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Monday, November 20, 2017 FOOTBALL Rabia I 2, 1439 AH Moyes makes GULF TIMES losing start as Watford prevail SPORT Page 2

SPOTLIGHT QNB STARS LEAGUE Al-Khelaifi voted Asian El Arabi’s hat-trick as tennis Chairman Duhail record 8-2 win Coach Belmadi had appeared wary of Kharaitiyat in his press conference ahead of the game, but his men proved his fears were baseless as they rarely looked in trouble in front of their home fans

By Sports Reporter RESULTS Al Duhail 8 (El Arabi 18, 31, 87; Msakni 8, 85; Nam Tae-hee 83, 90, Almoez Ali 39) Al Kharaitiyat 2 oroccan Yousef El Arabi recorded (Tiberkanine 48, 54) a hat-trick as Al Duhail Sports Al Sadd 4 (Xavi 39, Bounedjah 52, pen; Morteza Club scored their biggest win of 84, Hamroun 89) Umm Salal 1 (Hamroun 9, OG) Mthe QNB Stars League season, Al Arabi 2 (Natiq 71, 85), Al Rayyan 4 (Soria 7, dominating Al Kharaitiyat for an 8-2 rout on a Tabata 32, Hamdallah 59, Viera 73) day which saw the “Big Three” sail past their rivals comfortably. STANDINGS Their seventh win in eight matches helped them maintain their slender one-point lead MP W D L F L D P over Al Sadd although they are way ahead on Al Duhail 8 7 1 0 33 12 +21 22 atar Tennis Federation pres- goal diff erence (33-21), which will stand them Al Sadd 8 7 0 1 21 9 +12 21 ident Nasser al-Khelaifi in good stead if the title race goes down to the Al Rayyan 8 7 0 1 23 12 +11 21 has been voted the Chair- wire. Al Sailiya 8 6 0 2 23 13 +10 18 Qman of the Asian Tennis Coach Djamel Belmadi had appeared wary Umm Salal 8 4 1 3 14 13 +1 13 Federation, it has been announced. The of Al Kharaitiyat in his press conference Al Ahli 8 2 2 4 9 15 -6 8 election of al-Khelaifi was confi rmed ahead of the game, but his men proved his Al Gharafa 8 1 4 3 10 12 -2 7 at yesterday’s Asian Tennis Federation fears were baseless as they rarely looked in Al Khor 8 2 1 5 9 15 -6 7 general assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia. trouble in front of their home fans. Al Kharitiyath 8 1 3 4 11 19 -8 6 Along with being the Chairman of El Arabi, the most prolifi c scorer in , Al Arabi 8 1 2 5 10 20 -10 5 the ATF, al-Khelaifi is also the current struck in the 18th, 31st and 87th minutes, Al Markhiya 8 1 2 5 5 15 -10 5 President of the Qatar Tennis, Squash while Youssef Msakni (8th and 85th) Qatar SC 8 1 0 7 7 20 -13 3 and Federation (QTSBF) and Nam Tae-Hee (83rd and 90th) also re- along with being the current Chairman corded a double each. of French football side Paris Saint- Moaaz Ali Abdalla (39th) was their other Then, it was the turn of Bounedjah to easily Germain. scorer. El Arabi and Msakni took their per- convert from the spot to make it 2-1. Al-Khelaifi has previously repre- sonal tally to 15 and eight goals respectively Al Rayyan also had it easy against hosts Al sented Qatar in the Davis Cup and has this season. Arabi, winning 4-2.The Lions increased their been a keen supporter of Tennis within Rachid Tiberkanine netted both goals for tally to 21 points, but slipped to third place in Qatar down the years. Al Kharaitiyat’s, in the 48th and 54th. The the standings as Al Sadd, who defeated Umm In 2015, al-Khelaifi was declared fi rst was a solo eff ort following a long run and Salal 4-1 in early kick-off , pipped them on the ‘favourite Ligue 1 president’ and the second came off a cross from Sanjar Tur- goal diff erence. in 2016, L’Equipe newspaper named sunov. Sebastian Soria (seventh minute), Rod- him ‘the most powerful man in French Al Duhail wasted little time to settle down rigo Tabata (32nd-min penalty), Abderrazaq football’. in the fast-paced match. Ever since Msakni Hamdallah (59th) and Gonzalo Viera (73rd) opened their account, it was a matter of time scored for Al Rayyan. before El Arabi got into the scoring act. After Defender Saad Natiq struck both of Al SERIE A his second came off a fl ick from close, it was Arabi’s goals (71st and 85th), both through the turn of Moaaz Ali to net the team’s fourth. identical headers. The scoreline was not a fair Al Duhail scored four more goals in the refl ection of Al Rayyan’s domination in front last seven minutes to complete their majestic of 2,336 spectators and it would have swelled Juventus win. had they converted more chances that came Al Duhail, who increased their tally to 22 their way. points, are up against Al Sadd in a high-volt- In Croatian coach Luka Bonacic’s fi rst upset by age encounter next, while Al Kharaitiyat play match in charge, Al Arabi started without in- host to Al Ahli. jured attacking midfi elder Khalfan Ibrahim Earlier, Al Sadd picked up three points fol- and they sorely missed him. To add to their Sampdoria lowing a fi ghting 4-1 win over Umm Salal; woes, Syrian spearhead Mardik Mardikian the Wolves’ seventh taking their points tally went off the fi eld injured halfway through the to 21. Playing on their home ground, Al Sadd opening session and was replaced by Yousef DPA were in defi cit as early as the ninth minute Ahmed. Rome through Jugurtha Hamroun’s own goal. The Bonacic had said before the game that he Algerian midfi elder, in an attempt to clear did not get time to make any tactical change the ball with a header, ended up defl ecting it in the team’s game, but his priority for this erie A champions Juventus into his own net after being chased by Umm match was instilling confi dence in the play- lost 3-2 at dynamic underdogs Salal’s Omar Yahya. ers. However, their confi dence did not seem Sampdoria yesterday, failing However, goals by captain Xavi Hernandez to have been boosted and they lost the plot to complete a late comeback Al Duhail’s Youssef El Arabi celebrates after (39th), striker Baghdad Bounedjah (52th-min after Al Rayyan scored a second time. Sas they slipped four points adrift of penalty) and Morteza Mohamed (84th) lifted Play was mostly restricted to the Al Arabi scoring against Al Kharaitiyat yesterday. front-runners Napoli. their spirits. area in the fi rst half and Soria and Hamdal- Duvan Zapata, Lucas Torreira and Umm Salal goalkeeper Basel Zaidan unfor- lah took shots at will, with Tabata being the Gian Marco Ferrari struck in the sec- tunately got on the scoresheet following an livewire in the midfi eld. Soria promptly gave ond half to clinch a sixth straight win own goal a minute before the fi nal whistle. Al Rayyan the advantage and Rodrigo Tabata from as many home games as Juve Xavi curled in a David Backham-style free- doubled it by converting a penalty awarded suff ered a second defeat to stay on 31 kick into the Umm Salal net to restore parity. after Al Arabi’s Gaser Zakaria tripped Soria points from 13 games; the Genoa side It was the Spaniard’s third goal of the season. inside the box. are sixth on 26, with a game in hand. Napoli beat AC Milan 2-1 Saturday, Al Rayyan players when Roma won 2-1 against Lazio, celebrate their success. leapfrogging their city rivals to move into third place on 30. Both Roma and Lazio have a game in hand. Inter Milan trail the Giallorossi on goal diff erence Khalifa Stadium to host when they host Atalanta late Sunday. Juve struggled against the fast and QNB Stars League games organised Genoa hosts as Bianconeri veterans Gianluigi Buff on and Andrea The decision to host these matches at the Khalifa Barzagli took a day off after the disap- he Supreme Committee for & International Stadium, which opened its doors to pointing World Cup elimination suf- Legacy (SC), Aspire Zone Foundation, the world this May with HH the Emir’s Cup final, is fered with Italy against Sweden. Qatar Football Association and Qa- to give Qatar’s wider footballing family an oppor- Winger Juan Cuadrado missed a tar Stars League yesterday announced tunity to experience the first 2022 FIFA World Cup long-range volley and a tight-angle plansT to organise six matches of QNB Stars League, host venue to be completed. shot as Samp caused no trouble to Qatargas League as well as Second Division at the It will also allow the Khalifa International Stadium’s Wojciech Szczesny in the brisk fi rst renovated Khalifa International Stadium between operations team to continue testing venue opera- half. November 20 and December 1. tions and management as part of the SC’s ongoing But in the 52nd the towering Zapata The QNB Stars League games rescheduled to be readiness strategy. was deadly on his fi rst opportunity, played at the refurbished venue are Al Rayyan vs All eight proposed World Cup venues, which will be soaring to get the better of Staphan Al Gharafa (Round 9, November 25) and Al Khor vs completed by 2020, undergo rigorous testing to Lichtsteiner after a botched clearance Al Sadd (Round 10, December1) ensure they are being operated eff ectively. (QNA) from Federico Bernardeschi. Gulf Times 2 Monday, November 20, 2017 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE LA LIGA Record-breaking Valencia maintain Moyes makes Barcelona chase

AFP Madrid

alencia maintained their pur- losing start as suit of Barcelona to remain four points off the La Liga leaders thanks to second-half Vgoals from Geoff rey Kondogbia and Santi Mina to beat a luckless Espanyol 2-0 yesterday. A club record eighth straight La Liga win for Valencia moves Marcelino Gar- Watford prevail cia Toral’s men six points clear of Real Madrid in third and sets up a mouth- Moyes was in charge of West Ham for the first time following watering top of the table showdown at home to Barcelona next Sunday. “We want to beat Barcelona to be Valencia’s French midfielder Geoff rey his appointment as replacement for the sacked Slaven Bilic as high in the table as we can, but we Kondogbia (R) celebrates with still can’t talk about being candidates Valencia’s Spanish forward Santiago to win the title yet,” insisted Valencia Mina Lorenzo. assistant coach Ruben Uria, who faced West Ham United’s Scottish the media after Marcelino was sent to to show smart reactions to deny Ser- manager David Moyes watches the stands in the second half. gio Garcia and Moreno once more as the action from the touchline However, the visitors had fortune Espanyol looked the more likely side to during their English Premier on their side as Espanyol dominated make the breakthrough. League match against Watford at for large spells and hit the woodwork The pressure Valencia were under Vicarage Road Stadium in Watford, twice. “In the fi rst half they got the was seen on the sidelines as Marcelino north of London, yesterday. better of us, but the team knew how to was sent to the stands for his protests resist, stay compact, suff er and com- towards the offi cials and is now likely pete,” Mina told BeIN Sports Spain. to be banned from the touchline against “The big teams also win like this. The Barca. However, a moment of magic important thing was to win.” from Kondogbia swung the game Va- Marcelino surprisingly left top lencia’s way 23 minutes from time as scorer Simone Zaza and on-loan Par- he curled home a wonderful strike from is Saint-Germain forward Goncalo 25 yards. And Mina pounced on Victor Guedes on the bench and that decision Sanchez’s short back-pass to calmly nearly backfi red as Valencia struggled side-foot past Pau Lopez on the volley to gain a foothold in the fi rst hour. to secure all three points. Gerard Moreno and Sergi Darder At the other end of the table, Malaga both struck the post for the hosts in a came from behind to edge a fi ve-goal six-minute spell just before half-time. thriller against Deportivo la Coruna 3-2 Valencia’s goalkeeper Neto also had to move off the bottom of the table.

