NBA | Page 5 VOLLEYBALL | Page 7 Davis, Randle 16 teams to shine as take part in Pelicans cruise Aspire beach past Spurs volleyball

Wednesday, November 21, 2018 FOOTBALL Rabia I 13, 1440 AH ‘Freak’ Cahill GULF TIMES makes emotional Aussie swansong SPORT Page 4 FOUR YEARS TO GO

FLASHBACK: His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the then Amir, raises the World Cup trophy, next to Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, members of the Qatar 2022 bid committee and then FIFA President Joseph Blatter after Qatar was chosen to host the 2022 World Cup at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich on December 2, 2010. EXPECT AMAZING Infantino and Thawadi are confident of a great World Cup in Qatar

By Anil John to break down cultural stereotypes and good. The whole population contrib- such as the Saudi Arabia-engineered Sports Editor bring people together through football. uted to that and I’m sure the same will Gulf crisis. “I think this World Cup is extremely happen here in Qatar.” “We were clear about our budget and important, not only for Qatar but for According to him the Russian World determined not to exceed it. We were very major national achieve- the whole region – a region that has a Cup was the best so far but Qatar has conscious of that (changing economic ment is a sum total of signifi - passion for football and is investing a the potential to go even better. scenarios). We were less focused on cant smaller milestones, some lot in the game,” said Infantino as the “The Russian World Cup was the grandeur and more on the effi cient of which might not even seem four-year countdown to the tourna- best ever, and the World Cup in 2022 delivery of what we had promised and obvious.E They happen almost daily, as ment got under way today. has to be even better,” he said, exuding therefore we feel very comfortable with we go about our normal lives, gradually “This World Cup is a unique op- total confi dence in Qatar’s abilities. our budget,” al-Thawadi said in 2015 to growing on us and ultimately leaving portunity – a chance to show the world Supreme Committee Secretary- mark fi ve years of Qatar winning the bid. us with the proud realisation that we what this region can off er; for football, General HE Hassan al-Thawadi, who are up to something really big. but also for anybody in the world to has been at the forefront of the project It’ll be a momentous occasion The 2022 World Cup is one such come and visit a beautiful place, learn right from the bidding stage, is also for the teams participating, project. It has been in the works for about a new culture and meet new upbeat as ever. the fans watching, and for the eight years now, ever since that historic people. In this world, especially in the “In four years’ time, 1.5 million fans whole Arab world, which is evening of December 2, 2010 when current climate, it is very much needed will descend on Qatar from every corner ‘ eagerly anticipating hosting the then FIFA President Sepp Blatter that we open our doors and discover of the globe and billions more will tune showpiece event picked up Qatar’s name from among a new places.” in on their TVs, smartphones and tablets host of hopeful bidders. to watch 28 days of football,” he said. — HE Hassan al-Thawadi Supreme Committee Secretary-General Qatar’s stunning success expect- This World Cup is a unique “It’ll be a momentous occasion edly shockwaves across the sporting opportunity – a chance to for the teams participating, the fans world, especially through the game’s show the world what this watching, and for the whole Arab “We used the time to build the traditional bastions. For some, it was region can off er; for football, world, which is eagerly anticipating foundations for the World Cup. The hard to stomach, triggering off a mael- ‘ hosting the showpiece event of the next fi ve years we would be working to but also for anybody in the world strom of conspiracy theories based to come and visit a beautiful most popular sport in the world for the enhance those foundations day by day.” on presumptions, hate, fear and most place, learn about a new culture fi rst time ever.” Three years after he said that, those importantly, bias all of which, needless and meet new people He again emphasised football’s foundations are there for all to see. potential to promote peace and under- Construction work is in full swing. Of to say, quickly came unstuck. — Gianni Infantino So here we are today, on November standing among people. the eight stadiums, one is ready, two FIFA President 21, 2018, fully confi dent and bursting “Football, more than any other will be ready in a matter of months with restless energy. Exactly four years sport, has the power to build bridges and the rest are in various stages of before the World Cup kicks off , Qatar’s The recent World Cup in Russia set of understanding between people and development. Qatar had promised to clarity of vision and its overwhelming a high benchmark, said Infantino, who cultures,” said al-Thawadi. deliver all stadiums two years ahead of desire to leave a stamp on history are is expecting fans to receive a warm “With key tournament and national the event but chances are they would there for all to see. welcome in Qatar in 2022 as well. infrastructure projects on-schedule be up and ready even before that. Mere words cannot explain the “There are many lessons we can and each of our legacy initiatives prov- Led by His Highness the Amir Sheikh signifi cance of the fi rst-ever World learn from Russia,” said Infantino. ing a catalyst for positive change both Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar has Cup in the Middle East. It has to be “The fi rst one is how to welcome so locally and abroad, we are delivering only emerged stronger throughout its experienced and imbibed, the whole many people – 1.5 million people came on our promise of hosting a unique and World Cup journey, particularly so after process leading to it understood and to Russia to enjoy the World Cup and transformational FIFA World Cup for the illegal and immoral blockade began appreciated. they were all welcomed in a way that Qatar, the region and the world.” in early June last year. A man no less than FIFA President was unexpected to many. Earlier, al-Thawadi had spoken “Our vision, our legacy continues to Gianni Infantino, who took over from “There were many fears about Rus- about the importance of fi nancial develop. The World Cup will go down Blatter, realises that the event’s scope sia, but it turned out to be a very safe responsibility, keeping in mind the in history as an outstanding one,” al- transcends the boundaries of sport, World Cup, a very welcoming World changing economic scenarios and Thawadi has said often. FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) and Supreme Committee Secretary-General chiefl y because it has massive potential Cup, in a country that made fans feel other unexpected developments – Is there still a doubter around? HE Hassan al-Thawadi visit Al Wakrah Stadium site last month. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 COUNTDOWN TO 2022

AL WAKRAH AL BAYT Render STADIUM STADIUM — AL KHOR Capacity: 40,000 Design inspired by: CITY Dame Zaha Hadid Distance from Doha STADIUM city centre: 23km Capacity: 60,000 nspired by the late Designer: Dar Al- IBritish-Iraqi architect Handasah Dame Zaha Hadid, the Distance from futuristic Al Wakrah Doha city centre: Stadium will host 43km matches up to the quarter-finals stage remarkable during Qatar 2022. The A sight will wel- design is inspired by come fans to Al Bayt the sails of traditional AL THUMAMA STADIUM Render Stadium – Al Khor dhow boats – in tribute City, which is being to Al Wakrah’s seafar- Capacity: 40,000 Construction update: More than delivered by Aspire ing past. An innovative Designer: Arab Engineering Bureau 80 percent of the stadium’s concrete Zone Foundation. cooling system and re- Distance from Doha city centre: 13km frame has been completed, while The arena, designed tractable roof mean the work on the stadium’s upper tier steel to represent Arab stadium will be used all he design of Al Thumama Stadium structure is progressing well. Instal- hospitality, will host year round. Tis inspired by the ‘gahfiya’, a tradi- lation of the bleachers is ongoing. matches through tional woven cap worn for centuries by Precinct works are also in progress, to the semi-finals Construction update: men across the Arab world. It is the first including installation of water tanks, stage in 2022 and Work at Al Wakrah FIFA World Cup venue to be designed training pitches and other utilities and will be covered by a Stadium advances at a by a Qatari architect – Ibrahim al-Jaidah. services. structure resem- rapid pace. The stadium bling a traditional building structure is Arab tent known now comcompleted,pleted, and as ‘bayt al sha’ar’, work is proprogressinggressing on Render complete with a internalinternal finishes,finishes, the rroofoof state-of-the-art andand facadefacade works.works. ThThee retractable roof. energyenergy centre that willwill serveserve the stadiumstadium has Construction up- been built,built, while the date: The stadium precinctprecinct infrastructuinfrastructurere structure has been and hard landscapinglandscaping completed, along are advancing.advancing. with the installa- tion of the retract- able roof. Works within the precinct infrastructure and landscaping are progressing at the venue.

RAS ABU ABOUD STADIUM Fields of dreams Render With one stadium fully redeveloped and seven others at various stages of construction, all the venues are set to be completed well before the tournament begins on November 21, 2022 KhalifaKh IInternationaln Capacity: 40,000 Designer: FIA Fenwick Iribarren Architects SStadiumt Distance from Doha city centre: 10km

Capacity:Cap 40,000 as Abu Aboud Stadium will be the first fully DisDistance from Doha city Rdemountable and reusable tournament cencentre: 13km venue in FIFA World Cup history. Designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects, this 40,000-ca- n May 19, 2017, Khalifa pacity stadium will be built using shipping con- OInternational Stadium tainers and other modular materials. Overlook- becbecame the first 2022 FIFA ing the stunning Doha Corniche and West Bay WoWorld Cup stadium to open skyline, the stadium will host matches up to the whewhen it hosted the Amir Cup quarter-finals stage in 2022. finfinala in front of more than 40,40,000 fans. Located in Aspire Construction update: The fabrication of con- ZonZone, the historic venue has tainers for Ras Abu Aboud Stadium commenced prpreviouslye hosted the Asian in August 2018, with the first batch expected in GamGames, the Gulf Cup and the Doha in February 2019. The venue will be built AFC Asian Cup. Next year it using 998 modular containers. The prefabricated wilwilll host the 2019 IAAF World modular structure allows for the use of fewer AthAthletics Championships. materials and reduces waste and emissions.

