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Monday, October 24, 2016 TENNIS Muharram 23, 1438 AH Del Potro wins GULF TIMES fi rst title in three years SPORT Page 5

PREMIER LEAGUE Chelsea ruin Mourinho’s United return; City held Victory saw Conte’s side move up into fourth place, just a point behind the top three of City, Arsenal and Liverpool

AFP London

anchester’s two Premier League clubs managed just a point between them yesterday as Manchester United suff ered a chastening 4-0 defeat by Chelsea on manager Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford MBridge and leaders Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Southampton. Chelsea’s Pedro Rodriguez opened the scoring after just 30 seconds and the Blues were on their way, with Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante adding to the agony for Mourinho, who won seven major titles in two spell as the London club’s manager. Victory saw Antonio Conte’s side move up into fourth place, just a point behind the top three of City, Arsenal and Liv- erpool. By contrast, defeat left United seventh and fi ve points adrift of the top four fi nish they need to qualify for the Cham- pions League after missing out on European club football’s elite competition this season — a failure that led the Old Traff ord club to replace former manager Louis van Gaal with Mourinho. “You come with a strategy. You cannot concede a goal in the way we did,” Mourinho told Sky Sports. “We made incredible defensive mistakes, individual mistakes, and you pay for that.” After the fi nal whistle, Mourinho whispered in the ear of Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. Conte had urged home fans to make more noise after Kante made it 4-0 in the 70th minute. But Mourinho refused to reveal what he had told the Italian, saying: “My words were with An- tonio Conte were for him, not for you.” Conte was equally guarded, telling the BBC: “When there is a private conversation it is right to remain private, I have great respect for Jose, he is a great manager and he won a lot here.” As for the match itself Conte, in a separate interview with Sky Sports, said: “I am pleased with the performance, we started well, moved the ball quickly, created chances to score the goal.” At Eastlands, City suff ered a fi fth consecutive match with- out a victory although the point gained took Pep Guardiola’s side back to the top of the table. Following their 4-0 midweek Champions League loss away to Barcelona, City were behind in the 27th minute when central defender John Stones’s care- less pass across the face of goal was seized on by Saints striker Aaron Redmond. The hosts were much improved in the sec- ond half and Kelechi Iheanacho equalised in the 55th minute when he fi nished a neat move involving Fernandinho and Leroy Sane from close range. “The second half was much better,” said Guardiola. “Of course our mistake is always complicated. The way I want to play is not to pass to their striker.” Southampton manager Claude Puel was pleased by the way his side recovered from their 1-0 Europa League loss away to In- ter Milan. “We played with just two days recovery after the Inter Milan match, which is diffi cult and we fi nished the game tired,” Chelsea’s defender Gary Cahill (top) jumps onto the huddle to join the celebration after midfielder N’Golo Kante scored their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match said Puel. “It is a good point.” against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London yesterday. (AFP)

HOCKEY India beat Pakistan 3-2 in Asian Champions Trophy

IANS ed as in the initial minutes of the game fi dent, denying the penetration by the Kuantan, Malaysia Pakistan broke with a long ball and got blue sticks. their fi rst penalty corner of the match The Roelant Oltmans-coached side but Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh went to half time with a 1-0 lead. After ndia produced a superb comeback pulled off two back-to-back saves. the break, a rejuvenated Pakistan start- to defeat Pakistan 3-2 in their third The fi rst quarter also saw both teams ed the proceedings much more strongly round robin match at the Asian trying to create openings but it was Pa- and found an equaliser in the initial Champions Trophy hockey tour- kistan who proved superior throughout minutes of the third quarter. Inament here yesterday. the quarter as India failed to fi nd their Rizwan Sr snapped a shot that left For India, Pardeep Mor (22nd bearings when Talwinder Singh’s shot Indian custodian Sreejesh slightly off minute), Rupinder Pal Singh (43rd went past the goalkeeper’s gloves and balance and resulted in the scoreboard minute) and Ramandeep Singh (44th then over the post. count of 1-1. Soon after the equaliser, minute) found the targets while Mu- The fi rst quarter came to end with Pakistan showed more intent in the hammad Rizwan Senior and Muham- Pakistan dominating. They made at game as they scored another goal in the mad Irfan Junior scored for Paki- least three good moves and the Indian 39th minute to take the vital lead. This stan, respectively in the 31st and 39th defence did well not to concede a goal. time a fi eld goal by Irfan Junior did the minute. With this win, India has seven In the second quarter, India played damage to India. points from three matches are in sec- with more discipline by not giving away It seemed like this goal changed eve- ond position in the table. India will anything in the defence and keeping up rything for India as out of nowhere, now take on China tomorrow. Hosts the pressure in the midfi eld. India scored two goals within a span of Malaysia posted their third successive They penetrated the Pakistan circle one minute in the dying minutes of the victory when they outplayed Japan 7-2 many times but success came only in third quarter and created panic among to stay on top of the round-robin league the 22nd minute when a long ball from the Pakistani players. The fi rst of these standings with a maximum nine points. Rupinder Pal Singh went to SK Utthapa two goals was scored by drag-fl icker Pakistan and China are on three points India are second in the table with seven points from three matches, behind hosts Malaysia. and then Mor slammed a cross into the Rupinder in the 43rd minute via a pen- from three outings. circle that went through the legs of Pa- alty corner and then in the 44th minute Star striker Faizal Saari scored two nant Malaysian strikers a goal until the Ashari and Fitri Saari were the other who have lost all their three matches, kistan custodian into the goal. Ramandeep scored a fi eld goal. Lalit goals to lead the Malaysian charge, 23rd minute when Niman Nik Rosemi scorers for Malaysia, who had defeated got two late consolation goals from The Pakistan defensive structure of Upadhyay passed the ball to Talwinder, while fi ve others made an entry in the opened the account with a fi eld goal. defending champions Pakistan 4-2 and Kenji Kitazato and Kentaro Fukuda. Muhammad Arshad, Niwaz Ashfaq and whose deft pass was defl ected into Pa- scoresheet. Japan denied the domi- Rashid Baharom, Nabil Noor, Firhan China 5-1 in earlier matches. Japan, India did not get the start they want- Muhammad Bilal were alert and con- kistan’s goal by Ramandeep. Gulf Times 2 Monday, October 24, 2016 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA LIGUE 1 Nice shrug off N’Zonzi downs Atletico Balotelli injury

AFP to send Sevilla top Paris lassane Plea grabbed a Atletico were the form side heading into the weekend after a run of eight wins in nine games hat-trick as surprise Ligue 1 leaders Nice AFP continued their ter- rifiA c start to the season with a Madrid thrilling 4-2 victory at promoted Metz yesterday. teven N’Zonzi’s winner 17 minutes from With Mario Balotelli out in- time ended Atletico Madrid’s unbeaten jured, Plea assumed the lead role start to the season and sent Sevilla top of for Lucien Favre’s unbeaten side La Liga with a 1-0 win at a soggy Sanchez and netted the opener on 12 min- PizjuanS yesterday. utes before adding a second from N’Zonzi made Sevilla’s second-half dominance the penalty spot after Georges count when he slotted home from on-loan Atletico Mandjeck had equalised. striker Luciano Vietto’s through ball. The visitors Substitute Habib Diallo made ended with 10 men as Koke was shown a second it 2-2 midway through the sec- yellow card 13 minutes from time. ond half for Metz but Plea struck Sevilla move a point clear of Barcelona and two for a third time on 84 minutes ahead of Atletico. However, Real Madrid can move before Wylan Cyprien wrapped back to the top with victory over Athletic Bilbao up the points in injury time. late last night. “It is an important win at home It was a fi fth successive win against such a strong side like Atletico,” N’Zonzi for Nice as they moved four said. Yet, the Frenchman refused to accept Sevilla points clear of second-place are now serious title contenders alongside Atleti- Monaco, while Metz have now co, Barca and Real Madrid. “It is still very early and conceded 14 goals in their last it is a long season.” three home matches. Earlier, on- Atletico were the form side in Spain heading loan duo Henri Saivet and Jordan into the weekend after a run of eight wins in nine Veretout scored their fi rst Saint- games, but paid for failing to take their chances Etienne goals since returning to in the fi rst half as Sevilla extended their perfect France from Newcastle United league record at home this season. and Aston Villa respectively in a A hero of Sevilla’s three consecutive Europa 2-0 win away to Caen. League triumphs, Kevin Gameiro received a mixed Paris Saint-Germain, in third, reception on his return to Andalusia, but he should was to entertain Marseille in the have put Atletico in front when he shot straight at Classique late last night on in Sergio Rico on 16 minutes. what will be Rudi Garcia’s fi rst Angel Correa had an even better opportunity for match as coach of the visitors. Diego Simeone’s men six minutes before the break Monaco provisionally reclaimed when he scampered in behind the Sevilla defence second place on Friday with a but failed to even hit the target. Sevilla started the 6-2 demolition of Montpellier at second period strongly in unrelenting rain that the Stade Louis II. played its part in an end to end encounter. The in-form Samir Nasri smashed against the post before Jan Oblak made a remarkable save to prevent Vitolo opening the scoring on the volley from point-blank range. Vietto endured a woeful debut campaign at Atletico last season after a 20-million-euro ($21.8 mn) move from Villarreal and was used as a make- weight in the deal that brought Gameiro to Atletico Sevilla’s Steven N’Zonzi (centre) reacts after scoring against Atletico Madrid during the Spanish La Liga at Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville. (Reuters) in the summer. However, he came back to haunt his parent club the Champions League fi nalists, but his late header RESULTS Played Saturday as he clipped a fi ne ball over an uncharacteristically was stopped low to his left by Rico as Jorge Sam- Celta Vigo 4 (Hugo Mallo 32, Aspas 60-pen, 83, Espanyol 3 (Perez 64, Piatti 73, Baptistao 90+2) Eibar 3 static Atletico defence for N’Zonzi to run through paoli got one over his Argentine compatriot Sime- Orellana 78) Deportivo la Coruna 1 (Albentosa 37) (Enrich 23, Reyes 27-og, Kike 44) and slot coolly past Oblak. one to continue his fi ne start as Sevilla coach. Sevilla 1 (N’Zonzi 73) Atletico Madrid 0 Valencia 2 (El Haddadi 52, Rodrigo 56) Barcelona 3 Atletico’s already diffi cult task was made even Earlier, former Liverpool striker Iago Aspas Malaga 4 (Jony 40-pen, Castro 42, Sandro Ramírez 57, (Messi 22, 90+4-pen, Luis Suarez 62) tougher when Koke dived in rashly four minutes struck twice as Celta Vigo smashed Deportivo la Camacho 90+2) Leganes 0 Real Sociedad 3 (Xabi Prieto 22, Willian Jose 57, Vela later to receive his marching orders. Coruna 4-1 in the Galician derby to move into the Villarreal 2 (Sansone 64-pen, Bakambu 90+2) Las 88) Alaves 0 Diego Godin could still have rescued a point for top half of the table. Palmas 1 (Boateng 31) Granada 0 Sporting Gijon 0 Nice’s Alassane Plea. (Reuters)

ROUND-UP Dembele late show sees Celtic beat Rangers Iniesta out for six to eight weeks Glasgow: Moussa Dembele After a frantic start it was grabbed a late winner as Celtic the Hoops who threatened first AFP clinched a place in the Scottish with Sinclair cutting in from Madrid League Cup final with a 1-0 the left to pick out Tom Rogic, defeat of Old Firm rivals Rang- whose deflected strike landed ers at Glasgow’s Hampden Park on the roof of the net. arcelona captain Andres Iniesta yesterday. Rangers were appealing will be out for between six and Rangers looked a much for a penalty moments later eight weeks, the Spanish cham- improved side from the one when Barrie McKay went down pions confi rmed on Saturday af- hammered 5-1 at Parkhead under a challenge from Jozo terB he suff ered knee ligament damage in a in their last meeting with Simunovic but referee Craig 3-2 win at Valencia. arch-rivals Celtic in August, Thomson instead booked him Iniesta was stretchered from the fi eld but it was the Hoops who had for simulation, much to the fury in tears after just 14 minutes, but fears the best chances, with Erik of the Rangers players. he could be sidelined for months were Sviatchenko’s header ruled out A slack pass was then eased by tests upon his return to Barce- for a foul before Scott Sinclair intercepted by Dembele, who lona. “After the fi rst diagnosis carried out crashed a free-kick off the bar. played Sinclair clean through, at Mestalla, the tests in Barcelona have The game looked to be but Matt Gilks raced off his line shown the extent of the injury,” Barca said heading for extra-time before to block his shot with his legs. in a statement. “The time out is between Dembele, who grabbed a hat- Gilks breathed a sigh of relief six and eight weeks.” trick on his Old Firm debut, when his attempted pass went Iniesta could now return in time to face added the finishing touch to straight to Rogic in the box, but Real Madrid in the fi rst El Clasico of the substitute Leigh Griff iths’s cross the Australian couldn’t find the season on December 3. However, he will in the 87th minute. Celtic will target with his eff ort. miss Barca’s Champions League trips to join Aberdeen in the final after The Rangers keeper then Manchester City and Celtic next month. the Dons defeated Champion- redeemed himself as he made Barca had earlier confi rmed Iniesta had ship side Greenock Morton 2-0 a point-blank save to keep out injured the lateral collateral ligament in in Saturday’s first semi-final. a close-range header from his right knee. Coach Luis Enrique was “I thought we were very Dembele. The French striker incensed when Valencia’s Argentine mid- dominant today in terms of was then lucky to avoid a book- fi elder Enzo Perez escaped without even a chances and the quality of our ing for diving after he threw yellow card for the challenge that caused game,” Celtic manager Brendan himself to the ground in the the injury. “We saw very clearly from the Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta lies on a stretcher after being injured during the match against Valencia on Saturday. (AFP) Rodgers said. “If the chances hope of a penalty as referee tackle it was an injury, and a serious one,” don’t go in you are always Thomson kept his cards in his said Enrique. Former Lorient player Ripoll, 45, had Banners in the Matthew Harding Stand, LIPPI TO NET MILLIONS AS vulnerable to the counter- pocket. Celtic had the ball in “We will see tomorrow, but it will be been promoted from his role as assistant renamed after his death, read: “MAT- CHINA COACH: REPORT attack but I thought that every the net three minutes after weeks. There wasn’t even a yellow card.” to Christian Gourcuff to the position of THEW HARDING’S BLUE AND WHITE Marcello Lippi will earn almost $5 mil- element of our play was at a the break when Sviatchenko Barca’s season has been plagued by head coach in 2014. ARMY” and “MATTHEW HARDING lion a year as China coach but will pocket high level.” headed Sinclair’s cross past injuries so far as Lionel Messi has just re- In his two full seasons at the helm, — ONE OF OUR OWN”. Fans unfurled a far more through a tie-in with a football Rangers manager Mark Gilks but Thomson adjudged turned from nearly a month out, whilst Lorient fi nished 16th and then 15th in large fl ag bearing his image. academy, state media yesterday. Warburton was pleased with that the Dane had fouled Rang- Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba were injured France’s top fl ight with Ripoll’s job made “We also remember Matthew Harding The 68-year-old Italian was named the improvement from his play- ers defender Clint Hill in the in Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Manches- harder by the sales of key players such as this weekend,” long-serving captain John boss of the national team by the Chinese ers. “We’re feeling disappointed build-up. ter City. Messi has returned in fi ne form, Lamine Kone, Raphael Guerreiro, Didier Terry wrote in the match programme. Football Association on Saturday and has and frustrated but I think there Sinclair and Rogic then though, as his sixth goal in three games Ndong and Jordan Ayew. “Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the tricky goal of steering the Asian giant are a lot of positives to take combined to carve the Rangers since his comeback deep into stoppage his death and we will pay tribute to him to qualify for the 2018 World Cup – a near out the game. We’ve worked defence open but Gilks blocked time from the penalty spot moved Barca CHELSEA HONOUR LATE today because this club owes so much to impossible feat given recent losses to Uz- very hard to move forward as a the English winger’s eff ort. to the top of La Liga. VICE-CHAIRMAN HARDING him. As well as a popular vice-chairman, bekistan and war-torn Syria. team. The so-called gap is a lot Rangers had yet to threaten Chelsea marked the 20th anniversary of he was a massive Chelsea fan and his Lippi’s annual salary “should be in the narrower than people think and Craig Gordon’s goal but the STRUGGLING LORIENT PART the death of club vice-chairman Matthew family still are — I know some of them region of 4.5 million euros ($4.9 million)” we have to learn from today’s best chance of the match then COMPANY WITH COACH RIPOLL Harding prior to their Premier League are guests of the club today. He has never said state broadcaster CCTV. performance.” fell to Jason Holt when Tav- French Ligue 1 strugglers Lorient yes- home game win against Manchester been forgotten by this club or you sup- But the off er made to the Italian also Rangers had selected full- ernier found him in the middle terday announced the sacking of coach United yesterday. The front cover of the porters and it is fi tting that the north includes income from Guangzhou Ever- backs Lee Hodson and James but his goal-bound eff ort was Sylvain Ripoll in the wake of their latest match programme was inspired by the stand bears his name. It would be great to grande’s football academy which will pay Tavernier down the right to well blocked by Simunovic with defeat. The announcement came after programme produced for the fi rst game win this one for him.” “Lippi and his team” 15.5 million euros deal with the pace of Sinclair McKay sending the follow-up the Brittany side lost 1-0 away at Dijon on after Harding died in a helicopter crash Harding died aged 42 when a helicopter annually to act as offi cial “advisors” for and Kieran Tierney, which straight into the hands of the Saturday, their third straight defeat and on October 22, 1996. taking him back from a League Cup game the establishment, CCTV said. caused them so much damage Hoops keeper. Only a crossbar eighth reverse in 10 matches this season A life-long supporter, Harding is cred- at Bolton Wanderers crashed, killing him The club, which is riding high atop the in their September mauling by prevented Celtic from taking leaving them bottom of the table on goal ited with laying the foundations for the and his three fellow passengers as well as Chinese Super League, did not confi rm Celtic. the lead in the 69th minute. diff erence with just six points. modern Chelsea. the pilot. the fi gure when contacted by AFP. Gulf Times Monday, October 24, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SERIE A SPOTLIGHT Ref got it wrong, Kalinic hat-trick gets slams Allegri as Milan stun Juve

