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Tuesday, December 6, 2016 SPOTLIGHT Rabia I 7, 1438 AH Attacks on Qatar GULF TIMES 2022 malicious, says Nasser al-Khater SPORT Page 2

SPOTLIGHT ‘2022 World Cup will lead to the global growth of football’ Supreme Committee chief Hassan al-Thawadi addresses Soccerex Asian Forum in Doha

By Abilash Nalapat “Now we are living in an www.sc.qa age of many football markets outside Europe developing their own leagues and owning he Secretary General of the clubs in Europe” Supreme Committee for De- livery & Legacy (SC), Has- Al-Khater said sustainability is also Tsan al-Thawadi, has said that the guiding principle in the construc- Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World tion of the stadiums for 2022. “We Cup will be a catalyst for the global de- are not merely building stadiums but velopment of football. scripting well-researched legacy plans Kicking off the Soccerex Asian Fo- into the designs of every single stadi- rum 2016 in Doha, al-Thawadi said the um and precinct,” he told the delegates fi rst ever World Cup in the Middle East gathered in Doha. and the second in Asia will accelerate “There have been instances of some the development of emerging football World Cup stadiums not having been territories in accordance with the vi- used following the event. However, sion of Soccerex founder, the late Dun- Qatar will be diff erent. We have con- can Revie. sulted with local communities and He said: “Duncan had the fore- have built precincts with amenities sight and vision in the 1990s to form such as schools. Soccerex, an event which has been at “We are also building modular seat- the forefront during the process of ing in stadiums which can be disman- the globalisation of football which tled after the tournament so that we started during that decade in Eng- need not be saddled with white el- land.” ephants. Some stadiums will be fully He continued: “Now we are liv- dismantled and re-used after the tour- ing in an age of many football markets nament.” outside Europe developing their own Al-Khater noted he is happy with leagues and owning clubs in Europe. the progress in the eight 2022 pro- The hosting of the World Cup in Qatar posed host venues that are under vari- in 2022 will accelerate the global devel- ous stages of construction. “We are opment of football.” ahead of schedule in all eight venues,” Al-Thawadi said that he has fond he said adding that it would be an ideal memories of the SC’s involvement number for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in previous editions of Soccerex and Qatar. hoped delegates of the 2016 Asian fo- However, al-Khater added the SC rum will be able to reap the benefi ts of would be guided by the views of FIFA the sport networking event. about the fi nal stadium count for the After the opening remarks, the SC historic event. Secretary General presented the inau- In the afternoon session, Spain gural Duncan Revie Award to Richard and Barcelona great Xavi Hernandez Tims, Chairman of Sheffi eld FC. talked about his experiences work- In the first panel session of the ing with the SC’s Generation Amaz- day, SC Assistant Secretary General ing programme after his recent visit to for Tournament Affairs, Nasser al- Supreme Committee Secretary-General Hassan al-Thawadi speaking at the Soccerex Asian Forum in Doha yesterday. Jordan to meet and inspire children in Khater, said that Qatar is on course a refugee camp there. He later engaged towards fast-tracking social, eco- country’s 2030 National Vision. and our human, social, environmen- the country and the region,” said al- sustainable growth and projects such in a football freestyling session with nomic and environmental change “The World Cup is a catalyst to ac- tal and technological initiatives built Khater. as Generation Amazing and Chal- renowned freestyler Sean Garnier, who through the hosting of the 2022 FIFA celerate the emergence of Qatar as a around the hosting of the World Cup He added: “The idea was to look at lenge 22 have been successful en- also works with the Generation Amaz- World Cup Qata in line with the knowledge-based economy by 2030 have proven to be very successful in a multi-pronged approach towards deavours.” ing programme.

BOTTOMLINE Blatter suff ers one last defeat over FIFA misconduct

AFP led to the downfall of both men. Platini had been sion has been reduced from eight years to six and Lausanne expected to take over from Blatter, but has also Platini from eight to four years. seen multiple appeals rejected by tribunals and French football legend Platini has taken a case courts. to the Swiss courts and Blatter could have done port’s highest court yesterday rejected Blatter could face more trouble as he remains the same. But the civil courts are reluctant to get the appeal of former FIFA president Sepp under investigation by Swiss prosecutors over involved in international disputes, according to Blatter against a six year ban signalling the payment and for the way in which the 2018 experts, and Blatter has decided against that op- Sthe end of his eff orts to clear his name. and 2022 World Cups were awarded to Russia and tion. The 80-year-old former football powerbro- Qatar, respectively. FIFA and UEFA meanwhile have launched ker was ousted over a 2mn Swiss franc ($2mn) Blatter and Platini said they had an “oral con- campaigns to cleanse their tainted images under payment to UEFA boss Michel Platini which the tract” for the payment. This was fi rmly dismissed new leaders who have promised reform. Court of Arbitration for Sport called an “undue by the CAS which also said Blatter must pay a FIFA is now led by Gianni Infantino who has gift” that could not be justifi ed. 50,000 Swiss franc fi ne. embarked on major changes at the world football Blatter called the verdict “incomprehensible” The tribunal ruled that a written employment body including replacing many staff employed in but also acknowledged that he has come to the contract established between Platini and FIFA in the Blatter era. end of the road in his fi ght to clear his name. 1999 voided any oral agreement concluded be- FIFA said only that it had “taken note” of the “I will not be appealing in a Swiss court,” he tween Blatter and Platini in 1998 allowing for a CAS verdict. told AFP, turning his back on what would have 1mn Swiss franc a year salary. Aleksander Ceferin has taken over at UEFA been his last legal recourse. “Accordingly, by approving a payment of 2mn also promising a new era of transparency. Earlier, however, he maintained that guilt had Swiss francs to Mr Platini in 2011 for the balance The air of corruption has not completely not been proven. of work carried out under the alleged oral agree- cleared however. “It is diffi cult to follow it, because the principle ment, Mr Blatter breached the FIFA code of eth- More details of the commercial underbelly of of jurisdiction — culpability has to be proven by ics.” sport are expected when US courts start sentenc- prosecution — was not applied,” Blatter said in a It said “the payment amounted to an undue ing 39 football and marketing offi cials accused of statement. gift as it had no contractual basis. involvement in more than $200mn of bribes for “Nevertheless I look back with gratitude to all “The panel further found that Mr Blatter un- television and other commercial contracts. the years, in which I was able to realise my ideals lawfully awarded contributions to Mr Platini Blatter’s air of invincibility ended when Swiss for football and serve FIFA,” added the Swiss of- under the FIFA executive committee retirement police raided a Zurich hotel in May 2015 to detain fi cial widely condemned by critics during his 18 scheme which also amounted to an undue gift.” seven FIFA offi cials who are now among the de- years as head of the world football body. Blatter, who still uses his FIFA limousine, and fendants in the United States. The arrests came The payment made to Platini in 2011 for work Platini have now both had all appeals rejected by on the eve of his reelection as FIFA president and carried out a decade earlier without any contract Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter FIFA’s ethics court and CAS. Blatter’s suspen- he was suspended months later. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, December 6, 2016 FOOTBALL

COMMENT Qatar 2022 attacks ‘malicious’: Al-Khater

AFP “We were under a lot of criti- of using “forced labour” at one Doha cism we were under, I would say, World Cup site. malicious and unwarranted at- Qatar has tried to counter tacks.” such claims by saying it is in the atar’s much-criticised Since being controversially process of bringing in signifi cant 2022 World Cup has chosen to host football’s biggest labour reforms. been the victim of event almost exactly six years Later this month, the gas-rich “malicious and un- ago, Qatar has received a barrage state is expected to announce the warrantedQ attacks”, a senior of international criticism. end of its controversial “kafala” tournament offi cial in the Gulf These have mostly focused laws, which place restrictions on said yesterday. on corruption allegations to se- workers’ ability to change jobs Nasser al-Khater, assistant cure the tournament in the fi rst and travel. secretary general of the Supreme place and its poor human rights In addition, last month the Committee for Delivery and record, in relation to the almost Supreme Committee announced Legacy, the body overseeing the two million migrant workers in that it would allow international organisation of the tournament the Gulf state. trade union inspections of tour- in Qatar, also claimed that many Qatar is the subject of an on- nament stadium sites from next of the country’s critics had not going Swiss Attorney General year. “set foot in the country”. investigation into corruption Khater added that he thought “We’ve responded to our crit- claims over the bidding process critics were being silenced. ics for a very long time to the for the 2022 tournament, allega- “I think it’s time critics start- detriment of the local people and tions always denied in Doha. ed to listen to us. I think they are local media,” he told a Soccerex It was also accused earlier this coming round to the fact that Asia forum meeting in Doha. year by Amnesty International Qatar is not a bad idea,” he said. Assistant secretary general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Nasser al-Khater speaking at Soccerex yesterday.

FOCUS DECISION Strugglers Darmstadt Global football industry sack coach AFP Berlin

orbert Meier yester- day became the fi fth unites for Soccerex Bundesliga coach sacked so far this Nseason in the wake of Darm- ‘IFA should award events in the developing world. It provides an opportunity to develop football’ stadt’s 2-0 defeat against Hamburg. By Sports Reporter their hosting of events, the chal- focussed on the importance of After crisis talks earlier in Doha lenges of fi lling large stadiums academies in the development of the day, Darmstadt took the in major football tournaments football, both on a club level and unusual step of fi ring both and how FIFA are revising their on a national team level. Stuart Meier and sports director ver 750 delegates from specifi cations and requirements Pearce discussed his own experi- Holger Fach after a run of six around 48 countries for hosting events to enable ence of coming up through foot- straight defeats — fi ve in the are in Doha for the more developing countries to bid ball in a unique way that saw him Bundesliga and one in the Soccerex Asian Forum and host events. play non-league football until German Cup. 2016,O to share opinions and pro- Samar Nasser said: “FIFA he was spotted by Coventry City “After an analysis, we came vide an in-depth review of foot- should award events in the de- at the age of 21. He feels that his to the conclusion that we ball in Asia and around the world. veloping world. It provides an experience at Manchester City need new impulses to coun- Key industry decision makers opportunity to develop football. enabled him to see the whole teract the negative trend,” from global football have come They are revising their require- spectrum of the club and the im- said club president Ruediger together to gain a unique in- ments to make it easier for more portance of academies. Fritsch after fans shouted sight and access to key develop- countries to bid, otherwise it He said: “I would prefer to ‘Meier out!’ during Sunday’s ment projects as Asia prepares to becomes too expensive. Jordan have an academy player that I defeat to Hamburg. host an unprecedented number is the third poorest country in could upgrade than paying for a “That’s why we decided to of major international tourna- the world in terms of water sup- player. If they’re good enough, take this step.” ments culminating in the Qatar plies. We were able to negotiate elevate them into the fi rst team. Ramon Berndroth, sports 2022 FIFA World Cup. for 75% of our pitches to be on If I put my hand on my heart, director of the club’s youth Day One of the Forum yes- natural turf. there are too many clubs that academy, steps in as caretak- terday featured expert insights Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Hassan al-Thawadi (C) and Tony “The overall bill of the World would rather pay money than er coach for Saturday’s game from Hassan al-Thawadi, Sec- Martin present Duncan Revie Award to chairman of Sheff ield FC Richard Tims. Cup can be cut down if these re- give the opportunity to a young at Freiburg as Darmstadt pre- retary General and Nasser al- quirements can be negotiated. So player to come through the club. pare to host Bavarian giants Khater, Assistant Secretary An emotional opening cer- which saw Nasser al-Khater ad- CEO of the Mena region. Kushal many countries are shying away “It saves you going to the Bayern Munich on December General of the Supreme Com- emony saw Tony Martin and dress critics of the Qatar 2022 Das, General Secretary of the All from hosting events because too transfer market and paying 18. mittee for Delivery and Legacy, Hassan al-Thawadi pay tribute World Cup by saying: “We have India Football Federation, Mo- much money is being spent on multi-million pounds if you can Meier, a former West Ger- as well as Xavi, Stuart Pearce and to Soccerex Founder and CEO, been responding to our critics hamed Hazzam al-Dhaheri, Gen- major sporting events. We have give that opportunity to a young many international, had footballing leaders from across Duncan Revie, who sadly passed for a very long time and they are eral Secretary of the UAE Foot- to think about sustainability.” player to come through the only been in charge since the region. away in September. starting to come around to a Qa- ball Association and AFC Asian The afternoon session kicked club.” July 1 when he replaced Dirk Discussions focussed on Revie’s contribution to the tar World Cup. We are open and Cup Organising Committee, and off with an in-depth Q+A be- The Soccerex Asian Forum will Schuster, who had taken the the progress of the Qatar 2022 football industry was com- will continue to be open to con- Samar Nasser, CEO of the U17 tween Graham Hunter from Sky continue today with key speak- team from the third division FIFA World Cup, which has just memorated with the inaugura- structive criticism.” FIFA Women’s World Cup 2016, Sports and Xavi, before Xavi took ers including David Dein, former to Germany’s top fl ight be- passed the half way stage of its tion of the Duncan Revie Award, The topic of hosting ma- discussed recent and upcoming part in a freestyle session with Vice-Chairman of Arsenal and fore leaving to coach Augs- preparations, the importance of which was presented by Hassan jor football events in the region football events held in their re- Sean Garnier, the double Football the FA, and Vicente Casado, burg. hosting major footballing events al-Thawadi to Richard Tims, for the fi rst time was explored spective countries. Freestyle World Champion. Managing Director, Interna- But under Meier, Darm- for the fi rst time in the region Chairman of Sheffi eld FC, the further later in the morning in Discussions addressed how The fi rst day of the Forum tional Development, LaLiga. The stadt won just two of their and how football has the power world’s fi rst football club. a panel session titled, ‘Break- transfer of knowledge and ex- concluded with Stuart Pearce Asian Forum is Soccerex’s 40th 13 league games this season to change and enhance lives The forum then continued ing New Ground’, moderated by changing expertise are key to participating in a Q+A with Ben event and Doha is the 16th city to and are currently third from across the Middle East. with the fi rst panel session, Bashar al-Kadhi, H+K Strategies’ supporting new countries in Jacobs from BeIN Sport that have hosted Soccerex. bottom.