AL EDUCATION Render RAYYAN CITY STADIUM STADIUM

Capacity: 40,000 Capacity: 40,000 Designer: Ramboll Designer: FIA Distance from Fenwick Iribarren Doha city centre: Architects 22km Distance from Doha city centre: 12km l Rayyan AStadium will ducation City showcase the EStadium is very best of Qatari located at the heart culture in 2022 as of Qatar Foundation it hosts matches – a vibrant centre up to the quarter- for knowledge and finals stage of the LUSAIL STADIUM innovation where 2022 FIFA World this ultramodern Cup. The outer fa- Capacity: 80,000 December 2018. arena will be a fit- cade will be made Concept designed by: Foster + Construction update: At Lusail Stadi- ting addition and up of intricate pat- Partners um, the 24th – and final – main structural lasting symbol of terns representing Distance from Doha city centre: 16km column to support the stadium façade sustainability. The Qatar, from its has been installed. Meanwhile, concrete stadium will host history of trade to usail Stadium will host the 2022 superstructure works are progressing matches up to the its varied wildlife. LFIFA World Cup final, opening in all zones, reaching the fifth and sixth quarter-finals stage Al Rayyan’s desert game and matches throughout the floors in the east and west sides respec- in 2022 and become landscapes will be tournament. The design for Lusail tively, where the structure will reach 80m the home of the Qa- reflected on the Stadium is due to be unveiled in at its highest point. tar Women’s team in facade – and in the legacy mode. dune-shaped hos- pitality areas and Construction up- merchandise stalls Render date: Progress con- dotted around the tinues to be made stadium complex. at the ‘Diamond in the Desert’. More Construction than 220,000m3 of update: The instal- concrete has been lation of the com- casted, fabrication pression and tensile of the shimmering roof steel structure façade is almost modules has been complete and the completed, while roof structural steel facade installation works are progress- has commenced, ing rapidly. along with the test- ing of the energy centre. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 3 COUNTDOWN TO 2022

Friendly atmosphere, new metro, beautiful landscapes, A spotlight on Qatar Qatar gears up for some of football’s most ardent fans

Population: 2.7 million In short Capital city: Doha Nov. 21 – Dec. 18, 2022 redeveloped and was inaugurated on 19 Stadium). venue in FIFA World Cup history. It will be $6.5 billion May 2017. The shortest distance will be 5km (Al built out of shipping containers and other Off icial language: he tournament will take place over Main works on all stadiums will be com- Rayyan Stadium to Education City modular building blocks that will be repur- he total budget for the stadiums and Arabic (English is T 28 days, with the final on December pleted two years before the tournament Stadium). posed post-tournament into smaller sports T training sites Qatar is constructing. widely used) 18, 2022, which is Qatar National Day. begins. Fans will be able to attend more than and non-sports venues. one match a day during the group stage. 18°C to 24°C Currency: Qatari Eight stadiums Compact tournament Lusail Stadium riyal Innovation he average temperature even stadiums are currently under he longest distance between he 80,000 capacity Lusail Stadium T expected during the tournament – Before the dis- S construction, while one venue – T stadiums will be just 55km (Al Bayt as Abu Aboud Stadium will be the T will host the opening match and final meaning perfect conditions for players covery of oil in 1940, Khalifa International Stadium – has been Stadium – Al Khor City to Al Wakrah R first fully demountable tournament in 2022. and fans. Qatar’s economy focused on fishing and pearl hunting Accommodation Safety Hernandez and Dutch legend Wesley Sneijder. Qatar has the Fans will have a variety of accommoda- Qatar benefits from one of the lowest Qatari side Al Sadd has won the AFC third highest natural tion options that suit every budget, in- crime rates in the world and is consist- Champions League twice, in 1989 and gas reserves in the cluding hotels, apartments, desert camps ently ranked as the safest country in the 2011. world and cruise ships. region. Qatar is working with internation- al experts such as Interpol, the Council Qatar’s national team has won a number of major honours, including the gold Home of Al Getting around of Europe, the UK Home Off ice, French medal at the 2006 Asian Games, three Jazeera Media Gendarmerie and other partners to Fans will arrive at the newly-built Hamad Arabian Gulf Cup titles and one West Network, Qatar ensure the safety and security of visitors International Airport, which will have an Asian Football Federation championship. Airways and Aspire in 2022. annual capacity of 50mn by 2022. Get- Qatar’s national team will take part in the Academy ting around will be easy thanks to public Workers’ Welfare 2019 Copa America. transport, notably the new metro system. Qatar finished as runners-up in the 1981 Qatar Sports The health and well-being of our workers FIFA World Youth Championship and Investments owns Fan ID is our top priority. There are currently reached the quarter-finals of the Olympic Paris Saint-Germain Central location Following the success of FIFA Fan ID dur- more than 30,000 workers on our sites. Games in 1992. More recently, Qatar Football Club ing Russia 2018, Qatar is considering a Hamad International Airport is a major The SC’s Worker Welfare Standards cover finished third at the 2018 U23 AFC Asian similar solution for fans during 2022. transport hub and a vital link between ethical recruitment, accommodation Cup and won the 2014 U19 AFC Asian the Americas, Europe and Asia. The and working conditions. Regular audits Cup. Qatar has also qualified for the 2019 Visa-free entry extensive Qatar Airways network means support compliance, while contractors FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland. passengers can fly directly to more than in breach of the standards are subject to Nationals from 80 countries can take 150 destinations. enforcement measures, including con- advantage of visa-free entry into Qatar. Sun, beach and tract termination and blacklisting. water From sunbathing at one of Qatar’s many TV times beaches, to dune bashing and water- Fans Fans will enjoy a family- sports, visitors will have plenty to do More than 3 billion fans across Asia and Football in Qatar friendly atmosphere away from the football. The National Organisers are expecting approximately Europe will benefit from prime time The 12-team QNB Stars League is the top in 2022, along Tourism website has more informa- 1.5 million fans to visit Qatar during the viewing during the tournament thanks to professional league in Qatar. Famous with plenty of tion. tournament. convenient kick-off times. players include World Cup winner Xavi activities.

Introducing Qatar Rail Why is Qatar Rail via the metro shuttle Qatar 2022 will important? service: Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor be the most eading Qatar’s charge towards City L sustainability as part of Qatar Al Wakrah Stadium compact FIFA National Vision 2030, a metro and Al Thumama Stadium tram system are being constructed by Qatar Rail. Once complete, the How big will the network World Cup in the metro will provide a fast, cost-eff ective be? and environmentally friendly way for tournament’s everyone to reach matches, fan zones Once complete, phase 1 of Doha Metro and accommodation during the 2022 will have 79km of track, servicing long and FIFA World Cup. three lines – Red, Green and Gold – and 37 stations. illustrious history. How many stadiums will have direct access to the What about the trains Every stadium rail network service? themselves? will be within a During the tournament, Doha Metro A world-class network requires world- will provide direct access to five sta- class trains – and Doha Metro will diums, with dedicated shuttles linking be state-of-the-art in every sense. In 35km radius of the remaining three. 2022 it will be operating 110 driverless trains – capable of reaching speeds of central Doha, Stadiums with direct up to 100kph. The carriages will cater Doha Metro access: for all – with three classes available: with fans Lusail Stadium gold, family and standard. Khalifa International benefiting from Stadium What is the current status Ras Abu Aboud Stadium and when will it be ready? Education City Stadium seamless travel Al Rayyan Stadium The metro is already more than 90 percent complete and will be fully between Stadiums with access operational by 2020. accommodation and tournament venues. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 SPORT

QATAR HOLD WORLD CUPPERS ICELAND

Akram Afif congratulates captain Hassan al-Haydos after he scored for Qatar against Iceland in the third minute of their international friendly in Eupen, Belgium on Monday night. Iceland equalised through Ari Freyr Skulason in the 29th minute, while Kolbeinn Sigthorsson put them ahead in the 56th. Qatar, however, struck through Boualem Khoukhi in the 68th minute to clinch a 2-2 draw against the World Cuppers. Picture on the right shows Afif evading a tackle. Last week Qatar had beaten Switzerland 2-1 in Lugano. The friendlies were part of Qatar’s preparations for the Asian Cup in January.

