FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 RRUGBYUGBY | Page 6 We’ll qualify England see despite off Pumas setback, says in scrappy Italy coach opener

Sunday, November 12, 2017 TENNIS Safar 23, 1439 AH Injury fears cloud GULF TIMES Nadal-Federer dream clash at Tour Finals SPORT Page 4 EQUESTRIAN Bassem, Gunder shine with Champions Tour win at home ‘I am so happy to have got this win. Thank God it happened at the right time. I’m so happy. It’s amazing’

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

sensational Bassem Hassan Mohamed and his 11-year-old gelding Gunder brought the crowd to its feet as the Qatari Arider completed a famous victory at the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha. At the Al Shaqab arena last night, Bassem was the darling of the crowd after the 30-year-old brought home Gunder in style to register his fi rst win on home soil. Bassem had fi nished runner-up last year in one of the GCT CSI5* events in Doha. However, this was his second victory on the GCT Grand Prix. In 2014, he had become the fi rst Qatari to win an LGCT Grand Prix when he rode Victoria to victory in Monaco. He also has two runner-up fi nishes and a bronze medal on the Tour. But to do it in front of the vociferous home crowd, which turned out in good numbers at Al Shaqab arena, it was a night of dreams for Bassem. The 2014 Asian Games gold medallist had made his intentions clear when he had pro- duced a fl awless round to qualify for the CSI5* 1.55/1.60m class jump-off . Qatar’s Bassem Hassan Mohamed (second from left) won ahead of Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger (left) and Sweden’s Peder Bassem was the fi fth to go in the Fredricson (right). PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi nine-rider jump-off fi eld. With expec- tations quite high from the crowd, the prepared very hard for this class and Qatari rider handled the pressure im- I’m happy that this win happened. I maculately. was quick between the fences and there It was a tricky course, featuring two we had time to go over well,” he said. Qatar’s Bassem Hassan Mohamed rides around the Al Shaqab arena on Gunder huge oxers along the grandstand, and On how he handled the pressure of after his win yesterday. a sliding vertical to fi nish, but Bassem performing in front of the home crowd, and Gunder rose to the occasion spec- Bassem said: “Of course, there is pres- as the star Dutch rider had also won the Bertram. “We’ve had plenty of ups and tacularly. The pair cruised home in 35.31 sure. Everybody here (in Qatar) wanted 2017 Global Champions Tour overall ti- downs but at least we fi nished on a re- seconds, the fastest time till then. But me to win, I wanted to make everybody tle in the penultimate leg in Rome. His ally great note.” with four more pairs yet to fi nish, it was a and myself happy. I thank God for this team-mate Eric Lamaze, riding with a nervous wait for Bassem, and thankfully victory.” rib injury, added: “We wanted to win this RESULTS none of them even came close to beating — Harrie has done so many clears for the CSI5* 1.60m Global Champions Tour the Qatari rider’s time. Once the victory HAMBURG DIAMONDS CLINCH team, so it was my turn to help today.” Grand Prix of Doha (€400,000) was confi rmed, the crowd erupted in a joy GLOBAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TITLE Hamburg Diamonds, who collected 1. Bassem Hassan Mohamed (Qatar) as Bassem basked in glory. Meanwhile, Hamburg Diamonds were a whopping €2 million for the victory, Gunder. Time: 35.31secs. Prize money: The second place went to Switzer- crowned the overall Global Champions had other key players this season in €132,000 land’s Janika Sprunger on her 11-year- League winners for 2017, with Valken- John Whitaker, Piergiorgio Bucci and 2. Janika Sprunger (Switzerland) Bac- old gelding Bacardi VDL, with the pair swaard United taking runner-up spot. Jos Verlooy. ardi VDL. 37.34 secs. €80,000 coming home in 37.34secs. Sweden’s Despite a dazzling win for United in United, who took the title in the in- 3. Peder Fredricson (Sweden) H&M Peder Fredricson and H&M Christian K the Doha leg at Al Shaqab yesterday, augural GCL last year, were represented Christian K. 37.41secs. €60,000 fi nished third in a time of 37.41 seconds. their nearest rivals Diamonds had done by Bertram Allen (Molly Malone) and “I am so happy to have got this win. just enough by fi nishing fi fth to strike Alberto Zorzi (Fair Light van’t Heike) in CSI5* 1.55/1.60m Table A: Against the Thank God it happened at the right gold in the race for the overall champi- the glittering fi nal and both produced Clock (€160,350) time. I’m so happy. It’s amazing,” said onship. Some intrepid riding from the measured double clears to soar clear 1. Kevin Staut (France) Silver Deux de a beaming Bassem, who collected € Bassem Hassan Mohamed (right) with Qatar Equestrian Federation president Mexico Amigos helped them secure the of a high class fi eld of 18 teams. United Virton H D C. Time: 73.28secs. Prize 132,000 for his victory. “It is also a very Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah (left) and Al Shaqab executive director Khalifa fi nal spot on the GCL podium in third. took home €1,350,000 in prize money. money: €52,800 special feeling for me to receive a com- al-Attiyah after the win. “We gave some hope to United, but “We came here knowing we had to 2. Pieter Devos (Belgium) Espoir. memoration and the cheque from Her at least we fi nished well,” said Harrie win here today, and unfortunately it 73.97secs. €32,000 Highness Sheikha Moza along with HE added. Gunder. “My horse was excellent today Smolders of the Hamburg Diamonds, wasn’t enough to win the League, but 3. Sergio Alvarez Moya (Spain) Carlo. Sheikh Joaan alongside the podium,” he Bassem was full praise for his horse and he was in a good mood. We really who secured an unprecedented double we gave it a good shot all year,” said 74.23secs. €24,000

