RRUGBYUGBY | Page 4 FOOTBALL | Page 7 Ford back Argentina, the at fl yhalf football world for mourn genius against Maradona

Friday, November 27, 2020 CRICKET Rabia II 12, 1442 AH Pakistan cricketers GULF TIMES positive for Covid-19 in New Zealand SPORT Page 3 FOCUS 2022 World Cup will transform attitude towards sustainability: al-Thawadi ‘Our focus was on building modern, versatile facilities that serve all members of society long after the tournament ends’

E Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Com- mittee for Delivery & HLegacy (SC), believes the FIFA World Cup has the potential to transform people’s attitudes to sustainability in Qatar. Speaking during the Doha Smart Cities Summit, al-Tha- wadi outlined the diff erent ways Qatar 2022 will help people lev- erage new technology and change their lives for the better. Organised by Msheireb Properties, the virtual sum- mit brought together experts to discuss the future of smart cit- ies through a series of keynote speeches and panel discussions. Discussions focused on how to leverage smart technology to Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Secretary-General HE tackle Covid-19, responses to Hassan al-Thawadi. climate change, the importance of cybersecurity and the poten- Another example of sustain- Al-Thawadi also spoke about tial of autonomous vehicles. ability can be found at Ras Abu how the stadiums built for the During his keynote address, Aboud Stadium, which is being tournament were designed in a al-Thawadi highlighted the im- constructed using shipping con- manner that would eliminate the portance of sustainability – one tainers and will be completely creation of so-called ‘white el- of the core pillars of Qatar 2022. dismantled after the tourna- ephants’. “There is a close connec- ment, with its parts used to cre- He said: “Our goal behind de- tion between sustainability and ate sporting facilities across Qa- signing the stadiums and their legacy, and we have affi rmed our tar and overseas. It will be the surrounding areas is not lim- commitment to both since the fi rst fully demountable stadium ited to hosting matches over a fi rst moments of preparing Qa- in FIFA World Cup history. 28-day period only. Rather, our tar’s bid to host the FIFA World “Thousands of seats will be focus was on building modern, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, being constructed using shipping containers, will be the first fully demountable stadium in FIFA World Cup history. Cup,” said al-Thawadi. donated for the purpose of build- versatile facilities that serve all Qatar and FIFA have made ing sports facilities in a number members of society and enhance taurants, sporting facilities and Msheireb, Qatar Foundation and ing to a 5G network, commuting In particular, al-Thawadi several commitments around of countries in co-ordination community bonds long after the more. other Qatar 2022 stakeholders. aboard the Doha Metro, staying stressed the importance of work- sustainability, all of which are with FIFA, and, in doing so, pro- tournament ends.” Al-Thawadi also spoke about “Work continues tirelessly to at Msheireb or other locations, ing with a variety of diff erent outlined in the Qatar 2022 Sus- viding a unique mode of legacy Between them, all eight Qa- how organisers are committed to ensure the provision of a smart and transporting between diff er- partners to create what he re- tainability Strategy, most notably that organisers of future major tar 2022 stadiums feature a vast creating a fan experience that is experience for visitors in 2022, ent tournament stadiums and all ferred to as, “an exceptional, un- a plan to deliver the fi rst carbon tournaments can benefi t from,” range of legacy facilities, includ- centred on smart technologies, from the moment they board tourist attractions in the coun- paralleled experience in 2022”. neutral World Cup in history. said al-Thawadi. ing public parks, shops, res- leveraging other initiatives by a plane to Qatar, to connect- try,” said al-Thawadi. (Qatar2022.qa)

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QFA President receives Iraqi sports minister Coach Choi calls for focus as Shanghai Shenhua eye repeat win over Tokyo

AFC tively to secure the points. Doha “Every single game is very important. You have to show that you leave everything on the hanghai Shenhua head pitch,” said Kim. coach Choi Kang-hee Perth Glory have a very slim has called for focus as his shot at progression to the next side face FC Tokyo for stage. “We are here on a dual theS second time in three days in mission to win every game and Group F of the 2020 AFC Cham- to build a new squad with a rela- pions League. tively young squad with new The Chinese side managed faces ahead of the new A-League a narrow win courtesy of a season,” said head coach Chris- 72nd minute penalty scored by tian Ola. Yu Hanchao, giving Shanghai Action from the AFC Champions League Group F match between The matches will be preceded Shenhua their second win of the Shanghai Shenhua (in white) and FC Tokyo (in blue) at Education by a moment of silence for Ar- campaign and placing them in City Stadium on Tuesday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil gentina legend Diego Maradona, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani (second from right), President of the Qatar Football second place in the group. who passed away aged 60 from a Association, with Adnan Dirjal, the Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports. “I felt that we were lucky to win Round of 16. comeback victory against Perth heart attack on Wednesday. the fi rst game,” said Choi. “We “We played the fi rst game and Glory as the two sides lock horns By Sports Reporter who is on a visit to the State of The two off icials discussed mat- have to treat our opponents seri- now we know the atmosphere in again in Group F of the 2020 AFC TODAY’S FIXTURES Doha Qatar. ters of mutual interest, seeking ously. We are still facing diffi cul- Doha, the stadiums and our op- Champions League today. GROUP E This visit comes within the ways and means to develop ties and we need to stay focused. ponents too so now we can play Two days ago, the J1-League 1pm: Melbourne Victory (AUS) framework of the distinguished fruitful years of co-operation be- I trust the players to accomplish an aggressive Tokyo FC style,” side needed a very late rally to vs Beijing FC (CHN) heikh Hamad bin Khalifa relations between QFA and the tween Qatar and Iraq in sports. our target and play well.” said Hasegawa. down their Australian oppo- 4pm: Chiangrai United (THA) vs bin Ahmed al-Thani, Presi- Iraqi sports family. Both off icials agreed to work With a win, a draw and a nents, having gone down to a FC Seoul (KOR) Sdent of the Qatar Football The meeting was also at- on projects that would help de- loss from the fi rst three group PERTH GLORY WIN GIVES US Daniel Stynes eff ort 20 minutes GROUP F Association (QFA), received tended by Mushtaq al-Waili, velop football in Qatar and Iraq. stage games, head coach Kenta CONFIDENCE: ULSAN’S KIM from time before Kim In-sung 1pm: Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) vs in his off ice on Wednesday Executive Director of the Later both off icials posed for Hasegawa’s FC Tokyo side need Head coach Kim Do-hoon be- and Junior Negrao scored in the Perth Glory (AUS) afternoon Adnan Dirjal, the Iraqi Strategic and Institutional photographs and exchanged a result today if they are to stand lieves his Ulsan Hyundai side will fi nal minute of normal time and 4pm: Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) Minister of Youth and Sports, Planning Office QFA. mementoes. any chance of progression to the take confi dence from their 2-1 late in stoppage time respec- vs FC Tokyo (JPN) Gulf Times 2 Friday, November 27, 2020 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT ODI SERIES Australia’s Finch says Indian captain Kohli fi xed IPL glitches ahead of India series

Reuters and being really committed in Sydney that regard.” The plans for India’s tour of baffl ed by Rohit’s Australia have been ripped up ustralia’s limited-overs and redrawn dozens of times over captain Aaron Finch the last eight months but the ac- said he has ironed out tion fi nally gets underway with the kinks in his batting the fi rst one-day international at aheadA of the series against India the Sydney Cricket Ground. after a lean run in the recent In- It was at the same venerable absence in Australia dian Premier League (IPL). ground on March 13 that Austral- Finch managed just 268 runs, ia last hosted international men’s including one fi fty, in 12 matches cricket, with the hosts beating ‘It’s been very confusing and there’s been a lot of uncertainty... around the situation’ for Royal Challengers Bangalore, New Zealand by 71 runs to snap a who are captained by India skip- fi ve-match losing streak in one- Reuters per Virat Kohli, and was dropped dayers. The 48,000 seats were Sydney out of the starting side before empty that day as the pandemic being recalled for the playoff s. began to bite but Australia’s rela- Since returning to Australia tive success at containing the vi- ndia captain Virat Kohli said he was from the IPL, Finch has spent rus means up to half of them will kept in the dark about deputy Rohit much of the two-week quaran- be occupied on Friday. Sharma’s hamstring injury and be- tine period fi ne-tuning his game India’s squad will be raring to lieves the opener should have trav- under the watchful eye of assist- go after coming out of two weeks Ielled to Australia to boost his chances ant coach Andrew McDonald. of quarantine, while Australia’s of playing the Test series against Tim “It’s just a few balance things, players will be reunited after pre- Paine’s men. just head position in my stance paring in two separate groups to Rohit was initially ruled out of the en- and small things like that I some- satisfy biosecurity protocols. Vi- tire Australia tour with the injury which times can forget about,” Finch rat Kohli’s tourists are the second kept him out of four Indian Premier said ahead of the one-day series ranked ODI side in the world and League (IPL) matches in the United Arab opener today. will be looking to get into their Emirates. The 33-year-old, however, re- “You tend to get a little bit groove in the three 50-over and turned to lead Mumbai Indians to a record one-paced with your training, three Twenty20 matches that fi fth IPL title, prompting questions about almost focused on power-hitting precede the four-match Test se- the extent of his injury. rather than a few minor techni- ries around the new year. Finch The Indian board subsequently added cal things that can help you out. led Australia to a 2-1 series tri- him to the Test squad, while monitor- It hasn’t been anything huge, it’s umph in England in September ing his recovery at the National Cricket a just a few steps I generally go and his side is likely to look pret- Academy in Bengaluru, having deemed to when things haven’t been as ty similar with the all-important him still unfi t to travel with the rest of the smooth as I would have liked.” addition of former skipper Steve team to Australia. “It’s been very confus- Finch said Australia would Smith, who missed the 50-over ing and there’s been a lot of uncertainty... seek to dominate rather than matches because of concussion. around the situation,” Kohli said ahead contain the India captain at the Smith and opener David of today’s one-day series opener in Syd- Sydney Cricket Ground today. Warner were also absent in the ney. “After that (injury), he played in the “If you look at his record it’s sec- aftermath of the Newlands ball- IPL, so we all thought that he was going ond to none,” Finch said of Kohli, tampering scandal when India to be on that fl ight to Australia, which he who averages nearly 60 in the won ODI and test series on their wasn’t. So from the time that the selec- 50-overs format. last visit but both batsmen will tion meeting happened... there’s been no “I think what we have to keep be in the Australia team. information, there’s been a lack of clarity. in mind is that we have to keep All-rounder Mitchell Marsh’s And we’ve been playing the waiting game looking to get him out. When you absence with an ankle injury on this issue for a while now which is not go away from that and you look might off er an opportunity to ideal at all.” to contain players you can miss uncapped youngsters Cameron Like Rohit, Ishant Sharma’s participa- a trick there. He’s probably the Green and Will Pucovski, who tion in the Test series is also uncertain as best one-day player of all time have been in prolifi c form with the quick bowler continues his recovery so it’s about sticking to our plans the bat in the Sheffi eld Shield. from a rib-cage injury in Bengaluru. Kohli said that it would have been ideal for both Rohit and Ishant to complete their re- hab in Australia, similar to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha’s case. Saha, who was originally named in the Test squad, hurt both his hamstrings in the fi rst week of November, while playing for the Sunrirs- ers Hyderabad in the IPL. However, the selectors retained Saha after receiving the nod from the BCCI’s medical team, which was confi dent that he would regain India’s Rohit Sharma (left) and Virat Kohli. (Reuters) fi tness in time for the Test series, where he is one of the two wicketkeepers along to get themselves fi t and be available for “It’s defi nitely surprising,” said Kohli, the selection meeting and I explained the with Rishabh Pant. the start of the Test series,” he said. whose team led the points table but have same to selectors that I will be fl ying back “Yeah, [it] defi nitely would have in- The India captain was also unhappy now slipped to second place, behind Aus- after the fi rst Test. It was purely based on creased the chances of both of them play- with the International Cricket Council’s tralia, who have a higher percentage of the fact that because we have a quaran- ing Test matches,” Kohi said. “Someone (ICC) decision to change rules to deter- points. “It’s happened out of nowhere tine period both ways. I wanted to be back like Saha, who also had an injury during mine the fi nalists for next year’s World and I think further questions about this home in time to be with my wife for the the IPL and is here and doing rehab with Test Championship (WTC). Consider- should be asked to the ICC and under- birth of my fi rst child,” he said. the team, so we are aware of his progress ing the matches that could not be played stand why this has been done...” “It is a very, very special and very, very and he is on the right path to make sure because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Kohli will return home after the fi rst beautiful moment that I want to experi- that he is fi t and available in time to play ICC has decided to rank teams based on Test for the impending birth of his fi rst ence. That was the reason behind my de- the Test series. And same would have the percentage of points won, instead child, and he said said the decision was cision and I communicated to the selec- been the case with Ishant and Rohit as of accumulated points, from completed made prior to the selection meeting. tors during the selection meeting,” Kohli well – it would have given them a chance matches. “The decision was made before we had added. Australia’s limited-overs captain Aaron Finch

