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The state-of-the-art Al Shaqab Arena

Stage set for LGCT final round at Al Shaqab

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The world’s premier riders will be joined by three of Qatar’s top entries at this week’s final round of the Longines Global Events such as the Champions Tour (LGCT) to be Longines Global Champions held at Al Shaqab Arena. Tour go a long way Last year’s champion Bassem Mohammed, Asian Games bronze towards fulfilling Al medallist Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Shaqab’s vision of being Al Thani and Hamad Nasser Al a global and leading Qadi will be the home favourites as the battle for the second spot global center for equine will be among a group of seven excellence and providing riders at the Nov 8-10 event. an engaging experience Ali Al Rumaihi, the Event Director, yesterday said the wait for the community. It helps for the star of the hugely popular to promote horsemanship, three-day event ends tomorrow. inculcate passion as well “I welcome riders from around the world for this final leg as promoting Qatar’s of the LGCT season. This event equestrian heritage. As takes place in 15 cities but this was done last year, we week’s edition will be the 6th Marco Danese, Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Sports Director, Jan Tops, Founder and President of the LGCT, Ali Al Rumaihi, season for us here in Doha. We Event Director and Qatari rider Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani pose for a photograph during a press conference held in Doha, yesterday. have also incorporated have the world’s best riders Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Al Shaqab has also organised activities for the whole family including Sheikh Ali bin Khalid and enjoy top class events.” “All in all, we have a great Tour as part of LGCT. As Al Thani who will be competing Sheikh Ali, Qatar’s premier including pony rides, jumping castles, a variety of kids’ activities, series of competition in Qatar.” for top honours,” Al Rumaihi said rider, yesterday said at a pre- outdoor cafes and much more. In addition, the organisers have Jan Tops, founder of LGCT, you are probably aware, at a press conference event press conference: “This set up a bazaar providing local entrepreneurs an opportunity to yesterday said: “It feels great to Hathab is an initiative of yesterday. event like the Champions League be back for another high profile H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad He added: “This event is of show jumping. The riding showcase and promote their products. The organising committee event Al Shaqab, This is a place organised by Al Shaqab. We are business in Qatar is in good encourages equestrian fans and the general public who have where we see the world’s riders Al Thani, President of the working hard to keep the tra- health. We are hoping to have a never attended equestrian events before to experience this putting on special shows every Qatar Olympic Committee. dition of equestrian growing in good event. Last year a Qatari world-class event as well as enjoy fun-filled activities at Al Shaqab. time they compete here.” It is aimed at improving this country. I had to say that the won the championship. Hopefully Tops added: “The Qatari interest just keeps growing. We these events become more ben- riders have become better over the standard of horse have another top event taking eficial to home riders.” putting a lot of pressure on this youngster exactly that. The local the years. They look in shape and riding among Qatari youths place in Qatar. The QOC He added: “I am using a horse horse.” events have been special for promise much. I am sure with and to grow awareness Chairman H E Sheikh Joaan bin with less experience. But I must The popular Qatari rider said them. We need such competi- field open for riders to grab the Hamad Al Thani takes special say that my horse has a lot of riding was becoming popular tions. The organisation is of a high second spot this week, we will see of horsemanship as part interest in such events for young potential. We had won the bronze with each passing day. level as well. The media coverage some exciting battles. Al Shaqab of Qatar’s history and riders. We would like to at the Asian Games. It will a big “We need a good foundation has been very important too,” Arena will once again by the tradition: Ali Al Rumaihi encourage people to come test this week for us. We will be for riders and we are giving the Sheikh Ali said. place to be this week.” Red Star stun Liverpool for first CL win in 26 years AFP Sturridge starting up front and ’s Serbian that represents the Albanian flag the English striker blazed over forward Milan Pavkov (centre) during Switzerland’s World Cup BELGRADE: Liverpool face the when it seemed easier to score heads the ball to score against win over Serbia in Russia. threat of crashing out at the with the goal at his mercy on 18 Liverpool during their UEFA Klopp’s men dominated pos- Champions League group stage minutes. Champions League Group C session but were largely after a shock 2-0 defeat to Red That missed proved very second-leg match at the Rajko restricted to efforts from range Star Belgrade in the Serbian costly as four minutes later Liv- Mitic Stadium in Belgrade as Milan Borjan turned Mohamed capital yesterday. erpool trailed. yesterday. Salah’s shot wide before the Milan Pavkov scored twice in Pavkov rose highest in a Egyptian struck the outside of the seven first-half minutes to hand crowded penalty area to power post from the resulting corner. Red Star their first Champions home ’s corner to Liverpool are still unbeaten League victory in 26 years. spark wild scenes of 11 games into the Winners of the European Cup celebration. season, but have now lost their in 1991, Red Star hadn’t made it Moments later Red Star and last four Champions League beyond the qualifying stages of their 55,000 fans packed into the games away from Anfield. the Champions League since the Rajko Mitic stadium were in Elsewhere, Thierry Henry’s following year. dreamland as Pavkov picked up Monaco crashed to an embar- But roared on by a vociferous possession midway inside the rassing 4-0 home defeat by Club home support, the Serbian cham- Liverpool half, strode forward Brugge on Tuesday that left the pions were inspired to condemn and unleashed a powerful strike French side tumbling towards an Liverpool to a second defeat in into Alisson Becker’s top right- early Champions League exit. the group after also losing at hand corner. Giant striker Hans Vanaken Napoli last month. Klopp recognised his initial scored twice, the second from the Last season’s Champions error at half-time by throwing on penalty spot, while Brazilian League finalists paid for a sloppy Firmino and Joe Gomez at the forward Wesley banged in a third start and Jurgen Klopp’s decision break. Red Star had conceded 10 holding Napoli to a 0-0 draw in questioned as the Swiss interna- as Monaco fell three goals behind to make three changes from the Sadio Mane had a great goals in being thrashed by PSG their group opener, they kept Liv- tional’s guile to break down a in just 24 minutes. side that started a 1-1 draw at chance to give the visitors a and Liverpool in their last two erpool at bay after the break. defence was badly missed. Ruud Vormer condemned Arsenal on Saturday. lifeline, but failed to force the ball European encounters. The decision to leave Xherdan Kosovan-born Shaqiri caused Monaco to their heaviest ever Klopp handed a rest to across the line from point-blank However, they are a different Shaqiri back in Britain due to outrage in Serbia with a pro- home loss in Europe as he netted Roberto Firmino with Daniel range. proposition at home and after political tensions will now be Kosovo “double eagle” gesture a fourth with five minutes left. 28 SPORT WEDNESDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2018 Warriors extend winning streak AFP victory over the New Orleans Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) scores against Memphis Pelicans but suffered an injury Grizzlies during the third quarter of their NBA game at Oracle Arena on LOS ANGELES: Klay Thompson scare to star Russell scored 27 points as the Golden Sunday. Westbrook. State Warriors stretched their Westbrook needed to be winning streak to eight games helped off court after spraining with a 117-101 victory over the ankle in the Thunder’s 122-116 Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. victory. Thompson was one of five The 2017 NBA MVP grimaced Warriors players in double-digits in pain after rolling over on his as the NBA champions overcame ankle as he landed on Pelicans a sluggish start to wrap up a player Anthony Davis’s foot after comfortable victory at Oracle going up for a rebound in the Arena. third quarter. After an evenly contested Westbrook attempted to get first half finished at 58-58, the up and hobble off on his own but Warriors produced a breathless eventually needed assistance as burst of scoring in the third he limped straight to the locker quarter to pull clear. room. The Thunder later said They outscored the Grizzlies Westbrook appeared to have suf- by 34 points to 15 in the third, fered a sprained left ankle. effectively killing off the game Westbrook has only recently going into the fourth. returned to action after missing The victory leaves the War- the first two games of the season riors on top of the Western Con- following knee surgery. ference with a 10-1 record. The 29-year-old, who has Kevin Durant had 22 points averaged a triple-double for the for the Warriors while Stephen past two seasons, had scored 17 Curry had 19. points when he left the game, In Denver, the Nuggets main- with seven rebounds and nine tained their hot streak with Jamal assists. Murray scoring 48 points in a Oklahoma City recovered 115-107 win over the Boston from the loss of their talisman to Celtics. secure their fifth straight victory Point guard Murray drained and improve to 5-4 for the five three-pointers in his points season. haul while laying on four assists Irving meanwhile was Irving said. “So I threw it in the to 50 points, which you under- Lowry was the standout per- Paul George scored 23 points and hauling down five rebounds. incensed by Murray’s late crowd.” stand. But our veterans talked to former for the visitors with 17 and Dennis Schroder weighed in The victory saw Denver attempt at a three-pointer as the Nuggets head coach Michael him, and it’s something he’ll points, seven rebounds and 11 with 22 off the bench as the improve to 9-1 to keep pace with clock ran out in the fourth Malone denied Murray had been learn from.” assists. Toronto star Kawhi Thunder hung on for the victory. the Warriors in the West. quarter, grabbing the ball and showing disrespect to the Celtics. The Toronto Raptors main- Leonard did not play after failing New Zealander Steven Adams Boston’s scoring was led by hurling it into the stands in “He’s young, he’s still tained their grip on the Eastern to recover fully from a foot had 18 points. Kyrie Irving with 31 points disgust at the 21-year-old’s per- learning,” Malone said. Conference standings with a injury. The Pelicans fell to 4-6 after while Jaylen Brown and Jayson ceived lack of respect. “You never want to disre- 115-107 win over the Utah Jazz The Oklahoma City Thunder the loss, with Julius Randle Tatum chipped in with 15 points “The ball deserves to go in spect anyone. I think it wasn’t in Salt Lake City. meanwhile notched their fifth leading the scorers with 26 apiece. the crowd after a move like that,” disrespect; he was trying to get Raptors point guard Kyle consecutive win at home with a points. USOC moves to shut down USA Gymnastics body AFP

LOS ANGELES: The United States Olympic Committee said on Monday Simons Biles of USA competes it had begun moves to disband the during the Gymnastics World country’s governing body for Championships last week in Doha. gymnastics, accusing the sport’s rulers of failing to grapple with the aftermath of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. USOC chief executive Sarah Hir- shland said in a statement Olympic chiefs had started formal proceedings to revoke USA Gymnastics’ status as the governing body for the sport in the United States. In an open letter addressed to US gymnasts, Hirshland said USA Gym- Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Domi (13) shoots the puck into the New York Islanders nastics had failed to “change its zone during the third period of their NHL game at Barclays Center on Sunday. culture, to rebuild its leadership, and to effectively serve its membership.” “You deserve better,” Hirshland told gymnasts in the letter. Marchand powers Bruins USA Gymnastics has lurched from one self-inflicted debacle to the next as it has struggled to rebuild in the wake of the Nassar abuse case, the to win over Stars in NHL worst scandal in US Olympic history. AP Former US team doctor Nassar an overtime loss to San Jose on Saturday. was jailed for life earlier this year after Alex Galchenyuk and Michael Grabner abusing more than 250 athletes, MIAMI: Brad Marchand scored a five-on- scored for the Coyotes, who had a five- including several stars of the United three power play goal with 31 seconds game winning streak broken. States’ gold medal-winning teams at remaining in overtime to lift the Boston Capitals 4, Oilers 2 the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Bruins to a 2-1 win over the visiting Dallas Devante Smith-Pelly finished with one The beleaguered governing body, behest of USOC. In her letter to US which will then go before the USOC Stars on Monday. goal and one assist, and Jakub Vrana, T.J. which had been accused of covering gymnasts on Monday, Hirshland said board of directors, who will determine The Stars were whistled for two pen- Oshie and Alex Ovechkin added goals as up Nassar’s crimes, has been in a state Olympic chiefs had given up hoping whether or not to formally strip USAG alties in an 11-second span during overtime, Washington defeated visiting Edmonton. of perpetual crisis ever since the that USA Gymnastics was capable of of its governing body status. first for too many men on the ice and then Washington, which still is looking for scandal erupted. reforming itself in the post-Nassar era. The move to decertify USA Gym- on a crosscheck by Esa Lindell against consecutive victories this season, snapped Last month, newly installed chief Hirshland said USOC had con- nastics was welcomed by Rachael Marchand, and Boston eventually made a two-game losing streak. executive Mary Bono resigned after cluded that “the challenges facing the Denhollander, the first gymnast to the play to win. Goalie Pheonix Copley earned his just four days following an outcry by organization are simply more than it come forward with allegations of Marchand took a pass from David second win of the season and the second Olympic stars Simone Biles and Alex- is capable of overcoming in its current abuse against Nassar. Krejci after an assist from Torey Klug and of his NHL career. The rookie finished with andra Raisman. form.” “After overseeing the abuse of beat Dallas goaltender Anton Khudobin 31 saves, including 11 as he blanked Bono had taken over from chief “We have worked closely with the 100’s of children by Larry, national low on the glove side for the game-winner. Edmonton in the third period. executive Kerry Perry, who had new USAG board over recent months coaches and club coaches, it is high The victory was the first in three overtime Devils 5, Penguins 1 resigned after just nine months after to support them, but despite diligent time for this organization to end and games for the Bruins this year. Brian Boyle had a