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Friday, December 15, 2017 CRICKET Rabia I 27, 1439 AH Malan inspires GULF TIMES England with first century of series SPORT Page 2 FOCUS Spanish star Xavi takes part Biado caps big in National Day celebrations year with world 34-year-old from Philippines beats compatriot Garcia 13-5 9-ball title in yesterday’s final

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

arlo Biado has come a long way from the golf course he used to caddy at in the Philip- pines. Fifteen years away. And onC the way he has picked up a few gold medals, national championships, and now a 9-ball world title. At the Al Arabi Sports Club Indoor Hall yesterday, Biado beat compatriot Roland Garcia 13-5 in scintillating fashion to cap what has been a memo- rable year for the 34-year-old. Biado had won the World Games gold in nine-ball in Wroclaw, Poland, in July before notching the win at the Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in August, and then a bronze at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Yesterday, Biado opened big, taking a 7-0 lead before his 36-year-old op- ponent, who had struggled with his breaks so far, pulled one back. World 9-Ball Championship winner Carlo Biado (behind, right) of the Philippines, runner-up Roland Garcia (behind, left) Then with Biado up 9-3, Garcia pot- and semi-finalist Eklent KaÇi pose on the podium with QBSF president Mohamed Mubarak al-Ramzani (front, fourth from ted a couple on his break but unluckily right), WPA president Ian Anderson (front, centre), QBSF secretary-general Mohamed Salem al-Nuaimi (second from left), for him, the two-ball, on its way to the assistant secretary-general Sultan Salem al-Suwaidi (third from right), executive manager Mubarak Hamad al-Khayarin pot, kicked the cue into the pot in the (right) and other off icials. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed Al Sadd’s Spanish star Xavi dresses up in the Qatari national dress during a corner. All Garcia could do was fi nd Qatar National Day event organised by Supreme Committee of Delivery and some humour in the situation, grab- come to the Philippines,” Garcia said Legacy yesterday. (Twitter/roadto2022) bing the ball just when it fell into the after the match. pot, picking it up and mimicking tak- Biado had made it to the semi-fi nals ing a bite of it. Biado walked up, and after his Chinese opponent didn’t went 10-3 up. make it in time for the quarter-fi nal SPOTLIGHT Luck deserted Garcia, who beat on Wednesday, and he beat Taipei’s the likes of former champion Ko Pin Lin Wu Kun in the last four yesterday Yi and emerging Albanian star Ek- morning for his spot in the fi nale. lent KaÇi, on his way to the fi nal, yet “I am very happy winning the world Qatar to host World 9-Ball again when, with Biado 10-3 up, Gar- title after 15 long years. It’s the biggest cia potted the two, only for the cue to tournament of my life. Before this ti- roll down the cushion and into the pot. tle here, I had won the gold in World C’ship for four more years Biado made the most of it. Games and I must say that gave me Garcia, much to the delight of the confi dence coming into this tourna- By Sports Reporter And we hope to benefi t from hosting crowd who had come to cheer in the ment. Now I am very very happy,” Doha this tournament here. For all you know, all-Filipino fi nal, where even the ref Biado told Gulf Times. one day we would even win the tourna- was Angelo Bartolo of the Philippines, “Earlier I used to work as a caddy at ment,” QBSF president Mohamed Mu- pulled two straight frames to go 5-11. a driving range. I used to head to play tars of 9-ball will make a trip to barak al-Ramzani said yesterday. In the 17th frame, Biado snookered pool to unwind after my day’s work Qatar for four more years after Talking about the 2017 edition of the Garcia, who got the three-ball but set at the golf range. That’s how I caught the Qatar Billiards and Snook- tournament, which was won by Carlo it up for his opponent, who made it on with the game,” Biado said. “At the er Federation (QBSF) and the Biado in an all-Filipino fi nal, al-Ramzani 12-5 in no time. time, I knew that I could earn more WorldS Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) said, “This tournament was very good. A few minutes later, Biado yelled money in pool in the Philippines, and signed an agreement to host the World The performances have been better this in celebration to the loud applause of that’s how I made the switch.” 9-Ball Championship in Doha yester- year, I think. There are new players who those in attendance, with his arms and And he did. Yesterday, the win made World 9-Ball Championship winner Carlo Biado lifts his trophy. day. have come and impressed us with their his cue stick high up above his head, as Biado richer by $40,000, while Garcia “We are happy at the federation with performances. The fi nal was an all-Fil- Garcia applauded his countryman. won $20,000 for his eff ort. former world champions like Ko Pin think I just got lucky to reach this far. the tournament, and we need more ex- ipino fi nal, a fi rst-time champion. Then “I think that Carlo deserves it more But what made Garcia happy was his Yi and Neils (Feijen), and then KaÇi. I But what I am really happy about is posure to the world of pool here in the there was one player from Albania (Ek- than I do. I am very happy and proud experience at the tournament. “What respect them a lot. And I am glad I was that a Filipino won the championship region. Nine-ball especially is very lent KaÇi), who played really well and I for him, I am happy that the title has I liked is that I played well against able to play well against them. And I and the runner-up spot.” popular in Qatar, and the Middle East. think he has a great future in the sport.”

CRICKET No evidence Ashes Test under fi xing threat, says ICC

Reuters fi xing in the Test between Australia and but gamblers in the know can use the shall, ICC General Manager Anti-Cor- call early yesterday which also included Sutherland added that Marshall Perth England, which starts in Perth yester- information to beat the betting market. ruption, said in a statement. ICC boss Dave Richardson among others. would possibly brief the media later day. The underground bookmakers told “At this stage of the investigation, He said Marshall had told him there yesterday. Cricket Australia said the report was the reporters they had previously ma- there is no indication that any players was “no evidence, substance or justifi - The ECB said the body worked closely he ICC are taking allegations in a “serious concern”, while the England nipulated matches in the Indian Pre- in this Test have been in contact with cation” to suggest any players or offi - with the ICC and its Anti-Corruption a British newspaper about at- and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said mier League and were also targeting the alleged fi xers. cials from CA, the ECB or the ICC were unit to “protect the integrity” of cricket. tempts to organise spot-fi xing they were “aware” of the allegations Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash League. “The allegations are wide ranging and under suspicion. “We are aware of these allegations during the third Ashes Test even if there had been no suggestion The newspaper said it had passed all relate to various forms cricket in several However, he declined to comment and there is no suggestion that any of “extremelyT seriously” but do not think any England players were involved. the evidence to the International Cricket countries, including T20 tournaments. on whether any Australia players were the England team is involved in any the match has been compromised, glo- Spot-fi xing occurs when corrupt Council, who said they would be investi- We will look closely at all the information named in the dossier of evidence passed way,” said a spokesman. bal cricket’s governing body said yes- players agree to manipulate part of a gated by its Anti-Corruption Unit. as part of our investigation.” to the ICC from The Sun. Four Pakistan cricketers were jailed terday. match by, for example, bowling a wide “From my initial assessment of the “I’m sure the ECB can make their in Britain in 2011 and banned from the The Sun reported that underground on a particular delivery or ensuring a material, there is no evidence, either ‘ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE’ own comments, but we have absolute game for lengthy periods after taking bookmakers from India had off ered particular run rate. from The Sun or via our own intel- Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive confi dence in our players, our team of- money from a bookmaker to spot-fi x to sell undercover reporters from the The corruption does not usually af- ligence, to suggest the current Test James Sutherland was briefed by Mar- fi cials and others involved in the game,” during a Test against England at Lord’s newspaper information about spot- fect the overall outcome of the match match has been corrupted,” Alex Mar- shall on the allegations in a conference he told reporters outside the WACA. in 2010. Gulf Times 2 Friday, December 15, 2017 CRICKET

ASHES/PERTH TEST Malan inspires England with fi rst ton of series Australian quicks were let down in the field by three dropped catches

England batsman Dawid Malan (L) and Jonny Bairstow (R) leave the field at the end of day one of the third Ashes cricket Test match in Perth yesterday.

SPOTLIGHT

England’s Dawid Malan plays a shot on way to his century against Australia in Perth yesterday. Four-day Test

