SPORT Friday 19 October 2018 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 23 Dominant Pakistan Schumacher’s edge closer to series record was never victory over Australia the plan: Hamilton QSL: Al Rayyan look for strong comeback in Al Gharafa clash FAWAD HUSSAIN Al Gharafa star Wesley whoo may see a return of “We“We cannot say now in THE PENINSULA Sneijder is expected theirir playmakerplaymaker whichwhich ppositionosition we wouwouldld ffinishinish to be back in action in Wesleyley SneijderSneijder fromfrom thisthis season, bbutut we are ggoingoing DOHA: The QNB Stars League tomorrow’s clash. injury,ry, are difficult to compete for the best (QSL) resumes tomorrow with the opponents.onents. position,” said Masoud.Masoud. clash between former champions Former champions Al “It“It wiwillll bbee a toutoughgh Meanwhile, Al Al Rayyan and star-studded Al matchch especiaespeciallylly Gharafa coach TOMORROW’ST MATCHES Rayyan suffered a shock Gharafa highlighting this week’s sincee Al GharafaGharafa ChChristianristi a n 5:25pm:5:25 Al Arabi vs Al Ahli at Al Round 9 matches. defeat to Al Khor in their are inin great form GourcuffGourcuff urged After a shock defeat to Al previous QSL match. havinging defeated Al hishis players Arabi Stadium Khor in the previous round, Al Arabibi in tthehe llastast to con-con- 5:25pm:5:2 Umm Salal vs Qatar SC Rayyan are desperate to return round,”nd,” MasoudMasoud tinuetin ue at Al Gharafa Stadium Simona Halep to winning ways in order to get a victory to improve their saidd at a pre- winning back in contention for the title. rankings. matchtch prpressess form in 7:35pm: Al Rayyan vs Al ‘The Lions’ are placed 4th in Al Rayyan’s players Ibrahim conferencenference whatwhat hhasas beenbeen GGharafa at Al Sadd Stadium thehe standingsstandings witwithh 14 points andand MasoudM asoud yesterday.yesterday. dubbed as Top-ranked a wiwinn ovoverer Al GhGharafaarafa willwill ddefi-efi- admittedadmitted Al “But“But wwee mumustst Wesley Sneijder MaMatch-of-the-tch-of-the- SUNDAY nitelyitely help them reregaingain GharafaGharafa,, collectcoollect threethree popointsints aass Week.Week. 5:25pm: Al Sailiya vs Al Halep out confidence.onfidence. theythey are veryvery important “We“We are ShahaniaSh at Al Ahli Stadium However,However, it will be a tough toto uuss after a defeat against eager to build on of WTA taskask fforor AAll RaRayyanyyan in tomorrow’s AlAl KKhoKhor.”r.” ourour victoryvictory over 7:35pm:7: Al Kharaitiyat vs Al gameame at AlAl SaddSadd StadiumStadium as AlAl He saidsaid Al Rayyan,Rayyan, who Al ArArabiabi in ththee lalastst Khor at Al Khor Stadium Finals with Ghararaharara will be coming into the gotgot a newnew coach in Bulent round.round. We were gameame with confidence after a UygunUygun fofollowinglllowing the exit of withoutwithout a nunumbermber ooff decisiondec on Sneijder’s return. back injury commandingommanding 3-0 victory over AAll ArgentinianArggentiniaan RoRodolfo,dolfo, was our playersplayers dduringuring “Sneijder has begun training Arabirabi in ttheirheir llastast QSL matcmatch.h. hohopingping ffororr a reverse iinn the bbreak.reak. withwith the rest of the players as he AFP ‘The‘The Cheetahs’Cheetahs’,, who are 7th fortunes.fortunes. is recovering from an injury. withwith 10 points, too are seeking “As“As a pplayer,layer, I have ttoo We will wait until the last dodo mmyy best. We moment before taking a SINGAPORE: World hahaveave some big decision on whether to field number one Simona plpplayers,ayers, bbutut I Yet,Yet, Schneider or not. Iranian Halep withdrew from the willwill strive hahardrd we will try to win,” saidsaid striker Mehdi Taremi is WTA Finals in Singapore toto gain the Gourcuff.Gourcuff. proving his worth,” said the with a back injury confidencecoc nfidence of “We knowknow thatthat tthehe gamegame is coach.coa yesterday, bringing her ourour cocoach.ach. importantimportant anandd we are llookingooking forfor Al Rayyan’s charge will be led season to a premature Sebastian Soria a positive result. It is important by SSebastian Soria, Lucca Borges end. forfor me to put up a consistent peper-r- andand captain Rodrigo Tabata. The French Open formanceformance throughout the game,” Al Gharafa have the likes of champion pulled out of he said.said. MehdiMeh Taremi, Ahmed Alaaeldin last month’s China Open HeHe sa saidi d he e was yet to mmakeake a e a andand Vladimir Weiss. after just 31 minutes, and withdrew from this week’s Kremlin Cup because of the persistent Al Ahli ‘ready’ problem. Halep, 27, said she for Al Arabi In-form Al Sailiya keen had hoped to compete at the season finale in Sin- challenge gapore, which starts on Sunday, but that she had taken the “tough” THE PENINSULA to bag three more points decision to put her health RIZWAN REHMAT first. DOHA: Al Ahli coach Milan “It’s always difficult THE PENINSULA Macala is hopeful of a good Al Sailiya coach Samil to withdraw from a big show from his side which Trabelsi (right) during tournament,” said the prepares to take on Al Arabi DOHA: Third-placed Al Sailiya a press conference in Romanian, who sus- in their Round 9 game at the will be looking to bag three Doha, yesterday. tained the injury in QNB Stars League (QSL) more points in the QNB Stars Wuhan last month. tomorrow. League (QSL) title race when “My back is not okay. Macala said his team had they take on minnows Al I didn’t practise for the a good preparations for the Shahania in a Round 9 clash on last four weeks. I’m not