Fiorentina fi ring AFP scoring chances. We shouldn’t Milan worry about this result.” Juve remain top but their sec- Napoli beat Crotone to reduce their gap on leaders Juventus to four points ond loss of the league campaign uventus coach Massimil- has added a new, dramatic twist iano Allegri slammed ref- to this season’s fi ght for the Serie ereeing offi cials after see- A title. Milan moved up to sec- ing Miralem Pjanic’s goal ond to sit only two points adrift chalkedJ off as the champions to signal their return to the fray were stunned 1-0 by AC Milan after several seasons struggling in a San Siro sizzler on Saturday to keep pace and falling down the night. The Turin giants had beat- pecking order in Europe. en Milan in the sides’ last nine The defeat also brought Juve meetings and, in front of 75,829 within reach of Roma, runners- spectators, showed throughout a up in 2014 and 2015 and who stirring encounter why they are could reclaim second place from being tipped to claim a record Milan, and sit two points behind, sixth consecutive ‘scudetto’ title if they account for Palermo late at the end of the season. last night. But Juve’s failure to fi nd a way Milan fans, meanwhile, can past Milan’s teenaged goalkeep- look ahead with well-earned ing sensation Gianluigi Don- optimism. Montella’s decision narumma proved costly, and the to inject his ageing side with visitors were given few favours former youth team players is by referee Nicola Rizzoli on their paying dividends so far, and was way to a second successive San given a further boost by Manuel Siro setback just over a month Locatelli’s stunning second-half after suff ering a 2-1 reverse to In- strike that beat Gianluigi Buff on ter Milan. in the 65th minute. Pjanic looked to have fi nally “I really don’t know how I did broken the deadlock for the visi- it, but I scored against the great- tors when he spun away in delight est goalkeeper in the world,” said to celebrate beating 17-year-old Locatelli, who two weeks ago was Donnarumma with a rasping free practically inconsolable at the fi - kick just after the half-hour. nal whistle after a similarly im- But the Bosnia midfi elder’s joy pressive strike in a 4-3 home win was short-lived. Milan’s players over Sassuolo. Montella, known surrounded Rizzoli claiming off - as L’Aeroplanino (The Little Air- side and after consultation with plane) for the way he celebrated his touchline offi cial he cancelled scoring goals while with Roma, the goal. had spent the past few seasons Allegri said: “It’s clear that our trying to hammer Fiorentina into goal was valid. I shouldn’t say title-contending shape. it, but everyone will say it.” He He walked away from the club suggested Milan’s protests had last year after a dispute with infl uenced the offi cials’ decision. owner Andrea Della Valle, but “The fi rst protests from Mi- has returned to Italy’s top fl ight Napoli’s Allan (left) vies with Crotone’s Adrian Stoian during the Italian Serie A match at Ezio Scida stadium in Crotone yesterday. (AFP) lan certainly put the pressure on, on a mission. After a bumpy but we should focus on playing: start, the 42-year-old has trans- AFP and drafted Frank De Boer in to replace nardeschi his maiden brace in Serie A lashed out with his right boot after a anyway, this result shouldn’t al- formed the hopes and dreams of Milan Roberto Mancini, but the Nerazzurri have when he beat Storari was a superb snap foul from behind by Giammarco Ferrari ter the path we’re on. People say a club that has been on a roller- dropped to 14th and are still 10 points off shot from the edge of the area. to earn a straight red card. But the hosts we played badly, but I feel that, coaster ride since even before Al- the lead. Kalinic had his second fi ve minutes be- were given little time to capitalise, Nikola tonight, we played well techni- legri, who led Milan to their last ikola Kalinic struck a hat-trick Roma were to host Palermo late last fore the interval, the wiry striker coolly Maksimovic bundling home at the far cally, and lost. I can’t fi nd fault league title in 2011, was sacked in and Federico Bernardeschi hit night when a win for the capital club fi ring an unstoppable curler past Storari post after the slightest of touches from with the lads, they controlled the the wake of a stunning defeat to a brace as Fiorentina’s stutter- would hoist them back up to second place from Bernardeschi’s unintentional pass. the head of Kalidou Koulibaly at a corner game and created shots and goal- Sassuolo in January 2014. ing Serie A season fi nally took to sit ahead of AC Milan on goals diff er- Kalinic secured his hat-trick eight min- for the visitors. Nfl ight with a classy 5-3 win at Cagliari ence. But yesterday another potential utes after the restart when he was allowed Aleandro Rosi hit a late consolation for yesterday. Juventus troublemaker joined the party. to rise unchallenged to send a powerful the hosts but as Napoli moved up to third Elsewhere, 10-man Napoli added to Despite making up for an opening day header past Storari from 10 yards out. — four points behind Juve and one ahead the woes of basement side Crotone with defeat to Juve with a 1-0 home win over A pair of late goals from Marco Capua- of Roma — Crotone remain rooted to the a 2-1 win that reduced their gap on lead- Roma last month, Fiorentina travelled to no and Marco Borriello proved too little bottom. ers Juventus to four points. Juventus had Sardinia looking to end a four-game win- too late. Fiorentina’s third win of the sea- RESULTS opened up a seven-point lead on Napoli less streak. son moved them up to 10th place. Udinese 3 (Thereau 9-pen, 71, Zapata 90+3- last week after Maurizio Sarri’s men were Cagliari were given the perfect start Although nine points off the pace, pen) Pescara 1 (Aquilani 74) stunned 3-1 at home by Roma. when Davide Di Gennaro beat Ciprian Sousa’s men have a game in hand after a Atalanta 2 (Masiello 10, Pinilla 88-pen) Inter But Juve’s 1-0 defeat to a resurgent AC Tatarusanu with a bullet header from the game at Genoa was rained off earlier in Milan 1 (Eder 50) Milan at the San Siro on Saturday, when edge of the box. But it only spurred the the campaign. Cagliari 3 (Di Gennaro 2, Capuano 62, Bor- teenaged midfi elder Manuel Locatelli visitors into action. Kalinic pulled La Vi- Napoli’s trip to league strugglers Cro- riello 77) Fiorentina 5 (Kalinic 20, 40, 53, beat Gianluigi Buff on with a second-half ola level on 20 minutes after a perfect run tone came in timely fashion following Bernardeschi 26, 32) scorcher, has breathed new life into the behind the hosts’ defence to send a glanc- defeat in their last two league outings and Crotone 1 (Rosi 89) Napoli 2 (Callejon 17, early season title race. Not all of Juve’s ing header past Marco Storari. a shock reverse to Besiktas in the Cham- Maksimovic 33) rivals capitalised, however. Already win- Minutes later Kalinic turned pro- pions League in midweek. It took Napoli Empoli 0 Chievo 0 less in their past three games, Inter Milan vider from the left side of the area, the 17 minutes to break the deadlock, Jose Torino 2 (Falque 20, Ljajic 90+2-pen) Lazio 2 were stunned by a late penalty at Atalanta Croat curling a superb ball in behind the Callejon beating Alex Cordez with an an- (Immobile 71, Murgia 84) that gave Gian Piero Gasperini’s hosts Cagliari defence for Bernardeschi to slot gled drive after Lorenzo Insigne’s bounc- Played Saturday their second big scalp three weeks after past the former Juventus number two at ing delivery from the left was missed by Sampdoria 2 (Muriel 12, Izzo 47-og) Genoa 1 stunning Napoli 1-0 at home. the back post. Fiorentina had their third the hosts’ entire defence. (Rigoni 24) AC Milan’s Manuel Locatelli (centre) celebrates with his teammates Inter invested heavily over the summer goal in the space of 12 minutes, and Ber- On the half hour, Manolo Gabbiadini AC Milan 1 (Locatelli 65) Juventus 0 Gabiel Paletta (left) and Ignazio Abate after scoring. (Reuters)

BUNDELIGA Leaders Bayern break Gladbach jinx, Leipzig go second

AFP newcomers RB Leipzig defeated Werder Bayer Leverkusen slumped to a 3-0 Berlin Bremen 3-1 to climb up to second place. defeat at home to Hoff enheim after Keita capped off a superb solo run to playing virtually the entire match with put Leipzig in front just before half- 10 men. Kevin Volland earned the fast- ayern Munich broke their time, and the midfi elder struck again est red card of the season with just six Borussia Moenchengladbach on 74 minutes when he powered home a minutes gone for bringing down Kerem jinx on Saturday night as Ar- cross from former Bremen striker Davie Demirbay, who was through on goal. turo Vidal and Douglas Costa Selke. Serge Gnabry gave the visitors Demirbay, Sandro Wagner and Swiss nettedB in a 2-0 home win to put the hope as he cut the defi cit in half almost midfi elder Steven Zuber netted the vis- champions two points clear. immediately, but Germany Under-21 itors’ goals. Bayer coach Roger Schmidt First-half goals by Bayern’s Chile and international Selke, who left Werder for was sent to the stands in the wake of the Brazil internationals gave Carlo An- Leipzig in July 2015, sealed the win deep second goal and faces a lengthy ban for celotti’s Munich a fi rst win over Glad- into stoppage time. his second dismissal this year. bach in fi ve German league matches Ralph Hasenhuettl’s Leipzig extend- Ten-man Wolfsburg dropped to 15th after Borussia claimed home and away ed their unbeaten start to their maiden after their 3-1 defeat at Darmstadt league victories in 2015. campaign in the German top fl ight as left them seven games without a win. After back-to-back draws in the they pulled to within two points of Frenchman Valerien Ismael was ap- league the win caps a good week for leaders Munich. Werder, who lost their pointed Wolfsburg’s new head coach Bayern, who enjoyed a 4-1 romp fi rst four matches this term, remained on Monday after Dieter Hecking was against PSV Eindhoven in the Cham- 14th in the table after seeing a three- sacked. Freiburg were 2-1 winners at pions League on Wednesday. “The fi rst game unbeaten run snapped. home to Augsburg as they claimed a half was perhaps our best of the whole Schalke were hosting Mainz in late fourth victory in as many matches in season,” said Ancelotti. “The second game last night. Hoff enheim, like Bay- front of their own fans. wasn’t quite so good and I told the play- ern and Leipzig, also remain undefeat- ers to be careful at the break as the en- ed following an impressive 3-0 victory RESULTS ergy wasn’t 100% after the PSV game. away to Bayer Leverkusen. Borussia Moenchengladbach’s RB Leipzig 3 (Keita 42, 74, Selke 90+5) Wer- They learnt the lesson from last week- In other matches on Saturday, Her- Fabian Johnson (left) and Bayern der Bremen 1 (Gnabry 76) end’s draw with Frankfurt.” tha Berlin went third with a 2-1 home Munich’s Arturo Vidal vie for the Played Saturday Ancelotti rested Germany forward win over Cologne, who lost their un- ball in Munich on Saturday. (AFP) Bayer Leverkusen 0 Hoff enheim 3 (Demir- Thomas Mueller from the starting line- beaten record. bay 15, Wagner 49, Zuber 60) up, but after Robert Lewandowski hit Borussia Dortmund are three Bun- Hertha Berlin 2 (Ibisevic 13, Stark 74) the post early on, Bayern went ahead desliga games without a win, although Cologne 1 (Modeste 65) after 16 minutes when Chile’s Vidal they fought back from two goals down Ingolstadt 3 (Cohen 6, Lezcano 24, 60) headed home Rafi nha’s cross. to draw 3-3 at Ingolstadt and sit sixth. Borussia Dortmund 3 (Aubameyang 59, Winger Costa’s 31st-minute shot Dortmund were 2-0 down as Israel Ramos 69, Pulisic 90+1) doubled the lead at Munich’s Allianz international Almog Cohen and Para- Darmstadt 3 (Ben-Hatira 25, Kleinheisler Arena, while Gladbach’s best chance guay’s Dario Lezcano netted for In- 68, Sirigu 76) VfL Wolfsburg 1 (Gomez 60) came when winger Andre Hahn hit the golstadt. Cohen wriggled free of his set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to than 60 seconds later to make it 3-1. scored the crucial equaliser in stoppage Freiburg 2 (Philipp 66, Petersen 78) Augs- post on 71 minutes. marker from a free-kick before Lezcano head home his seventh goal in his seven Dortmund dominated the fi nal quar- time. The draw saw Ingolstadt climb off burg 1 (Altintop 84) Yesterday, Guinea international looped his header into the top corner. league games on 59 minutes, only for ter as Adrian Ramos pulled a goal back the bottom above Hamburg, who lost Bayern Munich 2 (Vidal 16, Costa 31) Borus- Naby Keita scored twice as Bundesliga Borussia hit back when Mario Goetze Lezcano to net Ingolstadt’s third less on 69 minutes and Christian Pulisic 3-0 to Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday. sia Moenchengladbach 0 Gulf Times 4 Monday, October 24, 2016 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Wenger rues Cazorla absence aft er goalless draw AFP guy with more size and physical pres- creativity in the fi nal third. I must say, London ence in the box could have helped,” said we gave everything but we did not have Wenger. the legs today. “But we have just come out of six “The energy levels were a bit down rsene Wenger bemoaned the straight wins so I wouldn’t like to jump but we were intelligent enough not to absence of Santi Cazorla after on this kind of excuse. We have to lose it. We were exposed at times. When Arsenal were held to a drab deal with what we face and unfortu- you cannot win, you must not lose. goalless draw by struggling nately we are used to scoring. We are an “They had chances but our goal- Middlesbrough.A off ensive team. keeper saved us today. Petr Cech had a Cazorla did not feature at the Emir- “We had fi ve or six off ensive play- good performance in decisive phases. ates Stadium on Saturday and the ers on the pitch at the end but we didn’t We tried. You don’t win on command Spanish midfi elder was sorely missed manage to score so it’s a bit frustrat- though. We lacked our creative poten- by the spluttering Gunners. ing. It’s part of the Premier League. The tial around the box. That is part of it.” Arsenal were frustrated by Middles- other day Manchester City had a similar While Wenger was disappointed, brough as they wasted a chance to win possession against Everton and didn’t Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka was for a seventh successive Premier League win. We have to fi nd a way to be effi cient delighted with the way his side played game and eighth in all competitions. even when the games are like that.” following a disappointing 1-0 loss to “You always miss Cazorla at home. Wenger, whose side had beaten Watford last week. From deep midfi eld into the fi nal third Ludogorets 6-0 in the Champions “It was an amazing performance his pass is always quick, accurate,” said League on Wednesday, saw the Gun- from my team,” he said. “After the last Wenger, whose side were knocked out ners run out of ideas and it was his own defeat at home especially, it was tough of fi rst place after Manchester City drew goalkeeper Petr Cech forced into a for us. But we worked hard on the train- against Southampton yesterday. “Ca- string of saves. ing fi eld and today the plan worked re- zorla, I don’t really know when he will be “It is a game where you had a lot of ally well. For me and for us it is great to back. We have to see how he recovers...” possession but there were tired legs and come to the Emirates, and for the best There was better news on France you are prone to counter-attacks,” said Arsenal player to be Petr Cech. striker Olivier Giroud who is now set to the Frenchman, who was celebrating “I think we should have won the return for Arsenal’s home League Cup his 67th birthday on Saturday. game because we had good chances. We game with Reading tomorrow. “You make it diffi cult for yourself. 75 knew that we couldn’t park the bus, but “We didn’t make enough from our per cent possession but you could have they have a lot of quality players. We set-pieces and crosses. So the fi rst lost the game, that is modern foot- were organised and our transition play thing that comes to mind is whether a ball. When you are not sharp, you lack was very good.” HOMECOMING Sluggish Spurs worry Pochettino ottenham Hotspur freshness to be sharp in the last manager Mauricio third. Second half we domi- Klopp to hold talks TPochettino admitted nated, but it was more diff icult he is “concerned” after three to create chances to score.” successive draws called into Pochettino said he did not see question his squad’s ability to an incident in which substitute stay the course in the Premier Moussa Sissoko caught Bourne- League and Champions mouth’s Harry Arter in the head League. with his elbow, which left home He acknowledged his players fans calling for a red card. with Gerrard to get were not “fresh” in Satur- But he admitted that fatigue day’s goalless draw away to had contributed to four first- Bournemouth, which cost them half yellow cards that left Jan the chance to top the Premier Vertonghen, Danny Rose, Erik League table, especially in a Lamela and Delle Alli one care- sluggish opening 15 minutes. less lunge from being sent off . Spurs had previously drawn “We didn’t show the fresh- 1-1 with West Bromwich ness where you can anticipate him back to Anfi eld Albion and 0-0 with Bayer the action,” he explained. Leverkusen, costing them mo- “We made some bad tackles. ‘Gerrard is always so welcome at Liverpool FC, you can’t imagine how welcome. mentum on both the domestic Maybe we deserved the yel- front and in Europe. low cards. But it wasn’t bad So there is absolutely no problem. But anything we have, or will, speak about, stays “Yes, we are concerned,” intention, it was because we Pochettino said. “It’s true we felt tired at the beginning.” (between us). That’s how I know Stevie, that’s how I am. But nobody should be need to improve if we want to Pochettino paid tribute to be a real contender. It’s true Bournemouth’s game plan, worried that there is no space for Steven Gerrard. Everything will be fine, 100%’ after two games away at West which involved doing to Bromwich and Bournemouth, Spurs what they usually do to you must win at least one. opponents: press high up the “But when you analyse the field and beat them for energy whole situation, we have to and eff ort. give value to the point because “I was really proud of the the eff ort was fantastic. We had players today,” Bournemouth some injuries. So I am happy. manager Eddie Howe said. “The game was very “Probably more proud than I competitive and very tough. was this time last week (when Bournemouth pushed us a lot, Bournemouth beat Hull City but we were not fresh from the 6-1), partly because of the beginning. Our start was very quality of the opposition we sloppy, but after 15 minutes we were playing against. started to manage the game.” “Our game plan was to dis- His defence coped adequate- rupt their rhythm, their nor- ly without the injured Toby mal way of playing. They’re Alderweireld, but the continued supremely talented players absence of Harry Kane and his and we felt our best option ability to create and convert was to stop the ball getting chances meant that Totten- into the final third with our ham’s goal threat was restricted work rate and intensity. That’s largely to shots from range. easier said than done, but the The news that Kane, who players delivered an incred- scored five goals against Bourne- ible physical performance, full mouth in two victories last sea- of endeavour and desire.” son, is “not far away” from a full On the topic of physical recovery from his ankle injury performance, Jack Wilshere, was encouraging, if vague. on loan to Bournemouth from “I’m very pleased after we Arsenal, completed the full 90 played in the Champions minutes for the first time in two League and before that in seasons. “I kept him on because West Bromwich, two tough his performance warranted games, because the players it,” Howe said. “His fitness has made a very big eff ort,” said improved to the point where he Pochettino. “But we missed the is able to deliver that.”

