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AFC CUP Bengaluru dreams dashed by ’s Air Force Club The tournament’s top-scorer Hammadi scored off Radhi’s spadework in the 71st minute to give his side their first continental title

AFC chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa hands over the AFC Cup trophy to the Air Force Club side. At right, Bengaluru captain Sunil Chhetri receives the runners-up trophy from Football Association vice-president Saoud al-Mohannadi. PICTURES: Noushad T

IANS by hundreds of Bengaluru supporters, put through by Radhi down the right riod but the forward fi red over the bar many of whom had travelled all the way hand channel but some good defend- after receiving the ball well fi rst time. from India, the Sunil Chhetri-led team, ing by Cameron Watson thwarted the At the other end, Chhetri found acres however, went all out in a desperate bid danger. of space on the left and squared the ball engaluru FC failed to realise to restore parity in the dying minutes, The blue shirts were dealt a blow in to Eugeneson on the edge of the box but their dream of becoming the but failed to leave any mark on the goal- the 26th minute with infl uential player the latter’s attempt was blocked. fi rst Indian team to win the sheet. Humam Tareq failing to continue after The India captain had another AFC Cup when they lost to Bengaluru coach Albert Roca made picking up a knock, being replaced by chance to rattle the back of the net from Iraq’sB Air Force Club 0-1 in the fi nal just one change to the team which Osama Ali. a corner but found the back of a de- here at the Suheim Bin Hamad Sta- started against Johor Darul Ta’zim with Bengaluru created more chances in fender as he wrapped his foot around dium yesterday. Lalthuamawia Ralte replacing Amrind- the fi rst half but two good opportuni- the ball. The tournament’s top-scorer Ham- er Singh in goal. ties fell to Air Force. Roca made twin substitutions, in- madi Ahmed scored off Amjed Radhi’s For the Air Force Club, 20-year-old Hammadi played a part on both oc- jecting pace in the form of nippy play- spadework in the 71st minute to give his explosive left winger Humam Tareq casions, fi rst heading wide from the in- ers Seminlen Doungel and Udanta side their fi rst continental title .. was named on the starting lineup after side the box, then setting up Amjed Ra- Singh with Nishu Kumar and George The scoreline was fairly representa- recovering on time from his injury. dhi who beat the off side trap but failed making way. tive of the course of the game as the But the Iraqi side missed veteran de- to fi nd Emad with Ralte doing well to But the changes went up in smoke as Iraqis looked superior, especially in the fender Samal Saeed and 19-year-old smother the ball. minutes later, Air Force took the lead livelier second session. They had greater midfl ed dynamo Resan Booniyan due to Bengaluru’s only chance was headed after a barrage of attacks. Radhi did all ball possession and took more shots at suspensions. Ahmed Kadhim and Emad wide by Eugeneson Lyngdoh from a Al- the good work near the box to set up goal, with Hammadi and Amied striking Majeed replaced the duo. wyn George cross. Hammadi who scored his 16th goal of up a fi ne rhythm to keep the Bengaluru Iraq’s Air Force Club player celebrates with his medal at the Qatar Air Force got a break in the 17th Radhi got the best chance of the the competition by sliding the ball into defenders on the tenterhooks. Watched Sports Club yesterday. minute when Hammadi Ahmed was game fi ve minutes into the second pe- the net.

ENGLISH Chelsea storm to summit aft er City stumble AFP RESULTS AND STANDINGS back of a stirring 3-1 Champions London League win over Barcelona and Boro’s Bournemouth ...... 1 Sunderland ...... 2 Arsenal 10 7 2 1 23 10 23 former Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes Burnley ...... 3 Crystal Palace ...... 2 Liverpool 10 7 2 1 24 13 23 looked determined to restore Catalan den Hazard scored twice as Chelsea ...... 5 Everton ...... 0 Tottenham 10 5 5 0 14 5 20 pride at the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea exploited a slip-up by Manchester City ...... 1 Middlesbrough ...... 1 Everton 11 5 3 3 15 13 18 He saved brilliantly from Ser- Manchester City to claim top West Ham ...... 1 Stoke ...... 1 Watford 10 4 3 3 14 13 15 gio Aguero and David Silva, only for spot in the Premier League by Man Utd 10 4 3 3 13 12 15 Aguero to put the hosts ahead in the clinicallyE crushing Everton 5-0 yester- Playing today: Burnley 11 4 2 5 11 15 14 43rd minute by converting Kevin De day. Arsenal v Tottenham (1200 GMT), Hull v Southampton 10 3 4 3 11 10 13 Bruyne’s sumptuous cross for his 150th Marten de Roon’s stoppage-time Southampton (1415 GMT), Leicester v West Stoke 11 3 4 4 13 18 13 goal in 223 City appearances. equaliser earned Middlesbrough a Brom (1630 GMT), Liverpool v Watford (1315 Bournemouth 11 3 3 5 13 16 12 Boro showed more attacking intent 1-1 draw at City and ’s GMT), Swansea v Manchester United (1500 Leicester 10 3 3 4 12 16 12 in the second half, former City striker Chelsea took advantage to move a GMT) Middlesbrough 11 2 5 4 10 12 11 Alvaro Negredo almost catching out point clear of Pep Guardiola’s side at Crystal Palace 11 3 2 6 16 19 11 Claudio Bravo with an audacious lob the summit. Standings West Ham 11 3 2 6 11 20 11 from his own half before Bravo saved Arsenal and Liverpool could also P W D L F A Pts West Brom 10 2 4 4 10 14 10 smartly from Adam Forshaw. surpass City before the weekend is out, Hull 10 2 1 7 8 23 7 After Aguero had squandered a late the former tackling Tottenham Hot- Chelsea 11 8 1 2 26 9 25 Swansea 10 1 2 7 9 18 5 chance, Dutch midfi elder De Roon spur in Sunday’s North London derby Man City 11 7 3 1 25 10 24 Sunderland 11 1 2 8 9 21 5 met George Friend’s deep cross with a and the latter entertaining Watford. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after the thumping header to earn Boro a dra- Elsewhere, bottom club Sunderland match against Everton yesterday. matic point. ended their wait for a fi rst win of the 19th minute, drifting in from the left minutes before half-time, slamming “We did absolutely everything to season at the 11th attempt by com- to drill a shot into the bottom-right home at the back post after Nemanja Pedro returning Hazard’s pass with Pedro volleyed in the fi fth, in the win the game. It is a pity,” said Guar- ing from behind to win 2-1 at Bourne- corner, and a minute later Pedro Rod- Matic flicked on Hazard’s corner to a sweet back-heel and the Belgian 65th minute, after Everton goalkeeper diola, whose side have drawn their last mouth despite having Steven Pienaar riguez teed up Marcos Alonso for the bring up his ninth goal of the cam- dancing into the box from the right Maarten Stekelenburg parried a shot three home league games 1-1 following sent off . hosts’ second. paign. before lashing home with his left from Hazard. previous stalemates against Everton Hazard opened the scoring in the Diego Costa made it 3-0 three Chelsea’s fourth goal was a jewel, foot. City went into their game on the and Southampton. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, November 6, 2016 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA LA LIGA Atletico Madrid pay the penalty in Aubameyang hits Sociedad defeat

AFP fore half-time when Kevin Madrid Gameiro was played in by Yannick Carrasco and was un- fortunate to see his chip over tletico Madrid’s La Geronimo Rulli come back off four, Bayern held Liga title hopes suf- the post. fered another serious A tight game swung deci- setback as two Real sively Sociedad’s way when ‘It’s a relief with all the diff icult situations I’ve had to deal with’ SociedadA penalties infl icted a left-back Yuri burst into the 2-0 defeat on the Champions box just after the break and League fi nalists yesterday. was upended by Atletico cap- Carlos Vela opened the tain Gabi. scoring nine minutes into the Vela stepped up to coolly second-half before handing sent Jan Oblak the wrong way responsibilities from the spot for his fourth goal of the sea- to Willian Jose to seal Socie- son. dad’s third straight win 15 The Mexican blasted a great minutes from time. chance to seal the win over as A second league defeat in Sociedad threatened to pick three games means Atletico Atletico off on the counter- remain three points behind attack. league leaders Real Madrid, However, Vela was key for but their city rivals can extend the second goal as he led an- that advantage to six when other break and was chopped they host Leganes on Sunday. down by Angel Correa. Atletico host Real in a re- Jose also sent the helpless match of the Champions Oblak the wrong way from League fi nal after the interna- the spot to move Sociedad to tional break on November 19. within two points of Atletico Diego Simeone’s men had in sixth. sealed their place in the last 16 At the other end of the ta- of the Champions League on ble, Granada remain rooted to Tuesday with a stoppage time the bottom and without a win victory over FC Rostov, but this season after a 1-1 draw at suff ered a European hangover home to Deportivo la Coruna. in an insipid display lacking in Florin Andone handed the energy and invention. visitors the lead, but an own Sociedad dominated pos- goal from Deportivo ‘keeper session in the opening 20 Przemyslaw Tyton salvaged a minutes, but it was Atletico point for Granada nine min- who had the best chance be- utes from time.

Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates his goal against HSV Hamburg yesterday. (Reuters) Real Sociedad’s Willian Jose (R) celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during their La Liga match against Atletico AFP fi ve league games to go fi fth. was returned with interest by this season. to domestic duty with goals by Madrid at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian yesterday. (AFP) Berlin According to German media, Marc Bartra, who put Aubam- Hoff enheim’s Kerem Demir- Turkey’s Hakan Calhanoglu, Aubameyang had been sus- eyang away for his third. bay beautifully timed his ar- Germany winger Julian Brandt pended by coach Thomas Tuchel It was 4-0 three minutes after rival in the box to smash Nadiem and Chile’s Charles Aranguiz. Rogic on scoresheet as Celtic ease to victory ierre-Emerick Aubam- for Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions the break when Christian Pulisic Amiri’s pass into the top-left Wolfsburg shot up out of the eyang netted four goals League win at home to Sporting pounced on a loose ball and fed corner on 16 minutes, but the relegation places to 12th with a Glasgow: In-form Australian international Tom Rogic scored as yesterday as Borussia Lisbon after he had jetted to Mi- Aubameyang, who drilled a su- lead did not last. 3-0 win in pouring rain at ten- Celtic increased their lead at the top of the Scottish Premier- PDortmund routed bot- lan with friends tomorrow. perb shot into the bottom-left When Douglas Costa fi red man Freiburg as Germany striker ship to 10 points with a 3-0 win at home to 10-man Inverness tom side Hamburg 5-2 away, But all seemed to have been corner. in a cross, Hoff enheim mid- Mario Gomez scored twice while Caledonian Thistle. while Bundesliga leaders Bayern forgiven in Hamburg as the Ga- Hamburg pulled two goals fi elder Steven Zuber defl ected Ricardo Rodriguez converted a Goals by Scott Sinclair, Leigh Griff iths and Rogic ensured Celtic Munich were held to a 1-1 draw bon striker celebrated his goals, back through Nicolai Mueller, the ball between his own goal- late penalty. exacted revenge for Inverness being the only side to take by Hoff enheim. including a fi rst-half hat-trick, who netted their fi rst goal in 717 keeper’s legs for an own goal on It was Wolfsburg’s fi rst win points off them this season - a 2-2 draw in September. Celtic The result at the Allianz Arena with Tuchel amidst plenty of Bundesliga minutes dating back 34 minutes with Bayern’s Robert since the opening day of the sea- are 10 points clear of Aberdeen - who beat Partick Thistle 2-1 means second-placed RB Leip- smiles. to September 10, but Ousmane Lewandowski waiting at the far son. on Friday - with a game in hand, although bitter rivals Rangers zig can now move level on points ‘Auba’ needed just 27 minutes Dembele came off the bench to post. On Friday, fourth-placed Her- could close to within nine points if they beat Ross County away with Bayern at the summit if to score his fi rst three goals and net Dortmund’s fi fth late on. Bayern, who were playing tha Berlin won 3-0 at home to today. After a frustrating first half in which they lost defender they win at home to mid-table hit his fourth after the break. This was a woeful Hamburg in jerseys made from recycled jaded Borussia Moenchenglad- Mikael Lustig to injury, the champions seized control in the Mainz today. He netted Dortmund’s fi rst display and not what Germany rubbish from the sea, saw their bach as Salomon Kalou scored a second period. It was a fi ne result for Hoff en- with just four minutes gone. legend Uwe Seeler wished for on luck desert them as they fi shed hat-trick for his fi rst goals since A 48th-minute strike from Sinclair set them on their way before heim, who remain unbeaten this Borussia’s pressing then forced his 80th birthday as he watched for the winning goal. Both Mats April. Griff iths added a second in the 63rd minute with Greg Tansey season under their 29-year-old Hamburg captain Johan Djour- his ex-club’s eighth defeat in 10 Hummels and Thomas Mueller The Ivory Coast forward wel- seeing red for a second bookable foul in the build-up. coach Julian Nagelsmann. ou into a mistake, and Turkish league games. hit the woodwork in the last fi ve comed his fi rst goals since losing Rogic then fired home a third in the 83rd minute. But the day belonged to Au- teenager Emre Mor pounced minutes. his father in August, two weeks Lustig’s early departure seemed to disrupt Celtic’s flow and bameyang, who redeemed him- to present Aubameyang with a Wolfsburg back on track Having beaten Tottenham before his aunt also passed away. allowed Inverness a brief respite but the hosts soon recovered self for a reported midweek simple tap-in on 23 minutes. In Munich, Bayern were de- Hotspur away in the Champi- “It’s a relief with all the dif- their composure and only a fine one-handed save from Owain indiscretion in Italy with four The hat-trick came four nied a sixth straight win by ons League in midweek, Bayer fi cult situations I’ve had to deal Fon Williams stopped a vicious volley from Griff iths bursting clinically taken goals as Dort- minutes later. A clearance from third-placed Hoff enheim, who Leverkusen enjoyed a 3-1 win with,” he said. the net. mund won for the fi rst time in Hamburg goalkeeper Rene Adler preserve their unbeaten record over Darmstadt on their return

QATAR GET READY FOR RUSSIA FRIENDLY

Qatar players attend a training session ahead of their friendly football match against Russia on November 10. Qatar coach Jorge Fossati (C) instructs his players. Gulf Times Sunday, November 6, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Henderson tells Liverpool to keep United seek Swansea eyes on the prize