BUNDESLIGA Schalke soar to second in Germany

AFP Berlin

oals by strikers Franco di Santo and Guido Burgstaller sealed Schalke 04’s 2-0 win Gover Hamburg yesterday as the Royal Blues climbed to second place in the Bundesliga. AFP son Park. Watford have so far rebuff ed Under 32-year-old head coach Do- Watford, Coleman confi rmed at Sunderland Everton’s interest in former Hull City menico Tedesco, Schalke are unbeaten manager Silva, who has only been in in seven games dating back to Septem- London: Former Wales coach Chris every supporter has a part to play charge since the close season. ber, and the home win in Gelsenkirch- Coleman was confirmed as man- in getting us back to where we “My players work with me. They en moved them second behind leaders avid Moyes suff ered a miser- ager of Championship strugglers belong.” know my commitment. My future is Bayern Munich. able start to his West Ham Sunderland yesterday. Coleman arrives in the north-east tomorrow, and starting to prepare for “It’s a great moment for the whole United reign as Watford eased Coleman’s move to the Stadium of after six years as Wales boss, during the next game,” Silva said. team, we have worked really heard in to a 2-0 win over the Premier Light was widely expected after he which time he managed his country Hughes opened the scoring in the the last few weeks,” said Schalke mid- LeagueD strugglers yesterday. 11th minute, the midfi elder slotting fi elder Max Meyer. resigned from the Wales job earlier into the top 10 of FIFA’s world rank- Schalke’s Austrian striker Guido Moyes was in charge of West Ham this week. ings after an unexpected run to the home from Andre Gray’s scuff ed shot Schalke took the lead at the sold- Burgstaller celebrates scoring against for the fi rst time following his appoint- The former Fulham boss has Euro 2016 semi-finals. after West Ham’s defence were prised out Veltins Arena in front of 62,271 Hamburg yesterday. ment as replacement for the sacked agreed a two-and-half year contract Despite that success, Coleman was open far too easily. supporters when Ukraine midfi elder Slaven Bilic. with Sunderland. unable to lead Wales to next year’s Watford threatened a second goal Yevhen Konoplyanka was fouled in the Bayern, who beat Augsburg 3-0 in Mu- But the former Manchester United The 47-year-old is the Black Cats’ World Cup after failing to secure a when Gray linked up with Richarlison area and Di Santo converted the result- nich on Saturday as Robert Lewand- boss was unable to spark an immediate ninth manager in the last six sea- place in the play-off s and reports on the edge of the area. ing penalty on 17 minutes. owski scored twice. upturn in his new club’s fortunes. sons and replaces Simon Grayson, about his likely departure surfaced The Brazilian’s low shot was pushed Hamburg had an appeal for handball The Poland forward has now scored Will Hughes put Watford ahead in who was sacked at the end of last immediately after that disappoint- away by Joe Hart, with Kiko Femenia against Schalke defender Thilo Kehrer 17 goals for the Bavarians this season. the fi rst half at Vicarage Road and Ri- month after less than half a season ment. dragging the rebound wide. turned down by the video assistant ref- He has also netted 18 times against charlison’s strike after the interval ex- in charge. With the Wales chapter of his ca- Cheikhou Kouyate had a chance to eree (VAR) just after the break. Augsburg for both Bayern and his tended West Ham’s winless league run “It’s an honour to be appointed the reer now over, Coleman has joined equalise, but the West Ham midfi eld- The hosts sealed the deserved win former club Borussia Dortmund. to fi ve games. manager of Sunderland AFC and a Sunderland side at their lowest er’s drive was repelled by Heurelho after some good work in the area when Germany striker Max Kruse netted a The Hammers remain third bottom I’m over the moon that the club be- ebb for years. A 2-2 draw against Gomes. Gomes did even better mo- Konoplyanka found Burgstaller in hat-trick as Werder Bremen picked up of the table, one point from safety, af- lieves I am the right man,” Coleman Millwall on Saturday gave them ments later as the Watford keeper kept space and the Austria international their fi rst win of the season on Sunday ter Moyes got a fi rst-hand look at the said after taking training yesterday. an unwanted English record of 20 out Marko Arnautovic’s eff ort and then fi red home from close range 12 min- in emphatic style with a 4-0 thrashing problems which cost Bilic his job. “The club worked incredibly hard to consecutive home games without blocked his attempt from the rebound. utes from time. This was an effi cient, if of mid-table Hanover 96. Desperate to rehabilitate his reputa- make sure we were a good fit and a win. When Kouyate blazed over early in uninspiring display from Schalke, who Kruse set up his forward partner Fin tion after overseeing Sunderland’s rel- to show me the potential that can Sunderland, relegated from the Pre- the second half, Moyes turned away in defended doggedly and will be buoyed Bartels for the opening goal in Bremen, egation from the last be achieved here. mier League under David Moyes’s disgust. for next Saturday’s derby at arch rivals then wrapped up his hat-trick inside 23 season, Moyes has accepted a short- “I believe that every person at this management last season, are bot- Moyes was shaking his head in frus- Borussia Dortmund, who have dropped minutes in the second half with Bartels term contract with West Ham. football club, every player and tom of the Championship table. tration again in the 64th minute. to fi fth after collecting just one point twice laying on the assist. His failures at Sunderland, Man- Hughes got away with a handball, from a possible 15. It is the fi rst time Kruse has scored chester United and Real Sociedad have triggering the move that ended with “We are just taking it one game at a since breaking his collarbone in Octo- tarnished the fi ne work he did at Ever- Richarlison dancing past Winston Reid time,” added Meyer. ber. ton and the Scot can ill-aff ord another “I always thought this was a big job. “I don’t enjoy the performance and I and fi ring in a low shot that beat Hart’s “We won’t be favourites in Dort- The result leaves Bremen still in fl op on his CV. Some big players with big reputations expected us to do better.” weak attempt to save. mund and it’ll be a 50-50 game.” the bottom three but is a timely boost On the evidence of West Ham’s lack- disappointed me a lot,” Moyes said. After three successive defeats, Wat- Rubbing salt into Moyes’ wounds, Hamburg are just above the relega- for caretaker coach Florian Kohfeldt, lustre showing on his debut, Moyes has “I thought they would show me ford’s comfortable victory showed Arnautovic was forced off after land- tion places, but at the other end of the 35, in only his second game since tak- much work to do to lead his side away more. They need to show me why they why Everton have been trying to lure ing awkwardly on his arm in the closing table Schalke and RB Leipzig are six ing charge when Alexander Nouri was from the relegation zone. have got that reputation. Hornets boss Marco Silva to Goodi- stages. points behind defending champions sacked at the end of October.

LIGUE 1 CHAMPIONSHIP Lyon held to draw by Montpellier Leeds ruin Monk’s return to Boro

AFP suspended after picking up his third goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte. AFP Alioski’s curling cross was headed Paris yellow card of the campaign for his Memphis Depay struggled to make London on by Kalvin Phillips and Hernandez celebration after scoring the fi nal goal an impact on the left-hand side, curl- stole in at the far post to turn the ball in the 5-0 derby thrashing of Saint- ing an ambitious eff ort straight at Le- home. yon’s four-match winning Etienne. Lyon coach Bruno Genesio re- comte midway through the second eeds ruined Garry Monk’s Leeds doubled their lead in the 55th streak in Ligue 1 came to an end placed Fekir with Maxwel Cornet, with half, while Traore was a peripheral fi g- return to Elland Road with minute when Hernandez’s cross was in the absence of captain Nabil 20-year-old Tanguy Ndombele com- ure after coming off the bench as the a 2-1 win over their former forced home at the far post by Alioski. LFekir as they were held to a 0-0 ing in for Bertrand Traore who was left game fi zzled out. manager’s Middlesbrough Monk’s side were handed a lifeline home draw by Montpellier yesterday. on the bench. Earlier on Sunday, Nice’s miserable Lside yesterday. in controversial fashion by one of the Bruno Genesio’s men slipped to nine The hosts should have taken the lead start to the season continued as Ronny Monk quit as Leeds boss in May be- assistant referees, who fl agged after points adrift of league leaders Paris less than 10 minutes in, but midfi elder Rodelin scored an injury-time equal- fore moving to Middlesbrough and he spotting Luke Ayling and Daniel Ayala Saint-Germain after a disappointing Houssem Aouar fi red wide from close iser for Caen in a 1-1 draw. endured a hostile reception from fans grappling in the area before a corner. performance, while they could lose range. PSG extended their lead at the top of on his fi rst appearance back at Elland Leeds had lost six of their previous Ayling appeared to have been pulled third place to Marseille, who play Bor- Midtable Montpellier also went the table over Monaco to six points by Road. seven league games, including their down by Ayala and after a prolonged deaux later on Sunday. close early on, with Paul Lasne crash- beating Nantes 4-1 on Saturday, with His old team were no more forgiv- last three at home, but they turned consultation referee Keith Stroud The hosts went into the game in a ing a 25-yard strike narrowly over the Edinson Cavani scoring a brace. ing as Pablo Hernandez and Gianni in a much-improved display to ease awarded the visitors a penalty, which rich vein of form, having scored 21 top of Anthony Lopes’ crossbar. Defending champions Monaco Alioski struck in either half. the pressure on boss Thomas Chris- was converted by Assombalonga. goals in six league matches since a 2-0 The best chance of the opening 45 dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at Britt Assombalonga converted a tiansen. Middlesbrough went close to defeat at PSG in September. minutes fell to Cornet, but after burst- newly-promoted Amiens on Friday, late penalty for Middlesbrough, but Hernandez marked his return to snatching a point through Ayala’s late But they had to make do without ing through, the winger’s tame eff ort despite a second-half equaliser from Monk’s men missed out on a fourth the side with the game’s opening goal header, but Monk departed empty- top scorer Fekir, with the 24-year-old was saved by the legs of Montpellier Stevan Jovetic. successive Championship victory. in the 25th minute. handed. Gulf Times Monday, November 20, 2017 3 SPORT

LOSS LA LIGA Turkish Olympic giant Suleymanoglu mourned Simeone defends off -form Griezmann ‘to the death’

