SPORT Monday 9 October 2017

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31 PAGE | 35 Ruthless Hamilton Nadal punishes Woods hitting roars to victory Kyrgios to win ‘smooth‘s iron shots’ in Japan in Beijing in injury update

Al Khor’s Madson Formagini is tackled by Al Kharaitiyat’s Mohamoud Sadd during their QSL Cup match at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. LEFT: Al Kharaitiyat midfielder Tiberkanine Rachid scores his second goal against Al Khor during their QSL England’s Harry Kane shoots at goal to score against Cup match at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. Rachid scored a Lithuania during their 2018 World Cup qualifier at LFF hat-trick as Al Kharaitiyat recorded a resounding 4-2 win in Stadium in Vilnius, Lithuania yesterday. the Group A match yesterday. Pictures: Baher Amin/The Peninsula Kane nets winner for England in final qualifier

Reuters for almost two years and the striker repaid his coach’s faith ngland rounded off an with a lively, if sometimes rag- unbeaten World Cup ged, display. Equalifying campaign with With group rivals Poland Harry Kane’s first-half penalty taking an early lead against sealing an uninspiring 1-0 vic- Montenegro, the Danes knew tory over Lithuania in rainy that they could no longer win Vilnius yesterday. the group, but Bendtner and Kane converted from the Pione Sisto were keen to give spot in the 27th minute for his the sell-out crowd at the Parken sixth goal in his last seven Eng- Stadium their money’s worth. land matches after his Sisto let fly with a stinging Tottenham Hotspur team mate shot from distance on the half- Dele Alli tumbled in the area hour mark that was touched under a clumsy challenge from over the bar for a corner, and Rachid hat-trick powers Ovidijus Verbickas in the Group moments later Bendtner missed F match. a glorious chance to put Den- England, who qualified for mark in front as his shot was a sixth successive World Cup blocked by a last-ditch tackle. finals on Thursday when Kane Shortly after, the 29-year- Al Kharaitiyat to victory scored a last-gasp goal in a 1-0 old former Arsenal and defeat of Slovenia at Wembley, Juventus striker had the ball in made several changes to their the net, but the goal was disal- Armstrong Vas The first two quarters of the In the second half, Rachid In the 81st minute, Al Khor lineup but again failed to offer lowed for offside. The Peninsula match saw both the teams fight- opened up the rival defense with reduced the margin to make it much excitement. Bendtner finally paved the ing to get a firm hold over the goal 16 minutes into the second 3-2 with Saoud Mohammed Al Despite overwhelming pos- way for the deadlock to be bro- hat-trick from mid- proceedings. Both teams creat- session. Mohammed Abdulraab Khallaqi beating the off side trap session on the slick artificial ken when he was pulled back fielder Tiberkanine ing openings but were unable to Al Yazidi covered a lot of ground to place his shot past the onrush- surface they struggled to open in the box on the hour mark by Rachid helped Al add any goals against their name on the right flank and square the ing goalkeeper. up a resolute home side with defender Cristian Ganea as he Kharaitiyat to regis- on the scoreboard. ball for a perfectly positioned Rachid struck his third goal chances few and far between attempted a header, and Chris- ter a resounding 4-2 Al Kharaitiyat finally ended Rachid to make it 2-0 in favour of the match, to make sure there in a drab encounter. tian Eriksen stepped up to winA over Al Khor and collect the impasse in the 36th minute of Al Kharaitiyat. were no hiccups for his side at England, unbeaten in 21 convert the spot kick. their second successive win in off a dead ball situation. Al Khor rallied back and the fag end of the match. World Cup qualifiers, finished Ganea was sent off the Group A match of the QSL Al Kharaitiyat defender pulled one back in the 71st The Moroccan, who was top of Group F with 26 points moments later, collecting his Cup at Al Gharafa Stadium Gounerou Josue Mohy, who had minute. entrusted with the spot kick, from 10 matches. second yellow card for drag- yesterday. moved up for the corner kick, Brazilian Madson, who got which was awarded after Adul Elsewhere, Nicklas Bendt- ging down Yussuf Poulsen, but The 32-year-old Belgium- outjumped his marker to con- hold a perfect through pass, Hadi Amin was adjudged to be ner returned to the starting despite being down to ten men, born Moroccan playmaker nect the aerial ball to send it made no mistake in side step- have been brought down line-up to help Denmark secure Ciprian Deac fired home a late struck telling blows in crucial soaring into back of the nets, ping the advancing Al unfairly by the rival keeper in second position in Group E and equaliser for Romania in the stages of the match to give full much to the delight of his Kharaitiyat keeper Saeid Nas- an one-to-one situation, made a place in the playoffs, winning 88th minute. points to his side. team-mates. rollah Monfared and guide the no mistake with the penalty a penalty for his side in a 1-1 Poland beat Montenegro Rachid struck his first goal in Thereafter, both teams ball into an unguarded goal, 2-1. kick sending the goal tender draw with Romania in their 4-2 to finish top of Group E on the 61st minute and added a sec- pressed hard for the goals but Four minutes later, Al the wrong way, to make it 4-2 final World Cup qualifier. 25 points with the Danes sec- ond one in the 75th minute while could not trouble the scorers, Kharaitiyat scored again with and ensure full points for his Manager Age Hareide gave ond on 20, four ahead of completing his hat-trick in the while going into the half time Rachid making no mistake with side. Bendtner, currently plying his third-placed Montenegro and dying minutes to take the match break score of 1-0 in favour of his second attempt after the first Al Kharaitiyat now have six trade at Norwegian side Rosen- seven ahead of Romania, who away from the opposing team. Al Kharaitiyat. try came off the rival keeper, 3-1. points from two matches. borg, his first competitive start finished fourth.