FOCUS CONFIDENT NZ, Windies welcome crowds Time to put on a show against South back but Covid impact keenly felt Africa, says England skipper Morgan Reuters AFP Wellington Cape Town

sense of normality returns ngland captain Eoin Morgan to cricket today when New says his England team are de- Zealand take on West In- termined to “put on a bit of a dies in their Twenty20 se- show” in the Twenty20 inter- riesA opener with no restrictions on nationalE series, which starts at New- the crowd size in Auckland, but the lands stadium in Cape Town today. Covid-19 pandemic continues to cast Morgan said he had become well aware a long shadow over the tour. of the importance of live televised sport The global health crisis fractured during the lockdown imposed by Cov- the buildup to the three Twenty20, id-19. “It’s huge,” he said of the chance two-Test series for both sides, with to play international sport and provide some players only released from iso- entertainment for viewers. But Morgan lation yesterday after returning from said he did not foresee an early end to the rearranged Indian Premier League. the need for teams to remain in bio- Also yesterday, six members of the secure “bubbles” while playing. England captain Eoin Morgan (right) with his deputy Jos Buttler. touring Pakistan squad tested positive “There’s news about vaccines but for Covid-19 while in managed isola- New Zealand opener Martin Guptill trains in Wellington yesterday. the fi rst to receive it will be the people tice. “We had open nets and balls were during a practice at Newlands and is tion in Christchurch, highlighting the who really need it. We are well down the fl ying about.” expected to be out for a month. No re- precarious nature of sports tours dur- from the IPL. Several others, includ- ‘A’ that started yesterday. “The prepa- pecking order of who should be priori- South Africa captain Quinton de placement will be named, CSA added. ing the pandemic. The fi xture list for ing stand-in Twenty20 captain Tim ration hasn’t been ideal,” Simmons tised,” he said. “I don’t see any change Kock said his country’s large 24-man De Kock said: “England have an un- the West Indies tour is more congest- Southee, will not play the third match said. “We are hoping that we are mov- before the start of our own summer.” squad had been picked to cover both believable team full of match-winners, ed than typical series, with the three in order to join the test squad, while ing forward even with all the restric- England have further winter tours the T20 series and a one-day interna- but in the last series we gave them a run Twenty20s to be played over four days Stead has also had to call in injury re- tions under Covid.” planned to Sri Lanka and India before tional series immediately afterwards. for their money so I expect a close se- before the fi rst Test starts on Dec. 3 in placements. Simmons said he had little con- then. Morgan said England intended “We will narrow it down to 12 or 13 ries.” Hamilton. Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitch- cern about the IPL group as they had to fi eld their best possible team against when we get to the ground today,” he Morgan echoed De Kock’s thoughts. “Three internationals in four days ell have been brought into the Test come off a tough tournament and South Africa. “It’s the fi rst time in a said. “I expect an extremely competitive se- is diff erent,” New Zealand coach Gary squad to replace Ajaz Patel and Colin was pleased the rest of the team had a long time we’ve had a full-strength Two unnamed South African players ries,” he said, pointing out that earlier Stead told reporters this week. “In de Grandhomme. West Indies coach warmup match in Queenstown under team available for selection. It’s very remain in isolation after testing posi- in the year the two sides had drawn a terms of selection, it’s about as com- Phil Simmons has also had to juggle their belts. “It has been about making exciting.” tive for Covid-19 but Cricket South one-day series in South Africa before plex as I think I’ve ever seen it, and his resources, opting not to choose sure when the IPL group come in that He said he believed his team were Africa announced yesterday there had England narrowly won a T20 series. hopefully will ever see it, so there’s test captain Jason Holder for the this group is as sharp as they would well prepared, with some players hav- been no new positive cases after a third The possibility of infections in plenty of moving parts.” Twenty20 series, while he has had to be coming from a tournament,” Sim- ing been active in the recent Indian round of testing. the South African camp at one stage Stead has rested captain Kane Wil- split his squad due to the late arrival of mons added. Premier League while others had ben- However, all-rounder Dwaine Pre- threatened the six-match English tour. liamson and pace spearhead Trent players from the IPL. “We have been pushing days a little efi ted from an extended off -season torius had been ruled out of both se- The two countries are playing three Boult for the Twenty20 games. The West Indies players not needed for bit harder than we would normally do rest. “Training was very dangerous,” ries after suff ering a hamstring injury Twenty 20 international and three pair were only released from 14-day the Twenty20 series are involved in a to make sure that every one here is as he joked about England’s big-hitting during training. Pretorius, 31, with 22 One-Day Internationals at Newlands isolation yesterday after returning four-day match against New Zealand sharp as he can be for Friday.” batsmen fl exing their muscles in prac- ODI caps, suff ered a hamstring injury and in Paarl. Gulf Times Friday, November 27, 2020 3 SPORT

FOCUS GOLF Meronk, Roussel hold one-stroke Pakistan cricketers lead at Leopard Creek Country Club

AFP amateur titles before turn- Johannesburg ing professional last year, will positive for Covid-19 hope for much better form Friday to avoid the embarrass- oland’s Adrian ment of missing the cut. Meronk and Richard Joburg Open winner Roussel from France Joachim B. Hansen from shared the Alfred Denmark opened with a two- PDunhill Championship fi rst under 70 over a course that round lead on 65 yesterday, borders the world renowned in New Zealand while South African big-hitter Kruger National Park game Wilco Nienaber carded a dis- reserve. appointing 71. Fresh from a maiden Euro- ‘THE TEAM AS A WHOLE HAS BEEN ISSUED WITH A FINAL WARNING’ Meronk and Roussel pean Tour triumph, his card shrugged off modest recent included six birdies, two bo- European Tour form with geys and a double bogey six at seven-under rounds over the eighth. the Leopard Creek Country Defending champion Pablo Club course near Malelane in Larrazabal from Spain could northeastern South Africa. manage only a two-over 74 Scott Jamieson from Scot- marred by a double bogey and land lies third after a 66 and two bogeys. Richard Bland of England carded a 67 for fourth place. Leading scores after first After three birdies and round two bogeys on the front nine, (RSA unless noted) 334-ranked Roussel birdied 65-Adrian Meronk (POL), fi ve straight holes from 10 and Robin Roussel (FRA) picked up another at the last. 66-Scott Jamieson (SCO) Meronk eagled the sixth 67-Richard Bland (ENG) and fi nal holes, birdied four 68-Gavin Green (MAS), Sebas- and bogeyed one as he seeks tian Garcia Rodriguez (ESP), a maiden European Tour title Ockie Strydom after turning professional four 69-Christiaan Basson, Chris- years ago. tiaan Bezuidenhout, Jacques Nienaber, the 20-year-old Blaauw, Steven Brown (ENG), rising star of South African Benjamin Follett-Smith (ZIM), golf, fi nished runner-up in the David Horsey (ENG), Mat- Joburg Open, with a 439-yard thew Jordan (ENG), Masahiro altitude-assisted drive during Kawamura (JPN), Jbe Kruger, the fi rst round capturing in- Joost Luiten (NED), James du ternational attention. Preez, Jayden Trey Schaper, He seemed set for a low Marcel Siem (GER), Daniel van score after four birdies within Tonder, Oliver Wilson (ENG), six holes, but his round then Chris Wood (ENG) went topsy-turvy with a dou- SELECTED ble bogey, four bogeys and 70-Joachim B. Hansen (DEN) three birdies. 71-Wilco Nienaber Nienaber, a winner of 21 74-Pablo Larrazabal (ESP)

