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Friday, November 4, 2016 CRICKET Safar 4, 1438 AH Four-star Starc GULF TIMES leaves South Africa reeling at Perth SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL/QSL Al Gharafa hand Wakrah fi ft h defeat of the season Nemeth, Weiss on target for Gharafa Q Yannick Sagbo brace gives Umm Salal 2-0 win over Al Kharaitiyat

Al Gharafa celebrate their victory over Al Wakrah in the Qatar Stars League yesterday. At right, Umm Salal players exult after scoring against Al Kharaitiyat.

By Sports Reporter his header from a Mouhcine Moutouali Soufi ane. composed fi nish to give his side a de- Doha cross went straight into the hands of Al Kharaitiyat slowly found their way served lead. the keeper. The fi rst half ended score- Action from the into the tie and registered their fi rst Umm Salal began to exert their less with both sides level pegging with Al Gharafa-Al Wakrah chance fi fteen minutes on the clock. dominance and could of doubled their l Wakrah continued to lan- Al Gharafa having four shots on target match yesterday. Striker Lassina Diaby smacked a shot advantage had Hilal Mohamed’s ef- guish at the bottom of the while Al Wakrah only one. from outside the penalty box, but forts found their mark. The fi rst of Qatar Stars League after suf- In the 49th minute, Nemeth passed Umm Salal stopper Baba Malick was which was a thunderous strike from Afering their fi fth defeat in six the ball to an unmarked Weiss inside the equal to the eff ort. With 21 minutes on outside the box which rocked the matches in the Qatar Stars League yes- Al Wakrah box, but the Slovakian in- the clock a rash eff ort from Alef Santos crossbar, while the second chance was terday. ternational sent his eff ort well over the blazed well over the bar. saved by Ahmed Soufi ane. The Blue Waves have just one point bar. Al Gharafa’s persistence fi nally paid Umm Salal started to dominate pos- Reduced to pot shots, Amir Osim’s to show for their eff orts this season, off in the 62nd minute when Hungarian session and could have had the lead on side were kept at arm’s length by the yesterday’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of international Németh scored his third the 24th minute. Abdulaziz al-Yahri robust Umm Salal defence. The clos- former champions Al Gharafa adding goal of the season to give the Cheetahs was slipped through and the young est they came to equalising was in the to their misery as the competition gets the lead. midfi elder rounded keeper Ahmed 59th minute. However, midfi elder Ab- tougher by the day. The goal was a result of quick combi- Soufi ane with the goal at his mercy. dulhadi Nuaman’s shot was no match Gharafa, who held Al Sadd to a thrill- nation play as Abdulghani Muneer from Fortunately for The Thunders de- for Baba Malick in the Umm Salal goal. ing 3-3 draw last week, put on a solid the right fl ank passed to Othman Yahri fender Mohamed Abdurahman was In second half stoppage time Umm performance yesterday with Krisztián who pulled it back to Nemeth who guid- on hand to clear the ball from the goal Salal doubled their advantage from the Németh and Vladimir Weiss on target in ed the ball into the far bottom corner. line. The fi rst half was a tame aff air, penalty spot. Thunders defender Mo- the second half. In stoppage time Al Gharafa doubled with Umm Salal dominating the ball, hamed Abdurahman was adjudged to It was Gharafa who always looked their advantage from the penalty spot. yet unable to be clinical when it mat- have handled in the penalty area and likely to score. In the 24th minute, Al Wakrah’s defender Mohamed Aarafa tered. Both sides walked off with hon- the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Rashid Sumaila made a defence split- fouled Kooky Han in the box by tripping ours even at 0-0. Ulyent Bugen’s side, Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo ting pass to Johnson Kendrick who was him from behind. As a result, Aarafa was however, made a dream start in the stepped up and blasted his penalty one on one with the keeper but shot the sent off and Gharafa were awarded a comfortable 2-0 win over Al Kharaiti- chances in the game. second half taking the lead on the 47th into the goal for his second goal of the ball straight at the Wakrah keeper, Mo- penalty. Weiss stepped up for the spot- yat at Al Khor stadium. A brace from Visitors Umm Salal created the fi rst minute. evening to confi rm all three points of hammed Enyass, who slid in to make the kick and slotted it to the bottom right returning striker Yannick Sagbo gave chance of note on the fi fth minute. At- A fi ne cross Abdulaziz al-Yahri was Umm Salal. The second win of the sea- save. corner sending the keeper the other way Bülent Uygun’s side a second victory tacker Ismael Mohamed cut in from the not dealt by Kharitiyat defender Dom- son propels Umm Salal into fi fth place Al Wakrah striker Pablo Zeballos also to end the match at 2-0. of the season against a Kharaitiyat side right wing and his shot brought a good igos, and a returning Yannack Sagbo in the QSL standings with nine points had a shot on target in the fi rst half as Meanwhile, Umm Salal registered a who failed to create many clear cut save from Kharitiyat keeper Ahmed pounced at the back post, producing a from fi ve games.

BOTTOMLINE Tickets forAFC Cup fi nal go on sale from today

icket sales for the AFC Cup bers at the stadium to cheer the Ben- Members of the Qatar Indian As- 2016 fi nal between Air Force galuru team. sociation turned up to meet and greet Club of Iraq and India’s JSW In a note to community leaders, captain Sunil Chhetri and his team- TBengaluru FC will begin at heads of ICC-affi liated organisations mates in the early hours as the fl ight 4pm today at the Suheim bin Hamad and principals of Indian schools in Qa- got late by more than four hours. Stadium (Qatar Sports Club). tar, the ICC said it was issuing the ap- “We got to know that their sched- The ticket booths will open at Gate 4 peal on behalf of the Bengaluru captain uled fl ight was cancelled but there was (only for Air Force Club fans) and Gate Suni Chhetri. no question of going back from the air- 5 (only for JSW Bengaluru FC fans) Bengaluru Football Club is the fi rst port without welcoming our heroes,” from 4pm to 9pm. ever Indian club to earn the distinction Safeer, General Secretary, Qatar In- On November 5, the matchday, the of appearing in the title match of an dian Association for Sports and Games counters will be open from 4pm to 7pm Asian competition. (QIA), told www.the-aiff .com The tickets are priced at QR30 for The match will be played tomorrow Coach Albert Roca seemed over- fans while the VIP tickets can be pur- at 7pm at the Suheim bin Hamad Sta- whelmed by the enthusiasm among the chased at QR50. Each person is enti- dium. Indians living in the country. tled to purchase only a maximum of Meanwhile, a delayed fl ight did not “It was a long and tiring journey but fi ve tickets and both booths will sell deter the spirits of Indians here as they to be greeted by the members of the In- gallery, family and VIP tickets. turned out in numbers to welcome dian community despite the late arrival Meanwhile, the Indian Cultural Bengaluru FC at the Hamad Interna- was very heartening to see. I hope they Centre (ICC) has asked the Indian tional Airport early yesterday morn- turn out in big numbers on matchday The Bengaluru team pose at the Hamad International Airport yesterday. community to turn out in large num- ing. and motivate the boys even more.” Gulf Times 2 Friday, November 4, 2016 CRICKET

PERTH TEST SPOTLIGHT Brathwaite stars as Windies end Test Four-star Starc win drought leaves South Africa reeling Returning from a gruesome leg injury suff ered in training, Starc struck with the fourth ball of the match and bowled with sustained pace as the tourists struggled Pakistani cricketers pose for a photograph with the trophy after winning the Test series against the West Indies at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah yesterday.