Qatar under-19 cricketers ready for ACC Asia Cup Qualifiers

Qatar under-19 cricketers pose for a photograph with Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) President Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari, coach Aruna De Silva, team manager Amjad Baig and QCA officials ahead of the Asian Cricket Council Under- 19 Asia Cup Western Region qualifiers. Qatar, along with six other countries will fight for a single qualification spot in the ACC Under 19 Asia Cup tournament which will take place in Kuwait from October 11 to 20. 30 SPORT MONDAY 9 OCTOBER 2017 Ruthless Hamilton roars to Japan win Suzuka, Japan JAPANESE GRAND PRIX AFP Huge blow for Vettel Results and Formula One world championship stand- Vettel saw his title hopes all ings after the Japanese Grand Prix yesterday: ewis Hamilton romped to victory but disappear after he retired 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) at the Japanese Grand Prix yester- with engine problems on the 307 km in 1 h 27:31.193 (average speed: 211 km/h) Lday to close in on a fourth world fourth lap. Hamilton steers his 2. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) at ...... 1.211 title after Sebastian Vettel retired with Mercedes to a crushing eighth 3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) at ...... 9.679 engine failure on lap four. win of the year to stretch his 4. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) at ...... 10.580 The Briton dominated from pole, 5. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) at ...... 32.622 Formula One championship steering his Mercedes to a crushing lead over Vettel to 59 points 6. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force India) at ...... 1:07.788 eighth win of the year, stretching his For- with just 100 left to play for. 7. Sergio Perez (MEX/Force India) at ...... 1:11.424 mula One championship lead over Vettel 8. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas) at ...... 1:28.953 to 59 points with just 100 left to play for. 9. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) at ...... 1:29.883 “Honestly I could only have dreamed frantically on the grid to fix a spark plug 10. Felipe Massa (BRA/Williams) at ...... 1 lap 11. Fernando Alonso (ESP/McLaren) at ...... 1 lap of having this kind of gap,” said Hamil- issue before lights out and Vettel was 12. Jolyon Palmer (GBR/Renault) at ...... 1 lap ton after holding off a late charge from quickly complaining of a lack of power. 13. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Toro Rosso) at ...... 1 lap Max Verstappen in Suzuka. The German, who finished fourth in 14. Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren) at ...... 1 lap “The team has done a phenomenal Malaysia and crashed from pole in Singa- 15. Pascal Wehrlein (GER/Sauber) at ...... 2 laps job, they’re just so meticulous so a big pore before that, plummeted to sixth on The other competitors were not classified thank you to the guys.” the first lap before being told to retire the The Red Bulls of Verstappen -- who car as Hamilton roared away into the dis- World championship standings stunned Hamilton to win in Malaysia last tance. “It’s just a pity in the two races with Drivers week -- and Daniel Ricciardo secured a the reliability issues,” said Vettel, who led 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) ...... 306pts double podium for the second succes- the championship just six weeks ago. 2. Sebastian Vettel (GER) ...... 247 sive race. Valtteri Bottas finished fourth “But now it’s important to get some 3. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) ...... 234 in the second Mercedes with Kimi Raik- rest and give my all for the last four races 4. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) ...... 192 konen’s Ferrari taking fifth and Esteban and see what happens.” 5. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) ...... 148 Ocon sixth for Force India. Ferrari, who have struggled with 6. Max Verstappen (NED) ...... 111 Hamilton celebrated a fourth victory reliability issues since the summer break, 7. Sergio Perez (MEX) ...... 82 in Japan and a 61st career win with a later blamed the faulty spark plug for 8. Esteban Ocon (FRA) ...... 65 ‘Mobot’ pose, a tribute to his friend Mo the car’s loss of speed. 9. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) ...... 48 Farah, the Olympic champion athlete, “The misfortune of Ferrari is unbe- 10. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) ...... 34 who was watching trackside. lievable,” said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. 11. Felipe Massa (BRA) ...... 34 “Max drove an outstanding race and “But Lewis drove a spectacular race.” 12. Lance Stroll (CAN) ...... 32 it got very close at the end,” said The warmer conditions were sup- 13. Romain Grosjean (FRA) ...... 28 Hamilton. posed to favour the Ferraris but Hamilton 14. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) ...... 15 15. Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL) ...... 13 “His car was looking so big in my ruthlessly converted his record-break- 16. Fernando Alonso (ESP) ...... 10 mirrors. It wasn’t a walk in the park ing pole position by rapidly taking a 17. Jolyon Palmer (GBR) ...... 8 today. There’s still a long way to go,” stranglehold on the 53-lap race. 18. Pascal Wehrlein (GER) ...... 5 added the Briton. Verstappen raised pulses over the 19. Daniil Kvyat (RUS) ...... 4 “Anything can happen in life so I final two laps but ultimately his charge Constructors have to keep my head down and hope- was too little too late to prevent a fourth 1. Mercedes-AMG 540pts, 2. Ferrari 395, 3. Red Bull 303, fully continue to perform like this.” successive Suzuka win for Mercedes. Vettel’s title hopes, meanwhile, suf- Also in the points, Sergio Perez fin- 4. Force India 147, 5. Williams 66, 6. Toro Rosso 52, 7. Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton throws his winner’s trophy during

Haas 43, 8. Renault 42, 9. McLaren-Honda 23, 10. Sau- fered a potentially fatal blow with four ished seventh for Force India ahead of

the podium ceremony at the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka ber 5 races left following nightmare start from the two Haas cars of Kevin Magnussen the front row. Ferrari mechanics worked and Romain Grosjean. yesterday.

Sri Lanka’s Numan Pradeep (left) bowls during the third day of the second Test match against Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium in Rabada spearheads Dubai, yesterday. South Africa to victory

Bloemfontein, South Africa Rabada took five for 30 as It was Rabada’s third AFP Bangladesh were bowled out for 10-wicket haul in Tests. He took 172, a slight improvement on his tally of Test wickets in 2017 ast bowler Kagiso Rabada their first innings of 147 in reply to 54, the most by any bowler led a ruthless bowling per- to South Africa’s 573 for four this year. Fformance as South Africa declared. It was another poor per- completed an innings and 254 Rabada, 22, who had match formance by Bangladesh on a run win on the third day of the figures of 10 for 63, became the pitch which had bounce but was second Test against Bangladesh youngest of 16 South Africans to not especially bowler-friendly. at Mangaung Oval yesterday. take 100 Test wickets. He was A small group of Bangladesh It was the biggest win in playing in his 22nd Test. Only supporters cheered during a South Africa’s Test history, sur- Vernon Philander (19) and Dale bright fifth wicket stand of 43 passing the innings and 229 run Steyn (20) of his compatriots between Mahmudullah, who victory over Sri Lanka in Cape have achieved the feat in fewer top-scored with 43, and Liton Town in 2000/01. matches. Das, who made 18. But their team gave them little else to SCOREBOARD applaud. Rabada and Duanne Olivier South Africa (I innings):573-4 declared Rubel Hossain b Rabada ...... 7 Bangladesh (I innings): 147 Subashis Roy (not out) ...... 12 were aggressive from the start Bangladesh (II innings): Mustafizur Rahman b Phehlukwayo ...... 7 of play, when Bangladesh Imrul Kayes c De Kock b Olivier ...... 32 Extras (LB6, N1) ...... 7 resumed on seven for no wicket. Pakistan hit back after Soumya Sarkar c Du Plessis b Rabada ...... 3 Total (42.4 overs) ...... 172 They sent down numerous Mominul Haque c Maharaj b Rabada ...... 11 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-29, 3-63, 4-92, 5-135, 6-139, short-pitched deliveries and Mushfiqur Rahim lbw b Parnell ...... 26 7-145, 8-145, 9-156 three batsmen were struck on Mahmudullah c Elgar b Rabada ...... 43 Bowling: Rabada 11-1-30-5, Olivier 11-1-39-1, Maharaj their batting helmets, including Liton Das b Phehlukwayo ...... 18 6-1-30-0, Parnell 5-0-31-1, Phehlukwayo 9.4-2-36-3 (1nb)