AFP of the most successful careers of the mod- special place in my heart. Thank you.” leaders Arsenal. Liverpool ern football era. Meanwhile, beaten West Brom manager “Who wants to be top in October?” said “Stevie Gerrard is always so welcome at Tony Pulis said Klopp could improve on the Klopp. “Okay, it was a little bit of a joke but Liverpool FC, you can’t imagine how wel- eff orts of his predecessor Brendan Rodg- we have 20 points and it was not possible to urgen Klopp (right) will hold talks come,” said Klopp after his team’s win at ers, who was narrowly beaten to the title in have more tonight, so that’s okay. with former Liverpool captain Anfi eld. “So there is absolutely no problem. 2014, and end Liverpool’s 27-year wait to “Maybe not having clean sheets is just Steven Gerrard after the 36-year- But anything we have, or will, speak about, be crowned champions of England. part of our game, I don’t know. It’s not a old midfi elder appeared to announce stays (between us). That’s how I know Ste- “They’re a good side,” said Pulis. “Their big problem. Defending is, fi rst of all, about hisJ departure from the LA Galaxy at the end vie, that’s how I am. But nobody should be front fi ve are as good as anything in the not letting them create a lot of chances and of the current Major League Soccer season. worried that there is no space for Steven league. They’ve got a free run at it this year I can’t remember a lot of chances the last Gerrard’s comments are bound to fuel Gerrard. Everything will be fi ne, 100%.” (season). They’re not in Europe which is few games. speculation that the highly popular Liver- While it is understood Gerrard is keen draining, irrespective of what people say, “In dreamland, then you always win 4 or pudlian could return to play for the club he to pursue a coaching career, it is believed I’ve been there myself. So they have a free 5-0 and then the crowd can go home a lit- fi rst represented 18 years ago and for whom that such a position will not be available run. The last time they came close, with tle bit earlier to do something more serious he made over 500 appearances. under Klopp and that an ambassadorial Brendan, they had a free run as well and but I actually think this game created one Klopp has previously indicated that such role is the one likely to be on off er now to they have a free run at it this year.” of the best chances we have had here be- a possibility would not be realistic for the the Anfi eld great. Klopp saw his team edge closer to the cause it was exciting until the end. veteran although, following Saturday’s 2-1 Gerrard, in an Instagram post, said: “Liv- top of the table with fi rst-half goals against “It’s really diffi cult to be satisfi ed with victory over West Bromwich Albion, the ing in Los Angeles and playing for the great West Brom from Sadio Mane and Philippe any football game and, at 2-1, it keeps you Liverpool manager declined to explain ex- Galaxy supporters has been a privilege. You Coutinho, only for a late consolation ef- more awake than at 4-0. That’s just how it actly what role could await a player who have made this place feel like home to me. fort from Gareth McAuley to deny his team is. Maybe in this moment we’re not experi- also made 114 England appearances in one This city and this club will always hold a the two clear goals they needed to go above enced enough in a situation like this.” Gulf Times Monday, October 24, 2016 5 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Del Potro wins fi rst title in three years Kerber outlasts AFP win the inaugural ATP tourna- Stockholm ment in Antwerp yesterday and claim his 14th career title. It is Gasquet’s second trophy ormer US Open cham- of the season after the 30-year- pion Juan Martin del old won on home court in Potro clinched his fi rst Montpellier back in February. ATP title in almost three Currently ranked 19th in the Cibulkova in WTA yearsF with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over world, Gasquet came into the American Jack Sock in yester- Antwerp hard-court event as the day’s fi nal in Stockholm. third seed and he overcame the The Argentine, who won at unseeded Argentine in just under Flushing Meadows in 2009 be- an hour and a half, breaking his fore suff ering a series of wrist opponent three times. Schwartz- injuries that pushed him to the man, a winner in Istanbul earlier brink of retirement, needed just this year, had overcome home fa- Finals opener over an hour and a quarter to vourite and top seed David Goffi n beat sixth-seeded Sock. in the semi-fi nal. Del Potro, runner-up to Andy Kerber edges out Cibulkova in three-set marathon, Halep races to easy victory over Keys Murray in the Olympic fi nal in Niculescu wins Luxembourg Rio in August, last played a tour title for ‘best moment of life’ fi nal in Sydney in January 2014, Romania’s Monica Niculescu Reuters when he beat home favourite defeated two-time Wimbledon Singapore Bernard Tomic 6-3, 6-1. champion and top seed Petra The world number 63 played Kvitova 6-4, 6-0 yesterday to just six tournaments across 2014 win the Luxembourg WTA title, ngelique Kerber was and 2015 but has gradually redis- describing it as the “best mo- forced to dig deep in covered the form that once ena- ment of her life”. her WTA Finals open- bled him to reach fourth in the It was a fi rst title of 2016 for er before the German world. The 28-year-old helped the unorthodox player who was worldA number one battled past his country defeat Murray’s a fi nalist at the event in 2011 and Dominika Cibulkova 7-6(5), Great Britain in this year’s Davis 2012. “It was my best match this 2-6, 6-3 in a high-class baseline Cup semi-fi nals and will seek to year,” said Niculescu. slugfest at the Singapore Indoor lead Argentina to their fi rst title “I felt fantastic on the court, Stadium yesterday. against Croatia next month. and after I took the fi rst set I felt Earlier, Simona Halep got even better. I felt like nothing her campaign off to a perfect Gasquet wins Antwerp title surprised me. start when the Romanian world France’s Richard Gasquet beat “But, wow, to beat Petra in the number four dominated an er- Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman fi nal? That’s the best moment in ratic Madison Keys to kick off in straight sets 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 to my life, I think.” round-robin play in the elite eight-woman, season-ending event with a 6-2, 6-4 victory. First-time fi nalist Cibulkova opened with a double fault and Kerber, who won two grand slam titles in 2016, took advan- tage of her opponent’s nervy start to grab an immediate break without having to do much more than get the ball over the net. By contrast, the German found her rhythm right away as she located the corners with ease and used her brilliant re- trieving skills to make Cibulk- ova always play an extra shot when it appeared the point had already been won. The Slovakian, who won her third title of the year in Linz ear- lier this month, slowly worked her way back into the set with her high-intensity game and pressured Kerber enough to make her cough up two double faults to tie things up at 4-4. The pair were now slugging it out on the baseline and after both held serve through to a tie- Juan Martin Del Potro reacts as he lifts the heavy trophy during an breaker, Kerber kept her nerve award ceremony after defeating USA’s Jack Sock at the ATP in the face of some tremendous Stockholm Open final in Stockholm yesterday. (AFP) pressure to edge ahead in the thrilling encounter. Undeterred, Cibulkova made a fast start to the second set as Gritty Carreno Busta wins Kremlin Cup Kerber wavered, breaking her Sixth-seeded Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta battled back from a set opponent twice in a row to race down to defeat unseeded Fabio Fognini and win the Kremlin Cup in into a 4-0 lead and, while the Moscow yesterday. German threatened to mount Carreno Busta, ranked 36th in the world, won 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in one a comeback, the seventh seed Angelique Kerber of Germany celebrates after defeating Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia yesterday. (Reuters) hour and 54 minutes to record his second triumph over the 29-year- drew level with a forehand old Italian in as many meetings and claim his second ATP title this winner. “I was trying to stay focused Keys’s backhand side with pin- Keys, on her fi rst visit to Sin- match her power,” said Halep. season. Fognini, who saw off three seeds in succession on his way to in the third set, trying to play point accuracy and converting gapore, continued to mix win- “So I have to adjust, be strong the final, started confidently, breaking Carreno Busta’s serve twice DOMINANT HALEP my game and be aggressive. her fourth break point when the ners with mistakes and, after with my legs and make the most for a one-set lead in 30 minutes. With exhaustion kicking in That was my plan and it worked American plonked a weak drive trading breaks midway through of my chances.” The second set was a mirror reflection of the first as the 25-year-old and the points growing shorter, well... it was a really close and into the net. the second set, a fi red-up Halep Defending champion Ag- Spaniard also broke twice to level at one-set all after one hour 14 Kerber recovered after suff ering really tough match,” Kerber Buoyed up by the early break- broke again in the ninth game nieszka Radwanska opens her minutes on court. an early break and showed the said. through, Halep went for the kill before serving out the contest in campaign against Russia’s Svet- In the third Carreno Busta underlined his supremacy on the hard class befi tting the world’s top- In the opening Red Group and rattled off the next 11 points a little more than an hour. lana Kuznetsova today with court of Moscow’s Olympic indoor arena to claim the match and the ranked player to reel off four match, diminutive Romanian on her way to a decisive 5-1 lead “It’s always the same with Garbine Muguruza and Karolina title after two more breaks of serve. straight games on her way to a Halep drew fi rst blood in the as Keys’s game unravelled, rid- Madison... she’s very strong and Pliskova completing the White He becomes the first Spaniard to lift the Kremlin Cup. hard-fought victory. third game, putting pressure on dled with unforced errors. hits the ball hard so it’s tough to Group.