AFP His two boundaries off Amir’s Sharjah fi nal over completed the win and a 87-ball unbeaten stay at the crease in which he scored seven est Indies secured fours and a six. their fi rst victory “We showed character and since May 2015 fi ght,” said West Indies skipper as opener Kraigg Jason Holder.”This has been a BrathwaiteW capped a brilliant long time coming, We are a young match with an unbeaten half- side in transition. century in the third Test against We’ve done a lot of things good Pakistan at Sharjah yesterday. this series.”Holder praised man of Brathwaite, who carried his bat the match Brathwaite. in the fi rst innings with 142 not “Credit must go to Kraigg.He out, was again unbeaten on 60 as played an outstanding innings in the West Indies passed their 153- the fi rst innings and took respon- run target without further loss sibility in the second and helped after beginning the fi fth day on us cross the line,” said Holder. 114 for 5. The result meant Misbah-ul-Haq Shane Dowrich, who also fi n- could not celebrate his record ished with 60 not out, edged Mo- 49th Test as Pakistan skipper hamed Amir towards third man with a win. for a boundary as West Indies He surpassed the previous mark reached 154 for 5. of 48 in charge set by the legen- Pakistan won the three-match dary all-rounder Imran Khan. series 2-1 after winning the fi rst “It’s always disappointing to lose Test in Dubai by 56 runs and the a Test,” said Misbah.”Credit to second by 133 runs in Abu Dhabi. West Indies.They kept improving Brathwaite and Dowrich need- and we kept losing momentum. ed just 7.5 overs to score the 39 We were well below our stand- runs required. ards, especially in the batting de- Brathwaite signalled his intent partment.” by driving fast bowler Wahab It was Holder’s fi rst victory in Riaz’s fi rst ball of the day to cover 12 Tests in charge and a personal for four.Dowrich soon got in on milestone as he collected his fi rst the act when he pulled leg-spin- Test fi ve-wicket haul with 5 for 30 AFP Bavuma and Philander (10) fell just be- ner Yasir Shah to the boundary to on Wednesday. Perth fore tea as Australia regained control. reduce the target to 29. It was also the West Indies fi rst PERTH SCORECARD De Kock survived two decision re- Brathwaite pushed Riaz for two win in 14 Tests since beating Eng- views and should have been run out on to reach his 12th Test fi fty, fi nish- land at Barbados on May 3, 2015. failed review capped a miser- South Africa first innings Bowling: Starc 18.4-4-71-4 (2w), Hazlewood 61, only to be the ninth wicket to fall ing with six boundaries during The 2-1 series win keeps intact able day for South Africa on the S. Cook c M. Marsh b Starc 0 17-2-70-3, Siddle 12-3-36-1, M Marsh 6-1-23-0, when he chased quick runs with the his second unbeaten knock of the Pakistan’s unbeaten record in opening day of their fi rst Test D. Elgar c Nevill b Hazlewood 12 Lyon 10-1-38-2 tail. match, during which he faced 109 their adopted home of the United against Australia at the WACA H. Amla c Smith b Hazlewood 0 Australia first innings Bavuma made a composed 51 but balls. Dowrich drove Riaz through Arab Emirates since the 2009 at- GroundA yesterday. he fell to a brilliant catch by Shaun the covers for his fi fth boundary tacks on the Sri Lankan team bus J.P. Duminy c Nevill b Siddle 11 D. Warner not out 73 After fast bowler Mitchell Starc re- F. du Plessis c Voges b Starc 37 S. Marsh not out 29 Marsh — whose brother Mitchell had to complete his fourth Test half- in Lahore forced them to play turned in style with four wickets to help T. Bavuma c S. Marsh b Lyon 51 Extras (nb3) 3 also taken a screamer to dismiss opener century. abroad. Australia dismiss South Africa for 242, Q. de Kock c S. Marsh b Hazlewood 84 Total (no wickets, 21 overs) 105 Stephen Cook (0). the visitors were denied the crucial wick- V. Philander b Starc 10 Bowling: Steyn 6-2-34-0, Philander 7-1-26- Philander (10) fell to the last ball et of David Warner in bizarre circum- K. Maharaj c Warner b Lyon 16 0 (2nb), Rabada 6-0-29-0 (1nb), Maharaj before tea, dragging an attempted pull Bangladesh PM promises new home for Hasan stances late in the day. K. Rabada not out 11 2-0-16-0 shot back onto his stumps to give Starc Seamer Vernon Philander believed he D. Steyn b Starc 4 Still to bat: U Khawaja, S Smith, A Voges, his third wicket. Dhaka: Bangladesh’s teenage minnows over England. had trapped Warner LBW for 17 with the Extras (b4, w2) 6 M Marsh, P Nevill, M Starc, P Siddle, J The day also started with an out- spin sensation Mehedi Hasan Hasan had been living with Australian total on just 19, but umpire Al- Total (all out, 63.4 overs) 242 Hazlewood, N Lyon standing Marsh catch, with Shaun’s is to have a new home built his parents in a basic home eem Dar dismissed the appeal. Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Cook), 2-5 (Amla), Toss: South Africa younger brother Mitchell leaping high for him on the orders of Prime in a working-class district of The South Africans called for a review, 3-20 (Elgar), 4-32 (Duminy), 5-81 (du Ples- Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK) and Nigel at gully to remove Cook for a duck in Minister Sheikh Hasina after Khulna but Hasina, who is a only for replays to show it was a front foot sis), 6-152 (Bavuma), 7-175 (Philander), 8-223 Llong (ENG) the first over. his match-winning heroics in keen cricket fan, told local no-ball by Philander. (Maharaj), 9-227 (de Kock), 10-242 (Steyn) TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) The South Africans were soon in the historic Test victory over authorities to build something Their frustration was exacerbated worse trouble, with Hashim Amla also England. more befitting a national hero. when further replays revealed it would falling without score when he pushed The 19-year-old off -spinner “We are now trying to find a have been out had Philander not over- fortune with some dashing strokeplay, jury suffered in training, Starc struck at a Hazlewood delivery and edged to took 12 wickets in the second good spot to build Mehedi a stepped. including a six over third man off Steyn with the fourth ball of the match and Australian skipper Steve Smith at sec- Test as Bangladesh wrapped new home following the prime At stumps on the fi rst day it was shap- where he ended up on his backside as bowled with sustained pace as the ond slip. up a 108-run victory in Dhaka minister’s directive,” Khulna ing as a costly error by Philander as the the ball sailed over the fence. tourists struggled after winning the A tough chance from Dean Elgar was on Sunday — their first ever district administrator Nazmul reprieve helped the free-hitting Warner The left-hander reached his half- toss and electing to bat. grassed on 10, but he made just two Test triumph for the cricketing Ahsan said. get through to the close to cap a tre- century in just 39 balls and now has 744 The Australian pace attack, led by more before being caught behind by Pe- mendous day for the home side. runs at 106.28 in Tests in Perth. Starc (4-71) and Josh Hazlewood (3-70), ter Nevill from the bowling of Hazlewood Australia were in a commanding po- The opening partnership was also a struck early as the Proteas slumped to with the score on just 20. sition at 105 without loss, with Warner record for Australia against South Af- 32 for 4. Middle order batsmen Temba JP Duminy never looked comfortable DEVELOPMENT on 73 and Shaun Marsh on 29, the lat- rica at the WACA Ground as the home Bavuma (51) and Quinton de Kock, who and also benefi ted from a life when he ter having battled to survive an opening team capitalised on the earlier good top-scored with an aggressive 84, rallied was on 8, but like Elgar he could not capi- salvo from paceman Dale Steyn. work of its pace bowlers. with a 71-run stand for the sixth wicket. talise and was caught behind for 11 off Warner made the most of his good Returning from a gruesome leg in- But the visitors again stumbled when Peter Siddle. Botham to become

BOTTOMLINE Durham chairman

AFP ahead,” Botham said in a club London statement. “I was fortunate enough to play for the club during its fi rst ngland great Ian Botham professional season and have al- Kohli is as good as it gets: KP is poised to become the ways taken a keen interest in the new chairman of cash- club’s fortunes and many suc- IANS a piece of advice for the young it harder, but that’s part of the strapped county side cesses,” the former all-rounder English batters, who will be up challenge of playing in India”. Durham,E the northeast club an- added. London against the formidable combo “Batsmen have got to fi nd nounced yesterday. “As someone who lives lo- of off -spinner Ravichandran themselves a boundary option Durham were relegated from cally it is an honour to have the head of the gruelling Ashwin and left-armer Ravin- in India. It’s all about rotating the First Division of the English opportunity to contribute to the fi ve-match Test rubber dra Jadeja alongside leggie Amit the strike and manoeuvring the County Championship follow- club’s future, to look forward and against India, former Mishra. fi eld. I was OK in India. I enjoyed ing the end of last season for to continue to produce the talent England batsman The 36-year-old said that it there. I made plenty of hun- receiving a £3.8mn ($4.8mn, that will serve both the county KevinA Pietersen has cautioned England will have to watch out dreds there. 4.3mn euros) bail-out from from and England well in the years his side against the batting for the doosra from the Chennai “Ashwin is a good bowler. He the England and Wales Cricket ahead,” the ex-England captain prowess of Indian skipper Virat offi e, who can single-handedly uses his variations very well, es- Board.They were also hit with a explained. Kohli, who is going through a change the course of a match in pecially the way he approaches 48-point penalty that will apply “We will work closely with the purple patch in all formats of the Indian conditions. the crease. He’s always looking at the start of next season, as well England and Wales Cricket Board game at the moment. At home, Ashwin has been in to attack and outfox a batsman,” as having their Riverside ground and Durham County Council in Considered among the top red-hot touch, picking up 153 he added. stripped of Test match status. the months ahead as we develop three batsmen in the world, wickets in 22 Tests. His 27 wick- England last toured India in Botham, who ended his play- a plan to ensure continued suc- Kohli has often drawn compari- ets, helped India complete a 3-0 2012, when they defeated the ing career with Durham and re- cess for this great club.” sons with young English batter clean sweep of New Zealand in hosts 2-1 but the upcoming se- mains based in the northeast, Durham only made their debut Joe Root, which Pieterson feels the recently concluded series. ries will be an exciting battle as intends to take up his new post as a fi rst-class county in 1992 — isn’t a fair comparison. “When I’ve played against No.1-ranked India have made after returning from commen- when Botham was a member of “Kohli is as good as it gets. He him, I could pick his doosra, so rapid strides in the longest for- tating on England’s upcoming the squad. But they have been is right up there. Root has good I was OK. But if England’s bats- mat, while England are coming tour of India for Sky television. crowned county champions numbers, but it’s unfair to even men can’t pick his doosra they’ll from a shocking defeat to Bang- “I am very privileged to be in- three times during the past eight compare Joe with Virat because serious? The way he makes big ing by ‘The Cricketer’ magazine. have issues. I was always looking ladesh. vited to accept the role of chair- years and produced several Eng- his numbers are just phenom- runs for his team so often is just With most touring teams fail- to smash his off spinner.,” Pi- The fi rst match of the series man at Durham County Cricket land players, including Stephen enal. He plays so aggressively remarkable,” the swashbuckling ing to handle spin in sub-conti- etersen said. will be played at Rajkot from Club but it is important that we Harmison, Paul Collingwood - sometimes it’s like - are you right-hander was quoted as say- nent conditions, Pietersen had “The low bounce might make November 9. all recognise the size of the task and Mark Wood. Gulf Times Friday, November 4, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT France drop Martial, striker Giroud Real and Leicester returns from injury

AFP striker Karim Benzema, suspect- Paris ed of involvement in an alleged attempt to blackmail Lyon mid- fi elder Mathieu Valbuena over a rance yesterday dropped sex tape. France host Sweden at must wait as Anthony Martial for next the Stade de France on November week’s top-of-the-table 11 and play the Ivory Coast four World Cup qualifying days later. Sweden and France are clashF home to Sweden and the top of 2018 World Cup qualifying friendly with the Ivory Coast, Group A, each with seven points but fi t-again Arsenal striker Ol- from three games. ivier Giroud returns. Coach Didier Deschamps had France squad Dortmund through a word of warning for Martial, Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola 20, who under Jose Mourinho (Paris SG), Hugo Lloris (Tot- at Manchester United has been tenham/ENG), Steve Mandanda ‘Ten points is good, but not enough. Porto are close behind us’ restricted to appearances from (Crystal Palace/ENG) the bench this season. “His club Defenders: Sebastien Corchia coach expects more from him (Lille), Lucas Digne (Barcelona/ and so do I,” said Deschamps. ESP), Laurent Koscielny (Arse- “I have not forgotten what he nal/ENG), Layvin Kurzawa (Paris has done or what he is capable of SG), Adil Rami (Seville/ESP), doing, but it’s up to him to make Djibril Sidibe (Monaco), Samuel eff orts to fi nd his best form.” Umtiti (Barcelona/ESP), Raphael Giroud missed out last time Varane (Real Madrid/ESP) because of a toe injury, but is Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Chel- back to fi tness and scored twice sea/ENG), Blaise Matuidi (Paris for Arsenal at the weekend af- SG), Dimitri Payet (West Ham/ ter coming on as a substitute at ENG), Paul Pogba (Manchester Sunderland. United/ENG), Adrien Rabiot Adrien Rabiot, 21, the Paris (Paris SG), Moussa Sissoko (Tot- Saint-Germain midfi elder who tenham/ENG). was only a reserve for Euro 2016, Attackers: Kingsley Coman comes in at the expense of Crys- (Bayern Munich/GER), Ousmane tal Palace’s Yohan Cabaye, but Dembele (Dortmund/GER), Nabil Deschamps has mostly kept the Fekir (Lyon), Kevin Gameiro same squad that suff ered home (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Olivier heartbreak at the hands of Por- Giroud (Arsenal/ENG), Antoine tugal in the Euro fi nal. There is Griezmann (Atletico Madrid/ still no place for Real Madrid ESP).

