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Thursday 26 October 2017

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QOC, Ministry of Education and Higher Education launch ‘Kun Riyadi’

Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Chairman H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani poses for a photograph with special invitees and schoolchildren at the launching ceremony of the first stage of Kun Riyadi (‘Be an Athlete’) programme in Doha yesterday. The programme is conducted by the QOC in collaboration with Ministry of Education and Higher Education. See also page 31 Al Rayyan determined to break Al Sadd jinx

Armstrong Vas four main players, the squad is still The Peninsula stronger this season. When the going is good, things are smooth l Rayyan coach Michael in the team camp as well. We’ve Laudrup said his team Of course, it is a big already played seven games, is eager to break the game and a big date. including in the QSL Cup, and won jinx of losing to Al Sadd six of them,” said the Dane. when they clash in the We’re keen to take on Meanwhile, Al Gharafa coach RoundA 6 match of the QNB Stars Al Sadd mainly because Jean Fernandez admitted they have League (QSL) dubbed the Qatar we want to reverse the an uphill task when they take on Qatar Football Association (QFA) President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Clasico. trend of defeats leaders Al Duhail. Al Thani (right) and Japan Football Association (JFA) President Kohzo Tashima The Lions haven’t won against “We know it’s a difficult task pose for a photograph during the cooperation agreement signing ceremony at Al Al Sadd in the league for a while against them in recent against Al Duhail. They’re the Bidda Tower yesterday. and the clash between the two times: Michael Laudrup champions and leaders with an all- teams always evoke a keen inter- win record. However, we’ll be est among all stakeholders. Both desperate to get some points. We’re sides have stand-out players in all trying to put behind the disap- Qatar and Japan sign departments to make the game pointment of losing to Al really electrifying on the pitch. Kharaitiyat by a big margin in the “Of course, it is a big game and a “From the league standings’ point last round,” Fernandez said. big date. We’re keen to take on Al of view too, this is an important Al Duhail top the league stand- MoU at Doha meeting Sadd mainly because we want to match for us. We want to finish in ings with 15 points from five reverse the trend of defeats against the top four and play in the AFC matches. them in recent times. We must be Champions League. We’ve to be “We took on Al Kharaitiyat in The Peninsula relations and I look forward to imple- playing at our best, with or without really, really strong on the field. If a confident manner, having regis- menting this cooperation in the near the ball. There are some outstanding not, players like Xavi (Hernandez), tered our first victory in this he Qatar Football Association (QFA) future.” players on both sides and it must be Baghdad (Bounedjah), Jugurtha season’s league, against Al Khor. signed a cooperation agreement He added: “This agreement will ben- nice for the players to showcase their Hamroun and Hassan Al Haidos But things didn’t work our way and Twith the Japan Football Association efit both countries, especially as Qatar has skills and also for others to watch will kill us. We should be creatingg we ended upp disappointed.pp We justj (JFA) at QFA’s headquarters in Doha become a great football power in Asia, and tthemhem in action,” saisaidd more opportunitiesopportunities to couldn’tcouldn’t sustain thethe momentum.momentum. yesterday. is preparing to host the 2022 FIFA World Laudrup.Laudrup. score,” hehe added.added. All thatthat is past andand we looklook forwardforward The agreement was signed by QFA Cup Qatar in five years’ time. By follow- TheT h e Dane to thisthis matcmatch.h. We won’t get overover-- President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin ing the size of the great achievement expressed confconfi-i- awedawed by Al Duhail’s status. They’veThey’ve Ahmed Al Thani and by JFA President reached by Qatar I am certain that Qatar dencedence thatthat AlAl somesome dangerousdangerous playersplayers andand Kohzo Tashima. has sufficient time to host and stage a Rayyan has the (Youssef)(Youssef) El Arabi is scoring at will.will. The signing ceremony was also unique tournament. I had pleasure of vis- rightright arsenaarsenall ItIt allall wiwillll dependdepend on howhow wellwell wewe attended by Saoud Al Mohannadi, Vice iting the Qatar national teams centre at whichwhich is capacapableble cocontainntain theirtheir attacks.”attacks.” President of the QFA. Aspire, which is a world-class centre with of penetrating FernandezFernandez saidsaid hishis backback fourfour The agreement focuses on coopera- great facilities and is set to open its doors thethe AlAl SaddSadd needneed to tightentighten tthehe loosedloosed ends.ends. tion in several key areas, mainly: technical soon for the teams which will definitely defence.defence. “Our“Our ddefenceefence neeneedsds ttoo and professional exchanges, national help the teams achieve great results. “We’ve a improve. IfIf you defenddefend well,well, thenthen teams, exchange of expertise (including He also said: “Through this agree- strong squasquad.d. you’veyou’ve more chanceschances to win. We’vWe’vee coach education and youth development), ment, the JFA and QFA will focus on joint Even if we many positives to draw from ourour game development, player development efforts to explore the possibility of organ- changechange games so farfar andand we’llwe’ll try to buildbuild and referee development. ising matches for the first teams and age threethree onon them,” said the Frenchman.Frenchman. Through the agreement, the QFA and group teams. Other aspects of the agree- or Al GharafaGharafa are sixtsixthh in tthehe tatableble JFA will focus on joint efforts to explore ment will see both associations focus on withwith ffiveive points. the possibility of organising friendly the exchange of knowledge and exper- matches between the two associations. tise in the technical, administrative, sports The JFA President, Kohzo Tashima science and sports medicine fields espe- commented: “I am delighted to come to cially as Qatar has Aspetar, the global my second home Qatar and thank Sheikh sports medicine hospital that is known Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani for its world-class facilities and for the warm welcome and hospitality. services.” The official signing of the agreement with QFA has now signed agreements with the QFA is a very positive step towards Oman Football Association (OFA), football development, especially since I Uzbekistan Football Federation (UFF), have a close relationship with the Presi- and the Korea Football Association (KFA) dent of the QFA. I am pleased to sign this as part of its strategy to develop football cooperation agreement today, which is in Qatar and enhance its relationship with an illustration of the existing brotherly its various Asian counterparts. 30 SPORT THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2017 League Cup: Bravo stars as City see off Qatar, Korea boost ties Wolves in shoot-out with new agreement London 4-1 loss away to Bristol City AFP despite taking the lead at Ash- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al ton Gate. anchester City goal- Bakary Sako put the Eagles Thani, President of the QFA and Chung keeper Claudio Bravo ahead in the 21st minute. But Monggyu, President of the KFA during the Mwas the Premier second-tier Bristol City hit back cooperation agreement signing ceremony League leaders’ hero as they through goals from Matt Tay- at Al Bidda Tower yesterday. beat Championship leaders lor, Milan Djuric, Joe Bryan and Wolves in a penalty shoot-out Callum O’Dowda. to book their place in the quar- Managers at both ends of ter-finals of the English League the Premier League table often Cup on Tuesday. regard the League Cup as an Despite chances at both inconvenience and Palace’s lat- ends, the Etihad Stadium clash est loss was not so surprising was still scoreless after 30 min- given Roy Hodgson, the former utes of extra time, sending the England boss, had made 10 tie to spot-kicks. changes to the London club’s Bravo, much criticised after line-up. some unconvincing displays Elsewhere, Jesse Lingard last season and making just his scored twice as League Cup third appearance of this cam- holders Manchester United saw paign, saved successive off Premier League rivals penalties from Alfred N’Diaye Swansea 2-0, a result that saw and Conor Coady in a shoot-out Jose Mourinho’s men bounce where the kicks were taken back from a shock league using the ABBA formula. defeat by Huddersfield. Sergio Aguero, just one goal Bournemouth, fresh from away from becoming City’s all- just their second Premier time leading goalscorer, sealed League win of the season last a 4-1 shoot-out success with a weekend, enjoyed a 3-1 victory cheeky Panenka chipped at home to Middlesbrough. The Peninsula Hamad bin Khalifa bin penalty. Jack Simpson put the Cher- Ahmed Al Thani for the But as the Argentina strik- ries ahead with a goal on debut he Qatar Football warm welcome and hospi- er’s effort was scored in a before Marcus Tavernier equal- Association (QFA) tality. I am also happy to sign shoot-out he remains level with ised for Boro. and the Korea Foot- This is my second visit to Qatar and I this cooperation agreement Eric Brook’s City record of 177 Leicester had to come from ball Association have already noticed the tremendous with the QFA, which is an goals for the Manchester club a goal down to beat another (KFA) signed a extension of the existing that has stood since 1939. Championship club Leeds Tcooperation agreement yes- stadium and infrastructure progress brotherly relations. We have Arsenal, who changed their United 3-1. The Foxes, without terday in QFA’s headquarters being achieved to host the 2022 FIFA a long history of joint work entire side from the 11 that beat a manager after sacking Craig at Al Bidda Tower in Doha. and this agreement will Everton 5-2 in the Premier Shakespeare, fell behind at The agreement was signed World Cup Qatar: President KFA undoubtedly have a great pos- League last weekend, were five home to a 26th-minute goal by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Chung Monggyu itive influence on minutes away from losing to from Pablo Hernandez. But they bin Ahmed Al Thani, President strengthening the relations second-tier Norwich City at the needed just four more minutes of the QFA and by Chung between us and the QFA.” Emirates. to be back on level terms, Monggyu, President of the He also said: “This is my But England Under-19 Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho KFA. second visit to Qatar and I striker Eddie Nketiah equalised scoring the equaliser. The agreement is set to have already noticed the tre- for the Gunners just 15 seconds establish a framework to focus on areas of cooperation Additionally, the memo- mendous stadium and after coming off the bench to LEAGUE CUP RESULTS strengthen cooperation with counterparts from the randum will also focus on infrastructure progress being send the game into extra-time Fourth round between the two associations, Asia region, those were with exchanges of information and achieved to host the 2022 at 1-1 with his first senior goal Arsenal 2 (Nketiah 85, 96) Norwich 1 (Murphy 34) to encourage knowledge the Oman Football Associa- technical material to serve the FIFA World Cup Qatar. I am after Josh Murphy’s chip had Bournemouth 3 (Simpson 49, Wilson 75-pen, exchange and to enhance tion (OFA) and the Uzbekistan development of football in confident that Qatar will stage given the visitors the lead. Afobe 83) Middlesbrough 1 (Tavernier 56) football growth in the respec- Football Federation (UFF), and both countries, which acts as a unique and successful And the 18-year-old Nke- Bristol City 4 (Taylor 34, Djuric 39, Bryan 60, tive countries. is set to sign more in the a milestone aimed at facilitat- tournament.” tiah ensured Arsene Wenger’s O’Dowda 66) Crystal Palace 1 (Sako 21) The signing ceremony was upcoming period. ing the growth and “Qatar does not only rep- men would be in the quarter- Leicester 3 (Iheanacho 30, Slimani 71, Mahrez 88) also attended by Saoud Al In recent years, QFA has development of football in resent the Middle East, it final draw when he headed Leeds 1 (Hernandez 26) Mohannadi, VicePresident of also signed several agree- Qatar and South Korea. represents the whole of Asia home the winner. Swansea 0 Manchester United 2 (Lingard 21, 59) the QFA, Mansoor Al Ansari, ments with its Yemeni, A meeting was also con- too. Therefore, staging the

