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Monday 21 November 2016 PAGE | 27 PAGE | 28 Durant sparks Indian spinnersinners Warriors, Clippers strike latee withwith bag 12th win two wicketsets Mohsine strikes late as Al Wakrah hold Al Sadd

The Peninsula El Jaish brush late strike by Moh- sine Moutaouali, past Al Shahaniya yesterday helped Al Wakrah snatch The Penininsula a point against formerA Qatar Stars League l Jaish took on Al Shahaniya in round (QSL) champions Al Sadd. seven of the Qatar Stars League at the Hosts Al Wakrah, trailing ELekhwiya Stadium yesterday. The match by a goal following a strike by ended 3-1 in favour of El Jaish as Romarinho’s Al Sadd's Hamroun Jugurtha brace proved to be the difference between the (60), drew level with a hotly two sides. debated 90th minute penalty The soldiers stamped their authority with by Moutaouali. their first goal courtesy of their Brazilian sen- It was Al Sadd's third draw sation Romarinho. The striker won a free kick of the season though the side outside the box, the resulting strik from - coached by Jesualdo Ferreira Romarinho saw the ball sail over the wall into - are unbeaten in seven the top left corner of the goal to give Jaish an matches. El Jaish's Mohamed early lead. In the 6th minute, Al Wak- Methnani (left) and Al Then towards the end of the first half, Sabri rah's Hamood Abdulla Al Shahaniya's Nabeel Anwar Lamouchi’s side doubled their lead minute. Yazidi broke free off his vie for the ball pocession Murrad Naji's spectacular long-range strike marker and charged into the during their Qatar Stars swerved in the air before finding the back of Al Sadd box in what the first League game played the net. serious attempt at either goal. at Lekhwiya Stadium El Jaish controlled most of the first half and In a hurried attempt at Al yesterday. Al Shahaniya had a couple of chances but did Sadd goal, Al Yazidi fired a bul- little to trouble Saoud Al Khater in the El Jaish let towards the net but Goal. goalkeeper Saad Abdulla Al The second half was much more positive Dosari punched the ball away. QATAR STARS LEAGUE that was well pouched by goal- the Al Sadd box and fired a indirect free-kick. It was for Al Shahania as they pushed forward look- Playing in all-white, Al keeper Enyas. missile in the direction of the Jugurtha's second goal of the ing to get some goals. They were rewarded for Sadd looked tad edgy with Yesterday's results In the 33rd minute, Has- goal but Al Sadd 'keeper Al season that came at the right their efforts when in the fifty-fourth minute hosts Al Wakrah mounting Al Wakrah 1 - 1 Al Sadd san missed an easy Dosari punched the ball away time for Al Sadd. In the 65th Mohamed Tiaiba won a penalty for Shahaniya attacks on the former QSL El Jaish 3 - 1 Al Shahaniya snap-header off a free kick to kill Al Wakrah's best chance minute, Al Wakrah's 82 Ahmad after he was fouled by Abdurahman Abubakar champions in the first 10 min- when he jumped high to meet to score. Ali Khil had only the goal- in the box. utes of the round 7 clash at Al Lekhwiya 2 -2 Al Rayyan the ball but did not connect Barely two minutes later, keeper to beat from the edge Tiaiba then stepped up to take the penalty Wakrah Stadium. with only Al Wakrah goal- Barca legend Xavi showed his of the box but he shot wide of and his effort was saved by El Jaish’s keeper, The momentum swung the crossbar with home goal- keeper to beat from close frustration at lack of scoring Al Dosari. Saoud Mubarrak. However, the ball ricochet- towards Al Sadd soon after- keeper Mohmad Abdulla Enyas range. Three minutes later, opportunities by smashing a In a dramatic turn of ted off the keeper back into the path of Tiaiba wards. In the 15th minute, Al well beaten. Bounedjah curled in a sweetly- long-range shot that was eas- events, Moutaouali converted who scored at the second time of asking. Sadd's Pedro Miguel Correia Two minutes later, Al Sadd taken free-kick but his shot ily pouched by goalkeeper a penalty in the 90th minute. Later on, in the eightieth minute, El Jaish charged into Al Wakrah box midfielder Abdulkareem Has- sailed close to the Al Wakrah Enyas. Moutaouali chose to go left of won a penalty of their own after Romarinho from the flank before slipping san showed brilliant pace to crossbar much to the relief of At the half-hour mark, Al Al Dosari as Al Wakrah was brought down by Alvaro Meijia. The Bra- in a neat ball to Baghdad beat his marker and charged the home fans. Sadd drew first blood. Jugurtha snatched a point in the dying zilian then scored his second of the night after Bounedjah. into the Al Wakrah box. In the 53rd minute, Mahir fired home from close range moments of the game. converting from the spot slotting the ball to the Stationed inside Al Wak- Once in the box, Hassan - Yusuf Bakur - chased by after a loose ball dropped dead Later, Al Rayyan and right as the keeper went the wrong way. rah box, the 24-year-old the Qatar Under-23 team Miguel and Morteza Moham- in front of him following a Lekhwiya settled in for a 2-2 The result leaves El Jaish sitting at the top Algerian deflected the ball over captain - fired a powerful shot mad Jan Pour - charged into goal-line melee after an draw at the Lekhwiya Stadium. of the QSL standings with seven games played. Lopez, Muller set for final duel at WTCC DHL Race of Qatar

