SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 05 We’re not the best team in the Coach Eddie Jones insists world. We’ve got an opportunity England side’s focus would RUGBY FOOTBALL to play in a game when we can remain intact after they World Cup, second : Liverpool prove we are and that’s the only defeated New Zealand in semi-final: Wales vs vs Tottenham; Man United

thing we’re concerned with. Rugby World Cup semi-final. ACTION vs Norwich City

South Africa TODAY’S England stun All Blacks to reach final

AFP YOKOHAMA FROM LEFT: England’s scrum- half celebrates with ‘End of the World’ Fly-half George Ford led the way Henry Slade, and as England ended New Zealand’s fly-half George Ford during the eight-year reign as champions Rugby World Cup semi-final Semi-final defeat with a superb 19-7 World Cup against New Zealand , yesterday. semi-final win in Yokohama yesterday. shocks New Zealand Ford, restored at 10 by coach Eddie Jones, took over goal- AFP “If they (the All Blacks) can kicking duties after England WELLINGTON get out of this it will be a hell of captain took a an effort,” Donald, who kicked knock but he landed four penalty The All Blacks’ World Cup semi- the match-winning penalty in attempts after Manu Tuilagi final defeat stunned New the 2011 final and is now a tele- stunned the All Blacks with an Zealand yesterday as dreams of vision pundit, said during the early try. a third consecutive crown were live broadcast of the match. This was just England’s eighth crushed by a superior England The Herald, looking for a win in 42 Tests against New side. reason why things went wrong, Zealand and meant the All Blacks “End of the World! All Blacks said the decision to start Scott had lost their first World Cup stunned by incredible English,” Barrett at blindside flanker was match since a shock 2007 said the New Zealand Herald. “a gamble that didn’t work”. But quarter-final defeat by France. England’s 19-7 victory in most New Zealand media England’s first World Cup win Yokohama ended an incredible accepted that England were just over the two-time defending 18-match unbeaten run in World too good. champions puts them into their side coached by Jones in the final, fly-half following the 40-16 England made several more Cup games for the All Blacks, Herald columnist Gregor fourth final -- just four years after will now face the winners of quarter-final win over Australia, early visits to New Zealand’s 22 who had reigned supreme since Paul credited England with their embarrassing first-round today’s match between South moving Farrell to inside centre. only for their own errors to cost defeating Tonga at the start of reducing “the world’s best exit on home soil. Africa and Wales in next week’s Before kick-off England, unu- them the chance of further the 2011 tournament. attacking side to a somewhat “Our best form of attack is our showpiece clash. sually, lined up in an inverted ‘V’ points. New Zealand betting dishevelled looking, uncertain defence. We create opportunities Their victory ended the formation, crossing the half-way Underhill, who had a try agencies had installed the All mis-mash of frantic bad ideas”. through our defence to attack,” tenure of All Blacks coach Steve line as the All Blacks performed against New Zealand last year Blacks as overwhelming Stuff.co.nz website rugby said England coach Eddie Jones, Hansen, who is stepping down their traditional pre-match haka. controversially disallowed, went favourites to beat England and correspondent Marc Hinton said: who has masterminded the after overseeing a sensational run And there were fewer than over in the 25th minute but win the World Cup final in Japan. “New Zealanders have to admit turnaround. when they lost only 10 of 106 two minutes on the clock when referee Nigel Owens correctly Research company Gemba it. The Poms were “I’d like to pay the greatest Tests. England scored a brilliant team ruled out the score for crossing Insights had suggested the magnificent.” compliment to New Zealand. “I’m really proud of our team. try. by fellow flanker in nation’s mental health could be Radio New Zealand said the They’ve won two World Cups in They’ve done a tremendous job Fullback made a the build-up. negatively affected by an All All Blacks’ hopes of a third con- a row. They’ve been a really great for their country and tonight we fine break down the right that Ford’s drop goal attempt Blacks loss after recording “a secutive title have been team and we had to dig really just weren’t good enough,” said was carried on by wing Anthony sailed well wide of the right post noticeable rising anxiety” as the “smashed by a superior English deep to beat them.” Hansen. Watson before the ball was but he made no mistake with a team advanced into the