FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 3 NNBABA | Page 5 Peru beats Embiid New Zealand dominates to capture last as Sixers WC berth beat Lakers

Friday, November 17, 2017 CRICKET Safar 28, 1439 AH Sri Lanka’s Lakmal GULF TIMES rattles India on rain-hit day SPORT Page 4 QNB QATAR INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP Qatar’s al-Emadi, Zorro Z take opening day honours ‘It was a great win. I am very happy with my horse’s performance on the first day and we are looking forward to the next two days’

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

atar’s Salman Mohamed al- Emadi put on an excellent round with Zorro Z to emerge triumphant on day one of the QNBQ Qatar International Show Jump- ing Championship. At the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena yesterday, the young Qatari rider surprised the experienced fi eld, which consisted of Derin Demir- soy of Turkey and Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander, to clinch the feature event – the two-phased 145cm class. The 16-year-old Zorro Z, who was in the past ridden by Edwina, gave al- Emadi a night he won’t forget in a hurry as the gelding showed utmost agility through the course to clock the fastest time of 35.34 seconds. Past winners here, Demirsoy and Ed- wina had to be content with second and third place respectively on the night. Al-Emadi, who pocketed €6,765 for his victory, was delighted with the victory and was already looking to the next two days of competitions. “It was a great win. I am very happy Winner Salman Mohamed al-Emadi (background centre), second-placed Derin Demirsoy (left) and third-placed Edwina Qatar’s Salman Mohamed al-Emadi rides Zorro Z to victory on day one of the QNB with my horse’s performance on the Tops-Alexander celebrate with Qatar Equestrian Federation president Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah (front left) on the Qatar International Show Jumping Championship at the QEF’s outdoor arena fi rst day and we are looking forward podium of the feature event of QNB Qatar International Show Jumping Championship yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi yesterday. to the next two days of competition. My horse jumped really great. That’s “I have a young horse. She is just home in 64.54 seconds. 1. Salman Mohamed al-Emadi (Qatar) what I was expecting from Zorro Z. I eight. She was on the plane for the fi rst In the championships’ opening com- Zorro Z. Time: 35.34 secs, Prize money: hope it can continue in the way. When time. So it is a good result. I will try petition, Qatar riders made a clean €6,765 I entered the competition, I was ready. two more horses over the course of this sweep of podium in the 120cm class, 2. Derin Demirsoy (Turkey) Dadjak Ter Now we are looking forward to the next event,” Edwina said. which also had riders from Uzbekistan, Puttenen. 36.87. €4,920 competition in this championship,” al- Qatar’s Bassem Hassan Mohamed Indonesia, Pakistan and Kuwait. 3. Edwina Tops-Alexander (Australia) Emadi said. was unable to replicate his famous GCT Saeed Nasser al-Qadi, who has been Veronese Teamjoy. 38.32 secs. €3,690. Demirsoy also enjoyed a good round victory at Al Shaqab last weekend. in fi ne form in the National Series Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. with Dadjak Ter Puttenen but the pair Bassem mounting The Toymaker could Hathab, continued his winning run in 238.2.1 | Max. 130/135 cm | Prize Money had to settle for second place, having only fi nish eighth, having taken 41.91 the international event too. Al-Qadi €8,000 clocked 36.87 seconds. “It was a great seconds to complete the round. topped the timesheets with his go-to 1 Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi (Qatar) start for me and my horse. It was a good Earlier, Qatari rider Salmeen Sultan horse, 15-year-old gelding Jessico 4 to Guilder’s Empire of The Sun. Time: day,” said Demirsoy, who took home al-Suwaidi astride Guilder’s Empire take the victory in 24.17 seconds. 58.75secs, Prize money: €2,000 €4,920 in prize money. “You know of The Sun cruised to victory in the Compatriot Mohammad al-Ghazali, 2. Awad al-Qahtani (Qatar) Cassander never know in this sport but today eve- 130/135cm class. Al-Suwaidi mar- astride Jackson 58, fi nished in second Van Het Bremhof. 64.26secs. €1,600 rything went according to plan. I am shalled his 8-year gelding perfectly for spot in a time of 26.73 seconds, while 3. Ali al-Khorafi (Kuwait) Cheril. competing with the same horse (to- a comprehensive win in a time of 58.75 Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi and Fudine fi n- 64.54secs. €1,200 Children enjoy pony rides at the QEF’s outdoor arena yesterday. day),” the Turkish rider added. seconds. ished third in 27.27 seconds. Table A, Two Phases FEI Art. 274.5.3 | Two-time Global Champions Tour Awad al-Qahtani, astride Cassander Max. 120 cm | Prize money: €5,600 3. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi (Qatar) 15:30: Table A, Against the clock with winner Edwina and Veronese Teamjoy Van Het Bremhof, secured the second Results 1. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Qatar) Jessico Fudine. 27.27secs. €840.00 Jump Off 135 cm came home in 38.32 seconds for a third- spot in a time of 64.26 seconds. In third Table A, Special Two Phases FEI Art. 4. Time: 24.17secs. Prize money: €1,400 Today’s Schedule 18:00: Qualifying competition for the place fi nish, which fetched the veteran place was Kuwait’s Ali al-Khorafi , who 274.5.6 | Max. 145 cm | Prize money 2. Mohamed al-Ghazali (Qatar) Jackson 13:30: Table A, Against the clock with FEI World Cup Table A, Against the Australian rider €3,690. riding under the FEI fl ag guided Cheril €24,600 58. 26.73secs. €1,120.00 Jump 120 cm clock 145 cm.

FOOTBALL / GULF CUP Organisers extend Kuwait deadline till Nov 30

AFP Doha

ulf Cup hosts Qatar said yes- terday they have received no response from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and GBahrain as the deadline for their confi r- mation for the regional football show- piece passed on November 13. Consequently, the three teams will be considered as having “withdrawn” from the tournament which is scheduled to Gulf Cup Football Federation general start on December 22. “There was no secretary Jassim al-Rumaihi. response to our letter and they are with- drawn from the tournament,” said Jas- the tournament will be cancelled, said sim al-Rumaihi, Gulf Cup Football Fed- the GCFF. eration general secretary (GCFF). Although Kuwait is not part of the po- Doubts have hung over the Gulf Cup litical dispute — it has acted as a regional because of an illegal siege on Qatar mediator since the crisis began back in which began in June. June — its football association has its The only chance that it will go ahead own problems and remains suspended by now rests with Kuwait, which was given FIFA, which means it is unclear if its team a November 30 deadline yesterday to say is eligible to play in the tournament. if they will play in the competition. “We have given 15 days for Kuwait to If that deadline cannot be met, then solve their problems,” said al-Rumaihi. Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani (centre) headed the Executive Committee meeting yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Friday, November 17, 2017 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Federation Arsenal’s Wenger is a special boss under pressure manager, says Pochettino in Italy

Reuters ‘In football history he’s one of the great managers, the same level as Ferguson’ Milan

Reuters in the last two seasons. “That’s why my taly’s football federation London respect and admiration is high.” president Carlo Tavecchio While Tottenham have begin to re- faced pressure to follow dress the balance in north London af- coach Gian Piero Ventura rsene Wenger is a ‘special ter years of Arsenal domination, they Iout the door yesterday as the re- manager’ and one of the great- are without a victory at the Emirates criminations continued follow- est innovators in English foot- for seven years. The last three league ing their failure to qualify for the ball, Tottenham Hotspur boss games between the sides have ended in World Cup. Ventura was sacked MauricioA Pochettino said yesterday 1-1 draws. on Wednesday, two days after a ahead of this weekend’s north London Tottenham are hoping that striker goalless draw at home to Swe- derby against Arsenal. Harry Kane, who has a remarkable den meant that Italy would miss Argentine Pochettino is unbeaten record of scoring against Arsenal, is fi t the fi nals for the fi rst time since in six Premier League meetings with after a hamstring problem meant he 1958. The infl uential sports daily Wenger’s Arsenal since arriving from missed international friendlies for Eng- Gazzetta dello Sport devoted an Southampton in 2014, and last season land against Germany and Brazil. Dele entire editorial yesterday calling Tottenham fi nished above Arsenal in Alli and Harry Winks, who also sat out for the 74-year-old Tavecchio, the league for the fi rst time in 22 years. England duty, will be assessed, along who was responsible for the ill- Third-placed Tottenham are already with Kane, today. fated decision to appoint Ven- four points above the Gunners this sea- Should they all return it would make tura, to step down. son, but Pochettino gave short shrift to Tottenham favourites, but Pochettino “It’s not just Ventura but the criticism the Frenchman has faced was cautious. “Arsenal are a great team also Tavecchio and the others already in the current campaign. “In and I don’t think there is a favourite in responsible for the incredible football history he’s one of the great a game like this,” Pochettino said. “It is World Cup elimination who are managers, the same level as (former a massive challenge to be competitive no longer fi t for the job,” it said. Manchester United manager Alex) Fer- against a team that in last 20 years won Tavecchio, who was re-elected guson,” Pochettino told reporters. more trophies than us. Now we need as head of the federation (FIGC) “He will always be a special man- to believe we are there and build our in March when he said that he ager. To keep motivation more than project and our era too.” had restored Italy’s credibility, three years is diffi cult. Five years, you Defender Toby Alderweireld could be said on Wednesday he would re- must be very good, very good if you’re on the sidelines until next year due to a main and lead the rebuilding 10 years. When you talk about 20 years hamstring injury, Pochettino revealed. process. The head of the play- it’s amazing. Everyone who talks about Alderweireld, 28, sustained the injury in ers’ union Damiano Tommasi him needs to show respect. Some days a Champions League game against Real walked out of Wednesday’s FIGC you’re good, some days not so good. But Madrid on November 1 and had been meeting early after it became show respect.” expected to return to action sooner. clear Tavecchio would not quit. Pochettino is yet to win a trophy for The Belgium international will sit “I wanted them to start from Tottenham whereas Wenger has three out of tomorrow’s north London derby scratch,” he said. “The president Premier League titles, the most recent at Arsenal and stands to miss a further said he would not resign and the in 2004, and seven FA Cups with Ar- 11 matches if he does not return before others did not take any position. senal, although they missed out on this the end of December. “We expect longer We need to have elections. Ital- season’s Champions League. than we previously (thought) when the ian football needs something Pochettino said Wenger was one of problem happened,” Pochettino said. new and diff erent.” the managers he admired when he was “Maybe after Christmas, maybe. That Giovanni Malago, president of making his way into coaching at Espan- is the expectation.” Goalkeeper Hugo the Italian Olympic Committee, yol. “Wenger was an innovator, ahead of Lloris is also in contention to return, has also suggested that Tavec- everyone, like Ferguson,” said Pochetti- having missed Spurs’ 1-0 win over chio should step down. “Only he no, who has masterminded Tottenham Crystal Palace prior to the international Mauricio Pochettino (left) is unbeaten in six Premier League meetings with Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal since arriving from can assume responsibility — the to third- and second-placed fi nishes break due to a groin strain. Southampton in 2014, and last season Tottenham finished above Arsenal in the league for the first time in 22 years. decision is his. Personally, if I were in his position, I would re- sign,” he said. Torino president Urbano Cai- ro added his voice on Thursday Cazorla injury the worst I’ve seen: Wenger despite having previously voted for Tavecchio’s re-election. “My London: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger him and he tries to practise. I have not Wenger, whose side sit in sixth place in the judgement of him is positive but has described Santi Cazorla’s ankle injury as spoken to him recently, but I hope he comes Premier League table, four points below when you’re faced with failure the worst he has seen, but remains hopeful back. I left him out of the squad, hoping he third-place Spurs. “But he’s played many on this monumental scale, there the Spanish midfielder will return to action would be available in January.” games, Alexandre Lacazette. He didn’t play have to be consequences, you in January. Cazorla, 32, has not played When it was suggested Cazorla might away from home at City. I think that’s the can’t just go on as though noth- for Arsenal since October 2016 and has never be able to play again, Wenger replied: only game he didn’t start (along with Liver- ing happened,” he told Gazzetta. undergone eight operations to address a “Let’s not talk about that, but I hope you pool). I trust him completely.” “It’s not enough to put the name longstanding Achilles problem. are wrong.” Spain international Cazorla, Centre-back Shkodran Mustafi (thigh) of a popular coach on the table.” He revealed earlier this month a gan- who joined Arsenal from Malaga in 2012, and forward Danny Welbeck (hamstring) Napoli captain Marek Hamsik, grene infection had ‘eaten’ eight centime- recently told Spanish newspaper Marca are due to undergo fitness tests to deter- a Slovakian international whose tres of his Achilles tendon and said he had he aims to be back playing in January. mine their availability. own country also failed to qual- been told by doctors he should be ‘satisfied’ Wenger confirmed Olivier Giroud will miss Wenger said his Arsenal side “have no ify for the World Cup, said Italy’s just to be able to walk again. “It is the worst tomorrow’s north London derby at home to fear”, despite falling behind Tottenham for football infrastructure needed injury (I have known),” Wenger told his Tottenham Hotspur after the France striker the first time in his 21 years at the club. improving. “I’m disappointed weekly press conference at Arsenal’s Lon- injured himself on international duty. “The derby is one of the fixtures that is that I’m not taking part in the don Colney training centre yesterday. It means Alexandre Lacazette is likely to very important in the season but one that World Cup and I’m disappoint- “It started with a pain in the Achilles and start up front, having been left on the bench we also want to win to make ground up in ed about Italy,” he said. “Italian it has gone from worse to worse. I know for previous high-profile games against the table with the top teams. At home we football is still among the best how much Santi loves to play football Liverpool and Manchester City. Lacazette, have been strong, and our home strengths but it’s a long way behind in and loves to be out there every day and I who scored twice in France’s 2-2 friendly will be vital in deciding where we finish at terms of infrastructure. feel very sorry for what happened to him, draw with Germany, has completed 90 the end of the season. We have no fear, we “In this sense, it needs to im- because it is unbelievable. minutes only once since his close-season are focused on nullifying their strengths prove, even Slovakia is building Spaniard Santi Cazorla has not played for Arsenal since October “I saw him one month ago, he was here, move from Lyon. and expressing ours. Tottenham are a good new and modern stadia. I hope 2016 and has undergone eight operations to address a and I told him to prepare as well as he can. “I have a big choice to make every side but we have the quality to win. We Italian football has a look in the longstanding Achilles problem. He has competent medical people around time, big decisions to make up front,” said don’t see ourselves as underdogs.” mirror and examines its con- science.”