AFP Madrid

tletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone insisted he will de- fend off -colour star forward Antoine Griezmann “to the death”A, as long as he remains an Atleti- co player, after Saturday’s 0-0 draw against local rivals Real Madrid. Griezmann turned his back on inter- est from Manchester United to sign a new contract after Atletico lost an ap- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim (right) and former prime minister Ahmet peal against a transfer ban in June. People carry the coff in of Turkey’s legendary triple Olympic gold-medal winning Davutoglu (left) attend the funeral ceremony of Turkey’s triple Olympic gold However, the French international, weightlifter Naim Suleymanoglu during his funeral ceremony in Istanbul. (AFP) medallist, weightlifter Naim Suleymanoglu, in Istanbul yesterday. (AFP) who has been Atletico’s top scorer for high over the past two years. the past three seasons, has netted just “If Correa’s or Gameiro’s chance AFP pion Valerios Leonidis was amongst pocket Hercules Naim Suleymanog- who had visited Suleymanoglu in hos- three times so far this campaign and goes in we are talking about how well Istanbul the mourners, kissing the coffi n as he lu,” he said. pital expressed his condolences on live not at all in his last eight games at club the team played and not Antoine.” passed by. Suleymanoglu’s exploits made him television. level. However, a stalemate left Barcelona “I was so upset to hear of Naim’s a national hero — he is regarded as one Suleymanoglu is the only weight- Despite his poor form, Griezmann the big winners of the day as the La undreds of mourners includ- death. I have lost a great friend and of the greatest sports personalities in lifter to win gold medals at three dif- has continued to be linked to other Liga leaders moved 10 points clear of ing his greatest sporting rival the world has lost a great athlete, I can the country’s history. ferent . He was grant- clubs, including Barcelona, and he both Real and Atletico with a 3-0 vic- attended the funeral of Tur- hardly believe he’s dead,” Leonidis told Born in and originally compet- ed the Olympic Order by then IOC was jeered off by large sections of the tory earlier on Saturday over Leganes. key’s triple Olympic cham- the Turkish daily Hürriyet. ing for he defected from the president Juan Antonio Samaranch in Atletico fanbase when he was substi- “Ten points is a lot but that will Hpion Naim Süleymanoglu yesterday. Turkish sports minister Osman then-communist country in 1986, 2001. tuted by Simeone 15 minutes from time. change for sure because Barca will not Known as the Pocket Hercules Su- Askin Bak compared Suleymanoglu to leaving a competition in His exploits in Seoul in 1988 made “As long as someone is in my family, always win and we will be in the run- leymangolu, who won three straight some of today’s stars. for London aboard the Turkish prime him one of the stars of the Games and I am with them to the death. I have al- ning,” insisted Real boss Zinedine Zi- Olympic weightlifting titles starting “In the same way we evoke (Lionel) minister’s jet, and receiving a hero’s Time magazine put him on the cover of ways been that way and I’m not going dane. at Seoul 1988, died from liver failure Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo or (Michel) welcome when he subsequently ar- its Games issue with one arm aloft in to change at nearly 50,” said Simeone. “The only thing we lacked was a goal. on Saturday aged 50. Platini in football, in weightlifting we rived in Turkey. triumph under the headline: “Every- “All the players have to show up and I can’t criticise the players for anything His great rival and Greek cham- think of the doyen, the master, the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, body Wins”. not just Griezmann.” tonight because we deserved more. Atletico were again left to rue their “We need to be patient because we lack of ruthlessness in front of goal are on the right track.” PREMIER LEAGUE as Angel Correa and Griezmann’s re- Real, though, were dealt a further placement Kevin Gameiro passed up blow as captain Sergio Ramos had to be the best chances of a tightly-contested replaced at half-time with a suspected derby. broken nose. “I am never going to speak badly of a “It is a fracture. He has a cut and I teammate and even less of Griezmann,” think it is broken,” added Zidane. added Atletico right-back Juanfran. “We still don’t know how long he Arsenal silence “The issue is he has set the bar so will be out.” Real Madrid confi rm Ramos nose break

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos had his nose broken in a bad-tempered Madrid derby at Atletico Madrid, tests confirmed yesterday. Ramos had to be replaced at half-time of Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Atletico’s Wanda Metro- politano which left both sides 10 points behind runaway La Liga leaders Bar- critics, Wenger’s celona. “After tests carried out on Sergio Ramos by the Real Madrid Sanitas medical team, he has been diagnosed with a fractured nose,” Madrid said in a statement. Real were furious referee David Fernandez Borbalan didn’t award a penalty when Lucas Hernandez’s boot caught Ramos flush in the face. The club didn’t state how long Ramos will be sidelined, but Madrid-based sports daily Marca reported he could return as early as next weekend for Malaga’s trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, with the aid of a protective mask. “I would bleed a thousand times for this badge and this shirt,” Ramos posted on Twit- faith rewarded ter alongside pictures of his bloodied face. “Thanks for your support. I’ll be back in no time.” Ramos is expected to miss Real’s Champions League trip to ‘I’m here to produce quality performance for people who come, pay their money’ APOEL Nicosia on Tuesday where a win will secure the European champions’ place in the last 16. AFP team, but the quality of the contract London has to be right and as well other top clubs are out there off ering contracts.” Tottenham’s latest fl op in an away SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP rsene Wenger insisted he game at one of their top-six rivals never doubted Arsenal would punctured the optimism engendered prove the critics wrong as his by their recent victory over European side’s controversial 2-0 win champions Real Madrid and dented overA Tottenham slowed their rivals’ their title hopes. Dogged Celtic please bid for north London supremacy. It was a frustrating afternoon for When Arsenal fi nished below Tot- Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, who tenham in the Premier League for the was furious with referee Mike Dean fi rst time in 22 years last season, frus- and his offi cials. manager Rodgers trated Gunners fans stepped up their Pochettino felt Dean was wrong to calls for Wenger to quit. award the free-kick that led to Shko- AFP Arsenal’s erratic start to the current dran Mustafi ’s opener and claimed Glasgow campaign, combined with Totten- Alexandre Lacazette was off side in the ham’s fi ne form, had only increased build-up to Sanchez’s goal. the pressure on Wenger. “It was so clear. It’s so diffi cult to eltic manager Brendan Rodg- But the Gunners boss remained explain when you lose this way,” he ers praised his side’s patience steadfast in his belief that his players Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (right) gestures at the final whistle after their said. as they left it late to claim a 1-0 were too good to stay stuck in a rut. win over Tottenham Hotspur in London on Saturday. (AFP) “Some big details changed the win away to Ross County yes- They fi nally rewarded that faith game. Granit Xhaka should have had a terdayC with a vibrant display on Saturday, our answer on the pitch.” what happens.” second yellow card. If you analyse the The champions found it diffi cult to securing their fi rst league win against Asked if he felt a sense of vindica- Key to Arsenal’s impressive per- game, until we conceded the goal we break down a well-organised County Tottenham since March 2014 to show tion from the derby win after enduring formance was a tenacity that has often were doing well. defence in the fi rst half and failed to the local balance of power hasn’t been so much abuse following heavy defeat eluded them in the past. “It is a massive mistake, it’s not one register a single shot. seized by their hated neighbours just at Liverpool and Manchester City, Even Alexis Sanchez and Mesut mistake, it’s two. It wasn’t a foul and However, with time running out yet. Wenger took the high road. Ozil, two players’ whose commitment then it was off side. substitute Leigh Griffi ths came to their “We played with purpose, a desire “I’m here to produce a quality per- has been doubted as they look to leave “From that moment it changed. rescue as he curled a free-kick into the to be effi cient and good solidarity from formance for people who come and when their contracts expire at the end That aff ected the team and then we top corner to keep Celtic’s 100 per cent the fi rst minute. We produced an im- pay their money. That is my job,” he of the season, delivered fi red-up con- conceded another goal quickly.” away record in the Scottish Premier- pitch and an impressive defensive dis- mense performance,” Wenger said. said. tributions. However, Pochettino refused to ac- ship intact. play from Ross County made it hard for “We were not as bad as people said “I have as well sometimes to live “I know Sanchez and Ozil well, cept Tottenham have a mental block It extends their lead at the top of the his side. after we lost to Man City. with opinions that are not right and when they go on the pitch they want to against their title rivals, claiming no- table to six points following Aberdeen’s “I felt the pitch wasn’t great. It’s “When you lose people jump to exaggerated. win,” Wenger said. one has it easy on the road. 2-0 loss to Motherwell while rivals the fi rst time I’ve been up here and the conclusions, but we don’t listen as “Two weeks ago (at City) we con- “I never questioned their com- “We are in the same situation as Rangers slipped further behind nine pitch has been poor,” said Rodgers. much as you think to the national de- ceded a goal that was not marginally mitment. When they have bad games everyone, for Manchester United it points adrift in fourth place as they “It was a bit long and a bit bobbly, so bate. off side, it was a yard off side, and no- people think of course its because of was diffi cult to play at Chelsea, for slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Hamilton at that aff ected the speed of our game,” “We live in our own club and focus body said a word. they want to go. Arsenal it was diffi cult at Manchester Ibrox. added the 44-year-old Northern Irish- on what is important. We can only give “I’m 35 years in the job, I can predict “They love the club, they love the City,” he said. Rodgers was pleased to see his side man. extend their unbeaten domestic run “Give Ross County credit as well be- to 64 games ahead of their midweek cause they made it diffi cult. They got ACTION PLAN trip to the French capital to face Paris back into a defensive block so it was Saint-Germain on Champions League diffi cult for us to break down. duty. “But we’re a team that will never “It was always going to be a diffi cult leave the game early and the players game for us. We’ve come back from an kept going to the end. Once they got the Postecoglou to meet FFA on World Cup future international break and the fl uency of goal then you see the energy in the team the team was interrupted a bit,” Rodg- go again and then we saw the game out AFP rumours he is about to quit, after a re- people along. It will happen quickly. there will be a quick resolution.” ers admitted. with another clean sheet.” port last month quoted a close source We’ll have the discussions this week He rejected suggestions that his re- “But it was an absolutely outstand- The Celtic manager also praised as saying he would walk away even if and we’ll come to a resolution.” lationship with the FFA and chief ex- ing victory for us. Griffi ths. Australia qualifi ed for Russia 2018. Asked whether he had decided on ecutive David Gallop could force him “It was always going to be dogged. The striker, who missed out on Scot- oach Ange Postecoglou said Postecoglou said he aimed to have his future, Postecoglou said it con- to quit. We didn’t work the goalkeeper so much land’s match with the last yesterday he will meet with a speedy resolution to the uncertainty tinually “fl uctuates”. “A lot of people try to make out that in the fi rst half but I thought in the sec- week with injury, came off the bench to Football Federation Australia ahead of the offi cial World Cup draw in “No, I can’t say that I’m locked to a I have some sort of a broken relation- ond half it was much more like us in break the deadlock with a sensational offi cials this week to decide Moscow on December 1. position,” he said. ship with David Gallop or that. That’s terms of the speed of our game. free-kick that boosts his chances of Cwhether he will take the Socceroos to “It will happen this week. It’s going “There are things there that for a not how it works,” he said. “We just had to be patient and ensure starting the Champions League clash. next year’s World Cup in Russia. to happen quickly,” Postecoglou told whole range of reasons, some are fairly “I don’t work with people to be- there were no mistakes defensively. “He’s a player who can get a goal out Postecoglou has kept everyone the Australian Broadcasting Corp in personal, some are private, some are come friends. I need to be supported “We spoke at half-time and we knew of nothing,” Rodgers said. guessing about his much-rumoured an interview. just me as a person, and some are pro- to do what I need to do, and they’ve we had the quality to score. “It’s funny actually as a lot of his departure after Australia overcame “Again, you don’t want to be con- fessional, that all need to be put into supported me 100%. “Obviously we put the risk into the free-kicks of late have been hitting the Honduras 3-1 to reach their fourth tinually asked and I’ve tried to be as place. “There is nothing that I’ve asked game, made a change and Leigh scores wall or not hitting the target or working consecutive World Cup in Sydney last honest with people to say it will all be “And what’s going to be good for the for. So it is never a relationship thing an absolutely brilliant goal so it was a the ‘keeper. week. decided after this (Honduras) game. team is also a consideration. So all those with me. It goes deeper and far beyond very good win for us.” “But that one there today was abso- He has failed to confi rm or deny “It wasn’t just me trying to string things will be discussed this week and at that.” Rodgers said a combination of a poor lutely outstanding.” Gulf Times 4 Monday, November 20, 2017 SPORT