across from third slip in front on the helmet with a vicious Reuters WACA SCORECARD Perth of his captain Steve Smith to short ball by Hazlewood. grass the chance. He was fi rst put down by “Obviously no one goes out Mitchell Marsh in the slips, to have 98 awid Malan struck trying to drop catches but I then a diving Nathan Lyon England’s fi rst cen- think when the wicket’s that was unable to complete a dif- tury of the Ashes fl at and it’s that hard for our fi cult low chance at point. series as the tourists bowlers, it’s certainly disap- Root was out softly for 20, sawD off Australia’s maraud- pointing,” Australia wicket- caught down the legside by overs per day ing pace attack to emerge on keeper Tim Paine said. wicketkeeper Tim Paine, and top of an enthralling fi rst day The 30-year-old Malan Stoneman followed in con- Reuters A first-innings lead of 150 will be of the third Test at the WACA went on to raise his century troversial circumstances. Dubai enough to enforce the follow-on in yesterday. in style, pulling paceman Paine leapt high to take a the day-night fixture in Port Eliza- The middle order bats- Josh Hazlewood to the fence fi ne one-handed catch af- beth, 50 runs less than the runs need- man’s unbeaten 110 anchored to trigger a standing ovation ter Starc appeared to graze minimum of 98 overs will ed in the five-day format. a fl ourishing 174-run stand from a crowd of 22,148. Stoneman’s right glove but be played on each day of Test matches, the game’s oldest with wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow played a fi ne sup- the caught behind appeal was the inaugural four-day Test format, have witnessed a steady de- Bairstow (75 not out), the pair port role on his return to the turned down. between South Africa and cline in attendances in recent years, pushing England to 305 for city where he drew unwanted Australia reviewed and AZimbabwe starting later this month in throwing the door open to a number four at the close of a glorious attention for ‘head-butting’ third umpire Aleem Dar Port Elizabeth. of novel means to engage fans, in- day in Perth. England first innings 4-131 (Stoneman). Bancroft at a local bar on the overruled Marais Erasmus on The African neighbours will play cluding the introduction of day-night England captain Joe Root Cook lbw b Starc 7 Bowling: Starc 19-3-79-2, fi rst night of the tour. the strength of a noise picked the first Test match shortened by one Tests. and his predecessor Alastair Stoneman c Paine b Starc 56 Hazlewood 20-7-62-1 (1nb), The pair came together up on the ‘snicko’ technol- day from Dec. 26, with the Interna- The format has come in for stiff Cook may have failed with Vince c Paine b Hazlewood Cummins 21-6-60-1 (1w), Lyon with England 115 for three ogy. tional Cricket Council (ICC) granting competition from the game’s newer, the bat, but the skipper won 25 19-4-61-0, Marsh 7-1-25-0, just after lunch and their England number three it official status and welcoming coun- shorter formats, such as Twenty20 perhaps the most important Root c Paine b Cummins 20 Smith 3-1-8-0 ability to survive for nearly James Vince contributed 25 in tries to experiment with the format. internationals and domestic leagues contest of the day when he Malan not out 110 Toss: England two sessions will have in- a 63-run stand with Stone- ICC playing conditions deem that a across the globe. guessed correctly at the toss Bairstow not out 75 Umpires: Marais Erasmus spired Root’s team as the man before being caught minimum of 90 overs must be bowled Officials and former players have and opted to bat fi rst. Extras (b8, lb2, nb1, w1) 12 (RSA), Chris Gaff aney (NZL) Ashes holders seek to claw behind off Hazlewood before per day during a five-day Test match, acknowledged the need to make Tests Criticised for electing to Total (for four wickets; 89 TV umpire: Aleem Dar back from a 2-0 defi cit in the lunch. so play will be extended for an extra four-day affairs instead of five, hop- bowl in the second Test defeat overs) 305 (PAK) fi ve-match series. Cook’s 150th Test started 30 minutes to accommodate the ad- ing it would help them become more in Adelaide, Root was reward- Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Cook), Match referee: Richie Rich- They weathered some sourly, the 32-year-old open- ditional eight overs. viewer friendly. ed this time with three of his 2-89 (Vince), 3-115 (Root), ardson (WIS) nervy moments. Bairstow, er lasting just 16 balls in the batsmen passing 50. promoted to sixth in the or- morning before being trapped “Tomorrow the fi rst hour der, all but played onto his lbw by Starc for seven. SUPPORT is crucial for us,” Malan told their legs.” Australia’s pace- The last of them reprieved stumps during all-rounder Day one at the WACA was reporters after celebrating his men were generally superb lefthander Malan on 92 off Mitchell Marsh’s third over overshadowed by spot-fi xing maiden ton in his eighth test. through much of the day and the fi rst delivery with the sec- when on 39. allegations in a British news- “We’re going to have to breathed fi re in some hostile ond new ball from a frustrated Opener Mark Stoneman paper. The ICC said it took the Day-Night Tests be quite ruthless the way we spells before the tea interval, Mitchell Starc late in the day. was out for 56, having twice accusations “seriously” but play tomorrow morning and but the quicks were let down Coaxing a thick edge from been dropped after reach- said there was no evidence to put them under pressure, in the fi eld by three dropped the England number fi ve, ing his second half-century implicate any of the match’s inevitable: Ganguly get some more overs into catches. Cameron Bancroft dived of the series and also struck players or offi cials. IANS Kolkata BOTTOMLINE ormer India captain Sourav Ganguly yesterday backed Malan savours maiden ton aft er ‘fun’ battle Day-Night Test cricket, saying it is inevitable in the face of the short ball,” said Malan, whose career Cameron Bancroft dropped the ball Flongest version of the game struggling Reuters At times, it was tough going Brisbane for the 30-year-old left hander has taken off since smashing 78 on his in the slips and Malan went on to bring for its existence. who had to endure a short ball Twenty20 international debut against up his century in style, pulling Hazle- “It is inevitable, it has to happen barrage from Australia’s fuming South Africa in June. wood to the fence and soaking up a someday. It is very simple, a pink ball aving honed his game against pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh “You know you play county cricket standing ovation. will be used instead of the red cherry “dibbly dobbly” deliveries Hazlewood and Pat Cummins and you’re more worried about your He strode off to further applause and people will come and watch in the in English county cricket, front pad being blown off or nicked off from the crowd of 22,148 at stumps, evening,” Ganguly said on the side- Dawid Malan was thrilled to way back into the series from 2-0 and so on (by) 70-80 miles per hour with 15 boundaries and a six to his lines of a promotional event here. Hconquer a hostile Australian pace as- down. dibbly dobblies, so I really enjoyed the name, and England savouring a rare The former left-handed batsman sault to post his maiden century in the At times, it was tough going for the challenge of facing these guys. feeling of control in the series. also heaped praise on Rohit Sharma for third Ashes Test yesterday. 30-year-old lefthander who had to “It’s obviously not comfortable — It was nice for Malan to bring the fo- scoring his third ODI double century, The batsman’s unbeaten 110 at endure a short ball barrage from Aus- you don’t really feel like you’re en- cus back onto the cricket for England, but felt “sorry” for the Sri Lankans. the WACA cauldron anchored a 174- tralia’s fuming pace trio of Mitchell joying it at the time but looking back with the camp having been embar- “I feel sorry for the Sri Lankans. run stand with wicketkeeper Jonny Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cum- it was great fun to get through those rassed by two off -fi eld incidents at a Earlier it was (Virender) Sehwag, Bairstow (75 not out) to push England mins. situations.” Perth bar during the tour. (Sachin) Tendulkar and now it’s (Vi- to 305 for four at stumps as the tour- He watched from the non-striker’s Malan scored a half-century in the “It is nice to tick a box and prove to rat) Kohli and Rohit Sharma,” Ganguly stands,” he said. ists emerged on top after an intriguing end as opener Mark Stoneman was opener at the Gabba and rued not go- yourself that you can play this level said. “Time has changed with T20 for- opening day. struck by a vicious bouncer from ing on to make a bigger total. and that you can score hundreds,” he “It was a remarkable innings. He mat. He is a serious player. His one- Malan’s maiden Test century was Hazlewood, having seen his captain So his heart was in his mouth when said. took just 36 balls to convert his cen- day record this year is probably the also his team’s fi rst for this tour, pro- Root also hit high at the fi rst test de- on 92, he nicked behind off the rstfi “At the end of the day it’s the tury into a double. I was watching the best in the world along side David viding a vital boost for Joe Root’s side feat at the Gabba. “I really enjoyed the delivery of the second new ball off amount of hundreds you score that Sri Lankan bowlers and I said Jesus! Warner and Virat Kohli. I expect him as the Ashes holders bid to claw their pace that these guys came with and the Starc late in the day at the WACA. you get rated on when you retire.” He just kept sweeping them into the to play the same way.” Gulf Times Friday, December 15, 2017 3 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Stoneman’s courage on show in eye of WACA storm As the England opener trudged off with 56 to his name, debate was already raging as to the process by which his Test best had been snuff ed out