FIFA TRIAL FOCUS Judge rules ex-football boss can be extradited CONCACAF to launch AFP ants, alleging that Marin received pay- new Nations League Asuncion, Paraguay ments of $300,000, going up to $450,000 Ex-South American Football a year. Bribes were sent by wire transfer to Reuters fans everywhere, since it pro- Confederation president Swiss bank accounts or passed on as cash Manchester, England vides signifi cant opportunities court in Paraguay ruled yes- Nicolas Leoz. (AFP) “in bags or envelopes,” he said. to play important competitive terday that ex-South Ameri- Fox Pan American Sports, part of 21st matches with increased regular- can football chief Nicolas Leoz Century Fox, Brazil’s TV Globo, Argen- ONCACAF’s govern- ity throughout the year,” Mon- could be extradited to face trial tine group Full Play and Spain’s MediaPro ing council has agreed tagliani said in a telephone in- inA the United States over alleged brib- were among those who paid, according to to launch a new Nations terview. “The biggest diff erence ery and money laundering. However the his testimony. League tournament, between our Nations League and judge, Humberto Otazu, said his ruling Leoz has been fi ghting extradition Cfor teams in North and Cen- the UEFA, is that their nations was conditional on a medical board being since shortly after seven FIFA executives tral America and the Caribbean, were already playing a signifi - set up to evaluate the health of 89-year- were arrested by Swiss police in 2015 as president Victor Montagliani cant amount of games... But for old Leoz. part of a huge investigation into the world said yesterday. The competition us it was to allow our countries His lawyer Ricardo Preda said last week football body. He was admitted to hospi- will begin in the international to play a minimum amount of that Leoz is in frail health and receiving tal for a heart condition while his succes- dates in September, 2018 and games over a four year window,” round-the-clock nursing care. He said sor as Conmebol chief, Eugenio Figuere- will feature all 41 member coun- he added. “Our bigger countries he would appeal a decision to extradite do, was being arrested in Geneva. tries of the confederation which have the capacity to do that but his client. One of the main suspects in the He was later detained by police in includes Mexico and the United the way our system was, in my huge FifaGate scandal being investigated Paraguay and placed under house arrest. States. Those nations will be opinion was archaic and you had by the US Justice Department, Leoz is Leoz “is 89, is in delicate health, which split into three divisions, based countries who were playing four currently under house arrest in Asuncion. is worsening over time. He has nursing on their “sporting level” with to six games in a four year period. The former president of the Confed- care 24 hours a day. He hasn’t travelled by promotion and relegation. The It is kind of hard then to develop eration of South American Football (Con- plane for the last four years,” Preda said tournament will also serve as a football in any capacity,” he said. mebol) is suspected of receiving millions last week. qualifying route to the CON- With a large number of teams of dollars in bribes in exchange for mar- “We are convinced that the extradition CACAF Gold Cup tournament. who have never featured in the keting and TV rights for games. He denies request will not succeed,” he said. “With- The format is similar to UEFA’s World Cup and who have strug- any wrongdoing. out going into the substance of the mat- Nations League in Europe which gled to organise and fi nance Several former world football bosses in the dock, charged with racketeering, to intimidate a witness and the judge or- ter, the facts he is accused of in the United will also begin in September but friendly matches, Montagliani are on trial in New York, where witness wire fraud and money laundering con- dered him to be confi ned with GPS moni- States are not punishable in Paraguay,” Montagliani believes it will ad- said CONCACAF had a real need testimony has exposed rampant corrup- spiracies. Juan Angel Napout, former toring and to communicate only with said Preda. The alleged bribes are con- dress the problem facing the re- for games in order to help teams tion in the business of world football. The head of Conmebol and vice-president his lawyer. The court has heard evidence sidered as commissions in South America gion’s smaller, often Caribbean progress. “Sure, some countries FIFA corruption trial began Monday, two of FIFA, Jose Maria Marin, former head from the witness, sports marketing com- because the money involved was a trans- island, nations who have found are not necessarily going to win and a half years after the United States of Brazil’s football federation, and ex- pany director Alejandro Burzaco, that action between private individuals, he it hard to get regular competi- the World Cup, but that is not the unveiled the largest graft scandal in the chief of Peru’s football federation Manuel millions of dollars in bribes were paid for added. It’s only an off ence if they are paid tive action. “This new tourna- point. The point is that every- history of world football. Burga. Burga was Wednesday accused of TV rights to major tournaments. to a public body or to a civil servant, the ment is highly benefi cial to all body deserves, the basic necessi- Three South American defendants are making a neck-slashing gesture in court Burzaco said he bribed all three defend- lawyer said. our member associations and ties to try to develop their game.” Gulf Times Friday, November 17, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT What’s lurking beyond the usual suspects?

