SPORT ThursdayThT ursda 10 November 2016 PAGE | 229 PAGE | 30 I will miss the Bale retains Welshsh locker-room Player of the Yearar banter: Ismail crown to test fitness in friendly

Rizwan Rehmat The Peninsula

atar will look to test the Russian resolve in their international friendly today with Qemphasis on giving home players a decent run ahead of next week's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against China. This was said yesterday by Qatar coach Jorge Fossati who took over the reigns of the national side in late September. Under Fossati, Qatar lost 3-2 against Korea in an away game before beating Syria 1-0 last Qatari football players train ahead of their friendly match against 2017 FIFA World Cup hosts - Russia which will be played at Al Sadd Stadium today. RIGHT: month for their first points of Qatar coach Jorge Fossati speaks during a press conference yesterday. this phase of the Asian Zone qualifying campaign. This will be the first game kind where we can enjoy the Russian players in action during a training session at the Al Sadd Sports Club in Qatar Squad: , , between the next two FIFA game and get experience also," Ibrahim Maged, Pedro Miguel, Hassan Al Haydos, Pictures by: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula World Cup hosts - Russia in he said. yesterday. Ali Asad, , Salem Al Hajri, Saud Al Hajri, 2018 and Qatar in 2022. Last week, Fossati named a Musa Haron, Rodrigo Tabata, Sebastian Soria, Today's friendly will kick off 27-member squad including Ahmed Alaa, , , Mohamed Musa, Luis Martin, Khalifa Abubakr, Yasser Abubakr, at 7.00pm at Al Sadd Stadium. veteran striker Sebastian Soria Magid Mohammed, Khoukhi Bualem, Ahmed Abdul "Of course it is good to have and Al Sadd forward Hassan Al Maqsood, Ahmed Saleh Khalfan, Al Mahdi Ali, Ab- a friendly game now against Haydos. dulaziz Hatem, and Fahad Shanin. Russia. It should be a very nice After guiding Qatar past Coach: Jorge Fossati opportunity to enjoy this Syria in a home clash on Octo- friendly game and check our ber 6, Fossati has spent a busy Russia Squad: , Soslan Dzhanaev, preparations for China game," time following the national team Stanislav Kritsyuk, Victor Vasin, Georgy Dzhikiya, Fossati said. players during Qatar Stars Ivan Novoseltsev, Fedor Kudryashov, , Andrey Semenov, , Midfielders: "But knowing what our sit- League (QSL) clashes the last , Alexander Erokhin, , uation is - I mean we cannot three weeks. , Dmitry Kombarov, Magomed Oz- forget that our target is five After the clash at Jassim Bin doev, Denis Tkachuk, Alexey Miranchuk, Alexander years when we host the World Hamad Stadium, Fossati will Samedov, Yury Zhirkov, Pavel Mogilevets, Alexan- Cup but we will try to use the lead his side to China where der Kokorin, Kirill Panchenko, and Dmitry Poloz. Russia friendly to check the they play their Asian Zone qual- Coach: physical fitness of the players," ifying game on November 15. Fossati said. "Tomorrow we have a tough we will to do our part. We will Fossati said he was not the back. We are only happy to get positive result even if some may "We are trying to take care opponent who play attacking play with our ideas and one to pick Russia for today's a quality side like Russia as we say this is not possible. Yes, Rus- of our players because we have game." strengths," Fosati said at Al Sadd friendly. go into a tough game against sia are a tough European side an important game coming up. "They are very strong in Stadium during a press "This game was decided by China in China," Fossati said. but I have faith in my players," I like playing friendlies of this physical football. But of course conference. the two federations sometime "We are optimistic of a he said. 2022 WC can showcase the wonder of Qatari, Middle Eastern culture: Al Thawadi

The Peninsula Al Thawadi also endorsed the He also explained his hopes of rep- Minister Greg Hands noted that UK strong relationships UK companies licating the remarkable social effects businesses have played a key role in assan Al Thawadi, the Secre- have developed with the SC, noting the of the London Olympic Games. every major sporting event since the tary General of the Supreme integral part UK business will play in “Prior to the Olympics, media was Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, and HCommittee for and preparations for the 2022 FIFA World critical of the organisers and locals said that the UK was looking to sup- Legacy (SC) said that relations between Cup Qatar. The SC has this year voiced their concerns over the poten- port Qatar ahead of 2022. Qatar and the UK have grown ever appointed Impactt Ltd as an independ- tial disruption the event would cause “I have no doubt that the 2022 stronger over our two countries’ rich ent third party workers’ welfare to their daily lives. Afterwards, how- FIFA World Cup Qatar will offer sim- histories. He made these remarks dur- monitor. ever, Londoners were overjoyed at the ilar benefits to Qatar, in line with the ing the at the 'Sport is Great Al Thawadi noted the lengthy his- success of the event, both economi- 2030 Qatar National Vision,” Hands Conference' yesterday. tory of sports hosting expertise the UK cally and in showcasing the diversity said. Run by the UK Department for has to offer, referencing England’s Pre- and friendliness of their great city to “British businesses are well-placed International Trade in conjunction with mier League, Wimbledon and Royal the world,” Al Thawadi said. to support Qatar in both its prepara- the British Embassy in Doha, the event Ascot. "At a time when forces are tions for the tournament and in sought to promote further collabora- “Relations between Qatar and the attempting to drive a wedge between delivering a sustainable legacy. A sig- tion between the two nations’ sports UK have grown ever stronger over our people and to highlight their differ- nificant proportion of the 600 British industries. Other dignitaries in attend- two countries’ rich histories. In the ences, I believe the 2022 FIFA World businesses operating in Qatar are Hassan Al Thawadi, the Secretary General ance included UK Minister of State for field of sports in particular, which is Cup can act as a similar platform to already supporting your World Cup International Trade Greg Hands and integral to both nations’ societies, our promote cultural understanding and preparations and I hope our nation of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Dr. Thani Al Kuwari, Secretary General, cooperation is creating a lasting, pos- showcase the true wonder of Qatari continues to share its wealth of exper- Legacy speaks during the opening of 'Sport Qatar Olympic Committee. itive impact.” and Middle Eastern culture.” tise in sport,” he added. is Great' presentation in Doha yesterday. Rosberg one win away from his first title