match. Sunday. ready to compete at this “Our preparations went With five wins out of seven level and I’m still sore.” off well and we are ready to matches, Al Sailiya are behind Her withdrawal face Al Arabi. The team points leaders Al Duhail and Al means that Kiki Bertens trained yesterday with all Sadd and ahead of former from the Netherlands players except injured striker champions Al Rayyan (fourth) moves into the eighth Mohammed Muntari,” the in the new season. and final qualifying spot coach said during a pre- Al Sailiya coach Samil in the WTA Finals. match press conference Trabelsi said his team is keen to It has been a disap- yesterday. chase the top two teams or pointing end to a spec- “The QSL Cup match remain in the top three. pre-match press conference team, I am back from injury and the amount of work we have tacular season for Halep, played during the interna- “We have a lot of players yesterday. ready to face Al Shahania. We are done. which saw her secure the tional break was of great who know how to deal in tough “I always tell my players to able to compete with any team, “Al Sailiya are a good team year-end number one benefit to us. We took full circumstances. We will play to maintain their focus throughout we are able to compete for the with some strong players. They ranking in the WTA advantage of the opportunity maintain our position and aim the match and I am confident title, and we will work to provide have a great player in the attack, standings for the second to test some youngsters,” he to be among the top three in the that we can achieve good a good level and maintain our Rashid Tiberkanine. I have great year running. added. table,” Trabelsi said during a results,” Trabelsi added. position.” confidence in my players. We She spent 40 weeks Al Ahli are 8th with 9 The popular Tunisian tac- Al Shahania coach Jose have done well in the previous at number one in 2018, points and a victory can help tician said Al Sadd clash in the Murcia said his team - currently matches and I wish Al Sailiya and won three titles from them come even to Al Arabi last round was a tough affair. placed at 10th spot out of 12 play a positive game,” the coach a tour-leading six final who are placed 6th with 12 “Our last game against Al teams - must find a way to win said. appearances, amassing points. I always tell my Sadd was difficult. We were keen matches. Al Shahania player Younis a 46-11 win-loss record. “We are well aware of the on rectifying some mistakes “We must arrest our losing Yaqoub said: “Al Sailiya are going This year Halep has fact that the match against Al players to maintain during the break and I hope my streak,” Murcia said yesterday. through a good patch currently. won the Shenzhen Open, Arabi will be difficult and we their focus throughout players will stay focused “It is important that we play our We will play a focused game to the Rogers Cup and her hope to achieve a positive the match and I am throughout the game. Al Sha- games with confidence. We must achieve a positive result and we debut Grand Slam crown result. confident that we can hania are a team with good play an offensive game and take will try to get out of the danger at Roland Garros. “We have analysed their potential and we must do well to advantage of the opportunities,” zone by collecting three valuable In addition, she previous game and we are achieve good results: beat them,” Trabelsi pointed out. he added. points.” reached the title match working out ways on how Al Sailiya coach Samil Al Sailiya player Hamad Al “I have prepared my team to The match will be played at at the Australian Open, best to deal with them,” said Trabelsi Obeidi said: “We are aiming to play to win and get three points. Al Ahli Stadium with kick-off in Rome and Cincinnati. Macala. provide a level that suits our Our results so far do not reflect fixed for 5:25pm. FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 21

Pique juggles Pakistan edge closer to victory AFP Pakistan captain and batsman Sarfraz business Ahmed plays a shot during day three of Azhar expects teasing from ABU DHABI: Pakistan grabbed an early after Babar Azam the second Test match against son for bizarre run out with struck a fluent 99 to edge closer Australia at the Abu Dhabi Cricket to claiming a series victory over Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday. ABU DHABI: Senior Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali antic- Australia in the second Test at ipated some teasing from his 10-year-old son after soccer Abu Dhabi yesterday. his bizarre run out in the second Test against Azam narrowly missed out Australia yesterday. AP on a hundred after an aggressive Azhar edged a Peter Siddle towards innings, while skipper Sarfraz the third man boundary and, thinking the ball had BARCELONA: With his plan Ahmed followed up his first- crossed the rope, halted in the middle of the pitch to revamp tennis’ Davis Cup, innings 94 with 81 as Pakistan to talk to fellow batsman Asad Shafiq. Barcelona defender Gerard declared their second innings at But Mitchell Starc picked up the ball less than a Pique is laying the 400-9, setting a daunting yard from the boundary and threw it back to wick- groundwork for a life after 538-run target for the tourists. etkeeper Tim Paine, who ran Azhar out, leaving the soccer. By the close on the third day, Pakistani duo -- who boast a combined 130 Tests Barcelona, however, Pakistan had Shaun Marsh dis- and over 