TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2019 SPORT 07 If somebody wins the title six times, he deserves all of it. CRICKET CRICKET That’s what I told him as well. Vettel tells Hamilton, England vs New Zealand Pakistan vs Australia Obviously I’m happy for him you deserve it all. 3rd T20 2nd T20

but less happy for us. ACTION in Nelson in Canberra TODAY’S

Paris launches James posts second straight works on 2024 Olympic village

AFP triple double in win over Spurs SAINT-OUEN, FRANCE The French government AFP yesterday launched LOS ANGELES Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives construction on a massive around San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan (10) project to build from scratch the LeBron James delivered his during the second half of their NBA game at the AT&T village for the 2024 Olympic second straight triple double as Center on Sunday. Games in Paris, a development the Los Angeles Lakers won their that aims to reinvigorate the fifth game in a row for the first poorest area in the country. time in over a year with a 103-96 The Olympic village, which victory against the San Antonio will house some 15,000 athletes Spurs. and officials, is being built in the James finished with 21 points, Seine-Saint-Denis area north 11 rebounds and 13 assists for the of Paris, which for years has Lakers, who have missed the suffered from social tensions playoffs six seasons in a row and and neglect. went the entire 2018-19 season But the project is also con- without winning five consecutive troversial locally as it will force games. the relocation of residents, “I’m playing injury free. I’m businesses and even schools in not injured. My quick twitch is the area where the village is to back. My speed is back, my be constructed. strength is back,” James said. Prime Minister Edouard The Spurs kept it close in the Philippe launched the works, fourth thanks to Dejounte Mur- which are set to last over three ray’s 16 consecutive San Antonio years, in the suburb of points. Saint-Ouen. He made a layup with just Putting a strong emphasis over four minutes to play to tie on legacy, the authorities plan the contest 90-90. Los Angeles after the games to reconfigure then went on a 9-2 to hold off the area into a new neigh- the Spurs down the stretch and bourhood that will offer a total get the victory. of 3,000 homes and also “It was about us and how we increase participation in sports. could execute on the offensive “If we want them (the end which we did,” James said. Games) to be a success we must “We held a great offensive under 100 points.” Anthony lenge. I love being challenged. with the play of journeyman time in four games this season. make sure that all this organi- team to 40 percent shooting and Davis finished with 25 points and “I put a lot of hard work into reserve player Howard, who is Rudy Gay and Derrick White sation, all this financing and this 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who my offseason by getting my quick with his fifth team in the last five added 16 and 12 points, respec- mobilisation does not just are trying to rebuild their team twitch, getting my bounce back, seasons. tively, off the bench, with DeMar vanish when the Olympic flame around James, who also had a getting may speed back, my The former first overall draft DeRozan scoring 14 points and goes out,” said Philippe as he triple double two nights earlier reaction time back. My mind has pick by Orlando in 2004 is past Bryn Forbes hitting for 12 for San launched the works. It was about us and against Dallas. always been there.” his prime as a starter in the Antonio. “It needs to last,” he added. James said being healthy Avery Bradley added 16 league and appears to be more Kyle Kuzma’s 38-foot - ‘Idiotic acts’ - Legacy is how we could execute makes all the difference in the points while Kentavious comfortable coming off the buzzer-beater allowed the now a huge aspect of Olympic on the offensive end world. Caldwell-Pope and Dwight bench. Lakers to finish the second developments, especially after which we did. We “Playing with a torn groin Howard had 14 points each. “He’s bought into his role on quarter with a 10-0 run and take the success of the London 2012 last year -- even when I came Howard also grabbed a game- this team... he is dominating on a 56-43 lead at halftime. Olympics which helped breathe held a great offensive back it was still partially torn -- high 13 rebounds for the Lakers, the defensive end,” Vogel said of Gay’s jump shot from near new life into the east of the team to 40 percent it was difficult to be able to move who improved to 5-1 on the the 33-year-old Howard. half court at the end of the third British capital. shooting and under and shift like I’m capable of season. Murray produced 18 points quarter gave the Lakers a 77-72 100 points: James doing that defensively,” James Lakers head coach Frank and 11 rebounds for the Spurs, lead heading into the fourth said. “For me I just take the chal- Vogel was especially pleased who lost at home for the first quarter. NHL: Vrana guides Caps Asia’s high-performance sporting to victory over Flames

REUTERS institutes congress begins today NEW YORK

THE PENINSULA Hong Kong Sports Institute, technology, research and inno- performance environment for With the World Series- DOHA Japan Sport Council and Sin- vation into performance aspiring athletes and the champion Washington gapore Sport Institute will programs. program of this congress should Nationals on hand and cele- The foremost Asian high- spearhead the congress at which Aspire Academy Deputy stimulate new ideas,” Afifa said brating their title, Jakub Vrana’s performance sporting institutes will bring together the leading Director General and Chairman The Association of Sports As Asia continues first career hat trick paced the are meeting in Qatar for the 4th international and regional sports of the 4th ASIA Congress, Ali Institutes in Asia (ASIA) is a non- to make history host Washington Capitals to a ‘Association of Sports Institutes performance practitioners to Salem Afifa welcomed all the profit-making non-government in the sporting 4-2 win over the Calgary in Asia’ (ASIA) congress which share insights and generate dis- guests organization and is a represent- arena, it is timely Flames on Sunday night in DC. begins today and running until cussion on the topics that “As Asia continues to make ative body of high-performance On a red-hot team, Vrana 7th November at the world include: transitioning athletes history in the sporting arena, it sports institutes in Asia. that we encourage has been among the most pro- renowned Aspire Academy. from Youth to Senior, developing is timely that we encourage dis- ASIA was founded in 2015 discussions and lific players, boasting a five- The founding members High Performance environments cussions and sharing around the with the vision to build a vibrant sharing around the game point streak in which he’s namely, Aspire Academy (Qatar), and implementation of sports development of a high and active community of sports development of a collected six goals and three institutes by combining forces assists. Goalie Ilya Samsonov between its member high performance made 25 saves in the win for organizations. environment for the Eastern Conference-leading The Association envisions a aspiring athletes Capitals, who have won four vibrant and active community straight and are on a 8-0-1 run, of all Asian countries, collabo- and the program of which includes two victories rating towards a stronger this congress should over the Flames. sporting Asia performance based stimulate new ideas: After Calgary’s Andrew on sound practices, with respect Ali Salem Afifa Mangiapane opened the scoring and openness. at the 5:40 mark of the first ASIA seeks to make connec- period by forcing a turnover tions with Asian countries on the Furthermore, there is going and then burying