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Tuesday, November 28, 2017 Rabia I 10, 1439 AH Warner, Bancroft GULF TIMES pile on Gabba misery for SPORT Page 2 IBSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Advani storms to another

Wendy Jans wins the women’s world title in Doha world title for sixth straight year

By Mikhil Bhat men’s fi nal at Al Arabi Sports Club In- at 2-2 armed with breaks of 59, 38 and Doha door Hall yesterday. 37. Jans then won three straight frames, The men’s fi nal, that saw Advani with the penultimate one going the lift his third IBSF world snooker title, closest at 63-54. It’s all about momentum,” Pankaj lasted more than fi ve hours. Earlier, “It is great to have another title but Advani said yesterday. Belgium’s Wendy Jans tightened her I think it will be more diffi cult in the And the momentum was with stranglehold on the women’s crown, future because the younger players are the Indian champion, who won winning her sixth straight IBSF world getting better and better. But we will his“ second world title in a span of three title and seventh overall, while Welsh- see what happens next year. This year, weeks in Doha yesterday. man Darren Morgan picked up his I am happy that I have won my seventh The 32-year-old won his 18th world fourth title. title. Over the moon,” Jans told Gulf title when he beat Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh Jans beat Thailand’s Waratthanun Times yesterday. 8-2 in the Sukritthanes 5-2. It was the fi rst time Talking about younger players, her IBSF World in the tournament she lost more than fi nal opponent was 11 years her junior. Snooker one frame to her opponent. “Maybe it’s my experience that has got Champi- The 34-year-old opened with two me through the last couple of years, but onship 40-point breaks going 2-0 up, before I think it will end one day. Hopefully her 23-year-old opponent levelled the not too soon,” Jans, who has won the fi nal up European and the Belgian titles too this year, said. Morgan too remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, beat- ing England’s Aidan Owens 6-3 in the fi nal yesterday. With mighty breaks of 112, 83, 58 and 55, 51-year-old Morgan won his fourth Masters title, and fi rst since 2012. Even as both Jans and Morgan cel- ebrated their victories, Sarkhosh had won the fi rst frame 71-19, and Advani had a few close calls in the frames af- ter that winning the second and third frames 79-53 and 98-23 respectively. The fourth frame had to be decided IBSF World Snooker Championships men’s winner Pankaj Advani (fifth from right), women’s winner Wendy Jans (fifth from by repotting the black, with the scores left) and Masters winner Darren Morgan (fourth from left) pose with their respective trophies, and QBSF president Mohamed tied at 62-62, before Advani went 3-1 Mubarak al-Ramzani (foreground), secretary general Mohamed Salem al-Nuaimi (left), IBSF president Mubarak al-Khayarin up, and eventually 4-1. (fourth from right) and other off icials yesterday. PICTURES: Ram Chand Sarkhosh then struck back with a 134-point break to pull one back to try “There are days when you don’t re- tired. It took all my energy away.” feel a little bit like a veteran now really,” and shift the momentum. ally have such a great run. Nonetheless, Advani, however, was all praise for he said. “I thought to myself that I have to it’s been a great run over the period of the 26-year-old from Iran. Advani himself is no stranger to win the next frame, because I got to three weeks. I am so relieved and ex- “He has had a great tournament re- knocking the doors of international keep my nose ahead,” Advani told Gulf cited and happy that I have ended on a ally. This was his fi rst fi nal. We are good snooker stardom, having won his fi rst Times later. “I think that frame that I high note.” friends, we have mutual respect for IBSF world snooker title at the age of 18 played, I gave it my all to make it 5-2. Sarkhosh rued the three close games each other. So you know I would like to in 2003. And from there really there was no he had to endure on his way to the fi - congratulate him as well for a wonder- “I remember how those years were. looking back.” nals. His marathon semi-fi nal against ful event,” he said. I played fearless. I played a different Four straight frames and Advani compatriot Ehsan Heydari Nezhad gave After 18 world titles, does it ever get brand of snooker then. There is more was all smiles regaining the title he him less than 12 hours before the fi nals easier? finesse, more refinement (now). Back had last won in 2015. after he mounted a fi ghtback from a 3-6 “The pressure is always on you be- then I went for shots that I wouldn’t “I couldn’t have asked for a better defi cit to eventually win 7-6 on Sunday cause everyone expects you to win. go for today. So I am more measured trip. Obviously, three titles are better night. I played three young guys in the last in my approach. Well at the same India’s Pankaj Advani than two, it would have been an icing “I started well but then I should have three rounds. In the quarters, I played a time, there is a good and bad with kisses the winner’s on the cake but I am human,” said Ad- won the fi rst two or three frames, but I Chinese kid (Luo Honghao, 17, in quar- it. You are gaining experience, but trophy after he won the vani, who won the 150-Up billiards title didn’t,” Sarkhosh said through a trans- ter-fi nals), then I played the Austrian sometimes you are too guarded, too IBSF World Men’s Snooker almost two weeks ago at the same ven- lator. “That would have given me a good kid (Florian Nüßle in semi-fi nals) who conscious,” he said. Championship at Al Arabi ue before losing out in the semi-fi nals lead. But yesterday, I had a really tough was even younger, barely 15, and Amir is For now, he is going back to his “fam- Sports Club yesterday. of the long-up format. match in the semi-fi nals. I was a bit about 26, six years younger than me. I ily, enjoy my Christmas and New Year”.

LIGUE 1 PSG to return to Neymar puts PSG on cloud nine at Monaco Qatar for winter training camp AFP league goal this season and 22nd in also fi red a free-kick narrowly over. Paris all competitions, when he met a cute Veteran Portuguese midfi elder Paris Saint-Germain will head to cutback from Julian Draxler on 19 Joao Moutinho pegged Paris back Qatar for a short training camp minutes and toe-poked it into the top with a free-kick nine minutes from during the French league win- dinson Cavani and Neymar corner. time that struck Mbappe’s head on ter break in December, the club were both on target as Paris Neymar had rattled the post and the way into the corner, but Monaco confirmed yesterday. The PSG Saint-Germain edged cham- Monaco nerves swiftly after the re- could not fi nd an equaliser. squad will fly to Doha after their pions Monaco 2-1 to climb start before winning a penalty as Al- “It’s diffi cult against this team final Ligue 1 game of 2017 at home nineE points clear atop France’s Ligue mamy Toure ran into him. with so much quality in it,” Monaco to Caen on December 20 and will 1 on Sunday. Cavani had promised reporters midfi elder Fabinho told French tel- stay there until December 23. The But it was a frustrating night in the Neymar would take PSG’s next spot- evision. Qatar-owned club will stay and principality for the world’s most ex- kick and so it was. “It’s working very well in midfi eld train at the Aspire Zone facility. PSG pensive teenager, as Kylian Mbappe The Brazilian, who had inspired a with Marco (Verratti) and (Julian) spent time in Tunisia during last missed a raft of chances on his return 7-1 Champions League thrashing of Draxler,” PSG midfi elder Adrien Ra- season’s winter break but this will to the club who will bank $214.8mn Celtic in midweek, coolly sent Mona- biot said, after all three were impres- be their fifth trip to Qatar since the when his switch to PSG becomes per- co ‘keeper Danijel Subasic the wrong sive. Qatar Sports Investments takeover manent at the end of the season. way with a confi dently-struck pen- Earlier Sunday, Memphis De- in 2011. Unai Emery’s team are PSG now have 38 points from 14 alty on 52 minutes. pay starred with a double as Lyon unbeaten this season and moved games and are unbeaten, nine points The home side may have sold sev- thumped Nice 5-0 on Sunday to nine points clear at the top of Ligue clear of Lyon and Monaco, with Mar- eral of their title-winning stars in the move into second behind Paris. 1 after beating reigning champions seille one further adrift. close season, but Leonardo Jardim’s France forward Florian Thauvin Monaco 2-1 away on Sunday. The “We’ve won at the champions, men rallied. scored a fi rst-half winner as Mar- winter break in France lasts for just that’s good,” said PSG coach Unai Radamel Falcao, with 13 goals from seille stretched their unbeaten run to over two weeks until the first week- Emery. “Now we have to continue the ten Ligue 1 starts ahead of this game, nine games and stayed just a point off end of January, when top-flight work and improve further.” managed a fi ne header when sur- the Champions League places with a Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar (second from right) celebrates with teammates after clubs enter the French Cup. Cavani struck the opener, his 16th rounded by four PSG defenders and 1-0 home win over Guingamp. scoring off a penalty kick during the Ligue 1 match against Monaco on Sunday. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, November 28, 2017 CRICKET

ASHES FOCUS Smith warns England of Warner, Bancroft pile on more Aussie aggression