Paris: Lionel Messi knows the three mn and two World Cup teams he fears most at the titles, Uruguay are again fol- Peru capture last 2018 World Cup: champions lowing their own successful Germany, Brazil, France and template. They have produced Spain. “I think that at the mo- enough top-end talent, led by ment, they’re the strongest Luis Suarez, Diego Godin and teams who look the best, are Edinson Cavani, to give them a playing the best, with the best chance of beating anyone. individuals,” Messi told TyC Croatia have Luka Modric, Sports, an Argentine TV chan- Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic, World Cup berth nel, last week. The five-time which is good, but they finished Ballon d’Or winner identified second to Iceland in their the key criteria that will spear- qualifying group, which is head their challenges: strong not. Portugal have Cristiano Goals by Farfan and Ramos seal Peru’s win over New Zealand in playoff s squads, star players, a team Ronaldo, but their greatest suc- identity and looking the part. cess — winning the 2016 Euros AFP But while naming the would-be — came despite playing without Lima contenders isn’t hard, what is in the world player of the year for store for the rest of the 32-team three-quarters of the final. field? Belgium are enjoying a gold- motional Peru advanced to the en generation, but Switzerland World Cup for the fi rst time since THE USUAL SUSPECTS and Denmark have only silver 1982 by defeating New Zealand The five giants have won 13 of and bronze ones. Poland, not 2-0 on Wednesday night, goals the last 16 World Cups between such a small nation in popula- byE Jeff erson Farfan and Christian Ramos them. Spain and Germany both tion terms, have the prolific sealing the last ticket to Russia. Farfan qualified without losing, while Robert Lewandowski, the top struck in the 27th minute and Ramos Brazil sealed first place in the scorer in global qualifying with scored in the 65th to give “Los Incas” South American group with 16 goals. their fi fth overall World Cup fi nals ap- four rounds to play. France won pearance and the fi rst in 35 years. their group but, as in the Euros UNDERDOGS “It’s a big emotion, beyond making last year, were alternately bril- In 2002, as joint hosts, Japan history,” tearful Peru midfi elder Christian liant and toothless, such as in a and South Korea ran deep into Cueva said. “It’s a child’s dream. We have shocking 0-0 draw at home to the knockout rounds. This time, not broken this bad streak for so long. Luxembourg. along with Australia, they lack Now I’m going to celebrate.” Argentina squeaked through world-class talent but bring a The second-leg match at Lima’s Esta- by winning their last game, work ethic that makes them dio Nacional was the decider after New away to Ecuador, and inevitably teams to avoid. Colombia, Zealand and Peru played to a 0-0 draw it was Messi who hit a hat-trick Senegal and Nigeria bring skill, in the fi rst leg of their Oceania-South to save his nation when staring pace and power and a bad America playoff on Saturday at Welling- into the abyss of elimination. habit of agonising exits caused ton. Peru President Pedro Pablo Kuczyn- How Italy wish they had a Messi by careless errors or bad luck. ski tweeted his joy after the match, post- in their ranks. But that near Serbia and Morocco both ing the message: “We waited more than miss hardly bodes well for a qualified impressively but lack 35 years to be in a World Cup again. Thank country dreaming of emulating the star man who can make a you warriors for giving us this joy.” the Diego Maradona inspired diff erence. Iceland will strive to New Zealand, ranked 122nd in the victory of 1986. Yet form can continue to defy gravity. world, was seeking a third World Cup fi - be misleading, as Spain and nals berth after appearances in 1982 and Brazil’s crushing losses to the HAPPY TO BE BACK 2010. “I’m proud of the team, but eve- Dutch and Germans four years Peru, once regulars, had not rybody should be proud of these players ago showed. qualified since 1982 until they because what they’ve done is incredible beat New Zealand on Wednes- and tonight they played to an incredible SLEEPING GIANTS day. They prepare for Russia level,” New Zealand manager Anthony England won in 1966, but since ranked an unlikely 10th in the Hudson said. “Overall, very proud, given then the nation that invented world. Dour Sweden, former the challenges we had coming here, with the sport and boasts the finalists, smothered Italy in a the key players we had who were injured, Peru’s Christian Ramos (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against New Zealand in the 2018 World Cup qualifying richest league in the world, play-off but if the smell of glory knowing that we had to manage game Playoff s at the National Stadium in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday night. (Reuters) has reached just one semi- draws Zlatan Ibrahimovic out of time for many of them.” final. Gareth Southgate, the retirement, a blunt instrument A noisy fi reworks display was exploded foot to Farfan. The 33-year-old forward made a left-hand save from point blank much more,” Ramos said. “They sup- England manager, has been would acquire a sharp edge. above the New Zealand team hotel on for Lokomotiv Moscow blasted a right- range and fi nally clutched the ball to end ported us when we were bad.” blooding youngsters from the Egypt have won more African Tuesday night, prompting Hudson to footed shot from the edge of the penalty the threat. New Zealand’s Kip Colvey successful youth teams and titles than any other nation but lament lost sleep. “We would have had area past New Zealand goalkeeper Stefan gave the Kiwis a dangerous chance in the 32 NATIONS THAT HAVE BOOKED THEIR there is reason for optimism their World Cup record is miser- a better chance of winning this game if Marinovic and into the back of the net. 50th minute with a centering pass from PLACE FOR THE 2018 WORLD CUP in England, but maybe 2018 able, and this is only their third our hotel had been right next to Peru’s In celebrating the goal, Farfan covered the right wing to second-half substitute Europe: Belgium, England, Germany, will come too soon. According appearance. national team. And we’d have had some his head with the jersey of suspended Chris Wood, but the English Premier Iceland, Poland, Russia (as hosts), Serbia, to FIFA, Mexico has the third more sleep. Next time we’ll stay next to Peru teammate Paolo Guerrero, unavail- League striker for Burnley saw his header Spain, France, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia, highest number of registered THOSE WHO MAKE DRAW KIND Peru’s hotel,” Hudson said. able after failing a doping test last month. from six meters denied by Peru goalkeep- Sweden, Denmark footballers — behind only Brazil Costa Rica reached the last Peru attacked the “All-Whites” from “Thanks for the support, Paolo. This is er Pedro Gallese. Africa: Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, and Germany — amongst World eight in 2014 and are ranked the start, Incas defender Luis Advin- for you,” Farfan said. After dedicating the Still vulnerable to a New Zealand away Tunisia Cup finalists, yet in 15 finals 22nd but alongside Iran and cula slamming a left-footed shot off the match to Guerrero, Farfan gestured to the goal, 10th-ranked Peru’s insurance policy Asia: Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, appearances, they have never Tunisia will still be the teams in crossbar in the third minute to delight a delighted crowd and said, “Paolo is all came off the foot of Ramos after a corner Australia gone past the quarters. the third pot everyone wants full-throated capacity crowd of 40,000. around.” kick glanced off Farfan’s head. The ball North, Central America and Caribbean: With 142mn people, Russia to draw. The opening goal came after Cueva raced Farfan had another chance in the 42nd struck Kiwi defender Winston Reid to Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama have the biggest population of Tunisia and Saudi Arabia down the left wing and fl icked a pinpoint minute when Marinovic surrendered a land in front of Ramos, who fi red it into South America: Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, any of the finalists. The Soviet both won games in the first of centre pass with the outside of his right rebound chance, but the sprawled Kiwi the goal. “The people deserve this and Colombia, Peru Union once reached a semi- their four finals appearances final, but that was a long time but neither has won since and ago and in a diff erent world. their last points came when ROUND-UP Recent scandals surround- they drew 2-2 in Stuttgart in 2 ing Russian sport mean that 006. Panama may already have success for the hosts might be used up their miracle, scoring greeted with more suspicion two minutes from the end of than acclaim. their qualifying campaign to Aubameyang punished by Dortmund beat Costa Rica, eliminate the SMALL NATIONS, BIG HOPES United States and qualify for orussia Dortmund have dropped did not agree to allow the English Foot- madan said he had asked Hakim to step With a population of just over their first finals. star striker Pierre-Emerick ball Association to register him while it down and pave the way for the federation Aubameyang from their squad contemplates FIFA’s refusal to approve to strike a new contract with a foreign to play Stuttgart today for “dis- Silva’s transfer from Portugal. coach. Hakim told AFP he would await a ciplinaryB reasons”, the club announced. At the end of summer transfer fi nal decision from the federation, which The Gabonese forward is the club’s top window, the governing body of world is expected to meet next week. marksman with ten Bundesliga goals so football refused to register Silva’s move far, but he has failed to score in the past to Leicester saying the documentation MAN CITY’S AGUERO GOOD three games with Dortmund in a slump. arrived 14 seconds after the deadline at TO GO AFTER DIZZY SPELL “For disciplinary reasons Aubameyang 1am, in Portugal and the UK, on Sep- Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero will not feature in the team for tomor- tember 1. That meant Silva, who is 28, has declared himself fi t for tomorrow’s row’s game,” Dortmund said on the would not be able to play for his new club trip to Leicester City after suff ering a club’s Twitter account. The club made until the English transfer window opens dizzy spell while on international duty no mention of the nature of Aubam- again on January 1. In early October, FIFA tion criticised his performance, after with Argentina. Aguero was substituted eyang’s indiscipline. After three defeats rejected an appeal through the English the team failed to qualify for its fi rst ever at half-time of Argentina’s 4-2 friendly and a draw, Dortmund have seen their Football Association. World Cup. Syria’s hopes to qualify in defeat against Nigeria in the Russian city fi ve-point lead atop the Bundesliga turn Leicester decided not to pursue the the Asian playoff s in October for a spot in of Krasnodar on Tuesday. into a six-point defi cit to bitter rivals matter, but Silva lodged an appeal with the 2018 World Cup were dashed during City dismissed initial reports he had Bayern Munich. CAS in Lausanne and also sought a extra time against Australia. fainted, saying he had merely felt dizzy, speedy interim order that might allow The Syrian football federation did not and after undergoing tests in Manches- CAS REJECTS SILVA’S APPEAL him to play. That request was turned immediately accept Hakim’s resigna- ter, the 29-year-old said he was ready TO PLAY FOR LEICESTER NOW down yesterday. CAS did not say when it tion but is due to issue a statement in the for action. “All the tests they run on me The Court for Arbitration in Sport (CAS) would make a fi nal ruling. next few days, a federation offi cial said. — just for caution — turn out well, so I’m yesterday rejected an application for Hakim also underscored the “diffi cult set to go for Saturday’s match. C’mon, urgent provisional measures by Portu- SYRIAN COACH HAKIM RESIGNS circumstances” that the team faced, in City!!” Aguero wrote on his Twitter ac- Argentina squeaked through by winning their last game, away to guese midfi elder Adrien Silva to allow AFTER WORLD CUP DEFEAT an apparent reference to the six-year war count. Aguero has scored 10 goals in 12 Ecuador, and inevitably it was Lionel Messi who hit a hat-trick to him to play for Leicester City. The court Syria coach Ayman al-Hakim yesterday that has wracked Syria. appearances for Premier League leaders save his nation when staring into the abyss of elimination. (AFP) could still rule in the player’s favour, but resigned after the head of the federa- Yesterday, federation president Ra- City this season.

FOCUS Manager Mourinho keen to see out Manchester United contract

Reuters direction of the football team, it means to try have the same qualities to do it, or even more Germany and Brazil due to injury. London and win titles which we did already last season. because they have the stability over the past But despite nursing a left thigh problem, But when we speak about titles, everyone obvi- three years.” Jones reported for duty, only for the 25-year-old ously thinks about the Premier League.” Mourinho confi rmed striker Zlatan Ibrahi- defender to be forced off in the fi rst half of last anchester United manager Jose United, second in the league table, have made movic could return to action for United before Friday’s 0-0 draw against Germany at Wembley. Mourinho has refused to commit their best start in the league since the 2012-13 the end of the year. The 36-year-old Swede has Mourinho, who will be without Jones for to- his long-term future at Old Traff ord, title-winning season under Alex Ferguson but not played since suff ering a knee ligament injury morrow’s home game with Newcastle United, saying he is focused on improving they are eight points behind Manchester City. in April. “He is a lion, he is a fi ghter...he has the said: “I don’t think it is possible for a player with Mthe team and winning the Premier League title Mourinho believes the pressure to deliver his anger all the time and that’s the reason why he’s a problem to play in a friendly. He was having a before the end of his three-year contract. fi rst league title at United this season is harsh almost coming back,” Mourinho said. “He’s re- problem for three weeks, he’s having problems The 54-year-old Portuguese is nearing the as they are facing fi erce competition from City, duced the timing of his recovery and he will be that are stopping him to play for his club and halfway point of his deal and guided United to Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liv- back in 2017, which is a magnifi cent recovery.” ( then he plays for his club in extreme conditions the League Cup and Europa League titles in his erpool. Mourinho criticised the England set-up after because it’s a big match against Chelsea. And fi rst season. “I signed a three-year contract and “Of course, it is an objective but to say the Phil Jones aggravated a thigh injury in his coun- then he goes to the national team and he comes when I signed that three-year contract it was only way we are improving is to win the Premier try’s friendly draw with Germany. Players in- home with an ongoing injury that everyone basically to try and improve the direction of the League is not quite fair because the other teams, cluding Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling knows is an ongoing injury.” football team,” he told the Daily Mirror. the other fi ve or six teams, have the same objec- and Jordan Henderson withdrew from Gareth Mourinho said he had been “naive” to let “And obviously when we want to improve the tives, the same responsibility,” he added. “They Southgate’s England squad for friendlies against Jones join up with England. Gulf Times 4 Friday, November 17, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS

Nadal wins defamation case against former minister Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal won a defamation case against Federer haunts Cilic in London again former French health and sports minister Roselyne Bachelot yesterday after she accused him of doping on television. Bachelot AFP ner of the Boris Becker group, Cilic was already eliminated was handed a 500-euro (600-dollar) fine by a court in Paris and London but he didn’t take it easy against after two successive defeats and ordered to pay 12,000 euros in damages and legal fees to the serial Cilic. By extending his current could have been forgiven for Grand Slam winner over the allegation she made to the D8 channel winning streak to 13 matches, wanting to get the match over in March 2016. The ex-minister from 2007-2010 alleged that Nadal oger Federer con- the 36-year-old advanced from with as quickly as possible be- had faked an injury in 2012, when he missed the final six months of demned Marin Cilic the Tour Finals group stage with fore heading off for his holidays. the season due to knee problems, in order to hide a positive drug to more frustration in an unblemished 3-0 record for But the 29-year-old was the test. The holder of 16 Grand Slam titles has never failed a drugs test London as he repeated the 10th time in his glittering ca- more aggressive player in a tight and denies ever using banned substances. He had sought 100,000 hisR Wimbledon heroics against reer. With Andy Murray, Novak fi rst set which he eventually won euros in damages and explained last year that he had decided to take the Croatian with a 6-7 (5/7), Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka all in a tie-break. Federer kept plug- legal action to set an example, having previously ignored allega- 6-4, 6-1 victory in the ATP Fi- absent due to injury and world ging away and the world number tions against him. His lawyer, Patrick Maisonneuve, told the court in nals yesterday. number one Rafael Nadal with- two was rewarded when Cilic October that the doping accusation could have had “major conse- Just four months ago and only drawing after his fi rst match due made a couple of costly errors at quences” for Nadal concerning his “existing or future sponsors”. a few miles across south Lon- to a knee problem, Federer ap- 4-5 to surrender the second set. don, Federer was celebrating his pears to have a clear path to his That was Federer’s fi rst break Czech police shelve knife attack on Kvitova record eighth Wimbledon title seventh triumph in the season- of serve in the match and he Czech police said yesterday they had shelved investigation into last after crushing Cilic in a brutally ending event. Switzerland’s Roger Federer returns to Croatia’s Marin Cilic during quickly added a second, unload- year’s knife attack on two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, one-sided fi nal. “It was a tough match. I was in their singles match at the ATP Finals in London yesterday. (AFP) ing a thumping winner down the which had put her career at stake. Cilic had been hampered by a trouble, a set and a break point line to take a 2-0 lead in the fi nal “Despite extensive investigation, we have not managed to iden- blistered foot and the Croat was down, but I found a way out of it Woods to become the world’s remarkable renaissance year. set. That was all the advantage tify the attacker to date,” detective Jan Lisicky told reporters. “We reduced to tears during the match and I’m happy to be playing this highest earning athlete, with a When Federer missed last Federer needed as he looks ahead shelved the case on November 8, 2017... but... if we find new facts, if as his predicament sunk in. In way,” Federer said. “It’s nice to career total of £84 million ($110 year’s Tour Finals through in- to Saturday’s semi-fi nals. we identify the attacker, we will immediately start criminal proceed- their fi rst meeting since that All play Tennis this freely. It gives million, 94 million euros) ac- jury, it seemed possible he would Third seed Zverev and Sock ings,” he added. Kvitova suff ered career-threatening injuries to her England Club showdown, Fed- me a great idea how I want to be cording to Forbes. never recapture his former glo- will stage a winner-takes-all playing left hand as she fought off a knife-wielding intruder at her erer haunted Cilic once again as on Saturday. I’m looking forward But Federer is motivated by ries. But this year Federer has clash as they fi ght for a semi-fi - home in the eastern Czech town of Prostejov in December 2016. “She he fought back at the O2 Arena. to facing (David) Goffi n or (Do- his legacy rather than the size been revitalised, winning the nal berth. Both Zverev and Sock was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The attacker had no idea Having beaten Jack Sock and minic) Thiem.” of his bank balance and win- Australian Open and Wimble- have one win from their two whom he was facing at first,” said Lisicky. Alexander Zverev in his fi rst two The prize money from Fed- ning the Tour Finals for the fi rst don among seven titles -- more matches and the victor will fi n- The former world number two and five-time Fed Cup winner has matches, Federer was already erer’s win over Zverev on Tues- time since 2011 would be another than other male player over the ish as group runner-up behind repeatedly called the incident “the past”. guaranteed to qualify as the win- day took him past golfer Tiger feather in his cap at the end of a last 11 months. Federer.

