FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 3 TTENNISENNIS | Page 4 Red Bull, Sock happy Ferrari aim to swap for a sting Augusta for in the tail ATP Finals

FOOTBALL Thursday, November 9, 2017 Safar 20, 1439 AH Experimental England ready for GULF TIMES Germany, Brazil SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL/U19 Qatar win thrilling penalty shootout to qualify

Iraq tested the hosts’ goal with some powerful Qatar players celebrate their long range eff orts, with Ahmed Farhan rattling win over Iraq yesterday. the bar with a stunning volley from 25 yards out A glimpse of the action while Hyder Hussein tested goalkeeper Shehab from the match. Mamdouh with another eff ort from distance. But it was Qatar who took the lead, in fi rst half added-on time, like they did in the fi rst match against Lebanon. Mohamed Waad’s free-kick from the right hit the wall but Rasheed caught the Iraqi defence napping and squared the ball to Abdulla Nasser who slotted it home from close range. Iraq equalised in the 62nd minute from a pen- alty after Qatari goalkeeper Mamdouh fouled Mohammed Dawood inside the box. Dawood was sent clear by a through ball from Saif Khalid, and Mamdouh who looked the fa- vourite for the ball came out second best, and was also shown a yellow for the foul. Dawood converted the penalty to draw the AFC Regulation time had ended 1-1 in a thrilling score level. Doha match at Grand Hamad Stadium, a result that As both teams missed chances the game should also see Iraq qualifying as one of the fi ve moved into penalties, where Qatar keeper he had moved too soon and was shown a second second attempt from the spot with his legs. best second-placed teams for the tournament Mamdouh turned a hero and almost became a yellow and marching orders for his vehement Ali Ahmed Radha and Mohamed Dawood osts Qatar defeated Iraq 3-2 on penal- to be held in Indonesia next October. villain. protest. converted Iraq’s kicks in the tiebreaker. ties to progress as winners from Group Iraq were the better side in terms of ball pos- Mamdouh saved eff orts from Muntadher Ab- Luckily for Qatar, captain Nasser Abdul- For Qatar, Abdulrasheed, Ahmed Suhail C of the AFC U-19 Championship session in the fi rst half, with Qatar depending dulsada, Mohammed Ridha and though he had salam, who converted their fourth kick, donned scored from the spot while Ahmed AlGanehi’s H2018 Qualifi ers yesterday. mainly on counter-attacks. saved Muntadhir Mohammed’s eff ort as well, the goalkeeper’s gloves and saved Mohamed’s eff ort was saved by Iraqi keeper Ali Ibadi.

SPOTLIGHT Global Champions Tour set to thrill fans at Al Shaqab This year’s event will be particularly special for Al Shaqab, which is marking the 25th anniversary of the facility

By Sahan Bidapa Doha Doha Fursan Qatar team will be in action at the Global Champions League.

he Global Champions Tour title may have already been wrapped up by the Dutchman Harrie TSmolders, but there are plenty of thrills and spills in store in the season fi nale at the Al Shaqab arena from today. The three-day showjumping cham- pionship returns to Qatar for the fi nal stop of the season, with riders set for a captivating battle for the overall ranking places after 13 rounds of action. This year’s event will be particularly special for Al Shaqab, which is marking the 25th anniversary of the prestigious, cutting-edge equestrian facility. A vi- sion of His Highness the Father Emir, Al Shaqab has become an epicentre for the sport in the region. To mark the occasion there will be a special celebration during

THE SCHEDULE

Today 10:45: National Class 1/1.15m Against the clock (QR10,000) 13:15: National Class 1.20/1.30m Against the clock (QR20,000) 15:00: CSI5* 1.45m Two Phase (€25,000) 17:30: CSI5* 1.50/1.55m Global Champi- Al Shaqab Event Director Omar al-Mannai (centre), Global Champions Tour President Jan Tops (right) and GCT Sports Director of GCT and many other top events over and fi ve other teams are challenging for ons League Round 1 (€92,000 individual Marco Danese at a press conference yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi the years has made Qatar a sport hub. “As the other podium places. 18 teams have class winner) part of Qatar National Vision 2030 we competed in the GCL this year tactically Tomorrow the event tomorrow. in second place on 260 points just three level, which we have seen on an Olympic believe Qatar has become a sport hub and fi elding top rider and horse combinations 13:45: National Class 1/1.15m Against the An all-star cast of 17 out of the world’s ahead of Germany’s Christian Ahlmann. level. Al Shaqab is not only a magnifi cent GCT supports this by bringing the top to get the edge ahead of their rivals in the clock with jump-off (QR10,000) top 20 riders will be in action with their Italian Alberto Zorzi is two points away place, but it is very horse-friendly; the riders and horses. We are engaging with championship. 16:45: National Class 1.30/1.40 Against horses this weekend. Smolders, who on 255 points, while Dutch rider van der footing is great, the stabling is the best the community with our activities and the clock with jump-off (QR30,000) made history by taking the title at the Vleuten and two-time GCT champion condition – it’s an example for every engaging them about our tradition and Third Hathab leg at Al Shaqab this 17:45: Al Shaqab 25th Anniversary penultimate event in Rome, will lead Brash are on 247 and 245 points respec- event. That is why we love to be here in heritage,” he said. weekend celebrations the pack which consists of Scott Brash, tively. Qatar,” he added. Al-Mannai revealed there will be a Meanwhile, the third leg of Hathab, 18:40: CSI5* 1.45/1.50m (€92,000) Eric Lamaze, Lorenzo de Luca, Gregory GCT President Jan Tops said: “You Speaking about the progress of the top special celebration to mark Al Shaqab’s Qatar’s QR1mn national equestrian se- Saturday Wathelet, Kevin Staut, Peder Fredricson, see through the years, and especially this Qatari riders like Sheikh Ali, who fi n- 25th anniversary during the sidelines of ries, will be held on the sidelines of the 09:00: National Class 1.20/1.30m Two and Maikel van der Vleuten. year, that the best riders in the world pre- ished 6th in the 2016 Olympic Games in the GCT, adding a bigger celebration will GCT and GCL events this weekend. Phase (QR25,000) Home heroes Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al- pare their horses for these events. Now Rio, Tops said: “If I see the progress made be held on Qatar’s National Day, which Six events are scheduled for the third 11:30: National Class 1.30/1.40m Two Thani and Bassem Hassan Mohamed will we are at the fi nal of the season and the from fi ve years ago it has been incredible falls on December 18. of the 12-leg series, with competitions Phase (QR35,000) be in action in the individual GCT com- riders have their best horses here. The and I hope we can make some steps for- Meanwhile, the Global Champions in fi ve categories: Future Riders Program 14:00: CSI5* 1.55/1.60m GCL Final petitions and riding for home team Doha statistics speak for themselves.” ward again for the next Olympics. And League, the second season of the team (6-12 years old), Junior (Small Tour 14-18 (€160,000 to individual class winner + Fursan Qatar in the Global Champions Tops was gushing in his praise of Al it is important to develop the next gen- event is intriguingly poised. The teams years old), Young Rider (Medium Tour €200,000 to team winner) League. Shaqab, calling the venue a special one. eration and give them experience and will be in action with round one to be 16-21 years old) and Senior (Big Tour- 18:00 CSI5* 1.60m Longines Global Despite Smolders’ triumph, there is “It is great to be here at this special get them ready for the next four to eight held today and the fi nal on Saturday over 21-years-old). Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha still everything to play for in Doha, as place. Qatar works very hard to pro- years and more.” afternoon. Hamburg Diamonds and Hathab is an initiative launched by (€400,000) there are just 15 points between the next mote the heritage of the horse and on Omar al-Mannai, the event director Valkenswaard United will be going head Qatar Olympic Committee president HE top fi ve riders. Italy’s de Luca is currently the development of the sport to a high of Al Shaqab, said the successful hosting to head for the overall championship title Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, November 9, 2017 SPORT

HORSE RACING Rassan’s feature completes fi ve-star evening for Ghazali Jockey Pier Convertino rides three winners including Rassan in the Owners Cup

By Sports Reporter oughbreds event, with My Sharona Doha fi nishing runner-up. Sandbetweenour- Jockey Pier Convertino (left) rides toes, ridden by Almotasem al-Balushi Rassan to victory in the Owners for Ghazali’s son Mohamed, was third Cup ahead of Barrelaman, ridden assim bin Ali al-Attiyah’s Rassan in the 1100m sprint. by Marvin Suerland, at the Qatar rounded off a great night for Another Injaaz Stud horse, Messine Racing and Equestrian Club champion trainer Jassim Ghaz- De Sinuhe, topped the 1800m Pure- yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim ali, who had fi ve winners at the bred Arabian Conditions event with an QatarJ Racing and Equestrian Club here easy fi ve-length win under Convertino. yesterday. Zuhair Mohsen-saddled Nomaas, with Rassan, ridden by Pier Convertino, Suerland astride, was second, ahead of had tracked early leader Barrelaman, JP Guillambert and his ride Carab. helmed by Marvin Suerland in the col- Guillambert guided Khalifa bin ours of Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohamed bin Sheail al-Kuwari-owned Midaawi to Khalifa al-Thani, before passing Pierre the gelding’s second straight victory Deymonaz’s ward on the fi nal stretch yesterday, having signed off last season and staying on the rails till he won the with a maiden win. Owners Cup, a race for local Purebred The Thoroughbred Handicap event Arabians, by a head for his tenth career for horses rated 75 and below saw Mi- victory. Julian Smart-trained Reda did daawi hold on by a neck against Sylvia well to go past Meqdam Al Zaidy for a Pankhurst, ridden by Eduardo Pedroza third-place fi nish in the 1900m race. for trainer Ibrahim al-Malki, while a Convertino too picked up a hat- weak fi nish in front of the grandstand trick, guiding winners in the last three saw Lawless Louis, ridden by Marc races of the day. Lerner, complete the top three in the In the penultimate race of the day, six-furlong sprint. Jassim al-Badi’s Al Ghazali’s ward Izzthatright led an In- Yem raced to a smashing seven-length jaaz Stud sweep of the Class 2 Thor- victory under Almotasem al-Balushi