Sabbir Rahman c Du Plessis b Phehlukwayo ...... 4 Result: South Africa won by an innings and 254 runs captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who conceding big lead had lengthy treatment on the Taijul Islam b Rabada ...... 2 Series: South Africa won the two-match series 2-0 field. Dubai having opener Kaushal Silva unbeaten on eight. Sri Lankan AFP caught behind for three before spinners Dilruwan Perera (3-72) Riaz dismissed first innings cen- and Rangana Herath (3-84) had aceman Wahab Riaz took turion Dimuth Karunaratne for bundled Pakistan out just after three wickets in a fiery seven. He then had debutant dinner to put Sri Lanka in sight Pspell but Sri Lanka were Sadeera Samarawickrama out of a series win. They won the still in the driving seat after the for 13 in a hostile spell of 3.3 first Test by 21 runs in Abu third day of the second day- overs. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah Dhabi. Only Azhar Ali (59) and night Test in Dubai yesterday. had nightwatchman Suranga Haris Sohail (56) offered some Riaz grabbed 3-10 to derail Lakmal out for one as Pakistan resistance as the Pakistani bats- Sri Lanka’s second innings -- started to stage a fightback. men once again flopped on a 34-5 at close -- but the visitors At close Kusal Mendis was batting friendly pitch. were still in a strong position SCOREBOARD with an overall lead of 254 runs with five wickets intact. Sri Lanka (I innings): ...... 482 Bowling: Lakmal 17.3-5-41-2, Pradeep 9-2-21-0, Riaz dismissed Sri Lankan Pakistan (I innings): Gamage 15-2-38-2 (3nb), Perera 26-3-72-3, Herath skipper Dinesh Chandimal leg Shan Masood b Gamage ...... 16 23-2-3-84-3 Sami Aslam lbw b Perera 3 ...... 9 Sri Lanka (II innings): before for nought in the last over Azhar Ali lbw b Herath ...... 59 D Karunaratne b Riaz ...... 7 before close to give Pakistan a Asad Shafiq c Mendis b Lakmal ...... 12 K Silva c Ahmed b Abbas ...... 3 faint hope of upsetting the Babar Azam c Samarawickrama b Herath ...... 8 S Samarawickrama c Ahmed b Riaz ...... 13 tables, but it will be an uphill Haris Sohail lbw b Perera ...... 56 K Mendis (batting) ...... 8 task for their faltering batsmen Sarfraz Ahmed c Mendis b Perera ...... 14 S Lakmal lbw b Shah ...... 1 to improve in the second Mohammad Amir lbw b Herath ...... 7 D Chandimal lbw b Riaz ...... 0 innings. Pakistan were dis- Yasir Shah b Lakmal ...... 24 Extras: (LB1, NB1) ...... 2 Wahab Riaz c Samarawickrama b Gamage ...... 16 Total: (for five wkts; 14.3 overs) ...... 34 missed for 262 in their first Mohammad Abbas not out ...... 1 Still to bat: N Dickwella, D Perera, R Herath, L Gamage, innings, conceding a big 220- Extras: (B4, LB2, NB4) ...... 10 N Pradeep run lead following Sri Lanka’s Total: (all out) ...... 262 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-22, 3-26, 4-33 (Lakmal), 5-34 South Africa’s bowler Kagiso Rabada (centre) is congratulated by team-mates after taking his

first innings 482. Fall of wickets: 1-61, 2-65, 3-92, 4-109, 5-180, Bowling: Abbas 4-2-6-1, Shah 7-2-17-1, Riaz 3.3-0-

100th Test match wicket during the third day of the second Test match against Bangladesh It was paceman Mohammad 6-199, 7-214, , 8-220, 9-250) 10-3 (1nb) Abbas who started the slide, in Bloemfontein yesterday. MONDAY 9 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 31 Nadal punishes Kyrgios to win in Beijing

Beijing AFP orld number Garcia upsets new No.1 one Rafael Nadal won his sixth title of another Halep in China Open final Wremarkable year as he punished a disgruntled Nick Kyrgios at the Beijing China Open yesterday. AFP The 31-year-old Spaniard was never really in trouble nseeded Caroline Gar- against the temperamental Aus- cia of France won her tralian in a 6-2, 6-1 rout in 92 Usecond title in as many minutes on Beijing’s outside weeks as she stunned new hard courts. world number one Simona Nadal, a 16-time Grand Slam Halep in the closely fought winner, came to the Chinese final of the China Open capital on the back of winning yesterday. his third US Open. Garcia is in the form of He saved two match points her life and edged out the in his nervy opener against Romanian second seed 6-4, Frenchman Lucas Pouille. 7-6 (7/3) to add the China But after that Nadal sliced Open to the Wuhan Open through the opposition to win title she lifted last weekend, the China Open for the first time making it five WTA crowns Caroline Garcia of France kisses the trophy after winning since making his debut in Bei- in all. the women’s singles final match against Simona Halep of jing in 2005. Garcia’s feat was all the Romania at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing Since then Nadal has gone more remarkable because yesterday. on to become one of the great- she was carrying a leg injury est players of all time and he that has required frequent underlined his brilliance in on-court treatment and “Even this morning I turned out to be a turning swatting aside the 22-year-old completed a mammoth couldn’t believe I was in the point. Kyrgios. three-set quarter-final win final.” Garcia was 0-40 down The world-ranked 19 dis- well past midnight on Fri- With rain teeming down on her own serve until played his best side in forcing day evening. outside ahead of what dragging it to 40-40 and Nadal to 2-2 in the first set, but The 23-year-old, who is turned out to be a cracker, then saving half a dozen his other side emerged later. set to rise from number 15 a leak in the Diamond Court break points before some- Rafael Nadal of Spain lifts the trophy after winning the men’s Kyrgios was already on a to nine in the world, sank to stadium roof had threatened how winning the game to warning from the umpire from singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia at the China her knees on the hard court to dampen proceedings. go 4-3 up. the first game of the match for Open tennis tournament in Beijing yesterday. when she finally sealed vic- But that was soon fixed The duo raced into the something he said. tory in the second-set tie and there was little between tie break, but Garcia now And when he went down title hopes quickly evaporated. play and wants to work, he is break. the two players until Garcia had the momentum and she 30-0 on Nadal’s serve at 2-2, he The 22-year-old Australian one of the players that have “I was like, seriously, broke Halep in the 10th held her nerve to make it a began the first in a series of was upset with a call in the first more talent to achieve a lot of this really happened?” Gar- game to grab the first set. Wuhan-Beijing double. lengthy discussions with the game and appeared unable to things in this sport,” said Nadal, cia said afterwards, asked The 26-year-old Halep Garcia said she was still umpire -- frequently spreading let it go after that, earning a who will go immediately on next what was in her mind when had the superior mobility -- pinching herself. his arms in despair. warning and then a penalty to the Shanghai Masters. she slumped to her knees. Garcia had her right thigh “It’s just amazing, it’s The Australian, going for a point. Kyrgios, who was going after “It was such an amazing strapped -- but the French difficult to put words on fourth career title, shook his “I have lot of respect for a fourth career title, said he had two weeks, it went so fast, I player was making the bet- what I’m feeling right now,” head and continued the discus- Nick, he’s one of the players with been “destroyed” by Nadal. have the feeling I started ter shots. she said. sion as he trudged back to his more talent on the tour,” Nadal, “I don’t know, I just got these tournaments yester- One forehand winner Despite her disappoint- chair, initially to whistles from considered one of the best play- super frustrated,” he said. day or two days ago. was greeted with gasps from ment Halep -- thanks to the crowd and then cheers to ers ever, said. “I mean, I obviously didn’t “To play every single the mostly full arena in reaching the final -- will encourage him. Nadal added that he hopes react professionally. Obviously day, it was just after every Beijing. officially become world Kyrgios, whose undoubted the temperamental Kyrgios, that’s why I got a warning. match you had to forget The second set was even number one for the first talent has often been overshad- ranked 19 in the world, will one “But I mean, that didn’t about what happened and more competitive and the time when the latest rank- owed by his on-court conduct, day fulfil his potential. “The really matter today. He played be on the present again. attritional seventh game ings are out this week. collected a penalty point as his feeling is if he really wants to well, I played terrible.” Sharapova gets Garcia Goffin beats Mannarino to in tough Tianjin opener Beijing Donaldson beat Pablo Cuevas of pocket Japan Open title AFP Uruguay 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-4 in the opening round of the Shanghai aria Sharapova’s stop-start Masters yesterday to set up a first Tokyo comeback from a time clash with world number one AFP M15-month doping ban Rafa Nadal. takes her to the Chinese city of The 20-year-old hit 14 aces and elgium’s David Goffin beat Adrian Man- Tianjin this week and a tough saved all of his eight break points narino of France in straight sets to win draw against France’s in form to beat 31-year-old Cuevas. Don- Bthe Japan Open yesterday, his second Caroline Garcia. aldson will be joined by France’s victory in consecutive weeks. The five-time Grand Slam 15th-seeded Lucas Pouille, Gilles Fourth seed Goffin prevailed 6-3, 7-5 in champion and former number one Simon and Italian Fabio Fognini in one hour and 24 minutes against the from Russia has been paired with the second round. unseeded Mannarino in the final at the Ari- top seed Garcia in her opener at the “You want to play against the ake Coliseum, capturing his fourth career title. Tianjin Open, where she was best and see how your game stacks It was Goffin’s second straight final at the granted a wildcard. up. Playing against someone like Japan event after he went down last year to However, 15th-ranked Garcia Rafa is really special. If I lose, it will Australia’s Nick Kyrgios. has been carrying a thigh injury allow me to know what was my Mannarino, who defeated Croatian top and combined with her reaching game is lacking,” Donaldson said seed Marin Cilic in the semi-finals on Satur- Sunday’s final of the China Open, after the match. day, temporarily took the initiative in the she could yet choose to skip World number 45 Simon elim- second set after being overmatched in the Tianjin. inated wild card Wu Yibing with a first. Sharapova, now ranked a lowly 6-3 6-4 victory over the Chinese But Goffin, 26, persistently closed up and 104 in the world, could hardly have teenager and will take on Japan eventually went past the Frenchman after a harder opponent. Open winner David Goffin of Bel- breaking at 5-5. Garcia is in the form of her life, gium in the round of 32. “It wasn’t easy,” Goffin said afterwards. winning the Wuhan Open last Simon’s compatriot Pouille, “The final is always tough, to manage weekend and later Sunday playing who won the Stuttgart Open and the emotions before and during the new number one Simona Halep in Hungarian Open earlier this year, match,” he said, according to the ATP the final in Beijing. eased past Russian Daniil Medvedev World Tour. Also taking part in Tianjin, 6-4 6-2 and will face Fognini, who “At the end I started to be a little more which is near the Chinese capital, came back from a set down to beat aggressive on the return of serve, and I was is the two-time Wimbledon cham- Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 2-6 pleased to come back and break him at 5-5.” pion Petra Kvitova. 6-4 6-2. Goffin also won last week, at the Shen- But as usual, most focus will be Miami Open semi-finalist zhen Open. on the 30-year-old Sharapova, who Fognini will be looking to add to his “I got the break in the second set but has struggled for top form and fit- Swiss Open triumph in July after couldn’t hold my serve,” Mannarino said. ness since returning to tennis in losing the St. Petersburg final to “The quality of the game was really good April following her suspension for Bosnian Damir Dzumhur last but I wasn’t good enough compared to him,” taking the banned substance month. he said. “I’ve had a pretty good season, def- meldonium. Ninth-seeded Spaniard Roberto initely my best so far.” She fell in the third round at the Bautista Agut, Argentinian Juan The Japan Open has been played since China Open to Halep, who will be Martin del Potro, Briton Kyle 1972. Previous winners include a roll-call of David Goffin of Belgium holds the winner’s trophy as he poses for a confirmed as number one for the Edmund and Russian teenager the game’s greats, including Ken Rosewall, first time today. Andrey Rublev will play their first John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer photograph after winning men’s singles final match at the Japan Open Meanwhile, American Jared round matches today. and Rafael Nadal. tennis tournament in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. 32 SPORT MONDAY 9 OCTOBER 2017 MONDAY 9 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 33