Premier League basement Manchester City 0 Wolves 0 General Secretary of the QFA, Palestinian, German, Italian, ducted between the two World Cup in Qatar means club Crystal Palace were Manchester City win 4-1 on penalties Hani Ballan, QFA Board Mem- Pakistani, and Kyrgyz coun- associations’ Presidents, that this is the second time knocked out after suffering a ber and Sung Ho Sin, terparts, which demonstrates which aimed to discuss sev- Asia gets the opportunity to International Affairs Manager Qatar’s openness and ongo- eral important issues and stage such a prominent and Manchester City’s at the KFA. ing cooperation with all mutual interests, and stressed important tournament, which Sergio Aguero This upcoming period will nations aiming at strengthen- the importance of football is truly a great honour for all witness the establishment of ing its’ relations with various development in the Asian of us in the region,” he added. (right) and Claudio a joint working group, which federations across all continent. Commenting on the deep Bravo celebrate will study in detail the legal continents. During the meeting, they relations between the QFA after the match framework of the memoran- The purpose of this agree- also discussed mutual rela- and KFA, while pointing to the League Cup dum in order to activate this ment is for both associations tions between the two parties role that football plays in pro- match against agreement. to invest in the brotherly and and several aspects of the joint moting relations between Wolverhampton A plan of action will also bilateral relations between the cooperation. different countries, Al Ansari, Wanderers at be prepared, which will two countries and further Talks were held on General Secretary of the QFA Etihad Stadium, include a report on the most explore areas of interest enhancing bilateral relations, commented: “The cooperation Manchester on important achievements, between them. and ways for QFA to benefit agreement comes in light of Tuesday. schedule of activities and The memorandum signed from the vast experience of the common interests events that will bring together will see both federations share South Korean football. between both parties in order the two associations in the expertise and experiences in Commenting on the to achieve the desired results coming period. the areas of training of tech- occasion, President of the and objectives, which ensures QFA recently signed a nical personnel, sports KFA, Monggyu said: “I am the overall long term devel- series of cooperation agree- science, and sports very happy to be here in opment of football for both ments in mid-October, which medicine. Qatar and thank Sheikh countries.” Qatar and India juniors to lock horns in Doha friendly

Armstrong Vas Match to be played at warm welcome by the fans at some match practice ahead of The Peninsula Al Arabi Stadium the Hamad International the AFC qualifiers,” said the Airport. 63-year old former Benfica atar and India Under-19 Portuguese coach Luis Nor- youth coach. teams will clash in a hosts Saudi Arabia, Yemen and ton de Matos, who was in charge The Portuguese said the Qfriendly match in Doha on Turkmenistan in Group D for the of the team during the Under-17 Under-17 boys need to play in Saturday as part of their respec- continental qualifiers. World Cup, is the chief coach and more competitions to get use to tive preparations for the 2018 They play their first match will be assisted by Floyd Pinto, the big match temperament. AFC U-19 Championship against Saudi Arabia on Novem- AIFF U-19 Academy coach. “For the Under-17 boys play- Qualifiers. ber 4 followed by matches After the Qatar U-19 friendly ing in the World Cup was there Qatar are placed in Group C against Yemen and Turkmeni- the Indian team will proceed to their first competitive matches, in the Asian qualifiers along with stan on November 6 and 8 Dammam, Saudi Arabia for the so the boys need a lot more com- Iraq and Lebanon and will kick respectively. AFC U-19 qualifiers. petitions and all I can say that off their campaign at home The Indian team, consisting Matos said the brief stopover Indian football has a fantastic against Lebanon on November of a large chunk of players who in Qatar will serve as a prepara- future ahead of them in the com- 6 followed by the match against did duty during the ongoing tion for the tough AFC qualifiers ing years,” added the Indian Iraq, two days later. under-17 World Cup taking in Saudi Arabia. coach. Iraq and Lebanon will begin place in India and the All India “The team is a mixture of In the Under-17 world Cup, India Under-19 team’s players and officials pose for a group proceedings in the group with a Football Federation (AIFF) U-19 players from the Under-17 and India lost 3-0 to USA, went down match on November 4. Academy, arrived in Qatar yes- under-19 squads. We hope to fighting 2-1 to Colombia and photo upon their arrival at Hamad International Airport in India have been clubbed with terday and were accorded acclimatise with the weather and were outplayed 4-0 by Ghana Doha yesterday. THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 31 QOC launches ‘Be an Athlete’ programme

Team Qatar Gymnasts Duha and Abdulla demonstrating skills for the young students during the launched of the first stage of Kun Riyadi (‘Be an Athlete’), Qatar’s unique Athlete Development Pathway that aims to produce Qatari sporting champions.

