CRICKET | Page 4 GOLF | Page 7 Gurbaz’s 79 Fleetwood blitz helps fl ies to win Afghanistan record prize in win T20 series play-off glory

Monday, November 18, 2019 FOOTBALL Rabia I 21, 1441 AH Ronaldo moves onto GULF TIMES 99 as Portugal qualify for Euro 2020 SPORT Page 2 Qatar’s Al Arabi win Asian Club Handball Championship

Al Arabi players pose with the trophy after winning the Asian Club Handball Championship in Samcheok, South Korea, yesterday. Al Arabi defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Wehda 21-19 in an exciting final. Al Arabi had qualified for the Super Globe by beating domestic rivals Al Wakrah in the semi-finals. At right, a glimpse of the action from yesterday’s final.

FORMULA 1 MOTORCYCLING Vinales to be based in Qatar during Max wins crazy race, European winter both Ferraris crash Toro Rosso’s Gasly holds off a charging Hamilton for his first podium finish

DPA Sao Paulo, Brazil

ed Bull’s Max Verstap- pen captured a Brazil- ian Grand Prix which erupted into life after twoR late safety car phases, a collision between Ferrari team- mates Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, and an unlikely second place for Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly. Gasly held off a charging By Sports Reporter ers, which means they go fast, world champion Lewis Hamil- Doha and I need riders that push me. ton but the Mercedes driver was If we overtake each other and under investigation after he lev- we take ourselves down, we are ered Red Bull’s Alexander Albon amaha MotoGP rider very friendly. We don’t have any off the track in a dramatic clos- Maverick Vinales problem. That’s important. ing stage. will be based in sunny “Because, at the end at the GPs Verstappen, who led from Qatar during the Euro- you do the same. It’s with other pole, took the chequered fl ag at Ypean winter so that he can train bikes, but it is the same competi- the 4.309km Interlagos track for throughout the year. tiveness. So that’s the important his third win of the season and The Spaniard, who fi nished point. It’s very good for me.” eighth of his career. third in this year’s champion- Vinales added that being able But the race will be memora- ship which concluded yesterday to use the facilities at Aspire was ble for Ferrari’s late mishap as in Spain, told MotoSprint that “it also a plus point. Vettel and Leclerc came togeth- was very important to fi nd a good “We are also working with As- er and both had to retire with situation for myself.” pire. It’s a highly advanced train- wheel damage, blaming each He elaborated: “I believe that ing academy that has incredible other over team radio. at this point I have to take a step facilities and world-class profes- “Lewis was very quick so I forward physically and mentally. sionals working there. had to keep pushing and all the During the Qatar Grand Prix at “We have just started to de- time,” Verstappen said. the beginning of the season I saw velop the programme for motor- “He pitted early so we had the facilities of the Qatar Motor- cycle riders. At this moment they to be on top of our pit stops we sports Academy and I was im- are developing exercises that will had a good move on him. I could pressed. help me to be better on the bike. control the race with the tyres I “I spoke with those responsible This is very important because had. It was unbelievable. it was for the circuit and they opened the there is in no other sport that a lot of fun out there and great to door for me to use these facilities is similar to motorcycling. So I win the race.” anytime I wanted. I thought about think that at Aspire I will have It had been a largely tactical the opportunity of being able to the chance to work out a very race until Valtteri Bottas had to Race winner Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (right) shakes hands with second-placed Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly on the podium for the Brazilian ride bikes normally in winter when specifi c training programme.” retire his Mercedes with engine Grand Prix at the Interlagos track in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday. (Reuters) in Europe we mostly have to train He said Aspire would also damage with some 17 laps re- indoors. So I decided to move to help him with the mental side of maining. age for both cars, leading to the wing damage in the process. moment – so emotional. in a Renault, Lando Norris in a Doha when Andorra is covered by things. Verstappen pitted again for safety car coming back out. Hamilton attacked Gasly but “Toro Rosso have given me McLaren, Sergio Perez in a Rac- snow.” “They are very good in this fresher tyres while Hamilton Hamilton jumped into the pits was unable to get past to fi nish such a fantastic car since I’ve ing Point and Daniil Kvyat in a The former Moto3 champion area. To stay mentally focused is stayed out in front. When the for fresher tyres, coming out third, but was under investiga- come back. It’s an amazing day.” Toro Rosso. added: “I have already gotten very important. safety car fi nally came in Ham- fourth behind Verstappen, Al- tion by stewards. Carlos Sainz in a Mclaren was Verstappen’s victory was the everything organised and I have He said he has already im- ilton was unable to hold off Ver- bon and Gasly with two laps re- “Massive apologies to Albon fourth and could have hopes of fi rst for Red Bull in Brazil since been able to train with the Qatar proved in this department. stappen, while Albon was able to maining when the race resumed. – the gap was there but it was a podium place if Hamilton is Vettel triumphed with the team Motorsports Academy coaches “I’m now capable of staying force his way past Vettel. He got past Gasly but he completely my fault,” Hamilton sanctioned. in 2013 and ended four straight and I have to say that it’s unbe- calm when we are going through Then with fi ve laps remain- came together with Albon in said. The remaining top 10 places 2019 wins by Mercedes as the lievably good. Also there are very tough moments, for example. ing the Ferraris collided as Vettel trying to force his way past, Gasly said: “This is my fi rst were taken by Alfa Romeo duo season now goes into the fi nal experienced riders who also can That will help to improve my went past Leclerc, their wheels ending the Red Bull driver’s podium in F1 and for sure I will Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio race, in Abu Dhabi on Decem- help you. life… not only my racing life, also touching in race-ending dam- podium chances and suffering never forget it, it’s such a special Giovinazzi, Daniel Ricciardo ber 1. “Most of them are ex-GP rid- my life outside the sport.” Gulf Times 2 Monday, November 18, 2019 FOOTBALL