BOTTOMLINE Kuznetsova last minute qualifi cation bittersweet

AFP was “really sorry” for Konta, one and I went straight to practice; Singapore of the most improved players in here, the same thing. I think my women’s tennis. body doesn’t know what’s going The mad scramble for the on already,” she said. ualifying for the elite eighth spot following a gruel- WTA Finals in Sin- ling 10-month season only came Sharapova to face gapore proved bitter- about last week after world Muguruza in exhibition tie sweet for Kremlin Cup number two Serena Williams Banned fi ve-time Grand Slam winnerQ Svetlana Kuznetsova pulled out of the event, citing a champion Maria Sharapova will after she sent Britain’s Johanna shoulder injury. face French Open winner Gar- Konta packing before she even Describing her qualifi cation bine Muguruza on a half clay- played a match. as a bonus, Kuznetsova will be half grass court exhibition in Restricted to the world’s top appearing in the tournament Madrid on December 2. eight ranked players, Kuznet- for the fi rst time since 2009, Sharapova is not free to com- sova’s last-gasp win in Moscow although she faced a logistical pete on the WTA Tour until at saw her leapfrog Konta to clinch nightmare getting to Singapore least April 2017 despite having a the last spot. from her Russian homeland. doping ban for banned medica- Konta opted not to play last Within hours of winning the tion meldonium cut from 24 to 15 week because of a niggling injury Kremlin Cup, Kuznetsova was months by the Court of Arbitra- so came to Singapore early to rushing to Moscow airport to tion for Sport (CAS) earlier this prepare, only to miss out at the catch her connecting fl ight to month. last minute. Southeast Asia. The Russian made her re- “It’s horrible. It’s very strange. She arrived yesterday and turn to the court for the fi rst It’s never happened to me in my with no time to spare, went time since receiving the ban for life,” Kuznetsova told reporters straight to the practice courts to testing positive at the Australian after she jetted into Singapore try and shake off the jetlag be- Open in January in a light-heart- yesterday. fore her opening match against ed exhibition featuring Martina “When I was playing, defi - defending champion Agnieszka Navratilova and John McEnroe nitely I was not thinking of Radwanska today. in aid of the Elton John Aids somebody who I can kind of take “I try not to think about it. I Foundation in Las Vegas last out,” she said, adding that she came to Moscow from Tianjin week. Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova celebrates after defeating Australia’s Daria Gavrilova during the Kremlin Cup tennis tournament final in Moscow. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Monday, October 24, 2016 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT BLUE BAY TOURNAMENT Lee keeps rivals at bay for China win Brilliant Thomas AFP LPGA in Malaysia where she is Beijing defending champion. “I have three events left. I’m going to go back and rest right ustralia’s Minjee Lee now. Next week is another hot beat back stiff com- week and then I have Japan and petition from rivals CME,” Korda said about the to land her third remainder of her season. defends CIMB title LPGAA victory at the Blue Bay “So I would say that, you tournament on China’s Hain- know, looking back at this an Island yesterday. week, I think considering we Thomas overturns 4-shot deficit to defend title, Lahiri challenge ends after quadruple-bogey nine Lee carded a two-under had zero preparation for the par 70 to win by one stroke tournament and came in on at 13-under par, one ahead of Wednesday, I think I would Reuters Jessica Korda and two ahead have taken a second place Kuala Lumpur of Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn if you would have told me on the par-72 course. that that’s what I would have Lee and Korda shared the gotten.” ustin Thomas fi red a fi nal leaderboard top spot heading Korda and players who com- round eight-under-par into the fi nal round, but the peted in last week’s LPGA KEB 64 to overturn a four-shot 20-year-old from Perth edged Hana Bank Championship ar- defi cit at the start of the ahead of the American Sunday, rived on-site for the Blue Bay dayJ and successfully defend his fi ring a birdie at the fi rst hole. LPGA on Wednesday due to a CIMB Classic title in Malaysia At the par-three seventh typhoon in the area. yesterday. hole a birdie by Lee and a bo- Jutanugarn posted a fi nal The 23-year-old American gey by Korda extended that round two-under par 70 to capitalised on overnight leader lead to three and the Austral- fi nish third for her 14th top ten Anirban Lahiri’s quadruple bo- ian closed out the tournament fi nish of the year, including gey nine on the par-fi ve third with rounds of 65-67-73-70 fi ve victories. hole to retake a lead he had held for a total of 275. over the fi rst two days before Lee is projected to move up in Leading scores easing clear to win by three shots the Rolex Women’s World Golf 275—Minjee Lee (AUS) 65-67- with a 23-under total. rankings after her Blue Bay win. 73-70 “This is what you play for, Having pocketed the $315,000 276—Jessica Korda (USA) 67- to get into these situations and fi rst prize, she has almost $2 mn 72-66-71 handle them well, like I did, and in career earnings since turning 277—Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) it’s just a great start to the year,” professional in 2014. 71-71-65-70 Thomas said in a greenside in- “I feel like I’ve been playing 282—Pornanong Phatlum terview after sealing victory in really solid golf the whole year. (THA) 71-70-69-72, Caroline the second event on the 2017 I know I won in Hawaii, but Masson (GER) 69-69-71-73 PGA Tour calendar. getting a win this week, it feels 283—Charley Hull (ENG) 72- Lahiri was searching for a really good. Just really happy,” 70-72-69 maiden PGA Tour win at the TPC said Lee on her win. “I’m glad 284—Pernilla Lindberg (SWE) Kuala Lumpur course but the I came out on top but it was a 72-71-69-72 fi ve-shot swing after he lodged really good fi ght out there.” 285—Brooke Henderson (CAN) his tee shot in a tree left the In- Korda can take heart in her 69-75-70-71 dian with too much to do and he performance, carding 67-72- 286—Kris Tamulis (USA) 71-73- had to settle for a tie for third, 66-71 and a total of 276 for 70-72 four strokes back. her best fi nish of 2016, as she 287—Mariajo Uribe (COL) 77- Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama prepares for the SIME Darby 70-71-69. birdied the last two holes to sign for a 66 and claim second place on 20-under, with Lahiri (72) and American fi rst round co-leader Derek Fathauer (67) rounding out the top four a fur- ther shot adrift. After looking imperious in the fi rst two rounds, Thomas suf- fered a mid-round meltdown on Saturday when he dropped four shots in three holes before a run of fi ve consecutive birdies from the 14th kept him in touch with a surging Lahiri.

STRIKING DISTANCE Thomas maintained his hot streak on Sunday with four bird- ies on his opening fi ve holes to forge a two-shot lead over his faltering Indian playing partner and the American felt the clos- ing stretch the previous day had set up his victory charge. “I felt like maybe that was the biggest fi ve holes I had played Justin Thomas of the US poses with his trophy after winning the 2016 CIMB Classic golf tournament in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. (AFP) in my life because it gave me a chance,” he added. putt on the next. Bradley (68), who wilted on the 69-64-69-66 275—Kim Si-Woo (KOR) 70-66- “If I am going into today eight “I had little stretch there yes- back nine after climbing into 269—Derek Fathauer (USA) 64- 73-66, Aaron Baddeley (AUS) or nine back then I have no terday where I played pretty contention going out. 70-68-67, Anirban Lahiri (IND) 67-71-69-68, Rafa Cabrera Bello chance, so it gave me a lot of mo- poorly but (caddy) Jimmy (John- The $7mn limited fi eld event 66-66-65-72 (ESP) 69-67-69-70, Adam Scott mentum and kept me in striking son) did an unbelievable job this is co-sanctioned by the Asian 271—Marc Leishman (AUS) 69- (AUS) 70-69-66-70, Ryo Ishikawa distance.” week keeping me calm when it Tour. (Writing by John O’Brien 65-71-66 (JPN) 69-68-68-70, Scott Piercy Thomas managed to keep his got tough... I made some key up in Singapore; Editing by Nick 272—Keegan Bradley (USA) 64- (USA) 68-68-67-72, Russell Knox challengers at bay with some and downs on 12 and 13 and it Mulvenney) 72-68-68 (SCO) 70-63-68-74 solid scrambling after the turn feels great,” Thomas added. 273—Scott Hend (AUS) 74-69-63- 276—Ian Poulter (ENG) 71- before an exquisite approach Australia’s Marc Leishman Leading scores 67, Tyrone Van Aswegen (RSA) 69-69-67, Ryan Moore (USA) from 108 yards set up birdie on fi red a six-under 66 to fi nish 265—Justin Thomas (USA) 64- 69-70-66-68 71-65-70-70, Sergio Garcia (ESP) Minjee Lee of Australia poses with her trophy after winning the 16. He moved four clear of the alone in fi fth place on 17-under, 66-71-64 274—James Hahn (USA) 69-64- 67-72-67-70, Emiliano Grillo Blue Bay LPGA tournament at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course in fi eld when he sank a monster one ahead of American Keegan 268—Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 69-72 (ARG) 74-65-66-71. Sanya on China’s Hainan Island yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS Irishman Harrington triumphs in Portugal

AFP world rankings coming into the further shot back. the penultimate hole followed Vilamoura, Portugal tournament but could now burst Fisher and Frenchman Ben- from Harrington, however, and back into the top 100, added: “I jamin Hebert then closed out the he parred the last to claim a dra- tried to be really aggressive. The top ten at 18 under. matic victory. adraig Harrington de- golf course suited me and I just Sullivan made a stunning Korhonen had dropped a shot fi ed defending champi- tried to go after every pin I could start, birdieing four of his fi rst on the seventh but made two on Andy Sullivan to win and make birdies. fi ve holes to get to 20 under, birdies on the back nine while the Portugal Masters “I have a pretty good short while Korhonen birdied the Hansen fi nished his round with Pyesterday for his fi rst European game that was on form this week. second and fourth and when 12 pars. Tour title in eight years. No matter where I hit it, I felt like Hansen had gains on the fourth The three-time major winner, I could get it up and down.” and fi fth, there was a three-way Leading final-round scores 45, refused to cave in under pres- The victory takes Harrington’s tie at the top. 261 - Padraig Harrington (IRL) sure to card a closing bogey-free European Tour tally to 15 wins A brilliant bunker shot from 66-63-67-65 65 to get to 23 under and hold off and moves him to tied 15th on Harrington helped set up a birdie 262 - Andy Sullivan (ENG) 67-61- the charging Englishman Sulli- the all-time list. on the second but when Hansen 69-65 van by one shot. Korhonen needed to fi nish in made a third birdie in a row on 263 - Anders Hansen (DEN) 67- The semi-retired Anders the top 26 to have a chance get- the sixth, the Irishman found 66-62-68, Mikko Korhonen (FIN) Hansen and Finn Mikko Korho- ting into the top 111 on the Race himself three shots off the lead. 64-67-64-68 nen - who secured his playing to Dubai and keep his card and he He cut that gap to two with a 264 - David Lipsky (USA) 64- privileges after starting the week did that in style, with Australian birdie on the seventh and then 66-69-65, Chris Paisley (ENG) 116th on the Race to Dubai - were Jason Scrivener and Englishman holed an exquisite bunker shot 65-67-65-67, Robert Rock (ENG) tied third in Vilamoura. Oliver Fisher - who started the on the 11th before following it 67-66-67-64, Paul Lawrie (SCO) “It’s a big win. Portugal Mas- week at 113th and 114th respec- with another birdie on the 12th. 66-66-65-67 ters is a big tournament. I’ve tively - also keeping their cards. Sullivan had also taken advan- 265 - Ignacio Elvira (ESP) 65-67- been coming here for 10 years so Craig Lee and Eddie Pepperell tage of the par fi ve and once 67-66 I’ve always liked it down here,” had missed the cut and they were again, there were three players at 266 - Benjamin Hebert (FRA) the veteran Irishman Harrington the men to drop out of the top 111 the top of the leaderboard. 70-66-66-64, Oliver Fisher (ENG) said. along with Zander Lombard who Harrington spun his approach 66-67-69-64 “There’s so many Irish people was not playing this week. on the 14th back to fi ve feet to 267 - Simon Khan (ENG) 69- here. It always felt like a home English duo Robert Rock and move ahead but Sullivan took 67-64-67, Marc Warren (SCO) away from home, so it’s really Chris Paisley fi nished at 20 un- an aggressive line over the water 63-65-70-69, Stephen Gallacher nice to win the tournament.” der alongside Scot Paul Lawrie on the 17th and joined him at 22 (SCO) 67-68-64-68, Lucas Bjer- Harrington, who was lan- and American David Lipsky, under. regaard (DEN) 67-67-70-63, Jens Irish golfer Padraig Harrington holds his trophy after winning the Portugal Master at Oceanico Victoria golf guishing down in 159th in the with Spaniard Nacho Elvira a A third birdie of the week on Fahrbring (SWE) 65-64-70-68. course in Vilamoura yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, October 24, 2016 7 SPORT

BASEBALL Cubs fans dare to dream as Chicago’s ‘lovable losers’ Chicago’s North Side down Dodgers 5-0 to win the National League for the go to World Series first time in more than 70 years

Reuters and actor Bill Murray, Pearl Jam singer Chicago Eddie Vedder and actor John Cusack. President Barack Obama, who hails from Chicago, is a supporter of the ubilant fans of the Chicago Cubs White Sox. erupted in celebration on Satur- Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel called day when the franchise clinched Saturday’s win “absolutely incredible.” Ja berth in this year’s World Series, “Across Chicago and around the pumped up by the dizzying prospect world generations of Cubs fans, from that their team could win Major League the very young to the very, very old, are Baseball’s top prize for the fi rst time celebrating tonight,” Emanuel said in a since 1908. statement. Chicago’s North Side turned into “Rightfully so. We are witnessing a roving street party as thousands of history right before our eyes,” he added. people wearing “Cubbie” blue spilled Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Chicago- out of Wrigley Field after witness- based civil rights leader, highlighted ing the team vanquish the Los Angeles the historic meaning of Saturday’s ac- Dodgers 5-0, giving the Cubs the Na- complishment as well. tional League championship for the “Ernie, this is for you. Cubs win. fi rst time in more than 70 years. Cubs win!!!,” he wrote in a Twit- Long known as “lovable losers,” the ter message, referring to the late “Mr. Cubs now have their sights set on an Cub” Ernie Banks, the late Hall of Fame even more elusive prize: winning the player who never went to the World Se- franchise’s fi rst World Series title in ries in his 18 years with the team. more than a century and ending the The Cubs have had a few close calls longest drought of its kind in profes- since 1945, including 1984, when Chi- sional sports. cago was one win away from going to The relief felt by fans after Saturday’s the World Series but lost three straight convincing victory over the Dodgers games to the San Diego Padres. and their ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw But perhaps their most painful loss was magnifi ed by the team’s agonis- came 13 years ago, when the team found ing history of ineptitude, but that also itself in the same situation as it did on tempered their excitement with the Saturday: playing Game Six of the Na- World Series looming. tional League Championship Series “I’ve been waiting my whole life for with a chance to make the World Series. this, I just wish my dad could have lived Leading 3-0 in the eighth inning, to see it,” said Ryan Jones, 42, a fan from the Cubs collapsed after a fan named Chicago’s western suburbs who wiped Steve Bartman tried to grab a foul ball tears from his eyes while celebrating that outfi elder Moises Alou appeared to with his two sons outside of Wrigley. have a shot at catching. “But as amazing as this feels, the Florida went on to score eight runs in Cubs still have a lot of work to do to win the inning, and Chicago lost Game Sev- this.” en the following day. Bartman became Fireworks could be heard across the a symbol of the Cubs’ cursed fortunes, city after the Cubs turned a dramatic though some fans defended him by double-play to seal the win and con- pointing out that the team still led 3-0 tinue a dominant season. at the time of his interference. Don Cizek, 56, a fan from Chicago’s On Saturday, Cubs manager Joe suburbs who was celebrating outside of Maddon, said the team was looking for- the ballpark, said he was cautiously op- ward to the World Series, which begins timistic after Saturday’s victory. Tuesday in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cubs “I had my hopes pinned on the Cubs will take on the Cleveland Indians in closing it out tonight and I was chew- the best-of-seven series. ing my knuckles right up to the end,” he “Four more (wins) and we can really said. Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (second from right) and shortstop Addison Russell (right) celebrate with teammates after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers have a party,” he said. “I can’t believe we’ve fi nally made in game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports) it. It’s going to be a tough World Series WORLD SERIES SCHEDULE against Cleveland but tonight we’re go- own bad luck legend: the “Curse of the would not win any more, and the team drop for memorable wins and crushing White Sox ended their own decades- Tomorrow: Cubs at Indians ing to party all night to celebrate.” Billy Goat.” has not returned to the World Series since losses. long title drought, winning the World Oct 26: Cubs at Indians Like the Boston Red Sox, who battled In 1945, the owner of the Billy Goat losing that year to the Tigers. The team’s diehard fans stuck with Series in 2005. Oct 28: Indians at Cubs the so-called “Curse of the Bambino” Tavern, Billy Sianis, was supposedly For decades, the Cubs have played in the team despite its failures. They Oct 29: Indians at Cubs after trading away legendary slugger asked to leave Wrigley because the smell iconic Wrigley Field where the 102-year watched, and waited, as Chicago’s oth- ‘WITNESSING HISTORY’ Oct 30: Indians at Cubs (if necessary) Babe Ruth in 1920 to their arch rival of his pet goat was disturbing other pa- old ballpark’s ivy covered outfi eld wall er sports franchises racked up cham- The franchise boasts a number of fa- Nov 1: Cubs at Indians (if necessary) New York Yankees, the Cubs have their trons. Sianis allegedly vowed the Cubs and manual scoreboard served as back- pionships. Even the cross town rival mous fans as well, including comedian Nov 2: Cubs at Indians (if necessary)