in the Purebred Arabian Handicap for RESULTS Ahmed bin Jassim bin Thani al-Thani. 3. Carab (JP Guillambert), 4. Chanson horses rated 75 and below. Race 1: 1. China Club (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Du Soleil (Marc Lerner). Won by: 5, 6 1/2, The victory in the 1700m race was Al Almasah (Marvin Suerland), 3. Acclaimed Race 4: 1. Midaawi (JP Guillambert), 2. Shd. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Jassim Yem’s fi rst since the six-year-old geld- Dancer (Darren Williams), 4. Firsts First Sylvia Pankhurst (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Ghazali. ing shed his maiden status less than a (Marc Lerner). Won by: 1/2, 1 1/2, 3. Owner: Lawless Louis (Marc Lerner), 4. River God- Race 7: 1. Izzthatright (Pier Convertino), 2. year ago in a six-furlong sprint. Ahmed al-Jehani. Trainer: Hamad al- dess (Almotasem al-Balushi). Won by: Nk, My Sharona (JP Guillambert), 3. Sandbe- Mansoor al-Hajri-trained Haddaj Jehani. 3, Shd. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. tweenourtoes (Almotasem al-Balushi), 4. Dukhan was second for the second Race 2: 1. Mahbooba (Faleh Bughanaim), 2. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. Victory Laurel (Eduardo Pedroza). Won straight run, while Umm Qarn mare Khoud (Alberto Sanna), 3. Gharam Lehshi- Race 5: 1. Al Yem (Almotasem al-Balushi), by: 2 1/2, 2, Nk. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Aneedah completed the top three for iyat (Marc Lerner), 4. Tasleya (Almotasem 2. Haddaj Dukhan (Darren Williams), 3. Jassim Ghazali. trainer Alban de Mieulle. al-Balushi). Won by: 4, 2, 1/2. Owner: Sultan Aneedah (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Khattab Race 8: 1. Rassan (Pier Convertino), 2. In the fi rst three races of the day, al-Jaber. Trainer: Abdulla al-Jabir. (Marvin Suerland). Won by: 7, 1, 5 1/2. Barrelaman (Marvin Suerland), 3. Reda Hamad al-Jehani-trained China Club, Race 3: 1. Al Muntathat (Eduardo Pedroza), Owner: Jassem Mohamed al-Badi. Trainer: (Alberto Sanna), 4. Meqdam Al Zaidy Yousef bin Ahmed al-Kuwari (centre) presents the trophy to owners’ Abdulla al-Jabir’s Mahbooba and Ibra- 2. Ghalaad (JP Guillambert), 3. Alanoud Jassim Ghazali. (Eduardo Pedroza). Won by: Hd, Dh, 1 1/2. representative Mishal al-Attiyah (left) after Rassan won the Owners Cup at the him al-Malki’s Al Muntathar registered (Marc Lerner), 4. Mannaa Al Naif (Darren Race 6: 1. Messine De Sinuhe (Pier Con- Owner: Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah. Trainer: Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. their fi rst career wins respectively. Williams). Won by: 7, 3, 9. Owner: Sheikh vertino), 2. Nomaas (Marvin Suerland), Jassim Ghazali.

CZECH REPUBLIC BEAT ICELAND QSL CUP Khor, Gharafa win; Duhail held By Sports Reporter Doha

l Khor edged past Al Sailiya 2-1 in the QSL Cup Round 3 action yes- terday. In other group A matches, Al Kharaitiyat and Al Duhail shared theA spoils following an eight-goal thriller, while Al Gharafa registered a 2-1 win over Qatar SC. The day’s proceedings kicked off at the Al Gharafa Stadium at a fast pace and it was Al Sailiya who opened the scor- ing through Sayyaf al-Korbi in the ninth minute. Al Khor found the equaliser through Ali Abdulkareem in the 22nd. Three minutes later, Abdulkareem was at it again as the Al Khor camp celebrated the goal with their trademark bow to the fans. Despite making feisty attacks in the second half, Al Sailiya failed to get the equaliser. It was Al Khor’s fi rst win in three matches. Al Kharaitiyat opened the scoring through Rachid Tiberkanine in just the sixth minute at the Al Shamal Stadium. Rachid, stationed inside the box, cleverly headed home a curl- ing cross from Sanjar Tursunov. Al Gharafa celebrate during their win over Qatar SC at the QSL Cup. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Duhail equalised in the 10th when Nasser al-Khalfan found the back of the net. Some the 70th, but Abdulla al-Kuwari (72nd) and the pass from the fl ank, he fi red home from 15 minutes later, Anwar Diba put Kharaitiyat Amin (74th) came to Kharaitiyat’s rescue. the edge of the box. ahead again when he produced a curling Gharafa – Qatar SC game was fast-paced Three minutes from half-time whis- free-kick that smashed into the net in spec- a thriller in the fi rst 20 minutes. However, tle, Gharafa’s Othman Alawi charged into tacular fashion. Rabeh Yahia drew parity for the scene turned sour for Qatar SC fans the box, but his bullet from close narrowly Czech Republic beat Iceland 2-1 in a friendly match in Doha yesterday. Czech took lead through Tomas Duhail in the 38th by tapping home a cor- when Bruno Gallo ended up scoring an own missed the target. They were not to be de- Soucek in 19th minute, before Jan Sykora made it 2-0 in the 65th minute. Iceland pulled one back ner kick. He found another goal in the 59th goal in the 25th at the Al Wakrah Stadium. nied as Mohammad Ismail struck in the through Kjartan Finnbogason in the 77th minute but were unable to find the equaliser. as Duhail took the lead for the fi rst time. Ali Jassemi, however, lifted the gloom in 84th. It was Gharafa’s third successive win Qatar will face the Czechs on November 11 as part of the round-robin series, with the hosts taking on Mohammed Moosa made the score 4-2 in Qatar SC camp in the 36th. After receiving in the tournament. Iceland on November 14. Iceland is playing two friendlies in Qatar for its first preparation games since advancing to play at next year’s World Cup. Iceland will make its World Cup debut in Russia as the smallest nation by population ever to qualify. Neither Qatar nor the Czech Republic qualified for next year’s tournament. Qatar coach Felix Sanchez is looking to try new players in a bid to form a powerful side for its World Cup debut in 2022. PICTURES: Ramachandran Sreedharan Qatar, Syria draw in U-23 friendly

Qatar and Syria under-23 teams played out a 2-2 draw in a friendly match in Doha yesterday. Both the teams are preparing for the AFC U-23 Championship, which will be held in China next January. Qatar and Syria will again clash on November 12th. Gulf Times Thursday, November 9, 2017 3 SPORT

FORMULA 1 RUGBY Daly, May retained by England ahead Red Bull, Ferrari aim of Argentina Test

Reuters chance by Jones. London Solomona, along with cen- tre Manu Tuilagi, was ban- ished from a training camp in ngland wingers El- August due to what England for a sting in the tail liot Daly and Jonny Rugby termed “team culture May were retained in issues” while media reports ‘Now the pressure is kind of off , we can go and enjoy these next couple of races’ the squad on Tuesday suggested they had indulged in despiteE fi tness doubts ahead a drunken night out. of Saturday’s Test against Ar- After playing Argentina, gentina as the list was whittled England face Australia and down to 26 players. Samoa over the following two The pair’s inclusion by weekends. coach Eddie Jones means there SQUAD is no place for Sale wing Den- Backs: Mike Brown (Harle- ny Solomona, who was among quins), Elliot Daly (Wasps), seven players released back to Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), their clubs. Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath May, who has been in spar- Rugby), Anthony Watson kling form for his new club (Bath Rugby), Danny Care Leicester this season with 10 (Harlequins), Owen Farrell tries in nine games, had been (Saracens), George Ford doubtful for the fi rst November (Leicester Tigers), Jonathan test after suff ering a hamstring Joseph (Bath Rugby), Alex injury at last week’s England’s Lozowski (Saracens), Henry training camp in Portugal. Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Daly was added to the squad Youngs (Leicester Tigers) this week after making a Forwards: Tom Curry (Sale quicker-than-expected return Sharks), Nathan Hughes from a knee injury. (Wasps), Maro Itoje (Saracens), The 25-year-old missed the George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Portugal training camp after Launchbury (Wasps), Court- suff ering the injury in Wasps’ ney Lawes (Northampton Champions Cup win over Har- Saints), Chris Robshaw (Har- lequins last month and was in- lequins), Sam Underhill (Bath itially ruled out for up to three Rugby), Dan Cole (Leicester weeks. Tigers), Ellis Genge (Leices- Solomona’s return to the ter Tigers), Jamie George England fold was short-lived. (Saracens), Dylan Hartley He was brought back into the (Northampton Saints), Mako squad for the camp in Portu- Vunipola (Saracens), Harry gal after being given a second Williams (Exeter Chiefs).

SPOTLIGHT Samoan union is ‘bankrupt’, says Formula 1 world champion Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton (right) and Brazilian artist Kobra pose behind a replica of a Mercedes racing car customised with an image of late Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna after a press conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday ahead of Sunday’s Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix. (AFP) prime minister Reuters now won two of the last four rac- important that we focus exactly Mercedes ready to experiment in last 2 races Reuters tion to share gate receipts with London es, after a run of poor reliability, as we have and continue to race Apia, Samoa visiting Test sides. Sky Sports while Red Bull have scored more as we have. Champions Mercedes plan to use the last two races of the Formula television reported, how- points than second-placed Ferrari “This is not an opportunity One season to test new ideas and parts for 2018 now that they have ever, that the English Rugby he titles are won and since the end of the August break. for us to take our eye off the ball,” won both titles. amoa’s prime minis- Football Union (RFU) would the pressure is off but “As you would expect I’m added the Briton, who was plan- The British-based team said in a preview for Sunday’s Brazilian ter has declared the compensate Samoa to the the Formula One season hoping for another damp race ning on visiting the Inca citadel Grand Prix that, with nothing at stake, they could aff ord to become country’s Rugby un- tune of about 75,000 pounds could yet have a sting weekend as I don’t think we can of Machu Picchu in Peru with “a little bolder” and experiment in Friday practice. ion ‘bankrupt’ ahead ($98,197.50). All on-the- Tin the tail for four-times world be as competitive there in the friends in between the Latin ofS Tests against Scotland and ground costs for visiting teams The experiments could also be carried over into the race for newly- champion Lewis Hamilton and dry, especially with the elevation American races. crowned four times world champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate England this month. are also covered. triumphant Mercedes. changes on the straight,” said “The pressure is off so we Valtteri Bottas. Tuilaepa Sailele Maliel- RFU chief executive Steve Resurgent Red Bull believe Verstappen. should be able to perform better “These two final weekends are not only an opportunity to test new egaoi, who is also chairman Brown told the BBC last month they can win the last two races, Australian teammate Dan- than we ever have and I believe parts, but also allow experiments for those tasks that the team sim- of the Samoa Rugby Union that the SRU had sought fund- in Brazil this weekend and Abu iel Ricciardo, also a winner this we can.” ply doesn’t have the opportunity to complete during a normal race (SRU), made the comments in ing ahead of the tour and the Dhabi at the end of November, season in Azerbaijan, was hope- Sunday will also be a home weekend,” said Mercedes. an interview with the Samoa English body would make a while Ferrari are also eager to ful even though the circuit is not farewell for Brazilian Felipe “The team will have an intense programme on the next two Fridays Observer ahead of a local tele- contribution. The Samoa Ob- wrap up 2017 with a fl ourish. one of his favourites. Massa, who is leaving Williams in Brazil and Abu Dhabi to make the absolute most of the opportuni- phone fund-raising initiative. server in October quoted the “The last four races we’ve had Hamilton has won nine times and Formula One at the end of ties that have been aff orded by early title success.” “We are bankrupt,” he said. SRU’s annual report for 2016 the quickest car on a Sunday,” this year, including fi ve of the the season. Mercedes won the constructors’ championship for the fourth year “In other words we are insol- as saying that the body was said Red Bull boss Christian last seven, and can still equal the Last year he made an emo- in a row in Texas last month while Hamilton, now Britain’s most suc- vent. It means the Union can- wrestling with a large over- Horner after Max Verstappen career best of 11 in a season he tional exit only to return when cessful driver of all time, took his fourth title in Mexico. not continue to pay off our draft after settling more than won in Mexico and Hamilton achieved in 2014. He took both Bottas moved to Mercedes from Mercedes said they would be using prominent aerodynamic devices, debts with the banks. We also $1 million of debts in 2015. fi nished ninth to take the title. the pole and victory at Interlagos Williams to replace the retired of the type usually seen in pre-season testing and which carry extra need money to pay the players “Overall activities of the “Hopefully Brazil can be a last year. 2016 champion Nico Rosberg. weight, in Friday practice. so they can continue to play.” Union for 2016 saw a net loss good track for us and why not Finnish team mate Valtteri “I take so many great memo- They will also test some new pit-stop equipment and techniques in Samoa play Scotland at of $106,000 with the SRU in Abu Dhabi? It will be great to Bottas is third overall and only 15 ries with me as I prepare for my live conditions for the first time. Murrayfi eld on Saturday and posting a profi t of $153,000 fi nish the season with at least points behind Ferrari’s Sebastian fi nal two races,” said the former Team boss Toto Wolff said there would be no easing up when it came England at Twickenham on which was off set by a loss in one more victory.” Vettel, a four-times winner this Ferrari driver who missed out on to racing, however. November 25. Tuilaepa said High Performance Unit of Verstappen excelled in the wet year, with Mercedes determined the 2008 title to Hamilton by a “Inside the team, we are looking at the next two race weekends as there was no money to pay for $259,000,” the report said. at Sao Paulo’s atmospheric In- to fi nish one-two for the fourth single point. the first two grands prix of 2018,” said the Austrian. “We have two player insurance and the head “The Union’s immediate terlagos circuit last year, when season in a row. “Although they will be emo- races that we are determined to win in order to take that positive coach’s salary. Former Samoa debts have decreased from his performance in racing from “Now the pressure is kind of tional, I am looking forward to momentum into the winter. international Daniel Leo said $685,000 to $480,000 and the 16th to third in 15 laps drew com- off , we can go and enjoy these ending on a high note and pre- “Every time we race, we race to win. That is the mind set we take to on Twitter that it was a “dark Union is looking at closing off parisons with some of the greats. next couple of races,” said Ham- paring for a new chapter in my Sao Paulo.” day for the Rugby world”. all long outstanding debts by The Dutch 20-year-old has ilton after Mexico. “I think it’s career.” Hosts are under no obliga- 2018.”