CRICKET FOCUS Stoneman hits fi rst tour century, Cook Sri Lanka’s Lakmal back in the runs

AFP the job yesterday before he Townsville, Australia was caught and bowled by leg- spinner Daniel Fallins imme- diately after tea. ark Stoneman He showed attacking intent rattles India on the scored the fi rst from the outset after Stuart century of the Broad had taken the fi nal home Ashes tour as wicket to dismiss Cricket Aus- MAlastair Cook regained form tralia for 250. in the match against a Cricket Stoneman survived a dif- Australia XI in Townsville fi cult chance to gully on 41 yesterday. before reaching 50 off 66 balls The in-form Surrey left- and a hundred off 140. rain-hit opening day hander cracked 111 off 159 balls But if Stoneman was the and shared in a 172-run open- batting star, the tourists would ‘I am not sure if it’s the best spell I have seen but (it is) one of the finest I have seen for a long time’ ing stand with former skipper have been delighted with Cook as the tourists clubbed Cook’s return to form after his AFP their way to 337 for three at the fi tful start to the tour. Kolkata close on the second day of the The former captain took 11 four-day game. balls to get off the mark but In the fi nal warm-up game once set he hardly looked in ri Lanka paceman Suran- ahead of next week’s Ashes trouble until he edged an at- ga Lakmal jolted India Test series opener against tempted cut off Matt Short to with three wickets, in- Australia in Brisbane, Cook fi - the keeper on 70. cluding skipper Virat nally found some batting form It was a sign that Cook, Kohli,S to leave them reeling at with 70 off 127 balls after a run who plundered 766 runs when 17-3 on a rain-hit opening day of of low scores. England won in Australia sev- the fi rst Test yesterday. At stumps, captain Joe Root en years ago and had made just Lakmal claimed Lokesh Rahul was unbeaten on 62 with Daw- 45 runs in three innings so far, with the fi rst ball of the match id Malan on 57 to cap a pleas- that this may have been a per- at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens and ing day for the tourists against sonal turning point on tour. bowled six overs without con- a lightweight CA XI bowling But there was promise of ceding a run. Put in after a long attack. more runs to come on Friday’s rain delay that washed away the Regardless of the strength third day with Root and Malan fi rst session, India batted for of the inexperienced bowling on unbeaten half-centuries only 11.5 overs before bad light opposition, England’s bats- and the innings lead already ended the day. men spent precious time out at 87. Cheteshwar Punajara, on in the middle ahead of the fi rst The only downside to the eight, and Ajinkya Rahane, yet Gabba Test, starting on No- day for the tourists was James to open his account, were at the vember 23. Vince, batting at number crease after India suff ered early Coach Trevor Bayliss had three, who went for a classy blows on a green wicket that of- said after England’s thumping but all too brief 26. fered bounce to the seamers. 192-run victory over the CA XI Vince was convinced he had Rahul edged a rising delivery in Adelaide last week that his hit a ball from Fallins into the from Lakmal to wicketkeeper batsmen had to score big. ground before he was taken at Niroshan Dickwella before the Stoneman, who has been short leg but, after consulting, crowd had even settled. England’s best-performing the umpires made what re- The paceman then took batsman on tour with three plays suggested was the right Shikhar Dhawan for eight, after half-centuries, got on with decision to give him out. the left-hander dragged a moving delivery on to his stumps. That left the hosts on 13-2. Sri Lankan BADMINTON fast bowling coach Rumesh Rat- nayake lauded Lakmal’s eff orts on a pitch he said was a “night- mare” for the batsmen. Sindhu advances, “I am not sure if it’s the best spell I have seen but (it is) one of the fi nest I have seen for a long, Saina bows out long time,” Ratnayake told re- Sri Lanka’s Suranga Lakmal and captian Dinesh Chandimal celebrate after taking the wicket of Indian captain Virat Kohli during the first day of porters. the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP) IANS In the men’s singles match, “Saying that the wicket was Fuzhou, China Prannoy failed to live up to his very receptive, it was very help- lish themselves before bad light and the umpires halted play for Sri Lanka, who lost three side for the second Test starting reputation and surrendered ful and it’s going to be a big chal- forced the umpires to call an the day. Tests, fi ve one-day internation- on November 24 at Nagpur. the match in straight games. lenge... But the job isn’t fi nished. early tea. The break did India no India’s assistant coach Sanjay als and a Twenty20 interna- ndian shuttlers Saina Olympic silver medallist It has only started.” good as Lakmal returned to trap Bangar said the world’s number- tional in a home series against SCOREBOARD Nehwal and HS Prannoy Sindhu will clash with another “I believe it’s a 50-50 chance Kohli lbw for an 11-ball zero. one team was keen to challenge India from July to September, are India bowed out of the World Chinese qualifi er Gao Fangjie for both teams and if that’s the Kohli, in a desperate bid to itself in every condition possible. searching for their fi rst Test win L. Rahul c Dickwella b Lakmal 0 Superseries Premier going for a place in the quarter-fi - option one wants to take as a fast avoid a rare duck in his glow- “We are happy to play on in India. Idown to their respective op- nals. S. Dhawan b Lakmal 8 bowler, as a fast bowling coach, I ing career, reviewed the dis- wickets like this. A team doesn’t Meanwhile paceman Ishant C. Pujara not out 8 ponents yesterday. In the fi rst meeting between would like to play on wickets like missal but replays suggested the really want to play on easy con- Sharma was released from the V. Kohli lbw b Lakmal 0 Later in the day, the second the two opponents, World No this. But it might be a nightmare ball would have clipped his leg ditions,” Bangar said. India Test squad. A. Rahane not out 0 seed PV Sindhu defeated Han 2 Sindhu edged ahead of the for the batsmen,” the former stump. “We challenge ourselves and The 29-year-old seamer will Extras (lb1) 1 Yue of China 21-15, 21-13 in the 17-year-old as the opening paceman added. Soon Pujara, who played 43 most players are open to such represent Delhi in their upcom- Total (3 wickets, 11.5 overs) 17 second round. game progressed. Pujara, who was beaten by of the 71 balls bowled in the day, challenges. We want to continue ing Ranji Trophy game against Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-13, 3-17. In a match which lasted Initially it appeared like a the moving ball on a few occa- and Rahane complained of low improving as a team,” the former Maharashtra, starting today, af- Bowling: Lakmal 6-6-0-3, 37 minutes, Japan’s Akane close contest was on the cards, sions, and Kohli tried to estab- visibility against the seamers batsman said. ter which he will rejoin the India Gamage 5.5-1-16-0. Yamaguchi defeated Saina in after Han, ranked 105 in wom- straight games 21-18, 21-11 to en’s singles, matched Sindhu advance in the women’s sin- to 5-6, but the experienced pro Hafeez suspended over illegal bowling action gles category while Lee Cheuk eased ahead. Yiu overpowered Prannoy 21- Sindhu dropped just fi ve Pakistan’s spinning allrounder Mohamed dom’s Loughborough University showed a Cricket Board agrees, the ICC said, adding previous ban. Hafeez’s bowling adds value 19, 21-17 in 42 minutes in the points while moving from 12- Hafeez has been suspended from bowling majority of Hafeez’s deliveries “exceeded he can apply for a reassessment once to his batting, having taken 136 wickets in men’s singles category. 10 to 21-15 in the game one. in international matches after failing an- the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted he has corrected his action. It is the third 195 one-day internationals. He also has 52 In the fi rst match, Saina The second game saw Sindhu other assessment test, cricket’s governing under the regulations”. time Hafeez has been suspended for his wickets in 50 Tests and 49 in 81 Twenty20 played to her potential but to- speed ahead 6-0 and extend body said yesterday. “After an independent assessment the deliveries. His action was first reported in internationals. Pakistan is the worst hit wards the end, the Hyderabadi her lead to 11-3 by the break. The 37-year-old was reported for using bowling action of Hafeez is found to be November 2014 and after initial suspension country in terms of illegal bowling action, shuttler lost the momentum Han fought back to make suspected banned bowling actions during illegal and, as such, the off -spinner has he was allowed to bowl again in April 2015. with ace spinner Saeed Ajmal forced to as also the issue. In the second 9-12 as Sindhu faltered some- the third one-day international against Sri been suspended from bowling in interna- But he was reported again in June 2015 and leave the game after his remodelled action game it was all about the Japa- what, but the Indian took fi ve Lanka in Abu Dhabi last month. tional cricket with immediate eff ect,” the banned banned from bowling for one year. left him ineff ective. Not selected for the nese shuttler. Saina seemed consecutive points off her to The International Cricket Council said ICC said yesterday. He will still be allowed He resumed bowling in January this year national side since 2015, Ajmal announced struggling and as a result put the result out of doubt, subsequent testing at the United King- to play domestic matches if the Pakistan and played only as batsman during the retirement from all cricket on Monday. Yamaguchi wrapped up the is- before closing out the game in sue comnfortably. a fl urry. Gulf Times Friday, November 17, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Embiid dominates as Cowboys rusher Elliott drops Sixers beat Lakers appeal of LeBron scores 31 points in Cavaliers 115-107 triumph at Charlotte six-game ban