Wales manager Coleman says success drives Bale not money

Wales manager Chris Coleman said players of Gareth Bale’s calibre are driven by a desire to achieve success on the grandest stage of the world football and not the financial aspects of the game. The 27-year-old penned an extravagant new deal with Real Madrid on Sunday with media reports suggesting the influential winger will earn a weekly wage of 600,000 pounds ($740,100) on his new six-year contract. “He’s not driven by that financial thing of earning so many millions,” Coleman told British media. “What he wants to do is win the Champions League again, win La Liga, do well again with Wales, go on and get 50 goals for Wales or 100 caps. “The people like him who get to that level, that’s not really what motivates him. What motivates him is sticking the ball in the net, doing something amazing, achieving something with Wales no Dortmund’s Colombian striker Adrian Ramos (L) celebrates scoring during the UEFA Champions League Group F match against Sporting CP in Dortmund on Wednesday. (AFP) one’s ever achieved.” Coleman did describe Bale’s new deal as “crazy” but also felt it was AFP hind us. We have our destiny onto ten points – two clear of days keeps Lyon technically in of-sorts Spurs. entirely justifiable in current market conditions. Paris in our hands,” said Leicester the Spaniards. the hunt on four points. “I don’t think anyone can “It’s a ridiculous amount of money. We can’t seriously sit here and coach Claudio Ranieri, whose Ramos was playing in place Elsewhere, Tottenham Hot- work out what is wrong. We are say it’s normal to play a game of football and earn that type of side have yet to concede a goal of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang spur saw their Wembley jinx playing well but we have got to money,” he added. itleholders Real Madrid in the group. Avoiding a loss at who was suspended by the club strike again as they went down fi nish our chances and have got “But what would we do if we were off ered that amount? We’re not and English Premier the Parken Stadium means the just before kick-off . 1-0 to Bayer Leverkusen while to keep going,” Tottenham going to say no to it. That’s the going rate. It’s crazy but it’s the go- League winners Leices- shock English league title win- Sevilla, Europa League win- their White Hart Lane venue midfi elder Dele Alli told the ing rate.” ter must both wait to ners are the fi rst debut side to ners in the past three seasons, undergoes a revamp. BBC. Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales are third in their World Cup qualify- Ttake their place in the last 16 avoid defeat over their opening are as good as through but tech- The new Wembley has not “It is a matter of fi nishing off ing pool and host Group D leaders Serbia in Cardiff on November 12. of the Champions League after four encounters. nically can still be caught by proven a lucky venue for Spurs, games and getting results.” they could only manage draws In Group F, 11-times champi- Lyon. who have lost four domestic cup Monaco, already buoyed on Wednesday on a night which ons Real Madrid were held 3-3 The Spaniards on Wednes- encounters and also their open- by their earlier Wembley win, saw just Dortmund advance. by Legia Warsaw despite a goal day thanked goals from Luciano er this season against Monaco at hammered CSKA Moscow with Leicester, who had previ- in the opening minute from Vietto, Sergio Escudero, Steven English football’s headquarters. Colombian Radamel Falcao, ously rattled off three wins in Gareth Bale. N’Zonzi and Wissam Ben Yedder This time, the Londoners coming off two fl op spells in this their debut season after Karim Benzema added a sec- for a 4-0 thrashing of Group H succumbed to a Kevin Kampl England with Manchester Unit- their unlikely Premier League ond but Legia, looking for their tailenders Dinamo Zagreb goal midway through the sec- ed and Chelsea, bagging a brace title success, could only secure fi rst point, roared back with in Spain to move on to ten ond half which left Spurs two in the principality. a goalless draw at Copenhagen. goals from Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe, points. points adrift of the Germans Dortmund join Arsenal, Paris That points left the Fox- Miroslav Radovic and Thibault In the same group, Juventus and four behind Group E leaders Saint Germain, last season’s es’, who had rattled off three Moulin until Mateo Kovacic lev- also missed the chance to go Monaco. fi nalists Atletico Madrid and straight wins in this their de- elled for the defending through after they were hit by a Kampl struck after Bayern Munich in the round of but season in the competition, champions. late Lyon equaliser from Coren- Leverkusen’s former Manches- 16. now stand three points clear of Dortmund, champions in tin Tolisso in a 1-1 draw in Turin ter United striker Javier Her- The Germans’ coach Thomas Group G rivals Porto who saw 1997, thanked a fi rst half goal to slip two points behind Sevilla. nandez, who had netted seven Tuchel admitted that “we really off Club Brugge 1-0 in Portugal from Adrian Ramos for a 1-0 The draw in what was Juve goals in his last 10 Champions struggled to break them down with a Tomas Silva goal. home win over Sporting Lisbon keeper Gianluigi Buff on’s 100th League starts, spurned a gilt- and made many defensive mis- “Ten points is good, but not which guaranteed their passage Champions League appearance edged chance in the opening takes – but we are through after enough. Porto are close be- from Real’s group as they moved going back 19 years to his Parma period against a strangely out- four games.”

LA LIGA Dishevelled Barca set for another testing game

Reuters He has also won every game in Busquets produced another wor- Barcelona the league and Europe at Sevilla’s rying display in what has been an Sanchez Pizjuan stadium, only inconsistent season for the Spain losing the Spanish Super Cup midfi elder. here will be no let-up for fi rst leg against Barca in August. Luis Suarez, top scorer in the Barcelona after they were The former Chile coach has league last season with 40 goals, unravelled by the intense admitted to being heavily infl u- has found the net just twice in his pressing of Manchester enced by Pep Guardiola, Barca’s last seven games, while goalkeep- TCity, with the La Liga champi- most decorated coach ever and er Marc-Andre ter Stegen and de- ons set for a gruelling encounter the mastermind behind City’s fender Samuel Umtiti were wide- with a new look Sevilla side mar- 3-1 victory over the Catalans on ly criticised by the Spanish press shalled by attacking zealot Jorge Wednesday in Manchester. for their displays in Manchester. Sampaoli on Sunday. Luis Enrique’s side collapsed in Yet while Barca look far from The Argentine coach has the second half at the Etihad Sta- the fi nished article that romped turned Sevilla’s playing style on dium under the weight of City’s to the title last season, they have its head in little more than three probing energy and the coach a habit of bouncing back em- months in charge, ripping up will have to fi nd new ways to cope phatically, reacting to a shock predecessor Unai Emery’s for- with the similar threat Sevilla defeat to Alaves by hammering mula of defensive organisation are set to provide. Barca are still Celtic 7-0, and thrashing Depor- and counterattacking, replacing missing midfi eld maestro Andres tivo 4-0 after their last league it with a forward thinking ap- Iniesta and infl uential defender defeat to Celta. proach that prioritises posses- Gerard Pique through injury “We have to get up and keep sion and relentless harassing of while Jordi Alba is a doubt, and going. We never sit back when we opponents. their injury problems are height- win and we don’t sink when we Sampaoli has taken Sevilla to ened by an alarming loss of form lose,” said Luis Enrique. fourth in the table on 21 points, in players they often rely upon. Elsewhere, leaders Real Madrid one behind Barca in second, while Sergi Roberto, one of Barca’s host Leganes on Sunday after a his team top Champions League brightest performers this term, chaotic 3-3 draw at Legia Warsaw Group H on 10 points after easing was caught out by City, gift- on Wednesday, while third placed to a 4-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb ing the ball away for Ilkay Gun- Atletico Madrid visit Real Socie- Barcelona’s defender Javier Mascherano, strikers Lionel Messi (C) and Neymar (R) react following the UEFA Champions League group C on Wednesday. dogan’s equaliser, while Sergio dad tomorrow. match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Tuesday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Friday, November 4, 2016 FOOTBALL

APPOINTMENT QUALIFIER BACKING VIOLENCE HONOUR Inter owners fly in to elect Portugal without Pepe, Greek govt gives green light 23 arrested in Morocco Olympic gold-medal trio de Boer successor Moutinho for Latvia for FIFA to run federation post-match clashes make FIFA shortlist

The Chinese owners of Inter Milan have flown in European champions Portugal will be with- The Greek government yesterday gave legal Moroccan police have arrested 23 people after Three members of Germany’s women’s Olympic to choose a successor to Frank de Boer after the out Real Madrid defender Pepe and Monaco backing to world governing body FIFA to run clashes broke out between rival football fans gold medal winning football team were yester- Dutch coach’s unceremonious sacking earlier in midfielder Joao Moutinho for their November 13 the daily aff airs of the country’s crisis-hit soccer following a game in Tangiers, the interior min- day named on the shortlist for FIFA’s Best Fe- the week. Inter face Southampton in a must-win World Cup qualifying tussle with Latvia, coach federation (EPO). istry said yesterday. Eight policemen were hurt male Player of 2016. Bayern Munich midfielders Europa League clash when the club’s youth Fernando Santos said yesterday. Santos insisted Deputy Sports Minister Stavros Kontonis and seven police vehicles and 12 private cars Melanie Behringer and Sara Dabritz, and Lyon team coach, Stefano Vecchi, will take over on an that the Portuguese, who beat France to lift submitted in parliament the necessary amend- were damaged during Wednesday’s violence, a midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsan were among a interim basis. But with Inter languishing in 12th their first senior crown in the final of Euro 2016 ment which puts an off icial end to months ministry statement said. shortlist of ten. The list also includes last year’s place in the league and 13 points behind leaders in July, would overcome both absences. of bickering between the federation and the Those arrested, who included nine minors, were winner Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash) of the United Juventus, the Suning group – which has owned “I have absolute confidence in my players,” said Greek government over discrepancies be- in custody pending the outcome of the ongoing States and Brazilian star Marta (Rosengard), the Serie A giants since the start of the season Santos. He however warned: “Latvia are an ex- tween national laws and the independence of investigation, it said. who has won the award five times. – is desperate to quickly make a permanent perienced team who will give us problems and the federation. The clashes erupted after a semi-final in the France’s Camille Abily and Amandine Henry, appointment. According to reports former Lazio play from the back to catch us on the counter- Last month FIFA appointed a normalisation national Throne Cup, pitting local side Ittihad who both played last season for French club coach Stefano Pioli leads the race to succeed de attack.” The Selecao will have Real talisman committee to run EPO and to revise the rel- Tanger against Moghreb Fes at Stade de Tanger. Lyon, who achieved the triple of the women’s Boer, who was sacked following a 1-0 defeat at Ronaldo, injured in the early stages of their evant regulations to bring them into line with The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but the local Champions League, French league and Cup Sampdoria, Inter’s fifth loss in 11 outings. Paris final triumph, to call on in attack. FIFA standards. team was eliminated. titles.