9,000 runs -- stranded and looking needs its budding entre- missed for four -- bowled by bewildered. preneur more now than ever left-arm paceman Mir Hamza for Azhar fell for a well-played 64. to help stop a slump in the his first Test wicket -- to boost “My son is going to speak about it (the run out) Spanish league. their chances of victory after for a long time and in a funny way,” said Azhar of Pique will anchor a Australia clung on for a thrilling his 10-year-old son Ibtisam, who luckily for him defense that has lost two draw in the first Test in Dubai arrived at the ground after his father’s dismissal. players to injury when Bar- last week. “Whenever I will say something about cricket celona hosts league leader Aaron Finch (24) and Travis he will surely come back to this incident.” Sevilla tomorrow. With both Head (17) were at the crease with Azhar revealed he was discussing the swing of Samuel Umtiti (left knee) and Australia, who are 47-1 and need the ball with Shafiq as they chatted in the middle Thomas Vermaelen (right leg) another 491 for an unlikely win of the wicket. “We were just discussing that the ball unavailable, Pique will start or to bat out two full days on a was swinging a bit late. We both didn’t actually alongside former Sevilla weary and spinning Sheikh realise something like this could happen.” player Clement Lenglet. Zayed Stadium pitch. Barcelona is in second No team has ever chased place - one point behind more than 418-7 to win a Test, half-centuries to build on the leg-before by medium pacer runs for the sixth wicket to end leg-before to leg-spinner Marnus Sevilla - and under pressure made by the West Indies against hosts’ impressive 137-run first- Mitchell Marsh. Azam, who hit any hopes Australia had of a Labuschagne who finished with after going four matches Australia at Antigua in 2003. innings lead. three sixes and six fours, fightback after taking the second 2-74. But the pick of the bowlers without a win. Pakistan piled on the runs But none of them could go improved on his previous best new ball at 273-5. was off-spinner Nathan Lyon Pique has played every with Azam, Sarfraz and Azhar Ali on to score a ton, with Azam Test score of 90 he made Sarfaz struck five fours and who followed his first-innings minute in the league so far -- who was the casualty of a falling agonisingly close to his in New Zealand two years ago. a six and delayed the declaration four with 3-135 in a mar- this season. But he and his bizarre run out -- all making maiden hundred, trapped He and Sarfraz added 135 in hope of a century, but fell athon 43-over vigil. teammates haven’t been able to keep a clean sheet in six matches. More will be needed Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam plays a shot as Australian wicketkeeper Tim Pakistan bypass SCOREBOARD against a Sevilla side that has Paine looks on in Abu Dhabi yesterday. outscored opponents 14-4 Pakistan 1st innings ...... 282 over a four-game winning pacer Amir for Australia 1st innings ...... 145 streak that included a 3-0 win Pakistan 2nd innings over Real Madrid at Ramon Fakhar Zaman c and b Lyon ...... 66 Australia series Mohammad Hafeez c Head b Starc ...... 6 Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium last Azhar Ali run out ...... 64 month. AFP Haris Sohail st Paine b Lyon ...... 17 The 31-year-old Pique Asad Shafiq c sub (Agar) b Labuschagne .44 has started to reduce his Babar Azam lbw b M. Marsh ...... 99 playing commitments by LAHORE: Pakistan selectors once again left out Sarfraz Ahmed lbw b Labuschagne ...... 81 retiring from international fast bowler Mohammad Amir from the country’s Bilal Asif c Head b Lyon ...... 15 competition following the 15-member squad set to square off against Yasir Shah lbw b Lyon ...... 4 World Cup. But instead of Australia during the three-match series Mohammad Abbas not out ...... 0 Mir Hamza not out 0 resting during last week’s starting next week. Extras: (lb 2, nb 2) ...... 4 international break, the 2010 The 26-year-old went wicketless in three Asia Total: (for nine wkts dec; 120 overs) 400 World Cup champion with Cup matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-106, 3-154, 4-160, Spain focused on his tennis last month, losing his place in the country’s Test 5-235, 6-368, 7-390, 8-394, 9-400 venture by traveling to China squad as well as in the ongoing series against : Starc 7-0-32-1 (1nb), Siddle 23-4-68- to attend the Shanghai Australia. Another left-arm pacer Waqas Maqsood 0, Lyon 43-8-135-4, Holland 16-3-46-0, La- Masters. -- who has yet to play for the national senior buschagne 16-1-74-2, M. Marsh 13-3-39-1 (1nb), Pique practiced with Bar- team -- has been included in the squad following Head 2-0-4-0 Australia 2nd innings celona on Wednesday a good showing with Pakistan’s second string A. Finch not out 24 morning before traveling to against New Zealand, which was also played in S. Marsh b Hamza 4 Madrid to make a public pres- UAE. T. Head not out 17 entation of his Davis Cup “Maqsood has been drafted in the T20 squad Extras: (lb2) 2 plan. after his recent performances in domestic cricket Total: (for one wkt; 12 overs) 47 Pique’s scheme is to and playing for Pakistan’s ‘A’ team against New Fall of wickets: 1-10 transform the Davis Cup, Zealand’s ‘A’ team,” said chief selector Bowling: Abbas 4-0-15-0, Hamza 3-0-19-1, which is currently played Inzamam-ul-Haq. Yasir 3-0-6-0, Asif 2-1-5-0 Toss: Pakistan over four weekends All-rounder Imad