squad”. England, world champions in “So we have to take that on worked across field, with hooker 45-metre penalty after a limping knockout stages. Television New Zealand 2003 when they beat an Australia the chin and so does everybody charging forward. Farrell was unable to take the Against a spirited and blamed the “relentless pressure Fly-half George Ford back home and our fans.” - Disallowed tries - Ford then shot. superior England, New Zealand and an unrelenting pace” from England led 10-0 at the break found prop and he England thought they had never looked threatening and England, while Television leads the way as England thanks to Tuilagi’s converted try in turn released Lawes, who took their second try when, following former All Blacks fly-half Stephen Three’s Newshub website said end New Zealand’s and the first of Ford’s penalties the ball to the All Blacks’ line. a drive off an attacking line-out, Donald saw the writing on the the All Blacks were “rocked by eight-year reign as after a superb forward effort led From the ensuing ruck, pow- scrum-half Ben Youngs went wall five minutes into the second an opening assault” and never champions with a superb by locks and erhouse centre Tuilagi -- one of over after selling centre Anton half when England led 10-0. recovered. 19-7 World Cup semi-final saw them dominate England’s try-scorers when they Lienert-Brown a dummy. win in Yokohama. territory and possession. last beat the All Blacks seven But Owens ruled it out for a Another Ford penalty early in years ago -- forced his way knock-on in the maul. the second half made it 13-0 but between guard props Joe Moody Another Ford penalty England’s first World Cup the All Blacks eventually broke a and Nepo Laulala for a fine try. extended the lead but George’s win over the two-time defence coached by former New Farrell converted and overthrown line-out near Eng- defending champions Zealand boss John Mitchell in the England led 7-0. land’s line was collected by puts them into their 57th minute, when Ardie Savea They almost had a second try Savea, with fly-half Richie fourth final - just crashed over for a converted try. minutes later when Tuilagi inter- Mo’unga converting. But Sam Underhill’s tackle on cepted and found Farrell who That, however, was as close four years after their the recalled Scott Barrett led to a passed to . as New Zealand got as two more embarrassing first-round simple penalty in front of the But great corner-flagging by Ford penalties created an New Zealand’s players leave the pitch after losing the exit on home soil. posts that Ford duly kicked. recalled flanker Scott Barrett unbridgeable gap for the semi-final. Jones had recalled Ford at stopped the wing in his tracks. defending champions. Finch fit for Astros show true colours to Captain Aaron Finch is SL but Tye cleared to play in Australia’s opening Twenty20 against revive World Series hopes out of T20 Sri Lanka. REUTERS series WASHINGTON

AFP It turns out the Houston Astros ADELAIDE just needed a change of scenery to breathe new life into the Captain Aaron Finch yesterday World Series. cleared to play in Australia’s Houston were punched in opening Twenty20 against Sri the gut during the first two Lanka, but the team was dealt a games at home and walked away blow with fast bowler Andrew empty-handed despite having Tye ruled out of the series. Finch said Tye picked up the Abbott will replace him after the their two aces on the mound but There were fears that Finch injury throwing the ball. match today, which marks the responded with a win over the Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve (right) might not recover from a side “I think it was one of the first return to T20 action of Warner Washington Nationals on Friday celebrates with team-mate Alex strain he has been nursing for a drills he did. He was a bit off and Steve Smith following their to cut the best-of-seven deficit Bregman during match against fortnight, but the batsman was balance and felt a bit of a pop in bans for ball-tampering. to 2-1. Washington Nationals on Friday. given the all-clear to open the there,” the captain said. The pair have already been “We had something happen innings with David Warner. New South Wales quick Sean welcomed back onto the Test and in Houston that doesn’t happen “I was a bit worried about one-day teams. very often, a team came in and of Game Three given that none focused on handing the baton to throwing yesterday,” Finch told Despite Tye’s absence, Aus- beat us back-to-back against of the 24 teams to fall behind 3-0 the next guy, which is really reporters in Adelaide after a tralia have plenty of bowling fire- two of our big boys,” Astros in a World Series have rallied important. We’re at our best training session ahead of the first power