a shot from foundation of high-performance to be a very interesting panel the doorstep, Vrana took center development to support the discussion on the topic “Tran- stage. Vrana, who scored twice sporting ambitions of each sitioning athletes from Youth in Friday’s game against member. ASIA has currently 15 to Senior” featuring two suc- Buffalo, netted his first of the members including its founders cessful graduates of Aspire night at 11:01 of the first period Aspire Academy, the Japan Academy, Squash player and when he finished a perfectly Sports Council, Singapore Sports World No. 46 Abdulla Al executed two-on-one rush with Institute and Hong Kong Sports Tamimi as well as track-and- Evgeny Kuznetsov. Institute. field athlete and 2019 Asian Vrana gave the hosts their Besides international Games 800m champion Abu- first lead with an unassisted Qatar’s coach Felix Sanchez (right) speaking speakers from the US, United baker Haydar and also to tally at 15:08 of the period. After on the second day of Aspire Academy Global Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand include Qatar Football National his team intercepted a clearing Summit in this file picture. and Australia, the event also fea- Coach Felix Sanchez and attempt, Vrana gained the puck tures speakers from Aspire squash coach and former World in the left circle and slipped Academy, the event hosts. No. 1 Geoff Hunt. home a short-side shot. 08 SPORT TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2019 Djokovic ‘couldn’t be happier’ after Paris win

AFP PARIS

Novak Djokovic said he “couldn’t be happier” after easing to a record-extending fifth Paris Masters title by brushing aside Canadian youngster Denis Shapovalov in Sunday’s final, boosting his hopes of taking the year-end world number one spot. The top seed claimed a dom- Ashleigh Barty of Australia raises her trophy after winning against inant 6-3, 6-4 victory over his Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in their singles WTA Final in Shenzhen 20-year-old opponent, who on Sunday. looked nervous after being the beneficiary of Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal before their Delighted Barty turns scheduled semi-final. “I thought I had the best sights on Fed Cup final serving match of the tournament and that’s why the match was pretty short,” said Djokovic, who REUTERS won the tournament without SHENZHEN dropping a set. “Just one of the best matches With her status as world number one sealed for 2019, Ash Barty is I have played, definitely, this now determined to help Australia break their Fed Cup drought next week. And I feel like the second week. part of the week was terrific. Winner Novak Djokovic (left) of Serbia, runner-up Denis Shapovalov (right) of Canada and former The French Open champion completed a stellar season by adding “I couldn’t be happier with tennis player Marat Safin pose after the final match at the Paris Masters on Sunday. the WTA Finals title to her haul for the year on Sunday with a straight this win.” sets win over defending champion Elina Svitolina. Djokovic will lose top spot in list, and 77 on the ATP Tour in Canadian recovered with aces But while the other players who competed at the season-ending the rankings to Nadal next week, total. Leading ATP Masters on both break point and game WTA event were looking forward to some time off to recover from but could still equal Pete That takes him level with title-winners point to hold his serve. an arduous campaign, Barty will be travelling to Perth for the Fed Sampras’ record by finishing a John McEnroe with the fifth- The form that he showed in Cup final against France. sixth year as the world’s best most ever, behind Jimmy 35 - Rafael Nadal (ESP) his brilliant quarter-final win Australia last won the Fed Cup in 1974 but with the world’s player. Connors, Roger Federer, Ivan 34 - Novak Djokovic (SRB) over Gael Monfils on Friday was leading player now among their ranks, the chances of the trophy The 33-year-old Nadal is a Lendl and Nadal. 28 - Roger Federer (SUI) nowhere to be seen, though, and returning Down Under have been given a huge boost and Barty is fitness doubt for the ATP Tour It was Djokovic’s fifth trophy 17 - Andre Agassi (USA) the 32-year-old Djokovic relishing the challenge. Finals, which start in London on of the season after previous tri- 14 - Andy Murray (GBR) moved to the brink of victory “There’s one more very important week to cap off what would November 10, due to an umphs at Wimbledon and the 11 - Pete Sampras (USA) with a break in game seven to be the most perfect year,” said Barty. abdominal muscle strain, while Australian Open, as well as at the 8 - Thomas Muster (AUT) lead the second set 4-3. “This Fed Cup final is something I’ve been looking forward to Djokovic has won the season- Madrid Open and in Tokyo. 7 - Michael Chang (USA) Shapovalov, who will move for a long time. It’s been two or three years in the making for the ending championships five His success adds to his pre- 5 - Jim Courier (USA), Boris into the world’s top 15 next current team that we’ve got. It’s taken a lot of work, a lot of trust times. vious Paris Masters titles from Becker (GER), Marcelo Rios week, gave himself a glimmer from (captain) Alicia (Molik). “I’m sad to see that he’s 2009 and 2013-2015. (CHI), Gustavo Kuerten (BRA), of hope by moving to 30-40 on “I can’t wait to get to Perth in the next couple days and then start injured,” said the Serbian. Djokovic, playing in his 50th Marat Safin (RUS), Andy Djokovic’s serve, but the Serbian preparing for what will be the most perfect way to end a season, “I know how that feels. Obvi- Masters final, wasted no time in Roddick (USA) closed the door, although he playing for your country, for myself to play in front of my friends ously I went through major making a statement, serving an was then forced to serve for the and family, representing Australia, wearing the green and gold. injuries in my life as well,” he ace on the first point en route to title. “There’s absolutely nothing better.” said. a hold to love. The comfortable opening He accomplished that on his Barty will be joined by fellow Grand Slam winner Sam Stosur Djokovic, who lost to Russian Nerves were clearly affecting set for the world number one first match point after only 65 as well as Ajla Tomljanovic, Astra Sharma and Priscilla Hon in the Karen Khachanov in last year’s Shapovalov, as he gifted was wrapped up at the first time minutes of play with a whipped Australia squad for the final, which will be played on Nov. 9 and 10. Bercy final, saved the only break Djokovic an early 2-0 lead with of asking with a forehand volley forehand winner before raising Win or lose in Perth, the right hander from Queensland can look point he faced as he sealed his a series of unforced errors. after just 28 minutes on court. his arms in celebration. back on a remarkable 12 months during which she also won WTA fourth win from as many Shapovalov found his Shapovalov, who claimed “I want to be beating guys titles in Miami and Birmingham. matches against the world rhythm on serve to get on the his maiden ATP title last month like Novak so I have to improve, “It feels like it’s been a year that just hasn’t stopped,” the 23-year- number 28 Shapovalov. The board, but the first-set in Stockholm, kicked off the get better, find a way to return old said. 16-time Grand Slam champion momentum had already been second set with a double fault, better against his serve,” “It’s been a year of incredible ups and downs, more ups than has now won 34 Masters singles seized by his illustrious before a mishit forehand admitted Shapovalov. downs. To cap it off with a very, very special night tonight in titles, moving to within one of opponent, who eased 5-2 in handed Djokovic a break point. “And hopefully I can do even Shenzhen is really cool.” Nadal at the top of the all-time front. But the left-handed better next year.”

