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FOOTBALL Tuesday, November 14, 2017 Safar 25, 1439 AH Croatia qualify for World Cup with GULF TIMES Greece draw SPORT Page 3 TENNIS QATAR-ICELAND FRIENDLY TODAY Tour Finals fair for all, says Federer amid clay talk

Qatar star Karim Boudaif gestures as he trains with his teammates ahead of today’s friendly international against Iceland at Al Duhail Stadium. At right, Qatar coach Felix Sanchez gives instructions to captain Hassan al-Haydous. World Cup-bound Iceland have been camping in Qatar for more than a week now, and today’s match will be their second international in Doha. Earlier they lost to the Czech Republic 2-1. Qatar are preparing for the Gulf Cup in January. The match begins at 7.30pm. AFP clay, so there you have it. London “You can do indoor clay, I FOOTBALL guess, but that’s a bit silly. But I get his point.” oger Federer has dis- Federer has enjoyed a remarka- missed Rafael Nadal’s ble renaissance this year, winning claim that it would be the Australian Open and Wim- fairer if the ATP Tour Fi- bledon, as well as fi ve other titles. Rnals were played on clay courts. Despite that stunning return to As the world’s most formidable form, the 36-year-old won’t fi n- player on clay, Nadal has in the ish the year on top of the world Al Gharafa in past suggested it would be better rankings. if the season-ending Tour Finals Nadal wrapped up that honour at least occasionally took place on when Federer opted out of the re- his preferred surface. cent Paris Masters. The prestigious season-ending If world number two Federer event has never been held on clay had played and won in France, since its inception in 1970 and it’s he could have kept the race go- a tournament which Nadal has yet ing into the Tour Finals — where semis of QSL Cup, to conquer. he and Nadal are the leading con- It has mostly been played on tenders for the trophy. an indoor hard-court, with other But he was adamant he had stints on carpet, grass and outdoor no worries about missing out on hard-courts when it was staged pole position. in various cities before setting up “He was better throughout the home in London in 2009. year. He played more tourna- Federer has always thrived on ments. He was incredibly suc- Duhail bow out the indoor hard-court used at the cessful throughout,” Federer O2 Arena, as he showed once again said. Al Gharafa have 10 points but Al Duhail have only four points from four by kicking off his bid for a seventh “So, no, I don’t have any re- title at the event with a 6-4, 7-6 grets because I feel like in my stage By Sports Reporter (7/4) win over Jack Sock on Sun- of my competition, my age, either Doha day. it comes to me or it doesn’t. Asked about the world number “He had more gas left in the one’s desire for a clay fi nale to the tank than I did. I couldn’t play as l Gharafa qualifi ed for the season, Federer insisted the cur- much as I’ve wanted, or I over- semi-fi nals of the QSL Cup rent surface was a good choice played anyway. following a 1-1 draw with Al given the preponderance of other “My only regret was I would AKharaitiyat, while Al Du- events on the crushed earth. have loved to be in contention hail crashed out of contention despite There are currently three Mas- through the Montreal fi nals, beating Al Sailiya 2-1 in fourth round ters 1000 events held on Nadal’s Cincinnati, US Open. action yesterday. favoured clay, with none on the “But things evaporated very Al Gharafa have 10 points but Al faster grass that Federer prefers. quickly after he won the US Open. Duhail have only four points from four Of the Grand Slams, only the That’s when he made his fi nal matches in Group A, having lost two, French Open — won 10 times by push, was in Asia. That was it for won one and drawn one . Al Kharaiti- Nadal — is on clay, while Wim- me really. In some ways I’m happy yat, who are on eight, and Qatar SC bledon, where Federer has tri- he clinched it because he deserves (fi ve) still have a chance to progress umphed eight times — is the it. I can focus on playing the tour- ahead of Round 5. grass-court major. nament, and not having to talk The Al Kharaitiyat-Al Gharafa “’Fair’? I’m not sure if it’s the about that at the same time. match got off to an intense start at the right word. I think it’s right and “But, sure, I would have loved Al Ahli Stadium but it was the former fair that it’s indoors, as well,” Fe- to be it, but you can’t be it with who were rewarded on 11 minutes, Action from the Al Duhail-Al derer said. that many tournaments, so it’s no with Abdulla Al Anzi giving them the Sailiya match at the Al Wakrah “There is no Masters 1000s on problem for me.” advantage. Stadium yesterday. grass. There is one Masters 1000 It did not take the home side too indoors: Paris. So I feel like in- long to equalise as Luis Jimenez found doors also deserves its place. a way through the defence in the 29th. “Could it be switched up to ‘You can do From then on, it was an evenly-con- clay once in a while? Yeah, may- tested game and neither side was able be. Could we have more 1000s on indoor clay, I to make further breakthrough. Al Duhail were able to respond to Saleh Said’s eff ort while under 15 minutes as both teams started to grass? guess, but that’s Meanwhile, Al Duhail emerged quickly as Youssef Al Arabi fi red home pressure. sense opportunities, with a couple of “Yeah, we could have that, too. victorious at the Al Wakrah Stadium, from the penalty spot on the stroke of Another draw was played out at the chances being created at either end. Could we have less on clay, more a bit silly. But I but both teams could not make the half-time. Al Shamal Stadium, leaving Qatar SC Qatar SC brought on striker Michael or hard courts? Could we have cut. In the second half, Al Duhail’s on fi ve points and Al Khor on four, Babatunde in the second half in an at- more or hard courts, less on clay? get his point’ Al Duhail fi elded a much more ex- experience started to show as they with the latter now unable to progress tempt to get the winner. But in spite of “Yes, it’s all debatable. I think perienced side, but it was Al Sailiya dominated possession and controlled to the last-four stage. their superior possession, they were it’s not the time of the year for who broke the deadlock in the 40th the game. Deep into injury time, they The match started slowly. How- unable to break down the Al Khor de- through Mirghani Al Zain. were able to snatch full points, thanks ever, the pace did pick up in the fi nal fence and the stalemate continued. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, November 14, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT WORLD CUP QUALIFIER O’Neill evokes Euro Prove yourselves, spirit for Ireland AFP during the World Cup qualifying Dublin campaign, with wins in Austria and Wales crucial to their sec- ond-place group fi nish. But now reland manager Martin they need to win at home, with O’Neill has urged his play- Denmark aware that a score draw Loew tells German ers to remember their Euro would be enough to book their 2016 playoff victory over place at next summer’s fi nals. IBosnia ahead of today’s World And O’Neill said the short Cup showdown with Denmark. turnaround held no fears for his The Irish drew the fi rst leg of the squad. “I think that this turna- November 2015 double header in round is nothing new to our- Bosnia, but progressed to France selves or our opponents,” O’Neill stars for French test after a convincing 2-0 home win said. “Three days, it’s the format at Lansdowne Road. now. You’ve got two games in After Saturday’s scoreless relatively quick succession when 'I want to see if certain players can prove themselves against the best' draw in Denmark, Ireland need you play international matches. to beat the Danes today to qualify The players are ready to go one AFP for Russia next year, and O’Neill more time. We may need a couple Berlin hopes the full house in Dublin of goals in the game because to France’s Antoine Griezmann can inspire the team to yet an- keep out Denmark for two games (left) and Kylian Mbappe other playoff success. “We’ve might be tough.” oachim Loew has told his Germany during training. (Reuters) had the experience of a couple of If neither side manage to break side to prove themselves in today’s years ago almost to the day,” said the deadlock after extra time, friendly against France as the de- O’Neill. “The evening in Dublin penalties await — and O’Neill fending champions’ sharpen their was really fantastic against Bos- said his men have been prepar- preparationsJ for next year’s World Cup. nia. I think some of the players ing for such an outcome. “We Security will be tight in Cologne as the can draw on part of that but I practised penalties, some of the friendly takes place almost two years to think they’ll probably try to cre- lads were practising... it’s on the the day since the Paris terror attacks of ate their own experiences. evening, isn’t it? That’s the most November 13 2015, when 130 people were “The crowd have been im- important thing,” he said. killed and over 400 were injured. portant at all the matches at the “I remember that great (Eu- On that night, three suicide bombers (stadium) and they’ve given us ropean Cup) fi nal between Liv- set off devices at the Stade de France dur- phenomenal support. We’ll try erpool and Roma in 1984. A ing a France v Germany friendly and the and be a bit more expansive if we couple of great Brazilian players, shocked German players had to spend can but we’ve got to fi nd a way to the best players in the world, the night at the stadium during a security win a match. These players have downed tools and didn’t take a crackdown. been able to do that the last cou- penalty. “Memories of that night still come ple of years.” “At least we have people who back, it was a dramatic experience and Denmark, hoping to qualify want to take them and I think one you would not want to experience for their fi rst major tournament that’s half the battle. I think you again,” said Loew yesterday. “Over time, since 2012, will look to Tot- have to have to cover all eventu- you can block it out. I don’t feel unsafe tenham’s Christian Eriksen to alities. It only takes a second to and I have confi dence in the security.” spearhead their challenge. score a goal. “The minute a goal is However, the pre-match focus in Co- Ireland can count on the return scored in a game that eradicates a logne was on the football. of experienced captain David lot of things; it eradicates extra- Loew is set to fi eld fi rst-choice mid- Meyler after the Cork-born Hull time, penalty kicks and things fi elders Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos, City midfi elder was suspended like that. We may need a couple who missed Friday’s goalless draw against for the fi rst leg. of goals in the game as well too England at Wembley with a gastrointesti- The Irish have been more im- because to keep out Denmark for nal infection. pressive on the road than at home two games might be tough.” “I want to see if certain players can prove themselves against the best,” said Loew. “The most important thing won’t Republic of Ireland manager be the most important thing. Mistakes Martin O’Neill. (Reuters) could be made, which will be learnt from. I want to try things out and make changes during the game. We wanted two games in November against teams on the same level as us. We want to test a few things, but it will be a diff erent game to the one against England. The French have players who always go forward, I think they will be more dangerous than England and we The Germans came through their able tickets sold. “Friendly matches are are also sidelined. want to be better in that regards.” World Cup qualifying campaign with a not that important any more, so you have Germany are without Bayern Munich Loew treated his squad to a speedboat perfect record of ten wins. To ensure they to understand the public‘s reaction,” said defender Jerome Boateng, who also sat ride down the Thames after holding Eng- face stiff tests before the World Cup kicks Loew. “It is not the fi rst time the stadium out the draw against England with a mus- land at Wembley, but the players were all off in Moscow next June, the Germans hasn’t sold out.” cle injury. The Germans are unbeaten in business in a high-tempo training session will also face Spain and Brazil in friendlies France are missing Arsenal striker Ol- their last 20 matches, dating back to their in Cologne on Sunday. Loew will again next March after their fi nal match of 2017 ivier Giroud, who picked up a thigh strain 2-0 defeat against France in the semi-fi - fi eld an experimental line-up with Paris against the French. in Friday’s 2-0 win over Wales, while nals of the 2016 European championships Saint-Germain goalkeeper Kevin Trapp The friendly is unlikely to be a sell-out Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele and when Antoine Griezmann scored both set to start. with just over 30,000 of the 45,000 avail- Manchester United midfi elder Paul Pogba goals in Marseille.