SPOTLIGHT BUNDESLIGA Hoff enheim eye Bayern upset as WC plan would keep leaders clash

Reuters “We still have room for im- Berlin provement and are far from the fi nished article,” the 21-year- old Germany international ince Hoff enheim last added. dream alive for more met Bayern Munich in a Hoff enheim’s fi ve-game top-of-the-table clash winning run cannot be during their Bundes- matched by Bayern, who have ligaS debut season eight years won their last two matches ago, Julian Nagelsmann’s side following a pair of surprising have spent more time battling draws. to stay in the top fl ight than However, Carlo Ancelotti’s fi ghting for a spot in Europe. team appear to have overcome teams, says Infantino Hoff enheim topped the ta- that minor blip while also se- ble after a fast start to that curing a berth in the Cham- 2008-09 campaign and they pions League knockout stage ‘...the perception often is that there is something strange happening with these transfers’ will fancy their chances of an with a midweek win over PSV upset in Munich on Saturday, Eindhoven. which they go into unbeaten Last season’s Bundesliga Reuters in the league, just like Bayern, top-scorer Robert Lewand- Zurich and on a fi ve-match winning owski is also hitting top form run. again, netting twice against The visitors sit third in the Eindhoven, after a short goal IFA president Gianni standings on 19 points, four drought that lasted a few Infantino says his plan behind Bayern, having won weeks. to expand the World fi ve and drawn four of their The Polish marksman now Cup soccer fi nals is less nine league games so far, but has 14 goals in 15 matches in all drasticF than his critics suggest, they have never succeeded in competitions and will be the and would create more excite- beating the Bavarians in 16 main danger to Hoff enheim’s ment for fans, broadcasters and previous encounters. defence. sponsors. Boasting the third most po- “After Euro 2016, I had The Swiss-Italian was elected tent attack in the league, Hof- a very short pre-season,” president of the sport’s world fenheim will be hoping to give Lewandowski said. “So I had a governing body in February, Bayern a run for their money phase when I did not feel that having promised as part of his just as Cologne did when they good. That is normal with such campaign to expand the World snatched an unexpected draw a short pre-season training. Cup from 32 teams to 40. in Munich last month. “But it is going really well at In October, however, he sug- “Cologne showed us you the moment... and I aim to do gested that from 2026 the tour- don’t have to leave Munich what I know best and that is to nament could have 48 teams, empty-handed,” said defender score goals.” although 16 of those would be Niklas Suele, whose powerful Second-placed RB Leipzig, eliminated after a single game. header earned Hoff enheim a two points behind Bayern, host The plan has attracted fi erce 1-0 victory over Hertha Berlin Mainz 05 on Sunday, while criticism. Germany coach last week. Borussia Dortmund, in sixth Joachim Loew expressed con- “We will also try to get spot and without a league win cern about a “watering-down something out of the game. We since September, travel to bot- of quality”, while the chief ex- are in very good form and want tom side Hamburg SV, who are ecutive of leading German side to stay up there where we are. still looking for their fi rst win. Borussia Dortmund described it as “complete insanity”. But Infantino told Reuters in an interview it was simply a case FIFA could sanction Ireland of holding a round of playoff matches before the tournament for political symbol proper. In eff ect, he said he was FIFA could punish Republic of Ireland for wearing a political proposing a 32-team tournament symbol during a friendly in March, a spokesperson for the world preceded by a knockout round body said yesterday. Ireland’s commemoration of the 100th an- which would be held in the same FIFA president Gianni Infantino gestures during an interview at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich yesterday. (Reuters) niversary of the country’s Easter Uprising on their shirts has be- country as the tournament itself. come more sensitive with England and Scotland locked in a bat- “Actually, it is 32 teams but the tournament’s atmosphere. playoff games would go through of players by rich clubs. troduce a fi nal round of two-leg tle with FIFA over the wearing of poppies in tribute to war dead. with an additional playoff round “If we shift the last November to join 16 teams already sure of “Whether it’s true or not, the intercontinental playoff s played A FIFA spokesperson said “The disciplinary committee of FIFA where you can bring in teams date into June, then we move their places thanks to superior perception often is that there home-and-away. is evaluating the matter” of Ireland’s shirt. The spokesperson from diff erent confederations the whole perception of 16 more results in the qualifying stage. is something strange happen- “That is also an option but if added that there is no specific date for a decision on whether and make sure the best 32 qualify countries in the world. The rest of the tournament ing with these transfers,” the you stage a playoff outside the formal action will be taken. Ireland had the years 1916-2016 on for the group stage,” he said. “It is the World Cup fever would take place as usual, with 46-year-old Swiss-Italian law- World Cup atmosphere, you their jerseys for the March 25 friendly against Switzerland. The qualifying competition you can create in a country from eight groups of four. yer said. have not really qualifi ed for the England and Scotland have used the Ireland example in their for a World Cup ends the pre- November until June, and this In the interview, Infantino also “It is important if you move a World Cup; if you qualify for the negotiations with FIFA over whether they can wear poppies ceding November, but Infan- brings in kids who register in said he wanted to bring great- few billion dollars in one or two World Cup, it’s a much bigger on black armbands when they play each other in a World Cup tino said his plan would keep clubs, broadcasters who go to er transparency to the sport’s months, you must make sure event,” he said. qualifier on November 11, which is Armistice Day and the tradi- the alive the dream of qualifying the local association, sponsors, murky multi-billion-dollar that every happens in a clean A single match playoff would tional day for Britons to pay tribute to their war dead. FIFA has until June for an extra 16 teams, the whole football movement in transfer system and supported way.” also give a better chance of up- rejected the poppy saying it is a political symbol. FIFA sources compared with the present sys- a country is really boosted.” the idea of introducing squad He said an alternative system sets, he said. “In a one-off match said Ireland did not need to ask permission for a friendly. tem, and allow them a taste of The winners of the 16 initial size limits to stop the ‘hoarding’ for the World Cup could be to in- anything can happen.”

EPL From Barcelona to ‘Boro, City go back to basics

Reuters celona, but if you lose at the fi ne form to keep the clean sheet, in midweek Champions League London weekend it doesn’t matter (what and their defence is the seventh action, while high-scoring Liv- happened in the Champions tightest in the top fl ight. erpool take on Watford at An- League),” De Bruyne told report- If it is eight years since Sven fi eld with a chance to go top if fter beating the ‘best ers. Goran Eriksson’s City lost 8-1 others stumble. team in the world’, “We have to do the same as we at the Riverside, home fans will Manchester United travel to playing lowly Mid- did in these two games and try to have fresher memories of ‘Boro’s Swansea and champions Leices- dlesbrough on a No- win against Middlesbrough to go January 2015 2-0 FA Cup fourth ter City are at home to West Bro- vemberA afternoon in the north into the international break with round win at the Etihad while mwich Albion. of England should bring Premier a good series and try to maintain the visitors were still in the sec- The Chelsea game will be a League leaders Manchester City top spot in the league,” added the ond tier. return to Stamford Bridge for nicely back to earth. inspirational Belgian midfi elder. The game will mark a return Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, Tomorrow’s home game may “It is very diffi cult. Everybody to old haunts for former City who will jump at the chance to look like three easy, if unglam- will give everything they have forward Alvaro Negredo, who overtake Diego Costa at the top orous, points after City’s 3-1 got against us. We have to do joined Middlesbrough from Va- of the league’s goalscorer stand- Champions League heroics what we know how to do. The lencia on loan in July, but the ings. against Barcelona but midfi eld- game against Middlesbrough is visitors are without suspended Lukaku, who joined Everton er Kevin De Bruyne is warning going to be another tough test.” Uruguayan playmaker Gaston from Chelsea on a permanent against complacency. While City are top of the ta- Ramirez. deal in 2014 after a season on Tuesday’s stunning victory ble from Arsenal and Liverpool If the City game will be the loan, has seven league goals to followed a 4-0 thrashing of West on goal diff erence, Aitor Kara- tomorrow’s highlight, Chelsea’s Costa’s eight. Bromwich Albion in the league nka’s promoted side are 15th and home clash with Everton in the The Belgian international last weekend, a result that ended would be happy to beat the odds late kickoff should also be a siz- scored twice when the sides last a sequence of six matches with- and take a point. zler. met at Goodison in the FA Cup in out a win and Pep Guardiola’s Middlesbrough held Arsenal The North London derby be- March but fourth-placed Chel- worst run as a manager. to a goalless draw at the Emirates tween Arsenal and Tottenham sea are reinvigorated under An- “Obviously everyone will talk in October, with former Barce- Hotspur is the pick of the Sun- tonio Conte and have won four of about it because it was Bar- lona goalkeeper Victor Valdes in day fi xtures, with both sides also their last fi ve games. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. (Reuters) Gulf Times Friday, November 4, 2016 5 SPORT

BASEBALL/WORLD SERIES NHL Voracek scores in OT to lift Flyers over Cubs edge Indians Red Wings 4-3