CRICKET Challengers win thriller against City Exchange Sports Reporter jolted early in the game as they lost Brief Scores Doha their openers Santhosh and Raju in City Exchange 137 all out in 20 the fi rst two overs. Santhosh was overs (Shareef 36, Jithesh 31, Ra- out to the bowling of Rayeas and yeas 20. Imran 3 for 17, Sathish Sr. 2 nited Challengers beat Raju was dismissed by Lithin. for 34, David 2 for 17) Lost to United City Exchange by one United Challengers reached 50 Challengers 141 for 9 in 19.4 overs in a thrilling match in eight overs and losing their top 5 ( Imran 36 , Sunil 35, Sathish Sr. 25. in the QNB ISC Chal- batsmen. But quickfi re knocks from Bukhari 3 for 22, Nishad 2 for 30) Ulengers Trophy 2017 at Asian Town Satish Sr (25) and Sunil (35) kept the Man of the Match: Imran of United Stadium. chase alive. Challengers. After winning the toss, City ex- They took the score to 99 in 14 Tusker 156 all out in 20 overs. change chose to bat fi rst. Their overs before losing three (Mufiyas 35 in 20 balls with 3 6’s, opening batsmen Shareef and Ran- in quick session. That left United Anoop 43 in 31 balls with 3 6’s, Sanu jith gave them a decent start. After Challengers at 106 for 8, needing 24. Shameer 2 for 21, Mansoor 2 adding 26 runs for the fi rst wicket, 32 runs in 27 deliveries. But Im- for 8 ) Beat SELEX 109 for 8 in 20 Ranjith was bowled by Satish.B. ran took full control of the batting overs ( Ashif Ashraf 40 in 40 balls, Shareef and Jithesh then added thereafter and took the score to 132. Shihab 23. Aneesh 4 for 16, Anoop 27 more runs for the second wicket. He was out when his team required 2 for 24 ). At the team score on 53, Shareef 6 runs to win. Man of the match: Anoop of (36) was bowled out by Imran. Lat- City Exchange bowler Nishad Tusker. er on Jithesh ( 31) and Rayeas ( 20) took the wicket of Sandeep and left Master CC 145 all out in 20 overs ( added 31 runs for the fourth wicket. United challengers at 135 for 9. In Khalid 49 in 25 balls with 3 6’s and Later quick wickets and control- the last over, Raju. B hit the needed 4 4’s, Umar S 31, Deepak 23. Himan- led bowling from United Challeng- boundary and gave his team a much shu 3 for 19, Waleed 3 for 17) Beat ers restricted City Exchange to 137 deserved victory. Regal Strikers 137 for 8 in 20 overs in their 20 overs. For United Chal- Imran of Untied challengers was ( Waleed 59 in 52 balls w2ith 6 4’s, lengers, Imran took 3 wickets for adjudged man of the match. In the Shahid 23. Khalid 3 for 28, Deepak 17, Sathish.Sr claimed 2 for 34 and other matches, Tusker defeated Se- 2 for 16). David took wickets for 17. lex by 47 runs and Master CC beat Man of the match: Khalid of In reply, United Challengers were Regal Strikers by eight runs. Master CC. The United Challengers team pose with off icials.

GOLF WORLD CUP down PNG 36-6 to set up Fleetwood claims Tonga semi-fi nal

AFP the corner, before Watkins and winger added fur- ther tries for England to blow out the score. ngland lined up a Tonga fended off a desperate European Order of Rugby League World fi nish by willing part-timers Cup semi-fi nal show- Lebanon to claim a thrilling down with Tonga after 24-22 victory in their quarter- aE scrappy 36-6 victory over fi nal in Christchurch on Sat- (PNG) in urday. Melbourne yesterday. Tonga led 22-16 at half-time Wayne Bennett’s England and the telling two-point dif- scored seven tries but only ference at the end was regis- Merit as Rose falters managed to complete 25 of 45 tered early in the second half sets in the face of some feisty when Ata Hingano landed a ‘Tommy... I’m pleased for him. He’s battled hard all year and put a good week in South defending from the smaller pressure penalty goal. Kumuls. Winger Jermaine Fiji pulled off the shock of Africa and had a great couple of comeback rounds this week to fight back and deserve it’ McGillvary and centre Kallum the tournament with a 4-2 up- Watkins grabbed try doubles set victory over New Zealand AFP as England carried on from a in a tryless quarter-fi nal in Dubai 14-0 half-time lead to reach Wellington on Saturday. the last four. Winger Valentine Holmes England will face a sterner scored a record-breaking fi ve back nine meltdown test against the unbeaten Ton- tries as the Kangaroos crushed by Justin Rose yester- gans in Auckland next Sat- Samoa 46-0 to reach the last day handed the Race to urday, with 10-time winners four in Darwin on Friday. Dubai title to Tommy Australia up against a rejuve- Result of a Rugby League FleetwoodA and the $8 million DP nated Fiji in Brisbane in the World Cup quarter-fi nal World Tour Championship to Jon other semi-fi nal on Friday. played on Sunday in Mel- Rahm. The Melbourne match could bourne: The English world No 6 was hardly have got off to a worse leading by one shot after 11 holes start for the Kumuls. Their RESULTS of blemish-free golf, and with star fullback England 36 Papua New Fleetwood struggling to post David Mead was knocked out Guinea 6 a good score it looked like the in the opening set while try- H-T: 14-0 37-year-old was set for a double ing to tackle scrum-half Luke Scorers: celebration at the end of the day. Gale and was forced out of the England - Tries: Jermaine However, things changed dra- game. McGillvary scored his McGillvary (2), matically on the back nine. Rose, tries six minutes apart to give (2), , Ben Currie, winner of tournaments in England an early 8-0 lead. Ryan Hall. Goals: Gareth Wid- and Turkey in his last two starts, The athletic winger has now dop (4). dropped shots on the 12th, 14th scored nine tries in his last PNG - Tries: Garry Lo. Goals: and 16th holes. eight Tests. Rhyse Martin. Spain’s world No 5 Rahm England extended their ad- Referee: James Child (ENG) seized the opportunity and bird- vantage to 20-0 in the 56th Fixtures: ies on the 14th and 16th holes minute, with Ben Currie run- Semi-finals saw him snatch the lead in the ning on to a neat grubber from November 24 - Australia v Fiji tournament. Rahm, who closed fullback . in Brisbane at 0800 GMT with a fi ve-under par 67, fi nished PNG winger Garry Lo November 25 - Tonga v Eng- on 19-under par 269. scored his team’s only try in land in Auckland at 0500 GMT Rose could have still denied Fleetwood by making an eagle on the 18th hole but his eff ort slid SPOTLIGHT past the cup, handing the Euro- pean No1 honour to his 27-year- old compatriot. Rose needed to fi nish at least Jon Rahm of Spain and Tommy Fleetwood of England pose with their trophies at the end of the final round of the DP World Tour Golf Champi- Hansen satisfi ed solo fourth, but the ensuing onship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) birdie only gave him a tied fourth place at 17-under par. Fleetwood complete control. The bogey at despite close call fi nished tied 21st at 11-under par 12 seemed to slow all the mo- Koepka romps home by nine shots in Phoenix Dunlop defence after a round of two-over 74. mentum. Front that point it was US Open champion Brooks Koepka stormed to vic- he can now head off to Tiger Woods’s Hero World Ireland’s Shane Lowry (63) a bit of a grind,” said the 2016 Ol- tory at the Japan Tour’s Dunlop Phoenix Tourna- Challenge in the Bahamas with that mission ac- in Edinburgh and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphib- ympic gold medallist. ment yesterday, finishing with an eagle flourish complished. arnrat (67) were tied for the sec- “The other guys seemed to do to retain the title by nine shots after a final round Matsuyama, who finished second behind Koepka Reuters have failed to record a win over ond place at 18-under par, while what they needed to do down the four-under-par 67. at the US Open, will be the defending champion at London the All Blacks in 112 years. Masters champion Sergio Garcia stretch, and I knew Jon was going Koepka finished on 20-under 264 for the $1.8 the November 30-December 3 tournament in Al- “There are a few things we (65) and the South African duo of to be a danger today in terms of million tournament at Phoenix Country Club in bany, where Woods will make his comeback after have got to get better at, no Dean Burmester (68) and Dylan the Race to Dubai. Miyazaki with compatriot Xander Schauff ele (71), nine months away from competitive golf. ew Zealand narrowly doubt, but we expected what Frittelli (69) were tied fourth at “Tommy... I’m pleased for Thai Prayad Marksaeng (67) and South Korean Lee avoided a fi rst defeat we got because Scotland have 271 alongside Rose. him. He’s battled hard all year Sang-hee (72) well beaten in a share of second. Kaufman surges at LPGA fi nale to Scotland on Sat- been slowly improving the last ‘I don’t trust computers’ a de- and put a good week in South Hideki Matsuyama looked like he might be launch- Kim Kaufman thrust herself into contention for a urday, holding off 12-18 months, and that was a lighted Fleetwood, who fi nished Africa and had a great couple of Nthe hosts 22-17 at Murrayfi eld, pretty impressive perform- ing a Sunday charge when he fired a hole-in-one first ever victory after firing a superb eight-under- the season on 5,420,529 points and comeback rounds this week to at the par-three third hole but a double-bogey just par 64 to grab a share of the lead at the LPGA Tour and while the result was much ance,” he said. collected the $1.25 million bonus fi ght back and deserve it. He’s after the turn eff ectively ended his chances of a Championship on Saturday. The 26-year-old world closer than many would have “People that understand the pool cheque, said: “It’s the biggest been leading all year and it’s good second Dunlop Phoenix title after his 2014 win. number 114 produced a flawless display at the predicted, the world champi- game will know that Scotland day of my career for sure. for him to fi nish it off .” Japan’s world number four revived his round with Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, comprising ons’ coach, Steve Hansen, was played particularly well, and “The emotions were diffi cult Rahm, who is expected to move three birdies on the back nine but another bogey eight birdies and 10 pars to surge up the leader- satisfi ed with their days work. they’ll know they’ve beaten on me because I don’t trust com- to No4 when the new world rank- at the 17th saw him drop out of a share of second board. “I thought it was a great Australia this year and this puters, so even when everything ings are released on Monday, did and he finished fifth on 10-under after a 69. Kaufman’s dazzling round gave her a 54-hole ag- game of football, I thought was their fi rst loss at home in had fi nished, it was so diffi cult most of his scoring over the last Koepka’s maiden major triumph in June came on gregate of 206, putting her in a four-way tie for the Scotland really stood up and the last fi ve games. to get up or down. Then I felt for 45 holes, in which he was 18-un- the back of a late surge at Erin Hills but there was lead at 10 under. However, Kaufman, whose best were counted and, in return, “That tells you they’re not a Justin a lot, because I’d see him der par. The 23-year-old Spaniard no need for anything spectacular on the back nine performance this year was a share of sixth place at so did we,” he told reporters. bad side.” when he came in. But he was so said: “I think more than proving yesterday after he started the day with a four- the Marathon Classic in July, can expect a strong “Test matches are called Hansen said that the game gracious and that shows a lot to anybody else, it’s proving to stroke lead and made a sizzling start. challenge from her rivals. test matches because they’re a should serve as a reminder just about his character. myself that I belong here. I think Birdies on his first two holes and another at the Michelle Wie, Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn and test of your mental resolve and how competitive world rugby Rose was left scratching his that was more important. par-five seventh took the 27-year-old well clear of Norway’s Suzann Pettersen are also on 10 under skill. Both teams contributed to has become. head after the fi nish after playing “I can’t tell you what hap- the field at the turn, and bogeys at the 10th and 17th heading into the final round. a fi ne match, and we’re happy “Everyone back home was brilliant golf for three-and-half pened on the fi rst 27 holes. It’s were off set by a shot picked up at the 13th and his Wie, who only recently returned after a two-month because we came out on top.” telling us how they were get- days. not like I played bad. It’s just I eagle-three on the 18th. layoff following an emergency appendectomy, Hansen said there was nev- ting bored with us being dom- “I did hit the wall a bit today. felt like every mistake I made, The former European Tour regular had made made her move with a six-under-par 66 featuring er any doubt that the hosts inant. Well, they’ll have to go Front nine was beautiful. I was every bad shot, led to a bogey retaining a title one of his goals for the year and seven birdies and one bogey. would make a game of it, de- away and have a cup of tea and playing great golf and I felt in which is going to be costly here.” spite the fact that Scotland think about that,” he said. Gulf Times Monday, November 20, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Islanders deny Lightning comeback Curry leads Golden for third straight win