Wasim is also set to make throughout the year, into a a comeback with the team after his form and season-ending, 18-team tour- fitness was monitored by the selection committee T20 series schedule nament whose first edition during a string of domestic matches, added Pakistan vs Australia will be held in November Inzamam. His last match was during the T20 2019 in Madrid. Pique is series against Sri Lanka in Lahore last year. 1st T20I in Abu Dhabi, Oct 24 founder of the investment The first Twenty20 international is in Abu 2nd T20I in Dubai, Oct 26 group Kosmos, which has Dhabi on October 24 followed by the next two 3rd T20I in Dubai, Oct 28 developed the new format in Dubai later this month on the 26th and 28th. backed by the International Tennis Federation. “It will be a one-of-a kind competition,” Pique said Wednesday in Madrid. Kaneria admits guilt T20 event adds glamour Business has taken Pique beyond the world of sports. in spot-fixing case He has started companies REUTERS to Afghan cricket that sell eyeglasses, isotonic I was guilty of the two charges drinks and organic ham- brought against me by the AFP burgers. Pique is also a LONDON: Former Pakistan England and Wales Cricket Stanikzai knows the dangers of Afghan cricket regular at the Mobile World leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has Board in 2012,” the 37-year-old more than most: his playing career was flourishing Congress, the annual wireless admitted his role in a spot- told Al Jazeera. SHARJAH: Afghanistan defied decades of conflict until it was cut short by a Taliban bullet in his right trade show held in Barcelona, fixing case involving former “I have become strong to join cricket’s elite club of Test nations, but now shoulder. and in 2016 dined with Face- Essex team mate Mervyn West- enough to make this decision, they have added a dash of glamour with their inau- In September last year, a suicide attack outside book’s Mark Zuckerberg in a field yesterday, more than six because you cannot live a life gural Twenty20 league in the United Arab Kabul’s main cricket stadium left three people hotel in Barcelona. years after he was banned by with lies.” Kaneria remains Emirates. dead, while eight were killed and several injured After trying to develop the England and Wales Cricket Pakistan’s most successful Ten years after India’s IPL changed the face in an attack at a cricket match in Jalalabad. video games, Pique shifted Board (ECB). spinner with 261 wickets in 61 of world cricket with music, fireworks and cheer- Such conditions made it impossible to hold into the new industry of Westfield was jailed for Tests. He last played for leaders, the Afghanistan Premier League has joined the APL in Afghanistan, but Stanikzai said: “I am esports in 2016 when he four months after pleading Pakistan against England at the growing list of hugely popular T20 tourna- sure this league, like in other countries, will further founded eFootball.Pro. Bar- guilty to accepting a payment Trent Bridge Test in 2010, and ments worldwide. lift standards of our players and our overall celona signed an agreement to concede a set number of runs has not appeared in any first- The pyrotechnics weren’t long coming, as cricket.” with Pique to join the virtual off an over in a 40-overs class game since March 2012. 20-year-old Hazratullah Zazai’s extraordinary He added: “There were challenges aplenty, league in February. English county match against “I want to apologise to six sixes in one over, part of a record-equalling they still exist but we have overcome those, When asked on Durham in 2009. Mervyn Westfield, my Essex 12-ball half-century, immediately drew attention received tremendous support from our gov- Wednesday if he had spoken Kaneria, who had team-mates, my Essex cricket from around the globe. ernment, the people of Afghanistan and from the to Barcelona president Josep repeatedly denied any club, my Essex cricket fans. I say “It’s a very proud moment for the entire nation International Cricket Council.” Bartomeu about his Davis involvement in trying to sorry to Pakistan,” Kaneria to have a league of our own which gives our West Indies big-hitter Chris Gayle and India’s Cup plan, Pique said no. engineer particular situations added. “If the ECB and ICC (The players chance to showcase their talent and rub Yuvraj Singh are among the headliners, along with “Sometimes we meet for in a game, was banned for life International Cricket Council) the shoulders with some foreign stars,” Afghan- New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum and Shahid other things. For example, the by the ECB in June 2012 for and other bodies would give me istan Cricket Board chief executive Shafiq Stan- Afridi of Pakistan. esports, which is going well “cajoling and pressurising” a second chance I can help to ikzai said. But the APL also provides a stage for Afghan- for us,” Pique said. Westfield into accepting money educate young people in cricket, Despite its turbulent history, with most players istan’s own stars including Rashid Khan, teenage Married to pop star for foul play. “My name is teach them that if you do wrong learning cricket in refugee camps in Pakistan, spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman and all-rounder Shakira, Pique shares her love Danish Kaneria and I admit that you are finished like me.” Afghanistan rose to become one of only 12 Test Mohammad Nabi, who all featured in this year’s for the spotlight. nations earlier this year. IPL. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER 2018