AFP Circuit decisions, Mr. Elliott has decid- New York ed to forgo any further appeals and will serve the remaining suspension,” said a statement from Elliott’s agents, Rocky allas Cowboys running back Arceneaux and Frank Salzano. Ezekiel Elliott has withdrawn “This decision arises from a practical his appeal of a six-game NFL assessment of the current legal land- suspension for violating the scape. Mr. Elliott’s desire for closure league’sD personal conduct policy, his in this matter is in his best interests, as agents announced Wednesday. well as the best interests of his team- After a court fi ght that delayed im- mates, family and friends.” plementation of the ban since NFL The protocols of the suspension commissioner Roger Goodell imposed process in a case for which there was no the punishment in August, Elliott legal fi nding of guilt nor an admission missed his fi rst game of the suspension of wrongdoing became a major issue as last Sunday in the Cowboys’ 27-7 loss the case worked through the legal sys- to Atlanta. tem. Elliott will miss the next fi ve Cow- “This decision is in no way an admis- boys’ games, starting Sunday against sion of any wrongdoing and Mr Elliott NFL pace-setter Philadelphia followed is pleased that the legal fi ght mounted by contests against the Los Angeles by him and his team resulted in the dis- Chargers, arch-rival Washington, the closure of many hidden truths regard- New York Giants and Oakland Raiders. ing this matter, as well public exposure The 22-year-old rusher will be able of the NFL’s mismanagement of its dis- to return to competition when the ciplinary process,” the statement said. Cowboys (5-4) on December 24 against An NFLPA statement Wednesday Seattle. Dallas will close the regular night said the union appealed Elliott’s season on December 31 against Phila- ban “to its logical conclusion” before delphia. withdrawing it after proving a point Goodell suspended Elliott on August about the suspension process. 11 after a 13-month investigation con- “Our vigilant fi ght on behalf of cluded the Cowboys star was in violation Ezekiel once again exposed the NFL’s of the league’s personal-conduct policy disciplinary process as a sham and a for an incident in the summer of 2016. lie,” the union statement said. Elliott was not arrested or charged in “They hired several former federal the case and maintains his innocence prosecutors, brought in ‘experts’ and after being accused of assaulting ex- imposed a process with the stated goal girlfriend Tiff any Thompson in Co- of ‘getting it right,’ yet the manage- Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (second from left) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets during their NBA game on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) lumbus, Ohio. ment council refuses to step in and stop His court fi ght, aided by the NFL repeated manipulation of an already AFP stunning eff ort that was nonetheless rebounds for Cleveland while France’s French center Rudy Gobert while Players Association (NFLPA) went to awful league-imposed system.” Los Angeles overshadowed by Embiid’s heroics. Nicolas Batum scored 16 points for the Knicks did not use French center the Second US Court of Appeals, which In eight games this season, Elliott “It’s not just us. It’s the whole team. Charlotte in his fi rst game of the sea- Joakim Noah, eligible after serving last Thursday denied his legal motion has run for 783 yards and seven touch- We’ve all been playing well together,” son following elbow surgery. a 20-game performance-enhancing to halt imposing of the ban. downs on 191 carries. hiladelphia’s Joel Embiid said Embiid, whose team is 8-6 after a “Obviously Nic makes such a diff er- drug suspension. “In consultation with the NFLPA The agents said Elliott would release overwhelmed the Los Angeles 1-4 start. “At the beginning I thought ence and as he gets more into rhythm John Wall produced 27 points and and his lawyers, and after careful delib- a “fi nal personal statement in the up- Lakers in a Wednesday show- we were so young and we had to work I think you’ll start to see the potential Bradley Beal contributed 26 to lead eration and review of the recent Second coming weeks” on the matter. down of the NBA’s top young so hard. But we have come along. that our group has,” Hornets coach the Washington Wizards to a 102-93 Ptalents, scoring 46 points in the 76ers’ We’ve still got a lot of work to do but Steve Cliff ord said. victory at Miami while Karl-Anthony 115-109 victory. it’s coming together.” Dennis Schroder scored 21 points Towns had 26 points and 16 rebounds The dominating 23-year-old Cam- Brandon Ingram, 20, had a career- while Dewayne Dedmon had a career- to lead host Minnesota over the San Nats’ Scherzer, Indians’ Kluber win eroon 7-footer (2.13m) sank 14-of- best 26 points and 11 rebounds to lead high 20 points and added 14 rebounds Antonio Spurs 98-86. 20 shots from the fl oor and 16-of-19 the Lakers while Kyle Kuzma, 22, add- as the Atlanta Hawks routed Sacra- DeMar DeRozan scored 25 points Cy Young Awards from the free throw line, pulled down ed a career-high 24 points but highly mento 126-80. to pace seven double-fi gure scorers 15 rebounds, passed out seven assists touted 20-year-old Lonzo Ball spent The Hawks (3-12) enjoyed their fi rst as Toronto ripped host New Orleans Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer won and blocked seven shots. the fourth quarter on the Lakers bench home win this season and most lop- 125-116. his second consecutive Cy Young Award as the “Just being aggressive,” Embiid said for the second game in a row, manag- sided victory since beating Detroit Indiana guard Darren Collison scored National League’s top pitcher on Wednesday of the reason for his epic night. “I just ing only two points. 141-97 in March 1994. a season-high 30 points as the Pacers while Corey Kluber of the Cleveland Indians wanted to come out and get down low Khris Middleton scored 27 points outlasted host Memphis 116-113 while took home American League honours. and be a (force) down there.” LEBRON SPARKS CAVS WIN and Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo Portland’s Damian Lillard had game Scherzer earned 27 of the 30 first-place votes Embiid, who had 19 points in the LeBron James scored 31 points to lead added 21 to lead the Milwaukee Bucks highs of 26 points and 11 rebounds in a from members of the Baseball Writers’ As- fourth quarter, produced the highest- the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 115-107 over visiting Detroit 99-95. 99-94 win over visiting Orlando. sociation of America to finish ahead of Los scoring game for the 76ers since Allen triumph at Charlotte. It was the third Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw, Iverson scored 46 in 2006. win in a row on a four-game road trip WESTBROOK, CARMELO SHINE RESULTS 201-126. For Scherzer, who led the NL with 268 strikeouts and ranked second No player in NBA history had scored for the Cavs (8-7). Russell Westbrook led the Thun- Philadelphia 115 LA Lakers 109 in ERA (2.51) and fourth in wins (16), it marked the third Cy Young Award of 46 points with 15 rebounds in a game “This was a big win and this was der with 21 points, fi ve rebounds and Portland 99 Orlando 94 his career having also won it in 2003 while playing for the AL’s Detroit Tigers. while adding so many blocks and as- a big trip for us overall,” James said. seven assists while Carmelo Anthony Cleveland 115 Charlotte 107 Scherzer said he was on “cloud nine” after becoming only the 10th pitcher to sists and Embiid warned he still isn’t “Any time you’re on the road for more added 18 points and 11 rebounds as the Indiana 116 Memphis 113 win the award at least three times. “This one is special. When you start talking in top form. than two days, and this was a week for Oklahoma City Thunder downed vis- Milwaukee 99 Detroit 95 about winning it three times, I can’t even comprehend it at this point in time,” “I’m still working on my condition,” us, you have the opportunity to come iting Chicago 92-79. Minnesota 98 San Antonio 86 Scherzer, 33, said on a conference call. “It’s such an unbelievable feeling and Embiid said. “I’ll say 69 %. I’m at 69 together even more. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 26 points Toronto 125 New Orleans 116 unbelievable moment that you really won’t process it until about a year later, % but it’s getting there.” “We faced a little adversity through- and Kristaps Porzingis netted 22 to Oklahoma City 92 Chicago 79 that’s kind of what I found by winning these things.” Major League Baseball’s Australian guard Ben Simmons, 21, out some of the games and you’ve got spark the New York Knicks over visit- Atlanta 126 Sacramento 80 awards week was scheduled to conclude last night with the Most Valuable added 18 points, nine rebounds, 10 as- to be resilient.” ing Utah 106-101. Washington 102 Miami 93 Player Award for each league. sists and fi ve steals for the 76ers in a Kevin Love added 22 points and 10 The Jazz were without injured NY Knicks 106 Utah 101

NHL Bruins’ frustration deepens in loss to Ducks

By Steve Conroy “We’ve got some young players up front. We the puck on the forecheck and eventually beat Boston Herald (TNS) know that. But at the back end and with our John Gibson on a patient backhander to tie the goaltending, there’s some experience there,” game. said Cassidy. The B’s had the game where they wanted it, he Bruins have endured some frustrat- “We’ve got to look at with the two goals and butit escaped their grasp all too easily. Corey ing nights in their quickly-slipping- the six, seven defenseman other than Charlie Perry went at Chara one-on-one and, after one away season, but last night’s 4-2 loss to (McAvoy), these guys have played in the league nifty move, lost control of the puck in the cor- the Ducks is near the top of the list. and they’re going to have to carry the team a lit- ner. A delayed penalty was being called on Chara TThe B’s had fought back to tie the game 1-1 in tle bit until we fi nd our scoring and these young and it seemed as if the B’s stopped playing for a the second period and were utterly dominating guys get comfortable playing on the road. And split second. The Ducks didn’t. Roy’s fellow Anaheim. But though the B’s outshot the Ducks that was a bit of an issue tonight. And guys are Huskie Josh Manson shot the loose puck toward 15-3 in that period, Anaheim scored on two of going to have to take ownership of that. We’ve the net, it went off Chara’s skate and into the net the three shots for a 3-1 lead and never looked got some leaders back there and hopefully they at 14:24, erasing all of the B’s hard work to that back. Derek Grant scored on a tip 2:35 into the take it to heart. We could have been better back point. third and the Ducks, who got a pair of goals from there. Sometimes you’ve got to win 2-1.” Then came a crushing goal with 46.1 left in two former Northeastern Huskies, were on their The B’s also lost to Torey Krug in the third pe- the second. Antoine Vermette took the puck way. riod to an undisclosed injury. deep on the left wing and found Ritchie, who It was the B’s fourth straight loss (0-3-1) and “I was just told he was leaving and he wouldn’t sneaked in behind McAvoy for the chip-in to they fell to 6-7-4 on the season. be back. I don’t know if it’s serious or not,” Cas- make it 3-1 with their second goal on just three “We weren’t great in the fi rst, they had good sidy said. second-period shots. push and we got behind in the fi rst and deserved The Ducks, who are every bit as banged up And at 2:35, the Ducks all but ended it. Per- to be behind a goal,” coach Bruce Cassidy said. as the B’s, had the early jump and it was one of ry stripped Miller of the puck on a breakout, “But we found our game in the second and I their fi ll-ins that put Anaheim on the board at fired toward the net and Derek Grant tipped it thought it was one of our better periods of the 13:26 of the fi rst period. Former Northeastern past Rask to make it 4-1. Noel Acciari added year. We basically gave up one chance and wound star Kevin Roy scored his fi rst NHL goal in his a goal with 22 seconds left, but the game was up with two goals against. That’s going to hap- third big league game. Nick Ritchie took a shot long over. pen sometimes and there’s not much you can do from the right side of the net that Tuukka Rask “(The margin of error) is very thin, espe- about it but keep playing. If you stick with the stopped. cially with how hard we have to work for our program, stick with the process, it’s eventually Chara and Ritchie went after the rebound and goals,” said Rask. “We haven’t been scoring a going to go your way. Or it should. It just wasn’t the puck popped into the air. It landed in the lot lately and goals have been tough to come by. quite enough in the second. We needed a little slot, bounced and Roy, beating both Carlo and So we can’t aff ord to have any unlucky bounces better fi nish around their net.” Anaheim Ducks players (in red and black) react after a goal against the Boston Bruins during the Frank Vatrano to the puck, batted it out of mid- against us. Tonight we had a couple.” Cassidy described his team as “fragile” right second period of their NHL game in Anaheim, California, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) air into the net. now with all the young players in the lineup and But the B’s came out fl ying in the second pe- RESULTS the frustrations mounting. But he took more tion any names but Zdeno Chara was an unchar- the nail-in-the-coffi n goal early in the third pe- riod, landing the fi rst 12 shots on net and scor- Anaheim 4 Boston 2 exception with the performances he got on the acteristic minus-3 and had a killer goal go off his riod and Brandon Carlo was again on the ice for ing on that 12th shot at 8:48. Danton Heinen Chicago 6 NY Rangers 3 experienced defense corps. Cassidy didn’t men- skates, Kevan Miller had his pocket picked for the fi rst goal against of the game. notched his third of the year when he fi rst stole Detroit 8 Calgary 2 Gulf Times 6 Friday, November 17, 2017 SPORT