QUALIFIERS AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS Osimhen double Ronaldo moves boosts Nigeria, Diedhiou hat-trick onto 99 as Portugal lift s Senegal Reuters before Badou Ndiaye grabbed Johannesburg, South Africa a fourth for the visitors with 15 minutes remaining. Congo’s Prince Ibarra opened igeria’s in-form for- the scoring as they beat Guinea- ward Bissau 3-0 in the other game in struck twice as they the pool, with Junior Makiesse reach Euro 2020 came from a goal down and Silvere Ganvoula also on tar- Nto beat minnows Lesotho 4-2 in get. ‘...it was a potato field, I don’t know how teams of our level are supposed to play’ their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations South Africa edged Sudan 1-0 Group L qualifi er in Maseru yes- in their Group C game Johan- Reuters terday. nesburg to get their fi rst win of Luxembourg The west Africans fell behind the qualifi ers thanks to a goal just to an early strike from Masoabi before the break from midfi elder Nkoto, but led by the break as Lebogang Phiri. ortugal Cris- Alex Iwobi equalised and Samuel Burkina Faso’s experienced tiano Ronaldo scored Chukwueze put them in front. forward Aristide Bance netted his 99th international Osimhen had looked the most twice as they beat South Sudan goal as the defending dangerous player on the pitch 2-1 in Group B but Uganda moved Pchampions edged past Luxem- and was rewarded with a second- to the top of the pool with a 2-0 bourg 2-0 in diffi cult conditions half brace as Nigeria claimed a home win over Malawi as Em- away from home yesterday to full haul of six points from their manuel Okwi and Fahad Bayo qualify for Euro 2020. opening two qualifi ers. Lesot- were on target. Bruno Fernandes broke the ho’s second came via a Chidozie In Group A, Mali midfi elder deadlock in the 39th minute and Awaziem own goal. Moussa Djenepo and Mohamed Ronaldo wrapped it up with four Senegal’s Bristol City striker Camara netted fi rst-half goals minutes left to ensure that Por- Famara Diedhiou struck a nine- in a 2-0 win away to Chad, while tugal fi nished second in Group minute hat-trick in the second Guinea’s Issiaga Sylla and Jose B with 17 points, three ahead half of their 4-1 Group I away Kante were on target in a 2-0 of Serbia who drew 2-2 with victory over Eswatini, formerly home victory over Namibia. Ukraine. Swaziland, as the 2019 runners- Benin claimed a 1-0 win Diogo Jota’s shot appeared to up also sealed maximum points against Sierra Leone in Group L be going in any way but Ronaldo from two games. thanks to a fi rst half goal from prodded it over to claim the goal. Diedhiou missed a fi rst-half Jodel Dossou. He is one short of joining penalty as the teams went into Cameroon needed a second Iran’s Ali Daei, the only player the break goalless, with Liver- half strike by Ngoumo Ngamaleu to have scored a century of goals pool forward Sadio Mane with- to secure a 1-0 win versus Rwan- for a national team. drawn at halftime by coach Aliou da in Group F. “I would have been very proud Cisse. There are 13 more qualifi ers to have scored my fi rst goal for After Diedhiou’s heroics, today and tomorrow, before the the national team, but the im- home midfi elder Fanelo Mamba competition takes a nine-month portant thing is we won,” said scored and was then sent off , break until August 2020. Jota. “It doesn’t matter who scores — we are in the Euros and that is what we wanted.” Portugal survived several Dutch skipper Van Dijk to miss early scares as they struggled Estonia clash for personal reasons to impose their game on a rain- soaked pitch full of divots at the Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) in action during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier against Luxembourg at the Josy Bartel Stadium Reuters in France, plus the World Cup Josy Barthel stadium. in Luxembourg yesterday. (AFP) Bengaluru, India in Russia last year. Ronaldo, in particular, was Ronald Koeman’s team will not enjoying the conditions and over the Luxembourg defence “We are not the prettiest team ing Juventus’ 1-0 win over AC jured much in my career but it have to wrap up their cam- gestured angrily at the pitch af- from deep inside his own half but we have won two European Milan the previous Sunday. can happen.” etherlands skipper paign in Amsterdam without ter sending a speculative wide in and into the path of Fernandes tournaments in the last four Juve coach Maurizio Sarri “It’s a pain that prevents me Virgil van Dijk will miss Van Dijk, who has already left the fi rst half. who took it superbly in his stride years.” then said that Ronaldo had been from being 100 percent, but I Ntomorrow’s Euro 2020 the training camp, the KNVB Needing a win to qualify and fi red a low shot between An- struggling with a knee problem always try to play. They created qualifier against Estonia after said in a statement. without having to worry about thony Moris and the near post. ‘POTATO FIELD’ for some time. a big controversy where it didn’t withdrawing from the squad The Netherlands have 16 Serbia’s result, Portugal were in The second half was more Ronaldo later slammed Luxem- “In the last three weeks, I have need to exist. I’ll be back to 100 due to personal reasons, the points from seven matches trouble early on as Luxembourg comfortable for Portugal as they bourg’s pitch as a “potato fi eld” been playing with limitations,” percent soon.” Dutch football association and are two points behind saw a chance to spring an upset. dominated possession although and also said he had not been Ronaldo told a group of report- (KNVB) said yesterday. Group C leaders Germany. Maurice Deville got above his there still anxious moments. fully fi t in recent matches. ers outside Portugal’s dressing- YESTERDAY’S RESULTS Liverpool defender Van Dijk, Centre back Van Dijk has marker and headed over from Ronaldo nearly sealed it when “It’s diffi cult to play on these room door yesterday. “But there GROUP A 28, played the full 90 minutes started all 12 league matches Laurent Jans’ cross and Vincent he curled a free kick narrowly pitches — it was a potato fi eld, was no controversy — you (the At : 0 England 4 as the Netherlands drew 0-0 at for runaway Thill, a thorn in Portugal’s side, wide from the edge of the area. I don’t know how teams of our media) created that. (Winks 32, Kane 79, Rashford 83, Northern Ireland on Saturday leaders Liverpool this season. had a goalbound shot blocked by With four minutes left, Silva’s level are supposed to play on “I tried to help Juventus. No- Mount 90+1) to qualify for their first major Juergen Klopp’s side return Ruben Dias. cross found Jota and Moris got these pitches,” he told reporters. body likes to be substituted but At Sofia: Bulgaria 1 (Bozhikov tournament since 2014. to league action with a trip to Luxembourg were even closer a hand to it but could not stop “It wasn’t a good spectacle I understood because I wasn’t in 56) Czech Republic 0 The Dutch had missed the last 12th-placed Crystal Palace next when a corner found Gerons Ro- it crossing the line and Ronaldo but we did our job... I’m look- such good shape,” he added. European Championship finals Saturday. drigues unmarked but he headed poked it home for good measure. ing forward to my fi fth European Ronaldo said he was also “not GROUP B over. “We won’t be favourites but Championship.” 100 percent” in the two Portugal At Belgrade: Serbia 2 (Tadic Portugal began to adapt to the we are going there to win,” said The 34-year-old had joined matches. 9-pen, Mitrovic 56) Ukraine 2 conditions and their more direct Portugal coach Fernando San- up with the Portugal squad amid “I sacrifi ced myself for the (Yaremchuk 32, Besedin 90+3) SPOTLIGHT approach was rewarded with a tos, whose side also won the speculation over his fi tness and team,” he said. “We could have At Luxembourg: Luxembourg goal. inaugural Nations League this attitude following his angry re- missed out (on Euro 2020). 0 Portugal 2 (Fernandes 39, Bernardo Silva fl oated a pass year. action to being substituted dur- Thankfully, I haven’t been in- Ronaldo 86) Late equaliser gives FOCUS Ukraine 2-2 draw Winks, Mount net fi rst England goals in Kosovo rout against Serbia

AFP when the Tottenham midfi elder Reuters Pristina, Kosovo ran onto Alex Oxlade-Chamber- Belgrade, Serbia lain’s pass, evaded the obligingly slow-to-react Kosovo defence ngland wrapped up their and slotted home with ease. stoppage time equal- impressive Euro 2020 Throughout a comfortable iser by late substitute qualifying campaign qualifying campaign, the main Artem Besyedin gave with a 4-0 rout of Kos- concern for Southgate has been Ukraine a 2-2 draw in ovoE yesterday as maiden inter- England’s erratic defending and SerbiaA after the home side led national goals from Harry Winks they were nearly exposed when twice in an entertaining Euro and Mason Mount ensured they Amir Rrahmani was left un- 2020 Group B qualifi er yesterday. will be among the top six seeds marked to head just wide early in The Ukrainians, who had al- in next year’s tournament. the second half. ready secured a berth in next Gareth Southgate’s side That shaky rearguard creaked year’s 24-nation tournament, booked their Euro 2020 berth again moments later as Rrah- fi nished their campaign top of by thrashing Montenegro 7-0 mani found himself in acres of the group on 20 points from on Thursday and they fi nished space but headed woefully wide eight games. a dominant run by dispatch- with the goal at his mercy. European champions Portu- ing Kosovo in Pristina thanks to England’s class told in the gal (17 points) joined them after goals from Winks, Harry Kane, second half and Kane hit the a laboured 2-0 win at Luxem- Marcus Rashford and Mount. post with a snap-shot from bourg while third-placed Ser- Although England weren’t Sterling’s pass. bia, who collected 14 points, will at their best, it was a rewarding The same pair linked up for have another chance to advance fi nale for the Group A winners, a milestone second goal in the via the Nations League playoff s who clinched the high seeding 79th minute. in March. that should help them avoid a Sterling eased past his marker A mere 4,000 fans turned up tough group in the fi nals. and sent in a defl ected cross that at Rajko Mitic stadium although Winks’ maiden England goal, England captain Kane fi nished Serbia started the game with an in his sixth appearance, was the England’s Harry Winks (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Euro off at the far post. outside chance of qualifying and key moment before second-half 2020 qualifier against Kosovo in Pristina, Kosovo, yesterday. (AFP) Kane has netted in all eight the home side treated their sup- strikes from Kane and Rashford qualifi ers and is the fi rst Eng- porters to a solid performance. Mitrovic restored Serbia’s lead and Mount’s fi rst international gratitude still felt in Kosovo for names of the England players and stinging strike that drew a solid land player for over 90 years to Dusan Tadic fi red Serbia ahead in the 56th with a fi ne fi nish, as goal. the United Kingdom’s involve- held up fl ag of St George cards. save from Arijanet Muric. score 12 international goals in a with a ninth-minute penalty as he chested down an inch-perfect With all three of their Euro ment in the country’s liberation, The loudest cheers were re- calendar year. he sent goalkeeper Andriy Pya- Tadic cross and steered the ball 2020 group games and the semi- after the Kosovan war in the served for Sterling, who was KANE MILESTONE It was also England’s 35th tov the wrong way after Mykola into the opposite corner with the fi nals and fi nal being played 1990s, was clear to see. back in the England team after With footing on the Fadil Vokrri goal of the qualifying campaign, Matviyenko handled the winger’s outside of his foot. at home for England, the 2018 Before kick-off , the stadium the winger was dropped against Stadium pitch proving diffi cult, breaking their previous record shot from the edge of the area. Ukraine laid siege to Serbia’s World Cup semi-fi nalists will announcer addressed the crowd Montenegro following his clash England struggled to fi nd their total from the 2010 World Cup Andriy Yarmolenko hit the goal in the closing stages and go into the November 30 draw as with the words: “We always with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez in rhythm at times and Kosovo’s qualifi ers. post for Ukraine before Roman although home keeper Predrag one of the main contenders for appreciate your support in the the canteen of England’s train- Milot Rashica took advantage to There was still time for Rash- Yaremchuk levelled in the 32nd Rajkovic kept out an Oleksandr the trophy. most diffi cult days. Twenty ing base on Monday. test Burnley keeper Nick Pope, ford to slot home from Sterling’s minute, heading home from Karavaev piledriver, Besyedin In contrast to the racist abuse years on, we are here as equals. Sterling had England’s fi rst who was making his fi rst start. pass in the 83rd minute before close range after a Viktor Tsyg- scored moments later when he that marred England’s qualifi ers God bless you England.” sight of goal when he took Winks supplied the break- Mount took Kane’s delivery and ankov cross from the right. swept a low shot from 10 metres in Montenegro and Bulgaria, the Kosovo supporters shouted the Kane’s pass and made space for a through in the 32nd minute coolly fi nished in stoppage time. Fulham striker Aleksandar into the bottom corner. Gulf Times Monday, November 18, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS QATAR TEAM IN DUSHANBE South African Premier League smashes 1bn rand revenue mark