UAE down Qatar in AFC U-19 opener

WWW.THE-AFC.COM

JAKARTA: Ali Saleh produced a virtuoso performance as he helped the United Arab Emirates begin their AFC U-19 Championship campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Qatar yesterday. The talented 18-year-old produced a deft assist and a superb goal to hand his side the perfect start to their Group A campaign with games against Chinese Taipei and host nation Indonesia, Al Shaqab continues to shine who meet in the day’s later fixture, still to come for head THE PENINSULA Al Shaqab, who tallied 460 points “There is always something Prince Abdellah Alaoui lauded of the QREC delegation in the coach Ludovic Batelli’s in the Yearling Fillies Class, Alsba new every year reflecting the the Qatari role in the Salon various events of the Salon. charges. EL JADIDA, MOROCCO: Al Al Shaqab, who topped the Two- Moroccan desire for continuous through the platinum spon- “The meeting was fruitful and After a bright start in Shaqab continued their excel- Year-Old Fillies Class, Um Gariba development. QREC’s platinum sorship this year and keenness it reflected the nature of the rela- sultry conditions, Qatar fash- lence in the Morocco Interna- Al Shaqab, who won the Three- sponsorship of this year’s edition to have a stand representing tions between Qatar and Morocco ioned the first chance of the tional Horse Show of the Salon Year-Old Fillies Class and Aaida has been key to fostering the Qatar’s equestrian sport. in general and in various fields,” game, midfielder Abdollah Ali du Cheval d’El Jadida, which is Al Shaqab, who was the winner Qatari participation by QREC, Prince Abdellah Alaoui, on said Al Kaabi. fizzing a shot narrowly wide being held under the patronage of Four-Six-Year-Old Fillies Qatar Equestrian and Modern behalf of the Salon du Cheval “In fact, Prince Abdellah of the target with four of His Majesty King Mohammed Class. Pentathlon Federation and Al Organising Committee, appre- Alaoui expressed his appreciation minutes played. VI of Morocco. Shaqab.” ciated the significant Qatari of the Qatari role and hopes for Despite Qatar’s early Hagras Al Shaqab topped the Qatar’s success is our goal in impact on the present edition of more cooperation in future and dominance, it was to be the Two-Year-Old Colts Class, Salon du Cheval Prince Abdellah Alaoui meets the Salon. He also emphasised we agreed on that in view of the UAE who went ahead on 16 earning the highest score given Nasser bin Sherida Al Kaabi the importance of working two sides’ keenness to maximise minutes when Saleh’s clever by the judges and qualified for Khalid bin Mohammed Al Ali, towards maximising cooperation collaboration to enhance the pass found Ahmad Fawzi who the final competition. Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Nasser bin Sherida Al Kaabi, and fostering the excellent rela- standing of the equestrian sport fired the ball home past the The awarding ceremony took (QREC) Board Member, stressed Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club tions between the two sides in both in Qatar and Morocco with despairing dive of goalkeeper place in presence of Sheikh the valuable benefits behind the (QREC) General Manager, met favour of the equestrian sport many national and international Zakaria Salah. Hamad bin Ali Al Thani, Al Qatari participation in the Salon Prince Abdellah Alaoui, President both in Qatar and Morocco. events held in the two Qatar, champions in 2014, Shaqab Breeding and Show du Cheval d’El Jadida, which is of the Royal Moroccan Feder- QREC General Manager Al countries.” responded well and their per- Manager, Khaid bin Mohammed being held under the patronage ation for Equestrian Sports and Kaabi expressed his appreciation “Given these firm relations sistence paid handsome div- Al Ali, QREC Board Member, and of His Majesty King Mohammed Chairman of the Salon du Cheval of the Moroccan hospitality, and desire for mutual success, idends in the 36th minute as Abdulla bin Rashid Al Kubaisi, VI of Morocco. He pointed out Organising Committee. stating that Prince Abdellah QREC’s participation in the Salon Umaru scrambled the ball QREC Racing Manager. that benefits are maximised with Dr El Habib Marzak, Salon du Alaoui expressed appreciation to will certainly be on a larger scale home at the far. Hagras Al Shaqab’s win the presence of 28 countries as Cheval Commissioner, was also Qatar for its significant role in the in the coming years. We have The UAE regained the secured the fifth victory for Al well as he brilliant turnout in all present during the meeting on the success of the Salon in terms of already developed ideas, which lead with four minutes to play Shaqab in the qualifiers for the various events of the Salon. sidelines of the 11th edition of the the platinum sponsorship by will help put the agreed of an entertaining first half, finals on the first two days of the “I have been present in the Salon. QREC, continued presence in all framework into practice whether this time Al Wasl rising star Show. The other four victories for Salon’s editions for several years During the meeting, 11 editions of the Salon since the in Qatar or Morocco’, concluded Saleh bent a stunning free- Al Shaqab were through Galliba now,” said Al Ali. mementos were exchanges and very first one and the presence the QREC General Manager. kick into the top corner.