here will be a duel in the more fastest laps (38) or led more desert when the 2016 FIA races (571) than the 48-year-old T World Touring Car Cham- French legend. And Muller Bennani Mehdi pionship reaches its climax at intends to go out with a bang (front) in action WTCC DHL Race of Qatar on Fri- rather than a whimper by beat- during the 2016 day, November 25, as second and ing to the coveted FIA WTCC World third in the final standings are runner-up spot in the final stand- Touring Car decided at the Losail International ings behind his Citroen Championship in Circuit. team-mate Lopez. Shanghai, China in But while the thrilling on- With a 31-point advantage this September 23 track battle for positions will take over the Portuguese file photo. centre stage during the pair of driver, Muller has high hopes: “I night races, two motorsport realise it’s a special race and greats will sign off from WTCC there might be some emotions. duty. It’s also more than a race because Although Jose Maria Lopez I want to be second for my team. hopes to return to World Touring It’s always good to race at night Car action in the future having so I hope it will be another spe- made it three consecutive WTCC cial moment.” titles this season, will For Lopez, the WTCC’s desert retire from the championship duel also marks the end of an era. following unprecedented After claiming a hat-trick of driv- his next motorsport challenge if results go his way in Qatar. The because I will have nothing to lose have been refuelled and fitted success. ers’ titles and breaking the record although he admits a WTCC come- Moroccan, who became the first and nothing to win and in the end with new Yokohama tyres. No driver has won more titles of most wins in one season (10), back is part of a long-term plan. Arabic driver to win an FIA world it could good so I will do my best Running in reverse Manu- (four) and races (48), claimed the Argentine ace has chosen the “It’s not a goodbye but a ‘see championship motor race when to do two strong races and get facturers’ championship order, more pole positions (29), set FIA Formula E Championship for you later’,” he said. “I am still he won at WTCC Race of China some good points overall.” as soon as a team’s three cars young and I can be back if I have in 2014, will head to the Middle There will be more on-track leave the grid side by side, the WTCC DHL RACE OF QATAR still the doors open, which I think East as the WTCC Trophy winner drama in store from 16:00 local clock starts and stops once the I will have. I think one day if I for 2016 following another time on raceday when the Man- last car completes two flying FACTS AND STATS have the opportunity I will be impressive season driving a ufacturers Against the Clock laps. Race wins 2016: Lopez 8; Coronel and Monteiro 2; Bennani, Björk, Catsburg, Chilton, Huff, Michelisz, back.” Sébastien Loeb Racing Citroën team trial takes place. New for Failure to get all three cars Muller and Tarquini 1 While second in the final table C-Elysée WTCC. 2016 and timed by TAG Heuer, over the line – or if the second Pole positions 2016: Lopez 7; Catsburg, Monteiro and Muller 1 remains Monteiro’s target, he will He describes WTCC DHL the WTCC’s Official Timing Part- or third car doesn’t finish within Fastest laps 2016: Lopez 8; Huff 3; Björk 2; Bennani, Catsburg, Chilton, Ficza, Muller, Tarquini and Valente 1 also be keeping an eye on fellow Race of Qatar as a second ‘home’ ner, the Tour de France-inspired a maximum of 15 seconds after Laps led 2016: Lopez 78; Huff 38; Michelisz 34; Coronel 28; Catsburg 24; Bennani 22; Monteiro 19; factory Honda drivers Norbert event. “Morocco and Qatar are competition puts squads from the first car – means no points. Chilton 13; Tarquini 11; Muller and Valente 6; Bjork 1 Michelisz and Rob Huff, who are very close, the people are very Citroen, Honda and LADA And in what is a team-based All-time race wins (top 5): Y Muller 48; Lopez 29; Huff 28; Menu 23; Tarquini 21 14 and 24 points behind respec- close because there are a lot of against the clock over two timed competition, a mistake by one All-time pole positions (top 5): Y Muller 29; Lopez 21; Tarquini 17; Menu 15; Farfus and Huff 11 tively. “I lost quite a lot of points partnerships between both coun- laps of the Losail International member can have serious con- All-time fastest laps (top 5): Y Muller 38; Lopez 29; Huff 27; Tarquini 23; Menu 20 in China, but I’m not going to give tries. And when I race in Qatar it’s Circuit. The three makes (Pole- sequences for the rest of the All-time laps led (top 5): Y Muller 569; Huff 344; Lopez 301; Menu 297; Tarquini 285 up,” said Monteiro. really like Marrakech so I hope to star will participate when it squad, which proved to be the heads to have a fantastic race. It could be enters a third Volvo from 2017) case for LADA in Russia earlier

WTCC RACE OF QATAR WINNERS Qatar sixth in the WTCC Drivers’ a bit more special now I am nominate three drivers to take in the season when a jumped- 2015: Race 1: Jose Maria Lopez (Citroën C-Elysee); Race 2: Yvan Muller (Citroen C-Elysee) standings with 176 points but already world champion. And I part in WTCC MAC3, which fol- start by could end up a career-high third think I will be even stronger lows Qualifying Q3 once all cars cancelled out victory. SPORT TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2016 31 Bizarre finish Hughes wins play-off with par has Raptors crying foul after Miami rookie winner in the past 20 final-round birdies but only six AFP years. bogeys as well. All four players loss to Kings Hughes, ranked 287th in the missed the green off the tee and anadian rookie Mac- world, booked his spot in next Hughes was the only one not to New York kenzie Hughes sank year's Masters and PGA Cham- reach the green with his second Agencies a 15-foot par putt on pionship as well as the shot, his chip halting just short the third extra hole Tournament of Champions in on the fringe. he Sacramento Kings yesterday to capture Hawaii in January. But Hughes found the cor- beat the Raptors on Ca darkness-halted play-off and The 25-year-old from Ham- rect line and rolled home his TSunday in a controver- win the US PGA RSM Classic. ilton, twice a Canadian Amateur tension-packed putt to swing sial finish that left Toronto Colombia's , champion, took his first PGA the pressure onto his rivals. coach Dwayne Casey strug- Sweden's and crown in only his ninth tour "I just tried to make it, do my gling to accept the outcome. American Blayne Barber all start, claiming the $1.08m top best to make a par and give In an ending that neither missed shorter putts on the prize as well as playing rights them something to look at," team could quite believe, the par-3 17th hole at Georgia's Sea through September of 2019. Hughes said. Kings held on for a 102-99 Island resort to make Hughes Others in the play-off took win in Sacramento, when the only the third PGA wire-to-wire $396,000. US PGA RSM CLASSIC SCORES referees ruled that Toronto's Five players had finished Terrence Ross could not have Rookie wins Sunday level for the lead after Leading scores after yesterday's conclusion of released a last-ditch 30-foot 72 holes on 17-under par 265, the darkness-halted playoff of the US PGA three-pointer before the final Canadian rookie sinks but American fell Tour's RSM Classic (USA unless noted): buzzer. a 15-foot par putt on out of the playoff by botching a Hughes won play-off with par on third extra Ross appeared to tie the tap-in par putt on the first extra hole game with his prayer with the third extra hole to 265 - Henrik Norlander (SWE) 67-67-66-65, win darkness-halted hole. Blayne Barber 63-68-68-66, Billy Horschel less than one second left. play-off and clinch the The others all parred 18 66-66-65-68, Camilo Villegas (COL) 66-67-64- However, replays showed again on the second playoff hole that Kings forward DeMarcus US PGA RSM Classic. 68, (CAN) 61-67-68-69 before darkness delayed the 268 - Jamie Lovemark 67-66-70-65, Jim Furyk Cousins tipped the preceding finish. 64-69-68-67, Ollie Schniederjans 66-68-66- inbounds pass, so even Hughes had an eight-foot 68, Pan Cheng-Tsung (TPE) 66-64-67-71 though Ross jacked up his The 25-year-old from birdie putt on the second play- 269 - Russell Henley 67-65-70-67, Stewart Cink shot well before the final 62-71-67-69, Patrick Rodgers 69-65-65-70 Hamilton, twice a off hole to win but missed and horn, the refs ruled after a Canadian Amateur 270 - Chris Stroud 69-67-68-66, Anirban Lahiri needed to two-foot comeback (IND) 68-67-70-65, Michael Thompson 66-70- lengthy review that the clock champion, took his putt to stay in the hunt. had not started upon the tip 66-68, Chad Campbell 66-65-70-69, Luke List Mackenzie Hughes of Canada poses with his trophy after first PGA crown in The foursome returned in 69-64-68-69, Bill Haas 69-66-66-69, Jim Her- as it should have.

only his ninth cold and breezy conditions man 69-66-66-69, Charles Howell III 67-65-67- winning the play-off of the final round of the RSM Classic at According to referee Mike