Reuters Brisbane

Gabba misery for England ngland can look forward to further “aggressive” cricket in the second Test in Adelaide, Aus- The duo got the required runs in a 173-run opening stand to smash an 87-year-old record traliaE captain Steve Smith said, after his team found their mean AFP SCORECARD streak to rout the tourists by 10 Brisbane at the Gabba yesterday. Australia were matched by England for three days, with record-breaking opening partnership between David the unusually slow Gabba pitch Warner and Cameron Bancroft cemented a crushing blunting their bowlers’ pace and 10- victory for Australia yesterday, leaving their batsmen struggling in the England with pressing issues to resolve to salvage the fi rst innings barring a magnifi - AshesA series. Warner and newcomer Bancroft got the required cent, unbeaten 141 by the skip- runs in a 173-run opening stand to smash an 87-year-old per. The hosts hit back on day record for the all-time highest unbeaten opening partnership four, however, as their pacemen in a successful Test chase. Warner fi nished unbeaten on 87 off grabbed seven wickets in a fu- 119 balls with Bancroft hitting the winning boundary to remain rious short-pitched assault to 82 from 182 deliveries. skittle England for 195. It was the seventh time Australia had vanquished England Openers David Warner and by 10 wickets in the Ashes and leaves the home side unbeaten Cameron Bancroft then mowed at their Gabba fortress in 29 years. “The fi rst Test of an Ashes down 170 for victory before is very important, there was a bit of pressure but I’m really lunch on day fi ve to give Aus- pleased with how we played,” Australian skipper Steve Smith England first innings 302 (114-0 overnight) tralia a 1-0 lead in the fi ve-match said. “The way we pulled it back to win from the position we (J. Vince 83, D. Malan 56, M. D.Warner not out 87 series. “Really pleased with the were in, it’s extremely pleasing. I’m proud of the way the boys Stoneman 53; M. Starc 3-77, P. C. Bancroft not out 82 way we played this Test match. fought.” Cummins 3-85) Extras (lb2, nb1, w1) 4 It’s great to go up 1-0 in this The Australians only needed 56 runs on the fi nal morning go Australia first innings 328 Total (0 wicket; 50 overs) 173 Ashes series,” said man-of-the- one up after England imploded on Sunday’s fourth day, leav- (S. Smith 141 not out, S. Marsh Bowling: Anderson 11-2-27-0 match Smith. ing captain Joe Root with issues to resolve ahead of Saturday’s 51; S. Broad 3-49) (1nb), Broad 10-2-20-0, Ali “We’re going to continue to Australian batsman David fi rst-ever Ashes day-night second Test in Adelaide. England second innings 195 4-0-23-0, Woakes 11-1-46- play the same way we have, nice Warner celebrates after the “I think the most important thing is we stay strong and tight (J. Root 51; J. Hazlewood 3-46, 0, Ball 8-1-38-0 (1w), Root and aggressively. We’ve played victory against England in as a group of players and that we continue to keep doing the M. Starc 3-51, N. 6-1-17-0 some really good cricket we had the first Ashes Test in hard work that we have done throughout the whole trip,” Root Lyon 3-67) Result: Australia won by 10 to fi ght after the fi rst couple of Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) said. “For three days, we played some excellent cricket. Un- Australia second innings wickets days to get the result we’re after. fortunately, when we got into good positions, we didn’t quite No doubt there will continue to capitalise on it.” Much of the post-match reaction centred on be some good, hard, aggressive Bancroft allegedly being headbutted by England wicketkeeper It was an attritional battle between the traditional rivals over cricket throughout the series.” Jonny Bairstow in a late-night altercation in Perth last month, the fi rst three days of the Test, raising England’s hopes of a fi rst A small media storm was gen- which only came to light on Sunday. win at the Gabba in just over three decades. erated by England wicketkeeper Both parties worked to play it down Monday with Bancroft But man-of-the-match Smith’s Test-defi ning unbeaten 141 Jonny Bairstow’s “headbutt” saying it was a “weird” and “random” greeting instead of a over eight-and-a-half hours gave Australia a 26-run innings greeting of Bancroft at a bar in traditional hand-shake, while Bairstow said there was nothing lead and Josh Hazlewood’s two late wickets on Saturday swung Perth in the leadup, an incident malicious about it and “no animosity” between the pair. the momentum fi rmly Australia’s way. England were subse- both teams played down. Smith It was Warner’s 25th Test fi fty and ninth in the Ashes, while quently knocked over for 195 off 71.4 overs, losing their last six revealed his team had used the Bancroft posted his fi rst half-century in only his second Test wickets for 82, to set Australia an unthreatening target to chase incident as ammunition to throw innings. “Great to get a win with the guys. I know everyone’s down in the remaining four sessions of play. England have now Bairstow off his game when he really excited and hopefully we can carry this momentum for- not won in Brisbane in 31 years, a stretch of eight Ashes Tests. was on the fi eld and be- ward,” Bancroft said. Looking ahead to Adelaide, Smith said: “This team has the lieved the tactic had worked Warner said it was heartening to get the win without losing a potential to do some really good things. “The Adelaide wicket when the wicketkeeper was dis- wicket. “That’s what we cherish, coming out being disciplined might bring some of the bowlers into the game a little bit but, missed softly for 42 when he hit to try and get the job done as best as possible,” he said. having said that, it’s probably one of the quickest wickets in straight to third man. England’s doleful defeat was played to the background the country at night,” he added. “We saw how eff ective our The incident had proved to sounds of the travelling Barmy Army supporters singing ‘We’ll bowlers could be when this wicket quickened up a little bit, so be a distraction to the England Take the (Ashes) Urn Home’ in the sparsely-populated ground. that’s exciting.” camp, with their coach Trevor Bayliss saying staff would meet with players to potentially dis- SPOTLIGHT cuss tighter curfews. Smith shrugged when asked whether Australia’s exploitation of the incident might fuel animosity between the teams. Bancroft recounts Bairstow’s headbutt greeting “It’s always played hard out on the fi eld. There’s a line you’re not AFP to cross. I don’t think it makes Brisbane any real diff erence,” he said. Ad- elaide Oval will off er a diff erent challenge for both teams, with ew Australian Test opener Cameron Ban- the pink ball likely to move far croft described a headbutt greeting by more in the fi rst day-night Ashes Jonny Bairstow as “weird” yesterday as test than at the Gabba. bizarre details emerged of the late-night England’s veteran pacemen Nincident during England’s Ashes tour. The wash- Stuart Broad and James Ander- up of Australia’s thumping 10-wicket win over son may be best placed to exploit England in the fi rst Test in Brisbane was domi- the conditions but Smith was nated by questions about the incident involving also excited what his pacemen England’s wicketkeeper and Bancroft in a Perth might do under lights. “The Ad- bar late last month, which only came to light over elaide wicket might bring some the weekend. of their bowlers into the game There is sensitivity within the England camp a little bit but having said that, about off -fi eld behaviour given the controversy it’s probably one of the quickest surrounding suspended star all-rounder Ben wickets in the country at night,” Stokes, who is facing a police inquiry into a fi ght he said. “We saw how eff ective outside a Bristol nightclub in September. Bancroft our bowlers could be when this was matter-of-fact about their coming together. “I wicket quickened up a little bit. got into a very amicable conversation with Jonny so it’s exciting.” and he just greeted me with a headbutt,” the Aus- Smith also praised Bancroft tralian opener told a post-match media confer- after the opener scored an un- ence, calling it “weird”. beaten 82 as Australia chased “I was expecting a handshake. It wasn’t the down the target of 170. His greeting of choice that I was expecting,” a dead- Australian captain Steve Smith (right) is in splits as teammate Cameron Bancroft speaks during a media conference at the Gabba in Brisbane. (Reuters) 173-run stand with Warner the pan Bancroft added. “We got along for the rest of all-time best unbeaten open- the night quite well and I let it go and moved on it (Bancroft) and I enjoyed the evening and continued sure on England. “There was absolutely no malice said his team had used the incident to help get ing partnership in a successful from it, it was fi ne.” to do so,” Bairstow said. “There was no intent, nor in it. Are we disappointed that some small incident Bairstow out for 42 in England’s second innings of Test chase. “They were magnifi - Bairstow, whose actions were slammed as dumb malice about anything during the evening. As you gets blown up and put in the press and bought up? the Test. cent," Smith said. “Cam the way by team coach Trevor Bayliss, faced reporters to could see out there today (in the Test) there was no Yes,” the England coach said. “I am sure the will be “It was basically about trying to get Jonny off his he came out in the second in- make a short statement but took no questions. The animosity between myself, Cameron and any other further discussion between myself, management game, to be honest with you,” Smith said. “And I nings, he had really good plans, England wicketkeeper said the incident was blown of the Australia players.” Bairstow said it was time and the players.” think it worked, with the way he got out. He got he left really well, played nice out of proportion. “we move on from there”, but an irritated Bayliss England skipper Joe Root also played down the at third man playing a pretty ordinary and straight, and put the loose “We were in the bar having a good laugh and a expressed his disappointment, saying it gave the incident, saying it was “a bit of joshing around — stroke. We were just trying to get in his head and it ball away. Obviously Davey was good evening out, it was very enjoyable. Cameron Australian team ammunition to put undue pres- boyish behaviour”. Australian captain Steve Smith happened to work.” played nicely, like he does.”

BOTTOMLINE Keep backing yourselves, captain Root tells beaten England AFP ing, and backing ourselves and backing each leg-side with three in the deep and no one in Brisbane other as a group,” said Root, on whom much de- front of the bat on the off -side as his pacemen pends with the bat and team strategy. “For three ripped in short-pitched deliveries to Smith for days we played some excellent cricket. Unfor- a time. “We made him (Smith) work extremely aptain Joe Root has urged his players tunately, when we got into good positions, we hard for his runs. Credit to him, he played ex- to keep backing themselves as Ashes didn’t quite capitalise on it.” tremely well,” Root said. “Sometimes you’ve got holders England head into a crucial sec- The series now heads to the Adelaide Oval to say well played to the opposition.” ond Test after their demoralising loss to for the fi rst-ever day-night Ashes Test, start- Root, ranked the world’s second-best Test AustraliaC at the Gabba. The Australians romped ing on Saturday, where England cannot aff ord to batsman, was out leg before wicket in both in- to an emphatic 10-wicket victory early on the lose again. Root defended his elaborate fi elding nings at the Gabba for 15 and 51, but is confi dent fi fth day in Brisbane after breaking free of an at- placements at the Gabba for Australia captain of making big scores in the rest of the series. “I tritional opening three days, leaving questions Steve Smith, who turned the Test with a pains- feel like I’ve got a good understanding of how I for the tourists over the remaining four Tests. taking unbeaten 141 over eight-and-a-half play and I’ll make sure that I prepare very well England’s inability to capitalise on a strong hours to give his side a narrow but crucial in- in terms of getting ready,” Root said. England start in the fi rst innings — where they crashed nings lead. His fi eld strategy for Smith was lik- coach Trevor Bayliss said he was confi dent from 246 for four to 302 all out — and a below- ened to Bodyline, a notorious leg theory bowling the tourists will bounce back. “Unfortunately, par 195 in the second innings cost them any tactic devised by England on their 1932-33 tour we’ve been in this situation before over the last winning chance in Brisbane. “We’ve got to keep of Australia to counter the great Don Bradman. few years where we’ve put in a bad performance believing and trusting the work we’ve been do- The England skipper placed six fi elders on the but we were able to come back from it,” he said. England captain Joe Root and teammates are dejected after their loss in the first Test. (Reuters) Gulf Times Tuesday, November 28, 2017 3 CRICKET