World champ Coleman appeals two-year ban for breaching whereabouts rules

Pakistan’s 53-member tour party tested negative before leaving Lahore and were swabbed again after arriving for a spell of managed isolation in Christchurch on Tuesday. World 100m champion Christian Coleman has appealed against his ban for breaching anti-doping whereabouts rules, the Court AFP Covid-19 out of our communi- Bloomfi eld said CCTV showed largely returned to normal, but sure they understood the quar- of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said yesterday. CAS said it had reg- Wellington ties,” director-general of health, members of the tour party border control remain strict. antine requirements. istered Coleman’s appeal after he was banned for two years by Ashley Bloomfi eld, said in a breaching social distancing pro- All overseas arrivals must un- New Zealand’s military helps the Athletics Integrity Unit’s (AIU) Disciplinary Tribunal last month statement. tocols. dergo two weeks in quarantine, manage border virus accommo- and is set to miss next year’s Tokyo Olympics. “In his appeal to akistan’s cricket tour of The health ministry said Paki- “The team as a whole has been although New Zealand Cricket dation and air commodore Dar- the CAS, Christian Coleman requests that the decision of the AIU New Zealand was in the stan’s 53-member tour party, led issued with a fi nal warning,” negotiated special privileges to ryn Webb said there were robust Disciplinary Tribunal... be set aside and that the sanction be elimi- balance yesterday after by skipper Babar Azam, tested he said. “It’s important to note allow the tourists to train to- procedures in place to deal with nated, or in the alternative, reduced,” it said in a statement. six squad members test- negative before leaving Lahore that all incidents of breaches gether. positive tests. Under the so-called whereabouts rule, elite athletes must make Ped positive for Covid-19 and the and were swabbed again after occurred within the facility and Health authorities said these “Our focus is on keeping the themselves available for random out-of-competition testing and team received a “fi nal warning” arriving for a spell of managed there is no risk to the public.” had been revoked after several rest of the squad and our staff state a location and one-hour window where they can be found for fl outing quarantine rules. isolation on the South Island on The West Indies cricket team team members were seen on safe,” he said. “For that reason, on any given day. Three failures to properly file whereabouts in- New Zealand health authori- Tuesday. were also reprimanded by New CCTV “breaching managed iso- all other team members must re- formation or being absent during the hour stated in a 12-month ties revoked the Pakistan play- Six tests came back positive Zealand health authorities for lation rules, despite clear, con- main in their rooms while inves- period can result in a one- or two-year suspension. ers’ ability to train while in isola- and those aff ected were moved similar breaches earlier this sistent and detailed communi- tigations continue.” The American sprinter said at the time of his provisional sus- tion at their Christchurch hotel, into stricter quarantine, it said, month when they were in man- cation of expected behaviours”. Even before Pakistan arrived pension that anti-doping off icials had not followed procedure making clear they would not tol- with New Zealand Cricket add- aged isolation. New Zealand has The tour is scheduled to begin on Kiwi soil the tour had been when he missed them after going Christmas shopping last erate risky behaviour in a coun- ing that four cases were new and largely eradicated community with the fi rst of three Twenty20 hit by ill health, with Pakistan’s year at a time when he had said he would be at home. Doping try that has largely eradicated two were regarded as “histori- transmission of coronavirus re- internationals in Auckland on dashing opener Fakhar Zaman control off icers testified before a disciplinary tribunal that they the virus. cal”. “While this is disappointing cording just 1,684 cases and 25 December 18, followed by two ruled out at the 11th hour with a were present during the whole of the allotted hour in front of “It is a privilege to come to for the Pakistan squad, the test- deaths in a population of 5mn. Tests, but will be in jeopardy if persistent fever. his house. CAS also said it had registered an appeal relating to New Zealand to play sport, but ing outcomes and the actions Aggressive testing, snap lock- there are any further breaches. The 30-year-old left-hander world 400m champion Salwa Eid Naser. in return teams must stick to the taken show the government sys- downs and eff ective contact NZC said it was having dis- tested negative along with the (Reuters) rules that are designed to keep tem is working,” NZC said. tracing mean domestic life has cussions with the tourists to en- rest of the squad.

SPOTLIGHT Belarusian medallist, facing crackdown at home, clings to Olympic comeback dream Reuters do this in Belarus,” said Krauchanka, who Moscow missed the last two Olympics because of injury. “You would have to be selfi sh to just ecathlete Andrei Krauchanka leave everything behind to go train as if knows that reaching the Olym- nothing was happening.” pics is seldom an adversity-free The Belarusian Olympic Committee path, but the political crisis in referred questions about his case to the hisD native Belarus has made his quest for country’s athletics federation, which did a fi nal chance to compete on the world’s not immediately comment. Krauchanka biggest sports stage even harder. says he was pulled out of his parked car on The 2008 Olympic silver medallist said Nov. 8 in the capital Minsk and detained he was dismissed from the national team by balaclava-wearing riot police. and sacked from his job after signing an He was sentenced to 10 days in jail for open letter demanding new elections, taking part in protests, as were basket- and later briefl y jailed for participating in ball star Yelena Leuchanka and other elite protests against veteran leader Alexander Belarusian athletes, some of whom have Lukashenko. also lost their state employment or been Belarusians have taken to the streets kicked off national teams. Krauchanka weekly to call for Lukashenko, accused crossed paths with Lukashenko, who also of rigging a presidential vote in August, heads Belarus’ Olympic Committee, sev- to step down. Thousands have been de- eral times after returning home with med- tained. als from international competitions. Deprived of state support, Krauchanka “I always had a positive attitude to- now hopes to qualify for next year’s Tokyo wards him,” Krauchanka said. “But now, Games as an independent athlete compet- after all of this, I think quite diff erently.” ing under the Olympic fl ag. The Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foun- “I don’t want to represent this regime in dation, which supports athletes jailed or any way,” Krauchanka said. sidelined for their political views, is col- Still recovering from an Achilles injury lecting donations to help Krauchanka on and after, he believes, contracting Cov- the road to Tokyo. “To train normally and id-19 in prison, the 34-year-old thinks his prepare to achieve a result, your mind has chances of reaching the decathlon quali- to be in the training,” he said. “But my fying standard hang in the balance. mind, unfortunately, is somewhere else. It “I have to train, probably go to training is in the realities of Belarus, where thou- camps abroad because it’s impossible to sands are in prison for no reason.” Andrei Krauchanka of Belarus celebrates winning the men’s decathlon silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 22, 2008. (Reuetrs) Gulf Times 4 Friday, November 27, 2020 RUGBY

AUTUMN NATIONS CUP FOCUS Burns handed fi rst Ireland start for Ford back at fl yhalf Georgia Test