By Ali Martin SUCCESS The Guardian

hen it comes to telling the story of Mark Stoneman’s fi rst day of Test cricket in the Wild West of Australia – one of courage, fortune and controversy – it is hard not to begin at the end. Ashes exile WAs the England opener trudged off with 56 to his name, de- bate was already raging as to the process by which his Test best had been snuffed out. Caught behind superbly by Australia’s Tim Paine, after a howitzer from Mitchell Starc was deemed to have brushed his glove, the decision review system – and its human el- Stokes hits ement – was once again under the microscope. It was amid a hostile spell from the trio of Australian quicks af- ter lunch – and on a WACA pitch that appears to be signing off from Ashes cricket with a throwback to its pacier days – that Starc got one to whistle past Stoneman’s head. Umpire Marais Erasmus form in NZ remained unmoved despite vociferous appeals, prompting Steve Smith to call for the review. AFP Replays showed that Stoneman, in fending in front of face, had Wellington taken his bottom hand off the handle and thus, were the ball to have struck it, it should remain not out. Hotspot, the least con- vincing of the DRS tools, offered no sign of friction but from a ngland’s Ashes outcast Ben side-on view – with the ball blocked from sight – snicko tremored Stokes returned to form in to suggest a touch somewhere along the way. dramatic fashion yesterday, With the sun-roasted crowd roaring as this was shown on the Esmashing 93 off 47 balls in New big screen, Aleem Dar, the third umpire, told Erasmus that Stone- Zealand’s domestic T20 competition. man must go. Joe Root and assistant coach, Paul Collingwood, ap- Stokes, banned from international peared at the dressing room door in protest, causing a brief pause duties over an alleged fi ght outside a as the opener approached. When it became clear nothing would nightclub, is seeking to retain match change, the England captain thudded his fist on the glass. fi tness with a stint at New Zealand The cause of his frustration? Dar, on the basis of the replays provincial side Canterbury. used, needed X-ray vision to know for sure which glove was struck. He had struggled for runs with only Though England’s dissent was unseemly, its cause appeared valid. 36 in three one-day outings, but hit a After all, the ICC regulations state the TV official must have con- rich vein of form helping Canterbury to clusive evidence to change a decision and in its absence, it must 217-9 against Otago. stay with the on-field umpire. Stokes amassed 93 in 47 balls, in- As it happened, a further replay from the angle of the slips – but cluding seven sixes and six fours as his shown after Stoneman was back in the hutch – suggested the end side claimed an easy victory. result was likely the correct one. But it was hard not to consider The 26-year-old was unable to join the opener a touch unfortunate, given the process followed at the his England teammates for the Ashes time. in Australia after being barred from in- It is fair to counter this by noting that luck had been on the side ternational cricket over an alleged fi ght of Stoneman up to that point, with two chances dropped by Aus- outside a Bristol nightclub. tralian fielders either side of being struck on the helmet during a British police have passed his case gling in Australia, down 2-0 in the fiery post-lunch burst from Josh Hazlewood. When tales of the to prosecutors for “charging advice”, a series and are short odds for another old WACA are recalled over a schooner in years to come it may well process that could take weeks. defeat in the third Test that started in arise, along with the guts on show from the touring batsman. In the meantime, England are strug- Perth yesterday. Stoneman demonstrated why the England head coach, Trevor Bayliss, in particular rates his flinty temperament. Across the series he has copped 92 short balls, been struck on the glove six Black Cap de Grandhomme misses ODIs aft er father dies times, worn one on the helmet and seen two of his bats snapped – numbers that were certainly bumped up during what was his third Wellington: Black Caps all-rounder ment,” selector Gavin Larsen said. Test half-century. Colin de Grandhomme will miss the “Right now the most important thing The second snap of willow occurred during the morning session, upcoming one-day international is that Colin is with his family.” when Starc cracked one into the handle. But it was the bouncer series against the West Indies after New Zealand Cricket said it did not from Hazlewood in the afternoon, one that echoed around the the sudden death of his father, New know when de Grandhomme would WACA upon impact with the side of his head, that was most wor- Zealand Cricket said yesterday. return. rying. The stem guards that protect the neck may fly off dramati- Zimbabwe-born de Grandhomme The 31-year-old moved to New Zea- cally but this was still an almighty hit. was travelling to Harare to be with land in 2006, making his ODI debut There may be some technical work required, with a slight blind his family and will be replaced in the in 2012 and breaking into the Test spot to the angle from around the wicket and a propensity to keep squad by Doug Bracewell. team last year. the hands high, as was witnessed in his dismissal. But the Rocky “This is obviously extremely sad His late father Laurence, who had nickname he inherited from his father Ian – a prominent league England’s Mark Stoneman ducks a bouncer on day one of the third Ashes cricket Test news for Colin and his family and played first-class cricket in Zimba- cricketer and umpire in the North East – is already getting a sec- match in Perth. According to estimates he has been bowled 92 bouncers during the we’re all thinking of them at the mo- bwe, died at the age of 61. ond layer of meaning on this tour. ongoing Ashes series.

BOTTOMLINE Rohit has the right stuff for limited-overs game

Reuters ago. After registering two centuries in Mumbai his fi rst two Tests, against West Indies in 2013, Rohit’s third Test hundred only arrived last month against Sri Lanka in ohit Sharma has been unable Nagpur. to cement his place in India’s It was not only his fi rst Test in over Test side but the right-handed an year but it was played at the same batsman continues to show he ground where Rohit was supposed to hasR the right stuff for limited-overs for- make his Test debut in February 2010 mats. but got injured on the morning of the After making his debut in the shorter match and had to withdraw. form of the game in 2007, Rohit was He would have to wait three years for hailed as the biggest thing to come out another chance. of Mumbai since Sachin Tendulkar, After his Nagpur innings, Rohit said with his elegant batting style and abil- how much the century meant to him. ity to hit big shots seemingly with ease. “Personally for me, it was very im- The 30-year-old is an automatic portant as I was playing Test cricket af- choice in the limited-overs side and ter nearly 500 days,” he told reporters in scored his third one-day international Nagpur last month. double hundred against Sri Lanka on “I clearly remember this was the Wednesday, leading the side in the ab- ground where I got injured and I had to sence of rested regular captain Virat wait three years to make my Test debut.” Kohli. While he might still miss out on the Test Rohit completed his 16th hundred in side when India go with an extra bowler, the 50-over format in 115 deliveries and Rohit Sharma scored Rohit is unlikely to lose focus like he did then laid waste to the Sri Lankan bowl- his third ODI double when he just came into the team. ing, remaining unbeaten on 208 off 153 century on his third “Initially, my focus was a lot on Test deliveries. That seems to be the tem- wedding anniversary cricket... ‘oh no, this is Test cricket, I plate for the man who now has three out on Wednesday. At have to do well, I have to do this and of the seven double hundreds in ODIs. right, he and his wife, that.’ “That is my style of play,” Rohit told re- Ritika, celebrate the “In thinking that I lost a lot of focus porters. “It was all about me not making occasion. and forgot what I was there for and what a mistake and batting as long as possi- I needed to do, and (now I am) pretty ble. That’s what I did. clear in my mind, which is the most im- “There is no secret or formula to it. portant thing.” You just have to bat and not make any The new-found clarity has paid off , mistake.” with the batsman following up his un- But while Rohit has excelled in the beaten 102 in Nagpur with innings of shorter formats, he has played in just 23 65 and 50 not out in the drawn Test in Tests since making his debut four years Delhi. Gulf Times 4 Friday, December 15, 2017 SPORT

GOLF England’s Rose storms to Indonesia lead

AFP holds an unassailable lead coming into commitments, Pro Am. My week gets Jakarta the Indonesian Masters, will be offi - a bit easier now. So maybe I will get a cially crowned on the fi nal day of the chance to sample some of the sites and event. some good restaurants. ngland’s Justin Rose fi red a Veteran American Brandt Snedeker Rose said perfect conditions made 10-under-par round yesterday scored an on-par 72, while defending his life easy on the course. to take a two-shot lead after champion Poom Saksansin, from Thai- “This course, the way it is today, it the fi rst day of the Indonesian land, was one under for a share of 59th. is there for the taking. Obviously there MastersE in Jakarta. Indonesian Rinaldi Adiyandono was was no wind, it was perfect golf condi- Rose, who is ranked sixth in the the best placed of the 26 locals in the tions. The fairways are soft, the fair- world, notched up a bogey-free score- fi eld after a round of 68. ways are playing wide and generous but card and bagged 10 birdies to take pole “That is a dream start to be honest the greens aren’t too soft but therefore position in the Asian Tour’s season- with you. I birdied the fi rst hole. I felt they are rolling really true. ending event. comfortable from the outset. Did all the “They perfect for going low but we Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul was right thing today I suppose, I put the will see what the weekend brings. So two shots back on 64, one ahead of ball in play from the tee,” said Rose. far a great start and I am trying not to fellow Thai Phachara Khongwatmai — “Obviously with ball in hand and get ahead of myself. I think the key who eagled the 18th — and South Ko- placing the ball on the fairway, you had this week is recovery. It is hot. Hot and rea’s Giwhan Kim. a perfect lie for every shot providing steamy and soft under foot. Rose has enjoyed a stellar end to the you put the ball in the fairway. So that “It is a long walk out there so I am year, with back-to-back wins in China is what I did well and was able to take going to be focusing on recovery. Try and Turkey in the past two months, and advantage. and fi nd an ice bath somewhere and carried the same form into day one at parred the fi rst before rattling off three preferred lie ruling which was in force. Green shot an underwhelming 70 to “The beginning part of the week jump in that, maybe go for a swim, go the Royale Jakarta Golf Club. birdies in a row. His round of 62 could Playing alongside Rose, newly fi nish two under. was really busy. I have been getting ac- to the gym. Do all those kinds of things, The 2016 Olympics gold medallist have been a course record if not for the crowned Asian Tour champion Gavin The 23-year-old Malaysian, who quainted with the tournament, sponsor take care of my body.’

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT Armstrong invited to 2018 Tour of Flanders Froome admits “I met Lance Armstrong in Wash- AFP Paris ington last October and found him to be a chastened man who has made peace with his fate.” isgraced former American The UCI, cycling’s governing body, cyclist Lance Armstrong is told AFP it was unwilling to comment controversially set to attend on Armstrong’s possible return to the next year’s Tour of Flanders sport. adverse test Das a guest of the famed cobbled clas- Armstrong has largely been sic, race organisers said yesterday. shunned by the cycling world since Armstrong was stripped of his being exposed as a doping cheat. He record seven Tour de France titles won was issued with a lifetime ban by the between 1999 and 2005 for a reign of United States Anti-Doping Agency in doping that badly tarnished cycling’s 2012. credibility. Having denied the doping allega- But offi cials for the prestigious tions for years, Armstrong eventually result ‘damaging’ ‘Monument’ race said the 46-year- made a public confession in a televi- old will be an invited guest and a key- sion interview with US chat show host note speaker at the Tour of Flanders Oprah Winfrey in 2013. UCI has asked the Team Sky rider to provide more information but in Business Academy ahead of the April He returned to the public eye during 1 classic in Belgium. this year’s Tour de France by providing line with World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines has not suspended him “Lance Armstrong is delighted to his perspective on the race on a daily be visiting Flanders to tell his story podcast called “Stages”. and experience his favourite one-day But Armstrong admitted at the time race live. To him, this will also be a re- there will be those who forever be- turn to cycling and, as far as I am con- grudge him any role in cycling, even cerned, he is very welcome!” said race from a distant commentary post after organiser Wouter Vandenhaute. watching telecasts. “Lance Armstrong is and remains a “I don’t fi ght that,” Armstrong told great champion. I have felt for many Bicycling magazine in July. “For me to years now that he was above all pun- move forward, I have to say, ‘I’m sorry, ished for his arrogance. I understand, but I’m moving on.’”