GOLF Sun Young-Yoo of Korea takes early LPGA lead AFP Kiradech revels aft er shedding kilos Shanghai Thailand’s top-ranked Kiradech Aphibarnrat has al- number of shirts he says he has sought only to find a ready shed close to 20 kilograms and given away doz- fortnight later the shirts are far too big for him. un Young-Yoo said that “pretty ens of shirts and trousers as he continues on a massive “Losing so much weight has meant I have dozens of much everything” worked as the weight-reduction campaign that has seen tangible new shirts and trousers that no longer fit me but then South Korean surged into a one- benefits to his form. The European Tour website once my father is happy as he is the same weight I was shot lead after the fi rst round of the listed Kiradech’s weight as 120 kilograms but that was before I started losing weight,” he said smiling. BlueS Bay LPGA in Hainan yesterday. some four months ago before the Bangkok-born Golfer Kiradech will this week tee-up in European Tour’s Ned- Sun shot a seven-under-par 65 at Jian decided to lose weight. The 28-year-old currently bank Golf Challenge at Sun City in South Africa. Lake Blue Bay Golf Club on the south- weighs 108 kilograms with a goal of getting down to It will be his 10th event in a marathon run of 11 weeks ern Chinese island with compatriot Park 105 kilograms. This decision has been prompted by a and a journey that has taken Kiradech to the Czech Sung-Hyun, the new number one, in tied move at the start of the season to work with renowned Republic, Switzerland, Holland, Portugal, Britain, Italy, ninth, three shots off the lead. England-born coach Peter Cowen. China, Turkey and now South Africa. “Pretty solid overall. I saw a lot of posi- “I just thought now that I am working with Peter that In this time, he has enjoyed three top-10s including tive things in myself today, so hopefully I it would be an ideal time to lose some weight and get finishing runner-up in the and then last can get it going,” Sun, who has two wins on myself stronger,” he said. week sharing the lead heading to the last round of the the LPGA Tour, told LPGA.com after her “I feel that when I can get my swing to the position Turkish Airlines Open before ending tied sixth. The ef- lowest round of the season. Peter and I are working towards then I can keep trying forts see Kiradech lying 19th on the Race to Dubai and Sun leads by one over China’s Xiang Sui, to lose more weight. All I am doing to watching closely already assured of ending the European Tour season who shot a six-under-par 66 with just one what I do eat and try to eat more healthier foods while next week in Dubai inside the top-30 to automati- bogey, and in tied third was a group of six I have started working out and that is something I have cally qualify for next year’s Open Championship at golfers. Park Sung-Hyun, the fi rst rookie never undertaken before. Carnoustie. “The way I have been playing the last three in LPGA Tour history to earn top spot in at the fi rst tee, hitting my fi rst shot, I felt (KOR), Lee Jeong-Eun (KOR), Pernilla Lind- “I have been on the Asian Tour and European Tour for months or so is really awesome,” he said. the rankings, was at four-under. “Before comfortable, and the rest of the round was berg (SWE), Lee-Anne Pace (RSA), Lizette 11 years without walking into any sort of gym whatever “I am getting really comfortable with my swing since I teed off this morning, at the fi rst tee, I much more comfortable than I anticipat- Salas (USA) and wouldn’t know what a treadmill is. working with Peter and the move to working with him received a lot of congratulation texts from ed. So it was no problem for me.” 68 - Chien Peiyun (TPE), Austin Ernst “So, I have started going to the gym back home with my has been great for my game. friends and family,” Park said after her fi rst (USA), Azahara Munoz (ESP), Park Sung- good friends who I grew up with and I do feel every- “Losing all this weight has made me feel so much bet- round as the top player in the world. Leading scores after the first round Hyun (KOR) thing is going the right way.” ter and stronger walking the Golf course and before I “I was a little bit concerned about go- 65 - Sun Young-Yoo (KOR) 69 - M. J. Hur (KOR), Alison Lee (USA), Kiradech’s weight-loss program has certainly kept used to feel very tired but in getting stronger as I am, I ing into the fi rst round, I thought I might 66 - Xiang Sui (CHN) Alena Sharp (CAN), Feng Shanshan (CHN), his clothing attire and sponsors busy given the large am recovering much quicker than I used to.” be nervous going through this round. “But 67 - Ashleigh Buhai (RSA), Choi Na-Yeon Ariya Jutanugarn (THA) Gulf Times 4 Thursday, November 9, 2017

COMMENT Sock happy to swap Augusta for ATP Finals

Reuters “Golf is my second passion. out on court and take all the New York Athletically it’s what I love to confi dence from the last few Azarenka to miss Fed Cup do when I am away from ten- weeks of my season and defi - nis. Obviously it would’ve been nitely carry those into train- final over custody battle ack Sock was so certain a bucket list thing for me to do,” ing for the off season and into he would not qualify for Sock said in an interview. “But I 2018.” Victoria Azarenka will miss this week’s Fed Cup final next week’s ATP Finals would trade a tee time there to Sock, who is the American in Minsk against the United States due to an ongoing that he had a tee time be here in a heartbeat.” number one for the fi rst time custody battle with her baby son’s father, the former bookedJ at Augusta National, Sock did not know he had a in his career after winning his world number one said on Tuesday. but the American will have to shot at reaching the ATP Tour third title of the season, may be Azarenka said she was unwilling to leave her son be- wait another day to cross that Finals when he stormed back making make his singles debut hind in California, where she has a home and where round of golf off his bucket list. from 5-1 down in the decisive at the elite eight-player event her child was born and must stay until his future is Sock, who started last week set of his second-round clash but he insists he is not just decided. in 24th position in the Race to with in Paris. happy to be there. “It is heart-breaking for me to not have a chance to London rankings, only secured He said he was only told of his The rest of the fi eld in Lon- play and help Belarus in the final but unfortunately, the eighth and fi nal spot in the chances after a third-round don will be made up by debu- my current custody situation is keeping me in Cali- season-ending showpiece with win over Lucas Pouille. tants Alexander Zverev of fornia,” the 28-year-old said in a statement posted a breakthrough win at the Paris The 25-year-old American Germany, Bulgaria’s Grigor on her Twitter account. Masters on Sunday to reach a is now eager to extend his sea- Dimitrov and David Goffi n of “Even though I will not be in Minsk for the final my career-high ninth in the world. son as he gets ready to battle Belgium, and former qualifi ers heart is always with my country and my team and I For Sock, who is the fi rst in a fi eld that includes world Austria’s Dominic Thiem and will cheer for them from afar.” American to secure a berth at number one Rafael Nadal and Croatia’s Marin Cilic. The two-times winner returned to action the season fi nale since Mardy six-times champion Roger Fe- “I have played a lot of these in June after the birth of her son Leo last Decem- Fish in 2011, the win means he derer. “Obviously I got a lot guys and beaten some of them, ber and decided to skip the US Open in September will be among the elite fi eld confi dence from the biggest and especially with the confi - amid the custody battle. Belarus, who will host the at the Nov. 12-19 tournament title of my career and being a dence after last week, I have the November 11-12 decider, have never won a Fed Cup rather than golfi ng at the home part of this event...” said Sock. belief in myself to go out and championship while the United States won the last of the prestigious Masters “I’m going to play some free do some damage in this event,” of their record 17 titles in 2000. tournament. tennis here and enjoy my time said Sock. USA’s Jack Sock poses with the trophy after winning Paris Master in Paris. (AFP)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Federer paired with Zverev in ATP Federer advises Finals draw

AFP tion in London in doubt. London Federer has won seven titles this season including the Aus- tralian Open and Wimbledon, ix-time champion but lost out on the year-end Murray not to rush will face number one ranking to his rising star Alexan- long-time rival Nadal. der Zverev at the ATP Germany’s Zverev, 20, has FinalsS in London after they rocketed to third in the world were placed in the same group rankings after an impressive yesterday while Rafael Nadal year in which he has won fi ve headlines the other section. titles, including beating Feder- Federer, 36, looking to crown er in the fi nal of the Rogers Cup back too quickly a remarkable year in which he Masters event in Montreal. has lost just four matches fol- The ATP Finals, starting on ‘My best advice is just to get fit again. Take your time, however long it takes’ lowing a return from a lengthy Sunday, are the year-end cli- lay-off , will also face former max to the men’s professional US Open champion Marin Cil- tennis season, featuring the ic and American Jack Sock in world’s best eight qualifi ed the Boris Becker group. singles players and doubles Nadal’s opponents in the teams. Pete Sampras group are Do- Players compete for rank- minic Thiem, ings points throughout the and David Goffi n, with the season in a bid to earn one of Spanish world number one the eight coveted berths. looking to win his fi rst ATP Fi- Played using a round-robin nals trophy. format at The O2 in London, Nadal pulled out of last each participant plays three week’s Paris Masters before matches as they compete his quarter-fi nal with a knee for a berth in the knockout injury, placing his participa- semi-fi nals.