Victory over Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah Riyad plays a shot during the England first T20 cricket match of a three-match series between cricketer Jofra India brings Bangladesh and India in New Delhi on Sunday. Archer before a match between back smiles for Houston Texans and Jacksonville Bangladesh Jaguars at Wembley Stadium, AFP NEW DELHI London, Britain, on Sunday. Archer was Bangladesh’s stunning first-ever England’s hero Twenty20 win over India in the cricket brought back smiles to a team World Cup in left in turmoil by weeks of June and July scandal, according to man of the this year. match Mushfiqur Rahim. The veteran wicketkeeper- batsman scored an unbeaten 60 on Sunday to anchor Bangla- desh’s chase of 149 in pollution- hit New Delhi. Skipper Mahmudullah Riyad hit the winning six in the final over to give Bangladesh their first T20 win over India in nine attempts and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The Bangladesh players win a couple of matches or play Sarkar, who made 39, and hit 38 and poor judgement in two danced in the Delhi smog, having really well. eight fours and a six in his TV reviews also cost the hosts. CRICKET MATCHES COMING UP eased what Mushfiqur called the “So this brings smiles and 43-ball knock. Yuzvendra Chahal rapped  Tuesday, November 5 “toughest” weeks of his career calmness in our team and the “It is a great moment for Mushfiur on the pad but India did New Zealand v England, 3rd T20 at Nelson; Australia v following a two-year ban on star whole nation. That’s what we Bangladesh,” said Mushfiqur not opt for a review following Pakistan, 2nd T20 (night) at Canberra player and captain Shakib Al have done and we will try con- after the match. wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant’s  Wednesday, November 6 Hasan for failing to disclose tinue this form.” “We are missing a couple of call. Replays indicated the ball Afghanistan v West Indies, 1st ODI at Lucknow, India corrupt approaches. Bangladesh were also key players but the way the would have hit leg stump.  Thursday, November 7 The past month also saw a without Tamim Iqbal, who took young players stuck together and “It was a defendable score, India v Bangladesh, 2nd T20 at Rajkot player revolt against the Bang- leave for family reasons, when the way bowlers bowled on this and we made mistakes on the  Friday, November 8 ladesh board over pay. Mahmudullah won the toss and track, especially against India, field. The guys are a bit inexpe- New Zealand v England, 4th T20 (night) at Napier; Australia “In my 15 years, these last elected to field first. it’s outstanding.” rienced, and they can learn from v Pakistan, 3rd T20 (d/n) in Perth two or three weeks were the Their bowlers restricted He added that winning had that, perhaps not make them the  Saturday, November 9 toughest that I have faced,” India to 148 for six and then given Bangladesh “the freedom next time,” said stand-in-skipper Afghanistan v West Indies, 2nd ODI at Lucknow, India Mushfiqur said after the seven- Mushfiqur took charge after to play... fearless cricket”. Rohit Sharma.  Sunday, November 10 wicket win. Bangladesh lost opener Liton With regular skipper Virat “The reviews were a mistake New Zealand v England, 5th T20 at Auckland; India v “Before I left Bangladesh, I Das, for seven, in the first over. Kohli rested for the series, India by our side.” Bangladesh, 3rd T20 (night) at Nagpur said the only thing that can put Mushfiqur put on 60 for the were sloppy in the field. Krunal The second T20 is in Rajkot us on the right track is if we can third wicket with Soumya Pandya dropped Mushfiqur on on Thursday. TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2019 SPORT 09

City’s Silva Coach Klopp set to miss Barcelona’s fragility casts refuses to be Liverpool distracted by clash doubts on CL credentials Man City AFP REUTERS LONDON AFP MADRID LONDON They may be one of Europe’s Liverpool will not allow Manchester City captain David most devastating teams at their themselves to be distracted Silva looks set to miss the top best but another collapse in La by the weekend’s Premier of the table clash with leaders Liga last weekend has shown League match against Liverpool on Sunday due to Barcelona can be a soft touch. Manchester City and are injury, said City manager Pep Their 3-1 defeat by Levante solely focused on today’s Guardiola. on Saturday reopened old Champions League group The 33-year-old Spanish wounds from Anfield and Rome game against Genk, coach attacking midfielder in his last and suggests they have not Juergen Klopp has said. season with the club suffered a learned from either of those League leaders Liv- muscular injury towards the end collapses. erpool host City in a top-of- of the first-half of Saturday’s 2-1 Levante scored three times the-table clash on Sunday win over Southampton. Guar- in seven minutes after half-time as they look to extend a six- diola, whose side trail Liverpool exposing Barcelona’s inability to point advantage. by six points in the table, dis- regroup during a spell of intense European champions closed no more about the nature pressure -- a familiar weakness Liverpool are second in of the injury but it normally since coach Ernesto Valverde their Champions League entails an absence of just under came to the helm in 2017. group -- a point behind two weeks. Most clubs in Europe would Napoli -- and Klopp’s side “David Silva was injured,” gladly take winning two league host Genk at Anfield. said Guardiola. titles and a Copa del Rey in that “I don’t think about Man “Five minutes before the time but Barcelona are a team City, I don’t have to tell the first half ended he told me he concerned with details, the small boys. The story they wrote had a muscular problem. margins that could define a good the last three years is only “When he has a muscular season or a great one. Barcelona’s players celebrate a goal against Levante UD on Saturday. possible because we focus problem and cannot play more Barca play Slavia Prague on the next game,” Klopp minutes it is because he has today in the Champions League, were squandered by the Catalan will not be different.” A habit for Messi, Gerard Pique, Luis Suarez told reporters yesterday. something and when it is a when victory at Camp Nou giants. Barcelona have shown conceding in streaks, which and Sergio Busquets do not “We have big ambitions muscular problem it is always against Group F’s weakest team they lack steel when they are resurfaced at the City of Valencia command respect. in the Champions League a minimum of 10-12 days.” will ensure the frustration and uncomfortable, not least away Stadium, is also nothing new. There is a vulnerability in and it’s an open group. We Guardiola, whose side also failings from Levante swiftly from home, where their record Since the start of last season, midfield, where Barca have have to be 100% spot on, we faces a Champions League clash fade. under Valverde has been Barcelona have shipped two struggled against teams on the have to make an atmos- with Italian outfit Atalanta But fragility persists that can disappointing. goals within 15 minutes on seven counter-attack, particularly phere, get these points.” tomorrow, admitted Liverpool’s be exposed by elite opponents In Valverde’s