SPOTLIGHT I am here not just to play football, says Xavi

By Sahan Bidappa refugee camp gives me a sense of sat- bia on December 13th. Doha isfaction. I am just trying to give back “It’s a great opportunity for the and spread happiness,” said Xavi. people of Qatar to see a team like Bar- “I’m not as popular as current celona. I hope we see a great game panish football star Xavi Her- players. But I would like to make oth- against Al Ahli. I am in touch with the nandez has made Qatar his ers happy, this is the best thing I will players a lot, but it’s a great opportu- second home. The legendary achieve in my life. To inspire them to nity to see them in person again. It will midfi elder joined Qatar Stars play football is the biggest thing for be a full stadium, a spectacular game LeagueS side Al Sadd last season, after me. Yes, football is a means that can of football, because here they really 24 years playing for Spanish giants be very useful and change the lives of love Barca,” he said. Barcelona. the people. Xavi was glued to the TV in the Xavi is also an ambassador for the “As footballers we have to guide and weekend when Barcelona played Real 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and has help others, that is my aim. What we Madrid in ‘El Clasico’, which ended in embraced the life and culture in Qatar. want is this project be continued and a 1-1 draw after Real’s Sergio Ramos Yesterday, the former Spain captain also followed in other parts of the scored a last-minute header. was the focal point at the two-day world. We have to give something back “It was a very even match. In the Soccerex Asian Forum 2016 at the to the community. That’s the spirit of fi rst half we (Barcelona) didn’t play Grand Hyatt yesterday. this project,” the Spaniard added. well. (Luis) Suarez’s goal changed Xavi was one of the speakers at the Looking back, the 36-year-old is things and we played much better event on the opening day as he talked pleased that he has made a move to with Andre (Iniesta) coming on. Inies- about his experiences working with Qatar and said his role at the Aspire ta makes the diff erence for Barca, he is the Supreme Committee for Deliv- academy is to nurture the talent. always under control with his passing. ery & Legacy’s Generation Amazing “I am here not just to play football. Ramos’s goal to draw level may seem a programme. Xavi spoke passionately At the Aspire academy I try to impart bit unfair but if you analyse the game about his recent visit to Jordan, where my skills to kids there. I want to im- in general, Madrid deserved to take he met and inspired children in a refu- prove the ability of the local players home a point,” Xavi observed. gee camp. He said it was an unforget- here. It’s not easy to work as a coach On the chances of Al Sadd win- table experience to spend time with because you need a coordinate. We ning the QSL title this year, Xavi said the children. need to work together to implement the league is very competitive and it “This is a very important project the strategies of the Aspire Academy. is diffi cult to predict a winner. “We and I am proud to be part of it. To share We are trying to help players get ready have recruited some new players this my experiences, not only particular to to play at the 2022 World Cup,” Xavi season and so far it has been good. We football, but generally is what makes said. have to wait and see if we can win the me happy. It’s very interesting project The former Barcelona captain title. Al Rayyan won last year and we and goes with my personality. I know I was looking forward to welcome are trying our best. Competition is am blessed in my life, so to inspire and his former teammates to Doha for a tougher each year,” the Al Sadd skip- help the underprivileged children in a friendly against Al Ahli of Saudi Ara- per said. Xavi demonstrates skills with football freestyler Sean Garnier at Soccerex Asian Forum 2016 yesterday. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 6, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Guardiola to ring Napoli, Benfi ca, changes for Celtic, undecided Besiktas battle on Aguero for last 16 slots No Group B side has secured berth yet; PSG, Arsenal in action for top spot

AFP Paris

s Paris Saint-Germain joust with Arsenal for top spot in their group, Napoli, Benfi ca and Besiktas will battle it out todayA for last 16 Champions League slots. The Group B trio all have everything to play for in their fi nal pool games as the only one of the eight fi rst phase groups where no side has yet secured Reuters happy to give minutes to players who a berth. London deserve it. Whether Sergio will play, I Portugal’s Benfi ca, European cham- will decide today or tomorrow.” pions back in 1961 and 1962 in their Aguero’s teammate Fernandinho halcyon days but who have undera- anchester City manager was also sent off for his part in the me- chieved since, should have secured Pep Guardiola is plan- lee that followed the tackle on Luiz, their passage on matchday fi ve but ning to rotate his team for with the Brazilian midfi elder getting a threw away a three-goal lead at Be- today’s Champions League three-match ban. siktas. Mclash with Celtic, but would not con- Both players are available for selec- That Turkish comeback, rekindling fi rm if striker Sergio Aguero will get a tion in the Champions League. memories of Liverpool’s historic 2005 chance to redeem himself following his “We are going to accept the ban from Istanbul triumph, has left the group red card at the weekend. the Football Association and work with outcome on a knife-edge with Besik- City are guaranteed second spot in other players for the games,” Guardiola tas knowing that a win at eliminated Group C behind Barcelona and a place added. Dynamo Kiev will send them through. in the knockout stages irrespective “I like all the players to play. I want In contrast, the fi nal round of games of what happens in the fi nal round of to involve all the players. When we play pits Benfi ca against a Napoli side who fi xtures and Guardiola said he would every three days, the players must be beat them 4-2 back on matchday two make a late call on whether Aguero rotated.” in Italy — while Besiktas were drop- would feature. City came from behind three times ping home points against Kiev. The Argentina international was to secure a 3-3 draw at Celtic when the The Turkish side’s subsequent win sent off for a two-footed lunge on Dav- sides met in Glasgow in September, and in Italy threw the group wide open id Luiz during his team’s 3-1 defeat by the Spaniard is anticipating another and the 14-time national champions’ Chelsea in the Premier League on Sat- tough game against the Scottish cham- refusal to surrender against Benfi ca urday and has been banned for four do- pions at the Etihad Stadium. means they now fancy their chances. mestic matches. “In Glasgow, they played so aggres- Besiktas will hope that their best “There will be changes,” Guardiola sive. They are a real good team and it previous showing — a 1987 European told a news conference yesterday. “I am will be a good test for us,” he said. Cup quarter-fi nal appearance — will not prove a poor omen. Back then, they lost 7-0 on aggregate — to Kiev. Aguero’s four-match ban confi rmed Turkish daily Sabah expressed con- cern Sunday about the weather in Kiev AFP predicting that sub-zero tempera- London tures and snow could spell “danger”. Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne (left) controls the ball near teammate Jose Maria Callejon during a training session on the eve of the The paper added Aras Ozbiliz, Ander- UEFA Champions League match against Benfica at the SSC Napoli training ground yesterday. (AFP) son Talisca and Caner Erkin are on the ergio Aguero’s four-match treatment table and set to miss out. Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri. happens as City host Celtic and Barca Arsenal (ENG) suspension has been “It will be a diffi cult game, but it welcome Borussia Moenchenglad- At Paris: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) v Sconfirmed by the Football As- ALL AT STAKE IN LISBON could be two games in one. For the fi rst bach. Ludogorets (BUL) sociation following his dismissal in The winner of Benfi ca-Napoli in Lis- 70 minutes it could all be normal, then Atletico Madrid won Group D by a Manchester City’s loss to Chelsea. bon will qualify as group winners, go one way or the other in the fi nal 20 distance and are the only club in the GROUP B City striker Aguero was shown a while a draw would be enough to send minutes.” competition with a perfect record as At Lisbon: Benfica (POR) v Napoli (ITA) red card for a dangerous two- the latter through given their head- Beyond the tightest group of the sea- they prepare to do the double over At Kiev: Dynamo Kiev (UKR) v Besiktas footed foul on Chelsea defender to-head edge. If Besiktas lose, both son, the fi nal round of games is all about runners-up Bayern Munich. (TUR) David Luiz, which led to a bust-up will progress regardless. securing pole position and a theoreti- Rostov will look to avoid defeat at between players and coaches from Whereas Benfi ca warmed up for the cally softer second round draw. PSV Eindhoven and see their adven- GROUP C both teams in the final moments of game by losing their unbeaten record It’s been tight at the top through- tures carry on albeit in the Europa At Manchester, England: Manchester Saturday’s Premier League clash at in Portugal in slumping to unherald- out in Group A where there is noth- League. City (ENG) v Celtic (SCO) Eastlands. ed Maritimo at the weekend, Napoli ing to choose between Arsenal and A minute’s silence will be held be- At Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona The Argentina international, who broke back into the top four in Serie PSG, both through and level on points fore all matches as a mark of respect (ESP) v Borussia Moenchengladbach has scored 16 goals this season, will A when Slovakia midfi elder Marek ahead of fi nal games at Basel and home for Brazilian side Chapecoense, whose (GER) now miss league fixtures against Hamsik moved to within 11 goals of to Ludogorets, both winless make- squad was decimated by last week’s Leicester, Watford, Arsenal and Hull. Diego Maradona’s record haul of 115 weights. aircrash. GROUP D Aguero has already missed three three points clear at the top, but goals for the club after scoring in Fri- Barcelona have already won Group At Munich, Germany: Bayern Munich games through suspension this both clubs have been charged by day’s 3-0 romp over Inter Milan. C at the expense of Manchester City TODAY’S FIXTURES (GER) v Atletico Madrid (ESP) term for elbowing West Ham’s Win- the FA with failing to control their “As far as we’re concerned, we have who nonetheless accompany the Cat- GROUP A At Eindhoven, Netherlands: PSV ston Reid and his latest absence is players following the feisty finale. to go there looking for the win,” said alan club through regardless of what At Basel, Switzerland: Basel (SUI) v Eindhoven (NED) v Rostov (RUS) a major blow to City’s title challenge. City and Chelsea have until 1800 Fernandinho was also sent off for GMT on December 8 to respond to shoving Cesc Fabregas during the the charge. TARGET incident, with City’s Brazilian mid- Fabregas has avoided censure for fielder banned for three matches, as apparently striking Fernandinho indicated on the disciplinary pages during the bench-clearing row, of the FA website on Monday. prompting the Brazil international’s Flawless Atletico hunt perfect six at Bayern Chelsea won the game 3-1 to move furious reaction. AFP their defensive solidity with four con- Berlin secutive clean sheets following a 3-0 reverse to Real two weeks ago. UPDATE Simeone has named a full strength tletico Madrid can make 20-man squad for the trip to Ger- club history at Bayern Mu- many, but key players like Diego Go- nich today as the Spaniards din, Carrasco and Griezmann could be Barcelona dismiss look for a record sixth group rested for their crucial La Liga match stageA win with both teams through to at Villarreal next Monday. the last 16. Diego Simeone’s men ar- Having won the Bundesliga title Neymar injury fears rive in Munich as the only side with a for each of the last four seasons — a 100 percent record in Europe after fi ve German league record — Bayern fi nd AFP wins from fi ve. themselves in the unusual position of Barcelona The Group D leaders are six points second in Germany’s top fl ight, three clear of second-placed Bayern, who points adrift of leaders RB Leipzig. they beat 1-0 in Madrid in September, Head coach Carlo Ancelotti experi- arcelona striker Neymar is thanks to Yannick Carrasco’s fi rst-half mented for Friday’s 3-1 win at Mainz. suff ering from muscle fatigue winner. He switched Thomas Mueller from but no serious injury after Only fi ve teams have achieved the the wing to the attacking midfi eld and Saturday’s 1-1 draw with arch feat of winning all six Champions opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, rather rivalsB Real Madrid, the club said yes- League group stage games: Real Ma- than his preferred 4-3-3, which paid terday. drid (twice, 2011/12, 2014/15), AC Mi- off as Robert Lewandowski netted ei- The Brazil star was substituted just lan (1992/93), Paris Saint-Germain ther side of an Arjen Robben goal. before Sergio Ramos’s dramatic late (1994/95), Spartak Moscow (1995/96) insisted Bayern midfi elder Thiago Al- crucial away goal knocked the Bavar- It was a return to winning ways after equaliser in El Clasico and had com- and Barcelona (2002/03). cantara. ians out on a night when Thomas Mu- Ancelotti admitted his side made too plained of pain in his right leg. Bayern have their own record run to “It’s not just a matter of prestige, we eller and Fernando Torres had penal- many mistakes in the defeat to Rostov “The FC Barcelona medical services maintain in Munich as their 4-1 victo- want to decide the game for ourselves.” ties saved. and 1-0 league loss at Borussia Dort- conducted tests on Neymar this Mon- ry over PSV in October was their 14th Bayern also have a score to settle af- “The semi-fi nals were painful, but mund last month. day morning and were able to confi rm straight home win in the Champions ter September’s defeat in Madrid and it’s a thing of the past. Now we want a “When we look at the stats, we that the trouble he is feeling is due to League — a competition best. semi-fi nal exit last season at the hands good performance,” said Thiago. haven’t conceded many goals, but muscle fatigue in the groin area,” the The match at Munich’s Allianz of Atletico and Antoine Griezmann. Atletico’s contrasting domestic and there were many individual mistakes club said in a statement. Arena is a dead rubber and regardless Atletico lost last season’s fi nal to European fortunes so far this season we made and we’re working on that,” “They also determined that there is of the result Atletico will progress as neighbours Real in Milan on penalties continued as they were held to a 0-0 said Ancelotti. no sign of any injury,” it added, with group winners with Bayern second. having squeezed past Bayern in the draw by Espanyol at home on Saturday. The Italian says centre-back Jerome Neymar to undergo physiotherapy over Regardless, Bayern want a good per- semis. The result leaves them nine points Boateng is out with a shoulder injury, the course of the next few days before formance after their 3-2 defeat at Ros- Madrid beat Bayern 1-0 at home and adrift of runaway Spanish league lead- while Arturo Vidal will feature at some returning to training. game at home to Borussia Moencheng- tov last time out. although the Germans won the return ers Real Madrid. point after returning from a leg injury The 24-year-old is suspended for ladbach as well as Saturday’s visit to “We want to play at a high level,” 2-1 in Munich last May, Griezmann’s Atletico have at least recovered he picked up playing for Chile. today’s fi nal Champions League group Osasuna in La Liga. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, December 6, 2016 FOOTBALL