FOCUS ROUND-UP FIFA bribery trial Evra vows to return ‘stronger than ever’ kicks off in New York atrice Evra has vowed to come back “stronger Luzhniki stadium before next year’s World Cup after than ever” in his fi rst public message since fans at the Russia versus Argentina friendly complained AFP lyn, New York. leaving Marseille and being hit with a season- it took two hours to walk to the nearest metro station New York The most high-profi le de- long European football ban for kung-fu kick- after jams at exits. fendant is Jose Maria Marin, ingP a supporter. Evra, who was sent off after attacking Spectators said that after the fi nal whistle on Satur- 85, former president of Brazil’s the Marseille fan ahead of the Ligue 1 side’s 1-0 Europa day they were forced to stay in the stands for 30 minutes hree South American Football Confederation — the League defeat to Vitoria Guimaraes on November 2, in the stadium that will host next year’s fi nal. The bot- former football offi cials sport’s organizing body in one of made the promise while pulling a Jeep in a light-hearted tlenecks were caused by ongoing works at the station, were blinded by greed the premier football-playing na- Instagram post fi lmed in Dubai by former Arsenal and said Vladimir Chernikov, the head of Moscow’s security and accepted millions tions in the world. Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, who Evra nicknamed department, in comments carried by the Interfax news Tof dollars in bribes, US prosecu- Since extradition after his 2015 “Spielberg” in the post. agency. The number of shuttles from the stadium to the tors told the FIFA corruption trial arrest by Swiss police in a fi ve- “I swear to God I will come back stronger than ever,” station would be increased in the near future, he said. yesterday as defence lawyers in- star hotel, he has been out on bail, said the former France and Manchester United left- The newly renovated 81,000-seater stadium is also sisted their wealthy clients were living in luxury at Trump Tower, back. “Sometimes life you can feel really heavy but you set to host the opening match of the World Cup. Rus- innocent. Forty-two offi cials and the Fifth Avenue skyscraper best always have to keep smiling, and of course keep loving sia’s deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko, who is also marketing executives, and three known for housing the pent- this game.” president of the country’s football federation, said the companies were indicted in an house and company headquar- The 36-year-old’s ban only applies to UEFA club match had been a key test for the World Cup organis- exhaustive 236-page complaint ters of the US president. Also competitions, meaning that he could still play in a ers and lessons would be learned. Two-time World detailing 92 separate crimes and in the dock is former FIFA vice domestic league should a club approach him. Evra, who Cup winners Argentina beat Russia 1-0 in Saturday’s 15 corruption schemes to the president Juan Angel Napout, 59, has won fi ve Premier titles, two Serie A championships friendly thanks to a Sergio Aguero header. tune of $200mn. and Manuel Burga, who led foot- and the Champions League, parted ways with Marseille It was the largest graft scandal ball in Peru until 2014 and once on Saturday almost immediately after being banned DENMARK WILL STAND UP TO in the history of world football, served as a FIFA development from European competition and fi ned 10,000 euros IRELAND PHYSICALITY, SAYS KJAER fi rst unveiled by US government committee member. ($11,650, £8,891). Denmark were well up for the physical challenge posed prosecutors in May 2015 and All three have pleaded not Evra lashed out in response to a group of supporters by World Cup playoff opponents Ireland in Saturday’s lifting the lid on a quarter of a guilty. In their own opening that had come to the pitchside to berate him for what scoreless draw in Copenhagen, and they won’t be century of endemic corruption statements, lawyers for the three they considered sub-par displays on the south coast of intimidated in the second leg in Dublin either, defender in the heart of FIFA, football’s defendants admitted there was France. On Sunday Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandan- Simon Kjaer has said. governing body. Yet only three of widespread corruption at FIFA da backed his former teammate, saying that Evra was a Irish goalkeeper Darren Randolph pulled off a number them are going on trial — a trio of but argued that their clients were “true friend and a good guy”, while France coach Didier of fi ne saves to keep the Danes at bay in a game that once-powerful football offi cials not involved. The trial is due to Deschamps described his punishment as “heavy”. Patrice Evra parted ways with Marseille on Saturday will be remembered more for its fi ghting spirit than its from South America, charged last fi ve to six weeks, and pros- The club’s American owner Frank McCourt blamed almost immediately after being banned from European footballing skill. “I think we matched them in that part with racketeering, wire fraud and ecutors are expected to present both player and fans for the incident, calling it “unac- competition and fined 10,000 euros. (AFP) of the game. We were ready for the hard tackles and a lot money laundering conspiracies. 350,000 pages of evidence and ceptable behaviour” and “not something we can tolerate of duels,” Kjaer said ahead of the second leg today. “We Their fate will be decided by an dozens of witnesses. at “Marseille”. Evra’s dismissal from Marseille also came previously denied any wrongdoing and fi led a number of are not afraid or concerned about that part of the game, anonymous jury, chosen after If convicted, they will be sen- after supporters unfurled a huge banner before their defamation lawsuits against Charnchai. the physical end. This is also one of our strengths.” documented attempts at intimi- tenced by Judge Pamela Chen. home match with Caen last week that read: “We don’t The progress of the case is a rare setback for the Kjaer was not surprised that the Irish came for a draw dation. The 12-member panel The most serious counts each want you in our colours anymore. Evra get lost.” company’s founder Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Starting and barely ventured forward in the fi rst leg. “Not at all. with six alternates was selected carry a maximum sentence of 20 with a single shop in Bangkok in 1989, Vichai has built With half an hour left of the game, they just smashed after four days of screening last years. Tens of millions of dollars THAI COURT ACCEPTS $420MN LAWSUIT an estimated fortune of $2.9bn through his duty-free the ball up to (Denmark goalkeeper Kasper) Schmeichel week. “Lurking underneath the were hidden in off shore accounts AGAINST LEICESTER CITY OWNER empire. and then just stayed there. They came with what we surface are lies, greed and cor- in Hong Kong, the Cayman Is- A Thai anti-corruption court yesterday accepted a law- The fi rm now has a near-monopoly on duty-free expected,” he said. ruption,” US assistant attorney lands and Switzerland, US of- suit accusing duty-free giant King Power, the company sales in Thailand’s main airports, plus a satellite mall in “We are very confi dent and very calm about the result Keith Edelman told jurors in fi cials said. Around two dozen that owns Leicester City Football Club, of owing the Bangkok favoured by Chinese tourists. Vichai’s reputa- (in Copenhagen).We had the chances to score, they only opening remarks yesterday, re- defendants have already pleaded state $420mn in unpaid taxes. The case is a rare attack tion for canny decision-making surged after the 2016 had one chance, so I’m very relaxed and confi dent and counting a meeting of football guilty, and two of them were last on an ultra-rich fi rm run by one of the kingdom’s best- English Premier League championship win by minnows positive for our game in Dublin.” offi cials from all over the world month sentenced to jail. connected billionaires. Leicester City, which his family bought for an estimated Kjaer expects to see more attacking intent from at a Miami hotel in May 2014. While the US investigation The suit, fi led by an anti-graft offi cial, accuses King $58mn in 2010. The 60-year-old has also carefully nav- Martin O’Neill’s side at the Aviva Stadium. “I hope they “Some of these offi cials had did not indict ex-FIFA president Power executives of colluding with airport authorities igated Thailand’s treacherous political waters of recent come up a little bit longer away from their own goal. It other reasons to celebrate, they Sepp Blatter, he was thrown out to pay only three % of the company’s annual revenue years, frequently rubbing shoulders with the elite. will give us a little more space, but of course they will had agreed to receive millions of of the sport in 2015 after FIFA’s instead of the contracted 15%. The plaintiff , Charnchai come with a lot of optimism and try to intimidate us a dollars in bribes regarding the ethics committee found him Issarasenanark, said the graft caused the state 14bn baht RUSSIA VOWS TO IMPROVE LUZHNIKI little bit,” the 28-year-old said. “I don’t think they can (Copa America) tournament,” he guilty of making an improper ($420mn) in damages. STADIUM TRANSPORT AFTER COMPLAINTS keep us from scoring in two games. We will have our told the federal court in Brook- payment. King Power, whose lawyer declined to comment, has Russian authorities said yesterday they would improve chances — we will just have to take them.” Gulf Times Tuesday, November 14, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Ronaldo becomes father for Croatia qualify for World fourth time Madrid: Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Sunday night that he had become a father for the fourth time after girlfriend Cup with Greece draw Georgina Rodriguez gave birth to a baby girl, Alana Martina. “Alana Martina has just Dalic’s men will be playing in their fifth World Cup, having only once failed to qualify in 2010 been born! Both Geo and Alana are doing great. We are AFP all very happy,” the beaming Piraeus, Greece 32-year-old footballer wrote on Twitter, posting a photo of himself, Rodriguez, his seven- roatia qualifi ed for the 2018 World Cup on year-old son Cristiano Junior Sunday night by holding Greece to a 0-0 and the new arrival. draw in the second leg of their play-off in Ronaldo is also the father Piraeus for a 4-1 win on aggregate. of twins, Eva and Mateo, who CZlatko Dalic’s men will be playing in their fi fth were born in June. At the end World Cup in Russia next year, having only once of October, the Portuguese failed to qualify in 2010. “We had a good match in star had revealed in a video Zagreb but it was diffi cult here. If we had won 1-0 on social media the name of (in the fi rst leg) it would have been very diffi cult the child as well as the pro- tonight,” said Croatia coach Dalic, who only took posed due date of the baby, over from the sacked Ante Cacic last month. “We initially fixed at November 21. are a very good team and it would not be just for us Ronaldo was on hand for not to go to Russia.” the birth of Alana Martina A strong defensive performance, especially in after being rested by Portu- the second half, was enough for Croatia to leave gal coach Fernando Santos the Karaisiakis Stadium with a comfortable victory for friendly matches against over the two legs after winning 4-1 on Thursday. Saudi Arabia and the United “It was a tough match for us. We did not play at States during the ongoing our level, but more important is the result,” said international break. Real Madrid midfi elder Luka Modric. “Greece played a good game tonight, it pushed us, but there LIVERPOOL’S MANE was no serious opportunity (of a comeback).” SUFFERS INJURY SCARE Greece coach Michael Skibbe dropped half of Liverpool and Senegal his players from the disastrous fi rst-leg showing forward Sadio Mane has re- in Zagreb, and the return of Roma defender Kos- turned to the Premier League tas Manolas kept Croatia striker Nikola Kalinic in club earlier than scheduled check. “Unfortunately we had a very bad perform- after tweaking his hamstring ance in Zagreb three days ago and we paid for it,” on international duty, the said German Skibbe. “We then made too many Senegal Football Federation mistakes. Tonight we were excellent and Croatia has said. The 25-year-old were not good. The previous match happened the made crucial contributions other way around.” for Senegal as they sealed a For the fi rst 30 minutes Greece were in control, berth in the 2018 World Cup but despite two good shots from Borussia Dort- finals with a 2-0 win over mund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos and South Africa on Friday. AEK Athens forward Anastasios Bakasetas, the “Following the match be- home team failed to get the much-needed early tween South Africa and Sen- goal. egal on Friday, Sadio Mane Greece came close to scoring four minutes be- slightly felt his old injury,” the fore half-time when a cross from Kostas Mitroglou Senegal Football Federation found midfi elder Zeca, who headed the ball in front said in a statement. of the Croatian goalmouth, only for goalkeeper “After consultations be- Danijel Subasic to tip the ball away with Panagiotis tween the medical staff of the Retsos ready to head in. national team of Senegal and But the visitors nearly put the tie to bed when a Liverpool it was decided by left-footed blast by Inter Milan winger Ivan Peri- mutual agreement to make sic hit the post in the 43rd minute, after Barcelona him available to his club to midfi elder Ivan Rakitic had earlier curled a free- continue treatment until full kick over the crossbar. Greece continued to enjoy recovery.” more of the ball in the second period but when it Mane missed five games came to fi nishing off an attack, either a pass would for Liverpool after sustain- go astray or a defender would step in. A shot on the ing the hamstring injury on turn by Mitroglou from just outside the penalty Senegal duty in September area just missed the post with an outstretched Su- Croatian players Domagoj Vida and Dejan Lovren celebrate their qualification for the 2018 World Cup after a playing out a draw with Greece at the Karaiskakis and returned in the Mersey- basic unable to reach it. Stadium, Piraeus in Greece on Sunday night. Croatia qualified on 4-1 win on aggregate. (Reuters) side club’s league win over Greece did put the ball in the net in the 79th West Ham United earlier this minute, but substitute Dimitris Pelkas was cor- QUALIFIED TEAMS FOR WORLD CUP Asia: Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea tomorrow, November 15. month. Liverpool are fifth in rectly called off side. Bologna defender Vasilis Europe: Belgium, England, Germany, Iceland, Poland, North, Central America and Caribbean: Costa Rica, They will go to: — The two winners of the European the league and host Mane’s Torosidis’ shot was blocked by Subasic with just Russia (as hosts), Serbia, Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, Panama play-off s: Sweden v Italy, Denmark v Republic of Ire- former club Southampton, three minutes left, denying Greece even a consola- Switzerland, Croatia South America: Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia land. — The two winners of intercontinental play-off s: who are 13th, on Saturday. tion strike. Africa: Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia The four remaining places will be decided by Peru v New Zealand, Australia v Honduras.