The Peninsula Champion stuff creating its curriculum, thereby helping the success of this he Qatar Olympic Commit- The first stage of Kun program.” tee (QOC) and Ministry of Riyadi (‘Be an The ADP was launched in TEducation and Higher Edu- Athlete’), Qatar’s November 2016 by the QOC and cation yesterday launched the unique Athlete Aspire Academy, and was a result first stage of Kun Riyadi (‘Be an of a three-year project involving Development Pathway Athlete’), Qatar’s unique Athlete the input of multiple stakehold- that aims to produce Development Pathway that aims ers, sporting entities and to produce Qatari sporting Qatari sporting world-class sport development champions. champions. experts from the Aspire Acad- The first phase, ‘Quality’ emy to create a framework focuses on sports development The first phase will be unique for Qatar. amongst 0-7 year olds and will rolled out across The ‘Quality’ phase of the be rolled out across Qatar’s nurs- Qatar’s nurseries and ADP was launched with partic- eries and schools, instilling schools, instilling ipating schools at Qatar enjoyment and interest in sport enjoyment and Foundation’s Student Centre, from the earliest possible age. interest in sport from with coaches from Qatar’s Speaking at the launch event, earliest possible age. national federations supporting Secretary General of the Qatar schoolteachers in running fun Olympic Committee, Jassim bin and engaging lessons focussing Rashed Al Buenain, said: “The these young children have had on gymnastics and athletics. Also first phase of ‘Kun Riyadi’ aims participating in the activities. We participating in the launch activ- to provide the opportunity for look forward to watching the ities were Team Qatar gymnasts sports participation and devel- programme grow and develop Duha Al Habshi and Abdulla Al opment to start from very over the months and years Hareth, who inspired the school- earliest stage of childhood. ahead.” children by demonstrating their “Our unique Athlete Devel- Deputy Minister of the Min- skills and answering questions A young student tries opment Pathway (ADP) is a istry of Education and Higher about their successful sporting gymnastics during the fundamental part of the QOC’s Education, H E Rabea Mohamed careers. launch of Kun Riyadi. new vision and direction for Al-Kaabi, said: “We are very This stage of Kun Riyadi has sport, which strives to achieve pleased to work with the Qatar been designed to encourage Qatari sporting success at every Olympic Committee on this active play and exploration to level. Identifying, developing and project and we will work hard to help children develop motor nurturing talented athletes at ensure its success. Our schools skills that will help them become every stage of their career is key are incubators of talent and effective at running, jumping and to ensuring that they reach their sporting skills and it is the vision throwing later on in life. full potential but before that, it of the Ministry of Education and Lessons and activities will is vital that we instil an enjoy- Higher Education to provide focus on demonstrating sport to ment and love for sport at the innovative and high-quality children and providing a joyful youngest possible age,” he added. opportunities for our students. and supportive environment much sport as possible.” The they decide to revert to playing This will enable insights into “This is exactly what we aim The Ministry has made physical where children enjoy sport and Qatar ADP is a five-stage model sport at a recreational level or athletes’ training to be gathered, to achieve through the Quality education as one of the basic have fun playing it. that provides a comprehensive remain in the professional which will also help to shape and stage of our ADP version and it subjects within the school sylla- The programme will be ini- framework for developing skills sphere as a coach or official. improve future training has been wonderful to see today bus and has used the highest tially rolled out in three sports at critical periods in an athlete’s The Qatar Olympic Commit- programmes. how much fun and enjoyment international standards when – gymnastics, athletics and development from early child- tee has previously contributed An in-depth ADP encyclo- swimming, across 12 schools in hood to post-retirement. to the investment of a number of paedia has also been produced Qatar and progress will be mon- The next phases after Qual- distinguished athletes through to support its , which itored and reviewed on a regular ity see participants aged 8-12 scholarship programs. The ath- includes background informa- basis to ensure goals are being develop a foundation of differ- letes would return after receiving tion, guidelines, processes and met. Further schools and sports ent skills to serve them in a range their university degrees to work techniques. will then be incorporated until of sports, before a tailored pro- for the institution, continuing to Kun Riyadi is the result of a eventually all schools and sports gramme is provided specific to contribute to the development three-year project which was in Qatar are involved by 2022. children’s individual needs from of the national sports completed last year involving the Commenting on Kun Riyadi, 13-18 years of age. movement. input of multiple stakeholders, participating female gymnast Al At 19, tailored practice, train- The ADP framework sporting entities and world-class Habshi said: “I think it is so ing, competition, and recovery includes 39 sport specific mod- sport development experts from important that all children espe- regimes and provided ensuring els, each tailored to enable the Aspire Academy to create a cially girls are given the that athletes maximise their optimum development within framework unique for Qatar. opportunity to try a range of dif- potential. The final stage of different sports and disciplines, Led by the QOC, it enables ferent sports from as young as development ensures that ath- including para-sport and Qatar to have a fully unified possible so that they can see letes remain active after their women in sport. It will be rolled approach producing future what they are interested in and careers and impart their knowl- out with an innovative Athlete Qatari sporting champions, with where their talents lie. Kun Riy- edge and experience to future Management System that cen- the involvement of Qatar’s adi is a fantastic initiative to generations participating in the tralises data gathering of all National Federations, Aspire ensure that all Qatari sporting pathway. athletes, including sport science Academy, Ministry of Education Students take part in athletics during the launch of Kun talent is identified and developed Athletes can enter this stage data, learning progress and and all stakeholders and sport- Riyadhi. and that every child can enjoy as at any age depending on whether injury history. ing entities. 32 SPORT THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2017 THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 33 Bangladesh hope to Dhawan, Karthik help India end winless streak