Sea Island Resort Seaside Course in St Simons Island, Georgia, tour start. Monday to a 189-yard 17th hole 71 Callahan, the clock should that surrendered only nine yesterday. have started about a half-sec- ond faster than it did. Therefore, they adjudged that time was up before Ross LGPA TOUR SCORES took the shot. The ruling riled the Raptors. Hull clinches season-ending title Leading scores after Sunday's final round "I knew I had at least two of the LPGA Tour Championship at Tibu- ron Golf Club in Naples, Florida (par-72): seconds," Ross said. "I knew Miami England, won her first US title duel, Hull birdied the par-five 269 - Charley Hull (ENG) 67-70-66-66 I could take a dribble and still AFP and first crown since 2014 by fir- 17th hole while Ryu made bogey 271 - Soyeon Ryu (KOR) 67-68-69-67 get it off. I don't know how a ing a final-round 66, six-under and both closed with pars to end 273 - Jennifer Song (USA) 72-67-66-68 tipped ball can amount for a hailand's Ariya Jutanugarn par, to finish on 19-under 269 -- the last drama on a day of 274 - Beatriz Recari (ESP) 68-68-70-68, Mo five-or-six-tenths of a second took LPGA Player of the shattering the old Tiburon Golf intense trophy fights. Martin (USA) 68-70-68-68, Ariya Jutanugarn ... Nothing can justify it. It's Year honors and a $1 m Club mark of 271 set by Ameri- Ryu fired a 67 to finish (THA) 72-68-65-69 just a bad call." T 275 - Chun In-Gee (KOR) 68-69-68-70 bonus prize on Sunday while can Cristie Kerr last year. second on 271 while Jennifer 276 - Feng Shanshan (CHN) 66-73-69-68, Coach Casey said the Britain's Charley Hull captured "I was pretty calm," Hull Song birdied five of the last Amy Yang (KOR) 68-72-66-70 Raptors (8-5) would look into the season-ending Tour Cham- said. six holes to shoot 68 and take 277 - Lydia Ko (NZL) 70-62-73-72, Brittany the call with the league but pionship with a 72-hole course "When I'm on the golf course third on 273, one stroke ahead Lincicome (USA) 69-69-66-73 didn't know if the team had record. I try not to think about golf. It of fellow American Mo Mar- 278 - Lizette Salas (USA) 68-70-67-73 any real options other than to The final day of the 2016 makes me think I'm not leading tin, Spain's Beatriz Recari and 279 - Karine Icher (FRA) 72-72-66-69, Suzann swallow the difficult campaign also saw South Korean the golf tournament and that's Ariya. Pettersen (NOR) 71-67-71-70, Haru Nomura outcome. (JPN) 69-69-70-71, Brittany Lang (USA) 74- Chun In-Gee birdie the last three what I did." Three days before her 21st 69-65-71 "I've got to hear another holes to edge New Zealand's top- Hull, ranked 30th in the birthday, Ariya took the Race to 280 - Chella Choi (KOR) 72-72-69-67, Kim explanation, because we ranked Lydia Ko for the Vare Charley Hull of England world, had not won since tak- the Globe with 6,800 points to Hyo-Joo (KOR) 72-70-69-69, Lee Mi-Hyang reviewed it about 10 times in Trophy for the season's low scor- reacts to her putt during ing the Lalla Meryem Cup in 5,050 for Ko despite the Kiwi's (KOR) 70-72-69-69, Minjee Lee (AUS) 74-68- there. Even if the clock started ing average in a battle that went the final round of the CME March of 2014 at age 17 in second-round 62. 67-71, Mariajo Uribe (COL) 71-66-71-72 once DeMarcus Cousins down to the last stroke. Morocco on the Ladies Euro- Ko took a bogey at the third 281 - Ryann O'Toole (USA) 68-67-75-71, Cristie deflected it, T. Ross caught it, Group Tour Championship at Kerr (USA) 71-67-71-72 Ariya, whose first five LPGA Tiburon Golf Club yesterday. pean Tour. and closed the front nine with 282 - Carlota Ciganda (ESP) 75-72-66-69, shot it with plenty of time ... titles this year included her first Hull, who made only eight a double bogey, then birdied Jacqui Concolino (USA) 71-73-68-70, Danielle I've got to hear more." major at the Women's British birdies last year at the Naples, three holes in a row to begin Kang (USA) 71-71-69-71, Megan Khang (USA) Meanwhile, Indiana's Jeff Open, only shared fourth but bonus. "I had my goal to win my Florida course, sank 23 this year, the back nine, while Chun 74-68-67-73, Kim Sei-Young (KOR) 68-68-72- Teague scored 30 points, with teenager Ko only sharing first tournament and I did. To including an all-but clincher on opened with a birdie, took a 74, Brooke Henderson (CAN) 72-72-69-69 eight of them in over-time, to 10th, the result was good enough win the Player of the Year, it's the penultimate hole. double bogey at the third and 283 - Kim Kaufman (USA) 762-70-69-72 lead six double-figure scor- to claim Player of the Year and huge," said the Thai. Level with South Korea's answered a bogey at nine with ers who powered the Pacers Race to the Globe season points Hull, a 20-year-old from Soyeon Ryu after a day-long a birdie at 13. over Oklahoma City 115-111 in an NBA game on Sunday. Russell Westbrook, who had game highs of 31 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds in a losing cause, sank a Russia denies state-sponsored doping 3-pointer with two seconds remaining in the fourth quar- ter to pull the Thunder level GLASGOW be published on Dec 9. It is countries which do not comply at 103-103 and send the game Reuters expected to provide more detail with its code in the future. into over-time. on the alleged Russian cheating Delegates approved a new But Teague sank a 3-point ussia's new anti-doping and focus more on winter sports. graded system of sanctions shot, converted a 3-point play chief Vitaly Smirnov told Former WADA chairman against drug-testing organisa- and sank two free throws to RWADA on Sunday that the Dick Pound, who oversaw the tions and international create the final score as the country had "never had a state- initial investigation together with federations. visiting Pacers improved to sponsored system of doping" as McLaren, expressed surprise at In the worst case of delib- 7-7 while Oklahoma City fell the date for the publication of a Smirnov's comments. erately circumventing the rules, to 8-6. new special report into alleged "From the Russian side, it is countries could also be banned "Just wasn't ready," West- Russian cheating was important to stop denying and from hosting major events and brook said. announced. now get back on line," Pound athletes would be stopped from "I could have did a lot of Smirnov, a senior figure in told reporters. competing unless they could things better. I have to come Soviet and Russian sport as an WADA has been working prove they had undergone a out and be ready to play every International Olympic Commit- with Russia to make changes to rigorous anti-doping night. I feel like I let my guys tee (IOC) member from 1971 to International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive member and its drug-testing programme since programme. down and we have to be 2015, told a World Anti-Doping current president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the Rio Olympics. Britain's Craig Reedie, who better." Agency (WADA) Foundation Craig Reedie, speaks during a news conference following Rob Koehler, who is in was re-elected as World Anti- Thaddeus Young had 20 meeting of delegates from gov- the WADA Foundation Board meeting in Glasgow, Scotland charge of the monitoring, said Doping Agency (WADA) points and 11 rebounds for the ernments and the Olympic on Sunday. Russia was making some President for a second three- Pacers, while Glenn Robinson world, that the abuse of perform- progress but international test- year term on Sunday, said the III had 16 points and 11 ance-enhancing drugs was a ers were still not getting access rules needed to be finalised after rebounds for Indiana, which global problem. know this system did not exist." field athletes as well as weight- to some cities or to previous test consultation with sporting kept Paul George out of the "Russia has never had a WADA recommended that lifters were banned from Rio, the samples and there were chal- bodies. lineup due to a sore left ankle. state-sponsored system of dop- the entire Russian team be IOC rejected the proposal of a lenges around gaining But he told a news confer- ing. Doping is not the problem excluded from the Rio Olympics blanket ban and instead let inter- information about athletes' ence "There is quite clearly a of one specific country. We have in August after accusing the national sports federations whereabouts. feeling that this should be done. NBA RESULTS to fight this evil together," he country of a systemic state- decide which athletes should be "It is not all gloom and doom It started with athletes and has NY Knicks 104 Atlanta 94 said. sponsored doping programme eligible to compete. and there is progress," Koehler been picked up by governments. Portland 129 Brooklyn 109 Afterwards Smirnov told in its independent report by WADA Director General told the meeting. Today I was particularly pleased Indiana 115 Oklahoma City 111

reporters: "If one person is a Richard McLaren, published just Olivier Niggli told the meeting WADA agreed at the meet- that the sports movement said Sacramento 102 Toronto 99 criminal, it does not mean the before the Games. that a second report from Cana- ing to rewrite its rule to allow it 'well done we are heading into Denver 105 Utah 91 whole country is a criminal. We Although Russian track and dian lawyer McLaren was set to to hand out punishments to the right direction'. Chicago 118 LA Lakers 110 32 SPORT TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2016