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT More woe for Lippi as China held at ‘Freak’ Cahill home by Palestine makes emotional

Aussie swansong ings, went ahead when defender AFP Shanghai Feng Xiaoting popped up with a towering header from a set piece ‘It’s the first time I’ve cried on a football field and I’m proud of it’ on nine minutes on the southern arcello Lippi re- island of Hainan. AFP His return to say goodbye was fused to blame his But Lippi’s men retreated Sydney similar to fellow international players after China deeper and deeper in the second retiree and former Everton star were held to a stale half and paid the price just after Wayne Rooney’s somewhat con- M1-1 home draw by 99th-ranked the hour when Alexis Noram- eteran Tim Cahill bid troversial farewell last week. Palestine yesterday in their last buena found himself in space an emotional farewell While Rooney played more warm-up game before the Asian inside the box for the visitors, yesterday on his 108th than half an hour for his 120th Cup. slipping the ball coolly under and fi nal appearance and last England cap in a friendly With less than 50 days until goalkeeper Yan Junling after forV Australia as Scottish striker against the United States, Ca- the regional showpiece in the China’s defence went AWOL. Martin Boyle scored twice for his hill was restricted to a bit part UAE, China’s failure to defeat The 70-year-old Italian World newly-adopted country. by Arnold, conscious that it was the Palestinians will trigger an- Cup winner Lippi looks set to re- Cahill, the Socceroos all-time Australia’s last tune-up before other spasm of soul-searching tire after January’s Asian Cup, top scorer with 50 goals, came the Asian Cup in the United Arab about the perennially undera- but his hopes of leaving football out of international retirement Emirates. “People thought it was chieving national side. on a high look as remote as ever to play the fi nal nine minutes of going to be a distraction, but China, 75th in the FIFA rank- as China again failed to fi re. Australia’s 3-0 win against Leb- there was no distraction at all. It anon in their last match before was special night,” said Arnold. defending the Asian Cup crown “You won’t see another Tim in January. Cahill in my lifetime. He’s a Referee completes match despite mother’s death Coach Graham Arnold made freak. He’s had a fantastic career sweeping changes from the line- and it’s been a pleasure to work Dusseldorf: Romanian referee after the game. Some players up that drew 1-1 with South Ko- with him.” Ovidiu Hategan was informed noticed that something was rea on Saturday with Hibernian Born in Sydney to a Samoan in the half-time break of the wrong, and the Dutch team’s marksman Boyle, who recently mother, Cahill started his inter- Nations League match between Liverpool defender Virgil van secured an Australian passport, national career playing for the Germany and the Netherlands Dijk consoled the tearful off icial starting up front. Western Samoa under-20s and that his mother had died but he after the game. He played alongside South Su- only became a Socceroo in 2004 completed the match despite “He stood there with tears in danese refugee Awer Mabil and after an intense lobbying cam- the terrible news and was con- his eyes because his mother added a spark that the Socceroos paign to world body FIFA. soled by players afterwards. had just died,” Van Dijk was have been missing since Cahill Two years later in Germany, he The Romanian football associa- quoted as saying. “I wished announced his retirement at the rebound after Milos Degenek’s “Greatest Socceroo”, he couldn’t “To all my teammates and the became the fi rst Australian to net tion yesterday confirmed the him strength and said he had end of the World Cup in Russia. header hit the bar. add to his goal-scoring tally but staff I have worked with, I would a goal at the World Cup, going death to dpa and the German refereed well. Boyle, who played for the Substitute Matthew Leckie was given a huge ovation and be nothing without you.” on to score in the 2010 and 2014 federation helped Hategan get “It’s a small thing, but I hope it Scotland under-16s but qualifi ed buried the third soon after com- handed the captain’s armband. The 38-year-old, whose ca- tournaments as well. home as quickly as possible helped him.” for Australia due to his Sydney- ing on in the second half, from a “It’s the fi rst time I’ve cried on reer was characterised by an in- Cahill spent 14 years in Eng- born father, scored on his start- Boyle assist. a football fi eld and I’m proud of defatigable work rate and huge land with Millwall and Premier ing debut in the 19th minute With the result secure, it was it,” he said after the fi nal whistle, determination, last played for League outfi t Everton, scor- when his powerful long-range all about Cahill as he came on in wiping away tears. the Socceroos when he came off ing more than 100 goals, before FOCUS strike took a defl ection. a pre-arranged farewell in front “Every time I’ve pulled on the the bench for their fi nal group stints in the United States and He made it 2-0 on 41 min- of his home fans in Sydney. green and gold, I’ve played with game against Peru at the World China. He now plies his trade in utes after toe-poking home the Widely considered as the my heart. Thank you, Australia. Cup. the Indian Premier League. Myanmar hold BOTTOMLINE Vietnam, both can make Asean semis

Reuters to scoring on Tuesday was when QTSBF and Qatar Rail to Nguyen Van Toan had the ball Hong Kong in the back of the net 13 minutes from time, only for his eff ort to be re-tournament favour- ruled out for off side. ites Vietnam were held to Cambodia, meanwhile, picked organise squash, tennis events a 0-0 draw by Myanmar up their fi rst win of the campaign he Qatar Tennis, Squash and refl ects the desire of the two organi- yesterday evening as the under Japanese coach Keisuke Badminton (QTSBF) and Qatar sations to develop tennis and squash Pduo remained locked in the top Honda, with a 3-1 victory over Railways Company have offi - among communities. two positions in group A of the already-eliminated Laos. cially agreed to organise two lo- “Qatar Rail’s support to these two lo- Asean Football Federation Cham- It was not enough to keep the Tcal tournaments. cal events comes as a part of the social pionship. Cambodians’ hopes of a place in As per the new agreement, Qatar Rail responsibility of the company and its Both teams went into the meet- the next phase alive, however. will sponsor a local week-long tennis contribution to the development of the ing with two wins, and the draw Chan Vathanaka and Prak tournament and a team squash league community,” he added. lifts them to seven points apiece Mony Udom put Cambodia two that will last 10 weeks. Al-Enazi added: “Qatar Rail is keen from three games, a point above goals up before Somxay Keohan- QTSBF Secretary General Tariq Za- to be an active partner in developing third-placed Malaysia with one am pulled one back for Laos 14 inal said in a press conference attended the community and supporting Qatari round of group games remaining. minutes from time, only for Keo by Ajlan Eid al-Enazi, Chief of Strategy sports, especially among young people. The top two teams in the tour- Sokhpeng to restore the Cambo- and Business Development Division at The company also aims to encourage nament’s two groups advance dians’ cushion a minute later. Qatar Rail: “It is our pleasure to launch a people to practice physical activities and to next month’s semi-fi nals. A The tournament continues to- new chapter of co-operation between the promoting a culture of sports. win for Myanmar over Malaysia day, when defending champions federation Qatar Rail Company by organ- “We are looking forward to work- in their next match, on Nov. 24, Thailand take on the Philippines ising two local tournaments in squash ing with the federation to support Qa- would ensure both Vietnam and in a top-of-the-table meeting and tennis.” tari players and help them develop their QTSBF Secretary-General Tariq Zainal (L) and Qatar Rail’s Chief of Strategy and Myanmar progress. in group B, while Singapore host Zainal stressed that the co-operation skills.” Business Development Division Ajlan Eid al-Enazi concluding the agreement yesterday. The closest either side came East Timor. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA Davis and Randle shine as Pelicans cruise past Spurs Davis, who scored a combined 83 points in his previous two games, is six points shy of 10,000 points