FRIENDLY FOCUS Southgate steels England for Aussie Cahill fi t for Honduras AFP string injury, has also declared did very well,” he said. Sydney his availability for the Sydney “The away goal would’ve been return leg. “I feel really good. I nice, but with us getting back ‘world’s best team’ Brazil was pretty good before leaving early, we’ve got all the right peo- eteran talisman Tim my (Hertha Berlin) club. I prob- ple to get us right, the pitch is go- AFP Cahill said yesterday ably could’ve made the squad for ing to be in good condition so we Enfield, United Kingdom he had recovered from (last) weekend but we just decid- can move the ball. The speed of an ankle injury and was ed there was no point risking it,” the game will be much faster and Vfi t to play for Australia in this Leckie said. I think we’ve got a better team.” ngland will be facing “the best team week’s World Cup play-off with “Bit of a setback because I The Honduras squad touched in the world” in today’s friendly Honduras in Sydney. The coun- haven’t been able to play, but it’s down in Sydney early yesterday against Brazil at Wembley, man- try’s all-time leading scorer re- two weeks. I don’t think I’ve lost less than 60 hours before the ager Gareth Southgate has told his mained on the bench during the too much fi tness. I’ll be good to second leg kicks off . players.E Belying a spate of injury-enforced goalless fi rst leg in San Pedro go. Our goal is to dominate the The central Americans arrived withdrawals, an inexperienced England side Sula on Friday but said he was game on Wednesday and I think a day after the Socceroos touched produced an encouraging display in Friday’s expecting to make an appearance we can do that.” Leckie said he down in a special chartered 0-0 draw against Germany, with debutants in tomorrow’s do-or-die match expected the pace of the Syd- plane, equipped with player Jordan Pickford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to qualify for Russia 2018. ney game to be quicker than the treatment tables. After an after- impressing. And the 103-cap forward heavy pitch conditions experi- noon recovery session, the Hon- But Brazil have won 13 of their 16 games said he would be ready to start enced in Honduras. “We con- duras team will have only one full since Tite was appointed coach in June if called upon by coach Ange trolled the game over there in training session before tomor- last year and with players like Neymar and Postecoglou. “If I had to play in very poor conditions. The pitch row’s showdown at the Sydney Gabriel Jesus in their ranks, Southgate says Honduras I defi nitely would have looked very tough and the guys Olympic stadium. they will be much more unpredictable. made a contribution,” Cahill told “There’s been a good response to the reporters. performance the other night, but we’ll be “That’s what it’s all about, judged again on what happens tomorrow,” putting your body on the line and Southgate told a press conference at the sacrifi cing for these two games, Tottenham Hotspur training base in Enfi eld, for such a big occasion for our north London yesterday. country to qualify for a fourth “We’re in for a much sterner test. Brazil consecutive World Cup. I’m feel- are well down the road in terms of knowing England manager Gareth Southgate (right) and Eric Dier arrive for training. (Reuters) ing really good. It was awesome what their best team is. We’re playing the to train in Honduras and get two best team in the world, who’ve annihilated players. We’ll have to work really hard to cision over how many changes to make to his sessions in so I feel great. I feel everybody in South American qualifying, make chances.” starting XI. like I’m going to be involved and which is the hardest way to get to the fi nals. Brazil talisman Neymar is going through a “I’ve got to get the balance right,” he it’s all about Wednesday night.” We have to be spot on to have a chance of delicate period, amid reports of discontent said. “The structure of the team was good, Cahill, at 37, remains an in- winning the game.” behind the scenes at Paris Saint-Germain, so I don’t want to make too many changes. dispensable member of the Soc- Comparing Brazil with Germany, South- but Southgate said his team will still have But also this is an opportunity to give other ceroos. His two headed goals gate added: “I think Germany are a well- to watch him closely. Asked if Neymar was players opportunities. We should experi- earned Australia a 2-1 victory oiled machine in the way they work — very worth the 222mn euros ($259mn) PSG paid ment a bit. We’re playing a top, top team, over Syria in Sydney last month slick inter-passing, but you know where on Barcelona to sign him, Southgate replied: but we don’t have many opportunities to to set up the intercontinental the fi eld they are going to be. With Brazil a “If there was to be one (who would be worth test individual players.” playoff with Honduras. “We al- lot of the problems you face are because of that much), it would be him.” England remain without Harry Kane, Dele ways respect our opponent but the ability of individuals, which is less pre- Southgate confi rmed Tottenham’s Eric Alli, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Hender- from the performance we’ve seen dictable. You can’t prepare for that in quite Dier would retain the captain’s armband, af- son, to name but four of their absentees. in Honduras, I feel the team is the same way as some of the teams we face. ter skippering his country for the fi rst time Southgate awarded fi ve players their debuts ready to put in a good perform- Australia’s Tim Cahill trains “They have good organisation since the against Germany, while Joe Hart will replace against Germany and said he “will not hesi- ance,” he said. ahead of tomorrow’s World new coach came in. They don’t commit as Pickford in goal. Having been satisfi ed by tate” to test Dominic Solanke, Lewis Cook Attacker Mathew Leckie, Cup playoff against Honduras many men forward perhaps; they don’t need his team’s display against the Germans, and Angus Gunn against Brazil after draft- who did not make the long trip in Sydney. (Reuters) to because of the quality of their attacking Southgate admitted he faced a diffi cult de- ing the uncapped trio into his squad. to Honduras because of a ham- Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, November 14, 2017 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Pakistan’s Saeed Gayle misses PSL ticket Ajmal retires because of from all cricket poor form He famously captured 24 wickets in three Tests against England in 2012