natural hat trick as criticism of her performance by USOC. effort, the NGB continues to struggle,” a new one, truly dedicated to athlete The loss snapped a three-game New Jersey broke a three-game losing Perry’s departure came after the Hirshland said. safety, to begin,” Denhollander wrote winning streak for the Stars, who are 3-1-1 streak by defeating host Pittsburgh, which appointment and swift resignation of “And that’s not fair to gymnasts on Twitter. so far on their six-game road trip. lost its fourth straight. elite coach Mary Lee Tracy -- who had around the country. Even weeks ago, “A COMPLETE regimen change Flyers 5, Coyotes 2 Boyle, who recently announced he was made comments supportive of Nassar I hoped there was a different way should start now. This is for every sur- Claude Giroux scored two goals and in remission after being treated for in 2016 when allegations of abuse forward. But we now believe that is vivor.” Hirshland meanwhile stressed Sean Couturier had a goal and an assist as leukemia, got his first career hat trick on against him had begun to emerge. no longer possible.” that US gymnasts would continue to Philadelphia finished a four-game road Pittsburgh’s Hockey Fights Cancer night. USOC had warned it was prepared USOC’s complaint seeking to dis- compete in events as normal, with the trip without a regulation loss after a victory He scored the final goal of the first period to take the ultimate sanction of solve USA Gymnastics in its present full support and backing of the over Arizona in Glendale, Ariz. and the only two of the second. revoking USA Gymnastics’ status as a form will now go before a review Olympic committee. Shayne Gostisbehere had a goal and Will Butcher had a goal and two assists, governing body unless it put its house panel which will convene a hearing “In the short-term, we have to an assist and Oskar Lindblom scored into Travis Zajac scored, and Jean-Sebastien in order. on the case. work to ensure that USAG gymnasts an empty net late as the Flyers went 3-0-1 Dea had two assists for the Devils. Keith In January, USA Gymnastics board The review panel will issue a have the support necessary to excel on a Western trip that began with victories Kincaid stopped 35 of 36 Pittsburgh shots. of directors resigned en masse at the report and give a recommendation on and off the field of play. in Anaheim and Los Angeles and included Jamie Oleksiak scored for the Penguins. WEDNESDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 29 Zimbabwe thrash Bangladesh for rare Test win AFP Bangladesh’s innings to half. SCOREBOARD Kyle Jarvis and Mavuta joined ZIMBABWE, first innings 282 SYLHET, Bangladesh: Brandon the act with Raza in the morning as BANGLADESH, first innings 143 Mavuta and Sikandar Raza shared they chipped in with a ZIMBABWE, second innings 181 seven between them as apiece to leave Bangladesh 111-5 at BANGLADESH, second innings Zimbabwe recorded their first Test the break. (overnight 26-0) win in five years with a thumping Bangladesh resumed play on Liton Das lbw b Raza ...... 23 151-run victory over Bangladesh 26-0 but within half-an-hour had Imrul Kayes b Raza ...... 43 yesterday. lost their first wicket, with others Mominul Haque b Jarvis ...... 9 Debutant leg-spinner Mavuta following quickly. Mahmudullah c Sub b Raza ...... 16 claimed 4-21 and off-spinner Raza’s Play started 30 minutes early Nazmul Hossain c Raza b Mavuta ....13 3-41 as hosts Bangladesh were left to make up for the lost time after M Rahim c W. Masakadza b Mavuta .. 13 chasing 321 runs on the fourth day bad light brought a premature end A Haque c Chakabva b W. Masakadza 38 in the northeastern city of Sylhet. to day three, with Bangladesh still Wellington Masakadza, another needing 295 runs on a wearing Mehidy Hasan C Chakabva b Mavuta . 7 debutant, also shone with two pitch. The home side -- whose best Taijul Islam c Taylor b W. Masakadza ..0 wickets as Zimbabwe made quick run chase was 217-6 against the Nazmul Islam lbw b Mavuta ...... 0 work of Bangladesh’s lower order, West Indies in 2009 -- started to Abu Jayed ...... 0 dismissing the hosts for 169. throw wickets once Raza reviewed Extras (lb5, lb2) ...... 7 Left-arm spinner Maskadza a leg-before appeal against opener Total (all out; 63.1 overs) ...... 169 Fall of wickets: 1-56 (Liton), 2-67 took the final wicket of the innings, Liton Das. Zimbabwe cricketers sending Ariful Haque for 38 as Zim- The umpire gave Liton not out (Mominul), 3-83 (Imrul), 4-102 (Mah- celebrate after defeating babwe notched their first Test win but a TV replay indicated the ball mudullah), 5-111 (Nazmul), 6-132 Banglandesh in their since beating Pakistan in in would have hit the stump after (Mushfiqur), 7-150 (Mehidy), 8-151 (Ta- first Test match in 2013. pitching outside off -- ending ijul), 9-155 (Nazmul), 10-169 (Ariful) Sylhet yesterday. It is also the first time Zim- Liton’s innings on 23. : Jarvis 14-5-29-1, Chatara babwe has clinched an away Test One down, Mominul Haque 9-2-25-0, Raza 17-1-41-3, Williams victory since beating Bangladesh dragged a Jarvis onto his promoted himself to number four Raza then took a spectacular Mavuta dismissed Bangladesh’s 8-2-13-0, Mavuta 10-2-21-4, W. Masa- in Chittagong 17 years ago in 2001. stumps for nine before Raza but could not rescue his side and catch at cover on the stroke of last accomplished batsman Mush- kadza 5.1-0-33-2 Zimbabwe sensed a win once bowled Imrul Kayes for 43 to leave perished for 16, giving a catch to lunch to hand debutant Mavuta his fiqur Rahim soon after play resume Result: Zimbabwe won by 151 runs. Raza claimed three vital wickets in Bangladesh at 83-3. substitute fielder Craig Ervine at maiden Test wicket and send back before Zimbabwe wrapped things Zimbabwe lead two-match series 1-0 the opening session to reduce Skipper Mahmudullah short leg off Raza. Nazmul Hossain. up.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Herath becomes third bowler to take 100 scalps at a single venue Sharma raises his bat after scoring his fourth T20 AFP century yesterday.

GALLE: Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath, the most successful left-arm spinner in history, claimed his 100th scalp at Galle yesterday in his farewell match. Only two other bowlers have achieved 100 wickets at a single ground - Herath's compatriot Muttiah Muralitharan who achieved it at Galle, Kandy and SSC Colombo, and England paceman James Anderson at Lord's. Herath notched up the milestone with none other than England captain Joe Root, who came down the wicket and missed after a breezy 35. Sharma’s record

Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath (centre) ton helps India receives a guard of honour as he walks onto the ground in his final match at the Galle International Cricket clinch T20 series Stadium yesterday. REUTERS