AFP

illy Burns gets his for England against chance to put himself in pole position to be the long term succes- Bsor to Johnny Sexton as Ire- land fl y-half with his fi rst start against Georgia tomorrow. The 26-year-old England born playmaker has impressed ‘very driven’ Wales in his two performances com- ing on as a replacement in the Georgia - who have been beat- previous en by England and Wales with- FORD IN FOR LAWRENCE, FARRELL SWITCHES TO INSIDE CENTRE games, the win over Wales and out registering a point - they defeat by England. are likely to fi nish second and The Ulster stand-off – who face the runner-up from the Reuters qualifi es through an Irish other pool. That will probably grandfather – will be partnered be Scotland unless France suf- by veteran scrum-half Conor fer a surprise home defeat to Murray as head coach Andy Italy this weekend. eorge Ford will start Farrell rang the changes in the Farrell has already got the at fl yhalf for Eng- starting lineup. Burns and Mur- better of the Scots in the Six land against Wales ray replace Leinster duo Ross Nations but sobering defeats in tomorrow, Byrne and Jamison Gibson-Park recently to les Bleus and Eng- Gwith captain join- - the former makes the bench as land have raised concerns ing Henry Slade in the centres as the latter misses out entirely. amongst pundits and fans. Eddie Jones’ team seek to make “We are excited to see Billy The former England inter- it three wins out of three in the get his fi rst start and run the national, though, says it is all Autumn Nations Cup. show for the fi rst time,” said part of the process as he re- Ford returned from an Achil- Farrell yesterday’s press con- builds following last year’s les injury to come off the bench ference. “He has been involved and the de- in last week’s 18-7 win over Ire- from the bench now is his parture of his predecessor Joe land and Jones will be looking for chance to grab a hold of the Schmidt. “Of course you can his incisive distribution to fi re a team and the game.” call these growing pains that is backline which looked sharp in Burns’s Ulster team-mates a good way of putting it. Or you the fi rst half at Twickenham but and Iain can call it priceless experience failed to spark in the second. Henderson return too at full- as well,” Farrell said. Jones has stuck with Jonny back and lock respectively. “I made it pretty clear this May, Jonathan Joseph and Elliot Farrell’s men looked sharper tournament is an opportunity Daly as his back three, with the when that trio – and Murray – to grow our playing pool. returning Anthony Watson on came on against England with “We are, due to population the bench, as the only person- Burns setting Stockdale up for and other sports, a small play- nel change to the starting team their try. Henderson will partner ing pool and are one or two is Ford in for injured centre Ollie James Ryan in the second row, injuries away from a crisis. We Lawrence. Jack Willis, who made with the latter captaining the are building for the future. a try scoring debut in the win side for the second time in the “Going away to two big over Georgia but then missed out absence of the injured Sexton. playing nations England and on the Ireland game, is included Farrell says he hopes 24-year- France is about learning and on the bench, alongside fellow old Ryan will have learned from feeling the pressure and mak- backrower Dan Earl. that experience which was a ing sure we bottle that for the Jones has opted for a 6-2 for- tough one with England run- future.” ward/backs split for his replace- ning the show in the line-out ments, with returning hooker until Henderson came on. TEAM (15-1) Luke Cowan-Dickie, props El- “It is a great opportunity for Jacob Stockdale; Hugo lis Genge and and him (Ryan) to refl ect on that Keenan, , Stuart lock named alongside experience and go again cap- McCloskey, ; scrumhalf . Wales taining the side,” said Farrell. Billy Burns, ; CJ ended their six-match losing run Another Ulster player Stuart Stander, , Tadhg with a less-than-impressive vic- England’s George Ford with teammate during their training session in Teddington, Britain. (Reuters) McCloskey gets his fi rst start Beirne; James Ryan (capt), Iain tory over Georgia last week and of the tournament as he part- Henderson; Andrew Porter, though England start strong fa- day – would mean England top 53 caps) 13. Henry Slade (Exeter cens, 52 caps) 3. caps) 17. (Leicester ners Chris Farrell in midfi eld Rob Herring, vourites, Jones sounded a famil- their group and they would then Chiefs, 32 caps) 12. Owen Farrell (, 38 caps) 4. Maro Tigers, 21 caps) 18. Will Stuart for only his fourth cap. Replacements: Dave Hef- iar note of caution. “Wales are in expect to face France in the com- (Saracens, 86 caps) 11. Jonny Itoje (Saracens, 41 caps) 5. Joe (, 6 caps) 19. Jonny McCloskey replaces Bundee fernan, , John Ryan, a situation they probably relish,” petition fi nal at Twickenham on May (, 59 caps) Launchbury (Wasps, 67 caps) 6. Hill (, 2 caps) 20. Aki whilst the other two front- Quinn Roux, Peter O’Mahony, he told reporters yesterday. December 6. 10. George Ford (Leicester (Sale Sharks, 26 caps) (Bristol Bears, 6 caps) line centres , , “They’ve been written off . Tigers, 70 caps) 9. 7. (Bath Rugby, 20 21. Jack Willis (Wasps, 1 cap) 22. and are both They’re playing at the heart ENGLAND (, 102 caps) 1. caps) 8. (Saracens, Dan Robson (Wasps, 5 caps) 23. injured. Should Ireland beat Coach: (ENG) and soul of Welsh rugby at the 15. (Saracens, 45 caps) (Saracens, 62 54 caps) Replacements 16. Luke Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, Llanelli ground, so there’s a lot 14. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, caps) 2. (Sara- Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 24 44 caps). of symbolism for them, and nothing would make their sea- France name fi ve debutants for Italy clash son sweeter than having a win Botham’s grandson starts for Wales against England France coach Fabien Galthie winger Teddy Thomas are over England. We’re expecting a has named five debutants in the only players who retain really tough, brutal sort of game The grandson of England cricket great Ian ery from concussion. -born Botham, in the second row. Teenage wing Louis Rees- a much-changed XV for their their place in the XV, while from a very driven team. Botham will be in Wales’ starting line-up who has moved from blindside to openside Zammit wins a third Test cap but full-back Autumn Nations Cup clash first caps have been handed “Twelve months ago they were when they face England in an Autumn flanker, is joined in the back-row by Taulupe Liam Williams misses out with a facial injury. with Italy tomorrow. to prop Rodrigue Neti, champions and three Nations Cup international at Faletau and Shane Lewis-Hughes. Behind Wales (15-1) With a number of players second rowers Killian Geraci points away from making a World Llanelli tomorrow. Cardiff flanker James the scrum, Cardiff scrum-half Lloyd Williams , Louis Rees-Zammit, Nick unavailable for selection due and Baptiste Pesenti, centre Cup fi nal. They’ve got the same Botham, who made his Test debut in last will make his first Wales start for four years. Tompkins, Johnny Williams, ; to an agreement between the Jean-Pascal Barraque and players. They’re a talented team weekend’s win over Georgia – a result that Williams, who has won 30 caps, partners , Lloyd Williams; Taulupe Fa- Federation and the TOP14, winger Gabin Villiere as Les and we’ll have to be at our best. ended a run of six straight defeats for Wales Dan Biggar at half-back. Meanwhile, with letau, , Shane Lloyd-Hughes; meaning players were only Bleus look to win their fifth We’ve had a great week’s training, – retains his place. But Wales will be without centre Jonathan Davies still out with a knee Alun (capt), ; Samson available for three fixtures international in a row. we’ve just got to tidy up our atti- experienced back-row forwards Justin Tipu- injury, and Johnny Williams Lee, , Wyn Jones during this series of interna- France scored a 35-22 victory tude now to make sure we are 100 ric and as they go up against a are Wales’ centre duo. centre Wil- Replacements: , Rhys Carre, tionals, Galthie has made the last time they faced Italy percent ready to go at the start formidable England pack. Tipuric suff ered liams qualifies for Wales through his father, , , Aaron 13 changes from the side in the Six Nations back in and play with an intensity that a head knock during the 18-0 victory over who is from Rhyl. Meanwhile captain Alun Wainwright, , , that beat Scotland last February, before the Covid-19 Wales have never faced before.” Georgia and long-term absentee Navidi re- Wyn Jones returns to the starting line-up, weekend. enforced shutdown. A win or draw – and probably mains unavailable as he continues his recov- with the veteran lock partnered by Jake Ball Coach: (NZL). Fly half and (Reuters) even a narrow defeat on Satur-

SPOTLIGHT All Blacks seek ‘composure’ against Maradona-inspired Pumas AFP ment and we’ve had to adjust. and go where the space was,” team would pay tribute to him in Sydney The reality is we have to learn Foster said. some way ahead of the match. to control ourselves and be in “That’s really our primary “He was an example of how charge of our own discipline,” focus and the physicality stuff , you should play for this (Argen- ll Blacks coach Ian said Foster. whilst it’s a constant we believe tina) jersey,” he said of Mara- Foster says his under- “We need to show a lot more if we get better (refereeing) deci- dona. pressure team must composure and hopefully that sions and more variety that stuff Ledesma has made sweeping be smarter and more shines through on Saturday.” will look after itself.” changes to his run-on side after disciplinedA to avoid an embar- He has reshuffl ed his forward He added that the massive two draining matches in as many rassing third loss in a row to- line to “freshen up our energy pressure heaped on his team weeks, with 10 new starters. morrow against an Argentinian level”, bringing in prop Nepo from two straight defeats had The only players to retain their side playing in honour of Diego Laulala for Tyrel Lomax, lock fi red them up. starting spots are playmaker and Maradona. Scott Barrett ahead of Patrick “There’s a large part of this sharpshooter Nicolas Sanchez, The three-time world cham- Tuipulotu and loose forward group that you can feel are re- who has scored all 40 of their pions have been under heavy Akira Ioane instead of Shannon ally excited by the challenge... I points so far, captain Pablo Mat- scrutiny after shock Tri Nations Frizell. mean we have got the chance to era, lock Guido Petti, fl anker defeats to Australia and the The All Blacks will need their win a championship, to fi x up Marcos Kremer and veteran Pumas, with calls for Foster’s penalties radar to be working, our performance and hopefully hooker Julian Montoya. axing after just fi ve games in after Argentina held Australia do our country proud.” But he has no worries about charge. try-less and all the points came They will face an Argentinian the new-look side buckling as If they fail to win tomorrow at from kicks in last week’s 15-15 side that are undefeated in their they seek to keep their unbeaten Newcastle, north of Sydney, they draw. two games, leaving them in the run going. will become the fi rst New Zea- Both sides will also have to box seat to win the Tri Nations. “When you get to this stage land team to lose three in a row deal with extreme conditions, All three teams are on six you must be a very driven per- since 1998. with high humidity and tem- points, but Argentina have a son and want to play for your They will need to improve peratures forecast to reach 35 match in hand. country, so I’m not worried,” he their discipline to stop a side Celsius forecast (95 Fahrenheit). It will be an emotional game said. that got under their skin to earn “I think two weeks ago we for the Pumas after the death “It’s a big opportunity in front simple, but crucial, penalties weren’t smart enough, we didn’t Wednesday of football legend of them to keep building the cul- in their 25-15 upset in Sydney a use enough of our kicking op- Maradona, with the side moti- ture and identity of the team and fortnight ago. tions and we didn’t maximise vated to again lift the spirits of maybe the result will be a conse- “The off -the-ball stuff has the opportunities we had against their nation. quence of what we do day in day been a feature of this tourna- them in the early phases of play Coach Mario Ledesma said the out as we improve ourselves.” New Zealand’s coach Ian Foster during a training session at St. Joseph’s College in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, November 27, 2020 5 SPORT

NFL FOCUS Warriors’ Thompson undergoes surgery, Bills hope to bounce expected to make full recovery