BOTTOMLINE SC delegation visits UK to build relationships with game’s custodians

Qatari delegation has trav- fi rm commitment to protect and pro- active and take up the sport. We should grassroots football centre at the site elled to the United Kingdom vide for the grassroots game, one of the always strive to nurture the next gener- where it all began, Olive Grove. to hold talks with senior ad- SC’s key legacy promises. ation through a commitment to grass- The campaign calls on every club ministrators from the English The secretary-general discussed the roots support.” within the game to pledge a small AFootball Association (The FA) to discuss SC’s fl agship CSR programme Genera- In addition to the visit to Wembley amount – equal to their foundation grassroots football, and the potential tion Amazing, while the FA Chairman Stadium to visit the world’s fi rst foot- year – to help secure the legacy of the for knowledge exchange programmes shared knowledge and best practices ball association, while in Sheffi eld club that started it all. to be established in the future. his organisation has learned from its al-Thawadi also visited the team FIFA champions Chelsea have already Supreme Committee for Delivery & own grassroots initiative, Parklife. recognises as the world’s fi rst club – pledged £1,905 to the cause, with many Legacy (SC) Secretary-General Hassan On the previous day, the delegation Sheffi eld FC. more set to follow. al-Thawadi and Qatar Football Asso- from Qatar visited a number of sites A former resident of Sheffi eld dur- Something, al- Thawadi says, he is ciation President, HE Sheikh Hamad in Sheffi eld – including The FA’s fi rst ing his years as a student at the Uni- proud to be a part of. “Sheffi eld holds so bin Khalifa bin Ahmad al-Thani were Parklife centre at St. George’s Park. versity of Sheffi eld, al-Thawadi already many wonderful memories for me as a guests of FA Chairman Greg Clarke at Al-Thawadi said: “I sincerely hope has deep bonds with the city, and its student of law at the university, so it is Wembley Stadium, where they dined this trip represents the beginning of most historic football team. In 2015 he not diffi cult to speak fondly of this vi- together before watching England take a long-term collaboration between pledged a donation to the club’s wom- brant and important city,” he continued. on Germany in an international friend- the SC and our friends and colleagues en’s team that helped secure them a “I am delighted to continue our sup- ly on Friday. throughout the English game. place in the Women’s Super League. port of the oldest club in the world as The visit represents the ongoing “All of us involved in football have Upon returning to the city, he met it relocates back to its original ground, collaboration between Qatar and Eng- an obligation to protect the history and with Sheffi eld FC chairman Richard Olive Grove, the birthplace of the mod- land’s key footballing stakeholders to and promotion of community grass- children into the game. Among the top- heritage of the game and to encourage Tims to endorse an initiative to help ern game and the site where in 1857 the exchange knowledge in the investment roots football and to encourage more ics discussed was the importance of a children of all levels and ages to become the club build a permanent home and rules of football were devised.” (SC.qa) Gulf Times 2 Sunday, November 12, 2017 FOOTBALL

ROAD TO RUSSIA STAYING POSITIVE ‘Kangaroos can play’, says fi red-up Australia We’ll qualify coach Postecoglou