ACTION Trust urges clubs to back fi ght for justice over abuse claims

AFP of sexual abuse while a youth player at the Premier League and other stake- sibility? A little statement, a bit of dig- Manchester, United Kingdom Crewe in the 1980s. holders support and donate to the trust. nity. They have to take their head out of Since Woodward came forward there “We want to fi ght for justice. We the sand. Apologise.” have been 18 police forces involved in want reform and be able to move for- The Trust, which will be admin- he men behind an independent investigations concerning 450 alleged ward to protect children in all walks of istered by the Manchester legal fi rm body launched yesterday in the victims. life because we went through it. We just Prosperity Law LLP, have asked for do- wake of football’s abuse scan- “An apology would be a start. At least want to help people.” nations from the FA, Football League dal urged the clubs involved we have that and can move forward,” Walters revealed that neither he nor and the PFA, as well as urging players Tto apologise and support the fi ght for Woodward told reporters in Manches- Woodward have been contacted by Crewe and other commercial organisations justice. ter at the launch. since they decided to come forward. and stakeholders to support victims. The Off side Trust was launched to “The sheer size and scale of the Walters added: “We need more help help victims of abuse and will work problem is illustrated by the fact that APOLOGY and publicity, support from high profi le separately from the English Football over 860 victims have come forward in “From Crewe there is nothing. They sportsman. There is thousands of foot- Association and Professional Football- the last few days. have let us suff er all of our lives. You ballers, there are lots of people who can ers’ Association. “It is clear that abuse has existed on would not believe how many there are support us.” The trust has been created by Andy a major scale for many years. This trust to come out. Woodward, Steve Walters and Chris will support all of those who are victims “The clubs have to take responsibil- Former footballers and victims of Unsworth, who were all the victims of of abuse to include their families and ity. To me to get an apology would make abuse Steve Walters (left) and Andy historic child abuse. children. a hell of a diff erence. Woodward take part in a press confer- Two weeks ago Woodward waived his “We also hope that those who benefi t “Surely a football club who looked ence at the launch of The Off side Trust anonymity to reveal he was the victim from sport to include the FA, the PFA, after children surely it’s their respon- in Manchester yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT We practised diving Tetchy Mourinho in Argentina, admits Tottenham boss adamant United are was part of training to try to cheat. At AFP London Newell’s, many, many years ago it was part of practice.” Pochettino admitted that diving is ottenham boss Mauricio Po- no longer the murky preserve of foreign chettino defended midfi elder players and recalled the day when he Dele Alli from accusations of was punished for bringing down Eng- not getting any luck diving and revealed that when land striker Michael Owen at the 2002 The was a youngster in Argentina, he and World Cup. teammates even practised diving to win Owen fell over Pochettino’s left ‘When you play well there’s nothing more you can do’ penalties. leg but while referee Pierluigi Collina Alli was widely lambasted for his pointed to the spot, replays showed he Reuters know more about football than you do theatrical fall that won Spurs a fi rst- had not touched the striker. London — because the answer is obvious. half penalty in their 5-0 rout of Swan- “It was 15 years ago when Owen “When a direct team is losing they sea at White Hart Lane on Saturday. dived,” Pochettino said. intensify their direct football and Harry Kane converted the spot-kick. “Don’t believe that English foot- ot for the fi rst time this sea- when you have a two-metres (tall) But on Sunday, Pochettino explained ball is fair play always because Owen son, Jose Mourinho was left player on the bench you play him in how when he came through the ranks at jumped like he was in a swimming pool. in a wretched mood after front of the defensive line to help the Newell’s Old Boys in his native Argen- Come on. I didn’t touch him. I promise watching his Manchester team win.” tina they even used to practise diving in you. It’s true. NUnited side control a Premier League United have drawn six of their last eight training. “I think today football is more global. match only to end up missing out on league fi xtures and quizzed about another “In Argentina, yes, the people some- England is more like European football. victory on Sunday. match without a win, Mourinho inter- times practise that, it’s true,” Pochet- Now we have the infl uence of the Latin In a tetchy news conference follow- rupted: “It’s another game with a very tino said. people that try to cheat always. ing the 1-1 draw at Everton that left his good performance. We are not getting the “But many years ago. Now I don’t “Maybe you were more pure 20, 25, team in sixth place, the Portuguese results we deserve. When you play well know. But when I was a player always it 30 years ago. Now you are like us.” was adamant they deserved to win there’s nothing more you can do.” and said there was “nothing more” he So many of Mourinho’s teams in could do to change United’s fortunes. the past have been damned with faint LIGUE 1 Rather than address why the visi- praise for winning without fl air. tors were continually failing to kill What seems to be irritating him off opponents they had dominated, a now is that he feels United are be- stern-looking Mourinho launched a ing criticised for playing attractively counter attack. without getting the results. Nice stay top as Also, having been in so much trou- “You (reporters) have to make a ble of late with football’s authorities, decision,” Mourinho said. “Because he gave a non-committal response when my teams are playing pragmatic when asked about a Marouane Fellaini football and winning matches and ti- Marseille earn foul on Idrissa Gueye that gifted Ever- tles, you say that is not right and nice. ton an 89th-minute penalty converted “When my teams, like now, play by Leighton Baines. very, very well, you say that what mat- “I didn’t see it,” Mourinho said ters is to get results no matter what. welcome win while many observers felt the penalty “At this moment in the Premier award was soft. League you have teams getting results AFP Germain this campaign, remain stuck Then asked why he brought on the that defend with 11 players and attack Paris in eighth place. beanpole Fellaini as a substitute with Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini prepares to come on as a substitute as the space on the counter-attack (and Earlier Florian Thauvin struck just United leading 1-0, he snapped at manager Jose Mourinho looks on during the English Premier League match you say) it’s phenomenal, beautiful. So after half-time at the Stade Velodrome his questioner: “I thought you would against Everton on Sunday. (Reuters) you have to make a decision,” he added. ice held top spot in France before fellow Premier League cast- with a 3-0 win at home off s Bafetimbi Gomis and Clinton Njie against Toulouse on Sunday scored late goals after Benoit Pedretti BOTTOMLINE as Marseille claimed just a was sent off for Nancy. Nsecond victory in seven Ligue 1 match- It was just a fi fth win in 16 matches for es by beating Nancy 3-0. Marseille this season as the fallen French First half goals from Alassane Plea giants climbed back into the top half of and Younes Belhanda set Nice on their the table, 18 points behind leaders Nice. Jorge Mendes: disco boss to top football agent way with Ivorian Jean Michael Seri Rennes moved up to fourth as sec- rounding off with his ninth goal of the ond-half goals from Paul-Georges AFP nomic rights” with a view to making a ing with Ronaldo’s 94mn euro move campaign on 65 minutes. Ntep and Kamil Grosicki earned them a Paris killing when they were eventually sold from Manchester United. Nice have a three-point advantage on 2-0 win at home to Saint-Etienne. on for a hefty transfer fee in jurisdic- “I have every confi dence in him. He second-placed Monaco who whipped On Saturday, Radamel Falcao scored tions operating ultra-low corporation is like a big brother for me a father fi g- Bastia 5-0 on Saturday with Paris Saint- twice as Monaco thrashed Bastia 5-0, but wo decades ago, he was a sim- tax. ure in the world of football and godfa- Germain four points adrift of the leaders PSG crashed to a 3-0 defeat at Montpel- ple entrepreneur making a Such a practice has long been com- ther to my son,” said Ronaldo in a 2012 after falling 3-0 at Montpellier. lier to lose ground in the title race. living from managing a video mon notably in South America al- documentary which coincided with 15 Nice captain Dante admitted the win However, the action was overshad- club and discotheques. though the English Premier League years of Mendes’ agency work. was a psychological boost ahead of next owed by incidents in Metz where Lyon TThat was then. Today, at the age and also UEFA leagues have offi cially weekend’s clash with the champions at goalkeeper Anthony Lopes was taken of 50, Jorge Mendes operates in the condemned it. MOURINHO A FAN the Parc des Princes. to hospital with hearing problems after rarifi ed upper stratosphere of the hy- “Jorge Mendes is for me a great friend, “We’ll arrive in Paris next week with home fans targeted the Portugal inter- per-moneyed world inhabited by top SELF-MADE MAN more than an agent,” Jose Mourinho a four-point lead,” said the Brazilian national with fi recrackers. sportsmen as agent to the stars — in- Mendes appears to be an archetypal said of their relationship. defender. “There will be a little less Fortunately, the 26-year-old con- cluding Cristiano Ronaldo. ‘self-made man.’ Born to an oil indus- “Our careers started at the same pressure. But we mustn’t get carried fi rmed there would be no lasting That status has placed him at the try worker in Lisbon he left the Portu- time and happily things have gone well away. Despite the defeat at Montpellier, damage, but Metz could face heavy eye of the storm of the “Football guese capital aged 19 to enter the busi- for both of us,” said the man now in the Paris remain a great team. We’ve got to sanctions from authorities includ- Leaks” media investigation into al- ness world in the northern provincial Old Traff ord dugout who after leading be prepared to suff er in Paris.” ing forfeiting a game they had led 1-0 leged soccer corruption in the highest town of Viana do Castelo. Porto to the 2004 Champions League Toulouse, the only team to have before it was abandoned in the 31st echelons of the world game. A video club which he opened be- took several Portuguese stars with him beaten both Monaco and Paris Saint- minute. Nicknamed “the shark” by rival came a successful venture and soon to Chelsea. agents, the diminutive Mendes has a he would meet Portugal keeper Nuno Another Gestifute client is Mona- penchant on the whole for being dis- Espirito Santo in a disco he was also co’s Colombian star Radamel Falcao. creet — he rarely gives interviews. running. Mendes’ links with the Principal- When he does surface he is gener- A former semi-professional foot- ity side go back to his working on the ally seen phone in hand or clamped baller himself, Mendes set about cul- transfer to the French top fl ight club to his ear wheeling and dealing for his tivating close links to players, creating of Portuguese international Costinha stable of some 100 players or coaches his own network and starting to look in 1997. whose interests he manages. after their interests. He branched out Asked about his style of doing busi- Yet Mendes has been front page beyond Portugal as he progressively ness Mendes once said: “I am not one news since an international consor- established contacts with representa- of these agents who races after players tium of media organisations high- tives of foreign sides. making promises....” adding that he lighted a huge data leak purporting to reported by the European Investiga- “Having established good contacts, represents players interests and inter- show that Ronaldo and others, includ- tive Collaborations (EIC) media con- it is obvious now that the priority is to venes when clubs would prefer to do ing Jose Mourinho, kept millions of sortium. preserve rapport of confi dence with deals behind their backs. earnings out of the taxman’s reach in He was one of the fi rst to exploit major European clubs,” he told Ex- Sometimes their (transfer) situation havens. player rights through third parties presso newspaper in 2011 — ironically, is almost sealed and they themselves Mendes, whose company, Gestifute such as investment funds — a practice one of the papers in the leak consor- know nothing of it,” which is where he International, is registered in Ireland, FIFA has now made illegal. tium. comes in. has vigorously denied any wrongdo- Mendes Quality Sports Invest- “He works hard with players and As the controversy has gathered ing. Yet his methods have raised eye- ments, based in the tax haven of Jer- looks after them constantly,” Real Ma- pace since last Friday, Gestifute has brows in the past and are being ques- sey, off ered rich investors the chance drid president Florentino Perez once rejected allegations of facilitating tax Nice’s Younes Belhanda (left) celebrates after scoring a goal against Toulouse dur- tioned again after the data dump as to buy a percentage of players’ “eco- said of Mendes in allusion to his deal- evasion. ing their Ligue 1 match in Nice, France, on Sunday. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, December 6, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

QATAR STARS LEAGUE FOCUS Lekhwiya to face Sudamericana title given to Jaish in high stakes plane crash team

AFP Nacional responded to the crash by Asuncion, Paraguay calling for Chapecoense to be granted the Copa Sudamericana, the second highest club football title in South outh American football con- America. encounter today federation CONMEBOL agreed The confederation said it had heeded yesterday to award the Copa Nacional’s request in deciding to hand Sudamericana to Brazilian club the title to Chapecoense. ‘All that matters is who is top of the league come the end of the season’ Chapecoense,S whose team was wiped It awarded Nacional its CONMEBOL out in a plane crash while heading to Centenary Fair Play award. the fi nal. “There is no greater demonstration “CONMEBOL awards the title for of the spirit of understanding and fair the 2016 Copa Sudamericana champi- play... than the consideration and re- onship to Chapecoense,” including the spect shown by Atletico Nacional to $2.0mn in prize money, the confedera- its brothers in Chapecoense Football tion said in a statement. Club,” the statement said. The unsung club was having a fairy The small Brazilian city of Chapeco tale season until the charter plane fl y- held a massive funeral on Saturday for ing it to the biggest match in its history its team after the victims’ coffi ns ar- ran out of fuel and smashed into the rived home, each draped in the club’s mountains in northwestern Colombia a green and white fl ag. week ago, killing 71 people. A minute’s silence for the team The side was heading to play the fi rst was scheduled to be held before every leg of the fi nal against Colombian club Champions League and Europa League Atletico Nacional in the city of Medellin. game this week.

El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi (left) and Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi

By Sports Reporter goals in QSL games and will be aiming Doha to add to his tally in the derby game against El Jaish. Struggling Al Kharaitiyat are yet to able-toppers El Jaish take on register a win under new coach Ahmad second-placed Lekhwiya in al-Ajlani and will be eager to kick- what promises to be a must- start their season when they take on Al watch Qatar Stars League en- Ahli today. Tcounter today evening. Al Ahli lost narrowly 1-0 to El Jaish Ahead of the derby game at Lekhwi- last time out, and head coach Yusef ya stadium, El Jaish coach Sabri Lam- Adam is aiming for a win against Al ouchi was confi dent his side can make Kharaitiyat. “There is no doubt that their mark in this crunch match. the three points are very crucial to us “The pressure is on in some ways for in the coming game,” Adam said. my side. If we win we will have a seven Al Shahania are set to take on a point gap over our rivals, which will struggling Al Arabi side today. The Boca Juniors football team releases green balloons to pay homage to the 71 be helpful for us. If we lose we are still Oryxes will be targeting a big win victims of the plane crash in the Colombian mountains earlier this week, before top, but the gap is smaller. We must against an Al Arabi side that is yet to the start of their Argentina First Division football match against Racing Club at La manage the game well and we have the register a win in six QSL games. Bombonera stadium, in Buenos Aires, on Sunday. (AFP) quality to do that,” he said. Al Arabi head coach Edison Aguirre “We showed that we can win by has earmarked this tie as an important playing ugly against Al Ahli last week. one for his team. “There is plenty of UPDATE This was a wake-up call for the group pressure at Al Arabi at the moment, and we discussed how we cannot play that is normal in any big club in the like that again against a top opposition QSL, we must now focus on getting like Lekhwiya,” the Frenchman said. points and going up the standings this El Jaish have only dropped points is our aim from this game.” Barcelona-Al Ahli once this season, and Lamouchi said Struggling Al Sailiya will look to the team spirit is at an all-time high. bounce back from a 0-3 defeat against “That winning feeling is fantastic; Lekhwiya players celebrate a goal against Al Sailiya last week. Lekhwiya head Lekhwiya when they take on Muaither tickets to go on sale to build confi dence in a side. The more into their El Jaish clash off the back of a comfortable 3-0 win over Al Sailiya. today. wins you register the stronger you feel. As for Muaither, they fell to a 0-2 I know that Lekhwiya have dropped ment this is true. However, the season is El Arabi. defeat to Umm Salal in round nine. some points at times this season, but long and all that matters is who is top of “Yusef is a positive for us on and off Muaither have failed to pick up points in Villaggio, Gulf Mall not lost. Our aim will be to defeat the league come the end of the season. the pitch. He trains well and has set- in their last two QSL games and will be them on Tuesday.” “We need to concentrate in the big tled well, especially in scoring goals. eager to prove themselves against an By Sports Reporter highlights the LOC’s and Qatar Air- Second-placed Lekhwiya head into matches to avoid any mistakes. We Now he must focus heading into this established side. Doha ways’ eff orts to provide an opportunity their El Jaish clash off the back of a could have easily lost to Al Rayyan but busy period and do his best to help the for a greater number of fans from vari- comfortable 3-0 win over Al Sailiya in did well to draw the game. We must be club get top spot.” TODAY’S FIXTURES ous segments of the community to buy round nine. Head coach Djamel Bel- at full concentration against El Jaish,” Lekhwiya midfi elder Karim Boudiaf 4pm: Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Ahli fter huge demand for the on- a ticket for the match. madi stressed that his side are primed the Algerian tactician said. has been leading by example in the 4pm: Al Sailiya vs Muaither line tickets last week, the Lo- The LOC for the match said it was to take top spot when the time is right. Belmadi ended his press confer- centre for the Red Knights. The Qa- 6:10pm: Al Shahania vs Al Arabi cal Organising Committee delighted with the demand shown by “El Jaish are in good form at the mo- ence praising Moroccan signing Yusef tar international midfi elder has two 6:10pm: El Jaish vs Lekhwiya (LOC) has announced that the fans during the release of the three printA tickets for the Qatar Airways batches for tickets previously, show- Match of Champions between Barce- casing the rising excitement ahead of BOTTOMLINE lona and Al Ahli Saudi FC will be sold in the match between the Spanish and Villaggio and Gulf malls starting today. Saudi Arabian champions in Qatar and The match is scheduled to be hosted the region. on December 13 at Thani Bin Jassim As the offi cial sponsor of the two Eriksson to lead second-tier club Shenzhen FC Stadium (Al Gharafa Stadium) at 7pm. football giants, Qatar Airways will host The mall ticket booths can be ac- the match. cessed through gate 2 of both malls. Through Qatar Airways Holidays AFP achieve the goal, and the goal is to go chester City and Leicester City. The three batches of tickets released (www.qatarairways.com/cup) or ac- Shenzhen, China up to Super league.” Shenzhen FC thanked Seedorf for on Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) credited travel agents in the Arabian Eriksson replaces former Dutch his contributions but otherwise gave website took just a few hours to get sold Gulf, fans of the two teams can get spe- international Clarence Seedorf, who no reason for his departure. The team out. A total of approximately one mil- cial off ers and promotions, including ormer England coach Sven- took over at Shenzhen in July but have languished in China’s second tier lion visitors have visited QFA’s website fl ight tickets, hotel accommodation, Goran Eriksson yesterday took failed to win promotion to the Chinese since being relegated in 2011. to try and buy a ticket. and match tickets. charge of second-division Super League. As a player, Seedorf won domes- Making the fans journey easier, Qa- Both clubs had highly successful Chinese club Shenzhen FC, Shenzhen said it expected Eriks- tic and continental titles in his native tar Airways Holidays has off ered fans campaigns last season, winning the leavingF the top tier of China football son’s “rich coaching experience, ad- Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Brazil of both teams to book Flight + Hotel domestic double, and the match in Qa- for the challenge of lifting a team out vanced football philosophy, and inti- but his managerial career has been less + Match Ticket package and Flight + tar gives fans from the region and be- of relegation. mate knowledge of Chinese football” distinguished and he was dismissed by Match Ticket package online on their yond the opportunity to see the players Eriksson, who has raised the for- to bring success. Milan in 2014 after just four months in website. in action in the host nation of the 2022 tunes of Chinese Super League sides Eriksson left Shanghai SIPG, one of the job. The gradual release of ticket batches FIFA World Cup. Guangzhou R&F and Shanghai SIPG China’s biggest clubs, last month after The CSL has a reputation for abrupt in his three seasons coaching in the two seasons in charge. managerial turnaround. country, parted ways with SIPG last SIPG were CSL runners-up in SIPG said in November Eriksson month despite leading them to a third- Eriksson’s fi rst year at the club and was leaving following “friendly dis- place fi nish. reached the AFC Champions League cussions” and it quickly replaced him After being introduced as Shen- for the fi rst time. with former Chelsea and Tottenham zhen’s skipper in a press conference in The made the last eight of the 2016 Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas. the southern Chinese city near Hong Champions League competition but Shanghai Shenhua last week named Kong, the Swede said he wasn’t ready AFP, calling Shenzhen FC a “big club crashed out to the eventual champions former Uruguay international Gustavo to leave China and the fast growth of with big ambitions.” from South Korea Jeonbuk Hyundai Poyet as their new coach after cutting football in the country. “Hopefully we will play good foot- Motors, losing the second leg by an ties with his Spanish predecessor Gre- “I’ve been in China for three and a ball and hopefully we will win a lot embarrassing 5-0. gorio Manzano despite a fourth-place half years and I feel that I still want to of football matches. That’s the target Eriksson coached England from CSL fi nish that earned them an AFC work with football in China,” he told of course. Trying very, very hard to 2001-2006 and went on to lead Man- Champions League spot. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, December 6, 2016 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT 2ND ANNUAL SGF OPEN GOLF C’SHIP 2016 Qatar’s Saleh al-Kaabi scores great win in Matsuyama holds Saudi Arabia