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first goal against Andorra in their 2018 Who needs World Cup qualifier, played at Estadi Nacional in Andorra la Vella, Andorra on Saturday. Portugal won 2-0 and maintained their chances of qualifying directly what for for the Russia 2018 tournament. Matuidi puts France in control Sofia World Cup Reuters

qualification laise Matuidi’s early goal was enough to take France to the brink of the World Cup finals Paris B as they secured a 1-0 away win AFP against Bulgaria on Saturday. Les Bleus top Group A with 20 ho needs what to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Rus- points, one ahead of Sweden who Wsia, with 13 of the 32 nations already qualified: crushed Luxembourg 8-0, and they will qualify directly for next year’s SOUTH AMERICA World Cup in Russia if they beat A World Cup without Lionel Messi. That is the very real prospect Belarus at home in their final game facing Argentina, who face already-eliminated Ecuador at altitude tomorrow. tomorrow. Sweden next travel to the The Albiceleste drew 0-0 at home to Peru on Thursday to fall not Netherlands. only out of the four automatic South American qualifying places for France are assured of at least a next year’s finals in Russia, but also the fifth place that offers a play- playoff place, with the best eight sec- off spot against New Zealand. ond-placed teams going through to Sitting sixth, Argentina now almost certainly need to win their final the two-legged playoffs. France’s midfielder Blaise Matuidi (centre) celebrates with team-mates after scoring their first goal pool game in Ecuador or miss out entirely on the global footballing Matuidi struck after three min- during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifier against Bulgaria at the Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia on showpiece. utes with a fine angled shot and Saturday. France secured a 1-0 away win. Twice winners of the World Cup, Argentina were beaten finalists Bulgaria had their best chance at Brazil 2014 and lost in the final of the last two Copa America. denied by Hugo Lloris before Only Brazil has so far qualified, with Uruguay, Chile, Colombia and halftime. ahead of us before the start since dream start with Griezmann setting Georgi Kostadinov’s point-blank- Peru all ahead of Argentina. “It was a complicated game with they played earlier so we knew what up Matuidi inside the box, allowing range header with a superb save. a lot of fouls and aggression. We did we had to do. We did not always play the Juventus midfielder to fire home Bulgaria pushed harder in the EUROPE not play a good second half as we well but we were solid,” added from an acute angle. It was his ninth second half but France were always Cristiano Ronaldo’s European champions Portugal face a game did not get an opportunity,” said France captain Lloris. goal in 59 games for France. in control as they snatched their first at home against Switzerland tomorrow that will see one of the two France coach Didier Deschamps. With Kylian Mbappe and Anto- N’Golo Kante limped off the pitch away win against Bulgaria since teams seal the sole automatic qualifying spot. “The essential is there but we are ine Griezmann in support of shortly after the half-hour with an 1932. The Swiss beat Portugal in their opening group match and are able to do better. However, I was Alexandre Lacazette up front but apparent thigh injury and was The victory was the 42nd for unbeaten, as are Ronaldo’s team since that defeat. confident (that we would qualify for three defensive midfielders behind replaced by Adrien Rabiot. Deschamps since he took over the Belgium, England, Germany and Spain have all already the World Cup) before the game, and them, France lacked creativity Bulgaria threatened in the 37th national team from Laurent Blanc in qualified. I am even more confident now.” throughout. minute after some clever play on the 2012 -- the most wins by any France France will book their ticket with three points against Belarus, “We knew that Sweden were Les Bleus, however, got off to a right flank but Lloris parried away coach. while the Netherlands, finalists in 2010 and semi-finalists four years ago, see their hopes hanging by a thread as they bid to avoid fail- ing to qualify for successive major tournaments for the first time since 1986, having also missed out on Euro 2016. Costa Rican players Trailing Sweden by three points, only a massive victory over the celebrate after qualifying Scandinavians in Amsterdam next week will save the three-time for the FIFA 2018 World Berg nets four World Cup runners-up. Cup, in San Jose on Saturday, following their ASIA one-all draw against Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia and South Korea have already quali- Honduras. as Sweden rout fied from Asia. Ronaldo comes off the But all eyes are on Syria whose World Cup dream was kept alive on Thursday as they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Asian cham- pions Australia and set up a nerve-jangling play-off second leg in Luxembourg 8-0 Sydney tomorrow. The winner of that match will face the CONCACAF federation’s Srockholm He made it three before half- fourth-placed team for a spot in Russia. Reuters time, collecting Toivonen’s sublime pass, chipping the ball AFRICA bench to save Portugal over goalkeeper Jonathan Joubert triker Marcus Berg scored Gernot Rohr’s Nigeria have booked their berth at next year’s four goals and Andreas Gran- and nodding it into an empty net, showpiece tournament, a 1-0 victory over Zambia on Saturday see- qvist netted two penalties as and he completed his hat-trick Andorra La Vella S ing them take an unassailable lead in their qualifying group. Andorra and, followed by a better by eight, will top the ultra-defensive opponents on when he got a free header at immediate impact until Joao Sweden ran riot in front of a nine minutes into the second half Final qualifiers take place in November, with Tunisia, Morocco Reuters second from Andre Silva, set group if they win. an artificial pitch which the far post but sent the ball Mario’s cross was deflected record crowd of 50,022 at the with a curling shot. and Senegal having all made solid starts. up a mouth-watering show- The winners of the nine appeared to have taken a bat- into the side-netting. into his path and Portugal’s Friends Arena, hammering Lux- Lustig headed home a free Three countries guaranteed not to be making the trip will be ristiano Ronaldo down with Group B leaders European groups qualify tering and was not in a fit The flamboyant winger record scorer reacted in a embourg 8-0 to replace France as kick on the hour mark with what Algeria, Cameroon and the Gabon team of Pierre-Emerick came off the bench Switzerland in Lisbon directly for the World Cup state for a World Cup brought a flying save from flash, bringing the ball down leaders of World Cup qualifying proved to be his last touch of the Aubameyang. and scored an tomorrow. and the best eight of the run- qualifier. Andorra goalkeeper Josep and driving his shot past Group A. game, running to celebrate with opportunist goal That match will decide ners-up go into a playoff Coach Fernando Santos Gomes who also parried a Gomes. The Swedes now have 19 Emil Krafth who was waiting on LATIN, NORTH AMERICA which set Portugal who wins the group and goes round for four more places. decided to leave Ronaldo on powerful