Putin says Russia will defend athletes in court Moscow: President Vladimir Putin and dignity in civil courts.” said yesterday Russia was ready to Putin acknowledged that doping vio- defend the interests of athletes ac- lations took place but claimed that cused of doping in court, even though the scandal was politically motivated. it will also cooperate with the World “It’s obvious that the scandal is being Anti-Doping Agency and the IOC. blown up in the run-up to Russia’s Russia has been banned from next domestic political calendar,” Putin year’s Winter Olympics over state- said, apparently referring to March sponsored doping but the Inter- 2018 presidential elections. national Olympic Committee said “Whatever they say, I am convinced, I Russian athletes would still be able to just know that’s the case,” Putin said. compete under a neutral flag. He complained that other countries “How will we build up relations with also had doping problems with- WADA and the IOC? I hope construc- out prompting the same “political tively,” Putin said at his annual news furore.” conference. Nevertheless he acknowledged Rus- “We will calmly work with them, re- sia’s role, saying “we ourselves are moving those problems we do have, guilty of this, we gave a pretext for but of course working to defend the this because incidents of the use of interests of our athletes, including in doping really have been identified.” civil courts,” Putin said. Putin also claimed that Russia’s “I know that many international of- former anti-doping chief-turned- ficials don’t want that, but what can whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov we do? We will be forced to help our is working under the control of US athletes to stand up for their honour special services.

British cyclist Chris Froome of Sky Team heads to a training session in Port de Alcudia on the Spanish island of Mallorca yesterday. BADMINTON the race,” said Froome. AFP Movistar trio in tilt for Tour de France London “So we did increase it and that’s Madrid: Movistar announced all Tour. However, Movistar’s task could why we’re faced with this question of three of Nairo Quintana, Alejandro Val- be made much easier if Froome is ‘I did stay within the limits but obvi- Sindhu enters semis, hris Froome admitted yes- verde and the newly recruited Mikel sanctioned for an adverse drugs test ously the test results show a diff erent terday that his adverse drugs Landa will team up to ride the 2018 result as he won the Vuelta a Espana reading’, so we’re trying to evaluate test at the Vuelta a Espana Tour de France yesterday. in September. “We have the riders with what has happened.” Srikanth ousted Cis “damaging” as the four- The team are considered as British the ideal profile to believe in winning Like Martin, Colombian Nairo time Tour de France winner battles to team Sky’s closest rival ands the line the Tour, which is one of the few races Quintana, who has twice fi nished sec- IANS clear his name. up represents their strongest assault we have still to win,” said Movistar ond to Froome at the Tour de France Dubai The British rider had twice the per- on the yellow jersey yet. general manager Eusebio Unzue. but pipped him to the Vuelta title last missible amount of asthma medication The Spanish outfit snapped up climb Quintana has won both the the Giro year, said the UCI must treat everyone Salbutamol in his system on September specialist Landa from Team Sky in d’Italia and the Vuelta and has twice equally. ndian shuttler PV Sindhu won 7, following the 18th stage of the Grand August with the objective of ending finished runner-up to Froome at the “We hope that the authorities do her second successive group stage Tour race he won for the fi rst time. Sky and Chris Froome’s grip on the Tour in 2013 and 2015. the right thing like any other rider match to qualify for the semi-fi - Cycling’s governing body UCI has who has gone through this situation,” nals but men’s singles star Kidambi asked the Team Sky rider to provide Quintana said at his Movistar team’s ISrikanth lost for the second time in more information but in line with any boundaries and I hope by the end pionships.” Froome was only informed presentation in Madrid yesterday. succession to be out of the race for the World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines of this process that will be clear to of his adverse analytical fi nding on “The authorities should do their job last four stage of the World Superseries has not suspended him. everyone and I’ll be exonerated of any September 20, the same day he took well and, like any other rider, Froome Finals here yesterday. That move has brought accusations wrongdoing. “I can’t say what other bronze in the world championship has to comply with the rules.” Sindhu crushed Japanese Sayaka of “double standards” from four-time people are going to think at the end of time-trail in Bergen, Norway, when Froome, widely considered the Sato 21-13, 21-12 in 36 minutes to se- world champion time-trialist Tony this. I can only obviously control my Martin fi nished a disappointing ninth. greatest Grand Tour rider of his gen- cure her second straight victory, elimi- Ying and Chen Yufei of China are still Martin, who called the decision a input to the situation.” Team Sky said in a statement on eration, is scheduled to race the Giro nating Sayaka at the Hamadan Sports in contention but South Korean Sung ji “scandal”. German Martin, though, is fuming. Wednesday that Froome experienced d’Italia in May 2018 ahead of defend- Complex. Hyun has been eliminated. If Froome fails to provide a satisfac- “I am totally angry. There is defi - “acute asthma symptoms” during the ing his Tour de France title in July 2018. The Indian joined Japanese Akane In the men’s singles, Indian Srikanth tory answer, the UCI could proceed nitely a double standard being applied fi nal week of the Vuelta and increased The test raises fresh questions Yamaguchi to advance to the semi-fi - lost to Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Tai- with an anti-doping rule violation in the Christopher Froome case,” Mar- his dosage of Salbutamol, within per- about British cycling following the nals from Group A. pei 18-21, 18-21. case — he could even be stripped of his tin wrote on his Facebook account. missible limits, on medical advice. scandal surrounding Bradley Wiggins, Yamaguchi defeated He Bingjiao 21- Chinese Shi Yuqi defeated Viktor Vuelta victory and miss a large chunk “Other athletes are suspended im- “Coming into the last week of La who received therapeutic use exemp- 14, 13-21, 21-8 to make it two wins from Axelsen 13-21, 21-18, 21-17 to register of next season. mediately after a positive test. He and Vuelta I began to feel a lot more symp- tions (TUEs) to take a corticosteroid in as many games, thereby cementing a his second successive victory, sealing a “This is damaging. It’s come as a his team are given time by the UCI to tomatic — my asthma was playing up 2011, 2012 and 2013, including before spot in the semi-fi nals. place in the last four stage. Axelsen had huge shock to me as well,” Froome, 32, explain it all. a lot more and that’s when the doctor his 2012 Tour de France win. With the defeat, Bingjiao was also beaten Srikanth on the opening day. told Sky Sports. “I do not know of any similar case advised me to increase the number of Wiggins and Sky have repeatedly knocked out having lost two matches. Chou Tien, who had lost to Yuqi on “At the same time, I know within in the recent past. That is a scandal, puff s — obviously staying well in the denied any wrongdoing, saying the From Group B, Thailand’s Ratch- Wednesday, will face Axelsen on Friday me that fundamentally I have followed and he should at least not have been legal limit of the maximum allowed drug was prescribed to treat a long- anok Intanon was also through to the and the winner will join the Chinese in the protocol, I have not overstepped allowed to appear in the World Cham- number of puff s you can take during standing pollen allergy. semi-fi nals. Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu the semi-fi nals. Gulf Times Friday, December 15, 2017 5 SPORT

NHL Bruins rally to beat Red Wings 3-2 in overtime By Helene St. James spirited. Detroit Free Press Again the Wings started well, using their speed to gain off en- sive zone time. They had a 6-2 he Detroit Red Wings edge in shots after nine min- saw their power play utes, and that included killing a produce, saw Dylan Lar- penalty for too many men. The kin scored on a short- Wings had the puck on their Thanded breakaway. stick most of the period, and had The Wings were the bet- a couple good looks during a late ter team much of Wednesday’s power play. They outshot the game against the Boston Bru- Bruins, 9-2, after 20 minutes. ins at Little Caesars Arena, but The Bruins showed more bite twice saw leads levelled. They to start the second period, and ended up losing 3-2 in overtime got another power play. That when Brad Marchand scored just killed, the Wings went back to 35 seconds in. The Wings are 0-6 gaining o-zone time. They got in overtime this season. a power play midway through Darren Helm sprang Larkin the period, and Tatar converted while the Wings were on a pen- after just 15 seconds, fi ring a alty kill midway through the third shot while Justin Abdelkader period, and Larkin turned the screened Rask. chance into a high-light breaka- A second power play in the way that ended with him stuff - period yielded good looks from ing a backhand on Tuukka Rask. Dylan unit. The Wings had been David Pastrnak scored after Rask 0-for-13 on man advantages was pulled for an extra attacker, dating back four games. with 1:26 to play in regulation. Noel Acciari poked a loose Tomas Tatar scored on a pow- puck behind a sprawled Jimmy er play in the second period. Howard at 3:02 of the third pe- The arena appeared about a riod to make it 1-1. third full. The game didn’t start till 8:10pm, and fans travelling to RESULTS attend the game also had to con- Stars 5 Islanders 2 tend with snowfall that began Predators 7 Canucks 1 early in the day. The ones who Senators 3 Rangers 2 Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (No 63) takes the puck up the ice and scores the game winning goal against Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green during overtime at did attend seemed especially Bruins 3 Red Wings 2 (OT) Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NBA NFL Redskins deny name Thunder hold off change aft er hoax AFP Washington