Sao Paulo anti-clockwise circuit has yet to reward F1 championship swing the momentum either way and Reuters Hamilton with a victory. And yet the Mercedes will be doing all they can to pressure of being within touching dis- Rosberg will be champion on ensure both drivers have no mechani- in in Brazil on Sunday, win the tance of a lifelong dream can play on the Sunday if he wins, regardless cal issues. The memory of his first Formula One title: Nico Ros- mind, and increase the pressure, while of where Hamilton finishes. championship with McLaren in 2008, Wberg's task sounds simple the fickle Sao Paulo weather can wreak secured in Brazil with an overtake on the enough but is a lot harder to achieve. havoc with the best laid plans. If Rosberg doesn't win, the last corner of the last lap just when it The German is one step away from Last year, Hamilton had already won German will still be champion seemed local favourite Felipe Massa had securing his first championship, which the title and his focus was elsewhere. This if he scores seven points more clinched the title, is always there. he will do if he wins at Interlagos regard- time he comes on the back of two suc- than his team-mate. Away from the title battle, both Mer- less of where Mercedes team-mate, triple cessive wins and, like Rosberg, seeking cedes drivers will have to watch out for champion and title rival Lewis Hamilton a hat-trick. Another win for the Briton Hamilton is in unfamiliar territory, Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Max Ver- finishes. would take the battle down to the wire with the title outcome out of his hands stappen and Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel The odds are in Rosberg's favour - at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina and, if Ros- even if he wins in Brazil and Abu Dhabi, and Kimi Raikkonen. Vettel must also Nico Rosberg he has won for the past two seasons from berg were to fail to score in Brazil, a but needs no reminding that it is not over watch his language, after turning the air pole position in Sao Paulo whereas the potential 'winner takes all' scenario. until it's over. Reliability, or lack of, can blue in Mexico with his radio rants. SPORT THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2016 27 Hawks end Cavaliers' perfect start

Cleveland First loss of season Love had pulled Cleveland within AFP 108-106 with 25 seconds left. First loss of the season Kyrie Irving scored 29 points, he Atlanta Hawks to Cleveland while LeBron James had 23 points, nine handed Cleveland Hawks end rebounds and five assists and their first loss on Tues- an 11-game Love added 24 points and 12 day with a 110-106 losing streak rebounds for Cleveland, who win, breaking a series missed 31 three-point attempts. Tstranglehold that saw the Cava- In Memphis, Marc Gasol hit Schroder scores a liers sweep Atlanta out of the a short shot as time expired to career-high 28 points, play-offs the last two years. lift the Memphis Grizzlies past Bazemore adds 25 and The Hawks' victory snapped the Denver Nuggets 108-107. an 11-game losing skid to Cleve- Millsap tallies 21 for Emmanuel Mudiay, who land, who dropped to 6-1 on the the Atlanta Hawks in scored a game-high 23 points, season as they were the NBA's the 110-106 win put the Nuggets on top with eight last unbeaten team. seconds left. "We were tired of getting Trailing 106-105, Denver pushed around by Cleveland and "We are tired of what people trapped Grizzlies point guard we wanted to beat these guys," said about us in the past and we Mike Conley on an inbounds said Hawks centre Dwight wanted to change that," Howard play. Howard. said. "We are going to grow as a Gary Harris stole the ball and This is a much different team. Our chemistry gets better passed to Mudiay, who finished Hawks team than the one that with every game." with a dunk. had been dominated by the Cav- Dennis Schroder scored a The teams then exchanged aliers and Howard is one of the career-high 28 points, Bazemore turnovers in the final seconds. reasons why. added 25 and Paul Millsap tal- Vince Carter lobbed the ball from The addition of Howard to Justin Anderson (1) of the Dallas Mavericks battles Brandon Ingram (14) of the Los Angeles lied 21 for the Hawks in front of the baseline on the inbounds play the lineup is part of the roster Lakers for a loose ball during the first half of their game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, a crowd of 20,500 at Quicken to Gasol for the winning shot. shakeup that coach Mike Buden- California on Tuesday. Loans arena in Cleveland. Gasol finished with 19 points holzer had hoped would allow Bazemore made a couple of and six assists while Danilo Gall- them to compete with the clutch baskets in the final four inari led the Nuggets with 21 Cavaliers. first test. This is one of the big- in the conference semi-finals last season, including the minutes. His three-pointer with points. "They've dominated the East- gest wins I've had since I've been spring when they set three-point postseason. 3:33 left extended the Hawks' In New York, Brook Lopez ern Conference for a long time here. shooting records and won each Howard finished with 17 lead to 101-95. scored 26 points, and the Brook- now," Hawks forward Kent "They're a very, very special game by an average of 12.5 rebounds for Atlanta despite He followed with a baseline lyn Nets made enough plays Bazemore said. team and for my two years here, points. having to leave the game briefly jumper in the final seconds to put down the stretch for a 119-100 "They're definitely the meas- they've kicked our butts." The Cavaliers swept all seven in the first quarter to get stitched the game out of reach after a victory over the Minnesota uring stick, and we passed our Cleveland swept the Hawks meetings between the two last up for a cut to the lip. three-point play from Kevin Timberwolves.

Penguins rally to topple Johnson to join McIlroy, Oilers in NHL Stenson in Abu Dhabi Pittsburgh Reuters Dubai wins in South Africa and Willett idney Crosby isn't ready just Reuters is outside the leading 10 play- yet to pass the torch, but ers. Any other result and the race Srising star Connor McDavid S Open champion Dustin to end the season on top of the showed on Tuesday why he may Johnson (pictured) will pile will continue at the $8m DP one day challenge the superstar Umake a rare foray on the World Tour Championship in for the title of the NHL's best European Tour when he plays Dubai next week. player. at the Abu Dhabi Championship Stenson missed last week's The Pittsburgh Penguins in January. Turkish Airlines Open and the overcame a three-point night The world number three is out-of-form Willett spurned the from the 19-year-old McDavid to join second-ranked Rory chance to close the gap by fin- with a 4-3 victory over the McIlroy, number four Henrik ishing in a tie for 68th place. Edmonton Oilers in the first Stenson and 10th-ranked Rickie "I've had a really good year Jordan Eberle (14) of the Edmonton Oilers is congratulated head-to-head matchup between Fowler in competing for the Fal- and it would be nice to finish off the two. by team-mates after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh con Trophy. winning USA Ryder Cup team," by being Europe's number one," Conor Sheary scored his Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on Tuesday. "I'm really looking forward Fowler said. Stenson told a news conference second goal of the game with to it and pleased to have the "Coming out on top against at the Gary Player Country Club 1:42 remaining, and the Pen- crowd of 18,500 at the Consol Eberle scored twice and opportunity to play in Abu the strongest field on the Euro- on Tuesday. guins battled back from a Energy Center arena. McDavid set up all three Edmon- Dhabi," Johnson said in a news pean Tour was as good a start "I'm sure Danny's going to two-goal deficit in front of a "I don't think we wanted to ton goals. Crosby didn't score, release on Tuesday. as anyone could aspire to." try and find some game over the be in a back-and-forth game," the first time he hasn't collected "I've never been there but Meanwhile, British Open last couple of weeks and push NHL RESULTS Crosby said. "They've got a lot a point in 14 contests. The Pen- I've heard really good things winner Stenson believes money- me to the limit." of skill and they showed it guins showed a lot of resiliency about the golf course from list rival Danny Willett will "push Third-placed Rory McIlroy, New Jersey 3 Carolina 2 tonight." The Oilers top line of with yet another in a succession Rickie and Rory." me to the limit" in this week's who has opted not to play this Vancouver 5 NY Rangers 3 Patrick Maroon, McDavid and of comebacks from two-goal Johnson's fellow American $7m Nedbank Challenge, the week, will hope his money-list Detroit 3 Philadelphia 2 Jordan Eberle capitalized on a deficits this season. Sheary won Fowler will be the defending penultimate event of the Euro- ambitions are still intact when Pittsburgh 4 Edmonton 3 San Jose 3 Washington 0 succession of rushes to open a it by scoring from the side of the champion at the Jan. 19-22 pean Tour season. he returns in Dubai. Los Angeles 7 Toronto 0 3-1 lead in the second period. net. Oilers Benoit Pouliot was event. Stenson holds a command- Stenson, though, would cap Montreal 3 Boston 2 Pittsburgh forward Evgeni Mal- trying to push it away from "Abu Dhabi was a high point ing lead of 252,163 points over a dream year if he ended up as