AFP son. Johannesburg There are also three knock- out competitions, including a League Cup and an FA Cup, for Qatar’s Hassan al-Haydos he South African Pre- the 16 top-fl ight clubs to con- (L) and Almoez Ali mier Soccer League test. deplane after arriving (PSL), boosted by a lu- The other one, the MTN8 for with the national football crative TV deal, posted the top eight fi nishers in the Trecord revenue of more than 1bn previous league, gives an eight team in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, last evening. rand last season. mn rand winner-takes-all prize Qatar will play A statement said TV rights for playing just four games. Afghanistan in a World and sponsorships from banks, Although some leagues, no- and Asian Cup joint telecommunication and en- tably those in Algeria, Egypt, qualifier tomorrow in gineering companies were re- Morocco and Tunisia, produce a the Tajik capital. sponsible for the 1,005bn ($68 more internationally successful million/62mn euros) bonanza. brand of football, South African “The results are due to the clubs top the fi nancial table. renewal of our broadcast deals Apart from challenging for because they contribute a high four fi rst prizes annually, total- percentage of income,” PSL ling 34mn rand, each club re- SPOTLIGHT chairman Irvin Khoza confi rmed ceives a monthly grant of 2.5mn yesterday. rand. “We have reached the 1bn Some sides, like defend- rand mark and that augurs well ing champions and 2016 CAF for the clubs as the monthly Champions League winners grants to them will increase next Mamelodi Sundowns, have the season.” added advantage of rich South The PSL runs a 30-round African owners. league, which the SuperSport The funding of dollar bil- Euro 2020 takes channel screens throughout lionaire Patrice Motsepe al- Africa, and the fi rst prize in- lows Sundowns to buy stars not creased 50% to 15mn rand for only from Africa but also South the 2019/2020 season. America, with two Uruguayans, SuperSport paid more than a Brazilian and a Venezuelan on 2bn rand this year for a fi ve-year their books. renewal of the deal to screen the One challenge for the PSL is South African Premiership and attracting more spectators to shape as Dutch, three knockout competitions. fi xtures not featuring the big The Johannesburg-based crowd-pullers, Soweto sides pay-to-view channel has a re- Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pi- ported 7mn subscribers in South rates and Pretoria-based Sun- Africa, and millions more spread downs. across the rest of Africa. While the ‘big three’ can draw SuperSport sublet matches to crowds of up to 90,000, even the cash-strapped South Afri- for a friendly match, games be- Germans qualify can Broadcasting Corp (SABC), tween less popular sides strug- which pays 72mn rand per sea- gle to lure 5,000. ‘It means a lot for us as players. Hopefully it means so much to the Dutch players’

AFP Bruno Petkovic headed the hosts in Italian junior team coach sacked Paris Netherlands’ defender Joel front and Ivan Perisic sealed the three Veltman (C) and teammates points with a thumping fi nish with 16 for ‘disrespectful’ 27-0 win celebrate their qualification minutes left. he Netherlands, Germany and on Saturday. “We were trying to stay calm in the Milan: The coach of an Italian ian press. “The values of youth World Cup fi nalists Croatia ex- dressing room at half-time, we were sure junior league team was sacked team football are antithetical to panded a list of big hitters to that our quality would prevail. We kept on Saturday for inflicting a such a thing. qualify for Euro 2020 on Satur- attacking, creating chances, and the humiliating 27-0 defeat on their “The opponent must always Tday as the trio booked their places at next goals came,” said Petkovic. opponents. be respected and today it has summer’s fi nals. That win gives Wales a fi ghting chance Paolo Brogelli, president of not happened. As president Austria also made it through to the of qualifying after their 2-0 victory over Invictasauro, a team based in I sincerely apologise to the multi-host tournament, which kicks off Azerbaijan earlier on Saturday. Grosseto, Tuscany, slammed his Marina team. in Rome on June 12, with 16 sides now en- Ryan Giggs’ side stay third thanks team’s win over rivals Marina Our board has decided, unani- sured of a spot at the 24-team event and to fi rst-half headed goals from Kieff er Calcio as “disrespectful”. mously, to sack (coach) Mr. only four places remaining from the main Moore and Harry Wilson and Slovakia “We learned with amazement Riccini. qualifying route. losing against the Croats. and regret the score of the “Our coaches have a duty to They join other big names such like They are just one point behind sec- match in which our junior team train and, above all, to educate world champions France, Spain, Italy and ond-placed Hungary, who travel to Car- scored 27 goals,” Brogelli said in children. This has not happened England, with European champions Por- diff on the fi nal day for a winner-takes- a statement reported in the Ital- today.” tugal one win away from qualifi cation. O’Neill’s side third and hoping for a way “Overall we did well, but at the mo- all clash. Ronald Koeman’s resurgent Dutch into the tournament via the playoff s. ment I don’t include us among the fa- “It’s massive for us to get the three Cologne referees strike over needed a point to qualify for their fi rst The draw allowed fi erce rivals Germany vourites for the European title,” said points and now we go again Tuesday,” growing violence at matches major tournament since coming third at to move top in the group as Toni Kroos hit Kroos, echoing coach Joachim Loew’s said Moore. “We came here for the three the 2014 World Cup and got what they a brace in a simple 4-0 win over Belarus comments from earlier in the week. points and we got them — now it’s all Berlin: Several referees went on in the German capital. needed in a scrappy goalless draw with in Moenchengladbach which saw them A win over Northern Ireland in Frank- guns blazing towards Tuesday.” a short-notice strike in Cologne The Berlin football federation Northern Ireland in Belfast. qualify for the Euros for the 13th time in furt on Tuesday will guarantee Loew’s Austria booked their place with a 2-1 yesterday leading to the cancel- BFV said that already this season “It means a lot for us as players. Hope- a row. new-look side fi rst place. win over North Macedonia that kept lation of several amateur football there had been 109 incidents fully it means so much to the Dutch peo- A deft back-heeled goal from de- Croatia survived a scare to secure their third-placed Slovenia at bay despite games in the region. of violence and discrimination re- ple,” Liverpool defender Van Dijk said. fender Matthias Ginter just before the place in the Euros after coming from be- their 1-0 triumph over Latvia. The match off icials said in an corded at matches, with 53 cases However they were far from the fl am- break and impressive fi nishing by Leon hind beat Slovakia 3-1 in Rijeka. They are second in Group G behind online statement they wanted to of violence against referees. Ref- boyant outfi t that has so often thrilled in Goretzka and Kroos gave the Germans a The World Cup runners up needed Poland, who had already qualifi ed going make a “clear sign against the vi- erees in Cologne said there had Group C, and survived a huge scare when comfortable three-goal lead early in the just a point to ensure qualifi cation from into this round of games but maintained olence and the increasing brutal- been 10 acts of violence against Steven Davis smashed a fi rst-half penalty second half. Group E but Robert Bozenik stunned the a three-point lead at the top of the group ity to which they find themselves off icials in the past season and high over the bar. Captain Manuel Neuer produced a home crowd when he tapped the away thanks to a 2-1 win at Israel. every increasingly exposed.” another 56 cases of insults or The Dutch dominated possession and superb save to keep out Belarus striker side ahead in the 32nd minute. In Saint Petersburg, the Hazard broth- Around three weeks referees in threats. stopped the hosts from having a single Igor Stasevich’s penalty before Kroos However it was one-way traffi c in the ers made short work of Russia as already- Berlin drew nationwide attention “The development is alarming, shot on target but failed to create much dribbled through the defence to claim second half and Croatia’s qualifi cation qualifi ed Belgium maintained their 100% for a strike in protest against there must be a clear stop-signal themselves. his second goal seven minutes from time was never in doubt once Nikola Vlasic record with a 4-1 win that secured them violence in amateur-level games shown,” their statement said. Davis’ spot-kick blunder left Michael and make sure of a routine win. drilled home the leveller. top spot in Group I.