he Washington Red- skins on Wednesday denied that they were changing their name Pacers in George’s Tin a statement responding to “fraudulent websites” that year contract extension last said the moniker some fi nd of- week, intends to retire at the fensive would go. completion of his new deal in “This morning, the Red- 2024. skins organisation was made Spokesman Joe Lockhart, aware of fraudulent websites the NFL’s executive vice presi- about our team name,” the dent of communications and return to Indiana NFL franchise said in a state- public aff airs, confi rmed at ment. “The name of the team league winter meeting in Irv- ‘I’m glad the circus is over with and now everybody can move on. I’m not sure what is the Washington Redskins ing, Texas, on Wednesday. and will remain that for the “The commissioner has they (fans) wanted me to be, a circus act or some kind of show. I played my hardest’ future.” been clear he views this as his The Washington Post re- fi nal contract,” Lockhart said. AFP we were going to win tonight, ported that an alliance of The 58-year-old Goodell Los Angeles the way we were guarding and American Indian activists plans to work with NFL own- rebounding,” said coach Brad launched several online web ers to identify and have his Stevens of the strong shooting pages disguised as news out- successor in place by the time ussell Westbrook re- performance. lets falsely claiming the team he steps away in seven years, corded his ninth triple Jaylen Brown added 26 points had bowed to pressure and Lockhart said. double of the season and Aron Baynes had 17 as the changed their name to the Goodell signed the exten- and Paul George made Celtics overcame a career-high Redhawks. sion, which runs through aR successful return to Indiana 36 points by Nuggets guard Gary At least fi ve web pages – March 2024, last Wednesday. as the Oklahoma City Thun- Harris and 28 by Jamal Murray. some of them mimicking le- His annual compensation will der edged the Pacers 100-95 on Denver, fi nishing a six-game gitimate sports news sites such be under $10 million, but the Wednesday. road trip, were missing three key as ESPN.com and Bleacher yearly pay could hit $40 mil- The four-time all-star George players with injuries, Paul Mill- Report – and a Twitter ac- lion if he reaches incentives, was booed loudly whenever he sap (wrist), Nikola Jokic (ankle) count were included in the most of which are tied to the touched the ball in his fi rst re- and Will Barton (back). campaign, and the links were league’s overall revenue, ES- turn to the Bankers Life Field- In New Orleans, DeMarcus widely shared on social media. PN’s Adam Schefter reported. house arena since being traded Cousins nailed a clutch three Rebecca Nagle, co-director According to ESPN, the fi ve months ago. But George’s re- pointer from the left side with of the National Indigenous fi ve-year deal could be worth turn went off without a hitch as 22 seconds remaining as the New Women’s Resource Center twice as much annually as the he scored 12 points and backed up Orleans Pelicans powered past and one of the organisers of fi rst 10 years that Goodell was Westbrook’s 10-point, 17 rebound the Milwaukee Bucks 115-108. the campaign, told USA Today commissioner, during which and 12 assist performance in front Cousins scored a team-high that the goal was to “draw at- he made $212.5 million. of the hostile crowd of 17,900. 26 points and Anthony Davis tention to reaffi rm that there’s George was traded to Okla- chipped in 25. an overwhelming mountain of Coach unsure if Peterson homa City in exchange for Victor The Pelicans trailed 94-87 evidence that the name is of- will play again this season Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis early in the fourth quarter but fensive and is harmful to Na- Arizona Cardinals coach after he told the Pacers he didn’t outscored the Bucks 28-14 in tive American people”. Bruce Arians says he has “no plan to re-sign with the club at the fi nal 10 minutes. Cousins The US capital’s NFL club idea” whether veteran running the end of this NBA season. added 13 boards and Davis tallied has come under fi re in recent back Adrian Peterson will play “He had incredible poise,” 10 rebounds. E’Twaun Moore years for its reluctance to con- again this season. Peterson has Thunder coach Billy Donovan had 21 points for New Orleans. sider changing the name that missed the past two games with said of George. “He didn’t shoot Greek forward Giannis Antetok- many feel is a racial slur to- a neck injury and seems likely to well, but I thought his defence ounmpo led Milwaukee with a ward Native Americans. Red- miss Sunday’s match-up against was critical.” game-high 32 points. skins’ owner Dan Snyder, who the Washington Redskins. George knew the environment Chris Paul posted a season-high has refused to consider chang- The 32-year-old rusher was would be a physical and mental 31 points, Houston seized control ing the nickname, insists it’s a acquired by the Cardinals in test. “I’m glad the circus is over with a 25-0 run bridging the fi rst tribute to Native Americans. a trade with New Orleans in with and now everybody can move and second quarters to extend October but has shown only on,” George said. “I’m not sure their winning streak to 11 games Goodell to retire at end of fl ashes of the explosiveness what they (fans) wanted me to be, with a victory over Charlotte. contract in 2024 that made him a seven-times a circus act or some kind of show. Paul added 11 assists and seven NFL commissioner Roger Pro Bowler with the Minnesota I played my hardest. I thought I rebounds to his ledger and dom- Goodell, who signed a fi ve- Vikings. took what the city is about and inated the game on both ends as that’s being blue collar.” Houston extended its winning Steven Adams scored 23 streak to 11 games and improved Tommy Nobis ‘Mr. Falcon’ dies at 74 points on 11-of-16 shooting and to 12-0 with Paul in their lineup. grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the James Harden added 21 points Tommy Nobis, the first player drafted by the NFL’s expansion Thunder. The Thunder improved and eight assists while Eric Atlanta Falcons in 1966, died on Wednesday at the age of 74, the to 13-14 on the season as they Gordon scored 17 points off the team said. registered their fi rst two-game bench for Houston. The Falcons said Nobis died at his suburban Atlanta home after an season sweep of Indiana since extended illness with his wife, Lynn, by his side. 2012-13 and snapped the Pacers’ RESULTS “Tommy’s legacy began as the first Falcons player in team history, four-game winning streak. Houston 108 Charlotte 96 was built over 40 years with the organisation and will live on for Oladipo led the Pacers with 19 Boston 124 Denver 118 years to come,” team owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. points, but had a rough shooting Miami 95 Portland 102 “Mr. Falcon is rightfully beloved by generations of Falcons fans and night, going nine of 26 from the Phoenix 109 Toronto 115 we will always be grateful for his many contributions to our team fl oor. Bojan Bogdanovic added Chicago 103 Utah 100 and community.” 15 for the Pacers and Thaddeus New Orleans 115 Milwaukee 108 Nobis starred on both sides of the line at the University of Texas, Young had 11 points, 10 rebounds Indiana 95 Oklahoma C 100 winning the Maxwell Award as the best all-around player in college and seven steals. Orlando 95 LA Clippers 106 football and the Outland Trophy as the top lineman. Elsewhere, Kyrie Irving re- Washington 93 Memphis 87 He was selected first overall by the Falcons in the 1966 NFL draft turned from a one-game injury and fifth overall by the American Football League’s Houston Oilers. absence and scored 33 points as Paul George of the Oklahoma Nobis elected to play for Atlanta. the Boston Celtics shot a season- City Thunder goes up to dunk He earned NFL rookie of the year honours and five Pro Bowl selec- high 59.5 percent from the fl oor the ball against the Indiana tions while leading the team in tackles nine times during his 11-year en route to a 124-118 win over Pacers in Indianapolis, Indiana. career. His No. 60 has never been worn by any other Atlanta player. Denver. “That was the only way (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Friday, December 15, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Lewandowski shoots PSG enter League into Bundesliga’s top 10 Cup quarter-fi nals ‘We needed to improve from the league game and the team was more focused from the start. Maybe we could have scored more goals and played better after it went to 4-2’

Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring goal against FC Cologne in Munich. (Reuters)

AFP Dortmund. Berlin He is in good company as Bayern head coach Jupp Hey- nckes is third on the list with obert Lewandowski 220 goals scored for Borus- has fi red his way into sia Moenchengladbach and 10th place in the list Hanover 96 between 1963 and of the Bundesliga’s 1978. all-timeR top scorers as the But Lewandowski is a dis- Polish striker just keeps on tance off the record 365 goals hitting the net. scored by Bayern and West Lewandowski rescued Bay- Germany legend Gerd Mueller. ern with a second-half winner The 72-year-old former in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory World Cup winner, nicknamed over bottom side Cologne as ‘Der Bomber’, netted the phe- the league leaders struggled to nomenal tally between 1964 break down a determined de- and 1979 – and Lewandowski fence at the sold-out Allianz is not even halfway to that Arena. mark. “It is unbelievable that he is The 29-year-old Poland in the top 10 – he is simply a forward is also 25 goals short of goal hunter,” Arturo Vidal said becoming the highest-scoring of his team-mate as Bayern active player in Germany. went nine points clear at the Veteran Peru striker Claudio top of the table. Pizarro, 39, now at Cologne, The Poland international has scored 191 goals over mul- has now scored 21 goals in 24 tiple stints at Bayern and Wer- games in all competitions this der Bremen. season, plus fi ve more in World Lewandowski has twice lift- Cup qualifi ers to help book Po- ed the ‘Golden Cannon’ tro- land’s place in Russia. phy, awarded to the Bundes- Lewandowski’s goal against liga’s top scorer, and narrowly Cologne was his 166th since missed out to Pierre-Emerick 2010 in Germany’s top fl ight Aubameyang last season de- – a tally achieved with Bay- spite a return of 30 goals in 33 ern and former club Borussia league games. Paris Saint-Germain’s players celebrate after scoring a goal during the French League Cup match against Strasbourg at the Meinau stadium in Strasbourg. (AFP)