SECOND TEST FOCUS India to rest star Ashwin breaks record Kohli before as India infl ict innings South Africa tour defeat on Sri Lanka Spinner becomes the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets

AFP Nagpur

pin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin AFP Kohli rests and prepares for the played down comparisons with Nagpur South Africa tour. All-rounder Dennis Lillee after his record- Hardik Pandya and fast bowler breaking feat yesterday helped Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who pulled IndiaS crush Sri Lanka by an innings and ndia’s captain and star out of the second and third Sri 239 runs in the second Test. Ashwin be- batsman Virat Kohli will Lanka Test to get married, return came the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test be rested for the one-day to the 15-man squad. Uncapped wickets, taking 54 matches to reach the matches against Sri Lanka fast bowler Siddarth Kaul and mark — two fewer than Aussie pace leg- Iafter the ongoing Test series young batsmen Shreyas Iyer, who end Lillee who terrorised batsmen in the ends, selectors said yesterday. has represented India in three 1970s and early 1980s. Kohli has stepped up calls in T20 games, are also part of the The off -spinner was all humility when recent weeks for a break from one-day team. asked to comment on the enviable record, cricket because of the workload. Senior spinners Ravichandran saying any comparison with the greats India, the world’s top Test na- Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja con- would be unfair. “We are a bit more tion, start a demanding tour of tinue to stay out of India’s limit- blessed than the other greats. We have South Africa in January. “I’m not ed-overs plans despite their su- technology to help. We have help with a robot, you can slice my skin perb run in the fi ve-day format. our fi tness. So we shouldn’t compare,” he and check if I still bleed,” Kohli Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and said after the top-ranked hosts wrapped said before the Sri Lanka series Yuzvendra Chahal remain the up the win inside four days to stamp their started. He has played more in- team’s three spinners in the 50- class. “I really hope I can go on to dou- ternational cricket in 2017 than over matches against Sri Lanka. ble these 300 wickets. I’ve only played any other Indian player — nine The fi rst of the three ODIs will be 50-odd Tests,” said the 31-year-old, who Tests, 26 one-day internationals played in Dharamsala on Decem- fi nished with a match haul of 8-130. “It’s and 10 T20s. ber 10. not easy bowling spin, it looks like you’re India will go into the third INDIA SQUAD FOR THIRD TEST just ambling up. But there’s a lot behind and fi nal Test against Sri Lanka AGAINST SRI LANKA: Virat Kohli it. We have bowled a lot of overs, me and in New Delhi on Saturday with (capt), Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Jaddu (fellow spinner Ravindra Jadeja) in Kohli leading the squad that Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pu- the last 24 months. I am a lot more expe- hammered the visitors in the jara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, rienced now.” second Test. The return of bats- Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran The victory equalled India’s biggest man Shikhar Dhawan, who opted Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Test win, achieved against Bangladesh out of the second Test due to per- Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh in Dhaka 10 years ago. Sri Lanka, who sonal reasons, is the only change. Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Vijay Shankar started the day on 21-1 after conceding a The squad for the South Africa INDIA SQUAD FOR ODI SERIES 405-run fi rst innings lead, crashed to 166 tour is to be named before the AGAINST SRI LANKA: Rohit all out, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the game starts. Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, three-match series with the fi rst game Kohli will be replaced as cap- Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Man- having ended in a draw. tain by batsman Rohit Sharma ish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Skipper Dinesh Chandimal put up for the three-match one day Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, some resistance with 61 but the rest of series after the Tests. Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep the batsmen fell by the wayside without who hit 102 not out in the Nag- Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit showing much application. Left-arm pur Test, is expected to remain Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sid- spinner Jadeja and fast bowlers Umesh captain for the T20 games too, as darth Kaul Yadav and Ishant Sharma took two wick- ets each to underline India’s all-round dominance. Jadeja struck early in the morning session when he had opener Di- muth Karunaratne caught at short leg for ISC Challengers 18. The left-handed Karunaratne, who resumed the day on 11, got an inside edge Trophy fi nal on Friday on a tossed-up from Jadeja and India's Ravichandran Ashwin (centre) celebrates with teammates after the hosts beat Sri Lanka in the second Test match at the Murali Vijay took a sharp close catch. Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur yesterday. (AFP) Doha: Indian Sports Centre un- flown in from India to be Karunaratne’s overnight partner La- der the patronage of Embassy presented to the winners and hiru Thirimanne played a careless shot about creating pressure and that’s what you’re playing against India, you’ve got N. Dickwella c Kohli b Ishant ...... 4 of India - Qatar, is currently runner-up team. way outside off stump to hand a simple we did... All out four bowlers looked like to score 350-plus,” said Chandimal. “The D. Shanaka c Rahul b Ashwin...... 17 hosting the Qatar National The organisers have also catch to Jadeja off Yadav for 23. Indian getting a wicket any time,” Rohit Sharma bowling unit has done a really good job. D. Perera lbw b Ashwin ...... 0 Bank - Indian Sports Centre arranged to have a raff le draw skipper Virat Kohli hit a majestic double said. “For me personally it was very im- But if you have no runs on the board, they R. Herath c Rahane b Ashwin...... 0 Challengers Trophy cricket for the spectators with prize century on Sunday before India declared portant because it’s been nearly 500 days can’t do anything.” The third and fi nal S. Lakmal not out ...... 31 tournament at the Asian Town including – a return air ticket their fi rst innings on 610-6 to take a fi rm since I played my last Test match. I am Test starts in Delhi on December 2. L. Gamage b Ashwin...... 0 Cricket Stadium, Industrial to India, gold rings, mobile grip on the match. glad that I could put some runs on the Extras (lb2)...... 2 Area. The final will be held phones, travel bags, mixer juic- Kohli made 213 from 267 balls for his board for myself and the team,” added SCOREBOARD Total (all out, 49.3 overs) ...... 166 on Friday, 1st December from ers and other gift hampers. fi fth double century in 62 Tests and won Rohit Sharma, who was included in the Sri Lanka 1st innings 205 (D. Chandimal 57, Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Samarawickrama), 5.30 pm, which is expected The organisers a turnout the man of the match award. His in- team in place of paceman Bhuvneshwar D. Karunaratne 51; R. Ashwin ...... 4-67) 2-34 (Karunaratne), 3-48 (Thirimanne), 4-68 to an exciting contest. Indian of more than 5,000 for the nings featured big partnerships with Kumar. Sri Lanka squandered the advan- India 1st innings 610-6 dec (V. Kohli 213, C. (Mathews), 5-75 (Dickwella), 6-102 (Shanaka), Ambassador P Kumaran will be title clash, creating a carnival Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma tage of winning the toss and batting fi rst Pujara 143; D. Perera ...... 3-202) 7-107 (Perera), 8-107 (Herath), 9-165 (Chandi- the chief guest for the finals, atmosphere with DJ playing to which pulverised the opposition. as they were skittled out for 205 on the Sri Lanka 2nd innings (overnight ...... 21-1) mal), 10-166 (Gamage) Qatar Cricket Association the crowd. The entry is free to Pujara made 143, Rohit Sharma 102 opening day. D. Karunaratne c Vijay b Jadeja...... 18 Bowling: Sharma 12-4-43-2, Ashwin...... 17.3-4- President and QNB GM as guest the spectators, with a special not out and opener Vijay 128 in a brutal “It was a good toss to win. Unfortu- L. Thirimanne c Jadeja b Yadav ...... 23 63-4, Jadeja 11-5-28-2, Yadav...... 9-2-30-2 of honour. sitting area for ladies and fami- statement of intent from India which was nately we were outplayed from the fi rst A. Mathews c Rohit b Jadeja ...... 10 Result: India won by innings and... 239 runs A special trophy is being lies from VIP Gate. later emphasised by the bowlers. “It’s all day. Our batting let us down again. When D. Chandimal c Ashwin b Yadav ...... 61 Series: India lead the three-match series 1-0