Nashville 3 Ottawa 1 kin tied it in the third with a Sheary, but it appeared to for my 2016 season along with the second-placed Englishman Europe's number one. Winnipeg 8 Dallas 2 brilliant one-handed sweep of deflect off the Oilers' stick and competing in the Olympic and will secure a second order "It was kind of the final piece Phil Kessel's pass to the net. past goalie Cam Talbot. Games and being on the of merit title in four years if he of the puzzle," he said. Kovalev faces Ward in Vegas title showdown

Los Angeles number one." The November 19 Olympics light heavyweight back on what we've accom- a brawler. He thinks in there. will be his toughest foe yet. "He AFP matchup in Las Vegas will see champion, the most recent US plished and relish it because the We're ready for whatever he has never lost before. But it's my Russia's Kovalev, 30-0 with one fighter to claim Games gold. clock is still ticking. I'm still brings. That's the key. It's about job. Let me do it and break his ormer world champion drawn and 26 knockouts, "I've heard people say I'm going. I've got to show up and making constant adjustments. zero," Kovalev said. Andre Ward says the win- defend the World Boxing Asso- not the same fighter I was in my do what I'm still doing. When I "There's a lot at stake. It's "I don't have any different Fner of next week's ciation, International Boxing 20s and I hope I'm not," Ward do peek back, just for a split sec- going to come down to who strategy. My strategy is just to showdown of unbeatens Federation and World Boxing said. "I should be getting ond, it's overwhelming." wants it more. I'm ready, I'm win. between himself and world Organization crowns for a fifth better." Ward, who held a share of excited and I can't wait to fight. "He's in the way of my goals light-heavyweight champion time since beating Bernard Hop- After an 18-month layoff, the world super middleweight I just have to make the most of and my dreams. I can't give this Sergey Kovalev should be seen kins for them all in a unification Ward fights for the third time in crown from 2009 to 2013, says this." to him. I want to destroy him." as boxing's pound-for-pound bout. 17 months, his most recent tri- the fight will go beyond easy Kovalev, 33, had been in Kovalev, coming off a vic- king. "This fight is a great oppor- umph a unanimous decision labels of Kovalev as a big talks to fight for an undisputed tory in Russia last July over "It would be really hard to tunity for both of us to show the over Colombia's Alexander puncher and Ward as an elusive title with Haitian-born Canadian Malawi's Isaac Chilemba, says go against that, based on both boxing world who is the best Brand three months ago before target trying to get rivals off southpaw Adonis Stevenson, the he expects Ward will be an elu- our resumes and us stepping up pound-for-pound," Kovalev a hometown crowd in Oakland, their game. World Boxing Council champion sive target but eventually a sore and being willing to fight," Ward said. "It's going to be a war California. "If it was just about me being who is 28-1 with 23 knockouts, one. said on Tuesday on an interna- between us." "It's surreal," Ward said. a neutralizer some of these big but when no deal could be "He will be changing posi- tional conference call. " Ward, a 32-year-old Amer- "Fighting as a young kid we punchers would walk right struck, Kovalev surrendered his tions the whole fight. He will be The winner of this fight ican, is 30-0 with 15 knockouts. never got too caught up in our- through me. There's more to me mandatory challenger rights to feeling uncomfortable after feel- should be pound-for-pound He was the 2004 selves. I get a little scared to look than that," Ward said. "He's not face a fighter he said he thinks ing my punches," Kovalev said. 28 SPORT THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2016

QATAR CLASSIC 2016 [1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) vs Cameron Pilley Ashour pulls out of 2016 Qatar Classic (AUS) Leo Au (HKG) vs [Qualifier] James Willstrop (ENG) vs Chris Simpson (ENG) Armstrong Vas The maverick Egyptian has acting as the third stage on the [Qualifier] vs [8] Simon Rösner (GER) The Peninsula suffered a barrage of hamstring PSA Road to Dubai. [7] Tarek Momen (EGY) vs [Qualifier] Gregoire Marche (FRA) vs Mohamed Abouelghar injuries over the past two years, As a result of the injury, (EGY) however his body looked to be German No.1 Simon Rösner Saurav Ghosal (IND) vs [Qualifier] orld Championship coping as he made it all the way takes Ashour's place as the [WC] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) vs [4] Nick Mat- runner-up Ramy Ash- to the final in Cairo. number eight seed and will thew (EGY) Wour of Egypt became But he was forced to shake meet a qualifier in the open- [3] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) vs [Qualifier] the second top ranked player to hands in the fourth game of his ing round, while Switzerland’s Tom Richards (ENG) vs Zahed Mohamed (EGY) pull out of the upcoming Qatar clash with compatriot Karim Nicolas Mueller moves into the Max Lee (HKG) vs Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) [Qualifier] vs [6] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) Classic in the last two days. Abdel Gawad, bringing a pre- main draw and will also face a [5] Ali Farag (EGY) vs [Qualifier] On Tuesday, former World mature end to the match and qualifier. Cesar Salazar (MEX) vs Omar Abdel Meguid (EGY)

Champion Gregory Gaultier of preventing ‘The Artist’ from On Tuesday, Gaultier’s Nicolas Mueller (SUI) vs [Qualifier] was forced to withdraw appearing in Qatar, the scene of hopes of regaining the Qatar Daryl Selby (ENG) vs [2] Omar Mosaad (EGY) from the November 13 to 18 PSA two of his three World Champi- Classic title came to a prema- event as he was unable to onship triumphs. ture end. The 33-year-old recover from the ankle injury The injury will also dent Frenchman, a 2011 Qatar Clas- ankle problem is the latest in an he sustained during last week’s Ashour's hopes of being one of sic winner and a runner-up last injury-hit year for the Frenchman, PSA Men’s World Championship. the eight qualifiers for the sea- year in Doha, picked up the who has already spent two Ashour had to take the painful son-ending Dubai PSA World injury during his quarter-final months on the sidelines after decision after failing to recover Series Finals as he will be una- clash with Egypt’s Tarek Momen damaging ligaments on the same PSA World Championship winner Ramy Ashour is seen with from the hamstring injury he ble to accrue vital points on the in Cairo last week and was ankle during January’s JP Morgan Nabeel Ali bin Ali, President of Qatar Squash Federation after picked up during last week’s PSA Road to Dubai Standings - forced to withdraw from his Tournament of Champions. winning the world championship in Doha in this file picture of PSA Men’s World Championship where he currently sits in third semi-final fixture with World The qualifying rounds will be November 22, 2014. final. place - with the Qatar Classic No.10 Ashour as a result. His held on November 11 and 12. Root and Moeen put England on top