AFP Liverpool

ordan Henderson boost as manager wants Liverpool to be remembered for win- ning trophies rather thanJ as the Premier League’s great entertainers. Prior to this weekend’s round of matches, Liverpool were the league’s joint top- Mourinho looks on scorers on 24 goals in 10 games together with leaders Man- chester City. ‘...it is also easy to see that some players in our attacking areas lack confidence’ But Liverpool captain Hend- erson said while the way Jurgen Klopp’s side played might ap- to feature at left-back, while peal to supporters, there was a midfi elders Georginio Wijnal- clearly defi ned strategy behind dum and Emre Can are avail- the Merseysiders’ approach. able following illness. “The main priority for us is if we’re performing and playing ‘Beat them up’ the way we can then obviously Watford moved ahead of it is entertaining football, it is Manchester United in the table high-intensity and everybody last week by beating Hull City is going to enjoy watching us,” 1-0 at Vicarage Road, although said the midfi elder ahead of they required an own-goal Sunday’s match at home to from Tigers captain Michael Watford. Dawson to shade a less than “But we do it for a reason — stellar encounter. and the reason is because that’s Nevertheless, Walter Maz- the best way to play football zarri’s side have lost just once and the best way to win games in their last seven top-fl ight for us as a team. fi xtures to sit in seventh in the “If we keep doing what Premier League table ahead of we’ve been doing, keep work- Saturday’s matches. ing on the training fi eld and Liverpool are unlikely to listening to what the manager take the Hornets lightly hav- wants, and then applying that ing lost 3-0 away to Watford on the weekend then it’ll be last season, although the cor- very entertaining, but there’s a responding fi xture, in May, purpose to it — and for me, it’s ended 2-0 to the home side at the best way for us to win.” Anfi eld. For all the plaudits regard- “We physically beat them ing their attacking play, Liv- up on the day and the quality erpool’s defence has come un- we showed in getting the goals der scrutiny this season given was perfect, but it is going to be they’ve conceded 13 goals in a diff erent animal away from the league. home,” Watford captain Troy “A lot of the pundits and Deeney said of the 3-0 game. press will big up that we’re “They believe they can chal- conceding too many goals,” lenge for the title. They are do- said Henderson. ing well at the minute. I enjoy “But in terms of the team, watching them as a neutral but when you’re actually in a when I step on the pitch it is game, I feel as though we’re war. dominating games and teams “It will be a massive test and aren’t getting many chances. if we are still in seventh after “If we keep going in that di- that game then we will be do- rection and keep improving, ing alright.” then we’ll improve in all ar- Watford are hoping defend- eas — not just conceding, but er Sebastian Proedl can feature scoring goals as well.” after limping off against Hull Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic clashes with Fenerbahce’s Simon Kjaer as manager Jose Mourinho looks on during their UEFA Europa League match in Istanbul. (Reuters). Liverpool striker Danny Ings with a muscle injury at a time has been ruled out for the rest when Craig Cathcart (groin) is AFP place in their section following Mourinho lauds Zlatan’s attitude Bob Bradley’s appointment of the season after he under- already sidelined. Manchester Thursday’s 2-1 defeat by Fener- as Swansea manager has not went surgery on a knee injury Striker Isaac Success (foot) bahce in Istanbul. Manchester United man- “In every match in the Premier stopped their slide and the this week. is also out but a late deci- The concern for United is ager Jose Mourinho has no League, even (if he is) not scor- American acknowledged that But Klopp’s options are sion will be made on Stefano anchester United are that they are not scoring despite concerns over striker Zlatan Ib- ing goals, he’s being fantastic. their performance was not good boosted by the return of James Okaka, who trained this week in need of a lift as dominating the ball; they had rahimovic’s barren spell as he His attitude is always brilliant. enough as they were beaten 3-1 Milner, who has recovered after overcoming a hamstring they travel to Swan- 72 percent possession against expects the Swede’s “brilliant” He’s not a guy afraid of his at Stoke tomorrow. from a virus and is expected strain. sea, but must seek Burnley, and 70 % in Turkey. attitude to soon be rewarded responsibility, so no problem Swansea have not won since Mit without the presence of their It does not help that Zlatan Ib- the opening day of the season, with goals. at all.” manager Jose Mourinho on the rahimovic is going through one The 35-year-old, who joined Ibrahimovic’s lean spell is not collecting just two points from touchline. of the worst goalscoring spells of the club from Paris St Germain the only cause of concern for their last nine matches, and sit Southgate could reject off er of Mourinho must watch from his career. He has gone six league in the off -season, has scored Mourinho as his side have net- next to bottom of the table. Bra- full-time England job the stand at the Liberty Sta- matches without scoring for the just once in his last 11 appear- ted just 13 times in 10 league dley has suggested he may try to dium today, having been given fi rst time since December 2007. ances after he made a bright games, including three straight sign former Manchester United England’s interim manager has cast doubt on a one-match ban for confront- start to the campaign. fixtures without a goal since striker Dimitar Berbatov, a free whether he will accept a full-time position if it is off ered by his ing referee Mark Clattenburg at ‘Not sharp’ “He (Ibrahimovic) is playing the 1-1 draw with Stoke on agent after leaving Greek club Football Association employers. half-time during last weekend’s The one positive attacking well for the team. He’s creating October 2. PAOK at the end of last season. The former England Under-21 boss was put in charge for four goalless draw with Burnley. note in the last week was Wayne a lot of chances and missing United, who have slumped to But the immediate priority is matches after Sam Allardyce was sacked in September for be- These are not happy times for Rooney’s spectacular consola- a lot of goals,” Mourinho told eighth in the Premier League to improve an increasingly per- having “inappropriately” when seeking a lucrative sideline role the United manager, who was tion goal against Fenerbahce, his British media. following a string of poor ilous league position and Swans while talking to undercover reporters. fi ned £8,000 ($10,000, 9,000 fi rst since August. “If I remember Stoke (City), results, will look to get back defender Mike van der Hoorn “I think when you are in the position I am in you need to be clear euros) for that incident, and or- Despite that goal, Mourinho Liverpool, Chelsea, Burnley... to winning ways after the said: “It has been a very diffi - of what is being asked,” Southgate told a Football Journalism dered to pay another £50,000 for has acknowledged that his for- he missed a lot of goals but he mid-week Europa League loss cult start for us. Results have not degree class at the University of Derby. comments made about another wards are lacking confi dence. was fantastic in his dynamic, to Turkish side Fenerbahce gone our way and when you are “There is a big diff erence, for example, between being asked to referee, Anthony Taylor, before “Sometimes teams don’t score his working, his building up for when they travel to Swansea near the bottom positions you take the team over the summer or to take the team for three the goalless draw at Liverpool on goals because of their philoso- the team, he was fantastic. City today. fi nd you often don’t get the luck years or take the team for a year and a half. October 17. phy, because the team isn’t ag- or the 50/50 decisions. “I don’t think it is as easy as saying, ‘yes I would like the job’. I Mourinho has become em- gressive enough and doesn’t risk “A win over Manchester Unit- would also like to see how it is aff ecting my family and my health broiled in controversies off the enough,” he said. “That’s not our out Ander Herrera at Swansea as the team for Bastian Schwein- ed would give the team a lot more probably,” said Southgate. fi eld as his team labour on it. case, that’s not our case at all. he serves a one-match ban in- steiger, who has only just re- confi dence, which in turn gives The former England defender has two more games in charge In the Premier League, United “It is also easy to see that curred for a sending off against joined fi rst-team training this you more freedom in your play.” after having led the side to a 2-0 home win over Malta and a 0-0 have dropped to eighth place af- some players in our attacking ar- Burnley. They may also be miss- week after being cast aside fol- Winger Jeff erson Montero has draw against Slovenia in World Cup qualifying matches. ter going four matches without a eas lack confi dence; they’re not ing his fellow midfi elder Paul lowing Mourinho’s arrival. recovered from a calf injury and Southgate’s men host bitter rivals Scotland in a World Cup quali- win and three without a goal. sharp and getting the chances Pogba, who limped off against “He’s been training with the could make his fi rst league start fier on November 11 before entertaining Spain in a friendly four In the Europa League, they are that they can,” the Portuguese Fenerbahce. team for three or four days,” of the season, while defender days later. in danger of being eliminated at boss added. Those concerns will not, Mourinho said. “He’s not ready Kyle Naughton has overcome the group stage, falling to third United will defi nitely be with- though, signal a quick return to to play football at that level yet.” illness.

FOCUS Leicester City in the hunt for West Brom win

AFP handy point in the league at Tot- Ron-Robert Zieler, who has for my team. League line-up to take on Tony sent to France for a four-day fi t- France, who I worked with 20 Leicester, United Kingdom tenham Hotspur last weekend played in the Premier League “He had an operation last night Pulis’s Albion. ness camp that Pulis hopes will years ago. before a creditable goalless draw games against Swansea City, and the surgeon said everything Record-signing Islam Slimani help him get back in shape to “He’ll look at everything we’ve in Copenhagen on Wednesday Burnley and Manchester United is okay,” added the Italian. “Now could come into contention after play in the Premier League. done, assess what we’ve done eicester City can end a put them on the brink of the as well as the EFL Cup tie against it depends on how long. returning to training following “Saido’s off at the moment in and make a judgement on what solid week in style with Champions League’s last 16 with Chelsea. The 27-year-old has “I don’t put a deadline on it a groin injury but Shinji Oka- a fi tness centre, working with a Saido has to do over the next two a victory over West Bro- a record of four group games conceded eight goals in his last because every man is diff erent. zaki made an impressive case to fella that I worked with when I weeks before the Burnley game. mwich Albion that would without conceding a goal. two games but he will now re- Maybe two, three, fi ve, six maybe keep his place alongside Jamie was very young in management,” “It will be a really good ex- Lsend them into the Premier Yet a disjointed performance place a man Ranieri rates among seven weeks - I don’t know. Vardy in attack when he scored said Pulis. perience for Saido and good for League’s international break on in Denmark, allied to a fractured the best in the business. “Kasper wants to play on Sun- and played well in victory over “He’s got a week there to top the club because we can get an a high. hand that will keep goalkeeper “It is a pity - Kasper was in day! But that is normal. Crystal Palace in Leicester’s last himself up, and he’s going to go outside view on his conditioning Yet for a club still making his- Kasper Schmeichel out for up to very great condition but Zieler “Of course the hands, as for a Premier League game. through everything that we’ve and what we’ve done. tory and breaking down barriers, seven weeks, left a slightly sour gives me confi dence and I am boxer, are very important.” Albion manager Pulis will done so far to enable him to be “It’s right for the kid.” the Premier League champions taste to what should have been a very confi dent with him, so it’s again be without striker Saido at a level that hopefully fi ngers Pulis is also missing Baggies had felt a little low heading into pleasing run for manager Clau- okay,” said Ranieri. Berahino boot camp Berahino, whose career contin- crossed, when he does come back, record-signing Nacer Chadli, Sunday’s clash with the Baggies. dio Ranieri. “It is diffi cult to say if Kasper Ranieri made several changes ues to stall following more fi t- that he’ll be sharp and able to who has undergone minor knee A much-needed improved The Italian will now put his is the best but for us he is the in Copenhagen but is expected to ness issues. maintain Premier League football. surgery, and suspended winger away performance brought a trust in German international best. Kasper is very important revert to a more familiar Premier The 23-year-old has now been “This is someone who’s in James McClean. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, November 6, 2016 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA ANNOUNCEMENT No Balotelli as Italy name squad Enrique wary of AFP knee injury. Lazio midfi elder Milan Danilo Cataldi and Sassuolo winger Matteo Politano are also in the squad, but have yet taly coach Giam Piero Ven- to debut for the Azzurri. tura has left Mario Balo- Italy face Liechtenstein in telli out in the cold ahead Vaduz on November 12 in a of an upcoming World Cup World Cup qualifi er, and host dangerous Sevilla Iqualifi er at Liechtenstein and a Germany at Milan’s San Siro friendly at home to Germany. ground three days later. Ventura, announcing his ‘...I think they are the best minutes of our era since I have been coach’ 28-man squad on Saturday, Squad instead recalled Simone Zaza Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buff on despite the fact he has failed (Juventus), Gianluigi Don- AFP to fi nd the net since join- narumma (AC Milan), Mattia Madrid ing West Ham from Juven- Perin (Genoa) tus in the summer. Balotelli Defenders: Luca Antonelli has not played for Italy since (AC Milan), Andrea Barzagli arcelona coach Luis their disastrous fi rst-round (Juventus), Enrique believes Se- exit from the 2014 World Cup (Juventus), Matteo Darmian villa will pose a serious in Brazil, after which he was (Manchester United/ENG), threat to Spain’s estab- partly blamed for the Azzurri’s Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan), lishedB top three for the La Liga doomed campaign. Alessio Romagnoli (AC Milan), title this season ahead of his He had been expected to (Juventus), Da- side’s trip to the Sanchez Piz- feature in Ventura’s squad af- vide Zappacosta (Torino) juan yesterday. ter scoring seven league goals Midfielders: Giacomo Bon- Sevilla lie fourth after 10 since joining French outfi t aventura (AC Milan), Antonio games, but just three points be- Nice from Liverpool on the Candreva (), Danilo hind leaders Real Madrid, two transfer deadline day at the Cataldi (Lazio), Daniele De adrift of Barca and level with end of August. Rossi (Roma), Lorenzo Insigne Atletico Madrid. But, even in the absence (Napoli), Claudio Marchisio “Without any doubt for what of Graziano Pelle - who was (Juventus), Marco Parolo they have shown until now,” said suspended for failing to shake (Lazio), Matteo Politano Enrique yesterday when quizzed Ventura’s hand after his sec- (Sassuolo), Nicola Sansone on Sevilla’s ability to launch a ti- ond-half substitution against (Villarreal/ESP), Marco Verratti tle challenge. Spain last month - it was not (Paris Saint Germain/FRA) Sevilla have already beaten enough to sway Ventura. Strikers: Andrea Belotti Atletico in winning all seven Inter Milan striker Eder, (Torino), Eder (Inter Milan), home games since Barca last who usually plays alongside Manolo Gabbiadini (Napoli), visited in the Spanish Super Cup Pelle, is set to be partnered Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Leonar- in August. with either one of ’s two do Pavoletti (Genoa), Simone However, Enrique’s men have most on-form Italian strikers. Zaza (West Ham/ENG). looked increasingly brittle in re- Lazio’s Ciro Immobile has cent weeks without the injured hit nine goals this campaign, Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta only one behind the league- and were beaten 3-1 by Man- leading tally of Roma’s Bosnian chester City in the Champions striker Edin Dzeko. Andrea Be- League on Tuesday. lotti, meanwhile, has found the Yet, the Barca boss rounded net six times for Torino. on his critics and called for pa- In midfi eld, Ventura has re- tience in judging his side until called Claudio Marchisio, who the end of the season. has recently returned to the “If I look at our fi rst 40 min- fray for Juventus following a utes in Manchester, I think they six-month absence due to a are the best minutes of our era since I have been coach,” he Best squad in the world not enough for Zidane added. “There is desperation to Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists Zola linked to vacant Inter job praise or criticise very quickly, his squad of superstars can’t rest on their Former Chelsea fans’ Watford in December 2013 but there has to be more ration- laurels after blowing a 2-0 lead to draw 3-3 favourite Gianfranco Zola after a dismal start to the ality when analysing teams. At with Polish champions Legia Warsaw in has emerged as a surprise, season. the end of the season is when I midweek. last-minute candidate to Although he took over at think it is just. Zidane’s men return to La Liga action today replace sacked Inter Milan Cagliari in Serie A in Decem- “You have a very recent ex- at home to Leganes and the Frenchman coach , reports ber 2014, he was sacked three ample in our fi rst year (2014/15). wants a more rounded performance from suggested yesterday. months later, Cagliari re- You (the media) vilifi ed the his side. De Boer’s sacking after a hiring sacked Zdenek Zeman coaching team and in the end “I always think that I have the best squad in 1-0 defeat at Sampdoria last three months after sacking we were the coaching staff that the world, but at the same time that is not week has plunged the San the veteran Czech. won most titles in the world that enough,” said Zidane yesterday. Siro giants into crisis just 11 Zola took over at Al Arabi in year.” Only Mateo Kovacic’s equaliser five minutes games into the season. July 2015, but was sacked Defeat against former Barca from time prevented Real’s 27-game un- Newspaper reports yesterday after steering the side to only boss Pep Guardiola in midweek beaten streak coming to an end in the most morning insisted Marcelino 10 wins in 26 games. was Barca’s third in their last 12 unlikely fashion as Legia took their frist Garcia Toral, who led Villar- Reports yesterday said games. And with Real Madrid Champions League point for 21 years. real to a fourth place finish Marcelino has demanded a facing the easier challenge of “We need to go out onto the pitch and in La Liga last season before three-year contract until 2019, Leganes at home and an two- always play at our top level for 90 minutes. being sacked in August, was and considerable decision- week international break to To be persistent is the hardest thing in the frontrunner ahead of ex- making powers at Inter come, Enrique is determined football.” Lazio boss after Milan. not to lose more ground in the Despite their unbeaten run and still enjoy- both were interviewed by the Pioli, said Gazzetta’s report, title race. ing a two-point lead at the top of La Liga, club’s Chinese owners Suning was also interviewed for the “This is like the Tour of Spain Madrid haven’t kept a clean sheet in 10 on Friday. job on Friday but has agreed or Tour de France (in cycling). games in all competitions. But a Sky Sport Italia to accept a two-year deal, You have to try not to lose it in Zidane will once again be without his pre- television report claims Zola until 2018. the early stages to get to the key ferred central defensive pairing of captain has come into contention Inter’s fifth reverse of the stages with a chance of winning. Sergio Ramos and Pepe due to injury on because “he has close contact current Serie A campaign last “That means getting to Feb- Sunday, but called on the whole team to with the club’s Chinese own- week dropped the Nerazzurri ruary or March with a real and defend better as a unit. Real Madrid’s French coach Zinedine Zidane (L) gives instructions to Real Madrid’s Welsh ers Suning”. to 12th place at 13 points be- clear chance to win all of the ti- “It doesn’t worry me. I don’t like conceding forward Gareth Bale during the Champions League group match against Legia Warsaw in Zola has been out of work hind leaders Juventus ahead tles. That is our objective.” goals and the players like it even less, but it Warsaw on November 2. (AFP) since being sacked as coach of today’s home game with Pique, Iniesta and Jordi Alba is a question for everyone, not just the four of Qatari side Al Arabi. basement side Crotone. are all missing once more for the defenders,” added Zidane. surgery. “The important thing is that he is ok and has Indeed, the former Chelsea The club’s youth team coach trip to Sevilla. “We can all improve and what I am going to The Croatian is likely to start on the bench completely recovered.” star has struggled to emulate Stefano Vecchi will take the Enrique is expected to make try to do is impose more calm.” against Leganes, but Zidane hopes to hand Zidane confirmed that Karim Benzema his achievements as a helm for the second game in just change from the side that Real have received a big injury boost, Modric some game time in the second-half. will miss out due to a hamstring problem player on the other side of the succession, following Thurs- started against City with Rafi n- though, with the return of Luka Modric “He is in the squad. The idea is that he will so Alvaro Morata will join Gareth Bale and touchlines. day’s Europa League defeat ha or Arda Turan replacing An- after a month on the sidelines due to knee have minutes and we’ll see tomorrow. Cristiano Ronaldo in attack. Zola resigned as coach of to Southampton. dre Gomes.