LUCKNOW, INDIA: India captain Rohit Sharma smashed Pakistan a blistering century to help the team secure a series-clinching Debutant Foakes crafts 71-run victory over West Indies in the second look to International in Lucknow yesterday. The right-hander’s unbeaten 111 off 61 balls powered England’s recovery India to a commanding 195 for two wickets, and he returned break New to marshal his bowlers who restricted the tourists to 124-9 to earn an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. REUTERS debut and Moeen Ali failed England’s Ben Zealand jinx Having elected to field, West Indies initially managed to to justify his promotion to Foakes celebrates restrain Rohit and his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan, AFP GALLE, SRI LANKA: number three as Lakmal his half century. conceding only nine runs in the first four overs. England’s Ben Foakes made claimed two wickets in two Rohit broke loose in the fifth over when he clobbered a memorable debut to help balls. ABU DHABI: Pakistan captain Sarfraz for the first of his seven sixes at the Ekana the tourists recover from a Root denied Lakmal a Ahmed insists his team can end an Stadium which debuted as an international venue with the terrible start and reach 321 hat-trick and started the 11-match losing run to New Zealand match. Dhawan made a brisk 43 but found himself playing for eight wickets on the rebuilding job, initially at a when the two sides meet in the first second fiddle to the rampaging Rohit in their 123-run stand opening day of the first Test run-a-ball rate, with Keaton one-day international in Abu Dhabi for the opening partnership. against Sri Lanka yesterday. Jennings. today. Rohit was particularly harsh on , Fabian With England reeling at Sri Lanka wasted both Pakistan crushed New Zealand 3-0 Allen and Khary Pierre, hitting each of them for a couple of 10 for two and then 103 for their reviews inside 12 overs in the preceding Twenty20 series on sixes en route to his fourth century -- the most by any five, even the 200-mark but it was the golden arm of Sunday -- their second whitewash in batsman in Twenty20 Internationals -- in just 58 balls. looked difficult but Foakes retiring 40-year-old a week following a romp over Australia, The 31-year-old also became the second leading run forged 50-plus stands with Rangana Herath that ended also in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. scorer in Twenty20 Internationals, his aggregate of 2203 Jos Buttler and Root’s 62-run stand with But Sarfraz, part of the team in the only behind New Zealander Martin Guptill’s 2271. to drag them back into the Jennings. last 11 one-day internationals all of A one-handed shot off Pierre that ran to the third man contest. Herath, given a guard-of- which Pakistan lost, want to finally win boundary illustrated the form Rohit, who also took three Foakes, replacing the honour by his team mates against New Zealand. catches, was in. After Dhawan and a promoted Rishabh Pant injured Jonny Bairstow in the ahead of his 93rd and final Pakistan lost the last two matches fell in quick succession, KL Rahul, who made 26 not out off side, was on 87 at test, yorked an advancing in a 3-2 series defeat in United Arab 14 balls, combined with his captain to punish the West Indies stumps, having been Root to claim his 100th Emirates (UAE) in 2014, before losing attack. The tourists needed someone from their top order to impressive with his batting wicket at the venue where he 2-0 in 2015, 2-0 in 2016 and 5-0 in try to match Rohit’s effort, but Khaleel Ahmed (2-30) and while his glovework remains made his Test debut in 1999. January 2018 -- all in New Zealand. Kuldeep Yadav (2-32) nipped any such prospects in the bud. to be seen. Root hit five boundaries “If you look at our losses most of ’s 23 was the top score in West Indies’ timid Jack Leach was on 14 at in a fluent 35 before paying them were in New Zealand where con- reply to the huge target set for them. the other end after quite a for his recklessness. ditions were different and we lost due The teams now move to Chennai for Sunday’s dead turnaround by the tourists in Dilruwan Perera (4-70) to top order failure where we need to rubber. the last two sessions. dismissed Jennings for 46 improve,” said Sarfraz. England had earlier and Ben Stokes for seven in SCOREBOARD Pakistan also failed to qualify for SCOREBOARD made an unconvincing start his second spell, clean ENGLAND, First innings the final of the Asia Cup held in UAE INDIA S. Hetmyer c Dhawan b Ahmed ...... 15 to life following the bowling both the R. Burns c Dickwella b Lakmal ...... 9 two months ago, losing both their R. Sharma not out ...... 111 D. Bravo c Sharma b Yadav ...... 23 retirement of stalwart left-handers. K. Jennings b Perera ...... 46 matches against arch-rivals India and S. Dhawan c Pooran b Allen ...... 43 D. Ramdin c Sharma b Kumar ...... 10 Alastair Cook after captain Buttler and Foakes sen- M. Ali b Lakmal ...... 0 going down to Bangladesh in a clash R. Pant c Hetmyer b Pierre ...... 5 N. Pooran b Yadav ...... 4 Joe Root opted to bat first to sibly abandoned the ultra- J. Root b Herath ...... 35 which decided the finalist. L. Rahul not out ...... 26 K. Pollard c and b Bumrah ...... 6 B. Stokes b Perera ...... 7 avoid the prospect of having aggressive batting which had India won the Asia Cup by beating Extras (nb2, w8) ...... 10 C. Brathwaite not out ...... 15 J. Buttler c Dickwella b Perera ...... 38 Total (2 wickets, 20 overs) ...... 195 F. Allen run out (Pandya) ...... 0 the final innings at a cost England dear in the B. Foakes not out ...... 87 Bangladesh. Did not bat: M. Pandey, D. Karthik, K. Pan- K. Paul c Sharma b Kumar ...... 20 famously spin-friendly morning session and com- S. Curran c Chandimal b De Silva ...... 48 Sarfraz said a tough opponent in dya, B. Kuma, K. Yadav, J. Bumrah, O. K. Pierre c and b Bumrah ...... 1 venue. bined in a 61-run stand for A. Rashid c De Silva b Perera ...... 35 New Zealand - ranked third to Paki- Thomas O. Thomas not out ...... 8 It was the early pace of the sixth wicket. J. Leach not out ...... 14 stan’s fifth in one-day standings -- will Fall of wickets: 1-123 (Dhawan), 2-133 Extras (b4, lb3, w9) ...... 16 Suranga Lakmal, however, Even after Perera dis- Extras (b1, lb1) ...... 2 help the team build for next year’s (Pant) Total (9 wickets, 20 overs) ...... 124 that undid the top order of a missed Buttler for 38, Total (8 wickets, 91 overs) ...... 321 World Cup in England. Bowling: Thomas 4-1-27-0 (nb1), Paul Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Hope), 2-33 (Het- side playing their first Test Foakes raised 88 runs with To bat: J. Anderson “New Zealand is a good team of this 4-0-30-0 (nb1, w2), Pierre 4-0-49-1 myer), 3-48 (bravo), 4-52 (Pooran), 5-68 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Burns), 2-10 (Ali), 3-72 (Root), 4-98 without England great Cook Curran, who hit three sixes format but we have momentum of the (w4), Brathwaite 4-0-56-0 (w1), Allen (Pollard), 6-81 (Ramdin), 7-81 (Allen), (Jennings, 21.1 ov), 5-103 (Stokes), 6-164 (Buttler), 7-252 4-0-33-1 (w1) 8-114 (Paul), 9-116 (Pierre) who left the international before falling for 48, while Twenty20 series so we must win this (Curran), 8-306 (Rashid) Bowling: Kumar 4-0-12-2, Ahmed 4-0- arena in September. Adil Rashid contributed a Bowling: Lakmal 15-4-57-2, Perera 28-4-70-4, Dananjaya series and that will help towards WEST INDIES 30-2 (w1), Bumrah 4-0-20-2 (w1), Pan- Opener (nine) quickfire 35 down the 20-2-96-1, Herath 25-4-78-1, De Silva 3-0-18-0 building towards the World Cup,” said S. Hope b Ahmed ...... 6 dya 4-0-23-0 (w7), Yadav 4-0-32-2 disappointed on his test order. Sarfraz. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2018

Proposed QSL: Al Duhail aims to extend Super League opposed unbeaten run in second leg AFP LAUSANNE: The body repre- THE PENINSULA Al Sadd striker Baghdad Al Ali and Amro Seraj (all Al senting football clubs in Bounedjah in action during Gharafa). Those who excelled in Europe -- European Leagues DOHA: Defending Champions the QNB Stars League in the last season also included -- said yesterday it strongly Al Duhail will aim to maintain this file picture. Almoez Ali, Bassam Al Rawi, opposed the creation of a their unbeaten run as the QNB Yousef Hassan, Salem Al Hajri. Super League for a select Stars League (QSL) heads into Five coaches also parted group of elite clubs. the second and crucial second ways with their teams either by According to documents leg this week. mutual consent or after being published as part of the Champions and table toppers dismissed. The teams that made Football Leaks allegations, a Al Duhail and Al Shahania will changes at their helm were Al group of European clubs have open the action by facing off at Kharaitiyat, Al Khor and Qatar discussed the idea of estab- the latter’s home turf. QNB STARS LEAGUE SC, Al Arabi and Al Rayyan. lishing a closed competition Both teams go