By Sam Carchidi It marked the seventh time The Philadelphia Inquirer in 11 games that the Flyers had erased at least a two-goal defi cit. Chris VandeVelde had cut De- or certainties, look no troit’s lead to 2-1 with 6:21 left to end 108-year further than death, tax- in the second period, taking a es, and Flyers home wins right-wing feed from Schenn against the Detroit Red and making a slick forehand-to- Wings.F backhand move to score his fi rst The Flyers continued their goal since Dec. 21 – 55 games ago. uncanny Wells Fargo Center It had been a whirlwind 24 domination of the Red Wings on hours for VandeVelde, who got Wednesday night. little sleep the previous day be- title drought Dramatically. cause he was at the hospital as Jake Voracek scored on a one- his wife delivered their second timer from the right circle with 3 child, a daughter named Larkin. ‘It’s all surreal. I don’t have the words to describe how I feel right now’ minutes, 19 seconds left in over- “I’m a little tired, but by game time, lifting the Flyers to a rivet- time, I’ll be ready to go,” Vande- ing 4-3 win over the stunned Red Velde said after Wednesday’s AFP Wings. morning skate. Cleveland Claude Giroux set up the goal, After he got the Flyers close, giving him points in 10 straight VandeVelde said, “I’m glad I can games, a personal best. contribute and score a goal for nding America’s long- It was their 12th straight reg- her.” est sports title drought ular-season home win over De- Schenn’s assist was the 200th in dramatic fashion, the troit since 1997. (The Red Wings point of his career. He dropped Chicago Cubs captured did beat the host Flyers in two down from the fi rst to fourth theirE fi rst World Series since 1997 Stanley Cup Finals games.) line after the fi rst period, trading 1908 by defeating the Cleve- The Flyers (5-5-1) have a two- places with Dale Weise. land Indians 8-7 in a 10-inning game winning streak for the fi rst Dylan Larkin and Andreas thriller that concluded yester- time this season. Detroit (6-4-1) Athanasiou scored 16 seconds day morning. suff ered its third straight loss, a apart to give Detroit a 2-0 fi rst- The Cubs took Major League skid that followed a six-game period lead. Baseball’s best-of-seven fi nal winning streak. Later in the period, Schenn 4-3 ending what had been an With 62 seconds remaining in appeared to elbow Brendan iconic 107-year run of failure, regulation and the Flyers goalie Smith in the head. He was not frustration and futility. pulled for an extra attacker, Mark assessed a penalty, but may have But the historic victory came Streit tied it at 3-3 after a wild a hearing with the NHL’s disci- only after Chicago squandered a scramble in front. Detroit chal- plinary czars. four-run lead and looked ready lenged the call, claiming Brayden Turnovers in their own end several times for another heart- Schenn interfered with goalie plagued the Flyers in the open- breaking stumble. Petr Mrazek. But the goal stood. ing period, one that included “This trumps everything. I Schenn was pushed into Mrazek Mrazek’s save on Nick Cousin’s am so happy,” Cubs slugger Kris by Detroit’s Frans Nielsen. breakaway with the game score- Bryant said. Veteran centre Henrik Zetter- less and about 15 minutes left in “That’s one of the best games berg got behind Giroux, took a the session. anyone will ever see.” slick pass from Tomas Tartar, Late in the period, Larkin Ben Zobrist doubled in the and scored from the right circle made a dazzling move to get past go-ahead run in the 10th inning with 11:42 remaining to put De- the Flyers’ defense, but his bad- and Miguel Montero added a troit ahead, 3-2. angle shot kissed off the post. bases-loaded single for an 8-6 Defenseman Radko Gudas lost The Flyers have been out- Cubs lead after teams endured a the puck in the neutral zone to scored in the fi rst period, 13-4, in 17-minute rain delay following a put the play in motion. the fi rst 11 games. Detroit hasn’t 6-6 deadlock in regulation About four minutes before won a regular-season game at play. Zetterberg’s fi rst goal of the sea- the Wells Fargo Center for the “It’s unbelievable,” said Zo- son, Flyers rookie winger Roman fi rst time since Jan. 25, 1997. brist, who was named the Most Lyubimov picked an opportune Valuable Player. time to score the fi rst tally of his RESULTS “Most teams would have young NHL career, depositing a Canadiens 3 Canucks 0 folded after we lost that lead. rebound with 16:09 left to knot Flyers 4 Red Wings 3 (OT) “I can’t believe after 108 years the score at 2-all. Penguins 5 Ducks 1 we’re able to hoist the trophy.” One out from victory, with Cubs fans chanting “We’re number one,” Cleveland’s Bran- don Guyer walked and Rajai Davis, who homered to equalise in the eighth, singled to pull the Indians within the fi nal Chicago Cubs players celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of World Series yesterday. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports margin. But Michael Martinez ‘Best feeling in the world’ The Cubs, who had not been closing reliever Aroldis Chap- died down when Dexter Fowler, grounded out to third to end Dexter Fowler, Javier Baez to the World Series since 1945, man surrendered a run-scoring hitting only.160 over six Series Cleveland’s fi nal threat and a and David Ross blasted solo claimed their third crown over- double to Guyer and a two-run games, blasted a leadoff home roar erupted from Cubs fans as home runs and Bryant scored all after 1907 and 1908. They homer to Davis that equalised run over the centre fi eld wall, players began to celebrate. twice as the Cubs, long known had dropped seven consecutive at 6-6. becoming the fi rst leadoff batter “We got it done. That’s all as lovable losers and evento win World Series appearances from “We never quit,” Cubs man- to homer in a World Series sev- that matters. It doesn’t matter the title considered cursed, be- 1910 to 1945. Heartache grew for ager Joe Maddon said. “Every- enth game. how,” Cubs pitcher Jon Lester came the fi rst team since 1985 to supporters of the Indians, who thing was going perfectly until Cleveland equalised in the said. rally from a 3-1 Series defi cit — last won the World Series in Davis hit that home run. Then third on a run-scoring single by “It’s all surreal. I don’t have the fi rst club since 1979 to do it 1948. Their wait now becomes we had to go to plan B, C, D.” Rizzo, but the Cubs answered the words to describe how I feel by taking the last two games on baseball’s longest title drought. in the fourth on Addison Rus- right now.” the road. “That was an incredible game Kluber clobbered early sell’s sacrifi ce fl y and Willson After more than a century — “This is best feeling in the to be a part of,” Indians manager Cleveland’s Corey Kluber, Contreras added a run-scoring 39,466 days — and a fi nal game world,” Cubs fi rst baseman An- Terry Francona said. “It’s go- who won the opener and game double. Baez added a homer and of gut-wrenching tension, the thony Rizzo said. “Lot of people ing to hurt. It hurts because we four, lacked the mystifying ar- Rizzo a run-scoring single for a Cubs were once again World had written us off this series and care. But they need to walk with ray of throws he dazzled Cubs 5-1 Cubs lead. Series champions. Thousands last series. For us to come back their head held high because batters with before and paid the A wild pitch by Lester in the stayed after the game to cheer from 3-1 and fi nish this off in they tried until there was noth- price quickly. fi fth allowed two Cleveland Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek reacts after allowing game and sing “Let’s Go Cubbies,” extra innings (was amazing). We ing left.” A “Let’s Go Cubs” chant runs to score but Ross added a winning goal by Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (not even after heavy rains returned are world champions for the rest The Cubs led 6-3 and were from thousands of Chicago fans solo homer, setting up Cleve- pictured) during the overtime period at Wells Fargo Center. to soak them. of our lives.” four outs from victory when ace among 38,104 spectators barely land’s rally in the eighth. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NBA Bulls, Hawks suff er fi rst loss of the season

AFP quarter. The Celtics aren’t forget- Williams wasn’t a factor for the Los Angeles ting that Kelly Olynyk is still out Lakers until the fourth quarter following shoulder surgery. when he missed just one shot. He “That was a good win,” said Celt- scored 16 of his 18 points in the fi - he short-handed Boston ics coach Brad Stevens, who added nal quarter and the Lakers handed Celtics avenged last week’s that his team’s injuries “are a great the Hawks their fi rst loss after three loss to the previously un- opportunity for everybody else.” decisive wins. defeated Chicago Bulls and The Bulls slumped to their fi rst “Lou doesn’t get discouraged,” Tthe Los Angeles Lakers spoiled the loss of the season after knotting the Walton said. “He and Nick, they al- perfect record of the high-fl ying score at 100-100 with a late 6-0 ways think the next one is going in. Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. scoring surge. But they were shut For a while there, I was wondering if The Celtics blew a 16-point out in the fi nal two minutes. the next one was ever going to go in.” fourth quarter lead but managed to One free throw by Amir Johnson D’Angelo Russell scored 23 points hold on for a 107-100 win in an early and a determined drive by Thomas for the Lakers, and Nick Young had season rematch, while the Hawks gave Boston (3-1) a three-point lead. 17 points, including a clinching suff ered a shock loss to the lowly After former Celtics guard Rajon three-pointer with 17 seconds re- Lakers 123-116 after dominating in Rondo shot an airball for the Bulls, maining. their fi rst three contests of the sea- the Celtics used a runner by Marcus Dwight Howard had 31 points and son. Smart to put the game away. 11 rebounds, and Tim Hardaway Not only did the Celtics blow the In Atlanta, it was a memorable scored 26 for the Hawks. big lead but they were missing two of homecoming for veteran guard Lou Results their starters Wednesday in Al Hor- Williams who scored 16 of his 18 Toronto 113 Washington 103 ford and Jae Crowder. points in the fourth quarter as the Charlotte 109 Philadelphia 93 “We got a lot of good players that Lakers pinned the fi rst loss on the Brooklyn 109 Detroit 101 can step in at any time,” Celtics Hawks. Houston 118 NY Knicks 99 guard Isaiah Thomas said. “I think “Some of the shots Lou hit, he LA Lakers 123 Atlanta 116 that’s our strength, our depth, and just bailed us out on,” Lakers coach Memphis 89 New Orleans 83 (OT) we’re just going to keep going.” Luke Walton said. “Good teams Boston 107 Chicago 100 Horford is sidelined because of a clamp down in the fourth quarter, Utah 97 Dallas 81 concussion, and they lost Crowder making it hard. Lou just created on Phoenix 118 Portland 115 (OT) Amir Johnson (No 90) of the Boston Celtics drives against Taj Gibson of the Chicago Bulls during the third quarter of their NBA match to a sprained ankle in the second his own.” Oklahoma City 85 LA Clippers 83 in Boston. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Friday, November 4, 2016 SPORT

GOLF / TURKISH AIRLINES OPEN RUGBY New-look Coetzee grabs Springboks to lead while Willett face Barbarians AFP London