COMMENT I fear Dodgers are becoming baseball’s most reliable losers

By Dave Schilling two innings of game 5 of the NLDS via won six championships, placing sixth The Guardian the refl ection of the TV in the glass table on the list of most World Series victo- at a bar because the Nationals hadn’t ries. That makes them, at fi rst glance, scored a run since I started doing it. a dubious choice to assume the mantle hat is baseball without Laugh all you want, but it worked. of baseball’s perennial groomsman, superstition? Rally caps, Such is the life of a Dodger fan in but what other team has been so close no-hitters that dare not 2016. Another year, another playoff so many times in the last 20 years? speak their name until the disappointment. There’s a culture of Playoff disappointments in 1995, 1996, Wseventh, and, of course, the dreaded losing developing slowly here in Los 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, postseason curse. For decades, the Angeles. You can see it in the pained and 2015. Mike Piazza, Mannywood, unholy trinity of baseball curses was expressions of Dodger fans fi ling out of and the McCourt family have all come the Cubs, Red Sox, and Indians. If you the stadium during the thorough drub- and gone since 1988. Teams like the needed a shorthand for comic futility, bings of games 4 and 5 of the NLCS, Brewers have signifi cantly fewer play- you couldn’t go wrong with of those the slow realisation that, no, this is off runs than that, but curse narratives three hapless franchises. There’s a not our year. Again. To coin a phrase, are not about just being bad. They’re reason why Henry Rowengartner it’s Clippers-esque, this run of playoff about being bad when it really, really played for the Cubs after breaking defeats. Whether it’s a stout, effi cient, counts; close, but not close enough. his arm and magically developing an humourless Cardinals team, the plucky Only the Oakland A’s could claim to be unhittable fastball in the movie Rookie Mets, the hard-nosed Phillies or this more snakebitten in the postseason. of the Year; why the Cleveland Indians blessed Cubs bunch, someone’s going The underground hallways of threatened to move to Miami in Major to come to town ready to rip your heart Dodger Stadium are lined with tro- League. The lovable loser story is great out and give you a better reason to phies, plaques, and framed jerseys of for sportswriters and fi lmmakers, but leave in the seventh inning than traffi c. Hall of Fame players. There’s an idea terrible for fans. But the payoff is un- Never have I seen a playoff crowd of swagger, superiority, and historical paralleled. Just ask the 2004 Red Sox. quite like game 4 at Dodger Stadium. signifi cance buried within the psyche In a couple weeks, ask the Indians or LA walked into that game up 2-1 up of Dodger Nation, though it gets buried the Cubs. Just don’t ask the Dodgers. on a Cubs team that looked unstop- deeper after every October meltdown. With the baseball gods about to pable just a week ago. Even LA Times This is an old, proud franchise, but one give one of their two remaining Jobs a columnist and ESPN commentator that has been eclipsed by, of all teams, winter off from their perpetual misery, Bill Plaschke had the gall to declare in the hated San Francisco Giants. Giants I’m starting to wonder where all of the no uncertain terms that “it’s over” on fans laugh at division title celebrations self-loathing energy is going to go, and Around the Horn the day after game 3, and scoff when Kershaw is called the more and more, I’m seeing it fall directly as though he actively wanted to see the greatest pitcher of his generation when into my lap here in southern California. Dodgers lose and was using some kind he’s never pitched a single inning in the I would much rather dispense with the of reverse psychology to ensure his LA Dodgers’ starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts after giving up a solo home run to Chicago Cubs’ Willson Contreras World Series. entire notion of the sports curse, but preferred result. during the fourth inning of game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series in Chicago on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports) Twenty-eight years will soon be 29, that’s like asking the sun to be a bit less That sort of self-assured rhetoric and then 30. We’ve got a long way to go hot all the time, or suggesting Donald certainly didn’t extend to the tense to wipe the blood off of our faces after thudding playoff exits. though they were programmed to do so before we hit 100 years of futility, but Trump keep his little tiny hands to him- crowd at Chavez Ravine on Wednesday. a succession of haymakers connected These Los Angeles Dodgers have like one of the robots from Westworld. I implore the Dodgers front offi ce that self. There’s just no point. Somewhere The vibe was nervy and joyless, one of with our collective jaw. But this has done a truly remarkable job piecing It’s been 28 years since the last Dodger seems totally uninterested in fi nding deep down, sports fans (and especially expected defeat rather than impending happened before, and it will happen together a losing tradition to rival the World Series victory, which doesn’t long-term No2 and No3 starting pitch- baseball fans) need to be tortured. It’s victory. The rally towels they gave us again. This year marks the fourth play- pre-1955 Brooklyn Dodgers – a team seem all that long ago compared to the ers or a truly dangerous clean-up hitter why we bite our nails during tense play- walking into the park were used less to off run in a row for the Dodgers. Four that was duty-bound to fall on their runs put together by the Cubs, Red to consider one question: do you want off games, or, in my case, watch an entire intimidate the opposing team and more NL West Division championships. Four sword for the New York Yankees, as Sox, and Indians. The Dodgers have to fi nd out what that’s like? I don’t. Gulf Times 8 Monday, October 24, 2016 SPORT

NHL FOCUS Number-crunching US sport

The 2016-2017 NBA season gets under way this week. Here’s a Gretzky look at the numbers behind the Rookie Harper world’s most popular basketball league and its rival sports:

MONEY, MONEY MONEY skates for Top salaries in the National Bas- ketball Association are among the scores twice in highest across the world of team sports, with LeBron James due to pocket just under $31mn this sea- Oilers again son after negotiating a new three- year deal in August worth $100mn. James’ salary compares favourably with the National Football League, Panthers win the most-watched sport in the Unit- in outdoor ed States, where Indianapolis Colts ‘That first one felt so good... relieved some pressure’ quarterback Andrew Luck has the highest average salary at $24.6mn. According to the Spotrac website, which gathers data on play- alumni loss ers contracts and salaries, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton AFP played for the St. Louis Blues and Kershaw draws the highest salary Montreal New York Rangers. in Major League Baseball, earning But he lamented not playing bet- $34.5mn in 2016. ter, complaining, “I stink. I’m re- Ice Hockey continues to lag ayne Gretzky, the all- ally bad,” and shaking his head as behind the big three of American time National Hockey he watched former teammate Mark sport, with the game’s biggest League scoring leader, Messier score twice. star, Pittsburgh’s Canadian inter- returned to the ice in “I was, like, ‘Oh my God, (Mess- national Sidney Crosby, earning Wan Edmonton Oilers jersey Satur- ier) can still play. Nobody’s think- around $10.9mn per year. day at age 55 for an outdoor alumni ing that about Wayne Gretzky,’” he Elite NBA stars, meanwhile, game against Winnipeg. said. remain the kings for generating The Canadian legend was among “I don’t play hockey any more. I endorsement dollars, with James a host of retired standouts who took love when I do go out there. But I’m signing a lifetime sponsorship the ice for the Oilers and Winnipeg 56 in two months and that might deal with Nike in December Jets in an exhibition game ahead have been my last game. It’s hard 2015 that is expected to see him of Sunday’s NHL Heritage Classic now. It’s just tough to tie up your become a billionaire. Forbes between the current editions of the laces.” magazine estimates James’ 2016 Jets and Oilers at the home stadium Gretzky had said such things endorsement earnings at $54mn, of the Canadian Football League’s before but suited up for the Oil- although his total earnings were Winnipeg Blue Bombers. ers alumni in 2003 at Edmonton still reported to be less than the The Jets won 6-5 as Winnipeg’s ahead of the fi rst Heritage Classic world’s highest paid football play- Teemu Selanne, the 46-year-old outdoor game, helping the retired ers — Cristiano Ronaldo ($88mn) Finnish Flash who ended his career Edmonton stars defeat a similar and Lionel Messi ($81.4mn). in 2014, scored on a penalty shot Montreal squad 2-0 on the eve of against Edmonton’s Curtis Joseph the NHL’s fi rst outdoor contest. DRAWING A CROWD with three seconds remaining. Se- “I didn’t have any expectations With a staggering 2,430 matches lanne had two goals and three assists. and I didn’t tell anybody that I was in the regular season, Major “What a great experience,” going to go out there and be the League Baseball attracted around Gretzky said. “We had a wonderful Wayne Gretzky of the ‘80s,” Gretz- 73.1mn through the turnstiles in day, just enjoyed playing the game.” ky said of his Winnipeg eff ort. 2016, an average of 30,168 per Shane Harper (right) of Florida Panthers celebrates his third period goal with teammate Gregg McKegg during their game Gretzky, who retired in 1999 “There’s only one NHL and match. But in terms of average against the Colorado Avalanche in Sunrise, Florida, on Saturday. (AFP) with records of 894 goals and when I retired from there, that was attendance, the National Football 1,963 assists, led the Oilers to four it. I don’t have the same excitement League continues to rule. With By George Richards a multi-goal game this season as the seconds later. Stanley Cups before being traded to go play pick-up hockey with the each team playing only 16 The Miami Herald (TNS) Panthers’ fi ve goals was most so far this Duchene scored moments after to Los Angeles in 1988. He later buddies.” regular-season games, crowds season. Harper, yet Trocheck’s third goal of the average out at around 68,400 It took a while for Florida’s off ense year put the Avs away. per game. The NBA meanwhile, hane Harper waited his whole to get cooking Saturday with the Avs The Panthers embark on their fi rst played in smaller, indoor venues, life to score an NHL goal. grabbing a 1-0 lead. For the second real road trip of the season — all fi ve attracted an average crowd of He only had to wait a few time in as many nights, the Panthers games so far have been inside the Sun- 17,481 a game in 2015-2016, a total minutes to get his second. had a goal taken off the board only this shine State — Tuesday in Pittsburgh. of around 21.5mn fans. SHarper, the Florida Panthers’ time, it was the right call. Florida will visit the defending Stanley By comparison, the leading 27-year-old rookie, helped fuel Flor- Down 1-0 in the fi rst, Jason Demers’ Cup champion Penguins, Toronto, Buf- football leagues of Europe hold ida’s 5-2 victory over the Colorado long shot beat Semyon Varlamov with falo and Detroit before returning to up well, with England’s Premier Avalanche at BB&T Center on Saturday Kyle Rau blocking only the Avs chal- Sunrise. League attracting 13.8mn specta- night. lenged and video showed Vincent Tro- “It was a good game,” coach Gerard tors in 2015-2016, an average of After the game, Harper held his spe- check off side. Gallant said. “[Harper] found the back 36,451 per match. cial puck out for all to see. This is one Florida bounced back in the second, of the net twice for us and that was puck that isn’t going to be misplaced tying the score early on after Aaron great. The kid works hard, he went hard PULLING POWER any time soon. Ekblad literally slid into a Jaromir Jagr to the net and was rewarded. It was The National Football League “It was quite a game,” Harper said. power play pass and beat Varlamov 90 good to see.” remains the juggernaut of televi- “That fi rst one felt so good. I had a cou- seconds in. sion viewing figures in the United ple of chances in the fi rst and second so Later, McKegg boosted the puck RESULTS States, with average audiences of to get it... relieved some pressure.” away from Colorado’s Matt Duchene Chicago 5 Toronto 4 (SO) 16.6mn per game against 7.3mn Late in the second period of a 1-1 and got off to the races, feeding Harper Montreal 4 Boston 2 per NBA game. The gulf in viewing game, Harper and Greg McKegg got on the breakaway. Tampa Bay 4 Ottawa 1 figures is even more stark when loose on a rush with Harper pushing “It was nice, we had been buzzing in Detroit 3 San Jose 0 contrasting the numbers for the through his fi rst NHL marker. Early in the zone,” McKegg said. Florida 5 Colorado 2 two sport’s showpiece occasions — the third, he got his second — this one Harper made his NHL debut with the New Jersey 2 Minnesota 1 (OT) the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals. giving Florida a 4-1 lead. Harper even Panthers on opening night fi ve games Philadelphia 6 Carolina 3 Last year’s NBA Finals thriller got into his fi rst NHL fi ght with 2:22 ago. NY Rangers 4 Washington 2 between the Cleveland Cavaliers left. Florida continued its off ensive as- Nashville 5 Pittsburgh 1 and Golden State Warriors drew “It was nice to get that out of the sault in the third with Jonathan Columbus 3 Dallas 0 an average of 20.3mn viewers, way, too, I guess,” Harper said. Marchessault making it 3-1 at 4:30 of Los Angeles 4 Vancouver 3 (SO) with a peak audience of 31mn for Harper is the fi rst Florida player with the period; Harper got his second 51 St. Louis 6 Calgary 4 the seventh and final match in the series won by the Cavs. This year’s Super Bowl — a fixture NBA in the US sporting landscape which is akin to a national holiday — attracted 111.9mn viewers. The diff erence in viewing numbers is reflected in the sums each sport Simmons part of global revival plan for 76ers is able to demand for television rights. The NFL earns around $7.2bn a year through to 2022 AFP In an NBA general managers poll, 70 while the NBA will earn $2.7bn a Washington % said that in fi ve years, Simmons will season until 2025 — a massive be regarded as the top player from this Rockets lose guard increase on its previous deal of year’s NBA rookie class. $930mn a year. Major League ustralia’s Ben Simmons, Beverley for Baseball is a distant third at 1.5bn last June’s NBA Draft top pick EMBIID, SARIC ADJUST TO NBA opening six weeks a year (four million viewers per now sidelined by a fractured The 76ers have barely said hello to Em- match) with the NHL gleaning right foot, is part of a global biid, the 22-year-old, 7-foot (2.13m) Patrick Beverley, the Houston $633mn (1.8mn viewers on aver- initiativeA aimed at reviving the NBA’s center they selected third in the 2014 Rockets’ backcourt starter along- age). woeful Philadelphia 76ers. draft, but he has scored 10.3 points and side top scorer James Harden, Alongside fellow NBA newcom- grabbed 5.5 rebounds a game in pre- will miss at least 20 games to BILLIONAIRE’S CLUB ers Joel Embiid of Cameroon and season play. start the NBA season with a left With its cavernous stadiums, Dario Saric of Croatia, Simmons will “As far as game shape wise, I’m not knee injury. Rockets coach Mike giant television contract and the be called upon to help advance the 100 percent,” Embiid said. “I still get D’Antoni said Beverley will miss global pulling power of the Super fortunes of a club that went an NBA- tired. In practice, we’ve got to work on the first six weeks of the upcom- Bowl, the NFL remains the most worst 10-72 last season, barely beating that.” ing campaign, which begins for valuable league in American the all-time worst full-season record Embiid says he is quickly adjusting Houston on Wednesday at the sport, according to Forbes. of 9-73 set by Philadelphia’s 1972-73 to the NBA’s speed and physical style. Los Angeles Lakers. The league is worth an esti- squad. “When I look out on the fl oor, I Eric Gordon, Tyler Ennis, P.J. mated $74.8bn in 2016, with each Just four seasons after winning just don’t see him take plays off ,” Brown Hairston and K.J. McDaniels fig- franchise worth an estimated nine games, the 76ers made a run to said. “He’s really trying to push him- ure to share time at point guard $2.3bn. Major League Baseball is the 1977 NBA Finals. A decade after self. I feel like he is on path to arrive on in place of 28-year-old Beverley, just ahead of the NBA in terms of the NBA’s worst-ever season, they opening night in a really good place.” who averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 overall value, at $38.6bn ($1.3bn were league champions. It’s that magic Saric, 22, was taken 12th by Orlando assists and 3.5 rebounds a game per franchise) against $37.4bn the Sixers seek to repeat as new young in the 2014 NBA Draft but played in last season. Beverley’s lone ($1.2bn per team). The NHL is talent matures. Turkey the past two seasons before pre-season game for the Rockets dwarfed by its three rivals, with a In the 33 seasons since the 1983 signing with the 76ers in July. He is av- came October 2 against the total value estimated at $15.2bn, crown, the 76ers reached the fi nals eraging 8.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in Shanghai Sharks when he had $500mn per team. According to only in 2001, losing to the Los Angeles NBA pre-season games. five points, six rebounds and five Forbes, the Dallas Cowboys are Lakers. Over the past 13 seasons, they Saric seeks consistency after shoot- assists in a 131-94 victory. the most valuable team in world have won only one playoff series. They ing 9-of-13 in two pre-season games, The Rockets finished eighth in sport at $4.2bn, ahead of Real haven’t reached the playoff s since the “Turning a negative into a posi- health and working on his shooting. then going 2-for-19 until making his the Western Conference last Madrid ($3.65bn) and FC Barce- labor-dispute shortened 2012 cam- tive is never easy,” Simmons wrote. “There’s a portion that is education, last three in a row. season at 41-41 and lost to the lona ($3.55bn), the two titans of paign. They haven’t had a winning 82- “Thanks to everyone for the support where we will sit and show him diff erent “I rush the last couple games,” Saric eventual conference champion European football. The New York game season since 2004-05. and love. Looking forward to coming things on tape and educate him in the said. “Maybe because I’m still young, Golden State Warriors in the first Yankees baseball team weigh So it’s no wonder that Simmons, back stronger and better.” league. It’s classroom stuff ,” Brown said. I tried to maybe show the people I can round of the playoff s. in at $3.4bn with Manchester who broke his right small toe Septem- Sixers coach Brett Brown said that “And then there’s stuff where he will shoot, I can play maybe because I’m Houston lost center Dwight United, another commercial jug- ber 30 in the 76ers’ last training camp Simmons is in a walking boot and con- sit in a chair and get his elbow under a little so excited to show everything. Howard in the off -season, the vet- gernaut, fifth at $3.32bn. The New scrimmage, had a update posted on In- ducts his rehabilitation work in the the ball until he can actually stand, Maybe I need to slow down, step-by- eran signing with his hometown York Knicks are ranked the most stagram that sounds like the same sort team’s training complex, emphasizing where we have a chance to help grow step, and if I do that, I think everything Atlanta Hawks. valuable NBA team at $3bn. of message the team needs. learning about the NBA, improving his his shot.” will be fi ne.” Gulf Times Monday, October 24, 2016 9 SPORT