FOCUS Spurs hope Kane can supply derby spark

AFP the table ahead of the weekend’s Kane’s return to fi tness after They came from 2-0 down to and that we can win these kinds London fi xtures, three points below sec- seven weeks out with an ankle win 3-2 at Ludogorets Razgrad in of games too.” ond-place Arsenal. ligament injury. the Champions League on Tues- Winger Theo Walcott is ex- “In the six games after Man- The 23-year-old England day, when Mesut Ozil’s sumptu- pected to overcome a hamstring uoyed by the return of chester City we have struggled striker has scored four goals in ous 87th-minute winner took problem to start, while midfi eld- Harry Kane, Totten- to win games — four draws and his three league games against Arsenal into the last 16 for the er Granit Xhaka returns after a ham Hotspur will look two defeats. Arsenal and although he is un- 17th season running. three-game domestic ban. to arrest their current “We are very conscious about derstandably short of match fi t- Spurs have not fi nished above But Wenger has doubts over slumpB and improve their dismal that. We need to work hard and ness, Pochettino says he could Arsenal since 1995, having been Santi Cazorla (Achilles), Nacho record at the Emirates Stadium in try more than before. start. pipped to second place behind Monreal (muscular), Hector Bel- today’s derby against Arsenal. “We are in a diffi cult moment, In Kane’s absence, Spurs have Leicester City by their rivals on lerin (knock) and Kieran Gibbs Though they remain the last but in football you always need scored only three goals in their last season’s fi nal day. (shoulder). unbeaten team in the Premier to be ready to change the dy- last six games and have not But Wenger was reluctant to Olivier Giroud, meanwhile, League, Tottenham have gone namic and we have a very good scored from open play in the last entertain suggestions his side is putting pressure on Alexis six games without victory in all opportunity on Sunday to go to fi ve. have any kind of mental hold Sanchez for the lone striker’s competitions since their stun- the Emirates and try to win the Midfi elder Mousa Dembele over their foes from the other role, having scored three times ning 2-0 defeat of Manchester game.” faces a late fi tness test on a foot end of the Seven Sisters Road. in his last two appearances. City a month ago. Pochettino is yet to lose a problem, but centre-back Toby “At the moment I’m more There has been just one 0-0 Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Bayer league game against Arsenal Alderweireld (leg) and winger focused on the fact that this is draw in the last 43 meetings be- Leverkusen left them in third manager Arsene Wenger, win- Erik Lamela (hip) are defi nitely more than a derby,” said the Ar- tween the teams and the omens place in their Champions League ning one and drawing three of out and Moussa Sissoko is sus- senal manager, whose team trail for goals are good. group and manager Mauricio their four encounters, although pended. leaders Manchester City on goal The last time Arsenal and Tot- Pochettino concedes prepara- he did taste defeat against him in diff erence. tenham met at midday was in tion for the 179th North London last season’s League Cup. Giroud among the goals “It’s an important game for us November 2004, when an 81st- derby has not been ideal. Spurs have won just once at Arsenal go into the game car- because it’s a big home game and minute Robert Pires strike was “It’s true that we are not in a Arsenal since May 1993 — a 3-2 rying momentum, Wenger’s side we have an opportunity to show enough to give Wenger’s men a positive situation,” said the Ar- success in November 2010 — but having won 10 of their last 11 that we have an interesting role dizzying 5-4 victory at White gentine, whose side are fi fth in will draw encouragement from matches in all competitions. to play in this Premier League, Hart Lane. Gulf Times Sunday, November 6, 2016 5 RUGBY

SPOTLIGHT Foley leads Australia to crushing win over Wales Australia showcased their intent from the off , going through phase after phase in the opening three uninterrupted minutes, which featured a sublime Israel Folau off load and culminated in a Foley penalty to open the scoring

Australia’s Bernard Foley celebrates scoring a try with teammates during their match against Wales yesterday.

AFP before Scott Williams pulled one back hands on the ball in the fi rst half. ing leaden-footed and totally bereft of Wallabies went for the corner, and tions either side, passed back into the Cardiff for the home side, seeking their fi rst “We made errors and they punished ideas in the opening half. Moore crashed over from the driving centre for the fi ve-pointer, Foley again victory in an opening game of an au- us,” said Wales’ most capped player, Australia showcased their intent maul, Foley missing the extras. missing the conversion. tumn series since beating Romania in with 127. from the off , going through phase af- The Wallabies completely dominated Halfpenny’s second penalty attempt ustralian fl y-half Bernard 2002. “It’s always an uphill task to get back ter phase in the opening three unin- possession and territory for the next 15 went wide and the Wallabies punished Foley was in imperious form But the Wallabies had the last laugh into the game but full credit to Aus- terrupted minutes, which featured a minutes, Wales’ defensive woes wors- the home side with a third try, Foley’s as he helped extend the Wal- when winger Dane Haylett-Petty tralia.” sublime Israel Folau offl oad and cul- ened when fl y-half Dan Biggar was yel- delayed pass allowing Kuridrani a clean labies’ winning streak over crossed for a fi fth try after picking off a “We showed some good spirit at the minated in a Foley penalty to open the low carded for cynically holding back run at the line after dummying the WalesA to 12 games with a comprehen- sloppy Welsh pass. end but we lost the game in the fi rst scoring. Halfpenny responded imme- Haylett-Petty with the tryline begging. Welsh full-back. sive 32-8 victory yesterday. Wallaby captain Moore said the game half.”Since losing to New Zealand in the diately after Rory Arnold was caught in The Australian winger then spilled Foley converted to hand the visitors Foley exchanged an early penalty had been “pleasing”. fi nal of last year’s World Cup, Australia possession from the restart. an inside Foley pass in the Welsh 22m a 20-3 half-time lead and was the fi rst with Leigh Halfpenny before the visi- “You never know how much posses- have endured a six-match losing streak But that was an extremely rare Welsh area before Halfpenny produced a try- name on the scoreboard in the second tors scored three fi rst-half tries from sion you are going to get and I think we and headed into Saturday’s match with sortie into Australian territory, with saving tackle on Hodge as he waltzed period, running in a try of his own after skipper Stephen Moore, Reece Hodge threw it away a bit,” the hooker said. just three Test wins in the last 11. this season’s Rugby Championship through Wales’ line. slick hands in midfi eld. and Tevita Kuridrani to lay the bedrock “We attacked well and it is a nice way But the Wallabies certainly did not runners-up in full control and Foley or- But it was not long before Hodge was Scott Williams, a late call-up for for a dominant display. to start the tour.” hold back at Cardiff ’s Principality Sta- chestrating waves of structured attack played in, another inside Foley pass the injured Jonathan Davies at centre, Foley himself stretched the lead early Wales counterpart Gethin Jenkins dium, displaying an all-encompassing that had Wales on the back foot. setting Folau free. The graceful full- gathered his own grubber through to in the second period with his own try admitted that his team had not got their attacking verve that left Wales look- Spurning a kickable penalty, the back sprinted into space and with op- pull a try back for Wales.

BOTTOMLINE Springboks bounce back to draw with Barbarians

London: South Africa centres the set-piece all but non-existent. Francois Venter and Ronhan Pat Lambie, captain of a South Janse van Rensburg both Africa side featuring nine un- scored late tries as the Spring- capped players in the matchday Rude welcome for Joseph as boks rescued a 31-31 draw with 23, missed the conversion. the Barbarians in their Euro- Barbarians matches are meant pean tour opener at London’s to encourage attacking play yesterday. and the invitational side The Springboks were 31-19 regained the lead with a try Pumas maul Japan down with nine minutes left in worthy of the club’s best tradi- this non-cap clash before their tions in the 19th minute. AFP a lot of opportunities,” he added.”And midfield duo scored the last of The Barbarians turned over ruck Tokyo with the game gone in the last 20 minutes the game’s 10 tries. ball deep in their own 22 and we saw the attitude of a team that never Even there was still time for uncapped Highlanders wing wants to give in.” Barbarians replacement Luke Matt Faddes — off icially the Bar- rgentina spoiled Jamie Joseph’s Japan, who themselves lit up the World Morahan to complete what barians’ 5,000th player — broke fi rst game as head coach of Ja- Cup by famously winning three matches would have been a hat-trick clear down the right touchline. pan by crushing the Brave Blos- under Eddie Jones, began brightly as Yu but the Australia international He regathered his own chip, soms 54-20 in swashbuckling Yamada’s early penalty opened the scor- knocked on. evading Springbok fullback styleA yesterday. ing. It took the Barbarians just five Jesse Kriel and passed inside The marauding Pumas bared their But from then on it was one-way traf- minutes to open the scor- to Barbarians captain Andy claws against a new-look Japan side, fi c. Moroni raced down the right wing to ing when, following a cleanly Ellis, with the former All Blacks dominating in all areas with fl y-half score and Argentina began to turn the won line-out, fly-half Robert scrum-half rounding off an Nicolas Sanchez orchestrating a com- screw after Sanchez collected a pass from du Preez, one of four South 80-metre try. fortable victory in the Tokyo sunshine. scrumhalf Martin Landajo to score, be- Africans in the Barbarians start- Du Preez added the extras to Sanchez scored 29 points, booting 19 fore his trusty right boot forged a 21-6 ing XV, checked the Springbok put the Barbarians 12-5 in front. points and adding a pair of tries, while halftime lead for the visitors. defence with a ‘show and go’ South Africa, however, drew lev- Matias Moroni and Santiago Cordero also The fl oodgates opened when Cordero before finding Blues fullback el four minutes later when, after touched down twice as Argentina showed touched down in the corner moments af- Melani Nanai showed good Lambie had spurned a kickable glimpses of the form that swept them to ter the restart and Moroni fi nished off a strength cross at the corner. penalty, blindside flanker Roelof the semi-fi nals of last year’s World Cup. slick breakaway move after 49 minutes. Du Preez missed the conversion Smit crossed from a close range A late try from substitute Tomas Amanaki Mafi bulldozed over for Japan but the Barbarians were 5-0 up. line-out. Cubelli brought up Argentina’s half-cen- soon after, but Sanchez capped a breath- South Africa, with just three Lambie converted and it looked tury and will give New Zealander Joseph taking team try for Argentina before Cor- forwards from the pack that as if the half would end level plenty to ponder before three fl y-away dero scored again and Cubelli completed played in their record 57-15 defeat at 12-12. tests in Europe. the rout. by New Zealand in Durban last But in the 40th minute the “Argentina have played New Zealand, “It was a tough game,” Landajo said month, were soon on level terms. Barbarians when, after a burst South Africa and Australia twice each — diplomatically. In the 12th minute, lock Pieter- by Nanai, Australia wing Taqele we’ve had one scrum session,” Joseph told “Japan are a good attacking side and Steph du Toit surged through Naiyarovo went in at the corner reporters. Jan Manuel Leguizamon of Argentina (2nd L) passes the ball after being tackled by are hard to defend. But we in the second after winning ball at a line-out, for an unconverted try and a “At the start we had plenty of energy, Japan’s Lomano Lava Lemeki (L) during the international rugby friendly match in half we got some opportunities and took with the Barbarians defence at 17-12 lead at the break. put pressure on Argentina and created Tokyo yesterday. them.” Gulf Times 6 Sunday, November 6, 2016 SPORT

NBA IRONY Rose, Noah bring happy memories in Walton’s Lakers return to Bulls’ home stun Warriors as Curry goes cold ‘We’re looking at the big picture. The big picture isn’t beating Golden State.... The big New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (R) and team-mate Derrick picture is we make it really hard for teams to come into Staples Center and win’ Rose (25) celebrate during the second half at the United Center.