Australia selections Clinical India hammer England undermine calls for Visakhapatnam Visitors in a mess AP 'patience'

ndia took a 1-0 lead in the Melbourne best-of-five match series 246 Reuters by beating England by 246 The difference between the runs yesterday to win the two sides is 246 runs as the call for "patience" from second Test. hosts grab 1-0 lead in the Australia selectors for I India sealed a comprehen- five-match series. Athe radically changed sive victory after lunch on the squad that emerged from the fifth and final day, dismissing Hobart wreckage struck a England for 158 in 97.3 overs. discordant note for some Needing to bat through the 8 former players after Callum final day to salvage a draw after Ferguson and Joe Mennie England batsmen cave in resuming on 87-2, chasing an were barely given a chance tamely as the visitors lose 8 improbable target of 405 to win, to impress. England lost their last eight wickets for just 66 runs on Australia's innings and wickets for just 66 runs, giving day five of the Test. 80-run humiliation at Belle- up five wickets in the morning rive Oval, the side's fifth session then three more after defeat in succession, lunch to concede a heavy defeat. outside England's top three bats- Indian captain Virat Kohli (second left) celebrates with prompted clarion calls for India captain Virat Kohli man made double figures. teammates after victory over England during the last day action and the selectors questioned the opposition's Ravichandran Ashwin and of the second Test against England in Vishakhapatnam. responded by dropping five intent as England focused on Jayant Yadav finished with three players and naming four batting out more than four ses- wickets each while Mohammed uncapped replacements in sions to save the match. Shami and Ravindra Jadeja got and leave India in total after the lunch interval with Ash- SCOREBOARD their 12-man squad for the "You need to show some two apiece for India. command. win bowling Zafar Ansari for a series finale in Adelaide. India (I innings): ...... 455 intent as the pitch gets tougher England made an ominous No one bowler stood out on duck then Yadav trapping Stu- England (II innings): ...... 255 Openers Matt Renshaw to bat on," said Kohli, was named start to the day when Ben Duck- a wearing pitch, and the Indian art Broad (5) and James Anderson India (II innings): ...... 204 and Nic Maddinson, wicket- Man of the Match after scoring ett went early for a duck, caught attack worked as a unit, using (0) leg before wicket in succes- England (II innings): keeper-batsman Peter 167 and 81. behind by Wriddhiman Saha off the conditions on offer. sive deliveries. A Cook lbw Jadeja ...... 54 Handscomb and seamer "Scoring runs in between Ashwin with just five added to "It is great for the pacers to "What's giving me belief in H Hameed lbw Ashwin ...... 25 Chadd Sayers are all in with puts some pressure on the bowl- the overnight total. come in and bowl quick spells of actually over 10 days of cricket J Root lbw Shami ...... 25 a chance to make their Test ers. It is a basic thing. If you don't Moeen Ali made just two 3-4 overs," Kohli said. is that we have competed very B Duckett c Saha b Ashwin ...... 0 debuts against a South Africa M Ali c Kohli b Jadeja ...... 2 have that intent in the fourth before he was caught at back- "Having quality spinners well in India in their conditions," B Stokes b J Yadav ...... 6 side determined to sweep the innings, it is tough to play out ward short leg off Jadeja as India helps the fast bowlers to stay England captain Alastair Cook J Bairstow (not out) ...... 34 series 3-0 at Adelaide Oval. four and a half sessions (on Days began to tighten the screws. fresh. Creating opportunities for said. A Rashid c Saha b Shami ...... 4 The scale of the clean out, 4 and 5)." Ben Stokes was bowled for taking wickets has to be done in "Yes, we have lost by a big Z Ansari b Ashwin...... 0 unseen since Australia's dol- England wicketkeeper Jonny six by off-spinner Yadav after the partnerships. I think they are margin. It was a massive toss to S Broad lbw J Yadav ...... 5 drums in the mid-1980s, has Bairstow followed up his first drinks break then Shami used combining well at the moment." lose but in certain periods of J Anderson lbw J Yadav ...... 0 proven polarising. innings half-century to finish the second new ball to get rid of The home team wrapped up game we played some good Extras (LB-3) ...... 3 Two of the casualties, Total (all out) ...... 158 unbeaten on 34 but no-one Joe Root (25) and Adil Rashid (4) the final three wickets quickly cricket." Fall of wickets: 1-75, 2-87, 3-92, 4-101, 5-115, middle order batsman Fer- 6-115, 7-129, 8-143, 9-158, 10-158. guson and fast bowler Bowling: Shami 14-3-30-2; U Yadav 8-3-8-0; Mennie, have been denied the