AFP own with Kylian Mbappe on the bench to score a late consolation SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Paris bench. Home hopes of a repeat for Strasbourg, but PSG had long PSG coach Emery’s house performance for Strasbourg were since secured their place in the dashed in only the 12th minute, quarters. robbed on match night aris Saint-Germain as Yoann Salmier sliced Angel Di Elsewhere, a much-changed Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery’s Paris apartment was burgled Celtic make it 69 not brushed off the absence Maria’s cross into his own net. Lyon were stunned 4-1 at on Wednesday evening as his side won a cup tie away at Strasbourg. of Neymar to ease into Argentina international Di Montpellier despite taking a The robbery at the top floor flat of a chic Parisian street in the 16th the French League Cup Maria made it two midway 10th-minute lead through teen- arrondissement was discovered around 11pm by Emery’s wife. Emery out with Hamilton win Pquarter-fi nals with a 4-2 victory through the fi rst half, capital- ager Myziane Maolida, as Sou- himself got back from Strasbourg in the early hours of Thursday. at Strasbourg on Wednesday. ising on a goalkeeping error by leymane Camara scored twice Signed Neymar shirts and a Rolex watch were among the items stolen AFP points at the top of the Scot- The Ligue 1 leaders gained Alexandre Oukidja to slot in his for the hosts. with the family telling the police goods worth around 20,000 euros in Glasgow tish Premiership. a measure of revenge for their fourth goal of the season. Nice goalkeeper Yoan Car- total were taken. “We made some changes shock 2-1 league defeat by Stras- But Strasbourg pulled one dinale was the hero as Lucien “The door was closed but not locked,” the police said. and tried something slight- bourg less than a fortnight ago as back before half-time against Favre’s men edged past man- “The door was lifted off its hinges and the thieves took luxury clinical fi rst-half ly diff erent tonight, but I they started their bid for a fi fth the run of play as midfi elder Jer- agerless Lille on penalties after handbags, jewellery, football shirts and designer clothes,” the police display helped thought the players worked straight League Cup title. emy Grimm, who has been with Mario Balotelli had rescued the a confirmed. Celtic to a 3-1 win it really well,” Celtic manager PSG will take on Amiens in the the club throughout their rise 1-1 draw for the visitors. Paris Saint-Germain had a happier evening leaving Strasbourg with a over Hamilton on Brendan Rodgers said. “It was last eight, after the newly-pro- from the third tier, slotted into Monaco will be Nice’s last- WednesdayA as the Scottish a good win for us because 4-2 win and a place in the League Cup quarter-finals. moted top-fl ight club edged out the corner. eight opponents, after the prin- champions extended their Hamilton have had some real- second-tier Tours 2-1. The hosts battled hard in the cipality outfi t saw off Caen on unbeaten domestic run to 69 ly good victories this season.” “We needed to improve from second period but their resist- Tuesday. Rennes beat Marseille matches. Rivals Rangers remain fi ve the league game and the team ance was fi nally ended when in a penalty shootout after an en- Olivier Ntcham fi red Celtic points behind in second place was more focused from the start,” Thomas Meunier crossed for fel- tertaining 2-2 draw at Roazhon in front with a superb vol- as they came from behind to said PSG coach Unai Emery. low full-back Dani Alves to tap Park, where Kostas Mitroglou ley in the 12th minute before claim a 2-1 win over Hiber- “Maybe we could have scored in from close range. and Valere Germain scored for Daniel Redmond levelled for nian at Easter Road, while more goals and played better af- German international Julian the visitors, but to no avail. Hamilton against the run of Aberdeen stay third on goal ter it went to 4-2, but we are still Draxler impressed in a three- play. However, two goals in diff erence following their happy.” man attacking midfi eld alongside Quarter-final draw a minute from James Forrest 3-0 win at St Johnstone. The With Neymar having only just Di Maria and Javier Pastore, and (ties to be played January 9/10): and Scott Sinclair handed supporters who packed into a returned from a visit to his na- drilled in to end a nine-game goal Angers v Montpellier, Amiens Celtic a two-goal cushion bitterly cold Celtic Park were tive Brazil, Emery opted to play drought for club and country. v Paris Saint-Germain, Nice v at the break and they saw warmed up by four superb Edinson Cavani up front on his Jeremy Blayac came off the Monaco, Rennes v Toulouse out the win to move onto 41 fi rst-half strikes.

QATAR GO DOWN FIGHTING IN FRIENDLY AGAINST LIECHTENSTEIN

Liechtenstein’s Dennis Salanovic (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring the equaliser in the 29th minute for his team during their football friendly against Qatar yesterday. (Right) Qatar’s Ahmed Yasser (centre) scored the first goal of the match in the sixth minute. Michele Polverino scored the winner through a penalty in the 90th minute for Liechtenstein, who won 2-1. Gulf Times Friday, December 15, 2017 7 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Manchester City hailed as Premier City break record, League greats

AFP all my years play like this.” London When asked whether City are one of the best sides we have ever seen, former Eng- ep Guardiola’s Man- land captain and TV pundit Man United edge chester City are be- Alan Shearer agreed. ing widely hailed as “I don’t think there is any one of the best sides doubt about that, and top inP Premier League history af- players in that team, with ter they set a stunning new hunger and desire to put in a record of 15 straight wins. performance week in, week In its 25-year history, the out,” he said. “It has to has to Premier League has boasted be admired.” out Bournemouth a series of outstanding sides Chastened Swansea man- including Manchester Unit- ager Paul Clement described West Ham and Arsenal drew 0-0; Reds dropped points at Anfield for 2nd straight match ed’s treble-winners, Arsenal’s the pain of watching his side “Invincibles” and Jose Mour- try to compete with Guardio- inho’s powerful Chelsea side la’s free-fl owing team. in his fi rst stint at the club. “At times it was horrible to But Guardiola’s team - even be on the sideline watching though they have not won any that, seeing my side trying but silverware yet - are smash- suff ering for long periods,” he ing record after record as they said. sprint towards the Premier “They’re not the games that League title, leaving allcom- will decide our season but it ers a distant speck in their was hard to watch at times rear-view mirror. because they were so domi- Wednesday’s 4-0 win at nant. For me, one of the best Swansea took them clear of sides I’ve ever come across. So Arsenal’s 14 consecutive vic- many good athletes, so many tories under Arsene Wenger intelligent footballers and it’s between February and August really hard to pin them down.” 2002. Their 49 points from 17 Guardiola, who managed games is the best-ever start a Barcelona side widely re- to an English top-fl ight cam- garded as one of the fi nest paign, bettering the record of club sides in history, is aware Tottenham’s great double- of his team’s place in the Eng- winning side of 1960-61 - lish game. when a win was worth just “In history there were two points. BBC commentator amazing things like Liverpool Jonathan Pearce believes the in the 80s and Manchester current City side is at the top United with Sir Alex Ferguson of the tree. or Chelsea with Jose Mour- “There have been great inho,” he said. teams in the modern era but, “There were some amazing in terms of fl uent football teams. and as an irresistible force, “But we are the fi rst ones to Manchester City are the best win 15 in a row. If we win the the Premier League has ever title it will just be a record and seen,” he said. this record will be broken, but “I’ve never seen a team in of course it will not be easy.”

Independiente win Copa Sudamericana aft er draw in Rio

Manchester City’s David Silva (centre) celebrates with Raheem Sterling (right) and Bernardo Silva after scoring their third goal against Swansea City during their EPL match. (Reuters)