Reuters Thompson is a fi ve-time Los Angeles All-Star and is widely consid- back with victory ered one of the greatest shoot- ers ever to play the game. olden State Warriors’ He holds the record for most All-Star shooting points scored in a single quar- guard Klay Thomp- ter (37), most three pointers ‘It almost feels like it’s a new son underwent sea- made in a regular-season game Gson-ending surgery to repair (14) and most three pointers season, a new beginning’ his torn Achilles on Wednes- made in a playoff game (11), and over Chargers day and is expected to make a is an elite defender. full recovery, the team said. After making the NBA Finals Reuters “Klay Thompson underwent fi ve years in a row, the Warriors Los Angeles successful surgery earlier this posted the worst record in the morning to repair a torn right league last season as Thomp- Achilles,” the team said in a son and fellow sharp-shooting he quirkiest of NFL sea- statement. “Splash Brother” Stephen sons has provided yet “The surgery, performed by Curry were sidelined by inju- another twist as the Buf- Dr Richard Ferkel in Los An- ries. falo Bills head into the geles, is expected to keep Klay Curry off ered words of en- Tstretch drive with an eye towards sidelined for the entire 2020- couragement to Thompson securing an AFC East title. 21 NBA season. He is expected this week. The Bills, who are seeking to make a full recovery.” “Klay can come back their fi rst division title since The three-time NBA cham- strong,” he said. “He’s a guy 1995, are coming off their bye pion suff ered the injury a week that loves the game so much. week and will enter a home ago while playing in a practice He is going to do whatever it matchup with the Los Ange- game in his native Southern takes to get back out there on les Chargers on Sunday with California. The 30-year-old the fl oor and be himself.” a one-game division lead over will miss his second consecu- In light of Thompson’s inju- the Miami Dolphins with six to tive season after being forced ry the Warriors recently signed play. That includes a meeting to sit out last season with a small forward Kelly Oubre Jr. with those Dolphins in the fi nal torn left anterior cruciate liga- The NBA regular season scheduled game of the regular ment. kicks off on December 22. season. The Chargers, meanwhile, simply are trying to plug a leaky boat, though the vessel does have a captain they can believe in with rookie sensation quarter- back Justin Herbert. The Bills (7-3) enter off a 32-30, heartbreaking defeat at Arizona on Nov. 15, while the Chargers (3-7) take the fi eld after a 34-28 victory Sunday over the hapless New York Jets that ended a three-game losing streak. Yet it is the Bills who can fi nd plenty of positives in the defeat, while the Chargers’ concerns ac- tually mounted in the victory. As they have done all season, the Bills moved the ball well against the Cardinals, and quar- terback Josh Allen engineered a late go-ahead drive. But the work was derailed when Cardi- nals quarterback Kyler Murray found receiver DeAndre Hop- kins on a 43-yard Hail Mary pass among three Buff alo defenders NBA switches Indianapolis’ in the closing seconds. Allen threw for 284 yards and all-star game to 2024 two touchdowns against the Cardinals, and is seventh in the Indianapolis will now host the Simon, Steve Simon, Rick NFL with 2,871 yards passing 2024 NBA all-star game, leav- Fuson and the entire Pacers and eighth with a 68.4 comple- ing the 2021 showcase in limbo organisation as well as the tion percentage. as the league grapples with NBA All-Star 2021 Host Com- While a rare late bye prevented scheduling changes due to the mittee and the community of the Bills from purging the loss coronavirus pandemic, it was Indianapolis for working with from their system last weekend, Buff alo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley announced on Wednesday. us to reschedule our All-Star it off ered them time to heal some Indianapolis was supposed to activities.” mounting bumps and bruises. against the Jets for a personal- but needed to make a play deep “It’s never one person’s fault,” chest). Nwosu is expected to play host to the 2021 game in No details about the 2021 “It almost feels like it’s a new best 366 yards on Sunday with in their own territory to seal the Lynn said Wednesday. “As miss multiple games. February but the league said game were released. season, a new beginning,” Bills three touchdowns. He now has victory. Already this season, the coaches, this is what we sign Chargers running back that the health situation relat- Cleveland will host in 2022 wide receiver Cole Beasley said. rookie records with fi ve games Chargers have blown leads of at up for. We sign up to work with Austin Ekeler (hamstring) re- ed to the Covid-19 pandemic and Salt Lake City will do “... You grind, grind, grind and of three TD passes or more and least 16 points in four consecu- these young men. If they don’t turned to practice Wednesday, forced them to reschedule it. so in 2023. The 2024 game then you get a bye week late. seven consecutive games where tive games and had the Kansas execute the way we need them but it is unknown if he will “While we are disappointed will be played in February at Now we have six games to go and he has at least two scores. City Chiefs down 11 before los- to execute, then we lose our jobs. play Sunday. He has been out that the NBA All-Star Game Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the you have time to refresh and get Herbert had 277 yards pass- ing. That’s just the way it is.” since carrying the ball twice will not take place in Indiana- home of the Pacers. The state your legs back up underneath ing in the fi rst half alone Sunday, Staff changes have begun as Three Chargers defensive in an Oct. 4 loss to the Tampa polis in 2021, we are looking of Indiana has seen a spike you.” but as the Chargers’ defense has Chargers coach Anthony Lynn de- players did not practice Wednes- Bay Buccaneers. forward to the Pacers and the in coronavirus deaths in the Despite the disappointing been known to do, it struggled moted special teams coach George day: cornerback Casey Hay- The Bills were without defen- city hosting the game and past month with a record 103 team results this season, Herbert in the second half. Los Angeles Stewart and replaced him with as- ward Jr. (groin), and defensive sive end Mario Addison (knee) surrounding events in 2024,” deaths yesterday, taking the continues to roll along. led by as many as 18 points Sun- sistant Keith Burns and coaching ends Melvin Ingram III (knee) and wide receiver John Brown at said NBA commissioner Adam state’s total deaths to close to He was 37-of-49 passing day and 15 in the fourth quarter assistant Chris Caminiti. and Uchenna Nwosu (shoulder/ Wednesday’s practice. Silver. “I want to thank Herb 5,500.

SPOTLIGHT Clippers bring back Morris and Patterson

Reuters pers, he has averaged 12.2 points with Per NBC Sports California, Whiteside New York 4.7 rebounds in 607 games. Morris was will make the veterans’ minimum salary acquired by Los Angeles last season in a in the 2020-21 season. three-team deadline deal that also in- Whiteside, 31, was selected by the Kings arcus Morris Sr. and guard cluded the Washington Wizards. in the second round of the 2010 draft, and Patrick Patterson’s time “We are delighted that Marcus has cho- he played 19 games over two seasons in with the Los Angeles Clip- sen to continue his career with the Clip- Sacramento, averaging 1.5 points and 2.1 pers has been extended after pers,” Clippers president of basketball rebounds per game. Mthe forwards signed free-agent deals on operations Lawrence Frank said. After spending two years abroad play- Wednesday, the team announced. “We obviously depend on his scoring, ing in Lebanon and China, Whiteside Morris’ contract is for four years and shooting ability, and defensive versatil- returned to the United States, where he $64 million, while Patterson’s deal is re- ity. With his experience, toughness, and played fi ve years with the Miami Heat pri- portedly for a year and terms weren’t team-fi rst approach, we will look to him or to spending last season with the Port- disclosed, but it is believed to be for the as a leader as well.” land Trail Blazers. league minimum, according to ESPN. Patterson averaged 4.9 points and 2.6 Whiteside led the NBA in 2019-20 with Morris was acquired by the Clippers rebounds while connecting on 39 percent an average of 2.9 blocked shots per game from the New York Knicks in February of his three-point attempts in 59 games and ranked third with a rate of 13.5 re- and played 19 regular-season games with for the Clippers last season. bounds per game. He put up 15.5 points a his new team. Patterson, 31, has averaged 6.7 points game. He added 13 more games in the play- and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 44.8 In 2015-16, Whiteside topped the off s when Los Angeles was eliminated by percent in 10 NBA seasons with the Hou- league with a career-best 3.7 blocks per the Denver Nuggets after a collapse in the ston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, Toronto game, and the following season he was the Western Conference semi-fi nals. Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder and NBA rebounding champion at 14.1 boards Morris, 31, averaged 10.1 points with 4.1 Clippers. per game while also putting up a career- rebounds in regular-season action with best 17 points per game. the Clippers and 16.7 points with 5.0 re- Kings reportedly agree to Over 410 career games (320 starts), bounds in 62 games with the Knicks and deal with Whiteside Whiteside has averaged 13.7 points, 11.7 Clippers in 2019-20. Hassan Whiteside apparently is headed rebounds and 2.4 blocks. In the playoff s, Morris averaged 11.8 back to the place where his NBA career His arrival comes a day after the points and shot 47.5 percent from 3-point began. Kings declined to match an off er sheet range. The free agent center reached a one- for restricted free agent guard Bogdan In nine career seasons with the Hou- year agreement with the Sacramento Bogdanovic, who landed a reported four- ston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pis- Kings, ESPN and NBC Sports California year, $72 million contract with the Atlanta tons, Boston Celtics, Knicks and Clip- reported Wednesday. Hawks. Gulf Times 6 Friday, November 27, 2020 FOOTBALL

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Ibrahimovic meets coach Melbourne better Andersson about Sweden equipped for rematch comeback with Beijing, says Kean ‘We take a lot of positives from the first game, especially the way we finished the first half’

AFC Doha

elbourne Victory will be well placed to challenge Beijing FC in the second of two 2020 AFC Champions MLeague matches played between the clubs in the space of four days, accord- ing to coach Steve Kean. The Chinese side were impressive 3-1 winners at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday and have established them- selves as the standout team in Group E, Reuters but their Australian opponents are con- Stockholm fi dent of an improved performance at the same venue today. Tuesday’s hit out was Victory’s fi rst in surprise international Doha, and their fi rst competitive match comeback for Zlatan since August, and Kean is sure his side Ibrahimovic moved a will have gained from the experience. step closer yesterday as “Our preparations have been very good theA country’s FA confi rmed that for this match,” said the former Black- boss Janne Andersson had met burn Rovers boss. with the striker in Milan to dis- “We’ve seen it as a benefi t that we’re cuss a possible return. again playing against the same team. The talismanic 39-year-old, We take a lot of positives from the fi rst who was crowned his nation’s game, especially the way we fi nished best player for the 12th time this the fi rst half and the way we fi nished the week, said in a recent interview game, was particularly pleasing for us.” that he missed the national team “We do feel that legs in the compe- and would be open to a return, tition and playing your very fi rst game which prompted Andersson to against such a tough opposition, in such fl y to Milan to meet him. a high-profi le competition is a good ba- “When Zlatan opened up for rometer of where we are. You can’t in- playing in the national team, vent these types of high-quality games. it felt natural and important to They are what they are. We feel we’re a meet and discuss this as soon as lot closer to where we want to get to at possible. I am glad that we man- the end of this competition by having Melbourne are the only Australian side to have notched up a win in this year’s AFC Champions League and are in with a good chance of reaching the knockout stage. aged to get a meeting so quickly,” that fi rst game. We feel as though we’re Andersson told the Swedish FA’s in a better place. We’re confi dent and with the Chinese club easing to three website. are hopeful we can get something from wins from as many matches. Chiangrai haven’t given up on knockout stage: Alongkorn “The meeting was very good the second game.” With a loaded match schedule still to and rewarding, and we agreed With three points on the board from come, Beijing boss Bruno Génésio could Doha: They have lost all three of their 2020 AFC Champions “We will start with the players who are the most ready to continue the dialogue going their win over Chiangrai United back in be forgiven for resting some of his more League matches, but Chiangrai United will fight for a place to play the match and who have the better fitness,” he said. forward,” added the coach, who February, Victory are the only Austral- pivotal players in the remaining group in the tournament’s knockout stage until it becomes a math- “Some players have just started to play and don’t have a missed Sweden’s recent Nations ian side to have notched up a win in this stage fi xtures, but the Frenchman said ematical impossibility, according to interim coach Alongkorn good condition. We have some who have come back from League games after contracting year’s AFC Champions League and ap- he needs to weigh up his players’ recov- Thongsaum. Speaking ahead of Chiangrai’s today’s meeting suspension, so we need to review the team. We don’t have Covid-19. pear to be only side from the country ery with the rhythm of regular football. with FC Seoul, a side who beat them 5-0 on Tuesday, Along- too much time (between games) for training, but we’ve tried After scoring 62 goals in 116 still with a good chance of reaching the “In the last match we already made korn admitted the 2019 Thai champions have it all to do but to have meetings and talk about the tactics. We have to games, Ibrahimovic quit the na- knockout stage. three changes,” said the former Olym- insists his side will continue to fight for as long as possible. contribute more with regards to chance creation.” tional side following their exit To do that, they will likely need to fi n- pique Lyonnais boss. “It’s very impor- “We have to start the match looking for the first goal,” While the onus is on Chiangrai to deliver a far better from Euro 2016 and his rela- ish higher than FC Seoul, who thrashed tant to fi nd the balance between bring- said Alongkorn. “If we can score the first goal, we think we performance, FC Seoul boss Lee Won-jun – also serving in an tionship with Andersson, who Chiangrai 5-0 last time out, but Kean ing the new fresh players in and keeping can get some points from this match. For the next three interim capacity – just needs more of the same for his side to replaced Erik Hamren after that said he is looking no further than Fri- the players in a good rhythm. Players matches, we are going to give our best. We know that it’s take another big step towards the Round of 16. tournament, has been fraught. day’s clash against Beijing. like to play matches, so we need to fi nd quite diff icult now to qualify for the next round, but anything Having won one of their previous eight matches before However, his recent resur- “Both Grant (Brebner) and I stayed the balance between those two points. can happen. It’s just three matches. We hope that we can fol- their five-star display against the Thais, Seoul have six points gence at AC Milan has left many behind to watch that match, but we “We’ll play against the same team as low what we have planned, and if we do, we believe we can from three ACL matches, and can now see a path to success Swedish fans longing for his have to almost park that aside and really our last match, so for us the most im- turn the situation around. We are the underdogs here, so we in the Asian competition, but Lee maintains nothing is guar- international return and if the put our focus on this match (against Be- portant thing is how our players can have nothing to lose and we must fight until the end.” anteed if his side become complacent. coach and player can settle their ijing),” he said. “If we can get a positive concentrate in this game. They need Comprehensively beaten by a rampant Seoul in their “There are a lot of factors that aff ect the games in this diff erences, there may yet be one result (against Beijing), it puts us in a to remain focused and need to play se- first match on Qatari soil, Chiangrai are hopeful their Doha tournament,” he said. “Even though we had a big win in the more chapter in his Sweden ca- very strong position for the third match riously. That’s the big challenge. The travelogue will feature a much rosier second chapter. last game, no one can say that we can beat the same team reer for them to savour. (in Doha).” advantage is that we’ve also learned Pulling off a such a turnaround just 72 hours after suf- very easily in the next game. In the last match we had a 5-0 Ibrahimovic is currently in- With the group at its halfway point, about (Melbourne Victory) from the last fering such a heavy defeat is no easy task, but Alongkorn win, and we expect tomorrow there will be high pressure jured after scoring twice in Na- it appears to be a matter of when and game, now we know them better, and believes his side will be better prepared this time, both from our opponents, but our players have a good mentality ples at the weekend but he in- not if Beijing FC will join Japan’s Vissel it’s important that our players fi nish the physically and tactically. and their condition is good.” sists he will not be out of action Kobe in qualifying for the Round of 16, game with a good attitude.” for long.