MCT “I’m a good person. I never dis- Chicago liked anyone. If I did, they didn’t know.” Rose visited the Bulls locker room pregame, laughingly errick Rose consistently revealing he stole two bottles of said his main motivation water from Jimmy Butler. Their during his eight seasons relationship drew scrutiny as the with the Bulls was to Bulls underachieved last season. winD an NBA championship for his Rose said he attended Butler’s hometown of Chicago. USA Basketball game in Los An- How crazy and coincidental, geles and went to a Dodgers game then, that his and Joakim Noah’s to see him. fi rst game back at the United “There’s no bad blood between Center as opponents with the nobody with the franchise or no- Knicks came on the day the Cubs body on that team,” Rose said. “It celebrated a World Series cham- was never that. It’s funny to see pionship with a parade and rally. how people just try to make up “Only thing I can do about that things with us just losing games.” is say I gave it my all,” Rose said. Butler also took the high road. “I really tried. I had multiple “The group of guys that we have times when I envisioned winning are doing really well right now, so a championship here. It never do I wish I can change last year? happened. So I have to take them No,” he said. “Do I wish (Rose) the visions to New York.” best? Is he my guy? Yeah. The Knicks look far from a title “He’s not a bad guy at all. He’s team but righted matters slightly just not a talkative one. I think Friday night with a 117-104 victory we have guys in here that love to over the Bulls, improving to 2-3. talk, love to joke around and be Noah drew loud cheers dur- around each other, hang out. ing introductions. So did Rose, “That’s not necessarily a bad although a small undercurrent thing about him, it’s just him. of boos could be heard. The Bulls The guys we have right now, we honoured both players with a don’t have anyone like that. I’m video tribute during the fi rst not saying that’s the reason for timeout. The players spent pre- anything that happened last game hugging everybody from year, but it’s just a very diff erent executive vice president John vibe around here.” Paxson to security guards. Rose and Noah alternated be- An introspective Rose, who tween focusing on righting the said he was surprised but not Knicks and walking down mem- stung by the trade, a process he ory lane as they spoke on the did say “sucks,” pondered his court where they experienced so fall from grace from too-good- many highs and lows as members to-be-true hometown story to of the Bulls. Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. (7) dunks the ball on Golden State Warriors forward David West (3) during the second quarter at Staples Center. oft-injured star who alienated a “I wish everybody well,” Noah segment of the fan base. said. “I’m not here wanting the MCT home. The big picture is we make it really Results but the wins matter to them. At every “People just didn’t under- Bulls to lose or anything like that. Los Angeles hard for teams to come into Staples Center stop of a cross-country, four-game trip, stand me,” Rose said. “I didn’t Just (Friday night), though.” and win. The big picture is we did what Results from the NBA games on they fought for them. And though they let them. I was too focused. We Bulls management consist- we’re supposed to do. We won at home.” Friday (home team in CAPS) went 1-3 on that trip, their only win came were losing. So I held everything ently has said since last June’s os Angeles Lakers Coach Luke Wal- Lakers forward Julius Randle fi nished WASHINGTON 95 Atlanta 92 against the only undefeated team they in. I didn’t voice my opinion the trade of Rose that the core had ton put his hands on his hips and with 20 points, 14 rebounds and a block TORONTO 96 Miami 87 faced – the Atlanta Hawks. way I wanted to, and the way I been together too long and need- calmly gazed onto the court where against the Warriors’ Draymond Green. Charlotte 99 BROOKLYN 95 On a day’s rest, they returned to Sta- expressed it was being quiet. I’m ed change. Earlier this week in the unthinkable was happening. “He’s a monster,” Walton said. NY Knicks 117 CHICAGO 104 ples, greeted by a tepidly optimistic an introvert. I was just quiet and Boston, Butler joined the cho- LThe Lakers didn’t just beat the Golden Lou Williams fi nished with 20 points, crowd that hadn’t witnessed a home loss thinking about things. rus, agreeing that the staleness LA Clippers 99 MEMPHIS 88 State Warriors on Friday night at Staples part of a 61-point output by the Lakers’ Phoenix 112 N. ORLEANS 111 (OT) from a Luke Walton team yet. “Sometimes with fans they translated to the court. Center. They throttled the defending bench players. D’Angelo Russell scored Portland 105 DALLAS 95 The Lakers opened the game with an 8-0 want to see results right away, Noah didn’t disagree. Western Conference champions, 117-97. 17 and the Lakers fi nished with 26 assists San Antonio 100 UTAH 86 run that Golden State quickly, and predict- especially when you play with “It was time for change,” Noah They beat them doing what the War- and 51 rebounds. LA LAKERS 117 Golden State 97 ably, countered with its own 7-0 run. a franchise like this. We won six said. “I look back on (last season) riors have historically done best. They “That means we’re sharing the ball, Only, faced with adversity against the championships in Chicago. They and I was defi nitely frustrated. shut down a potentially lethal three- we’re playing like a team and we’re fi ght- team that still might be the best in the want playoff s. And they want There was defi nitely a lot of ad- point game, they moved the ball more ing,” Walton said. supposed to so far outclass the Lakers NBA, the Lakers didn’t fold. As the War- rings. That’s just how they felt. versity going on there. Now I gracefully, and when the purple and gold The game was supposed to be a that none of that would matter. riors struggled with their shooting, the And I felt like there wasn’t no pa- can look back at it and see where streamers fell from the rafters, they put thrashing, but one administered by the This was a team that won an NBA- Lakers built a 12-point lead in the fi rst tience on both sides.” things went wrong. It’s not about their arms around each other, grinning. visitors. It was a young Lakers team record 73 games last season – including quarter. They ended the quarter up 24-15. The Bulls’ improved chemis- blaming one person. Everybody But the second the game ended, Wal- without a single All-Star, with a first- a 39-4 record with Walton running the For the previous week, Walton had said try has been a major storyline in in that locker room is good peo- ton’s mind reset immediately. This game year head coach who learned the trade team in place of an ailing Kerr – and then the Lakers were improving defensively. On this young season. Rose said it’s ple. It’s just (crap) happens. It’s was progress, but he wants more. in his two seasons as a Warriors assist- signed a former league MVP, Kevin Du- Friday night that improvement showed. good the Bulls have it but down- a locker room. The things I re- “We’re looking at the big picture,” Wal- ant under his mentor, Steve Kerr. Sure, rant, to add to their arsenal. The Warriors’ 15 points in the fi rst were the played a question on whether he member the most are good mem- ton said. “The big picture isn’t beating the Warriors were playing the second Walton’s Lakers will be judged this fewest they’ve scored in a quarter all sea- thought he was a good teammate. ories from everybody. I have no Golden State and losing Sunday night at of back-to-back games, but they were season by more than just wins and losses, son, and the fewest allowed by the Lakers. “Forget teammate,” he said. hard feelings toward anybody.”

BOTTOMLINE It’s early, but young Lakers are bursting with joy

By Bill Plaschke “That’s a good start for us, it’s a great son game against a team that he helped times beaten badly, but it is not for lack MCT, Los Angeles win for us and shows us how good we coach for two seasons, and, with strong of eff ort. can do,” said Randle, who had 20 points control of a team that was in strong Once in the second quarter, the War- and 14 rebounds. control, it became clear that Walton has rior found Steph Curry alone on a fast or three seasons, they’ve been Yes, the tired-looking Warriors were already left those Warriors days behind break, yet believe it or not, all fi ve Lak- nowhere. Now they’re coming coming off an emotional Thursday During their second home game of ers beat him downcourt. In his previous from everywhere. Larry Nance night win over Oklahoma City in Oak- the post-Kobe Bryant Era, a couple of 157 games Curry had made at least one Jr. rolling down the lane, Nick land. But this is the same team picked to things were obvious. three-pointer. On Friday, he made zero, YoungF falling into the stands. Julius dominate the entire basketball universe They pass. Man, do they pass. There is missing all 10 attempts. Randle bouncing off the glass. after adding Kevin Durant to their two- seemingly more passing in one posses- “Just tried to play with a high intensity, For three seasons, they’ve been one time NBA Finals group. sion this season than in entire games last high level the entire game,” Randle said. player. Now, they’re endless players. The Lakers were supposed to get season. This is no indictment of Bryant, These Lakers also don’t seem beat- D’Angelo Russell with the ball. Jor- pounded here. They were supposed to be but simply a reminder of how the awe- en down when they are beaten down. dan Clarkson with the soar. Lou Wil- pounded throughout the fi rst few months struck respect shown by his teammates Whatever calmness that the baritone of liams with the scores. of this season. Last year they didn’t even turned the last couple of years into a Walton is preaching, it’s working. With a new core, a new coach, and win their third game until Dec. 2. But nightly one-man production. “I am proud of our team playing the mere months removed from the worst here they are, Halloween week, with a 3-3 With no star to hang on, these Lak- full 48,” Randle said. record in franchise history, the Lakers record and two consecutive wins against ers play without giant egos or stubborn This all seems crazy, but it also seems are not yet great again. probable playoff teams. selfi shness, witness the scene late in the real. This seems like the Lakers are re- But quickly, stunningly, they are fun “We have guys that want to win, that fi rst quarter, when one sequence went ally building something. again, and, man, did they have a blast are tough, that aren’t going to quit,” like this: pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, off - Look at this season so far. Friday night at Staples Center in beat- Walton said. balance shot by Williams, ball picked off They beat Houston in the opener, ing up on The Greatest Team Ever. Lakers’ Brandon Ingram scores a basket over Warriors’ Draymond Green. I’m buying. The team is as fun as in mid-air and laid in by Nance. and challenged in nearly every game on The breathtaking fi nal score was 117- the Dance Cam between the third and They fi nished with 26 assists on 45 their ensuing trip. They were leading in 97, the Lakers beating the mighty Gold- ing, screaming mess, countering with a swung for the fences and connected, fourth quarter, when not only were the shots, while outrebounding the Warri- Indiana in the fi nal three minutes. They en State Warriors from start to fi nish, joyful, fl ying, relentless attack. again and again, effi ciently, dramati- fans shown dancing, but also stream- ors, 51-40, and Walton was thrilled. were within four in Utah in the fi nal from Durant to Curry, from Dub to City. “There’s really nothing to lose for cally, Russell hitting a three-pointer ing video of the young players dancing. “That means we are sharing the ball, minute. They won at Atlanta at the end They beat them from fi rst fl ying fast- us,” Coach Luke Walton said before the and screaming into the stands, Young When is the last time you’ve seen that playing like a team, and fi ghting,” he said. of the trip. break to the fi nal strains of “I Love L.A.” game. “It’s one of those games we can hitting a three-pointer and screaming much unbridled joy from this storied These Lakers also hustle on defense. They may not yet be great, but they as Jordan Clarkson literally danced off come out swinging.” to the sky, Randle fi nishing it off with a and recently staid franchise? They don’t always play good defense, are wildly fun, and right now, that is the fl oor. They beat them into a pout- Goodness, did they swing. They continuous late bull-rush to the basket. This was Walton’s fi rst regular-sea- they still seem confused and are some- more than enough. Gulf Times Sunday, November 6, 2016 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT WORRY Dirk Nowitzki latest victim of epidemic Chicago turns Cubs of injuries for Mavs

MCT Dallas

s the season-opening blue for World losing streak grew to historic proportions Friday night, it was hardA to believe that wasn’t the worst news of the evening. Portland’s 105-95 victory over the Mavericks dropped them to Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas 0-5, the worst start to a season in Mavericks watches play. Series celebration franchise history. And Rick Carlisle said after- joined Andrew Bogut and Devin ward that Dirk Nowitzki will be Harris on the shelf. The Mavericks The hapless Chicago Cubs have been the brunt of baseball’s cruellest trivia “shut down” for at least a week to also lost Wesley Matthews briefl y give his sore right Achilles time in the fi rst half when he went down question for generations. ‘How long has it been since the Cubs have won the to recuperate. clutching his right knee. Matthews Nowitzki left Friday’s game af- played his regular minutes in the World Series?’ team owner Tom Ricketts asked. Two days, their ecstatic fans said ter playing 16 fi rst-half minutes. second half. “He’s going to be out for a Carlisle said Matthews was while,” Carlisle said. “We’ll up- banged up and that Deron Wil- date (things) in about seven days. liams also got roughed up near He didn’t reinjure the Achilles, the end of the game. it’s just lingering. It’s not getting The epidemic of injuries is better the way it needs to, so we clearly taking a toll. The Mavericks got to shut him down. look uneven at best off ensively “Is it bad news, yes. But we’ll with a lot of individual play and get through it. His health is the virtually no transition off ense. most important thing. He’s more And, of course, the defensive than willing to continue playing, problems are becoming obvi- but it’s pretty obvious that things ous. They had no clue how to just aren’t right. We’ve got to do put the cuffs on Lillard, who the right thing here and back him put on an incredible shooting off and get it fixed.” show. He pulled up from 34- Nowitzki missed two games feet twice in the third quarter. after playing 38 minutes in the The first was shot-clock in- opener and the thinking was that duced, but the second was not. the time off would help his sore He finished with 42 points, four Achilles settle down. rebounds and four assists. That clearly didn’t work. The Mavericks had little to Nowitzki never made it back be excited about. The news was onto the court because of sore- bad all the way around with the ness in his right Achilles. He had outcome and Nowitzki taking an fi ve points and seven rebounds in early leave. 16 fi rst-half minutes. He wasn’t They were left to wonder when moving like a gazelle, but then that fi rst win will come and if again, he never does. they will be doomed for “one of The Mavericks quickly ruled those seasons” that they haven’t him out for the rest of the game. He had in forever.