Rajkot on 19 at Rajkot's Saurashtra umpire even though the decision AFP Association ground. review system is being used for Root smashed 11 fours and a the first time by India in a home oe Root said England played six during his 124-run knock series. fantastic cricket yesterday before being caught and bowled Hameed showed little sign of after his sparkling century by Umesh Yadav, who almost nerves against top-ranked India, helped the tourists reach 311 dropped the chance as he rushed hitting Shami for boundaries Jfor four at stumps on the to celebrate the dismissal. twice in an over and driving Ash- opening day of the first Test With Ali standing tall at one win for an elegant four in the against India. end, England looked set for a big covers. The 25-year-old put on 179 first innings total, vindicating India's coach San- with Moeen Ali, who reached the Alastair Cook's decision jay Bangar conceded the close one run shy of his century, to bat first. sloppy fielding had cost his after India's spinners had Root celebrated his 11th Test side dearly. reduced the tourists to 102-3 on ton, and third against India, by "They (England batsmen) a placid track. waving his bat towards a grate- applied themselves really well Ali, who is on the verge of his ful England dressing room. and made full use of the condi- fourth Test century, was at the In completing the feat, Root tions on offer," he said. crease with Ben Stokes who was became the first overseas player "It's still day one and had we to score a century in India since taken those catches, we could Sparkling ton Australia's Michael Clarke in have taken six and con- 2013. ceded 25-30 less runs." "The way we played throughout the day was fantas- SCOREBOARD 11 tic," Root said after the day's play. England (I innings): The 25-year-old Root "We always thought that A Cook lbw Jadeja 21 England's Moeen Ali (left) listens to team-mate Joe Root as they walk back to the pavilion on compiles his 11th Test seam would be useful H Hameed lbw Ashwin 31 early on, but the guys handled it the first day of the first match at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in J Root c&b Yadav 124 century and third well and that allowed the boys Rajkot, yesterday. B Duckett c Rahane b Ashwin 13 against India. in the middle order to build M Ali (batting) 99 B Stokes (batting) 19 partnerships. spearhead Mohammed Shami. ichandran Ashwin (2-108). 13 when Murali Vijay grassed his Extras (B-1, LB-2, NB-1) 4 "I look forward to watching Earlier, a gripping opening Ashwin also dismissed Ben catch at first slip. Total (for 4 wkts) 311 Moeen bat all day tomorrow too. session saw opener Haseeb Duckett for 13 but went - The England skipper, who Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-76, 3-102, 4-281. 99 It's pleasing, something to build Hameed, 19, become the fifth less in the last two sessions. surpassed Michael Atherton's Bowling: Shami 12.1-2-31-0, Yadav 18.5-1-68-1, Ali one run shy of his on and a good position to be in." youngest player to play for Hameed and Cook (21) both record of 54 Tests as England Ashwin 31-3-108-2, Jadeja 21-2-59-1 (1nb), Mishra fourth Test ton having Ali put in a focused perform- England. benefited from the largesse of captain, was adjudged leg before 10-1-42-0. negotiated 192 balls ance, negotiating 192 balls during The youngster, dubbed "Baby India's fielders who dropped off left-arm spinner Ravindra India: Virat Kohli (capt), Murali Vijay, Gautam Gambhir, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, during his 243-minute his 243-minute stay at the crease. Boycott" for his unflappable some early chances. Jadeja. Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit

stay at the crease. The Root-Ali pair piled on style, made 31 during his 98 min- Cook was dropped off Shami TV replays showed the ball Mishra, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, the misery for India who were utes at the crease before falling on the third ball of the innings, would have missed the leg stump Umesh Yadav. also set back by an injury to pace lbw to top-ranked spinner Rav- while Hameed got a reprieve on but Cook did not refer to the third Herath spins Sri Lanka to brink of victory against Zimbabwe

Harare SCOREBOARD Although they were unable AFP to claim 20 wickets for an eighth Sri Lanka (I innings): 504 Chari 1-0-3-0; Masakadza 2-1-1-0. straight Test match, Zimbabwe's angana Herath registered Zimbabwe (I innings): 272 Zimbabwe (II innings): bowlers managed to slow Sri Sri Lanka (II innings): T Mawoyo c D de Silva b Herath 15 his second five-wicket D Karunaratne lbw Mpofu 88 B Chari b Herath 8 Lanka's scoring in the first ses- Rhaul in as many days as Sri K Silva c Waller b Mumba 6 H Masakadza lbw b Herath 11 sion, then picked up wickets Lanka closed in on victory in the K Mendis c Mpofu b Mumba 0 C Ervine (batting) 65 when the visitors went on the second Test against Zimbabwe U Tharanga lbw Cremer 17 S Williams c K Mendis b Kumara 45 attack after lunch. at Harare Sports Club D de Silva c Chari b Mumba 9 M Waller c K Perera b D de Silva 0 Leg-spinner yesterday. A Gunaratne lbw Tiripano 39 P Moor c K Mendis b Herath 20 finished with figures of 4 for 91 Sri Lanka captain is pictured during the fourth Herath followed up his five- K Perera c Williams b Cremer 62 G Cremer b Herath 5 after taking three late wickets, D Perera c Masakadza b Cremer 2 D Tiripano (batting) 0 wicket haul in the first innings while fast bowler Carl Mumba day of the second Test match against Zimbabwe at the Harare R Herath b Cremer 4 Extras (B-4, LB-4, W-3) 11 Sports Club, yesterday. with 5 for 45 in the second as S Lakmal ( 21 Total (for 7 wkts) 180 took 3 for 67. Zimbabwe, set 491 to win, went Extras (B-6, LB-4) 10 Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-32, 3-39, 4-113, 5-114, 6-166, "There was a lot of pressure to stumps on the fourth evening Total (for 9 wkts decl) 258 7-176. before we came into the day," spinner trapped Hamilton Masa- Herath snapped up two more on 180 for seven. Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-16, 3-44, 4-84, 5-153, 6-198, To bat: C Mumba, C Mpofu said Zimbabwe batsman Sean kadza lbw in his next over. quick wickets late in the day,

While Herath's 5 for 89 on 7-201, 8-211, 9-258. Bowling: S Lakmal 11-2-48-0; R Herath 16-3-45-5; D Williams. After tea, Herath struck completing the seventh