SPOTLIGHT INTER-SCHOOL CRICKET Coach Pothas slams Al Khor International emerge U-14 girls champions Sri Lanka over loss l Khor International School emerged as the Public School, the third participating team was Noble to get into double digits as she hit 11. During the chase, champions of the Qatar Inter-school under-14 International School. Birla Public School lost the wickets regularly before get- AFP up victory in four days. Girls cricket tournament, with a comprehen- Heta stamped her class on the 12-over-a-side fi nal, as ting to 77 in 12 overs. Simruti (9) and Sajal (8) were the Nagpur Pothas, who took over as coach sive 31-run victory over Birla Public School in she top-scored with a responsible 25 and bagged a wick- best scorers for them. after ’s abrupt exit theA fi nal. The three-team event was played at the West et. Batting fi rst, Al Khor International School posted 108 BRIEF SCORES: Al Khor International School: 108 in 12 this year, highlighted the Indian Bay Grounds under the banner of the Qatar Cricket As- in 12 overs. Heta batted exceptionally well and struck the overs (Heta 25, Hardi 11) bt Birla Public School: 77 in 12 ri Lanka coach Nic Pothas squad’s depth in bowling and sociation. Apart from Al Khor International and Birla bulk of the runs for her team. Hardi was another player overs (Simruti 9, Sajal 8, Heta 1 wkt) warned his players there batting. “If you are going to be would be “repercus- successful at the top of any sport sions” after the country’s your bench is important and In- worst-everS Test defeat, at the dia has a very strong bench,” said hands of India yesterday. The Pothas. South African could barely con- “Not only have they got pace tain his anger after Sri Lanka lost but a huge amount of skill. Same the second Test by an innings and with batting and bowling: it’s all 239 runs in four days in Nagpur. about execution,” he added. “It’s embarrassing, players Sri Lanka lost all nine Tests, should be embarrassed in their one-day and T20 games at home own performances. Practising to India in a recent series but fol- in the nets means nothing if you lowed that up by winning two do not go out and put runs on the Tests against Pakistan in the board,” Pothas said. “As a player United Arab Emirates. “Person- your currency is runs, wickets ally as a coach I fi nd it hugely and catches. You can do all you exciting, I’ve learnt a lot in the like but if you are not producing last series and in the short time them, obviously there will be re- we have been here, and continue percussions. That’s the world of to learn more,” Pothas said of the professional sport.” current tour of India. Sri Lanka’s previous worst “Cricket is a game of chess. Test defeat was an innings and When you play a team like In- 229-run loss to South Africa in dia, if one team makes a move 2001. Sri Lanka won the toss you better have a counter move, and chose to bat against India in if you don’t you will fall off that Nagpur but were skittled out for bus. At the moment we have got 205 on the opening day. a few in our changing room who They crashed out for 166 in the keep making the same move and Winners Al Khor International School and runners-up Birla Public School pose with the off icials after final match of the Qatar Inter-school under-14 Girls cricket tournament, second innings as India wrapped losing pieces off the chess board.” organised by the Qatar Cricket Association, at the West Bay Grounds. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, November 28, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT SERIE A AC Milan turn to Gattuso to bring Rodgers praises back glory days

AFP He leaves after 17 months at Milan the San Siro.

Slapped Ibrahimovic allen Italian giants AC There will be heavy pressure Celtic aft er Scottish Milan made combative on Gattuso, who has always former player Gen- had a controversial edge – he naro Gattuso their new once slapped the then Ajax bossF yesterday after sacking striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic Vincenzo Montella following with the back of his hand. a disappointing start to the On another occasion that season. his temper spilled over, he in- The seven-time European famously grabbed Tottenham League Cup glory champions released Montella assistant coach Joe Jordan – after a goalless draw against greying and 26 years Gattuso’s ‘We came back after midweek and it was a sore one to take. But the culture we’ve Torino on Sunday left them senior – by the throat before seventh in Serie A, 18 points head-butting him, picking up created allows us to come into the game with a real positive attitude and to work well’ behind leaders Napoli. a heavy UEFA ban. In 39-year-old Gattuso, Gattuso spent a season at the Chinese-owned club have Walter Smith’s Rangers be- turned to a member of one of fore joining AC Milan and won their most successful sides, the Scottish double alongside but he has little coaching English midfi elder Paul Gas- pedigree. Milan thanked Mon- coigne. tella for his eff orts and said in Since retiring as a player he a statement: “Management of has been working within the the fi rst team is entrusted to AC Milan structure as youth Gennaro Gattuso.” team coach after a stuttering Gattuso made a total of 468 coaching career elsewhere, appearances for AC Milan be- with short stints at Sion in tween 1999 and 2012, winning Switzerland, at Palermo and a reputation as a rugged de- Pisa in Italy and at Greek min- fensive midfi elder and earning nows OFI Crete. the nickname “Rino”, on ac- With Juventus now the main count of his verbal raging and force in Italian football and rampaging playing style. Barcelona and Real Madrid He won the Serie A title dominating Europe in recent twice and helped Milan to years, Gattuso faces a huge Champions League glory on task to restore Milan to their two occasions. former heights. Gattuso was such an integral He was a key cog in the team part of Marcello Lippi’s line- featuring Paolo Maldini, An- up when Italy clinched the drea Pirlo and Filippo Inzaghi 2006 World Cup in Germany which won the 2003 Champi- that he was named in FIFA’s ons League by beating Juven- team of the tournament. tus on penalties. AC Milan have not fi nished He was on the losing side higher than sixth in any of the in the dramatic 2005 fi nal in last four seasons in Serie A but Istanbul when AC Milan blew new Chinese owner Li Yong- a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with hong funded a 230-million- Liverpool and then lost in the euro ($270 million) signing penalty shootout, but he got spree in the summer. his revenge two years later Leonardo Bonucci arrived when Milan beat Liverpool in from Juventus for 38 mil- Athens. lion euros in an eye-catching He made 72 international move, while Portuguese player appearances for Italy. Andre Silva came for a similar Milan also face a fi ght to sum from FC Porto and Hakan convince UEFA that they com- Calhanoglu was signed from ply with fi nancial fairplay reg- Bayer Leverkusen. ulations designed to prevent But even with those rein- clubs from overspending. forcements, Montella failed to In order to meet the criteria, put the club that was once the Milan are gambling on mak- jewel in former Italian prime ing a sharp increase in profi ts minister Silvio Berlusconi’s in China. For that, they need business empire in contention to qualify for the Champions for a Champions League place. League.

Celtic’s players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Scottish League Cup. (Reuters)

AFP half and a controversial Moussa with the energy they put into Rodgers becomes the fi rst Hoops the slightest of touches from the Glasgow Dembele penalty on the hour, the game and the quality of their manager since Jock Stein to win Motherwell defender. which saw Motherwell’s Cedric football at times was very good. four trophies in a row for the “The game was over when the Kipre sent off , helped the Glas- “It was always going to be dif- Scottish champions after lead- penalty decision was made,” said rendan Rodgers praised gow giants lift the League Cup for fi cult for us with the way Moth- ing the Hoops to a domestic tre- Robinson. “It was no penalty and the character of his a second successive season. erwell have started the season ble last season. that decision completely chang- Celtic stars after they “We had to tick a few charac- and the confi dence they have in “I didn’t know that until yes- es the game. recovered from their Eu- ter boxes after the result in mid- the way they play. We had to be terday when someone men- “For me there is no contact ropeanB disappointment to clinch week and once again the players patient and wait for our moment tioned it,” Rodgers said. and the red card means the game the Scottish League Cup with a produced,” said Celtic manager but once we got the fi rst goal we “Of course, it is a very spe- is eff ectively over as a contest 2-0 victory over Motherwell. Rodgers, whose side’s unbeaten settled into our rhythm. cial thing to have happened to as they are hard enough to play The Hoops, who only had domestic run now extends to 65 “It is our fourth trophy in me following in the footsteps of against with 11 men. three days to prepare for the matches. 12 months – a phenomenal some many great managers. “The kid’s crying in there. fi nal following their 7-1 mid- “The players deserve a huge achievement really – and the “But I think today is a trophy He’s 20 years of age and he hasn’t week Champions League maul- amount of credit. We came back players deserve credit for their for everyone at the club.” touched him. ing from Paris Saint-Germain, after midweek and it was a sore hunger and desire to keep play- Motherwell manager Stephen “It’s hard to take in that man- seemed to be nursing a European one to take. But the culture we’ve ing and having that belief.” Robinson couldn’t hide his an- ner. I’d rather have got pumped hangover in the fi rst half of Sun- created allows us to come into ger about the disputed penalty 6-0 or 7-0 by them than that. This file photo taken on July 07, 2017 shows former Italian player day’s fi nal at Hampden Park. the game with a real positive at- Special win decision, which saw Kipre or- “But we’ll deal with it. We’re Gennaro Gattuso during “The Gianni’s game, the match of However, a James Forrest strike titude and to work well. Celtic’s 17th victory in the dered off after Scott Sinclair not a team to lie down and we’ll legends”, a football match with football legends in honour of three minutes into the second “The players showed that competition helps Brendan went down in the box following pick ourselves up.” FIFA’s president in Brig, Switzerland. (AFP)

FOCUS Crisis at Everton deepens with no end in sight Reuters manager David Unsworth calling I’m struggling to work out what it is just a question of signing it. London for supporters to rally round his Everton are looking to do with As of now, there is no reason to under-performing players. the team that they put out.” believe that he won’t,” FAI hon- “We’re in a tough moment and Everton narrowly escaped the orary treasurer Eddie Murray verton’s search for a new we’re desperate to get back to some drop in 1994 and 1998 but to be told the Irish Independent manager entered its sixth home comforts and play in front of facing another relegation fi ght yesterday. week yesterday after the our home fans because I’ve never now, having lavished 150 million Unsworth also has mounting team suff ered two heavy known a team that needs their pounds ($200 million) rebuild- injury problems to deal with. defeatsE in four days and former fans more than our team does at ing the squad under Koeman last A calf injury to Leighton Baines players expressed anger at a club the moment,” said Unsworth, who summer, is a major surprise. means Everton are likely to be apparently in free fall. says he wants to be permanent The club appear rudderless as without a recognised left back The Merseysiders are one of successor to Ronald Koeman, who Everton’s majority shareholder, for one of their most important only seven sides never to be rel- was sacked fi ve weeks ago. Farhad Moshiri, continues to games of the season. Defender egated from the Premier League But even playing at home does scramble around for a new man- Michael Keane, a 30 million- in its 25-year history and have not bring relief as Everton, who ager. He said an appointment pound signing from Burnley, is competed in England’s top fl ight may drop into the relegation was close last week but they also struggling to be fi t. for a record 114 seasons. zone if they are beaten and have have been knocked back by rivals Local passions are so infl amed But Sunday’s abject 4-1 defeat lost more games, fi ve in all com- Watford over an approach for that even the mayor of Liverpool, at Southampton means Everton petitions, at Goodison Park than manager Marco Silva and failed Joe Anderson, has joined the de- have conceded 28 goals in their in the whole of last season. to reach agreement with former bate. fi rst 13 league matches – their No wonder former striker England boss Sam Allardyce. “Would love the opportu- worst start since 1958-59. They turned TV pundit Gary Lineker Atletico Madrid manager Di- nity to take over, I know it’s not were also thumped 5-1 at home called the situation a “shambles” ego Simeone ruled himself out, just about bottle and fi ght, but by Atalanta in the Europa League while Andy Hinchcliff e, a former leaving Ireland boss Martin there is no passion,” the life-long on Thursday. On Wednesday Everton team mate of Unsworth, O’Neill as the favourite although Everton fan said on Twitter. they host West Ham United, said on Sky Sports after Sunday’s Football Association of Ireland “Not one leader, not one on managed by former Everton boss defeat: “There’s no game plan (FAI) offi cials believe he will the pitch. I am disgusted with Everton’s Michael Keane, Ashley Williams and Morgan Schneiderlin look dejected after Southampton’s David Moyes, with caretaker going forward or defensively. stay. “The contract is agreed and those on and off the pitch.” Charlie Austin scores a goal during their EPL match. (Reuters) Gulf Times Tuesday, November 28, 2017 5 FOOTBALL