three seasons, occasions, six of them away from when players pour through Klopp also hit back at home record of not having lost when it matters most, as Roma they have won only 25 out of 44 the Camp Nou. directly and at pace. City boss Pep Guardiola, at Anfield since January 2017 and then Liverpool so emphati- league matches on the road. This after they threw away a “In the first half I didn’t like who accused Liverpool was a daunting prospect. cally proved in the last two By comparison, Manchester 4-1 lead in 2018 to lose to Roma us very much,” said Levante forward Sadio Mane of Liverpool have also not Champions League campaigns, City have won 35 out of 44. In in the Champions League coach Paco Lopez. diving after his match- been beaten in the league since when three-goal first-leg leads the Champions League Barca quarter-finals, and 3-0 lead to “But at half-time we said we winning display against their loss at the Etihad last have only won five out of 13 Liverpool in the semi-finals had to be more adventurous, Aston Villa over the January and have dropped just In Valverde’s three away games. earlier this year. more direct and we did it.” weekend. two points this term -- a 1-1 seasons, they have won “It is true we are not getting “It might be down to a lack Prague are unlikely to pull “I don’t know how he draw with City’s neighbours only 25 out of 44 league the same results away as we are of concentration,” said Antoine off a similar trick today but if could have known about Manchester United. matches on the road. By at home but after the first few Griezmann. Barcelona are seen as having a any incident in our game so “How many centuries and comparison, Manchester games we have managed to put Asked if the problem was soft underbelly, it will only quickly after the game,” they don’t lose at Anfield? We together a good run,” Valverde due to their football or their enhance the belief of rivals in Klopp added. City have won 35 out of will see,” he joked. said. attitude, he said: “It is a bit of Spain and Europe. “Sadio is not a diver. “Now we go to Italy and 44. In the Champions “We have lost a match and everything. We must make sure “Every team plays us like it’s There was a situation in the when we come back we go to League Barca have only that’s it, it’s true that we must it doesn’t happen again.” one of the biggest games of the Villa game when he got a Anfield. Many things are going won five out of 13 away analyse it but we know when we Some have suggested Bar- season,” said Valverde. contact and went down but to happen and there are a lot of games. lose that criticism is strong. We celona lack leaders although few “We have to find an there was contact.” games to play,” he added, always respond and this time it could argue the likes of Lionel answer.” Dortmund Bayern Munich look for new hope to coach after Kovac sacking sustain AFP ‘feel-good’ BERLIN Niko Kovac Bayern Munich are looking for factor a new head coach after Niko Kovac was sacked in the wake AFP of their 5-1 drubbing at Eintracht BERLIN Frankfurt -- their worst Bundesliga defeat in 10 years. Borussia Dortmund and their Dortmund’s Swiss coach Lucien Favre Despite his team routing Tot- under-fire coach Lucien Favre reacts during the Bundesliga match tenham 7-2 in the Champions hope to maintain the ‘feel-good’ against VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday. League in early October, Bayern factor from back-to-back wins severed ties with Kovac on as they chase Champions League Sunday night after winning just revenge at home to Inter Milan three of their last six games. today. conceding late goals amidst frustrated out-bursts from It was no secret that A below-par performance nervous defending. players, as in previous weeks due chairman Karl-Heinz Rum- saw Dortmund crash to a 2-0 “In the end, there was almost to Dortmund’s habit of leaking menigge was a reluctant sup- defeat in Milan nearly a fortnight an element of joy back in our late goals. porter of Kovac becoming coach ago, sparking reports Jose game again,” said enthused “The fun is back again”, when the former Bayern mid- Bayern still won the league “this is the correct decision for Mourinho was waiting in the sports director Michael Zorc. stated midfielder Julian Weigl. fielder succeeded Jupp Heynckes and cup double last season, but the club”, and he was never able wings to replace Favre unless Now Favre needs a win over Saturday’s home win was in July 2018. the writing was again on the wall to allay concerns he was a big results improved, which the club Antonio Conte’s Inter to get Dort- also a timely confidence booster PresidentPresident UUlili HoenesHoenesss peper-r- lastlast montmonthh whenwhen Hoffenheim enough name for a club of Bay- subsequently denied. mund’s Group F campaign back for goal-scorers Thorgan Hazard, suadedsuaded Rummenigge thatthat thethe ppulledulled offoff a shockshoc 2-1 win in ern’s stature. The German media piled into on track and maintain confi- who bagged his first goal since rightright man was Munich.Munich. Following spells under elite Favre after forward Lautaro dence with a crunch Bundesliga joining from Gladbach, and Kovac,Kovac, whowho SloppySloppy defendingdefend also saw coaches in Pep Guardiola and Martinez give Inter a first-half tie at Bayern Munich looming on Mario Goetze, who converted a eenduredndured a BayernBayern concede a late goal in Carlo Ancelotti, Bayern will lead, then had a late penalty Saturday. late penalty after starting most stormstorm ooff cricrit-t- ththeireir 2-2 drawdraw atat Augsburg a search for a successor of similar saved, before winger Antonio Both Inter and Dortmund games this season on the bench. icismicism insideinside fortnightfortnight agago.o. ilk to replace Kovac, whose Candreva raced clear to seal come into today’s tie level on “I could have scored two or hishis firstfirst threethree AnAn unconvincingunconv 3-2 assistant Hansi Flick will take Dortmund’s defeat at the San four points from three games, three goals, my first goal at home monthsmonths ffol-ol- victoryvictory at OlympiakosOlymp in the charge for tomorrow’s Cham- Siro. each with a win, a defeat and is a good feeling for the head,” llowingowing back-back- ChampionsChampions LeagueLeag the fol- pions League game at home to Dortmund were short of draw. beamed Hazard. toto-back-back Bun-Bun- llowingowing gamegame mmoved Rum- Olympiakos. ideas against a water-tight Dortmund must repeat the However, the news is not all ddesligaesliga ddefeatsefeats mmeniggeenigge to brbrand the per- Jose Mourinho (pictured) defence and only Roman Burki’s rock-solid defending in their good for Favre. by Hertha Berlin formanceformanc “careless”. has been linked to the role and fine save from Martinez’s penalty goalless draw at home to Bar- Chief playmaker and aandn d “I“I don’t think is reportedly learning German, attempt prevented a rout. celona in September to contain Germany star Marco Reus, who Moencheng-Moencheng- thethe performancep while Ajax coach Erik ten Hag -- However, Dortmund have Inter’s attack and Saturday’s win also missed the away defeat in ladbach.ladbach. wewe produced will Bayern’s reserves coach from since improved. over Wolfsburg suggests confi- Milan, limped off in the first-half bringbri us serious 2013-15 under Guardiola -- is