Ashwin 30-11-52-3; Jadeja 34-14-35-2; J Yadav chance to make amends in a 11.3-4-30-3. second test at their home Cook defends England's ground in South Australia. India's Mohammed Shami Ferguson ran himself out celebrates the dismissal of in the first innings for three England's Joe Root. and scored one in Hobart, while Mennie took one wicket tactics after defeat for 85 runs. "It's a very tough call on players like Ferguson and Joe Visakhapatnam questioned England's approach "It's not some people's nat- Mennie who were just given Reuters and said the defensive mental- ural way of playing," Cook said. one opportunity," former test ity made it easier for his side to "But you say play your natural batsman Mike Hussey said. ngland's defensive batting attack with more fielders in way and suddenly you're four "I thought Joe Mennie approach against India close catching positions. down then lower order start dig- bowled quite well... He's well E was a conscious decision "We set our stall out pretty ging in and you think, 'why within his right to feel a little to save the second Test on a clearly that from the start of the didn't we start that right at the aggrieved." wearing track, the touring side's innings that we wanted to take beginning of the game'." Former fast bowler Brett captain Alastair Cook said after it as deep as possible," Cook Cook singled out Adil Rashid Lee also sympathised with the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the said. "We saw in one game, for special praise, saying the leg- 32-year-old Ferguson, who series yesterday. South Africa played 140-odd spinner was a changed bowler he felt would join Australia's Cook and Haseeb Hameed overs. If we got to play 150-odd from the tour of Bangladesh considerable ranks of 'one- showed exemplary patience and overs then we could have saved where England lost their first- Test wonders'. defensive technique during their the game. We made a conscious ever Test against the hosts and "Poor Callum Ferguson. 75-run opening stand on Sun- effort to play that way. Every- drew the series 1-1. One game, he's played one day to keep India at bay for over one bought into it." "One thing we spoke about Test, everyone else has 50 overs, facing a target of 405 The England side is filled in Bangladesh was we didn't missed out (in Hobart)," Lee to win on a track offering sharp with fluent strokemakers have the control with our spin- told Brisbane radio station turn and uneven bounce. including Joe Root, Moeen Ali, ners," Cook said of Rashid, who Triple M. Both fell before the close of Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow. has taken 13 wickets in the two "It's not like he's made a play on the penultimate day, Stokes, who smashed 258 off Tests. "Adil has taken it to heart, serious error in judgment in however, and England were 198 balls in Cape Town in Jan- gone away and bowled beauti- not getting runs but you've bowled out shortly after lunch uary against South Africa during fully. He wasn't bowling the full got to feel for him and also for on the fifth and final day to give which he struck 30 fours and 11 tosses and long hops like he had Mennie." India victory by 246 runs. sixes, took 33 deliveries to make been. That's a huge credit to Wicketkeeper Peter Nev- India captain Virat Kohli six runs. him," Cook added. ill's omission has also proved contentious, with his replace- ment Matthew Wade seemingly endorsed more for his abrasiveness than his glove-work or recent batting SA slam 'harassment' after airport scuffle form in domestic cricket. "He's obviously seen as a tough competitor and that is Adelaide media and Channel Nine, in of security protocol. The At this week's day-night what we're looking for in our AFP particular, have been told sev- reporter also shoved the team third Test in Adelaide, South players now," selector Trevor eral times that Cricket South manager in the back. Africa will attempt to become Hohns said of 28-year-old outh Africa accused Aus- Africa and du Plessis were not "Throughout the (Aus- the first away team to white- Wade, who played the last of tralian media of in a position to comment on tralia) tour we have respected wash Australia, who have his 12 Tests away to India in S"harassment" after a the ball-tampering case. all our media obligations and been plunged into crisis by 2013. team security official scuffled "We have advised of our treated media with utmost their slump in form. In anointing 20-year-old with a reporter as the tourists media protocol which has respect. At the same time, we Veteran batsman Hashim Renshaw, 24-year-old Mad- arrived at Adelaide airport been blatantly ignored, both would like to see this respect Amla lashed out at the "pro- dinson and 25-year-old yesterday. at the team's hotel on Friday reciprocated and will not vocative behaviour" of the Handscomb, selectors have Channel Nine TV reporter and Saturday and again at the accept such behaviour as dis- reporter in Adelaide. satisfied a number of pundits Will Crouch was shoved away airport in Adelaide today," played by the Channel 9 News "Disappointed.. such pro- who complained that prom- and pushed into a glass door Moosajee said in a reporter." vocative behaviour from ising talents were being as he tried to approach Pro- statement. Du Plessis was wearing reporters. Let a man walk in stifled by a perceived prefer- teas captain Faf du Plessis "The 'reporter' at the air- headphones at the time of the peace. Ask with manners n ence for late-bloomers like (pictured left) in the airport port disrespected us and altercation and reporters said courtesy and u prob will get a Adam Voges and the retired arrival hall. continued to harass Faf for he gave a thumbs-up to cam- response," he tweeted. Du Chris Rogers. Du Plessis is due to face an comment. He was advised to eras moments before the Plessis is facing a possible But like Ferguson and International Cricket Council move three times, and did not security official clashed with one-match ban after he alleg- opener Joe Burns, who was disciplinary hearing on ball- adhere to this request," he Crouch, who was unharmed. edly used a sweet in his mouth dropped in Sri Lanka, recalled tampering charges arising said. Channel Nine said the to give the ball extra swing. A for one Test in Hobart and from the second Test, which "The 'reporter', who also same security official had a hearing will be held by Andy promptly dumped again for South Africa won to seal the had no official accreditation, run-in with another of its Pycroft of the ICC match ref- Adelaide, the trio face enor- series. then proceeded to lunge reporters in Melbourne over erees panel and the results will mous pressure slotting into Team manager Moham- towards Faf with an unknown the weekend as he tried to be announced in due course, Steve Smith's shell-shocked med Moosajee said Australian object causing a direct breach approach du Plessis. the ICC said on Friday. team. TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 33

Al Ahli duo in doubt for key match against Al Sailiya

The Peninsula

atar Stars League (QSL) side Al Ahli will be Qsweating on the fitness of two key players ahead of their round eight clash against Al Sailiya. Midfielder Ali Qadri was left out of Ahli’s 1-1 draw with Umm Salal, after an injury during the warmup for the match. Whilst Meshal WTCC drivers to carry Macau Mubarak suffered a groin strain early in the first half, causing the defender to be substituted. The duo will now be assessed by the Al Ahli med- success to season finale ical team in the following days and a decision will be made ahead of their Friday The Peninsula afternoon game against Sailiya. Al Ahli are currently IA World Touring Car Jose Maria Lopez What the drivers say in ninth place in the QSL Championship drivers standings and have eight and points from seven games. Tiago Monteiro will ahead of Qatar Race Meanwhile, the QSL head to Qatar for the match of the week for round F2016 season buoyed by their IT’S FIA World Touring Car Championship season finale time in eight will involve two old strong performances at the Qatar. Here’s what five leading drivers have said. rivals facing off in Al Arabi Macau Grand Prix on Sunday. Robert Dahlgren (Polestar ): “I’ve done some and Al Sadd. Both sides head Catsburg finished seventh in evening races but I’ve never raced at night although I will into the tie off the back of the FIA GT World Cup in a BMW approach it like I do any other race because it looks fantastic. It negative results in round M6 GT3, while Monteiro tri- feels great to be back in the car and to get the chance to race seven and will be eager to umphed in the Guia Race in a again having been given the opportunity to test as well. I want secure all three points to push JAS Motorsport-built Honda to have a drive next year full time and Qatar can be important up in the QSL standings. Civic after two shortened for that because it’s what people will remember over the win- Al Arabi’s poor early sea- encounters. ter. I hope I can deliver the results.” son form continued as the They will now head to Doha on-track battle for positions will 48-year-old French legend. Rob Huff (Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team): “You Dream Team fell to their to prepare for WTCC DHL Race take centre stage during the pair And Muller intends to go out never quite know what to expect when you go to Qatar to race fourth consecutive defeat of of Qatar from November 24 to of night races, two motorsport with a bang rather than a whim- a car. You obviously have the sand aspect and because there’s the season, losing 4-2 to Al 25. Monteiro can finish runner- greats will sign off from WTCC per by beating Monteiro to the not a huge amount of motorsport happening you never gain a Gharafa. New head coach up in the final standings driving duty. coveted runner-up spot in the huge amount of grip. It’s a challenging track, fast and exciting. Edison Aguirre was unable to for the factory Honda team, Although José María López final standings behind his Cit- Qatar fits very well with the World Touring Car Championship inspire his side to victory, while works LADA driver Cats- hopes to return to World Tour- roën team-mate López. With a and introducing things like night races is partly why, after 11 with Al Arabi falling into the burg will aim for his second win ing Car action in the future 31-point advantage over the years, the World Touring Car Championship is alive and why relegation zone for the first of the season. having made it three consecu- Portuguese Honda driver, Muller races like Qatar work.” time this season. There will be a duel in the tive WTCC titles this season, has high hopes: “I realise it’s a Yvan Muller (Citroën Total WTCC): “I realise it’s a special One positive for Aguirre desert when the 2016 FIA World Yvan Muller will retire from the special race and there might be race and there might be some emotions. It’s also more than a will be the upturn in form of Touring Car Championship championship following some emotions. It’s also more race because I want to be second for my team. It’s always good captain Boualem Khoukhi. reaches its climax at WTCC DHL unprecedented success. than a race because I want to be to race at night, it’s always a special moment and it was a cool The Qatar international was Race of Qatar on November 25, No driver has won more second for my team. It’s always thing to do last year. It’s not easy to overtake at this track but pushed into midfield for the as second and third in the final titles (four) and races (48), good to race at night so I hope most of the circuits are not designed for overtaking. And it’s a Al Gharafa tie, and duly standings are decided at the claimed more pole positions it will be another special fact if you follow another touring car you lose downforce and bagged a brace for his side Losail International Circuit. (29), set more fastest laps (38) moment.” once you lose downforce you lose time.” including a goal which is an But while the thrilling or led more races (571) than the For López, the WTCC’s Gabriele Tarquini ( Rosneft): “I raced in the early goal of the season con- desert duel also marks the end night in the past in England and Italy but never with proper tender. Khoukhi will have to Yvan of an era. After claiming a hat- lights on like in Qatar, which makes it a lot like a normal race continue his goal scoring Muller trick of drivers’ titles and because the light is very powerful. But it’s different for people ways. breaking the record of most watching and that’s good. I want to give LADA the best possi- As for the visitors Al Sadd, wins in one season (10). ble result because it’s their last race but I hope it won’t be my they dropped points with a 1-1 last race. I want to drive a World Touring Car again, I love the draw against bottom of the WTCC at Losail category and I love the WTCC.” table Al Wakrah. The Wolves FIA World Touring Car Mehdi Bennani (Sébastien Loeb Racing, WTCC Trophy): looked took an hour to break Championship drivers “There are a lot of partnerships between Morocco and Qatar down a resolute Wakrah Nicky Catsburg and and when I race in Qatar it’s really like Marrakech so I hope to backline, eventually taking Tiago Monteiro will have a fantastic race. It could be a bit more special now I am the lead thanks to a close already world champion and I think I will be even stronger range strike from Jugurtha head to Qatar for the because I will have nothing to lose and nothing to win. I will do Hamroun. However in stop- 2016 season finale my best to do two strong races and get some good points over- page time Sadd gave away a buoyed by their all because I need to think about this overall championship. I penalty, which was duly con- strong performances hope to score more points to be close to the top five.” verted by Mouhcine Moutouali. Ibn Ajayan Challengers T20 tourney begins today