BOTTOMLINE ‘Aspire is a leader in football medicine,’ says FIFA medical chief D’Hooghe

By Sports Reporter the Aspetar dental emergency kit. Doha The workshop was divided into closed-door discussions that discussed many issues of in- terest to the medical teams in these prestigious he Chairman of the FIFA Medical Com- clubs, where it was characterised by frankness, mittee, Dr Michel D’hooghe, praised in addition to practical sessions to identify the Aspetar’s international outstanding most important techniques used in surgery medical services provided to the world, for sports injuries, held at the Sport Surgery Ton the sidelines of his participation in the First- Training Center in Aspetar, aunique training ever Asian & European Champions league team course where donated human body parts were doctors’ workshop, which was concluded last used as samples for experimentation in an en- Thursday. vironment very similar to hospital’s operating Dr Michel D’Hooghe said: “Aspetar is an ex- theatres, ample of high-level care in the prevention and Also, as session on the Dental emergency the diagnosis conservatives and in the surgical kit, to ensure the role of sports dentistry in therapy of sports people, I’m sure that all people athletes’ injuries and how to deal with den- come here, because they’ve fi rst class care and tal emergencies during matches and training this already is a great merit to Aspetar, secondly camps. The workshop was held just days before Aspetar is a great educational Centre, I think Doha hosts several international football com- Aspetar is a leader of football medicine and will petitions, confi rming the readiness of medical continue to be it.” staff in the country to provide the best services The fi rst-ever Asian & European Champions to guests. league team doctors’ workshop concluded at As- Regarding the 2022 World Cup, which will petar, Orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital Chairman of the FIFA Medical Committee, Dr my own experience and this meeting has really certainly the future. Football is a team sport, be held for the fi rst time in the Middle East, Dr with the presence of seniors from the medical Michel D’Hooghe, speaks during the football something for the future; cascading to the na- and the medical guidance in sports is also a D’Hooghe, said: “When the world cup will ar- committee at FIFA and AFC doctors’ workshop. At right, doctors attending tional association’s doctors’ all over the world. team sport”. rive in Qatar I will be sure that the medical care The workshop provided to the participants an the workshop. In this room, there is a lot of wisdom and lot of 30 team doctors were represented, and the around the world cup will be excellent because opportunity to learn through practical sessions experience. participants played an active role throughout we are here just near the stadiums, one of the best and real-life examples, as well as off ering a stra- that directly aff ect the safety and care of players. “My lesson to the team doctors after 40 years the two days, especially at the practical ses- infrastructures, you have the best specialists, you tegic approach to help team doctors understand- A wide range of topics on the opportunities and of experience in football medicine; the role of sions which have kicked off on day 2 of the have every care necessary to treat immediately ing the role of the football medicine doctor. challenges faced by medical staff to improve the team doctor 20-30 years ago, has become now workshop. the top football players in the world, there’s abso- The two-day workshop discussed the tools and medical results of football clubs. team work with diff erent sports medicine spe- Functional anatomy focusing on the knee, lutely no reason to doubt the medical care around techniques designed to address a range of issues Dr D’Hooghe added: “My presence is to give cialist, diff erent paramedical help and that is shoulder and ankle joints and also showcasing this world cup , thanks to Aspetar”. Gulf Times 4 Monday, November 18, 2019 CRICKET

THIRD T20 SPOTLIGHT Pattinson banned from 1st Pakistan Test Gurbaz’s 79-run for ‘personal abuse’

AFP Lyon. Sydney Paine said he was disappoint- ed, with the Australian team working hard to win back public ustralia fast bowler support since the ball-tamper- blitz helps Afghans James Pattinson was ing scandal last year led to long suspended yester- bans for Steve Smith, David day for player abuse, Warner and Cameron Bancroft. rulingA him out of the fi rst Test He told broadcaster ABC against Pakistan this week with that Pattinson had “let himself skipper Tim Paine saying he had down, he’s let the group down”. let down the team. “We actually had a chat last The paceman was found night about the fact that we clinch T20 series guilty of breaching Cricket Aus- hold ourselves to a really high tralia’s code of conduct during standard now with our behav- Gurbaz smashed six fours and five sixes before falling to West Indies skipper Pollard Victoria’s Sheffi eld Shield game iour,” Paine said. against Queensland last week. “That’s not just while we’re It was not clear what he said, playing (Test) cricket, we’ve got but the governing body charac- to go back to domestic cricket terised it as “personal abuse of a and lead the way on that front player while fi elding”. as well. The Australian and the Sydney “We’re disappointed... but Daily Telegraph said it allegedly James has owned up and knows involved a homophobic slur. he’s made a mistake and has Given it was his third breach in apologised for it and will come the past 18 months, the incident back bigger and better.” triggered a one-match suspen- Pattinson admitted he “made sion. a mistake in the heat of the mo- “We have a duty to uphold ment”. the highest standards of behav- “Straight away I realised I iour and the action taken in this was in the wrong, and I apolo- matter demonstrates that,” CA’s gised immediately, both to the head of integrity and security opponent and to the umpires,” Sean Carroll said in a statement. he said. Pattinson’s ban opens the “I have done the wrong thing door to Mitchell Starc to play and accept the penalty. I’m gut- in the Test at Brisbane starting ted to miss a Test match, but the Thursday. The two were seen to standards are there for a reason be competing for one bowling and the fault is mine.” slot to partner Josh Hazelwood, CA said no replacement will Pat Cummins, and Nathan be called up for the Test squad.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays a shot during the third T20 match against West Indies at Ekana Cricket Stadium in yesterday. (AFP)

AFP ing swept in the preceding ODIs Test cricket.” Paul took two wickets each. a lot from this series and how to Lucknow, India 3-0. But it was the 17-year-old The West Indies lost regular adapt and play on slower pitch- Paceman Naveen-ul-Haq Gurbaz, a wicketkeeper-bats- wickets to falter in their chase es,” said Pollard. took three wickets to choke the man, who stood out with his against a disciplined Afghani- “We have a long-term plan, eenage opener Rahman- West Indies’ chase despite a val- second T20I fi fty after the Af- stan attack that made the most but we have to deal with what’s ullah Gurbaz hit an at- iant 52 by wicketkeeper-bats- ghans were in early trouble at 12 of a slow track. in front of us right now. Can’t say tacking half-century to man . for two. Hope, who was dropped on what will happen in October next set up Afghanistan’s 29- “You have to be smart and Gurbaz, named man of the 11 by Naveen off Gulbadin Naib, year (for the T20 World Cup).” Trun series-clinching win over cool and calm as a professional match, put on a crucial 50-run completed his second T20I fi fty The two teams will next play a West Indies in the third Twen- player. Sometimes you are los- stand for the fourth wicket with but got little support from the one-off Test starting November ty20 international yesterday. ing but your energy and mindset former captain , other end. 27. Gurbaz hit 79 off 52 balls as Af- for upcoming matches is more who made 24, and surpassed his Bowling all-rounder Karim ghanistan posted 156 for eight, important,” said skipper Rashid previous T20I best of 61. Janat could not repeat his heroics BRIEF SCORES a total their bowlers defended Khan. He smashed six fours and fi ve from the second game where he AFGHANISTAN 156 for 8 (Gurbaz by restricting the West Indies to “Yes we lost the fi rst three sixes before falling to West In- claimed fi ve wickets and scored 79, Asghar 24, Paul 2-26) beat 127-7 in Lucknow. ODIs and the fi rst T20 but still dies skipper . 26 runs, but was named man of WEST INDIES 127 for 7 (Hope They won the series 2-1 after the focus was that we can still Pacemen , the series. 52, Lewis 24, Naveen 3-24) by losing the opening game and be- win two trophies — T20s and and Keemo “The guys would have taken 29 runs.

BOTTOMLINE ‘Hunger’ drives India to feast at top of Test table AFP performances. Indore, India “It’s the team culture. It’s not about batting or bowling. The team wants to be the number one irat Kohli’s India were team in the world. That’s why you hailed as a team driv- see the hunger,” said Rathour. en by “hunger” after India’s opening win in the stretching their lead in two-match series was their third theV new world Test champion- straight innings victory and a ship with a crushing win over record sixth consecutive Test tri- Bangladesh inside three days. umph at home. India won by an innings and It was also Kohli’s 10th innings 130 runs in Indore on Saturday to victory as captain, surpassing give them 300 points from victo- the previous record of nine under ries in all six of their Tests in the his predecessor Mahendra Singh inaugural championship, which Dhoni. began in August and will end in “Virat must be fast becoming June 2021. India’s best ever skipper ... #IN- New Zealand and Sri Lanka are DvBAN,” former England captain second and third in the fl edgling Michael Vaughan tweeted. table, 240 points behind but each India are now favourites to having played four fewer match- extend their winning streak to a es than India. The team’s latest 12th successive home Test series triumph was ecstatically praised after surpassing Australia’s pre- by the press yesterday with the vious record of 10 in the recent Times of India headline read- 3-0 sweep of South Africa. ing “Demolition Men” while the The fi nal match of the series, Hindustan Times blazed “India beginning Friday in Kolkata, will too fast and furious for Bangla- be India’s day-night Test debut. desh”. Kohli said he was looking for- “Getting there (to number one) ward to the new experience of is diffi cult, staying there is even playing with the pink ball in the more diffi cult,” bowling coach Eden Gardens Test which will Bharat Arun said after India’s also be Bangladesh’s fi rst under pacemen saw off Bangladesh for lights. 150 and 213. “The pink-ball Test is going “I think to do that over a peri- to be exciting, will be a chal- od of three years, you need to stay lenge for the batters,” said Kohli. constantly hungry.” “With the older ball, it doesn’t Batting coach Vikram Rathour swing that much so the bowlers said India had built an ethos will have a challenge. We’re just where victory for the team was happy to be among the fi rst to more important than individual play pink-ball cricket for India.” Team India celebrate a wicket during the first Test match against Bangladesh at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Saturday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, November 18, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA Clippers post 49-point win over struggling Hawks ‘In the first half we gave them too many points, in the second half we locked back in. The guys manned up and got a win’