Agencies Karachi Kings Lahore Imad Wasim (c), Shahid Afridi, Us- man Khan, Usama Mir, Khurram Manzoor, Ravi Bopara, Babar Azam, arren Sammy of the West In- Mohammad Amir, Mohamed Rizwan, dies and Brendon McCullum Colin Ingram, Mitchell Johnson, Luke of New Zealand are the two Wright, David Wiese, Tabish Khan, foreign stars who would lead Mohammad Irfan Jnr., Hasan Mohsin. Dfranchises in the third edition of the Supplementary players: Colin Pakistan Super League, the draft for Munro, Eoin Morgan, Saifullah Ban- which was held in Lahore on Sunday gash night. Sammy, who twice captained the Lahore Qalandars West Indies to victory in the Twen- Brendon McCullum (c), Umar Akmal, ty20 World Cup, will lead Peshawar Sunil Narine, Fakhar Zaman, Yasir Zalmi, while McCullum will helm Shah, Cameron Delport, Aamer Qatar-owned Lahore Qalandars. Yamin, Bilawal Bhatti, Sohail Khan, Chris Gayle, the only player to Chris Lynn, Mustafizur Rahman, reach 10,000 T20 runs, was not Bilal Asif, Raza Hasan, Sohail Akhtar, picked by any of the six teams be- Shaheen Shah Afridi, Ghulam Mudas- cause of his poor form and partial sar. eligibility. A total of 501 cricketers Supplementary players: Angelo — 308 overseas and 193 domestic — Mathews, Mitchell McClenaghan, were part of the draft. Gulraiz Sadaf

Saeed Ajmal: calling it quits Teams in the PSL: Islamabad United Multan Sultans Misbah ul Haq (c), Rumman Raees, Shoaib Malik (c), Kieron Pollard, Mohamed Sami, Andre Russell, AFP He famously captured 24 wickets in for myself and helped the team win no end. But I have forgiven everyone.” Kumar Sangakkara, Sohail Tanvir, Shadab Khan, Samuel Badree, Iftikhar Karachi three Tests against England in 2012. matches.” England fast bowler Broad ques- Mohamed Irfan, Junaid Khan, Sohaib Ahmed, Amad Butt, Asif Ali, JP Du- But his time in the limelight was cut Ajmal took 178 wickets in 35 Tests, tioned the legality of Ajmal’s action Maqsood, Irfan Khan, Kashif Bhatti, miny, Luke Ronchi, Faheem Ashraf, short after a temporary ban for chuck- the last of which was at Galle in Sri when the Pakistani spinner was featur- Imran Tahir, Darren Bravo, Ahmed Sam Billings, Zafar Gohar, Sahibzada akistan spinner Saeed Ajmal ing saw him return to the sport in 2015 Lanka in 2014, where his bowling ac- ing in an English county championship Shehzad, Mohamed Abbas, Nic Farhan, Hussain Talat. announced his retirement without the same form. tion was reported for a second time. It a month before the umpires’ report in Pooran, Abdullah Shafiq, Saif Badar. Supplementary players: Alex from all forms of cricket yes- He took just one wicket in two ODIs was fi rst reported during an ODI series Sri Lanka. Supplementary players: Hardus Hales, David Willey, Mohamed Hasan, terday, two years after losing and a Twenty20 in Bangladesh, his fi rst against Australia in the UAE in 2009. Ajmal took a swipe at the process of Viljoen, Umar Gul, Umar Siddiq, Ross Mohamed Hasnain hisP wicket-taking bite with a remod- matches after being cleared to bowl, He fi nished with 184 wickets in 113 calling bowlers out for illegal action. Whiteley. elled bowling action that was twice and was never selected for the national ODIs, and 85 in 64 Twenty20 inter- “It seems that the process was meant Quetta Gladiators deemed illegal. team again. nationals. But in spite of his early suc- for me and (Mohammad) Hafeez, all Peshawar Zalmi Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Kevin Pietersen, During a successful but controversial “I am quitting all forms of cricket cesses, Ajmal said the last two years of other bowlers with questionable ac- Darren Sammy (c), Mohamed Hafeez, Rilee Rossouw, Mohamed Nawaz, career, Ajmal was once celebrated as after the current National Twenty20 his career had been frustrating. tions are still playing,” he said. Wahab Riaz, Shakib al Hasan, Kam- Anwar Ali, Mahmudullah, Umar the world’s number one bowler in one tournament,” Ajmal told AFP from “Ban over action left me frustrated Hafeez’s action was reported for a ran Akmal, Hasan Ali, Haris Sohail, Amin, Mir Hamza, Asad Shafiq, Shane day internationals (ODIs) and Twen- Rawalpindi on the phone. and hurt,” he said. “More hurtful was second time last month. Chris Jordan, Mohamed Asghar, Watson, Carlos Brathwaite, Rahat ty20 cricket, and was almost as suc- “It was a highly satisfying career in that current player Stuart Broad ques- Ajmal said he will concentrate on Dwayne Bravo, Tamim Iqbal, Ham- Ali, Rameez Raja jnr, Saad Ali, Saud cessful in Tests. which I achieved whatever goals I set tioned that and his comments hurt me coaching in the future. mad Azam, Saad Nasim, Taimoor Shakeel, Hassan Khan. Sultan, Sameen Gul, Ibtisam Sheikh. Supplementary players: Jason Supplementary players: Andre Roy, Rashid Khan, Azam Khan, Faraz CANDID Fletcher, Evin Lewis, Khalid Usman, Ahmed Khan Mohamed Arif I asked for the rest, says all-rounder Pandya Moeen Ali ready to play fi rst tour game ahead of Ashes

IANS gles because of the amount of cricket talking about it....It’s a much hyped Townsville, Australia: England’s “It was a bit frustrating but also not New Delhi that I have played. I want to play crick- series. I like challenges in life, they Moeen Ali says he has overcome his a bad thing, you get a lot more work et when I am totally up for it, when I keep me going..... As you said I am the side strain and is ready to play his first done. can give my 100 percent,” Pandya told missing link in the team, who knows I Australian tour match in Townsville “I feel like I am ready to play and I ndia all-rounder Hardik Pandya, CNN-News18. might be the diff erence there. I am sure this week. can’t wait to spend time in the field. who has been rested for the Test “I am lucky that I have got this we are going to play very well,” he said. The Worcestershire all-rounder We have got four days of cricket matches against Sri Lanka, yes- break. I will train in the gym during When asked about the biggest turn- missed England’s opening two games ahead. terday said he asked for the rest this break and improve my fi tness. I ing point of his career, Pandya said: in Perth and Adelaide but is available “I can get a bit of game time in my becauseI of niggles. won’t lie, I am really excited for South “My life changed when I got a chance for the final Ashes warm-up game system and then be ready to play, The 24-year-old said he will use this Africa series. I would like to use this to play for MI (Mumbai Indians) and against a Cricket Australia XI starting hopefully, at the Gabba.” break to improve his fi tness so that he Twenty20 Internationals against the break to improve my fi tness for the se- then I never looked back. I had a small tomorrow. The four-dayer in north Queensland is could perform to the best of his abili- Proteas. The fi rst Test begins on Janu- ries,” he added. failure and that’s why I learned to be “I am good,” he told reporters yester- England’s last game before the Ashes ties during the South Africa tour. ary 5 in Cape Town. Pandya said he will remain positive even more professional. You need to day. “It’s just a slight strain on my side series-opener in Brisbane starting on India will play three Tests, six One “To be honest, I asked for it. My ahead of the series and will play well. understand that some things are bad. from throwing. November 23. Day Internationals (ODI) and three body wasn’t up to it, I was getting nig- “Yes, I am really excited. People are That’s how you improve in life.”