Reuters Melbourne despite setback, ustralia coach Ange Postec- oglou accused Honduras media of being disrespectful of his team and said his play- ersA had used it as motivation before Friday’s 0-0 draw in the fi rst leg of the World Cup playoff . Australia missed a number of chanc- says Italy coach es in San Pedro Sula but had the better of a scrappy game played on a soggy, torn-up pitch and will head to the sec- The last time Italy failed to reach the World Cup was in 1958 in Sweden ond leg in Sydney on Wednesday confi - dent of qualifying for the fi nals in Rus- sia next year. Postecoglou took exception to a local Sweden’s midfielder Jakob Johansson (3rd L) newspaper that dismissed his team as celebrates with teammates after scoring “11 kangaroos” in a headline and used campaign to qualify for a fourth suc- against Italy in Solna yesterday. the post-match news conference to cessive World Cup but have often let berate the home media. themselves down with a lack of clinical “Maybe you thought we were going fi nishing. to be easy,” Postecoglou told reporters. They will be grateful for goal-scoring “I saw in the newspaper you said it was reinforcements in Sydney, with wing- 11 kangaroos out there, but kangaroos ers Mathew Leckie and can play football, eh? unavailable at San Pedro Sula due to “People (in Australia) made com- suspension and injury respectively. ments about Honduras — they were Talismanic striker , who wrong and we apologise for that but scored a double in the second leg of the there were some comments made in Asian World Cup playoff against Syria, Honduras about our team that were was unused on the bench against Hon- disrespectful as well. duras after suff ering an ankle problem “We had two players ( when playing for his Australian club and Mat Ryan) who play in the (Eng- last week. lish) Premier League, we’ve got players Postecoglou could fault none of the in the fi rst divisions in Europe. replacements’ eff orts, however, and “All I heard was we have a simple said his team had silenced the packed game plan and no stars — that was our crowd by dominating play. motivation. We do our talking when the “For the most part, we kept the game comes.” crowd pretty quiet,” he said. “I thought The Socceroos missed out on mak- it was a great performance. ing a more emphatic point, with striker “I thought we’re good enough in our Tomi Juric wasting a gilt-edged chance play to get one or two goals. to score in the fi rst half. “If we play like that at home we’ll With only Donis Escober to beat, score goals and take it to them.” Juric rolled a tepid shot wide and was The Socceroos were also buoyed by later frustrated when the goalkeeper the successful return of captain and blocked his more forceful header from midfi eld general Mile Jedinak, who close in front in the second half. came through the match unscathed The Socceroos have played attrac- and performed well on his comeback tive football through much of their long from a long-term groin injury.