QNA gressively to have any chance at Riyadh catching Othman, attacking the pins in wild abandon for birdies on 2, 3 and 9. atar national team At the turn, the two players off Stenson to win standout Saleh al- were even at 4-over for the tour- Kaabi played near- nament, with Almulla dropping Qfl awless golf in the three shots with consecutive bo- round that mattered most to pull geys on Nos. 4 and 5 and double off a three-stroke come-from- bogey on 8. Leader in the fi rst behind victory in the 2nd Annual two days, Almulla went south SGF Open Golf Championship Saturday, couldn’t convert birdie 2016 at Dirab Golf & Country chances on 13 and 15 and even World Challenge Club on the outskirts of Riyadh. dropped a shot on 18 for a fi nal Saleh al-Kaabi was dialled in round 76 and 221 total. for the fi nal round, as he fi red a In contrast, al-Kaabi had no ‘There are a lot of great players in Asia and hopefully through my success a lot more sparkling bogey-free 5-under 67 mistakes, hitting the ball pure on to fi nish the three-day 54-hole a day the cool wind blew in glori- of them will now try to come to the United States and play on the PGA Tour’ prestigious event on two-over ous sunshine. total of 218. Playing in a group ahead of AFP Al-Kaabi was six strokes down Almulla, al-Kaabi took the lead Nassau, Bahamas to overnight leader Saudi Ara- with a birdie on par-5 13 where he bia’s Othman Almulla at the start hit a 5-iron approach that found of the day. the green, after a monster drive, ideki Matsuyama captured Al-Kaabi opted to play ag- and made two putts. his fourth title in the past two months Sunday by holding off reigning British Open champi- LPGA onH Henrik Stenson to win the Hero World Challenge by two strokes. The 24-year-old Japanese star served notice that he will be a contender to be- India’s Aditi earns come his homeland’s fi rst male major golf champion by taking the 18-man in- vitational event hosted by 14-time major partial LPGA Tour winner Tiger Woods. “He’s going to be one of the top guys to beat for a very long time,” said Woods, membership who made his comeback this week from a 16-month back injury layoff . IANS Simi Mehra to earn the status. Sixth-ranked Matsuyama fi nished on Daytona Beach, Florida Aditi scored a 1-over 73 in her 18-under par 270 after a closing one-over fi rst round, then made a strong par 73 while Sweden’s fourth-ranked comeback in her next rounds, Stenson, who trimmed an eight-shot ndian golfer Aditi Ashok shooting a 2-under 70, 1-under defi cit to two, shot 68 to stand on 16-un- ended at tied-24th to earn 71 and 1-under 71 to begin the fi - der 272. the Partial Ladies Profes- nal round On Sunday in the tied- “I think he’ll be a major champion sional Golf Association 27th position. within the next couple years,” said fi fth- I(LPGA) Tour membership for “It’s been a long week @ ranked Jordan Spieth of the United States, 2017 at the qualifying tourna- ROAD2LPGA qualifying. Short who followed a 2014 Challenge title with ment here. by 2 to earn a full status @LPGA 2015 Masters and US Open triumphs. Golfers fi nishing in the top 20 but had great experience with Matsuyama won at the Japan Open after the fi nal round earned the Terry McNamara on my bag,” and World Golf Championships HSBC full LPGA status for 2017, while Aditi wrote on Twitter. Champions in October, settling for a a partial LPGA status was given Jaye Marie Green of the US runner-up spot in Malaysia in between, to those who fi nished between won the LPGA Tour qualify- and won last month at the Taiheiyo Mas- 21st and 45th. With this, Aditi ing tournament with an overall ters in Japan. became the second woman after score of 13-under 347. After adding the Challenge trophy, could a historic major be next for Mat- suyama? “That’s my goal and one of the things Five things we learned from the I’ll be working hard to accomplish,” Mat- return of Tiger Woods suyama said. Matsuyama has fi ve top-10 eff orts in Woods isn’t ready to win yet spoke of how players began 17 major starts, including a career-best There were moments you tweet-comparing trophy cases fourth at this year’s PGA Championship. wanted to fit him for another and Tiger chimed in with the He was fi fth in last year’s Masters and green jacket. There were mo- all-time winner, only to be told shared seventh this past April at Augusta Hideki Matsuyama of Japan waves alongside caddie Mei Inui on the first hole during the final round of the Hero World Challenge. ments you wanted him to give he didn’t count. National. it up for good. There was a camaraderie “Starting next week, all my focus and body that he has — it’s built for a work- more putts you make the bigger the hole FINAL SCOREBOARD - KEY SCORES Woods flashed brilliance and built among players and preparation will be for the Masters,” he load and it’s built to handle the test of gets and the confi dence grows and that Key scores after the final round of the horror and finished on four- Woods was big on tweeting said. “Hopefully along the way I can play time. He’s going to be one of the players has played a big part in it.” Hero World Challenge, at par-72 Albany under par 284. He shot the his thoughts. It helped that he well on the PGA Tour, but my next goal is that we’re going to have to beat for a long Only 100 wins to go Golf Club (USA unless noted): worst round of anyone at 76. was unable to play at the Ry- the Masters.” time.” Matusyama, now with 13 pro wins, says He led in birdies with 24. der Cup, so he could focus on Stenson sank a six-foot birdie putt US Open champion Dustin Johnson there are a lot of better players world- 270 - Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 65-67-65-73 He fired a bogey-free 65 in players and holes and strategy at the 16th to pull within two and both and fellow Americans Matt Kuchar and wide, including at least one from Japan, 272 - Henrik Stenson (SWE) 67-71-66-68 round two that was his best to help the US victory. parred the 17th. Rickie Fowler shared third on 275, two Hall of Famer Jumbo Ozaki, who won 113 275 - Rickie Fowler 68-70-68-69, Matt round since the last time But as Tiger becomes an elder At 18, Matsuyama found the right strokes ahead of US trio Bubba Watson, titles worldwide. Kuchar 67-67-71-70, Dustin Johnson 66- he won at the WGC event in statesman — he turns 41 on rough and went over the green with his Brandt Snedeker and Spieth. “I’m not the greatest golfer from Ja- 66-72-71 Akron back in 2013. December 30 — he has a role approach while Stenson gave himself a “He’s on an awesome run,” Spieth said pan,” he said. “Jumbo won 100 times. 277 - Bubba Watson 72-63-75-67, Jordan He needs more work. He will on the Ryder Cup committee 10-foot birdie chance. of Matsuyama. “It’s hard to call it a run So unless I win 100 times, I wouldn’t be Spieth 68-69-70-70, Brandt Snedeker put in more work. He needs and a new way to channel his Matsuyama responded by chipping when it just means that somebody’s got greater than Jumbo.” 72-64-69-72 to find consistency. He needs competitive golf nature. within inches of the cup. the game clicking. You can’t really call it But Matsuyama hopes his current suc- 279 - Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 67-67-73-72 more events to be tournament Beware Europe and you Stenson lipped out on his birdie putt a run because even when he doesn’t play cess can inspire Asian golfers to raise 280 - Patrick Reed 72-69-71-68 fit and avoid fading late in Presidents Cup Internationals and both closed with pars to give the that well, he still plays well. He has all the their game on the global stage. “There are 281 - J.B. Holmes 64-73-70-74 rounds. He was able to make as well. Tiger might be more Asian star the $1 million top prize at the keys.” a lot of great players in Asia and hopefully 282 - Zach Johnson 72-69-70-71 great starts. That could put dangerous behind the scenes $3.5 million event. Matsuyama credits his hot streak to through my success a lot more of them 283 - Brooks Koepka 72-68-72-71, Jimmy him ahead in some ways if he than as a player in the team “It’s going to give him a boatload of improved putting. will now try to come to the United States Walker 70-74-66-73 can solve other issues. events. confi dence going into next year,” said “When I putt well, I can contend,” and play on the PGA Tour,” Matsuyama 284 - Tiger Woods 73-65-70-76 He’s older Tiger, not the Tiger Woods, who fi nished 15th. “Look at his Matsuyama said. “These last fi ve events, said. “Hopefully that will increase the 286 - Russell Knox (SCO) 69-72-71-74 of old. And Albany is not the Tiger has a solid foundation swing, look at his game and look at the I’ve been able to make some putts and the popularity and level of Asian golf.” 289 - Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 70-72-75-72 typical US PGA Tour stop. His foundation does wonders It’s not going to off er the ten- giving kids opportunities who sion of a Sunday in a major. otherwise would not have BOTTOMLINE It’s 18 guys not a full field. them. It’s not many of those players Education. Dreams. His busi- that Tiger inspired that now ness world is united under block his path to a return. the TGR umbrella, and one venture was showcased this Tiger had more friends than week. He’s a partner in Albany, Tiger upbeat aft er mixed fortunes he knew the exclusive Bahamas area “It blew me away.” That’s what that is remote but growing. Woods said about so many Ernie Els helped start it. Justin Reuters stint on the sidelines due to game from outside 70 yards in fellow pros off ering their Rose lives there. Joe Lewis, Nassau, Bahamas back-related issues. the Bahamas but felt his golf support, advice and even just whose Tavistock Group owns “I am just so thankful to be back swing needed fi xing. company for a night out. English football side Totten- out here playing again,” Woods “In round number one, you After nearly 20 years of focus ham Hotspur, helped start it. iger Woods’ return to told reporters after closing with a saw him get to the 18th tee, his and grinding, wins and an And it just had a week of free competition after an ab- four-over 76 on Sunday to fi nish misses all day had been to the intimidating aura, Tiger has global advertising on golf tel- sence of nearly 16 months 15th in a fi nal fi eld of 17. left,” Chamblee said. “So you are learned the man behind the ecasts of Tiger’s comeback. was a mixed bag, though “I made some birdies this going to do everything you can 14 majors and 79 career wins He’s not worried about lunch theT former world number one said week, and I felt like I did re- to make sure that the toe doesn’t has earned more respect and money. he had a great week simply com- ally well in that regard but I also beat the heel to the golf ball. Ti- admiration from his rivals than peting at the Hero World Chal- made some really silly mistakes. ger Woods would have known he ever imagined. Tiger’s body needs extra lenge in the Bahamas. I played the par-fi ves, quite that and he couldn’t do it, he Players gave their time to care He’s taking cold baths. The roller-coaster nature of frankly, awful.” couldn’t stop it. be in his charity events that He’s not running so much or his form over the four days at the In the twilight of his career at “And yet here he is playing a benefit his foundation. lifting weights so much -- all Albany course on the island of age 40, Woods knows that time more conservative route later on Beyond ‘Tiger Inc.,’ beyond those things he did when he New Providence was sharply il- is not on his side but he intends in the week off of the 18th tee, not those who can make money was younger that forced rivals lustrated by the fact that he led to play as much tournament golf going with the driver, and still not with him, Woods has inspired to do the same to keep up the elite fi eld with birdies (24) as he can next year as he strives able to fi nd the fairway. He’d miss friendship and admiration for with him. and double-bogeys (six). to work his way back up the left, he would miss right.” who he is as a person. He’s going to face guys who While Woods showed fl ashes world rankings from a mind- Chamblee was also unim- For someone who wondered can do those lifts and runs and of the brilliant golf he produced boggling 898th. pressed by Woods’ chipping, the a year ago if he might never can recover faster between while accumulating 14 major ti- “The good thing is that because low point being a chunked chip get out of bed easily again, it’s rounds. And he wants to win tles, he also delivered the inept, I have been away for so long, eve- at the par-fi ve sixth on Sunday nice to know you have friends. four more majors to catch often fi nding sandy waste ar- rything I do here I keep accruing which led to a double-bogey. Jack’s record. eas off the tee or with approach (ranking) points,” said Woods. “If “Any tour player that tries to Tiger is a Trump-esque He will have to figure out new shots, and occasionally bladed I play halfway decent, I will keep hit a wedge off a green is going to tweetmeister ways of winning. You could bunker shots over greens. climbing quickly.” take a long swing and make sure Woods fired off lots of tweets see the process start this week He sank a few long-range Former PGA Tour winner that they use the bounce and ful- in his role as Ryder Cup assist- as he layed up at times, trying putts but too often was unsteady Brandel Chamblee, who now ly release,” said Chamblee. “The ant captain. new ways to negotiate the from inside six feet as he tried to Tiger Woods of the United States tips his cap on the 18th hole during works as a Golf Channel analyst, fact that he missed the bounce One story told by a rival course and be successful. shake off the rust after a lengthy the final round of the Hero World Challenge at Albany, The Bahamas. was impressed by Woods’ wedge there is very, very troubling.” Gulf Times Tuesday, December 6, 2016 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ACHIEVEMENT Westbrook in rare territory with fi ft h Clippers blow straight triple-double 15-point lead, lose 111-102 to Pacers