How has Wade leaving aff ected Heat popularity so far? Has interest in the Heat di- Dallas), to 297 games, includ- minished with Dwyane Wade ing playoff s. gone? One reason why games keep There are conflicting results selling out: Some season-tick- Cubs’ Jon Lester (34) lifts the Commissioner’s Trophy during the World Series victory rally in Grant Park. so far. et holders are in the final year The first four games produced of three-year contracts. DPA on Lake Michigan where local resident 30 gold-plated pennants, one for each fi nishes for the fi rst three years of Ep- local ratings of 4.8, 3.4, 3.1 and Though some tickets have Washington Barack Obama held his presidential Major League team, surrounding a sil- stein’s tenure, as they stockpiled top 3.6, with three of those games sold at surprisingly low prices victory rallies in 2008 and 2012, some ver baseball embossed with latitude and picks in baseball’s amateur draft and competing with World Series on the secondary market, shouted, “two days.” “The answer is zero longitude lines, symbolizing the world built what might be the strongest minor- games. That averages to a 3.7 Michael Lipman _ CEO of Tick- he Chicago Cubs were the laugh- years,” Ricketts said, “since the Cubs championship. league system in the sport. TV rating, compared with 4.5 ets of America _ said premium ingstock of baseball for decades have won the World Series.” He said Friday was “Cubstock 2016.” Their young talent ripened in 2015, for all of last season. seats “are selling in the same as their last championship in Jubilant throngs estimated in the mil- when the team reached the playoff s but That means 3.7 percent of all range as the Big Three (era).” 1908 faded from living memory lions across the city met the team along RICKETTS THE REASON fell one step short of the World Series. Miami-Ft. Lauderdale homes Does that surprise Lipman? Tinto fable. a parade route that started at Wrigley Crane Kenney, a long-time Cubs execu- Epstein’s grand plan came to fruition are watching Heat games on “I’m shocked,” he said. “Open- As Major League Baseball’s other an- Field on the North Side and wound along tive, hinted at the reasons for the long this year, when the Cubs were easily the TV so far, compared with 4.5 ing night was one of the best cient dry spells - suff ered by the cross- stretches of the Michigan Avenue shop- drought as he credited the Ricketts family Major Leagues’ best regular-season team last season. One ratings point I ever had _ as strong, if not town Chicago White Sox and Boston Red ping district and Lake Shore Drive. for fi nally turning the team around. and rolled through the National League in our market equals more stronger, as when LeBron Sox - were broken in the early 2000s, the Even the Chicago River, which is dyed “They told us to think big and stop playoff s. In the World Series, Chicago fell than 16,000 households. James was here. There’s a Cubs’ century-long drought became an green annually for Saint Patrick’s Day, cutting corners,” he said. “They changed to a 3-1 defi cit against Cleveland before From an attendance stand- new buzz about this team and obscure, painful fact. was coloured swimming-pool blue in our culture.” proving their grit by winning three elimi- point, a bunch of seats were basketball is such a growing Team chairman Tom Ricketts, whose honour of the Cubs’ team colour. A key moment in the Cubs’ reversal of nation games on the trot. empty for Tuesday’s Sacra- sport.” family bought the Cubs in 2009, ad- At the Grant Park rally, where fans fortunes was the hiring of front-offi ce At the tender age of 42, Epstein has mento game. But Heat games Lipman said courtside seats dressed a sea of fans Friday at the city’s started arriving before dawn, the team wunderkind Theo Epstein as president of now guided teams out of droughts that continue to sell out, extending for Heat-Bulls next Thursday victory celebration, following the team’s organist played a few notes with the in- baseball operations in 2011. lasted a combined 194 years. the NBA’s second-longest _ Wade’s return to Miami _ are 8-7 win over the Cleveland Indians in troduction of every team executive, coach In Boston, he had become the youngest “That parade was insane,” he told the sellout streak (behind only going for $5000. Wednesday’s deciding seventh game of and player to lend some of the Wrigley general manager in Major League history fans Friday. “One hundred and eight the World Series, which ended Chicago’s Field atmosphere, even adding fl ourishes as a 28-year-old in 2002, and received years of support, patience, love for this drought at 108 years. to punctuate the speakers’ jokes. much of the credit when the long-suf- team waiting for what happened two He posed a “trivia question” to the Joe Maddon, the manager who has fering Red Sox ended their own cham- nights ago in Cleveland.” NHL crowd: “How long has it been since the led the Cubs with a guru-like compo- pionship drought in 2004 and grabbed One person in the audience held a Cubs have won the World Series?” sure, carried out the World Series tro- another trophy in 2007. “Theo 4 President” sign, four days before At Grant Park, the central green space phy - 14 kilograms of sterling silver, with The Cubs suff ered through last-place US elections. Rakell, Vermette help NASCAR Ducks blast Coyotes

MCT In parts of fi ve seasons with Anaheim, California Arizona, Vermette had 70 goals and 79 assists. He’s off to a solid start with the Ducks, with a goal Busch hits trouble in title pursuit ickard Rakell scored and an assist Friday for seven twice, Antoine Ver- points in his fi rst 12 games. MCT but I really wasn’t even trying “We are kind of fl ying under mette scored in his fi rst After allowing fi ve goals to Forth Worth, Texas that hard. ... Just kind of a shock the radar, which is fi ne,” Busch game against his former Pittsburgh on Wednesday, John that it happened.” said. “We don’t need to be the teamR and the Anaheim Ducks Gibson was called on again and The wreck fl attened the right ones that are fl ashy. We’ve been used three fi rst-period goals to stopped 21 shots. Gibson, the efending NASCAR Cup side of Busch’s No. 18 Toyota. able to put ourselves in the right roll past the Arizona Coyotes, Ducks’ undisputed No. 1 goalie, champion Kyle Busch’s After his team pulled the backup position ... to not have to be 5-1, at Honda Center on Friday has started the last fi ve games weekend in Texas car from the hauler, Busch went fl ashy.” night. and played in all but one this didn’t get off to a good on to post the seventh-fastest Busch would rather be in this Nine days of up-and-down season. startD Friday. speed in the practice session. kind of situation, actually. He play have defi ned the inconsist- Angered by consecutive bad Busch, who is one of seven Busch’s frustrations continued doesn’t want to be in the kind ent Ducks (5-5-2) and this latest losses at home, Ducks coach drivers whose Chase fate re- later Friday, when the backup of spot Kevin Harvick has found one-sided performance before Randy Carlyle held a meeting mains uncertain heading into car developed a water leak dur- himself in during recent seasons, an announced crowd of 16,405 Thursday and challenged his Sunday’s Texas AAA 500 at ing qualifying. Busch will start when Harvick had to win a race was on the right side after they group to be more focused and Texas Motor Speedway, crashed 24th Sunday. to advance into the next round. were blown out Wednesday by play as a complete unit. It looked during the fi rst lap of practice Harvick has been successful Pittsburgh. that way in this outing against Friday morning. NOT AS DOMINANT with that, though, at Phoenix in Rakell, Kevin Bieksa and Ja- the equally up-and-down Coyo- That means Busch will drive Busch hasn’t been as dominant 2014 to make the championship kob Silfverberg all scored during tes. a backup car in Sunday’s race. this season as he was in 2015, round and at Dover in 2015 to ad- a dominating 21-shot fi rst pe- With the Ducks again playing That’s not an ideal situation for when he won the championship vance to the second round. riod, which would chase Arizona without injured forwards Ryan somebody who needs to win this despite missing the fi rst 11 races “Harvick kind of gets set be- goalie Louis Domingue. Coyotes Getzlaf and Nick Ritchie, Rakell week or next, or maintain his with a broken leg and foot. But hind; he has to go out and be coach Dave Tippett opted to go and others picked up the off en- spot in the top four to advance he qualifi ed for the Chase with fl ashy _ he has to win in order with backup Justin Peters for the sive load. Corey Perry played to the championship round in an early victory at Martinsville, to prove himself to move on fi nal 40 minutes. playmaker in setting up the fi rst two weeks at Homestead-Miami following that with three more at through _ that’s kind of when Vermette gave the Ducks a two goals, with Bieksa ripping Speedway. Texas, Kansas and Indianapolis. their back is to the wall,” Busch 4-0 lead in the second with a in a power-play goal and Rakell “I don’t think I have ever He has stayed comfort- said. “We just try to do what is slap shot that beat Peters for striking off a 2-on-1 with the crashed on the fi rst lap of getting Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, stands in the garage ably within the Chase cutline best for us. We don’t necessar- his second goal. The 34-year- goal-scoring winger. out there on the track before,” during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA Texas 500. throughout the playoff s, until a ily worry about what our critics old signed a two-year deal with Busch said. “(It) kind of puts us fi fth-place fi nish at last week’s say or what others say, we try to Anaheim late in the summer af- RESULTS a little bit more behind the eight “Speeds are really high at Tex- it just kind of got away from me Martinsville race dropped him to make sure that we are staying ter being cut loose by Arizona, Canadiens 0 Blue Jackets 10 ball than we’d like to be. Didn’t as. When you lose that grip, typ- there. I wish that I would have fourth in the standings – inside the plan. So far we have been and which bought him out to open up Jets 5 Red Wings 3 even get a lap on that thing. ically it happens in a hurry and had maybe taken it a little easy, the cutline, but hardly safe. it’s getting us through.” a spot for a younger prospect. Coyotes 1 Ducks 5 Gulf Times 8 Sunday, November 6, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT GENEROUS Pacquiao likes to give more than he gets Pacquiao eager to AFP He also helped to buy a fl eet Las Vegas of new boats for fi shermen in a coastal community. Pacquiao says he needs to oxer Manny Pacquiao, keep fi ghting so he can continue known as the people’s the charity work that has done champion in his native throughout much of his 21-year Philippines, says he has boxing career. reclaim WBO Bgiven away about $200 million Pacquiao was elected to the on projects to help the less for- Philippine Senate in May. tunate. He sits on 15 committees, two “Every income I receive in of which he chairs. boxing, almost half of it goes His Senate duties have meant to the less fortunate,” Pacquiao he has only been able to train said. “After each fi ght, half of my part-time for the upcoming fi ght income goes to the poor. “But I against Jessie Vargas. welterweight title don’t like to announce it.” “I enjoy politics because I do According to Forbes, Pacqui- not have a hidden agenda. I serve ao’s income from career purses honestly,” he said. ‘I know I am the challenger going in and I have to fight that way. It is not enough to and endorsements is around “That’s a good thing for me be- $500 million. cause I’m not ashamed to tell the do well, I have to take the title away from him... I want to make history.’ Pacquiao has a number of truth. I’m not ashamed to rebuke projects underway in the Philip- someone if they are doing wrong. pines including building 1,500 Government is for serving the homes on the island of Mindanao. people, not for serving oneself.”

RUNNING Biwott and Keitany eye New York City marathon repeats

AFP New York

efending New York City Marathon cham- pion Stanley Biwott returns to the scene ofD his fi rst major marathon tri- umph today aiming to erase the memory of a devastating Rio Ol- ympics failure. “I’m now fi t. I’m OK and I’m ready,” said Biwott, who dropped out of the Olympic marathon in August at the halfway point. He said the Rio disaster resulted from his being handed the wrong drinking bottle on the course, for her third straight title in the which gave him an upset stomach. Big Apple. “So that was the problem, but The last woman runner to I was in good shape in Rio,” he triumph three straight years in said, and it hasn’t aff ected his New York was Grete Waitz, who confi dence for Sunday’s race won fi ve in a row from 1982-86. through the fi ve boroughs of The formidable Kenyan has had New York City. “I’m ready on plenty of time to focus on her title Manny Pacquiao (L) and WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas pose during their off icial weigh-in at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. Sunday to run a good race and defense, after she wasn’t selected also to defend my title.” to compete in Rio. AFP “I know I am the challenger going in younger, fi ve inches (13 centimetres) tall- “Manny will win because he favors this Those aiming to unseat him And she’ll be eager to reassert Las Vegas and I have to fi ght that way,” Pacquiao er and has a four-inch reach advantage. type of boxing style,” said Alex Picarra, include Ethiopian Lelisa De- herself after fi nishing ninth in said Friday. “It is not enough to do well, I Pacquiao said he was retiring following of Henderson, Nevada. “Vargas is a good sisa and Eritrean Ghirmay Ghe- London in a race won by World have to take the title away from him.” his April 9 two-knockdown victory over fi ghter but he is also a brawler and that breslassie. Major Marathon series leader anny Pacquiao announced Pacquiao arrived fi rst stripping off his Bradley in their third fi ght. plays into Manny’s style.” Desisa, the 2013 world sil- Jemima Sumgong. his retirement seven months black and gold track suit and stepping on Pacquiao looked impressive in stop- Picarra, who works for an air condi- ver medallist, will be seeking to “I’m feeling good,” Keitany ago but after serving his fi rst the scale wearing grey boxer shorts and ping Bradley, showing that he has re- tioning company, said Vargas is out of his improve on his 2014 runner-up said. “My training has been go- stint as a rookie senator, the trademark white socks. covered from a shoulder injury which league. fi nish in New York. He won the ing well. I’m fi t enough, and I’m Mfi re was rekindled and the stage set for a “I want to make history. It would mean a hampered him in his fi ght against May- “Manny’s still got it,” he said. “I 2015 Boston Marathon but settled ready to compete well on Sun- return to boxing. lot for me to win this fi ght,” he said. weather in May 2015. watched Vargas fi ght Bradley and Bradley for second in Boston in his title day. I’m ready to try to defend Pacquiao is hoping to reclaim the WBO Pacquiao won the WBO title for the Now it remains to be seen what Vargas’ dominated him. If Bradley can dominate defense this year. my title on Sunday. I will go out welterweight title for the third time. fi rst time in 2010 when he beat Miguel youth and size advantage means against him, then what is Manny going to do?” Ghebreslassie, the 20-year- there and do my best.” But juggling two jobs, including his Cotto. He lost it two years later to Timo- the highly skilled and more experienced Mikael Osorito, of Daly City, Califor- old wunderkind who shot to Keitany’s personal best of new gig as a full-time politician in the thy Bradley, then got it back by winning Pacquiao. nia, is an example of the Manny mania of prominence when he captured 2:18:37 makes her the second Philippine Senate, has cut into his train- the rematch with Bradley in 2014. Vargas is making his fi rst title defence Filipino expats. gold at the 2015 world champi- quickest marathon woman in ing camp. He then lost it to Floyd Mayweather after winning the vacant WBO crown by The 41-year-old airport worker fl ew onships, will be making his New history, but she will face stiff Pacquiao, who turns 38 next month, last year. beating Sadam Ali. to Las Vegas just so he could attend the York debut. opposition in New York from is going up against the younger WBO Pacquiao (58-6-2 with 38 KOs) still has weigh-in. He’s in search of a podium two Ethiopians who also boast champ Jessie Vargas, who has a height, a lot left and a seven-month hiatus can FIRST DEFENCE Osorito will fl y home Saturday morn- place after fourth-placed fi n- sub-2:20 bests. reach and weight advantage. hardly be considered a retirement. “Manny Pacquiao has had a great career,” ing and enjoy the fi ght on a big screen TV ishes this year in London and the They are Aselefech Mergia, Pacquiao tipped the scales at 144.8 But he’s not getting any younger and said Vargas, who is from Las Vegas but says with about 30 friends and family. Rio Games. the three-time Dubai Mara- pounds (65.7 kilograms) in front of a hasn’t had a knockout victory since 2009. he is fi ghting for Mexican pride. “Every- “I come to all of Manny’s weigh-ins,” American Dathan Ritzenhein, thon champion who was fi fth in crowd of about 900 at Friday’s weigh-in No fi ghter can go on forever. body that beats him becomes a legend and I said Osorito, who paid $100 just to watch Moses Kipsiro of Uganda, and London this year, and Buzunesh at the Encore Theater inside the Wynn It remains to be seen if his part-time look forward to becoming a legend.” the weigh-in prior to the Mayweather Lucas Rotich of Kenya should Deba, who has twice fi nished hotel and casino. training routine and the wear of 66 pro- Not many of the fans inside the Encore mega fi ght in 2015. also be in the mix. second in New York and twice Vargas (27-1, 10 knockouts) weighed in fessional fi ghts fi nally brings Pacman Theater on Friday were giving Vargas “Manny has more explosive power. He In the women’s race, Kenya’s made the podium in Boston at 146.5 pounds. to a halt against Vargas, who is 10 years much of a chance. is not afraid in the ring. It’s do or die.” Mary Keitany will be gunning without claiming the top prize.