A goalless draw at Schalke dence is high. on Saturday and is doubtful with successsu this another contender. last weekend was backed-up by “We played at a higher a knock to the foot. season,”sea he said “If Bayern ring, I wouldn’t dumping Bundesliga leaders tempo, were better between the Both clubs meet at Signal inin a thinly- rule it out,” Ten Hag told mag- Borussia Moenchengladbach out lines. The combinations worked Iduna Park second in their veveiled dig at azine Kicker recently. of the German Cup in midweek better and we created a lot of respective league’s after Inter’s Kovac.Ko Ex-Juventus coach Massi- before trouncing Wolfsburg 3-0 goals,” insisted Favre. burly Belgian striker Romelu Big name miliano Allegri, Ralf Rangnick, on Saturday in the league. For once, there were no Lukaku scored twice in Satur- factorfac Kovac, director of football at RB Leipzig, With one eye on Inter, Favre whistles of displeasure from day’s 2-1 win at Bologna to leave aftafter his dis- and revered former Arsenal boss said it was “nice to see” his side home fans, no awkward post- his side a point behind Juventus mimissal, was Arsene Wenger have also been has broken their habit of match questions and no in Serie A. quotedquo as saying mentioned. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2019 The greatest? Hamilton putting Fangio and Schumacher in shade AFP AUSTIN HAMILTON VS SCHUMACHER CAREER STATISTICS

Already a great in his sport, HAMILTON SCHUMACHER Lewis Hamilton endorsed his Titles 6 7 claim to be the outright best of Race wins 83 91 all time on Sunday when he Starts 248 307 secured his sixth drivers’ world Podium places 150 155 championship and third in Poles 87 68 successive years. Front row starts 144 116 His success in finishing Fastest laps 46 77 second at the United States Races led 145 142 Grand Prix moved him one title Races until 1st pole 5 41 ahead of the legendary Races until 1st win 6 18 Argentine Juan Manguel Fangio Most wins in a season 11 13 and within one title of German Successive wins 5 7 Michael Schumacher. Successive podiums 16 19 The trio sit in an excep- Successive points finishes 33 24 tional place in the pantheon of racing drivers, but are not the only men backed by claims of all-time supremacy -- Briton Who said what Jim Clark, Spain’s Fernando “Big congrats to him. I personally Alonso and Brazilian Ayrton failed on my target this year Senna enjoying wide support for their dazzling skills in the but there is always next year. cockpit. He deserves it. He had a strong Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates after the F1 Grand Prix of USA at Hamilton, however, war- season.” Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, on Sunday. VALTTERI BOTTAS rants his fans’ claims as a can- , race winner didate to be the ‘Greatest Of All and team-mate Time’ for not only his natural results as he has piled up an his Formula One career in Mel- phase of his career with championship and promptly talent, pure speed, race-craft astonishing pile of statistical bourne in 2007 by his dazzling Mercedes. retired, exhausted -- and this and statistical success, but the records -- 83 wins from 248 high-speed controlled While Fangio drove with year when Valtteri Bottas was “I think he’s still very motivated way in which his personality races, only eight adrift of Schu- aggression, a style of racing unarguable courage, finesse his closest rival. and you can see that he wants and background has attracted macher’s record of 91, and a that has been tuned perfectly and strength in his era, in the Rosberg, who has known to win every single race. As a new global demographic to record 87 pole positions. for the modern media age. 1950s, he was not faced by the Hamilton since childhood long as that is the case, I think the sport. That impressive body of For Hamilton, driving fast intense technological or per- racing days, has ultimate he can go for more. We need Above all, the 34-year-old racing successes is, however, is only one part of the package sonal media demands of the respect for his former team- to provide him with a good car Briton has delivered with only part of the story -- even that has made him great. modern age in which Hamilton mate who he has described as and then I think there is no limit, the most hardened cynics have He links it to racing on the has managed to showcase the being at another level to all his personally.” been stirred since the start of limit, controlling his speed on purity of his skills. rivals -- a level achieved thanks TOTO WOLFF, Mercedes F1 team a knife-edge as he makes the And though Schumacher in part to his father’s insistence principal on future near-impossible seem routine, revelled in the superiority of on encouraging an adolescent 7 especially in the matured his Ferrari team, which was Hamilton to brake later than all “Get in there, Lewis. What a MICHAEL 6 built around him, he rarely his karting competitors. drive mate, that is it. Champion SCHUMACHER LEWIS gained the widespread popular This talent, honed in years of the world. Did it in style, mate, 5 acclaim that Hamilton has of racing, was displayed in you did that in style.” 1994, 1995, HAMILTON 2000-04 JUAN MANUEL 44accumulated for his heart-on- Hungary this year when Ham- PETER ‘BONO’ BONNINGTON, 2008, 2014, FANGIO 15, 17, 18, 19 ALAIN PROST SEBASTIAN sleeve way of racing and his ilton went wheel-to-wheel race engineer, over the radio 1951, 1954, 1985, 1986, VETTEL never-say-die approach to with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen 1955-57 1989, 1993 2010, 2011, every contest. to win, having taken a tactical 2012, 2013 The great German also late pit-stop and raced with “It’s very impressive, what attracted criticism for his stunning precision. else to say? He’s just doing cynical use of the darker arts Allied to an indefatigable phenomenally, has a great team at controversial moments. quest for success, his all-round behind him and I hope we can Schumacher clearly had array of polished on-track take the fight to them next year.” the total backing of his team talents has made Hamilton a Red Bull’s MAX VERSTAPPEN, in his glory years when team complete racing driver and third on Sunday orders at Ferrari were in more than a worthy member regular use -- only an occa- of the sport’s most elite drivers “Karting together who would sional feature of Hamilton’s -- with claims that put him at have thought that we’d both be time with Mercedes where his least level, if not beyond, Clark, #F1 world champion one day. RACE WINS RACE WINS RACE WINS RACE WINS RACE WINS team-mate in 2016, Nico Fangio, Schumacher and And you? You’ve achieved it for 91 83 24 51 53 Rosberg, beat him to the Senna. the sixth time - on your way to becoming the GOAT. Impressive! My greatestgreatest respect - enjoy thesethese momentsmoments and celebrate.celebrate. In moment of triumph,mph, WellWell deserved.”deserved.” NICONICO ROSBERGROSBERG, retiredretired 2016 championchampion and formerformer team-team- “I didn’t know if it mate,mate, on Twitter.Twitter. Hamilton thinks off llossoss would be possible “That“That achievementaca hievemenem t is nothingnothingng REUTERS from the outside, things always with my family,amamimily,yy,, IIs stillsttillill wantwwan to but I worked as shortsshort of