Pepe drive while Ronaldo’s goal was his points and will secure second the sideline to replace him, and Costa Rica and Mexico will be heading to Russia. Con the way to a 2-0 win in straight to Russia and who has Whoever finishes second in the bench for the start as Silva volleyed over from close 79th in 144 appearances and place if Bulgaria fail to beat the Granqvist added a second penalty A win for the United States against bottom of the hexagonal Andorra on Saturday that to go into the playoffs. Group B is assured of a play- Portugal’s record scorer was range, but it was a laboured only his second scored as a French and Netherlands don’t get in the 67th minute. table Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday will seal the Americans’ ticket maintained their chances of Switzerland, 5-2 winners off place. carrying a yellow card and display from Portugal. substitute. a victory over Belarus later on Sat- Berg netted his fourth goal of for an eighth consecutive finals -- and even a point should do it. Costa Rica book qualifying directly for the over Hungary, lead with a The European champions another would have ruled Ronaldo gave coach San- Silva added the second urday. France can reclaim top spot the night with a looping header in Panama, beaten 4-0 by a Christian Pulisic-inspired US side last World Cup. maximum 27 points from nine were desperately short of him out of the Switzerland tos a knowing look as the two with four minutes left, slip- if they beat the Bulgarians. the 71st minute, and Toivonen time out, now look destined for a play-off match against either Syria Ronaldo’s 63rd minute games and need a draw while inspiration as they struggled game. left the pitch at halftime and ping the ball in from close Striker Ola Toivonen was scored Sweden’s eighth with a or Australia to land a World Cup place for the first time in their goal rescued Portugal as they Portugal, on 24 but with a for more than one hour to Ricardo Quaresma wasted started the second half. range after Danilo headed Russia ticket after hacked down making a clever spin stunning side-footed volley six history. struggled to break down goal difference which is break physical, Portugal’s first real chance He did not make an down Ronaldo’s cross. move in the box, and Sweden cap- minutes later after a superb long tain Granqvist slammedslammed h homeome t hthee bballall bbyy KraKrafth.fth. draw with Honduras resulting spot-kick to give the TheThe SweSwedesdes nownow traveltravel SwedesSwedes tthehe lleadead in tthehe 110th0th to AmAmsterdamsterdam to ffaceace minute.minute. NetherlandsNetherlands inin the theirir f infinalal San Jose FIFA WORLD CUP 2018 BerBergg made it 2-0 eieightght min-min- groupgroup ggame,ame, while Reuters QUALIFIERS: RESULTS utesutes llater,ater, sweeping htthee b ballall h omehome France hhostost BeBelaruslarus anandd after Mikael Lustig, Emil Luxembourg are osta Rica qualified for the Forsberg and Toivonen all at home to 2018 World Cup finals on combined to set him up. Bulgaria. Ruthless Belgium hammer Bosnia to stay unbeaten South Africa 3-1 Burkina Faso Saturday after Kendall C Uganda 0-0 Ghana Waston’s goal in the fifth minute 1-1 Sarajevo Costa Rica Honduras Visca to turn the tables before halftime. of stoppage time in San Jose gave 0-2 Reuters Cape Verde Islands Medunjanin equalised on the half-hour them a 1-1 draw against Hondu- Senegal with a close-range finish after he was set up ras and the point they needed to Guinea 1-4 Tunisia seal their spot in Russia. elgium kept their unbeaten World Cup Edin Dzeko and Visca rifled in a fierce shot Nigeria 1-0 Zambia qualifying record intact after they took from 14 metres nine minutes later after a The last-gasp draw means that Cameroon 2-0 Algeria the lead and then came from behind calamitous error by Belgium defender Jan Costa Rica, who reached the quar- B Faroe Islands 0-0 Latvia in a 4-3 win at Bosnia on Saturday which Verthongen. ter-finals in 2014, join Mexico as Gibraltar 0-6 Estonia the second representative from the dented the Balkan nation’s hopes of reach- Striker Michy Batshuayi equalised from Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-4 ing next year’s finals. three metres after Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir North, Central American and Car- Belgium Begovic could only parry a sizzling low shot The outcome also sent Italy through to ibbean region (CONCACAF). Libya 1-2 Congo the playoffs as one of the eight best by Yannick Carrasco on the hour before Ver- The top three teams qualify Sweden 8-0 Luxembourg runners-up. thongen made amends for his mistake with automatically for Russia with the Morocco 3-0 Gabon a simple finish. The result left the Belgians, who had fourth-placed side going into a Switzerland 5-2 Hungary playoff with a team from the Asian already qualified for the 32-team tourna- The centre back volled home at the far Andorra 0-2 Portugal ment in Russia as winners of Group H, with post after a corner was driven into his path confederation. Belarus 1-3 Netherlands 25 points from nine games, 11 ahead of sec- A lethargic Costa Rica looked by Carrasco, silencing the passionate home Bulgaria 0-1 France Sweden’s forward ond-placed Bosnia who now have only a slim crowd on a rainy night. as if they were playing for a draw Cyprus 1-2 Greece Marcus Berg chance of clinching a play-off berth. Defender Dario Djumic rekindled Bos- from the outset of a match held controls the ball Third-placed Greece, who have 13 points nia’s hopes with a thumping 82nd-minute over from Friday due to torrential during the FIFA from eight games, can move above the Bos- header, only for Carrasco to score less than a rain in the capital city. In the remaining fixtures of the World Cup 2018 nians into the runners-up spot when they minute later, when he took advantage of Honduras, however, took the round, Honduras host Mexico visit Cyprus later on Saturday. sloppy defending to steer the ball past Begovic. lead after 66 minutes when Eddie tomorrow, while Costa Rica go to qualifier against Wing-back Thomas Meunier fired Bel- Bosnia must beat Estonia away in their Hernandez powered home a Panama and the United States Luxembourg in gium ahead in the fourth minute with his fifth final game on Tuesday and hope that other header from nine yards out. travel to bottom side Trinidad and Solna, Sweden, goal in six games, sweeping in a fine cut- results go their way in order to keep alive any The home side were on the Tobago. on Saturday. back by Eden Hazard on a muddy pitch at hopes of progressing. verge of missing out on the point The United States have 12 Berg scored four Grbavica Stadium. Europe’s nine group winners qualify auto- they needed but grabbed the points and are favourites to take goals as Sweden The Bosnians piled on the pressure after matically for the World Cup while the eight equaliser in the dying seconds the third automatic spot but Pan- hammered falling behind and hit back through mid- best runners-up enter a two-leg playoff for Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen (right) scores their third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo on Saturday. when Waston headed home a ama and Honduras, both on 10, are Luxembourg 8-0. fielder Haris Medunjanin and winger Edin the remaining four berths. cross from Bryan Ruiz. still in with a chance. 34 SPORT MONDAY 9 OCTOBER 2017 Doha braces for ‘best ever’ Qatar Classic