The Peninsula game in the country. The of Al Noof CC, Centurian CC, championship will be held over Qatar Foundation, Lankan CC. he Ibn Ajayan Challeng- a period of three months, with The matches will be ers Trophy T20 Cricket matches being held on Satur- played on league-cum-knock- Ttournament will begin day's, Monday's and out format, with top two teams today at the Asian Town Wednesday's from 7:30pm. from each group, after prelim- Cricket Stadium in Industrial The final will take place in the inary round, qualifying for the Area, Doha, organiers of the second week of February. quarterfinals. event said yesterday. The tournament will be The championship will Organised by the Ibin inaugurated today, followed by played as per Qatar Cricket Ajyan Projects, one of the lead- the opening match between Association's tournament rules ing facility management Vodafone and Shark XI. and regulations. The tourna- companies in Qatar, and A total of 16 teams have ment coordinator is Riyaz QPLAYS, the event is managed confirmed their participation, Cheeroth, while Mohammed by Qbiz Events. with four teams divided into Naseem is the technical Ibn Ajayan Trophy is part four groups each. The winner coordinator. of a cricket tournament held takes home QR 15,000 while Teams every year. the runners-up is richer by Group A: CBQ-Blue, United Ibn Ajayan Projects have QR10,000. Challengers, Masters CC, been pioneers in promoting Group A comprises of CBQ- Friends XI. and popularising cricket in Blue, United Challengers, Group B: Vodafone, Pak Qatar, organising many tour- Masters CC, Friends XI, while Falcons, Kansai Paints, Shark naments over the last few Vodafone, Pak Falcons, Kan- XI years, with the game widely sai Paints, Shark XI complete Group C: Pakistan Cricket followed by the Asian expats. Group B. Academy (PCA), Regal Strik- The vision of Ibn Ajayan In Group C, the teams are ers, The Gladiators, Al Hamra Projects is to develop a cricket Pakistan Cricket Academy CC culture in Qatar and holding (PCA), Regal Strikers, The Group D: Al Noof CC, Cen- these kind of tournaments will Gladiators, Al Hamra CC and turian CC, Qatar Foundation, go a long way in expanding the in Group D the teams consist Lankan CC. 34 SPORT TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2016 Magnificent Murray rules the world

ATP TOUR SINGLES London Murray's win came two days STANDINGS Reuters after older brother Jamie was 1 (1) Andy Murray(Britain) 12685 crowned number one doubles pair 2 (2) Novak Djokovic(Serbia) 11780 is season had already with Brazil's Bruno Soares and a 3 (4) Milos Raonic(Canada) 5450 provided several year since Dunblane's finest led 4 (3) Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) 5315 unforgettable chap- Britain to the Davis Cup title. 5 (5) Kei Nishikori(Japan) 4905 ters but Andy Murray Djokovic had won 22 of his 6 (7) Marin Cilic (Croatia) 3650 saved the best to last past 23 matches at the Thames- 7 (6) Gael Monfils (France) 3625 Has he eclipsed Novak Djokovic side venue, but the cracks that 8 (9) Dominic Thiem (Austria) 3415 6-3, 6-4 to claim his first ATP have appeared in his game since 9 (8) Rafa Nadal (Spain) 3300 World Tour Finals title and rub- completing a career slam by beat- 10 (10) Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) 3060 berstamp the year-end top ing Murray in the French Open 11 (11) David Goffin (Belgium) 2780 ranking on Sunday. final returned after a trouble-free 12 (12) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) 2550 Against a man who has so route to the final. 13 (13) Nick Kyrgios (Australia) 2460 often been his nemesis, Britain's He made 30 unforced errors 14 (14) Roberto Bautista (Spain) 2350 golden boy Murray produced a and some of his mistakes would 15 (15) Lucas Pouille (France) 2156 relentless display to claim a ninth have embellished a video nasty. 16 (16) Roger Federer (Switzerland) 2130 title of a year which included a Despite his year tailing off, 17 (17) Grigor Dimitrov(Bulgaria) 2035 second Wimbledon crown and however, and losing a 9,000-point 18 (18) Richard Gasquet (France) 1885

Olympic gold in Rio. ranking lead over Murray, Djok- 19 (19) John Isner(US) 1850 Murray's play in the winner- ovic still won seven titles and 20 (20) Ivo Karlovic (Croatia) 1795 takes-all season climax was all finally ruled at Roland Garros. the more remarkable as a day He was gracious in defeat. WTA TOUR SINGLES earlier he looked on the point of "Definitely he is the number STANDINGS mental and physical exhaustion one in the world. He is the best after taking almost four hours to player and deserved to win. He 1 (1) Angelique Kerber (Germany) 9080 subdue Milos Raonic in the played the better tennis in the 2 (2) Serena Williams (US) 7050 semi-final. decisive moments. Credit to Andy 3 (3) Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) 5600 It would have been blow to for being mentally tough." 4 (4) Simona Halep (Romania) 5228 Murray's solar plexus if, two The world's two dominant 5 (5) Dominika Cibulkova (Slovakia) 4875 weeks after dislodging Djokovic forces colliding on a spectacular 6 (6) Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 4600 from the top ranking, the Serb had indoor court to contest the last 7 (7) Garbine Muguruza Blanco (Spain) 4236 ripped it back with a fifth consec- match of the ATP season with the 8 (8) Madison Keys (US) 4137 utive Tour Finals title. number one ranking to be decided. 9 (9) Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) 4115 But his powers of recovery It had never happened before in Andy Murray 10 (10) Johanna Konta (Britain) 3640 appear limitless as he handed an the tournament's history. celebrates with 11 (11) Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 3485 error-prone Djokovic a bitter The fear was that the 10 hours the trophy after 12 (12) Carla Suarez Navarro (Spain) 3070 13 (13) Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) 3061 defeat that will leave a sour taste Murray had spent on court this winning the men's 14 (14) Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 2895 in the 12-times major champion's week, compared to Djokovic's six singles final against 15 (15) Timea Bacsinszky (Switzerland) 2347 mouth as a new season swings and a half, would catch up with Novak Djokovic 16 (16) Elena Vesnina (Russia) 2252 into action in a few weeks. him and snap a career-best win- of the ATP World 17 (17) Venus Williams (US) 2240 On this evidence the Scot may ning run of 23 matches. Tour Finals tennis 18 (18) Roberta Vinci (Italy) 2210