outstanding.outstannding. To AUSTIN look great but it’s not always the have a familymilm y oneoneeda day,day, allalll hard as I could haveh vee achievedachieved sixsix worldworld case. these differentrentnt things.thinth gs.s. championshipschchamhammpionpio ships is a phenomenalphenomenamen l In his moment of triumph on “And I am also struggling Hamiltontononn saisaida ddh he here with my Sunday, an emotional Lewis with lots of different things and would not trulytrruulyullyy reflrerreflecteflectec onn team back at the effort...efffforrt...t.. AAnAnn incrincredibleededible sscorecoree raratrate.e. Hamilton reflected on loss, battling certain demons and what he hhashas accaccoaccom-coom- I hopehohopee wew e cancac n chchallengehalleall nge himim demons and the personal growth trying to make sure that I’m con- plished untiluntiununtil thethhe factory. My mum, moremooreor beforebbefooreree hee achievesachieievesvev his that led him to a sixth Formula stantly growing as a person.” season is over.oovveer.err.. dad, step-mum seventh.”seveeveeventnthnthth.” CHRISTIANCCHRICHR STIAN HORNER,HOH RNERR, RedR d BullBull One drivers’ title. Hamilton said it had been a With twowowo and step-dad and As his Mercedes team cele- real struggle to come to terms more teamteamm bossbboss brated, Hamilton’s comments with the death of friend and races my family are here after the race said as much about triple world champion Niki there is stilll and it’s an honour “Unbelievable“U““UnbUnnnbelieel evablvabble the man as the fierce competi- Lauda, the team’s non-executive work to bebe win.wwiin.nn.. SixS worldwwoworld tiveness he showed on the track chairman who had been instru- done. to be here with six championships.chachhahaampiopionnshipss. in trying to seal the champi- mental in persuading him to join “Usuallyallyally tthethhe titles with those WhoW wouldwwouuld everevver onship with a victory at the U.S. Mercedes. reflection ccomesomommemese atat theheh haveh e dreameddreeaameedd Grand Prix. The dangers of the job also end of the yearyeaearar whenwwheen workwworo kkf fin-fif n- greats: Hamilton ofo it...it.t... it meansmmeaanns The win would elude him, hit home with the death of ishes and youou ccacanan justjust taket akeakke aalalo lolloadoada thetthhee worldworlw d to ultimately going to team mate Anthoine Hubert in a high-speed off and justt sitsisitt backbbaca k andana d havehah ve a him.”hhim.imm.” Valtteri Bottas, but only after crash during a Formula Two race beer,” saidd Hamilton,HHamHaamamiltonlton, finallyfif nallnally FatherFFaathher Hamilton’s fading tyres saw him at the Belgian Grand Prix. The breaking intontntooa a smilsmismsmile.e.e ANTHONYAANTHTHHONNY surrender the lead in the dying Frenchman was 22. “I will bee withwithithh mym ddogs,ogs,ogsg witwiwwithh HAMILTONHAHAMIILTOL ON laps. “I would say this year that my feet up andanndd justjuststt onlynly thenthen youyoou Second place was still good losing Niki, I didn’t think that can have a mmomentoommmenene t to gragraspraspp howhoww enough for him to become the was going to hit me as hard as it great a yearara itt hhahasa been.beenbeeneenn. second Formula One driver after did,” said Hamilton. “It really Michael Schumacher to win six was upsetting and I miss him LEWIS HAMILTON world championships. dearly today and I didn’t realise “I don’t know, every journey how much I loved the guy. Date of birth: January 7, 1985 Debut: Australia 2007 (3rd) is different,” said Hamilton when “Also we lost a young kid in Nationality: British First win: Canada 2007 asked where title No. 6 ranks. Spa. Again, I saw it on the TV, I Height: 1.74 m Last win: Mexico 2019 “Every year you go through a dif- saw it happen. Weight: 66kg Victories: 83 ferent rollercoaster ride of emo- “When something like that Team: Mercedes-AMG Podiums: 150 tions to get to where you’re happens it can put lots of doubts Car number: 44 Pole positions: 87 going. in your mind and thinking, ‘OK, World championships: 6 - 2008, 2014, Fastest laps: 46 “Each and every single one jeez, is it time to stop or shall I 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 Championship history: 1st (2008, 2014, Races: 248 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019), 2nd (2007, of us is struggling with some- keep going?’ Because there’s lots Teams: McLaren (2007-2012), Mercedes 2016), 4th (2010, 2012, 2013), 5th thing in life. of life afterwards. (since 2013) (2009, 2011) “I tried to show people that, “I still want to spend time TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2019 SPORT 11 Qatar’s Al Tamimi looks to excel at World Championship in Doha ARMSTRONG VAS games and was very close THE PENINSULA Abdullah Mohammed Al Tamimi in action in against world number 3 now this file photo. really looking forward to some Qatar’s leading squash player hard work till worlds,” he Abdullah Mohammed Al Tamimi tweeted after the US Open will try to improve his last PSA campaign. World Championship record Meanwhile, Egyptian and when he begins his campaign in World No.1 Ali Farag has with- the most prestigious and drawn from the Championship Nadal lucrative tournament on the PSA due to family reasons. Tour calendar at the Khalifa His withdrawal means that International Tennis and Squash World No.3 and last season’s reclaims Complex. runner-up Momen takes top Currently ranked No. 46, seeding in the draw and plays World No.1 24-year-old Tamimi will be Germany’s Raphael Kandra in looking for a more consistent run round one. New Zealand’s Paul tag from while playing before the home Coll, meanwhile, replaces crowd. The Championship, in Momen and will play Qatar’s Al Djokovic which the world’s top players Amri. will be seen in action, will be Colombia’s Miguel Rodriguez LONDON held from November 8 to 15. takes Coll’s place in the draw and REUTERS In the 2017 World Champi- faces Egypt’s Youssef Soliman, onship in London, he lost to Eng- with England’s Daryl Selby facing Rafael Nadal (pictured) lishman Nick Matthew in the Youssef Ibrahim. dethroned Serbia’s Novak third round and thus will be keen While, France’s Baptiste Djokovic to reclaim the to go beyond the third round. Masotti now comes into the tour- number one spot in the At the last championship, nament and will play Egypt’s ATP rankings yesterday Tamimi started off by defeating former World No.3 Omar Mosaad following the Spaniard’s German Simon Rosner in the first in round one. semi-final run at the Paris round and then overcame Australia’s Ryan Cuskelly has Masters. Mathieu Castagnet of France but withdrawn from the tournament Nadal withdrew crashed in the third round to due to injury and he is replaced minutes before his semi- Matthew. by India’s Vikram Malthora, who final match against Can- Besides Tamimi two of his will now take on England’s ada’s Denis Shapovalov compatriots – Syed Azlan Amjad Declan James in round one. with an abdominal injury, and Hamad Al Amri, who have Gregoire Marche, ranked 16 on But some inconsistent form the US Open held in October, The men’s world champion with the 33-year-old received wildcard entries for the the world ranking computer. since then has seen his ranking where he beat World No. 26 Leo in squash will win $45,600 from deciding not to take any prestigious event, will lead the Tamimi has a good run in the taking a beating. Au and lost to World No. 3 Tarek a pot of $335,000 in Qatar, risks ahead of the Nov. host nation’s challenge. 