Bloemfontein Bangladesh prevail in to level series AFP hakib Al Hasan will be Bang- ladesh’s third captain on a Sdisappointing tour of South Africa as they seek to regain some Pune Henry Nicholls (42)2) tried to pride in two internation- Reuters rebuild the Kiwi inningsnings and als, starting in Bloemfontein today. Colin de Grandhommemme subsub-- Bangladesh’s all-time leading ight bowling and sequently made 4141 off 40 all-rounder was reappointed T20 fifties from balls to lend some respecta- captain after a seven-year gap fol- Shikhar Dhawan bility to the Neww ZeaZealandland lowing the retirement from the and Dinesh total. format of Mashrafe Mortaza. Karthik helped Leg-spinner Yuzvendrauzvendra He takes over a squad that has TIndia secure a series-level- Chahal dismissed dede Grand-Grand- already suffered humiliating defeats ling six- victory homme and Adamm MilnMilnee ooffff in two Test matches and three one- against New Zealand in the successive deliverieseries bubutt day internationals. second one-day interna- New Zealand, who won SunSun-- Moeen Ali signs So poorly have Bangladesh per- tional yesterday. day’s series openerpener in formed that Test captain Mushfiqur Pakistani cricketers celebrate their victory at Opener Dhawan top- Mumbai by six wickets, new long-term Rahim and one-day skipper Mor- scored with 68 and Karthik somehow avoideded being taza were unable to hide their the end of the fifth match remained on 64 bowled out in the cocontest.ntest. frustration in comments to Bang- against at Stadium in down the order as the hosts India lost Rohitit SharmaSharma deal with ladesh media. Sharjah, UAE in this file photo. reached the 231-run victory early in their replyy but Dha- “I am not able to motivate my target with four overs to wan added 57 runsuns wiwithth Worcestershire players or guide my bowlers,” spare at the Maharashtra skipper Virat Kohlihli to help Rahim was quoted as saying after Cricket Association them overcome thethe earlyearly the Tests. Stadium. loss. London Mortaza said after the one-day Defiant Pakistan eye another There was drama before Kohli fell for 29 but thethe AFP games that “neither the batsmen the match when the ground left-right combinationnation ooff nor the bowlers took curator was suspended fol- Dhawan and KarKarthikthik ngland all-rounder Moeen Ali responsibilities”. lowing a TV sting operation thwarted the tourists,rists, mixmix-- has signed a fresh five-year While Bangladesh’s batsmen Squads clean sweep against Lankans in which he allegedly agreed ing caution with aggressionggression Econtract with newly promoted were always expected to struggle to tamper with the . during their 66-run Worcestershire, the club announced in South African conditions, the SOUTH AFRICA: Indian bowlers, espe- association. yesterday. bowlers have been the most con- JP cially new ball colleagues Dhawan, whoho was The 30-year-old, set to jet out to spicuous failures on the tour. Duminy (capt), Hashim Bhuvneshwar Kumar (three adjudged caught bbehindehind on Australia ahead of the Ashes series In two Tests and three one-day Amla, Farhaan Behardien, AFP T20 Squads for 45) and Jaspreet Bumrah, 46 before the decisionision was on Saturday, joined the county from internationals, the bowlers have Quinton de Kock (wkt), AB laid the foundation for their overturned, hit fiveve bound- neighbouring Warwickshire in 2006. captured only 23 wickets at a com- de Villiers, Robbie Frylinck, akistan will look to transfer the PAKISTAN: Sarfraz Maybe they don’t have big comprehensive victory by aries and a couplee of sixes “It’s happy days,” said Ali, whose bined average of 100.21. Beuran Hendricks, David momentum from their one-day Ahmed (capt), Fakhar names but their players have restricting New Zealand to before falling to Milne.ilne. deal keeps him at New Road until the With no new faces in the T20 Miller, Mangaliso Mosehle Pwhitewash against Sri Lanka Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, played in the past and have 230 for nine after the tour- Karthik then combinedcombined end of the 2022 campaign. “To com- squad and leading bowler Mustafi- (wkt), Dane Paterson, into the three Twenty20 internation- Babar Azam, Shoaib done well. No team is weak ists opted to bat. with Hardik Pandya,dya, who mit my future and probably the rest zur Rahman having returned home Aaron Phangiso, Andile als starting in Abu Dhabi today and Malik, , in T20s, so we have to be at On a slow track, the pace chipped in with a 30-run of my career to Worcestershire is a because of injury, Shakib appears Phehlukwayo, Dwaine ending in Lahore three days later. duo combined slower balls cameo, to keep India on fantastic feeling.” to have the odds stacked against Imad Wasim, Shadab our best: Sarfraz Ahmed Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi Pakistan blanked Sri Lanka 5-0 Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, with bouncers, conceding 83 course, and Karthikk went on Ali, who had one year remaining him. in the preceding one-day series and Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, runs in 20 tidy overs while to hit Tim on his current deal, is one of Eng- South Africa, though, will be start the Twenty20 fixtures as strong sharing five wickets between Southee for land’s key players, meaning he without inspirational captain Faf BANGLADESH: Shakib Aamer Yamin, Mohammad favourites as the number two-ranked them. his fourth played little for Worcestershire this du Plessis, who suffered a lower Al Hasan (capt), Imrul Amir, , side, with Sri Lanka a lowly eighth. New Zealand were boundary to season as a result. back disc injury in the final one- Kayes, Liton Das (wkt), Umar Amin If Pakistan sweep the T20 series part of the World XI, the captaincy reduced to 58 for four in the seal India’s He only made three county day international, which will keep Mahmudullah, Mehidy they will come within a point of first- and choose a new-look side. 16th over and none of the victory. championship appearances in him out of action for six weeks. Hasan, Mohammad place New Zealand and could go top SRI LANKA: But Ahmed said his team will not touring batsmen managed a Kanpur Worcestershire’s promotion cam- JP Duminy, who had a win and Saifuddin, , if India beat the Black Caps in a three- (capt), Dilshan Munaweera, underestimate Sri Lanka. 50, crawling to the 100 mark hosts the paign and participated in six one-day two losses against Australia in his Mushfiqur Rahim (wkt), match series next month. Danushka Gunathilaka, “It’s satisfying to win the ODIs in 26 overs. third and matches. only previous experience of cap- Aside from winning nine straight and we will target that same winning Following their poor deciding one-dayeryer onon But director of cricket Steve taincy three years ago, will take Nasir Hossain, Rubel Sadeera Samarawickrama, Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, ODIs since lifting the Champions Tro- Ashan Priyanjan, Mahela momentum but definitely we will not start, Tom Latham (38) and Sunday. Rhodes said the left-handed batsman over. phy in June, Pakistan have also won take Sri Lanka lightly,” said Ahmed. and off-spinner was a central figure The hosts have rested two of Shafiul Islam, Soumya nine of their last 11 Twenty20 inter- Udawatte, Dasun “Maybe they don’t have big for the county, who will play in divi- their leading bowlers, Kagiso Rab- Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, nationals -- all since Sarfraz Ahmed names but their players have played SCOREBOARD sion one of the championship next ada and Imran Tahir. took over as captain. Sachith Pathirana, Vikum in the past and have done well. No year after being crowned division The South Africans lost a T20 Off the field too, Pakistan will Sanjaya, Lahiru Gamage, team is weak in T20s, so we have to New Zealand: Jadhav 8-0-31-0 (w1), Pandya 4-0-23-1 (w2), Patel two winners. series against Sri Lanka last season make a strong finish to the tour. hope to build on their efforts to revive Seekkuge Prasanna, be at our best.” M Guptill c Dhoni b Kumar ...... 11 10-1-54-1 (w1), Chahal 8-1-36-2 “Moeen is our England player and despite outclassing them in the South Africa’s batting looks for- international cricket back home with Vishwa Fernando, Isuru Pakistan’s pace bowling will be C Munro b Kumar ...... 10 India: it’s important for us to have an Eng- Tests and one-day games. midable, however, and the the last match to be played in Lahore Udana, , further boosted by the return of K Williamson lbw b Bumrah ...... 3 R Sharma c Munro b Southee ...... 7 land player,” said Rhodes. “It’s also With South Africa fielding an Bangladesh bowlers will need to on Sunday. Mohammad Amir who missed the R Taylor c Dhoni b Pandya ...... 21 S Dhawan c Taylor b Milne ...... 68 important for our dressing room, our unusually inexperienced bowling perform far better than they have T Latham b Patel ...... 38 V Kohli c Latham b de Grandhomme ...... 29 That contest will see the return ODIs with a shin injury. H Nicholls b Kumar ...... 42 D Karthik (not out) ...... 64 players, our staff and our members line-up, Bangladesh’s batsmen will in previous matches if they are to of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, eight years Fill-in Sri Lanka skipper Perera C de Grandhomme c Bumrah b Chahal ...... 41 H Pandya c Milne b Santner ...... 30 Indian batsman cricketer and supporters and everyone hope to seize the opportunity to contain them. after their team bus was ambushed countries -- last month, regular Sri hopes his team will put up a good M Santner c Kohli b Bumrah ...... 29 M S Dhoni (not out) ...... 18 Shilhar Dhawan jumps involved at the club. by gunmen on the way to the ground Lanka skipper and fight. A Milne lbw Chahal ...... 0 Extras (LB7, W9) ...... 16 in air as he plays a shot “It sends a message to other clubs in Lahore on March 3, 2009. five other players, as well as coach “I am really happy to be leading T Southee (not out) ...... 25 Total (4 wkts) ...... 232 during the second ODI that our better players don’t feel the Despite Pakistan hosting the Nic Pothas refused to travel to the team,” said Perera. “It’s a dream T Boult (not out) ...... 2 Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-79, 3-145, 4-204 cricket match against need to be elsewhere. Extras (LB3, W5) ...... 8 Bowling: Southee 9-1-60-1, Boult 10-0-54-0, Milne Pakistan Super League final in March Lahore. come true for me and I hope this team New Zealand at The “He is in such a rich vein of form ICC probes suspended Total (9 wkts) ...... 230 8-1-21-1, Santner 10-0-38-1, de Grandhomme 7-0-40- and three T20 internationals against That forced Sri Lankan selectors can do something special in this Maharashtra Cricket internationally and on the back of a