Nadal will be fi t for London, says coach Moya

World number one Rafael only big tournament he hasn’t Nadal will be fit for the ATP won.” Finals in London next week Nadal silenced the naysayers despite concerns over the this year by returning from an state of the Spaniard’s knee, injury-plagued 2016 to win the coach Carlos Moya said. for a 10th time Nadal, 31, pulled out of the before taking the U.S. Open Paris Masters before his crown. quarter-final match last week It helped him secure the year- after experiencing discomfort end number one ranking for in his right knee during his the fourth time, nearly a dec- third-round win over Pablo ade after he first achieved it. Cuevas. Moya, who began working It raised fears the 16-time with his fellow Mallorcan a grand slam champion would year ago, said Nadal’s feats join a lengthy list of lead- this year had not surprised ing names, including 2016 him. champion and “I expected Rafa to be number three-times London winner one again,” he said. “I’m not , who are surprised because I’ve seen already sidelined for the him training as usual with Britain’s Tim Henman (L), Iran’s Mansour Bahrami (2nd L), Switzerland’s Roger Federer (C), Britain’s Andy Murray (2nd R) and Britain’s Jamie Murray (R) pose on court ahead of their season-ender. lots of passion. His tennis and exhibition tennis event, “Andy Murray Live” at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland. (AFP) Moya had better news though. his mind has taken him to “Rafa is fine, the knee is okay,” number one.” Reuters Federer told the three-time bledon, shoot back up to number “You never know when you’re a mistake trying to get ready for the former world number one Nadal is due to start his ATP Glasgow grand slam winner: “My best ad- two in the world and play some coming back from any injury, but the US Open but it was the last said in Milan after taking part Finals challenge on Monday vice is just to get fi t again. Take of the best tennis of his gar- that’s what I’m working towards, major of the year and I wanted to in a coaching workshop at the against Belgium’s David Gof- your time, however long it landed career while injury-hit for sure,” said Murray. “We have give it a go. “And now it’s time to Next Gen ATP Finals. fin and also faces Bulgarian oger Federer believes takes. Murray’s form and confi dence to see, but I believe that will be give my body the rest and recov- “He stopped just to take no debutant Grigor Dimitrov and Andy Murray should “When you come back you dipped. From number one, Mur- the case. ery it needs. I’ll come back when risks. Rafa will be competitive Austrian Dominic Thiem in his follow his lead by en- want to be at 100 percent, oth- ray has plummeted to 16th in the “When I get back on the court I’m ready.” in London because it’s the group. suring he does not rush erwise the problem is you feel rankings, his lowest position for next year and start playing again, backR to competitive action too you just can’t beat the best at nine years but Federer is confi - it might not come immediately Wawrinka returns to quickly following the Scot’s in- the big tournaments, so it’s wise dent his rival will climb back to at the beginning of the year,” the training after knee injury jury-ruined season. and worthwhile to take the extra the top again. two-time Wimbledon champion World number seven Stan NEXT GEN ATP FINAL The Swiss 19-time grand week, extra month maybe. Murray also indicated he added. “I have been hitting the Wawrinka has returned to train- slam champion had encourag- “I’m sure Andy has a lot of would be prepared to miss next ball very well in practice – it’s ing ahead of his scheduled come- ing words for his friend and rival years left so there shouldn’t be a year’s if it just that there is a diff erence be- back at the Mubadala World while helping Murray start his hurry but as a professional ath- meant endangering his return to tween that 75-80 percent prac- Tennis Championship (MWTC) Chung powers into comeback gently by playing him lete, you always want to come full fi tness from a hip injury. The tice and going fl at out at 100 per- exhibition event in December. in a charity match in Glasgow on back as quickly as possible and British tennis star has not played cent for two-and-a-half or three Three-times grand slam win- Tuesday. you need to have goals but some- a competitive match since strug- hours on the match court. ner Wawrinka, 32, last played at semi-fi nals Former world number one times they need to be postponed.” gling through to the quarter- “Until I do that I can’t say for Wimbledon in July before with- Murray, who has been sidelined It is extraordinary how the fi nals of this year’s Wimbledon, certain, but I think I’ll be able to drawing from the US Open and AFP ATP Tour fi nals. Chung beat with a hip injury since Wimble- pair’s fortunes have changed in where he was beaten by Sam come back just fi ne.” announcing the end of his sea- Milan Russia’s Andrey Rublev 4-0, don, is targeting a return in the 12 months, but the experience Querrey of the United States. Murray expects to travel son in August to undergo surgery 4-1, 4-3 (7/1) yesterday, a day New Year with a view to compet- of 36-year-old Federer can act Murray, however, is contem- to Australia after opting for a following a recurring knee prob- after rallying from a set down ing at the Australian Open. as an inspiration to a player six plating a return at the Brisbane course of rest and rehabilitation lem. “First practice since July! outh Korean Hyeon to get past Canadian Denis Federer, who was in a simi- years his junior. International, which starts on rather than surgery. Sooooo happy and excited!! Al- Chung became the Shapovalov. lar position last year when he This time last year, Murray December 31 and is a warm-up “Things have been going pret- ready killing the cones with the fi rst player to book Rublev, ranked 37th and missed the second half of the had just achieved his ambi- event for the Australian Open ty well so far in the rehab, but backhand!” Wawrinka said on his ticket to the semi- winner of his fi rst title in season through injury, took time tion of becoming world number -the fi rst of the sport’s four an- you just never know,” he said. his Twitter account along with fiS nals of the Next Gen ATP Fi- Umag this year, had won his out to completely recover and one while questions were being nual major championships. “I’ve been training for a few a video of him back on the court. nals in Milan yesterday. opener against Italian wild- was rewarded with a spectacu- asked about Federer’s future af- But speaking ahead of an exhi- weeks now. Some days I’ve felt Serbian Novak Djokovic and The 54th-ranked Chung card Gianluigi Quinzi. lar return in 2017 featuring two ter his injury-decimated cam- bition match with Roger Federer great and some days not so good. world number one Rafa Nadal made it two wins out of two in Pre-tournament favourite grand slam triumphs. paign. in Glasgow, the 30-year-old Scot “But I will come back when are also scheduled to play at the the round robin format being Rublev Rublev can still make Before beating Murray in the Yet the Swiss returned to win was cautious about his prospects I’m ready and when I’m 100 per- Abu Dhabi event, which starts on used in the inaugural edition the semi-fi nals on Thursday knockabout exhibition match, the Australian Open and Wim- of regaining 100 percent fi tness. cent fi t. I probably made a bit of December 28. of the under-21 version of the when he plays Shapovalov. Gulf Times Thursday, November 9, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT LiAngelo Ball among Antetokounmpo three players arrested in China: reports