2018 season and the high point In August, he won the gold Momen, in a thrilling five-game according to PSA. 10-17 ATP Finals. Tamimi, who reached a was winning the $35,000 medal of the Men’s singles event thriller. The championship in Doha Despite Djokovic career-high world ranking of 28 Malaysian Open and breaking at the West Asian Men’s Squash “happy with the way i played is featuring a total of 64 players winning the title in Paris, in August 2018, will begin his into the all-time career high rank Tournament held in Iran and is this USOPEN had a really good and is being held for a record the semis run was enough campaign against France’s of 28. happy with his performance at win against leo au in 3 straight fifth time in Doha. for Nadal to become the second-oldest player to top the rankings after Swiss Roger Federer achieved QFA, Qatar Shell the feat aged 36 in 2018. “I’m super happy with my season,” Nadal said. “It was a tough launch Koora beginning but then I was able to find a way to be back playing at a very high Time’s 8th Season level of tennis and be in the situation that I am today. THE PENINSULA In season 7, 95% of “I’m very proud about DOHA participants improved the year that I am having.” their Body Mass Index Nadal won two Grand Qatar Shell and Qatar Football (BMI), an internationally Slams this year -- the Association (QFA) have launched recognised measure of French Open and the US the 8th season of Koora Time, height and weight, using Open -- to move within the sustainable initiative that has one of Federer’s record of improved the health and well- nutritional education 20 titles. being of over 100,000 youth and other support But injuries have cur- across Qatar since its inception to ensure a healthy tailed Nadal’s season and in 2012. lifestyle and wellbeing. the ATP Finals will be his A two-day coaching seminar last chance to end the year was organised at Aspire as number one for the fifth Academy in preparation for the In season 7, 95% of partici- time in his career. new season. pants improved their Body Mass The seminar, which kicked Index (BMI), an internationally Al Ahed’s players and coaching staff celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2019 AFC Cup Final. off on October 25, focused on recognised measure of height Barty secures various topics, ranging from the and weight, using nutritional top spot in initiative’s philosophy and education and other support to mission and how to prepare and ensure a healthy lifestyle and Lebanon’s Al Ahed make end-of-season lead a session, to Koora Time’s wellbeing. bank of activities and promoting The initiative is based on FC WTA rankings and encouraging healthy life- Barcelona Foundation’s Fut- history with AFC Cup win style habits. bolNet methodology, and pro- AFP A total of 180 coaches vides children with an extra 72 PARIS attended the seminar, taking hours of extra-curricular THE AFC Ahmad Zreik fired an early again with an excellent run and advantage of the opportunity to physical education per year. KUALA LUMPUR low-trajectory shot across the cross from the left flank, former Ashleigh Barty of Australia enhance their knowledge-base The programme, which runs face of goal for Marmar’s side, Tunisian international Akaichi tops the end of season and teaching skills. sessions at Aspire during Al Ahed FC became the first and it took a terrific double save poked his effort over the bar women’s tennis rankings Season 8 will run from 27 weekends, is open for boys and Lebanese club to win the AFC from 4.25 goalkeeper An Tae- from just yards out, missing what released yesterday, a day October 2019 to 25 April 2020. girls aged 6-17 years on a free- Cup, emerging as 1-0 winners song to keep Al Ahed goalless in was effectively an open net, with after her triumph in the This season, the programme of-charge basis. To find out over DPR Korea’s 4.25 SC in the 15th minute, with the second An’s goalkeeping replacement WTA Finals in Shenzhen, will run in 35 venues including more about Koora Time, or to yesterday’s final at Kuala stop, which denied striker Sin Tae-song in no position to China. 31 schools across Doha, with register your child for the Lumpur Stadium. Ahmed Akaichi from close range, intervene. With 7,851 points, more than 3,500 students award-winning and impactful A second-half header from particularly impressive. Despite their numerical dis- Barty, who has topped the expected to participate on programme, please visit www. Issah Yakubu proved decisive for An denied Akaichi again advantage, 4.25 reached half- rankings since early Sep- weekly basis. kooratime.qa. Bassem Marmar’s side, who nav- when the big forward conjured time still in the contest at 0-0 tember, eclipsed second- igated the entire knockout stage a chance out of next to nothing and, while the one-way traffic placed Karolína Plísková without conceding a goal on four minutes later, but the 4.25 continued to flow after the (5,940 points) by almost their way to a maiden Conti- shot-stopper’s night took a interval, Al Ahed struggled to 2,000 points. nental title. horror turn in the 26th minute, conjure the goal they needed to Naomi Osaka (5,497) Al Ahed spent much of the when he was shown a straight go ahead. held on to third place from match in the ascendancy, with red card for denying an obvious With their armour finally Simona Halep, who moved 4.25’s cause damaged by an goal scoring opportunity after he punctured, the onus was on 4.25 up one spot to fourth on early red card to goalkeeper An hauled down Zreik, who had to attack, but it was Al Ahed who 5.462 points. Tae-song, with Yaukubu’s successfully sprung the offside continued to create all the Barty dominated Elina winner coming after a number trap. chances, with Zreik slamming a Svitolina in Sunday’s final of earlier chances had gone 4.25 head coach O Yun-son low effort into the upright before in Shenzhen, winning 6-4, begging. looked to reshuffle his side, substitute Hussein Monzer 6-3 to collect the richest With 4.25’s 24 goals in 10 replacing captain Rim Chol- missed the follow-up with an prize in women’s tennis of matches marking them as one min with nine-goal forward open goal beckoning. $4.4m (4m euros). Svi- of the strongest attacking units Kim Yu-song in the 40th But, while further goals tolina rose two places to in the competition, and Al Ahed’s minute, but Al Ahed continued failed to materialise, Al Ahed sixth in the rankings while defence bordering on impene- to dominate proceedings, and completed the task of bringing Kiki Bertens moved up one trable, something had to give in they should have secured a half- the AFC Cup trophy to Lebanon to ninth at the expense of the decider, and it was the Leb- time lead through Akaichi for the first time, with Yakubu’s Serena Williams who Participants attend a lecture during a two-day coaching seminar anese side who controlled the moments later. header sealing a famous victory slipped to 10th spot. organised at Aspire Academy in preparation for the new season. early stages. With Zreik to the fore once for Marmar’s men. SPORT

PAGE | 08 PAGE | 10 Djokovic ‘couldn’t The greatest? be happier’ after Hamilton putting record-extending Fangio and Paris win Schumacher in shade