FOCUS RUGBY Plaudits for All Giants, Rams lead Blacks while NFL into new Wallabies ‘sulk’ AFP they are to break the outright record of 24 Auckland Tests held by Cyprus who compete in the European Nations Cup division 2B. “Great contest from both sides. he Australians were sour but Congratulations @AllBlacks on your elsewhere there was high praise achievement,” the Lions tweeted. territory in London for the All Blacks’ world- “@AllBlacks Congratulations on an record winning streak, with incredible winning run,” added Ireland Tsuggestions their unbeaten run is far who play New Zealand in Chicago and Giants win the first non-rugby sports event in Twickenham’s 107-year history from over. Dublin next month. The reigning world champions Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitz- downed the Wallabies 37-10 in Auck- patrick expected the winning sequence land on Saturday to set a record for top- to continue, tweeting: “I suspect there tier nations of 18 consecutive victories. will be a few more added 2 the total by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen felt this outstanding team”. his Australian opposite Michael Cheika Former Wallaby Stirling Mort- hijacked celebrations with a withering lock tweeted that the All Blacks were outburst targeting the referee, the news “#toogood” while South African crick- media and claiming the New Zealand- et great Allan Donald added: “Simply ers did not respect his Wallabies. have to applaud the way these men play But Cheika was in the minority for there (sic) rugby.” not congratulating the All Blacks on Such was the All Blacks’ superior their historic achievement. fi nishing that they outscored the Wal- “The All Blacks march on, fallible for labies six tries to one despite enjoying sure, but buoyed by the self-assurance only 35 percent of possession and 32 greatness bestows,” wrote Paul Rees in percent of territory. London’s Observer. “That said, we saw enough of the real “The best, it is hard not to suspect, is All Blacks to know that this side are still yet to come.” way ahead of the rest of the world and London’s Telegraph noted that less that they will continue to move up- than a year after becoming the fi rst wards,” wrote Steve James in London’s team to win back-to-back World Cups Telegraph. “with a much-changed line-up, Steve “Their fi tness in the last quarter yet Hansen’s side bolstered their claim to again proved irresistible.” being the greatest ever rugby team”. In Sydney’s Daily Telegraph Jamie Among the fl ood of tributes for the Pandaram referred to the “extraor- All Blacks’ unprecedented winning dinarily ugly aftermath” to the Test streak were tweets of congratulations which saw trans-Tasman relations from both the Irish Rugby Union and plunge. the British and Irish Lions. “Australian coach Michael Cheika The All Blacks need to win their next claimed the Kiwis don’t respect them seven Tests, which include two against while rival Steve Hansen told him not Ireland and three against the Lions, if to get ‘sulky’,” Pandaram wrote.

New York Giants’ Dominique Rodgers Cromartie (right) celebrates an interception with Janoris Jenkins during the NFL International Series match against Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium in London, England, yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP nated by a pair of crucial interceptions while the league says there are now already anticipating the Cincinnati London by Giants safety Landon Collins. 14mn British fans of the sport. Bengals playing the Washington Red- Yet the crowd, clad in jerseys of all skins in this year’s fi nal UK fi xture at 32 NFL teams, were unperturbed by APPROVAL RATINGS Wembley next Sunday. wickenham played host to the the low-quality encounter and re- Not content with British dominance, Mark Waller, the NFL’s executive NFL’s latest landmark mo- mained glued to their seats in a show the NFL is playing a fi xture in Mexico vice-president for international, be- ment yesterday as the New of faith that suggests the league’s tar- in November and Goodell is on record lieves the sustained interest shown by York Giants beat the Los An- get of having a Britain-based team by as saying he wants to take a regular- the British public proves the founda- Tgeles Rams 17-10 at the cathedral of 2022 remains well within reach. season game to China in the near fea- tions have now been laid for a perma- rugby union. “I expect we’ll see more games here ture, with Germany and Brazil also nent team. Fittingly for a sport that has its ear- (at Twickenham) and, who knows, potential venues. Referencing the Rams’ move from liest roots in rugby, the NFL fi nally maybe a franchise someday,” NFL Ironically, while business is boom- St. Louis to a new home in Los Ange- planted its fl ag at Twickenham, the commissioner Roger Goodell told the ing overseas, the NFL’s approval rat- les earlier this year, he told reporters: historic London venue that usually BBC in an interview during the match. ings back home in the United States “The minute two or three owners ex- serves as the headquarters of the Eng- After playing the previous 15 “Inter- have dipped, with viewing fi gures pressed a desire to be in Los Angeles New Zealand’s TJ Perenara (centre) performs the haka during the rugby Test land rugby team. national Series” fi xtures at Wembley, down this season. it all happened in a remarkably fast against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. (AFP) This was the fi rst non-rugby sports Goodell arranged Twickenham’s de- The damaging publicity surround- time-frame. event in Twickenham’s 107-year his- but to explore the suitability of other ing the NFL’s failure to inform players “What I would like to think is we are tory and a capacity crowd snapped host venues with a view to increasing of the potential dangers of concus- doing the best job possible to make the SPOTLIGHT up 74,121 tickets to witness the NFL’s the number of matches played in Lon- sions and a series of ugly domestic vi- market ready.” next step towards establishing a per- don each season. olence incidents featuring star players However, US-based players might manent franchise in London. This is the third successive year that have turned fans off the sport. not embrace the move quite so readily, At a venue that has produced some three games are being played in Lon- Only this week the Giants were forced according to Giants defensive tackle Springbok coach hails of the most dramatic moments in rug- don and the Jacksonville Jaguars are to leave their kicker Josh Brown out of Damon Harrison. by history, the Giants and Rams strug- playing one “home” match at Wem- the trip to England after fresh evidence “That’d be tough,” Harrison said. gled to showcase the best of the NFL bley each season from 2013 to 2020. emerged of his abuse of his now ex-wife. “The road teams would have to go England side ahead of in a scrappy encounter encapsulated Television networks in Britain re- None of that bothers the British 6-10 hours across the world. I think by an error-strewn display from Rams port an 80% rise in NFL viewing fi g- fans, who left Twickenham fuelled it would be good for football, but I’d quarterback Case Keenum and illumi- ures from the same period last season, by their latest taste of the NFL and have to stay in the States.” Twickenham Test

BOTTOMLINE Reuters Johannesburg

Three Barretts, two new faces, in All Blacks squad outh Africa’s rugby coach Al- lister Coetzee hailed the impact AFP Sonny Bill Williams, Charlie Ngatai of Eddie Jones and the per- Auckland and Nehe Milner-Skudder were also formance of England this year not considered because of injuries. asS the Springboks began their prepa- The squad, which will again be cap- rations for a four-match tour of Eu- he All Blacks named two new tained by Kieran Read, includes 20 rope next month that includes a Test at players yesterday for next forwards and 16 backs and has a total Twickenham. month’s northern tour and in- of 1,157 Test caps experience and an “I’ve gone through the England tour cluded three Barrett brothers average of 32 caps per player. to Australia. They really played well Tin their travelling squad as they look and focused on a few areas and they’ve to extend their record unbeaten streak. NEW ZEALAND SQUAD got better and improved. Eddie’s done The 36-man squad to play Tests in Hookers: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, a great job with that,” said Coetzee of the United States, Italy, Ireland and Liam Coltman England’s 3-0 triumph in June and the France, also includes the return of dis- Props: Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Fau- changes made to the team since Jones “But the Baabaas game is the most graced scrum-half Aaron Smith. muina, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Ofa took over as coach just under a year important to set the tone for the rest A day after beating Australia 37- Tu’ungafasi ago. of the tour. This is a series where we’ll 10 to set a new benchmark for a top- Locks: Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, “First of all they have belief back in have to take it one Test a time.” tier team of 18 consecutive victories, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock their team; a pack that is a monstrous South Africa named a separate, less coach Steve Hansen said the northern Loose forwards: Sam Cane, Elliot pack and is a very physical pack. And experienced squad for the Barbarians tour was a chance to extend the record. Dixon, Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua, then... solid defence and to play with match and will bring in key overseas- “We’ve got a great opportunity to New Zealand’s Israel Dagg (foreground) celebrates a try with teammates Dane Kieran Read (capt), Ardie Savea, Liam two players at 10 and 12 who can kick a based players for the three Tests that build on what we’ve done so far, going Coles and Beauden Barrett (right) during the third rugby Test against Australia at Squire, Matt Todd mile and put the opposition under ter- follow. into a new environment. The northern Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. (AFP) Scrum-halves: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, ritorial pressure and ask the Austral- Coetzee said it would be business hemisphere’s a totally diff erent place T.J. Perenara, Aaron Smith ians to run from deep. On top of that a from the start for the beleaguered to play rugby,” he said when naming an “apprentice” to experience the dictable, including the return of loose Fly-halves: Beauden Barrett, Aaron 95 percent successful kicker in Owen Boks, returning to work after a record the touring party. pressures of being an All Black. forward Steven Luatua who played Cruden, Lima Sopoaga Farrell. thrashing from world champions New “It will challenge us and ask us to Hansen said the apprentice scheme, 14 Tests in 2013-2014 and who was Centres: Ryan Crotty, Malakai Fekitoa, “So that is what we will be facing. Zealand earlier this month. grow our game in ways, and will give previously used with Ardie Savea in in stand-out form for the Auckland Anton Lienert-Brown, George Moala It sounds all dark and that but we will “Just because it is not a Test against us the opportunity to continue to blend 2013, had “huge benefi ts” with Jordie Blues this year. Outside backs: Israel Dagg, Rieko plan and prepare well. And we will al- the Baabaas, we are not going there to this group of young talent with the more Barrett, a fullback, destined to be an Scrum-half Smith returns after Ioane, Damian McKenzie, Waisake ways give ourselves a chance, even go- entertain. That is the Baabaas’ phi- experienced group. This will allow our All Black in future. missing the last two Tests after an air- Naholo, Julian Savea, Ben Smith. Scott ing to face the number two side in the losophy. We will play to lay the basis game to continue to improve.” “He is an outstanding prospect and port toilet tryst with a woman which Barrett will travel as injury cover for world,” Coetzee told a media confer- to get a successful tour off the ground. The uncapped All Blacks are Otago has a big future in the game,” Hansen New Zealand Rugby deemed “serious Whitelock and Jordie Barrett has been ence yesterday. The Baabaas will test us but we have to Highlanders hooker Liam Coltman said. misconduct”. named as an apprentice South Africa face England at Twick- make sure we stick to our processes of and 19-year-old Rieko Ioane, who has A third Barrett brother, Scott, will Coltman, who has provided injury enham on Nov. 12 in the key match of how to win Test match rugby.” graduated from the New Zealand Ol- travel as cover for lock Sam Whitelock, cover for the All Blacks in the past, ITINERARY their four-game tour. They start at South Africa began their prepara- ympic sevens team. who could be sidelined for three weeks is offi cially selected for the rst fi time Nov 6 v Ireland in Chicago Wembley a week earlier against the tions in Johannesburg yesterday as they Jordie Barrett, the 19-year-old with an ankle injury suff ered in Satur- with previous Test hookers Nathan Nov 13 v Italy in Rome Barbarians and also meet Italy in Flor- assembled for a training camp ahead of younger brother of 46-Test fl y-half day’s Test against Australia. Harris and James Parsons not consid- Nov 20 v Ireland in Dublin ence on Nov. 19 and Wales in Cardiff on their planned departure for London on Beauden Barrett, has been named as The playing squad was largely pre- ered because of injury. Nov 27 v France in Paris Nov. 26. Friday. Gulf Times 10 Monday, October 24, 2016 SPORT