‘I thought that six-minute stretch to begin the second quarter hurt us and then I File picture of Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook. thought the first six minutes in the third quarter destroyed us’ AFP Davis had a chance to trim Los Angeles the defi cit to fi ve, but he missed back-to-back shots on the same possession. ussell Westbrook be- Westbrook then produced a came the fi rst player fastbreak fi nger roll to stretch the since Michael Jordan edge back to 93-84 with 2:39 to in 1989 to notch fi ve play. straightR triple-doubles in the An Oladipo free throw and two NBA, his latest on Sunday pow- three-pointers from Hield pulled ering Oklahoma City to a 101-92 New Orleans within 94-90. victory over the Pelicans in New But they would get no closer Orleans. and Westbrook’s three-pointer Westbrook scored 28 points, in the fi nal minute put the game pulled down 17 rebounds and away. handed out 12 assists for his 10th “I don’t think I have any words triple-double of the season and to describe him,” Kanter, the his fi fth in a row. Thunder’s Turkish center, said of His streak is the longest since Westbrook. “English is my sec- Jordan posted seven straight in ond language.” 1989. Gentry said the Pelicans did “It’s just a blessing,” West- about all they could do. brook said. “I’m very, very bless- “I thought we did about as ed to be able to play the game I good of a job on Russell in the love. Like I’ve said before, I never fi rst half as you can do,” he said. take it for granted. Every time I “That being said, the guy still step on the fl oor, I’m blessed be- ends up with 17 rebounds, 11 as- yond belief.” sists, 27 points or whatever it is.” Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry In New York, Derrick Rose said before the game that in his and Carmelo Anthony scored 20 opinion Westbrook is “the best points apiece to lead the Knicks athlete in the NBA”. to a 106-98 victory over the Sac- “It’s fun watching him play ramento Kings. against everybody else,” Gentry It was the third time in four said, though it wasn’t as much games that Rose scored 20 fun watching Westbrook unleash points. his talents on his own team. Brandon Jennings added a sea- Thunder center Enes Kanter son-high 19 points and Kristaps recorded 17 points and 10 re- Porzingis chipped in 15 points, bounds. 14 rebounds and four blocked Victor Oladipo added 15 points shots for the Knicks, who handed for Oklahoma City, who with- Sacramento their third straight stood 37 points and 15 rebounds defeat. from Pelicans star Anthony Davis. RESULTS Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (R) gets by Los Angeles Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute for a basket in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Rookie Buddy Hield broke out Results from the NBA games on of a slump with 16 points, all in Sunday (home team in CAPS) MCT funk of the season after losing for the “We had three, four, fi ve times during telling guys, ‘Just win the game, ball it up the second half, for the Pelicans, Indiana 111 LA CLIPPERS 102; Los Angeles fourth time in their last six games, two of the game where we made runs and they and throw it away.’ “ who trailed by as many as 15 but NY KNICKS 106 Sacramento 98; the defeats coming against the Pacers in a made a three or we turned it over, they Thaddeus Young had 17 points to lead cut the lead to seven points with OKLAHOMA CITY 101 New Orle- span of seven days. got an off ensive rebound, we fouled two all fi ve Indiana starters in double-fi gure three minutes remaining. ans 92; Orlando 98 DETROIT 92 week later, nothing had There were some improvements over three-point shooters,” Rivers said. “So scoring. Guard Rodney Stuckey added 16 changed between the Los An- that recent road loss to Indiana, when the it’s just one of those nights.” points off the bench for the Pacers. geles Clippers and the Indiana Clippers scored only 70 points for their Blake Griffi n had 24 points, 16 rebounds Rivers disagreed with the notion that IN SUPPORT APacers where it mattered most. lowest output of the Rivers era. and fi ve assists and Chris Paul added 18 his team was in a rut. A more energised start and a frantic They came out strong Sunday, build- points and 11 assists for the Clippers (16-6), “I just feel like we’re losing individual comeback could not compensate for the ing a 15-point lead in the fi rst quarter, who concluded a stretch of six weeks with- games,” Rivers said. “I don’t think we’re Clippers’ shortcomings during the bal- and fought almost to the fi nish, shaving out two days off between games. ever going to be in a funk with this team, Cubs’ could lead to ance of their 111-102 loss Sunday night at what had been a 20-point defi cit to four There was a visible fatigue factor as I really don’t. We may drop games here Staples Center. on a putback dunk by DeAndre Jordan the Clippers committed 20 turnovers and and there, but I think we’re going to win a The Clippers’ reserves struggled early with 1:26 left in which he was fouled by continually settled for jump shots while lot more than we lose. This is a good bas- deals that address in the game and the entire team was hor- Indiana’s Paul George. shooting 44.4 percent and making 10 of ketball team, I think a great team, but we rible during a third quarter in which it But Jordan missed the resulting free 30 three-pointers (33.3 percent). Clip- have to do that every night. was outscored, 35-17, necessitating a throw and George gathered a defl ected pers shooting guard J.J. Redick made only “I told our guys at halftime, ‘We pitching needs massive rally it could not complete. pass in the corner on the Pacers’ next fi ve of 15 shots on the way to 15 points. can’t have bad nights, we’ve got to have “I thought that six-minute stretch to possession for a three-pointer that gave “We didn’t look like we had it tonight,” hard nights,’ and right now we’re hav- MCT potential. The Cubs likely will begin the second quarter hurt us,” Clip- the Pacers a 107-100 lead. George glee- Griffi n said after making 10 of 21 shots. ing bad nights. A hard night means that National Harbor, Maryland need to trade multiple players to pers coach Doc Rivers said, “and then I fully bounded toward his teammates “You could tell with the types of shots we you didn’t play well but you fi gure out a acquire a young, cost-controlled thought the fi rst six minutes in the third during the timeout that followed while were missing and the types of turnovers way to win. A bad night, that means you starting pitcher. quarter destroyed us.” the Clippers trudged off the court, their we had. It was everybody.” didn’t fi gure it out and you lost the game uring the Cubs’ fi ve- A source confi rmed last win- The Clippers appear to be in their fi rst fate essentially sealed. Said Paul: “I was in the huddle just and right now we’re having bad nights.” year construction plan ter that the Cubs were engaged that brought them their in talks with the Rays, who have Dfi rst World Series cham- several starting pitchers under BOTTOMLINE pionship since 1908, the organisa- team control. There’s a strong tion took pride in building young case for the Cubs to add more depth designed to form a formida- young depth, considering Jake ble nucleus for perennial postsea- Arrieta can become a free agent son competition. after 2017 and John Lackey, 38, The midseason acquisition of is entering the fi nal year of his Aroldis Chapman from the Yan- contract. Anthony, Knicks hold off Kings kees helped the Cubs win their Candelario made a favorable MCT in the third quarter, were saved with those guys that they’re elusive title. It came at a cost, impression on manager Joe Mad- New York by Carmelo Anthony. Anthony going to move the ball and get though, as top prospect Gleyber don after hitting .350 (14-for- hit two huge shots in the fi nal four something good. The front line Torres was the centerpiece of a 40) with three home runs in 2016 minutes, including a 3-pointer guys, I think we’re getting pretty four-player package. training, and then batting .283 t’s hard to say what will with 3:24 left that made the score good and understanding where The Cubs’ needs entering the with 13 home runs, 39 doubles happen if Joakim Noah ever 99-94 and gave the Knicks con- they like the ball.” winter meetings aren’t urgent, and 70 walks for Triple-A Iowa. gets fully healthy, fi nds his trol of the game for good. The Knicks dominated early, but they may need to move more Caratini batted .291 with 54 legs and starts playing like Anthony fi nished the game and Rose was a big reason why. prospects to add players who walks at Double-A Tennessee. Ithe player the Knicks thought with 20 points and shot 8-for- The Knicks point guard hit can help them achieve their twin Tennessee outfi elder Mark Za- he was going to be when they 20. Derrick Rose also scored 20 eight of his fi rst 10 shots, scor- goals of repeating as champions gunis (.288, 52 walks) is another signed him to a $72 million con- points, had six rebounds and ing 18 points as the Knicks took and becoming a perennial posts- prospect who could be attrac- tract this past summer. six assists. Kristaps Porzingis a 21-point lead in the second eason power. tive. Pitchers Jose Paulino and After missing four of his last also drew a lot of duty guard- quarter and led by as many as 19 That might not be so terrible, Corey Black also are intriguing, eight games, Noah was back in ing Cousins and fi nished with points with 6:51 left in the third. considering that the Cubs al- but teams must protect them on the starting lineup for the Knicks 15 points and 14 rebounds. Noah The Kings, a team that is ready have some young corner- their 40-man rosters if they’re on Sunday night. And though his grabbed eight rebounds scored mainly Cousins surrounded stones. 2016 National League acquired prior to Thursday’s statistics and foul shooting were just two points and was 0-for-4 by role players, new before the most valuable player Kris Bryant Rule 5 draft. again dreadful, Noah did manage from the free throw line. game they were going to have a is entrenched at third base (as The Cubs have been review- to do a decent job of getting into The Knicks (11-9) have won tough time with Rose. well as assisting at other posi- ing a list of new free agents who big man DeMarcus Cousins head three straight. They’ve also “He looks good,” coach Dave tions) at age 24. Kyle Schwarber were not tendered contracts by in crunch time as the Knicks won 8 of their last 11 games giv- Joerger said before the game. “I (23) and Willson Contreras (24) Friday’s deadline. The Cubs were held on to defeat the Kings, 106- ing them the best record in the like his body. I think he’s car- appear to be mainstays regard- interested in Tyson Ross prior to 98, at Madison Square Garden. Eastern Conference during that rying a little less weight, not less of position. the 2015 trade deadline, and the Cousins fi nished the game stretch. The Kings (7-13) have that he’s ever heavy. As you get That young depth enables Padres recently non-tendered with 36 points and shot 9 for 30 lost three straight. older if you can, if you can get the Cubs to move some of their him. with fi ve rebounds but missed “I think with our guys, com- learner it’s easier on your joints. young assets, such as 23-year- Ross, 29, is recovering from his last four shots of the game petitors they all want to be out ... It looks like he’s got that step old switch-hitters Jeimer Can- thoracic outlet syndrome, an and got into a shoving match there,” Hornacek said before the again. I think it’s exciting time delario and Victor Caratini, for ailment that occurs when blood with Noah underneath the bas- game about the team coming to- with him.” pitching help. vessels or nerves between the ket that resulted in both players gether. “You’re trying to get the The Kings are really a one- It’s virtually axiomatic that collarbone and fi rst rib are com- being assessed with a double feel for which guys work well to- man show, and that one man outfi elder Jorge Soler will be in- pressed and ended the career technical with 7:54 left. gether. I think we’ve seen all year just doesn’t seem to get it done cluded in any trade discussions of former pitcher Todd Stot- In the meantime, the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks reacts after making a our bench group has done really consistently enough to make the because his injuries and incon- tlemyre. But Ross is expected to who had given 18 straight points three pointer against the Sacramento Kings. well. I think we feel confi dent Kings a watchable team. sistency have off set his prolifi c return by late spring. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, December 6, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT HERO Koivu’s fi ft h career OT goal wins it for Tom Brady leads Wild in Edmonton Patriots to victory over the Rams On a sunny day that featured temperatures in the 30s, Tom Brady became the winningest quarterback in NFL history as the Patriots improved to 10-2 Minnesota Wild players celebrate winning the game. MCT McDavid was held to three shots, Edmonton, Alberta although he missed the fi nal 8:14 of the second period being checked for a concussion. ith the Minnesota With the Wild looking lifeless Wild in the midst of and disinterested and unbelieva- a weirdly scheduled bly soft and sloppy in its own zone, Wfi ve-game, 12-day the Wild fi nally got a shot to end a trip with two days off before three nearly 10-minute drought for an of the games, the Wild has had to off ensive-zone draw. bide time on the road by eating That’s when Zack Kassian out ... a lot, twiddling thumbs and decided to drop the gloves with staring at hotel room ceilings. Kurtis Gabriel off the faceoff . “It feels like we’ve been on With the minor-league call-up, the road a month,” cracked Zach playing for the second time in as Parise. Sunday night, the team at many games, obviously looking least got to play a hockey game to spark his lethargic team, that’s in one of its favourite cities. The not typically a time a home-team game wasn’t played inside one of player should accept an invita- its favourite arenas though. tion to fi ght with a 1-0 lead. The Edmonton Oilers moved Nevertheless, Kassian fought, into the sparkling new, very im- and it worked perfectly for the pressive Rogers Place before the Wild because the score was tied season, closing up the old, dark 40 seconds later. Rexall Place that the Wild had Parise was plugged into Gabri- grown to love with 11 victories in el’s spot on the ensuing faceoff , its fi nal 12 visits. and on the next shift, Niederre- The Wild’s mojo didn’t exactly iter took Parise’s spot. Niederre- carry over to the downtown rink, iter put forth a strong forecheck, but it was able to rally from an then took Staal’s pass, was de- early defi cit and take a 2-1 victory nied on a shot but gobbled up the after Mikko Koivu’s fi fth career rebound and quickly set up Coyle overtime goal. for his team-leading ninth goal in He scored on a pretty deke and the period’s fi nal minute. backhander after Charlie Coyle set The Wild looked much strong- him up. It was the third overtime er in the second period than it did in four games on the 1-1-2 trip that in the second, but it was unable ends Wednesday in Toronto. A loss to beat backup goalie Jonas Gus- would have moved the Wild out- tavsson. Playing for No. 1 Cam side the top-8 in the West. Talbot because he played the The Wild is 6-6-3 in its past night before against Anaheim, 15 games. In a game where Nino Gustavsson was playing on his Niederreiter was reunited on fi fth game of this season. the top line with Eric Staal and The Wild’s two best chances New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacts after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Coyle, Niederreiter set up Coyle were by Parise, but he hit the post for a tying goal early. once and was denied on a breaka- MCT Fisher is in the fi nal year of a contract defender hit Goff ’s arm while he was at- 25, and held the ball nearly 22 minutes in Former Oiler Devan Dubnyk, way the other time. Then, with Foxborough that pays him $7 million annually. Gen- tempting to pass. the fi rst two quarters. beaten less than three minutes in nine seconds left in the power eral Manager Les Snead, who also is in The Rams’ Todd Gurley rushed for only The Rams, who gave up two touch- by Patrick Maroon, was terrifi c play, Nate Prosser took a delay- the fi nal year of his contract, also has an 38 yards in 11 carries. downs on fourth-down plays last week at and made 28 saves. of-game penalty. The Wild’s pen- eff Fisher and the Los Angeles extension. The new deals were confi rmed The Patriots took a 17-0 halftime lead New Orleans, did it again Sunday. Since joining the Wild, Dub- alty kill, which has been leaky for a Rams travelled across the country by people with knowledge of the situa- and got three second-half fi eld goals On the fi rst possession of the game, nyk had been 3-1 against the Oil- month, only surrendered one shot nearly 3,000 miles, but they could tion, but terms of the new deals were not from Stephen Gostkowski. the Patriots had a fourth-and-one at ers with a 1.51 goals-against av- on the two disadvantages. not escape controversy. released One of the only things that went right the Rams’ 43. Blount took a hand-off , erage and was 2-0 in Edmonton JA few hours after news broke Sunday On a sunny day that featured tempera- for the Rams was when Fisher won a bounced outside toward the right side- with a 0.50 goals-against average RESULTS that Fisher has a contract extension, his tures in the 30s, Tom Brady became the challenge after offi cials ruled that Brian line and turned around safety Maurice and .974 save percentage. Lightning 0 (OT) Hurricanes team played an uninspired game in a 26- winningest quarterback in NFL history as Quick was out of bounds when he made Alexander on his way to the end zone for The Wild held the Western 1; Flyers 4 Predators 2; Red 10 loss to the New England Patriots at the Patriots improved to 10-2. a 17-yard catch in the third quarter. Greg a 7-0 lead. Conference’s highest-scoring Wings 4 (OT) Islanders 3; Jets 2 Gillette Stadium. The Patriots outgained the Rams, 402- Zuerlein’s 44-yard fi eld goal six plays lat- Goff ’s pass on the fi nal play of the fi rst team and the NHL’s leading scor- Blackhawks 1; Wild 2 (OT) Oilers 1; The defeat, the Rams’ seventh in eight 162, and 66 of the Rams’ yards came on er eliminated the possibility of a shutout. quarter bounced off Kendricks’ hands er, Connor McDavid, in check. Ducks 3 Flames 8 games, dropped their record to 4-8. one play. The Rams converted only one of Goff connected with receiver Kenny and into the arms of cornerback Malcolm The news of Fisher’s extension _ he is 12 third downs. Britt for a 66-yard gain with less than Butler. Brady took over at the 30-yard 31-44-1 in four-plus seasons _ and the Brady completed 33 of 46 passes for two minutes left, and then passed one line and four plays later connected with NHL loss to the Patriots came seven days after 269 yards and a touchdown. yard to Britt for a touchdown that made Logan for a 14-yard touchdown. the New Orleans Saints humiliated the Rams quarterback Jared Goff , making the score 26-10. The Patriots added a late fi eld goal for Rams, 49-21. And it came six days af- his third start, completed 14 of 32 passes The Patriots cruised to the 17-0 halftime the 17-0 lead. ter hall of famer Eric Dickerson plunged for 161 yards and a touchdown, with two lead on a long touchdown run by LeGar- Kings suff er shootout Fisher and the Rams into a weeklong interceptions. One turnover came on a rette Blount, a touchdown pass from Brady RESULTS controversy because of a dust-up with pass that tipped off tight end Lance Ken- to receiver Chris Logan and a fi eld goal. Giants 14 Steelers 24; Redskins 23 Cardi- Fisher about sideline passes. dricks’ hands, the other after a Patriot The Patriots outgained the Rams, 230- nals 31; Panthers 7 Seahawks 40 loss to Canadiens, 5-4

