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MONDAY 17 OCTOBER 2016 • 16 MOHARRAM 1438 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Elite men’s road race champion of the UCI World Road Championships, of Slovakia (centre), second-placed Mark H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee (right) Cavendish of Britain (left) and third-placed of pose on the podium during the presentation ceremony held and Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani, Qatar Cycling Federation President and Chairman at The Pearl-Qatar, in Doha yesterday. of the Local Organising Committee of the UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016 witnessing the presentation ceremony at The Pearl-Qatar yesterday. Sagan is world champion again

HISTORIC FEAT BY SAGAN The Slovakian celebrates his second Peter Sagan became the first world title as back-to-back champion of the race since Italian , arch-rival Mark who won in 2006 and 2007. He Cavendish settles for also became one of only eight riders in the history of the cham- a second place finish pionship to win the title twice. Italian , Belgium’s , Spain’s Oscar Freire and Belgian legend By Rizwan Rehmat won it three times. The Peninsula

UCI WORLD ROAD DOHA: Slovakian cycling giant Peter Sagan yesterday outpaced arch-rival CHAMPIONSHIPS of Britain and Tom Boonen of Belgium to retain his Top 20 riders after the Elite men’s world title on the final day of the road race (257.3km): UCI World Road Championships. Sagan, 26, relied on a late surge 1. Peter Sagan (Slovakia) in 5:40.43 to cross the finish line at The Pearl- 2. Mark Cavendish (Great Britain) ST Qatar, edging Cavendish and Boonen 3. Tom Boonen (Belgum) in a sprint bunch that saw riders jos- 4. Michael Matthews (Australia) tling for clearer path to world glory. Sagan’s winning time was 5 5. () hours 40:43 seconds. 6. (Norway) Australia’s Michael Matthews 7. (Norway) and Italy’s Giacomo Nizzolo com- 8. William Bonnet (France) pleted the top-five riders. 9. (Netherlands) Sagan won his first title in Rich- 10. (Belgium) mond, Virginia, last year. “I don’t believe it. I’m still in 11. (Italy) shock,” Sagan said after the tense 12. Adam Blythe (Great Britain) finish where hundreds of cycling 13. Natnael Berhane (Eritrea) +4” fans had turned up for the last day’s 14. Juergen Roelandts (Belgium) +9” action. 15. Ryan Roth (Canada) “I’m very happy because there 16. Truls Korsaeth (Norway) was a crosswind and I was the last 17. Tom Leezer (Netherlands) one to make the first group. In the end, it was a sprint so we should 18. Nicolas Dougall (South Africa) Peter Sagan of Slovakia celebrates as he wins the Men’s Elite Road Race of the UCI Road World Championships 2016, in Doha yesterday. see,” he said. 19. Michal Kolar (Slovakia) +13” Pictures by Syed Omar “There was a bit of a headwind 20. (Italy / Italy) +14” so I felt I needed to come from the back. I felt I was lucky because the desert. During sprint, there was riding, Belgian and Dutch riders 26, just a minute ahead of the chas- the finish line left Cavendish slam- (Giacomo) Nizzolo didn’t close me “I am just disappointed. I messed a problem with my chain. I couldn’t started to form groups with winds ing group behind. ming his handlebars in frustration out. If he closed me out, for sure we up tactically. The hard thing was have won gold, because Peter was restricting the cyclists. The gap between the leaders and as the Slovakian celebrated his sec- would have crashed because I wasn’t losing (Luke) Rowe to a puncture, too fast. But I could’ve taken sec- Despite strong headwinds, Boo- the chasers continued to expand ond world title of his impressive going to brake.” which would have given us three in ond place,” Boonen said. nen and Greg van Avermaet started until the end when Sagan success- career. “We should have crashed but I’m the front and he would have been The day’s action kicked off at building on their sublime form. fully sealed second world title with a As Sagan raised him arms in happy. It’s unbelievable,” the Slova- valuable at the end. I am just going Aspire Zone where the riders assem- With groups forming rapidly, late flourish that left Cavendish and jubilation, a small group of Slova- kian added. to have to settle for another second bled for the 10.30am start under Australian rider Luke Durbridge Boonen visibly stunned. kian fans rejoiced with a song and Cavendish was dejected at his this year,” he added. clear blue skies. A group of seven got knocked off by Near the finish line, Sagan went dance sequence close to the finish failure to prevail over Sagan. Boonen, winner of multiple Tour riders broke free of the starting during a chain change. right while Cavendish tried to cre- line. “It was a tough race and I always of Qatar titles, said technical issues bunch, reaching a lead of 11 min- Both riders hit the road and ate his own slipstream on the left. “I have the biggest group of fans knew it would be a fight till the fin- halted his lunge towards the finish utes before being finally caught up eventually signed off from race Sagan eventually showed he had here and I have to thank all of Slova- ish line. It’s a shame because it’s a line. by the cyclists at the back. prematurely. The total number of more power in his legs. kia because I feel they give me a lot race I could’ve won,” Cavendish said. “My team made a great effort in After the first 57 kilometres of riders to enter The Pearl circuit was Sagan’s sudden burst energy at of energy here,” Sagan said. MONDAY 17 OCTOBER 2016 21