into the match Al Kharitiyat were the first without relegation or pro- on a confident note even though The top 10 scorers in QNB Stars league after first leg on the list. They replaced motion which would replace it has to be seen whether Al Sha- Baghdad Bounedjah (Al Sadd) — 16 goals from nine matches Tunisian Nassif Al Bayawi with the Champions League. hania will be able to upset the Yousef El Arabi (Al Duhail) — 11 goals from 10 matches Moroccan Abdelaziz El Amri These revelations show a applecart of a marauding Al Akram Afif (Al Sadd) — 10 goals from nine matches after three matches. tournament of 16 clubs -- the Duhail side. Rachid Tiberkanine (Al Sailiya) — 10 goals from 11 matches Al Khor ended the contract founding 11 would be Bayern Al Duhail, who beat Al Arabi Abdulqadir Ilyas (Al Sailiya) — 9 goals from 11 matches with Tunisian Adel Sellimi after Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, in Week 11, are on top of the QSL Yannick Sagbo (Umm Salal) — 8 goals from 11 matches the fourth round and appointed Juventus, AC Milan, Paris Saint- standings with 28 points, seven Nam Tae-Hee (Al Duhail) — 6 goals from 10 matches Frenchman Bernard Casoni. Germain, Manchester United, more than second-placed Al Mehdi Taremi (Al Gharafa) — 5 goals from 11 matches After Week 5, Qatar SC Manchester City, Chelsea, Liv- Rayyan. Rodrigo Tabata (Al Rayyan) — 5 goals from 11 matches recruited Argentinian Sergio erpool and Arsenal. Al Shahania are coming from Vladimir Weiss (Al Gharafa) — 5 goals from 11 matches Batista in place of Abdulla Atletico Madrid, Roma, back-to-back draws, against Mubarak. Inter Milan, Borussia Umm Salal and Al Gharafa. The At the end of eighth round, Dortmund, Marseille have promoted team now occupies a Al Arabi replaced Croat Luka reportedly also been invited to creditable eight position with 12 Bonacic with Tunisian Hatem Al join. European Leagues, which points and will be hungry for Moaddeb, their Under-23 team consists of more than 900 more. coach. clubs across 25 countries, said Al Duhail top the standings being benefited from the team’s Gharafa (15 points), Umm Salal Sadd), Nam Tae-Hee, Yousef El Another Argentinian Rodolfo it recognised the “ongoing Defending champions Al Duhail technical staff. (15), Al Shahania (12), Al Arabi Arabi, Almoez Ali (Al Duhai), Aurrabarrena decided to leave rumours and speculations topped the table with 28 points They scored 27 goals, the (12), Qatar SC (11), Al Khor (eight) Rodrigo Tabata, Mohammed Al Rayyan. around the possible creation despite playing a game less. second highest after Al Sadd’s 38, and Al Kharaitiyat (three) in that Alaaeldin, Abdulrahman Al The total number of goals of a European Super League”. Their game against Al Sadd from and have the best defence that order. Korbi (all Al Rayyan), Mouhcine scored in 64 matches was 205, But it “voiced its strong Week 9 has been rescheduled for conceded just six goals. Al Sadd’s The first leg of QSL that con- Moutaouly (Al Ahli), Rashid with an average of 3.20 goals per opposition to the creation of 11th December as Al Sadd had was the next best defence, cluded on November 4 wit- Tiberkanine, Abdulqadir Ilyas game. The highest margin of any ‘closed and franchised AFC Champions League having conceded only nine nessed many thrilling contests. and Abdulkarim Salem (all Al victory was 10-1 by which Al style’ Super League.” European commitment. times). The 64 games saw many an Sailiya). Sadd defeated Al Arabi in Week Leagues, which represents The Red Knights, who won Other positions Al Rayyan exciting encounter, between the Many young stars also 2. teams from 23 professional nine matches and drew one, are came in second place with 21 top, middle and bottom-placed, emerged during the period. The number of penalties leagues including England’s going strong and are the only points and Al Sadd third with 20 teams. They also included tac- Among them were Abdelhadi awarded across the 64 games Premier League, Germany’s unbeaten team around in this points with two postponed tical battles between the coaches, Noman (Al Kharaitiyat), was 29 strikes, of which 24 were Bundesliga and Spain’s La Liga, season’s league competition so games, against Al Khor and Al as sub-plots. Mohammed Al Bakri (Al Khor), converted. said it supports a pyramid far. Duhail. A number of players starred Muwafaq Awad (Al Rayyan), 235 yellow cards and 14 red structure where “relegation Al Duhail have a good group Al Sailiya are fourth on 19 in the first leg, including the Abdullah Al Ahraq (Al Duhail), cards The yellow card was and the sporting merits of clubs of players who have been points and Al Ahli fifth with 18. likes of Xavi Hernandez, Akram Rashid Mabkhout (Al Sailiya), issued 235 times and red card are the core of any together for long. They are also They are followed by Al Afif, Baghdad Bounedjah (all Al Monkez Ali, Muad Yahya, Walid 14 times. competition”.

Pulisic set for return Bayern boss Kovac focused on to US team AP AEK amidst off-field pressure AFP CHICAGO: Christian Pulisic Rodriguez. However, off the field against (Bayern goalkeeper) is scheduled to return to the Kovac is under pressure on all Manuel Neuer. “It’s about how US national team after MUNICH: Under-fire Niko sides. Another lacklustre per- we defend and how we use our playing in just one match for Kovac insists he is shutting out formance on Saturday saw his goal chances, we have to be the Americans in a 13-month this weekend’s crunch misfiring side draw 1-1 at home more aware. “At the end of the span, but captain Michael Bundesliga showdown to focus to Freiburg to sit third in the day, it’s us on the pitch - not the Bradley was dropped after his on steering Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga table -- four points coach.” Despite winning 2-0 at first two appearances in a verge of a Champions League’s behind leaders Dortmund. AEK two weeks ago, when Javi year. last 16 spot by beating AEK on His attack are simply not fin- Martinez and Robert Lewand- Entering what are likely Wednesday. ishing their chances while the owski scored the goals, Kovac his final matches in charge of Bayern’s head coach kept defence is leaking goals. expects a hard test against the the Americans, interim coach cool when bluntly asked if this On Monday, German mag- Greek champions. Dave Sarachan announced a could be his last week in charge azine Kicker claimed Kovac has “It was a hotly contested 28-man roster Tuesday for as defeat at Dortmund on Sat- lost the support of stars Mats game in Athens, we could have exhibitions at England on urday could leave defending Hummels, Thomas Mueller, scored one or two in the first half Nov. 15 and against Italy five champions Bayern seven points Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, and it was decided late on, so I days later at Genk, Belgium. behind in the Bundesliga. but midfielder Joshua Kimmich am expecting a tough game Sarachan has given “That is a hard question. insisted the players are still tomorrow,” said Kovac. debuts to 22 players in 10 Dortmund is on Saturday and tomorrow’s match (against AEK) at Ajax in the other Group E behind Kovac. He desperately needs a big matches since taking over perhaps we should talk about the is important. match. “Absolutely! The coach can win to boost confidence in Bay- when Bruce Arena quit after games against (AEK) Athens,” “I hope the way we play will Bayern will be without not help it, if we got into a spot ern’s ranks. the loss at Trinidad and said Kovac in Tuesday’s press also be good and that we will win winger Arjen Robben, who has of bother against Freiburg,” said “You can not always justify Tobago in October 2017 that conference in Munich. convincingly.” Bayern can reach a knee injury, and playmaker the Germany defender. everything, the fun and the joy ended the Americans’ streak “If we win, we have 10 points the knockout stages with two