outh Africa will fi eld a re- vamped side against the Bar- goes roller-coaster barians at London’s Wem- bley Stadium tomorrow after coachS Allister Coetzee unveiled his Coetzee grabbed a spot after many withdrawals, including Stenson and McIlroy matchday squad for the Springboks’ European tour opener yesterday. AFP By tradition, matches against the Belek, Turkey invitational side are non-cap en- counters and, with South Africa staying in London to play England at asters champion Danny Twickenham the following weekend, Willett produced a roller- Coetzee has decided to rest the bulk coaster round as George of his fi rst-choice team. Coetzee made the most of Instead, there are nine uncapped Mhis “lucky” opportunity to lead after players in the matchday 23, with day one of the $7mn Turkish Airlines wings Sergeal Petersen and Jamba Open yesterday. Ulengo, centres Francois Venter and The 30-year-old South African Rohan Janse van Rensburg, fl anker match has been given added interest Coetzee recorded a blistering seven- Roelof Smit and lock RG Snyman all by the fact the Barbarians’ starting under-par 64 for a one-stroke lead in in the starting XV. line-up features four South African superb scoring conditions in Belek on Only three forwards that started players the Turkish coast, his lowest European South Africa’s record 47-15 loss to “The Barbarians play an attacking, Tour round since a 64 on the opening world champions New Zealand in adventurous style of rugby and it will round of the 2014 Qatar Masters. Durban last month — fl anker Oupa be a real test for our young side,” said Coetzee, 160 in the world, was eight Mohoje, lock Pieter-Steph du Toit Coetzee after announcing his side in under through 16 holes but he dropped and prop Tendai Mtawarira have been London. a shot at the par-four 17th for his only retained. “They have an excellent, world-re- blemish of the round. With no foreign-based players nowned coach in Robbie Deans, excit- The three-time European Tour win- available for the match as it falls out- ing young players in their side, includ- ner initially had not qualifi ed for the side World Rugby’s designated win- ing some South Africans,” he added showpiece because he is ranked 85th on dow for international fi xtures, Lou- of a Barbarians side where Stormers the Race to Dubai money list. rens Adriaanse returns at tighthead fl y-half Robert du Preez, Lions hooker But he grabbed a spot following a prop. Akker van der Merwe, Hurricanes prop number of high-profi le withdrawals, Meanwhile, Snyman will partner Reggie Goodes and Lions lock Martin including the Ryder Cup trio of Henrik Du Toit, the newly-crowned South Muller will all be looking to star against Stenson, Rory McIlroy and Hazeltine Africa Rugby Player of the Year, in the their compatriots. winning hero Patrick Reed. second row. “It will be a really big occasion for McIlroy opted out because of secu- In the back row, Smit replaces the our young players, but we’re excited rity fears, but Willett made it and had injured Francois Louw at openside to be giving them an opportunity. six birdies, two bogeys and a 10th hole fl anker. “In ideal circumstances I would’ve double bogey to share 21st place on two Fly-half Patrick Lambie, captain- preferred to give every player in the under par. ing the side in the absence of the squad a run, but this tour was also Willett arrived in Turkey lying sec- rested Adriaan Strauss, forms a new about introducing players who are ond on the Race to Dubai and can re- half-back pairing with scrum-half on our radar for the future, while also gain the leading money list position by Rudy Paige. introducing them to the Springbok fi nishing fi fth or higher in this week’s Jesse Kriel, who impressed as a way and ethos,” Coetzee explained. 78-player fi eld. centre during South Africa’s run to This will be the Barbarians’ eighth Coetzee was just happy to be there. the semi-fi nals of last year’s World match against South Africa since “I just feel really lucky to get into this Cup in England, make his fi rst their inaugural encounter in 1952, event this week and I’m just trying to Springbok start at fullback. with the invitational team 4-3 up in make the most of it,” he said. South Africa have lost fi ve of their the series following a 26-20 win in “I’ve been missing a lot of cuts but nine Tests in 2016 and Saturday’s 2010. actually playing better the past three or England’s Danny Willett arrived in Turkey lying second on the Race to Dubai and can regain the leading money list position by four weeks. finishing fifth or higher in this week’s 78-player field. (AFP) “The swing started to click a couple SPOTLIGHT of weeks ago and I started shooting game has been really good,” he said. ROUND I SCORES (DEN), Thongchai Jaidee (THA) better scores and hitting better shots, “I felt like I played really, really nicely 64 — George Coetzee (RSA) 68 — Marc Warren (SCO), Justin Walters so it was just a question of putting eve- in Portugal (last month) and couldn’t 65 — Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) (RSA), Johan Carlsson (SWE), Julien rything together.” really get it going, but felt like I was 66 — Jorge Campillo (ESP), Li Haotong Quesne (FRA), An Byeong Hun (KOR), Halfpenny back, Liam If Coetzee were to win he would jump playing really well.” (CHN); Bernd Wiesberger (AUT), Matteo Scott Hend (AUS) to 13th on the Race to Dubai. Spain’s Jorge Campillo hit a hole-in- Manassero (ITA) 69 — Nino Bertasio (ITA), Romain Wattel Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen didn’t one at the 14th to share third with Chi- 67 — Felipe Aguilar (CHI), David Horsey (FRA), Paul Lawrie (SCO), Robert Rock Williams misses out drop a shot in a round of 65 to be in sec- na’s Li Haotong, Bernd Wiesberger of (ENG), Wang Jeunghun (KOR), Pablo (ENG), Soren Kjeldsen (DEN), Lee Slattery ond place. Austria and Italy’s Matteo Manassero, Larrazabal (ESP), David Drysale (SCO), (ENG), Gregory Havret (FRA), Danny Wil- “I felt like the last few weeks my two shots off the lead. David Lipsky (USA), Lucas Bjerregaard lett (ENG), Raphael Jacquelin (FRA) AFP and Irish Lions. Cardiff , United Kingdom “We have a vast amount of experi- ence in the squad, we’ve trained re- BOTTOMLINE ally well over the last two weeks and ull-back Leigh Halfpenny are really excited for Saturday. will start his fi rst interna- “With losing Sam Warburton, tional Test in 14 months Taulupe Faletau and Alun Wyn Jones, when Wales take on Australia we have spoken a lot about the lead- PGA muscles in on Asia’s eastern promise tomorrow.F ership group this week and their im- The goal-kicking Toulon back portance on the fi eld.” AFP with its fi rst event outside mainland will line up at 15, Scarlets rival Liam On the bench, Scott Baldwin, Shanghai China, in Hong Kong. Williams missing out on selection Nicky Smith and Tomas Francis make “We have the number one brand, the through injury. up the front-row replacements with best players and the highest purses,” In the absence of captain Sam uncapped Hill and James King com- merica’s PGA Tour has mus- said Johnson. “We are very fortunate in Warburton, loose-head prop Gethin pleting the forward contingent. Ga- cled in to become the biggest that there is a tremendous amount of Jenkins will skipper an experienced reth Davies, Sam Davies and Hallam player on the Asian golf scene interest in PGA Tour we because we are side despite Taulupe Faletau (injured) Amos provide the backline cover. after establishing a three- the top of the pyramid. and lock Alun Wyn Jones (family be- tournamentA swing worth nearly $26mn “So it’s a pretty logical business reavement) also sitting out the game AUSTRALIA NAME POCOCK AT along with a growing feeder circuit in strategy to continue to grow our busi- at Cardiff ’s Principality Stadium. BLINDSIDE FOR WALES CLASH China. ness around the world.” It will be the seventh time that David Pocock will make his fi rst start Next October, the world’s richest And that includes the potentially Jenkins, Wales’ most capped player at blindside fl anker for Australia to- golf tour will sanction three tourna- huge market in the world’s most popu- of all time, will lead his country, with morrow. ments in South Korea, Malaysia and lous nation, China. Wales going on to play Japan, Argen- With Dean Mumm out because of China with purses that will tempt many tina and South Africa in their No- a one-week suspension, Wallabies of the sport’s top players. ‘OWN DIME, OWN TIME’ vember Test schedule. coach Michael Cheika has opted to The PGA Tour is also opening an of- Golf chiefs received a fright a year ago The experienced starting XV can shift Pocock into the number six jer- fi ce in Tokyo while the PGA Tour China, when the ruling Communist Party ap- boast 802 caps between them but sey for the fi rst time in his 61-Test which helps put players on the road to peared to ban its 88mn members from there are two uncapped players named career. securing American playing rights, is the sport. But in April this year party amongst the replacements in Ospreys It will be the tireless fl anker’s fi rst steadily expanding. leaders rowed back from their position fl y-half Sam Davies and Newport Test start since breaking his hand Last week’s unveiling of the $9.25mn Hideki Matsuyama of Japan poses with the winner’s trophy after the final round of on a sport which Mao Zedong had once Gwent Dragons lock Cory Hill. in the 36-20 win over Argentina on CJ Cup in South Korea completes a the WGC-HSBC Champions golf tournament in Shanghai on Sunday. (AFP) proscribed as a “sport for millionaires”. Captain Jenkins will pack down September 17. three-event Asian swing, also includ- “There is no right or wrong about alongside Scarlets pair Ken Owens Tevita Kuridrani joins Pocock as ing the $7mn CIMB Classic in Kuala Matsuyama dominated the world’s best and it energised the market place for playing golf, as it’s just a sport,” the of- and Samson Lee in the front-row, the only other change to the starting Lumpur and the elite, $9.5mn WGC- players to become the fi rst Asian to PGA Tour-quality golf. And we are ba- fi cial newspaper of China’s anti-cor- with Bradley Davies and Luke Char- XV with the Brumbies centre earning HSBC Champions in Shanghai. win a World Golf Championship at the sically building on that momentum,” ruption agency said. teris linking up in the second row. the number 13 jersey in the absence of It comes after the collapse of merger WGC-HSBC Champions. Gilligan added. “The party made a clarifi cation,” Ross Moriarty packs down at No 8 Samu Kerevi. talks between the European Tour, the The US PGA Tour fi rst dipped its toes explained the Beijing-based Gilligan, and is joined in the back-row back Kuridrani will partner Reece PGA’s closest rival, and the Asian Tour, ‘YOU FELT THE ENERGY’ tentatively into Asian waters in 1995 “that there is nothing wrong with golf Ospreys duo Dan Lydiate and Justin Hodge in the centres, as the sixth dif- who opted for a watered-down “strate- The European Tour has lost one of their when it staged the World Cup of Golf in for party members and government of- Tipuric. ferent midfi eld partnership for the gic alliance” instead. fl agship tournaments in Asia, Shang- the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. fi cials. “You just have to play on your Ospreys half-backs Rhys Webb Wallabies in 2016. “Our players now have an oppor- hai’s $7mn BMW Masters which disap- It returned with the World Cup in own dime and your own time.” and Dan Biggar start their sixth suc- Uncapped Waratahs hooker Tolu tunity to come over and play three peared from the schedule this year. various incarnations to Malaysia in The boost for golf in China came just cessive international alongside each Latu was named on the replacements events,” Paul Johnson, PGA Tour ex- But last year’s successful staging 1999, Japan in 2001 and China from a few months before Feng Shanshan other, with fi ve Lions named in the bench, hoping to become the Walla- ecutive vice-president international of the Presidents Cup team event in 2007-2011. won bronze as the sport returned to the outside backs: Jamie Roberts part- bies’ 12th debutant of 2016. aff airs, told AFP during last week’s Incheon, South Korea, opened the eyes The build-up has been slow, and it Rio Olympics. ners Jonathan Davies in midfi elds, James Slipper and Scott Fardy WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai. of the PGA Tour which is transitioning took until 2009 for the HSBC Champions “Obviously being in the Olympics is while Halfpenny makes his fi rst ap- are the other new inclusions on the “Not all of them get into the WGC- to new leadership under Jay Monahan. to be added to the PGA schedule when it a great thing and China loves Olympic pearance for Wales since September bench, with the Queensland Reds HSBC so for those that don’t, it is more “We had the Presidents Cup there in became a WGC event. A year later, the sports,” said Gilligan. 2015 alongside George North and prop recalled for his fi rst Test since attractive (to have) two events with no 2015 and it was fantastic, you felt the CIMB Classic in Malaysia followed. “A Chinese athlete brought home a Alex Cuthbert. October 1. cut so guaranteed FedEx Cup points.” energy, the enthusiasm, the crowds, it But by this time next year, the PGA bronze medal. That was fabulous for “It’s great to welcome back Leigh After the Cardiff clash Australia Along with the new offi ce in To- was really off the chart,” said Johnson. Tour will have as many tournaments in golf.” Halfpenny, Dan Lydiate and Alex face Tests against Scotland, France, kyo, the PGA Tour is also sanctioning Greg Gilligan, PGA Tour vice-pres- Asia as on the spring swing in Florida, Johnson agreed China’s apparent Cuthbert who missed the New Zea- Ireland and England, plus a midweek its fi rst tournament in Japan, the 2017 ident and Greater China manager, the tour’s home state where many top change of heart could not have come at land tour plus George North and match with the French Barbarians. Japan Airlines Championships on the agreed that the Presidents Cup had players also live. a better time. Gethin Jenkins who left the tour early The Wallabies will be aiming for a seniors’ tour. been the major catalyst behind the sud- Three years ago the PGA Tour China “You know it may take a while to go with injury,” said Wales coach Rob second Grand Slam over the Home The timing couldn’t have been better den expansion in Asia. feeder series was launched, and that back to crazy growth,” he said. “But it Howley, in charge following Warren Nations, their previous success com- as on Sunday, Japan’s rising star Hideki “That was such a great tournament will also break new ground Thursday feels like we’re back on the right path.” Gatland’s secondment to the British ing back in 1984. Gulf Times Friday, November 4, 2016 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING Samaa leads Umm Qarn one-two in Al Hamla Cup Trainer Ibrahim al-Malki saddles four winners in the seven-race card