The Peninsula confirmed yesterday. The run- Rising star ners-up at the event picks up orld No.1 Gre- $14,820. The overall prize money Abdallah Al gory Gaultier of is $165,000. Tamimi will France will be Hosted by the Qatar Tennis, spearhead hoping to get Squash and Badminton Federa- Qatar’s his hands on tion (QTSBF), the event promises challenge Wthe winner’s trophy and the top thrilling contests at the week- in the prize of $24,225 at the Qatar Clas- long tournament. prestigious sic event to be held later this “It is a great honour to once competition. month. again showcase to the world Gaultier will have his task cut Qatar’s great reputation as an out as he will be joined by organiser of world class events. The defending champion Karim Abdel 2017 Qatar Classic is planned to be Gawad, two-time winner the best ever and we are working Mohamed El Shorbagy and 2009 round the clock to ensure that no champion Nick Matthew at the stone is left unturned in achieving October 29-November 3 this,” Tariq Zeinal, QTSBF Secre- tournament. tary-General and Tournament Qatar’s challenge will be Director, said yesterday. showcased by rising star Abdal- “Our commitment in ensur- lah Al Tamimi, organisers ing players, fans, officials and

every other person associated Top stars set for return with this tournament have the Frenchman Gregory Gaultier, the world number one will best of time in Qatar remains start as favourite to win the Qatar Classic 2017. unflinching and everything is almost set for a fun-filled week $165,000 of squash in Doha,” he added. The 2017 edition of Qatar materials are already being put scheduled to get the best media With less than three weeks to in place and the courts are get- coverage ever in its 17-year his- Classic is offering a record before the first match of the 2017 ting the required facelifts in tory with a remarkable increase Qatar Classic, the Khalifa Inter- amount of $165,000 as readiness for the tournament, in the number of international national Tennis and Squash overall prize money. The he said. media delegates, representing Complex has already begun to winner will walk away with Being held under a new some of the world most wear a new look in preparation $24,225 management (QTSBF), the 2017 renowned outfits, accredited for the five-day prestigious tour- Qatar Classic is witnessing a for the event. nament, organisers said. new phase with major improve- The qualifying stages of “Considering the great impor- hands are on deck in bringing to ments in all aspects of the the Qatar Classic will be held tance of this PSA World Series squash lovers to a carnival-like tournament, including the between October 27-28, Egyptian Mohamed El Shorbagy event, the QTSBF under the atmosphere of fun and entertain- unveiling of a new tournament where six Qatari players, (foreground) will be one of the dynamic leadership of President ment from October 29 logo, for the great benefits of including the highly-talented main title-contenders in Doha. Nasser Al Khelaifi is leaving no – November 3, Zeinal said. players, officials and fans alike. Syed Azlan Amjad will be in stone unturned in ensuring all Necessary branding The 2017 Qatar Classic is also action. MLB: Nationals level series with Cubs; Dodgers win

Washington AFP

yan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper blasted Rhome runs in the eighth inning to rally the Washington Nationals over the World Series champion Chicago Cubs 6-3 on Saturday to level their Major League Baseball play-off series. Harper belted a two-run homer to equalise for the Nationals at 3-3 and Zimmer- man delivered the winning blow by smashing a three-run homer into the left-field stands. “We’ve been struggling to score some runs. We kind of busted out that inning,” Zim- merman said. “The timing was huge.” The Nationals and Cubs are 1-1 in the best-of-five National League division series, which shifts to Chicago’s century-old Wrigley Field for the next two Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (right) games. Washington’s Adam Lind celebrates with centre fielder Victor Robles after hitting a singled in his first play-off 2-RBI home run during the eighth inning in game two of appearance to set the stage for the 2017 NLDS against the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park Harper’s towering two-run on Saturday. homer to right field off Cubs relief pitcher Carl Edwards to Austin Barnes delivered a Dodgers.Yasiel Puig, who drove lift the Nationals level. It was two-run double as part of a in two runs in Friday’s win, had Harper’s first homer in two four-run fifth inning for Los three hits and drove in two runs. months. Angeles, who were down early After Brandon Drury pulled The series winner will face after Arizona’s Paul Goldschmidt the Diamondbacks to within either the Los Angeles Dodgers belted a two-run home run off two runs with a three-run or Arizona Diamondbacks for a Dodgers starting pitcher Rich pinch-hit homer in the sev- berth in the World Series. Hill in the first inning. enth, Dodgers closing pitcher Meanwhile, the Dodgers ral- Logan Forsythe, again get- Kenley Jansen entered the lied for an 8-5 home victory ting the start at second base over game with one on and one out over the Diamondbacks to take Chase Utley, had three hits, in the eighth and retired all five a commanding 2-0 lead in their scored two runs, drove in one hitters he faced to seal the series. and stole a base for the victory. MONDAY 9 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 35 AZF prepares for 5th edition of Qatar Strongest Man

The Peninsula amongst members of the arm will qualify to the final community”, Ibrahim Al Hilal, round. The big day will include atar Strongest Man (QSM), Member of the QSM Organising challenges such as cargo truck the eagerly-awaited com- Committee, said. pulling, heavy sand bag lifting, Qpetition will be held next “The 2016 edition generated giant wheel flipping, and month, Aspire Zone Foundation very positive feedback, and the Farmer’s Walk carrying heavy (AZF) revealed yesterday. surge of QSM popularity has weights in each hand. AZF announced that encouraged AZF to take rivalry Last year’s edition was an competitors who are looking for to a higher level, thus, extending unprecedented success a chance to show off their skills the challenge over two days in attracting more than 131 and strength can now register to two categories”, he added. entrants. However, only 14 partake in the renowned clash “I call on those who never qualified to the final stage where of the giants in the QSM’s 2017 participated to come and put Fahad Al Haddad (Qatar), and competition. their hidden powers to the test Christopher Oketch (Kenya) Now in its fifth year, men in a very entertaining and emerged as champions. aged 18-year-old and above will competitive environment at On the days of the be selected through rigorous Aspire Zone Foundation. I am competition, AZF will also tests to showcase their strength sure we will see new faces this organise a series of and endurance in a series of year competing for the title of accompanying community This December 2016 challenges during a two-day the strongest man in Qatar,” Al activities for all family members file photo shows event in two categories: the Hilal concluded. to enjoy as they watch Fahad Al Haddad, “Open” competition for Following registration, participants. members of the community, and entrants will be invited to go Activities will include a fan who was crowned the “Qatari only” competition on through a series of rigorous zone and a playing area for kids, champion in the November 24 and 25. health and physical tests where as well as a variety of local food Qatari nationals “AZF has decided to take in the fastest participant to and beverage stands. category last year. This more participants this year to complete 200-kg-weight lifts Those interested in year’s edition will be expand interest and to promote and a 20-metre Farmer’s Walk participating can register online held from November the culture of physical activity carrying 120 kg weights in each via: www.lifeinaspire.qa 24 to 25. Duncan keeps PGA lead in Napa