By Arthur Staple they’re doing, trying to sneak Newsday into open space. We did well, we got the big saves when we needed them too.” or the second Saturday Thomas Greiss made 36 Warriors fi ghtback in a row, the Island- saves, but Tampa struck twice ers went on the road to on a couple breakdowns in a face one of the top two 13-second span to cut the Isles teamsF in the league and came lead to 4-2 at 3:26 of the third. away with a win. Weight called time out and If there’s a statement to be demonstrably explained to his made after their 5-3 win over players what they needed to be the league-leading Lightning, doing. “He was just telling us aft er Sixers blitz it’s this: 19 games in, the Is- what we needed to hear,” said landers can beat anyone. Josh Bailey, who had his third ‘They played well in the first quarter so you’ve got to credit them’ “It could be a game that three-assist game of the sea- takes your team to new levels, son. “Everybody was calm, he as long as you learn from it, was just trying to get his point grow with confi dence from it,” across.” Islanders coach Doug Weight “We’ve had a hell of a game, said. “I think every game is a we’ve done good things, now test, really. But we go into St. we just need to settle down,” Louis, where they were on a Weight recalled of what he 9-0-1 run (and win 5-2), then said – and also that assistant we come here with a team coach Kelly Buchberger con- that’s really ripping through vinced him to call the timeout. the league and we play a really “Don’t get fl at-footed, don’t solid game.” start slapping at pucks. And It was a truly stellar per- we had 3-4 shifts after that to formance from the Islanders, help us get back on track.” at least for the fi rst 42 min- Yanni Gourde scored with utes. Anders Lee’s second of 3:36 to go to make it even a the night from his offi ce, right tighter squeeze, but the Is- in front of the opposing net, on landers were strong once the the power play made it 4-0 Is- Lightning pulled its goal- landers at 1:05 of the third. tender. Tampa had its chances and Bailey picked off Stamkos’ certainly looked at times every pass and Cizikas fed Tavares bit the team that has started for the clinching empty-net- this season 15-2-2, but the Is- ter, part of a three-point night landers were a step ahead for for the captain. most the fi rst two periods. There was little time to sa- Stepping into passing lanes, vour this one, with a 5 p.m. making the Lightning turn and start in Raleigh coming on retrieve and defend rather than Sunday. But the Isles have get moving with their amazing beaten the Lightning and Blues speed and skill up the ice. on the road in the last seven “We certainly knew that any days and that is worth some- mistake you make and they’ve thing. “We just know what got two guys behind you, so type of game we need to play to we were aggressive,” said An- beat these teams,” Lee said. drew Ladd, who whipped John “When we struggle, we Tavares’ pass behind Andrei know why we’re struggling Vasilevskiy just 51 seconds in and what we need to do to fi x to get things going. it. There’s a diff erent feeling in With Cal Clutterbuck side- the room between periods in lined by a stomach bug, Weight these games.” shuffl ed his forward lines to spread out some of his more RESULTS positionally responsible play- Islanders ...... 5 Lightning ...... 3 Stephen Curry (right) of the Golden State Warriors drives against Dario Saric of the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half of their NBA game at Wells Fargo Centre in Philadelphia, ers. Ladd, Casey Cizikas and Blackhawks ...... 2 Penguins ...... 1 Pennsylvania. (Getty Images/AFP) Josh Ho-Sang got a lot of time Capitals ...... 3 Wild ...... 1 against the Vlad Namestnikov- Hurricanes ...... 3 Sabres ...... 1 AFP However Steve Kerr’s men three-pointers, which gave them ing for the Sixers with 23 points bounds. The Houston Rockets Steven Stamkos-Nikita Kuch- Maple Leafs ...... 6 Canadiens ...0 came roaring back after half- momentum, especially at home. while Joel Embiid had 21 points. meanwhile remained on top of erov line and that trio, which Predators ...... 5 Avalanche .....2 time, and with Curry and Kevin “The second half, at the be- Four other Sixers players – Dario the Western Conference stand- had combined for 88 points Flames ...... 5 Flyers ...... 4 (OT) Durant to the fore, put up their ginning of the third quarter we Saric, Robert Covington, J.J. ings at 13-4, one game ahead of coming in, was shut out for just Stars ...... 6 Oilers ...... 3 tephen Curry scored 35 own 47-point quarter in the got some stops and that allowed Redick and Timothe Luwawu- the Warriors, after beating the the second time this season. Coyotes ...... 3 Senators 2 (OT) points as the Golden third. our off ense to take over. We ex- Cabarrot made double fi gures. Memphis Grizzlies 105-83. “It’s a challenge to face a line Kings ...... 4 Panthers ...... 0 State Warriors bounced Curry rattled in 20 points ecuted better.” The Warriors improved to 12-4 James Harden led the Houston going that well,” Ladd said. Jets ...... 5 Devils ...... 2 back from a disastrous alone in the third quarter as the with the win while the Sixers fell scoring with 29 points while four “All fi ve guys on the ice with Blues ...... 4 Canucks 3 (OT) fiS rst half performance to over- Warriors erased a 22-point Six- ‘They bullied us’ to 8-7. other Rockets players made dou- them have to be aware of what Bruins ...... 3 Sharks ...... 1 power the Philadelphia 76ers ers lead and quickly accelerated Klay Thompson (17), Zaza Pa- Elsewhere Saturday, the Bos- ble fi gures. 124-116 on Saturday. clear of their rivals. chulia (10) and David West (14) ton Celtics maintained their The Los Angeles Clippers were Curry erupted in a one-sided By the end of the third, the also chipped in with double- blistering form with a 15th unable to break free of their form third quarter for the Warriors Warriors had raced into a 99-89 fi gure tallies. straight victory, downing the slump however, crashing to an after the Sixers had stunned the lead, a comfortable buff er they Warriors power forward Dray- Atlanta Hawks 110-99. eighth straight loss in their 102- reigning NBA champions with never looked like relinquishing mond Green praised the way his Kyrie Irving scored 30 points 87 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. an astonishing 47-point fi rst throughout the fourth. team responded to the early on- and forward Jaylen Brown added Kemba Walker had a game- quarter display at Philadelphia’s Curry fi nished with 35 points, slaught. 27 as the Celtics improved to 15-2 high 26 points for Charlotte, Wells Fargo Centre. The points fi ve rebounds and fi ve assists, “They came out and punched to head the Eastern Conference. with Dwight Howard adding 16 haul was the most the Warriors while Durant weighed in with 27 us in the mouth but we were able Boston’s current winning and Nicolas Batum 12. have conceded in a single quarter points fi ve rebounds and three to weather the storm,” Green streak is the fi fth-longest in since giving up 48 points in the assists. said. franchise history, putting them RESULTS fourth quarter of a game against “They played well in the fi rst “First half they bullied us. within sight of the club record of Celtics ...... 110 Hawks ...... 99 Portland in November 1992. quarter so you’ve got to credit We gave no resistance, they got 19 set in 2008. Warriors ...... 124 76ers ...... 116 The Sixers led 47-28 after the them,” Curry said afterward.” whatever they wanted. In the Irving went 10-for-12 from Rockets ...... 105 Grizzlies ...... 83 fi rst period and extended their “Sometimes when you get third quarter we made some the fi eld, including fi ve three- Hornets ...... 102 Clippers ...... 87 lead to 74-52 at the break, leav- down like that it’s not all our stops, Steph got hot and we pointers, with fi ve assists and Mavericks ...... 111 Bucks ...... 79 New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (No 13) and Tampa Bay ing the Warriors staring at a po- fault. We helped them a little bit started playing like ourselves.” four rebounds. Brown made four Trail Blazers ...102 Kings ...... 90 Lightning center Vladislav Namestnikov look to control the puck tential blowout loss. with some turnovers and easy Ben Simmons led the scor- three-pointers, and had four re- Jazz ...... 125 Magic ...... 85 in the first period at Amalie Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