BOTTOMLINE Vendee solo sailors aim for world record time

AFP Organisers estimate the Canary Is- FASTER THAN PHILEAS FOGG “It can be done in a week less Les Sables-d’Olonne, France lands off the coast of northwestern Despite an arduous journey with the in- than last time. Around 67-70 Africa will be reached in three and troduction of “ice gates” and exclusion days. It’s normal that it’s going to half days and Cape Verde in six, the zones which prohibit competitors drift- be very fast,” he predicted ontemplating record times, or fleet crossing the Equator a further ing too far south and colliding with ice- just the vastness of the world’s two days later. bergs, the Vendee Globe sailors are cov- ing as a spectator this time. oceans, 29 skippers are assured Only 71 sailors out of 138 have man- ering the planet at increasing speeds. “It can be done in a week less than of a noisy sendoff today as they aged to fi nish the race which has taken Titouan Lamazou, the fi rst winner, last time. Around 67-70 days. It’s nor- launchC the latest Vendée Globe contest, place every four years since 1989. fi nished his circumnavigation in 109 mal that it’s going to be very fast,” he an insane, non-stop, solo race around A particular hazard is the traffi c and days 08 hours and 47 minutes. predicted. the world. fi shermen in the Bay of Biscay, a pas- François Gabart, who won in 2013, took “There is an exceptional weather Once they leave Les Sables d’Olonne, sage that French challenger Sebastien only 78 days 02 hours and 16 minutes. opportunity all the way down to Brazil the top athletes and adventurers from Josse “fears the most”. Faster than Jules Verne’s Phileas this year.” 10 countries face a hazardous future in This year up to ten competitors can Fogg! The sleep deprivation — four or fi ve the eighth ‘Everest of the Seas’ cover- challenge with their state-of-the-art The French are once again favourites hours each day for about 100 days — is an ing 21,638 nautical miles (40,073km) boats. including 2005 winner Vincent Riou. additional trap awaiting competitors. through the toughest seas and the three Others such as the four over-60s are Foreigners hoping to challenge in- great capes — Good Hope, Leeuwin and there for the adventure. clude Welshman Alex Thomson com- JAPANESE FIRST the Horn. All previous winners have been peting in his fourth edition. Japan’s Kojiro Shiraishi will be the fi rst Everything has been done to ensure French with the closest a non-French “The route is long but you can expect Asian competitor, the 49-year-old on the 18.5-metre (60 feet) monohulls can sailor has come being Britain’s El- a nice demonstration in speed,” said board ‘Spirit of Yukoh’ in memory of reach unprecedented speeds with the len MacArthur, who was runner-up in 44-year-old Riou, who also fi nished his mentor Japanese sailor Yukoh Tada. winner expected back on France’s At- 2001. third in 2009 but was forced to retire “There is not a single race like this lantic coast by January 20. This year’s race will have no women last time. in the world. It’s exceptional, simply Prince Albert of Monaco will launch for the fi rst time in two decades with “We’re going to go out very fast. magnifi cent but unfortunately little the race at 13:02 (12:02 GMT) today, the average age of competitors 44 years. “This will allow everyone to get known in Japan,” Shiraishi said. with “very good conditions” forecast The twenty French skippers are down quickly to the Equator. It is likely “I have three major goals: to be the by race director Jacques Caraes. joined by nine from Britain, Hungary, that the record will be beaten,” said first Japanese to participate, to con- Hundreds of thousands are expect- Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Riou, adding he had had “never been so tribute to the democratisation of sail- ed to pack the port and surrounding Class Imoca monohulls are pictured in Les Sables-d’Olonne, during the last week Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the prepared”. ing in Japan, and then I’d like to finish coastline. before the start of the Vendee Globe solo around-the-world sailing race. United States. Recordholder Gabart will be watch- in the top 10.” Gulf Times Sunday, November 6, 2016 9 SPORT

REPORT Endurance race Olesen closes in on fourth Tour victory in Turkey Masters Champion Danny Willett and the highest ranked played in the field will commence his final round in a distant share of 48th place at two under par

AFP Belek, Turkey

enmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen moved closer to the one million euro ($1.1mn) fi rst prize as he opened up a seven-shot lead af- terD the Turkish Airlines Open third round Hassan Tahous Saif al-Nuaimi rides Al Shaqab Endurance yesterday. Team’s Perlado HLM to win the Qatar Endurance Cup 100KM Olesen, who dropped a shot at the last, (Open) CEN ahead of Mohamed Abdulla al-Jumaily (Qualy De signed for a three-under-par 68 to move La Fontaine).At bottom, Qatar Endurance Committee (QEC) to 18-under on the Regnum Carya course. general manager Hamad bin Mohamed al-Khayareen with the The 29-year old London-based Olesen winners of the Qatar Endurance Cup 100KM (OPEN) CEN at is seeking a fourth Tour victory and a Endurance Village in Sealine on Friday. PICTURES: QEC fi rst since last year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews. “I’ve never had a seven-shot lead, so that’s why I felt a bit nervous when I went out today, also, because I’ve never been that many shots clear,” he said. “It’s a bit of a weird feeling, but I know it’s not easy and there’s a bunch of guys there, and it’s possible to shoot a really low one out here. “So the key remains to stay aggressive tomorrow and keep plugging away.” Masters Champion Danny Willett and the highest ranked played in the fi eld will commence his fi nal round in a distant share of 48th place at two under par. Willett, who shot a third round 68, needs to fi nish fi fth or higher if he’s to re- gain the Race to Dubai lead in the absence of the No. 1 ranked Henrik Stenson. Olesen capped his round with three birdies in succession from the 14th and while he also bogeyed the 10th, the Dane has recorded an eagle, 19 birdies and just three dropped shots over three rounds of the 6.3 million euro event. “I thought I played really, really solid ex- cept for missing a few short putts there in the middle of the round,” he said. “Tomorrow I have to do the same, be ag- Thorbjorn Olesen in action during the third round of the Turkish Open yesterday. Indian women win Asian gressive, and see if I can make a few birdies. That’s the key.” Victory would see Olesen Champions Trophy move from 32nd to just outside the top-10 on the Race to Dubai money list, and also “There’s still 18 holes left and I really (68) - share second at a distant 11-under worth, the Verona-born Manassero has IANS, Singapore: India beat pressure by hunting in packs. lift his European Tour earnings in seven have to stay concentrated out there and par. Manassero, 23 is headed for possi- slumped to be now ranked No. 356. China 2-1 with a last-gasp goal When in possession, the Indian seasons through the seven-million-euro stay in my own little zone.” bly his fi rst top-three fi nish in over three “I can say being second, one day to go, in the final to emerge winners eves held their nerve. They barrier. But he says: “No, it’s not about the Four players - American David Lipsky years since capturing the 2013 BMW PGA it’s frustrating because I could have done for the first time in the Women’s passed the ball around neatly money as this is the Final Series and it’s a (66), Austrian Bernd Wiesberger (66), Championship, and a fourth Tour title. better today but I’m happy with where I’m Asian Champions Trophy hock- and quickly to penetrate China’s massive event and obviously it would be China’s Li Hatong (68), Italy’s Matteo Ma- But after reaching a high of 25th in the standing and we’ll see what happens to- ey tournament here yesterday. circle. great to win it.” nassero (68) and England’s David Horsey world shortly after that success at Went- morrow,” he said. Deepika Thakur scored the This slightly diff erent approach winner in the 60th minute as to their game helped them earn she slammed home a penalty India’s first penalty corner in US PGA corner rebound to trigger cel- the 13th minute. An innovative ebrations in the Indian camp. set-piece saw Deep Grace send Deep Grace Ekka had given the ball past the Chinese keeper the Indians the lead in the 13th to make it 1-0. minute but Zhong Mengling Going into the second quarter, pulled China level in the 44th India kept up the pressure by minute. playing disciplined hockey, keep- Pampling keeps Las Vegas lead India were playing in the final for ing their calm only to deny the the second time in the tourna- Chinese a chance to equalise. AFP mpling appeared to feel some the clubhouse on 11-under 131 after a 65. then made a great up-and-down on 16. ment that was being held for the However, the third quarter saw Los Angeles letdown aft er challenging for a 59 Pampling appeared to feel some let- That just kind of righted the ship, and fourth time. China’s Mengling penetrate the on Thursday, opening with two down after challenging for a 59 on Thurs- then after that I was fi ne, and we played India had lost to China in the Indian circle to score a quick bogeys in his fi rst fi ve holes day, opening with two bogeys in his fi rst nice after that.” round-robin stage and having field goal. But the Indian eves ustralia’s Rod Pampling fol- fi ve holes. Koepka, ranked 22nd in the world, learnt from their group stage were not aff ected by the equal- lowed up his scintillating fi rst- 19 players still on the course. He recovered by playing his last 13 grabbed a share of the lead after an eagle encounter, they refused to let iser and kept their cool. round 60 with a three-under Pampling’s 14-under par total of 128 holes in fi ve-under with six birdies. at the par-fi ve 16th, but dropped a shot the latter take early control of China managed to earn their par 68 on Friday to maintain a put him one stroke in front of American “Just two silly mistakes that I made,” with a closing bogey. the ball. first penalty corner of the match one-shotA lead in the US PGA Tour tour- Brooks Koepka, who carded a 67 for 129. Pampling said of his slow start.”I knew Kirk, whose 36-hole total of 131 was They closed them down high up in the third quarter but failed to nament in Las Vegas. Aaron Wise was 12-under for the tour- things were still good. his lowest since a 130 at the 2013 Sony the pitch, often intercepting their convert sending the ball way off Second-round play at TPC Summerlin nament with four holes remaining when I didn’t panic. I made a good one on I Open in Hawaii, briefl y held the club- passes and constantly putting the baseline. was suspended because of darkness with play was halted, and Chris Kirk was in think it was our sixth hole for birdie and house lead.

FORMULA ONE Brazil is Sauber’s best chance, says Nasr Reuters Paulo as we know there is always a Siby and with an eye-popping price yet. But hopefully soon we are going to London question mark on the weather, it can be tag of $135,000, he is also assessing his know,” he added. anything — sunny or rainy on the same options and waiting for a deal to come Sauber will have 2016 specifi cation day,” Nasr told Reuters in a telephone together. Ferrari engines next year, which will razilian driver Felipe Nasr interview from Miami. With compatriot Felipe Massa retir- put them at a power disadvantage but hopes his home Formula One “And this could play into our hands, ing, Nasr stands to be South America’s save money, and Nasr supported that race next week will fi nally give in terms of having tricky conditions sole F1 driver next season. step because more could be spent on Swiss-based Sauber some- out there or if the track is wet or dry Commercial supremo Bernie Eccle- improving the chassis. thingB to cheer about. enough. stone is keen on ensuring he stays but “There are better possibilities for It has been more than a year, and a “I would expect something like this where remains to be seen, with specu- results in other places, but Sauber — run of 22 races, since the 24-year-old that would help us score points because lation linking him to vacant seats at knowing the team and I’ve been there Brasilia-born driver secured struggling in normal conditions, on pure perform- Force India and Renault — for whom for two years now so you build a rela- Sauber’s last points with ninth place at ance, we don’t have the car to achieve a Brazil is an important market — as well tionship — it’s much easier to know the 2015 US Grand Prix. top 10 fi nish. as Sauber. how to work with them,” he said. With fi nancial diffi culties leading to “We need this combination and lets “There is nothing 100 % yet but I On the downside, it would take time a lack of pre-season testing and car de- count on home soil too to bring us luck. am pretty confi dent we are going to be to get back up to speed. velopment, 2016 has been one big blank It’s better to be positive than not,” he there (in Formula One) next year,” said “As a driver you’re always thinking for Nasr and Swedish team mate Mar- added. Nasr. about how can I get the best results for cus Ericsson. Next week will be Nasr’s second His watch sponsor, founded by myself. There’s many other things that Sauber, who have been in Formula home race, after a promising debut sea- Gabon-born Dominique Siby, is also come together, being at the right place One since 1993, have been last in the son in 2015, and this time he heads for Force India’s official lifestyle part- at the right time, so we are working on constructors’ standings since Ger- Brazil with time pressing literally and ner but the driver ruled out any sig- it,” he said. many’s Pascal Wehrlein fi nished 10th fi guratively. nificance of that deal in relation to his “In that fi rst year I was able to show in Austria in July but Interlagos could Busy promoting a limited edition future. what I came for. This year since has been change that. Felipe Nasr watch, made by Miami- “Everybody wants to know where a little bit more diffi cult... I saw the two “In terms of getting a point, in Sao File photo of Brazilian Formula One driver Felipe Nasr. based apparel and design brand Felio (I’ll be). Even me, I don’t know where sides of the coin, put it that way.” Gulf Times 10 Sunday, November 6, 2016 CRICKET