at their disposal, including manager AJ Hinch said after their back to win. Houston, who when we do that.” game in the city today. I was a bit worried Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Billy 4-1 Game Three victory. entered the postseason as the Michael Brantley drove in a “It didn’t progress all that Stanlake and Kane Richardson. “So coming to a new venue, consensus choice to win it all, pair of runs for Houston on a quickly but... the last three days about throwing After Adelaide, Australia face certainly in an unbelievable suddenly looked more like the night when Astros’ starting it has been really good. I have yesterday. It didn’t the Lasith Malinga-led Sri environment today, I think team that dominated the regular pitcher Zack Greinke allowed got full movement... I feel con- progress all that Lankans in Brisbane and Mel- getting back into this series and season with key pitches and a seven hits, three walks and one fident to go.” bourne before Pakistan arrive for putting a little bit of momentum steady presence on the base- run in 4-2/3 innings. Houston But short-form specialist quickly but... the last T20s in Sydney, Canberra and in our clubhouse and our dugout paths and capitalising their will turn the ball over to Jose Tye, who is usually deployed in three days it has been Perth. will go a long way.” opportunities. Urquidy for Game Four. the final overs, will take no part really good. I have got The teams are all kick- The Astros needed no “I just liked the competi- “Obviously we used a lot of in the three-match campaign full movement... I feel starting preparations for the reminder of what was at stake tiveness of our at-bats,” said resources tonight but this is the after injuring his right elbow World Cup in Australia next on Friday having been asked at Hinch. World Series were are going to fielding on Friday. confident to go: Finch year. every turn about the importance “We were kind of pretty keep going at it,” said Hinch. 06 SPORT SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER 2019 Sterling sparkles as City see off Villa

AFP Manchester City midfielder Raheem Sterling (centre) vies for the ball against Aston Villa Rodgers hails MANCHESTER defenders Bjorn Engels (left) and Frederic Guilbert during the English Premier League football match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north-west England, yesterday. ruthless Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Leicester in Liverpool to three points as Raheem Sterling inspired a 3-0 record rout of win over Aston Villa yesterday. Pep Guardiola’s side survived Southampton a tame opening period as second half goals from Sterling, Kevin REUTERS De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan LONDON put Villa to the sword. City’s second successive Leicester City manager Brendan league victory lifted them above Rodgers said his team were Leicester into second place and learning to be ruthless after put pressure on Liverpool to beat Friday’s record-breaking 9-0 Tottenham in today’s clash at Premier League win over Anfield. Southampton at St Mary’s The only frustration for Stadium. Guardiola was a red card for It was the biggest victory on Fernandinho, who was dismissed the road in English top-flight after earning a second booking history and equalled the when he tugged at Keinan Davis Premier League record win, in the 87th minute. home or away, as Leicester ran City were upset by Wolves in movement, sublime skills and to be sidelined for several weeks. narrowly avoided conceding a English Premier League riot on the south-coast helped their last league fixture at the predatory finishing. Guardiola admitted he was penalty in the melee. by hat-tricks from strikers Etihad Stadium, but Guardiola City have scored 32 league “a little bit concerned” about Moments later, Stones threw English Premier League results Ayoze Perez and Jamie Vardy. had never lost back-to-back goals this season, 11 more than how City would cope, yet with himself in front of a Trezeguet yesterday: Southampton lost Ryan home league games as a Liverpool, and their firepower Sterling in his side, anything is shot, surviving a penalty appeal Manchester City 3 (Sterling 46, De Bruyne Bertrand to a red card after 12 manager and Sterling was key was clear to see as they saw off possible. Sterling appealed for a after the ball deflected onto his 65, Gundogan 70) Aston Villa 0 minutes, by which time they to ensuring that impressive Villa with their record scorer penalty when his shot cannoned hand. Watford 0 Bournemouth 0 were already a goal down, and record wasn’t ruined. Sergio Aguero on the bench. off Bjorn Engels’ arm, then Despite their lack of rhythm West Ham 1 (Snodgrass 44) Sheffield could not cope with the speed Sterling’s