Napa SAFEWAY OPEN SCORES Reuters Tyler Duncan plays his shot out of the bunker on the 17th tee during the third round of the Safeway Open at the North Course of the Silverado Resort and -14 Tyler Duncan (US) 65 66 71 -13 Chesson Hadley (US) 72 61 70 yler Duncan held on to Spa on Saturday in Napa, California. his one-shot lead at -12 Brendan Steele (US) 65 67 72 the Safeway Open on Bud Cauley (US) 69 69 66 Saturday after carding -11 Graham DeLaet (Canada) 69 67 69 a one-under-par 71 at Emiliano Grillo (Argentina) 67 70 68 Tthe North Course at Silverado -10 Phil Mickelson (US) 69 69 68 Resort and Spa in Napa, Ca. Bill Haas (US) 72 65 69 Woods hitting Duncan, playing in just his Andrew Putnam (US) 71 66 69 second PGA Tour start, moved Tony Finau (US) 70 65 71 to 14-under and will start the -9 Jason Kokrak (US) 70 69 68 ‘smooth iron final round with a slender lead Martin Laird (Britain) 71 67 69 over Chesson Hadley, who shot Nick Taylor (Canada) 71 68 68 shots’ in injury a two-under 70 a day after daz- Kevin Na (US) 71 70 66 zling with a 61. Bronson Burgoon (US) 70 68 69 “I didn’t hit it the best. I made update Harold Varner III (US) 69 68 70 some saves on the back that -8 Tom Hoge (US) 65 73 70 really held the round together,” Miami said Duncan, who had to make Ted Potter Jr. (US) 72 71 65 AFP a nervy par putt on the final hole Ben Martin (US) 74 66 68 of his round. Matt Jones (Australia) 72 68 68 ormer world number “I’m just looking forward to -7 Zach Johnson (US) 68 72 69 one Tiger Woods (pic- the opportunity to be there to Brian Davis (Britain) 70 66 73 Ftured above) released a Zachary Blair (US) 69 66 74 24-second slow-motion video Andrew Landry (US) 71 69 69 of himself on Saturday hitting Corey Conners (Canada) 70 69 70 an iron shot, another tease Ryan Moore (US) 68 70 71 that he is returning to Chris Kirk (US) 72 69 68 fitness. I didn’t hit it the Bryson DeChambeau (US) 73 69 67 The 41-year-old Ameri- best. I made some Webb Simpson (US) 69 70 70 can, a 14-time major winner, Peter Malnati (US) 71 68 70 tweeted the video of himself saves on the back play on Sunday and I’m going to “I’m proud of the way I of Canada are at 11-under. Cameron Tringale (US) 71 71 67 with the tag line: “Smooth come out and give it my best.” played today. It’s about being in Phil Mickelson shot a four- that really held the Kevin Tway (US) 68 72 69 iron shots.” Hadley was happy to be in the hunt for tomorrow, and that’s under-par 68 to reach 10-under It was an advancement round together: contention despite not being able where we are.” and give himself a chance on Chez Reavie (US) 67 70 72 from where Woods said he Duncan to match his great Friday The big mover of the day was Sunday. Kevin Streelman (US) 69 68 72 was two weeks ago in a post- performance. Bud Cauley whose 66 got him He had a string of four -6 Patrick Rodgers (US) 73 70 67 ing on his website, saying he “I’m not hitting it perfectly into contention on 12 under straight birdies from the fourth Grayson Murray (US) 70 69 71

was swatting 60-yard shots. straight right now but finding a alongside defending champion through seventh holes and fin- Hunter Mahan (US) 70 68 72 Woods has not played a way to get the job done right Brendan Steele. Emiliano Grillo ished with seven birdies to go Brice Garnett (US) 73 68 69 competitive round since fir- now,” he said. of Argentina and Graham DeLaet along with three bogeys. ing a 77 in the first round at Dubai in February. Woods withdrew from the event the next day and Sandhu clinches maiden underwent another back operation in April, his fourth back surgery in all, that side- Asian Tour triumph lined him for the remainder of the season. Woods served as an Taipei one bogey and ended with a total assistant captain for the tri- AFP of 12-under-par 276 at the Linkou umphant US squad at the International Golf and Country Presidents Cup last week in ndia’s Ajeetesh Sandhu shot a Club. suburban New York and said two-under-par 70 to claim his “I’m still shaking from the last he had “no idea what my Ifirst Asian Tour victory at the putt but now that I’m thinking future holds” regarding his Yeangder Tournament Players about it, it is absolutely amazing,” return to competition. Championship in Taiwan Sandhu said. Doctors cleared him to yesterday. “I’m proud of myself that I begin swinging a cub again Sandhu edged American was able to focus on my own my two weeks ago, Woods said. Johannes Veerman to the title game. I was just trying to hit the “I’m still training, I’m get- after trading three birdies against next shot the best that I could and ting stronger. But I certainly I won.” He became the tenth first- don’t have my golf muscles LEADING SCORERS time Asian Tour winner in 2017. trained because obviously I’m 276 - Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND) 69-69-68-70 Veerman almost forced a play- not doing anything golf 277 - Johannes Veerman (USA) 67-69-70-71 off when his eagle chip on the 18th related,” Woods said at the hole hit the pin but ended up a run- 278 - Lu Wei-chih (TPE) 69-68-69-72. 279 - Presidents Cup. ner-up for the second time in his Adilson Da Silva (BRA) 71-73-70-65, Dodge Last December, Woods career on the Asian Tour. returned from back surgery Kemmer (USA) 68-69-74-68 Local star Lu Wei-chih, who at the Hero World Challenge 281 - Sung Mao-chang (TPE) 70-67-74-70, came back following brain sur-

invitational event in the Prom Meesawat (THA) 71-68-70-72, Antonio gery in 2012, posted a 72 to finish

India’s Ajeetesh Sandhu shot a two-under-par 70 to claim his first Asian Tour victory at the Bahamas that benefits his Lascuna (PHI) 69-70-69-73 third after firing four birdies charity foundation. Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Taiwan yesterday. www.asiantour.com against as many bogeys. 36 SPORT MONDAY 9 OCTOBER 2017

Action from the first Al Kheesa XCO Race of the Qatar Mountain Bike League (QMBL) season at the weekend. The race was organised by United Filipino Mountain Bikers Qatar (UFMBQ) and Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation (QCTF). David Nichols of Carbon Wheels Racing won Open Class of the season-opening competition. QMBL: Nichols seals Open Class win