RUGBY Farrell, May and Launchbury start for England Reuters will fi eld a back three full of pace and coun- Thursday. “This is going to be a great chal- London ter-attacking verve – something that was lenge, as we know Australia have been in glaringly absent last week – and could see great form towards the end of their season.” a turning point in his long-term selection Australia, who beat Wales last week, name wen Farrell, Jonny May and Joe policy as Brown, who Jones likes immensely, their team later yesterday. Launchbury will start for Eng- faces a fi ght to return. The only change in the land against Australia tomorrow, pack sees Launchbury in for George Kruis at England team with Anthony Watson switching lock alongside Courtney Lawes, who wins 15 Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby 27 caps), toO fullback and Maro Itoje named among his 60th cap. 14 Jonny May (Leicester Tigers 27 caps), the replacements by coach Eddie Jones Itoje, rested last week and also shortlisted 13 Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby 34 caps), yesterday. for the world player award, is on the bench. 12 Owen Farrell (Saracens 52 caps), 11 El- After a slow-paced victory over Argentina England will need to be much sharper liot Daly (Wasps 14 caps), 10 George Ford last week and only Samoa to come after this this week against an Australia team who (Leicester Tigers 38 caps), 9 Ben Youngs weekend, Jones was always likely to return to have won fi ve and drawn one of their last six (Leicester Tigers 71 caps), 1 Mako Vuni- his strongest-looking side. games, including a rare success against New pola (Saracens 43 caps), 2 Dylan Hartley That will always include Farrell, short- Zealand. (Northampton Saints 87 caps) captain, 3 listed again this week for the world player of However, the Wallabies have lost four in a Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers 75 caps), 4 Joe the year award and who comes in at inside row against England and their only win in the Launchbury (Wasps 45 caps), 5 Courtney centre having been rested much against his teams’ last seven meetings was in the Rugby Lawes (Northampton Saints 59 caps), 6 will last week. He teams up again with fl y- World Cup pool game that ended the hosts’ Chris Robshaw (Harlequins 57 caps), 7 Sam half George Ford and outside centre Jonath- interest in the tournament two years ago. Underhill (Bath Rugby 2 caps), 8 Nathan an Joseph, with Henry Slade dropping to the In an attempt to replicate some of the Hughes (Wasps 11 caps) bench. challenges of playing in the World Cup in Replacements: 16 Jamie George (Saracens May has recovered from injury to start on Japan in 2019, Jones has changed his team’s 18 caps), 17 Joe Marler (Harlequins 51 caps), the right wing with Watson starting at full- routine this week, briefl y moving their base 18 Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs 3 caps), 19 back, where he played for an hour against to Syon Park in West London and switching Maro Itoje (Saracens 12 caps), 20 Sam Sim- Argentina after Mike Brown went off with their heaviest training day from Tuesday to monds (Exeter Chiefs 1 cap), 21 Danny Care concussion which has ruled him out of Sat- Wednesday. (Harlequins 74 caps), 22 Henry Slade (Exeter urday’s game. “We will have to be eff ective in every- Chiefs 8 caps), 23 Semesa Rokoduguni With Elliot Daly on the other wing Jones thing we do this weekend to win,” he said on (Bath Rugby 3 caps) England’s Dylan Hartley and head coach Eddie Jones (right) during the press conference yesterday. (Reuters)

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Unchanged France deserve second Rose puts pressure chance, says Noves

AFP “But I decided that, after Paris having played just fi ve min- utes in the fi rst match and three-quarters of the second, rance coach Guy he could hold his place for the on Fleetwood with Noves yesterday said third Test.” his players deserved a Trinh-Duc is the only player “second chance” after among those to have faced ‘The front nine, my iron play was actually namingF an unchanged XV for New Zealand last weekend and tomorrow’s Test against South to tackle the Springboks on terrible. Even though I didn’t miss a green, Africa at the Stade de France Saturday who also featured on (kick-off 1945GMT). Tuesday, when wing Gabriel iron play wasn’t really on song at all’ The only change from last Lacroix and second row Sekou fast start Saturday’s 38-18 defeat to Macalou both impressed. AFP New Zealand is on the bench Dubai where uncapped Bordeaux- ‘Need to make amends’ Begles prop Sebastien Taofi f- “Between those (from Tues- enua replaces Clermont’s day) who need to rest and those ustin Rose continued his Raphael Chaume, who was who need to make amends, I blistering form with a injured on his debut last week. thought it was normal to give six-under par fi rst round “This team has a potential them a second chance,” added in Dubai yesterday as he that we weren’t able to see Noves. Mathieu Bastareaud is chasedJ a third straight victory during their fi rst Test,” said retained at inside centre after and a second European Tour Noves. “We weren’t going to a strong showing last week in crown. throw to the dogs players some his fi rst France appearance for The world No.6 from Eng- of whom were playing for the two years. land, winner of the WGC-HSBC fi rst time. The 29-year-old Toulon Champions and Turkish Airlines “I believe this team has the midfi elder had not played Open in successive weeks, hit a right to make amends in this since France’s 62-13 humilia- 66 in the $8 million (6.8 million second performance.” tion at the hands of New Zea- euros) DP World Tour Champi- Having given fi ve players a land in the 2015 World Cup onship. Rose was tied for second, fi rst taste of international ac- quarter-fi nals. one shot behind Patrick Reed. tion last week, Noves has only The squad announcement The American fi red a bogey- one uncapped player, Taofi f- came just 24 hours after France free 65, thus setting himself up enua, in his matchday 23 this won the right to host the 2023 for what could be his fi rst win time. It means fl y-half An- World Cup, beating favourites of the season. Australia’s Scott thony Belleau, centre Geof- South Africa in a run-off . Hend also shot a 66. frey Doumayrou, fl anker Paul “For the young or the old Race to Dubai leader Tommy Gabrillagues and lock Judicael ones who’ve done so much Fleetwood, the man Rose is try- Cancoriet all earn a second cap hard work it’s amazing,” said ing to catch, had a poor opening despite relatively indiff erent Noves. “It’s a fantastic re- day. After starting with a double debuts last week. ward for French Rugby and all bogey, the 27-year-old English- Fly-half Francois Trinh- those who sweated to achieve man had an inconsistent round Duc keeps his place on the this result. Yes, I’m delighted and signed for a one-over par 73 bench despite playing an hour about what comes next.” card, tied for the 46th in the 60- for a French XV against a sec- France played three Tests man fi eld. ond-string All Blacks in Lyon away to South Africa in June, Fleetwood leads the race by on Tuesday, a 28-23 defeat. losing all three by more than 256,737 points. If he does not Trinh-Duc had played only 20 points. South Africa have win, Rose can claim his sec- a handful of minutes last won the last fi ve meetings be- ond European rankings title by weekend against New Zealand. tween the teams and lead their fi nishing in an untied second “He played a good part of overall head-to-head record place. A top-fi ve fi nish could be the match on Tuesday night. 25-11, with six draws. enough for Rose, depending on Essentially he’s as battered as France’s last win against where his younger compatriot Justin Rose of England plays a shot during the first round of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) someone who’s played a match the Springboks dates back to ends on Sunday. fi ve days earlier,” said Noves. 2009. The only other player with a distant chance of winning the “The start was shocking. I ball today,” said Reed. of July’s British Open on the eve but there’s only so much I can do Race to Dubai, Masters champi- gifted the fi rst with the double, of the event. “We were going to at home before I can see if I can FOCUS on Sergio Garcia, opened with a should have made fi ve, at worst, Snedeker makes injury play Golf and went out there on handle fi ve days in a row, uneven 70 and was tied for 21st on a low- on the second. I was giving shots comeback in last US PGA event the range and I couldn’t hit about lies, rough, bunkers,” Snedeker scoring day at the Earth course away early on,” he said. Brandt Snedeker will play his fi ve balls and I couldn’t breathe,” said. “I can do it fi ne at home, of Jumeirah Golf Estates. “It was such an up-and-down fi rst event in fi ve months after a Snedeker said. but out here it’s always a little bit Scotland make two Rose took advantage of the day. There was a bit of nerves sternum joint injury starting at “It has gotten to the point diff erent.” two par-5s on the front nine, but there. There’s always going to be. the RSM Classic, the last US PGA where the doctors were like, ‘We A top prize of $1.1 million a bogey on the ninth meant he I’ve never been in this position tournament until January. need to fi gure out if we have this has attracted such players as changes for NZ Test made the turn at one-under par. before, so a bit of nerves.” The last 156-player event on licked or if we need to do some- last week’s PGA winner, Pat- However, after back-to-back World number 23 Reed, who the 2017 schedule will be played thing diff erent.’” ton Kizzire, and US compatriots Reuters take their places among the birdies on the 10th and 11th, the has been a European Tour mem- at Sea Island Golf Club in St. Si- The 36-year-old American Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Bill Glasgow replacements at Murrayfi eld 37-year-old holed out from the ber for two years now, is aiming mons Island, Georgia, in an area had his ninth career top-10 ma- Haas, Ryan Armour and Charles tomorrow. “The task of facing front bunker on the par-5 14th to win his fi rst title of the year where more than two dozen tour jor fi nish with a ninth-place ef- Howell as well as South Korea’s New Zealand is one of the big- for an eagle and closed with a ra- and was delighted with his start. players reside, including host fort at the US Open in June at Whee Kim. rop Zander Fagerson and gest challenges in sport and one dar-guided approach shot on the “I felt like ball-striking was Davis Love. Erin Hills and played the follow- “I’m looking forward to get- loose forward Cornell that our players relish. They 18th that set up a tap-in birdie. where it needed to be. I pretty Snedeker, who has slid to 47th ing week before the injury. ting back out there and making du Preez were included have been in brilliant form this “A lot of good things hap- much had control over the Golf in the world rankings, pulled out “I’ve been playing at home, some birdies,” Kizzire said. in the Scotland line- season and continue to set very pened,” said Rose, who hit 17 Pup as injury forced coach Gre- high standards whenever they greens in regulation. “I drove the gor Townsend to make changes play,” Townsend said. ball well today. The front nine, Co-leader Koepka makes solid start to title defence in Japan when he named his team yes- Team: 15-Stuart Hogg, my iron play was actually terri- terday for theTest against world 14-Tommy Seymour, 13-Huw ble. Even though I didn’t miss a Defending Dunlop Phoenix 12-foot par putt failed to drop. able to stake their claim for the responded by making four con- champions New Zealand. Jones, 12-Alex Dunbar, 11-Lee green, iron play wasn’t really on Tournament champion Brooks Lee, a winner at the Maeky- title by taking advantage of ideal secutive birdies around the turn. Fagerson comes in at prop for Jones, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Ali song at all. Little things started Koepka quickly stamped his au- ung Open in South Korea in conditions, with calm weather Among other prominent players WP Nel who broke his arm in Price, 8-Cornell du Preez, to really go my way on the back thority on the challengers to his May, joined Koepka at the top and receptive greens allowing in the field, American Xander the 44-38 test win over Samoa 7-Hamish Watson, 6-John nine.” title with a six-under-par 65 to tie of the Japan Golf Tour event for attacking Golf. Schauff ele, winner of the Tour at Murrayfi eld last weekend. Barclay (captain), 5-Jonny “I was happy to be patient no South Korean Lee Sang-hee for leaderboard with a bogey-free Playing the back nine first, Mat- Championship in Atlanta in South African-born Du Preez Gray, 4-Ben Toolis, 3-Zander matter what happened today. the first-round lead in Miyazaki, performance. suyama jump-started his round September, carded a two-under will win a fourth cap at number Fagerson, 2-Stuart McInally, But also, conscious that I’ve won Japan yesterday. They headed Angelo Que of with a 30-foot eagle putt at the 69, while Ryo Ishikawa battled eight in place of the injured 1-Darryl Marfo. from eight back on the weekends The long-hitting US Open cham- the Philippines by one stroke, par-five 18th, where he read the to a 72. Ryan Wilson who has not re- Replacements: 16-George the last two times, but that’s not pion overpowered the Phoenix with world number four Hideki green perfectly and curled a Previous winners of the tourna- covered from a shoulder injury. Turner, 17-Jamie Bhati, really a recipe that you want to Country Club course in a round Matsuyama, the 2014 champion, sharply-breaking putt into the ment include Tiger Woods, Fagerson and Du Preez 18-Simon Berghan, 19-Grant continue to follow.” blemished only by a bogey at his among a group two behind. middle of the cup. Ernie Els, Tom Watson and Seve moved up from the bench last Gilchrist, 20-Luke Hamilton, Fleetwood rued a poor start final hole, where the American’s Koepka and Matsuyama were Koepka, two groups behind, Ballesteros. week and Simon Berghan and 21-Henry Pyrgos, 22-Pete and blamed it on nerves. uncapped Luke Hamilton will Horne, 23-Byron McGuigan. Gulf Times Friday, November 17, 2017 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT MOTORSPORT Neuville-Tanak battle grips Rally WADA rules Russia Australia