BOTTOMLINE Hazlewood the key to battering England: Starc

AFP destroyer with his searing pace. bowl as quick as we can and attack. “Josh was the one who blasted out the Brisbane Hazlewood will be fresh and rested for “He (Hazlewood) takes his wickets top order and Patty bowled really well in the series, having played just one Shef- with line and length and Pat and I come the middle.” fi eld Shield game since coming back in and try and blast teams out, try and Starc played down talk that he had to itchell Starc says pace from a side strain injury. attack the stumps and really intimidate. dominate, just as fellow left-arm quick partner Josh Hazlewood’s Test spearhead Starc may have cap- “We complement each other really Mitchell Johnson did to secure victory unerring line and length will tured two hat-tricks for NSW in a recent well.”Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood and for Australia in the last Ashes series allow his fellow bowlers to Shield win over Western Australia, but fourth paceman Jackson Bird are training Down Under in 2013. letM rip at England’s batsmen in the Ashes he claims Hazlewood will prove to be together this week in Brisbane instead “I think we have an attack that is gel- Test series. Australia’s spark. of playing Shield games for their state ling well,” Starc said. Starc and Hazlewood form a potent Starc said Hazlewood’s nagging line sides. “It doesn’t have to be one guy who new-ball attack for Australia in the se- and length would tie up one end and al- Starc has taken 17 wickets at 12.70 in stands up. If someone has a Mitchell ries, which gets underway in Brisbane on low him and Cummins to attack from this season’s Sheffi eld Shield, but said he Johnson-type series, fantastic. November 23. the other. “He’s a bloody genius with had yet to reach peak form ahead of the “But if we win the Ashes it doesn’t Backing them up is another New line and length, it allows Pat and I to be fi rst Test. matter who gets all the wickets. South Wales tearaway, Pat Cummins, aggressive and that’s how I bowl,” Starc “I think I was just used at the right “Hopefully we can stay together as a who has been singled out by Australian told reporters in Brisbane yesterday. times and cleaned up the tail against (bowling) group and do something spe- leg-spin great Shane Warne as the Ashes “We can unleash from the other end, WA,” he said. cial over the next few years.” Gulf Times Tuesday, November 14, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Wood nets hat-trick as Devils beat Hawks Celtics beat Raptors completed a tic-tac-toe pass- By Andrew Gross The Record (Hackensack, NJ) ing sequence started by Blake Coleman and Stefan Noesen by getting to the left post to beat hen Devils coach Crawford to make it 4-3 at 3:07 John Hynes was of the second period. asked before the No. 1 overall pick Nico His- game whether chier connected on a wrist 95-94 to extend Whe suspected the Blackhawks shot to tie the game at 4 at might be due for a scoring 6:52 of the second period breakout, he could only blurt and Taylor Hall, reaching the out, “I hope not.” 400-point milestone, skated Little did he know that his to the crease and deposited a team, too, would have a scor- backhander through Craw- ing barrage, setting a season- ford’s pads to give the Devils a high for goals in a 7-5 win 5-4 lead at 12:15 of the second winning streak to 12 over the Blackhawks on Sun- period. day night at United Center to Brian Gibbons, with his ‘They are the best team in the NBA right now and they are playing unbelievable’ start a four-game road trip as team-leading eighth goal, Miles Wood notched his fi rst made it 6-4 at 17:05 before AFP career hat-trick. The teams, Patrick Kane’s power-play Boston both playing on back-to-back backhander with 2.7 seconds nights, traded four-goal peri- remaining – Brian Boyle had ods, the Devils (11-4-2) in the cross check Nick Schmaltz l Horford scored a second as part of a string of with 8.5 seconds to go – team-high 21 points in fi ve unanswered goals after the brought the Blackhawks with- his return as the Boston Blackhawks (8-8-2) had taken in 6-5 heading into the third Celtics played without a 4-1 lead in the fi rst period. period. KyrieA Irving but still managed Excluding their season- The Devils fl irted with dan- to hang on for their 12th straight opening 10-1 win over the ger in Saturday night’s 2-1 win victory on Sunday. Penguins, the Blackhawks had over the visiting Panthers by The Celtics had to dig deep been averaging 2.4 goals per often playing without much into the depths of their roster, as game but goalie Corey Craw- structure in their game, leav- they have done throughout their ford came into the game sec- ing Cory Schneider to bail out winning streak, to defeat the To- ond in the NHL with a 1.87 his teammates with 32 saves ronto Raptors 95-94 in front of goals-against average and a for the victory. a crowd of 18,600 at the Boston .942 save percentage. Against the more potent Garden. Both of those trends were Blackhawks, regardless of their Horford missed two games due reversed and Anton Forsberg, scoring woes, Kinkaid could to a concussion and his return in net for the Blackhawks’ not do the same. The Black- was welcome news after all-star 4-3 overtime win at Carolina hawks took a 4-1 lead with Irving suff ered a facial fracture on Saturday night, entered three goals in three minutes, 20 in Friday’s win over Charlotte to start the third period after seconds in the fi rst period. when he was accidently struck in Crawford allowed six goals on The blitz started with the mouth by a teammate. 25 shots. But Wood completed Schmaltz stripping Hall of the Horford led fi ve Celtics in his hat trick by punching in puck just over the Devils’ blue double fi gures on Sunday as a power-play goal at the left line, quickly turning the play Jaylen Brown scored 18 points, post to make it 7-5 at 2:21. the other way and then feeding Terry Rozier scored 16, Mar- Keith Kinkaid allowed four a trailing Alex DeBrincat for a cus Smart 14 and rookie Jayson goals on 17 shots in the fi rst pe- 2-1 lead at 13:41 with the teams Tatum delivered 13 points and riod but fi nished with 39 saves. skating four on four. seven rebounds. Forsberg made 12 saves. Dev- Defenseman Jan Rutta, with The Celtics are the fi rst team ils see improvement in Damon defenseman Damon Severson in NBA history with a double- Severson’s defensive game. in the penalty box for closing digit win streak while having The Devils played with fi ve his hand on the puck, con- more than four rookies on their defensemen for the majority nected with a blue-line shot roster. Tatum is the most promi- of the game after Mirco Muel- for a power-play goal to make nent of the six rookies contrib- ler took a hard from John Hay- it 3-1 at 16:39. uting to the team’s remarkable den along the left boards in the Tanner Kero, just 22 seconds early season success. Devils’ zone just 18 seconds later, capitalized when John “It’s unbelievable ... we are into the game and did not re- Moore couldn’t clear the puck playing good teams too,” Rozier turn. from low in the slot to make it said. Mueller, skating slowly, was 4-1.Wood had tied the game at The Raptors had a chance to able to get to the bench under 1 working at the crease on the win the game in the fi nal seconds his own power after initially power play at 3:41 of the fi rst as DeMar DeRozan went one- laying on the ice but was taken period. Artem Anisimov had on-one with Brown but his shot directly to the Devils’ room for tipped Rutta’s blue-line shot at the buzzer clanged off the rim. evaluation with what the team past Kinkaid just 41 seconds Boston held on despite not listed as an upper-body injury. into the game. scoring a basket over the fi nal 86 The Devils’ comeback started seconds. with Wood, low in the slot, cut- RESULTS Guard Irving could return ting the Blackhawks’ lead to 4-2 Lightning 2 Ducks 1 soon as he spent the weekend at 17:37 of the fi rst period and Capitals 2 Oilers 1 (shootout) visiting a specialist to be fi tted captain Andy Greene, notch- Devils 7 Blackhawks 5 for a playing mask to protect the Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (right) shoots the ball over Toronto Raptors forward CJ Miles during the second half at TD Garden. ing his 200th career point, Sharks 2 Kings 1 facial fracture which has been PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports described as minor. Doctors say there is no sign of a concussion, playing unbelievable,” Toronto’s Harden hit nine of 21 shots points, Reggie Jackson had 17 his birthday - had 27 points, six said coach Brad Stevens. Kyle Lowry said. “Everybody is from the fi eld, fellow guard points, rookie Luke Kennard rebounds and fi ve assists, and “The good news is thus far picking up slack.” Eric Gordon chipped in with 21 scored a career-high 14 points, forward Paul George followed that’s the only point of pain in Lowry scored 19 points and points, and centre Clint Capela backup point guard Ish Smith his best scoring performance of his face or head or neck or any- dished out seven assists and CJ contributed 20 points and a scored 11 points and Andre the season with 37 points in the thing else,” said Stevens. Miles was the only other Raptor team-high 17 rebounds. Drummond added 17 rebounds absence of center Steven Adams Irving scored a then-career- in double fi gures with 10 points. It was the sixth consecutive for the Pistons. and forward Carmelo Anthony. high 41 points the last time he Lowry passed Andrea Bargnani victory for the Rockets, who led Hassan Whiteside had 20 Harrison Barnes led the Mav- wore a mask in December 2012 to move into fourth place on the throughout. Victor Oladipo led points and 12 rebounds, Goran ericks with 22 points, Yogi Fer- while playing for the Cleveland Raptors’ all-time scoring list. the Pacers with 28 points on 11- Dragic scored 18 points, Dion rell added 18, and Dennis Smith Cavaliers. of-17 shooting from the fi eld. Waiters had 16 points and Josh Jr. scored 15 points. DeRozan led the Raptors, who Rockets romp In Detroit, Tobias Harris led Richardson added 15 points to fell to 7-5 on the season, with 24 Elsewhere, James Harden had fi ve players in double fi gures lead the Heat, who went 13 of 37 RESULTS points for his seventh straight 26 points and a season-high with 25 points to help Detroit from 3-point range. Celtics 95 Raptors 94 20-point game. 15 assists to lead the Houston beat Miami and fi nish unbeaten Even without two starters, Pistons 112 Heat 103 New Jersey Devils left wing Miles Wood (No 44) celebrates his “They are the best team in Rockets to a 118-95 rout of the on the fi ve-game homestand. Oklahoma City made quick work Thunder 112 Mavericks 99 goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the NBA right now and they are Indiana Pacers. Avery Bradley scored 24 of Dallas. Russell Westbrook - on Rockets 118 Pacers 95 United Center in Chicago. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NFL Rams roll on, Cowboys stall AFP Los Angeles end zone to launch a anapolis Colts. The victory saw the en since losing their opening two Los Angeles 21-point scoring blitz. Goff then Steelers move to 7-2 at the top of the games of the season, improved to picked out Sammy Watkins for a AFC North. It was the fi nal act of a 7-2 to lead the NFC South at New 17-yard touchdown before hitting second-half revival by the Steel- Era Field. ared Goff threw for three Woods once more for a 12-yard ers, who had trailed 17-3 in the third Rookie Alvin Kamara also rushed touchdowns as the resurgent score. The victory keeps Los Ange- quarter before rallying to overturn for 106 yards and a touchdown Los Angeles Rams overpow- les on course to reach the postsea- the defi cit. while another rookie Trey Edmunds ered the Houston Texans to son for the fi rst time since 2004. “We were tested, and tested in had a 41-yard gallop to score in the maintainJ their push towards the Elsewhere on Sunday, the Dal- a lot of ways,” Steelers head coach fourth quarter. postseason on Sunday. las Cowboys lost further ground on Mike Tomlin said. “Game circum- Quarterback Drew Brees also Rams quarterback Goff amassed a NFC East pace-setters the Philadel- stances kind of do that to you, but rushed for a touchdown as Buff alo career-high 355 passing yards as the phia Eagles (8-1) after slipping to a the guys didn’t blink with it. They slumped to their heaviest home de- league’s most potent off ense took 27-7 loss against the Atlanta Falcons are to be given credit for that. Guys feat since 2007. their time before pulling away for a in Georgia. delivered in critical moments.” In San Francisco, the 49ers fi nally 33-7 win at the Memorial Coliseum. Cowboys quarterback Dak Pres- got off the mark, winning their first The victory was the latest stop cott rushed for a fi rst quarter touch- Vikings on top game of the season with a 31-21 de- on a season of renaissance for the down to give Dallas the lead but ul- Elsewhere Sunday, Minnesota feat of the hapless New York Giants Rams, who are now 7-2 at the top timately suff ered a miserable day, improved to 7-2 at the top of the (1-8). of the NFC West after fi nishing last being sacked eight times. NFC North with a 38-30 victory in year at 4-12. Falcons defensive end Adrian Washington. Vikings quarterback RESULTS In the late game, Tom Brady Clayborn was responsible for six Case Keenum threw a career-high Cincinnati 20 Tennessee 24 passed for 266 yards and three sacks as the Cowboys off ense, miss- four touchdown passes while Adam Cleveland 24 Detroit 38 touchdowns as the New England ing the suspended Ezekiel Elliott, Thielen amassed 166 receiving Green Bay 23 Chicago 16 Patriots dominated the Denver failed to fi re. Dallas are now 5-4 in yards to help set up the win. Chargers 17 Jacksonville 20 Broncos 41-16. A tight fi rst half saw the NFC East, making it increas- New Orleans meanwhile cement- Minnesota 38 Washington 30 the Rams held to a 9-7 lead with ingly likely their best hope of reach- ed their status as one of the form New Orleans 47 Buff alo 10 Bruce Ellington scoring a touch- ing the playoff s is going to be via a teams of the NFC after clinching a NY Jets 10 Tampa Bay 15 down for the Texans. wildcard slot. seventh consecutive victory in a 47- Pittsburgh 20 Indianapolis 17 However the Rams cut loose in In early games Sunday, Chris 10 rout of the Buff alo Bills. Houston 7 LA Rams 33 a dazzling third quarter, with Goff Boswell drilled a last-second fi eld Running back Mark Ingram Dallas 7 Atlanta 27 Los Angeles Rams defensive back Blake Countess (No 24) celebrates with teammates after an hurling a 94-yard touchdown pass goal to give the Pittsburgh Steelers a II rushed for 131 yards and three NY Giants 21 San Francisco 31 interception during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Los Angeles Memorial to Robert Woods from inside the comeback 20-17 win over the Indi- touchdowns as the Saints, unbeat- New England 41 Denver 16 Coliseum. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, November 14, 2017 RUGBY