SPOTLIGHT BOTTOMLINE Premier League clubs to welcome back fans Rooney’s Derby remain AFP rooted to bottom of London Championship rsenal will be the fi rst Premier League club to welcome fans for a competitive fi xture since AFP four-match losing run with a 1-1 March after confi rming 2,000 spectators will London draw at Millwall. be allowed in for their Europa League match Jed Wallace broke the deadlock againstA Rapid Vienna on December 3. with a fi ne free-kick into the top England will return to a regional tiered system when erby remain rooted corner during fi rst-half stoppage the national coronavirus lockdown ends on December 2, to the bottom of the time. with those areas suff ering the worst case rates entering Championship as Lucas Joao equalised with a the highest Tier 3. Most of the country, including Lon- joint interim man- low fi nish after 53 minutes which don, will enter into Tier 2, allowing 2,000 fans to attend agerD Wayne Rooney saw his side proved enough to secure a wel- sports events. beaten 3-0 at Middlesbrough. come point for the Royals, who An Arsenal statement read: “While we appreciate that The Rams are on the search for are sixth. Bristol City and Wat- reduced-capacity matches will be far from being ‘back to a new permanent boss follow- ford missed the chance to close normal’, we can’t wait to welcome our fans back home for ing the departure of Phillip Cocu on their promotion rivals after what will be a historic moment for the club.” and former Manchester United playing out a goalless draw at West Ham’s match against Manchester United on and England captain Rooney has Ashton Gate. December 5 is set to be the fi rst Premier League game to done little to aid his chances of Coventry pulled clear of the open its doors to supporters. Brighton, Chelsea, Totten- the job as a player-manager with bottom three after a 1-0 win over ham and Liverpool are the other teams in tier-two areas back-to-back defeats in tempo- Cardiff . Sheffi eld Wednesday hosting games that weekend. rary charge. moved to within fi ve points of Brighton boss Graham Potter said: “The biggest rela- Liverpool, Chelsea, Brighton and West Ham will be able to allow fans into their stadiums next month under a new Britt Assombalonga put the safety despite a six-point deduc- tionship at the football club is the one between the sup- tier system to tackle the spread of coronavirus in England. (AFP) Teessiders into the lead with a tion due to a breach of fi nancial porters and the players. So to have them around, I think it close-range eff ort after 33 min- fair play regulations with a 1-1 is amazing for everybody and great for football.” desperate to get fans back into stadiums, because they is can safely be achieved”. The utes. Matthew Clarke diverted draw away to Swansea. But Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, whose side are based rely much more heavily on matchday revenue than Pre- has announced it will be allowing 2,000 spectators into a cross into his own net on 71 Adam Reach put the Owls, in a tier-three area where fans remain banned from ven- mier League sides backed by a lucrative television deal. Twickenham for England’s fi nal Autumn Nations Cup minutes before Marvin Johnson with new boss Tony Pulis in ues, believes it is unfair to allow supporters to return on Leyton Orient chief executive Danny Macklin, whose match on December 6. The government staged a number curled in a late third for the home charge, ahead on 27 minutes a partial basis. “It shouldn’t be about the category, or the League Two club is in a tier-two area, said: “Opening the of pilot events earlier this year, intending to allow a wider side, who move to seventh, two from a corner. However, a curled consequences of being in a category, it should be about gates will actually cost us money but it’s a price we are return of spectators from October 1. However, it had to points off the top six. equaliser from substitute Andre trying to maintain the competition as equal as possible willing to pay to get fans in and this is step one.” scrap those plans after a sharp rise in coronavirus infec- A fourth straight loss for Der- Ayew on the hour saw the points with things that are controllable,” Bielsa said. “The pres- The EFL said in a statement that it would “continue tions. Under the new system, up to 4,000 spectators are by, meanwhile, leaves them now shared. Swansea move to fourth, ence of fans has an eff ect on the results.” to work with the government to ensure all clubs are able permitted to attend elite sports events in tier one but six points from safety. Former now three points behind second- Clubs in the English Football League (EFL) have been to welcome back fans, in larger numbers, as soon as it there are very few areas under that classifi cation. leaders Reading ended their placed Bournemouth. Gulf Times Friday, November 27, 2020 7 FOOTBALL

TRIBUTE Argentina, the football world mourn genius Maradona Maradona was to be buried late last night at the Jardin de Paz cemetery on the outskirts of the Argentine capital

AFP Buenos Aires

ens of thousands of Argentines yesterday queued to say a fi nal farewell to Diego Maradona, in an outpouring of love for their Tnational hero before the funeral of one of the greatest footballers of all time. Many of the mourners were in tears, and some wore the World Cup winner’s number 10 Argentina jersey as they gathered at the Casa Rosada presiden- tial palace in Buenos Aires to see his coffi n. Maradona was to be buried late last night at the Jardin de Paz cemetery on the outskirts of the Argentine capi- tal, where his parents were also laid to rest, his spokesman Sebastian Sanchi said. “He was the best in the world, we’re going to miss him and his death broke our souls,” said Diego Armando Cabral, a 29-year-old bricklayer in Buenos Aires who was named after the Fans hold a poster and a doll of Diego Maradona, outside the Casa Rosada footballer. government house as they wait to pay tribute to late Argentinian football legend Tributes poured in from around the in Buenos Aires yesterday. (AFP) world following the World Cup win- ner’s death on Wednesday at the age of blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll our Sunday warrior,” Fernando Carfora, 60. His career and life was sometimes fi nally fi nd some comfort in the hands 46, said. “Maradona didn’t play with tainted by a loose interpretation of the of God.#RipDiego.” his feet, he played with his head. No- rules of the game and a crippling addic- Maradona’s lifestyle took a heavy toll body scored Maradona’s goals.” tion to cocaine and alcohol. on his health. He was admitted to hos- Maradona’s playing career went into The outrageously skilful Maradona, Aerial view of people queueing along Avenida de Mayo avenue to reach the Casa Rosada presidential palace to pay tribute pital three times in the last 20 years for swift decline after leaving Napoli under widely remembered for his “Hand of to late Argentine football legend Diego Maradona in Buenos Aires yesterday. (AFP) serious health issues. His extraordinary a cloud in 1991 following another failed God” goal against England in the 1986 talent was evident from a young age drugs test. As a coach he led Argentina World Cup quarter-fi nals, died of a and Boca Juniors and Spanish giants he had greatness in him but sadly no captained Argentina to glory. He scored and after starring for Boca Juniors he to the 2010 World Cup before spells heart attack while recovering from Barcelona before becoming a hero in sportsmanship.” twice in the semi-fi nal against Belgium was transferred to Barcelona. with clubs in the United Arab Emirates, brain surgery. Lionel Messi, Argentina’s the working-class southern Italian city Nevertheless, just minutes after that and set up the 86th-minute winner in After a turbulent time in Spain, a Mexico and his home country — lat- modern-day superstar, led the tributes of Naples. In his most infamous match, goal the diminutive Maradona weaved the fi nal against West Germany. then-world record transfer to Naples terly at Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata as he said: “He has left us but he will he leapt and used his fi st to score past through six English defenders from the Maradona also inspired Argentina came to defi ne his club career. Marado- — but he could never hit the heights never leave us because Diego is eternal.” England goalkeeper Peter Shilton in the halfway line to score an unforgettable to the 1990 fi nal only for West Ger- na enchanted an entire city by leading of his playing days. Maradona married Brazilian legend Pele, 80, constantly 1986 World Cup quarter-fi nals in Mex- solo second which has been honoured many to take their revenge. At the 1994 the then-unfashionable Napoli to their his long-time girlfriend Claudia Villa- compared with Maradona in the debate ico City, unseen by the referee. Mara- as FIFA’s “Goal of the Century”. The World Cup he failed a doping test and only two Italian league titles in 1987 fane in 1984. They had two daughters, over football’s greatest player, said he dona memorably describing the goal as two contrasting goals perfectly encap- was sent home from the United States and 1990, befriending a mafi a family Dalma and Gianinna, but the relation- hoped they would one day “play to- “a little with the head of Maradona and sulated the mixture of brilliant skill and in disgrace. Gary Lineker, who was in along the way. ship was punctuated by Maradona’s gether in the sky”. Maradona, born into a little with the hand of God”. often outlandish behaviour that ran the beaten England team in 1986, said In Naples, heartbroken fans gathered extra-marital aff airs and they divorced poverty in Lanus, just south of Buenos It is the goal for which he is best re- through Maradona’s life. Maradona was “arguably the great- at the Stadio San Paolo stadium to lay in 2004. He also had a son, Diego Jun- Aires, on October 30, 1960, also played membered in England, and a still bitter His career was crowned by his per- est of all time”, adding in a reference candles, scarves and shirts, creating a ior, born in Naples in 1986, although he for Argentine clubs Argentinos Juniors Shilton told the Daily Mail: “It seems formances at that World Cup, when he to the infamous handball goal: “After a makeshift shrine to their hero. “He was only acknowledged paternity in 2004.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Bayern, City through to last 16 as Liverpool beaten Simeone, Valdano AFP Paris pay tribute to