SUCCESS

AFP showed excellent pace off his line to Sakho, Mane star Stockholm claw the ball away from Toivonen, as Italy coach Gian neither team managed to carve out a Piero Ventura. clear-cut opportunity in a fi rst half as Senegal book slot taly coach Gian Piero Ventura without an eff ort on target. insisted yesterday that the four- The visitors fi nally produced a shot time champions will still make in anger shortly after the break when AFP “It was not an easy game for us, but the 2018 World Cup fi nals despite Antonio Candreva fi red a dipping shot Johannesburg we took the chances that came our Ia 1-0 loss to Sweden in the fi rst leg of which was punched away by home way,” said Mane, who returned to Pre- their play-off . keeper . mier League action last Saturday after Substitute Jakob Johansson grabbed A scrappy game was never likely to nglish Premier League pair a hamstring injury. the only goal of a scrappy game in the be decided by a moment of brilliance, Diafra Sakho and Sadio Mane “Our coach stressed before the 61st minute with a low strike that and it was a lucky break that gave played key roles as Senegal match the importance of qualifying for found the corner with the aid of a big ’s men the lead just Edefeated South Africa 2-0 in the World Cup and we gave everything defl ection to leave Italy in danger of after the hour mark. Polokwane Friday to qualify for the throughout the match. missing the World Cup for the fi rst Johansson latched onto Toivonen’s 2018 World Cup. “We are going to represent all of Af- time in 60 years. header from an long throw West Ham striker Sakho opened the rica in Russia next year and will do our “I feel so strongly that we will qual- to fi re a shot that wrong-footed Buff on scoring off a pass from Liverpool at- best to make everyone proud.” ify because I saw the players in the after spinning off Daniele de Rossi. tacker Mane and both were involved Senegal are the third African quali- dressing room and they were angry,” It was the perfect time for the AEK in the move that led to a Thamsanqa fi ers for the World Cup in Russia after said Ventura who now must turn the Athens midfi elder to score his fi rst in- Mkhize own-goal before half-time. Nigeria and Egypt, who secured plac- tie around in the do-or-die second leg ternational goal, having only come off Victory gave Senegal an uncatchable es during the penultimate qualifying in Milan on Monday. the bench four minutes earlier. fi ve-point lead over Burkina Faso and round last month. “They know they can do better. It scored fi rst. wide when he should have done better, “It’s fantastic, I put my goal down to Cape Verde in Group D with one round The other two slots will be fi lled was a physical match which surprised “The performance of the referee and Ola Toivonen fi ring past the post instinct. Great timing for my fi rst in- left. Saturday with north African countries us but we are going to do better.” was good overall, but I think that he at the other end just seconds later. ternational goal,” Johansson said. The only previous World Cup ap- Tunisia and Morocco needing draws to The last time Italy failed to reach allowed the match to be physical at Roared on by a vociferous home Italy immediately stepped up their pearance by Senegal was in 2002 when qualify. the World Cup was for the 1958 tour- the expense of technique... He prob- crowd, Sweden put Italy under pres- game in search of a precious away current coach Aliou Cisse captained a Tunisia host out-of-contention nament in Sweden, but Ventura’s side ably didn’t have complete control of sure with their direct style of play and goal and Manchester United full-back team that reached the quarter-fi nals in Libya in Group A holding a three-point were already under pressure going into the match.” went close with a curl- Matteo Darmian rattled the post with South Korea and Japan. advantage over the Democratic Repub- the tie after a disappointing end to Andrea Belotti shook off an injury ing eff ort that fl ew over the crossbar. a thunderous long-range strike. Bottom-of-the-table South Africa lic of Congo, who play Guinea in Kin- their Group G campaign that featured to partner Ciro Immobile up front, Italy suff ered a blow when key mid- Insigne created a late opening lie seven points behind Senegal ahead shasa. a 3-0 loss in Spain and a 1-1 home but the away team struggled to pose a fi elder Marco Verratti was handed a for Immobile, but the Lazio striker of a return match in Dakar next Tues- Morocco are one point in front of the draw with Macedonia. consistent attacking threat, as Ventura booking that ruled him out of Mon- summed up a poor night for Italy with day, with Burkina Faso hosting Cape Ivory Coast ahead of a showdown in “There are still 90 minutes left to left in-form Napoli winger Lorenzo day’s second leg for a lunging tackle a wild shot that almost went out for a Verde at the same time. Abidjan with the visitors hoping to end play,” aded Ventura, who took over Insigne sitting on the bench until the on . throw-in, as Sweden closed out a win South Africa defeated Senegal 2-1 in a 20-year absence from the World Cup. from Antonio Conte after Euro 2016. 76th minute. Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buf- that gives them a real chance of reach- Polokwane last November, but FIFA or- South Africa goalkeeper and captain “It was a tough, physical match that Both sides created early half-chanc- fon, who will retire from international ing the World Cup for the fi rst time dered a replay because of “match ma- Itumeleng Khune played with a protec- could have gone a diff erent way if we es, with Torino striker Belotti heading duty after the World Cup campaign, since 2006. nipulation” by Ghanaian referee Joseph tive white mask after fracturing a facial Lamptey, who was banned for life. bone in a club match last weekend.