Rizwan Rehmat QATAR MOUNTAIN BIKE LEAGUE The Peninsula Riders and officials pose for a group photo after the conclusion Results (read under as position, rider, team, time, difference and points tally) avid Nichols of Car- of first Al Kheesa XCO Race of Open Class the Qatar Mountain Bike League bon Wheels Racing 1ST 8 David NICHOLS (Carbon Wheels Racing) 1:19:04 -- 37 points underlined his (QMBL) season. intentions by win- 2ND 4 Davy MULLER (Carbon Wheels Racing) 1:22:11 + 03:07 31 ning the Open Class 3RD 3 Clark Arvin ANDRADA (UFMBQ - SMCC Apo Lakay) 1:24:50 + 05:46 26 Dof the first Al Kheesa XCO Race U23 (3 Laps) of the Qatar Mountain Bike 1ST 21 Ernie Daniel FRANCISCO (UFMBQ - El Padyakero) 0:48:57 -- 37 League (QMBL) season this weekend. 2ND 22 Joshua SALONGA (UFMBQ - Braveheart) 0:52:32 + 03:35 31 Nichols proved to be the fast- Age 23 to 34 (3 Laps) est rider clocking a time of 1ST 36 Carlo MANIEBO (FIT-Q) 0:43:41 -- 37 1:19:04 to finish ahead of team 2ND 38 Guillermo GONZALEZ BORDALAS (Be Fitness) 0:43:41 + 00:00 31 mate Davy Muller who ended in a time of 1:22:11. 3RD 29 Cristopher SURIGAO (UFMBQ - PCCQ) 0:43:48 + 00:07 26 Clark Arvin Andrada (UFMBQ Age 35 to 40 (3 Laps) - SMCC Apo Lakay) finished in 1ST 51 Allan NAVARRO (Solo) 0:47:29 -- 37 third spot in a time of 1:24:50. 2ND 65 Allan MACALALAD (UFMBQ - BPMQ) 0:47:59 + 00:30 31 Carla Pregigueiro won the Ladies Class with an impressive 3RD 47 Jonathan OCHOA (UFMBQ - PCCQ) 0:48:21 + 00:52 26 time of 0:52:52. The TriClub Age 41 & Above (3 Laps) Doha rider easily completed 1ST 97 Fernan Louien ANCIADO (UFMBQ - BPMQ) 0:44:55 -- 37 three laps of the race. 2ND 92 Rogelio Jr. FERNANDEZ (Solo) 0:46:16 + 01:21 31 Ceren Hancioglu (Solo) fin- ished second some 14:44.31 3RD 83 Saleh ALMUHANNADI (Qatar Cyclists - Lusail Team) 0:47:06 + 02:11 26 seconds off the time set by Carla. Ladies (3 Laps) Maricar Estacio (UFMBQ - category. With a testing route to Officially established in “It was the first part of the 1ST 123 Carla PREGIGUEIRO (TriClub Doha) 0:52:52 -- 37 Banayad MTB) was third (1:32:31). tackle, the organisers said a total 2014 they have been actively 5-race of the Qatar Mountain The race course was a dry of 107 riders finished the race organising mountain bike races Bike League for the 2017-2018 2ND 122 Ceren HANCIOGLU (Solo) 1:07:36 + 14:44 31 terrain mix of flats, sand pits, and while 19 abandoned the race. events for the whole mountain Season,” Andrej Filip, Technical 3RD 121 Maricar ESTACIO (UFMBQ - Banayad MTB) 1:32:31 + 39:39 26 artificial obstacles, inclines and The Al Kheesa XCO Race was biking community since 2013, Secretary of QCTF, said. Beginners(3 Laps) descents, organisers said yester- organised by United Filipino contributing to the develop- “QCTF aims to develop the 1ST 127 Eleazar JUTA (UFMBQ - Team Industrial) 0:13:34 -- - - day. The riders covered 5kms in Mountain Bikers Qatar (UFMBQ) ment and rising popularity of sport of mountain biking and every lap. and Qatar Cycling and Triathlon the mountain bike races in to develop local talents for 2ND 129 Monico Jr. CALABIAO (UFMBQ - PCCQ) 0:13:44 + 00:10 - -

Riders from the Open cate- Federation (QCTF) in partnership Qatar. these kinds of competition,” 3RD 132 Ruel BANDONG (UFMBQ - BPMQ) 0:14:43 + 01:09 - - gory endured a grueling 6 Laps with Rayyan Water and the Qatar With the rising popularity of Filip said. of the race route while the Age Chain Reaction (QCR), who pro- the sport, QCTF had step up the The Qatar Mountain Bike Category riders and Ladies Cat- vided the chip timing system. level of competition by organis- League is a series of 5 Mountain and Al Wakrah. Jamal Alkuwari, “The second leg of the QMBL egory completed 3 Laps each. UFMBQ is an active organi- ing the 1st ever Qatar Mountain Bike Races showcasing the local Secretary General of the QCTF, series will take place on October The organisers has set just 1 sation of Filipino mountain bike Bike League in partnership with off-road cycling tracks of Al handed over the prizes to the 27 at the Al Khor MTB trail, “ Filip lap for riders in the Beginner enthusiasts. UFMBQ. Kheesa, Al Khor, Duhail, Lusail winners of each category. said.

Ghana appeals QSL Cup: Al Markhiya look to continue good run for Uganda The Peninsula Al Markhiya are eyeing win over Al Arabi today to continue their winning rematch l Markhiya will lock horns run at QSL Cup. with Al Arabi at the Al Accra AShamal Stadium while Al AFP Ahli face off Umm Salal at the Al Gharafa Stadium as two QSL Cup hana have filed a pro- matches have been scheduled test with FIFA after for today. Gtheir goalless draw All four teams are seeking with Uganda saw them crash full points in the second round out of the race to qualify for of the competition. These fixtures next year’s World Cup finals. assume significance, given that The Black Stars -- third in the QNB Stars League resumes Group E going into the match after a fortnight-long break with in Kampala -- needed a win Round 4 action on Saturday and to keep their hopes alive of Sunday. making the finals in Russia. The encounter between Al But they had a stoppage Markhiya and Al Arabi evokes time goal disallowed just much interest as Al Markhiya will before the final whistle. be keen on extending their good The Ghana Football Asso- run, having defeated Al Sadd 2-0 ciation said it had written to in the previous round. On the FIFA about the performance other hand, Al Arabi will look for of South African referee Dan- their first victory, having been iel Bennett and his assistants, held by Umm Salal. Eldrick Adelaide and Steve It will be a good platform for 3 of the QNB Stars League, which whereas Umm Salal and Al Arabi Salal tie have been changed. of Al Sadd versus Al Rayyan Marie, both of the Al Markhiya to test their Umm Salal won 2-0. However, played out a 1-1 draw. It will now kick off at 19:45 match-up. Seychelles. strengths ahead of their big fix- this time, the scenario will be dif- QSL announces change in at the Al Gharafa Stadium, It has been moved up by one “The GFA filed the protest ture against Al Rayyan in Round ferent as both teams know the schedule instead of Al Wakrah Stadium, day to October 11. The game was to football’s world governing 4 of the QNB Stars League on rivals’ strengths and weaknesses. Meanwhile, the Qatar Stars which is hosting the 2019 Asian originally scheduled for today, body, FIFA, immediately,”it Sunday. Al Arabi are next up The big questions are ‘will Al Ahli League Management has Cup qualification. but was postponed following a said in a statement. “Mr Ben- against Umm Salal on make a turnaround or will Umm announced changes in the Round The game between Al request by Al Sadd in view of nett and (his) assistants Saturday. Salal continue their spark this 2, Group B fixtures of QSL Cup Markhiya and Al Arabi will be their friendly against Turkish denied Ghana a perfect goal Al Ahli and Umm Salal are season? scheduled for today. played as scheduled at the Al side Trabzonspor. in the 93rd minute with tele- again matching their wits follow- Al Ahli had lost to Al Rayyan The venue and timing of Shamal Stadium from 17:35. And the latest change was vision replays showing that it ing their recent game in Round 0-2 in the QSL Cup’s Round 1 today’s Al Ahli versus Umm Another change is in the date made at the request of Al Rayyan. was a perfect goal.”