SPOTLIGHT Toomua out of WC aft er new Leicester deal AFP Toomua said in a club statement. “I available for Australia selection. London have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. In addition to Toomua, Leicester an- “Despite having an injury-inter- nounced yesterday that several other rupted fi rst year, I have loved being a players had signed contract exten- ustralia’s Matt Toomua has part of the club and am very excited sions, including British and Irish Lions eff ectively ruled himself out about our ambitions in the near fu- prop Dan Cole. of the 2019 World Cup in Ja- ture.” Coley is an outstanding player and a pan after signing a contract Toomua, the husband of Australia great example of a player who has come extensionA with English club Leicester. women’s cricket star Ellyse Perry, through the ranks at the club, earning The 27-year-old playmaker joined who scored an Ashes double century his place in the senior squad and pro- the Premiership giants on a three-year against England in Sydney last week, gressing to become fi rst choice for club deal in 2016, a move which allowed for added: “Leicester Tigers have a rich and country,” said O’Connor of the the possibility he could return to Aus- history and it’s a privilege to have the front row, who has 75 England caps. tralian club rugby in 2019. opportunity to add to it.” “He is among a core of senior pro- But Monday’s announcement means Leicester coach Matt O’Connor was fessionals who have come through to- the 31-times capped Toomua will re- delighted to have retained the services gether here and are now in key leader- main unavailable for international of a player he fi rst worked with at Aus- ship roles within the squad.” duty as Australia – who play England tralia’s Brumbies Super Rugby franchise. Tonga wing Telusa Veianu, England at Twickenham on Saturday – do not “Matt is a world-class operator in fl anker Mike Williams and lock Greg select overseas-based players for Tests attack and defence,” said O’Connor. Bateman have also agreed new deals. unless they have already won at least “He brings out the best in the play- Veainu arrived at Welford Road af- 60 caps. ers around him, he’s a great deci- ter the 2015 World Cup and O’Connor Toomua suff ered a knee injury sion-maker and communicator in the said of the 26-year-old: “Telusa has against Racing 92 just two games into backline and everyone appreciates the been in outstanding form and is a key his Tigers career but has worked his quality of his work there.” player for us. “He’s a popular guy in the way back to full fi tness to form a mid- News of Toomua’s contract exten- squad, he works very hard and he is still fi eld partnership with England fl y-half sion came just days after Leicester improving as a player. George Ford. announced they had signed Wallabies “We have some top-class players in “I’m very excited about commit- hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau who, hav- our backline and Telusa is central to ting to the club for a few more years,” ing made 80 Test appearances, remains that.”

FOCUS PREVIEW Ireland and France not giving up Davies injury sparks ahead of 2023 vote

Reuters er, are not giving up and have London publicly taken issue with criti- cisms of their bids – actions that were also a breach of the reland and France are hop- bidding protocol. Wales recall for Lions ing their late behind-the- French federation president scenes lobbying will have Bernard Laporte described the done enough for one of evaluation report as “non- Ithem to overhaul South Africa sense”, full of blatant errors when the decision on who will and a result of incompetence. host the 2023 Rugby World Ireland said they were sur- Cup is announced tomorrow. prised by the fi ndings and World Rugby’s Council vowed to compete until the centre Roberts will name the host nation in end to host the event. London on Wednesday, with Ireland bid chairman Dick ‘We are still waiting on Jonathan. It doesn’t look great We are not sure yet in terms South Africa the odds-on fa- Spring also sent a letter to vourites after being recom- Council members complain- of the full outcome, but he is going to struggle probably for the rest of this autumn’ mended by Board’s evaluation ing that the scoring system report last month. rewarded France and South The Council could still opt Africa’s prior history of host- for any of the three bids in ing major events. Wednesday’s secret ballot, In response, World Rugby with 20 of the available 39 said the process had been sup- votes needed, but is expected ported by host candidates, the to rubber-stamp the recom- Rugby World Cup Board and mendation. Most unions have Council throughout. declined to make public their After making much of the intentions, though New Zea- fact that the evaluation proc- land’s CEO Steve Tew has said ess was “totally transparent” it would be “very hard not to – the fi nal decision will be vote the way of the recom- made by a secret ballot. mendation”. None of the host candidates The evaluation report gave will be involved, leaving 39 South Africa an overall score votes are up for grabs. of 78.97 percent to 75.88 for The remaining four Six Na- France and 72.25 for Ireland tions unions, as well as New on a selection of weighted cri- Zealand, Australia and Ar- teria. For the 2015 and 2019 gentina, have three votes each World Cups, the Council vot- while the six regional asso- ing followed the RWC Board’s ciations plus Japan have two recommendation that Eng- votes apiece. The outstanding land and Japan host the tour- four votes belong to Georgia, naments. Canada, the United States and Ireland and France, howev- Romania.

INJURY SCARE More withdrawals hurt Scotland ahead of NZ showdown

Reuters he should resume training this Edinburgh week. Scotland went into the internationals without 10 regu- lars, including props Alasdair njury-hit Scotland have Dickinson, Allan Dell and Gor- been rocked by another don Reid, and hookers Fraser trio of withdrawals ahead Brown and Ross Ford. of their autumn interna- The side has also been with- Itional clash with world cham- out infl uential scrumhalf Greig Wales’ centre Jonathan Davies is stretchered off injured at the end of the rugby union international Test against Australia at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff , South Wales, on pions New Zealand at Murray- Laidlaw and lock Richie Gray. November 11, 2017. (AFP) fi eld on Saturday. Scotland have never beaten Prop WP Nel (arm fracture) New Zealand, with their 30 AFP matches at Cardiff ’s Principality “We are not sure yet in terms Saturday,” said a Welsh Rugby wards Jordi Murphy and New and lock Tim Swinson (hand) previous meetings resulting in Cardiff , United Kingdom Stadium against world champi- of the full outcome, but he is go- Union statement. “Further in- Zealand-born Sean Reidy to will miss the remainder of two draws and 28 defeats. ons New Zealand on November ing to struggle probably for the jury update will be made in due their squad to face Fiji in Dublin 2017, which also includes a 25 and South Africa the follow- rest of this autumn. I am not course following medical assess- on Saturday. Test against Australia on No- Battered Boks call on onathan Davies could ing weekend. saying he is out. We just need ments.” The pair have been drafted vember 25, after picking up in- Vermeulen for France Test miss the rest of Wales’s The 65-times capped Davies to see where he is at and consult Andrews was called up by in as replacements for Tommy juries in the 44-38 victory over Number eight Duane Ver- end-of-year Test cam- was one of the stars of the British with the doctors and the physios Gatland as front row Samson O’Donnell and Dan Leavy, who Samoa at the weekend. Flank meulen is in line to play his paign after longtime mid- and Irish Lions 1-1 series draw in a bit later. Lee continues his recovery from were injured ahead of last week- Rob Harley, who injured his fi rst Test for over a year after fiJ eld colleague Jamie Roberts was New Zealand earlier this year. “He is a world-class rugby an Achilles problem. end’s 38-3 trouncing of South knee in training last week, will being called up by beleaguered recalled to the squad yesterday Fellow Lions centre Roberts, player, there is no doubting Wales know they will be with- Africa. also not feature again this year. South Africa ahead of their in- as cover for the injured centre. a veteran of 93 Tests for Wales, that,” added Jenkins. out prop Tomas Francis for the Murphy won the most recent Newcastle Falcons prop Jon ternational against France in A clearly hurt Davies left the was left out of Gatland’s origi- Roberts, now at London club South Africa match as it falls of his 17 caps in the historic 40- Welsh has been added to the Paris on Saturday. fi eld late on with an ankle injury nal 36-man squad for the end Harlequins, was summoned into outside World Rugby’s designat- 29 victory over New Zealand in squad as cover and could play Vermeulen, who plays for during Wales’s 29-21 defeat by of year campaign, with the New the Wales camp yesterday along ed international window. Chicago 12 months ago, while his fi rst test in over two years French Top 14 side Toulon, Australia in Cardiff on Saturday. Zealander opting for a two- with Cardiff Blues prop Scott That means the forward’s Reidy earned his second against having last appeared in the 2015 won the last of his 37 Test caps This week’s match against playmaker system in midfi eld Andrews, on lan at English side club, English Premiership side Japan in June. Rugby World Cup quarter-fi nal against Ireland in June 2016, Georgia is likely to see Wales against Australia rather than a Bath. Exeter, are not obliged to release Two other squad members, loss to Australia at Twicken- but has been sidelined by inju- coach Warren Gatland make fl y-half allied to crash ball spe- “Jamie Roberts and Scott An- Francis for Test duty as would prop John Ryan (calf) and wing ham. Wing Tommy Seymour ry for much of the time since. several changes in any event but cialists Roberts and Davies. drews have been called into the otherwise be the case. Keith Earls (hamstring), will re- is also in line to feature against He has been brought back to the worry for the Welsh is that “We are still waiting on Wales squad as injury cover and turn to Munster this week for the All Blacks after an MRI scan add muscle to the loose-for- a week’s break may not be long Jonathan,” said Wales assistant arrived in camp this morning Ireland call on rehabilitation, while fl ank Peter on his toe revealed an injury wards following a record 38-3 enough for Davies to regain fi t- coach Neil Jenkins yesterday. as the squad reconvened ahead loose-forward duo O’Mahony has received stitches sustained against Samoa was defeat by Ireland in Dublin on ness ahead of the showpiece “It doesn’t look great. of the game against Georgia on Ireland have added loose for- on his ear and will be monitored. not as bad as fi rst feared and Saturday. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 14, 2017 7 SPORT