Qatar’s first pro boxer dreams of big fight at Khalifa Stadium

The Peninsula Sheikh Fahad Al Thani told www. forget, with Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, challenges both behind and in front sc.qa in an exclusive interview. Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos. A lot of of him. “It is an honour to be represent- boxing fights are also held in foot- “It was a tough decision for me ing my country, which is making ball venues, so anything is possible to turn professional, and I thought DOHA: As Qatar’s first profes- such a big commitment to becom- in the future.” about it well. The step up has been sional boxer, Sheikh Fahad Al ing known as a nation of sporting Just ten years after taking up to an entirely different level of com- Thani knows what it means to events and outstanding athletes boxing, the Qatari fighter says daily petitiveness, and I have adapted my push boundaries and dream big. like our high-jump Olympic med- training and a relentless attention to training accordingly. But when you After winning his second fight in allist Mutaz Barshim. In 2022 we detail have taken him to the place step into the ring you realise that Oviedo, Spain, the 28-year-old will host the FIFA World Cup as the where he is, and he points to the being first at something doesn’t Qatari Super Lightweight boxer first Arab nation in history, and all of sporting nation around him as the matter, only the fight at hand does. has a perfect 2-0 record in his those of my generation and others in source of inspiration behind his In the first fight I took an early hit ground-breaking career follow- Qatar have the privilege of making journey. and went down on the floor. But I ing an amateur run which saw their contribution to this outstand- “The sporting ambitions of Qatar got back up, shook myself off, and him get some 40 fights under ing sporting development.” have allowed me to fulfil my dreams focussed on how I could win the his belt. Now the talented boxer Ahead of his recent fight in of becoming a professional boxer. fight. Shortly after that I landed the nicknamed the ‘Panther’ says Oviedo, Spain, a surprising refer- I have studied in great depth the winning punch, and it just confirmed he is dreaming big – of a fight in ence to football helped to get the videos and photos of the legendary to me that I am on the right track.” front of his home fans at a major local fans on the side of the man Muhammed Ali when he fought here With two straight knock-out venue in the country. who was once a junior team goal- in Doha in 1973. He is a great source wins under the belt in his promising “It was a very proud achieve- keeper before switching to the of inspiration to me, and I believe professional career, Sheikh Fahad Al ment for me to become my boxing gloves. that the whole of the Middle East Thani has set his sights on bringing country’s first professional boxer, “It was an idea the promoter had, and the Arab world is looking for a boxing firmly into the focus in Qatar and then also to win my second to get me to put on the shirt of the role model to inspire a young gen- and the Middle East region. fight in a row in Spain recently. local football team, , as eration of boxers. We have plenty of “For me the objective is to raise Now my ambition is to arrange I walked up to the ring. The crowd talented youngsters who are taking awareness locally and get more a fight this year in front of my reacted in fantastic fashion. In gen- up the sport, and I think that when youngsters involved in the sport home fans, at a major venue in eral I have a big passion for football they see my fights they too will be which I love. I want to keep winning Qatar. If I keep training hard and support the Qatari national team inspired to dream big.” my fights, and to focus on keeping and winning my fights, I dream whenever they play. In Europe, I love The sporting journey of Qatar’s my performance as good as it can of one day fighting in and filling watching Manchester United play, first professional boxer has not be. And of course the ideal setting a major stadium like Khalifa and of course the legendary Brazil been a straight-forward one, and for me would be to have a fight right Qatar’s first professional boxer, Sheikh Fahad Al Thani International Stadium in Doha,” team of 2002 was one I will never he is refreshingly upbeat about the here, in front of my home fans.”