Bowling: Mpofu 21-8-51-1; Mumba 19-4-67-3; Cremer Perera 6-1-27-0; L Kumara 9-0-42-1 (w-1); D de Silva Tuesday had made him just the "I think we were really good again, having Tino Mawoyo 10-wicket match haul of his 21.4-2-91-4; Tiripano 11-4-14-1; Williams 6-0-21-0; 3-0-10-1. third bowler to take five-wicket with the ball -- our bowlers came caught at slip, before Williams career. hauls against all nine Test oppo- back well. and Craig Ervine battled back Ervine batted through to nents, on Wednesday he became "The wicket is two-paced extending that advantage. With "But then with the bat, sen- with a 74-run stand for the fourth reach the close of play on 65 the first bowler to take 50 wick- and has some uneven bounce, first innings centurion Karu- ior players such as myself are wicket. not out, but will only have tail- ets in the current calendar year, and he's been bowling wicket- naratne anchoring the innings getting starts and not The pair counter-attacked to enders for company on the final having done so in just eight Tests. to-wicket, which is the key." with a patient 88 and Kusal finishing." good effect, but were eventually day. "He's bowled really well. It's The tourists began the Perera adding a quickfire 62 Left with 136 overs to bat in separated when Williams edged "Craig is batting well, but very rare to see him bowl a loose fourth day on 102 for four in towards the end, Sri Lanka order to save the match, Zimba- a delivery from Lahiru Kumara we'll work on their other bats- ball, which is his strength," said their second innings, with an were able to declare their sec- bwe saw Brian Chari bowled by to slip to depart for 45. men to try and pick up the last Sri Lanka batsman Dimuth overall lead of 334, and spent ond innings on 258 for nine to Herath in the eighth over of their fell for a three wickets as soon as possi- Karunaratne. the first half of the day set Zimbabwe 491 to win. innings, before the left-arm duck in the very next over, before ble," said Karunaratne. THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 29 I will miss the locker-room banter: Ismail

Rizwan Rehmat with Al Rayyan or Qatar team, it Q: Clearly you have had a ship, that was a great feeling too. always close to my kids. I will The Peninsula is difficult to say goodbye. I am very satisfying career, yes? The World Cup in 2014 was a take them to practice, to the stopping from active basketball. A: Yes, definitely. No regrets great moment as well. And the games. I will always be busy with fter 23 years with Al I am retiring from the sport. I am but there were a lot of sacrifices most memorable time was two them. Rayyan and the going to miss the locker-room that I had to make. There were years ago - when we had lost two Q: Do you have any other Qatar national team, banter, my teammates. But this lot of injuries. There were a lot back-to-back league titles. I I am a GCC champion. I have plans? retiring basketball is life. Everything comes to an of good and bad moments. But think we didn't win in 2012 an Arab championship. I have A: Plans? Well, I don't know star Yaseen Ismail end. For everything, there's a last this is the life of a professional 2013. the Asian gold medal. We at this point in time. No coach- saysA he will miss the 'locker- day. I am happy for what I have sports person. But I would say We had so many injuries to were second at the Doha ing, of course. Maybe in room banter'. done with the national team. I 80 percent of my long career was important players. We came Asian Games (in 2006). I won management. Maybe I would be Ismail, who plays his farewell won everything with the national a success. I won so many titles. back and we won the 2014 the World 3x3 title. I have 46 (joining) the federation. I will game tomorrow at Ali Bin side. I am a GCC champion. I Winning in Asia and in the Arab league title. titles with my club Al Rayyan take a month off after my retire- Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, admit- have won Arab championship. I world makes me a happy man. I was 36 at that time. It was in 23 years. I am happy. ment. Then I will decide my ted saying 'goodbye' is the have the Asian gold medal. We Q: What are your favourite tough, I enjoyed that as well. I future course of action - whether hardest part for any professional were second at the Doha Asian moments in your career? was feeling elated. Then we won I will take a month off after I will be with Al Rayyan or with athlete. Games (in 2006). I won the A: There are lot of moments the Arab championship in my retirement. Then I will the Qatar national side. "It is difficult to say good- World 3x3 title. I have 46 titles that made me happy. When you Morocco in 2014. That was the decide my future course of Q: What's your height and bye," Ismail told The Peninsula with my club Al Rayyan in 23 say you have won 60 trophies first time we had won that title action - whether I will be who is your all-time favourite in a candid conversation ahead years. I am happy. It that means there are so many after 16 seasons. The last time we with Al Rayyan or with the player? ooff hishis farewellfarewell game.game. isis time to give greatgreat moments. I remem- playedplayed in tthathat cchampionshiphampionship was Qatar national side. A: I am 2 metres 3 centime- "I"I am going to miss the locke- thethe next gen- berber winning the Asian inin 1999. Thank God for all the trestr tall. My all-time favourite room banter, my teammates," he erationeration the cchampionshiphampionship in great moments in my career.career. playersp are Scottie Pippen and added. oppopportu-ortu- Malaysia in 2002. Q: What will you miss most MichaelM Jordan. Those guys were ExcerptsExcerpts fromfrom an interviewinterview nnityity ttoo ThThatat wwasas tthehe ffirstirst about competitivecompetitive basketball?basketball? awesome.a I never got to meet withwith Ismail who remained a one-one- taketake oveover.r. title I won with my A: I am going to miss the them.th Early in my career I was club wonder with Al RayyanRayyan club.club. It was a nice locker-roomlocker-room and mymy team-mates. ono trial with the Dallas Maver- throughoutthroughout his 23-23-yearyear associaassocia-- ffeeling.eeling. When we All these thingsthings I enjoyedenjoyed a lot. Hamad.Hamad. I am enjoyingenjoying playingplaying icksic in Houston and with Indiana tiontion with the game.game. wwonon the first GCC NowNow I have two sons. TheyThey also withwith them. I watch them prac-prac- Pacers.P I never had the chance Q:Q: HowHow do you look back at Champion-Champion- play the game. One is 12 years tice.tice. I talk to them. I am always to meet those guys but hopefully youryour longlong career? old.old. TThehe ototherher is pplayinglaying U-14s. therethere fforor them.them. I guess I won't I could meet them in the future. A: MoreMore than two decades,decades, HisHis namename isis miss beinbeingg on the court. I have Q: Your prediction on the yes.yes. Yes, definitely it is a beenbeen there all my life. I am NBAN season?. mmomentoment of happinesshappiness and A: My favourite team is San sadness at the same time.time. AntonioA Spurs. They can win. AfterAfter 2233 oror 24 yyearsears

Yaseen Ismail

Qatari basketball player Yaseen Ismail speaks to media during a recently held press conference in this file photo. All set for IAU 50km World Championship 2016 in Doha

Athletes from 20 countries arrive in Doha to take part in the second Ultrarunners World Championship