obert Lewandowski set Bay- ‘mythical’ Maradona ern Munich on the way to a 3-1 Champions League win over Reuters Cup, broke down in tears on Salzburg on Wednesday night Madrid Spanish television when talking asR the holders joined Manchester City in about his friend and former team qualifying for the last 16 with two group mate. “It hurts a lot, both for games to spare, while Liverpool went tletico Madrid coach the player and man he was. The down to defeat and Marseille are now the Diego Simeone led the memories I have, when I think of owners of an unwanted record. tributes from Spain to him bring a smile to my face,” an On a night when clubs marked news of Diego Maradona fol- emotional Valdano said. the death of Diego Maradona by holding a lowingA his death on Wednesday. Writing in national newspaper minute’s silence in memory of the Argen- Simeone, who played with Mara- El Pais, Valdano spoke Marado- tine before all Champions League games, dona for Sevilla and the Argenti- na’s gifts and fl aws. Bayern eased to a record-extending 15th na national team, said the World “There is something per- straight win in the competition. Cup winner had helped shape verse in a life that sees all of your Lewandowski scored the opener just football in his country. dreams come true, and Diego before half-time at an empty Allianz Are- “When we were born, we grew suff ered the generosity of his na, his 14th goal of the season and also his up watching Diego as we started destiny like no one else. 71st altogether in the Champions League, to play football. He was our guide “He was never happier than leaving him level with Real Madrid great as to what playing the game was,” when he was on the pitch. It was Raul in third place on the all-time list be- Simeone said. there that he would have a date hind Cristiano Ronaldo (131) and Lionel “A mythical fi gure leaves us, with the love of his life, the ball. Messi (118). Kingsley Coman scored Bay- an Argentine who transmitted But he also had a spectacular ern’s second and then crossed for Leroy all of his rebellious streak to fi ght command of the stage, as if he Sane to head in their third, before Mergim for positive and negative things, didn’t feel part of a team but was Berisha pulled a goal back for the Austrian while always looking forwards. on his own. Like a rock star driv- champions. He transmitted so much to so ing the crowd wild rather than a Marc Roca was sent off for Bayern, but many boys, and our footballing football player. This week, even they have a maximum 12 points and are identity comes from watching the ball — the most communal guaranteed to advance as Group A win- him. At Sevilla he took me un- toy that exists — will feel more ners, while Atletico Madrid sit second der his wing fantastically, and alone and will cry heartbroken but continue to toil in Europe this season showed me what it meant to play for its master. after being held 0-0 at home by Lokomo- for Argentina. I feel that he’ll al- “All of those who love authen- tiv Moscow. Pep Guardiola’s City earlier Atalanta’s coach Gian Piero Gasperini (right) celebrates with his players after their win over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions ways be with us.” tic football will cry with it for secured progress as Phil Foden swept in League at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on Wednesday night. (AFP) Maradona died after suff er- Maradona. And those of us who from a Raheem Sterling back-heel to se- ing a heart attack at his home knew him personally will cry cure a 1-0 win away to Olympiakos in rock-bottom,” said Marseille coach Andre in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, even more for that Diego who, Greece, their fourth win out of four in Villas-Boas. UEFA Champions League results less than a month after his 60th in recent times, had almost dis- Group C. City had 21 attempts on goal Six-time European champions Liver- birthday. Jorge Valdano, who appeared under the weight of and their bluntness in attack is a source of pool are not yet sure of progressing to the Group A: At Madrid: Atletico Madrid Donetsk (UKR) 0 lined up alongside Maradona as his legend and his excessive life. concern, even if their European progress next round after going down 2-0 to Ata- (ESP) 0 Lokomotiv Moscow (RUS) 0; Group C: At Marseille, France: Marseille Argentina won the 1986 World Adios, great captain.” provides a tonic to their mediocre Pre- lanta at Anfi eld. Three weeks after beat- At Munich, Germany: Bayern Munich (FRA) 0 Porto (POR) 2 (Sanusi 39, mier League form. ing the same side 5-0 in Italy, Liverpool (GER) 3 (Lewandowski 42, Coman 52, Oliveira 72-pen); At Piraeus, Greece: “It will come, we would love to do struggled with a weakened starting line- Sane 68) Salzburg (AUT) 1 (Berisha 73) Olympiakos (GRE) 0 Manchester City more, but one day it will come and will up, and Josip Ilicic put Atalanta in front Group B: At Milan, Italy: Inter Milan (ENG) 1 (Foden 36) break everything,” said Guardiola, whose on the hour mark before German interna- (ITA) 0 Real Madrid (ESP) 2 (Hazard Group D: At Amsterdam: Ajax (NED) 3 side now just need a point from their fi nal tional Robin Gosens got the second goal. 7-pen, Hakimi 59-og); At Moenchengla- two matches to top the group. “A deserved defeat in a diffi cult game,” (Gravenberch 47, Mazraoui 49, Neres dbach, Germany: Borussia Moencheng- 66) Midtjylland (DEN) 1 (Mabil 80-pen); Second-place Porto are on the brink of was how Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ladbach (GER) 4 (Stindl 17-pen, Elvedi summed up the game. Liverpool are top At Liverpool, England: Liverpool (ENG) joining them in qualifying after a 2-0 win 34, Embolo 45+1, Wendt 77) Shakhtar at Marseille, which was the French side’s of Group D on nine points, two points 0 Atalanta (ITA) 2 (Ilicic 60, Gosens 64) 13th consecutive defeat in the competi- clear of Atalanta and Ajax, who were 3-1 tion stretching over three campaigns go- winners at home to Midtjylland. Second- ter Arturo Vidal was sent off as they went Real are now on course to qualify from ing back to 2011-12. half goals by Ryan Gravenberch, Noussair down 2-0 at home to Real Madrid. Eden Group B after losing 3-2 at home to Sha- The Nigerian Zaidu Sanusi gave Porto Mazraoui and David Neres boosted Ajax’s Hazard gave the visitors an early lead from khtar Donetsk in their fi rst game. Sha- the lead six minutes before half-time and hopes, with Awer Mabil getting a conso- the penalty spot at San Siro for his fi rst khtar lost 4-0 to Borussia Moenchengla- Sergio Oliveira scored a second-half pen- lation from the penalty spot for the Danes Champions League goal in a Real shirt, dbach, with Lars Stindl scoring a penalty alty after on-loan Liverpool midfi elder who had captain Erik Sviatchenko sent off and Vidal was sent off before the break and Nico Elvedi, Breel Embolo and Oscar Marko Grujic had been sent off for the late on and are yet to register a point. Ajax after seeing two yellow cards for dissent Wendt also on target to keep the Germans Portuguese side. Marseille, who had de- go to Liverpool next week. in quick succession. on top of the group. Barcelona, Juventus, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, played with Maradona for fender Leonardo Balerdi sent off , cannot Meanwhile, Inter Milan are on the brink A Rodrygo shot went in off Achraf Hak- Chelsea and Sevilla punched their tickets Sevilla and the Argentina national team, said the World Cup winner now qualify for the last 16. “We have hit of being eliminated in the group stage af- imi in the second half to make it 2-0, and to the knockout phase on Tuesday. had helped shape football in his country. (Reuters)

Friday, November 27, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING QNB STARS LEAGUE Noor Al Hawa Wakrah and Qatar SC post wins; Ahli, fl ies to second Rayyan draw 1-1 Safl iya Cup win Alberto Sanna and Marco Casamento ride two winners each

Qatar SC players celebrate a goal during their QNB Stars League match against Al Arabi at Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. (Twitter/QSL)