AFP Shanghai magic in vain as iAngelo Ball, the younger brother of Los Angeles Lak- ers star Lonzo Ball, was among three college basketball players Larrested in China on suspicion of shop- lifting, US media reports said yester- day. Ball, who is with the UCLA bas- Cavaliers win ketball team ahead of their season- opening game against Georgia Tech in ‘You got to put multiple bodies in front of him... he’s still able to score’ Shanghai on Saturday, was detained on suspicion of shoplifting from a Louis AFP Yet Dallas responded with a 15-5 run to Vuitton store with teammates Cody Ri- Los Angeles clinch a deserved win for the Texas fran- ley and Jalen Hill, ESPN reported. chise. The channel said the players were “We came into the game with a great arrested Tuesday after around 20 po- iannis Antetokounmpo pro- collective force and collective will,” Mav- lice offi cers descended on their hotel duced a scintillating 40-point ericks coach Rick Carlisle said. in Hangzhou near Shanghai, where the tarnish that campaign, which has in- masterclass but it was not “We’ve been getting kicked around team had visited the headquarters of cluded LaVar Ball’s creation of the “Big enough to stop LeBron James and it’s no fun. Tonight our guys drew a Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, a Baller Brand” shoe and apparel line Gand the Cleveland Cavaliers from claim- line in the sand and really brought things sponsor of the game. “inspired” by his three sons. ing a thrilling victory over the Milwaukee to another level defensively.” ESPN later quoted an unnamed The brand has promotional events Bucks on Tuesday. Washington, however, were left ruing source saying the trio were released planned for tomorrow in Shanghai, in- Antetokounmpo’s superb display, their inability to put up decent numbers, early yesterday on bail. cluding an appearance by LaVar with which also included nine rebounds and making only only 42.7% from the fi eld A Hangzhou government spokes- autograph signings, according to the three assists, threatened to overwhelm against one of the league’s worst de- person confi rmed to AFP that three store where it will be held. the Cavs as they sought to bounce back fenses. American citizens had been arrested LaVar, who is accompanying the from Sunday’s shock loss to the Atlanta The defeat was the Wizards’ third on suspicion of shoplifting but referred team on the trip, was seen in videos Hawks. straight home loss and their fi fth in seven further questions to police, who could posted on Twitter saying he would not But 30 points from James and 32 points games. Washington fell to 5-5 with the not be reached yesterday. comment until he had more informa- from Kevin Love helped the Cavs hang loss. ESPN said police questioned mem- tion, while saying it “ain’t that big a on for a 124-119 victory at Cleveland’s Wizards ace John Wall, who put up 23 bers of both teams in the hotel and later deal”. Quicken Loans Arena. points and 14 assists, blamed slack de- took away the three UCLA players. Eldest brother Lonzo joined the Lak- James and Antetokounmpo seemed fending for the loss. It remained unclear whether they ers this year after just one season with locked in their own personal duel for long “You have to be able to guard in this would face charges. Shoplifting can UCLA, while youngest brother LaMelo periods of an absorbing contest and fi n- league, and we haven’t done that at the bring a prison term of several years in Ball is still in high school but also on the ished with similar fi gures. beginning of this season,” Wall told re- China. radar as a future professional. Later, James admitted the 22-year-old porters. ESPN quoted its source as saying the The Pac-12 conference to which Athens born Antetokounmpo — nick- There was another upset in Sacra- three would have to stay in Hangzhou UCLA belongs said it was “very disap- named “The Greek Freak” — was all but mento, where the Kings — 1-8 going into until legal proceedings were complet- pointed by any situation that detracts” impossible to defend against. the game — stunned Russell Westbrook’s ed. The rest of the team has already re- from the China visit. “He attacked non-stop for however Oklahoma City Thunder by 94-86. turned to Shanghai. “Whether in the United States or many minutes he was on the fl oor,” James Triple-double king Westbrook was A US State Department offi cial told abroad, we expect our student-athletes said. restricted to 20 points by a determined AFP the department was aware of the to uphold the highest standards,” it said “You got to put multiple bodies in Sacramento defense. The Kings, mean- reported arrest and stood “ready to as- on Twitter. front of him and then when you do put while, shared the off ensive load with four sist” but declined further comment. LaVar is frequently criticised in the multiple bodies in front of him, he’s still players making double fi gures, led by LiAngelo Ball is one of three basket- US over his brash claims, and Twitter able to score. He’s great in transition and Buddy Hield with 21 points. ball-playing siblings who have emerged users wasted little time taking shots at great getting at the rim.” In Salt Lake City, Dario Saric had 25 on the national stage in the US in recent LiAngelo. The high-scoring contest saw three points and Ben Simmons 16 as the Phila- years, fuelled in part by father LaVar’s “Season hasn’t even started and he other Cleveland players make double fi g- delphia 76ers sank the Utah Jazz 104-97. aggressive promotion of his sons as fu- already leads the nation in steals,” said ures, with J.R. Smith posting 20 points In New York, Kristaps Porzingis scored ture NBA superstars. one posting, while others launched a and Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade 28 points as the Knicks staged yet an- The shoplifting reports threaten to cheeky #FreeLiAngelo hashtag. grabbing 10 apiece. other late rally to win, beating the Char- Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, was lotte Hornets 118-113 at Madison Square backed by 22 points from Malcolm Brog- Garden. LOSS don and 20 from Khris Middleton. The Knicks fought back from a Cleveland improved to 5-6 with the 15-point third quarter defi cit to score win, while the Bucks fell to 4-6. a win which boosts them to 6-4 for the Elsewhere Tuesday, Harrison Barnes season. Tributes pour in aft er poured on 31 points as the Dallas Mav- In San Antonio, the Spurs (7-4) romped ericks made a mockery of the form book to victory over the Los Angeles Clip- with an upset over the Washington Wiz- pers (5-5), winning 120-107. LaMarcus Halladay dies in plane crash ards. Aldridge had 25 points for San Antonio The Mavs, owners of a league-worst while Danny Green added 24 and Rudy AFP Halladay is survived by his wife, 1-10 record heading into the game, made Hall 22 from the bench. Pau Gasol also Los Angeles Brandy, and two sons, Ryan and Braden. sure of a 113-99 win after producing a cracked double fi gures with 19 points. Tributes to Halladay poured in from late fourth quarter run. former teammates and stars from RESULTS ormer Philadelphia Phil- across baseball. ‘COLLECTIVE WILL’ Memphis 98 Portland 97 lies pitcher Roy Halladay died Former Blue Jays center fi elder Ver- Dennis Smith posted 22 points and Wes- Sacramento 94 Oklahoma City 86 Tuesday after a plane he was non Wells described Halladay as an all- ley Matthews added 14 as the Mavericks Denver 112 Brooklyn 104 piloting crashed in the Gulf of time great. snapped a six-game losing streak in style. Philadelphia 104 Utah 97 Mexico,F authorities confi rmed. “I had a front row seat to watch his Dallas had led 64-53 at halftime and San Antonio 120 LA Clippers 107 The 40-year-old two-time Cy Young greatness. RIP Doc,” Wells wrote on opened up a 16-point lead at one stage in NY Knicks 118 Charlotte 113 winner, who retired four years ago, was Twitter, referring to Halladay by his af- the second half. Toronto 119 Chicago 114 the only person on board the single-en- fectionate nickname. However, they were given a scare when Cleveland 124 Milwaukee 119 Giannis Antetokounmpo (right) of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks as LeBron gine ICON A5 plane, the Pasco County Former Phillies infi elder Michael Washington closed to 90-88 with 9:09 New Orleans 117 Indiana 112 James of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the NBA game at Quicken Sheriff ’s Department confi rmed. Young added: “Devastating. One of my remaining. Dallas 113 Washington 99 Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday. (AFP) The Phillies issued a statement of favorite teammates ever. The blueprint condolence soon after news of the for what a competitor looks like. RIP crash emerged. Roy Halladay. Heartbroken for his fam- NHL “We are numb over the very tragic ily.” news about Roy Halladay’s untimely The Houston Astros 2017 World death,” the Phillies said. Series-winning pitcher Dallas Keuchel “There are no words to describe the said simply: “Rest In Peace Doc Halla- Shore, Quick help Kings triumph over Ducks sadness that the entire Phillies family is day. One of the best to ever do it. You feeling over the loss of one of the most will be missed.” respected human beings to ever play Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said Hal- Reuters second time in six home games (2-2- the game.” laday was a passionate aviator. New York 2). Justin Williams added an empty- Halladay played for the Toronto Blue “I know there are people in his family net goal. Roland McKeown notched Jays and Philadelphia in a 16-year ca- that fl y,” Nocco told a news conference. two assists for his fi rst NHL points. reer which included a perfect game in “That’s where he got it from. He ick Shore scored in overtime, 2010 and a no-hitter in the playoff s the loved to fl y. He talked about fl ying. He and Jonathan Quick had 33 SABRES 3, CAPITALS 1 same year. talked about refurbishing planes. He saves as the Los Angeles Benoit Pouliot scored 3:22 into the He was selected to the All-Star team grew up doing it. Kings defeated the Anaheim third period to lead Buff alo over Wash- on eight occasions but never won a “He talked about baseball and they NDucks 4-3 on Tuesday night. ington. Evander Kane had two goals World Series. talked about fl ying.” Shore’s winner, which came at 3:51 for the Sabres, who had lost three of of the extra period, was his second goal their previous four games. Robin Leh- of the season. He looked goaltender ner made 24 saves. Ryan Miller off with Dustin Brown MVP Hopefuls Goldschmidt, Arenado charging down the slot and scored on CANADIENS 3, GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 a rising wrist shot. Brendan Gallagher, Jordie Benn and among Gold Glove Winners Los Angeles killed fi ve penalties, Max Pacioretty scored as Montreal including a fi ve-minute major, and defeated Vegas. Charlie Lindgren Arizona Diamondbacks first base- Arenado is also a candidate to snag scored one power-play goal in the made 29 saves in improving to 5-0-0 man Paul Goldschmidt’s claim on the MVP this award’s season, and game to win the special-teams battle. in fi ve NHL starts for Montreal, which the National League’s MVP Award now has five Gold Gloves. The Kings also had two apparent goals Vancouver Canucks goalie goalie Jacob Markstrom (right) makes a save as won its third straight game. received a boost on Tuesday when American League winners included disallowed in the third period. Calgary Flames’ Johnny Gaudreau tries to score during the game in Calgary, he was announced as one of base- Los Angeles Angels catcher Martin Brown and Anze Kopitar each had a Canada, on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) OILERS 2, ISLANDERS 1 (OT) ball’s NL Gold Glove winners, given Maldonado, Kansas City first base- goal and an assist in the win. Anahe- Connor McDavid scored 38 seconds into to the best defensive player at each man Eric Hosmer, Kansas City left im’s Rickard Rakell also notched a goal Viktor Arvidsson added an empty- point for the fi rst time this season. overtime as Edmonton edged New York. position. fielder Alex Gordon, Minnesota sec- and an assist. netter with 15.1 seconds remaining. Leon Draisaitl, who assisted on McDav- Goldschmidt, 30, captured his third ond baseman Brian Dozier, Tampa Salomaki had two assists for Nash- BLUES 3, DEVILS 1 id’s winner, scored in the second period Gold Glove distinction to cap a stel- Bay third baseman Evan Longoria, PREDATORS 3, BLUE JACKETS 1 ville. Pierre-Luc Dubois scored the Vladimir Tarasenko and Brayden for the Oilers and goalie Cam Talbot lar season that puts him firmly in Los Angeles Angels shortstop An- Calle Jarnkrok scored the tiebreaking tying goal at 4:37 of the third period Schenn had a goal and two assists made 36 saves. Jordan Eberle scored the MVP conversation. He has twice drelton Simmons, Minnesota center goal in the third period, and Nashville for the Blue Jackets. apiece, Jaden Schwartz scored the go- in the second period for the Islanders. finished runner-up. fielder Byron Buxton, Boston right extended its winning streak to three ahead goal early in the third period and Thomas Greiss recorded 23 saves. Goldschmidt joins other NL winners fielder Mookie Betts and Toronto games with a victory over Columbus. PENGUINS 3, COYOTES 1 Jake Allen made 21 saves as St. Louis in Colorado second baseman DJ pitcher Marcus Stroman. Jarnkrok’s second goal of the season Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel each beat New Jersey for the eighth con- CANUCKS 5, FLAMES 3 LeMahieu, San Francisco shortstop No members of the World Series, came with 5:35 remaining when a re- had a goal and two assists as Pitts- secutive time. Bo Horvat and Henrik Sedin scored 38 Brandon Crawford, Colorado third the Houston Astros or Los Angeles bound on a shot by Miikka Salomaki burgh beat Arizona. seconds apart early in the third period baseman Nolan Arenado, Chi- Dodgers, made the squad this year. found his stick in front of the net. He Justin Schultz also scored for the HURRICANES 3, PANTHERS 1 to lift Vancouver over Calgary. Sam cago right fielder Jason Heyward, Baseball’s awards will come to a sent the puck over the outstretched leg Penguins, who held on after taking a Derek Ryan scored a third-period Gagner, Thomas Vanek and Derek Atlanta center fielder Ender Inciarte, conclusion next week when it an- of Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Ko- 2-0 lead in the opening 3 1/2 minutes. tiebreaking goal as Carolina halted a Dorsett also scored for the Canucks. Cincinnati catcher Tucker Barnhart, nounces Rookie of the Year, Manager rpisalo for the game-winner. Tobias Rieder scored for the Coyo- four-game winless streak by defeating Dougie Hamilton, Johnny Gaudreau Miami left fielder Marcell Ozuna and of the Year along with Cy Young and Matt Irwin scored the Predators’ tes, who were trying to stack together Florida. Brock McGinn also scored for and Micheal Ferland replied for the Arizona pitcher Zack Greinke. MVP awards. fi rst goal in the opening period and three games in a row with at least a the Hurricanes, who won for only the Flames. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, November 9, 2017 SPORT

WORLD CUP QUALIFERS RUGBY Local teams impress Italy’s proud World in fi rst round of national club event