200 running enthusiasts set to take part alongside IAU professional athletes

The Peninsula

unners from 20 countries have arrived in Doha to Abdullah Al Khater, Manager of Events at Aspire Zone Foundation poses for a photo with the British delegation which arrived in Doha yesterday to take part R participate in the 2nd in the IAU 50km World Championship. The Championship will be held on Friday. International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) 50km World categories. This is the second world-class facilities and main IAU international races, attracted large numbers of The race course will be fast, with Championship that takes place time that AZF has organized and expertise. AZF is organizing the fourth registrations thanks to the minimal gradient and wide in the Aspire Zone in Doha on hosted the IAU 50 km World Meanwhile, Aspetar will edition of the “Aspire success and popularity of last turns. Fan Zone Offers Fun for Friday evening. Championship, following the hold a medical awareness International 6:50 Race”. This year’s event. All Family Members Building on The opening ceremony of enormous success of last year’s symposium for all teams unique event gives more than More than 78 Qataris and the huge success of the Fan Zone the IAU 50km World event. Participating countries participating in the IAU 50km 200 running enthusiasts from expats will take part in the during last year’s event, AZF will Championship will be held include Argentina, Canada, World Championship. During the local community the individual race category, which set up a “Fun Area” offering today at 6.00pm and feature a Croatia, Czechoslovakia, the symposium, a number of opportunity to take part challenges runners to complete entertainment, games and Parade of Nations involving the Denmark, Germany, Great world-class nutrition, sports alongside IAU professional 50km in six hours. Five Qatari activities for all the family athletes taking part. This will be Britain, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, science and medical experts will ultrarunners. men’s teams and two Qatari designed to instil passion and followed by opening remarks Mongolia, Netherlands, Nigeria, share information and best Since its inception, AZF has women’s teams are amongst the enthusiasm for sport in children delivered by representatives of Sierra Leone, South Africa, practice for athletes, physicians, been keen to engage the public 25 that have registered to take at a young age. the IAU, Aspire Zone Foundation Chinese Taipei, Uruguay, United and coaches on injury in a range of sporting activities part in the team relay event. AZF has teamed up with the (AZF) and Qatar Athletics States of America, and prevention measures to follow in support of its mission to This year’s World Qatar Athletic Federation (QAF) Federation. Zimbabwe. The IAU’s during the competition. promote physical activity Championship features a as organising partner, the The IAU accredited commitment to host the Hundreds of running amongst members of the local redesigned race course Movenpick Hotel Al Aziziyah as championship will feature international championship for enthusiasts are now registered community. comprising tarmac, tile and the hospitality partner, and world-leading ultrarunners three consecutive years in Qatar for the “Aspire International This year’s “Aspire paved roads. These will be social network Qatar Living as from 20 countries competing in is testament to AZF’s 6:50 km Race” International 6:50km Race” has closed to traffic and well lit for community partner for the the men’s, women’s and group organisational capabilities, Taking place alongside the prompted a huge response and the duration of the evening race. event. 30 SPORT THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2016 Redemption time as Brazil face Argentina

Belo Horizonte Brazil's player Selecao vs Albiceleste Bolivia last month, while others such AFP as Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho and Neymar attends Roberto Firmino have also shined a training session Brazil face Argentina for resurgent Brazil return to under . ahead of their match the 107th time at Belo the scene of the most Horizonte's Estadio Manchester City-bound teenager against Argentina at humiliating defeat in Gabriel Jesus has also impressed, Mineirao Stadium, Mineirao, where they lost their history today when 7-1 to Germany in 2014 scoring three goals in four games in Belo Horizonte , they face Argentina in a under Tite. World Cup. Brazil , yesterday. titanticA 2018 World Cup qualifier. While Brazil's fortunes have been Two years ago at Belo Horizon- Brazil was eliminated of on an upswing, Argentina's form has te's Estadio Mineirao, Brazil were 2016 Copa America in the tailed off in recent matches. ripped apart 7-1 by Germany in the first round of the With Messi missing, Argentina World Cup semi-finals, a traumatic lost one and drew two of their last tournament for the first mauling that sent the football-mad three games, a run of results that saw time since 1987. country into a nosedive of despair. them fall off the pace. But fast-forward to 2016, and A retrospective FIFA decision to Brazil look to be a team firmly on the "I don't have the adjectives. I'm award Chile a 3-0 win over Bolivia road to recovery as they prepare for living the dream of any Brazilian for the fielding of an ineligible player the 107th meeting with Argentina at coach," Tite said after naming his also hurt Argentina, promoting the the 61,800-seat venue. squad for this week's clash with Chileans to fifth spot and leaving the A disastrous Copa America Cen- Argentina. "I try not to think too much Albiceleste in sixth. tenario campaign -- which saw Brazil about the history. I'm just focused on The return of Messi to Argenti- eliminated in the first round of the the strategy." na's ranks should calm the two-time tournament for the first time since Brazil are likely to face the most world champions' nerves. Messi 1987 -- led to the dismissal of coach searching examination of their arrived in Belo Horizonte this week in June. reawakening against Argentina, who after hitching a lift in the private jet Dunga's replacement, Tite, the will welcome back Lionel Messi after of Barcelona teammate Neymar. successful former Corinthians coach, the Barcelona superstar missed their In other matches today, second- has overseen a renaissance which has last three games through injury. placed Uruguay meet third-placed left admirers talking about a return Tostao, a veteran of Brazil's mag- Ecuador in while fourth- of the Selecao's fabled "jogo bonito" ical 1970 World Cup-winning side, placed Colombia take on fifth-placed ("beautiful game"). wondered whether a decisive win Chile in Barranquilla. A stylish 3-0 win at Ecuador in over Argentina could finally help the Chile's preparations have been September -- the first in Brazil's his- country turn the page on the trau- jolted by a late injury to striker Alexis tory -- was followed by a 2-1 win mas of 2014. Sanchez. The Arsenal star suffered a over Colombia before a 5-0 drub- "Would it not be a symbolic land- muscle strain during training in San- bing of Bolivia. mark to end the depression, the tiago, preventing him from travelling A further win over Venezuela in mourning, even if it not against Ger- to Colombia. October -- Brazil's fourth straight many," the 69-year-old midfielder The top four finishers in South qualifying victory -- catapulted Tite's wrote in an opinion piece. America's standings qualify automat- side to the top of Brazil's 10-team Brazil's rediscovered joie de vivre ically for the 2018 finals in Russia. round-robin standings, with 21 points has been best exemplified by the form The fifth placed side faces a from 10 games. of Neymar, dazzling in the win over play-off.