MCT Paul Byron scored the win- BOTTOMLINE Los Angeles ner in the shootout for the Ca- nadiens. Max Pacioretty scored two goals during regulation play he Los Angeles Kings and hit the post late in the fi ve- appeared to have the minute overtime in a bid for a man coach Darryl Sutter hat trick, and Alexander Radulov called “the best goal- and Andrew Shaw also scored for Seahawks rout Panthers, 41-20 tenderT in the world in any situ- Montreal. MCT games until missing the loss at Thomas Rawls had 103 yards ation” at their mercy Sunday at Jeff Carter, Nick Shore, Drew Seattle Tampa Bay with a hamstring on 11 carries in the fi rst half de- Staples Center. They scored four Doughty and Trevor Lewis injury. Thomas and Chancellor spite leaving late in the second times in the second period and scored for the Kings. Lewis’ goal, collided while each was trying to quarter to be examined for a built a one-goal lead over the a pretty move to beat Price at ete Carroll sounded no Cam Newton pass to Greg Olsen. concussion. Rawls returned for Montreal Canadiens. the left goal post to complete a alarms after last Sun- While the potential loss of the second half. All that remained was to main- breakaway, gave the Kings a 4-3 day’s desultory loss at Thomas for the rest of the year Seattle then broke the game tain their slim advantage, perhaps lead with 2:19 remaining in the Tampa Bay. will be hard to overcome, the open when receiver Tyler Lock- grow it by a goal or two, and then second period. PInstead, from almost the sec- Seattle off ense on this night at ett took a handoff on a reverse they could take a well-earned vic- Shaw tied it 2:03 into the third. ond the game ended, Carroll least proved that it may have and sped 75 yards down the tory from Canadiens goalie Carey The Kings led the Canadiens promised it was just a blip on the some staying power. sideline to make it 30-7 12 sec- Price, who doesn’t give up four by scores of 2-1, 3-2 and 4-3, but radar, just one of those days. With quarterback Rus- onds into the second half. goals in a game very often let alone lost each lead. He was proved right with a sell Wilson gradually getting That put Seattle over the 200- four in a single period. “We scored four goals, I think vengeance that even he might healthy, Seattle had scored 88 yard mark in rushing after the Tall order. The Kings lost their you should be able to win the not have foreseen, with the Sea- points in the three games prior Seahawks had not gained more lead in the opening minutes of game,” Budaj said. “The game is hawks scoring a season high in to the trip to Tampa Bay. than 152 yards rushing in any the third period, then dropped so tight right now with scoring a 40-7 demolition of Carolina The 14-5 faceplant against the game this season. the game 5-4 to the Canadiens and goals-against. I think if you in what was also a rematch of Bucs, though, raised concerns It also came against a Carolina in a four-round shootout. They score four at home, you should a divisional playoff loss to the whether that three-game out- defense that was second in the picked up another valuable be able to win it. It was one of Panthers last January _ and the burst was just a mirage and if the NFL against the run (at 79.4 per point, but with Price at less than those nights. I made some big seventh game between the two Seattle off ensive line had been game) coming in. his best, they were left to wonder saves, but I had some goals I’d in the last fi ve years. exposed as too much for the The game started as rousingly what might have been. like to have back.” It was the most points the team to overcome. as possible for Seattle as line- “Our team did a good job of Off ense wasn’t an issue for the Seahawks had scored since beat- But Seattle doubled the backer Mike Morgan picked off getting to Carey Price, not the Kings. Defense was one, how- ing Minnesota 41-20 on Nov. 17, point total of the week before a tipped pass on Carolina’s fi rst easiest thing in the world right ever. Again. 2013. by the time 10 minutes had play, returning it to the 8. now,” Kings goalie Peter Budaj The Kings gave up four goals Seattle also gained a season- Tight end Jimmy Graham (R) of the Seattle Seahawks can’t hold on elapsed against the Panthers, To the surprise of everyone, said. “A little disappointing. in a 4-1 loss Wednesday to the high 534 yards a week after being to a pass against the defense of cornerback James Bradberry #24 of and scored on six of their first the pass was thrown by Caro- There were, like, one or two I San Jose Sharks, including held to a season-low 245 against the Carolina Panthers at CenturyLink Field. eight possessions in turning lina backup quarterback Derek would have liked to have had an empty-net goal late in the the Bucs. the game into a rout. Anderson, with starter Cam back, kind of squeakers that got game. They gave up three dur- An evening of largely good Thomas, who suff ered what was in the second quarter. Seahawks, buoyed by the return Newton benched for what was through me. ing a 4-3 victory Thursday over cheer, though, was marred sig- termed by the team as a fracture Thomas has been named to of Justin Britt at center, led 23-7 reported as a dress code viola- “At least we got the point, but the Arizona Coyotes. Then they nifi cantly by a likely season- of his lower leg when he collided the Pro Bowl the last fi ve seasons at halftime, gaining 309 yards _ tion (Newton, the NFL’s MVP in I think we defi nitely could have gave up four in the run of play ending injury to free safety Earl with teammate Kam Chancellor and had started 106 straight most in any half this season. 2015, sat out just the one play). had two.” against the Canadiens. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 6, 2016 9 SPORT

OPINION Not such a beautiful game: Lazio versus Roma derby descends into disrepute There was not much beautiful to hold on to in any sense in Sunday’s clash between the Italian rivals, although the Giallorossi will be content to have extended the legacy of the departed Rudi Garcia

By Paolo Bandini The Guardian

ou do not play a derby, you win it.” When Rudi Garcia pronounced those words at the start of his fi rst season as RomaY manager, few could have imag- ined how prophetic they would turn out to be. The Giallorossi had lost to Lazio in the fi nal of the Coppa Italia a few short months earlier. They have not done so again since. Roma’s victory over Lazio on Sunday was their fourth in a row and extended their unbeaten run against their neigh- bours to seven matches. There was only one point between the teams be- fore kick-off but the readiness with which the Biancocelesti crumbled in the second half hinted at a self-fulfi ll- ing element to this subjugation. We will come back to the football it- self, though, in a moment. Regrettably, the headline act of Sunday’s derby ar- rived after the fi nal whistle had blown. Senad Lulic, the man who scored Lazio’s winning goal in that famous cup fi nal triumph of 2013, was being interviewed live on Mediaset Premium when he was asked about pre-match remarks made by his opponent Anto- nio Rudiger. The latter player had been dismiss- ive of Lazio, claiming not to know anything about the club or its man- ager. Lulic’s response, though, was of a markedly diff erent tone. “Two years ago, in Stuttgart, (Rudiger) was selling socks and belts,” Lulic said. “Now sud- denly he’s playing the phenomenon.” Was this a deliberately racist re- mark? Lulic would insist not, telling Roma players celebrate their reporters in the media mixed zone that 2-0 win over arch-rivals Lazio “white people sell socks, too”. But in a in their Italian Serie A match in nation where crude stereotypes about Rome on Sunday. (AFP) black street pedlars have poisoned the national discourse around immigration for decades, this was, at best, a spec- in favour of the imagined “Opti Poba, often this derby has been won by the before the opening goal was served to the end, Banti booked Strootman and away with the sort of behaviour that tacularly ill-considered turn of phrase. who came here and before that was team who does a better job of keeping them on a plate. showed Cataldi a red card. Strootman indulged in here. The front page of La Repubblica la- eating bananas”. their emotions in check. A vocifer- Lazio’s 22-year-old Brazilian centre- This injustice did not hurt Lazio nu- It speaks to how times have changed mented: “Ten seconds to send us back The one certainty is that this story ous crowd hardly makes that easier to back Wallace, playing in his fi rst Rome merically — since the dismissed player that Daniele De Rossi — a man who 100 years”, accusing Lulic of “vomiting does further damage to the image of achieve. derby following a summer move from had only been on the bench — but it did has fl ipped Lazio fans the bird and sinister racism all over Rudiger”. Cor- football in Rome, and Italy as a whole. Lazio’s own nervousness was be- Braga, made a disastrous mess of his nothing to soothe their frayed nerves. punched an opponent’s face in past riere dello Sport decried his remarks as Even before Lulic spoke, this derby had trayed within two seconds of kick-off attempt to dribble the ball out from the Instead of roaring back at Roma, they editions of this fi xture — should be “absurd, unacceptable, unqualifi able, been an unedifying spectacle. — that being all the time it took for Lu- edge of his own box in the 64th minute. quickly conceded a second time, Federico the one seeking to calm tensions on all unsayable”. Roma’s Radja Nainggolan On Thursday, footage had emerged cas Biglia to clatter into Diego Perotti He was dispossessed by Kevin Stroot- Marchetti reacting slowly to Radja Naing- sides at full-time. responded by posting a ‘No To Rac- of a group of Lazio Ultras being granted and give away the fi rst free-kick of the man, who surged through on goal and golan’s defl ected drive from 25 yards. “Lazio fans and Roma fans always ism’ banner on his Instagram account, an audience with their team at train- game. scored with a neat chipped fi nish. The game fi nished 2-0, a signifi cant live elbow to elbow, you cannot have together with the message: “someone ing. In return for their support, they The Biancocelesti went on to shade If this was a cool moment for triumph for Roma. people talking about wars,” he said. has to learn these three words”. required absolute commitment and a the fi rst half but this was scrappy stuff , Strootman, further evidence that he is Victory extended their lead over “The derby has a particular fl avour Lulic off ered no apology, although recognition of what this game meant with neither team expressing them- back to his best after almost two years Lazio to four points but, more impor- but let’s leave wars to one side because Lazio’s director of communications to them. “For us, this is not a battle,” selves as they had during their respec- lost to injury, then he quickly sullied it. tantly, kept them within that same dis- there are enough of those already. Lazio sought to do so on his behalf. “The insisted the man outlining their de- tive bright starts to this season. Strolling back towards halfway after tance of the league leaders, Juventus. made a mistake, which cost them dear. club regrets these comments,” Arturo mands. “For us, this is an ethnic war.” The referee, Luca Banti, hardly celebrating under the thinly populated Crucially, they had also shown that This match was balanced but in the end Diaconale said. “I apologise on behalf Roma’s Ultras also turned out in helped the game to settle when he Curva Sud, he took the opportunity of they could win without the injured these derbies are often conditioned by of the club and in the name of Senad their thousands at training in the days awarded Roma a penalty in the 28th passing the Lazio dugout to slosh some Mohamed Salah — whose explosive something besides the beauty of your Lulic. These were remarks made in the leading up to the derby but, unlike their minute, only to then amend it to a free- water over one of their substitutes, pace has been so central to their best football.” heat of the moment after a lost derby.” Lazio counterparts, the vast majority kick on the edge of the area. Danilo Cataldi. attacking play this season. There was not much beautiful to The player is likely to face a fi ne and boycotted the match itself. Theirs is an In truth, it should have been neither: The latter player reacted, chasing Further challenges await between hold on to in any sense from this derby, a suspension but already questions are ongoing protest against the city pre- Bruno Peres simply lost his footing as Strootman and grabbing at his collar. now and the winter break. Roma’s next beyond perhaps one act of quick-foot- being raised about the Italian Football fect’s decision to partition the Stadio he passed Biglia on his way in from the The Dutchman collapsed with a two Serie A matches are at home to Mi- ed escapology from Nainggolan near Federation’s moral authority to criti- Olimpico’s two Curve with plexiglass right fl ank. certain dramatic fl air, and then all hell lan and then away to Juventus. the end. Roma, though, will be con- cise. Its own elected president, Carlo barriers last year. However, Roma began to build mo- broke loose. Players and offi cials from They might need to play better than tent to have extended the legacy of the Tavecchio, infamously attacked clubs Perhaps, in some roundabout way, mentum after the interval. Edin Dzeko both sides became embroiled in a scuf- this to get past either side and certainly departed Garcia. This derby was not in the past for ignoring domestic talent that situation favoured Roma. Very spurned a pair of presentable chances fl e that dragged on for minutes. At they cannot expect to keep getting played, it was won.

WARNING Keep performing or risk being dropped: Jones By Robert Kitson at Twickenham able having missed the autumn series, Jones means they don’t really want to see you.” The Guardian also wants to see the entire team readjust their He is also confi dent England will send a big sights upwards in the Six Nations: “There’s a contingent of players on the British & Irish Li- tipping point in the team when you get six, ons tour to New Zealand next summer, in ad- ddie Jones has warned England’s seven, eight players with that absolute desire dition to the forwards coach Steve Borthwick. record-equalling players they will be to want to do well. If you’re not in that group “I don’t have a target but if we’re travel- summarily dropped if they allow their you tend to fall out. That’s how great teams ling well we should have close to 15 players standards to slip next year. Jones is keep on getting better. in there,” Jones said, suggesting his players alsoE insisting they start their 2017 Six Nations “We haven’t got that tipping point yet but would be less aff ected by nerves if the Six Na- title defence with more collective intent than we’re moving towards it. Being an outsider tions boiled down to an Anglo-Irish show- last season when he felt they were too fearful to the Six Nations last season I thought there down against a strong Ireland side in Dublin. of possible failure. was an absolute fear of losing rather than “We’ve had two big games this year where the Having presided over England’s fi rst un- wanting to win. What we want to do in this result mattered a lot and we’ve made the same beaten calendar year since 1992, Jones has Six Nations is go out there and win it.” mistakes twice. I expect the third time it hap- already told his squad that anyone easing off To collect back-to-back grand slams, Jones pens we won’t.” between now and their next game against believes England’s set-piece work will need Ben Youngs also said England are not yet France at Twickenham on February 4 risks sharpening but is not focusing on whether the satisfi ed after rounding off their year with a being jettisoned. team’s 14-game run can be extended into a 37-21 success against Australia. “We want to “We’ve had a bit of a chat about the fact world record for a Tier One nation. “The only keep going,” the scrum-half said. “We’ve got that if you don’t keep performing you won’t thing I’m interested in now is winning the Six 14 wins now but there’s nothing at the end of be in the team. If players aren’t hungry and Nations and to win the Six Nations we need that. There’s still plenty to go for this side. you see it in their performance they won’t more consistency in our set piece,” Jones said. “Eddie always says he wants us to be the be here. We have enough depth to change the “I want to have the most dominant scrum. No1 team in the world and so do the players. squad if we need to,” he warned. I don’t have hope. ‘Hope’ is a bad word … it’s We’ll continue to do whatever we need to do With Maro Itoje and others set to be avail- like people saying: ‘I was hoping to see you.’ It to try and get there.” Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, December 6, 2016 SPORT

UIM F1 H20 GRAND PRIX OF ABU DHABI SPOTLIGHT ‘Weightlift ing is clearly a Abu Dhabi’s Carella sport at high risk of doping’

