rap- France’s Raphael Varane and Netherland’s Vincent Janssen in action during their World Cup 2018 Qualifier Russia. Emirates. hael Varane and Laurent Koscielny, match at Arena Stadion Stadium, in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Monday. Australia were on the back foot Japan, battling fatigue and nurs- who pushed back wave after wave early when a mistake in midfield led ing a number of injuries, played on of Dutch attacks. And Pogba nearly and Portugal went on goal sprees ball in the first action in Faro and their 6-0 win over Andorra on Fri- to Genki Haraguchi’s fifth-minute the counter-attack, forcing the Soc- doubled his account with a header against minnows Gibraltar and the racing towards goal with the Gibral- day. Andre Silva scored a hat-trick goal and were lucky the same player ceroos to take the initiative. But the off a Dimitri Payet corner on 66 min- Faroe Islands. tar defence in disarray left goalie for the European champions before gave away a second-half penalty at hosts, rattled by the early goal, were utes just lacking power. The French Belgium striker Benteke set a Deren Ibrahim with no chance. captain Cristiano Ronaldo netted his Docklands stadium. devoid of ideas heading forward and had a slight scare in the final minute new World Cup record for the fast- Benteke’s quick-fire goal eclipsed fifth goal in four days, with Joao Can- Captain Mile Jedinak’s spot-kick resorted to speculative long balls but Hugo Lloris did well to keep out est goal ever -- just seven seconds the previous best of 8.3 seconds celo and Joao Moutinho also scored. salvaged a point and the Socceroos into the area before playing with a Memphis Depay effort on the line. -- on his way to a hat-trick in Faro. achieved by San Marino’s Davide Switzerland maintained their finished strongly but it was of little more verve after the break. The Dutch failed to make it to the Belgium top Group H on nine Gualtieri in a World Cup qualifier unbeaten run, coming away 2-1 win- consolation to their coach and much Postecoglou took solace in the Euros and now sit third in the group, points out of nine, ahead of Greece against England in November 1993. ners from Andorra, Fabian Schaer of the crowd of 48,000. performance of Tomi Juric, who rel- needing to improve fast if they are to on goal difference. The 25-year-old Portugal, bidding to catch Group and Admir Mehmedi scoring. in “Overall, you kind of think egated talismanic striker Tim Cahill make it to Russia in 2018. Belgium Crystal Palace forward picked up the B leaders Switzerland, matched either half. we wasted that 45 minutes of the to the bench and forced the penalty. Beating Lekhwiya will be a ‘warning Al Rayyan will have a tough challenge against message’ to all QSL clubs: Hamroun Al Sailiya, says Haroon