QMMF riders Murray continues fight their Marquez wins third way into Top dominant season Ten in Motegi title in four years with Shanghai win The Peninsula The Spaniard becomes Reuters MOTEGI: QMMF Racing Team riders Julian Simon and Xavier the youngest rider Simeon fought their way into to win three MotoGP the Top Ten and celebrated a SHANGHAI: Andy Murray powered happy-end to the Grand Prix championships his way to a third Shanghai Mas- of Japan yesterday. as Rossi and Lorenzo ters title by beating Spanish 15th Starting from 16th and seed Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(1) 17th places on the grid, both crash out in Motegi 6-1 in yesterday’s final to close in riders recovered positions on Novak Djokovic at the top of the steadily, thanks to a special world rankings. bike set-up for the Twin Ring Bautista Agut beat world Motegi, a strong and consist- Reuters number one Djokovic in the semi- ent race pace and also due final on Saturday but was brought to the crashes of some rivals back down to earth by three-times within the front group of grand slam champion Murray, who riders. MOTEGI: Honda rider Marc Marquez converted all his four break points In the end, Simon fin- secured his third MotoGP championship to wrap up the match in one hour ished eighth and Simeon tenth in four years yesterday by winning the 37 minutes. place, a strong team result that Japanese Grand Prix after his nearest Murray, who won the China boosts the confidence of rid- rivals Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo Open in Beijing a week ago, is now Andy Murray of Britain holds ers and technicians ahead of both crashed out. 915 points behind Djokovic in the the trophy after winning the race on the ultra-fast Phil- The 23-year-old Spaniard had only Race to London rankings, with a lip Island circuit in Australia an outside chance to seal the title but his chance of surpassing the Serb and the Shanghai Masters tennis next weekend. win at Motegi gave him an unassaila- finishing the year in top spot. tournament yesterday. Commenting on his ble 77-point lead over Italian Rossi, who “In the last few months, I have achievement, Julian Simon started on pole but slid into the gravel won a lot of matches and made Murray, however, was less said, “I am happy with our early. improvements. I have been mov- than optimistic over his chances achievement in the race and “Every year is really hard and you ing forward better and changed the of usurping Djokovic and said the also with our performance always give your maximum... but this direction of the ball better,” world 12-times grand slam champion was over the whole weekend. It’s year, the pressure I felt, especially in the number two Murray told reporters. still “the best player in the world”. very positive to end the race beginning of the season, was really really “I have also come up with some “My goal wasn’t to finish number in the Top Ten, with an eighth high,” Marquez told reporters. bigger serves when I have needed one at the end of this year but in the place, and I want to thank and “I felt more pressure but it gave me them.” early parts of next year there is an congratulate my team that extra motivation.” With three tournaments opportunity -- 900 points doesn’t worked very well and gave “This combination kept me really remaining on Murray’s 2016 sched- seem like loads,” Murray added. me a very good bike.” focussed.” ule, the season-ending Tour Finals “But Novak will win matches. He “We changed the set-up Already the youngest rider to win a in London could play a pivotal role is the best player in the world. I don’t for this track, which helped MotoGP race and the title in his maiden in deciding who finishes at the top of think he has lost an indoor game in me a lot and I noted this season in 2013, Marquez’s triumph in the standings at the end of the year. a long time.” morning in the warm-up that Japan made him the youngest to seal three we were competitive. Only at championships. the beginning of the race, in Marquez said losing the champion- the first few laps, I couldn’t ship to Lorenzo last year taught him how quite match the pace of this to handle pressure. Wozniacki grabs Hong Kong morning, but for the remain- “Sometimes I forget to enjoy because der of the race we were fast the pressure was to high. The team was a Honda MotoGP rider Marc Marquez of Spain celebrates on the and consistent. I look forward big help this year with them I forget the Open victory after tough game podium after winning the Japanese Grand Prix and securing his to the next race next weekend pressure. in Australia,” he added. He finished nearly three seconds third MotoGP championship in four years at the Twin Ring Motegi Xavier Simeon said; “We ahead of Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso, Circuit in Motegi, Japan yesterday. AFP renewed focus, forcing Wozniacki to had a good end of the week- with Suzuki’s Maverick Vinales third. dive around the court with a com- end. We struggled at the With Rossi, the seven-times premier MOTOGP RESULTS bination of drop shots and powerful beginning of this Grand Prix, class champion, quickly out of contention, drives. The set went to 6-6, with 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 42:34.610, 2. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) at 2.992, 3. Mav- but we managed to improve Lorenzo needed to finish fourth or better HONG KONG: Former world Mladenovic sealing the tie-break erick Vinales (ESP/Suzuki) 4.104, 4. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Suzuki) 4.726, 5. Cal Crutchlow on Saturday and today in the to keep his title defence alive. number one Caroline Wozniacki 7-4 to go even. (GBR/Honda LCR) 15.049, 6. Pol Espargaro (ESP/Yamaha) 19.654, 7. Alvaro Bautista (ESP/ race, we improved again, even The Spaniard, who suffered a terri- beat unseeded French challenger Dressed all in green, a deter- though I didn’t quite have the fying crash in practice on Saturday but Aprilia) 23.032, 8. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati Pramac) 28.555, 9. Scott Redding (GBR/Ducati Kristina Mladenovic to take the mined Wozniacki, 26, finally sealed pace to fight for the Top Ten.” returned to the track to qualify third on Pramac) 28.802, 10. Stefan Bradl (GER/Aprilia) 32.330 Hong Kong Open yesterday after victory in the third set. A tired Mlad- “We have to admit that we the grid, battled to keep within touch of a battle of wills that lasted almost enovic was ultimately unable to were a little bit lucky, because Marquez. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS three hours. match the Dane’s power and con- there were a number of crashes But Lorenzo came under pressure Wozniacki of Denmark, seeded sistency. Frequently bending to lean ahead of us and we were able from a hard-charging Dovizioso and his 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 273 pts (champion), 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 196, 3. fifth in the competition, stormed the on her racquet between points, the to take advantage. I tried to race ended in the gravel with five laps to Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Yamaha) 182, 4. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Suzuki) 165, 5. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/ first set 6-1 with Mladenovic visi- Frenchwoman was in tears as she be very consistent in the race go after a front end skid. Honda) 155, 6. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 124, 7. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/Honda) 116, 8. Pol bly despondent and limping slightly. desperately tried to fight back after and I did good lap times, but I The championship, now a victory Espargaro (ESP/Yamaha Tech3) 106, 9. Andrea Iannone (ITA/Ducati) 96, 10. Hector Barbera The 23-year-old Frenchwoman Wozniacki took a 5-0 lead. couldn’t go faster than I did. procession for Marquez, heads to Phillip (ESP/Ducati) 84Quaresma (Besiktas), Eder (Lille) Andre Silva (Porto) emerged in the second set with Wozniacki eventually took the Island, Australia next week. her right leg bandaged and with a final set 6-2. 22 MONDAY 17 OCTOBER 2016 SPORT

Athletic Bilbao Holebas sees Watford to Boro win edge five-goal Basque derby

the combined challenge of Younes opener after 52 minutes. Heaton had Greece international Kaboul and Nordin Amrabat, who earlier denied the former Burnley AFP was fortunate to escape sanction for favourite with a marvellous one- goal was a rare grabbing his opponent’s shirt. handed diving save and also foiled highlight in a largely Moments later, Boro had a far Redmond before the winger backed less convincing penalty shout when off a corner and fired cleanly past the MADRID: moved uninspiring contest at Downing headed against Amrabat’s keeper for Southampton’s second on to within three points of the Riverside Stadium arm from point-blank range before the hour. leaders Atletico Madrid with a 3-2 firing the rebound wide of goal. Austin added the third with win over local rivals Real Socie- Boro defender Ben Gibson tried a penalty in the 66th after Sam dad in a pulsating Basque derby his luck with a 35-yard shot but McQueen was tripped while Sam yesterday. AFP the match was still goalless come Vokes netted a spot kick for Burnley Sociedad took the lead against half-time. in the 72nd. the run of play when David Zuru- The home side appealed unsuc- tuza volleyed home Xabi Prieto’s cessfully for a penalty early in the ENGLISH PREMIER corner on 17 minutes. MIDDLESBROUGH, UNITED KING- second half when Negredo went LEAGUE RESULT Athletic laid siege to the Socie- DOM: Jose Holebas’ powerful strike to ground following a challenge Middlesbrough 0 Watford 1 dad goal, only to be denied by saw Watford to a 1-0 win away to by Holebas. At the other end of the (Holebas 54) the outstanding form of Argen- Middlesbrough in the Premier League pitch, Holebas gave Watford the lead Southampton 3 (Austin 52, 66-pen, tine international goalkeeper yesterday. in some style when, having latched Redmond 60) Burnley 1 (Vokes Geronimo Rulli before the break. Victory saw Watford climb to onto Marten de Roon’s clearance, he 72-pen) Iker Muniain finally levelled smashed a fierce shot high into the with a brilliant effort from out- ninth in the table but the result Today’s match condemned northeast side Mid- top corner and beyond stunned goal- side the box that curled in off the dlesbrough to a fourth defeat in