Thiago Alcantara, who has torn “The statistic that the last are there, but we need another of seven straight World Cup and we could be through. games to spare if they beat Greek ankle ligaments, while they are eight shots (on Bayern’s goal) game, which we win by three or appearances. Earnie Stewart, “Sure, the game on Saturday champions AEK at Munich’s waiting on the fitness of went in shows we haven’t had four goals, and the tension will the new men’s team general is important, but for me only Allianz Arena and Benfica lose attacking midfielder James much luck. “That is not anything release,” said Kovac. manager, has said a new coach will be hired by the end of the year. Romain Gall, a 23-year-old midfielder with Sweden’s Malmo, is the lone player on the roster with no Hoffenheim hope to keep Lyon guessing international experience. AFP Pulisic’s only appearance same passion to the pitch as in know they will be unable to finish The 22-year-old Brazilian, since the loss at Trinidad was Leverkusen - then we can get a in the top two if they lose at the who has scored four goals in as a May 28 exhibition against BERLIN: Hoffenheim expect “a victory. It’s going to be a cauldron, Groupama Stadium and Man- many games, also scored twice Bolivia at Chester, Pennsyl- cauldron” atmosphere at Lyon- so we have to fight as a unit,” said chester City win at home to Sha- in the romp at Leverkusen and vania, near his home in today in their make-or-break Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver khtar Donetsk in the other Group Nagelsmann insists their away Hershey. The 20-year-old Champions League tie with head Baumann. F tie. performance on Saturday would midfielder has missed games coach Julian Nagelsmann Hoffenheim’s England While the French are have kept Lyon guessing. because of injury and wanting (pictured) hoping to keep the Under-21 winger Reiss Nelson, 18, unbeaten in Group F, Nagels- “They will certainly have at times to concentrate on his French side guessing. was just as adamant before the mann’s team are still chasing their looked at the game at Leverkusen career at Borussia Dortmund Hoffenheim must win in team’s short flight to France on first win, but the Germans out- - and still do not know exactly in Germany. Midfielders France to draw level on five Tuesday. played Bruno Genesio’s side for how we play,” said Nagelsmann. Weston McKennie and Tyler points with Lyon, who can qualify “If we play like we did at long periods when the teams “That was very important for Adams also are returning for the last 16 with a victory, and Leverkusen, we can win,” insisted drew 3-3 in Sinsheim a fortnight the self-confidence - the guys from injuries. Adams, a New enjoyed a confidence-boosting Nelson, who has scored five goals ago. realised that we can be successful York Red Bulls star, is among 4-1 thrashing of Bayer in six league games since joining Despite the Ligue 1 club in different ways. seven players still involved in Leverkusen away in the Bun- on from Arsenal and has leading twice, Hoffenheim sub- “We are able to defend high Major League Soccer’s desliga on Saturday. been outstanding in recent weeks. stitute Joelinton rescued a point up - but we can also counter and playoffs “In Lyon, we have to bring the Nagelsmann’s Hoffenheim in added time with the equaliser. defend more deeply,” he added. WEDNESDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 31

Scotland recall Fletcher for Real Madrid coach Solari Nations League decider wants to debut with a win AFP : Scotland AP month. Uruguay striker Abel manager Alex McLeish Real Madrid interim coach Santiago Hernandez returned from injury recalled Sheffield Wednesday BERLIN: The last time a former Solari during a press conference on last week but promptly hurt his striker Steven Fletcher for the Real Madrid great took over as the eve of the Champions League thigh in Saturday’s 0-0 draw first time in over a year coach, he led the club to three match in Doosan Arena, Plzen in with Dynamo Moscow. yesterday for a crucial straight Champions League titles. Czech Republic. CSKA fans are expected to Nations League double Santiago Solari still has a honor their fellow supporters header against Albania and long way to go to emulate former who were injured when an esca- Israel. teammate Zinedine Zidane, but lator in Rome malfunctioned as Injuries to Celtic’s Leigh he can help his case for more they traveled to the first Roma Griffiths and Hearts forward time in charge when he makes game. Viktoria Plzen, with one Steven Naismith have left his coaching debut in the com- point, will be knocked out if it McLeish short on options up petition at Viktoria Plzen today. loses and Roma wins its game. front. Solari is already following in GROUP H On-form Celtic play- Zidane’s footsteps. The 42-year- Juventus can progress with maker and old Argentine had been coaching another win over Manchester West Brom’s Matt Phillips also Real Madrid’s reserve team since United after its 1-0 win in earn recalls as forward 2016, taking over not long after England. The Italian champions options. Zidane left for the job with the have three wins from three Scotland travel to Albania main squad. games and are enjoying their on November 17 with Israel Solari, who took over as best ever start to a Serie A headed to Hampden three interim coach following Julen season. Manchester midfielder days later. Lopetegui’s dismissal last month, Paul Pogba will be facing his Israel lead the group on has stabilized the team and won former team. six points to Scotland and both games since taking charge. “It’s where I developed as a Albania’s three, but McLeish’s Two more victories in games player so I’ve huge respect for men have a game in hand. against Viktoria Plzen and then this team and this club,” Pogba Topping the three-team Celta Vigo in the Spanish League said. section would give Scotland could end talk of Antonio Conte League groups today: Lyon striker Memphis Depay which it defeated 3-0 in Rome. “I’m delighted to be going an extra shot at qualifying for or Roberto Martinez being GROUP E has been making headlines Both Roma and Madrid have six back and playing there.” a major tournament for the brought in. Bayern Munich is hoping it ahead of a rematch with Hof- points from three games. Valencia hosts Young Boys in the first time in 22 years at Euro Madrid was in crisis when fares better in November than fenheim. Depay, who joined But CSKA is only two points other group game and will be 2020. Solari arrived, enduring a run October, when it failed to from Manchester United last behind and will be hoping to rep- hoping for a favor from Juventus. The group winners would that included five losses in seven impress despite bouncing back year, said last week he did not licate the home form that took it The Spanish side has two points, be guaranteed a place in a matches in all competitions, cul- from a four-game winless run feel like a respected player after to a 1-0 win over Madrid last two behind United. four-team playoff should fail minating in the 5-1 humbling by with four wins in a row. being left out of the to qualify through the tradi- Barcelona. That was ended by modest starting lineup for tional qualifying groups, the Solari’s first job was to get Freiburg in a 1-1 draw in the the league game   *2#)! 1/ 3456758 draw for which will be made the side winning again - so far, Bundesliga on Saturday, again against Angers. next month in Dublin. so good - and to put the team shining a light on what has been Depay sulked        “Yes, (topping the group) within sight of the Champions a long series of poor on the sidelines    ),   is the minimum requirement League knockout stages, which performances. during warmups and it’s something I believe  544   it can reach for the 22nd year in Bayern goalkeeper Manuel and was used as a   !   