SPOTLIGHT Doc Rivers calls out Clippers aft er latest loss By Broderick Turner “No, it wasn’t up for com- and 14 rebounds. “The fi lm Los Angeles Times ment,” Rivers said. don’t lie. If it is that, we’ll see it. “It’s just what I saw. We’ll get At the end of the day, we still got it right. We’re just going to keep to fi nd a way to win. he words and phrases plugging away. “One, we can’t play like that, that fl owed from Los “You could see both teams if it is like that. And then two, if Angeles Clippers coach were struggling and the team it is, we’ve got to fi nd a way to fi x Doc Rivers’ mouth fol- that hung together was going to that (mess).” Tlowing his team’s eighth con- win and I thought it was them. I Blake Griffi n appeared frus- secutive loss Saturday night thought we came apart. trated, complaining about calls were not complimentary in the “I can take losing poorly if we that didn’t go his way and every least. play right. I just didn’t think we little slight he perceived, though He called the 102-87 loss to played right tonight.” somehow he avoided a technical the equally struggling Charlotte Both teams were playing foul. Hornets “a bad one.” He called back-to-back games, so the After he fi nished with 19 out his players for “individual Clippers couldn’t use that as an points on six-for-17 shooting, play” and being “selfi sh” as the excuse. Kemba Walker didn’t Griffi n was asked how they get Clippers lost for the 10th time slow down, scoring 26 points out of this rut. in 11 games, and the Hornets and handing out six assists for “We’ve been in basketball snapped their six-game losing Charlotte. Dwight Howard was enough to know the ups and the streak. a force, producing 16 points and downs,” Griffi n said. He called out his team for 16 rebounds. “Everything that happens falling apart in the fourth quar- Lou Williams stayed the through the course of the sea- ter when the Clippers stood a course for the Clippers, lead- son. We’re banged up right now. chance of winning. ing them in scoring with 25 off If you look at all these games “This was the fi rst game that I the bench. So the question pre- that we lost, not that it helps any wasn’t happy as a coach,” Rivers sented to DeAndre Jordan: Were or changes our record, but you said, adding that his evaluation the Clippers all the things Rivers could make a point that we’ve of the team’s eff ort wasn’t up for implied? been in all but two with un- discussion with his players after “I’m locked in the game, but if der three minutes or so. There they got outscored 29-16 in the it’s that, we got to change that,” are little things that we have to LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers (right) talks with referee Michael Smith during the second-half of the NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets fourth quarter. said Jordan, who had 10 points change the course of the game.” at Spectrum Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Monday, November 20, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar, Japan sign deal to import, export race horses Agencies a part of this new venture. Japan- Tokyo, Japan bred horses are now among the strongest and fastest in the world, with the sport ranking as one atar and Japan signed of the top four in the country. an agreement for im- Working with Japan is one of the port and export of race many undertakings that will es- horses between the two tablish Qatar as a leader in the countries.Q trade of an exquisite calibre of race The agreement was signed by horses across the globe,” QREC Hussain Jibril al-Yahrri, head of chairman Issa bin Mohammed Quarantine at Qatar’s Ministry of al-Mohannadi said. Municipality and Environment, This agreement is the fruition Department of Animal Resources of several months of discussions and Norio Kumagai, director of between Qatari and Japanese au- Animal Health Division of the thorities under the diligent guid- Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, ance of QREC and the Japan Racing Forestry and Fishery (MAFF), Association. Food Safety and Consumer Aff airs “By signing this agreement, Qa- Bureau. tar takes another leap in nurtur- The agreement was signed in ing our international partnerships the presence of several dignitaries globally. We take great pleasure in from both the countries, includ- this newly facilitated opportunity ing Abdulla Jassim al-Zeyara, con- that will see racehorses being im- sul of the Qatar Embassy in Japan, ported and exported mutually be- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club tween the two countries. This will (QREC) general manager Nasser make headway for both Japan and Sherida al-Kaabi, Japan’s Animal Qatar when it comes to horse rac- Health Division director Kazui Ito. ing on an international platform,” Head of Quarantine at Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality and Environment Hussain Jibril al-Yahrri (left) and Norio Kumagai, director of Animal Health Division of the Japan’s Ministry “It is a great honour for us to be al-Kaabi said. of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery (MAFF), Food Safety and Consumer Aff airs Bureau pose after signing the agreement.

CYCLING MOTORSPORT Qatar-based Frijns fi nishes strong Sutton faces tough as Oliphant wins

Agencies move. It feels great to take fi rst Manama and second place this week- end and puts me in a strong position going into Round 2 in ritish driver Tom Oli- Dubai.” road ahead to get phant took the second Speaking after Race 2, race of the Porsche Charlie Frijns of Qatar said: GT3 Cup Challenge “This weekend was not my MiddleB East Season 9 in one weekend unfortunately. I had of the most intense battles another slow start today and for fi rst place ever seen in the was having problems getting series. into my usual rhythm. I always Starting from fourth on the knew that it was going to be Chinese on track grid at Bahrain International tough coming up against the Circuit today, Oliphant deliv- drivers in the Gold category ‘It’s like the football is here in England. The money there is in the provinces, so they ered a masterclass in overtak- this season, who have been ing as he passed all three driv- performing well and driving want to ride for the provinces in the China Games, the rewards are massive’ ers ahead of him in a show of across the summer. Fortu- persistence and patience. nately for me we have another AFP The British driver success- 10 races so there is plenty of Manchester, United Kingdom fully challenged Charlie Frijns time to put this right. I am of Qatar at the fi rst turn while happy for my father who fi n- simultaneously fending off ished on the podium in the hane Sutton, the newly- Saudi driver Fahad Algosaibi. Bronze category – he drove appointed head of Chi- He then took off in pursuit of well and collected some vital na’s pro- Al Faisal Al Zubair of Oman in points for our team.” gramme, admits he faces second and Zaid Ashkanani of After the race Walter Lech- aS diffi cult task to change the cul- Kuwait in fi rst. ner, the owner of Lechner ture within the national squad if Clocking the fastest laps Racing, and founder and man- they are to enjoy success at the of the race early on, Oliphant ager of the Porsche GT3 Cup Tokyo Olympic Games. ended up bumper-to-bumper Challenge Middle East said: The 60-year-old Australian, with the top two for fi ve solid “It has been an action-packed considered one of the key fi gures laps before he took advantage weekend here in Bahrain and behind the triumphs enjoyed by of mistakes made by both on the perfect way to launch the Great Britain in track and road the exact same corner. new season and new Porsche cycling in recent years, took the Qatar-residents, Charlie GT3 Cup car to the Middle position as head track coach and Rob Frijns were among the East. This weekend’s races with the Chinese Cycling Asso- 17-strong grid for Race 2. The have shown that there are ciation late last month. father and son team, who have many diff erent drivers able to It was his fi rst job since leav- featured in the championship challenge for the podium in ing his post as technical director for more than fi ve consecutive each category, and that is ex- of the Great Britain cycling team seasons, had a tough weekend actly what we want. before the Rio Olympic Games, on the track. “Both races were intense, after former sprinter Jess Var- Charlie started from third but remained clean and fair nish accused him of sexism and on the grid in Race 1 and 2, throughout which is a testa- discrimination. but struggled to start well and ment to the level of skill these Coincidentally, Sutton’s fi rst keep that podium place. Fa- drivers have. Myself and the competition in charge of the ther Rob saw his second race team are happy to have Sea- Chinese squad came in Man- take him to third spot on the son 9 of the championship chester, where British Cycling Bronze category podium. underway and look forward to have their headquarters, in a UCI Commenting on his fi rst resuming the action in Dubai World Cup meeting. win in the championship, on the 8th and 9th December.” Sutton took a young, develop- Tom Oliphant said: “That is Season 9 sees drivers hail- mental squad with him to Man- Shane Sutton took the position as head track coach with the Chinese Cycling Association late last month. my fi rst win ever in a Porsche, ing from Germany, Great chester and concedes changing so to say I’m over the moon Britain, Netherlands, Sweden the attitude of Chinese riders want to ride for the provinces in as the Japanese who just want to they want to come back now.” suit and 4:42 for the women,” he is an understatement. I woke as well as returning and new will be his biggest challenge as the China Games, the rewards be in keirin but now with Tokyo China’s only gold track cycling said. “Within two weeks we got up this morning feeling con- local stars from the Middle he looks to help the nation im- are massive. they’ll take a bit more interest.” medal at an Olympics a 4:10 for the men and a 4:31 for fi dent, like this was more of a East region representing Bah- prove on their record of only ever “So they’re not really interest- Sutton will divide his time to date came in Rio when the the women – massive gains. race that I could win than the rain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and having won one Olympic track ed in the national side of things, between Europe and , as pair of Gong Jinjie and Zhong “They need strategy and the one last night. Kuwait. gold medal. so we need to change that cul- well as basing some of his riders Tianshi won the women’s team technique, the feel, you can’t “I don’t know why, but I The Porsche GT3 Cup Chal- He admitted his planning had ture. We picked about 40 riders in the more track-centric Euro- sprint. just go and blast off the line. knew that the extra heat dur- lenge Middle East consists of been interrupted by his riders’ to come to the national centre pean countries. Results at Sutton’s fi rst World “When I fi rst saw them I ing the day would help the six race weekends with 12 rac- wish to concentrate on the Na- to train and about three to six After leading Britain to huge Cup meeting last weekend were thought ‘bloody hell!’ But we tyres and I would be quick. I let es over a period of six months. tional Games of China, the do- turned up, they’re just not success in the 2012 Olympics, he modest - Guo Yufang and Song get them to understand the de- Al Faisal and Ashkanani fi ght The championship will mestic multi-sport event which interested.” admits the prospect of preparing Chaorui fi nished in the top eight mands of the event and see the ahead of me as I knew I had to resume at the Dubai Auto- took place in Henan in August a raw, but talented China team of the women’s time trial and diff erence in a couple of weeks.” be patient before I made my drome on December 8 and 9. and September. ‘I thought bloody hell!’ for the Tokyo Games in 2020 has Wang Xiaofei came seventh in Sutton has signed a contract “That’s their Olympics, they “But we’ll change that over a huge appeal for him. the women’s omnium. with the Chinese federation to don’t care about anything else,” time. It’s just a matter of getting “Tokyo will be a big draw for The veteran coach, though, carry him through until the 2020 Sutton said in Manchester this some decent results and show- riders,” said Sutton. has seen encouraging signs. Olympics although he revealed week.“It’s like the football is ing you can progress through the “Already we’ve had signs from “The fi rst week I got to China, that both parties have a get-out here in England. The money national squad as well. a few of the riders we originally we did a 4:16 (four minutes, 16 clause after a year should the ap- there is in the provinces, so they “It’s a bit of the same culture picked from the provinces that seconds) for the men’s team pur- pointment not be working.