Reuters GRIZZLIES 98, MAVERICKS 88 New Orleans, US Mike Conley scored a game-high 28 points, which included seven 3-point- ers, as host Memphis cooled off Dallas. nthony Davis scored 29 points The Grizzlies won for the seventh time and Julius Randle came off the in eight home games, while Dallas saw bench to add a triple-double its season-best, four-game winning as the New Orleans Pelicans streak come to an end while losing for routedA the San Antonio Spurs 140-126 the seventh time in eight road games. on Monday night. Davis, who scored The Mavericks’ 88 points marked a a combined 83 points in his previous season low. Conley’s seventh 3-point- two games, fi nished the Monday game er with 4:26 to go in the game came six points shy of 10,000 points for his on the heels of Garrett Temple’s sec- seven-year career. ond 3-pointer for a 90-84 lead. Marc The Pelicans, who improved to 8-1 at Gasol, who fi nished with 17 points, 15 home, swept a three-game homestand rebounds, four assists and four blocks, in which they averaged 131 points. They then splashed a jumper to give Mem- have won six of their last seven games. phis the largest lead of the game, 92-84 Randle fi nished with 21 points, 14 re- with 3:01 to go. bounds and 10 assists. E’Twaun Moore scored 24 points, CLIPPERS 127, HAWKS 119 and Jrue Holiday scored 21 for New Or- Tobias Harris and Montrezl Harrell leans. DeMar DeRozan scored 21 points combined to score 49 points and lead to lead San Antonio. Bryn Forbes had 20 Los Angeles to its fi fth straight win and former Pelican Dante Cunningham at the expense of host Atlanta. Harris scored 19 for the Spurs, who lost for the scored 24 points and was 4-for-8 on sixth time in eight games. 3-point attempts while adding eight rebounds and two blocks. KINGS 117, THUNDER 113 Harrell came off the bench to score Buddy Hield scored 25 points, hitting 25 points and made a career-best 15 3-pointers on three consecutive pos- free throws while adding 11 rebounds, sessions late in the fourth quarter, to fi ve steals and two blocks. Atlanta lost help lift Sacramento past visiting Okla- its eighth straight game and the 12th homa City. Hield’s late treys helped the of its last 13. The defeat came despite Kings overcome a strong fi nish from 25 points and a career-high 17 assists the Thunder’s Russell Westbrook, who from rookie Trae Young. Young broke scored 13 of his game-high 29 points in out of a three-game scoring slump that the fourth quarter. saw him limited to single digits, includ- Westbrook, who missed six consecu- ing only four points in a Nov. 13 loss at tive games because of a sprained ankle Golden State. He scored 19 in the fi rst and the birth of twin daughters over half Monday to pace the Hawks to a 64- the weekend, also had 13 rebounds and New Orleans Pelicans forward Julius Randle (right) shoots over San Antonio Spurs centre Jakob Poeltl during the NBA match on Monday. (USA TODAY Sports) 61 halftime lead. seven assists. Iman Shumpert scored 23 points for the Kings, all in the fi rst half. start. Nikola Jokic scored 20 points and point lead and all but settled the out- improved to 9-0 at home and secured Domantas Sabonis just missed record- PISTONS 113, CAVALIERS 102 Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 16 points, Jamal Murray had 17 points, eight re- come. In the process, Walker reclaimed their 19th straight home win dating to ing a triple-double as host Indiana Andre Drummond had 23 points, 16 re- and Marvin Bagley had 15 points and 13 bounds and nine assists for the Nug- his spot as the league’s leading scorer. last season. cruised past Utah. Sabonis fi nished bounds and three blocks to boost host rebounds for Sacramento. Paul George gets. He came into the night averaging 28.7 This is their longest home winning with 19 points, nine rebounds and a Detroit past Cleveland. Blake Griffi n added 27 points for Oklahoma City. points per game, behind LeBron James’ streak since tallying 24 straight from career-high nine assists in 26 minutes had 21 points, 12 rebounds and fi ve as- HORNETS 117, CELTICS 112 28.8, but now holds a slight edge over Nov. 27, 1982, to March 23, 1983. Ben off the bench. The win was the third sists, and Reggie Bullock contributed 21 BUCKS 104, NUGGETS 98 Kemba Walker scored 43 points, and James. Kyrie Irving led the Celtics with Simmons added 19 points, 11 rebounds straight for the Pacers, who completed points and four assists for the Pistons, Giannis Antetokounmpo fi nished with host Charlotte rallied from a 10-point 27 points and 11 assists. and nine assists for the Sixers, who a sweep of a three-game homestand who led by as many as 30 points. 29 points, 12 rebounds and six assists to defi cit in the fourth quarter to beat have won three in a row. Devin Booker that also included games against Miami Reggie Jackson added 13 points, and lead host Milwaukee past Denver. Boston. Walker scored 21 of his points 76ERS 119, SUNS 114 led the Suns with 37 points, while TJ and Atlanta. The Pacers were playing Ish Smith tossed in 11 off the bench. Eric Bledsoe added 23 points on 8-of- in the fourth quarter, singlehandedly Joel Embiid scored 33 points and Warren added 21 and rookie DeAndre without leading scorer Victor Oladipo, The Cavaliers had six players in double 10 shooting, and Malcolm Brogdon and leading the comeback until Tony Parker grabbed 17 rebounds to lead host Phila- Ayton chipped in with 17. who missed his fi rst game of the season fi gures, led by rookie Collin Sexton’s 18 Khris Middleton added 13 points apiece hit two clutch baskets in the fi nal two delphia past Phoenix. It was Embiid’s because of a sore right knee. Ricky Ru- points and four assists. Jordan Clarkson for the Bucks, who have won consecu- minutes. Walker’s 3-pointer with 33.3 11th game this season with at least 30 PACERS 121, JAZZ 94 bio led the Jazz with 28 points, six as- had 16 points, four rebounds and four tive games for the fi rst time since a 7-0 seconds left gave the Hornets a six- points and 10 rebounds. The Sixers Bojan Bogdanovic scored 21 points and sists and three steals. assists off the bench.

NHL NFL Trocheck stretchered off in Panthers’ win Goff guides Rams to thrilling Reuters Florida victory against Chiefs

he Florida Panthers sustained a po- tentially devastating injury to 2017 All-Star center Vincent Trocheck but still prevailed 7-5 over the host TOttawa Senators on Monday night. Tro- check, who suff ered an apparent knee in- jury, was taken off the ice by stretcher with 1:47 left in the second period. He was hurt when he was crunched into the boards by Ottawa’s Ryan Dzingel. “It doesn’t look good to me,” Florida coach Bobby Bough- ner said postgame. “It looks long term, and there’s no way to sugarcoat it.” Florida got goals from Troy Brouwer, Aleksander Barkov, Jared McCann, Evgenii Dadonov, Micheal Haley, Frank Vatrano and Mike Hoff man. Hoff man extended his Pan- thers franchise-record points streak to 16 games, which is the longest active run in the LA Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff (right) throws a pass against Kansas City Chiefs. (USA TODAY Sports) NHL. Matt Duchene led Ottawa with two Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (left) battles for the puck with Florida goals and one assist. Drake Batherson, Zack Panthers right wing Juho Lammikko. (USA TODAY Sports) AFP get away with a win. It just felt hands no fewer than six times. Smith and Brady Tkachuk had Ottawa’s Los Angeles like whoever got the ball in their Rams’ Samson Ebukam deliv- other goals. and Kenny Agostino scored for Montreal, and Jake Guentzel scored for the Penguins, hands last was going to win. ered a rare two-touchdown per- which led 4-2 in the second period. who blew a 4-1 second-period lead and fell There were times when we felt formance, galloping over from 11 KINGS 2, BLUES 0 to 1-7-2 in their past 10 games. ared Goff threw for four we had all the momentum and yards in the second quarter after Cal Petersen made 29 saves for his fi rst ca- JETS 6, CANUCKS 3 touchdowns as the Los had the chance to put the knife in recovering a Mahomes fumble reer shutout in his third NHL start, all in the Patrik Laine scored three goals as Win- RANGERS 2, STARS 1 Angeles Rams won a them. And then there were times for his fi rst touchdown. Ebukam past four days, to lead visiting Los Angeles nipeg won at Vancouver. Laine gave the Rookie Filip Chytil scored for the fourth high-scoring NFL classic when it was the other way round. grabbed another touchdown to a win at St. Louis. The Blues were shut Jets an insurmountable 4-1 lead midway consecutive game, netting the tiebreaking againstJ the Kansas City Chiefs It was a lot of fun.” in the third quarter, snaffl ing a out for the second straight game and lost for through the second period with his fi rst goal early in the third period as New York ran 54-51 on Monday. A much-an- Goff ’s fi nal touchdown proved loose pass from Mahomes which the fourth time in fi ve games, and afterward goal of the night. The fl ashy Finn added two its home winning streak to six games with a ticipated collision between the to be the winning score, connect- bounced off Chiefs tackle Mitch- they fi red coach Mike Yeo. third-period goals, the fi nal one an empty- victory over Dallas. Chytil gave the Rangers league’s two highest-scoring of- ing with tight end Gerald Everett, ell Schwartz and storming over Assistant coach Craig Berube will fi ll Yeo’s netter, as the Jets posted their fourth win a 2-1 lead with 15:28 remaining. fenses lived up to its billing, with who tiptoed down the sideline to from 25 yards to make it 40-30 role on an interim basis. Matt Luff scored his in fi ve games. The injury-riddled Canucks The 19-year-old became the fi rst teen- both teams producing a thrilling put the Rams ahead 54-51 with heading into the fourth quarter. fi rst NHL goal in the second period and Anze lost their sixth consecutive game. Winnipeg ager to score in four straight games in team toe-to-toe battle at the Los An- 1:56 remaining. But Goff was so That score looked to have Kopitar scored into an empty-net with 29.5 goaltender Connor Hellebuyck produced 22 history while helping New York improve geles Memorial Coliseum. nearly outshone by a spellbind- given the Rams a decisive lead, seconds left to secure the win. Jake Allen saves on 25 shots, while Vancouver counter- to 8-1-1 in its last 10 games. Jimmy Ve- The 105 total points scored ing performance from Mahomes, but the Chiefs hit back when made 25 saves for St. Louis. part Jacob Markstrom stopped 43 of 48. sey scored the tying goal for the Rangers, made it the third highest-scoring who fi nished with monstrous Mahomes uncorked a stunning who own the NHL’s longest home winning game in NFL history. The Rams fi gures of six touchdowns for 478 73-yard touchdown for Tyreek CAPITALS 5, CANADIENS 4 (OT) SABRES 5, PENGUINS 4 (OT) streak this season. Tyler Seguin tallied for improved to 10-1 with the vic- yards yet somehow ended up on Hill to make it 40-37. The Chiefs Lars Eller scored with 1:26 left in overtime to Jack Eichel scored 45 seconds into over- the Stars, who dropped to 1-3-0 in their past tory while the Chiefs, rallied the losing side. then rocked the Rams after Goff give Washington a come-from-behind vic- time as Buff alo erased a three-goal defi cit four road games. brilliantly by young quarterback Mahomes had two chances to fumbled near his own goal line to tory at Montreal. Montreal had won two in to win its sixth consecutive game, beating Patrick Mahomes, fell to 9-2. overhaul the Rams inside the fi - allow Allen Bailey to cross from a row and held a 4-2 lead just 1:35 into the host Pittsburgh. Eichel, who also had an as- PREDATORS 3, LIGHTNING 2 Rams quarterback Goff fi nished nal two minutes, but was unable two yards for a touchdown that second period before Washington pulled sist, launched a shot from the right dot that Ryan Johansen scored what proved to be with 413 passing yards after to maneuver the Chiefs into po- made it 44-40 for the Chiefs. rookie goalie Pheonix Copley in favour of caromed in off the arm of Pittsburgh goal- the game-winning goal and also had an as- completing 31 of 49 attempts for sition for a game-tying fi eld goal, The Rams responded with Braden Holtby. tender Casey DeSmith. sist, and Pekka Rinne made 29 saves to lead his four touchdowns. twice throwing interceptions a swift six-play, 75-yard drive The 29-year-old veteran shut out the Ca- Zach Bogosian also had a goal and an as- host Nashville past Tampa Bay. Kyle Tur- Goff , who also crossed for a under fi erce pressure. While the to score through Everett from nadiens the rest of the way, stopping all 22 sist, and Tage Thompson, Casey Nelson and ris and Filip Forsberg also scored goals for rushing touchdown of his own in game turned into a duel of two Goff ’s seven-yard pass to make shots he faced. Alex Ovechkin scored twice Casey Mittelstadt scored for the Sabres, who Western Conference-leading Nashville. the third quarter, said the game of the NFL’s most exciting young it 47-44. Mahomes, though, for Washington, which also got goals from picked up their fi fth win when trailing after Mattias Ekholm added two assists. Rinne had hung in the balance to the quarterbacks, defenses on both was not done, drilling his sixth Brett Connolly and Nicklas Backstrom. two periods. Tanner Pearson had a goal and improved to 9-0-1 in his career against the fi nal play. “It was a crazy game,” sides came up with big plays on touchdown of the night to fi nd Mike Reilly, Brendan Gallagher, Jeff Petry an assist, and Derick Brassard, Phil Kessel, Lightning. Goff said. “We’re just happy to a night when the lead changed Conley for a 10-yard score. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 21, 2018 SPORT