five Watford’s Jose Holebas (right) in action with Middlesbrough’s Adam keeper Victor Valdes. Liverpool vs Manchester United far post to leave Rulli helpless six league matches. Forshaw during the English Premier League match at the Riverside Ramirez had another penalty (1900 GMT) minutes into the second-half. Greece international Holebas’s Stadium yesterday. appeal turned down after falling to Played on Saturday Sociedad then caused their goal was a rare highlight in a largely the turf following a clash with Miguel Arsenal 3 (Walcott 26, 33, Ozil 57) own downfall as twice they were uninspiring contest where referee right side and we’re happy about this. “When they scored it was Britos eight minutes later, and in the Swansea 2 caught in possession deep inside Roger East turned down several pen- “I’m happy. It’s going very well. impossible to play. They’re really closing stages it was Watford who (Sigurdsson 38, Baston 66) their own half as Aritz Aduriz alty appeals of varying merit at the We could’ve had one or two points experienced players. We need to almost grabbed the game’s second Bournemouth 6 (Daniels 5, Cook chipped home Athletic’s second Riverside Stadium. more at this stage. We’ve been play- learn and keep going. The only way goal when a shot from Isaac Success 41, Stanislas 45-pen, 65, Wilson 83, before teeing up Inaki Williams “I’m very satisfied because we ing all the games well with the we know how to play is the way we was saved by Valdes. Gosling 88) Hull 1 (Mason 34) for the third. won an away game in such a difficult exception of Burnley away.” played the first 35 minutes.” In another match, Southamp- Inigo Martinez’s fine header Chelsea 3 (Costa 7, Hazard 33, stadium,” Watford manager Walter Disappointed Boro boss Aitor Middlesbrough had the greater ton’s Charlie Austin struck twice from a narrow angle gave the vis- Moses 80) Leicester 0 Mazzari told the BBC. Karanka added: “We played the share of possession in the first half and Nathan Redmond also scored to itors hope seven minutes from “I’m mainly (satisfied) with the first 35 minutes really good and I but rarely threatened the Hornets’ secure a comfortable 3-1 win against Crystal Palace 0 West Ham 1 time, but Athletic held on for their character of the team but I’m less sat- told them at half-time we couldn’t goal. Burnley at St Mary’s. (Lanzini 19) first win over Sociedad since 2012. isfied on the overall performance.” play the way they were playing in the Stewart Downing fired a third- Austin has now got seven goals Manchester City 1 (Nolito 72) Athletic moved to within a He added: “In the first half we last 10-15 minutes. The second half minute half-volley over the crossbar in six games but with better control - Everton 1 (Lukaku 64) point of Barcelona in fifth. were allowing too much on the right we couldn’t play. and Gaston Ramirez dragged a and against a less impressive keeper Stoke 2 (Allen 8, 45+1) Sunderland 0 The top four were all victori- side and in the second half we man- “Had we scored the chances we shot wide. Middlesbrough’s Alvaro than Tom Heaton - he could have West Brom 1 (Chadli 82) Tottenham ous on Saturday as Atletico, Real aged to make some modifications created at the beginning of the game Negredo had a penalty appeal had a hat-trick before he scrambled 1 (Alli 89) Madrid and Barca thrashed Gra- and stopped them attacking on the maybe we’d have won the game. rejected as he went down under the ball in from close range for the nada, Real Betis and Deportivo la Coruna respectively, whilst Sevilla sneaked past Leganes 3-2. Earlier on Sunday, Roberto Rosales’s stunning long-range Brazilian Sports Minister visits Aspire Academy effort five minutes from time salvaged a 1-1 draw for Malaga at Alaves. Meanwhile, Real Madrid must match the intensity of a stunning first 45 minutes urged coach Zinedine Zidane after snapping a four-game draw streak with a 6-1 rout at Real Betis on Saturday. Zidane’s men surrendered top spot on goal difference to city rivals Atletico Madrid with three consecutive La Liga draws, along with a point at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, prior to the international break. However, a two-week lay- off seemed to do the European champions a world of good as they stormed into a 4-0 lead before half-time to blow Betis away. “After four draws we had to have a game like this. We played with the necessary intensity to win,” said Zidane. Brazilian Minister of Sport, Leonardo Picciani, poses for a picture, during his visit to the Aspire Academy with a delegation including Brazil’s Ambassador to Qatar, Roberto “There are no small teams Abdalla, and the National Secretary at Brazil’s Ministry of Sport, Leandro Cruz Froes da Silva. Aspire Academy Deputy Director General Ali Salem Afifa welcomed the delegation (in this league). This is a diffi- and took them on a guided tour of the Academy. RIGHT: Picciani is handed over a memento by Dr Thani Al Kuwari, General Secretary of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) cult place to come but we started during his visit to the QOC headquarters. strongly and it is tough for the opponent when we play like that.” Zidane had slammed his side’s slow starts earlier this season, in