Reuters into fourth spot behind Chel- Results & standings goal in his last three games. was reported to have had milk London sea thanks top a 2-0 win over Sergio Aguero, back in the side thrown at him, admitted his side Brighton and Hove Albion as Swansea City 0 Manchester City 4 with Gabriel Jesus rested, fi red had been low on energy. Serge Aurier scored his fi rst goal Newcastle United 0 Everton 1 past Lukasz Fabianski to com- “It was diffi cult match. They anchester City set for the club. Southampton 1 Leicester City 4 plete another masterclass from had one more day’s rest than us, West Ham United 0 Arsenal 0 a new top-fl ight City have 49 points to United’s Manchester United 1 Bournemouth 0 Guardiola’s City slickers. they were fresher than us, and record of 15 consec- 38 with champions Chelsea, who Liverpool 0 W Bromwich Albion 0 mentally fresher because a big utive wins as their won at Huddersfi eld Town on Tottenham Hotspur 2 Brighton & Hove 0 CITY FORM match takes more from our play- Mseemingly unstoppable march Tuesday, on 35. Tottenham have While the purists are purring ers,” he said. Standings P W D L F A Pts Independiente won their second Copa Sudamericana title on towards the Premier League ti- 31, ahead of Liverpool on goal dif- at City’s form, you could only “They were diffi cult oppo- Wednesday after a 1-1 draw at the Maracana stadium with Brazil’s tle continued with a 4-0 romp ference while Arsenal dropped to Man City 17 16 1 0 5 2 11 49 sympathise with Swansea boss nents and diffi cult conditions. Flamengo in the second leg of the final gave the Argentine side a Man Utd 17 12 2 3 37 11 38 at bottom club Swansea City on seventh with 30 points. Chelsea 17 11 2 4 31 14 35 Paul Clement who summed up If we had scored the second it 3-2 aggregate victory. Wednesday. It was an enjoyable night for Tottenham 17 9 4 4 30 14 31 what many of his peers might be would have been a calm night.” Trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Argentina last week, Flamengo David Silva struck twice for managers returning to former Liverpool 17 8 7 2 34 20 31 feeling. “At times it was horrible Liverpool were left to rue a came out all guns blazing but Independiente held their nerve and Pep Guardiola’s side as they went clubs as Sam Allardyce watched Burnley 17 9 4 4 16 12 31 to be on the sideline watching late disallowed goal for Dominic kept the hosts at bay early on. past Arsenal’s 14-match win- his Everton side win 1-0 at New- Arsenal 17 9 3 5 30 20 30 that, seeing my side trying but Solanke as they could fi nd no Flamengo’s Everton came close in the 13th minute but was denied Leicester 17 7 5 5 27 23 26 ning sequence, although unlike castle United and Claude Puel’s Watford 17 6 4 7 26 29 22 suff ering for long periods,” he way past West Brom, their sec- by Independiente goalkeeper Martin Campana. the London club’s, City’s streak fast-improving Leicester City Everton 17 6 4 7 21 29 22 said. ond home draw in four days. The hosts took the lead half an hour into the game through Lucas has been in a single season. triumphed 4-1 at Southampton, Southampton 17 4 6 7 17 23 18 “It was hard to watch at times “We can do better and we Paqueta but Independiente equalised 10 minutes later with a Manchester United kept up a the club who sacked him at the Huddersfield 17 5 3 9 12 29 18 because they were so dominant. have to do better but on a night penalty from 18-year-old Ezequiel Barco. distant pursuit as they toiled to end of last season despite taking Brighton 17 4 5 8 14 23 17 One of the best sides I’ve ever like this when you are not at The spot-kick was awarded after intervention from the video a 1-0 defeat of Bournemouth at them to the League Cup fi nal. Bournemouth 17 4 4 9 15 20 16 come across.” your best you need a bit of luck,” assistant referee (VAR), which showed Gustavo Cuellar had fouled Stoke 17 4 4 9 19 36 16 Old Traff ord to remain 11 points City hardly broke sweat as Newcastle 17 4 3 10 16 26 15 United looked fl at after their manager Juergen Klopp said. Maximiliano Meza in the box. adrift in second place, Romelu they turned their trip to south West Brom 17 2 8 7 12 22 14 chastening defeat against City Shinji Okazaki scored twice VAR involves video assistant referees who monitor screens and Lukaku’s ninth league goal of the Wales into a training session de- Crystal Palace 17 3 5 9 12 28 14 and were indebted to Lukaku’s for Leicester as they racked up draw the match referee’s attention to off iciating mistakes or missed season proving just enough. spite making four changes to the West Ham 17 3 5 9 14 32 14 powerful header and several a fourth consecutive win, while serious incidents. Liverpool and Arsenal could side that won 2-1 at Manchester Swansea 17 3 3 11 9 22 12 good saves by David de Gea Wayne Rooney earned Everton Independiente almost scored a second after the break through only draw 0-0 with struggling United on Sunday. kick. It was all over when the silky against a plucky Bournemouth. a 1-0 win at Newcastle United Emmanuel Gigliotti but defender Juan Silveira dos Santos cleared. West Bromwich Albion and West Silva opened the scoring from Silva played a one-two with Ra- Manager Jose Mourinho, dis- whose night ended in depressing Flamengo have had to play without striker Paolo Guerrero, who Ham United respectively, allow- Bernardo Silva’s cross and Kevin heem Sterling to make it 3-0 early tracted by reports of a fracas fashion with a red card for Jonjo has been suspended by FIFA after failing an anti-doping test. ing Tottenham Hotspur to move De Bruyne made it 2-0 with a free in the second half with his fourth after the City defeat in which he Shelvey.

CLUB WORLD CUP Real seek record crown to cap trophy-laden 2017 euters with victory in 2012, although a better player than Real’s Ron- Abu Dhabi an upset is not entirely out of the aldo. question in Abu Dhabi. The Portuguese, who was re- Real only narrowly avoided a cently named the world player of eal Madrid can cap their catastrophic defeat to Abu Dhabi the year for a joint-record fi fth most successful year side Al Jazira, who took a re- time, became the top scorer in ever with victory in the markable 1-0 lead at halftime in the history of Club World Cup Club World Cup fi nal a chaotic, action-packed semi- by netting for the sixth time in Ragainst Brazilian side Gremio to- fi nal which the double European three separate tournament ap- morrow, which would see them champions eventually won 2-1. pearances. become the fi rst team to suc- The Spanish side dominated The previous record of fi ve cessfully defend the trophy and the game but, not for the fi rst was jointly held by Luis Suarez, end 2017 with fi ve titles. time this season, showed remark- Lionel Messi and Cesar Delgado. Defeat, however, would be the able profl igacy in front of goal Real were given an almighty latest of a series of setbacks in a until Cristiano Ronaldo equalized scare in last year’s fi nal, falling haphazard last few months for in the second half and Gareth Bale behind Japanese side Kashima Zinedine Zidane’s side, who are hit a late winner 30 seconds after Antlers before eventually win- fourth in La Liga, trailing leaders coming off the bench. ning 4-2 in extra-time with the Barcelona by eight points in the Real are sure to face an even help of a Ronaldo hat-trick and standings. sterner test from Gremio, al- Zidane said he expected another At times, they have looked a though the Brazilians also had diffi cult fi nal. shadow of the team that swept to battle their way through their “I don’t know the Brazilian to Champions League and Liga semi-fi nal, overcoming Mexi- league well but I watched their glory last season and crushed cans Pachuca 1-0 after extra- semi-fi nal and they are a good Manchester United and Barca to time. team and we will have to lift our win the European and Spanish Gremio’s coach Renato Porta- standard of play against them,” Super Cups. luppi won the Intercontinental Zidane said after the nervy win No South American side has Cup (the forerunner to the Club on Wednesday. managed to beat their European World Cup) with the club as a “It will be a complicated game counterparts in the Club World player and underlined his repu- because there’s no such thing Cup since Gremio’s compatriots tation for courting controversy as an easy game, as we proved Corinthians stunned Chelsea by recently proclaiming he was against Al Jazira.” Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates during their FIFA Club World Cup semi-final. (Reuters)

Friday, December 15, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar Olympic Academy celebrates graduation of fi rst batch of sports law programme

QNA and worked towards the conclusion of University of Barcelona, who enriched for his major role in the success of Qatar Doha the fi rst edition of the programme. the fi rst edition of the programme. Olympic Academy’s march and adop- Al-Bueinain then received the award Al-Kuwari said the programme will tion of the master’s programme that for the best innovative programme in serve a good starting point in the fi eld was born two years ago as a concept atar Olympic Academy yes- the fi eld of law education, which was of sports law. “The State of Qatar is and now celebrates the graduation of terday celebrated the gradu- won by the executive master’s pro- always at the forefront of countries in its fi rst batch. ation of the fi rst batch of gramme in sports law at the annual the achievements of 2017, as we man- He congratulated the graduates and the executive master’s pro- conference of legal fi rm LexisNexis. aged the best achievement in the world wished that they become ambassadors grammeQ in sports law, in the presence After that, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Ha- when our hero Mutaz Barshim won the of the programme, which, he said, will of Qatar Olympic Committee President mad al-Thani and al-Bueinain honoured world’s best athlete award in athletics.” be made available in the coming years HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani. the members of the consultative com- “We follow the message of IOC thanks to its signifi cance in the sports The programme is a Qatari legacy mittee of the master’s programme. HE through culture and sport, and the pro- sector. in sports and is unique in the region Sheikh Joaan also honoured the sponsors gramme in its fi rst version raises the For his part, Qatar Olympic Academy and accredited from the leading sports of the programme, namely: International sports issues in the world,” he added. Executive Director Saif Mohamed al- and academic institutions around the Olympic Committee (IOC), represented In turn, al-Bueinain expressed his Nuaimi said that 30 executive lecturers world. by Olympic Solidarity; the Association of delight at the graduation of the fi rst took part in the programme for a year QOC First Vice President Sheikh National Olympic Committees (ANOC); batch of the master’s programme by not just university professors and PhD Saud bin Ali al-Thani attended the the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA); the Qatar Olympic Academy. He thanked holders but also people working in the graduation ceremony along with QOC Court of Arbitration Sport (CAS); the the IOC, ANOC, CAS, OCA, the Uni- executive fi eld of sports issues. Hence, Second Vice President University of Barcelona; and Qatar Uni- versity of Barcelona, and Qatar Univer- he added, participants got an idea Dr Thani al-Kuwari, and QOC Secre- versity. HE the QOC president then hon- sity’s College of Law for supporting the about what happens in sports cases at tary-General and Qatar Olympic Acad- oured the graduates of the fi rst batch of programme from the beginning. CAS, which is an amazing thing that emy Board Chairman Jassim bin Rashed the programme. Over the past period, the QOC sec- does not happen at universities. al-Bueinain. For his part, Dr al-Kuwari, who par- retary-general said, Qatar Olympic The Qatar Olympic Academy execu- The ceremony started with a short ticipated as a student and received a Academy sought to be a leading acad- tive director said the programme will movie simulating the fi rst edition of the master’s degree in sports law, said the emy at the local, Arab and international benefi t students in their careers and al- programme, followed by a video speech concept of the programme was present- levels to develop sports and Olympic low them to continue their studies and for programme director Dr Abdullah ed by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al- education under the umbrella of IOC pursue a PhD degree at the University of al-Hayyan, in which he congratulated Thani as a legacy from the academy to thanks to the comprehensive support Barcelona. “We achieved our goal from the students and wished them success the world, noting that the programme that sport and athletes receive from the the fi rst edition and we aim to develop and hoped the programme would con- became an international legacy consid- country’s wise leadership. the programme in the future edition and tinue in the coming years. He extended ering the strong participating partners Al-Bueinain extended his thanks to depend on the changes that might occur QOC Second Vice President Dr Thani al-Kuwari (right) receives his degree from thanks to everyone that contributed such as IOC, ANOC, CAS, OCA and the HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani to international laws,” al-Nuaimi said. QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani (centre).