AFP manding, it’s going to be the Coff s Harbour, Australia same here,” Neuville said. “I hope it’s going to be a lit- tle bit wet on the weekend, renchman Sebastien which should give us a bit ‘non-compliant’ in Ogier has wrapped up more opportunity to be on the the 2017 World Rally podium, bring back maximum Championship but the points for the team and a win battleF for second remains alive as well. heading into this week’s fi nal “If it stays dry, there will be Rally Australia leg in Coff s some road-cleaning condi- Harbour. tions and it might be tough for Belgium’s Thierry Neuville us being second on the road.” Winter Games blow holds a 14-point advantage in Neuville highlighted Cit- his i20 over the Ford Fiesta of roen rival Kris Meeke and last Minister says WADA demands have ‘political character’, Kremlin says decision ‘unfair’ M-Sport’s Ott Tanak, with a year’s Rally Australia winner maximum 30 points available Andreas Mikkelsen as being Reuters in the Australian event, which among those who would have Seoul gets under way today. an advantage by starting fur- Ogier’s third-place fi nish in ther down the order. last month’s Wales Rally GB Norwegian Mikkelsen, who he World Anti-Doping was enough for the 33-year- is piloting for Hyundai for the Agency (WADA) said old Frenchman to secure a fi fth fi nal three rounds, is bidding yesterday that Russia consecutive championship. to become the eighth diff er- remains “non-com- Ogier, who started his reign ent winner in 13 rounds of this Tpliant” with its Code, dealing a in 2013, is continuing French year’s world championship. major blow to its hopes of being domination of the World Rally “Australia is probably my cleared to compete at February’s Championship. His compa- favourite rally of the season Winter Olympics. triot Sebastien Loeb won nine and I have great experiences Russia’s anti-doping agency consecutive titles from 2004 from the event previously,” (RUSADA) has been suspended to 2012. Mikkelsen said. since a 2015 WADA report found Neuville is hoping for fore- “Winning in 2016 was a evidence of state-sponsored cast rain throughout the three great memory and I hope we doping and accused it of system- days of racing to help his can be in the mix again. atically violating anti-doping chances of holding on to sec- “It would be an amazing regulations. ond place in the series aboard way to end the season and to WADA set out a roadmap for his factory-run Hyundai. prepare for a full season cam- Russia to regain its status but at a World Rally Championship paign in 2018,” he added. meeting of its Foundation Board (WRC) rules require drivers Adding spice to this week- in Seoul yesterday decided that ahead in the standings to start end’s fi nal round is the team key criteria had not been met. early in the order in today’s situation for Ogier next year, WADA president Craig Reed- opening day. with reports saying he was ie said the Board approved the In dry conditions those out planning to leave the manu- recommendation by the Inde- early are disadvantaged by facturer champions M-Sport pendent Compliance Review having to sweep away loose for Citroen. Committee that RUSADA re- gravel with their cars, but the “I know what we have to do, main non-compliant as two key position is reversed when wet I know where we have to get to requirements for reinstatement roads slow following cars. and that’s what I’m working had still not been fulfi lled. “It’s going to be a tough on now,” M-Sport team prin- “Having set a road map for contest. Like every single cipal Malcolm Wilson said this compliance, there are two issues round this year was pretty de- month. that have to be fulfi lled and we can’t walk away from the com- mitments,” Reedie told report- World champ Marquez fastest in fi nal 2017 tests ers, adding that the RUSADA has made improvements. Kuwait, Equatorial Guinea World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) president Craig Reedie (left) speaks as WADA director general Olivier Niggli looks on during a press conference and Mauritius had also been after the WADA’s foundation board meeting in Seoul yesterday. (AFP) found non-compliant by the Board, it added. done everything it could to be ing all the measures to ensure tions of widespread doping and made in the McLaren report. The decision is likely to add reinstated apart from two cri- a level-playing fi eld at the Ol- sample-tampering by laboratory Despite repeated calls for co- more pressure on the Interna- teria that had not been met and ympic Winter Games 2018, into and security offi cials at the 2014 operation with international tional Olympic Committee (IOC) were out of its control. consideration when it decides Sochi Games. bodies to help rid Russia of dop- to ban Russian athletes from the “We fulfi lled all the criteria on the participation of the Rus- ‘POLITICAL CHARACTER’ ing, local authorities have never 2018 Winter Games. that depended on us,” Ganus sian athletes in Pyeongchang,” Russian Sports Minister Pavel acknowledged any state involve- The Kremlin slammed WA- told a news conference in Mos- an IOC spokesperson said. Kolobkov hit out at the WADA ment. DA’s decision as unfair, insist- cow. “There were two points “The pre-games task force decision, saying some of the Russian President Vladimir ing Russia did not have a state- that were beyond our preroga- (set up by the IOC) will continue criteria for RUSADA’s reinstate- Putin has suggested the allega- sponsored doping programme. tives. Unfortunately they were to ensure that all athletes eligi- ment had a “political character,” tions were an attempt to sow “We do not agree with such a not fulfi lled.” ble ..., and specifi cally Russian R-Sport news agency reported. discontent ahead of Russia’s decision,” Kremlin spokesman He did not say what they were athletes, receive the appropriate On Wednesday, Kolobkov had presidential elections. Dmitry Peskov told reporters. specifi cally but Russian authori- level of testing.” said Russia had done everything Alexander Zhukov, president Newly-crowned world champion Marc Marquez was fastest on “We consider it unfair and we ties have so far refused to ac- Pyeongchang Games organ- in its power to get reinstated. of Russia’s Olympic Commit- Wednesday in the last free practice session of the year. have denied and categorically knowledge the fi ndings of the isers said they would await the A 2016 report by Canadian tee, said yesterday they could Riding a prototype of Honda’s 2018 bike, Marquez, three deny accusations that the use of 2015 report of state-backed, sys- IOC’s ruling next month. lawyer Richard McLaren found not meet any criteria that called days after securing a fourth world title, posted a time of 1min doping had state support. This is tematic doping. Russia has also Countries and sports federa- that more than 1,000 Russian for the country to accept that the 30.033sec on the Ricardo-Tormo circuit near Valencia. out of the question.” not released stored samples from tions must be compliant with competitors in more than 30 state was involved in doping. His Spanish compatriot, Maverick Vinales posted the second Russia escaped a blanket ban its Moscow lab. the WADA Code to be eligible sports were involved in a con- “There was not and is no sys- fastest time overall at 0.156sec having topped the charts on at the 2016 Summer Olympics The IOC is set to decide on for the Olympics, with the IOC spiracy to conceal positive drug tem of state support (for dop- Tuesday. in Rio de Janeiro but remains Russia’s participation at its ex- making the ultimate decision on tests over a fi ve-year period. ing) in Russia,” the Interfax news His Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi, the nine-time world barred from competing in inter- ecutive board meeting on De- participation. WADA said last week that it agency quoted Zhukov as saying champion, was third overall with Marquez’s Honda teammate national athletics events. cember 5-7. “The decision of the The IOC banned six cross- had obtained a database con- yesterday. Dani Pedrosa fourth, having managed the second fastest time Yuri Ganus, director general IOC Executive Board ... will take country skiers this month as part fi rming the allegations of wide- “This cannot be accepted.” on Wednesday. of RUSADA, said the agency had all the circumstances, includ- of an investigation into allega- spread state-sponsored doping

FORMULA 1 ATHLETICS Felix eyes Tokyo Force India count the cost of success 400m gold as Reuters engineers and the use of Toyota’s London wind tunnel in Cologne were also crucial. fi nal farewell “Mercedes have done a great orce India are enjoying job for us,” said Szafnauer. Reuters egy went wrong in the world their highest-scoring “But you can point at Wil- Abu Dhabi 400m fi nal in London this Formula One season, the liams and say they’ve got the year when she ran the fi rst team punching above their same great engine as you but 200m too fast. “You can be the weightF to secure fourth place in they haven’t managed it. So it’s merican sprinter Al- best, but if your strategy is off the constructors’ championship not just the engine. lyson Felix, the most and if you don’t put the race for the second year in a row. “We like to hire like-minded decorated woman in together, it can end wrongly,” But, as chief operating offi cer people that are basically racers Olympic and world she said. “To me, that’s the Otmar Szafnauer wryly observes, and all pull in the same direction championshipA history, is eye- challenge of the 400m.” there is a point at which success to get the job in hand ing a fi nal shot at the one ma- Before she starts her is a bit of a mixed blessing. done without any politics,” he jor medal to elude her – Ol- strenuous training schedule “Every point we gain now, it added. ympic 400m gold. for next year, Felix is enjoy- doesn’t help us to secure fourth The poaching of staff is a con- The 31-year-old just missed ing coaching youngsters and but it does cost us in entry for the cern for any successful team, out on gold in Rio de Janeiro holding sprint clinics in the championship next year, another but Szafnauer said only two last year and at this year’s United Arab Emirates. $5,000 per point to the FIA,” the were lured away last year – one world championships in She is training local sprint- Romanian-born American told counting every penny, with a MORE INTENSE by former champions McLaren to Renault and another to London she had to settle for ers after being challenged Reuters. staff of 400 and an annual budg- Formula One is far from a level enduring a nightmare with Hon- Williams. bronze. With six Olympic ti- by NBA great Kobe Bryant to “We can’t aff ord that,” he et of around $100 million com- playing fi eld and Szafnauer, who da, Williams failing to make the Mallya’s fi nancial and legal tles to her name, Felix is now coach athletes for the 2019 added, before a hasty “only jok- pared to rivals with double the works with deputy principal Bob most of their Mercedes engine problems, with the fl amboyant focusing on the 400m despite Special Olympics World ing”. workforce and three times the Fernley to steer the team at the and Renault rebuilding. But all liquor baron confi ned to Britain the 200 being her favourite Summer Games in Abu Dhabi. Every point costs $5,161, on fi nancial clout. track in the absence of embattled three can be expected to raise and fi ghting a bid by India to ex- event and the one in which she Felix does not plan to go top of a basic sum of $516,128, Force India cannot overhaul co-owner Vijay Mallya, knows their game next year. tradite him on fraud charges that won gold at the 2012 Olympics. into coaching when she re- when it comes to calculating a third-placed Red Bull, who are 2018 will be another tough bat- “We’re up for the challenge he denies, have also had to be “I think I haven’t reached tires, nor is she intending to team’s 2018 entrance fee. The 181 points ahead, and nor are tle. and we will target to three-peat handled with sensitivity. my full potential in the 400’s compete into her late thirties, rate for champions Mercedes is they in any danger from fi fth- When it comes to discretion- the fourth place,” said Szafnauer, “We just have to reassure as of now,” Felix told Reuters but she is very grateful for her even greater – $6,194 per point placed Williams on 82. ary spend – the amount left over who saw various main ingre- the staff that Vijay’s issues that yesterday. athletics career. and they have 625 so far. They will still be pushing hard, after engine bills, travel costs and dients to Force India’s success, sometimes play out in the media, “The Tokyo Olympics (in “It has given me real joy, Force India’s 177 – four points however. staff wages are deducted from apart from having a Mercedes have zero impact on the team,” 2020) is my goal. I’m working lifelong friends, allowed me more than last year’s haul – will Mexican Sergio Perez and the budget – Force India have far engine. said Szafnauer. towards that and I want to give the ability to travel the world cost the Silverstone-based team French teammate Esteban Ocon less than their main rivals. Technical director Andrew “Those are his issues and he it my all. It is a very strenuous and go into things I’m pas- $913,497 on top of the base fee are free to race each other, after “For us that’s probably one Green, chief race engineer Tom keeps those separate from the process. If it doesn’t happen, sionate about, I can lend my and there is still next week’s fi - being reined in as a result of ear- tenth of what some of the others McCullough and sporting direc- team. So far that’s been the case there are a lot of things to do voice to something that’s nale in Abu Dhabi to come. lier clashes, and will be hoping to have,” said Szafnauer. tor Andy Stevenson have played and I don’t think that’s going to after my running career.” more meaningful, it’s given That is a tidy sum for a team wrap up on a high. Force India have been helped a key role while securing top tyre change in the future.” Felix admitted her strat- me a whole life plan,” she said.