ARAB SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIPS Qatar’s Aisha and Nasra shine on day three By Sports Reporter Doha

atar women Aisha al-Suwaidi and Nasra Mahmoud stole the limelight on the third day of the 14th Arab Shooting Champion- shipsQ by winning four and three golds re- spectively yesterday. At the Losail Shooting Range, 20-year- old Aisha fi rst won the 50m rifl e prone in- dividual and team golds and later claimed the 10m air rifl e individual and team golds. Nasra also showed her calibre by win- ning the 10m air pistol individual and team golds. She also contributed in Qatar team’s triumph in the 25m pistol event. Qatar’s Matara al-Aseiri claimed 50m rifl e prone individual bronze and was part of the 10m air rifl e gold medal-winning team. In the men’s section, Qatar’s Ahmad al-Shammari won individual 25m pistol gold. Mohamed Tamimi claimed bronze for the hosts as he fi nished behind Saeed al-Hasemi of Oman. Qatar team, comprising Mohamed al- Yafei, Ahmed al-Shammari and Riyad Rustom, also won a silver medal in the event. Al Dana Saad al-Mubarak of Qatar, who won QOC’s female athlete of the year award on Sunday, won 25m pistol individ- ual and team gold medals. Qatar medal winners celebrate with the president of Qatar Shooting and Archery Association Ali Mohamed al-Kuwari yesterday. PICTURE: Ram Chand

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Ryder Cup selection led to form return, Halfpenny ruled says Garcia

Reuters events on the US PGA Tour. Af- Hong Kong ter being selected in the Europe team, though, he shared seventh place at the Portugal Masters the ormer US Masters cham- week before the biennial show- out of Wales team pion Sergio Garcia has down with the Americans. credited Thomas Bjorn’s Following the Ryder Cup, he decision to hand him a won the Andalucia Valderrama RyderF Cup captain’s pick for his Masters, was second at the Ned- resurgence in form in the latter bank Golf Challenge and tied for part of the year. Garcia’s inclu- ninth at the World Tour Cham- sion in the team that went on pionship in Dubai last weekend. to defeat the United States was Garcia will this weekend seek for Springbok Test a surprise but was vindicated to add the Hong Kong Open ti- when the Spaniard won three out tle to his collection of 34 pro- ‘Leigh is out. He did some training on Saturday morning, and he was still feeling a little of a possible four points as Eu- fessional titles against a fi eld rope romped to victory in Paris. including Ryder Cup teammate bit light-headed. It is just a commonsense approach, really. A player’s welfare comes first’ “It’s defi nitely been a good Tommy Fleetwood and reign- end of the year,” said Garcia, who ing Masters champions Patrick will play in the Hong Kong Open Reed. at Fanling this weekend. “It was “It was just a matter of playing a really nice start of the year too, the Ryder Cup, because it’s al- but we went through a little bit ways a big boost for me especial- of a dip in the middle. When ly,” he said of his return to form. Thomas picked me to be part of “That obviously helped. But it’s the Ryder Cup team, everybody also the work I’ve been doing knows how much that means to throughout the year. I didn’t feel me and it kind of got my juices like I was that far off , in some of fl owing again. those missed cuts I was missing “I had a great week in Portugal the cut by one. and built some good momentum “I was close to playing good and then played great at the Ry- golf, it’s just that I couldn’t get der Cup and then Valderrama a rhythm. After that, when I and the last couple of weeks. It’s played in Portugal and in the been a good run so far and we’re Ryder Cup I got a nice big boost hoping to make it even better of confi dence and that’s always here this week.” important in anything you do Garcia started 2018 with a win and in golf even more. I’ve been in the Singapore Open but the riding that wave nicely and have 38-year-old missing the cut at managed to play very well ever all four majors as well as at four since.”