PERTH TEST WELCOME BACK Rahman to return for Bangladesh’s NZ tour Duminy, Elgar tons AFP Dhaka

angladesh cricket authorities yester- day said they are ex- pecting pace prodigy put SA in command BMustafi zur Rahman will be available in their upcoming December series in New Zea- ‘There is still a lot of work to be done in this Test match and we won’t have Dale land as they declared the squad for the tour. Steyn in the fourth innings. The pitch deterioration, the cracks have definitely opened Nicknamed ‘The Fizz’, the 21-year-old left-arm pacer up a bit more and can play in our favour. We have to put the ball in the right areas’ missed the recent home series against England recovering from nounced late on Friday. shoulder surgery that he under- Unheralded Tanveer Haider went in Britain on August 10. is the only surprise inclusion in South Africa’s Jean-Paul Duminy Rahman aggravated an old the squad, which also retained (right) hugs teammate Dean Elgar shoulder injury in July dur- paceman Subashis Roy, who after reaching his century. (Reuters) ing his short stint with Eng- was in the squad for the recent lish county side Sussex in the second Test against England Twenty20 Blast competition but did not play. when he could only play in two Leg-spinner Haider im- matches before being sidelined. pressed in a recent two-day “He has already started warm-up match against Eng- bowling in the nets and we land when he picked up 4-53. hope he will be fully fi t before “We were looking for a good our New Zealand series starts,” leg-spinner for quite some said selector Habibul Bashar. time. We hope Tanveer would Bangladesh will play three deliver it,” said Bashar about one-day internationals, two the 24-year-old who has six Tests and two Twenty20 inter- fi rst-class centuries. nationals in New Zealand from Selectors also included un- December 26 to January 24. capped pacer Ebadat Hossain Prior to the visit, Bangla- and teenage batsman Nazmul desh will hold a camp in Syd- Hossain as a developing pros- ney where they will play two pect though they are not of- Twenty20 warm-up matches fi cially part of the squad. The against local teams Sydney selectors did not include bast- Sixers and Sydney Thunders. man Nasir Hossain and pace- Selectors included Rahman men Al-Amin Hossain and Ru- in Bangladesh’s 20-member bel Hossain in the team. squad for the Australia and Bangladesh squad for New New Zealand trip that was an- Zealand tour

FOCUS DRS umpiring makes Zimbabwe debut

AFP India have recently shown Harare signs of softening their stance, and have committed to using DRS when they host England in ricket’s umpiring De- a fi ve-Test series that starts on cision Review System Wednesday. (DRS) will be used in Zimbabwe Cricket have ar- Zimbabwe for the fi rst ranged for the system to be timeC today when the hosts take used in the second Test against AFP in our favour. We have to put the ball in the horror Test debut in Perth, when he faced That South Africa could be in such a on Sri Lanka in the second Test Sri Lanka starting today, with Perth right areas, but we saw in the last hour how just 22 balls and was dismissed for a pair on strong position was remarkable given they at Harare Sports Club. the home side hoping that it much the ball did.” debut in 2012. appeared to be all but out of the match a The DRS has widely been seen can reduce the number of poor Australian captain Stephen Smith was The opener faced 316 balls and batted for day earlier. After winning the toss and be- as a solution to cutting out um- decisions that go against them. enturies to Dean Elgar and JP Du- satisfi ed with the application of his bowl- 471 minutes, eventually falling to a tired at- ing dismissed for 242, the South Africans piring errors in the game, but it Six of the seven incorrect miny guided South Africa into a ers on day three, but conceded his side tempt to drive against Josh Hazlewood (2- appeared certain to be facing a massive has not been universally adopted umpiring decisions in the fi rst commanding position on the third was paying for its batting frailties 24 hours 97), slicing a catch to Starc in gully. fi rst innings defi cit when Australia cruised since its initial trial in 2008. Test were in Sri Lanka’s favour, day of the opening Test against earlier. However, he believed his side could Duminy and Elgar had few problems to 158 for none before lunch on day two, While India have refused to as the tourists won by 225 runs. AustraliaC at the WACA Ground yesterday. chase down a large total. with an Australian attack which appeared but the home side then collapsed in stun- use the system in the past be- “I think (the errors) have At stumps on the third day the visitors “We let ourselves down yesterday, to to wilt in the heat, with fi rst innings de- ning fashion to make just 244 as the match cause they did not believe that been well documented,” said were 390 for six in their second innings, get only two runs in front was not good stroyer Starc struggling with his con- turned on its head. the technology it is based on Zimbabwe coach Heath Streak. an overall lead of 388 with four wickets in enough, the batters didn’t do the job,” he trol and looking little like the player who was foolproof, countries such “I think the DRS is good be- hand although the injured Dale Steyn is not said. “But there is no reason why we can’t claimed four wickets on the opening day. Scoreboard as Zimbabwe have not had the cause it can negate the element expected to bat. chase a total down. I believe anything’s Starc, in his fi rst Test since a nasty leg South Africa (1st innings) ...... 242 funds required for it. of human error. Obviously any- Vernon Philander was on 23 and a sub- chaseable.” injury and coming off a limited prepara- Australia (1st innings) ...... 244 “I look at matches in dif- one can make a mistake, but the dued Quinton de Kock was 16, the latter The day belonged to Duminy and Elgar, tion, bowled a host of wayward deliveries South Africa (2nd innings) ferent parts of the world, and I less of those that have an infl u- having been given a life on one when Adam who came together when the Proteas lost and grew increasingly frustrated as the day S Cook c S Marsh b Siddle ...... 12 see the diff erent levels of tech- ence on the game, the better.” Voges grassed a tough chance from the two early second innings wickets late on wore on. His woes were compounded when D Elgar c Starc b Hazlewood ...... 127 nology and you see umpires The system will also be used bowling of Mitchell Starc. the second day. The pair put on 250 for the he misjudged a high ball at mid-on when H Amla b Hazlewood ...... 1 are left without conclusive in the triangular one-day se- Duminy, who made 141, said he and El- third wicket as they repelled the Australian Elgar was 81 and failed to get a hand to the JP Duminy c Nevill b Siddle ...... 141 evidence in one series where in ries that follows, when Zim- gar initially set themselves to simply oc- attack for most of the day. diffi cult chance. F du Plessis c Nevill b Starc ...... 32 another series they might have babwe and Sri Lanka will be cupy time at the crease and added that the Both batsmen made their Test debuts The South Africans will be one bowler T Bavuma c Khawaja b M Marsh ...... 8 conclusive evidence with all joined by the West Indies. visitors would again look to keep Australia in at the WACA Ground and the pair each down in the Australian second innings, Q de Kock (batting) ...... 16 tools available,” the ICC’s gen- “It’s nice to have it because the fi eld for as long as possible on day four. notched their fi fth Test centuries between with champion quick Steyn expected to be V Philander (batting) ...... 23 eral manager of cricket opera- we need to use the technology He suggested an Australian run chase lunch and tea. Duminy eventually fell to out for at least six months due to a shoulder Extras (b4, lb13, w12, nb1) ...... 30 tions Geoff Allardice said. — I’m happy to have it,” said would be complicated by the fact the pitch was end the partnership, chasing a wide ball problem which is likely to require surgery. Total (6 wickets, 126 overs) ...... 390 “There are some logistical Rangana Herath, who is lead- starting to become more diffi cult to bat on. from Peter Siddle (2-47) and getting a fi ne Australia will have to produce their Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Cook), 2-45 (Amla), challenges as well about hav- ing Sri Lanka in the Test series. “There is still a lot of work to be done edge, being given out on a decision review greatest ever fourth innings run chase at 3-295 (Duminy), 4-324 (Elgar), 5-346 (Ba- ing every type of technology in Both sides confi rmed a clean in this Test match and we won’t have Dale after umpire Aleem Dar had turned down the ground to win the match, but the home vuma), 6-352 (du Plessis) every match but I think overall bill of health on match eve Steyn in the fourth innings,” he said. “The the Australian appeal. The left-hander had team will take heart from the 2008 Test Bowling: Starc 27-7-99-1 (5w), Hazlewood we should be striving for a more yesterday, and suggested that pitch deterioration, the cracks have defi - faced 225 balls, hitting 20 fours and one six. between the two sides, when South Africa 32-10-97-2 (1nb), Siddle 22-8-47-2, Marsh 22- consistent delivery of technolo- changes were unlikely for the nitely opened up a bit more and can play Elgar’s 127 buried the memories of his chased down 414 on the fi nal day. 4-52-1 (7w), Lyon 21-2-76-0, Voges 2-1-2-0 gy at all international matches.” fi nal Test of the series.

BOTTOMLINE Boost for England as ‘fi t’ Anderson heads for India

AFP blade last summer and had been dogged by Cook is confi dent that his side can spring Mumbai a recurrence of the injury but passed fi tness a surprise. tests back home on Friday while the rest of “Unfortunately we haven’t quite got that the England squad were already training in experience of probably top quality spin- aptain Alastair Cook yester- India. ners. (But) Mo (Moeen Ali) has been very day hailed top bowler Jimmy “I was chatting to him yesterday and successful against India in the past. Rash Anderson’s surprise return from the second Test is a good possibility. We’ll (Adil Rashid) has done very well in one-day injury as he insisted England know when we see how his body reacts cricket and we probably haven’t seen the wouldC revel in their status as underdogs when he’s out here,” said the skipper. best of him in Test cricket yet. (So) we’ve during their tour of India. Anderson took more wickets than any actually got more options in this squad Cook said that Anderson, England’s all- other pace bowler on either side when Eng- than we did in the last squad,” he said. time leading Test wicket-taker with 463 land won the 2012 series in India and Cook Cook warned critics not to write off his scalps, had been given the all-clear follow- believes the fi red-up 34-year-old could be team even if they do lose in the opening ing a shoulder problem and could arrive in the diff erence again. Test, recalling his side’s heroics the last India as early as Tuesday. “He’s worked incredibly hard to get time they toured India. “I remember sitting “It’s really good news. He’s ready to back and has come back so much quicker in a press conference after the fi rst Test and come so it’s just about trying to get him out than we thought. He’s up for it and is not everyone was talking about how you’re go- to Rajkot as quick as we can,” Cook, 31, told just coming here to make up the numbers ing to stop India winning 4-0 and we man- reporters in Mumbai. so that’s great for us. He wants to make a aged to turn it around and win 2-1. It shows The fi rst Test of the fi ve-match series diff erence in this series,” Cook told a post- that anything is possible.” starts in Rajkot, in western Gujarat state, training press conference. England are looking to bounce back from on Wednesday as India seek revenge for a India are number one in the world and a humiliating defeat to minnows Bangla- home series loss to England four years ago. have not lost a Test series at home since desh last week and Cook believes that be- The powerful Anderson will miss the left-handed batsman Cook expertly lead ing underdogs, rather than favourites, will opening Test but could be ready to lead England to a 2-1 victory four years ago. work in his side’s favour. “We’re under no England’s attack for the second match England’s spin attack is weaker than it illusions about how hard it could be but be- which starts on November 17, said Cook. was back then when Graeme Swann and ing an underdog takes a lot of pressure off Anderson suff ered a fractured shoulder Monty Panesar excelled on Indian soil but us,” said Cook. Gulf Times Sunday, November 6, 2016 11 TENNIS

FOCUS Murray takes long road to reel in old rival Djokovic

Reuters the 26th player to reach the top since Seventeen-times grand slam cham- went on to defeat Raonic in the fi nal, London rankings were introduced. pion Federer holds the record of 302 saying later that he and coach Ivan Djokovic, of course, got there fi rst in weeks spent at number one while Lendl had been plotting a course to the 2011. The Serb also boasted fi ve grand 14-times major winner Nadal has en- top spot. ew world number one Andy slam titles when Murray claimed his joyed 141 weeks on top of the pile. While Djokovic’s form since the Murray was born a week be- fi rst at the 2012 US Open. Djokovic, who has 12 slams after French Open has fallen away, Murray’s fore Novak Djokovic and won And when the Scot led Britain to beating Murray in the Australian and run since Roland Garros has been epic. the pair’s fi rst junior tussle on their fi rst Davis Cup crown in more French Open fi nals this year, is fi fth on He was undefeated on grass, winning Nthe tennis court. than 70 years in 2015, it was fi ve years the all-time list with 223 weeks. at Queen’s Club and Wimbledon and Since then he has spent his profes- after Djokovic had done the same for his Murray, for so long the “other man” he scooped Rio de Janeiro gold during a sional career playing catch-up with the country. in the so-called Big Four, is unlikely to 22-match unbeaten sequence that was Serb who always found a way of staying Murray owns two Olympic gold med- get close to those totals although for ended by Marin Cilic in the Southern one step ahead. als to Djokovic’s zero but when it comes sheer stickability he is their equal. and Western Open fi nal in Cincinnati in Yesterday, in the same City of Light to evaluating tennis greatness, the He could have been eaten up by an August. where fi ve months earlier he was pow- number one ranking is a pre-requisite. inferiority complex but Murray has Exhaustion caught up with erless to prevent Djokovic completing That Murray achieved it during a golden stuck to his task. Murray at the US Open where Kei a career grand slam by winning their era for men’s tennis graced by Roger Fe- With the advancing years catching Nishikori knocked him out in the quar- French Open fi nal, the Scot fi nally derer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic exon- up on Nadal and Federer, Murray has ter-fi nals but he recharged and stormed caught up with his elusive rival. erates him entirely for taking so long. hunted down Djokovic relentlessly. back to claim titles in Beijing, Shanghai His semi-fi nal walkover — after Since 2004, a year before Murray He trailed Djokovic by a massive 8,035 and Vienna. Canadian Milos Raonic pulled out of turned professional, only that trio have points after that sizzling June day in Murray will receive a hero’s welcome their Paris Masters semi-fi nal with a topped the rankings. The Scot got to Paris when the Serb not only won the at the ATP World Tour Finals in London leg injury — means Murray has risen number two in 2009 but has banged his French Open fi nal but also seemed to be later this month but the battle goes on to number one in the world for the fi rst head on a glass ceiling since. turning men’s tennis into his own per- with the year-end number one ranking time in his career, ending Djokovic’s “Three guys in a 13-year stretch, Andy Murray (right) ended Novak Djokovic’s 122-week reign at the top yesterday. sonal fi efdom. still on the line. seemingly unshakeable 122-week grip. that’s unprecedented,” Murray’s former Number one looked like mission im- “Lots of guys that have touched Murray, 29, is the oldest fi rst-time coach Brad Gilbert said. “Challenging Federer, Djokovic and Nadal have sus- years ago it was just a hope for Andy but possible for Murray but some cracks number one never fi nished the year ATP number one since John Newcombe for number one means you... can’t have tained it so long.” this year it’s been a belief,” added the appeared in the Djokovic facade when number one,” said Gilbert. “He wants briefl y scaled the summit in 1974 and is a bad week or few weeks. That’s why “It’s taken Murray a long time. Three American. he fell early at Wimbledon. The Scot that badly.”