particular in dropping points at home to Basque minnows Eibar last time out. “They are intelligent, good 20 teams to take part in School League players. They know we have to start in that manner and they did well. The Peninsula and good sportsmanship. The spon- “When we play with the inten- sors of this year’s edition include the sity required it makes it very Supreme Committee for Delivery & difficult for the opponent. DOHA: Twenty teams will be seen Legacy who are the Official Strategic “We have worked on that, but in action in the 4th School League , it Sponsor of the School League, Nike, we need to be consistent. This was revealed here yesterday. Al Kass, and QNB. match is a reference point.” The Qatar Football Association Victory took Real back level (QFA) in collaboration with the Min- THE RESULTS OF THE with Atletico at the top after Los istry of Education & Higher Education DRAW ARE AS FOLLOWS: Rojiblancos went one better in a and Qatar School Sports Association 7-1 thrashing of Granada earlier (QSSA) yesterday held for the School Group A on Saturday. League at QFA’s headquarters, Al 1. Ahmed Bin Mohamed High And Zidane insists big wins Bidda Tower. School,2. Al Shamal High School,3. for Atletico, Barcelona and Sevilla Matches this season will be Al Wakrah High School, 4. Tariq Bin that saw Real slip to fourth before played on the training sites of Al Sadd Zeyad High School, 5. Al Jumailiya kick-off hadn’t played an extra Stadium, Al Kharaitiyat, Mseimeer, High School, motivating factor in their sudden Al Arabi Stadium and Umm Salal. All Group B return to form. matches will be played at 9am and 1. Al Zubara High School, 2. Omar “You can have a look and see will be officiated by QFA referees. Bin Abdulaziz High School,3. what is happening, but that is The School League highlights Mohame Bin Abdulaziz Al Mana independent of what we have to QFA’s objective in promoting foot- High School, 4. Ibn Taimiya High do,” he added. ball among secondary schools in School, 5. Hamad Bin Abdullah Bin “We have the obligation to give Qatar, thus playing a major role in Jassim High School, everything in every game we play. the discovery of new talented play- Officials of Qatar Football Association (QFA) conducting the draw ceremony of the School League in Doha Group C We are all satisfied, but we must ers for Qatari football. yesterday. The school league is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education & Higher Education 1. Jassim Bin Hamad High School,2. continue like this.” This season will feature 20 and Qatar School Sports Association (QSSA). Al Shahania High School 3. Raphael Varane got Madrid schools, drawn into four groups of Abdullah Al Misnad High School off to the perfect start when he five. The league will begin with group fourth edition of the School League League Committee at QFA, said. the positive values of football have 4. Nasser Bin Abdullah Al Attiyah headed home Toni Kroos’s free- stage followed by a knock out stage. and look forward to see the schools “This league demonstrates QFA’s the greatest impact on the students High School, 5. Qatar Independent kick after just four minutes. The third place decider match play their best to win this year’s title. CSR strategy which aims to provide and society as a whole,” he added. Technical High School, “The intensity we started with and final match, will take place Every year, we try to build on the suc- a platform for students at the high Official referees from QFA will be Group D made everything a lot easier,” said in Aspire Dome. The first place cess of previous editions by ensuring school level to be able to play more officiating the matches which gives 1. Khalifa High School, 2. Doha Varane. team will receive a cash prize of that we follow a certain standard football. We work hard at nurturing more importance to the league and High School, 3. Mohamed Bin “We have spoken a lot in the QR40,000, second place QR30,000, when it comes to organizing the the talents of the students who fall ensures that the students learn more Abdulwahad High School, 4. past few days about improving and third place QR20,000. matches,” Hilal Al Mohannadi, Chair- under this age group to instil a pas- about the positive values that football Ahmed Bin Hanbal High School 5. that aspect of our play and eve- “We are excited to launch the man of the School and University sion for football. The promotion of brings such as fair play, team efforts, Mossab Bin Omair High School ryone responded well today.” SPORT MONDAY 17 OCTOBER 2016 23 Al Sadd, Lekhwiya draw six-goal thriller

Substitute Hamad Ismael’s 83rd minute equaliser gives Wolves a point from the third round match of Qatar Stars League

The Peninsula