FOCUS FIFA boss vows racism crackdown at Russia WC AFP He was speaking ahead of Fri- Moscow day’s draw for the World Cup in the concert hall of the Kremlin. Russia’s preparations for IFA President Gianni In- the tournament have also been fantino vowed yesterday marred by doping allegations to crack down hard on rac- that might see the country ist incidents when Russia banned from the 2018 Winter hostsF the World Cup next year. Olympic Games in South Korea’s “This is a very high priority Pyeongchang. and we will make sure no inci- Infantino did not address Brit- dents will happen,” Infantino ish media reports that members said in a video statement. of the Russian national football “It is absolutely not tolerable team are also allegedly involved and we will be very, very fi rm on in the scandal, a charge Moscow that, so we can expect fair play in fi rmly denies. Russia.” But he stressed that all players Racism became especially on every team knew in advance pronounced in Russian football that they would be tested “in with the infl ux of foreign play- competition and out of competi- ers that occurred after the Iron tion” in Russia. Curtain fell and the Soviet Union “We are sure that everyone collapsed in 1991. is well aware of this situation,” Brazilian striker Hulk said he he said. Infantino also pushed heard monkey chants at “almost ahead with his campaign to em- every match” when he led Zenit ploy virtual assistance refereeing Saint Petersburg to a title and technology at the World Cup for two second-place fi nishes be- the fi rst time. tween 2012 and 2016. “I think that it is absolutely Infantino said the 2018 World normal that in 2018, we can ex- Cup will be the fi rst at which ref- plore and see how can help the erees will be allowed to halt or referee and the team to take the even abandon matches should right decision.” anything similar happen during He said FIFA will decide the matches. issue in March, adding: “The This file photo taken on September 09, 2017 shows FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) and Russian president Vladimir Putin smiling during the opening of the trophy tour ceremony “We expect fair play in Rus- experience so far has been ex- at Luzhniki stadium in Moscow. Russia is gearing up to host the World Cup for the first time while facing the herculean task of eradicating racism and hooliganism and warding off the sia,” he said. tremely positive.” threat of a terror attack. (AFP)

LA LIGA SPOTLIGHT Bale fi nally back for Real Madrid Barcelona draw at I don’t know for how long.” AFP Madrid Zidane is expected to make wholesale changes for the clash at the Santiago Bernabeu areth Bale is set to (2030GMT) with Real already feature for the fi rst leading the Madrid-based time in two months minnows 2-0 on aggregate. when Real Madrid Bale is yet to play a single title rivals Valencia Ghost third-tier Fuenlebrada minute this season alongside in the Copa del Rey today, but Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Zinedine Zidane has pleaded Benzema as injury and sus- for patience with the Welsh- pension have blighted all three man’s fi tness. early in the season. Bale’s four-year spell in Real have paid a heavy price the Spanish capital has been as the European champions dogged by injuries, particu- have fallen eight points behind aft er goal-line row larly in the past year as he has Barcelona at the top of La Liga completed 90 minutes just and fi nished second in their ‘It was a good game and it was defined by a controversial play, but we know Valencia’s four times. Champions League group be- “I want Gareth to be fully-fi t hind Tottenham Hotspur. potential. We’re not satisfied with everything but we’ve managed to take something positive’ but I can’t say when that will However, Zidane is hopeful be,” Zidane said yesterday, as of reunited Real’s famed ‘BBC’ Bale returned to full training front three in time for the Club following a thigh injury. World Cup and an El Clasico “The idea is that tomorrow clash with Barca next month. he can play and he looks good. “I want to see Gareth, Cris- As always he needs game time tiano and Karim,” added the and how the matches go will Frenchman. determine what the best route “It has been a long time for us to take is. since I have seen them to- “He will play tomorrow, but gether.”

Alaves sack coach again aft er just seven games Trigger happy La Liga strugglers Alaves have sacked their coach for the second time this season as Italian Gianni de Biasi was dis- missed after just seven games in charge yesterday. De Biasi oversaw Alaves’ only two La Liga victories this season against Levante and Espanyol, but defeats to Real Sociedad, Real Betis, Valencia, Getafe and Eibar have left the Basques rooted to the bottom of the table, six points off safety. “The club has decided to terminate the contract of Gianni de Biasi after the latest results obtained in La Liga,” Alaves said in a statement. Javier Cabello, who took charge for defeats to Depor- tivo la Coruna and Real Madrid earlier in the season after Luis Zubeldia’s sacking, has once again be put in temporary charge. Under Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino, Alaves reached the Copa del Rey final last season and finished ninth in La Liga on their return to the top flight after a decade. However, following the departure of Pellegrino and the likes of Real Madrid pair Marcos Llorente and Theo Hernandez, a number of new recruits, including former Barcelona forward Bojan Krkic and Zinedine Zidane’s eldest son Enzo Zidane, have failed to make the desired impact. Alaves face Getafe once more in the second leg of their Copa del Rey last 32 tie on Thursday, leading 1-0 from the first leg.

Barcelona’s defender Jordi Alba (centre) celebrates after scoring with Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez, Barcelona’s Brazilian midfielder Jose Paulinho and Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (left) during the Spanish league match at Mestalla stadium in Valencia yesterday. (AFP) Lamela set for Spurs return Erik Lamela is in line to make his Tottenham Hotspur return after Reuters Alba’s 82nd minute leveller. at fi rst because Barcelona are a game’s fl ashpoint when Messi The striker found the target over a year on the sidelines through injury, manager Mauricio Valencia Spain striker Rodrigo Moreno great team and came here to win celebrated his ‘goal’ only for soon after, poking home to com- Pochettino revealed yesterday. Argentinian winger Lamela, a £30 put Valencia ahead on the hour, against the second best team in Valencia to break straight down plete a sweeping move between million ($40.1 million, 33.6 million euros) signing from Roma in sneaking ahead of Barca defend- the league. the other end and almost open left back Jose Gaya and winger August 2013, last played in October 2016, having since under- arcelona’s Jordi Alba er Thomas Vermaelen to score “Everything changed in the the scoring when Simone Zaza Goncalo Guedes, putting Va- gone surgery on both hips. He returned to training at the begin- haunted his former club from close range before putting second half and we were the fl ashed a shot just wide. lencia on course for a fi rst home ning of last month and is expected to be on the bench for Spurs’ Valencia with a stunning on an orange wig in tribute better team. These players are La Liga is the only one of Eu- win over Barca in over a decade trip to Leicester City in the Premier League today. “It is very good late equaliser in a 1-1 to the club’s late president making history.” rope’s top fi ve leagues not to have until Alba struck. news because he is in contention for tomorrow,” Pochettino told drawB on Sunday in a top-of-the- Jaume Orti who passed away on Before kick off , Valencia paid goal-line technology, although it Zaza could have struck a win- a press conference at Spurs’ north London training centre. table Liga clash that preserved Friday. tribute to Orti, president dur- will implement the video assist- ning goal deep in added time but “It’s because after the training today he felt good and said, ‘OK, I the Catalan side’s four-point Barcelona lead the stand- ing the club’s last two Liga title- ant referee (VAR) system from his shot bounced over the bar. am ready to move on and be available if you want.’” lead but was overshadowed by a ings on 35 points, Valencia have winning seasons in 2002 and the start of next season. Elsewhere, Sevilla battled Lamela’s recovery period has been less than straightforward, ‘goal’ that was not given. 31 while Atletico Madrid are 2004, and an electric atmos- “La Liga has the best players back from two goals down to with the 25-year-old even spending time undergoing treatment Barca were denied the opener third on 27, level on points with phere gripped The Mestalla. in the world. It’s the best league win 3-2 at Villarreal in the fi rst at former club Roma in January. as Lionel Messi’s tame shot af- fourth-placed champions Real in the world and it deserves the game since the news that coach He also had to rush to Argentina last December after his broth- ter half an hour was spilled by Madrid. TITLE TILT best technology. The goal was Eduardo Berizzo has prostate er was hospitalised. Despite Lamela’s long absence, Pochettino goalkeeper Neto and bounced “It was a good game and it Marcelino’s revitalised Va- over the line, but neither the cancer. says he never lost faith in his compatriot’s chances of making a over the line before the Brazilian was defi ned by a controversial lencia side were searching for referee nor the assistant saw Fifth-placed Sevilla have 25 full recovery. dragged it back over but referee play but we know Valencia’s po- a ninth consecutive league win it,” said Barca midfi elder Sergio points and are now four ahead “No, never doubts. We trusted in our medical staff and him that Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva al- tential. We’re not satisfi ed with to cement their fi rst title tilt in Busquets. of Villarreal in sixth. he’s a very competitive player, always focused on his recovery,” lowed play to continue. everything but we’ve managed 14 seasons but Barca took com- Valencia grew in confi dence Seventh-placed Real Socie- Pochettino said. “After a year it’s diff icult for a player to be fit. The Argentine forward and to take something positive from mand in the fi rst half, punctur- after the break, pressing high up dad drew 2-2 at home to sec- It’s not easy and the expectations need to be low. Maybe similar his team mates remonstrated the game,” Barca coach Ernesto ing the atmosphere with long the pitch. Zaza shot wide again ond-bottom Las Palmas, while to Danny Rose, after 10 months or a year it’s similar. You need with the offi cials to no avail but Valverde said. periods of possession. and Barca defender Nelson Se- Athletic Bilbao were held by the to provide them the time to be fit. “There’s no pressure on him, still had a big say in the game, Valencia assistant coach Ru- Still, the leaders failed to cre- medo gifted the ball to Rodrigo, same scoreline at fellow strug- only to feel he’s a player in the competition again,” he said. laying on a perfect pass for ben Urria added: “We struggled ate any clear chances until the who failed to capitalise. glers Deportivo La Coruna. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, November 28, 2017 SPORT