TENNIS/ATP FINALS SPOTLIGHT Rafael Nadal tops season-ending Dimitrov marks ATP rankings

DPA who won the under-21s event Berlin in Milan, slipped fi ve places to 59th and beaten fi nalist An- drey Rublev of Russia slid two lready assured of the spots to 39th. debut with narrow prestigious year- ending number one, Top 10 Rafael Nadal led the 1. (1) Rafael Nadal, Spain, wayA in the latest men’s tennis 10,645 points rankings issued yesterday by 2. (2) Roger Federer, Switzer- the ATP. land, 9,005 Spain’s Nadal takes 10,645 3. (3) Alexander Zverev, Ger- points into the season-ending many, 4,410 victory over Thiem ATP World Tour Finals in Lon- 4. (4) Dominic Thiem, Austria, don which started on Sunday 3,815 ‘I’m living my dream right now and I wanna keep on going’ and bring together the eight 5. (5) Marin Cilic, Croatia, best players of the year. 3,805 Reuters Swiss rival Roger Federer is 6. (6) Grigor Dimitrov, Bul- London second on 9,005 and German garia, 3,650 hopeful Alexander Zverev a 7. (7) Stanislas Wawrinka, distant third in an unchanged Switzerland, 3,150 t had been a long time com- top 10 on 4,410. The fi nalists 8. (8) David Goff in, Belgium, ing but Grigor Dimitrov’s in the ATP’s inaugural Next- 2,975 belated fi rst appearance at Gen tournament slipped in 9. (9) Jack Sock, United States, the ATP Finals did not dis- the rankings because the event 2,765 Iappoint as he outlasted Austrian earned them no overall points. 10. (10) Pablo Carreno-Busta, Dominic Thiem 6-3, 5-7, 7-5 in Hyeon Chung of South Korea, Spain, 2,615 a gripping afternoon duel at the O2 Arena yesterday. The 26-year-old, fi nally be- ginning to consistently deliver on his huge potential, edged the so-called “battle of the back- hands” after a compelling two hours 21 minutes. Dimitrov, the fi rst Bulgarian to qualify for the tournament in its 48-year-old history, overcame some late jit- ters to prevail in the opening Pete Sampras Group match. The world number six served for the match at 5-4 in the de- cider but was broken to love Spain’s Rafael Nadal is presented with the ATP World Tour No 1 before two consecutive double Trophy during Day One of the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 faults by Thiem gave him anoth- Arena in London. (AFP) er chance to close it out. Again Dimitrov wobbled, squandering two match points FORMULA 1 at 40-15 with a double-fault and a tight forehand error, but he fi nally bagged the win when Thiem looped a backhand long. Brazil tyre test “The fi rst time I got broken (at 5-4) I thought ‘okay let’s get back up and try again’,” Dimitrov, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov in action during his group stage match of the ATP Finals against Austria’s Dominic Thiem in London. (Reuters) cancelled for who enjoyed some noisy support from a contingent of Bulgarian serve at 3-3 in the decider and his big day, then took control. fans, said on court. held his own to lead 5-3. The big Croat upped his serv- security reasons “I’m living my dream right Finishing the job proved to be ing and forehand power to level now and I wanna keep on going.” the hardest part though and it the match and then led 3-1 in the AFP the team had put in place ad- World number one Rafael was a relieved Dimitrov who fi - third set. London ditional security measures Nadal opens his quest for a fi rst nally prevailed. At 3-2, he was 40-15 up on before the test was called off . ATP Finals title later against Bel- On the fi rst day, a few hours serve but Zverev, wound-up by “The circuit needs to get its gium’s David Goffi n. after old master Roger Federer an erroneous over-rule, forged irelli and McLaren act together because it’s not Nadal’s appearance has been reminded everyone of his endur- back to break with an exquisite have cancelled a For- acceptable,” he said. in doubt after a knee injury ing magic, Alexander Zverev, the lob. Cilic then dropped serve to mula One tyre test “If we are going to travel to forced the 31-year-old Spaniard man leading the next generation love at 4-5 to lose for the sixth scheduled for the places, we need to make sure to withdraw midway through the of men’s tennis, dazzled on his time in seven matches at the BrazilianP Grand Prix circuit that the government and city Paris Masters tournament. debut. year-ender. after teams were targeted by is doing a good job keeping Dimitrov was the better player The 20-year-old German, Zverev, bidding to become the armed robbers in Sao Paulo everyone safe.” in the fi rst set as Thiem strug- ranked three in the world, was Germany’s Alexander Zverev celebrates a point during his group stage fi rst German to fi nish the year over the weekend. The FIA, whose staff were gled for rhythm on serve. He hot and cold against Croatia’s match against Croatia’s Marin Cilic in London. (Reuters) in the world’s top three since A robbery attempt on a also targeted on Friday, broke in the sixth game and was Marin Cilic but, when it mat- Boris Becker in 1994, will face a Pirelli van after Sunday’s race, had promised “heavy po- rock-solid, winning 16 of 18 tered most, he produced his best ing,” Zverev, who revelled on the picking off a low drop volley that mouthwatering clash with Fed- which was thwarted by the lice reinforcements” for the fi rst-serve points. tennis to win 6-4 3-6 6-4. big stage, told reporters after the gave Cilic no chance. erer on Tuesday. team’s security staff , was the weekend. World number four Thiem, Zverev, the youngest qualifi er late-night fi nish. His forehand wavered at times Six-times champion Federer latest of a string of incidents Despite that, Sauber strat- playing for the second succes- for the season-ender for nine “There were a lot of nerves as Cilic cleverly tried to take the had earlier beaten Jack Sock. involving Formula One per- egy engineer Ruth Buscombe sive year, raised his game in the years, appeared to be fading after involved in my fi rst match. Ob- pace off the ball with some fl oaty “I think anyone beating Fe- sonnel at Interlagos. reported on Twitter that a second set and broke to love in a dazzling start, but surged back viously I’m happy that’s behind slices, but Zverev closed out the derer in this group has a good Four-times world champi- team van was targeted late on the 12th game to level the match. in style to join Federer on top of me. I’m happy that I won.” fi rst set with an ace. chance of (reaching the semi- on Lewis Hamilton had called Saturday. Australian Open semi-fi nalist Boris Becker Group. Zverev possesses huge power Cilic, back in London since fi nals),” Zverev, who beat the on Formula One to act after The Interlagos circuit has a Dimitrov produced a magical “It is diff erent walking on here off the ground, yet it was his fi - his traumatic Wimbledon fi nal Swiss to win this year’s Montreal mechanics from his Mercedes history of such attacks, with drop-volley from impossibly than any other stadium. The nesse at the net which earned defeat by Federer when he broke title, his second Masters 1000 team were robbed at gunpoint cars caught in traffi c jams or close to the net to break Thiem’s crowd, the atmosphere is amaz- him a break in the opening game, down in tears as blisters wrecked title of the year, said. in their mini-van as they left at red stop lights on a road that Interlagos on Friday. runs past a hillside slum. The Briton, who was not Unlike regular team staff , GOLF present at the time, said shots race drivers travel to and were fi red and a gun pointed at from their hotels with police one person’s head before valu- escorts and in bulletproof ables were taken. Sunday’s at- cars. tack on the Pirelli van took place Britain’s Jenson Button after security had supposedly was in a car that was attacked been tightened at the track. outside the circuit in 2010, a Kizzire wins OHL Classic in Mexico “Following a robbery at- year after he won the world Reuters com Tour. tempt, neutralised by Pirelli championship, but his police “I’ve been in tough spots be- security, on a Pirelli van at the driver smashed through the fore and I drew from all my ex- Interlagos circuit last Sun- traffi c to escape. periences,” he said. day... it has been decided to “There’s a huge amount atton Kizzire held on to “It means a lot. I’m pretty ex- cancel the tyre test,” Pirelli of traffi c fl owing in and out win the OHL Classic at cited right now, pretty emotion- said in a statement yesterday. at peak times and, unfortu- Mayakoba on Sunday, al and I was glad to get it done. The decision was taken nately, it provides an oppor- relegating fellow Amer- Rickie made me work hard.” with McLaren, who were due tunity for these situations,” Pican Rickie Fowler to another The 31-year-old hopes his win to test Pirelli’s 2018 tyres with Mike Collier, McLaren’s head runner-up fi nish on the PGA provides the springboard for British teenager Lando Norris of human performance who Tour. further success. and Belgian Stoff el Vandoorne was in the car with Button at A tap-in par at the fi nal hole “I want to win golf tourna- on Tuesday and Wednesday, the time, told Reuters. gave Kizzire his fi rst victory on ments and it feels good to get it and the governing FIA “in the “There is clearly a huge tour, one stroke ahead of Fowler done today. That gives me a lot interest of the safety of the amount of poverty as well and four in front of South Ko- |of confi dence. I understand personnel”. and when the race teams ar- rean Kim Si-woo at El Camaleon There’s a lot of good players out McLaren’s executive direc- rive, they come with a huge Golf Club in Playa Del Carmen, here. tor Zak Brown told Reuters amount of assets and wealth.” Mexico. “I just want to keep working “It was pretty nerve-racking hard and win bigger and bigger but I felt good,” Kizzire said in a and better things. The tourna- Nishikori, Raonic to play in Brisbane International greenside interview after card- ment this week was awesome ing 67 to fi nish at 19-under-par and I was glad to get my fi rst win Former winner Milos Raonic and this year’s runner-up Kei 265. here.” Nishikori are set to return to next year’s Brisbane International, Fowler, in his fi rst start of the organisers said yesterday. Canada’s Raonic, the former world 2017-18 season, birdied the 16th SCORES AFTER FINAL ROUND No.3 who defeated Roger Federer in the 2016 Brisbane final and and 17th holes to put pressure on 265 - Patton Kizzire 62-70-66-67 is now ranked 24, will be playing in the Australian Open war- Kizzire but left a long birdie putt 266 - Rickie Fowler 65-67-67-67 mup tournament for the fourth time. “The conditions are ideal at the last short. 269 - Kim Si-Woo (KOR) 67-68- for preparing leading into Melbourne (Open) and the whole He also shot 67 and had to set- 69-65 Australian swing. I think it’s the best way to start off alongside tle for his 12th second-placing 270 - Charles Howell 68-70-66- the best players in the world,” Raonic said. Japan’s Nishikori, on tour to go along with four vic- 66, Martin Piller 66-68-71-65 ranked 22, is lining up his eighth trip to the Brisbane Interna- tories. 271 - Ryan Moore 70-66-67-68, tional, starting on December 31. Nishikori, who fell to Bulgaria’s The $766,800 consolation Scott Brown 67-69-66-69 Grigor Dimitrov in this year’s final, says his aim is to go one prize lifted Fowler over $30 mil- 272 - John Oda 68-65-69-70 better in 2018. “I hope I can make the final, but my goal is to win lion in career earnings. 273 - Brian Stuard 69-70-69-65, the tournament. It’s the first tournament of the year so I’ll try It took Kizzire 63 starts to fi n- Abraham Ancer (MEX) 71-69- and have a great tournament,” he said. Raonic and Nishikori will ish on top, but he channelled 65-68, Emiliano Grillo (ARG) join a strong men’s field that is headlined by Rafael Nadal, Andy past experiences that included 69-67-70-67, Russell Knox (SCO) Patton Kizzire of the United States celebrates with the trophy on the 18th green after winning the OHL Murray, Nick Kyrgios and defending champion Dimitrov. two wins on the secondary Web. 68-68-69-68 Classic at Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (Getty Images/AFP)