enjoy his new status for some Despite some early nerves tournament in 19 (19) Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 2185 time. Murray quickly put those fears to London on Sunday. 20 (20) Barbora Strycova (Czech R) 2170 Murray double-faulted twice bed, dictating the rallies with in the first game and there was a unerring length and precision. wobble near the end as Djokovic Djokovic looked inhibited and mounted some late resistance, but hesitant. It took him 10 minutes to with the majority of the 17,000 hold serve at 2-3 a game in which 'Arise Sir Andy' fans in the O2 Arena willing him he blazed one smash wildly wide on, Murray completed the job. from virtually over the net. It's very special The last five, six "It's very special playing Murray was at Djokovic's Murray tipped against Novak in a match like this, throat again at 3-4 and Djokovic playing against months have not we've played grand slam finals and buckled, feebly dropping serve Novak in a match been ideal. at the Olympics before, but I am before Murray sealed the set with for knighthood very happy to win and to be world another rock-solid service game. like this, we've I needed some number one is very special. It is The final threatened to played grand slam time to really something I never expected," Mur- become a humiliation for Djoko- London five, six months to get there," ray said. vic as Murray steamed into a 4-1 finals and at the take it all in, AFP Murray said after his 24th lead in the second set. Olympics before, digest it. But I consecutive victory brought He gave himself a flicker of ndy Murray was him a fifth title in his last five Moment of glory hope with a break and a hold but I am very didn't have that tipped to become 'Sir tournaments. though, and the crowd quietened happy to win and Andy' after crowning "I'm aware that's going Murray eclipses Novak time. I had to... A a little as Djokovic began swing- a golden season on top of the to be extremely difficult Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 to ing dangerously, winning one to be world be on the court world days after brother because I had a great year claim his first ATP hypnotic 33-stroke rally before number one is right away. I Jamie topped the doubles this year and I only managed World Tour Finals title. Murray dug his heels in to lead 5-3. very special. It is standings, prompting their to do it by one match. Two match point came and guess that all mother to hail the "kings of "But now that I've got went at 5-4 but Murray's corona- something I never had its toll: world tennis". there, I would be motivated His win comes two days tion as the world's best player expected: Britain's Serbia's Novak Murray's victory capped to try and stay in that after older brother could begin when Djokovic floated an impressive 2016 that also position." Jamie was crowned a return wide on the third. Andy Murray Djokovic saw the Scot win the Wim- He added: "The majors number one doubles The doubles title was won by bledon and Olympic singles are what gets me working pair with Brazil's Bruno Australian John Peers and Fin- titles. Having spent the hard and what really, really Soares. land's Henri Kontinen who beat majority of his career over- motivates me. When I go Raven Klaasen and Rajeev Ram. shadowed by the incredible away in December to train, achievements of Djokovic, I'm training with the Austral- Roger Federer and Rafael ian Open in mind. Nadal, Murray can finally His victory over Djoko- claim he is the best player on vic capped a brilliant week the planet. for the Murray family after Murray eyes long reign at the top Leading British book- brother Jamie guaranteed maker William Hill promptly the year-end doubles world London would be motivated to try and installed Murray as a 2/1 number one pair ranking AFP stay in that position." chance to be given a knight- together with Brazil's Bruno When he wakes up on Mon- hood by Queen Elizabeth II Soares. ndy Murray has warned day morning, even Murray in Britain's New Year hon- Judy Murray, the broth- Novak Djokovic he is might be tempted to ask himself ours list ers' mother and herself a Aready to embark on a sus- if the last 11 months were all a Were he to be so hon- tennis coach, posted a pic- tained period of dominance dream. oured, Murray would join ture of her two sons on after the Scot crowned a golden As if winning a second Wim- Olympic champions Sir Bra- Twitter, captioned: "Andy & season by finishing on top of the bledon title, taking a second dley Wiggins (cycling) and Jamie Murray: Pride of Scot- world. Olympic gold medal and becom- Sir Ben Ainslie (sailing) as land, Kings of world The 29-year-old's first Tour ing a father for the first time sportsmen with a tennis." Finals title came with the hugely wasn't enough to keep him knighthood. There was praise too significant bonus of ensuring happy, Murray is now looking "Come on your majesty from Federer, widely that he remained above Djoko- down on the rest of the tennis @andy_murray for a knight- regarded as one of tennis's vic in the year-end rankings world from his new perch. hood. World number one," all-time greats: "Epic start to after he knocked the Serb from And, with Djokovic stuck in tweeted businessman Alan the year by @DjokerNole. pole position two weeks ago. a rut for several months and Sugar, a former chairman of Epic end to the year by @ "I would like to try and stay Federer and Nadal battling with Premier League football club andy_murray, ending #1 ðY? there, obviously. It's taken a injuries in the twilight of their Tottenham Hotspur. Congrats guys." huge effort the last five, six careers, Murray knows there's But while Wiggins is And the congratulations months to get there," Murray a chance for him to add to his winding down his illustrious extended beyond the world said after his 24th consecutive three Grand Slam titles and career, Murray made it clear of tennis, with JK Rowling, victory brought him a fifth title extend his lead at the top. he wanted to retain his the author of the best-sell- in his last five tournaments. "The majors are what gets number one ranking and add ing Harry Potter books, "I'm aware that's going to be me working hard and what to his tally of three Grand tweeting: "I'd almost forgot- extremely difficult because I had really, really motivates me. Serbia's Novak Djokovic (right) greets Great Britain's Andy Murray Slam singles titles. ten what it's like when the a great year this year and I only When I go away in December to and after the Barclays ATP World Tour Final at the O2 Arena in "I would like to try and person you really, really managed to do it by one match. train, I'm training with the Aus- London on Sunday. stay there, obviously. It's want to win, wins! @ But now that I've got there, I tralian Open in mind," he said. taken a huge effort the last andy_murray". TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2016 SPORT 35

Chelsea's Brazilian-born ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE STANDINGS Spanish striker Diego Costa Dortmund Position Team Played Goal Difference Points (left) vies for the ball with Middlesbrough's English goalkeeper 1 Chelsea 12 18 28 defender Calum Chambers 2 Liverpool 12 16 27 during their English Premier Buerki sidelined 3 Man City 12 16 27 League football match at 4 Arsenal 12 13 25 Riverside Stadium in with injury 5 Tottenham 12 10 24 Middlesbrough, on Sunday. 6 Man Utd 12 3 19 7 Everton 12 2 19 Berlin 8 Watford 12 -3 18 Reuters 9 Bournemouth 12 -2 15 10 Southampton 12 0 14 orussia Dortmund goal- 11 Burnley 11 -4 14 keeper Roman Buerki 12 West Brom 11 -3 13 Bis set to be out of action 13 Stoke 12 -6 13 for at least two months after 14 Leicester 12 -6 12 breaking his hand during the 15 Middlesbrough 12 -3 11 side's 1-0 league win over 16 Crystal Palace 12 -4 11 Bayern Munich on Saturday, 17 West Ham 12 -10 11 the club said. 18 Hull 12 -17 10 The 26-year-old Buerki