Serena Williams of the US hits a shot as Sevastova her coach Patrick Mouratoglou looks on Tennis star Wozniacki during a training session ahead of the battles to beat Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, signs deal to launch Zvonareva in in this January 11, 2017, file photo. her own crypto token three sets at Kremlin Cup REUTERS

AP SINGAPORE: Tennis ace Caroline Wozniacki signed a deal with a Singa- porean company to launch her own crypto token yesterday, with the firm saying it hoped ex-soccer star Michael Owen or boxer Manny Pacquiao MOSCOW: Anastasija would be the first to sell such a token next year. Sevastova reached the Global Crypto Offering Exchange (GCOX) lists Pacquiao and Owen as Kremlin Cup semi-finals by private investors in the company, alongside a member of Abu Dhabi’s beating Russia’s Vera Zvon- ruling family, Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed al-Nahyan. areva 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 yesterday. Singer Jason Derulo also signed a deal to launch a token with the firm The Latvian said she was earlier this year. lucky not to lose the match GCOX says the tokens will give buyers exclusive merchandise and after Zvonareva - once interactions with their favourite celebrities, and that the celebrities will ranked second in the world receive proceeds from the token sales. but in her first tour quarter- “To be the first female athlete to have her own token is really cool...I final since 2012 - broke her am looking forward to expanding that before other people start getting serve to level the second set into it,” Wozniacki said in an interview on the sidelines of an event to sign at 5-5. the deal in Singapore. “I started playing better GCOX CEO Jeffrey Lin told Reuters the first celebrity token was likely and better and toward the Serena’s coach backs to be launched next year. end I was playing one of my He said “if everything goes well, first quarter of 2019 will be the first best matches here in celebrity token and it could be Michael’s, it could be Manny’s, I am not Moscow,” said Sevastova, the sure yet.” highest-ranked player left in on-court coaching To buy the celebrity tokens, prospective buyers must first acquire the draw at No. 11. GCOX’s own tokens called ACM, the sale of which has only recently started. A US Open semi-finalist, REUTERS it was time for a “grown-up conversation” about Lin declined to say how many ACM tokens had been sold, but said “in Sevastova will next face the issue. theory we are trying to raise $300-600 million”. Tunisian qualifier Ons Jabeur, CHICAGO: The coach whose attempts to guide Mouratoglou clearly thinks it is a good idea Wozniacki, who claimed her maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian who upset eighth-seeded Serena Williams mid-match during this year’s and yesterday said mid-match coaching needed Open in January, also said she was looking to carry the momentum of a Anett Kontaveit 7-5, 6-1. US Open final led to her explosive row with the to be authorised in order to “ensure tennis sus- strong end to the season through to a second successive WTA Finals title Jabeur has won six umpire and a code violation en route to defeat, tains its development”. triumph in Singapore next week. straight matches, including has called for on-court coaching to be permitted. The Frenchman said it was time coaching qualifiers. She has reached Patrick Mouratoglou admitted gesturing to was both recognised and valued, because the her first WTA semi-finals. Williams from the stands during her match with fallout following last month’s US Open final made Jabeur was the 2011 French Japan’s Naomi Osaka -- in contravention of US it look as though coaching was shameful. Open junior champion but Open and other Grand Slam tournament rules “Authorising coaching in competition and has struggled to live up to her -- but the American was left incensed at the actually staging it so that the viewers can enjoy early potential. umpire’s strict interpretation of the rule. She said it as a show would ensure it remains pivotal in Nick Kyrgios withdrew she had not seen Mouratoglou’s signal and that the sport,” he posted on his Twitter feed. from the men’s tournament she had “never cheated in her life”. Mouratoglou said he could not understand Caroline with an elbow injury, giving The incident and the ensuing row resulted why tennis was “just about the only sport” where Wozniacki Mirza Basic a walkover to the in a game penalty and a $17,000 fine for Wil- coaching was not allowed, citing soccer, bas- speaks after quarterfinals, where he’ll play liams, and divided tennis by triggering a debate ketball and boxing as high profile examples, and attending Karen Khachanov. about sexism in the sport. pointing out that elite cyclists are in radio contact a signing Kyrgios said it was a The debate was fuelled by Williams’s and with their advisors during races. ceremony with recurrence of an injury which others assertions that an umpire would not have Touching on a theme raised by the Williams GCOX Global caused him to miss several dealt with a male player in the same way. episode, Mouratoglou said legitimising in-com- Crypto Offering tournaments around and Coaching during matches is permitted in petition coaching would end hypocrisy. Exchange to including the French Open. some women’s events, but Grand Slam tourna- “It is a very basic truth that the vast majority launch her own “I’m going to choose to ments are among those which do not allow it. of tennis coaches are actually coaching on court, cryptocurrency wrap