Patrick Reed of the US (left), Sergio Garcia of Spain (centre) and Tommy Leigh Halfpenny will miss Wales’s final match of the autumn series against South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday. Fleetwood of England pose during a promotional event ahead of the Hong Kong Open golf tournament yesterday. (AFP) AFP who started on the wing and misses out this weekend.” by union Test with Australia be- wick. London scored two tries against Tonga Halfpenny is the fi rst-choice cause of a calf injury, forwards Borthwick conceded that last weekend, one candidate. goal-kicker, with more than coach Steve Borthwick said on Ashton – who made his name in F3 driver Floersch vows to return aft er injury Fly-half Gareth Anscombe 700 points for his country, but Tuesday. rugby league before switching eigh Halfpenny has could be another contender as Wales have other strong options The 31-year-old returned to codes in 2007 – will be a major German Formula Three driver the operation which took 11 been ruled out of the Wales look to complete a fi rst in that area, able to call on Ans- the England squad for the No- loss to England. Sophia Floersch, who fractured hours. Hope from now on it Wales side for their sweep of autumn Test victories. combe, Dan Biggar and Rhys vember series after a hiatus of “Chris is a fantastic player her spine in an aerial crash only gets better. I have to stay Test against South Af- They are also chasing a ninth Patchell. more than four years and played who knows his way to the try- at the Macau Grand Prix on a few more days in Macau until Lrica in Cardiff on Saturday after successive win against all op- Howley confi rmed that wing in all three Tests this month. line,” Borthwick said. Sunday, reassured fans yester- I’m transportable. “I want to suff ering concussion against ponents, which would equal George North is back in training He capped his return by scor- “He’s been great around the day that she was recovering thank all of my fans for every Australia. their longest unbeaten run since after suff ering a dead leg during ing a try in the 16-15 defeat to squad the last few weeks. well and vowed to return to single get-well wishes, which I The Scarlets full-back was on 1999. the Wallabies clash. world champions New Zealand. “It’s very disappointing but it the sport. Floersch sustained now start reading. This really the receiving end of a challenge Wales coach Warren Gatland “I’m glad to say George North However, the former Sara- gives an opportunity to another the injury at the street circuit motivates me and gives me by Australia centre Samu Kerevi is due to announce his startling is back in full training,” Howley cens and Toulon star - who is player. We have a lot of good when her car flew off the track courage.” Jean Todt, head of when Wales beat the Wallabies line-up today. added. “He trained this morn- now at Sale - left the fi eld after wingers.” and into a photographers’ governing body International on November 10. “Leigh is out,” said Howley. ing and is available for selec- just half an hour of last Satur- England head coach Ed- bunker at high speed. Her Van Automobile Federation (FIA), Wales assistant coach Rob “He did some training on Sat- tion.” day’s win over Japan and Borth- die Jones – who will be look- Amersfoort Racing team said has promised a full investiga- Howley confi rmed yesterday urday morning, and he was still wick confi rmed he would not be ing to make it three wins from on Monday that doctors had tion into the incident which that Halfpenny would miss the feeling a little bit light-headed. INJURED ASHTON RULED fi t for the Wallabies match. four Tests in November having ruled out fear of paralysis. “I’m also left Japanese driver Sho Springboks game. “It is just a commonsense ap- OUT OF AUSTRALIA CLASH “Chris was scanned yester- also scraped a narrow win over going to come back,” Floersch Tsuboi, two photographers and Wales have options at proach, really. A player’s welfare England wing Chris Ashton is day and has been ruled out for South Africa – will name his said on Facebook. “I survived a track marshal injured. number 15, with Liam Williams, comes fi rst. He unfortunately unavailable for Saturday’s rug- a couple of weeks,” said Borth- starting line-up today. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 21, 2018 7 SPORT

FOCUS ATHLETICS Qatar’s Samba on 16 teams to take part IAAF award shortlist in AVC Aspire Beach ‘The AVC championship is set up as a preparation phase to train Qatari teams for future tournaments’ Volleyball The women’s shortlist was DPA Berlin published Monday, featuring British sprinter Dina Asher- Smith, Kenyan steeplechaser atar’s Abderrahman Beatrice Chepkoech, Belgian Samba, who ran the heptathlete Nafi ssatou Thiam, fastest 400m hurdles Colombian long and triple in 26 years, Kenyan jumper Caterine Ibarguen, marathonQ world record holder and Bahamas sprinter Shaunae Eliud Kipchoge and Swedish Miller-Uibo. pole vault sensation Armand Duplantis are part of a fi ve-man LEVINE GETS FOUR-YEAR shortlist announced yesterday DOPING BAN by the ruling body IAAF for the British sprinter Nigel Levine annual athletics awards. has been suspended from all Kipchoge shattered the sport for four years after test- world record for its biggest ing positive for banned drug improvement in 51 years two clenbuterol, UK Anti-Doping months ago in Berlin, clock- announced yesterday. ing 2 hours 1 minute 39 sec- Levine failed a drugs test on onds. Duplantis also shone in November 24 last year and it the German capital in August emerged in February that he when he raised his personal had been provisionally sus- best by 12 centimetres to win pended. the European title with a mas- Announcing the four-year sive 6.05m. ban on Tuesday, UKAD said Kevin Mayer also made the the 29-year-old’s ban will be fi nal fi ve as the Frenchman backdated to December 13, raised the decathlon world 2017 and run until December record, and so did the year’s 12, 2021. fastest sprinter Christian Levine was part of Britain’s Coleman of the US. 4x400 metre relay team that The winner of the vote-car- competed at the 2016 Rio Ol- ried out among IAAF council ympics and is a European in- members, IAAF family and door and outdoor gold med- fans - will be announced at the allist in the event as well as a Chairman of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Aspire Beach Volleyball Qatar Master 2018 organising committee Mohamed Mubarak al-Kuwari (centre), general co-ordinator World Athletics Awards on De- three-time world indoor med- of the championship at QVA Mohamed Salem al-Kuwari (right) and Qatar national beach volleyball team captain Nasser Ahmed al-Meer during a press conference yesterday. cember 4 in Monaco. allist.

By Sports Reporter erence point in sports excellence pionship at AZF for the sec- the extra rankings points. The we aspire to achieve the best.” Doha worldwide by 2020. Addition- ond time is testament to AZF’s Qatari Beach Volleyball team has Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Qatar’s Mohamed al-Modaihki elected ally, the championship will wel- ability to organise events to the advanced in the Asian ranking, Tijan will represent the Qatar come a wide range of fans and highest international standards. attaining the fi rst place and is No 1 team, while Assam Mah- to top World Chess Federation body he seventh edition of the sports enthusiasts due to its lo- He then concluded his speech by ranked 10th in the world,” QVA’s moud and Tamer Abdelrasoul The World Chess Federation it in the 2019 African Games Asian Volleyball Con- cation at Aspire Park in line with thanking the event sponsors – al-Kuwari said. will be part of the second team. (FIDE) on Monday elected in Morocco, as well as the federation (AVC) Aspire our objective to encourage indi- Sports Corner (Main sponsor), “We will continue to host Nasser Ahmed al-Meer and President of Qatar Chess Asian Games. He explained Beach Volleyball Qatar viduals to adopt a healthy and Ooredoo (Telecommunication tournaments like these to rise Hamad al-Kuwari will repre- Association Mohammed al- that Qatar was the first coun- TMaster 2018 will take place from active lifestyle. A Fan Zone will sponsor), De Boer (Technical in the world rankings of this sent the third Qatari team in the Modaihki as Executive Direc- try to include chess in the November 27 to 30 at Aspire be set up on the side-lines of sponsors), and Kidzania (Event year while achieving medals in championship. tor for International Relations Asian Games when it hosted Park. The event is jointly or- the event to entertain families, partner) – for their support. international and continental In September 2018, Qatar’s at FIDE, on the sidelines of the the event in 2006. ganised by the Qatar Volleyball which is scheduled to be present Speaking on the occasion, championships which stems Ahmed Tijan and Cherif You- World Chess Championships He said that discussions are Association (QVA), the Qatar throughout the event. the general coordinator of the from Qatar Olympic Commit- nousse won the Asian champions in London. currently under way with Olympic Committee (QOC) and Al-Kuwari also announced championship at QVA, Mo- tee’s vision under the leadership in Satun, Thailand. This built on In press remarks, al-Modaihki the Olympic Council of Asia Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF). the initial list of teams that have hamed Salem al-Kuwari, ex- of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad the team’s gold medal at the 18th said that the FIDE Executive and the Ministry of Sports of Addressing a press confer- confi rmed their participation. tended his utmost appreciation al-Thani to train athletes to Asian Games in Jakarta, Indone- Off ice, at its meeting in Lon- China for this purpose, add- ence yesterday, Mohamed Mu- Three teams will represent de- and gratitude to AZF for their reach their highest perform- sia, secured in August 2018, and don, allocated new responsi- ing that a special file will be barak al-Kuwari, Chairman of fending champions Qatar, while ongoing eff orts and cooperation ance level and to bring home represents another step towards bilities to the members and prepared to include the game the organising committee, said: Australia, Iran, Japan, Oman, in organising a global event that the gold.” Mohamed Salem al- the duo’s aim of earning direct formed special committees, in the 2022 Summer Youth “Organising AVC Aspire Beach Kazakhstan, and Thailand will refl ects AZF’s readiness to work Kuwari said. qualifi cation for the fi nals of the adding that he was appointed Olympics in Dakar. Volleyball Qatar Master sheds each send two teams; and New with other sports federations in Qatar national beach volley- 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. to the position which repre- Al-Modaihki also announced light on the fact that Doha has Zealand will send one team. A Qatar. ball team captain Nasser Ahmed With this edition of the AVC sents a great gain for Qatar that he was appointed as the become one of the main regional total of 16 teams have commit- “The Aspire Beach Volley- al-Meer added: “The presence Aspire Beach Volleyball Qatar chess. representative of the World and global sports hubs and that ted to taking part to date, and ball championship is set up as of such tournaments in Qatar Master 2018, more than 12,000 Al-Modaihki emphasised on Chess Federation to the World with AZF at its heart embracing the number is expected to in- a preparation phase to train gives players the encourage- fans are expected to attend. many future goals, saying Mind Sports Games, to be held all types of sports events.” crease in the coming days. Qatari teams for future tourna- ment and aspiration to take part AZF will reveal in the upcoming that he looks forward to in China in April, and to the Al-Kuwari said the initiative Al-Kuwari also stressed that ments, including the upcoming in tournaments on the interna- days more details regarding the include the game of chess in 2020 World University Cham- to host the championship comes the decision by the AVC and QVA World Championship in Ham- tional stage. This tournament event’s accompanying activi- the Olympic games by listing pionships. (QNA) as part of their vision to be a ref- to host the prestigious cham- burg, Germany, and to obtain will be a big challenge for us and ties.