BADMINTON Long beats World No. 1 Axelsen to win

AFP The sixth-seeded Chinese his poor run against the more the year. Fifth seed Yamaguchi 13, 21-15 in 41 minutes. Shanghai emerged from a see-saw battle experienced Chen, 28, who has had been favourite against the 21-16, 14-21, 21-13 in Fuzhou, now won eight of their nine 19-year-old Gao, who miracu- Results getting the better of the world meetings. lously reached the fi nal having Finals lympic champion champion and top seed in 72 en- It was Chen’s fi rst China Open never previously won a Supers- Men Chen Long delighted grossing minutes. crown since 2013. There was to eries main-draw match. Chen Long (CHN x6) bt Viktor the home crowd as The 23-year-old Axelsen has be no Chinese fairytale however It all proved too much for the Axelsen (DEN x1) 21-16, 14-21, he defeated world had a superb year, winning the in the women’s decider. teenager on the day, even with 21-13 numberO one Viktor Axelsen of world title and becoming the Japan’s beat the backing of the noisy home Women Denmark to win the China Open leading fi gure in the men’s game. Chinese qualifi er Gao Fangjie to crowd, with the 20-year-old Akane Yamaguchi (JPN x5) bt Rob Frijns celebrates on the podium after finishing third in race two for a fourth time yesterday. But Sunday’s defeat extends win her fi rst Superseries title of Yamaguchi coming through 21- Gao Fangjie (CHN) 21-13, 21-15 of the round one of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. Gulf Times Monday, November 20, 2017 7 SPORT

CYCLING TENNIS Whateley wins Air Maroc League second stage Dimitrov downs By Sports Reporter Doha Goffi n for ATP om Whateley of Team Velostar won the category A race of the second stage of Air Maroc League, spon- sored by Royal Air Maroc, on Friday Tat Dukhan. Tour Finals crown Whateley clocked 2:12:02 to win ahead of second-placed Qatari cyclist Mohamed al- Agencies Farizi. Fred Watson from Velostar fi nished London third after the 86km race during which every rider was supposed to fi nish two laps. Velostar’s John Hancock was fi rst with a rigor Dimitrov won the big- timing of 1:47:50 in the 66km category B. gest title of his career when he Andrew Tangonan from Pinoy Roadies Qa- beat Belgium’s David Goffi n tar fi nished second and Walberto Dela Cruz 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 to win the ATP third. GWorld Tour Finals on his debut yester- Zaid Hamza from Qatar national jun- day. ior team won the category C (46km) race The Bulgarian became the fi rst deb- (1:23:52). Saeed al-Kuwari and Ronald Ba- utant to win the season-ending cham- lorio from PCCQ were second and third, pionships since Alex Corretja in 1998. respectively. Dimitrov went 5-0 in the tourna- In the women’s category, Julie Melville of ment to lift his fourth title this year, AndyBrownProRacing won gold with a tim- and eighth overall. ing of 32:24.5. Jennifer Gibbons and Carmel He will climb to number three in the Lord both from AndyBrownProRacing fi n- world and the London win will earn him ished second and third respectively. USD 2.5mn and 1500 ranking points. Kathrine Gomez of TriClub Doha fi n- ished the race in 37:03.6 to emerge as win- KONTINEN AND PEERS RETAIN ner of the women’s category B. Carmel Lord DOUBLES CROWN from AndyBrownProRacing claimed the Tom Whateley (centre) lifts the winner’s trophy as second-placed Mohamed al-Farizi (second from left) of Qatar and Finland’s Henri Kontinen and Austral- second position and Helena Corby clinched third-placed Fred Watson (second from right) look on during the podium ceremony for the second stage of Air Maroc ian partner John Peers won the doubles third place. League in Dukhan on Friday. title at the ATP Finals for the second year running when they beat world number one duo Lukasz Kubot and FOCUS Marcelo Melo 6-4 6-2 yesterday. Kontinen and Peers lost their opening round-robin match but went on to become the fi rst pair to win back- to-back titles at the season-ender since Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan in 2003-2004. control. They lost only one point on It was the fi fth title of the year for fi rst serve throughout the 70-minute Kontinen and Peers, including their contest. Federer expects fi rst grand slam triumph together at the Poland’s Kubot and Brazil’s Melo, Australian Open. who beat Kontinen and Peers in the Kontinen and Peers looked danger- Wimbledon semi-fi nals before win- ous from the start and once they man- ning the title, never looked like forcing great things from aged the fi rst break at 2-2 they took their way back into the match. returning trio ‘It’s a challenge because you’ve got to be extremely patient yet positive’

Reuters for me and Rafa.” London Twelve-times grand slam cham- pion Djokovic (elbow) and three- times major winners Murray (hip) oger Federer expects great and Wawrinka (knee) have not played things from the likes of No- competitively since July. Finland’s Henri Kontinen and Australia’s John Peers celebrate winning the doubles vak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic were final against Poland’s Lukasz Kubot and Brazil’s Marcelo Melo at the ATP World and Andy Murray when they also missing from the ATP Finals this Tour Finals in London yesterday. (Reuters) returnR from long injury layoff s at the year, giving the tournament a new start of next season. look with half the eight-man fi eld be- Swiss maestro Federer took the sec- ing fi rst-time qualifi ers. COMMENT ond half of 2016 off to fully recover Federer believes with the returning from a knee and back injuries and re- heavyweights, the likes of Goffi n and turned with a vengeance to win the Grigor Dimitrov and a new wave led by Australian Open and Wimbledon — Alexander Zverev pushing hard, 2018 taking his grand slam total to 19. promises to be a vintage one. Murray doesn’t need Rafael Nadal also made an astonish- “I hope also Kei, Tomas (Berdych) ing comeback from an injury-plagued and Milos all fi nd their way back on 2016 to win the French and US Open Tour and are back in Australia because new coach: Henman titles. that would make it quite epic,” Federer Federer’s staggering year ended in “You’ve always got to expect a slow extremely patient yet positive. Not so said. subdued fashion on Saturday when process. Then if it goes fast, that’s easy, you know, in some instances. “Then you mix them together with the 36-year-old’s hopes of a seventh great,” world number two Federer told “But I expect from the guys who the new guys from the World Tour ATP Finals title were ended by David reporters after losing to Goffi n for only have been extremely high up in the Finals here who have just come off a Goffi n in the semi-fi nals, Federer suc- his fi fth defeat of a year in which he rankings, who have won slams, like great year, obviously are confi dent, cumbing 2-6 6-3 6-4 at the O2 Arena. won seven titles. Stan, Andy and Novak, of course I ex- want to stay in the top 10. Yet he is already looking forward “You take time off , you come back, pect greatness from them. “They are sort of weaving their way with relish to when multiple ma- you’re good again. That’s not how it “When they return at some stage, in. You have the young guys coming jor winners Djokovic, fellow Swiss goes. Coming back is always a chal- not maybe from the very beginning. through. I think it could be a very cool Wawrinka and Britain’s Murray are lenge for the body. It’s a challenge But I wouldn’t be surprised if it worked start to the year, which I’m really look- expected to be back in action. for the team because you’ve got to be out for them as well like it worked out ing forward to.”

CRICKET Coach Lehmann calls for Australia

In this January 12, 2014, picture, coach Ivan Lendl (background) watches Andy to get behind Ashes selection Murray plays a shot during a practice session in Melbourne. (AFP)

Reuters slot in the batting order on his eighth AFP years and understands him as well as Sydney recall to the test side. London anyone.” “He’s in good form, so he’ll do well,” Henman paid tribute to the role Lehmann added. “He’s pretty calm. Lendl played in boosting Murray’s ca- ustralia coach Darren Le- “He’s grown up a lot in the last ndy Murray doesn’t need to reer, which has been on hold since the hmann defended the squad few years and played some important hire a new coach following his former world number one’s Wimble- selection for the Ashes knocks for us. He’s really confi dent latest split with Ivan Lendl, don quarter-fi nal defeat to Sam Quer- opener yesterday and urged within himself.” according to former British rey due to a hip injury. formerA players to back the team as Lehmann said also said Australia numberA one Tim Henman. Murray’s enforced period of inac- they prepare to try and wrest the fa- would not be distracted by reports Murray announced he was parting tivity has seen him drop to 16th in the mous urn back from English hands. from England that suspended all- company with Lendl again on Friday world rankings, but he remains focused Spin-bowling great Shane Warne rounder Ben Stokes could be cleared to after two spells together which yielded on returning at the Australian Open in was among the former players who play a part in the series by police this three Grand Slam titles and two Olym- January. questioned decision to include wick- week. pic singles golds. “It’s been well documented that etkeeper Tim Paine, while the inclu- Vice captain Stokes has been sus- But Henman, a close friend of Mur- Andy has been having a tough time sion of veteran batsman Shaun Marsh pended since being arrested on suspi- ray’s, believes Jamie Delgado is more with his hip but he had a great couple of also raised a few eyebrows. cion of causing actual bodily harm out- than capable of fi lling in, having served periods with Lendl and I think it’s more Speaking in Brisbane, where the side a Bristol nightclub in September. as a long-term member of the Scot’s about focusing on the positives and the series gets underway at the Gabba A report in Britain’s Daily Telegraph coaching team. things the whole team has learned,” on Thursday, Lehmann justifi ed the said that police would make a decision “With Andy’s experience and Henman said. selections and called for the whole Australian cricket team and let’s get Lehmann added. “He’s a high quality over whether to charge Stokes this knowledge of the game, I wouldn’t “Having seen him train and practice country to support the team. moving forward.” keeper. week, potentially leaving him clear to think he needs to bring another person at Wimbledon quite a lot, he is work- “Everyone is entitled to their opin- Paine, who played the last of his “He’s been in good form with the join the England squad before the sec- into the team,” Henman told BBC Radio ing unbelievably hard and making big ion, aren’t they?” he said. four tests seven years ago, was the gloves, as he always has been, and he ond test in Adelaide. Five Live’s Sportsweek yesterday. strides. “I’d just like all our players, ex- most controversial selection mainly has been very good for us in the T20s.” “We can’t worry about it at the “He’s got Jamie who played to a de- “I think that with still six or seven players, to be really positive about the because he does not even keep wickets Few players are more divisive in moment,” Lehmann said. “For us it’s cent level and did a very good coach- weeks before the season starts, I’m Australian cricket team. Let’s just get for his state Tasmania. Australia than 34-year-old Marsh, more of a case of dealing with the ing job with Gilles Muller fi rst, and has quite confi dent that he is going to be everyone from Australia behind the “We’ve watched him keep a fair bit,” who looks likely to fi ll the number six squad they’ve got here.” been with Andy for a good couple of back ready and raring to go.”