SPOTLIGHT Kvitova sweeps past Zhang, to meet Svitolina in Zhuhai fi nal

umber three seed Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic swept past China’s number one Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-2 Nto book a place in the finals of the $2.2 mn WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai yesterday. No pressure, says Overcoming a partial home crowd in the seaside southern Chinese city, Kvitova dominated the Chinese wildcard in an impressive display, breezing to an early 5-1 lead shortly after the beginning of play and cruising to victory in 66 minutes. Kvitova has shown excellent form in recent months and secured her third finals clash in her last four appearances. Twenty-seven-year-old Zhang, ranked 28th in the world, had bounced back from retirement rumours after a disappointing world No. 1 Murray tour last year to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open earlier this year. Kvitova will face fourth seed Elina Svitolina, who knocked ‘Before the match there were a few more nerves maybe than there was earlier in out top seed Johanna Konta 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, in today’s final. the week. But once I got out there, I didn’t feel any diff erent to any other match. If it happens this week, great. But if not, I’m not putting any extra pressure on CONFIDENT myself this week because I still think I have an opportunity to do it in the future’ Am ready to die to

AFP Paris win another Grand Murray Factfile ndy Murray deposed Slam, says Nadal Novak Djokovic as world World Ranking: 1 (as of 07/11/16) number one yesterday Age: 29 but the British star in- sistsA he won’t let the pressure of Birthdate: May 15, 1987 the historic occasion knock him Birthplace: Dunblane, Scotland off course. Residence: London, England The 29-year-old Wimbledon Height: 6’3” (190 cm) and Olympic champion will take over the top spot in the latest Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg) rankings, to be released tomor- Plays: Right-handed row, after Canada’s Milos Raonic Turned Pro: 2005 pulled out injured from their Paris Coach: Ivan Lendl Masters semi-fi nal clash. His path opened up on Friday Twitter: @andy_murray after he saved seven set points Career singles titles: 42 in an extraordinary opening Grand Slam singles titles: 3 (US tie-break before clinching a 7-6 Open 2012; Wimbledon 2013, 2016) (11/9), 7-5 win over Tomas Ber- Career Prize Money: $52,504,008 dych in the quarter-fi nals. Earlier, 12-time major winner AFP that. I’m really motivated to Djokovic had lost 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) London come back to where I was be- to Croatia’s Marin Cilic, a defeat fore the injury happened be- which ended the Serb’s 122-week cause I feel ready for it.” reign on top of the ATP world ormer world number Nadal’s tough year wasn’t rankings. one Rafael Nadal said just on the court but off it “Before the match there were a yesterday he is so de- too as former French Sports few more nerves maybe than there termined to add to his Minister Roselyne Bachelot was earlier in the week. But once I 14F Grand Slam titles he is pre- made an unproven allegation got out there, I didn’t feel any dif- pared to die to do so. the Spaniard had covered up ferent to any other match,” said The 30-year-old won two a failed drugs test in 2012 — Murray after his win over Berdych. titles this year but he was Nadal had had enough and has “If it happens this week, great. But plagued by physical prob- sued her. if not, I’m not putting any extra lems which robbed him of pressure on myself this week be- the chance of winning a 10th “It has been a tough cause I still think I have an oppor- French Open. year for me because I tunity to do it in the future.” Last month he announced got injured at the worst Cilic had lost all 14 previ- he would be bringing down the ous meetings with Djokovic but curtain on his season prema- possible time when I snapped that miserable run with turely to focus on being fully was playing great and his victory. fi t for next year. was having a lot of fun Djokovic, the record four-time “I’m going to die to be ready on the court. But that’s Paris champion, arrived in the again to compete for every- part of life and I just French capital needing to reach the thing,” he told The Times at his have to be positive and fi nal to ensure he remained ahead new academy in his hometown keep working hard...” of a rapidly approaching Murray. of Manacor on the island of But the Serb’s challenge fi zzled out Majorca. “I’m going to work “It was the moment to say against an in-form Cilic, the 2014 more than ever to try to make it’s enough, that’s all,” said US Open champion. that happen and I have big Nadal, who also demanded the “Credit to Marin and con- determination to put me in a International Tennis Federa- gratulations. He defi nitely played position to fi ght again for im- tion (ITF) publish his medical better today, and he deserved to portant things.” records in answer to Bachelot’s win,” said 29-year-old Djokovic. Nadal, who won Olympic allegation. “I wasn’t on the level that I could doubles bronze with his close “It’s not about being frustrat- have been on. Obviously, there are friend Marc Lopez but lost ed it’s just a moment to say, ‘Here things I could have done better. out in the third place singles is a line,’ because it happened And just in important moments I match to Kei Nishikori after a in the past a couple of times. I wasn’t able to deliver.” marathon semi-fi nal with Juan hate problems and I hate... these Despite his disappointment, win. In terms of what the future through to face John Isner in to- Murray had needed to reach the fore serving out for the fi rst set. Martin del Potro, said the left things but when that happened Djokovic will have another brings to me, that’s not in my day’s fi nal. fi nal to supplant Djokovic at the Cilic sealed his place at the wrist injury he suff ered during with the minister of France I say, chance to convince he is far from hands. I’m going to obviously “This morning I had trouble top following the Serb’s defeat to Tour Finals in London this week the French Open had come at a ‘OK, now is enough.’ in decline at the World Tour Fi- keep playing at this level as long waking up and getting out of bed. Marin Cilic in the last eight. and then snapped a 14-match most inopportune moment. “If somebody like her, who nals in London next week. as I feel like that’s the right thing So I went to sort of clear any seri- But he didn’t need to hit a sin- losing run against Djokovic, but “It has been a tough year for should be serious, can say “The drop of form is normal for me.” ous diagnosis,” said Raonic, who gle ball as Raonic announced his the Croat couldn’t maintain that me because I got injured at the this stupid stuff then now is in sports. I’m not too concerned The Scot’s climb to the ATP hurt himself in Friday’s quarter- withdrawal in a hastily-arranged level against Isner. worst possible time when I was the moment to say, ‘OK, from about how the future will go for rankings’ summit caps a remark- fi nal win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. press conference. The American seized control playing great and was having a now everybody who is going to me,” said the Serb, who has ap- able year which has seen him win “Did some tests. Did an MRI Murray will meet Isner as he again at 3-3 in the second set and lot of fun on the court,” he said. speak of this kind of stuff with peared a shadow of his former a second Wimbledon crown and half an hour ago, let’s say. They targets a maiden Paris Masters infl icted his fi rst defeat on Cilic “But that’s part of life and no proof then I’m going to do self since wrapping up a maiden mount a successful defence of his found that I have a tear, Grade 1 title after the big-serving Ameri- in seven attempts with another I just have to be positive and the same and take legal action French Open title in June which Olympic title in Rio. tear in the right quad. Unfortu- can toppled Cilic 6-4, 6-3 in the break of serve. Isner will bid for keep working hard and my against that person.’ allowed him to clinch a career Raonic said he had suff ered a nately, I’m not able to compete fi rst semi-fi nal. Isner, who also his fi rst Masters 1000 title after main goal now is to recover “I know how much I did to Grand Slam. muscle tear in his right leg in his against Andy today in the second reached the last four in 2011, reaching the fi nal at Indian Wells and be ready for next season. be where I am, and I know 100 “You can’t always expect to previous match, sending Murray semi-fi nal.” broke the ninth seed at 4-all be- in 2012 and Cincinnati in 2013. “And I’m going to die for per cent my values.” Sunday, November 6, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR Bengtsson corners overall glory as Tops-Alexander crumbles under pressure ‘You can say it’s an evening one dreams of. It’s a credit to my horse how he makes everything possible. I’m very very happy to have won the overall title. I was lucky to arrive in Doha with a five-point lead and it was a close finish. At age 17 what Casall ASK has done for me is really amazing. I shall see how he does from here and maybe we can still continue a bit more’

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

t turned out to be an anti-climax in the end! The much-anticipated showdown between Rolf-Göran IBengtsson and Edwina Tops- Alexander for the Global Champions Tour title proved to be a no show after the latter suff ered a horror night at the Al Shaqab yesterday. Bengtsson, though, was not com- plaining, as the Swede fulfi lled a long- cherished dream to clinch the overall title with his extraordinary 17-year- old stallion Casall ASK. Tops-Alexan- der was aiming to create history as she was gunning to become the fi rst rider to win three titles. But the Australian crumbled under pressure as she and her 13-year-old bay mare Lintea Tequila made a shock exit in the fi rst round, committing an astonishing eight faults. With weight of expectations off his shoulder, the 54-year-old Bengtsson went on to clinch the Grand Prix of Doha, the fi nal leg of the Global Cham- pions Tour. Watched on by the Qatari royal fam- ily, Bengtsson and Casall ASK put on a classy display of accuracy and fi nesse. “You can say it’s an evening one dreams of,” said a beaming Bengts- son. “It’s a credit to my horse how he makes everything possible. I’m very very happy to have won the overall ti- tle. I was lucky to arrive in Doha with a fi ve-point lead and it was a close fi n- ish. At age 17 what Casall ASK has done for me is really amazing. I shall see how he does from here and maybe we can still continue a bit more,” the newly- crowned champion added. Global Champions Tour overall champion champion Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (centre) of Sweden poses on the podium with Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander (left), who came second and It was a culmination of a consistent third-placed Christian Ahlmann of Germany after the Grand Prix of Doha at Al Shaqab arena yesterday, which was the concluding day of the three-day event. PICTURES: Jayaram season with Casall for Bengtsson, with the pair securing wins in Valkenswaard to my earlier plan. I’m second because put in a masterful display of horse- It was a good day for Qatar’s Ali 1st and 2nd Round Against the Clock 1.35/1.40m and Paris and podium fi nishes at other of a reason that Rolf deserved to win,” manship and skill, beating an inter- Yousef al-Rumaihi, who also jumped 1. Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (Sweden) Two Phases: A + A, Both Phases stops of the 15-leg tour, which started the 42-year-old Aussie said. national fi eld of world class riders in a double clear in the high octane jump Casall ASK. Time: 36.44 secs. Prize Against the Clock in April. Ahlmann too doff ed his hat to 22 rider jump-off with €270,000 prize off and finished eighth. money: 148,500 euros 1. Salman Mohamed A S al-Emadi (Qa- Bengtsson was richer by €148,500 Bengtsson for clinching the title. “I’m purse on off er. Meanwhile, Omar al-Mannai Com- 2. Daniel Deusser (Germany) tar) Zorro Z. 22.83 secs. 6,600 on the night. His dominant perform- very happy with the show. I had two Maikel van der Vleuten of Nether- mercial Manager of Al Shaqab revealed First Class van Eeckelghem. 36.84 secs. riyals ance in the season also propelled him great rounds but it came to the jump land delivered a masterful round, mak- that the magnifi cent arena will host 90,000 euros 2. Mubarak Yousuf A S al-Rumaihi into pole position in the ranking as he off in the end. My horse was down a bit ing brave turns in VDL Groep Quatro Global Champions tour for another 3. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (Qatar) SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve took the lion’s share of the €1mn bo- because we also had the Olympics this to tackle the 1.50/1.55m fences, while three years. (Germany) Fibonacci. 37.26 secs. Z. 23.95 secs. 4,000 nus prize money as he takes his place in year, but I’m very happy with the third fi nishing second. “We are happy to host the Global 67,500 euros 3. Khalifa Abdulaziz J A al-Thani (Qatar) GCT history. place. Rolf surely deserves to be the Germany’ Daniel Deusser and Hap- Champions Tour in Doha and the ex- Class 03: Doha 2016 CSI5* 1.50/1.55m Sidoline van de Centaur. For the record, Bengtsson fi nished champion,” the German said. piness van T Paradijs looked set to up- posure and experience we gain is im- Table A: Against the Clock with 24.47secs. 3,000 with 283 points, 16 more than Tops- The second position in the Grand set the order, however couldn’t match mense. We have reached an agreement Jump-Off Class N 5: Doha 2016 Invitational Alexander’s 267. Christian Ahlmann of Prix of Doha went to Germany’s Daniel Whitaker’s time of 37.46 second, end- with Jan Tops (President and Founder 1. John Whitaker (Great Britain) 1.20/1.25m Germany completed the podium, fi n- Deusser (First Class van Eeckelghem), ing the class in third overall. of GCT) and we are announcing that Argento. 37.46 secs. 89,100 euros Two Phases: A + A, Both Phases ishing third with 239 points. while the third place was taken by his Qatar’s top rider Sheikh Ali bin Kha- we shall have it for another three years 2. Maikel van der Vleuten (Netherlands) Against the Clock Tops-Alexander was naturally not compatriot Meredith Michaels-Beer- lid al-Thani rode a stunning round with at Al Shaqab,” al-Mannai said. VDL Groep Quatro. 37.61 secs. 1. Abdullah al-rajhi () in good spirits after faltering when it baum (Fibonacci). grey stallion Imperio Egipcio Milton, 54,000 euros H Zoe. 22.61 secs. 4,950 riyals mattered most. “I’m overall very hap- Earlier, in the fi nal CSI5* Olympic putting in an excellent time of 39.38s 3. Daniel Deusser (Germany) Happiness 2. Ahmed Mohamed A M al-Badi py, but disappointed with myself about gold medallist John Whitaker of Britain much to the delight of the local crowd. Results van T Paradijs. 37.86 secs. (Qatar) Latino 291. 23.29 secs. 3,000 today. My horse went offl ine at the took the top honours with his stallion But he had to be content with seventh Class 04: Doha 2016 CSI5* 1.60m 40,500 euros 3. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (Qatar) double and maybe we should’ve stuck Argento. The two legends of the sport place. Table A: Two Rounds with Jump-Off , Class N 6: Doha 2016 Invitational St. Lucia. 24.42 secs. 2,250

Qatar’s Salman Mohamed al-Emadi astride Zorro Z won the 1.35/1.40m class at the Al Shaqab arena yesterday.