Friday, November 17, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING QNB STARS LEAGUE Gharafa host The Blue Eye and in-form Footprintinthesand Sailiya in eighth round

By Sports Reporter they are placed eighth and 10th Doha respectively on goal diff erence. pick up victories The Brigadiers have a goal dif- ference of -7 as against The he QNB Stars League’s Oryxes’ -9. Round 8 fi xtures to- The teams had played out Owner Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari has two winners, including The Blue Eye morrow will see Al a goalless draw in the fourth Gharafa play host to Al round of QSL Cup on Novem- TSailiya, Al Markhiya take on Al ber 12 and are in contention for Ahli at Al Arabi Stadium, and the second semifi nal spot from Qatar SC face Al Khor. Group B from which Al Rayyan Going by form and recent already progressed. results, Tunisian Sami Trabel- Al Ahli’s injured Tuni- si’s Al Sailiya start as favour- sian professional Yassine ites, but Al Gharafa, coached Chikhaoui is set to return to by Frenchman Jean Fernandez, action from an injury he suf- have the capacity to beat them. fered in the sixth minute of Al Sailiya are on a high af- their match against Al Arabi in ter beating Umm Salal, while the sixth round. Al Gharafa need to show con- He had also missed Al Ahli’s sistency in their performance Round 7 game that they lost to having been held by promoted Al Sadd as well as the third and Al Markhiya in Round 7. This fourth rounds of QSL Cup. was after they held leaders Al The two bottom-placed Duhail in the previous week. teams — Qatar SC and Al Khor Al Gharafa are in sixth posi- — will look for a lifeline. Al tion with seven points. They Khor, under new coach Nassif have so far recorded only one al-Bayawi, will look to capital- victory, but have the most ise on Qatar SC’s miserable run number of draws (four) among of late. all teams. It will be al-Bayawi’s fi rst Al Sailiya broke into the top league match in charge of The four with their victory over Knights. The Tunisian, who Umm Salal and are on 15 points. previously coached Saudi Ara- Vladimir Weiss, Diego Amado bian team Al Qadisiya, was ap- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) vice chief steward and Luis Jimenez mainly carry pointed to replace Frenchman Abdullah Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) presents the owner’s trophy to Al Gharafa’s hopes, while Al Laurent Banide who was dis- Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari after The Blue Eye won the Al Safliya QREC vice chief steward Abdullah Rashid al-Kubaisi (second from right) and Saad Mubarak al-Hajri (right) with Sailiya have the likes of Wagner missed after Round 6. Cup (listed) at the QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim the winners of Al Wukair Cup after Footprintinthesand won the race yesterday. Ribeiro, Temurkhuja Abdukho- Al Khor and Qatar SC were likov and Valentin Lazar. locked in a goalless draw in By Sports Reporter trained Khataaf and al-Ramzani-schooled Al Markhiya and Al Ahli have the fourth round of QSL Cup Doha Abha registered their fi rst career wins. both amassed fi ve points, but played on November 13.

RESULTS he Blue Eye, the 2016 HH The Race 1: 1. Khataaf (Saleem Golam), 2. Al Emir’s Trophy winner, and Foot- Mikdam (Marvin Suerland), 3. Acclaimed printinthesand emerged winners Dancer (Darren Williams), 4. Master Degree in the two cup races at the Qatar (Faleh Bughanaim). Won by: 3 1/4, 1 1/2, TRacing and Equestrian Club yesterday. 2 1/2. Owner: Ibrahim al-Malki. Trainer: While The Blue Eye, owned by Kha- Ibrahim al-Malki. lifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari and trained by Race 2: 1. Abha (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Al champion trainer Jassim Ghazali, topped Watan (Marvin Suerland), 3. Saar (Ger- the listed Al Safl iya Cup for Class 1 Thor- ald Avranche), 4. Majwan (Jean Baptiste oughbreds, Ahmed Kobeissi-trained Foot- Hamel), Won by: 3/4, 2 1/4, 1/4. Owner: Al printinthesand avenged his loss to Alban Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi al-Ramzani. de Mieulle’s charge, Marjan, from two Race 3: 1. Bluebeard (Gerald Avranche), 2. weeks ago with a win in the Al Wukair Cup Neutron Bomb (Saleem Golam), 3. Elkhart for local Thoroughbreds. (JP Guillambert), 4. Go Sakhee (Marvin In the fi nal race of the card, Hadi al- Suerland). Won by: 1 1/2, Shd. 3/4. Owner: Al Ramzani trained Goldenfi eld stayed ahead Murqab Stud. Trainer: Zuhair Mohsen. for majority of the 2400m race, before the Race 4: 1. Qassy (Marc Lerner), 2. Zahwah 12-strong fi eld picked up pace. Champion (Carlo Fiocchi), 3. Diese (Jean Baptiste jockey Harry Bentley had The Blue Eye in Jockey Harry Bentley (left) rides The Blue Eye to victory in the Al Safliya Cup yesterday. Hamel), 4. Mujahidah (Harry Bentley). Won the front a furlong out, and stayed on even by: 1/4, 2 1/4, 1/2. Owner: Al Thumama Stud. as Julian Smart’s Otwo, ridden by Carlo halhal made it to the frame under Darren guided the Al Thumama Stud horse to a Trainer: Mohamed Hussain. Fiocchi in the colours of His Highness Williams. quarter of a length victory over Al Sha- Race 5: 1. Carab (Pier Convertino), 2. Messine Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani, Al-Kuwari-owned Carab won a thrilling hania Stud’s Zahwah, ridden by Carlo De Sinuhe (Harry Bentley), 3. Najda (Carlo edged out Goldenfi eld for the second spot. duel with Injaaz Stud’s Messine de Sinuhe Fiocchi, while De Mieulle-saddled Diese Fiocchi), 4. Gadab (Stephan Ladjadj). Won In the penultimate race of the day, Qatari by a head to win the Purebred Arabian rounded up the top three. by: Hd, 4 3/4, Hd. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al- jockey Faleh Bughanaim did well to guide Conditions event yesterday. Zuhair Mohsen’s ward Bluebeard made Kuwari. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim Ghazali. Footprintinthesand to the six-year-old’s The mile and two furlong race saw Umm way through traffi c in the home stretch to Race 6: 1. Skate (Carlo Fiocchi), 2. Parkes and eighth career win, even as Umm Qarn’s Qarn’s Gadab lead the pack but two fur- top the Class 4 Thoroughbred Handicap Ride (Gerald Avranche), 3. Al Mohalhal (Dar- Marjan was second ahead of Kobeissi’s longs out, Carab, trained by Mohamed event for horses rated 80 & below. JP Guil- ren Williams), 4. Moheet (Faleh Bughanaim). other charge in the race, Sraab. Jassim Ghazali, and Messine De Sinuhe, lambert had Elkhart take a narrow lead Won by: 2 3/4, 1, Hd. Owner: Abdulhadi Mana Fiocchi registered his fi rst victory in schooled by Ghazali Sr, Jassim, picked early on with Bluebeard a couple of rungs al-Hajri. Trainer: Stefano Ibido. Qatar this season, with a comfortable win up pace almost simultaneously, having behind on the rails under Avranche. Race 7: 1. Footprintinthesand (Faleh astride Abdulahadi Mana al-Hajri’s Skate tracked the leader early on. Coming into the home stretch, the Bughanaim), 2. Marjan (Jean Baptiste in the Class 2 Thoroughbred Conditions Pier Convertino managed to keep Carab 16-horse fi eld jostled for advantage. Ib- Hamel), 3. Sraab (Saleem Golam), 4. event yesterday. marginally ahead, as Harry Bentley had to rahim al-Malki-trained Neutron Bomb Mosayter (Pier Convertino). Won by: 2 1/2, Stefano Ibido-trained Skate had last settle for second, while Fiocchi completed moved up on the outside under Saleem 1/2, 1. Owner: Mohamed Kazim al-Ansari & won in November 2015, but did well yes- the top three with Julian Smart’s Najda. Golam, while Avranche looked for gaps. Sons. Trainer: Ahmed Kobeissi. terday to stay clear of the traffi c in the Qassy raced to his fi rst win for trainer Mo- In the fi nal furlong, Bluebeard found room Race 8: 1. The Blue Eye (Harry Bentley), 2. home stretch, fi nishing just under three hamed Hussain when the seven-year-old and moved ahead, beating Neutron Bomb Otwo (Carlo Fiocchi), 3. Goldenfield (Al- lengths ahead of Khalid al-Naimi’s Parkes narrowly won the Purebred Arabian Handi- by one and a half lengths, while Elkhart berto Sanna), 4. Ningara (Pier Convertino). and Ride, ridden by Gerald Avranche, cap event for horses rated 90 & below. held on for third. Won by: 1 1/4, 3/4, 3/4. Owner: Khalifa bin Al Sailiya had beaten Umm Salal 3-2 in their last QNB Stars League while Majed Seifeddine-saddled Al Mo- In the seven-furlong run, Marc Lerner In the fi rst two races of the day, al-Malki- Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. match earlier this month.

FOOTBALL Fift h Qatar Amateur League set for kick-off tomorrow

By Sports Reporter University. The league will follow a sin- together 13 teams representing the social, Doha gle round-robin format. corporate and government communities The 13 teams competing in this year’s of Qatar. The amateur players in Qatar QAL are Qatar University, Al Khabayib, deserve to have their own league and he Qatar Football Association Madinat Khalifa, The Pearl, Al Nasr, organising the QAL for them illustrates (QFA) announced that the fi fth Lusail, Al Thakhira, Al Thumama, Al QFA’s vision 2021 to improve and develop edition of the Qatar Amateur Maroona, Al Bidda, Al Aziziya, Al Ma- community football in Qatar,” al-Sulaiti League (QAL) is set for kick-off tar, and Doha. A total of 390 players said. onT Sunday. registered for this year’s edition, from He added: “I would like to thank our The press conference was attended by which 130 are Qatari. partners for their continuous eff orts to Ibrahim Shaheen al-Sulaiti, vice-chair- Organising the QAL demonstrates support the QAL, their support con- man of the Sub-Leagues Committee, QFA’s commitment to providing a plat- tributes to the overall success of the Yousef al-Suqairi and Khalid al-Rumaihi, form for teams from the social, corpo- league and ensures that its organised to members of the Sub-Leagues Commit- rate and governmental sectors to inte- the highest standards. I would also like tee. The Sub-Leagues Committee at QFA grate and interact through football in a to thank Aspetar for the great role they oversees and organises all community fun and competitive environment. play by providing the necessary medi- leagues and tournaments including the Organised by the QFA, the fi rst cal services for the players and ensuring QAL, School League, University League, place team prize will be a cash prize of the medical treatment of players in case and the Asian Communities Football QR80,000, while the second and third of injuries.” Tournament. place teams will receive a cash prize of The QAL’s sponsors for this year in- This year, the QAL features 13 teams QR60,000 and QR40,000 respectively. clude The Supreme Committee for De- from across Qatar with three matches A special cash prize of QR5,000 will be livery & Legacy as the Offi cial Strategic being played every Sunday and Monday given to the top scorer of the league. Partner, Qatar National Bank (QNB) as at 6pm and 8pm. “We are very excited to kick off another the Exclusive Financial Partner, Nike as Matches will be played at three dif- season of the Qatar Amateur League and the Offi cial Supplier, Al Kass Channel as ferent venues including Doha Stadium, wish all the teams the best of luck. The the Offi cial Broadcaster and The Look Qatar Football Association (QFA) Sub-Leagues Committee vice-chairman Ibrahim Shaheen al-Sulaiti (centre) and committee Al Markhiya Sports Club and Qatar Qatar Amateur League this year brings Company as the Branding Partner. members Yousef al-Suqairi (left) and Khalid al-Rumaihi at a press conference yesterday.