a World XI -- with players from seven to hand all-rounder Thisara Perera, series.” Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-25, 3-27, 4-58, 5-118, 6-165, 1, Munro 2-0-12-0 wonderful season, he is turning him-

7-188, 8-188, 9-220 Did not bat: K Jadhav, A Patel, B Kumar, J Bumrah, Association Stadium in self into one of the best all-rounders Bowling: Kumar 10-0-45-3 (w1), Bumrah 10-2-38-2, Y Chahal Pune yesterday. in the world in international cricket.” Pune curator after Sri Lanka sports minister joins historic tour TV sting operation

Colombo about security -- including batsman New Delhi Salgaonkar allegedly telling their AFP Chamara Kapugedara and bowler Smith, Warner not in favour of four-day Tests Reuters undercover reporters -- who posed , who survived the as bookies -- he could manipulate ri Lanka’s sports minister 2009 assault -- have been dropped he International Cricket the pitch and sharing information announced yesterday he from the series. Sydney requirements of each day are extended like to keep it at five,” Smith said in an Cricket Australiaralia cchiefhief James Council (ICC) has launched a about the playing surface in vio- Swould join the national Skipper Upul Tharanga, fast AFP to reduce disparity with the traditional interview with cricket.com.au. Sutherland hass expressed Tprobe after a curator in Pune lation of ICC’s anti-corruption cricket team on their first match bowler and batsmen format. “Just the traditional way that Test support for the trial,rial, butbut indi-indi- was caught in a TV sting operation code. in Pakistan since gunmen attacked Niroshan Dickwella have also been ustralia captain and “Personally, I like five so I would cricket has been played, I think it’s cated earlier thishis month it allegedly promising to manipulate The Indian cricket board (BCCI) their team bus in Lahore eight left out of the squad. star opener David Warner saysay great whenw you get into that fifth day was unlikely AAustraliaustralia the pitch ahead of yesterday’s sec- has sought a detailed report from years ago. On Saturday Sri Lanka made Athey havehave no desiredesire to playplay four-four- andand enteren that last hour, I think it’s a would take partart any ond one-dayer between India and the local host MCA. Dayasiri Jayasekara (pictured) 28-year-old all-rounder Thisara day Tests in a setback to internationainternationall really ccool part of the game.” time soon. New Zealand. “A strict action has been taken said Sri Lanka was satisfied with Perera the captain of the T20 squad. cricket chiefsefs whowho havehave floatedfloated thethe WarnerWa was even more strident in “We were support-upport- Pandurang Salgaonkar has against the pitch curator and the security preparations for the He had toured Pakistan as a idea. his opopposition,p saying: “I have no inter- ive of the trial.... I thinthinkk been suspended but the match at employment relationship between Twenty20 final in Lahore later in security when the final shifts to member of a World XI for a three- At a boardrd meeting in AucklandAuckland thisthis est in ffour-day cricket”. it’s about learning,ning, it’s the Maharashtra Cricket Associa- Pandurang Salgaonkar and MCA October despite reservations from Lahore on October 29. match month, the Internationalnternational CricCricketket Coun- “You“Yo have so many variables in about innovation,tion, it’s tion (MCA) Stadium began on stands terminated,” BCCI Chief some players. Sources close to Sri Lanka’s series played in Lahore last month. cil unveiled plans for a long-awaited, Test mmatch cricket -- you’ve got about understandingrstanding schedule after ICC match referee Executive Rahul Johri said in a “It is safe for our team. I am cricket board say coach Nic Pothas That series was part of Pakistani nine-nationn Test championshipchampionship in a weather,w some games might be whether these ssortsorts ooff tthingshings Chris Broad cleared the pitch. statement. accompanying them to demon- will also not join the squad in efforts to bring international cricket bid to preserveerve the five-day format’format’ss onlyo getting three days but it just can work,” he toldold reportersreporters.. “We are investigating the alle- “The BCCI is in touch with the strate that it is safe for us,” Lahore. back to the country. status followingwing thethe rapidrapid growthgrowth of takesta one day to have that “Our Test schedulechedule over gations from Pune this morning,” MCA and appropriate measures Jayasekara told reporters in It will be Sri Lanka’s first visit Pakistan hosted Zimbabwe for Twenty20. weatherweat come in and it can ruin it,” the next couple of years beforebefore an ICC spokesman said. will be taken with regards to the Colombo. to Pakistan since 2009 when gun- a five-match limited overs series in Among a raft of other reforms, itit he toldto the same website. the Test Championshipionship starts “As with all international matter. The BCCI will continue “The ICC (International Cricket men opened fire on their squad bus, 2015 but top teams have refused to also agreedd to experiment witwithh “Then“ on the flip-side, it’s a Test. has us playing against Eng- cricket, the ICC Anti-Corruption to enforce strict measures in case Council) has also said it is safe for killing eight people and injuring tour there, forcing Pakistan to play four-day Tests,Tests, with South “It’s“It the longevity, being out there land this summer,mmer, South Unit has an ICC ACU Manager on of such misconduct in the us to tour Pakistan.” seven visiting team members and home matches in neutral venues in Africa and ZZimbabweimbabwe set to on youryou legs, it’s grit, determination, Africa, Pakistan,, InIndiadia anandd Sri the ground in India and we are in future.” Several top players have pulled support staff. the UAE. trial the ffirstirst in thosethose thingst come to my mind to actu- Lanka. close contact with him. New Zealand clinched the out of the three-match series start- No top international side has chief Thi- December. ally wantw to keep playing five-day “I don’t foreseeesee us plplay-ay- “We are now looking to estab- first one-dayer in Mumbai by six ing Thursday in the United Arab played in Pakistan since the attack. langa Sumathipala will also travel But Smithmith anandd cricket.cricket ing any four-dayay Test cricketcricket lish the facts and will make no wickets, but India secured a Australia Emirates, concerned about Players who expressed concerns to Lahore with the team. Warner arere not “L“Likei a timeless Test (a feature of in that window. But that’s not to David Warner further comment whilst this is series-levelling six-wickets victory captain keen, even ifif thethe Test cricketcr in the 1920s and ‘30s), it’s say we don’t supportupport thethe trial.trial. We’llWe’ll ongoing.” in the second one-day international hours and overover Steve Smith basicallybasical survival of the fittest.” certainly be interestederested observersobservers.”” India Today TV showed yesterday. 34 SPORT THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2017