AFP locked in 5-way battle Lausanne eightlifting is buckling under the ‘I have been in Abu Dhabi several weeks getting everything ready and leaving nothing to chance’ burden of a drug-taking culture that has made it one of the most Agencies notorious Olympic events. WThe sport that fi rst appeared at the Olym- Abu Dhabi, UAE pics in 1896 accounted for 48 of the 104 posi- tive tests detected in new analyses on sam- he Abu Dhabi International ples from the 2008 Beijing Games and 2012 in Marine Sports Club (ADIM- London. SC) is putting the fi nal It could get worse as not all the results of the touches together in readi- 1,243 samples have been revealed. Top of the Tness to host the Grand Prix of Abu sorry list was Kazakhstan’s Ilya Ilyin, a four- Dhabi, the penultimate round of the time weightlifter of the year who was stripped UIM F1 H2O World Championship of his Beijing and London 94kg titles. on December 7-9. The London 94kg podium has been devas- This will be the 23rd time that the tated by doping. Russia’s Alexandr Ivanov has club has hosted a round of the pres- had to hand in his silver medal and Anatoly tigious championship, where fi ve of Ciricu of Moldova his bronze. the world’s fi nest drivers are in with The doping merry-go-round is now so far- a chance of claiming this year’s title cical that Saeid Mohammadpour of Iran, who on a challenging course off the Abu came fi fth, is now in line for gold. The bronze Dhabi Breakwater. medal could go to Tomasz Zielinksi of Poland Team Abu Dhabi is chasing a fi fth who came ninth on the day. championship triumph and a fi rst “Weightlifting is clearly a sport at high risk since 2006. All eyes will focus on of doping,” said Olivier Niggli, director general three-time World Champion, Alex of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Carella, who is fl ying the fl ag for the “This was clearly proved by the number of UAE capital alongside experienced cases detected by the International Weightlift- teammate Thani al-Qamzi. Alex Carella holds Team Abu Dhabi’s hopes of a first world title since 2006 when he takes part in this weekend’s Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi. ing Federation with WADA at the 2015 world Carella lies fourth in the points’ championships in Houston and by the retest- standings after races in Dubai, Evi- ing of analyses by the International Olympic an, Porto, Harbin and Liuzhou and Committee.” knows that nothing short of a vic- The IWF barred serial performance-en- tory on home waters will be enough hancing off enders Russia and Bulgaria from to keep him in title contention. The competing at the Rio Games. The IWF said Italian has 42 points and trails the that Russia’s test results were “shocking”. French series-leading double World It adopted a resolution in June that said any Champion Philippe Chiappe by 25 country which returns three or more positive points. Twenty are available to the drugs tests from the reanalysis of samples from winner in Abu Dhabi, 15 for second the last two Olympics would be suspended for place and 12 for third, etc. a year. But the IOC is keeping a close eye on the “I have been in Abu Dhabi several sport, according to experts close to the Olym- weeks getting everything ready and pic movement. leaving nothing to chance,” said a Team Abu Dhabi’s Thani al-Qamzi aiming for the podium at this weekend’s Rashed al-Qamzi stands on the verge of winning the UIM F4-S Trophy for “Weightlifting’s problems are nothing new,” focused Carella. penultimate round of the World Championship. Team Abu Dhabi for the first time. said Jean-Loup Chappelet, a professor at the “We have been testing, work- IDHEAP Swiss Graduate School of Public Ad- ing on the boats and spending time pion and holds third on 47 points, boat and I feel confi dent that I have 15.00-17.00 Extra free practice 7. Duarte Benavente (PRT) F1 Atlan- ministration at the University of Lausanne. together to create that team spirit while fi fth-placed Jonas Andersson the speed to win both the races and tic Team 19 pts He said Richard Pound, fi rst president of that we will need this weekend. I still has a mathematical chance of secure the championship. I will do Thursday, December 8 7. Erik Stark (SWE) Emirates Racing WADA, had spoken of excluding weightlift- was able to join Faleh (Al-Mansoori) snatching the title if he can claim my best.” 09.10 F4-S free practice Team 19 pts ing from the Olympics before the agency was in an XCAT as well and we won the maximum points from the fi nal two The ADIMSC has laid on excellent 09.40 F4-S time trials 9. Filip Roms (FIN) Mad Croc Baba created in 1999. Chappelet, a specialist on the Abu Dhabi Cup two weeks ago. That races in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah on facilities for spectators and racing 10.15 F1 free practice Racing 18 pts, etc Olympic movement, said it would be possible was diff erent to F1 in many ways, but December 15-16. Twenty drivers are enthusiasts. There will be a grand- 14.00 F4-S race 1 if the IOC wanted to send a “strong signal” it kept me in tune with what is re- expected to start the race, including stand with seating for fi rst class 15.30 BRM F1 qualifying 2016 UIM F4-S Trophy – latest against doping. But it would be diffi cult as quired in a race boat and the balance the young Australian Grant Trask, viewing of the action, in addition to positions: weightlifting is so popular in Eastern Europe. of the boat was similar to what I can who will be making his F1 debut with a traditional tent exhibition, a DJ and Friday, December 9 1. Rashed al-Qamzi (UAE) Team Abu “There are always people who would like to expect this week. Victory is a must. I the EMIC Racing Team. music, a kids’ play zone and a food 09.10 F4-S free practice Dhabi 126 pts see weightlifting and some other sports ex- just have to win this race.” Rashed al-Qamzi leads the 2016 court with activities running from 09.40 F4-S time trials 2. Ferdinand Zandbergen (NLD) pelled,” IWF director general Attila Adamfi Etihad Airways is the offi cial car- UIM F4-S Championship by a com- 11am to 10pm. 10.15 F1 free practice Baba Racing 90 pts told AFP. “Yes weightlifting is in danger but I rier for Team Abu Dhabi that is also manding 36 points from Dutchman Technical scrutineering and extra 14.00 F4-S race 2 3. Kalle Viippo (FIN) Team Sweden believe that weightlifting is in danger just like supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Ferdinand Zandbergen and two po- free practice get the timetable un- 15.30 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 62 pts every other sport.” Council and runs under the patron- dium fi nishes in the pair of F4-S derway on Wednesday and the meat 3. Jeremy Brisset (FRA) F1 Atlantic But Adamfi said every sport is in danger be- age of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Khalifa races on Thursday and Friday after- of the action starts on Thursday 2016 UIM F1H2O World Champi- Team 62 pts cause the IOC’s Agenda 2020 recommends al-Nahyan, adviser to the Head of noon could be suffi cient for the Emi- morning with further free practice onship – Drivers’ Championship 5. Mohamed al-Yamahi (UAE) Vic- a bigger rotation of the sports, disciplines or State and chairman of the board of rati to clinch the world title with two and time trials. The fi rst of the two standings: tory Team 55 pts events. “We know some sports where manipu- directors of the Abu Dhabi Interna- races to spare. F4-S races starts at 2pm and is fol- 1. Philippe Chiappe (FRA) CTIC F1 6. Bingchen Wu (CHN) CTIC F1 lation and corruption is an issue, so I think there tional Marine Sports Club (ADIM- Al-Qamzi has taken three wins lowed by BRM pole position qualify- Shenzhen China Team 67 pts Shenzhen China Team 50 pts are many issues in many sports federations.” SC). The racing team runs under from eight starts this season already ing at 3.30pm. 2. Shaun Torrente (USA) Victory 7. Mohamed al-Mehairbi (UAE) Team The IOC is to carry out a review from 2017 of the auspices of the ADIMSC, racing and has been testing and work- Additional practice and F4-S time Team 54 pts Abu Dhabi 44 pts sports that will be included in the 2024 Games. manager Guido Cappellini and as- ing hard to be fully prepared for his trials on Friday morning precede the 3. Sami Selio (FIN) Mad Croc Baba 8. Tom Chiappe (FRA) EMIC Racing Events at the Rio Games this year, as well as sistant general manager Salem al- home races. Mohamed al-Mehairbi second of the F4-S races, starting Racing 47 pts Team 37 pts previous Olympics, will be considered. Romeithi. drives the second F4-S boat. at 2pm. The 2016 Grand Prix of Abu 4. Alex Carella (UAE) Team Abu 9. Magnus Sederholm (FIN) Team The IWF anti-doping policies are bound to American Shaun Torrente is Chi- “Hopefully I can win the champi- Dhabi fi res into life at 15.30pm. Dhabi 42 pts Sweden 35 pts be studied. Marc Andrieux, head of the French appe’s closest challenger and trails onship at home,” said al-Qamzi, af- 5. Jonas Andersson (SWE) Team 10. Paolo Longhi (ITA) Blaze Per- weightlifting federation, said several national the CTIC F1 Shenzhen China Team ter watching the action at the recent Timetable of events Sweden 37 pts formance Team 16 pts chiefs had been worried about the sport’s Ol- driver by 13 points. Sami Selio of UIM Class 1 World Championship. Wednesday, December 7 6. Ahmed Al-Hameli (UAE) Emirates 11. Ali Bin Shaiban (UAE) Emirates ympic status four years ago when Tamas Ayan Finland is a double World Cham- “I am ready, we have tested the 08.10-15.00 Technical scrutineering Racing Team 25 pts Racing Team 15 pts was elected IWF president.

SWIMMING New stars seek to shine at Short Course Worlds

AFP The second part of Richard McLaren’s but not Olympic medley gold medallist Ko- Los Angeles report that revealed widespread state- suke Hagino. backed doping in Russia is to be released in London on Friday and could further roil the Exposure and experience scattering of Rio Olympic med- waters before the championships end on That blend of notable absentees, estab- allists and a bevy of youngsters Sunday. lished performers and youngsters is echoed already looking toward the 2020 Russia’s team of 29 is headlined by 2014 in many teams. Tokyo Games will battle this week individual short course world champi- Britain will be without Olympic breast- asA the Short Course World Championships ons Kirill Prigoda and Vladimir Morozov stroke sensation Adam Peaty, but will have close out the swimming year in Windsor, — who broke his own short-course world Rio medallists Stephen Milne and Dan Canada. record for the 100m individual medley in Wallace. With superstar Michael Phelps retired August. Australia sends a team featuring Rio — this time, he says, for good — and many Other marquee swimmers aiming to Olympians Mitch Larkin, Emily Sebohm, more of the sport’s big names opting to take close out the year with a bang include South David Morgan and Brittany Elmslie, but a breather after the rigors of the Olympic Africa’s Chad Le Clos, Hungary’s Katinka lacking individual gold medallists Kyle season, the championships that start today Hosszu, Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri, Cana- Chalmers and Mack Horton. at Windsor’s WFCU Centre are a perfect dians Penny Oleksiak and Kylie Masse, Ja- Australia head coach Jacco Verhaeren opportunity for up-and-comers to estab- pan’s Daiya Seto, and Spain’s Mireia called the team “an exciting mix of rookies, lish themselves on the international stage. Belmonte. athletes that haven’t been on teams for a After a 16-gold haul in Rio, the United Hungary’s “Iron Lady” Hosszu won few years and some recent Olympians”. States brings a 35-strong team featuring three individual golds in Rio. Paltrinieri, “The aim is to improve on their results four individual medallists from Brazil. Oleksiak and Belmonte also captured indi- from the national short course champion- That includes women’s 100m breast- vidual Olympic gold — the women’s 200m ships to see where that takes them. It’s go- stroke winner Lilly King, but King won’t butterfl y gold medalist in Rio. ing to be a good experience where all can get a showdown with Russian Yulia Efi mo- Le Clos is the world record-holder in learn a lot and get exposure and experience va, who has announced she will miss the both the 100m and 200m short-course at the International Stage.” championships with tonsillitis. butterfl y and a six-time short-course A whopping 23 world records tumbled at King beat Efi mova to gold in Rio, and world champ. the last edition of the short course worlds called out the twice-banned Russian over He has dominated on the short-course in Doha two years ago. failed doping tests, stoking the controversy World Cup circuit this year and is poised But some of the record-setters from that over revelations of Russian state-spon- for a dramatic head-to-head matchup with meeting won’t be back this year, includ- sored doping in an array of sports. American Tom Shields, who tuned up for ing Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom and France’s That controversy hasn’t faded, with the championships with a record-setting Florent Manaudou. three anti-doping offi cials quitting the 100-yard fl y triumph at the US winter na- Manaudou is just one of the veterans watchdog of world swimming body FINA tionals. missing from a new-look French team. in September saying their recommen- Seto, a medley bronze medalist in Rio, Former backstroke world champion Jeremy dations on whether Russian swimmers headlines a Japanese team that also in- Stravius is the most experienced swimmer should compete in Rio were ignored. cludes 16-year-old rising star Rikako Ikee, on the 15-strong team. Rio Olympics 100m breaststroke gold medals winner Lilly King. Gulf Times Tuesday, December 6, 2016 11 SPORT

MOTORSPORT BOWLING F1 returns to France Vrabec takes early lead aft er 10-year absence in Doha ‘We and those who are with me are very proud...it’s a great victory’

Reuters Paris

he French Formula One Grand Prix will return in 2018 after a 10-year absence with the race Tscheduled to take place at the Circuit Paul Ricard in south- ern France, regional politician Christian Estrosi said yesterday. “We and those who are with me are very proud...it’s a great victory,” Estrosi told reporters. Named after the local pastis alcohol magnate who fi nanced By Sports Reporter countries and 53 women from it, and also known as Le Castel- Doha 33 countries. After four days let, the track last hosted a grand of qualifying featuring three prix in 1990. four-game blocks, the top 32 The country’s most recent omas Vrabec of Slo- players of each gender will ad- Formula One race was at Magny- vakia averaged 238.25 vance. Cours, in central France, in 2008. over four games to take Men and women will be split France hosted the fi rst recog- the early lead in the into four groups according to nised grand prix near Le Mans Tmen’s qualifying of the 2016 the following bracket: Group A in 1906, and was also part of the World Singles Championships (1, 8, 9, 16, 17, 24, 25, 32); Group fi rst world championship season which got underway with the B (2, 7, 10, 15, 18, 23, 26, 31); in 1950 with a race at Reims. fi rst of three blocks on Sunday Group C (3, 6, 11, 14, 19, 22, 27, The fi ve-year deal was agreed at the Qatar Bowling Center. 30); and Group D (4, 5, 12, 13, with the Provence-Alpes-Cote Vrabec, who bowled in the 20, 21, 28, 29). d’Azur (PACA) region in associa- second squad, started his set on Each qualifying group shall tion with the city of Toulon, de- the 40 foot Athens lane condi- bowl eight qualifying games. partment of Var and the French tioning pattern with games of Each player in the qualifying motorsport association (FFSA). 204, 279 and 214. Knowing that group shall bowl against every PACA president Estrosi, an ex- he needed a 247 game to tie fi rst other player in the group every mayor of Nice and a former car An aerial view shows the Paul Ricard circuit at Le Castellet near Marseille, France. (Reuters) squad leader Chris Via, United game. Points shall be awarded and motorcycle racer who fi n- States, Vrabec closed with 256 on the following basis: The ished fourth in the 1978 French to lead the 81-player fi eld from highest scoring player in each 500cc Grand Prix at Nogaro, Alonso happy at McLaren, says Brown 47 countries with 953 total game shall be awarded 7 points, said the event was likely to hap- and to ear the daily high series the second highest scoring pen in the European summer. He McLaren have no fears about losing Fernando award of $300 off ered by the shall be awarded 6 points, the declined to say how much it had Alonso to Mercedes after Formula One world Qatar Bowling Federation. third highest 5 points etc. down cost to bring back motor racing’s champion Nico Rosberg’s sudden retirement, the Via sits in second place with to the eighth highest, who will elite competition, but said the team’s new executive director Zak Brown said 944, including games of 242, receive 0 points. contract was in the normal price yesterday. 211, 233 and 258, an average of The top 2 from the point range for a grand prix in Europe. “We have a contract with Fernando and he’s very 236. Rafi q Ismail of Malaysia standing of each group will “Losing the grand prix left a happy,” the American told Sky Sports. “Obviously, was just six pins behind Via advance to play eight games real scar on the country,” Estrosi he wants to be winning races, as do we, but I am in squad 1 to fi nish day one in in one group with a system as said. Germany has been axed not worried about that scenario (leaving). third place with 938. specifi ed above. The top 4 ad- from the 2017 calendar for fi nan- “We are very comfortable where we are at.” Jassim al-Muraikhi from Qa- vance to the semifi nals (No. cial reasons, despite the country McLaren have not won a race since 2012 and tar used high games of 269 and 1 vs No. 4 and No. 2 vs No. 3), having world champions in dom- have under-performed since the start of their 256 to take fourth place with with the higher ranked players inant Mercedes, but Hockenhe- new partnership with Honda in 2015, finishing 929. Another fi ve players sur- having the choice of the start- im still has a contract to host the sixth overall this year and ninth out of 10 teams passed the 900-mark (a 225 av- ing lane. The losers of both loss-making race in 2018. in 2015. Alonso, a double world champion with erage): 5. Jaime Gonzalez, Co- one-game matches will receive Le Castellet, which features Renault, joined McLaren from Ferrari at the end lombia (925); 6. Marek Talpa, bronze medals. the long Mistral straight, has of 2014 and has been disappointed by their lack Czech Republic (918); 7, John The semi-fi nal winners will been fully renovated and is now of success. He is due to partner Belgian rookie Janawicz, United States (915); determine the champion in a fi - owned by Formula One supremo Stoff el Vandoorne next year. 8. Aleksei Parshukov, Russia nal one-game match. The win- Bernie Ecclestone’s family trust. Formula One’s commercial supremo Bernie (912) and 9. Michael Mak, Hong ner of this match will receive a The Briton told Reuters last Ecclestone told Reuters last week that Alonso, Kong (906). gold medal and the loser a silver week that the trust was not in- a team mate of triple world champion Lewis Rounding out the top 10 was medal. volved in the race and would be Hamilton at McLaren in 2007, would be his ideal Marcio Vieira of Brazil with The men’s gold medallist will leasing the facility to ‘the peo- replacement for Rosberg at Mercedes alongside 899. Romeo Gagenoiu had the receive US$8,000, the silver ple that are going to be the pro- Britain’s Lewis Hamilton. highest game of the day with medallist will earn US$6,000 moters.’ France currently has Rosberg announced his retirement on Friday, five 290 but had to settle tied for and the bronze medallists will two drivers on the starting grid, days after winning the world title in Abu Dhabi. 24th place with 854 after fi n- take home US$3,000 apiece. Romain Grosjean and Esteban Mercedes began their search for a new driver on ishing with 149. With just four The women’s gold medallist Ocon, while French manufactur- Monday with non-executive chairman Niki Lauda out of twelve qualifying games will receive US$6,000, the sil- er Renault has its own team. The saying at the weekend that he hoped the most- in the books, Ivan Dominic Ma- ver medallist will get US$4,000 showcase Monaco Grand Prix, a prized seat on the starting grid could be filled lig, Philippines, holds the 32nd and the bronze medallists will few hours’ drive from Le Castellet, by the end of the year. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, and last place to advance with earn US$3,000 each. The prizes has been a fi xture on the calendar another driver mentioned in media speculation 838 or an average of 209.50. will be paid by the Qatar Bowl- since 1950 and the closest thing to and a four-times world champion, ruled himself The championships drew ing Federation which also off er a home race for French drivers in out of the reckoning on Sunday. 134 players from 50 countries, daily high series awards, $300 recent years. including 81 men from 47 for men and $200 for women.