HORSE RACING MOTORSPORT Qatar Touring Car, Astley Hall edges and Superstock rounds this My Sharona for weekend at Losail

By Sports Reporter Regarding the opening round of Doha Qatar Superstock 600, Saeed al- Sulaiti said he is ready to start an- other season and defend his title. he second round of Qatar “I think that we are ready to start Touring Car Champion- the season in a good way. After the thrilling victory ship (QTCC) and the open- offi cial test we had last weekend, ing round of Qatar Super- we managed to set the fastest laps stockT 600 (QSTK) will take place on both the days and I have felt Ibrahim al-Malki and Saleem Golam combine well for a double this weekend at the Losail Interna- good on the bike,” al-Sulaiti said. tional Circuit. Last season’s runner-up, Mishal In the Qatar Touring Car Cham- al-Naimi, hoped that he is faster pionship, after the fi rst round that this weekend than in the offi cial was held earlier this month along tests. “During the offi cial practice, with the FIA World Touring Car we suff ered a lot with the strong Championship, defending cham- winds and I wasn’t very fast. Hope- pion Abdulla Ali al-Khelaifi has fully, this weekend the weather will a narrow one-point lead in the be better and we can get good re- standings over Saadon al-Kuwari, sults at the beginning of the sea- who has 35 points in the kitty. son,” he said. Al-Khelaifi and al-Kuwari Today, QSTK Free Practice 1 will shared victories in the fi rst round start at 10am with QTCC activities with thrilling battles in both rac- beginning at 2:30pm. es, while the third place went to Tomorrow, QSTK Race 1 is Adham El Dib, who is third in the scheduled at 11:30am and Race 2 at standings. 2:30pm. QTCC’s fi rst race is at 1pm “I am looking forward to another and the second one at 4pm. round of QTCC and I am sure this Entrance is free for all the fans at round will be more exciting and the grandstand and the Paddock. tougher than the previous one as The two competitions are organ- Ibrahim (al-Abdulghani) is back ised by Losail Circuit Sports Club and it will be more challenging to and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle battle both Saadon and Ibrahim Federation with Pirelli Qatar and this time,” al-Khelaifi said. Inside as sponsors of both cham- Al-Kuwari also expects a very pionships. close battle in the front. “It was The Karting track will be opened very clear in the fi rst round that during both days of the champion- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) deputy chief steward Abdulla Rashid the championship title will be very ship for adults and kids. Today, the al-Kubaisi (right) presents the owner’s trophy to Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari after JP Guillambert (left) rides Astley Hall to victory ahead of My Sharona, ridden by close and challenging. I am really karting track will be open from 5pm Astley Hall won the Muraikh Cup at the QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Harry Bentley, in the Muraikh Cup yesterday. looking forward for another excit- to 10pm, and tomorrow from 2pm ing round,” he said. to 7pm. By Sports Reporter new season when Golam rode the fi ve- of al-Malki’s First To Post, helmed by Race 3: 1. Sly Fly (Saleem Golam), 2. Doha year-old gelding to an easy three-length Eduardo Pedroza, while Zuhair Mohsen’s Khoud (Pier Convertino), 3. Deen (Marvin victory over Jassim Mohamed Ghazali’s Bluebeard had his two race winning streak Suerland), 4. Waeed (Darren Williams). charge, Opera Baron, also a winner in snapped as the 4yo gelding was third un- Won by: 1 1/2, 3/4, 5. Owner: Sheikh halifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s the Al Biddah Mile during the HH The der Gerald Avranche’s ride. Ahmed bin Jassim bin Thani al-Thani. Astley Hall edged out Injaaz Emir’s Sword Festival last year. Pier Convertino guided Mohamed Ali Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Stud’s My Sharona in a thriller Another Ghazali ward, Black Granite, Yousef al-Sheeb’s Kasser to a fi ne victory Race 4: 1. Kasser (Pier Convertino), 2. Al to register his fi rst win since made it to top three. in the Purebred Arabian Handicap event Khattaf (Harry Bentley), 3. AJS Al Zubara KFebruary 2016 at the Qatar Racing and Sly Fly made his preference for a six for horses rated 90 and below yesterday. (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Qassy (Gerald Equestrian Club yesterday. furlong sprint on dirt amply clear when In the six furlong event, Kasser, who Avranche). Won by: 2 3/4, 1 3/4, 3/4. In the Muraikh Cup, yesterday’s the colt registered his second straight had started the season with a win over Owner: Mohamed Ali Yousef al-Sheeb. 1100m feature sprint for Class 2 Thor- victory on the course and distance. a mile on the fi rst day of the season last Trainer: Mohamed Ali Yousef al-Sheeb. oughbreds, Mohamed Jassim Ghazali- Sly Fly had shed his maiden status month, beat Abdullah Mohamed al-Ku- Race 5: 1. Wayside Flower (Harry Bent- trained Astley Hall set the pace up front three weeks ago, and yesterday, he beat wari Sons’ Al Khattaf by two lengths and ley), 2. Poet’s Song (Tomas Lukasek), 3. with My Sharona’s stablemate Lupie not Mansoor Khalil al-Mansoori-owned three quarters. Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Al Zu- Shaka Zulu (Saleem Golam), 4. Saakhen too far behind. As the business end ap- Khoud, also a winner over the course bara notched her second top three fi nish (Pier Convertino). Won by: 1/2, 2 1/2, proached, Harry Bentley had My Sha- and distance last week, comfortably un- over the course and distance yesterday. 2. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Jassim rona, trained by Ghazali senior, Jassim, der Saleem Golam’s ride. In the fi rst two races of the day, Umm Mohamed Ghazali. pick up speed and stayed toe to toe with Champion Trainer Jassim Mohamed Qarn’s Kufoo registered his second career Race 6: 1. Aluqdah (Stephan Ladjadj), the leader, who eventually held on for a Ghazali’s only winner of the day was win while Subaiya Awad Ibrahim owned 2. First to Post (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. short head victory. Injaaz Stud’s Wayside Flower, who won Sarmad Bu Thaila shed his maiden status. Bluebeard (Gerald Avranche), 4. Errone- Ibrahim al-Malki-trained Vic- the Class 3 Thoroughbred Handicap ous (Harry Bentley). Won by: 1 3/4, Hd, 1 tory Laurel had to settle for his second event for horses rated 70-90. RESULTS 3/4. Owner: Khalid Rashid al-Mohannadi. straight third-place fi nish under Edu- Bentley-ridden Wayside Flower beat Race 1: 1. Kufoo (Jean Baptiste Hamel), Trainer: Rashid Mohamed al-Jehani. ardo Pedroza. Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani’s ward, Poet’s 2. Chanson Du Soleil (Marc Lerner), 3. Race 7: 1. Topsy Turvy (Saleem Golam), Al-Malki and jockey Saleem Golam, Song, by half a length, while al-Malki’s Stam Al Naif (Pier Convertino), 4. Gadab 2. Opera Baron (JP Guillambert), 3. Black however, combined well for a double, Shaka Zulu was third. (Stephan Ladjadj). Won by: 1 1/2, Shd, Nk. Granite (Harry Bentley), 4. Pearl Bridge with Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Thani A week ago in the Guineas, Rashid Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de (Marvin Suerland). Won by: 3, 6 3/4, 4. al-Thani’s Sly Fly and Sheikh Faisal bin Mohamed al-Jehani-trained Aluqdah Mieulle. Owner: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jas- Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani’s Topsy was well held on his Qatar debut. Yester- Race 2: 1. Sarmad Bu Thaila (Darren Wil- sim al-Thani. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Turvy winning the Local Thoroughbred day, that changed as the 3yo registered liams), 2. Musaiter Bu Thaila (Almotasem Race 8: 1. Astley Hall (JP Guillambert), 2. Handicap event for horses rated 75 and his fi rst victory at the QREC winning al-Balushi), 3. Sultan Bu Thaila (Carlo My Sharona (Harry Bentley), 3. Victory below, and Class 2Thoroughbred Con- the Thoroughbred Handicap event for Fiocchi), 4. Tasleya (Pier Convertino). Laurel (Eduardo Pedroza), 4. Sandbe- ditions event respectively. horses rated 75-95. Won by: 7, 4 1/2, Shd. Owner: Subaiya tweenourtoes (Almostasem al-Balushi). Topsy Turvy picked up his fi fth vic- Ridden by Stephan Ladjadj, Aluqdah Awad Ibrahim. Trainer: Mohamed Khaled Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Defending champion Abdulla Ali al-Khelaifi has a narrow one-point lead in tory this calendar year and fi rst in the fi nished a little under two lengths ahead Elahmed. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim Ghazali. the QTCC standings.