l Wakrah defeated Al stoppage time, but it was too lit- Mahmoud Ibrahim had left his Sailiya 3-1 while Qatar tle, too late. charge in pursuit of a rescue act. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (fourth from right) with the winners of the Al Safliya Cup (QA Listed) after Al SC blanked Al Arabi 3-0 Both Al Wakrah and Al Sailiya Al Arabi mainly had Aron Wasmiyah Farm’s Noor Al Hawa won the 2400m feature race at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim in Week 7 of the 2020- had recently progressed to the Gunnarsson’s aerial shot and 21A season QNB Stars League yes- semi-fi nals of 2020-21 season Abdulaziz al-Ansari’s weak shot By Sports Reporter 1. Djalnor (Marco Casamento), terday. Ooredoo Cup. to show for their eff orts in the Doha 2. Al Malhouf (Michael Forest), At Al Ahli Stadium, Mohamed At the Qatar SC Stadium, fi rst half. 3. Goldamer (Ronan Thomas), 4. Benyettou (49th minute), Omar new recruit Youcef Belaili (38th- The opening goal came when Khattab De Faust (Ivan Rossi). Ali (52nd minute) and Cristian minute penalty and 87th-minute a penalty was awarded against eorges Mikhalides- Won by: ¼, ¼, Dh. Owner: Salman Ceballos (75th minute) scored penalty) and Alejandro Jimena Al Arabi’s Jassem Jaber’s foul on trained Noor Al Hawa Mohammned al-Emadi. Trainer: for Al Wakrah, while Abdulqadir (90+5) scored the goals as Qatar Belaili and the latter himself con- was in a league of his Mohamed Jassim Ghazali. Ilyas (90+1) pulled one back for SC took their points tally to nine, verted from the spot. own as the Al Wasmi- Race 4: THOROUGHBRED Al Sailiya. while Al Arabi stood on fi ve points. Changing ends, Qatar SC con- Gyah Farm horse landed the Al Al Wakrah raised their tally to Qatar SC thus continued their tinued from where they left off . HANDICAP (Class 5) (Qatari Safl iya Cup (Listed) for the sec- Riders Only) (Distance: 2000m) 10 points and Al Sailiya remained good run, having beaten Al Wak- They went 2-0 up after Belaili was ond straight year at the Qatar 1. Thierry (Saleh Salem al-Marri), on eight. rah in the last round. Incidental- spot-on with a penalty, awarded Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al 2. Al Mikdam (Meteb Ali al- Both teams had dropped points ly, Belaili had netted the all-im- after he was tripped by substitute Rayyan Park yesterday. Marri), 3. Shes Our Queen (Faleh in Week 6, Al Sailiya drawing portant goal in that match. In the Mohamed Bader Sayyar. The 2400m turf feature for Bughanaim), 4. Reem Seattle goalless with Al Khor and Al process, The Kings had jumped Jimena then headed in a corner Thoroughbreds had Alberto (Rashid Ali al-Marri). Won by: 2 Wakrah losing 0-1 to Qatar SC. from the bottom of the table to kick deep into stoppage time to Sanna in the saddle and there ½, 3 ¾, 5 ¼. Owner: Hamad bin Al Wakrah attacked more, with eighth position then. seal the issue in Qatar SC’s fa- was little stopping them as they Abdulrahman al-Attiyah. Trainer: Ceballos, Benyettou and Omar Both teams enjoyed equal ball vour. coasted to a scintillating win by Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. Ali leading their charge. They possession. Al Ahli held Al Rayyan 1-1 in more than four lengths. Race 5: THOROUGHBRED gave Al Sailiya defenders a tough Belaili and Anthony Okpotu another match yesterday at Al Behind the winners were HANDICAP (Class 3) (Distance: time, but the teams took the were at the helm of Qatar SC’s Ahli Stadium. Michael Forest-ridden Otwo 1200m) breather goalless. off ensives, the former playing a Franck Kom put Al Rayyan and Soufi ane Saadi-helmed 1. Zyzzyva (Ronan Thomas), 2. The second half saw a fl urry composed game and the latter im- ahead in the 77th minute, the lead Jewel House with only a head Sir Commander (Marco Casa- of attacks by Al Wakrah and they pressing with his speed and power. that was neutralised by Al Ahli’s separating the second- and mento), 3. Doha Incanto (Meteb were rewarded with two quick Okpotu came very close to Nabil El Zhar (90+5 penalty). third-placed runners. Ali al-Marri), 4. Random Decision goals. scoring once, but for a goalline Al Ahli and Al Rayyan now More than a year after he Alberto Sanna rides Noor Al Hawa to victory in the Al Safliya Cup (QA (Tomas Lukasek). Won by: 1 ¼, Ilyas reduced the margin for save by Al Arabi defender Marc have 16 and 11 points respectively. last won, Mohamed Nasser al- Listed) at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. 2 ½, ¼. Owner: Ibrahim al-Malki. Al Sailiya in the fi rst minute of Martinez even as goalkeeper (QSL) Naimi’s Akmar returned to the Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. winner’s enclosure in thrill- cap event for horses rated 70- heen, ridden to victory in the lo- Race 6: THOROUGHBREDS ing fashion with Hadi Nasser 90, Zyzzyva beat the compe- cal Thoroughbred maiden sprint (Class 3) (Distance: 1200m) al-Ramzani’s ward topping the tition by a little more than a by Alberto Sanna in the colours of 1. Taxiwala (Mickael Berto), 2. penultimate race yesterday, a length for his fourth win overall. Jassim bin Hamad al-Attiyah. Luchador (Marco Casamento), Purebred Arabian Conditions Qatari apprentice rider Saleh 3. Arabic Channel (Alberto event over 2000m. Helmed by Salem al-Marri racked up his RESULTS Sanna), 4. Pretty Boy (Jason Qatari rider Faleh Bughanaim, 11th win of the season when he Race 1: LOCAL PUREBRED Watson). Won by: 1 ½, Hd, ½. Akmar won by half-a-length at guided Hamad bin Abdulrah- ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (3 Owner: Osama Omer al- the post handing the jockey his man al-Attiyah’s Thierry to Year Olds) (Distance: 1200m) Dafea. Trainer: Osama Omer second win of the season. a comfortable victory in the 1. AJS Berline (Marco Casamento), al-Dafea. Jockey Mickael Berto’s third Thoroughbred Handicap event 2. Alf Lyla (Tomas Lukasek), 3. Race 7: PUREBRED ARABIAN winner of the season was Osama for horses rated 75 and below. Gosar (Rashid Ali al-Marri), 4. Habes CONDITIONS (Distance: 2000m) Omer al-Dafea’s Taxiwala in In the 2000m race for Qatari (Francois Herholdt). Won by: 7 ½, 2 1. Akmar (Faleh Bughanaim), 2. the six-furlong Thoroughbreds riders only, Jassim Mohamed ¼, 2. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: AJS Moaddie (Alberto Sanna), sprint yesterday. The gelding Ghazali-trained gelding won by Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. 3. Aziznafs (Ivan Rossi), 4. Baker had a win over course and dis- two-and-a-half lengths. Race 2: LOCAL De Saularie (Mickael Berto). Won tance in march, and since then Earlier in the day, Marco THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN by: ½, 3 ¼, 1 ½. Owner: Mohamed had moved up to 1400m and a Casamento was astride two PLATE (3 Year Olds) (Distance: Nasser al-Naimi. Trainer: Hadi mile earlier this term. Yesterday, Purebred Arabians who shed 1200m) Nasser al-Ramzani. Taxiwala was in his sweet spot their maiden status. First up 1. SK Shawaheen (Alberto San- Race 8: AL SAFLIYA CUP winning comfortably by one and was Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani- na), 2. Mater (Faleh Bughanaim), (QA Listed) (Thorougbreds) a half lengths. trained AJS Berline in the six- 3. Al Sareh (Mickael Berto), 4. (Distance: 2400m) Ibrahim al-Malki’s Zyzzyva furlong local Arabian maiden Wsayef (Killian Leonard). Won 1. Noor Al Hawa (Alberto Sanna), continued with her promising sprint, and then it was Moham- by: ½, 3 ¼, 1 ½. Owner: Jassim 2. Otwo (Michael Forest), 3. form at Al Rayyan Park this sea- ed Jassim Ghazali-schooled bin Hamad al-Attiyah. Trainer: Jewel House (Soufiane Saadi), son when Ronan Thomas guided Djalnor in the 2000m run. Mohamed Hamad al-Attiyah. 4. Esteve (Jason Watson). Won the gelding to his second victory Another horse to register his Race 3: PUREBRED ARABIAN by: Hd, 4 1/4, Nk. Owner: Al Was- from three starts this term. fi rst win was Mohamed Hamad MAIDEN PLATE (Distance: miyah Farm. Trainer: Georges Al Wakrah’s Omar Ali (left) in action during the QNB Stars League match against Al Sailiya at Abdullah Bin In the Thoroughbred Handi- al-Attiyah trained SK Shawa- 2000m) Mikhalides. Khalifa Stadium yesterday. (Twitter/QSL)

PREVIEW Our goal is to keep winning, says Sadd coach Xavi

By Sports Reporter “We have a great group of play- are last in the table with four Meanwhile, Al Duhail face Doha ers and we are going through a points. They have only a victory Al Kharaitiyat today. Reigning good period, but we have to keep (1-0 against Qatar SC) and goal- champions Al Duhail have had going like this and keep winning. less draw against Al Khor to show a disappointing campaign so oach Xavi Hernandez I try to rotate the players because for their eff orts. far as they are placed fi fth with said leaders Al Sadd everyone deserves to play and Askar said the pressure is on nine points. The Red Knights, would look to keep their we have a large group and every Sadd to win the match, as they coached by Sabri Lamouchi, lost winning run going when player is important to us. The are heavy favourites “We were to Al Gharafa in the last round. Al theyC take on Umm Salal in the levels of players are close, and disappointed after our loss to Kharaitiyat, coached by Yousef QNB Stars League today. Sadd are we have outstanding youngsters Al Ahli in the last round, but we Adam, are ninth in the table with the table toppers with 16 points. and professionals,” the Spaniard will continue to work to achieve six points. They are also the only unbeaten added. our goal this season, which is In another match, Al Gharafa team so far in the tournament. Sadd goalkeeper Saad al- diffi cult though. We go into the face Al Khor at home. Gharafa The Wolves have scored the most Dosari returned to training with match without pressure because are third with 12 points and are number of goals (24) as well. the fi rst team, after recovering the pressure is on Al Sadd. We are on a high, having beaten Duhail But Xavi was wary of bottom- from a head injury he had suf- thinking about the points and we in the last round. It may be re- placed Umm Salal’s counter- fered during the Qatar national will see how things will go,” he called that Gharafa, coached attacking game and called their team’s friendly against Ghana in said. by Serb Slavisa Jokanovic, had Moroccan coach Ben Askar ‘a October. “We are facing the leaders and finished a creditable fourth fi ghter’. “Umm Salal are a deter- “The return of Saad al-Dosari the best team in Asia whose coach last season. They had recent- mined side and their coach is a to training after his injury makes is doing a great job. But as I kept ly reached the semi-finals of fi ghter. I think they will fi nd so- me very happy. He completed his saying, we focus on ourselves and Ooredoo Cup by beating reign- lutions through counter-attacks. recovery process well,” said Xavi. I am happy that we have a good ing champions Al Sadd 4-2. We are the favourites to win. But “We need everybody: we need group of players. For me, this is Al Khor are 11th in the table as usual, we have to show our Saad, Meshaal Barsham, Jehad Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez. important because everyone is with four points that they col- true level on the fi eld to collect Mohamed, Yousuf al-Baloushi; waiting for good results and I lected from their drawn encoun- the three points,” the Sadd coach we need all the goalkeepers. It training. Now, it’s diffi cult for me body is training really well and midfi eld great said. think this is not diffi cult,” Umm ters with Al Arabi, Umm Salal, Al said yesterday. depends on the performance in to choose the lineup, but every- this is the way to compete,” the On the other hand, Umm Salal Salal coach added. Sadd and Al Sailiya.