CYCLING Kangert wins Abu Dhabi Tour, Cavendish wins stage Agencies the dark. In the end I was Abu Dhabi pretty tired but just kept the wheels,” Kangert said. “I can’t say there wasn’t Sutton says he is stonian rider Tanel any pressure because there Kangert (Astana Pro was, and I felt it. I was ex- ETeam) won the 2016 cited to race in the leader’s Abu Dhabi Tour yesterday. jersey. It was my first time Nicolas Roche (Team Sky) leading a professional race. finished second with I’m happy everything went Diego Ulissi (Lampre-Mer- well and I might be back confi dent Wiggins ida) taking the final place soon to defend the title in on the podium. Vincenzo February,” the Astana Pro Nibali (Astana Pro Team) team member added. and Alberto Contador Yesterday’s stage win- (Tinkoff ) followed them in ner, Cavendish, was all that order. praise for the incredible Yesterday’s 143km final atmosphere on the Yas Stage 4, run on the Yas Marina circuit: “I'm so will be exonerated Marina circuit, was won by happy to be the winner of British rider Mark Cav- the final stage. Wiggins has been in the spotlight since leaked medical data showed the five-time endish (Team Dimension "I missed the race last Data), the race’s Off icial year because I was injured Olympic champion had been granted a therapeutic use exemption for triamcinolone Ambassador, who won and I was really jealous before the 2012 Tour de France, which he won, and the 2011 Tour and 2013 Giro d’Italia the Green Jersey of Points of the boys racing, espe- Classification. cially on this last day. It “I must say the win was was very fast. AFP exonerated.” more diff icult than it might "My teammates control- London Sutton, who was at the Dau- look like because the cor- led the group really well phine race, added: “It’s not some- ners were really tight. the whole day. I got an thing uncommon for a coach or a "I was surprised they incredible lead out. Mark ormer British Cycling logistics person to bring out a were so tight for car Renshaw was very calm technical director Shane parcel. racing. It made the race going into the finale. I just Sutton believes star rider “I don’t know too much about had to jump.” Bradley Wiggins and the the whole story but I’ve had a chat special with the lights and nationalF governing body will be with UK Anti-Doping. Let the exonerated amid an ongoing in- truth come out and move on.” vestigation by United Kingdom Wiggins, 36, who in 2012 be- SKIING Anti-Doping. came the fi rst Briton to win the Wiggins has been in the spot- Tour de France, plans to retire light since leaked medical data at the end of this year and is set showed the fi ve-time Olympic to race on home soil for the fi - Pinturault edges champion had been granted a nal time at the London Six-Day therapeutic use exemption (TUE) event, starting tomorrow. by cycling authorities for the “I think we all need to get be- out defending powerful steroid triamcinolone, hind him again and support him which he was permitted to take because in my belief, this guy has before the 2012 Tour de France, done no wrong,” said Sutton. champ Hirscher which he won, and the 2011 Tour British Cycling announced and 2013 Giro d’Italia. this week that chief executive Ian UKAD is also looking into a Drake will stand down in April, a package delivered to Team Sky at move he said was not linked to the the end of a Criterium du Dau- recent controversies involving phine stage race won by Wiggins Wiggins and Team Sky. in June 2011. Team Sky — and “The timing’s not great as far Wiggins — deny wrongdoing and as the announcement’s concerned are cooperating with UKAD. but I wish him well,” said Sutton. Dave Brailsford, the team prin- “He was a big supporter of mine. cipal, has also come under pres- It’s a sad day for British Cycling to sure for not revealing the contents see the end of Ian Drake’s tenure.” of the package. Sutton said he would he happy The Australian Sutton quit his to return to work for British Cy- British team post 100 days before cling if he is cleared by a separate this year’s Rio Olympics amid al- internal inquiry into his conduct. legations of discrimination. “I resigned when I did to take “Our record at British Cycling the heat off the team 100 days speaks for itself, our record at one,” Sutton, a controversial fi g- and the way he works, his work success off evidence-based pro- out from the Olympic Games,” (Team) Sky is brilliant, they’ve ure, said yesterday. ethic, he’s been the big pioneer grammes. The evidence will come he said. “But I totally refute the endorsed clean cycling from day “Knowing Sir Dave Brailsford for clean cycling and we built our out and I’m sure that they’ll be claims.” AFP who has dominated the World Solden, Austria Cup in recent years. “With what he showed today, he is now the Orica-BikeExchange buoyed by 2017 Tour route favourite,” Hirscher declared. rance’s Alexis On his return from a knee Reuters His twin brother Adam’s impressive Pinturault won yes- injury at a venue where he has Melbourne fourth place finish in the general classifica- terday’s giant slalom at won four times before, Ameri- tion raised the team’s spirits, however, along Soelden that kicked off can three-time giant slalom Fthe World Cup season, edging world champion Ted Ligety with the rapid improvement of Esteban ustralian pro cycling team Orica- Chaves. out Austria’s Marcel Hirscher. came in fi fth. BikeExchange believes Team Sky’s The 26-year-old Colombian finished Pinturault, 25, had been the “In the beginning, you Astranglehold over the Tour de France second in the Giro d’Italia and third in the quickest in the morning’s fi rst never know where you are,” may be loosened by the unconventional Vuelta, then capped off a fine year with run, laying the foundations for Pinturault added. “You never 2017 route and are relishing the prospect of victory in the Tour of Lombardy classic an eventual victory by seven know if you are skiing fast or a battle of “aggression” on the road. earlier this month, the last ‘Monument’ race tenths of a second from home not and just after Soelden, you The course unveiled this week, which of the season. star Hirscher, the reigning can see where you are more or starts in Duesseldorf on July 1 and ends in Chaves recently signed a contract exten- overall World Cup champion less. One thing that is easy in Paris on July 23, is peppered with a number sion until the end of 2019, giving White and champion in the discipline. skiing is that there is never a of steep climbs occurring early in stages. hope his five-year-old team can clinch a Felix Neureuther of Ger- strategy, you just have to push Organisers hope it will reward attacking maiden podium at next year’s Tour. many came third, 1.37 seconds and push even harder for the riders and prevent top teams like Sky and White will ponder his options for each of behind Pinturault, whose win- second run.” Movistar from locking down stages with the Grand Tours after the full Giro route is ning overall time was 2 minutes Hirscher won the last two tactical group riding. released next week but already feels confi- 14.01 seconds. It was a 16th giant slalom globes along with Sky’s meticulous organisation has pro- dent of consolidating the gains next year. career win for Pinturault, one the last fi ve overall titles. pelled champion Chris Froome to the title hard against some of the teams like Team time trials. It’ll be decided a little bit more “The team has evolved over the last three- more than his illustrious com- “I’m super happy because in three of the last four races and prompted Sky and Movistar who can control the race out on the road.” four years. We were really hunting for stagers patriot Jean-Claude Killy. the pressure is defi nitely on criticism that cycling’s showpiece has quite well. But there will be certain times Orica-BikeExchange, formerly Orica- (initially) and that’s the only thing we could “To win on such a diffi cult my shoulders, especially at become a dull spectacle. and stages where we can get stuck into it.” GreenEdge, suff ered an embarrassing blow really do,” the Spain-based director said. piste, at the start of the season, the fi rst race of the season,” But Orica-BikeExchange sport director Although all-rounder Froome and his mid-season with British rider Simon Yates “That’s changed now that we’ve got such is obviously important,” Pin- Hirscher said. “If I am skiing Matt White is optimistic the new route will formidable support train will have no fear handed a four-month ban for a positive test young talent who are capable of challeng- turault said. “There is no strat- good, everything is fi ne, but if bring badly needed suspense back to the of the climbs, White sees the two short for his asthma medication. ing. If we can repeat the results of this year, egy in alpine skiing, you just go I am skiing bad, it is never fun Tour. “I like it. Obviously, I’m thinking of it individual time trials as opening the door The team claimed responsibility for an we’ve done well but I think the diff erence is all out. So on the second run, so I am super happy and a lot of greedily for us and our particular team but slightly for the also-rans of recent years. “administrative error”, saying it had failed that we’re going in to the next year know- even if the visibility was not pressure has gone away.” it couldn’t be much better,” the 42-year-old “Chris Froome is such a good time trial- to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption ing we have the guys that can do it. Our the best, my only solution was World Cup action next moves Australian told Reuters in an interview. “The ler,” White said. “With less time trialling (TUE), and the former track world champion challenge is to keep them there and try to to give it everything.” to Levi, Finland, with women’s style of riding will have to be aggressive. It’s kilometres, it won’t be won and lost in the was forced to sit out the Tour de France. improve on those results.” Pinturault’s showing earned and men’s slaloms scheduled him praise from rival Hirscher, for November 12 and 13.

FIGURE SKATING US star Wagner wins her second Skate America title

AFP mentum from her world second-place on the podium, I’m speechless.” Japanese 18-year-old Shoma Uno, Chicago eff ort on home ice in Boston earlier this It might be the shape of things to who earlier this year became the fi rst year into the event. come for the US women with the next skater to land a quadruple fl ip in inter- “That was huge,” Wagner said. “The Winter Olympics in South Korea only national competition, won the men’s shley Wagner, a three-time short program was one of my world 16 months away. “I’m starting to realise short program with 89.15 points. US champion and this year’s class programs. That free program, I my own potential and believe in myself, Uno was last year’s Skate America world championship runner- left it all on the table.” which is really cool,” Bell said. “I’m re- runnerup in his senior-level Grand Prix Aup, captured her second Skate At 25, she is skating at an age when ally excited for the future.” debut and third in last season’s Grand America women’s crown yesterday af- many are leaving the sport. “I’m not good Mihara, a 17-year-old from Kobe Prix Final at Barcelona. ter fi nishing second in the free skate. at anything else. That’s all I have,” she making her Grand Prix debut, was sec- Reigning US champion Adam Rip- Wagner took the title with 196.44 said with a smile. “I love what I’m doing.” ond after the short program. pon was second on 87.32 with 2015 points to 121.59 for Mariah Bell, the Wagner, who also won the 2012 Skate She denied the hosts the fi rst wom- American champion Jason Brown third 20-year-old American who won the America crown, captured US titles in en’s podium sweep at Skate America on 85.75. Chicago hometown favourite free skate in only her second ISU Grand 2012, 2013 and 2015 and took a bronze since Michelle Kwan led the way 20 Brown missed most of last season with Prix event. medal in the team event at the 2014 So- years ago after reigning US champion a back injury and was unable to defend Bell set a personal best of 130.67 to chi Winter Olympics. Gracie Gold, a hometown hero who was his crown earlier this year. win the free skate with Wagner next on Bell, eighth at last year’s Skate third in the short program, fell twice in Pairs gold went to the young Cana- 126.94 and Japanese teen Mai Mihara America in her only prior Grand Prix the free skate and settled for fi fth. dian duo of Julianne Seguin and Charlie third on 123.53 to fi nish third overall on start, was shocked to fi nd herself on the Gold, 21, has won two of the past Bilodeau, ahead of Americans Haven 189.28. podium. “I feel like I don’t know what’s three US titles and was fourth at the Denney and Brandon Frazier with Rus- Wagner, who also won the short pro- going on,” she said. “I skated a pro- 2014 Winter Olympics as well as the sians Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir gramme on Saturday, said she took mo- gramme that I’m really proud of. To be past two World Championships. Morozov third. Gulf Times Monday, October 24, 2016 11 SPORT

MOTOGP FORMULA 1 Verstappen shrugs off rule clarifi cation Crutchlow wins Reuters Hamilton cut a chicane and went Austin, Texas down an escape road at Suzuka when that happened while Ferra- ri’s Kimi Raikkonen has had to take utch driver Max Ver- evasive action more than once. stappen said he had “In the 10 years that I have no plans to change his been in Formula One, there’s style after Formula been the same rule that all us in Australia aft er One’sD governing body outlawed drivers understand and it is only a defensive manoeuvre that the newcomers who have come in Red Bull youngster has used to and potentially not abided by keep his rivals behind him. that,” Hamilton told reporters. International Automobile Fed- “It is about the respect that eration (FIA) race director Charlie we have for one another, we’re Whiting issued a clarifi cation at travelling at serious speeds. You the U.S. Grand Prix on Saturday commit to your defence but you Marquez error to address moves that some of the don’t do it (move again) while drivers have questioned. in braking. I think it’s great that It reminded them that cars must Charlie has understood the ma- ‘Someone asked me last week what I thought about going to Phillip Island and I said I not be driven “in a manner which jority of drivers’ opinions. could be potentially dangerous to “The rules have to be very planned to come and win... It’s nice to win one in the wet and the dry...’ other drivers” and barred “any ab- strict and clear because if they normal change of direction”. say you are allowed to move un- AFP “With this in mind... any der braking, everyone would do Phillip Island, Australia change of direction under brak- it and we will all start a new way ing which results in another driver of driving which is dangerous,” having to take evasive action will added the Briton. al Crutchlow seized on a blunder be considered abnormal and hence Verstappen agreed the rules by new world champion Marc potentially dangerous to other had to be obeyed but played Marquez at Australia’s Phillip drivers,” the document added. down the impact on him. Island yesterday to win only his “Any such move will be re- “I don’t think so,” he added secondC MotoGP. ported to the stewards.” when asked whether he would The Briton, who turns 31 next week Verstappen, the sport’s new have to change his style. “I think and was competing in his 103rd Mo- young star and a race winner in it’s good to make it more clear toGP, capitalised when Marquez made a Spain in May, has drawn criti- what’s allowed and what’s not. mistake and crashed out on lap 10 while cism for abrupt moves while “So far it said in the rules that holding a big lead. braking into a corner as speeding you could go to the inside under Crutchlow maintained a solid race rivals tried to pass. braking. Now it’s not. So we’ll see pace on his LCR Honda to beat Italian Triple world champion Lewis how that’s going to aff ect racing.” great Valentino Rossi on his Movistar Yamaha by 4.218secs, with Spain’s Mav- erick Vinales third on a Suzuki Ecstar. ATHLETICS The race turned dramatically when Mar- quez, who claimed his third premier-class world crown with victory in Japan last weekend, slid off his Repsol Honda into the 85th AAA council gravel on Turn Four when in command. Crutchlow swept to the front and held off the nine-time world champion Rossi meeting to be held until the chequered fl ag as Vinales and Andrea Dovizioso battled for third. He became the fi rst British winner of in Doha from Oct. 26 the Australian MotoGP. Marquez acknowledged that he was to blame for the crash. “It was completely my mistake. Dur- ing the whole season I’ve been very care- ful on the braking points and this time I risked more so this crash has nothing to do with the Michelin tyres,” he admitted. It was Crutchlow’s second victory in premier class after beating Rossi and Marquez in this season’s Czech MotoGP in August. “Someone asked me last week what I thought about going to Phillip Island and I said I planned to come and win... it’s nice British rider Cal Crutchlow celebrates his victory on the podium after the MotoGP race at the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island. AAA President Major General Dahlan al-Hamad (left) and IAAF to win one in the wet and the dry because President Sebastian Coe. people only think you can ride in the rain Results & Standings the podium in 20 trips to Australia amid when you win in it,” Crutchlow said. his eight wins across all classes. By Sports Reporter thoroughly examine all possible “I had to stay strong, I thought my MOTOGP “This morning we discovered that we Doha consequences, before the Spe- pace in the race was good and better than 1. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/Honda) have good pace and step by step I came cial Congress in Monaco on De- in other years here,” Crutchlow said. 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) back and I try to reach Cal, but today he was cember 3 approves the reforms,” “I was pleased to to be able to take ad- 3. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Suzuki) too fast and too strong for me,” Rossi said. ight months after the commented AAA President Ma- vantage when it came, and we look for- 4. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) “Cal is always very fast around Phillip 84th Asian Athletics As- jor General Dahlan al-Hamad. ward to Malaysia now.” 5. Pol Espargaro (ESP/Yamaha) Island, he can interpret the track, and for sociation Council meet- IAAF President Sebastian Coe Crutchlow had memories of his crash 6. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Yamaha) me the second half of the race was diffi - ing was held in Doha, Qa- claims the proposals have already at the same corner two years when he cult and I could not do.” tar’sE capital city will play host to been received well by Member 7. Scott Redding (GBR/Ducati) trailed race leader Rossi on the last lap at 8. Bradley Smith (GBR/Yamaha) Pol Espargaro was fi fth and Lorenzo the 85th edition of AAA’s Council Federations in America and Eu- Phillip Island. 9. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) sixth in Sunday’s race, with two races as well as to IAAF’s Roadshow rope. “There are not many mo- “I didn’t brake into that turn and took 10. Jack Miller (AUS/Honda) left in the championship in Malaysia and Workshop between October 26 ments in our lives when we have it quite easy. I was in the rhythm and so I Spain. and 28. a genuine opportunity to shape continued with that and I rode comfort- World championship standings Swiss Thomas Luthi pipped Franco Asia’s top athletics offi cials, the future. The opportunity to ably to the fi nish,” he said. 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 273 pts Morbidelli on the line to win an excit- representing more than 40 na- put in place the building blocks “I didn’t want to make the same mis- Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Italian rider (champion), 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA/ ing Moto2 and pull to within 22 points tions, will meet to discuss and for something that provides a take but I knew I had to keep pushing if Valentino Rossi celebrates after the race. Yamaha) 216, 3. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/ of French championship leader Johann make decisions upon crucial solid and strong foundation upon we lost the heat in the front tyre. Yamaha) 192, 4. Maverick Vinales Zarco with two races left. matters related not only to Asian which the next generation can “I was quite confi dent I may have to the last two races.” (ESP/Suzuki) 181, 5. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/ Newly-crowned world champion Brad Athletics but also to the future confi dently build,” said Lord Coe caught Marc but when he crashed I tried Rossi greatly improved his chances of Honda) 155, 6. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/ Binder of South Africa stretched his lead of the sport, following Sebastian in his message. to keep the same pace and in the last 10- fi nishing runner-up this season with his Honda) 141, 7. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/ in the world championship to 130 points Coe’s recent proposal for govern- The proposal for reform of the 12 laps I didn’t really push, I just made second placing. Ducati) 137, 8. Pol Espargaro (ESP/ after a dominant win in the Moto3 race. ance structure reforms. IAAF’s governance structure will sure I kept the heat in the front tyre. He now leads teammate Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha Tech3) 117, 9. Andrea Iannone Many of his rivals were among a total IAAF’s president will person- be brought for consideration at “I was confi dent I could have won with by 24 points heading into the fi nal two (ITA/Ducati) 96 of 14 riders to crash out, with the race ally explain and analyse his re- a Special Congress to be held in Marc in the race and we now look forward races. Rossi has now fi nished 16 times on shortened to 10 laps under a red fl ag. form plans to the delegates on Monaco on 3 December 2016. October 27 and 28, while the 26th The delegates of Member Feder- of October is dedicated to the ations will vote on adopting two MOTO 2 85th AAA Council Meeting and constitutions. to issues related to Asia. According to Lord Coe the re- “For the fi rst time since I was forms aim for: Redefining roles elected AAA president, the vast and responsibilities includ- majority of the Asian Athletics ing empowering Member Fed- Federations have expressed their erations and ensuring stronger sincere interest in attending the Area representation, greater Simeon happy about fi nishing Council Meeting. The changes voice for athletes, better gender proposed by Lord Sebastian Coe balance and independent anti- will deeply change the structure doping, integrity and discipli- eleventh but no luck for Simon of the IAAF, therefore we need to nary functions. By Our Correspondent crashed on lap ten, whilst still pass him. But anyway, we fought Phillip Island, Australia defending a place within the for the Top Ten and I am happy First edition of QTF & Al Majed Open point rankings. Luckily, Simon with that. Now we go to Malay- walked away unhurt and is now sia with a lot of confi dence. It’s a tournament begins today MMF Racing Team determined to fi ght for a better track I like a lot, but where I suf- The first edition of QTF & Al rider Xavier Simeon result at the next round in Ma- fered with the hot temperatures Majed Open Tournament will battled his way to a laysia next weekend. in the past. I need to adapt very begin today at the Khalifa In- hard-fought eleventh well to be good in the race!” ternational Tennis and Squash placeQ in the Australian Grand Xavier Simeon – 11th place Complex. Prix. The 27-year-old from Bel- “I am very happy. I was able to Julian Simon – did not finish To conclude on November 02, gium started well from 20th break into the Top Ten and to “It was a diffi cult weekend due 2016, the event will feature the place on the grid and held 15th fi ght for an eighth place. I had a to the weather conditions, but participation of 170 players place after one lap, then gained very good feeling with the bike I had a really good start in the including 46 national teams’ positions steadily until he broke and I could ride very fast, so I race and I was going well on the players to compete in dif- into the Top Ten of the Moto2 enjoyed the race a lot. I had big opening laps. But as the race ferent age groups including fi eld on the ninth lap. With a lit- fi ghts with several other riders went on, I ran into problems and boys under 10, 12, 14, and 18 mitment to development of tle more top speed on the main including Julian for some laps the bike got increasingly diffi cult years in addition to Men’s and Tennis in the state of Qatar” straight, he could have gained and it’s a pity he had a crash. I to control. A few laps before I Women’s categories. Zainal wished the tournament even more positions, but Simeon also fought with Zarco, so for me crashed, the front started to tuck The QTF Assistant Secretary to be a real beginning for a found it diffi cult to attack out it was a good race. The only thing away in the corners and eventu- General Tariq Zainal said, “We fruitful cooperation between of the slipstream. In the end, he missing was a little more speed ally I couldn’t avoid a fall. Luck- are happy with organising this the QTF and Al Majed Group beat current world champion QMMF rider Xavier Simeon (left) in action during the Moto2 race in at the end of the main straight. ily it was a crash without any tournament in cooperation and stressed that the support Johann Zarco, who fi nished in Australia yesterday. I could never attack out of the physical consequences, which is with Al Majed Group as this of the group to the Qatari Ten- 12th place, but crossed the line slipstream. I tried many times the most important thing. Now cooperation reflects the spirit nis underlines its belief in the just fractions of a second behind Teammate Julian Simon also the race went on, the Spaniard to pass Marcel Schroetter at we think ahead to the next race of responsibility at the two positive contribution to the Frenchman Xavi Vierge and Ger- started strong and was as a high ran into diffi culties with the turn four, but he was also brak- in Malaysia, where we will try to organisation and their com- local community. man Marcel Schroetter. up as sixth after one lap. But as front end of his bike and fi nally ing very late, so it was not easy to do well and get a good result!” Monday, October 24, 2016 GULF TIMES CRICKET