we’re capable of and some- a row. Neuer is also under scrutiny after second-half sub- thing that’s achievable,” said "#$   73 9 Solari has turned to youth to conceding in each of his last four stitute, setting up 55 McLeish. %&     7: 4 invigorate his demoralized side, games in the Bundesliga. The Lyon’s opening Despite being appointed and has pleased fans by bringing Germany goalkeeper has only goal before scoring    for his second spell in charge in Brazilian teenager Vinicius saved half the shots on goal he three minutes from  #   345   9 : of the national team just nine Junior, who had been relegated has faced so far in the league. time for a 2-1 win. ' (     5 ; months ago, it has been to the “B’’ team under Lopetegui. Bayern can quell talk of a “I think I )   454  ! 75 3 reported McLeish’s job could Solari also didn’t hesitate to crisis with a commanding per- deserve more )"" #* " 79 3 be at risk if Scotland fail to use young fullbacks Alvaro Odri- formance against AEK Athens respect. I deserve win their Nations League ozola and Sergio Reguilon in and can even reach the knockout better than that    group. defense while the regular stages with a win if Benfica loses and I should play #( )# +,  445  ! ; : “That’s not something I’d starters were injured. Both are to visiting Ajax in the other group every game,” + -#-  # 9 : want to discuss,” he added. expected to start in Plzen. game. Depay said. '  559  73 “I don’t even think about Madrid’s defense has already Ajax, which leads Group E Lyon coach )*  #$ 7: 5 that. I’m just concentrating on improved, with two consecutive with seven points from three Bruno Genesio had the players getting the right clean sheets. The team had con- games, needs to win to ensure left Depay out after    result to take Scotland ceded 10 goals in its last seven progress, while Bayern, which is he criticized team- ./0 /!  :3; %&'& : 8 forward and to inspire the matches under Lopetegui. level on points, is looking for mates following   -  () 3 Tartan Army again to come Group leader Roma visits more than just a result against the 3-3 draw at +$#  454 *# 73 3 in their hordes.” CSKA Roma earlier. the group’s last-place team. Hoffenheim. )/1 )!  + &,  7: 5 Meanwhile, Timothy A look at the four Champions GROUP F Genesio has yet to Fosu-Mensah’s first-half own decide whether to &# ,0"  goal gave Huddersfield a 1-0 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES field Depay or <<   !"  home win against fulham and Moussa Dembele !$%&'Y)*+&, -*)./ !01 1 their first Premier League Today fixtures (Doha time) up front today.  & !23 £ 13 &5 6 victory of the season on Group leader   - 0 ./0 /! !!! $)*2+ - < < ' Monday. CSKA Moskva vs Roma (8.55pm) Manchester City  ), & 8 " 1  Fosu-Mensah headed into Valencia vs Young Boys (8.55pm) will advance with 178  58N his own net, under pressure a win at Shakhtar #! : &: 580 ! from Town’s Christopher Olympique Lyonnais vs Hoffenheim (11.00pm) Donetsk if Hof-  )  & 3 " 5  Schindler as Huddersfield -*)* Manchester City vs Shakhtar Donetsk (11.00pm) fenheim loses.  ,  ## ;8 halted an eight-game home GROUP G  run without a top-flight goal Viktoria Plzeň vs Real Madrid (11.00pm) Roma, like &# ,0 ;:   - and moved above fulham and 54 Juventus vs Manchester United (11.00pm) Real Madrid, aims )! 2!!! = > 2+! 1 Cardiff at the foot of the table. , to make its   -  ,0N+ &, 59 9 The Terriers’ winless

Bayern München vs AEK Athens (11.00pm) #

progress all but ./0 /!  &N& 3; league run stretched back to Benfica vs Ajax (11.00pm) clear with a win at 22   April - 14 league games in CSKA Moscow,  &-( ./  &- !, '   total, Sanchez gives Man United options at Juventus AFP Rashford in injury time, was a “So it’s not impossible at all manager’s trust at last. rare high point for the Chile to have in the same team at the Former United defender Rio LONDON: Alexis Sanchez international, who has struggled same time Rashford, Lukaku, Ferdinand believes Rashford (pictured) has endured a torrid to find his feet since arriving at Alexis for example. But today should be given a run in the start to his Manchester United Old Trafford in January -- it was Romelu was not available and starting line-up, even though he career but hinted at better things his first league start since Sep- we thought that Alexis could do said it is not clear what his best to come with an impressive tember 22. what he did. position is yet. display in a central role ahead of Following the much-needed “What he did, he had a good “You look at Lukaku. the Champions League match win against Bournemouth, assist, he had some mobility, he Lukaku’s goalscoring record is against Juventus. Mourinho praised Sanchez and created some problems but then up there, it’s fantastic, he scores The injured Romelu Lukaku spelt out his preferred system, in the second half I knew that by goals,” added the TV pundit. “But missed the 2-1 win at Bourne- saying he did not need a tradi- having the two brothers on the in the best teams you need more mouth on Saturday and Marcus tional centre-forward to lead his bench, Rashford and (Jesse) than that. Rashford started on the bench as attack. Lingard, I knew that the brothers “You need to be able to bring Jose Mourinho opted for a three- “The way I like to play is with could come in and also make an other people into play, you need man forward line, with Anthony three attacking players where impact.” - Ronaldo challenge - to be able to complement other Martial and Juan Mata deployed there is not a clear definition of United now travel to Juventus for players in your team, things have either side of Sanchez. the winger as a winger,” he said, another date with former preference for a multi-dimen- the only United forward who has to be set up off you. The former Arsenal man was adding that he likes wide men favourite son Cristiano Ronaldo, sional attack, keeping Lukaku gone off the boil, with Rashford “At the moment, I see in a instrumental in United’s first-half with a striker’s appetite. two weeks after they were out- out of the starting line-up will be also struggling despite his goal Man Utd shirt that some things equaliser, setting up Martial, and “And I always had that in my played during a 1-0 defeat at Old tricky, with the manager proving at the weekend. break down in Lukaku. And that will be disappointed to have been team, with the wingers scoring Trafford that left them five points loyal to his muscular front man. Martial’s goals have been affects other players in the substituted towards the end of a lot of goals, sometimes even adrift of the Italian champions The Belgium international, papering over the cracks during team, like (Paul) Pogba and the game. more goals than the striker,” he in Group H. who has not found the net for the United’s recent mini-recovery, Lingard, who want to play off The match, won by substitute said. Despite Mourinho’s stated club since mid-September, is not with the Frenchman earning the people.” WEDNESDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 27 The (QMMF) team has worked hard to encourage as many entries as we can for the FOOTBALL: UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE final round of the Middle East Championship Abdulrahman Al Mannai Benfica vs Ajax CSKA Moscow vs Roma and we are very pleased with the outcome, QMMF President Bayern Munich vs AEK Athens Viktoria Plzen vs Real Madrid especially after each of the major three Lyon vs 1899 Hoffenheim Valencia vs Young Boys ACTION

categories were decided in Kuwait. TODAY’S Manchester City vs Shakhtar Donetsk Juventus vs Manchester United Al Attiyah leads stellar line-up for Manateq International Rally of Qatar