up my season, head The US Open permitted players to talk to their despite the rule,” he said. in Singapore home and start the recovery,” coaches during qualifying and junior matches, “Of course, coaches are usually discreet... yesterday. the Australian said. “See you but any move to allow it during main draw occasionally the players are punished for it, but all in 2019.” matches would need to be unilateral among the for the most part they are not.” Second-seeded Daniil four Slams. Representatives of the four Grand Slam tour- Medvedev reached the quar- This is likely to be problematic with Wim- naments are expected to meet before the end of terfinals with a 6-2, 6-1 win bledon so far entirely against it, although Wim- the year, at which point the future of mid-match over Dusan Lajovic in just 51 bledon chief Philip Brook told reporters recently coaching will be a topic of conversation. minutes. FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 23 Schumacher’s record was never the plan: Hamilton

REUTERS of Vettel with three races and a Lewis Hamilton stands maximum 75 points remaining outside the Nasdaq NEW YORK: Lewis Hamilton after Texas, and will fancy his Market Site in New York will edge closer to Michael I’m just going to keep chances of sewing up the title City on Wednesday. Schumacher’s all-time record if having won five of the past six he wins a fifth Formula One working hard and races at the Circuit of the world title this weekend in keep trying to do Americas -- including the last Austin, but he said on what I do and what four. Wednesday that chasing the I love and enjoy it Yet with so much riding on German great was never part of the weekend, Hamilton said his plan. and we’ll see where now is not the time to make The Mercedes driver will it takes us: Lewis changes to his approach. move to within two of Schu- Hamilton “The approach that I’ve had macher’s all-time mark of seven up until now has worked very championships if he scores eight well,” said Hamilton. points more than his Ferrari who is my... who’s the guy that “So we naturally want to rival Sebastian Vettel in Austin I aspire to be like,” Hamilton said. win this weekend. So diligence on Sunday. “And I equalled him two and going through the same Yet Hamilton said that he years ago. So since then it’s kind steps in terms of getting the car realised his lifelong ambition in of been going into unknown to where it needs to be through 2015 when he equalled the tally territory. the weekend, I feel naturally of his boyhood idol Ayrton “So I mean Michael’s stats relaxed and I know what I’m Senna, the Brazilian triple are incredible and still quite a going to do.” champion who died in 1994, and long way away, but I’m here for Hamilton has already won that chasing Schumacher’s mark some time still, so I’m just going nine races so far this season and was never his aim. to keep working hard and keep looks likely to end the year in “Honestly that has never trying to do what I do and what double figures, which is no “This year has been the most another level,” said Hamilton. season. So collectively as a team been my goal. I started out with I love and enjoy it and we’ll see mean feat considering he feels intensive, the cars the faster, the “We’ve been fighting we’ve had to go above and the goal to match Ayrton Senna where it takes us.” this year has been tougher than requirement on the driver’s side another team who have had the beyond to deliver more than or to equalise with Ayrton Senna Hamilton is 67 points clear any he has experienced before. physically and mentally is on upper hand for a long part of the them.” NBA: Leonard and Lowry Kershaw shines as Dodgers claim 5-2 lead Raptors past Cavs win over Brewers

REUTERS AFP Kawhi Leonard of the Toronto to seize the win. They got their Raptors shoots the ball first hit in the fourth inning and TORONTO: LOS ANGELES: Kawhi Leonard during the NBA game against Los Angeles ace their first run in the fifth, when scored 24 points and grabbed 12 Clayton Kershaw pitched seven Chris Taylor got things rolling Cleveland Cavaliers in Toronto rebounds and Kyle Lowry had stellar innings and the Dodgers with a leadoff single. on Wednesday. 27 points and eight assists to help parlayed nine hits into a 5-2 Taylor reached second base the Toronto Raptors defeat the victory over the Milwaukee on an error on the throw, stole visiting Cleveland Cavaliers Brewers on Wednesday to third and scored on a base hit 116-104 Wednesday night in the move within one win of by Austin Barnes past a drawn- season opener for both teams. returning to baseball’s World in outfield. Fred VanVleet added 14 Series. The Dodgers added two points, Pascal Siakam had 13 The Dodgers took a 3-2 lead more in the sixth, chasing a points and Danny Green chipped in the best-of-seven National weary Woodruff in the process. in with 11 for Toronto. Jonas Val- League Championship Series, Justin Turner led off with a anciunas grabbed 12 rebounds. and can reach Major League single and after Woodruff Kevin Love scored 21 points Baseball’s championship struck out Joc Pederson he hit and added eight rebounds for the showcase for the second Manny Machado on the elbow. Cavaliers, and Cedi Osman had straight year with a victory in Max Muncy followed with a 17 points and 10 rebounds. game six in Milwaukee. run-scoring single. George Hill and Jordan Clarkson The winner of the series will That was the end of the day each added 15 points, and take on either the reigning for Woodruff, the de facto Rodney Hood scored 12. World Series champion Brewers