FOOTBALL Qatar Airways, Bayern and Adidas launch 6th edition of FC Bayern Youth Cup in India atar Airways, in associa- is thrilled to support the FC Bay- environment. T team’s home, Barclays Center in tion with German foot- ern Youth Cup 2018-19 in India, his year, the winning school Brooklyn, New York – a venue ball club giant FC Bay- further inspiring future gen- team from the tournament will that hosts many of the world’s ern Munich and Adidas, erations in sports. Football as a represent ‘Team India’ at the most exciting entertainment and areQ proud to announce the sixth sport has grown tremendously World Finals, and I am sure this sporting events. edition of the FC Bayern Youth in India over the last decade, and will encourage the school teams In May 2017, Qatar Airways Cup India 2018-19, taking place with the recent FIFA U-17 World to put in their best to secure a announced a groundbreaking from the end of November until Cup tournament held in India, truly memorable experience that sponsorship deal with FIFA, February 3, 2019 at Adidas, the the sport is poised for further awaits them in Munich.” which saw the award-winning Base – Plaza in New Delhi, India. growth in terms of both partici- Qatar Airways holds an ex- airline become the Offi cial Part- The FC Bayern Youth Cup pation and interest. tensive global sports portfolio, ner and Offi cial Airline of FIFA is an under-16, seven-a-side “We look forward to engag- sponsoring some of the biggest until 2022. The partnership, one inter-school football tourna- ing with the club and the fans teams around the world. In ad- of the biggest sporting sponsor- ment that will pitch elite school to enhance upcoming talent and dition to its existing partnership ships in the world, will give Qa- teams from New Delhi, Mumbai, make a positive diff erence to with the German football club tar Airways extensive marketing Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai and the growth of football in India. giants Bayern Munich, for which and branding rights at the 2022 Srinagar to compete against each Sport is a key pillar of the long- it is a Platinum Partner, Qatar World Cup Qatar, with an ex- other, giving the budding foot- term vision of the State of Qatar, Airways also recently revealed pected audience reach of more ballers a platform to showcase and as Qatar’s national carrier, multi-year sponsorship agree- than two billion people. their talent to win a dream trip we welcome the opportunity to ments with Italian football club The agreement sees Qatar Air- to represent ‘Team India’ and use sport as a means of bring- AS Roma, and with Argentinian ways become the Offi cial Airline compete in the FC Bayern Youth ing people together. It will be an football club Boca Juniors, which Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup World Finals, taking place in honour to fl y the winners of this saw the award-winning airline Cup, the FIFA Women’s World Munich in May 2019. tournament to the world fi nals in become the Offi cial Jersey Spon- Cup, the FIFA Under-20 and The prestigious tournament Munich in May 2019.” sor for both teams. Under 17 World Cups, the FIFA aims to spread the vision of foot- Football legend and former the German league, winning stage as football isn’t a main taking initiatives to nurture In addition, Qatar Airways Beach Soccer World Cup, and the ball as a global sport that brings Bayern Munich player, Bixente the Champions League 2001, league sport in the country. It’s football in India and to introduce is the Offi cial Global Airline FIFA Interactive World Cup. people together from diff er- Lizarazu is due to visit Delhi for the World Cup 1998 and the such an honour to be able to new avenues to inspire the youth Partner of The South American Qatar Airways proudly fl ies ent backgrounds and cultures. the national fi nals taking place European Champion 2000 with monitor the progress of these to partake in the sport. Football Confederation (CON- one of the youngest fl eets in the Selected players will also get a in India in February 2019 ahead France. young teams, impart my learn- The FC Bayern Youth Cup is MEBOL). The multi-year agree- sky, featuring the world’s most chance to watch a Bundesliga of the world fi nals, to encour- Commenting on the sixth edi- ings to the best possible extent one of the key initiatives that ment will provide Qatar Air- technologically-advanced and match at the iconic Allianz Are- age participants and give them a tion of the FC Bayern Youth Cup and watch these budding talents reaffi rm the brand’s constant ways with maximum exposure environmentally friendly air- na in Munich. glimpse of what is in store for the India, Bixente Lizarazu said: amaze me with their skill set.” eff orts to promote and nurture in South America, while further craft. The airline operates a fl eet Qatar Airways Senior Vice winning team. “India has surprised everybody Adidas India Senior Market- football at a grass root level in strengthening the airline’s glo- of more than 200 modern air- President of Marketing and Cor- Lizarazu has earned varied ac- with the talent it has produced ing Director, Sean Van Wyk, India. It is an opportunity for bal sponsorship portfolio. craft to a network of more than porate Communications, Salam colades during his career which in football, despite entering the said: “Adidas, as a global leader young talent to compete and test Qatar Airways also sponsors 150 key business and leisure des- al-Shawa, said: “Qatar Airways includes six times championing football scene at a much later in football, has been constantly their skills in an international the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and the tinations across six continents.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Captain Finch wants India’s Kohli says Australia to play aggressively

Reuters Finch said Australia would be Sydney foolish not to have plans against the touring side’s other batsmen. weakened Australia “They’ve got dangerous guys all ustralia have the ideal through,” the Australian open- opportunity to arrest ing batsman said, referring to the their slide with some likes of Rohit Sharma. aggressive cricket in “You’ve got guys who’ve made theA three-match Twenty20 se- double hundreds in one-day ries against India, limited-overs cricket and played so much T20 still ‘world-class’ captain Aaron Finch said in Bris- cricket and are so experienced bane yesterday. that if you take them for granted, World champions in the they’ll hurt you badly. There’s ‘When we step on the field we have 11 individuals striving for excellence’ 50-overs, Australia were white- obviously been a bit of focus washed 5-0 by England in an around Virat, but no more than AFP one-day international series and Rohit, Shikhar (Dhawan) or KL Brisbane lost 2-1 loss to South Africa at (Rahul), or any of these guys who home earlier this month. can be as damaging as anyone on They have not won an ODI se- their day.” ndia captain Virat Kohli insisted yes- ries since beating New Zealand Finch said bouncers could terday Australia have the quality to 2-0 in 2016-17 and fi nished the be the “go-to” delivery for his upset the odds in their Twenty20 se- calendar year with only two wins bowlers against the Indians more ries and said his team will be focusing from 13 matches. In the shortest comfortable on slow and low Ion the “little things” to come out on top. format, they were blanked 3-0 surfaces back home. “Most of The visitors open their tour with the fi rst by Pakistan in the United Arab the Indian guys have been here of three T20s in Brisbane today ahead of Emirates and also lost a one-off before and know what to expect, four Tests and three one-dayers that will T20 match against the Proteas on so with so much cricket being keep them in Australia until late January. Saturday. played these days it’s probably In the short format, they have been by “We are still very confi dent not as foreign as what it was go- far the better team in recent times. Aus- in this (T20) format,” Finch told ing back some time,” he said. tralia have also been weakened by ball- reporters on the eve of the series “There’s an opportunity to use tampering bans to key batsmen Steve opener against India, who beat that as our go-to, no doubt. It’s Smith and David Warner. “We defi nitely world champions West Indies going to be an exciting series, In- have a very strong side,” said Kohli, who 3-0 at home before landing in dia are in great form, and we feel last month became the fastest to reach Australia. as though we’ve been building 10,000 runs in one-day internationals, “India have been in great form really nicely without the results breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record. in all forms of the game for a long going our way so far. It’ll be good “When we step on the fi eld we have 11 time now. It’s going to be a great fun.” Australia will also need to individuals striving for excellence, they opportunity for us to come out bat well against the best Indian want to be the best they can. Those are and express ourselves, play some pace attack to have toured the the dynamics that have allowed us to play aggressive, attacking cricket and country, he said. the cricket that we are and hopefully we take the game on and really try “When you look at India in can build on that.” and take it to India.” the past you might have seen it While Kohli is a dangerman for India, India captain Virat Kohli (pace) as a bit of a weak link, but so are KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, who scored four hundreds during the now I think they have every base has smashed two centuries in four T20 team’s last trip Down Under but covered through their list.” innings since July. They both sit above their captain on the T20 batting rankings. Despite Australia being without Smith and Warner — who will need to serve their full 12-month bans for ball-tam- pering, after Cricket Australia yesterday ruled out any reductions — Kohli is ada- mant the hosts still pose a big threat. “There’s no denying the quality they have in their side,” he said. “They still have world-class cricketers, though missing out on two of the world’s best Virat Kohli’s India open their tour with the first of three T20s in Brisbane today ahead of four Tests and three one-dayers that will batsmen in not ideal for any team. But the keep them in Australia until late January. (Reuters) guys they have, especially in the limited- SQUADS The last time India played a T20I se- going to be a great opportunity for us to overs game, can do damage at any point Australia: Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, ries in Australia in January 2016, it was come out and express ourselves, play in time. You can never underestimate any Jason Behrendorff , Alex Carey, Nathan a Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led India that some great attacking cricket, take the side. We’re won’t be taking anything for Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Ben McDermott, blanked the hosts 3-0. India have an- game on and really try and take it to In- granted.” Glenn Maxwell, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, nounced their 12-man shortlist ahead dia,” he said. India arrived in Australia on the back of Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa a home thrashing of the West Indies, but of the opening encounter, with Manish And Finch believes they are close to their form traditionally is more fragile on Pandey, Washington Sundar, Shreyas Iyer winning their fi rst series since new coach India : Virat Kohli (capt), Khaleel Ahmed, the road. Kohli said they planned to “do and Umesh Yadav being the exclusions. Justin Langer took over, after Darren Le- Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shikhar the little things right so we can win more Australia were beaten in both white- hmann stepped down following the tam- Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Dinesh Karthik, situations than the opposition”. “We def- ball formats by South Africa in recent pering row. “India are in great form but Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, initely believe we have the quality to win, weeks, but skipper Aaron Finch is confi - we feel as though we’ve been building Manish Pandey, Krunal Pandya, Rishabh but it will boil down to how we think in dent they can turn their fortunes around really nicely without getting results going Pant, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, each moment in every game we play.” with a more assertive approach. “It’s our way so far,” he said. Umesh Yadav Australia’s limited overs captain Aaron Finch. (Reuters)