AFP Los Angeles

aul George delivered 37 points in his home debut as the Los Angeles Clippers scored the second most points in fran- Pchise history with a 150-101 rout of the short-handed Atlanta Hawks on Sat- urday. This was expected to be the fi rst game together for Kawhi Leonard and George, who was making his much anticipated home debut with his new team, but Leonard sat out with a nag- ging knee problem. George, who scored 25 points in the fi rst half, converted 10 of 17 shots from the fi eld overall, including six of 11 three-pointers in the wire-to-wire victory in front of a crowd of 19,000 at Staples Center Arena. He also made all 11 of his free throws in just 20 minutes of playing time. George scored 33 points in his season debut Thursday in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. George, who missed the initial 11 games rehabbing from off season sur- gery on both his shoulders, is 21 of 21 from the line in two games. “It means everything,” said George, who grew up in Palmdale, California, 100 kilometres northeast of Los An- geles. “I couldn’t wait to get in front of this crowd. “I couldn’t wait to be home.” Lou Williams, who made 15 of 15 free throws, had 25 points off the bench for the Clippers, who bounced back after losing their previous two matches. The Clippers led throughout, in- cluding a 12-point cushion at the half. They seized command in the third quarter by outscoring the Hawks 38- 20 and their biggest lead of the game was 52 points. Trae Young scored 20 points for the struggling Hawks who have been be- sieged by discipline and injury prob- lems this season. In Minneapolis, James Harden scored 49 points on a career-high 41 shot attempts as the Houston Rockets won their seventh straight game with a 125-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Harden shot eight of 22 from three- LA Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell hangs on the rim after dunking the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at the Staples Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports point range and the team shot 19 of 49 on threes overall. with 1:29 remaining in the third to give and got a win.” Elsewhere, reigning league MVP former club but the Pacers guard did He added six assists and fi ve re- Houston their fi rst double-digit lead of Minnesota missed the off ence of Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 not dress because of a back problem. RESULTS bounds in 39 minutes of playing time the contest, 89-79 second leading scorer Andrew Wig- points and 13 rebounds as the Milwau- Brogdon joined the Pacers in the off - Miami 109-94 New Orleans for his fi fth 40-plus game during the Austin Rivers and Chris Clemons gins, who sat out his second consecu- kee Bucks won the battle between the season. current win streak. scored 19 points apiece for the Rock- tive game with an undisclosed prob- Central Division’s top two teams by Brook Lopez fi nished with 15 points, Dallas 110-102 Toronto “We wanted to come here and win ets, who also received a career-best 16 lem. cruising to a 102-83 win over the Indi- eight rebounds and fi ve blocks for San Antonio 116-121 Portland this game and we showed them,” Hard- rebounds from centre Isaiah Harten- Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 27 ana Pacers. the Bucks, who won their third New York 102-103 Charlotte en said. stein. points with 15 rebounds to pace the Antetokounmpo entered the game straight and seventh in their last eight Point guard Ben McLemore carried “This game was very, very important Timberwolves, while Jake Layman shooting just 29 percent from beyond games. Minnesota 105-125 Houston over the momentum of his season- for us,” said Harden. scored 21. the arc but hit three of his six attempts The Pacers, who had won four in a Milwaukee 102-83 Indiana high 21 point performance on Friday by “In the fi rst half we gave them too Robert Covington chipped in 17 against the Pacers. row before losing Friday at Houston, Brooklyn 117-111 Chicago scoring 20 against the Timberwolves. many points, in the second half we points, and rookie Jarrett Culver added The contest was supposed to show- never got closer than seven in the sec- McLemore nailed a pair of free throws locked back in. The guys manned up 13 points. case Malcolm Brogdon against his ond half. Clippers 150-101 Atlanta

NHL Avs top Canucks in OT on MacKinnon’s winner Reuters to 14 games with a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver RESULTS host Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. Jordan Eberle opened the shootout Islanders 4-3 Flyers by beating Brian Elliott between the athan MacKinnon scored Blackhawks 7-2 Predators pads, before Barzal followed suit in twice, including the winner Capitals 3-2 Bruins the second round.Thomas Greiss pre- 27 seconds into overtime, and served the win with a poke-check on had an assist as the Colorado Stars 5-4 Oilers Flyers captain Claude Giroux as the NAvalanche defeated the host Vancou- Hurricanes 4-3 Wild Islanders improved to 13-0-1 in their ver Canucks 5-4 on Saturday night. Sharks 4-3 Red Wings last 14 contests. Their point streak is Andre Burakovsky, Nazem Kadri and one shy of the franchise record, set in Jets 4-3 Lightning Pierre-Edouard Bellemare also scored 1978-79 and matched in 1980-81 and for the Avalanche (12-6-2), who won Ducks 4-1 Blues 1981-82. for the fourth time in their past fi ve Penguins 6-1 Maple Leafs Anthony Beauvillier recorded his games. Cale Makar had four assists, Avalanche 5-4 Canucks second straight two-goal perform- giving the rookie blue-liner 22 points ance, and Greiss fi nished with 28 saves in 20 games. Goaltender Antoine Kings 4-3 Golden Knights for the Islanders, who have defeated Bibeau made 28 saves to win his fi rst Coyotes 3-0 Flames Philadelphia on two occasions this NHL start in nearly three years. Devils 4-3 Canadiens season. Adam Gaudette scored two power- Sean Couturier, Oskar Lindblom and play goals, and Alexander Edler and Sabres 4-2 Senators defenseman Ivan Provorov each col- Brock Boeser each tallied in the fi nal Panthers 4-3 Rangers lected a goal and an assist, and Elliott three minutes, as the Canucks pulled turned aside 33 shots for the Flyers, their goalie for an extra skater to erase a ko. Kadri made it a two-goal game at who have lost three in a row (0-1-2). 4-2 defi cit. Goaltender Thatcher Dem- 11:28, taking a cross-ice stretch pass Philadelphia carried a 3-0 lead into ko stopped 18 of 23 shots, as Vancou- from Makar at the blue line and beating the third period before Beauvillier ver dropped to 1-4-2 in its past seven Demko to the short side. backhanded the puck between the pads games. Gaudette scored on a one-timer of Elliott at 7:46. Barzal then converted The Avalanche never relinquished from the bottom of the right faceoff from in close nearly six minutes later to possession after winning the faceoff in Nathan MacKinnon (left) of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning goal in OT circle with 1.5 seconds remaining in extend his point streak to four games. overtime. MacKinnon took a pass from against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. (Getty Images/AFP) the second, pulling the Canucks within Beauvillier’s determined eff ort in Makar and barreled down the left wing 3-2. Burakovsky restored the two-goal front capped the rally with 2:04 re- before putting a shot past Demko. the top of the faceoff circles after tak- cussion protocol. Bibeau was making shoulder. lead at 6:09 of the third off a slick maining in the third period. The Canucks scored twice in the fi - ing a shot from Pettersson in the back his fi rst start since Dec. 29, 2016, while Gaudette tied it at 18:27, as Josh cross-ice pass from MacKinnon. Philadelphia wasted little time nal 2:37 of regulation to force overtime. of the head. with Toronto. He made a relief appear- Leivo drove the puck to the goal line opening the scoring. Lindblom skated Boeser scored the tying goal with Bibeau, 25, got the call because No. ance Thursday in a 6-2 loss at Edmon- and curled a pass back to Gaudette in ISLES RALLY, BEAT FLYERS IN SO in along the left wing before feeding 1:00 left off the rebound of a shot by 1 goalie Philipp Grubauer has missed ton, stopping nine of 10 shots he faced. the slot for the goal. TO KEEP STREAK ALIVE Couturier, who wristed a shot from the Elias Pettersson. the past fi ve games with a lower-body Bellamare gave the Avalanche the MacKinnon made it 2-1 with a Mathew Barzal scored in both the third high slot that sailed over the glove of Edler scored a controversial goal at injury, and backup Pavel Francouz sus- lead at 6:56 of the fi rst, winning a fa- power-play goal at 7:51 of the second, period and the shootout, as the New Greiss at 1:38 of the fi rst period. Cou- 17:23 of the third, with Colorado’s Matt tained a head injury against Winnipeg ceoff and then tipping Erik Johnson’s blasting a one-time slapper from the York Islanders overcame a three-goal turier’s goal was his sixth of the season Calvert down on the ice and bleeding at on Tuesday and remains in the con- shot from the right point over Demko’s top of the left faceoff circle past Dem- defi cit and extended their point streak and fourth in nine games. Gulf Times 6 Monday, November 18, 2019 SPORT

CYCLING/ ROYAL AIR MAROC LEAGUE Bilal al-Saadi of Doha Cycling claims race A By Sports Reporter Doha

ilal al-Saadi of Doha Cy- cling clinched the Men’s A title (92km) in the Royal Air Maroc League Race three heldB at the Al Ghuwayriyah course on Friday. The Qatar national team rider al-Saadi clocked 2:22:00 followed by Szymon Wasiak of the National Team Coaches (1:59:10). Guillaume Souter of Team Al Jassra came third (2:22:02). Sophie Clarke of Rasen Adven- ture Shop came fi rst in the women’s A race with a timing of 1:59:10. Lisa Dunne of Team Al Jassra fi nished second in 1:59:15. Mudar al-Khatib of Doha Cycling clocked 1:59:08 to came fi rst in the men’s 78km B race. Travis Pyle came second with a tim- ing of 1:59:08, while Arturo Mabag of Bike to Work Qatar fi nished third with 1:59:08. In the women’s 55km long race Sondra Hope claimed the top spot with a timing of 1:30:39. She was fol- lowed by Daniela Sposi of TriClub Doha (1:30:51) and Doaa Awad of TriClub Doha (1:42:44). Winner of the Royal Air Maroc League Race three celebrate on the podium. (Right) Action from the race.