19 Sunderland 12 -9 8 will miss the remaining Bun- 20 Swansea 12 -11 6 desliga fixtures up until the start of the winter break in December as well as his club's two remaining Champions League group matches. The Swiss would undergo surgery in the coming days and was expected to be ruled out for at least eight weeks, Dortmund said in a statement. Dortmund, who have already qualified for the knockout stage of Europe's elite club competition, climbed to third spot in the Bundesliga, three points Costa sends Chelsea to the top behind champions Bayern and six off leaders RB Leip- zig. The Ruhr valley club are Middlesbrough Chelsea on the run following promotion. Costa contrast to earlier in the half looked like troubling Chelsea's hosting Poland's Legia War- AFP rewarded Chelsea's dominance when the former Barcelona man three-man back line. saw in the Champions League as the Spaniard put the visitors produced a stunning fingertip Having not conceded a on Tuesday, with former Ger- iego Costa scored -- unchanged for the fifth con- save to deflect a first-time league goal since September 24 many international Roman his 10th goal of the 10 secutive league game -- ahead Pedro shot over the bar. -- almost 10 hours of football -- Weidenfeller set to replace season as Chelsea Number of goals scored by four minutes before the end of It was one of few clear-cut Chelsea are on their best Buerki in goal. won 1-0 at Mid- Diego Costa this season a tight first half. chances before the interval as defensive run for six years. dlesbrough to It stemmed from a disputed Boro were largely successful in Goalkeeper Thibaut Cour- Drecord a sixth consecutive vic- corner, as Middlesbrough their attempts to negate the tois preserved their latest tory and take over at the claimed debutant full-back threat of Conte's side by pack- shut-out late on when he par- Costa Rica's Premier League summit. Fabio da Silva had not touched ing midfield and looking to ried a powerful Negredo volley Costa struck for the third 28 the ball as it ran out of play. counter-attack. as the hosts belatedly pushed Badilla dies straight game with half-time Total number of points for Eden Hazard's in-swinging The out-of-touch Alvaro bodies forward. approaching as Antonio Conte's Chelsea this season. It took set-piece looped into the air as Negredo wasted their two main The majority of chances side underlined their title cre- them a point clear of Calum Chambers and Gaston openings, first firing across the arrived at the other end. during run dentials by posting a sixth clean Liverpool and Manchester Ramirez challenged Marcos face of goal and then heading Alonso almost doubled the sheet in a row. City and three ahead of Alonso at the near post. wide from Antonio Barragan's visitors' advantage within sec- Santa Ana It took them a point clear of fourth-place Arsenal. Despite the hosts having deep cross. onds of kick-off in the second Reuters Liverpool and Manchester City, numbers back to defend Costa Ramirez shot over early in half, the Spaniard forcing a fine and three ahead of fourth-place reacted first to volley the loose the second half after Negredo's low save from Valdes after Haz- ormer Costa Rica inter- Arsenal. Only the woodwork Aitor Karanka's side ball home from inside the six- dummy created space on the ard helped on Victor Moses's national Gabriel Badilla prevented Chelsea from win- retained hope while the deficit yard box, taking him to double edge of the box for the Uruguay cross. Fhas died aged 32, the ning by a more handsome remained at a single goal, but figures for the campaign. international, but it was a rare The second goal failed to Costa Rica Star reported on margin as Pedro Rodriguez hit the gulf in class between the Middlesbrough goalkeeper threat from the hosts. materialise, but Chelsea closed Sunday, the newspaper say- the bar midway through the sides was clear and it leaves Victor Valdes was partially at Boro have forced draws out their latest victory with rel- ing the defender collapsed second half, during which Mid- Boro one point above the rele- fault for failing to come off his against Arsenal and Pep Guar- ative ease to secure another near the finish of a 10km race dlesbrough were forced to hang gation zone in their first season line. diola's City this season, but after valuable three points towards in Santa Ana. on for long spells. back in the Premier League His indecision was in stark falling behind they rarely their growing title challenge. The cause of death had not been determined, but was likely a heart attack, the Star added.Badilla, who under- Inter Milan's went heart surgery in 2013 Croatian retired in June after playing Messi set for 25 matches for his country. forward Ivan Perisic (right) Domestically, he made scores against more than 200 appearances for Saprissa and also had a AC Milan Celtic return brief stint in Major League during their Soccer with the New England Italian Serie A Revolution. football match Barcelona Messi was forced to pull at the 'San AFP out of Barca's matchday Siro Stadium' squad just hours before Kane says he in Milan on ionel Messi (pictured) kick-off and the Spanish Sunday. looks set to return for champions paid a heavy is in talks to LBarcelona's Champions price as the stalemate saw League trip to Celtic on Luis Enrique's men fall four extend Spurs Wednesday after overcom- points behind Real Madrid ing a sickness bug that forced at the top of La Liga. contract the Argentine to miss Barca's Messi returned to train- 0-00 0 ddraw aw wwith t MaMalaga aga oon ingg on o MoMonday day aand d looks oo s set Saturday.Saturday. toto start in GlasgowGlasgow aalonglong witwithh London Reuters LuisLuis Suarez, wwhoho was sussus-- Perisic strikes late to save Inter pendedpended for Malaga's visit to triker Harry Kane has thethe Camp Nou. confirmed he is in talks Barca lead Group C by Sto sign an improved con- Milan However Milan's celebra- for Suso to fire Milan into the twotwo points ffromrom Man- tract with Tottenham Hotspur AFP tion plans were promptly lead just before the break, and chchesterester City withwith just a and reiterated that he has no cancelled as Perisic, the Neraz- he wants improvements up pointpoint needed from their intention of agitating for a van Perisic struck a dramatic zurri's star player on the night, front. finalfinal two gagamesmes enouenoughgh transfer away from his boy- late leveller to grab a share coolly side-footed past teen- "To score goals you need toto secure ququalificationalification hood club. I of the spoils for Inter Milan aged goalkeeper Gianluigi determination and a little forfor tthehe llastast 16. Kane, the league's top in an enthralling 2-2 derby Donnarumma from a knocked- anger, this is certainly some- scorer last season, has strug- draw with AC Milan that saw on corner in the first minute of thing we have to improve on," gled with an ankle injury for Suso hit a brace for the hosts. added time. Pioli said afterwards. a part of the current cam- Milan, looking to move up Milan remain third and "We have to find players paign, making seven Premier to second behind Juventus after level on points with Roma, with who have this kind of League appearances so far, Roma's 2-1 slip-up earlier at both seven points behind lead- attitude." but made a scoring return Atalanta, were seconds away ers Juve. Inter are up to ninth. Although not a direct refer- against in the north London from securing the local brag- It was new Inter coach Pio- ence to Inter striker Mauro derby Arsenal on Nov. 6. ging rights. li's first game in charge of a Icardi, who failed to add to his He followed that up with Suso broke the deadlock on Serie A club since being sacked league-leading tally of 10 goals two late goals to give his side 43 minutes and hit a brilliant by Lazio following a 3-1 defeat on the night, the Argentine has a 3-2 home win over West second before the hour after to city rivals Roma in April. been warned. Ham United on Saturday, Antonio Candreva had given The 51-year-old coach saw He was one of several Inter keeping Spurs fifth in the Stefano Pioli's men hope with his team dominate an enthral- players to spurn chances in a table, a point behind a well-struck but controversial ling opening half that had dominant first half in front of Arsenal. 53rd-minute leveller. Donnarumma on his toes only over 77,000 fans.