Garcia keeps campaign alive with win; Wozniacki in semis

Singapore The 24-year-old had earlier Epic victory Svitolina in a crunch match AFP lost two first set points to squan- tomorrow. A rattled Halep said der a tense tie break but Garcia dug deep and she needed to regroup from the orld number rebounded during a dominant reeled off four one-sided rout. eight Caroline second set to reignite her straight games to “During the points, I missed Garcia kept confidence. prevail in two hours too many and I wanted to over her WTA In the first match of the and 44 minutes in an hit the ball,” she told reporters Finals cam- evening, a rampant Wozniacki epic three-set victory after the match. Wpaign alive with an epic said a more assertive “So maybe next round I have over Svitolina. three-set victory over Elina Svi- approach fuelled her spectac- just to calm down and keep the tolina in Singapore yesterday. ular start to the WTA Finals ball in play more and make the Down 5-3 and on the brink after she thrashed world “I just ran a lot of balls down opponent run.” of elimination, Garcia dug deep number one Simona Halep in and I played aggressive and I Halep lost the opening seven and reeled off four straight straight sets. mixed up the pace. Everything I games of the match before she games to prevail 6-7 (9/7), 6-3, The 27-year-old stunned wanted to do was going my finally got on the board early in 7-5 in two hours and 44 minutes. Halep 6-0, 6-2 in just 63 min- way.” the second set. It was the pair’s second consec- utes in Singapore to storm into It was a bitterly disappoint- But the Romanian was bro- utive marathon following the last four of the year-end ing evening for Halep, who was ken in the fourth game and then Svitolina’s victory earlier this tournament for the loss of just impressive in her opening vic- again on match point, capitulat- month in Beijing. four games. tory over Garcia. ing with a meek forehand into Garcia turned the tide The sixth-seeded Dane also Halep believes she needs to the net. through her high-voltage crushed Elina Svitolina in her regain her composure after suf- Halep admitted to struggling groundstrokes, enjoying a size- opening match, winning the last fering a shock straight sets on the slower Singapore court able 58-33 advantage in 10 games en route to a 6-2, 6-0 defeat. but was hopeful of rebounding winners. It means Garcia, Svi- victory. The 27-year-old stunned from the defeat. tolina and Garbine Muguruza Wozniacki, a renowned Halep 6-0, 6-2 in just 63 min- “The court is a little bit slow will battle for the final semi-final counter-puncher, said she has utes in the Singapore Indoor and I felt a little bit heavier on position from the Red Group enjoyed playing a more aggres- Stadium to storm into the last court,” she said. with Caroline Wozniacki having sive game in the round-robin four of the year-end “I’m not thinking about qual- booked a berth. format. tournament. ifying. I’m thinking about playing France’s Garcia looked set “Even if you lose the first It was a bitter disappoint- better than today. I missed too to be eliminated after being bro- match, you still have nothing to ment for Halep after an much, if I could have kept the ken in the eighth game of the lose,” she told reporters. impressive opening victory over ball in, I could have played final set but the Ukrainian was “It’s just a nice cushion to Caroline Garcia. better. Caroline Garcia of France reacts on a point against Elina unable to serve it out. Garcia have. I think that kind of moti- The 26-year-old now finds “Everything I have in my Svitolina of Ukraine during the WTA Finals tennis tournament broke again and ran out with the vates me to start off strong and herself in a battle to reach the head, I need to shake it off and in Singapore yesterday. contest. just go for it. semi-finals, and next plays Elina play better next round.” Hartley cleared to lead England Matsuyama under

London pressure in Shanghai AFP Shanghai catalyst for a brilliant run that aptain Dylan Hartley was AFP also delivered the WGC-Bridge- yesterday cleared to lead stone Invitational title in CEngland in next month’s efending champion August. Matsuyama and John- autumn Tests but prop Joe Hideki Matsuyama son have a stranglehold on Marler will be suspended for two Dadmitted yesterday that WGC events, splitting the last of the three matches. he is under pressure to repli- five between them -- two for An independent disciplinary cate the storming performance the Japanese and three to the panel decided Hartley, who that propelled him to WGC- American. pleaded not guilty, should HSBC Champions glory in “It is different coming back receive no further sanction after Shanghai one year ago. as defending champion,” said being sent to the sin-bin for The Japanese opens his Matsuyama, the world number striking Clermont prop Rabah defence of “Asia’s major” today four, who seared his way to vic- Slimani during Northampton’s alongside world number one tory last year by a 24-7 European Champions Cup Dustin Johnson of the United comprehensive seven shots defeat on Saturday. States and fast-rising Spaniard from the Swede Stenson and But England coach Eddie Jon Rahm. Daniel Berger of the United Jones will be without Marler for The trio are among the States. next month’s matches against headline attractions of a star- “I don’t want to put a lot of Argentina and Australia after the studded field at the $9.75 pressure or expectation on Harlequins front-rower pleaded million showpiece event at myself, I just want to let the guilty to striking Wasps player Sheshan International Golf tournament come to me, like it Will Rowlands with his forearm Club. did last year. during his side’s loss in Other leading contenders at “All I can do is try to play Coventry. the tournament, which is on the my best and hopefully I will England’s Dylan Hartley celebrates with the Old Mutual Wealth Cup after the game at “It was found Hartley had US PGA Tour and European play well.” committed a reckless act of foul Twickenham Stadium, London in this May 2016 file picture. Tour, include last year’s run- Making Matsuyama’s task play in that he had struck Slim- ner-up Henrik Stenson, all the harder, he will also have ani in the face. However, the weeks and above according to Argentina, Australia and Jones’s reign. After the defeat at Olympic champion Justin Rose to contend with a growing chal- committee was not satisfied that severity. Although the offence Samoa visit Twickenham on suc- Clermont, Hartley received sup- and a clutch of current and lenge from the home golfers. the offence had warranted a red was deemed minor, Hartley’s cessive weekends starting on port from the unlikely source of former major winners in Phil Prime among the Chinese card,” said a statement from dismal disciplinary record, November 11, and while the his French counterpart Benjamin Mickelson, Jason Day and who will hope to be in the mix tournament organisers Euro- which has robbed him of 60 Northampton hooker is under Kayser. Brooks Koepka. on the final day on Sunday are pean Professional Club Rugby weeks of his career, threatened pressure from Jamie George for “Rugby is rugby and if you The 25-year-old Mat- Li Haotong, a rising talent who (EPRC). The entry-point sanc- to increase any sanction given his place in the front row, he is say that any hit on the head is a suyama became the first Asian underlined his potential with tion for striking with the hand is and prevent him from captain- set to be retained in the role he red card, there will be 25 a to win a World Golf Champion- an eye-catching third-place fin- a two-week ban, rising to eight ing England next month. has performed throughout match,” the France hooker said. ship a year ago, and it was the ish at the British Open in July. THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 35 World Series: Kershaw pitches Dodgers to lead over Astros