latest virtuoso made consec- glanced a header just wide. in the first half, City should have United 1 (Mousset 69) and accuracy of Leicester. display came just days after his utive Premier League starts for John Stones was back in been ahead at the break when Brighton 3 (Gross 15, Maupay 80-pen, The Foxes, who won the second hat-trick of the campaign the first time since December, place of Rodri at the heart of Sterling teed up David Silva, only title after starting as 5,000-1 Digne 90+4-og) Everton 2 (Webster in City’s Champions League but he squandered a chance to City’s defence, but the England for the Spanish midfielder to outsiders in 2016, moved up to 20-og, Calvert-Lewin 74) demolition of Atalanta. put City ahead when he dragged international looked rusty in his shoot inches wide of the far post. second in the Premier League, The England winger has his close-range shot wide from first start since September. Usually firmly dedicated to five points behind leaders Liv- Playing Today (1630 GMT unless stated) made a convincing case to be Sterling’s pass.No fewer than 11 He gifted possession to Villa Guardiola’s passing principles, erpool who have a game in Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, Liverpool vs regarded as genuine superstar City stars have suffered injuries and Douglas Luiz almost took City finally broke Villa’s stubborn hand. Tottenham, Newcastle vs Wolves (1400), over the last 18 months and Villa this season, with Oleksandr advantage when he tangled with resistence with a goal straight Leading 5-0 at halftime, had no answer to his intelligent Zinchenko and Rodri the latest City keeper Ederson, who from the route one handbook. Norwich vs Manchester United Rodgers urged his players to keep chasing goals to show they were a “top team”. “We said at halftime, keep your speed in the game and we Tottenham face title chasing Liverpool test have to punish them,” Rodgers told Sky Sports. AFP moment to build again our con- one they will face on Sunday. “It is tough for Ralph LIVERPOOL fidence and trust and start to It was also achieved without (Hasenhuettl, Southampton show our real talent and Christian Eriksen -- out of con- manager) but we have to do our The comprehensive midweek Now we have full potential.” tract at the end of this season, job and score as many goals as defeat of Red Star Belgrade A return of just three Premier along with Jan Vertonghen and we can. raised hopes Tottenham Hotspur energy and we have League wins this season and a Toby Alderweireld -- who “The game is 0-0 at have turned the corner after a recovered from that run that included the humiliating remained an unused substitute halftime, we said. This is part dismal start to the season but situation and now it’s 7-2 defeat to Bayern Munich, a and is unlikely to return to the of our education, we have to their revival will face a stiff test 3-0 loss at Brighton and a for- starting line-up this weekend. come out of the ‘boy zone’ and when they face Liverpool at the moment to build tunate home draw with bottom “It was not that they forget play like a man and respect the Anfield today. again our confidence club Watford meant Tuesday’s how to play football, that Harry game. They are very talented It will be the first meeting and trust and start meeting with Red Star was Kane doesn’t know anymore -- and learning to be ruthless. between the two sides since their to show our real always going to be significant. he showed in that game (against “We believe in our work, confrontation in the Champions The eventual 5-0 victory Red Star) how good he can be,” believe we can push over the League final in Madrid in June, talent and potential: provided a much-needed lift, said Klopp on Friday. course of the season. Our men- since which Jurgen Klopp’s side Pochettino and a fourth win in 13 games in “They are a top side in the tality is how we work every day. have pushed on from their all competitions allowed Premier League and they will be The players want to get better Tottenham Hotspur victory and took control of the “It means a lot for the club to Pochettino to talk of a renewed a top side in the whole season in and improve.” NO FIGHT Aus- goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga early Premier League running. reach the final of the Champions confidence within a squad whose the Premier League -- and we trian Hasenhuttl accepted holds the ball during the UEFA Tottenham coach Mauricio League but for the players or the unity has been questioned. have to respect that and play the responsibility for the defeat, but Champions League Group Pochettino admitted on Friday coaching staff we felt empty after Spurs’ performance best football we can play against questioned his players’ desire B match against Red Star that