The Peninsula The Peninsula

DOHA: Al Sadd’s summer signing DOHA: Reigning QSL champions Al Rayyan will take Jugurtha Hamroun (pictured) is con- on Al Sailiya in their first match under new head coach fident his side can get a result against Michael Laudrup. QSL online caught up with Al Rayy- Keita continues Lekhwiya in the QSL match of the week an’s tough tackling defender Musa Haroon to get his for round three. The Algerian winger thoughts of the third round clash. chatted with QSL online in an exclusive Haroon opened up stressing that his side is eager rehab for El Jaish video to get his thoughts on the upcom- to get back to winning ways. “All games in the QSL ing match and life at his new club. are tough, and the match against Al Sailiya will not The Peninsula Hamroun has made a confident be different. We are looking for all three points, espe- start in the QSL which is in part down to cially after drawing with Umm Salal in round two.” compatriot Bagdad Bounjah. As former “I can’t predict the match result, but all I would team- mates in the Algerian youth set up like to stress that we are taking the QSL campaign step DOHA: El Jaish summer signing Seydou Bounjah has aided Hamroun’s smooth by step and Al Rayyan is playing for the win in each Keita (pictured) continued individual transition into the Sadd first team. and every game” confirmed the defender when asked training as the former Malian interna- “Of course it is always good to be with about the outcome of the match against Al Sailiya. tional gets back to full fitness ahead of someone from your country when you Matches between Al Sailiya and Al Rayyan are El Jaish’s third round QSL clash against join a new club, Bagdad has been here always tough encounters and Haroon is expecting Al Khor tomorrow evening. one year now and now he knows the club more of the same on Saturday evening; “Al Sailiya Keita came off early last time out and everyone likes him. He has helped come into the game after two straight defeats in the against Al Arabi in round two, and the El me settle, and this has been a big boost league, we have also dropped points against Umm Jaish medical staff has used the interna- for me” claimed the twenty-seven year Salal so both sides will be wanting to make up for lost tional break to slowly nurse the midfielder old winger. points. This game will be a challenge.” back to full fitness. Hamroun also stressed that his early Al Sadd we are aiming for the QSL title title. We will prepare hard for this match, Michael Laudrup, who was a member of Johan The former FC Barcelona midfielder season partnership with Bagdad Bounjah this season, we have a strong group of and hopefully will be a good result for Cruyff’s “Dream Team” at Barcelona in the 1990’s, is considered one of the key players in the was just the start of things to come when players with quality all over the pitch. us.” Hamroun claimed on his desire to get will be taking charge of his first game for Al Rayyan Jaish setup and will be needed at full fit- explain his personal aims with the side. We are not hiding that the league title a positive result against The Red Knights. since replacing Jorge Fossati who went to the Qatar ness for the upcoming QSL games. El Jaish “My personal objective is to score is our aim.” Hamroun concluded the inter- national team. Although the former Lekhwiya coach are currently two wins from two in the more goals for the side. As a winger I Talk turned to the Sunday evening view suggesting that the clash against has been at the club for a few weeks, Haroon is confi- QSL, and will be eager to build on their am expected to score and assist Bag- clash against Lekhwiya, and Hamroun Lekhwiya will be an entertaining dent the Dane can make an immediate impact. solid start to the season. dad, since the beginning of the season was clear this was a big match in the encounter. “I have seen Lekhiwya play “Laudrup is a big name in football, as a player and In other news, the El Jaish squad we have showed good chemistry, even season for his side. “The match against twice so far, and they look like one of a coach, we are trying to adapt to his methods on the trained ahead of their rearranged Thurs- if we haven’t played together for a long Lekhwiya will be a turning point in the the strongest teams in the league along training pitch. So far it has gone well and the squad day evening match against Al Khor. time. It’s a positive start between us and I season for Al Sadd. If we can manage with us. That is why this match will be is confident we will succeed.” Noticeable absentees in Sabri Lamouchi’s am confident that this will continue over the game well we have the potential and important. We have the quality to beat Haroon ended the interview touching on the ambi- side included winger Sardor Rashidov and the season.” quality to win this game clearly.” them. Al Sadd has to manage the game tions of last season’s QSL champions. “As ever our aim Magid Mohammed who are representing Whilst Hamroun also was clear on “If we win it can give a message to all to get the win, but that is why it will be is to fight for the QSL title and all of the competitions Uzbekistan and Qatar in WC Qualifiers. the objectives of Al Sadd this term. “For the league, that Al Sadd is fighting for the so interesting to watch.” that we take part in.” SPORT WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER 2016 23

Gold medal winner Brandon Mcnulty (centre) of the US, silver medallist (left) of Denmark and bronze medallist Ian Garrison of the US celebrate on the podium at the end of the men’s junior event as part of the 2016 UCI Road World Championships in Doha yesterday.