Los Angeles delivery, held the velocity. Was AFP throwing the baseball where he needed to, where he wanted to. layton Kershaw “Very talented team over pitched seven I think Houston is a really good hitting there,” Roberts added. scorching innings to team. They hit a lot of homers and “For him to get ahead, keep lead the Los Angeles them off balance work them Dodgers to a 3-1 vic- don’t strike out. There’s little room for from front to back, up and Ctory over the Houston Astros in down, to all quadrants -- this error: Clayton Kershaw game one of the World Series was a special night for on Tuesday. Clayton.” Backed by Justin Turner’s Keuchel delivered a solid two-run home run and Chris performance himself. After giv- Taylor’s lead-off homer, Ker- ing up the first-pitch homer he shaw steamrolled the vaunted retired 12 of the next 15 hitters Astros offense. between Kershaw and Keuchel 12. He threw 57 of his 83 pitches he faced. But after walking Tay- The temperature at first was on. for strikes. lor with two outs in the second pitch of 103F (39C) was a “I felt good,” Kershaw said. “I think Houston is a really he surrendered a two-run record for a Major League “CT getting that monkey off our good hitting team. They hit a home run to Turner -- the Baseball play-off game, and a back and getting that first run lot of homers and don’t strike walkoff hero of the Dodgers’ fitting cauldron for the open- across the board was huge.” out. There’s little room for game-two win over the Chi- Los Angeles ing clash in the best-of-seven Three-time Cy Young error,” Kershaw said. cago Cubs in the National series between teams that each award-winner Kershaw, mak- “So it’s important for me to League Championship series. Dodgers starting won more than 100 regular- ing his first World series start, establish pitches, be able to “I didn’t know if it was pitcher Clayton season games. had faced just one batter over throw multiple things for going to be a home run or not,” Kershaw throws Kershaw set the tone by the minimum through the first strikes, and I’m thankful I was said Turner, who said he a pitch in the first retiring the first three Astros three innings when Astros third able to do that tonight. I made thought the heat made the ball inning against the batters. baseman Alex Bregman broke a few mistakes,” he added. travel further. Houston Astros in Then Dodgers centrefielder through with a solo homer to “Obviously Bregman got “That was a good at-bat,” game one of the Taylor smacked a towering lead off the fourth. me ... For the most part, though, Roberts said. “Grinded, got two 2017 World Series homer off the first pitch thrown Bregman pounced on a I’ll take it.” strikes, behind the count and at Dodger Stadium by Astros starting pitcher Dal- waist-high fastball and pow- After Bregman’s homer, Ker- Keuchel tried to come in with in Los Angeles on las Keuchel to put Los Angeles ered it over the left field fence, shaw struck out the next three a cutter and left it out over (the Tuesday. up 1-0. It was only the fourth drawing a grimace from Ker- batters to get back on track. plate) a little bit. “Really took a leadoff homer ever recorded shaw, who promptly struck out “Tonight was one of those great swing. in a World Series game one. the next three batters. nights, I think the first time in Astros manager AJ Hinch Keuchel, the 2015 Ameri- It was the only hiccup for awhile, where we’ve seen all lifted Keuchel with two outs in can League Cy Young Kershaw, who surrendered three of his pitches synched the seventh, after he gave up a Dodgers relief pitcher set down three in the top of the award-winner, settled down to three hits in seven innings with up,” Dodgers manager Dave deep single to Corey Seager. Brandon Morrow retired the ninth to send the crowd of retire Turner, Cody Bellinger no walks and 11 strikeouts -- Roberts said. “Keuchel was really good side in the top of the eighth and 54,253 at Dodger Stadium into and Yasiel Puig and the duel one shy of his playoff record of “He just was repeating the tonight,” Hinch said. closing pitcher Kenley Jansen a frenzy. NBA: James leads revamped Dansk shines as Knights overcome Cavaliers line-up to victory Blackhawks 4-2 Las Vegas Los Angeles Agencies NHL RESULTS AFP Las Vegas 4 Chicago 2 ookie Oscar Dansk, eBron James scored 34 Vegas’ third goaltender in Colorado 5 Dallas 3 points and passed out 13 Ronly its eighth game, Calgary 3 Nashville 2 Lassists to spark a revamped helped keep the expansion Vancouver 1 Minnesota 0 Cleveland Cavaliers line-up to a Golden Knights’ dream start Montreal 5 Florida 1 119-112 NBA victory over visit- going in a 4-2 victory over the ing Chicago on Tuesday. Chicago Blackhawks on Tues- Los Angeles 3 Ottawa 2 Four-time NBA Most Valua- day night at T-Mobile Arena. Buffalo 1 Detroit 0 ble Player James, whose Dansk, making his first NY Islanders 5 Arizona 3 13-of-20 shooting included four career NHL start, finished with Anaheim 6 Philadelphia 2 3-point baskets, was shifted 29 saves as the Golden Knights

from forward to point guard for (7-1-0) continued the best start Pittsburgh 2 Edmonton 1 the first time in five seasons as of any expansion franchise in Tampa Bay 5 Carolina 1 Cavs coach Tyronn Lue juggled NHL history. his lineup in moving guard Vegas can tie the record of Meanwhile, Phil Kessel scored Dwyane Wade to a reserve role. five consecutive games won by off of a two-on-one with Evgeni “I’m looking for my guys a an expansion team when it Malkin 42 seconds into over- little bit more starting at the hosts the Colorado Avalanche time to give Pittsburgh a victory point, especially in transition. I’m on Friday to conclude its seven- over Edmonton. being more of a precise, preci- game homestand. The It was Kessel’s 299th career sion passer and I’m not kind of Edmonton Oilers set the record goal. Ian Cole scored on the full speed ahead in transition,” in the 1979-80 season. Penguins’ 32nd shot, at 3:24 of James said. Jonathan Marchessault, a the third. “I’m kind of looking at what’s forward playing his first game Connor McDavid tied it 1-1 going on and getting my guys the after returning from injured at 17:07 of the third when he ball, but for me, I just try to stay reserve, put the Golden Knights lofted a shot from the left dot in attack mode when need be ahead 4-1 on a power-play goal over the glove of goaltender and, if I see the hot hand, start Cleveland Cavaliers forward with 9:40 remaining. Matt Murray. going for my guys and getting LeBron James (left) drives the ball them the ball.” during the fourth quarter of NBA Vegas Golden While they struggled early, game against Chicago Bulls at Knights goalie particularly defensively, the Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday. Oscar Dansk Cavaliers (3-1) came together to is recognised snap a five-game losing streak as first star in meetings with the Bulls (0-3). Cavs after playing in Chicago last 20 points and 12 rebounds for with 35 seconds remaining to of the game Wade, a former James team- season, was benched at his own Cleveland while Wade scored 11 lead the host Orlando Magic to after defeating mate on two NBA championship request after struggling as a off the bench in only his 12th a 125-121 victory over the Chicago teams in Miami who joined the starter. game as a reserve in 919 games Brooklyn. JR Smith moved back into over 15 NBA seasons. Evan Fournier scored 28 Blackhawks NBA RESULTS the starting backcourt with Justin Holiday led the Bulls points, 12 of them in the game’s 4-2 at T-Mobile James while the frontline saw with 25 points while 20-year- last 5:22, and Gordon also con- Arena in Las LA Clippers 102 Utah 84 Kevin Love moved from centre old Finnish rookie forward Lauri tributed 12 rebounds. D’Angelo Vegas on Portland 103 N’ Orleans 93 to forward with Jae Crowder and Markkanen scored 19 and Russell led the Nets (2-2) with 27 Tuesday. Indiana 130 Minnesota 107 Tristan Thompson took over in became the first rookie in NBA points. Boston 110 NY Knicks 89 the middle. history with 10 3-point baskets CJ McCollum scored 23 The lineup move came in in his first three games. points, four of them in a game-