Toni Kroos North Ireland decide against wearing poppies, England and Scotland set to defy FIFA ban

London Poppy controversy AFP A giant poppy is displayed orthern Ireland's players during a will not wear commem- minute's silence 315,000 Norative poppies in their in honour of A petition against the World Cup qualifier against Remembrance poppy ban has been signed Azerbaijan tomorrow, the Irish Day during by over 315,000 people in Foot fracture Football Association said. Premier League UK. The football associations of match between England and Scotland, who meet Liverpool and rules Kroos out at Wembley the same day, have Watford at decided to defy a ban by world Anfield Stadium 1918 for Germany governing body FIFA on politi- in Liverpool, England match falls on cal, commercial or religious England on Alexis Sanchez November 11 which was Berlin symbols. Sunday. AFP But while their players will the date the Armistice was Injured Sanchez wear black armbands with pop- signed to end World War I eal Madrid's Toni Kroos pies, the threat of sanctions by in 1918. is the latest German FIFA means Northern Ireland's a poppy on the shirt or on an of commemoration prior to to miss Rstar ruled out of tomor- players will wear plain black armband," IFA chief executive tomorrow's game, including a row's 2018 World Cup armbands for their Armistice Patrick Nelson said in a state- minute's silence. Scotland and Northern Ireland's Colombia tie qualifier away to San Marino Day game in Belfast. ment on Tuesday. Premier League teams have meeting with Azerbaijan fall on with a fractured foot. People in the United King- "FIFA advised that they taken to wearing jerseys with November 11, which was the date Santiago The 26-year-old misses dom wear poppies to remember could give no guarantee that poppy emblems for fixtures prior the Armistice was signed to end AFP the qualifier, four days before their war dead and the English there would not be disciplinary to Armistice Day in recent years. World War I in 1918. Germany's friendly against and Scottish FAs have argued it proceedings if the Northern Ire- England's interim manager British Prime Minister Theresa rsenal star Alexis Italy in Milan, with a hairline should not be seen as a political land team was to wear a symbol and Scotland May has described FIFA's stance Sanchez suffered a fracture of the metatarsal symbol. of remembrance on the playing captain Darren Fletcher have on the matter as "utterly outra- Amuscle strain on Tues- bone. "We asked FIFA if permis- shirt." backed the decision to wear geous" and a petition against the day that will keep him out of Spanish sports daily sion could be granted for the The IFA revealed plans for poppies despite FIFA's stance. poppy ban has been signed by Chile's looming World Cup Marca say the German inter- Northern Ireland team to wear alternative forms England's game against over 315,000 people. qualifier against Colombia, national may need surgery his national team said. and claims Kroos could be The 27-year-old striker ruled out for up to three picked up "a low-grade mus- months. cular injury" in training, He suffered the injury in Bale retains Welsh Player of the Year crown Chile's National Football Sunday's 3-0 Spanish league Association said in a win over Leganes and can not statement. train for the next ten days, the London Gareth Bale It was the squad's last German Football Association AFP training session before they (DFB) announced Tuesday. leave for Thursday's playoff Kroos had the injury con- Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale was named Welsh in Barranquilla, Colombia. firmed after a scan in Munich Player of the Year for the fourth successive year and sixth "The player will remain with the national team doc- time in seven years in Tuesday's Football Association of in Santiago, undergoing treat- tor Hans-Wilhelm Wales awards. ment and evaluation ahead Mueller-Wohlfahrt. Bale, 27, inspired Wales to a shock semi-final showing of the match against Uru- The attacking midfielder at Euro 2016, scoring three goals in the group phase, and guay" in Chile on November joins centre-back Jerome needs three goals to equal Ian Rush's national scoring record 15, the body said. Boateng and Captain Manuel of 28. Sanchez's absence for the Neuer. The 30-year-old Bay- The year has also seen him win his second Champions tough Colombia match is a ern Munich goalkeeper League title with Madrid. serious blow to coach Juan withdrew because he felt "Massive honour to be named @FAWales Player of the Antonio Pizzi. unwell shortly before Germa- Year!" Bale wrote on Twitter. "Big thank you to all the Boys, His squad is in fifth place ny's flight to Rimini to face the Staff and Fans." in its qualifying group, fight- microstate in northern Italy. Manager Chris Coleman received an FAW Special Award ing to reach the 2018 World Both Kroos and Juventus' at the ceremony in the Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales. Cup finals in 2018. Sami Khedira were only Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen, named in the Euro 2016 Another key player, Inter called up for the qualifier team of the tournament, was voted Players' and Fans' Player Milan midfielder Gary Medel, against San Marino, in Serrav- of the Year, with Reading full-back Chris Gunter collecting is also out for today's match, alle before being released to the media award.Football: Foot fracture rules Kroos out for suspended until the Uruguay their clubs. Germany tie. THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 31 Inter appoint Pioli as new manager