DOHA: Lekhwiya and Al Sadd Indian batsman Virat Kohli plays a shot as New Zealand’s Luke Ronchi looks on during the first one-day shared the points with a thrilling international match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) in Dharamsala yesterday. 3-3 draw at Lekhwiya Stadium in the third round match of the Qatar Players of Lekhwiya celebrate a goal during the Qatar Stars League Stars League (QSL) yesterday. The hosts looked the better side (QSL) match against Al Sadd at Lekhwiya Stadium in Doha yesterday. in the early exchanges, and could The match ended in a thrilling three-all draw. Classy Kohli anchors India have set down a early marker with a Mohammed Ismael over head kick Smart midfield play from Nam Tae Lekhwiya looked totally dom- on the 7th minute. Fortunately the Hee found Mohammed Tresor on inant on ball with Nam Tad Hee shot just edged past the Al Sadd goal. the right wing who whipped a ball pulling the strings in the center of However against the run of play across the face of the Sadd goal, the park. However Sadd found their to 6-wicket win over NZ it was Al Sadd who took the lead on Yusef El Arabi made a darting near way back into the contest in fortui- the 19th minute through Baghdad post and stabbed the ball into the tous circumstances. Bounjah. A well timed through ball back of the net. On the 68th minute Al Sadd AFP New Zealand pacer Doug Windies need 346 from Sadd defender Kasola found Lekhwiya made their dominance where given a penalty after Ibrahim Bracewell checked India’s brisk start Bounjah who calmly slotted the count and deservedly took a 2-1 lead and Yusef Msakni battled for a 50/50 after getting Rohit Sharma lbw for to win first Test ball past Lacome to give his side going into the break. Nam Tae Hee ball. The referee pointed to the spot, 14 after the batsman missed a fuller the lead with his fourth goal of the delivered an inch perfect cross into much to the distress of the Lekhwiya DHARAMSALA, INDIA: Bowlers delivery while trying to flick it on QSL season. the box which found Tunisian inter- players. Qatar international Has- set up India’s comprehensive six- the leg side. The Red Knights immediately national Yusef Msakni who bravely san Haydoos promptly stepped up wicket win over New Zealand in the Ajinkya Rahane did not last long AFP went on the front foot and promptly notted the ball into the back of the and slotted the ball into the net to first one-day international as bat- after losing his opening partner as found an equalizer moments later. net. give Al Sadd the most unlikeliest of ting mainstay Virat Kohli anchored he was caught behind off James equalizers. the hosts’ chase in the low-scoring Neesham for 33, his knock laced Lekhwiya, where frustrated with encounter in Dharamsala yesterday. with 4 fours and 2 sixes. DUBAI: West Indies need 346 the decision but put all their focus The hosts, who were chasing a Kohli then put on 40 runs with to win the first day-night Test in finding a winner. They pushed modest 191 for victory, rode on the Manish Pandey (17) as the duo after Pakistan were bowled out back Al Sadd from the kick-off and 60-run partnership between Kohli looked to stabilise the chase. for 123 in their second innings on grabbed their third of the night on (85 not out) and skipper Mahendra Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi had Pan- the fourth day in Dubai yesterday. the 74th minute. Singh Dhoni to canter home in 33.1 dey walking back to the pavilion as Leg-spinner Devendar Bishoo South Korean international Nam overs. the visitors made a valiant attempt finished with figures of 8-49 in Tae Hee scored his fourth goal of the But it was the bowling led by to make inroads into the Indian 13.5 overs to trigger a Pakistan season with a sublimely hit free kick debutant medium-pacer Hardik middle order. batting collapse on a Dubai sta- which rebounded off the post and Pandya (3-31) and Amit Mishra But Kohli stayed firm to record dium pitch which is taking sharp into the back of the net. Much to the (3-49) that helped topple New his 37th ODI fifty in 172 games as turn. joy of Lekhwiya head coach Djamel Zealand for a lowly 190 and set the the prolific scorer hit 9 fours and a Earlier Yasir Shah took 5-121 Belmadi. platform for the big win. winning six during his 81-ball stay to dismiss West Indies for 357 in However, Al Sadd had the final Pace spearhead Umesh Yadav at the crease. their first innings, also becoming say in the game on the 83rd minute and off-spinner Kedar Jadhav also Returning paceman Tim the second-joint fastest to com- with the sixth and final goal of took two wickets each after the Southee gave Kohli a reprieve on plete 100 wickets in Test cricket. the tie. Substitute Hamad Ismael hosts elected to bowl first at the pic- 60 after he dropped a caught and Pakistan, who scored 579-3 whipped in a low cross which turesque Dharamsala ground. bowled chance, but the hosts were declared, took a first innings lead sped past two Lekhwiya defenders, “Fantastic performance from in the driving seat by then. of 222 runs in the pink-ball day- Baghdad Bounjah was on hand to the fast bowlers. We had no clue it A mix-up between the two night Test. tap in the ball into the back of the (the pitch) would help the fast bowl- onfield batsmen resulted in Dhoni The second Test will be played net for his fifth goal of the season ers,” Dhoni said after the win. being run out for 21 but the wicket in Abu Dhabi (October 21-25) Goal mouth action during the QSL match between Lekhwiya and Al and give the Wolves the luckiest of “Hardik exploited the good proved to be a mere hiccup in India’s and third in Sharjah (October Sadd at Lekhwiya Stadium yesterday. points. length. Umesh is somebody who has road to victory. 