NFL Violence in Browns-Steelers game wasn’t unprecedented Of course, it was outrageous. When a guy nearly twists the head off an opposing player to get his helmet and then slams that helmet down on the other guy’s head, there aren’t many adjectives that are too extreme to fit the situation

By Peter Schmuck become more sensitive to vio- The Baltimore Sun lence, both in sports and soci- ety in general. If so, that’s a good thing. n the aftermath of the ugly Fast forward to age of the 24- brawl that turned Thurs- hour sports news cycle and so- day night’s game between cial media and it’s hard to imag- the Cleveland Browns and ine that anyone with a television, IPittsburgh Steelers into another a laptop or a hand-held device big stain on the reputation of has not seen Garrett swing that the National Football League, helmet multiple times by now. there was a mad rush to charac- He’ll be branded by that moment terise the frightening behaviour for the rest of his career, but of Browns star Myles Garrett as Marichal is proof that redemp- both outrageous and unprec- tion is possible. edented. Marichal would go on to fi nish Of course, it was outrageous. a terrifi c career and be inducted When a guy nearly twists the into the National Baseball Hall head off an opposing player to of Fame with no one questioning get his helmet and then slams his character. that helmet down on the other He and Roseboro became guy’s head, there aren’t many friendly in later years, their lega- adjectives that are too extreme cies intertwined by the incident, to fi t the situation. and Marichal would be an hon- Unprecedented? Not so much. orary pall bearer and speaker at Over and over during the Roseboro’s funeral in 2002. postgame coverage of a spectacle The NFL moved swiftly to more worthy of WWE Smack- impose an indefi nite suspen- down (also on FOX), the com- sion and a large fi ne on Garrett, mentators across the sports ca- which is not surprising at all for ble landscape kept asking each a league whose image has been other if they had ever seen any- battered in recent years by its thing like it. The answer, invari- muddled response to one major ably, was no. societal issue after another. Maybe I’m outing myself as It was an appropriate decision a journalistic fossil, but when I that will allow Garrett to reclaim saw Garrett swing that helmet his career at some point and and hit Steelers quarterback work to rehabilitate his own pub- Mason Rudolph upside the head, lic image, but the league needs I was transported back a half- to do more to counter the kind century or so to an August after- violence on the fi eld that was on noon in 1965. display well before the fi nal sec- I was nine years old and a rabid onds of Thursday night’s game. San Francisco Giants fan living Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett hits Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph over the head with his helmet during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium in Steelers receivers JuJu Smith- outside Los Angeles, and I was Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday. (Getty Images/TNS) Schuster and Diontae Johnson sitting in front of our black-and- were both injured more severely white television set when Hall of this. Marichal was suspended for Rams linebacker Les Richter and into the tense Cold War with the likely to see television news to discipline from the league. than Rudolph by helmet-to-hel- Fame Giants ace Juan Marichal 10 games, or a little more than a hit him in the face with it. Rich- Soviet Union. footage of the brawl, but with the I once asked American League met hits during the course of the took a bat to the head of Dodg- week, and fi ned $1,750. ter was levelled by the blow and The NFL featured just 12 nation back at war and president and former New York game. When Johnson staggered ers catcher John Roseboro in one No doubt, at that time, vet- required stitches to close a gash teams and didn’t have nearly several American cities em- Yankees Dr Bobby Brown, why off the fi eld after he was lev- of the most infamous baseball eran sports writers were draw- near his eye. Joyce was ejected the impact on the national con- broiled in race riots that sum- he chose not to suspend a play- elled by Browns safety Damari- brawls in history. ing the same kind of cross-sport from the game and fi ned, but he sciousness that it eventually mer, it didn’t hold their atten- er who had been ejected after ous Randall, he appeared to be It was a diff erent sport, but comparisons to the NFL game was not suspended. would wield when professional tion very long. a beanball incident during the bleeding from his ear. the parallels between the two in- in 1954 between the Baltimore That must seem hard to be- sports became a staple of the Fighting on the athletic fi eld 1980s. So maybe it’s good that the cidents are obvious. It was cer- Colts and the Los Angeles Rams lieve, but it was a diff erent time. television era. was far more common back “Because it’s not a tea party,” prime time NFL games start too tainly egregious and made na- during which Colts lineman Don The nation was just recovering By the time Marichal blew his then. Baseball brawls happened he replied. Well, that’s still true late for kids to stay up and watch tional headlines, but nothing like Joyce pulled the helmet off of from two major wars and settling cool in 1965, fans were far more regularly and didn’t always lead for football, but maybe we’ve them on school nights.

Tanveer, Assad, Kiramat excel for Galfar, Warriors CC, Shah XI

Whirlwind batting displays In reply, Doha Falcon found the star as the player of the match. 188-3 (Imal 51, Imraz 42 n.o., from Kamran (77) and Tanveer going tough and were eventu- Warriors batting first made 188 Assad 29 not out) beat Fireox (73 not out) propelled Galfar ally bowled out for 86 runs in for 3 with Imal scoring a half Unit 141-8 (Jassim 60; Assad Cricket Club to a 112-run win 16.4 overs. century 51 (5x4s), Imran 42 not 2-0, Shoaib 2-36) by 47 runs. over Doha Falcon in the Qatar Tanveer, who also excelled out (6x4s, 1x6), and Assad 29. Galfar CC 198-3 (Kamran 77, Cricket Association’s Division A in the field taking one catch In reply, Fireox Unit were Tanveer not out 73) beat Doha Twenty20 tournament match was named as the Man of the restricted to 141 for 8. Falcon 86 all out in 16.4 overs played on Friday. Match. In the other Div A match, (Iftikhar 27; Imran 4-10, Yousuf While Kamran struck five fours In a Premier Division match Kiramat’s all-round show (29 2-20, Mujeeb 2-19) by 112 runs. and four sixes in his 57-ball of the same tournament, runs, 2 wkts, and a catch) saw Shah XI 163-9 (Alam 29, Saleem knock, Tanveer cracked four Assad excelled for Warriors Shah XI (163-9) beat Qatar 27, Saeed 24, Kiramat 22) bt fours and also four sixes in Cricket Club against Fireox Super Kings (93 all out) win by Qatar Super Kings 93 all out his 40-balls innings as Galfar Unit XI scoring a quickfire 29 70 runs. in 14.1 overs (Tony 20; Kiramat made 198 for 3 in their allotted (4x4s, 1x6), taking two wickets 4-22, Saleem 3-6, Jabar 2-15) by 20 overs. besides picking up a catch to BRIEF SCORES: Warriors CC 70 runs. Man-of-the-Match Tanveer Shah XI’s all-rounder Kiramat Warriors Cricket Club’s Assad Gulf Times Monday, November 18, 2019 7 SPORT

GOLF/NEDBANK CHALLENGE SPOTLIGHT Korean Kim grabs Open India title Fleetwood fl ies to AFP night lead with Australia’s Terry Gurgaon, India Pilkadaris but was let down by a costly double-bogey seven on his closing hole. orean teenager Joohy- Pilkadaris fi nished fourth after ung Kim yesterday carding a 71, while Indonesia’s become the second- Rory Hie, Chinese Taipei’s Hung youngest winner on Chien-yao and India’s Vikrant win record prize theK Asian Tour when he won the Chopra were tied fi fth. shortened Panasonic Open in “I’m really speechless. It has India by one stroke ahead of lo- been a dream of mine to play on cal challengers Shiv Kapur and the Asian Tour ever since I was Chikkarangappa S. young,” Kim said. The 17-year-old, who was “And it’s really wonderful to making just his third start on the come here, be in contention and Tour this year, fi red a seven-un- win. I cannot describe the feeling in play-off glory der-par 65 in the third and fi nal now.” round at the 54-hole, $400,000 The Asian Tour event was Fleetwood started the final round six behind overnight leader Zander Lombard tournament in Gurgaon near shortened to 54 holes amid a se- New Delhi to clinch the title. vere and toxic smog enveloping Kapur had a share of the over- northern India.