defeat has weighed heavily the game,” Pochettino said ahead midweek recalled their vibrant them.” Tottenham can draw to compete with Leicester. Belgrade at the Tottenham on his players and has bled into of the trip to Merseyside. displays of last season with Harry inspiration from how Man- “The performance was a Hotspur Stadium in north their miserable early season “Now we have full energy Kane and Son Heung-min both chester United became the first disaster, and I have to apologies London, on Tuesday. form that suggests June’s final and we have recovered from that scoring twice, albeit against a team to take points off Liverpool and take 100% responsibility,” was a high-water mark. situation and now it’s the much weaker defence than the last weekend. he told the BBC. Leclerc on top in final Mexico practice as illness hits paddock

AFP Red Bull new boy Alex Albon was one of dozens of the travelling F1 MEXICO CITY eighth ahead of Lando Norris of circus, including team staff and McLaren and local star Sergio Perez paddock regulars, who were down Charles Leclerc topped the times of Racing Point. with the ‘bug’ -- regarded by many ahead of his Ferrari team-mate On a cool and cloudy morning as an occupational hazard in parts of Sebastian Vettel to push the title- following heavy overnight rain at Latin America. scrapping Mercedes men down to the Autodromo Hermanos Rod- Albon was soon out on track, third and fourth in yesterday’s third riguez, the circuit remained damp trying to make up for lost time on and final free practice for today’s while, in the paddock, an outbreak Friday when he crashed, and he was Repsol MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo of Spain takes part in the fourth practice Mexican Grand Prix. of stomach illnesses had claimed soon followed by team-mate Ver- session before it was cancelled due to high winds at the Australian Grand Prix motorcycle The Monegasque Leclerc clocked Gasly, who was initially unfit to stappen. Both swapped quick laps to a best lap in one minute and 16.145 drive for Toro Rosso. top the times as a dry line began to race at Phillip Island, yesterday to outpace the four-time world The Frenchman was said to be emerge. champion German by two-hun- dredths of a second ahead of Valterri Strong winds force cancellation Bottas and his Mercedes team-mate and champion-elect Lewis of Australia MotoGP qualifying Hamilton. Hamilton is seeking a podium AFP among the sport’s stars, but yesterday’s third practice finish at least to help him outscore PHILLIP ISLAND is also renowned for notori- session. his only remaining title rival Bottas ously unpredictable Fourth practice was then by 14 points to clinch his sixth cham- Qualifying for the weather. red-flagged when pit board pionship crown and third in suc- Australian MotoGP was After wet and then dry numbers blew onto the cessive years to be completed in cancelled yesterday as sessions on Friday, the riders track, just minutes after Mexico. fierce winds caused havoc had to contend yesterday Oliveira lost control and In a session reduced effectively Ferrari’s Monaco driver at the beachside circuit, with not only more rain but came off his bike in a big to just a 15-minute dash in drying Charles Leclerc is seen on with riders deciding it was blustery and cold conditions, crash on the approach to conditions, Carlos Sainz was fifth for the pit during the third free too dangerous after Tech3 making it hard to push the turn one. McLaren ahead of last year’s Mexico practice session of the F1 Racing’s Miguel Oliveira pace. MotoGP officials said he winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull Mexico Grand Prix at the was “blown off” the track. The winds whipping the was “blown off the track”, and, remarkably after recovering Hermanos Rodriguez Circuit Phillip Island, known for circuit were such that 10 of with the Portuguese rider from illness, Pierre Gasly of Toro in Mexico City, yesterday. its fast corners and long the 22-strong field didn’t stretchered away. Rosso. straights, is a favourite even set a lap-time in SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 07 WorldSBK: Unbeatable Rea finishes season with spectacular win in Qatar

RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA How they finished