30-November 3). been quite quick consistently, he has “India were too good, very good gone from fit to one of the fittest. chasing side and they showed it “Hardik is deceptive, you today,” said Williamson. SCOREBOARD think he’d bowl 132, but he “We were below par in all areas, crosses 135 consistently,” Dhoni we need to step that up. We’re a Pakistan (I innings) 579-3 decl. AFC U-19 Asian Cup: Qatar said in praise of the 23-year-old tough unit, so we need to stick West Indies (I innings) pacer who was named man of the together and have to play our best K Brathwaite lbw b Shah 32 match. cricket to beat India.” L Johnson lbw b Shah 15 SCOREBOARD D Bravo c Ali b Nawaz 87 set for Yemen clash today M Samuels lbw b Sohail 76 NEW ZEALAND Bowling: Yadav 8-0-31-2; Pandya 7-0-31-3; J Blackwood c Ahmed b Riaz 37 M Guptill c Sharma b Pandya 12 Bumrah 8-1-29-0; Jadhav 3-0-6-2; Patel 9-1- R Chase c Azam b Riaz 6 T Latham (not out) 79 41-0; Mishra 8.5-0-49-3. S Dowrich lbw b Shah 32 The Peninsula K Williamson c Mishra b Yadav 3 INDIA J Holder b Shah 20 R Taylor c Dhoni b Yadav 0 R Sharma lbw Bracewell 14 D Bishoo b Nawaz 17 C Anderson c Ydav b Pandya 4 A Rahane c Ronchi b Neesham 33 M Cummins b Shah 0

MANAMA, BAHRAIN: Qatar take L Ronchi c Yadav b Pandya 0 V Kohli (not out) 85 S Gabriel (not out) 6 on Yemen in their second AFC U-19 J Neesham c&b Jadhav 10 M Pandey c Williamson b Sodhi 17 Extras: (B9, LB8, NB11, W1) 29 Asian Cup match today with aims of M Santner c Dhoni b Jadhav 0 M S Dhoni (run out) 21 Total: (all out) 357 picking up points against the Arab D Bracewell c Rahane b Mishra 15 K Jadhav (not out) 10 nation. Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-69, 3-182, 4-259, On Friday, Qatar were held to a T Southee c Pandya b Mishra 55 Extras (LB-1, W-13) 14 5-266, 6-300, 7-325, 8-346, 9-351 1-1 draw by Iran after Oscar Cano’s I Sodhi lbw Mishra 1 Total (for 4 wkts in 33.1 overs) 194 Bowling: Amir 22-6-54-0 (2nb), So- side showed impressive form in the Extras (B-2, LB-1, W-8) 11 Fall of wickets: 1-49, 2-62, 3-102, 4-162. hail 16-2-56-1, Shah 43-15-121-5, Riaz

opening clash. 23.3-3-65-2 (8nb, 1w), Nawaz 16.5-5- Total (all out in 43.5 overs) 190 Bowling: Southee 9-0-57-0; Bracewell 8-2- On Sunday, coach Cano headed 38-2 (1nb), Ali 2.3-1-6-0 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-29, 3-33, 4-43, 5-48, 44-1; Neesham 6-0-40-1 Sodhi 4.1-0-34-1; the team training session. 6-65, 7-65, 8-106, 9-177, 10-190. Santner 6-0-18-0. Pakistan (II innings) “We started the game very well; Sami Aslam c Blackwood b Bishoo 44 we were better and were dominat- ing the game. We had the game Azhar Ali lbw b Gabriel 2 under control until they scored a Asad Shafiq lbw b Bishoo 5 good goal. After that I could see Babar Azam b Bishoo 21 both teams were tired because of Ansari stakes Test claim in Misbah-ul-Haq b Bishoo 15 the weather and a very competitive Qatar U-19 coach Oscar Cano supervising a training session on the Sarfraz Ahmed st Dowrich b Bishoo 15 game,” Cano said after Qatar’s 1-1 Mohammad Nawaz b Bishoo 0 draw on Friday. eve of the match against Yemen of the AFC U-19 Asian Cup in Bahrain yesterday. England warm-up match “We know the first game in this Wahab Riaz c Brathwaite b Bishoo 5 type of tournament is a difficult Yasir Shah c and b Holder 2 game, so the important thing is we “We are expecting a tough game he said. “My players are ready. This Sohail Khan (not out) 1 AFP didn’t lose the game,” he added. against Yemen,” Cano said yesterday. is a greater challenge than the one The BCB XI were all out for b Bishoo 1 With a win today, Qatar will “Yemen played well despite their we had on Friday,” he said. 294 thanks to a century by opener Extras: (B10, NB2) 12 boost its chances of reaching the loss to Japan,” the coach added. “This game will show how we Abdul Mazid, who made 106 off 95 quarter-finals of the tournament “We will have to deal with them advance to the next stage,” he said. balls and shared two useful part- Total: (all out) 123 they won in October 2014. with our strengths. Yemen play artis- “Obviously the game against Japan , : nerships with Nazmul Hossain (72) Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-20, 3-77, 4-93, Also known as ‘Al Anabi’, Qatar tic football with a lot of flair. The also is important (on October 20),” England’s left-arm spinner Zafar and (47). 5-112, 6-112, 7-118, 8-121, 9-121 face Japan - the third side in Group game will be difficult. said the Spanish coach of the Qatar Ansari grabbed four wickets to stake England were two without loss Bowling: Gabriel 7-1-23-1 (1nb), Cum- C - on October 20. “I’ve told the players they have to team. his claim for a Test berth on the first at stumps in what could be their mins 7-0-29-0 (1nb), Bishoo 13.5-1-49- Meanwhile, Cano has urged his bring their best game to the pitch. It “I am confident about our game day of their two-day warm-up final innings before the first Test 8, Holder 4-0-12-1 players to bring their ‘A’ game to the is a difficult group,” he said. “Mon- tomorrow. The players are feeling match against a Bangladesh Cricket starts in the same city on October pitch today. day’s game is very important to us,” good,” Cano said. Board XI in Chittagong yesterday. 20.