Joohyung Kim holds the trophy after winning the Panasonic Indian Open golf tournament in Gurgaon, India, yesterday. (AFP)

Saracens set to drop salary cap appeal

European champions Saracens It is understood the club will will drop their appeal against be given a short period of time a £5.4mn ($6.97mn) fine and a to make payment of their fine. 35-point penalty for salary cap An independent panel, led by breaches, according to British barrister Lord Dyson, found media reports yesterday. the club had failed to disclose Saracens had planned to ap- payments to players in each peal against what the “heavy- of the 2016-17, 2017-18 and File photo of Tommy Fleetwood. (Twitter) handed” punishments that 2018-19 seasons, and had also were described by the English exceeded the ceiling for pay- Premiership club’s chairman ments to senior players. AFP with Kinhult, who shot 68. Fleetwood, who won the sea- FLEETWOOD TAKES ies in his fi rst six holes before his Nigel Wray as “absolutely No details have been revealed Sun City, South Africa The victory carried a prize son-long competition in 2017. FLIGHT WITH EAGLES round ignited when he chipped in devastating”. on the size of the undisclosed of US$2.5mn (2.26mn euros). “It’s an amazing thing to have in Home favourites Lombard and for eagle on the par-fi ve ninth. At But ahead of today’s deadline payments or the recipients. “Being a golfer these days, at a your career.” Louis Oosthuizen saw their hopes the next hole, another par-fi ve, a to off icially serve notice of But Premiership Rugby’s in- ommy Fleetwood made young age you have the chance Fleetwood and Kinhult pulled evaporate after starting the day in magnifi cent seven-iron set up an- appeal, the Sunday Times vestigations were reported to three eagles before win- to set up your family for life,” away from what at one stage was the fi nal group. Oosthuizen was in other eagle. He dropped two shots reported Saracens are poised have centred around Wray’s in- ning a sudden death said an emotional Fleetwood. a crowded leaderboard as other the lead when he birdied the tenth in a row before eagling the 601- to confirm they will accept the volvements in companies such play-off and the biggest “Of all my achievements that’s contenders fell away in a swirl- but faded to a 75 and a tie for sixth yard 14th after what he described punishments. as VunProp Ltd (Mako and Billy Tfi rst prize in European Tour his- the thing I’m most proud of.” ing wind which added to the dif- place with defending champion as “one of the best fi ve-woods of While an appeals process was Vunipola), Faz Investments tory in the Nedbank Golf Chal- Fleetwood started the fi - fi culty of the longest course on Lee Westwood on 281. my career” to set up a short putt. in place, the sanctions were Ltd (Owen Farrell), Wiggy9 Ltd lenge at the Gary Player Country nal round six behind overnight the European Tour. Lombard could not recover Both golfers hit poor drives on suspended. The points penalty (Richard Wigglesworth) and Club yesterday. leader Zander Lombard. Race to Dubai order of merit from a poor start and limped to the fi rst play-off hole, the par- would now come into immedi- MN Property Solutions Ltd “This experience will live with It was the biggest comeback leader Bernd Wiesberger of Aus- a fi ve-over-par 77 and a share of four 18th, with Kinhult hitting a ate eff ect today once the club (Maro Itoje). me forever,” said the 28-year- win of the season and lifted tria tied for third with Austral- eighth place with rookie Robert tree which meant he could not go has confirmed its decision. The panel was established old Englishman after defeating Fleetwood into second place on ia’s Jason Scrivener and Thomas McIntyre on 282. While Fleet- for the green with his second shot. It means English champions after a nine-month Premier- Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult with a the order of merit going into the Detry of Belgium, four strokes wood had a round of drama, with Fleetwood had an awkward stance Saracens, currently third in the ship Rugby investigation led to par on the fi rst extra hole to se- Tour championship in Dubai, behind the leaders. Wiesberger three eagles, four birdies and three above a bunker and missed the table on 13 points, a point be- charges being brought in June. cure his fi rst win in 22 months. starting on Thursday. and Scrivener both shot 70, dropped shots, Kinhult played green but was able to get up and hind leaders Bristol, will sit on Saracens have yet to comment Fleetwood fi red a fi nal round “It’s a privilege to get to the while Detry, who started the near-immaculate golf, with fi ve down from a drop zone in front of -22 points, 26 adrift of bottom about the report they will drop of seven-under-par 65 to fi nish last event with a chance of win- round one behind Lombard, had birdies and only one dropped shot. a grandstand, while Kinhult made club Leicester. the appeal. AFP tied on a 12-under total of 276 ning the Race to Dubai,” said a 74. Fleetwood made three bird- fi ve.

RUGBY O’Shea resigns six months before end of contract AFP “We thank him for the com- they beat Ireland in Rome. Milan mitment and passion which he The highlight of O’Shea’s reign has shown in his role over these was a historic 20-18 success years and we wish him the best against South Africa in Florence onor O’Shea has resigned professional successes.” in November 2016. from his role as Italy head Italy failed to progress past the The defeat was a low point for coach with immediate pool stage in the World Cup in Ja- the Springboks who rebounded to eff ect, the Italian rugby pan. win their third World Cup trophy. federationC announced on Satur- They beat Namibia (47-22) and “I sincerely hope to have left day. Canada (48-7) but their match Italian rugby in a better position,” The 49-year-old Irishman’s against New Zealand was called continued O’Shea. contract had been due to run off because of a typhoon and they “I built friendships and made through to the end of May 2020. suff ered a heavy 49-3 defeat to experiences that I will never for- “We have started a process and eventual champions South Af- get. generated a new, well-founded rica. “The young people who are hope, but I also believe that the Nevertheless, the 35-times coming through join a system end of the Rugby World Cup rep- capped former Ireland fullback that, by continuing with the right resents the best time for everyone had been expected to remain at decisions, can only improve in the to make changes in view of the the helm until after the 2020 Six years to come.” new cycle,” said O’Shea. Nations. Former Scotland coach Vern “I loved every minute I spent in O’Shea, who led Harlequins to Cotter is among the names being Italy and I really believe in what the Premiership title in 2012, re- touted to replace O’Shea, along we have done and how it can be placed Jacques Brunel on the Italy with fellow New Zealander Dave achieved in the years to come.” bench on a four-year contract Rennie, currently in charge of The former London Irish and back in March 2016. Glasgow Warriors. Harlequins director of rugby has But despite his successes with Cotter, 57, was hired as been linked with a role in the Eng- London Irish and Harlequins he Montpellier’s head coach in 2017, lish RFU as this year’s World Cup failed to turn around the fortunes but moved to the director of rugby fi nalists build towards the 2023 of Italian rugby, and never won a role earlier this year. tournament in France. match in the Six Nations. Former Wales assistant coach “We are saddened by Conor’s The last Italian victory in the Rob Howley had been seen as a decision not to complete the tournament was against Scotland potential candidate before being journey as contractually intend- in Edinburgh in February 2015, sent home from the World Cup ed,” said Italian Rugby Federation while at home the Azzurri have for allegedly breaching betting president Alfredo Gavazzi. not won since March 2013, when rules. File photo of Italy’s head coach Conor O’Shea. (AFP) Monday, November 18, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

MOTORCYCLING CRICKET Qatar T10 League from December 6 Marquez clinches By Sports Reporter Doha