By Sports Reporter the competition, with fi ve points Doha each. Dave Ford, captain of Doha Maroon, said: “Up until this Cup record in danger point, we – Doha Maroon and he Qatar Rugby Fed- Doha Gold – have trained as one eration’s (QRF’s) newly- team. So the game against Blue reformatted domestic Phoenix was the fi rst time we’ve The last nine places in Russia will be settled in seven frantic days starting today XV’s competition, ‘The split into two playing squads this TNational Club Rugby Champion- season, the fi rst real opportu- AFP ship’, is well underway, and, after nity to work on patterns, our set Paris only one weekend of matches, piece, line-outs, and scrums. Doha Maroon and the Qatar And it all clicked for us today, Camels are already topping the we were clinical in all the right he last burst of qualifying match- leaderboard. areas. “We saw the Qatar Cam- es for the 2018 World Cup allows Yousef al-Kuwari, QRF Presi- els play this weekend – they’re some nations a chance to dream, dent, said: “Overall, progress a strong team. They’re sevens but for football aristocrats Italy, during a mixed lead-up to the specialists, so they like big, open Tthe next few days are a potential night- start of the 2017/2018 season has rugby, but it’s nothing our de- mare. The last nine places in Russia will been positive to see, especially in fence can’t handle. be settled in seven frantic days starting the way the teams have organised It’s going to be an interesting today. themselves and are really start- challenge, one which I know we There are four berths up for grabs in ing to contribute to this new era are all looking forward to,” Dave Europe, where the eight best runners- of rugby in Qatar.” concluded. The action continues up in the nine groups have been paired in Last weekend, Doha Maroon this weekend with all six teams in home-and-away play-off s. The last three – Doha RFC’s men’s fi rst team – the league going head-to-head of Africa’s fi ve qualifi ers will be settled in stormed to victory, beating last at Doha Football Rugby Cen- the fi nal round of group games, although year’s champions, Blue Phoenix, tre (DRFC) – home of the Doha Senegal and South Africa will squeeze in 74-3, while the Qatar Camels RFC teams – in Round Two of an extra match tomorrow. There are two equally impressed with a score of the QRF’s National Club Rugby long-distance play-off s as New Zealand 62-10 against Doha Gold – Doha Championship. Visitors will face Peru and Australia play Honduras. RFC’s men’s second team. need to pay an entrance fee of In Europe, Italy, Greece, Switzerland After Round One, they lead QR50. and the Republic of Ireland are all seeded and play the second leg at home. For Italy and veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buf- fon that might not be such an advantage against Sweden. The Azzurri drew at home with both Spain and Macedonia in its group. The play-off puts Italy’s proud record of World Cup participation is in danger. The Azzurri are tied with Germany for most appearances by a European nation, 18. But Germany have already made sure of a 19th berth. Italy are also the only one of the eight previous winners not yet sure of their place in this World Cup. Italy’s defence needs to beware of Sweden, the top scorer among the eight playoff teams, with 26 goals in 10 games. Switzerland collected 27 points in its Switzerland’s Haris Seferovic (left) and Granit Xhaka train ahead of their World Cup playoff qualifiers against Northern Ireland in 10 group games, more than fi ve of the na- Belfast, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters) tions that won their groups. Yet it came Joe Dharshan Goonethillaka of Doha Maroon discusses team tactics second on goal diff erence to Cristiano The Republic of Ireland, which takes on Group A, Tunisia are almost there. They November was scrubbed out. That match ahead of the game against Blue Phoenix last week. Ronaldo’s Portugal. “They’re obviously Denmark, have a chequered history with lead Congo by three points and face last- was decided by a bizarre penalty which the seeded team, so the pressure’s more playoff s. This is their eighth overall, a Eu- place Libya at home. led to a life ban for the referee, Joseph on them than us,” Northern Ireland for- ropean record. The Carthage Eagles could even qual- Lamptey. SPOTLIGHT ward Jamie Ward said. “We’re always They have won three and lost four, in- ify if they lose and Congo beat Guinea in The four teams competing for the two great as the underdogs, so I think it was a cluding the notorious game in France in Kinshasa, provided both games are low- remaining places will have to go the ex- bit of a bonus us not being seeded.” 2009 when Thierry Henry’s handball set scoring and decided by just one goal. tra kilometre. Australia, who have al- The encounter between Greece and up the extra-time goal that eliminated Group C is fi nely balanced. Morocco ready squeezed through one tense play- Coach Skibbe eyes Croatia pairs two nations that special- the Irish. “When there’s been big ques- travel to Abidjan for a game that will de- off against Syria, take on Honduras who ise in winning playoff s. If Greece win, tions put to the players, they’ve come up cide who qualifi es. edged the United States to fi nish fourth in they will become the fi rst European team with the answers.” Irish assistant man- Ivory Coast have home advantage but their region. The fi rst leg is in San Pedro World Cup return to reach three successive World Cups ager Roy Keane said. Morocco have a one-point edge in the Sula, then the teams must cross the Pa- through play-off s. Croatia have won all The Danish danger man is Tottenham’s table and will qualify with a draw. “We cifi c for the second leg, nearly 14,000 four of their qualifying play-off s for ma- Christian Eriksen who has scored in each need a team that will go to war and every kilometres away in Sydney. with Greece in jor tournaments. of his last six appearances for his nation. player to be ready to give 200 %,” said New Zealand, which won the 11-nation Croatia have the star names with Luka “Denmark have a lot of skilful players, Ivory Coast manager Marc Wilmots. Oceania group, and Peru which fi nished Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic good options going forward and Eriksen In Group D, Senegal lead by two points fi fth in the South American group, will be Croatia play-off s and Ivan Perisic, but Greece are seeded is a really big player for them,” Keane said. and play South Africa home and away, fl ying the other way. Their fi rst leg is in and home advantage could prove even In Africa, Nigeria and Egypt have needing two points to be absolutely sure. Wellington, the second, in Lima late next DPA the national team could lead to greater as the two countries have agreed booked their tickets but three of the fi ve Senegal’s likely progress has been delayed Wednesday, will bring the long qualifying Athens lucrative club contracts outside to ban away fans from the matches. group winners are still to be decided. In because their defeat in South Africa last process to a close. Greece and its cash-strapped league. A group of 13 to 15 regulars ichael Skibbe has the shaped up, including the likes of BOXING chance to return to Roma’s Kostas Manolas and Sok- the biggest football ratis of Borussia Dortmund. stage 16 years after In addition, promising young- Mthe lost World Cup fi nal when he sters from Greek clubs and leads Greece into a play-off tie abroad were integrated. Firm India’s Kom rejoices at fi ft h Asian Gold against Croatia. Skibbe, 52, was defence and effi ciency up front assistant coach under Rudi Voel- is the key, similar to the approach AFP ler at the Germany team that lost of Skibbe’s countryman Otto Re- New Delhi the 2002 fi nal against Brazil. hhagel who led Greece to a sur- Now he is in charge of a Greek prise Euro 2004 title in this way. side that has impressed in quali- The system proved successful ndia’s Mary Kom made a trium- fying, fi nishing second behind again as Greece went unbeaten phant comeback yesterday, tak- Belgium to earn the play-off away from home in the entire ing her fi fth gold medal at the Asian dates Thursday in Zagreb and qualifying campaign, even tak- Women’s Boxing Championships — a Sunday at home in Piraeus. ing the only points off the highly Iwin she dedicated to those who stuck by “These play-off s are a challenge fancied Belgians in a 1-1 draw in her after many had written her off . for us. We are well prepared,” Brussels. Now the opponent is The 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, Skibbe said ahead of the depar- Croatia in what promises a bal- who defeated North Korea’s Kim Hyang ture for Croatia. anced tie on paper, with Greece Mi in the 48 kilo category, told the Press One streak will end as Croatia winning two of their six past Trust of India (PTI) news agency she was have won a record four out of meetings, Croatia one, and three “really happy” at the way the champi- four play-off s, while Greece are ending in a draw. onship had panned out. “I would like to perfect in two previous appear- Greece have Manolas sus- dedicate this victory to all those who have ances and can become the fi rst pended after being found guilty supported me even though the world had European side to reach three that he deliberately got himself a written me off ,” said the 34-year-old. consecutive World Cups via booking in a qualifi er against Cy- Kom, a fi ve-time world champion, was play-off s. Skibbe took the Greece prus. In addition, AEK midfi elder left heartbroken after she failed to qualify hot-seat in October 2015 after Petros Mantalos and VfB Stutt- for the Rio Olympics. the team failed badly to qualify gart forward Tasos Donis are The mother of three from a poor fam- for Euro 2016, including two de- injured. Croatia have Fiorentina ily in India’s remote northeastern state member of India’s upper house of parlia- her parliamentary seat, took to Twitter to Modi tweeted. Kom told PTI it had been feats against the Faroe Islands. midfi elder Milan Badelj sidelined of Manipur was dubbed “Magnifi cent ment and was also the subject of a popular congratulate her on her win. “Congratu- tough to juggle her various roles. “I don’t The coach made it clear that he while Juventus striker Mario Mary” after she won her fi fth world Bollywood movie in 2014. Prime Minister lations Mary Kom for clinching the gold... even know how I manage to pull it off demanded a team eff ort and mo- Mandzukic is fi t to play after a championship title in 2010. She is a Narendra Modi, who nominated Kom for India is elated at your accomplishment,” sometimes,” she said. tivated players that success with weekend injury scare.

FOCUS SNOOKER AMONG CUE SPORTS TARGETING Shearer reveals dementia fears PARIS 2024, FEDERATION CHIEF SAYS Sofia: Snooker as well as two other and the French Olympic Committee, years, adding its inclusion in the AFP scored with a header during a game, I you are going to have problems with cue sports — carom billiards and pool we’ll find a way to bring billiard sports Olympic programme would be “the London must have practised it 1,000 times in your knees, your ankles, or you back, — deserves to be part of the Paris to the Olympics,” Maxime Cassis, who biggest achievement of the sport”. training,” the former Blackburn and like I have. But never did I think play- 2024 Olympic programme, the sec- is also the chairman of the European “Our dream is to reach the Olym- Newcastle player told Britain’s Daily ing football could be linked to having a retary general of the newly-formed Snooker Federation, said in Sofia. pics, this is a big dream of of every he Premier League’s all-time Mirror newspaper. “That must put me brain disease. That is why the research World Snooker Federation (WSF) said “First of all, we have to decide if we snooker player,” he said. “Everybody leading goalscorer Alan Shear- at risk if there is a link.” has to be done.” yesterday. select only one of the three sports or will gain from it.” er fears he may be at risk of Shearer, who also netted 30 goals in The TV pundit believes more re- Snooker unsuccessfully bid for select the three of them. The plan is Snooker off icials say the sport is suff ering from dementia due 63 appearances for England, had tests search needs to be carried out and a place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic not established. watched by nearly half a bn people toT heading footballs during his playing to examine how heading the ball has af- greater support for ex-players with Games, where baseball and softball, “We’re ready to support any of the worldwide and played competitively days, calling for more research on the fected his brain. “The tests were pretty dementia should be on off er. “No- karate, sport climbing, surfing and sports and we have to work together. in almost 100 countries. issue. The 47-year-old former Eng- nerve-wracking,” he said. “I have got a where near enough research has been skateboarding were granted spots as We have to listen to the people who The summer Olympic programme land captain, who bagged record 260 terrible memory. I don’t know if that is done,” said Shearer. “The authorities additional sports. select it.” currently includes 28 core sports af- Premier League goals during an 18- because I don’t listen, but I have got a have been very reluctant to fi nd out any “We hope that, with the support Cassis also said that snooker in ter golf and rugby sevens were added year career, has revealed his fears over poor memory. When you play football answers. They have swept it under the of the French (cue sports) federation particular expanded rapidly in recent ahead of the Rio 2016 Games. his long-term health. “For every goal I as a professional you expect in later life carpet, which is not good enough." Gulf Times Thursday, November 9, 2017 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT PREVIEW Honduras set for ‘game of their lives’ Experimental against Australia England ready for Germany, Brazil ‘I’ve stressed to all the players that this is a chance for us to experiment...’

Australian players (L to R) , , Milos Degenek and Dylan McGowan exercise during a training session at Francisco Morazan stadium in San Pedro Sula, 180 kilometres north of Teguci- galpa, yesterday.