McNulty bags junior title in sunny Doha

JUNIOR MEN’S TIME at the guys that have won in the Bjerg applauded McNulty’s fine American sensation past, it’s a pretty elite group and it’s show. “It feels like winning because TRIAL RESULT impossible to describe what it feels Brandon was so strong. He was just finishes ahead of like,” said McNulty. better than me so I’m really happy 1 Brandon McNulty (US) 0:34:42 Denmark’s Bjerg Averaging 49.964 kilometres with this,” Bjerg said. 2 Mikkel Bjerg (Denmark) per hour, McNulty said the warm Third-placed Garrison - who 0:00:35 and compatriot weather was not much of a bother. finished 53 seconds behind his “I’m from Arizona, so I’m used to countryman - said: “I’m very happy 3 Ian Garrison (US) 0:00:53 Garrison on day 3 of the heat. I conserved my energy ini- because this medal was unexpected. 4 Julius Johansen (Denmark) the UCI World Road tially and started pushing hard from I wasn’t even in the top 15 before 0:01:02 Championships the 10th minute. From then on, it was starting. I began slowly, conserved 5 Ruben Apers (Belgium) all or nothing for me. I’m so glad I my energy and pushed hard towards 0:01:24 won,” McNulty said. the end. By Rizwan Rehmat 6 Iver Knotten (Norway) “Ian and I have been doing some He added: “Just to have in 1-3 The Peninsula 0:01:33 crazy heat activation over these past an American, is an incredible feel- few weeks. It wasn’t fun but I felt like ing. Podium here was a big goal 7 Awet Habtom (Eritrea) we were activated enough and we for me and I came through it as an 0:01:40 could handle it and push through it. underdog. It feels great to prove my 8 (Switzerland) DOHA: American teen sensation “When I caught the guy that strength.” 0:01:43 Brandon McNulty yesterday cruised went off in front of me, I knew that On conditions changing during (centre)of the US, silver medallist (left) to victory in the junior men’s time I was putting in a really good ride. the race Garrison said: “I don’t know 9 Jaka Primozic (Slovenia) of the Netherlands and bronze medallist of Australia 0:01:54 trial, finishing the race ahead of When I caught the Swiss guy, that’s specifically about the wind condi- Denmark’s Mikkel Bjerg and com- when I knew it was pretty good. tions, but the heat was a major factor pose on the podium at the end of the women’s elite individual time 10 Jarno Mobach (Netherlands) patriot Ian Garrison. It was definitely motivating to see and it definitely does heat up during trial event as part of the 2016 UCI Road World Championships. 0:02:00 On what was day three of the that I was catching the other guys the day, so I think that having a bit of Women’s Time Trial Result UCI World Road Championships, and really good for the mentality an earlier start gave somewhat of an 1 Amber Neben (US) 0:36:37.04 18-year-old McNulty clocked a time to stay positive and keep pushing,” advantage. But there’s a lot of factors of 34:42 to seal his win with relative he said. that come into it.” Ageless Neben stuns 2 Ellen Van Dijk (Netherlands) 0:00:05.99 ease under clear blue skies. Bjerg finished the race 35 sec- 3 Katrin Garfoot (Australia) onds behind McNulty - who was 0:00:08.32 the final rider on the starting ramp field as US dominate 4 (Russian - while Garrison was 53 seconds off Federation) 0:00:11.52 the pace set by the day’s hero. 5 McNulty arrived in Doha in The Peninsula the title aged 42 in 2001. “Tradi- (Netherlands) 0:00:25.79 good form having won the prestig- tionally, I am a pretty steady rider, ious Tour de l’Abitibi in the lead up I’m not real fast in the beginning 6 (Germany) to the worlds in Qatar. so I try to just sustain it and be 0:00:57.59 The bronze medallist in Rich- DOHA: Veteran rider Amber steady. The difference I think was 7 (Germany) mond, McNulty wasted no time in Neben yesterday proved it to the mental perseverance, to have 0:01:11.14 setting early pace before extending cycling fans that age is just a that extra power to finish strong,” 8 Ann-Sophie Duyck (Belgium) his lead over nearest rival by over number. The 41-year-old stunned she said. 0:01:27.96 half a minute. a strong field to win the women’s “I was using more energy siting 9 Katarzyna Pawlowska McNulty is now the third Ameri- time trial on day three of the UCI there in the hot seat than out there () 0:01:36.49 can to have bagged junior men’s road World Road Championships. on the bike. I feel sorry for Ellen van title after Greg LeMond (1979) and After watching her side finish Dijk and at the same time I’m excited 10 (Belarus) (2007). fourth in the women’s team trial for myself,” added Neben. 0:01:41.59 “It’s incredible. Just looking back time on day one, Neben yester- Van Dijk, the current Euro- day edged Dutch rider Ellen Van pean champion and the 2013 Dijk to the gold medal. Austral- world champion, said: “I am sat- ia’s Katrin Garfoot finished with isfied, because I left it all out there a bronze medal. on the course. Silver is silver and Doha Worlds off to a great Neben clocked a time of Amber was simply better. Yeah, I 36.37.04 for her gold. It was the won’t say I happy with it, but sat- second gold medal for Neben who isfied, I have to be satisfied.” start, says Sheikh Khalid clinched her maiden top spot fin- She added: “In Rio I was close ish in Varese, Italy, 2008. to the gold, but I screwed it up “This one is more special, myself, but this time, I would have because of everything that hap- loved to take the rainbow stripes, The Peninsula great start. The first two days’ pened in between,” Neben said. but I didn’t. It’s a Time Trial, I love races proved to be strong and I Van Dijk was 05.99 seconds the Time Trial because it’s such an am hoping it will get even more behind Neben while Garfoot was honest discipline, the best girl wins exciting in the coming days. Per- 08.32 seconds slower than the and today that was Amber.” DOHA: The UCI Road World Cham- sonally, I am looking forward to American star. Garfoot, who finished third, pionships Doha 2016 is well and the men and women’s elite races “I had a lot of nerve wracking said she was keen to set the right truly under way. The first three as well as the Ride Of Champi- moments on the hot seat. It was a pace. days of competition threw up some ons event.” long time to spend there. I went all “I had followed the under-23 stunning races and unpredictable “Last week, it was a lot cooler out from the start. In the end, it all race and had seen that a lot of rid- results. in Doha because of winds. But the came down to God’s grace,” Neben ers had struggled in the last 6 km. UCI Road World Championships wind suddenly stopped blowing and said yesterday. I wanted to avoid that. So my pac- Doha 2016 Chairman Sheikh Kha- temperatures climbed. However, it At age 41 Neben has become ing in the first round was totally lid bin Ali Al Thani said he expected is still well within UCI-approved the second oldest Women Elite off. But I made up a lot of time and the competitions to toughen in the standards. We are expecting ITT World Champion after Jean- was good enough for a bronze. I’m Brandon Mcnulty of the US celebrates on the podium at the end of the coming days. weather conditions to improve nie Longo-Ciprelli, who claimed happy,” Garfoot said. “The competition is off to a soon,” he said. men’s junior individual time trial in Doha, yesterday.