atar Cricket Asso- ciation (QCA) an- nounces its maiden International Crick- 12th win of season etQ League starting from De- cember 6, 2019. ‘It’s a perfect season which will be diff icult to repeat’ The T10 league is the latest in the International Cricket AFP Council (ICC) calendar to QCA president Youssef Jeham Valencia, Spain promote the shorter formats al-Kuwari. of the game. Qatar T10 will have six teams comprising 24 national sports arena.” orld champion Marc International cricket stars, 12 The league is set to be hosted Marquez clinched players from associate ICC in the state-of-the-art Asian his 12th MotoGP countries, Qatar national team Town International Cricket victory of the sea- players and loads of local tal- Stadium. QCA has lined up Wson in yesterday’s fi nal race in ented players from diff erent with several top sponsors to be Valencia ahead of French rookie QCA clubs. a part of this event, locally & Fabio Quartararo. QCA is thankful to ICC to internationally. Marquez, who secured his awarded T10 this elite short- QCA has nominated Intl. sixth premier category title last er format league to promote Pro Events to carry out the month, fi nished over a second cricket in the region. In a press league procedures due to their clear of pole-sitter Quartararo release president QCA Youssef past experience of carrying who came second for the fi fth J al-Kuwari said: “Qatar is out successful events. Former time in his debut campaign. proud to have been assigned Pakistan captain The Spaniard made a poor this league by ICC. This will has been named as brand am- start from second place on the take our country to an inter- bassador for the tournament. grid but steadily picked off his rivals one by one to win at Va- lencia for just the second time FOCUS in his career. “It’s been a diffi cult weekend because we’ve tried new things,” said Marquez, who took his 56th MotoGP win. “It’s a Nadal eager to play perfect season which will be dif- fi cult to repeat.” Australian’s Jack Miller Davis Cup, says Spain claimed third while triple Mo- toGP champion Jorge Lorenzo bid farewell to the sport with a captain Bruguera 13th-place fi nish in his fi nal race. The 32-year-old Spaniard an- Reuters team competition by former nounced his decision to retire on Madrid US Open champion Marin Thursday. He could be replaced Cilic and Borna Coric, while by Marquez’s younger brother Russia boast world number 17 and Moto2 champion Alex at pain captain Sergi Karen Khachanov and the in- Honda next season. Bruguera said yester- form Andrey Rublev. Quartararo again fell just short day that Rafael Nadal Nadal will receive support in his bid to become the fi rst is “doing well” and from Spanish number two Frenchman to win a MotoGP race RESULTS wantsS to play at the inaugural Roberto Bautista Agut, Pa- since 1999, but the 20-year-old MOTOGP Davis Cup Finals, despite his blo Carreno Busta, Feliciano was delighted with his fi rst sea- 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Hon- exertions at the ATP Finals Lopez and Marcel Granollers. son among the elite. da) 41min 21.469sec, 2. Fa- this week. Nadal, despite some abdomi- “Nobody could have imagined bio Quartararo (FRA/Yama- Hosts Spain play their fi rst nal issues, is expected to line at the start of the season that I ha-SRT) at 1.026sec, 3. Jack tie against Russia in Madrid up for Spain, although wheth- would have six pole positions Miller (AUS.Ducati-Pramac) on Tuesday. The 33-year-old er or not he would last a po- and seven podiums. It’s incred- 2.409, 4. Andrea Dovizioso Nadal was knocked out at the tential fi ve singles matches in ible to fi nish the season in this (ITA/Ducati) 3.326, 5. Alex pool stage in London, but did six days is doubtful. way,” said Quartararo, who end- Rins (ESP/Suzuki) 3.508, secure the year-end world The 33-year-old said fans ed fi fth in the overall standings. 6. Maverick Vinales (ESP/ number one ranking ahead of should expect the unexpected. British rider Cal Crutchlow Yamaha) 8.829, 7. Joan Mir Novak Djokovic. Nadal was a “Of course is something and Frenchman Johann Zarco, (ESP/Suzuki) 10.622, 8. Val- fi tness doubt for the season- special, something new, and LCR Honda team-mates also entino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) ending event at the O2 Arena when it’s something new, you with thoughts of an upgrade next 22.992, 9. Aleix Espargaro after pulling out of the Paris need to be ready for something year, crashed out prematurely (ESP/Aprilia) 32.704, 10. Pol Masters with an abdominal unexpected,” he said. “Let’s Sunday. Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 32.973 injury, but managed to pro- see how the things works.” Crutchlow went down before Selected: 13. Jorge Lorenzo duce rousing comebacks in Meanwhile Serbia’s Davis Zarco, cut loose by KTM earlier (ESP/Honda) 51.044 wins over Daniil Medvedev Cup captain Nenad Zimonjic this season, was sent skidding by and Stefanos Tsitsipas. was optimistic yesterday that 19-year-old Spanish debutant World championship “The truth is that he’s in a world number two Novak Iker Lecuona who followed the standings great moment,” said Bruguera Djokovic will be fi t to play in Frenchman to the deck. Zarco 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/ on the eve of the tournament. this week’s new look Davis was examined by on-site medics Honda) 420 pts, 2. Andrea “He is doing well and is eager Cup in Madrid. before gingerly limping back to Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) to compete.” Djokovic lost to Roger Fe- his team stable. 269, 3. Maverick Vinales Five-time champions Spain derer on Thursday, missing Lecuona was fi lling in for (ESP/Yamaha) 211, 4. Alex have been handed a diffi cult out on a place in the ATP Fi- the KTM Tech team in place of Rins (ESP/Suzuki) 205, 5. draw in Group B with ties nals semi-fi nals in London, Miguel Oliveira, who was injured Fabio Quartararo (FRA/ against reigning champions revealing afterwards that he in the last race in Australia. Yamaha-SRT) 192, 6. Danilo Croatia and Russia. had been suff ering pain in his Valentino Rossi, showing no Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) 176, Bruguera said that Spain elbow. signs of wanting to retire at the 7. Valentino Rossi (ITA/ would not be favourites to “Everything seems okay age of 40, rounded out his season Yamaha) 174, 8. Jack Miller progress from the group. now,” said Zimonjic. by coming eighth. The Italian, a (AUS/Ducati-Pramac) 165, “On clay, I can’t remember “He will have his fi rst prac- seven-time MotoGP champion, Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez (also above) celebrates with the trophy on the podium 9. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/ the last time Spain lost a Davis tice since that match today fi nished seventh overall. after winning the MotoGP race at the Ricardo Tormo racetrack in Cheste near Valencia yesterday. (AFP) Honda-LCR) 133, 10. Franco Cup tie,” he said. (Sunday) so we’ll fi nd out. As Compatriot Andrea Dovizio- Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha- “But this (hard) surface is of now, everything is okay.” so, second in the championship South Africa’s Brad Binder make the step up to the top level in Moto3 as he pipped Italy’s SRT) 115 what we usually get when we Djokovic suff ered a shoul- behind Marquez for the third concluded the Moto2 season with KTM next year. Andrea Migno to the line in a Selected: 19. Jorge Lorenzo play away from home. We fi nd der problem at the US Open in year running, took fourth at the with his third successive win to Valencia native Sergio Gar- race shortened after a series of (ESP/Honda) 28. it more diffi cult.” September but recovered from Ricardo Tormo circuit. fi nish runner-up. He will also cia, 16, won for the fi rst time crashes. Croatia will be led at the 18- it to win in Tokyo and Paris.

TENNIS Stephens eyes Olympics, return to form in 2020 Reuters Olympics, she said. Mahut and Herbert claim ATP Finals title Marina Del Ry, California “I made one before, which was really cool, and I’d obviously love French duo Pierre-Hugues Her- break proved decisive. to make a second one and play for bert and Nicolas Mahut cruised They claimed the title without loane Stephens said she is my country,” she said. to the title at the ATP Finals dropping a set and finished the ready to turn the page on To do so, she will need to deal yesterday as they beat Raven season on an 18-set winning a disappointing 2019 and with a gruelling WTA schedule, Klaasen and Michael Venus 6-3, streak having also won the shift her focus to climbing made even more diffi cult with the 6-4 at the O2 Arena. Paris Masters title this month. theS world tennis rankings to qual- extra playing time and travel need- In doing so they became the “Thank you for sharing the ify for next year’s Tokyo Olympics. ed in an Olympic year. first French pair to win the year- court with me, for having so The 26-year-old American, “Managing the ups and downs ender since 2005 when Michael much enjoyable moments and who won the US Open in 2017 and throughout the year is a pretty big Llodra and Fabrice Santoro won giving me so much joy when I reached world number three in goal,” she said. the title in Shanghai. am with you on the court,” said 2018, struggled this year, failing to “It’s about staying healthy and A year ago Herbert and Mahut Herbert. make the fi nal at any tournament happy, enjoying my tennis and not came within a point of winning “You played an unbelievable and falling to world number 25. getting too burnt out at the begin- the title when losing to Ameri- final, so thank you for that.” “I’m excited to start a new sea- ning of the year knowing that it is a cans Mike Bryan and Jack Sock. son because midway through very long season,” she said. Having begun the year by 2019, I was ready for it to be over,” Stephens said she has no lin- completing their Grand Slam Stephens told Reuters in an inter- gering issues with the foot injury collection at the Australian view after hosting a tennis clinic at she suff ered in 2017 that required Open the French duo will hope the Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey, surgery and sidelined her for 11 to end it in triumphant fashion California. months. Despite her on-court when they play at the Davis Cup “So I’m just looking forward struggles, life off the court has Finals next week in Madrid. to 2020 and I’m ready for a fresh been more upbeat with her en- Once the seventh-seeded start. I literally have nothing to gagement to US men’s national French team broke for a 3-1 lead lose, a lot in front of me and no- soccer team and Toronto FC for- they were always in command where to go but up,” she said. ward Jozy Altidore, whom she be- against the South African/New “For me it’s a good position to gan dating in 2016. Zealand pairing. France’s Pierre-Hugues be in.” “I have a fresh mind and am Mahut saved a break point at Herbert and Nicolas Mahut kiss High on her list of goals for 2020 feeling a lot better on and off the 2-3 in the second set before a trophy as they celebrate is making her second consecutive court,” she said. “I think will allow Sloane Stephens hosts a tennis clinic with Wayne Bryan at the Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey, California, Klaasen double fault to gift a winning their doubles final. appearance for Team USA at the me to have better results.” November 16, 2019. (Reuters)