Reuters year were to Brazil and Germany. Tegucigalpa Honduras have recalled vet- eran striker Carlos Costly in the hope he can add to his tally of 32 onduras’ World Cup goals in 75 international appear- playoff against Aus- ances and they were boosted ear- tralia will be “one of lier in the week with the inclu- Hthe most important sion of Eddie Hernandez, who is games of our lives” and the Cen- recovering quicker than expected tral American side believe their from a cheek fracture. hopes of reaching Russia depend Both sides have suspensions, on a fi rst leg win at home this with Honduras missing captain weekend, winger Romell Quioto Maynor Figueroa and forward told Reuters. Alberth Elis for the fi rst leg. Honduras fi nished in fourth in Australia, meanwhile, are the CONCACAF region of North sweating on the availability of and Central America and the veteran forward Tim Cahill, who Caribbean thanks to a last-day fl ew to Honduras with his physio, England manager Gareth win over Mexico and will meet in the hope of working his injured Southgate and Joe Gomez Australia at home on Nov 10, be- ankle into match readiness. during training yesterday. fore heading down under for the The Socceroos will also be second-leg fi ve days later. without VfL Bochum striker The Central Americans have , who has a knee struggled recently, with just injury, and and three wins in their last 16 match- are both sus- es, and Quioto admits they will pended. need to produce their best form They can, however, count on to qualify for next year’s tourna- ample playoff experience, most ment. memorably in 2005, when they “I think it is one of the most defeated two-time World Cup important games of our lives,” he winners Uruguay. told Reuters. “It is the chance to This time they have the added go to the World Cup fi nals. We disadvantage in having to make are going to give it everything.” two very long trips and coach Quioto and his team mates said securing have all stressed they need to a result in Honduras will be cru- take a decent result to Australia, cial if their tired legs are to carry whose only losses at home this them to Russia.

England to trial VAR in friendly with Germany

England’s FA will trial the video VAR involves assistant referees assistant referee (VAR) system watching the action remotely when the national side host and then drawing the match DPA Despite the air of experimentation, world champions Germany in a referee’s attention to off iciating London Both teams to wear poppies during friendly Gomez said the squad knows that Ger- friendly at Wembley tomorrow, mistakes or missed serious inci- many and Brazil will present much The Times reported. dents and was previously tested London: England and Germany’s to wear the poppy for the match, in stronger challenges than the side faced Matches between England and during the Wembley Cup charity n experimental England side players will wear black armbands a show of solidarity and unity at this in World Cup qualification. Germany have seen several con- match last month. will get the ultimate test over bearing commemorative poppy motifs important time.” “Everyone knows and is aware troversial decisions in the past The International Football the next seven days when they in tomorrow’s friendly at Wembley, DFB president Reinhard Grindel said: of how good they are,” Gomez told including Frank Lampard’s disal- Association Board has tested Atake on the might of Germany the Football Association announced “I positively welcome the decision to reporters.”At the same time, it is a good lowed goal in the 2010 World Wembley and approved the use and Brazil in international friendlies. yesterday allow both the English and the German opportunity for us as England play- Cup and Geoff Hurst’s goal in the of the system alongside existing Having won their qualifying group to It comes after world governing body national teams to wear poppy arm- ers to show that we can compete with 1966 World Cup final. goal-line technology. book their place in the World Cup fi nals FIFA backed down in its row with bands, because these are not about them at that level. in Russia next summer, England manager British football authorities over the political propaganda in any way. “We can build up to the World Cup Gareth Southgate chose to leave out a wearing of poppies, which are worn to “They’re about remembering the and try and get the best results we can FOCUS number of experienced internationals. remember Britain’s war dead. kind of values that were kicked to the in these friendlies to establish how His plans were hit by the withdrawal Friday’s match falls the day before ground in two World Wars but are cher- good a team we can be as well. through injury of several more estab- the 99th anniversary of the Armistice ished by football: respect, tolerance We know they are going to be tough lished players, including Harry Kane, signed by Britain and Germany at the and humanity.” games but we’re ready for that.” Liv- Northern Ireland Dele Alli and Jordan Henderson. end of World War I. Last year, England, Scotland, Wales and erpool manager Juergen Klopp warned But misfortune for some is an oppor- “Remembering and commemorating Northern Ireland were fined by FIFA for England fans not to get carried away, tunity for others and the likes of Tammy the men and women who have served wearing or displaying poppies, which whatever results they have against two relish underdog tag Abraham, Joe Gomez, Jack Cork, Michael this country is ingrained in our nation,” FIFA said were “political symbols”. of the best sides in the world. Keane, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Harry said FA chief executive Martin Glenn in British Prime Minister Theresa May “If you want to play a friendly you Maguire have the chance to impress. a press release. described it as “outrageous” and the should choose another team than Ger- for WCup play-off “I’ve stressed to all the players that “Many have made the ultimate sacrifice FA said it would appeal against its many,” the German told reporters.”And this is a chance for us to experiment, and we will be honouring them, both sanction at the Court of Arbitration for Brazil is the second one, that’s really AFP as the underdogs, so I think it to look at new things,” Southgate said, on and off the pitch, for our match Sport. funny. All the journalists need to cool London was a bit of a bonus us not being speaking before the withdrawal of Kane, against Germany. But FIFA’s climbdown, announced last down and don’t expect too much. seeded. Alli and their Tottenham team-mate “I would like to thank the DFB (German month, meant none of the British home It’s not that they cannot win, of “If you’re seeded, you get a lit- Harry Winks. Football Federation) for also agreeing nations had to pay their fines. course, but you make it too big if they orthern Ireland for- tle more pressure on yourself so “We will monitor all of them closely win, too big if they lose. ward Jamie Ward says we’ll go into this game as under- over the next few months and if they are “When qualifi cation was over, people the team will thrive dogs again. Hopefully we can be performing to a high level... then there’s nation’s poor record in major tourna- them an opportunity.” The squad still said now the problems start because the as underdogs against worthy winners.” no reason why they can’t be in the squad ments, with just two semi-fi nal appear- contains plenty of familiar names, in- tournament is coming up. NSwitzerland in the Russia 2018 “If we play the way we can in March.” Having coached the England ances since they won the World Cup on cluding striker Jamie Vardy, defender So England has a bunch of fantastic play-off s as they seek to qualify play, I don’t see why we can’t under-21 side before his promotion to home soil in 1966. Gary Cahill, goalkeeper Joe Hart and young players, that’s how it is. for their fi rst World Cup since take a lead out there or at least a the senior job, Southgate has the advan- “We’re excited about the young play- midfi elder Eric Dier. “I’m not sure how Germany will line 1986. positive result,” he added. tage that he knows the younger players ers we have brought in and also by what’s Full-back Joe Gomez is in contention up but it’s a very good game for sure but Michael O’Neill’s side missed Should O’Neill’s team fi nd a coming through. happened with our U17s in the last to start at right back after impress- I would not say it should be a sign for the out on being seeded for the draw way past the Swiss, they would And after the recent under-17 World month,” Southgate said. ing with Liverpool this season while future.” England play Germany tomor- last month by virtue of their end a 32-year exile from the Cup title, England’s management hope “We know there are good young play- Burnley midfielder Cork received his row at Wembley and then host Brazil at world ranking, so knew they World Cup fi nals and become the the next crop of players can change the ers coming through and we want to give first call-up to the senior squad. the same venue on Tuesday. would face either the Swiss, Italy, fi rst Northern Irish side in his- Croatia or Denmark over two legs tory to make back-to-back ma- to determine their Russia fate. jor tournaments after appearing BOTTOMLINE Northern Ireland, ranked 23rd at Euro 2016. by FIFA, take on the 11th-ranked With Wales and Scotland al- Swiss in Belfast today, with the ready out of the running and return leg on November 12 in Ba- Ireland involved in their own Sweden less scary minus Ibrahimovic: De Rossi sel. play-off against Denmark, Ward Nottingham Forest’s Ward, feels the Northern Irish are still AFP Andrea Barzagli — taking part in the last- an advantage for anyone who has to face “If the World Cup is important for me, back in the fold for the fi rst time not getting the recognition they Florence, Italy gasp quest to grab a ticket to the World them,” the Roma midfi elder told a press when I’ve already played three, let’s think since March after overcoming a warrant. Cup fi nals. conference on Friday. how important it is for those who have calf problem, says Switzerland “I think people see it as it’s Gian Piero Ventura’s side travel to Swe- “It’s not that the rest of them are un- never been there. will have to handle the expecta- Northern Ireland and they’ve not aniele De Rossi expressed re- den for the fi rst leg on Friday in Stock- known to us though, we know them be- “What’s at stake is so important that tions. done well for a long time, but on lief that Sweden no longer have holm with the return leg in Milan’s San cause some of them play in Italy and oth- the concept of ‘blood and sweat’ is the Vladimir Petkovic’s team ar- the other side they will go and Zlatan Ibrahimovic among their Siro on Monday. ers play in important European leagues.” right one, we’ll give everything but we’ll rived in Belfast on Tuesday ahead buy players from the Republic ammunition as Italy prepares “I’d never want Ibra against me, not De Rossi added that the only fear was also need composure, organisation, tech- of the fi rst leg, and Ward said: squad,” he added. forD the fi rst leg of their World Cup quali- even at 40 years and with a broken leg,” the fact that Italy could suff er from nerves nique and we have to run.” “They’ve got to take their chanc- “Premier League clubs are fying play-off . said De Rossi of Manchester United strik- in their determination not to miss the De Rossi will surpass the 116-mark for es. Everyone is expecting them to happy to do that. We’re just as The 34-year-old De Rossi is one of Ita- er Ibrahimovic, who is currently recover- World Cup for the fi rst time in 50 years. the number of caps for Italy in Sweden, win in the football world. good as them but it’s obviously ly’s three 2006 World Cup-winning vet- ing from injury, but who retired from in- “We’re strong, maybe better than Swe- a fi gure he shared with former teammate “They’re obviously the seeded someone taking a risk or a chance erans — alongside goalkeeper Gianluigi ternational duty after Euro 2006. den, but there’s a little bit of fear that Andrea Pirlo. Buff on holds the all-time team, so the pressure’s more on on us and letting us prove we’re Buff on, 39, and 36-year-old defender “The fact that there’s no Ibrahimovic is ‘right, we have to deliver’,” said De Rossi. record of 173. them than us. We’re always great worth playing at the next level.”