starter after manager Tristan Thompson added 13 Houston Astros -- who beat the Craig Counsell made the unor- rebounds for Cleveland. Dodgers in seven games last thodox move of pulling left- Toronto took a 15-point lead season -- or the Boston Red Sox handed starting pitcher Wade into the fourth quarter, but the in the Major League Baseball’s Miley immediately after he Cavaliers cut it to nine in a 1:21 championship showcase. walked the Dodgers’ left- span on three jumpers by Kershaw, who endured the handed leadoff man Cody Bell- Clarkson. shortest post-season outing of inger in the game’s first at-bat. Serge Ibaka hit a 3-pointer Leonard led Toronto with six. quarter bumped Toronto’s lead his career in the Dodgers’ game Counsell sent in righty NBA RESULTS with 7:32 to play in the fourth Consecutive 3-pointers by to 15 points. Another Lowry one loss last week, gave up one Woodruff to take on the rest of and Toronto led by 12. Lowry and Green gave Toronto 3-pointer boosted the lead to 20 run on three hits over seven a Dodgers lineup heavy on Memphis 83 Indiana 111 The Cavaliers trailed by a 42-36 lead with 6:40 to play in with 8:33 left in the third. innings, striking out nine and right-handed hitting talent and Miami 101 Orlando 104 seven with just over three the second quarter. The Raptors Kyle Korver’s 3-pointer cut walking two. confirmed after the game that Milwaukee 113 Charlotte 112 minutes left after an Osman free opened a 13-point lead on Leon- Toronto’s lead to 13 with just Kershaw looked to be in had been his plan all along, with Atlanta 107 New York 126 throw. A dunk by Norman ard’s turnaround fadeaway with over three minutes to play in the trouble in the third, when Miley now slated to start on Cleveland 104 Toronto 116 Powell and a layup by Green 2:42 left in the half. third quarter. Orlando Arcia reached on a Friday. New Orleans 131 Houston 112 closed the scoring in the first Lowry finished the half with The Cavaliers were without single to left field and he issued After Woodruff departed Minnesota 108 San Antonio 112 quarter and gave Toronto a a layup at the buzzer, giving JR Smith (right elbow) and Larry a walk to Brewers pitcher with one out in the sixth, pinch-

Utah 123 Sacramento 117 28-25 lead. Toronto a 60-47 lead. Nance Jr. (right ankle). Toronto’s Brandon Woodruff. Lorenzo hitter Yasiel Puig lined a two- Denver 107 LA Clippers 98 Osman led Cleveland with Lowry’s 3-pointer not quite Delon Wright (adductor strain) Cain’s long single to center field strike single off reliever Corbin seven first-quarter points and two minutes into the third was also out. scored Arcia with one out in the Burns into centrefield to score frame. Kershaw struck out Machado. Christian Yelich, but issued a The Dodgers stretched the walk to Ryan Braun to load the advantage to 5-1 with two runs bases before laboring through in the seventh. The Brewers Niskanen’s goal sends Caps past Rangers eight pitches to strike out Jesus tacked on a run against reliever Aguilar to end the inning. Ryan Madson with two out in From there Kershaw would the ninth before Dodgers closer REUTERS Gallagher, who popped the puck Marchand scored for Boston. retire 12 straight, and the Kenley Jansen came on to over Blues goaltender Jake Allen Goalie Tuukka Rask, who made Dodgers bats would do enough record the last out. NEW YORK: Matt Niskanen for the game-winning goal, his 24 saves, lost to the Flames in (pictured) scored with 2:42 left fourth. regulation for the first time. in overtime to give the host Max Domi and Mike Reilly Ducks 4, Islanders 1 Washington Capitals a 4-3 each had their first goals for Ryan Kesler scored two victory over the New York Montreal, which has won three goals, and John Gibson made 34 Rangers on Wednesday night. straight. Carey Price made 23 saves to lead host Anaheim past Niskanen notched his first saves. New York. goal of the season at the right Flames 5, Bruins 2 Adam Henrique and Hampus time. Evgeny Kuznetsov fired a Michael Frolik scored twice, Lindholm also scored for the shot from the left side that New and rookie defenseman Juuso Ducks, who won for the fifth York goalie Henrik Lundqvist got Valimaki scored his first NHL time in seven games to start the a glove on but could not control. goal as Calgary cruised past vis- season. It was Kesler’s first The puck bounced away Mika Zibanejad, Jimmy Vesey iting Boston. multi-goal game since Jan. 1, from the goalie and over to and Chris Kreider. Johnny Gaudreau and 2017, when he had a hat trick Niskanen, who got behind Lun- Canadiens 3, Blues 2 Matthew Tkachuk also scored against the Philadelphia Flyers. dqvist and put it into the net. Brendan Gallagher scored for the Flames, and goalie Mike Gibson lost his shutout with The victory snapped Wash- with 10.5 seconds remaining to Smith was sensational in making 35 seconds left when Casey ington’s two-game losing streak. lift host Montreal to a win over 24 saves. The Bruins had a four- Cizikas was credited with a goal Alex Ovechkin finished with two struggling St. Louis. game winning streak snapped off a Ross Johnson deflection of Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (foreground) goals. An errant pass by St Louis in their first of four straight road a shot from the point. Thomas reacts after scoring in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Lundqvist had 34 saves for defenseman Colton Parayko was games. Greiss finished with 21 saves for the Rangers, who got goals from chipped by Tomas Tatar to Patrice Bergeron and Brad the Islanders. Brewers in Los Angeles on Wednesday.