Tuesday, November 14, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Al-Thawadi ‘honoured’ to return to Sheffi eld and pledge support ‘From this field here in Sheff ield 160 years ago to the first Middle Eastern FIFA World Cup in Qatar, football truly is a global game’ s one of the newest global players in The circumstances called for action and a the world’s most popular sport, Qatar campaign, and ‘The World’s Oldest Football has a duty to protect and prosper every Club’ was born. Organisers are asking clubs to level of the beautiful game from the donate their foundation year in pounds, with FIFAA World Cup all the way to grassroots level – the proceeds to be put towards building a new and the 2022 hosts are honoured and excited to home, museum and grassroots centre for Shef- do just that, according to Hassan al-Thawadi. fi eld FC, on the original site that holds so much The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Leg- historic and symbolic signifi cance. acy (SC) Secretary General was speaking during And as he returned to the city he once called a special visit to the United Kingdom, where he home as the man leading Qatar’s journey to the and a delegation that included HE Yousef al- 2022 FIFA World Cup, al-Thawadi said he was de- Khater, Qatar’s Ambassador to the UK, visited a lighted to play a part in their homecoming – and number of iconic and historic football sites. that as the latest hosts of the game’s biggest tour- Al-Thawadi was also a guest of Football As- nament, they have a duty to recognise its origins. sociation Chairman Greg Clarke at Wembley Al-Thawadi said: “From this fi eld here in Stadium on Friday. They dined together and Sheffi eld 160 years ago to the fi rst Middle East- discussed grassroots initiatives, including Gen- ern FIFA World Cup in Qatar, football truly is eration Amazing (SC) and Parklife, as well as the a global game. My hope is that when the new potential for future joint initiatives and knowl- ground and museum at Olive Grove are devel- edge exchange programmes. oped, and schoolchildren visit, they will be able Prior to that, the delegation visited a number to comprehend just how far the game has trav- of grassroots sites in Sheffi eld, where al-Thawa- elled.” di was once a student of law. The visit included Al-Thawadi continued: “I have been so im- trips to The FA’s fi rst Parklife Centre, the Olym- pressed by the vision of the Chairman and staff pic Legacy Park and a special presentation at the at the club to develop such an exciting project; University of Sheffi eld, where he was presented to create a new home of football, a centre for with the degree certifi cate he was unable to col- grassroots, a place for children across the world lect when he graduated in 2001. to come and learn about where the rules of the But it was the trip to Olive Grove in the morn- game were born and to play on this historically ing that proved the most poignant. The site was important. the original home of 160-year-old Sheffi eld FC “I was so proud to become an honorary board – the world’s fi rst football club. However, due member of the club back in 2015. I ask all our to fi nancial constraints, they have been forced friends in the football community to join in sup- to move to another ground, in the neighbouring porting this wonderful project and for football county of Derbyshire. clubs to donate.” (www.sc.qa)

SYRIA WIN U-23 FRIENDLY FOCUS QEF set to host Qatar, Al Rayyan equestrian championships QNA Doha

atar Equestrian Federation (QEF) is preparing to organise Qatar and Al Rayyan Interna- tional Show Jumping cham- pionshipsQ at the QEF’s outdoor arena in Al Rayyan, with prizes carrying up to one million and 700,000 Qatari riyals. The two competitions are classifi ed under the four stars category and will be under the aegis of Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), and is one of the Arab League qualifying rounds for the next World Cup. The Qatar Interna- tional Championship will be held this weekend from Thursday to Saturday, with the Al Rayyan championship be Qatar lost to Syria 1-3 in an under-23 held for three days from November 23th friendly match in Doha on Sunday to 25th. night. Earlier, both the teams had The Qatari team has prepared very well for this tournament in order to played out a 2-2 draw, but in the second match, Syria proved too good achieve the best results, having had a for the hosts. Qatar and Syria are long training stint in Europe. preparing for the AFC U-23 Champion- Qatar successfully hosted the fi nal ship, which will be held in China next round of the Longines Global Champi- January. The 2016 semi-finalists Qatar ons Tour, which concluded on Saturday are Group A along with China, at Al Shaqab, with the participation of Uzbekistan and Oman. Qatar’s Under-23 the world’s best riders and horses. To coach Felix Sanchez expects a very top it all, Qatar’s Bassem Hassan Mo- high level of competition and through hamed clinched the Grand Prix of Doha, the friendlies is preparing the team the feature event to become the fi rst for the flagship tournament. The AFC Qatari to win at home soil. U-23 Championship is second only to QEF Secretary General Badr Mo- the AFC Asian Cup among Asia’s men’s hamed al-Darwish said that the two in- national team competitions, with the ternational championships will witness 2018 edition the first time it will be held the participation of the best horsemen in the world’s most populous country. in the region, adding that the Federation has prepared well to make these two championship competitions a success. Al-Darwish noted that fourth and BOTTOMLINE fi fth rounds of the national equestrian series ‘Hathab’, organised by the QEF and Al Shaqab, will be held along with two international events. Hathab is an initiative of HE Sheikh Huddersfi eld to conduct Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, the Presi- dent of the Qatar Olympic Committee. It is aimed at improving the standard of horse riding among Qatari youths while football camps in Qatar encouraging the involvement of private stables and individual horse owners to Bassem Hassan Mohamed, who won the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha at nglish Premier League staff from 8am to 1pm. Evolution Sports will act like an grow awareness of horsemanship as Al Shaqab arena on Saturday, will be in action at the Qatar International Show Jumping club Huddersfi eld Town Huddersfi eld Town’s Com- extension of this for the char- part of Qatar‘s history and tradition. championships this weekend. will conduct HTAFC mercial Director – and Town ity, with the company’s local Soccer School football Foundation Trustee – Sean Jarvis knowledge and the power of the campsE in Qatar in December. explained how the link with Evo- football club’s name as a Premier CRICKET The Town Foundation – the lution Sports came to fruition. League team working in tandem offi cial registered charity of the “For a few seasons now, the to help engage youngsters in ac- football club – already runs foot- football club’s community wing tive sport. ball camps throughout Hudders- has run successful football cours- “That’s an incredibly worthy fi eld and the local region, with es in the Guangdong Province of cause, whether it is in Hudders- QNB-ISC T20 tournament begins the latest being held earlier this China thanks to our commercial fi eld or Qatar. There’s no doubt month, and has now teamed up partnership with the Fired-Up that promotion to the Premier alabar XI scored a compre- Al Khor won the toss and elected to bat man of the match award. He was well sup- with Evolution Sports Qatar to Group. Fired Up’s knowledge of League has launched Hudders- hensive nine-wicket win over fi rst. But they fell in trouble early as Harif ported by Kiran (25) and Ajmal 19 as Mala- extend the fun to Qatar. the area was key to this working fi eld Town on a global scale and Red Wing Al Khor in the open- and Yasir took three wickets each. Only Vin- bar reached the target in 13 overs losing just From 17th to 21st December, and we were honoured that the this is just one example of the ing match of the QNB-ISC T20 od 23, Niblu 17 and Harilal 12 reached double one wicket. The tournament, which is only three Town Foundation coaches Huddersfi eld Town brand helped worldwide scope that this foot- MCricket Challenger trophy at Asian Town fi gure for Al Khor as they restricted to 94 for Indian nationals, was inaugurated by Gul will be in Qatar to lead the fun- local children engage with sport ball club now has. Our challenge Cricket Stadium. The tournament conduct- runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Mal- Mohammad Khan, head of Domestic Crick- fi lled courses alongside the qual- in such a fun way. at the Club is to ensure we iden- ed by Indian Sports Centre (ISC) is held un- abar XI was given a rapid start by Yasir, who et at Qatar Cricket Association. In total, 12 ifi ed Evolution Sports coaching “Our new arrangement with tify the right opportunities.” der the patronage of Indian Embassy. remained unbeaten on 44, which earned teams are participating in the tournament.