Thursday, November 9, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

IBSF WORLD BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIP Advani feels ‘butterfl ies’ as he targets 17th world title ‘Pressure is never passé. In fact that is what pushes me to do well. Butterflies in the stomach actually help’

By Mikhil Bhat ship in Bengaluru, India, last each other’s strengths. And bil- Doha year. liards is very unpredictable, so “Earlier, there used to be you never really know.” at least fi ve days between the Bengaluru-based Advani has ndia’s Pankaj Advani has two tournaments (billiards and visited Qatar quite a few times won a total of 16 world ti- snooker). But this time it’s just in the past and said that he likes tles so far. But going for the one day in between. However, I playing in the country. 17th of his career at the IBSF really don’t want to think about “The country is very hospi- IWorld Billiards Championship the snooker now,” the 32-year- table, people are nice, and they 2017, which starts in Doha today, old said. seem to be spending well in de- he can still feel “butterfl ies in the The two disciplines maybe velopment of the sport, which stomach.” played on the same table but the is great. After these two world “Pressure is never passé,” he mental and strategic require- championships, there is also the told Gulf Times at the Qatar Bil- ments are very diff erent. 9-ball coming up. They are a hub liards and Snooker Federation of- “Billiards requires long pe- for snooker, and now hopefully fi ce in Doha yesterday. riods of concentration, you are billiards in the future,” he said. “In fact that is what pushes trying to stitch together long se- “I am friends with many Qatar me to do well. Butterfl ies in the quences, while snooker is more players. Ahmed (Saif) is a dear stomach actually help.” tactical, you are holding back a friend, who makes it a point to Advani has a unique record bit, playing safety a lot more,” take me out a couple of when- of achieving a hat-trick of hat- Advani, who is part of a seven- ever I am here, makes me feel at tricks in the game, winning the strong Indian contingent at the home.” World, Asian and Indian cham- billiards event, said. pionships in the years 2005, “But that’s sport. This really is GROUPS 2008 and 2012. The Indian a unique challenge, and one I am Group A: Abdulkarim Maksoud government presented him the hoping to do well in,” he said. (Syria), Aung Htay (Myanmar), country’s highest sporting hon- Advani is in Group A for the Ihab al-Salih (Iraq), Pankaj our, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, in shorter format of the tournament Advani (India), Brijesh Damani 2006, preceded by the Arjuna with compatriot Brijesh Damani, (India) Award in 2004. Syria’s Abdulkarim Maksoud, Group B: Robert Hall (England), Advani was also presented Myanmar’s Aung Htay and Iraq’s Khamis al-Obaidli (Qatar), Peter with India’s fourth highest civil- Ihab al-Salih for company. Gilchrist (Singapore), Chit Ko Ko ian honour, Padma Shri, in 2009. Advani’s opponent for the (Myanmar), Dhruv Sitwala (India) The championship starts to- points format world champion- Group C: Rupesh Shah (India), day morning at Al Arabi Sports ship fi nal, Peter Gilchrist of Singa- Mike Russell (England), Yazan Club, with the shorter format i.e. pore, is in Group B along with Qa- Alhadad (Syria), Dhvaj Haria 150-Up running for the fi rst four tar’s Khamis al-Obaidli, England’s (India), Aidan Murray (Ireland) days, followed by the Long-Up Robert Hall, Myanmar’s Chit Ko Group D: Steve Mifsud (Aus- format. While the billiards event Ko and India’s Dhruv Sitwala. tralia), Siddharth Parikh (India), concludes on November 15, the “Peter and I have had our fair Sourav Kothari (India), Nay snooker championship begins on share of duels in the past. I think Thway Oo (Myanmar) November 17. we have played each other more PRIZE MONEY: And that in itself presents a than 10 times. He has a game that 150 Up Championship minimum unique challenge for players. troubles me and I have a game prize fund USD8,000 “Around the world, most that troubles him,” Advani said of Championship Highest Break – players try and specialise in one the veteran from Singapore. US$200 + Certificate event, and here I am trying to “There is Mike Russell, Aung Long Up Championship mini- play two diff erent disciplines,” Htay has been in good form, and mum prize fund US$8,000.00 said Advani, who won the point then there are players from India Championship Highest Break – format of the world champion- too, and we all are familiar with US$500 + Certificate Pankaj Advani faces a tough task as he will play the IBSF world billiards and snooker championships in Doha over the next two weeks.

ASHES Broad aims to hit the pitch Son of ‘Boof’ has hard to attack Australia Maxwell looking Reuters land then won the next series on bowlers are looking for ways to Sydney home soil in 2015. strain the attacking instincts of “We have to look at what we do the Australian batsmen, which best as a group. We’re not going could mean setting up slightly ngland paceman Stuart to blast the Australians out. We defensive fi elds. over his shoulder Broad said he wants to don’t have a Brett Lee-type bowl- He hopes to follow in the foot- Reuters ria batsman Glenn Maxwell, remain, with Matthew Wade hit the pitch hard and er who can bowl 95mph reverse- steps of former Australian bowler Melbourne probably the strongest can- failing to shore up his spot extract extra bounce as swinging yorkers,” Broad told re- Glenn McGrath, who enjoyed didate for the middle order with a decent score for Tas- heE hopes to frustrate the Aus- porters in Adelaide. success on the home soil by hold- position, was fi ghting his own mania and his NSW rival Peter tralia batsmen during the Ashes “I like bowling in Australia ing a tight length for long periods. shes auditions for battle to win favour, scoring 64 Nevill doing little with the bat series which begins this month. because it encourages you to hit “I don’t know if playing on Australia’s vacant after managing 60 in the fi rst to dislodge him. While Broad admitted he the pitch hard. If you get a bit of egos is the right way to say it, but number six spot have innings. Australia’s attack, by con- bowled “like a drain” in the nibble either way you bring the if you can cut off a few of their seen a number of Dismissed cheaply twice in trast, is settled and has been warm-up match in Perth last stumps and the edge in. boundaries then you have more leadingA candidates fl uff their the opening defeat to Queens- humming along nicely, with weekend, he reckons it helped “We have to adjust our lengths chance of them making a mis- lines in the domestic Sheffi eld land, all-rounder Maxwell’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc him adjust his length ahead of a bit. I tried to bowl a bit too full take,” Broad added. Shield but Jake Lehmann’s twin half-centuries may go fi ring an ominous Ashes warn- the series opener at the Gabba in at the WACA and got belted so “Look at the likes of Glenn strong form could force an some way to easing doubts ing with a pair of hat-tricks Brisbane on November 23. I’ve learned that lesson, and McGrath and Josh Hazlewood, awkward decision at the selec- about his consistency. for NSW in the same match The 31-year-old said his side avoid a repeat of the 5-0 drub- bowled that heavy length that who just run up and belt length tors table where his father sits. Maxwell struck a fi ne centu- against WA. Starc’s perform- will have to adapt their strat- bing they received in the 2013-14 gets in Australia.” more often than not. Not getting Lehmann, the son of Aus- ry when batting number six in ance moved fellow left-armer egy appropriately, as they look to Ashes series in Australia. Eng- Broad added that his fellow too full.” tralia coach Darren, has been Ranchi against India in March Mitchell Johnson, the man closely watched since emerg- but has failed to reach 50 in who terrorised England’s bats- ing with a trio of fi rst class seven Test innings since. men during the 5-0 whitewash FOCUS centuries in the 2015/16 sea- Few others, barring 23-Test in the 2013/14 series, to tweet son, and has built a respect- , who hit a 91 his approval. able fi rst class average of 44.95 for (WA) “Seriously 2 hat tricks in the from 29 matches with South against a Test-quality New same game... Now time to rip Malan ties down Test spot as England struggle Australia (SA). South Wales (NSW) attack, in to the poms,” wrote John- He struck his sixth fi rst- have raised their hand for an son. Starc’s NSW team mate AFP man said. “Everyone got a bit of Cook’s lean start to the tour class century with a fi rst-in- Ashes spot. Marsh’s state team and test captain Steve Smith Adelaide time in the middle, so that was continued when he was again nings 103 against Victoria and mate and younger brother was also impressed, but spread encouraging, but we also need dismissed cheaply, in the seventh backed that up with a 93 to be Mitchell has managed only 46 the praise around to fast bowl- to be scoring hundreds, and big over. After a second-ball duck in awarded Player of the Match as runs so far in the Shield, the ers Josh Hazlewood and Pat op scorer Dawid Malan hundreds. “So there are lessons England’s tour opener last week SA fell two wickets short of an fast-bowling all-rounder fail- Cummins. boosted his Test claims as to be learnt from today.” against a Western Australian XI outright victory on Tuesday. ing twice against NSW. “I thought he bowled like England struggled to 278 Malan helped revive the in- in Perth, Cook faced only 28 balls. Another big score in the Another WA all-rounder an absolute genius, he’s a su- for eight on the opening nings after the tourists had He was dismissed when feath- third round could force his , who played perstar,” Smith said of Hazle- Tday of their four-day tour match slumped to 195 for fi ve following ering an outside edge from an at- father ‘Boof’ out of the room at six in Australia’s last test wood’s six- haul. against a Cricket Australia XI in Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal for tempted forward defensive shot when selectors discuss the against Bangladesh, crashed “Patty Cummins has had a Adelaide yesterday. nine in the 62nd over. Malan put off paceman Jackson Coleman. squad for the fi rst Ashes Test out with a pair of ducks and couple of good games as well The Middlesex left-hander hit on 76 for the sixth wicket before Vince was bowled by Fallins in Brisbane starting Nov. 23. would appear out of the run- so they’re up and going and 63 in a disciplined 128-ball in- Chris Woakes fell for 33. when attempting a sweep shot Even as the 25-year-old ning. Questions over the bowling really well. So that is nings before a rare rush of blood A total of four wickets fell in from the spinner’s fi fth ball and pressed his claims, Victo- wicketkeeper’s position also positive signs for us.” cost him his wicket, attempting the fi nal night session of play at Stoneman fell to a brilliant one- to cut through point only to be the Adelaide Oval, where the fi rst handed diving catch at mid- caught at slip in the fi nal over of day-night Ashes Test takes place wicket by Jake Carder. Pakistan at top spot in ICC T20I rankings the pink ball day/night match. next month. And just before the dinner But Malan has probably done Young New South Wales leg- break, Fallins claimed Root when Pakistan took the top spot with 124 points in the career while Boult reached a career-best 16th enough to cement his place at England’s Dawid Malan celebrates spinner Daniel Fallins, in his the skipper top-edged a front- International Cricket Council (ICC) Twenty20 position after moving up 14 places. number fi ve for the Ashes opener his half-century on the first day of maiden fi rst-class match, rocked foot swipe and was caught by International Team rankings released yesterday. Indian bowlers also moved in the right direction in Brisbane later this month after a 4-day Ashes tour match against the tourists with the wickets of Ryan Gibson at mid-off . With the recent series loss to India, New Zea- as pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar jumped two his second half-century in con- Cricket Australia XI in Adelaide Stoneman, James Vince (33), England, who have lost pace- land, who were at the top, have slipped from 125 places to be at 26th place, leg-spinner Yuzven- secutive innings. Opener Mark yesterday. (AFP) Root and Bairstow to fi nish the man Steve Finn for the tour with to 120 points, with Pakistan taking the top spot. dra Chahal vaulted 22 places to be at 30th place Stoneman (61) and skipper Joe day with four for 71 off 21 overs. a knee injury, rested strike bowler India (119) gained three points and continued to and left-arm spinner Akshar Patel is at 62nd Root (58) made good starts but sloppy side, so it was a little bit “I was quite nervous last night, Stuart Broad. remain at fifth spot, behind England. spot. In the batsmen rankings, India skipper former captain Alastair Cook frustrating more than anything but getting a wicket in my fi rst Following the Adelaide game, In bowlers ranking, New Zealand bowlers Ish Virat Kohli retained his top position. Openers failed again with just 15. that we didn’t kick on and prob- over really settled the nerves and they have another four-day fi x- Sodhi and Trent Boult have made solid gains. Rohit Sharma (21st) and Shikhar Dhawan (45th) “Some of the dismissals we ably have a couple of hundreds the boys really got around me, so ture against a CA XI in Townsville Sodhi entered the top-10 for the first time in his have also moved up. had today were a touch on the scored out there today,” Stone- that was good,” Fallins said. from November 15.