Cricket world body rejects BOTTOMLINE Pakistan compensation claim over India Smith, Warner to serve out bans in full: Cricket Australia

Dubai: The International Cricket Council Reuters Peever’s temporary replacement, Smith and Warner are two of the yesterday dismissed a compensation claim Sydney added. “CA maintains that both the best batsmen in the world and the by Pakistan over India’s refusal to honour an length and nature of the sanctions debate over their bans, which are agreement to play bilateral series. “Following remain an appropriate response in scheduled to expire at the end of a three-day hearing and having considered teve Smith and David Warner light of the considerable impact on March, was played out against the detailed oral and written submissions, the will serve out their one-year the reputation of Australian cricket, backdrop of Australia’s continued Dispute Panel has dismissed the PCB’s claim bans in full after a review here and abroad.” struggles in all formats of the game. against the BCCI,” the ICC said in a statement. of the punishments by the The ACA said in a statement it With Australia’s defence of the boardS of Cricket Australia (CA), “respectfully” disagreed with CA’s 50-overs World Cup starting in The decision cannot be appealed. The dispute centred on a Memorandum of the governing body said yesterday. decision, which it regarded as “dis- England at the end of May and the Understanding (MoU) according to which India Former Test captain Smith and his appointing”. “It remains the ACA’s defence of the Ashes following in and Pakistan had agreed to play six bilateral vice-captain Warner were handed view that a recalibration of these August and September, there was series between 2015-2023, four of which would the bans from international and sanctions would have been a just clearly a desire among some Down be hosted by Pakistan. The PCB had filed a state cricket after the ball-tamper- outcome,” it continued. “The ACA Under to get the duo back as soon compensation claim of $70mn. ing scandal that rocked Australian has done all it could in support of as possible. Aaron Finch, captain of But India refused to play Pakistan citing Cricket in March this year. our submission, and now considers Australia’s limited overs teams, said the Indian government’s objections due to Batsman Cameron Bancroft was the matter closed.” it had not been a big topic of conver- strained relations with Pakistan. According to also banned for nine months for his Steve Smith (left) and David Warner. (AFP) Eddings in any case made it clear sation in the dressing room but the the agreement, the six tours would include up role in trying to alter the condition of that no further submissions for a decision did bring some clarity. “It to 14 Tests, 30 one-days and 12 Twenty20 inter- the ball during a Test match against sidered all elements of the ACA sub- fostering a “win without counting review of the punishments would be would’ve been great to see the guys nationals. The MoU was a reward to Pakistan South Africa in Cape Town. He will mission and has determined that it is the costs” culture. That review led heard by the CA board. “We believe play some domestic cricket at the for backing the “Big Three” plan according to be able to return to representative not appropriate to make any changes to the resignation of CA chairman the ongoing conversation about re- back half of the season but we have which India, Australia and England had the cricket at the end of December. to the sanctions handed down to the David Peever, who had forcefully ducing the sanctions puts undue to respect CA’s decision on that for major share of power and revenues of world The players’ union, the Austral- three players,” CA’s chairman Earl maintained that the players should pressure on the three players — all of the original ban to stand,” he told re- cricket. ian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), Eddings said in a statement. see out the full terms of their sus- whom accepted the sanctions earlier porters in Brisbane. However, that arrangement fell apart and have always contested the bans were Calls for the bans to be looked at pensions. this year — and the Australian men’s “It would have been great for the BCCI refused to accept the MoU as a legal unduly harsh and had pushed for all again intensifi ed after an independ- “The original decision of the cricket team,” he said. “As such, the Davy and Steve also obviously with document, dismissing it as a “piece of paper”. three to be able to resume fi rst class ent review into CA last month said board to sanction the players was Cricket Australia Board doesn’t in- Cam coming back shortly. But yeah, India cut off cricket ties with Pakistan after the cricket immediately. “The Cricket the governing body had contributed determined after rigorous discus- tend to consider further calls for respect the decision and just got to 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai which left Australia Board has carefully con- to the ball-tampering scandal by sion and consideration,” Eddings, amendments to the sanctions.” move on.” more than 160 people killed. The two sides have not played a full series since Pakistan’s tour of India in 2007. Pakistan ROUND-UP toured India for a limited-overs series with two Twenty20s and three one-day internationals from December 2012-January 2013 but full ties were not restored. West Indies name Pothas as interim head coach After negotiations about the proposed tours failed, the PCB filed a notice of dispute with Reuters Pothas will be in charge during the Last April Pothas stepped down as DANANJAYA MISSES results of his test was known. His the ICC resolution committee in November last Dhaka tour of Bangladesh where the Carib- the fi elding consultant of Sri Lanka COLOMBO DEAD RUBBER TO bowling action will be examined at year, claiming the 70mn dollars in compensa- bean side will play two tests, three after briefl y coaching them until the ASSESS ACTION IN BRISBANE the National Cricket Centre in Bris- tion. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has one-day internationals and an equal appointment of head coach Chan- Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya bane on Friday, the same day the reportedly spent one mn dollars fighting the ielding coach Nic Pothas has number of Twenty20 matches. The dika Hathurusingha. The South will get his bowling action assessed hosts begin the dead rubber against case, described the decision as “disappoint- been named interim head fi rst test starts in Chittagong tomor- African then took the role with the in Australia this week and conse- England, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a ing.” coach of West Indies for the row. Caribbean side. quentially miss the third and fi nal statement. “In place of Akila Dan- “Following a lengthy dispute resolution Ftour of Bangladesh follow- “Having Nic lead the team at this “It is an honour to be asked to be Test against England, the country’s anjaya, the selectors have included process, the announcement of the decision ing the departure of Stuart Law, the juncture is important for continu- the head coach of the West Indies cricket board said yesterday. spinner Nishan Peiris into the Sri has come as a disappointment,” it said. “PCB West Indies cricket board has said. ity and we look forward to strong cricket team for the immediate fu- The 25-year-old was reported by Lanka test Squad to face England in will determine its future course of action in Former Australia batsman Law quit and positive performances from the ture,” Pothas said. “The Bangla- match offi cials for a suspect bowl- the third test match,” the SLC said this regard after detailed deliberations and as West Indies head coach after their squad under his leadership,” West desh series will be a tough challenge ing action during Sri Lanka’s loss in a statement. Peiris, 21, bowls off - consultations with its stakeholders.” tour of India to take over at English Indies’ director of Cricket Jimmy which we look forward to embrac- in the opening test in Galle but was spin and is yet to play for the island county Middlesex. Adams said in a statement. ing.” allowed to carry on playing till the country in any of the three formats.