NFL Goff shines as Rams stop Saints’ win streak AFP by the Rams’ defence, which Brady grew up in the San Crabtree and Broncos corner- Los Angeles sacked Brees three times. Francisco area as a fan of the back Aqib Talib were ejected The Saints entered the game San Francisco 49ers, a team that after fi ghting along the Denver averaging 415 yards but were racked up 16 straight winning side of the fi eld as players from ared Goff threw for two held to 346 on Sunday. seasons starting when he was both teams raced toward the touchdowns and kicker Brees, who directs the NFL’s just six years old. battle. Greg Zuerlein booted four second-best passing off ence, “I was a kid growing up in San Talib and Crabtree have a fi eld goals as the Los An- was 22 of 32 for 246 yards and a Mateo when the Niners were do- history. When the Raiders and gelesJ Rams snapped the New score. ing that, too,” Brady said. “Win- Broncos met last season in Orleans Saints’ win streak at “They put us in some tough ning seasons are great. Obvi- Denver, Talib ripped Crabtree’s eight games with a 26-20 victory situations at times,” Brees said. ously, we’re trying to win every chain off his neck on one play. on Sunday. “We were just unable to fi nd a game we play. The two started fi ghting Sunday Los Angeles won for the fi fth rhythm and maintain our drives.” “We started 2-2 and to be 9-2 after Talib grabbed Crabtree’s time in six contests to improve to Elsewhere, Tom Brady threw with seven straight wins is pretty chain, again. 8-3 on the season. four touchdown passes, two good, but we know our biggest In Atlanta, Falcons wide re- Quarterback Drew Brees to tight end Rob Gronkowski, games are ahead of us.” ceiver Julio Jones caught 12 pass- threw for just one touchdown for and the New England Patriots In Oakland, quarterback es for 253 yards and two scores as the Saints who dropped to 8-3 breezed to their seventh straight Derek Carr threw two touch- the Atlanta won their third game atop the NFC South Division. win with a 35-17 rout of the Mi- down passes, Marshawn Lynch in a row, beating the Tampa Bay Goff , who lost to the Saints ami Dolphins. ran for a score, and the Oakland Buccaneers 34-20. last year in his rookie season, Running back Rex Burkhead Raiders gave their playoff hopes completed 28-of-43 attempts also scored twice as the Patriots a boost with a physical 21-14 vic- RESULTS for 354 yards, connecting for sent the Dolphins to their fi fth tory over the Denver Broncos. touchdowns with Sammy Wat- straight defeat. The Raiders (5-6) pulled to Buff alo...... 16 Kansas City ....10 kins and rookie Josh Reynolds. within one game of the fi rst- Carolina ...... 35 NY Jets ...... 27 “You can see Jared get bet- Fighting on pitch place Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) in Chicago ...... 3 Philadelphia ....31 ter week in and week out,” Rams Brady had a streak of 189 the AFC West. Cleveland ...... 16 Cincinnati ...... 30 coach Sean McVay said. “He was straight passes without an inter- The Broncos (3-8) lost their Miami ...... 17 New England35 making good decisions, we got ception snapped, but went on to seventh straight game and trail Tampa Bay ...... 20 Atlanta ...... 34 the running game going later and complete his 83rd game with at Kansas City by three games. Tennessee ...020 Indianapolis ....16 the off ensive line played well.’’ least three touchdown passes. The game was marked by a Seattle ...... 24 San Francisco13 Zuerlein added 12 points, The Patriots improved to 9-2 heated skirmish on the sidelines Denver ...... 14 Oakland...... 21 kicking three fi eld goals from at on the season as Sunday’s win that broke out with 11:56 left in Jacksonville ....24 Arizona...... 27 least 46 yards. ensured their 17th straight win- the fi rst quarter. New Orleans .20 LA Rams...... 26 Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff rolls out to pass against the New Orleans Saints during the first New Orleans was smothered ning season. Raiders wide receiver Michael Green Bay ...... 28 Pittsburgh ...... 31 half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NBA NHL Hurricanes slip past Predators Nets defeat Grizzlies, 4-3 in shootout By Chip Alexander straight games, something of a The News & Observer (Raleigh, comedown for the quiet, proud N.C.) Swede. But he had a plus-3 rating Friday against the To- ronto Maple Leafs – albeit in halt three-game skid ockey games aren’t 5-4 loss – and then contrib- always won on slick uted a goal and assist Sunday ‘We’re both scrambling for a win game. That’s what it comes down to’ off ensive moves in being named the game’s fi rst or acrobatic goal- star. “We need that out of him, tenderH saves. It isn’t about and we need that each and style points. Sometimes, it’s every night, and that’s part of a player gritting his teeth and being a pro,” Canes coach Bill stepping in the way of a heavy Peters said. slapshot. Few know more about “be- Then, doing it again. ing a pro” than Williams. Af- Joakim Nordstrom did that ter more than 1,100 games in Sunday for the Carolina Hur- the NHL, after winning three ricanes, blocking back-to- Stanley Cup rings, Williams back shots in overtime by the has as good a handle on how Nashville Predators’ PK Sub- to win games as anyone in the ban. It allowed the Canes to league. kill off a penalty against Jordan On Sunday, Williams was a Staal and the Preds’ four-on- big part of it. His power-play three power play, and allowed goal in the third period came them to escape overtime and when he went to the front of eventually win 4-3 in a shoot- the net, slipped to the side, out at PNC Arena. then returned to bang the puck “Blocking those two bombs, past Juuse Saros for a 3-2 lead. we rallied around it,” Canes Earlier, when Subban began forward Justin Williams said. bumping and harassing the To stay in the thick of the Canes’ Jeff Skinner in an in- playoff chase in the Eastern creasingly chippy second pe- Conference, the Hurricanes riod, Williams more or less put (10-8-4) need more of that – a an end to it, going after Subban. willingness to accept the pain Williams was called for an to make a play, to do what- interference penalty and de- ever is necessary to secure two fenseman Mattias Ekholm’s points. “It hurts way more to power-play goal gave Nashville see a puck go into the back of a 2-1 lead. But Rask tied it 2-2, the net than to get hit by it,” backhanding a rebound, and Nordstrom said. “It’s an easy Williams scored in the third. choice for me.” It was a game of hard No one appreciated it more checks and tough puck bat- than Canes goalie Scott Dar- tles. Once, when crowded by ling, who once played with the Preds’ Calle Jarnkrok, Dar- Nordstrom in Chicago and ling reminded him that he is a said, “That’s ‘Nordy’ through 6-foot-6, 232-pounder, swat- and through. He would do that ting Jarnkrok away. in the fi rst minute of a game Darling’s low point this sea- against any team.” son came last week against the And not just Nordstrom. New York Rangers, when he Marcus Kruger and Jaccob muff ed Mika Zibanejad’s high- Slavin also blocked shots in the fl oating fl ip from outside the Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jeff erson (right) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons during their NBA game. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports overtime. But for a team like blue line for a stunning goal in the Hurricanes, that’s what it’s a 6-1 loss. By Greg Logan with 18 points each. than four minutes and sat for going to take. Everyone has a Newsday Asked before the game about the remainder of the fi rst half. Parker to make season debut today job to do and must do it. RESULTS his team’s resilience, Nets coach The Grizzlies jumped out to an Victor Rask, for exam- Rangers ...... 4 Canucks 3 (SO) Kenny Atkinson said, “The last early eight-point lead, but the San Antonio point guard Tony Parker will make his season debut ple. The centre recently was Hurricanes ...... 4 Predators 3 (SO) he war of attrition con- two seasons I love (it). That’s Nets battled back despite los- when the Spurs host the Dallas Mavericks tonight. made a healthy scratch for two Oilers ...... 4 Bruins ...... 2 tinued for the Nets what I like about these guys. ing Hollis-Jeff erson, who landed Parker has been sidelined since rupturing his left quadriceps tendon as they lost two more They don’t hang their heads; awkwardly on a drive to the bas- during May’s playoff series against the Houston Rockets. starters, Rondae Hol- they bounce back, they fi ght, ket but was able to walk slowly Parker began the announcement of his return with a “#ImBack” Tlis-Jeff erson and Allen Crabbe, they compete.” off the court with 8:16 left in the headline on social media. to injuries. But they overcame Both teams came into the second period “Get ready #SpursNation, I’m coming back on tomorrow’s game those setbacks plus their recent game beset by injuries that fed The Nets trailed 35-29 at that against Dallas!” Parker wrote. “I’m really excited to play again. It has late-game meltdowns to score a into a losing streak. Grizzlies star point but fi nished the half on an been some tough months with a lot of recovery, patience and men- 98-88 victory over Memphis on Mike Conley is out indefi nitely, 18-12 run to tie the game at 47. tal strength. I wanted to thank everyone who believed in my return.” Sunday night at FedEx Forum. missing six of the seven losses Carroll and LeVert each scored The 35-year-old Parker underwent surgery after the injury and there The Nets led by 19 points they had entering the game. seven points in that span. But the were concerns about his future. Parker, a six-time All-Star, said he late in the third quarter, but the The Nets had lost three best was yet to come in an ex- didn’t consider retirement. Grizzlies put together a 20-6 run straight and four of fi ve since plosive third quarter as the Nets Steve “Snapper” Jones, the former pro basketball player who be- that cut their lead to 82-77 early D’Angelo Russell suff ered a knee opened it on a 20-4 run, includ- came a renowned broadcaster, died Saturday night in Houston after in the fourth quarter. Suddenly, injury that led to arthroscopic ing seven points from Dinwiddie a lengthy illness, according to the Portland Trail Blazers. He was 75. their recent struggles holding surgery. Russell traveled with for a 67-51 lead. Jones played for Portland of the NBA after being a three-time late leads came to the fore again. the Nets on their three-game That margin extended as high All-Star in eight seasons in the ABA. His overall scoring average But they regained a 93-82 cush- road trip for the fi rst time since as 19 points before the Grizzlies between the two leagues was 15.2. ion with an 11-5 burst, including undergoing surgery. cut their defi cit to 79-65 at the After his playing career ended in 1976, Jones became a popular nine points from Trevor Booker. “We’re both scrambling for a end of the third quarter. But the broadcaster and was the lead analyst for the “NBA on NBC” for more The Nets (7-12) snapped a win,” Atkinson said before the Nets made 12 of 22 shots, includ- than a decade. Former Trail Blazers teammate Bill Walton was often three-game losing streak at the game. “That’s what it comes ing a 5-for-8 eff ort from 3-point part of the same crew. Jones called his last game in 2006 after 26 expense of the Grizzlies (7-12), down to.” range in the period, outscoring seasons as part of the Trail Blazers announcing team. who lose their eighth straight. The Nets’ task grew more the Grizzlies, 32-18. “The NBA family mourns the passing of Steve “Snapper” Jones DeMarre Carroll topped the Nets diffi cult when Crabbe was – former Portland Trail Blazer, ABA All-Star and one of the NBA’s with 24 points, Booker had 16 scratched from the starting RESULTS all-time great TV analysts,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in plus 11 rebounds, and Joe Harris lineup with a sore lower back. Heat ...... 100 Bulls ...... 93 a statement. “We send our deepest condolences to his family and Carolina Hurricanes forward Josh Jooris scores a first period goal scored 13. The Grizzlies were led Then, starting center Tyler Zel- Timberwolves 119 Suns ...... 108 many friends.” against Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros at PNC Arena. by Marc Gasol and Tyreke Evans ler picked up three fouls in less Nets ...... 98 Grizzlies ...... 88 PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Tuesday, November 28, 2017 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Kremlin vows to defend Russian athletes aft er Massa makes lost Sochi medals