Monday, November 20, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET / IND VS SL, 1ST TEST, DAY 4 ride Rahul-Dhawan stand to surge ahead ‘We’re going to be positive tomorrow, try to make a match of it. We’re going to go for it’ No dressing room help for Reuters Perera, says Sri Lanka Kolkata AFP he heard Rangana Herath in- Kolkata quire from the on-field umpire peners Shikhar Dhawan and Nigel Llong if Sri Lanka have Lokesh Rahul featured in a rol- any reviews left, to which Mr. licking 166-run stand to help ri Lanka’s cricket board Llong answered in the aff irma- India erase the 122-run lead they yesterday defended tive,” the statement added. hadO conceded to Sri Lanka on the penulti- SDilruwan Perera after “It was then that Dilruwan mate day of the opening Test yesterday. television replays suggested requested the review,” it said. Dhawan threw away his wicket at 94, the batsman looked to the The incident recalled Austral- but Rahul was unbeaten on 73 when bad dressing room during a ian skipper Steve Smith’s light stopped play with the hosts on 171-1. delayed review call in the first infamous “brain fade” moment Cheteshwar Pujara was on two at the Test against India. earlier this year, when he other end with India 49 runs ahead with Perera, who was involved in a looked up to the dressing nine wickets in hand, an impressive fi ght- crucial 43-stand eight-wicket room while reviewing an on- back after being all out for 172 in their fi rst with Rangana Herath, was field call during the innings. adjudged leg before wicket on Test. The hosts had lost the entire top half of nought but following a suc- While Smith said it was a one- their batting order by the time they had cessful challenge stayed on off that happened in the heat accumulated 50 runs in the fi rst innings for a 34-ball five on day four in of the action, Indian skipper but Rahul and Dhawan ensured there was Kolkata. Virat Kohli accused the Aus- no repeat by scoring at nearly four-and- Controversy arose when sies of cheating. half runs an over. Perera started to walk away Sri Lanka said their players are Dhawan was decisive with his footwork after Mohammed Shami’s “respectful and bounden to against the slow bowlers, which he dem- in-dipper hit his pads, then uphold the rules and regula- onstrated with two sixes off Sri Lanka’s began walking back before tions of the ICC (International spin spearhead Rangana Herath. turning around and requesting Cricket Council)”. The left-hander also hit 11 boundaries a review. Herath, whose defiant 67 before rushing out to hit Dasun Shanaka Although the Indian players helped the visitors take a 122- before being caught behind. did not complain, there was run first innings lead, backed “Feeling good and bad both. Of course speculation — including from his teammate after he was it’s disappointing when you’re so close India’s Shikhar Dhawan (right) plays a shot as Sri Lanka’s Sadeera Samarawickrama looks on during the fourth day’s play of the first Test television commentators — drawn into the drama from the to the century and miss out. But we’ve at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, yesterday. (AFP) that he had received advice non-strikers end. made a game of this, so I’m happy,” said from the Sri Lankan dressing “I was asking for review (from) Dhawan. claimed four wickets apiece, combined to room. umpire Nigel Llong, maybe “We’re going to be positive tomorrow dismiss Herath with the former taking the Players are not allowed to Dilruwan also heard that and and try to make a match of it. We’re going catch after the batsman had sliced Kumar receive outside input while chal- after that he asked for it. I did to go for it,” the left-hander added. to backward point. lenging an umpire’s decision. not call him back, I was asking Rahul was his elegant self at the other “Contrary to the assumptions for a review, that’s all,” said end as the right-hander registered his SCORECARD made, there was no ‘mes- Herath. ninth 50-plus score in his last 11 Test in- INDIA 1st innings 172 all out sage from the dressing room’ Indian paceman Bhuvneshwar nings, which included eight crisp bounda- SRI LANKA 1st innings (o/n 165-4) involved in the requested Kumar played down the ries. S. Samarawickrama c Saha b Kumar 23 review,” Sri Lanka Cricket said incident, saying that his team Earlier, Sri Lanka were dismissed for D. Karunaratne lbw b Kumar 8 in a statement. players were busier celebrat- 294 in their fi rst innings after number nine L. Thirimanne c Kohli b Yadav 51 “Having mistakenly assumed ing than looking at Perera. batsman Herath top-scored for the tour- A. Mathews c Rahul b Yadav 52 that Sri Lanka were out of The visitors are seeking their ists with a defi ant 67. D. Chandimal c Saha b Shami 28 reviews, Dilruwan Perera had first Test win on Indian soil in Paceman Mohamed Shami, who bowled N. Dickwella c Kohli b Shami 35 turned to leave the field when the three-match series. without success on Saturday, claimed D. Shanaka lbw b Kumar 0 four wickets, including that of overnight D. Perera c Saha b Shami 5 batsmen Niroshan Dickwella and Dinesh R. Herath c Shami b Kumar 67 Chandimal, in a fi ne display of seam bowl- S. Lakmal b Shami 16 ing to curb Sri Lanka’s progress. L Gamage 0 Dilruwan Perera featured in a review Extras (b4, lb4, w1) 9 drama after being adjudged lbw to Shami. Total (all out, 83.4 overs) 294 The batsman appeared to be on his way Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Karunaratne), 2-34 back to the dressing room when he sud- (Samarawickrama), 3-133 (Thirimanne), denly turned around to challenge the deci- 4-138 (Mathews), 5-200 (Dickwella), 6-201 sion, which was overturned as the point of (Shanaka), 7-201 (Chandimal), 8-244 (Per- impact was found to be marginally outside era), 9-290 (Herath), 10-294 (Lakmal) the stumps. Bowling: Kumar 27-5-88-4, Shami 26.3-5- Shami had the last laugh though, as he 100-4, Yadav 20-1-79-2 (w1), Ashwin 8-2-13- dismissed Perera caught behind for fi ve. 0, Kohli 1.1-0-5-0, Jadeja 1-0-1-0 Conditions on the fi rst two days of the pace-dominated contest meant Herath INDIA 2nd innings had a very limited role with the ball and L. Rahul not out 73 India’s Lokesh Rahul (right) blocks the ball after playing a shot on fourth day of the first the spinner made his mark with the bat S. Dhawan c Dickwella b Shanaka 94 Test against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, yesterday. (AFP) instead, frustrating the hosts with his C. Pujara not out 2 India’s Mohamed Shami (left) celebrates the wicket of Sri Lanka’s dogged resistance. Extras (nb1, w1) 2 Fall of wickets: 1-166 (Dhawan) 47-0 (nb1), Shanaka 9.3-1-29-1 (w1), Perera Dilruwan Perera yesterday. (AFP) Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who Total (1 wicket, 39.3 overs) 171 Bowling: Lakmal 8-0-29-0, Gamage 9-0- 10-1-41-0, Herath 3-0-25-0

IBSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS CRICKET Sarkhosh, Asif survive Afghanistan win U-19 Asia Cup scare; Jans continues run

By Sports Reporter Doha

ran’s Amir Sarkhosh rallied from a 2-3 defi cit to edge out Omar Balsara of the United States 4-3 on the second day of IBSF World Snooker Championship at IAl Arabi Sports Club Indoor Hall yesterday. Sarkhosh was leading two frames to none when Balsara notched the next three frames for the lead. However, Sarkhosh did well to win the next two frames to edge out his rival. ’s Mohamed Asif, the 2012 cham- pion, too faced a rally from India’s E Pan- durangaiah in the second session of the day. Asif looked set for a victory with a 3-0 lead, but it all changed in the fourth when the Indian 26-year-old blanked his oppo- Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh (left) and Pakistan’s Mohamed Asif. (IBSF) nent in the fourth frame courtesy a 55-point break before notching the next two frames to shaisha and Abdul Mohsin, who are playing in breaks in total three frames she played. Afghanistan players celebrate their win in the ACC U-19 Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. (ACC) restore parity. the Masters category, posted wins. First frame saw 47 and 34, followed by 43 Asif, however, scored a 50-point break Brazil’s Igor Figueiredo set a new high- and 65 in last two. Her opponent Pui Ying IANS Pakistan were all out for just 63 and the wickets kept tumbling in and picked up a 4-3 win. est break of the competition by crafting 136 Chu couldn’t even reach into double-digit Kuala Lumpur runs in 22.1 overs with Mujeeb quick succession. Last year’s runner-up Andrew Pagett of against Mohamed Faaris Kahn of South Af- scores in any frame and faltered against Zadran returning brilliant fig- With the pressure of the fi nal Wales struggled in the third frame against rica. In third session of the day, Figueiredo Jans’ exceptionally high-quality game. ures of 5 for 13, according to an bogging them down, as many Josh Gorski of Australia before fi nally clos- beat Kahn 4-0, armed with breaks of 62, 63, Two-time fi nalist Anastasia Nechaeva fghanistan beat Pa- International Cricket Council as nine Pakistan batsmen failed ing the game 4-1. 136 and 64. of Russia beat India’s Varshaa Sanjeev 3-1, kistan by 185 runs to (ICC) release. to reach double fi gures, and Af- Qatar’s Bashar Abdulmajeed won his sec- Syria’s Abdulmajid Maksoud was dis- while two-time champion, Ng On Yee of clinch their maiden The early wobble triggered ghanistan wrapped up the tail ond straight match in the tournament, with qualifi ed from his match against India’s Hong Kong, did well to edge out another In- Under-19 Asia Cup panic in the Pakistan camp and with ease to score a win. a 4-2 win over Welshman Matthew Roberts, Laxman Rawat after the referee caught him dian Arantxa Sanchis 3-2. cricketA title at the Kinrara Acad- the Afghanistan bowlers took full Earlier, sent in to bat, Af- while compatriot Ahmed Seif blanked Mo- smoking cigarettes while on a toilet break. However, Vidya Pillai and Amee Kamani emy Oval here yesterday. advantage of the situation. ghanistan posted 248 for 7 with roccan Rafi i Amrou 4-0. On the women’s side of the game, six-time registered 3-0 victories over two Austral- Riding on an unbeaten 107 Leg spinner Qais Ahmad Rahmanullah Gurbaz (40) and Rest of the local players in the Men’s cate- champion Wendy Jans of Belgium turned into ians, Caroline Ruscitti and Belinda Ngo re- from Ikram Ali, Afghanistan chipped in with 3 for 18 in six Ibrahim Zadran (36) scoring gory had to suff er losses, even as Mohsen Buk- break machine this morning and posted four spectively. posted 248 for 7. In response, overs to lend support to Mujeeb, handsomely.