Tuesday 5 November 2019

Ali Mohamed Al Kuwari (right), President of Qatar Shooting and Archery Association during the opening ceremony of the 14th Asian Shooting Championship at The First Vice-President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, QOC Secretary- the Losail Shooting General, Jassim Rashid Al Buainain and the President of Qatar Shooting and Archery Association, Ali Range, yesterday. Mohamed Al Kuwari and other officials during the opening ceremony. Olympic slots in the crosshairs as Qatar eye flying start at Asian Championship

ARMSTRONG VAS under Italian coach Roberto Scalzone Athba and Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, who looking forward to put up a good show THE PENINSULA and he has shown a lot of promise over is aiming to qualify for a record seventh before home fans in familiar the last couple of years. Olympics. conditions. Promising Qatari trap shooter Today, Al Rumaihi will be looking In the women’s skeet, 24-year-old In men’s double trap, Hamad Al Mohammed Ahmed Al Rumaihi will be to keep up the flashes of the brilliance Reem Al Sharshani, who finished fifth Akhan Al Marri, who won gold in Sep- looking to give hosts Qatar a flying start he has shown so far in different com- at the recently concluded Military tember at the 9th Asian Shotgun Cham- at the 14th Asian Shooting Champi- petitions over the last few years. Games in China, while notching a new pionships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, will onship at the Losail Shooting Range A total of 38 Olympic quota places personal record of shooting down 118 be looking for a repeat show on home today. will be up for grabs across the 15 events. targets and qualifying for the final soil. The 30-year-old, who won a bronze The continental championship is the rounds, will be keen to clinch the The men’s double trap team of medal at Austria Open in Vienna, in last chance for the shooters to get quota Olympic quota. Hamad Al Akhan Al Marri, Rashed Al August, will be looking to make it past spots for the Tokyo Olympics next year. Both the men’s and women’s skeet Athbi and Masoud Al Athba which also the preliminary rounds and qualify for Hosts Qatar will be looking to open event are scheduled for November 9 won a gold medal at the same event in tomorrow’s final. their account in the Olympic quotas at and the finals will be held the next day. Almaty will be eager to touch the Tokyo Al Rumaihi, who has been com- the Championship. In skeet team event, Qatar’s Rashid Games qualification mark. peting since 2006 having taken to the Qatar’s challenge will also revolve Saleh Al Athba, Masoud Saleh Al Athba The double trap event will be held sport five years earlier has been training around skeet shooters Rashid Saleh Al and Abdulaziz Sahel Al Attiyah will be on the last day of the Championship. Besides the men’s shooters a number of women competitors will be aiming to pull off a few surprises and lay grab on the Olympic quota places up for grabs at the 10-day event. TODAY'S ACTION: Out of the 69 quota places secured so far for the Tokyo Olympics, China 08:00 - Trap Men Day I has won the maximum possible of two 08:00 - Trap Women Day 1 quota in almost every event, 25 in 08:00 - Trap Mixed Team Junior total, followed by Korea (12). India has 09:00-10:15 - 1Om Air Rifle Men so far won nine Tokyo 2020 spots so Qatari trap shooter Mohammed 09:00-12:10 - 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Men Stage 1 far. Ahmed Al Rumaihi 11:00-12:15 - 1Om Air Rifle Women There will be plenty of action on the first day of the event which kicked off I l:15 - IOm Air Rifle Men Finals yesterday with a colourful opening Apart from women’s 10m air pistol 12:20-13:50 - 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Men Junior Stage l ceremony. finals, the other two will be in the 10m Qatari shooter Nasser Saleh 13:00-14:15 - IOm Air Pistol Women Besides the preliminary rounds of air rifle for men and women. Al Attiyah in action in this 13:15 - 10m Air Rifle Women Finals men’s and women’s trap and the first Over 1,500 shooters from 36 feder- file photo. Al Attiyah is stage in men’s 25-metre rapid fire pistol ations are taking part in the event, targeting his record seventh 13:30 - Trap Mixed Team Junior Finals 15:15 - 1Om Air Pistol Women Finals there will be three finals of air rifle and organised by Qatar Shooting and appearance at Olympics. air pistol events. Archery Association (QSSA). Rugby World Cup success a taster for what to expect at Olympics AFP He said many of the Rugby tournament as a taster for what Blossoms would likely be in the their areas and move teams en go to new territories. We’d love TOKYO World Cup’s contingency prep- fans can expect at Tokyo 2020. squad for Tokyo 2020, making masse around the country in that to be in North America, South arations were never needed, but “I think plan for incredible them “genuine medal timeframe,” he said. America but we’d also love to be Rugby World Cup Director Alan he advised Tokyo 2020 officials audiences. Absolutely make the contenders”. World Rugby has announced back in Asia,” he said, citing South Gilpin has advised Tokyo to plan for the worst given best of the volunteers, which Gilpin admitted he had it will select the hosts of the 2027 Korea, China and India as coun- Olympics organisers to “plan for Japan’s susceptibility to extreme were the story of this tour- replayed his decision to cancel and 2031 championships at the tries that have previously staged every eventuality” after a fero- weather, earthquakes and nament... I think Tokyo 2020 the three games -- New Zealand same time and Gilpin said this comparable sporting events. cious typhoon forced him into volcanoes. need to really amplify that and vs Italy, England vs France and opened up the field to other “We’ll spend the next cancelling three matches for the “I think Tokyo 2020 really they will have a very special Canada vs Namibia -- a “million nations like Japan that are not probably nine to 12 months doing first time in tournament history. need to get under the skin of Olympic Games if they do that,” times” in his head but time had traditional rugby heartlands. some joint feasibility work with In an interview with AFP, that,” said Gilpin. said the director. not presented him with a better What the successful expe- a lot of countries that have talked Gilpin stressed he had “no regrets” The Rugby World Cup was He pointed to the success of solution. rience in Japan has shown is “we about hosting,” he said, including about scrapping the three matches in many ways a dress rehearsal Japan’s men’s and women’s rugby “When we saw the size, scale can do this anywhere,” said Gilpin, Australia, the US and Russia. given the size and power of for the Olympics, which start in sevens teams which both came and strength of Typhoon Hagibis, with the next Rugby World Cup in South Africa lifted the Webb Typhoon Hagibis that eventually July, and Gilpin pointed to the fourth at the Rio Games and said we knew it was unrealistic to be 2023 to be hosted in France. Ellis Cup on Saturday, after killed more than 80 people. many successes of the several members of the Brave able to move matches away from “We can be brave and we can beating England 32-12 in the final.