INDIA VS NEW ZEALAND, 3RD ODI BANGLADESH VS ENGLAND, 1ST TEST B’desh need 33 runs, England two wickets, Kohli ton powers in Test thriller India to 7-wicket win over the Kiwis Virat Kohli struck a magnificent hundred as he joined forces with skipper Mahendra Bangladesh Sabbir Rahman celebrates a half-century (50 runs) as Singh Dhoni to power India to a 2-1 series lead over New Zealand England’s captain Alastair Cook looks on.

Scorecard AFP they took 20 wickets,” he said. Chittagong “I am happy to be still in the New Zealand game in the fourth day against a M. Guptill lbw b Yadav 27 team like England. I don’t think T. Latham c Pandya b Jadhav 61 angladesh battled to anyone gave us a chance four K. Williamson lbw b Jadhav 22 253-8 at stumps on the days ago.” R. Taylor st Dhoni b Mishra 44 fourth day of a thrilling Stumps were drawn early due C. Anderson c Rahane b Jadhav 6 Test in Chittagong yes- to bad light after England were Bterday, needing 33 for their fi rst- told they could only use their L. Ronchi st Dhoni b Mishra 1 J. Neesham c Jadhav b Yadav 57 ever win against England. spinners and not the pace attack M. Santner c Kohli b Bumrah 7 Hopes of an historic Test vic- in the last fi ve overs, a condition T. Southee b Yadav 13 tory rested with debutant Sabbir they did not accept. M. Henry not out 39 Rahman who was unbeaten on 59, England’s spinners earlier dis- T. Boult b Bumrah 1 after England set the hosts a target missed Bangladesh’s top fi ve to Extras (w7) 7 of 286 on a crumbling wicket. leave them on 140-5, as Moeen Total (all out; 49.4 overs) 285 Sabbir shared an 87-run stand Ali and Adil Rashid chipped in Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Guptill), 2-80 with skipper Mushfi qur Rahim with useful wickets. (Williamson), 3-153 (Taylor), 4-160 (An- before England regained the ini- Ali removed a positive-looking derson), 5-161 (Ronchi), 6-169 (Latham), tiative with three quick wickets Shakib Al Hasan for 24 just as the 7-180 (Santner), 8-199 (Southee), 9-283 in the fi nal session. all-rounder was trying to rebuild (Neesham), 10-285 (Boult) Off -spinner Gareth Batty the innings after Batty trapped Bowling: Yadav 10-0-75-3, Pandya 5-0- broke the late resistance with an Mominul Haque (27) and Mah- 34-0, Bumrah 9.4-0-52-2, Jadhav 5-0-29- awkwardly bouncing delivery mudullah (17) in the post-lunch 3, Patel 10-0-49-0, Mishra 10-0-46-2 that prompted skipper Mush- session. Rashid claimed Imrul fi qur (39) to give a catch to Gary Kayes for 43 in the penultimate India (target 286) Ballance at short leg. over before lunch. R. Sharma lbw b Southee 13 Pace bowler Stuart Broad then Kayes, who hit six fours in his A. Rahane c Santner b Henry 5 found some reverse swing to re- 61-ball innings, looked well settled V. Kohli not out 154 move Mehedi Hasan (one) and until he misjudged a sweep to get a M.S. Dhoni c Taylor b Henry 80 Kamrul Islam (0), putting Eng- top edge to Joe Root at slip. M. Pandey not out 28 land back in charge. Moeen handed England their Extras (lb2, w7) 9 Batty fi nished the day with 3-65 fi rst breakthrough when he re- Total (3 wickets; 48.2 overs) 289 while Broad claimed 2-26, but moved Tamim Iqbal for nine as Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Rahane), 2-41 Sabbir kept Bangladesh in con- Ballance took the catch at for- (Sharma), 3-192 (Dhoni) tention with a gritty innings that ward short leg. Bowling: Henry 9.2-0-56-2, Boult included three fours and two sixes. Just one ball earlier, Tamim had 10-0-73-0, Southee 10-0-55-1, Santner “I think it has been a brilliant survived a review after Root took a 10-0-43-0, Neesham 9-0-60-0 Test match,” Broad said. “Both catch that initially hit the body of a Did not bat: K. Jadhav, H. Pandya, A. sets of players have shown con- tumbling Ben Stokes at slip. Patel, A. Mishra, J. Bumrah, U. Yadav siderable skill. The pitch hasn’t The replay indicated there was been great for the batsmen. no bat or glove involved. India’s Virat Kohli plays a shot during the third one day international between Indian and New Zealand at The Punjab Cricket Stadium Association Stadium in Mohali yesterday. “I think Bangladesh will be very England were all out for 240 in proud with their performance. their second innings in the fi fth AFP Zealand bowling as he hit the ball to all Kohli the perfect support to canter home boundaries while Henry scored an un- We are proud we have utilised our over of the morning, after adding Mohali, India parts of the ground. in dew-laden conditions at the Mohali beaten 37-ball 39 with the help of four skills in these conditions. just 12 to their overnight tally of Recording his 26th ODI ton, he made Stadium. fours and a six. “This was our fi rst Test match 228-8. the most of a reprieve after he was Pandey, who scored 28, and Kohli put Part-time spinner Jadhav, who has here for six years. There’s going to Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam irat Kohli struck a magnifi cent dropped on six by Ross Taylor at gully off on an unbeaten 97-run partnership to built a reputation for getting big wick- be 11 very disappointed and 11 de- trapped Batty leg before off his hundred as he joined forces with Matt Henry to consolidate his position as bring the home crowd to life. ets at crucial junctures, then spun into lighted guys tomorrow. This is not second ball after Stuart Broad skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni India’s batting mainstay. Earlier Tom Latham and James Nee- action to have skipper Kane Williamson going to be a draw,” Broad said. was run out on his overnight to power India to a comprehen- Dhoni, who recorded his 61st ODI fi fty sham struck fi ghting half-centuries and lbw for 22. Bangladesh coach Chandika score of 10. Vsive seven-wicket win over New Zealand and went past the 9000-run mark, hit a late-order fl ourish helped New Zealand Latham put on 73 for the third wicket Hathurusinghe was happy to see Chris Woakes was unbeaten on in the third one-day international in Mo- three towering sixes during his 91-ball post a competitive 285. with Taylor (44), the pair apparently at his charges taking the fi ght to the 19. The second and fi nal Test will hali yesterday. stay but once again failed to fi nish off his The visitors suff ered a batting slump ease on a friendly batting wicket. visitors. “I am really happy that start in Dhaka on October 28. Kohli (154 not out) and Dhoni (80) put opponents. after Latham fell for 61 but Neesham Leg-spinner Amit Mishra and Jadhav together a 151-run stand for the third The 35-year-old, whose laboured struck a 47-ball 57 to frustrate the Indian worked in tandem to rattle the middle or- wicket to help India achieve their 286- knock in the previous game failed to take bowling attack. der as the visitors slipped from 153 for two REACTION run target in 48.2 overs as the hosts took India over the line, scored his fi rst fi fty Umesh Yadav and Kedar Jadhav took to lose their next six wickets in 9.3 overs. a 2-1 lead in the fi ve-match series. in a year after he promoted himself to three wickets each to reduce New Zea- Neesham and Henry took the fi ght to The batting duo not only put the in- number four. land to 199 for eight, but Neesham put the opposition as the Black Caps added nings back on track after India lost their Henry broke the big stand after Dhoni on 84 for the ninth wicket with Henry 44 in the last fi ve overs, but in the end the England’s Broad openers early but also took the attack to mistimed a delivery to short cover, the before the visitors were bowled out with eff ort went in vain. the opposition bowling. fi elder strategically placed in that posi- two balls to go. The two teams now head to Dhoni’s Kohli, who hit 16 fours and a six during tion for the wicketkeeper-batsman. The left-handed Neesham, who re- hometown of Ranchi for the fourth ODI hails Test as one of his 134-ball knock, dominated the New Manish Pandey made sure that he gave corded his maiden ODI fi fty, struck seven on Wednesday. his top fi ve PAKISTAN VS WEST INDIES, 2ND TEST AFP Chittagong

ngland paceman Stu- art Broad heaped praise Pakistan build commanding on Bangladesh for their determined resistance inE the ongoing fi rst Test in Chit- tagong, saying it was one of the top fi ve Tests he has played in. lead over West Indies Bangladesh, chasing a target AFP Scorecard of 286 runs, battled to 253-8 at Abu Dhabi stumps on the fourth day yes- Pakistan first innings 452 (Chase), 8-178 (Hope), 9-197 terday, needing 33 for their fi rst- (Younis Khan 127, Misbah-ul- (Cummins) ever win against England. peners Azhar Ali and Haq 96; S. Gabriel 5-96) Bowling: Rahat 21-8-45-3, So- Broad brought England back Sami Aslam hit half- hail 19-8-35-2, Babar 21-6-39-0, into the contest just when it ap- centuries to help Paki- West Indies first innings Shafiq 1-0-2-0, Shah 28.4-6-86- peared to be slipping out of their England’s Stuart Broad attempts stan strengthen their (overnight 106-4) 4, Nawaz 4-1-8-0 (1nb) hands with two late wickets that a run out yesterday. gripO on the third day of the sec- could prove vital. L. Johnson lbw b Rahat 12 ond Test against West Indies in D. Bravo lbw b Shah 43 Pakistan second innings He bowled some reverse swing know I will get two-three hours Abu Dhabi yesterday. K. Brathwaite run out 21 Sami Aslam c Hope b Gabriel 50 balls and was unlucky not to kip (sleep) tonight through wor- Ali was unbeaten on 52 and M. Samuels c Aslam b Rahat 30 Azhar Ali not out 52 have more success with debutant ry. So it is good fun,” he said. Asad Shafi q fi ve not out as Pa- D. Bishoo b Sohail 20 Asad Shafiq not out 5 Sabbir Rahman, unbeaten on 59 Broad expressed his satisfac- kistan reached 114-1 at stumps, J. Blackw’d c Ahmed b Rahat 8 Extras: (b4, lb1, nb2) 7 overnight, showed strong deter- tion in his own performance on a increasing their lead to 342 after R. Chase c Shafiq b Shah 22 Total: (for one wkt; 39 ovrs) 114 mination to survive the day. crumbling pitch that was exploit- dismissing West Indies for 224 in S. Hope b Shah 11 To bat: Younis Khan, Misbah-ul- “What a fantastic Test match ed by spinners from both side. their fi rst innings. Pakistani batsman Azhar Ali plays a shot on the third day of the J. Holder not out 31 Haq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Moham- to be a part of,” Broad said after “It is tough for a seamer,” he That had given Pakistan a fi rst second Test between Pakistan and the West Indies. M. Cummins b Sohail 3 mad Nawaz, Yasir Shah, Sohail the end of fourth day’s play. said. “It is not Trent Bridge. It is innings lead of 228 and left them S. Gabriel c Sohail b Shah 13 Khan, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali “Coming back for day fi ve, we a diff erent mindset. You have to fi rmly in control as they look to referrals after on-fi eld umpire Pakistan will look to stretch Extras: (b2, lb7, nb1) 10 Fall of wicket: 1-93 (Aslam) need two wickets with 33 runs tie down the batsmen, try to cre- claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in Michael Gough had raised his their lead even further to leave Total: (all out; 94.4 overs) 224 Bowling: Gabriel 8-1-21-1 (2nb), to get. Things you tell yourself ate pressure for the spinners. the three-match series. fi nger on both occasions. the West Indies up against it on Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Johnson), Cummins 3-0-5-0, Brathwaite as a bowling and fi elding unit: “Your time to strike is when Pakistan won the fi rst Test — Gough has now seen four of his a wearing fourth and fi fth day 2-65 (Bravo), 3-106 (Samuels), 13-2-27-0, Bishoo 12-0-45-0, two deliveries, two good balls, you get a bit of reverse swing like a day-night aff air played with a decisions overturned in the match pitch at Sheikd Zayed Stadium. 4-106 (Brathwaite), 5-121 (Black- Holder 3-0-11-0 who can have the character to Stokes. He added: “It is a pa- pink ball — by 56 runs to take a with fellow English umpire Rich- Earlier, West Indies added just wood), 6-144 (Bishoo), 7-169 bowl two unplayable deliveries, tience game. You have to wait for 1-0 advantage. ard Illingworth forced to change 118 to their overnight score be- or beat the batsman’s defence or things to come into your favour But despite the West Indies his initial verdict three times. fore they were bowled out at tea test his ego.” and strike.” falling 29 runs short of avoiding Aslam was fi nally dismissed with Pakistani leg-spinner Yasir Gabriel, caught at mid-on to end can press for a win. Broad added: “I think Bangla- “I think Bangladesh will be the follow-on, Pakistan skipper when he was caught behind off Shah taking 4-86. the innings. “We are in a com- “It was good to get four wick- desh has played fantastically well. very proud with their perform- Misbah-ul-Haq decided not to paceman Shannon Gabriel for Holder (31) and Gabriel (13) manding position,” said Shah. ets but I was facing a bit of diffi - I think the Test match has been ance. We are proud we have uti- enforce it and batted again. 50, although only after West In- frustrated Pakistan with a 27- “We know the pitch will help culty after bowling with the pink up there among the top fi ve that I lised our skills in these condi- Both Ali and Aslam survived dian captain Jason Holder called run last wicket stand before spinners from tomorrow onwards ball in the fi rst Test and then have played in, exciting-wise. tions,” Broad added. “This is not leg-before decisions through for a review. Shah took the fi nal wicket of so if we get a lead of 500 then we switching to red here.” “I have played 99 Tests so I going to be a draw.”