By Sports Reporter Doha

mm Qarn and trainer Alban de Mieulle notched up a one-two in the Al Hamla Cup, a race for three-year-old Pure- bred Arabians, with Samaa winning Uon her debut at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. The mile-long feature race on turf saw Majd Al Arab’s daughter, with Gaetan Faucon at the helm, fi nish ahead of Jean Baptiste Hamel’s ride Sehab, also making his debut in Qatar. Another Majd Al Arab progeny, Jalwa Al Jazeera, ridden by Gerald Avranche, completed the top three. Meanwhile, Ibrahim al-Malki spent a pro- ductive day at offi ce saddling four winners, with Alberto Sanna riding three of those in a seven- race card. Mowhoubat Al Zaidy, ridden by the Italian, picked up right from where she had left last season — with a win in the mile-long Purebred Arabian Handicap event for horses rated 90 and below. The seven-year-old had fi nished her previ- ous season with a win in May, and yesterday she edged out Zuhair Mohsen-trained Khattab for her sixth career victory and third on turf, while Hassan al-Matwi’s colt Dheeb Al Shajaa com- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) vice-chief steward Abdullah Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) pleted the podium. presents the trainer’s trophy to Alban de Mieulle after Samaa won the Al Hamla Cup at the QREC Earlier in the day, Sanna was at the helm of yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Al-Kubaisi presents the trophy to jockey Gaetan Faucon for the Al Hamla Cup win. two al-Malki-schooled horses, who shed their maiden status, Stefano Ibido In the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, Race 2: 1. Sky Metro (Alberto Sanna), 2. Al he was astride Sky Metro, who fi nished a lit- Jazeera (Saleem Golam), 3. Bunoa Sera Al Naif tle over a length ahead of Al Jazeera, ridden by (Marvin Suerland), 4. Mahbooba (Stephan Lad- Saleem Golam, to post her fi rst career victory in jadj). Won by: 1 1/4, Hd, Nk. Time: 1:12.85. Owner: 14 starts, while Majd Al Arab fi lly Afreetah com- Hassan Ali Abdulmalik. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki fortably beat Haddaj Dukhan in the Local Pure- Race 3: 1. Afreetah (Alberto Sanna), 2. Haddaj bred Arabian Maiden Plate. Dukhan (Yanis Aouabed), 3. Kasser (JP Guillam- The third runner, who also shed his maiden bert), 4. Ameenah (Jean Baptiste Hamel). Won status yesterday, was War Order, also ridden by by: 1, Hd, 6. Time: 1:31.38. Owner: Sheikh Faisal Sanna. Stefano Ibido’s colt picked up a victory bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani. Trainer: Ibrahim on his fi rst run at the QREC turf, in the mile- al-Malki. long Thoroughbred Maiden Plate event. Race 4: 1. Words Of A Prophet (Saleem Golam), Another al-Malki ward, Dardawan fi nished 2. Buy Art (Gerald Avranche), 3. Black Treacle ahead of his rivals in the nine furlong Thor- (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Izghawa (Alberto Sanna). oughbred Classifi ed Stakes for horses rated 61- Won by: 3/4, 1/2, 1/2. Time: 1:22.61. Owner: Mo- 75, handing jockey Luca Sorrentino his fi rst win hamed Kazim al-Ansari & Sons. Trainer: Ahmed of the season. Kobeissi. Marvin Suerland was astride second-placed Race 5: 1. Dardawan (Luca Sorrentino), 2. Suc- Succeed and Excel, while Dubawi’s son Dubai ceed and Excel (Marvin Suerland), 3. Dubai Crown was third for Ibido. Crown (Alberto Sanna), 4. Drillmaster (Stephan A year after notching up his maiden win, Ladjadj). Won by: 3/4, 1/2, Nk. Time: 1:49.60. Words Of A Prophet was ridden to a victory Owner: Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki over seven furlongs yet again, this time by Sal- Race 6: 1. Mowhoubat Al Zaidy (Alberto Sanna), eem Golam. Ahmed Kobeissi-schooled gelding 2. Khattab (Marvin Suerland), 3. Dheeb Al Shajaa edged out Buy Art, who is yet to win on QREC (Gerald Avranche), 4. Khor Al Adaid (Stephan tracks, and Black Treacle in a close fi nish. Ladjadj). Won by: Shd, 2 1/2, 3. Time: 1:45.01. Owner: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al- RESULTS Thani. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Race 1: 1. War Order (Alberto Sanna), 2. King Race 7: 1. Samaa (Gaetan Faucon), 2. Sehab of Doha (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. Neutron Bomb (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 3. Jalwa Al Jazeera (Ger- (Saleem Golam), 4. Al Maftoon (JP Guillambert). ald Avranche), 4. M.J Lattam (Marco Monteriso). Won by: 5, Nk, 2 1/2. Time: 1:33.52. Owner: HH Won by: 1 3/4, 5, 5. Time: 1:45.38. Owner: Umm Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Jockey Gaetan Faucon rides Umm Qarn-owned Samaa to victory in the Al Hamla Cup at the QREC yesterday.

FORMULA 1 FOCUS Canadian teenager Stroll to Bottas ready to race for Williams team take on a bigger Reuters next year, would not allow financial Grove, England considerations to dictate driver se- lection. role at Williams “You either have the talent or you anadian teenager Lance Stroll don’t,” she said. Reuters on his side of the garage. will make his Formula One “We made this decision a long time Grove, England “It’s always equal in terms of equip- race debut with former world ago and we’re really excited,” she said. ment and what kind of opportunities champions Williams next “He deserves this season in Formula you give both drivers but obviously season,C the team announced yester- One next year. innish Formula One driver now it is the fi rst time for me being the day. “He is so capable, extremely intel- Valtteri Bottas, confi rmed by more experienced driver and I am ready Montreal-born Stroll, who cele- ligent and puts the work in... for a Williams for next season, said to take a strong role in the team,” he brated his 18th birthday on October 29 17-year-old to have achieved so much, yesterday he still had unfi n- said. and has yet to pass his driving test, will I have total confi dence in him when he ishedF business at the former champi- be the fi rst Canadian F1 racer since gets in the cockpit in Melbourne (next ons and was ready to play a bigger role. “It’s always equal in terms of 1997 world champion Jacques Ville- March),” she said. Bottas has been with the team for equipment and what kind of op- neuve, who won his title at Williams Stroll will be the youngest driver eight years, nurtured through junior portunities you give both drivers and retired in 2006. on the starting grid next season, but series and carrying out test driver du- but obviously now it is the fi rst The son of fashion billionaire Law- not the youngest ever to start a race ties before making his race debut in time for me being the more ex- rence, who made a fortune from the — that accolade belongs to Red Bull’s 2013, but next year will be the fi rst time perienced driver and I am ready Tommy Hilfi ger and Michael Kors Max Verstappen who was 17 years and he is the most experienced driver in the to take a strong role in the team,” fashion brands, Stroll will partner ex- 166 days old when he made his debut line-up. Bottas said perienced Finnish driver Valtteri Bot- for Toro Rosso at the Australian Grand The 27-year-old, who has yet to win tas at the Mercedes-powered team. Prix in 2015. a grand prix, will have 18-year-old Ca- “I will try to do everything I can to He replaces Brazilian Felipe Massa, The rules have been changed since nadian rookie Lance Stroll as his team- push the team forward but I’m sure who had already announced his retire- then, with 18 set as the minimum mate next season with experienced we are going to be a good pair of team ment from Formula One. age and a points-based super licence Brazilian race winner Felipe Massa re- mates. “Just another regular Thursday,” system introduced. Stroll secured his tiring. “I still haven’t won a race in F1, that’s joked Stroll when asked at a news con- after winning this year’s European F3 “I believe that there’s a lot more that the only thing I’m after now. That’s the ference how he felt about the news. “I championship. we still can and should achieve togeth- next step,” he added. “That’s going to don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet. I’ve Stroll has been testing for Williams er,” the Finn told Reuters after a driver be the target for us.” been focused on F3 in 2016. already in an old Formula One car. Pre- presentation at the team’s factory. “We Bottas, who has been linked with “I come from money, I’m not going viously a member of the Ferrari acad- are here only to win races and I believe other teams including Ferrari and Re- to deny that,” added the Geneva resi- emy, he said F3 was a good preparation Williams can do it.” nault, would not give details of his new dent, when it was suggested he would and regulation changes for 2017 could The team, third last season but only contract although media speculation not be at the team without his father help him. fi fth at present with two races left, have has suggested it is a one-year deal. bankrolling his career, but adding that “I think the new regulations if any- not won a grand prix since 2012 with “Regarding the other opportunities, his record spoke for itself. thing give a lot of opportunity to the Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado. today it doesn’t matter at all,” he said. Williams deputy team principal team to get further up the grid,” he Drivers Lance Stroll (left) and Valtteri Bottas pose for a photograph following the Bottas was at pains to point out that “I am going to be with Williams in 2017 Claire Williams said the team, who said, adding that Verstappen’s per- announcement by Williams of their driver line up for the 2017 Formula 1 World Williams’s drivers had equal status but and that’s something I’m very pleased celebrate their 40th anniversary formances also gave him confi dence. Championship at the team headquarters in Grove, England, yesterday. (AFP) recognised the experience was now all about.”