British racing star Top six after WorldSSP race: yesterday produced a slick riding Time of Race 30’43.175 session to win the last race of the (Kawasaki Puccetti 2019 WorldSBK Championship, Racing) ending the season with another Jules Cluzel (GMT94 YAMAHA) podium at Losail International Isaac Viñales (Kallio Racing) Circuit (LIC). Federico Caricasulo (BARDAHL A day after helping Kawasaki Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) seal the manufacturer’s title, a (BARDAHL determined Rea ended the 17-lap Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) night race ahead of compatriot Corentin Perolari (GMT94 YAMAHA) (Ducati, Panigale V4 R, + 2.978s) and WorldSBK deb- Top six after WorldSSP300 race: utant Alvaro Baustia (Ducati, + Time of Race 22’37.924 3.100s) in a time of 33’34.809. Scott Deroue (Kawasaki MOTOPORT) Yamaha’s Alex Lowes Koen Meuffels (Kawasaki (+12.473s), Turkey’s rising star MOTOPORT) Toprak Razgatlioglu (Kawasaki, Bruno Ieraci (Kawasaki GP Project) +14.346s) (Ducati, Manuel González (Kawasaki +15.109s) completed the top six ParkinGO Team) out of 18 riders who finished the Ana Carrasco (Kawasaki Provec final race of the season. WorldSSP300) Rea, who had also clinched Tom Edwards (Kawasaki ParkinGO the superpole earlier in the day, Team) was the toast of 7,465 fans as he rarely looked in trouble in Race Top six after WorldSBK Race 2: 2, finishing it a convincing 2.978 Time of Race 33’34.809 seconds ahead of Davies. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Yesterday’s win was 17th win British racing star Jonathan Rea celebrates on the podium after winning the last race of the 2019 WorldSBK Championship at the Losail Team WorldSBK) of the season for the indomitable International Circuit yesterday. Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing Briton now considered the man – Ducati) to beat in the 2020 season that Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing will kick off next February. giving me an incredible bike. We Krummenacher (+8.430s) sealed chasing me. I kept pushing as I – Ducati) Rea said he was keen to wind changed the bike race to race the world championship title in won the race for me and my Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team) up the year 2019 with a win massively. So looks like our bikes fifth spot. team Kawasaki,” Mahias said Toprak Razgatlioglu (Turkish before heading into the off- are working in a huge window,” Mahias, who had broken yesterday. Puccetti Racing) season. The affable Briton had Rea said. I wanted that race clear at the front at the start, Cluzel said: “I was looking Eugene Laverty (Team Goeleven) one big reason to do so - his sick “I achieved a massive target posted his a third consecutive strong but I was missing some- grandmother. of mine in my career, which was victory so badly. My win at LIC, ahead of Cluzel in thing. I knew at the end of the “I wanted that race victory to finish every single race in the nana is not so well. second and Vinales in third – a race, my position was the same the race. I didn’t succeed but I so badly. My nana is not so well. season. We did that, so I am I texted her this third consecutive podium for the at the end even though I was have not regrets.” Third-placed I texted her this morning and told immensely proud. I couldn’t have Spaniard. getting faster. But I was missing Vinales said: “I come here with her ‘watch the race, because I am done that without the incredible morning and told In the chasing Championship the grip from the beginning of Moto2 bike. It is like a new bike. going to win the race for you’,” team and support of my family, her ‘watch the race, battle, Caricasulo was fourth the race, even in qualifying. I was I tried to make my best and Rea revealed after the race so thank you very much to all of because I am going to whilst Krummenacher was fifth, qualifying in third, It was good finally I was on the podium.” yesterday. them,” he added. win the race for you: enough to give him the WorldSSP but no satisfaction. I tell myself Qatar’s Saeed Al Sulaiti “It gave me so motivation to Earlier yesterday, French Championship in 2019. the championship is run in races (QMMF Racing Team, Yamaha not take lightly even one lap of riding star Lucas Mahias eased Jonathan Rea “This feeling is so great,” not one. I was not going to be the +39.391s) finished in 17th spot out the race, just go all in from the to a win in the final round of the Krummenacher said after world championship but to win of 22 riders. first lap. That one is for you World Supersport class as com- (Kallio Racing Yamaha, +3.332s) clinching the world title. nana,” he said with a smile. patriot Jules Cluzel (Yamaha, secured the third spot in the “I’ve been working for 24 The Kawasaki star didn’t +0.868s) finished in second spot. 80km tussle while Italy’s Fed- years to achieve this goal. It is forget to applaud his team for Mahias clocked a winning time erico Caricasulo (Bardahl Evan such a big thing that I still quite preparing ‘an incredible bike’. of 30’43.175 in the 15-lap race. Bros Yamaha, +8.033s) and his can’t realize it. I am thankful to “Thanks to my team for Spanish rider Isaac Vinales Swiss stablemate Randy all the people who have sup- ported me, to my family that stayed