Cleveland 119 Chicago 112 part because the Cavs are with- Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon ending 9-0 run, to power the Orlando 125 Brooklyn 121 out Derrick Rose due to a scored a career-high 41 points Portland Trail Blazers over New sprained left ankle. Love added and sank the go-ahead 3-pointer Orleans 103-93. 36 SPORT THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2017

DOHA GETS SET TO HOST Record entries for 2nd TOP CLASS EVENTS edition of RAM League Topp stars in action at Qatar Classic World No.1 Gregory Gaultier of France will be hoping to get his hands on the winner’s trophy and the top prize of $24,225 at the Qatar Classic 2017 Rizwan Rehmat Squash Championship to be held from October The Peninsula 29-November 3. Gaultier will have his task cut out as he will be joined by defending champion Karim ore than 300 rid- Abdel Gawad, two-time winner Mohamed El ers in various age Shorbagy and brackets have 2009 champion registered for the Nick Matthew in Doha. second edition of M the hugely popular Royal Air Maroc (RAM) League, organis- ers said yesterday. Last year more than 150 cyclists featured in the 10-round league that saw competitions held from November until March this year. This year the number of entries has exceeded 300, Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federa- QCTF President Dr Mohammed Al Kuwari is seen with Royal Air Maroc officials Losail Circuit to host WorldSBK next week tion (QCTF) official Adrej Filip Abderrahman Brahimi and Adil Khalloufi. Also in attendance were QCTF Secretary announced at a press conference General Jamal Al Kuwari and Andrej Filip, the QTCTF Technical Secretary. yesterday. Top airline Royal Air Maroc also extended their sponsorship competition is crucial for riders “We see the league as an If riders want to know of the league by another season, of all ages. I am sure the second opportunity to back sports details showed yesterday. edition of the league will be events in Qatar. We applaud more about the races “We are thrilled to have the another success story.” QCTF for promoting cycling in the league, they support of Royal Air Maroc,” He added: “We are also around the country,” Brahimi can follow the Qatar QCTF President Dr Mohammed reaching out to schools so that said. “QCTF is busy organising Cycling and Triathlon Al Kuwari said. “We tasted young riders can know more quality races and this helps the Federation’s (QCTF) riders in devel- Facebook page oping their sense of com- where they publish all petition,” he the upcoming events The Losail International Circuit once again will host added. and race results. The “Cycling is interesting points the final round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World an integral Championship under floodlights from November are that QTCF will 2-4. part of general organise one or two fitness. We can see more and races in Doha also more people this season. The taking up winners of each cycling. That category will have Al Sadd, Al Rayyan brace for ‘El Clasico’ bodes well for an organised visit the sport’s of Morocco. During Football giants growth in Qatar,” he two or three events, Al Sadd take on added. QCTF will include arch-rivals Filip, the races in the youth Al Rayyan QCTF Techni- categories U-14 and tomorrow at cal Secretary, U-16 (without the Al Sadd Stadium in a blockbuster QCTF President Dr Mohammed Al Kuwari is seen with Royal Air Maroc said: “The national team riders). number of clash that is officials Abderrahman Brahimi and Adil Khalloufi. riders has set to attract increased thousands resounding success as partners about our league and how to fea- manifold. We have been busy Our races are getting the right of football fans of the first edition last season. ture in the races. We will also looking for new routes. Some- amount of coverage and promo- to the round 6 We are looking forward to introduce races for kids in the times it is not easy to find tion. We can build on this match of the another edition of fun and fit- future. That is in our long-term routes since there are road- amazing start.” QNB Stars ness,” he added. plans.” works going on. But then we Last year’s league champion League. Dr Al Kuwari said: “QCTF is Abderrahman Brahimi, Chief also get to find some interest- Aday Alvarez said: “Thanks to also appreciative of the support of MENA Department for Royal ing routes that we may have the RAM league races, I have provided by Qatar Chain Reac- Air Maroc, thanked QCTF for never used before.” started taking my racing very tion (QCR) and Qatar Cyclists their endorsement of the air- He added: “Clearly we are seriously. The competition is get- (QC). It is a team effort that has line’s support for the league. moving in the right direction. ting higher and higher with each translated into a round. I will try to Hathab Tour continues at Al Shaqab success sports story. defend my title.” “This is a plat- QCTF rider The second round of form to unearth the Farhan Al Farizi Hathab Equestrian Tour, next generation of said: “I thank the part of cyclists in the coun- federation and the the 12-leg Series, try,” Dr Al Kuwari sponsors for their will get underway at said. “The cycling support. This is a the indoor arena community is very important of Al Shaqab growing and we are league for us. The equestrian centre thrilled to see the participants love to tomorrow and positive results such feature in these Saturday. events are having races. The riders The competition on the minds of the have been coming this weekend will riders,” he added. out in large Jamal Al number.” feature showjumping Kuwari, Secretary He added: “I and dressage contests, General, QCTF, said think cycling is on the organisers at the press confer- the way up in Qatar have announced. ence: “Our objective and that is a great is to help young rid- news for riders ers learn from the Farhan Al Farizi Aday Alvarez across the seniors. A sense of country.” I can’t wait for my comeback match: Coach Yousef

The Peninsula family and I can’t wait for my comeback to perform well as a unit among the big an interesting game,” Yousef added. Al will put you in a spot. The same hap- match against Al Kharaitiyat. I also look sides. Kharaitiyat coach Ahmad Al Ajlani said: pened to us. The sooner it happens, the l Markhiya coach Yousef Adam forward to once again working closely “Some of our players weren’t in a “We know Al Markhiya are also on a better. Negative results will erode the yesterday said he could barely with the team management and play- position to attend our pre-season train- high following their first victory in this fighting qualities of players. If you take Await for his team’s round 6 match ers,” Yousef said yesterday. ing camp. My players aren’t under season’s league. This is an important our first four matches, we put up a against Al Kharaitiyat. “Ayman did a good job in between, pressure to perform. If you can’t han- game for both teams and I hope we con- strong showing against Al Rayyan and Today’s QNB Stars League clash will leading the side to its first victory last dle pressure, then football isn’t your cup tinue to win. I think our confidence Umm Salal. Then we conceded a late be played at Al Arab Stadium. week. He did well at both training and of tea! We’re optimistic and hope to stay should be more high, having beaten Al equaliser against Al Khor and lost to Al “I’m looking forward to yet another matches, and I thank him for that. Tech- in the first division. We target 25 points Gharafa by a big margin in the last Sailiya after taking the lead. Our strong stint as Al Markhiya coach after being nically, the players are now more ready to achieve that goal. round. We’ll still put in a lot of efforts. point is counter-attack. However, in the named to replace Ayman Mansour. I’ve for the top flight and there’s more har- “Al Kharaitiyat are also coming off He added: “The delay in registering last match, the situation demanded that always been a part of Al Markhiya mony among them. They needed time their first win, so let’s look forward to the first victory in a league competition we attack.”