Friday, November 4, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

EQUESTRIAN / GLOBAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Valkenswaard survive Antwerp scare for GCL title John Whitaker and Bertram Allen edge out Harrie Smolders and Jos Verlooy by 2.5 points; Paris Jets win Doha leg

Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (left) of Paris Jets receives the trophy from Al Shaqab executive director Khalifa al-Attiyah (right) after winning the Doha leg along with Qatar Olympic Committee secretary teammate Nicola Philippaerts. general Dr Thani al-Kuwari.

Valkenswaard United rider John Whitaker (third from left) lifts the winners’ trophy after, along with teammate Bertram Allen (third from right), they won the Global Champions League at Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. PICTURES: Garsi Lotfi

By Sahan Bidappa a shocking performance in the fi rst tention for the Global Champions Tour Doha round. Whitaker and Allen clocked up title along with Edwina Tops-Alexan- four faults each leaving the team just der in tomorrow’s fi nal. scraping into the second round. Ant- “It’s a great result for us in the league. n a thrilling fi nale, Valkenswaard werp had four faults in the fi rst round We didn’t get going initially but we had United duo John Whitaker and from Smolders, although his compa- a good shot in the fi nal here in Doha. It Bertram Allen edged out Antwerp triot Verlooy jumped clear. was exciting jumping today. We tried Diamonds pair Harrie Smolders Whitaker, the 61-year-old, who to put more pressure on our opponents Iand Jos Verlooy to clinch the inaugural partnered Allen, almost 40 years his and we were lucky the way things went Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Global Champions League (GCL) title. junior, admitted the duo were lucky to for us,” Bengtsson said. al-Thani at Al Shaqab last night. At the Al Shaqab arena last night, the emerge as the champions. “In a way it Hosts Doha Fursan Qatar took the fi nal leg of the fi rst-ever GCL provided was disappointing to let our fans down 10th spot, but hung on to their overall 9 Doha Fursan Qatar 246 all the thrills and spills. In a dramatic fi rst today after having put up a really good ninth place. The pair of Hamad al-At- 10. Madrid in Motion 243 round of the fi nal, one of the favourites show all through the season. We were tiyah and Ali al-Rumaihi committed 13 11. Miami Glory 243 Monaco Aces dropped out of the title race also lucky to make the second round penalties combined, which scuppered 12. Vienna Eagles 241.5 after Daniel Bluman and Apardi clocked today, but we hung in there and are de- their hopes of fi nishing the podium. up 12 faults despite teammate Leopold lighted with the result,” the Brit said. Only eight teams went into the sec- RESULTS Doha Fursan Qatar team members arrive for the final leg of GCL. van Asten’s clear round on VDL Groep Allen, though, was delighted with the ond round. Bengtsson and Philippaerts Global Champions League of Doha Miss Untouchable. outcome and gave Whitaker the credit performed excellently, clearing rounds 1. Paris Jets — Rolf-Göran Bengtsson 1. Meshari al-harbi (Saudi Arabia) BMC 2. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (Qatar) S I E C It left Valkenswaard United and Ant- for guiding the team. “I knew I had to without any penalty. The second place (Clarimo ASK) and Nicola Philippaerts White Nose 71.81 seconds. Prize money: Lonnie. 85.50 secs, 3,000 QAR werp Diamonds to battle out for the do something in there. I don’t know in Doha went to Cannes Stars’ Roger (H&M Zilverstar T) Time: 153.57secs. 3,300 QR 3. Rashid Towaim al-Marri (Qatar) Be- overall title in the second round and a what happened in the fi rst round but Yves Bost and Marco Kutscher. Prize money: €60,583 2. Mubarak Yousuf A S al-Rumaihi yonce. 90.61secs, 2,250 QAR. lion’s share of the €4.5 million season my horse wouldn’t respond. But she did 2. Cannes Stars — Roger-Yves Bost (Qatar) SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z bonus prize money. very well in the second round. We’ve OVERALL FINAL RANKINGS (Qoud’Coeur de la Loge) and Marco 71.98 secs. 2,000 QR TODAY SCHEDULE Even though Antwerp fi nished third had a great season and very pleased 1. Valkenswaard United 328.5 Kutscher (Clenur) 160.92 secs. €40,583. 3. Khalid Hamad al-Attiyah (Qatar) 2 pm: Invitational 1.20/1.25m Table A: and Valkenswaard sixth, the latter took with the result,” the Irishman said. 2. Antwerp Diamonds 326 3. Antwerp Diamonds — Jos Verlooy Viking D. 73.35 secs. 1,500 QAR. Against the Clock with Jump-Off the top honours having come into Doha Meanwhile, Rolf-Goran Bengtsson 3. Monaco Aces 315.5 (Caracas) and Harrie Smolders (Em- 4 pm: Invitational 1.40m Table A: with an eight-point lead. In the end, Ant- and Nicola Philippaerts of Paris Jets 4. Rome Gladiators 299.5 erald N.O.P.) 12 penalties. 152.99 secs. Class N 2: Doha 2016 Invitational Against the Clock with Jump-Off werp ran Valkenswaard close by fi nishing walked away with the Doha leg title. 5. Cannes Stars 274 €26,583. 1.35/1.40m Table A: Against the Clock 6pm: CSI5* 1.45m Two Phases: A + A, with 326 points but fell agonisingly short However, they could only fi nish sixth 6. Paris Jets 272.5 1. Nasser al-Ghazali (Qatar) Quel Both Phases Against the Clock of the champions by 2.5 points. overall with 272 points. It was a good 7. Shanghai Swans 261 Class N1: Doha 2016 Invitational Homme. 82.78 seconds. Prize money: 8pm: CSI5* 1.45m Table A: Against the Earlier, Valkenswaard had put up warm-up for Bengtsson, who is in con- 8. Cascais Charms 254.5 1.20/1.25m Table A: Against the Clock 4,950 QAR Clock

TENNIS / PARIS MASTERS Zhang sweeps into Elite Trophy semis Djoko holds off Dimitrov to reach quarters AFP Beijing

AFP don,” said Cilic, who eliminated Goffi n Paris from contention in the process. hinese wild card Zhang Shuai’s fairy- Fourth seed Milos Raonic shook tale season continued yesterday off a slow start against Uruguay’s Cwhen she became the first player to ovak Djokovic, fi ghting to Pablo Cuevas to advance 4-6, 6-1, reach the semi-finals of the $2.2 mn WTA extend his run as world 6-2 and set up a quarter-fi nal show- Elite Trophy tournament. number one, recovered down with Kei Nishikori or 2008 On home turf in the southern Chinese from an early wobble to de- champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. city of Zhuhai she beat Timea Babos of Nfeat Grigor Dimitrov in the last 16 of American Jack Sock matched Hungary 7-6 (2), 6-4. the Paris Masters yesterday. last month’s run to the last eight in For years Zhang played in the shadow of The record four-time champion Shanghai as he dumped out home Chinese tennis heroine Li Na, and a poor will remain above the in-form Andy hope Richard Gasquet 6-2, 3-6, 7-5. 2015 season saw her slip down the rank- Murray at the top of the rankings He will meet compatriot John Is- ings to 186 – her lowest position in seven if he reaches the fi nal in the French ner in the next round after the latter years – and consider retirement. capital, but Djokovic was made to halted the run of German qualifi er But the 27-year-old began the year with sweat before claiming a 4-6, 6-2, Jan-Lennard Struff , winning 6-4, a first-round upset of 2014 French Open 6-3 victory. 6-7 (4), 6-3. finalist Simona Halep at the Australian He fell behind after losing serve Late on Wednesday, Murray la- Open – her first win in a Grand Slam main twice in succession in an hour-long boured past a determined Fernando draw, which left her in tears – going on to fi rst set and then required medi- Verdasco to reach the last 16. reach the quarter-finals. cal treatment on his right knee after The Briton was pushed to the limit She has since climbed to 28 in the world landing awkwardly while stretching by Verdasco in the French capital be- rankings and was given a wild card into the for a return. fore prevailing 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-5. Elite Trophy. But Djokovic kept his calm as the “It wasn’t the best match from The tournament’s round-robin structure errors mounted from Dimitrov to my side. I got through it. I will play meant she only needed to win four games claim the second set with relative better tomorrow,” said Murray after to top her group and secure a place in the ease, and he broke early in the de- sealing his 70th win of the season. last four. In the event she prevailed in an cider to wrest away control of the “I didn’t get any time on that hour and 36 minutes. match. court, because matches are from “I didn’t want to think too much about win- The top seed next takes on Marin 11:00 in the morning and guys have ning four or five games, because I wanted to Cilic, who earlier punched his ticket warmup. So I have hit for like 45 win the match,” she said afterwards. “Every- to the Tour fi nals in London with a minutes on the court beforehand, thing feels really good because I like playing 6-3, 7-6 (9) defeat of David Goffi n. and it’s very diff erent to last week, in China. It’s my first time playing in Zhuhai Murray faces French 13th seed Lu- very diff erent conditions.” and I’ve won two matches into the semi-final. cas Pouille later as the Briton contin- Murray, was scheduled to face Lu- I’m really happy and really excited.” ues his assault on Djokovic’s number Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov during their third round match at the ATP World cas Pouille for a place in the quarter- In the day’s other matches, Ukrainian one ranking. Tour Masters 1000 indoor tournament in Paris yesterday. (AFP) fi nals later yesterday. fourth seed Elina Svitolina also secured The three-time major champion Third seed Stan Wawrinka, the a semi-final place with a 6-4, 6-2 win can supplant his long-time rival at However, if Cilic beats Djokovic in of the pile. London after seeing off Goffi n on his US Open champion, squandered a over Russia’s Elena Vesnina, and France’s the summit by lifting a maiden Paris the quarter-fi nals today then Murray Cilic claimed the penultimate spot sixth match point. match point in the second set tie- Caroline Garcia beat Samantha Stosur of title should Djokovic fail to reach the making it to Sunday’s fi nal would be in the eight-man fi eld for the pres- “That was the goal of the season for break to lose 3-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (1) to Australia 6-4, 6-3. fi nal. enough to propel the Scot to the top tigious November 13-20 event in me, to reach the Tour fi nals in Lon- Struff .