behind me even on the bad days, they pushed me to win. Thank you!,” Krummenacher added. “I like this track, you know. I don’t know why, But it is perfect for my style, for keeping speed at the corners. In the beginning I will pull one rider from the championship. If riders fight for championship it is not my problem. I know I had a better Qatar Motor and Motorcyle Federation (QMMF) President, Abdul rate. I tried to save my rear tyre. Rahman bin Abdul Latif Al Mannai is seen along with Qatar’s Saeed Overtaking and braking is not my An action from the WorldSBK Championship Al Sulaiti of QMMF Racing Team, who competed in the World at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. style. I tried to push on as I didn’t know how many riders were Supersport class. Handball: Qatar down Saudi Arabia to finish third Federer beats Tsitsipas, to face De Minaur in final

AFP in your game,” said Federer BASEL ATP Basel who had also defeated Tsit- Results from the ATP sipas in Dubai earlier this Roger Federer extended his tournament in Basel year. Swiss Indoors win streak to yesterday (x denotes “I had to play aggressive 23 matches as he beat seeding): and take risks against Ste- Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4 Semi-finals fanos. There was a lot of yesterday to reach the final Roger Federer (SUI x1) bt running. But it’s always easier for the 15th time, racking up Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE to play at home, I was his 50th win of 2019. x3) 6-4, 6-4 energised.” The top seed will be Alex De Minaur (AUS) bt Federer will be in playing for his 10th title at his Reilly Opelka (USA) 7-6 uncharted territory in the home tournament when he (7/2), 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/3) final with De Minaur, who has faces Alex de Minaur in a first- won trophies this season in time meeting after the Aus- Sydney, Atlanta and Zhuhai. tralian stopped Reilly Opelka the 20-time major winner “He’s one of the fastest 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/3). at the Australian Open in players,” Federer said. “I’m Federer, 38, has now January. very excited to be in the final made the Basel final in his last Federer, who had a again. 13 appearances and 15th walkover in the quarter-finals “I was not sure how it overall. due to the pre-match injury would go this week, so I’m His last defeat came in the withdrawal of compatriot really happy.” 2013 final at the hands of Juan Stan Wawrinka, notched up The 28th-ranked De Martin del Potro. two love games in the second Minaur, who trains and lives An action from the Asian Handball Federation (AHF) Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Men’s qualification match For Federer, victory set and advanced on his first in Spain, is the first Australian between Qatar and Saudi Arabia in Doha yesterday. The hosts won 31-21 to finish third. Bahrain defeated the today was his second of the match point. to reach the Basel final since Republic of Korea 34-29 to book their ticket for the Olympic Games. Runner-up Korea kept their qualifying season over 21-year-old “Having the crowd behind Mark Philippoussis finished hopes alive and now will know their fate at the IHF Olympic Qualification event in April. Tsitsipas who had stunned you really helps you believe runner-up in 1997. SPORT

PAGE | 05 PAGE | 06 Aussie captain Finch Tottenham face fit for Sri Lanka but test of togetherness Tye out of Twenty20 at title chasing series Liverpool

Sunday 27 October 2019 Unbeaten Rea signs off with another win at Losail International Circuit

Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jonathan Rea in action during the final race of the 2019 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, which took place under the floodlights of the Losail International Circuit for the Motul Qatar Round, yesterday. The final race of the season saw yet more phenomenal World Superbike action. Rea battled hard ot beat Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista in a race to remember in Qatar. CENTRE: Ducati’s Chaz Davies (left), Rea (centre) and Bautista pose for a photo on the podium. RIGHT: Switzerland’s Randy Krummenacher elebratesc his 2019 World Supersport Championship title. QSL: Al Sadd down Al Ahli; Ajax to make Qatar return for winter Al Duhail edge Al Gharafa training camp THE PENINSULA DOHA THE PENINSULA team has been asked to play two DOHA friendly matches against top Reigning champions Al Sadd and European teams. Al Duhail secured full points after Ajax will make Qatar’s return for The opponents and game rallying to victories in their a nine-day winter training camp dates will be announced at a respective matches in the Round that includes two friendly later stage. The reason Ajax has 8 of QNB Stars League (QSL) matches. The squad will leave accepted the offer for this yesterday. for Doha on January 4. training camp, is because of the At Al Ahli Stadium, Baghdad YESTERDAY’S RESULTS According to Ajax website potential opponents and the out- Bounedjah led the charge with Al Sadd beat Al Al Ahli 2-1 yesterday, the visitors will stay standing facilities Aspire offers. two goals as Al Sadd beat Al Ahli at Aspire Zone, an exclusive The trip also offers Ajax the 2-1 while Al Duhail registered Al Duhail beat Al Gharafa 2-1 training location. The team will opportunity to explore the area victory over Al Gharafa with an return to the Netherlands on for business opportunities. identical score-line at Al Duhail January 12. During the training camp, Stadium. This will be Ajax’s third Erik ten Hag’s selection hopes to For Al Sadd, Bounedjah training camp in Qatar during enjoy an optimal preparation for scored in the 23rd and 32nd the winter break. The last time the second half of the season. Al Sadd’s Baghdad (penalty) minutes as Al Sadd Baghdad Bounedjah the selection travelled there was Which starts on January 19, when Bounedjah during the moved on to 15 points and Al Ahli scores two goals in the in 2015 with then-coach Frank Ajax meets Sparta at home. match against Al Ahli. stayed on 10 points. first half to guide Al de Boer. At the time, Ajax played Last year, Ajax travelled to Abel Mathias scored for Al Sadd to a 2-1 victory a friendly game against Schalke Florida during the winter break. Ahli in the 48th minute. 04, among others. They participated in the Florida It was Al Sadd’s fifth victory over Al Ahli. Ajax has been invited by Cup and played against São from six games. The Wolves have Aspire to come over to Qatar. Paulo (4-2-win) and Flamengo played two games less due to During the training camp, the (2-2). their AFC Champions League engagements. Their fixtures against Al Arabi in Week 5 and Al Khor in Week 7 were deferred. Al Sadd had lost the other game, 2-4 against Al Rayyan in the Qatar Clasico in Week 6. Al Ahli started off by shaking the Al Sadd net in the third minute, but the goal was disal- home a rebound from goalkeeper controlled the game to go into Diame set him up off a corner lowed as Abel was adjudged to Saad Al Dossari. half-time with a two-goal lead. kick.The goal seemed to have have handled the ball while he Al Sadd took time to settle Al Sadd’s spearhead boosted Al Ahli’s confidence as was in the process of placing down and once they did, they Bounedjah first found the mark they attacked with vigour. through a volley with ease. Hernan Perez had a free-kick just The Algerian striker then about being parried over by the Ajax’s players pose for a team photo prior to the UEFA Champions converted a penalty, awarded Al Sadd goalkeeper in the 65th League Group H match against Chelsea last Wednesday. after Al Ahli goalkeeper Ivanildo minute. Rodriguez tripped Akram Afif It was Hernan vs Saad Al inside the box. Dossari again in the 78th Bounedjah was guilty of minute, the latter blocking the Injured out of missing a sitter in the 42nd former’s shot with his chest in minute when he, latching on to a close one-on-one encounter Brazil squad for friendlies a long lob by Jung Woo-Young, and Al Sadd held on for yet chipped the ball over the bar with another victory. AFP A day after that October 13 only the goalkeeper in front. Meanwhile, Al Duhail outing in Singapore PSG Al Sadd’s Abdelrahman bounced back from a goal down reported that an MRI scan Moustafa caught the eye with his to overcome Al Gharafa at their Paris Saint-Germain’s injury-hit showed that their star player had darting runs along the left. Other home turf. striker Neymar was left out of suffered “a grade two lesion” in than them, The Brigadiers did not After a goalless first draw, the Brazil squad announced for his left hamstring. have much to show in the first Sofiane Hanni gave Al Gharafa friendlies next month against Brazil face Argentina on half. lead in the 61st minute. Argentina and South Korea. November 15 and South Korea However, Al Ahli could Five minutes later, Neymar was ruled out for four days later. In Neymar’s reduce the margin not long after Mohammed Muntari levelled the four weeks in mid-October with place Brazil coach has called the second half started, Abel score for Al Duhail, who got the a hamstring injury he suffered on Real Madrid’s 18-year-old Al Duhail’s Mohammed Muntari (left) in action during the match placing home the ball in a goal- winning goal from Paulo Dasilve playing for his country in a 1-1 Rodrygo for the friendlies in against Al Gharafa at Al Duhail Stadium yesterday. mouth melee after Mohamed Edmilson in the 87th minute. friendly draw against Nigeria. Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.