Reuters The bans have so far targeted ath- Moscow letes in four disciplines: cross-country skiing, skeleton, bobsleigh and speed skating. his point right to ussia will take steps to defend Those banned and stripped of their the interests of its athletes medals include double gold medallist who were disqualifi ed and Alexander Zubkov, who also serves as Rstripped of their medals from president of Russia’s bobsleigh fed- the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics for eration, and cross country skier Al- doping, the Kremlin said yesterday. exander Legkov, who won gold in the The International Olympic Com- 50km freestyle and a silver medal in the mittee (IOC) this month annulled the 4x10km relay event. the very end results of 14 Russian athletes who Peskov did not spell out what meas- competed in Sochi because of doping ures Russia could take. But the federa- violations. tions governing these sports in Russia They were stripped of their medals have said they will seek to contest the The farewell was one of several for Massa, who also retired last and banned for life from participating IOC’s decisions at the Court of Arbi- in future Olympics. tration for Sport (CAS). year before being brought back hurriedly by Williams in January The decisions followed an IOC in- Despite calls to co-operate with in- vestigation into allegations of state- ternational bodies to help rid Russia of backed doping among Russian com- doping, the Russian authorities have petitors and sample tampering by never acknowledged any state role in laboratory and security offi cials at So- the scandal. chi. The IOC is re-testing all Russian “The main thing is to persistently athletes’ samples from the 2014 Games and energetically take all possible following revelations by Grigory Rod- measures to protect our legitimate chenkov, the former head of Moscow’s interests and the legitimate interests discredited anti-doping laboratory, of a of our athletes together with interna- scheme to cover up home competitors’ tional sports organisations,” Kremlin positive samples. spokesman Dmitry Peskov told report- The Sochi scandal is part of a broader ers at a conference call. doping aff air that has led to the sus- “One can hardly steal a victory that pension of Russia’s anti-doping agency has already been won, especially a vic- RUSADA, its athletics federation and tory that will forever stay with our hero Paralympic Committee. athletes,” he said. The IOC has said it would decide Russia was fi rst in the medal table at during its executive board meet- the end of the Games but the IOC deci- ing next month on the participa- sions bring down their number of gold tion of Russian competitors at the medals to nine, behind Canada and Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in Norway. February.

GOLF Rose says wife to make caddy debut at Indonesian Masters

Williams’ Brazilian driver takes a picture of his helmet during the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix last week.

Reuters ishing 10th for Williams under the Yas “You wouldn’t meet a more univer- age rookie Canadian teammate Lance Abu Dhabi Marina fl oodlights. sally-liked driver, I think,” said long- Stroll on 40. But while the bulk of The farewell was one of several for time friend and colleague Rob Smedley, Stroll’s points came from a third place Massa, who also retired last year before now head of performance engineering fi nish in Azerbaijan and sixth in Mex- elipe Massa bowed out of For- being brought back hurriedly by Wil- at Williams after a stint at Ferrari as the ico, Massa has been a more consistent mula One in Abu Dhabi on liams in January as a replacement for Brazilian’s race engineer. scorer with 13 top 10 fi nishes in 20 rac- Sunday with his head held high Valtteri Bottas when the Finn went to “It will be weird coming to a grand es compared to the Canadian’s seven. and one last point in a career Mercedes. prix and not having him there,” he told “He’s been unlucky, he hasn’t got thatF brought him 11 wins and almost a He had also said goodbye to his home Sky Sports television. all the points he should have done, he world championship with Ferrari. fans in Brazil two weeks ago. “We’re mates so we’ll see lots of each should have won in Azerbaijan,” said The 36-year-old Brazilian said he But there was still plenty of emotion other. That won’t change. He’ll carry Smedley. was ready for the next step, whatever as the sport saluted a man who lost out on racing because it’s in his blood. I “But weekend in and weekend out that might be. to Lewis Hamilton in the 2008 cham- think this is now defi nitely, undoubt- we rely on him and to have a driver like “For sure, I will miss many things pionship by a single point and then en- edly, the right time to retire from For- that who is loved by the team, loved by — racing against amazing drivers and dured life-threatening head injuries in mula One.” the paddock and is still performing at competing in the best car and the best Hungary in 2009 when hit by a bounc- Massa ends the season 11th overall, the top of his game, there’s no better category in the world,” he said after fi n- ing spring in qualifying. with 43 points compared to his teen- way to go out.”

BOTTOMLINE FIA president Todt says

leaving F1 would hurt Ferrari File photo of Justin Rose with his wife Kate Phillips, a former international gymnast. Former UN climate chief to advise Formula E AFP “For me, it’s a nice week to continue Hong Kong to play right before Christmas, but London: Former UN climate chief Christiana Costa Rican diplomat Figueres was executive secre- more of a fun trip for us than anything Figueres is to join retired four-times Formula One tary of the United Nations Framework Convention else.” world champion in leading Formula E’s on Climate Change and helped broker the 2015 ustin Rose and his wife have de- The Indonesia event — which will be Global Advisory Board, the electric motor racing Paris accord signed by nearly 200 countries. vised a novel way of celebrating the fi rst time Rose’s wife has carried the series announced yesterday. “In order to meet the objectives set out by the their wedding anniversary — she bag for him — wraps up a busy schedule The board is made up of leading names from vari- Paris agreement and prevent global temperatures will caddy for him at the Indo- for the Olympic champion, who shot a nesianJ Masters next month, he has re- solid but unspectacular 273 on the par- ous sectors to advise on topics such as sustainabil- spiralling out of control, we must have a need for ity, the media and business. speed and react quickly,” she said in a Formula E vealed. Speaking after his fi nal round at 70 Hong Kong Golf Club course. Members include Formula E founder Alejandro statement. the Hong Kong Open on Sunday, where In the past month he has won tour- Agag, the chairman of Chinese telecoms company “This unique forum at Formula E will allow us to he fi nished tied 10th, he said: “I enjoy naments in China and Turkey, before SINA Charles Chao, Jaguar Land Rover’s chief mar- bring great minds together with the same common [playing in] Asia. Going to have the being pipped to the European Tour ti- keting off icer Gerd Mauser, and former McLaren F1 goal, speeding-up the transition and use of electric missus caddy for me. tle in Dubai by Tommy Fleetwood last team boss Martin Whitmarsh. vehicles in everyday life.” “It’s over our wedding anniversary, week. Brazil’s reigning Formula E champion Lucas di Formula E, a city-based series sanctioned by the so it’s going to be a whole diff erent type On Thursday he plays in the exclu- Grassi and Swiss private bank Julius Baer’s head International Automobile Federation (FIA), starts its of challenge. sive invitational Hero World Challenge, of global sponsoring Marco Parroni are also on the fourth season in Hong Kong on Dec. 2. “Finish with a fl ourish and all that,” which takes place close to his home in board. he joked. the Bahamas, and features the hotly When asked if his wife — former anticipated return of Tiger Woods. Reuters British gymnast Kate Phillips — was a “I’m playing in the Bahamas next Abu Dhabi glamorous team and the only one to have competed in Formula One.” Marchionne’s warning came after strong reader of golf greens, he added: week, which is at home, so feels like a in the world championship since the fi rst season in the FIA and commercial rights holders Liberty Me- “She knows as much about golf as my bit of a week off ,” he said. 1950. “I do not want to see Ferrari leaving, but I am dia unveiled plans for a cheaper, louder engine, with little eight-year-old. We’ll make it “I try not to think about time off at eaving Formula One would hurt Ferrari if not sure it will be a good thing for Ferrari to leave more standardised parts to replace the current power fun.” the minute because I think once you the Italian team were to follow through on a Formula One,” Todt, a former Ferrari boss, told re- units from 2021. The English world number six an- mentally get there, it’s hard to get up threat to quit the sport, International Auto- porters at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Liberty also wants to level the playing fi eld and nounced last week that he would play for a tournament round. mobile Federation (FIA) president “Ferrari is a unique brand, combined between rac- distribute revenue more equally to teams after cur- in the Jakarta event in December, which “So, I’m just trying to go day-to-day Lhas said. The sports car manufacturer’s chairman ing and road car,” added the Frenchman, who was rent commercial agreements expire in 2020. is the fi nale of the Asian Tour. at the moment.” this month warned that the team team principal when Ferrari were at their most dom- Ferrari, celebrating their 70th anniversary this “There’s going to be a lot of guys The tournament will be Woods’ fi rst could walk away if the sport took a direction contra- inant with seven-times world champion Michael year, receive special payments for their historical grinding to have a good week and it’s an since February, when he withdrew from ry to Ferrari’s interests. Schumacher behind the wheel in the early 2000s. status and also have some powers of veto under their important week for a lot of guys,” said the Dubai Desert before under- Ferrari are Formula One’s most successful and “So I think it will be painful for Ferrari not to be current contract. Rose. going back surgery for the fourth time.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