SPOTLIGHT Wlodarczyk starts training at Aspire Academy

By Sports Reporter training camp at Aspire Academy’s Doha world-class facilities to prepare myself for the new athletics season. There’s no doubt that Aspire Acad- ubbed as the ‘greatest fe- emy off ers some of the best training male hammer thrower’ of facilities in the world. all time, decorated Polish “The fi rst time I visited the Acad- Olympic champion Anita emy was in 2008 with my fellow ath- WlodarczykD has arrived in Doha to lete, the late Kamila Skolimowska, take part in a three-week training and the visit left me with very special camp at Aspire Academy, accom- memories.” panied by her coach, Kaliszewski She added, “As part of my visit Kysztof and physiotherapist, Diorian to Aspire Academy, I have also held Lomza. training sessions with the Academy’s The training camp, which is de- student-athletes. I’m thrilled to share signed to prepare Wlodarczyk for the my experiences and lessons learned upcoming athletics season, will run with these young athletes. I hope my until December 18. words inspire them, and I look for- During her three week stay at As- ward to seeing them compete in the pire, Wlodarczyk also held training Olympics on a professional level.” sessions on December 4th and 5th This visit comes as part of As- for Aspire Academy’s student-ath- pire Academy’s ongoing mission letes, off ering insights and expertise to attract the best athletes to Doha for the young athletes to draw les- through its world-class facilities, sons from. thus contributing to the develop- Wlodarczyk was crowned cham- ment of the sports sector in Qatar, pion in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and to support student-athletes in and with record-breaking perform- reaching their full potential. ances she became the fi rst woman Such programmes aim to develop in history to throw the hammer over students holistically, providing indi- 80m. She currently holds the wom- viduals with a comprehensive sport- en’s world record of 82.98m. ing, academic and social education, Commenting on her visit to As- by drawing lessons and insights from pire Academy, Wloldarcyzk said, the best experts in their respective “I’m taking part in this three-week fi elds. Polish Olympic champion Anita Wlodarczyk with Aspire Academy students. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT ‘Stokes must learn how to get away with it better’ By Ali Martin in Mumbai of by-play between a couple of guys on a tough tour against the world’s No. 1 The Guardian either side who are passionate about Test side. His fi ve for 73 in Mohali and their cricket and their team, I think it’s the 128 made in Rajkot means he is good for the game. only the sixth touring player to claim revor Bayliss believes Eng- “We’ve just got to be careful we a fi ve-wicket haul and score a century land’s Ben Stokes has come a don’t go overboard and completely cut in a series here, a feat achieved by Ian long way in 12 months when that out. I think having some person- Botham, in 1980 and 1981. it comes to on-fi eld behaviour alities in the game is fantastic to watch. “That’s a feather in his cap,” Bayliss Tand has warned that match offi cials Ben Stokes has got to learn to deal with said. “Some of us are in awe of him. who come down hard on what he calls it in a diff erent way or get away with it a He just doesn’t stop. He’s like a wind- “by-play” between players could rob bit better. I think he’s come a long way up clock. You get him off at the break, cricket of its personalities. in the last 12 months or so and I’m sure wind him up and send him back out.” Stokes moved closer to a possible he’ll keep improving in that area.” While the England management have suspension during the third Test de- While the ICC can punish players remained in India, the bulk of the play- feat in Mohali when he was charged off the fi eld retrospectively, there are ers are taking what they hope will be a with using “language or a gesture that no provisions in the laws that provide restorative fi ve-day break in the United is obscene, off ensive or insulting” dur- a deterrent within the game itself. This Arab Emirates. Among them is Stuart ing an exchange with the India captain, may be about to change, with player Broad, who is taking time out of the trip Virat Kohli, after he was stumped for behaviour one of a number of issues to work with the medical team support- 29 during England’s fi rst innings. being discussed by the MCC world ing the Lions side in Dubai as he tries to The offi cial reprimand that followed cricket committee in Mumbai next deal with the strained foot tendon that was Stokes’s second in a month after week, before the fourth Test. saw him miss the Mohali defeat. he was fi ned 15% of his match fee dur- The committee, which will be Broad will have further fi tness tests ing the second Test in Dhaka for “ver- chaired by the former England captain before the fourth Test from December bally engaging” with the Bangladesh Mike Brearley, will consider a number 8, although Bayliss has admitted he is batsman Sabbir Rahman. Two more of options to be written into the laws not 100% confi dent the 30-year-old charges in the next two years will result and applied at all levels, including the will be ready in time. in him being suspended for one Test possible use of red and yellow cards, Watching on in Mumbai will be match or two one-day internationals. sin-bins or run-penalties to help um- Haseeb Hameed, who has stated his “I think at times the ICC are al- pires police the sport. intention to return to the tour after most looking for things,” Bayliss said. With England 2-0 down to India go- surgery in England on his broken lit- “I agree things have been out of hand ing into the Mumbai Test, the form of tle fi nger. The 19-year-old opener will in the past and we don’t want it to go Stokes in alien conditions represents a rejoin his family, who have remained in England all-rounder Ben Stokes has the support of his team coach Trevor Bayliss, who believes the player has come a long overboard. But sometimes a little bit rare plus during what is proving to be the country. way in 12 months when it comes to on-field behaviour and has asked the match off icials not to rob cricket of its personalities.

FOCUS OPPORTUNITY Bangladesh call up Rubel to replace Hesson defends NZ injured pacer Shahid

IANS December 9 and 10. After taking Dhaka part in a training camp in Syd- ney, the fi nal squad will head for New Zealand on December 18. aceman Rubel Hossain Meanwhile, pacer Mustafi zur team’s call not to has replaced the injured Rahman’s prospects of return- Mohamed Shahid for ing to the team from rehabilita- PBangladesh’s cricket tion look bright. The left-arm training camp in Australia ahead seamer and the other injured of their New Zealand tour. pacer, Ebadat Hossain, have Rubel lost his spot in the bowled long spells under the team after appearing in two supervision of national team One-Day Internationals against trainer Mario Villavarayan at review Smith’s lbw Afghanistan in late September. the Academy ground. Both are The selectors were not happy close to full fi tness, according to with his performance, reports BCB physician Chowdhury. Smith was on 14 when he was trapped in front by Boult, but the appeal was turned bdnews24.com. “Mustafi zur and Ebadat have He also stayed sidelined for bowled with an intensity of 80- down by umpire Mick Martell and New Zealand captain Williamson chose not to the series against England. 90% of the abilities in the prac- Chief selector Minhajul Abedin tice sessions. Our trainer is very review. TV replays, however, showed the on-field decision would have been overturned cited lack of form and fi tness for happy with their progress. The his expulsion from the squad. good news is they were able to Rubel was then kept as a stand- bowl two spells...without any Reuters debate in New Zealand media yesterday. by for the Australia camp. discomfort,” Chowdhury said. Sydney Australia skipper Steve Smith De Grandhomme is a batting all-rounder, The 26-year-old fast bowler, “The thing is bowling at such hit 164 but could have been and he and Munro provide their domestic however, staked his claim for a intensity means they are al- out for 14 had New Zealand side Auckland with an explosive middle spot in the squad by doing well most fi t. If they are giving 80% he decision not to review a leg-be- decided to review the on-field order double punch, something former for Rangpur Riders in the ongo- here, we can assume they have fore-wicket appeal on Australia’s umpire’s not out verdict, in international Andre Adams said should be ing Bangladesh Premier League, achieved (full fi tness). captain Steve Smith was the right Sunday’s first ODI in Sydney. used in the second game in Canberra today. picking up 15 wickets from 12 “We only have a few days left one at the time as there was signif- “When you look at the way Munro matches at an average of 21.06 (for the camp). Another gym Ticant doubt from even people off the eld,fi and de Grandhomme dominate domes- with a best of 3-25. session and bowling session will New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has said. tic cricket when they bat together, I think Shahid picked up a knee inju- be held in the meantime. The se- Smith was on 14 when he was trapped in they missed a trick there in having those ry trying to stop a boundary for lectors or the team management front by Trent Boult, who was convinced two bat together for a long period,” Adams Dhaka Dynamites on Novem- will then consider sending them he had struck a major blow to Australia’s said. “I think they sold themselves a little ber 26. BCB’s chief physician to Australia or New Zealand.” innings in the fi rst one-day international bit down the river there. Maybe they are Debashish Chowdhury said the Chowdhury believes the pace in Sydney on Sunday. looking at experience and that sort of stuff , pacer would have to rest for a duo can train with the others The appeal, however, was turned down but you got them in there, just throw them week more and a decision on his in Australia. “We are assuming by umpire Mick Martell and New Zealand in there and review it afterwards.” treatment would be taken once they will be able to follow the captain Kane Williamson chose not to re- they reviewed his injury. training drills and schedule that view. Television replays, however, showed A provisional squad will fl y to the other bowlers will follow the on-fi eld decision would have been Maxwell may be ignored Australia in two contingents on there,” he said. overturned. for today’s second ODI too Smith, who told reporters that he felt he was out and felt relieved the visitors did Controversial all-rounder Glenn Max- not review, went on to make 164 to guide well could still fi nd himself on the outer in his side to 324 for eight before they bowled Australia’s second one-day international New Zealand out for 256 in 44.2 overs to against New Zealand today. Darren Leh- take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. mann’s embattled side coasted to a 68- “There was plenty of chat afterwards run victory against the visitors in the fi rst about that,” Hesson told reporters in Syd- game in Sydney on Sunday, with captain ney yesterday. “There were two sounds Steve Smith scoring 164 and combining and the possibility of an inside edge. From in a 127-run partnership with all-rounder our angle we heard two noises. Macca Travis Head (52). (batting coach Craig McMillan) and I were Maxwell, however, was not selected for going ‘he’s probably nicked it’ and clearly the game and was fi ned by the team for he didn’t. comments he made beforehand to express “Generally (Williamson) looks to the how “painful” it had been for him to bat guy square on in terms of height, the keep- behind wicketkeeper Wade for Victoria. Hussey tipped as Australia T20 coach er has a good look, is sometimes obscured, The team’s performance, that ended a ormer batsman Mike Australia’s website yesterday. fi rst slip sometimes has a better look and fi ve-match losing streak in the one-day Hussey has been tipped for “It’s certainly not something he was unsure. All that’s got to happen format, probably meant that Maxwell Fappointment as Australia’s that I’m in the short term look- pretty quickly. It was obviously pretty could again fi nd himself on the outer, stand-in coach for their Twenty20 ing to get back into on a full- costly in the end.” which Head suggested. series against Sri Lanka. Cricket time basis, but perhaps down That decision was not the only thing to “When you win like we did yesterday, Australia (CA) have confirmed in the future and certainly go wrong, with the side making uncharac- I’m not expecting it to change too much,” they will need a caretaker coach coming in as a consultant type teristic errors in the fi eld, including several Head told reporters yesterday. “(But) it’s for the three-match T20 series and helping out for a few weeks dropped catches, while their death bowl- not my job to do that. I get told where I’m at home with head coach Darren here or there, is something ing was too expensive, going for 110 runs in put and try to perform.” Lehmann to accompany the Test that’s really interesting.” the fi nal 10 overs. Head said despite his own role in the squad to India for their overlap- The 41-year-old said in March Debutant Lockie Ferguson also bowled victory and having played 13 of the side’s ping tours in February. he wasn’t keen on a full-time four no-balls, gifting Australia a free-hit 16 one-dayers since his debut against West Hussey, a 79-Test veteran, was coaching position due to the on the next delivery as he conceded 73 runs Indies in June, he was taking nothing for in India earlier this year as a demands of international from nine overs. granted, especially since he and Maxwell batting consultant with Australia cricket but was open to pursue Hesson, however, said a bout of cramp were both off -spinning all-rounders. for the World T20 tournament. short-term roles. may have aff ected the 25-year-old, who loss to Australia. to have a bit of a hit.” “The pressure is always on in the side. Before that he was the assistant still impressed with his pace that hurried Munro, whose strike rate in limited- In eff ect Munro has taken over the role In any Australian cricket side, you’ve coach with Australia A for their up the Australian batsmen. overs cricket is among the highest in the occupied by Ross Taylor, who is out for up probably got fi ve guys that are banging four-day games against South “He conceded a lot with his extras and a New Zealand team, did not come in until to six weeks having undergone eye surgery down the door that aren’t in the squad,” Africa A and India A. lot of that was cramping and loss of stride number six and anchored the middle order last week. Taylor, who can take any attack Head added. “The competition for spots is “I’m already interested in it length,” Hesson added. on Sunday, scoring 49 runs from 59 balls apart when at his best, has been more cir- always on. And when you’re in the side, it’s (coaching), definitely, but I’m “Those things happen and can be tidied before becoming the ninth wicket to fall. cumspect from his number four batting equally as hard to stay in it. You have to be not sure I’m keen to be in it in up pretty quickly once he gets used to that “It was a diff erent sort of knock than I position in recent seasons, ticking the performing, but I am defi nitely not feeling a full-time capacity because kind of intensity. We want him to run in am used to playing,” said the 29-year-old, board over and setting his side up for a fi - comfortable. if you’re with an international and bowl quick and create opportunity. We who is more well known as a power-hitter, nal assault in the fi nal 10 overs. “I’m happy with the performance but team you’re pretty much on certainly saw some good signs.” having scored 50 runs from 16 balls in a Munro, however was dropped behind was disappointed to have got out and done the road for 10 months a year Meanwhile, aggressive batsman Colin Twenty20 international last year. “Given all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and wick- all that hard work having got to 50 and and that’s certainly one of the Munro may have given an insight into New that role to take it deeper into the innings etkeeper BJ Watling to number six and helped build that partnership. If I can keep reasons why I retired,” Hussey Zealand’s batting order tactics after they suits my game and hopefully with a few the demotion of the aggressive Colin de performing then I can stay in the side and was quoted as saying in Cricket created a debate following their 68-run extra batters around me... I might be able Grandhomme to number eight caused a that’s what I hope to do.”