THE PENINSULA Qatar’s 14-time regional champion Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah driving his Ford Fiesta during an earlier stage of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) in this file photo. RIGHT: Al Attiyah gestures DOHA: The Qatar Motor and during a break. Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) yesterday announced that 19 teams (subject to FIA approval) will be in action during next week’s Manateq International Rally of Qatar. The event, which is the final round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC), will be held from November 15 to 17. The three MERC, MERC 2 Al Tauqi and Saif Abdullah Al and MERC 3 titles were all Harthy and a further two Subaru decided at last weekend’s Imprezas for Zakariya Al thrilling penultimate round in Shanfari and Oman-based Kuwait. Shaun McGonigal. Many of the teams that took QMMF President Abdul- part in that event at the new rahman Al Mannai said: “The Kuwait Motor Town racing team has worked hard to facility loaded their cars and encourage as many entries as equipment on a ship bound for we can for the final round of the Doha and they will be joined by Middle East Championship and a host of other drivers, including we are very pleased with the several teams making their outcome, especially after each MERC debut on the three-day of the major three categories Qatar event. were decided in Kuwait. While the likes of 14-time “We have a date clash with regional champion Nasser Saleh Rally Australia, as we were Al Attiyah and his season-long hoping to encourage even Czech rival Vojtech Stajf will more competitors to come to clash again in the overall Qatar from Europe, but it rankings with their Ford Fiesta bodes well for the future and Skoda Fabia R5s respec- International Rally), a returning Al Thefiri and Essam Al Nejadi represents Lebanon with his Jor- been a regular in the regional strength of the championship,” tively, as competition in the Abdullah Al Kuwari and the likes represent the State of Kuwait. danian navigator Musa series this year, but the Top Al Mannai said. MERC 2 or showroom category of 1993 regional champion Khaled Juma, Ihab Al Shorafa Djiyerian. Team Oman Subaru Impreza The event will start and will be intense. Sheikh Hamed bin Eid Al Thani, and Ahmed Shaban are entered The surprise on the list is the driver will be joined in Qatar by finish at Souq Waqif in Further Qatari entries come Mohammed Al Meer and Rashid under the flag of the Hashemite impressive six-car entry from five other crews. downtown Doha with the cer- from Khaled Al Suwaidi (the Al Mohannadi. Kingdom of Jordan and the new the Sultanate of Oman. Three Mitsubishi Lancers are emonial start planned for former winner of the Kuwait MERC 2 champion Meshari MERC 3 champion Henry Kahy Abdullah Al Rawahi has listed for Humaid Al Waili, Jarah 7.00pm on November 15.

England’s Japan’s ‘Ninja Boy’ aims Manu Tuilagi to stun Mayweather Jr. AFP bantamweight oriental rules Nasukawa claimed after the world champion a year later. bout was announced he had TOKYO: Japanese kickboxer Promoters RIZIN said that “a punch that boxers don’t Tenshin Nasukawa, who aims Nasukawa -- or “Ninja Boy” have”. to make history by defeating as they dubbed him -- had “I don’t care what the boxing superstar Floyd “become one of the most rules are. I want to be the Mayweather Jr, claims his popular fighters in Japan, and man who changes history. I’ll left-hook is like a “bolt of perhaps the best combat do that with these fists, with lightning” that will “change sports prospect the country one punch -- just watch,” said the world”. has ever seen.” Nasukawa. The baby-faced southpaw There are still no details Even Mayweather with a blond quiff, who is only as to under what rules the acknowledged that Nas- a few months out of his teens, fight will be held -- whether ukawa was “an unbelievable was barely known outside his kicks will be allowed, for talent”, praising his lithe, home country before the example -- but “gym rat” physique. shock announcementunceemeennt ofof hishhiis “He’s“He’e s vverye special, he’s New Year’s EveEve fightfigghtt withwith theththe fast,fafasts , he’sheh ’’s strong.st I’m older unbeaten Mayweather.ayweattheerr. nownnow andanand wwhen it comes to But the 20-year-old0-year-old fromfrom experience,eexxperience, I have it on my Tuilagi set for England Chiba near TokyoTokyo isis con-coc n- side.siidde. He hhasas youth on his side sidered somethingmething of a andana d he’she’s ggoingoi to bring a lot prodigy in Japaneseapanese fifightingghting ofo excitement,”excitem said the circles and beganbegan llearningearning 41-year-old441-year-old American. return against All Blacks karate at thee tetendernder age of NasukawaNasukaw now weighs REUTERS five. 56.856.8 kkilogrammesilogram and is also five matches against the All Blacks was a blessing in disguise for Jones Like Mayweather,yweather, he hahass givinggiving fourfour inches away in - Tuilagi playing in four of them as several of the stand-ins showed never been bbeaten,eaten, bboastingoasting heightheigght to Mayweather,M who LONDON: The probable return of including his last England start in they had what it takes. a 27-0 recordd as a pro-proo- wonwwon wowworldrlld titles in five dif- Manu Tuilagi for Saturday’s clash 2014 - and the 2012 win remains Tuilagi was named among the fessional kickboxerckbooxxeer ferentffeerreentt weightweighgh classes. with New Zealand has got England their only success in their last 15 replacements but withdrew due with 20 winswinss bbyy “Our“O“Ourr weightwe class is dif- fans dreaming of 2012 when the meetings. to a groin strain. knockout. Hee hashaass ferent,ferent, butbut iti means nothing mighty centre delivered the The last of those was in He is expected to return on four wins outout ofof to me,” said performance of a lifetime to November 2014 when England Saturday when Jones knows a four in mixedmixed Nasukawa.N inspire a 38-12 victory that sent lost 24-21 at Twickenham and massive step up in quality will be martial arts. According to Twickenham into delirium. since then, and the subsequent needed if England are to claim Nasukawawa hish official site, Eight months into Stuart Lan- World Cup failure, their stock what would be their eighth victory won the worldld NasukawaN is good caster’s reign, England had just under Eddie Jones has risen and in 41 meetings. junior karatee withw his hands in lost back-to-back home Tests fallen. The challenge facing England champi- othero areas than against Australia and South Africa Two years ago the world was is underlined by the fact that the onship ppunching, saying while the world champion All desperate to see the two top- All Blacks’ crushing 69-31 win when he hhe is a fan of Blacks were unbeaten in 20 ranked teams meet but since Eng- over Japan, achieved by a second/ was a fifth knittingknkn and sewing matches and had not lost a land’s slide into five successive third string team, on Saturday grader andd -- as well as November European game for a defeats it is next week’s Ireland completed a run of 100 tests from shifted to kick-kicck- iindulgingndu in tradi- decade. versus New Zealand encounter the start of the 2011 World Cup in boxing a yyearear later,laateer,r tionaltionala Japanese “sento” In an amazing match Tuilagi’s that pits numbers one and two which they have won an aston- according to hishiss officialofficial baths.baths. devastating running earned him against each other. ishing 90, drawn three and lost website. DespiteDesp his tender a try and set up two more, but that England, however, go into the seven. He madee his prpro-o- age,age, hehe publishedp a biog- day was to prove the high water game on a positive note after a In the same period the next fessional kickboxingckboxing raphyraphy lastla year entitled mark of his and Lancaster’s second successive victory over best record belongs to England, debut at the aagege ooff 16 Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa “Kakusei”,“Kaku meaning careers to date. South Africa where the absence with a 70 percent win rate from and becameecame “Awakening”.“Awak Since then England have lost of a host of first-choice players 82 games.