WORLD ARABIAN HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS FOCUS Al-Tamimi Al Shaqab adjudged in fi nal of Qatar Circuit best farm in the world squash Doha: Qatar’s Abdulla al-Tami- mi defeated Youssef Soliman of Two of Al Shaqab’s horses – Wadee and Gazal – also bagged individual honours in Paris Egypt in a tough match to en- ter the fi nal of the Qatar Circuit By Sports Reporter squash tournament at the Kha- Doha lifa Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. Al-Tamimi won 11-3, 11-7, l Shaqab Stud was ad- 4-11, 9-11, 11-7 in a match last- judged the best farm ing an hour and will take on Ka- at the World Arabian rim El Hammamy, also of Egypt, Horse Champion- in today’s fi nal. El Hammamy, on shipsA in Paris over the weekend, his part, ousted Sanjay Singh of boosting Qatar’s reputation as a Malaysia 11-7, 11-8, 6-11, 11-15. leading breeding hub. The 22-year-old al-Tamimi is Two of Al Shaqab’s horses ranked 40th in the world and has also bagged individual honours won three titles so far. with Wadee adjudged the Senior Male World Champion and Gazal declared the Platinum World BASKETBALL Champion. Wadee, born in 2010, beat a fi eld of top horses from all over the world. Wadee’s other achievements Qatar lose have been: MENTON 2017 - Best head stallions 7 years old and above; Paris 2017 - most beau- in FIBA WC tiful head CM6A; Paris 2017 - Highest Score in the World Championship; MENTON 2017 qualifi er - Best in Show Male Gazal, born 1995, is a World Doha: Iran bounced back from Champion as well as a sire and their shock loss to Iraq last Fri- grandsire of World Champions, day with a 65-39 win over Qatar including Marwan Al Shaqab. in their Asian qualifi er for the The titles won by Gazal Al 2018 FIBA World Cup in China. Shaqab include the 2005 US Na- This was Qatar’s second straight tional Arabian Championships defeat in qualifying, having lost - Reserve Champion Stallion; their opening match in Group D 2005 Scottsdale Arabian Horse to Kazakhstan in Doha. Show - Reserve Champion Stal- Al Shaqab’s Wadee was adjudged the Senior Male World Champion and Gazal declared the Yesterday at the Azadi Gym in lion; 2004 Qatar International Platinum World Champion at the at the World Arabian Horse Championships in Paris. Tehran, the hosts kept the Qa- Arabian Championships - Re- taris in check with a strong serve Champion Stallion; 2001 defensive performance to World Arabian Horse Champi- record an easy win. onships - Champion Stallion; M Mirzaeitalarposhti with 14 2001 Qatar International Ara- points and S Mashayekhi with bian Championships - Reserve 13 excelled for the hosts, while Champion Stallion; 2000 Qatar Abdulrahman Sadd was the only International Arabian Cham- Qatari player to score in double pionships - Reserve Champion fi gures with 18. Stallion; 1999 Middle East In- Iran led 20-12 after the fi rst ternational Championships - quarter and never looked back. Champion Senior Stallion; 1999 They restricted Qatar to just Qatar International Arabian seven points in the second quar- Championships - Champion ter before closing out the match Stallion; 1997 US Egyptian Event with a great degree of comfort. - Champion Colt; 1997 US Egyp- Qatar need to fi nish in the top tian Event - Reserve Supreme three in the four-team group to Champion Malep and 1996 Qatar make the second round of the International Arabian Champi- qualifying process. They now onships - Champion Colt. play Iraq next.

SPOTLIGHT WTCC The competition was fantastic: IBSF chief Richard gets second By Sports Reporter Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF). is much higher than the last tournament.” chance to shine Doha “I think it was a lot of hard work for the Qatar team to For QBSF president Mohamed Mubarak al-Ramzani, it organise two back-to-back tournaments. The feedback is still not over with the World Men’s 9-Ball Champion- I have received, everybody is happy about this tourna- ship, which begins on December 5. ver the last three weeks, the world’s best non- ment. All the players have supported. I am happy about “It is a lot of work to host three tournaments in such a professional billiards and snooker players were how everything has come together,” IBSF president Mu- short span of time. But we are doing it,” he said. at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha for the barak al-Khayarin told Gulf Times yesterday. Asked about the performance of the Qatari players, he IBSF world championships. “I am really happy with the way the Qatar federation said, “If I said that I am satisfi ed, I have to say I would be OFor someone like India’s Pankaj Advani, switching be- has put this up together. It is never easy to organise one lying. We have been working for many years. Yes, we have tween the two games, with only a day’s break in between championship after the other,” Advani agreed. made progress. No doubt about that. But we can make was a challenge. A challenge he stood up to with purpose, Talking about the level of competition, al-Khayarin more progress. But in future, God willing, we shall have winning the 150-Up format in billiards and the snooker said, “Whether you look at the venue, the technical side, better results.” title yesterday. the conditions, the equipment, everything has been In the IBSF World Snooker Championships, Qatar’s As much as it was diffi cult for the players, it was chal- great. Then there were the high level of the games that the Bashar Abdulmajeed, Ahmed Saif and Ali al-Obaidli lenging for the organisers too, including the International players put up. It has been fantastic. I think the level of made it to the knockouts, with Bashar reaching the last Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) and the Qatar this tournament, even in terms of the games and players, 32 stage.

ris Richard has been ard said: “The fi rst goal is to get Qatar beach handball team in the US rewarded for his im- into Q2, the second to catch Tom pressive FIA World Coronel because he has the same Touring Car Champi- car as me and he’s a very expe- Konship debut in Japan last month rienced driver. After this I want by earning a call-up for the sea- to show some good skills, some son-closing WTCC Race of Qatar good manoeuvres and have some this week. Richard, whose outing nice fi ghts. Of course I have to in Japan was his prize for winning be realistic but a top 10 would be the 2016 FIA European Tour- perfect for me. I know it will be ing Car Cup, placed P14 and P12 diffi cult but if we can bring eve- in the two rain-hit races at Twin rything together I am optimistic Ring Motegi, scoring WTCC Tro- I can do something.” phy points on each occasion. As well as the expertise of the For the night racing spectacu- Campos Racing team, which has lar at the Losail International a proven track record of guiding Circuit to be held this Thursday young drivers during their early and Friday, the 23-year-old Swiss WTCC forays, Richard’s father will make his second appearance Andi will provide additional on- for Campos Racing in place of site support as the younger Rich- Esteban Guerrieri, who contin- ard gets his fi rst taste of racing at ues as ’s stand-in night. “I’ve looked at some on- at Castrol Honda World Touring boards several times and the fi rst Car Team. “I’m really happy to impression is I like this track,” get this opportunity again,” said said Richard. Richard. “It’s good for promoting “Racing at night will be a new myself but of course it’s good for experience but I’ve seen from the the experience and I really hope footage the fl oodlights mean it’s I can drive a TC1 World Touring close to being like daylight.” Car in dry conditions to really try Francois Ribeiro, Head of Eu- to prove what I can do. I know rosport Events, the WTCC pro- where the buttons are and I know moter, said: “Kris did a good job The Qatar and US beach handball team pose after a joint training session in California, US. The Qataris are gearing up for next year’s World Championship in Kazan, Russia, how the car works and this helps in Japan with very little experi- with a joint camp with the US national team. Qatar are ranked third in the world in beach handball. They played several friendly matches in California and will return to the confi dence, especially after ence so it will be interesting to Qatar early in December. Qatar finished third at last year’s World Championship held in Budapest. They are also the Asian champions. Japan.” see how he can build on that ex- Of his target for Qatar, Rich- perience.”