Milan AFP Inter's eight coaches since 2010 Former PSG coach nter Milan on Tuesday named Laurent Blanc was linked Milan their first seven games of the 2012-13 the experienced Stefano Pioli with the vacancy but Reuters season but it was a false dawn. After a as their third coach in just four Inter players preferred bout of injuries, they eventually finished months following the sacking an Italian due to Stefano Pioli became 's ninth with 16 defeats in 38 matches. The last week of Dutchman Frank communication issues. ninth coach since Jose Mourinho's coach was fired days after the end of Ide Boer. departure in 2010 when he was the season. Taken over in June by new Chi- Pioli, a former defender appointed on Tuesday. 6. (May 2013 to nese owners, Inter are struggling who played for Juventus This is what happened to the other November 2014): The last coach of the badly this season and are sitting and Fiorentina, before eight: Moratti era, Mazzarri had revived ninth in and last in their hanging up his boots and 1. Rafael Benitez (June to Decem- Napoli during his four years in charge. Europa League group after a dis- taking up football ber 2010): Inherited Mourinho's He led Inter to fifth place in 2013/14, a astrous start to the campaign. treble-winning squad for the 2010/11 respectable effort in what was regarded management. The 51-year-old Pioli faces a season but the Spaniard's side was trou- as a transitional season, but became fiery start to his reign -- a local bled by injuries. Inter won the Club new president Erick Thohir's first sack- derby at city rivals AC Milan on That burden now lies with Pioli, World Cup in December but Benitez was ing after a poor start to the following November 20. a former defender who played for sacked hours later after upsetting owner season left them ninth. It was the first The Italian has signed a con- various Italian teams, including by publicly demand- time Mazzarri had been fired in his tract until June 2018 to take over Juventus and Fiorentina, before ing new players. career. from de Boer, who was sacked a hanging up his boots and taking up 2. Leonardo (December 2010 to 7. (November week ago following a 1-0 defeat at football management. June 2011): The Brazilian led Inter to a 2014 to August 2016): Mancini had led Sampdoria, Inter's fifth loss in 11 Inter have not won the Italian second-place finish in Serie A but was Inter to three successive Serie A titles outings. title since Jose Mourinho guided undermined by their Champions League and returned to try and build a new side. Pioli is vastly experienced, hav- them to the Scudetto in 2009-2010, quarter-final defeat by Schalke 04 and After finishing the season eighth, they ing previously coached an array of the same season they also won the left a month after the season ended. made a flying start to 2015-16, winning Italian clubs including Parma, Sas- Champions League. 3. (June to their first five games, and led the table suolo, Bologna and Lazio, leading Former Paris Saint-Germain September 2011): Gasperini had just five just before Christmas. But it was another the latter to third place in Serie A coach Laurent Blanc was linked games in the Inter hot seat, which false dawn and, after an inexplicable in 2015, before being fired in the with the vacancy following de included four defeats. The final straw slump, they finished fourth and missed middle of last season. Boer's exit, but several players said was a 3-1 defeat by promoted Novara. out on the Champions League, their Since de Boer's departure youth there had been communication 4. (September 2011 stated target. Chinese electronics team coach has problems with the Dutchman and to March 2012): Ranieiri lasted six retailer Suning took over the club in overseen a 2-1 Europa League loss voiced preference for an Italian. months before he, too, was fired. Rani- June and Mancini, increasingly frus- at Southampton and a hard-fought After the win over Crotone, eri struggled with an aging side and trated over a lack of new signings, left win over tailenders Crotone in Serie Inter captain Mauro Icardi said: "It twice broke the record for fielding the in August two weeks before the new A. is better if it's an Italian who takes oldest team in the Champions League. season. New Chinese owners Suning over because he will know the Ital- He left with Inter eighth in Serie A. 8. (August to appointed de Boer as a replacement ian championship. 5. (March November 2016): Despite having no pre- for Roberto Mancini two weeks "We are nearly at Christmas 2012 to May 2013): Initially promoted vious playing or coaching experience in before the start of the Serie A sea- already and there is no time to lose. from the youth team on a caretaker Serie A, for yet another transitional sea- son, tasked with restoring Inter's Champions League qualification is basis, the 37-year-old did well enough son following the sale to Suning. Fired dented reputation at home and in still the aim." Stefano Pioli in the last matches of the season to earn after losing seven out of 14 competitive Europe. a three-year contract. Inter then won games in an 85-day period. Ronaldo bags 'long-term' Nike deal Suarez in Barcelona extension talks Madrid AFP Barcelona yesterday the Spanish champions AFP had offered Suarez an improved day after signing a bumper fresh deal until June 2021, two years contract with Real Madrid, Cris- uropean Golden Shoe winner beyond his current contract. A tiano Ronaldo has boosted his Luis Suarez said negotiations "Luis Suarez, ready," read its mind-boggling earnings with a new deal Eto extend his contract with headline, while Marca also reported with Nike, the American sports giant said Barcelona until 2021 were running the imminent deal. yesterday. smoothly. "His salary rise will be substan- Together the multimillion mega-deals The 29-year-old, who claimed tial," said Marca. are expected to cement Ronaldo's status the award for a second time after "Right now he earns €16m as the world's highest-paid sportsman, finishing top scorer across Europe ($17.6m) a season, his new deal will ahead of great Barcelona rival Lionel last season, originally joined Barce- push that to €25m a season," it Messi. lona on a five-year deal from added. According to American magazine Liverpool in 2014. Brazilian superstar Neymar Forbes, Ronaldo trumped Messi in 2016 "Negotiations are moving along signed a new five-year contract in with an income of $88m (€80m, £71m). nicely in the right direction," Sua- late October that will keep him at There are no concrete figures, but rez told a press conference in Barcelona until 2021. Ronaldo's new five-year contract with Uruguay, where he is preparing for The deal, which had been agreed Real is expected to net the 31-year-old a World Cup qualifier with Ecuador in June, includes a buy-out clause Portuguese forward in the region of a on Thursday. of up to 250 million euros as Barca basic salary of €25m. "Both parties want this deal to seek to ward off interest from poten- He could also bag up to €40m-a-year go through," said the centre-for- tial suitors. for the Nike deal, according to Marca. ward, who scored 40 Liga goals in Argentina's Lionel Messi is con- Marca and AS, the Spanish sports dai- 35 games last season and 59 goals tracted to Barcelona until 2018 and lies, said the Nike deal is for life, rather from 53 games in all competitions. will be offered a contract extension Luis Suarez like the one between Nike and basket- Barcelona-based sports daily El in the coming months, the club said ball legend Michael Jordan. Mundo Deportivo reported recently. Vivien set for QSL midfielders setting the tempo Al Sailiya Al Arabi return preparing for Hernandez The Peninsula passes racking up 475 in the The Lekhwiya midfield round seven first six games. Likewise pairing of Luis Martin and The Peninsula ith the interna- Xavi’s presence has also Karim Boudiaf also join the The Peninsula tional break been felt further forward must watch list with their ivien is set for return W starting, and the this season, with the Span- commanding performances SL strugglers Al Sailiya to QSL side Al Arabi, QSL taking a break, we look iard creating 33 chances for in the spine of Djamel Bel- have confirmed that V who has been handed at some of the midfielders his Al Sadd team-mates, the madi’s side. Qthey have readied a an injury boost ahead of their who are setting the agenda highest number in the The Qatar internation- host of players ahead of their seventh round QSL match for their sides at the start of league. als have racked up crunch round seven game against Al Gharafa on Satur- the 2016/2017 QSL season. Former QSL champions impressive passing stats. against Al Kharaitiyat. day the 19th of November, All of the statistics used in Lekhwiya have started the Martin is second on the list The club confirmed last after the international break. the story have been supplied season on good form, and of most passes with 442, night that six players, includ- The club announced via by the Stats Company, the have three midfielders who whilst Boudiaf is not far ing Mohammed Muddather, their official website that QSL’s official statistical have made it into our must behind on 417 the third high- Raoul Loé and Faouzi Aaish summer signing Vivien Assie partner. watch list. est tally in the league. have undergone fitness work Koua has fully recovered Unsurprisingly Al Sadd’s Reigning QSL player of The second South at the clubs training ground. from his knee injury and is captain Xavi Hernandez the month Nam Tae Hee has Korean midfielder on the list Head coach Sami Trabelsi will now training with the first leads the way as the stand- been marking the difference is the ever dependable Koh be hoping that the players can team. Vivien has yet to start out midfielder in the first six for the Red Knights. Nam Myong-jin of Al Rayyan. The get back to full fitness ahead to play for the Dream Team rounds of the QSL season. has racked up 370 passes in Lions have yet to be beaten of their big game against fel- this term, and his return will The midfield maestro the opening six of the sea- this term, and all action mid- low strugglers Al be a major boost for the side has been the consummate son, along with creating 20 fielder Koh has certainly Kharaitiyat. that has yet to announce a professional in his second chances for his side, the contributed significantly to The Peregrines have yet replacement for Gerardo season with the club and has third highest in the league. the early title defense of Al to register a win this season Pelusso. quietly been going about his The South Korean has also Rayyan. and are currently in thir- Al Arabi are currently work in the centre of the been more prolific in front Koh has registered 412 teenth place in the QSL tenth in the QSL standings, park. of goal this season scoring passes so far, along with 162 standings, with just two and have six points from six The former World Cup five and assisting his team- forward passes in the open- points from the opening six games. winner leads the way in mates on three occasions. ing six games. games of the season.