BOTTOMLINE Cardona caught in racism row in S. Korea Toothless Peru held goalless in Seoul: Colombian footballer Edwin and it was disappointing for the team Cardona has apologised after he was to show such actions,” Ki added. AFP They showed early nerves, almost conceding a accused of making a racist gesture The Colombian football association New Zealand’s Kosta goal in the sixth minute with some indecisive de- during a friendly international “sincerely” apologised over the inci- Barbarouses (R) jumps for fending that forced keeper to race against South Korea. dent to its South Korean counterpart, the ball with Peru’s Alberto back and palm the ball off the line. Cardona was caught on camera ap- Yonhap news agency reported. eru failed to break down a resolute New Zea- Rodriguez The visitors dominated in midfi eld, allowing pearing to make a slant-eyes gesture In response, Korea Football Associa- land defence in a 0-0 draw in Wellington in Wellington yesterday. Andre Carillo to pepper the New Zealand box with during a minor scuff le between tion (KFA) expressed a “deep regret” yesterday to leave their dream of ending a crosses searching in vain a fi nish from striker Jeff er- the two sides in the second half of over the episode and called for a 36-year absence from the World Cup fi nals son Farfan. Friday’s match at Suwon World Cup “proper punitive measure” against Phanging by a thread. It was 20 minutes before the fi rst meaningful New Stadium, south of Seoul. Cardona, South Korea’s Yonhap said. “Los Incas” failed to score a coveted away goal de- Zealand attack, when won a corner “As regards to what happened today, The controversy is not the first time spite outplaying New Zealand in the opening match only to send the ball over the head of a leaping Tommy it was not my intention to disrespect South American players have been of their two-legged World Cup qualifi er, with the Smith. There were chances at either end for New Zea- anybody, or a country or race, but embroiled in race-related rows in winner claiming a spot at next year’s fi nals in Russia. land’s and Christian Cueva of Peru if anybody interpreted it that way, I Asia. Peru, ranked 10th in the world to New Zealand’s but both shot wide without bothering the keeper. am sorry,” Cardona said in a video Shanghai SIPG’s Brazilian star Hulk 122, were the better team but lacked a cutting edge Peru continued to build patiently, although Farfan posted on the Colombian team’s was investigated earlier this year in the absence of goal-scoring captain Paolo Guer- appeared to struggle as the target man in Guerrero’s Twitter account. over an alleged racially motivated as- rero, who is currently suspended over an “abnormal absence. He failed to capitalise as more New Zealand “I am not an aggressive person and sault on a rival team’s coach, a claim result” from a drugs test. errors led to a goalmouth scramble 10 minutes before that moment in the match has been both he and his club deny. New Zealand worked tirelessly in defence and the break. badly interpreted,” the 24-year-old Days after that incident, Argentina’s they rode their luck at times, but grew in confi dence The hosts looked sharper after the break as mid- said. Ezequiel Lavezzi, who plays for Hebei as the game progressed and will be delighted to head fi elder set off on some enterprising South Korea captain, midfielder Ki China Fortune, sparked an uproar into the second leg in Lima on Wednesday on even runs. Peru wrested back possession and forced Ma- Sung-Yueng, condemned Cardona’s when promotional photos emerged terms. rinovic into two saves in two minutes, fi rst instinc- actions, saying, “racist behavior is of him pulling back the corners of his New Zealand were dealt a blow before kick-off tively stopping Aldo Corzo’s short range header then absolutely unacceptable”. eyelids in a “slant-eyed” pose. when striker Chris Wood was ruled out of the start- calmly dealing with Edison Flores’ shot from the “Colombia have world-class players, South Korea won Friday’s match 2-1. ing line-up with a hamstring injury. edge of the box. Gulf Times Sunday, November 12, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FRIENDLY Young England earn goalless draw Bale’s fragility with Germany

Reuters is capable of anything. He has London the physical attributes and can handle the ball. He will gain huge confi dence from it. There ngland held world will be harder tests as the likes bemoaned aft er champions Germany of Germany will have another to a 0-0 draw after gear to go to.” giving debuts to fi ve Germany were also in some- playersE as their inexperienced what experimental mode and team came through a fi rst-half their coach Joachim Loew lesson to hold their own in a will have been delighted in lively Wembley friendly on particular with an impressive Friday. display by Leroy Sane as his latest ‘breakdown’ With a host of established team stretched their unbeaten players missing, England’s run to 20 games since losing to Bale, 28, has featured in just 24 matches as an ankle operation last November was followed callow defence was routinely France in the Euro 2016 semi- sliced open in the fi rst period fi nals. by calf strains and now a thigh problem, which will keep him out for another month and they needed debutant England’s young starting goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to team boasted 101 caps between keep the Germans at bay. them and one of the debutants, But England also had some Tammy Abraham, was a centi- Troubled by injury: Gareth Bale bright moments, with mid- metre away from scoring with fi elder Ruben Loftus-Cheek his fi rst touch in international making an assured debut and football after 90 seconds. having great chances at the Germany too were without start and end of the match. some heavyweight players England manager Gareth and gave a debut to defender Southgate, shorn of more than Marcel Halstenberg and had half his likely fi rst-choice side, goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter was pleased with much that he Stegen making his second ap- saw, despite the result leav- pearance. ing England still searching for They soon took control their fi rst home win over their as Sane clipped a 20-metre old rivals since 1975. curler against the bar after 20 “In the fi rst half we needed minutes, Pickford saved well a couple of really good saves from Timo Werner and Phil from Jordan Pickford — we Jones headed Sane’s follow-up caused our own problems off the line. with a couple of those. But we Jones, the team’s most expe- posed our own questions and I rienced player, then limped off thought we used the ball well,” and another debutant, Liver- Southgate told ITV. pool’s 20-year-old Joe Gomez, “Ruben Loftus-Cheek did took his place to trim England’s everything I know he can do. cap count to less than Germany It took him 10 minutes to re- midfi elder Mesut Ozil’s person- alise he is OK at this level. He al tally of 86.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Morocco and Tunisia secure World Cup berths AFP Both AS and rival publica- opponents in the fi nal two years squeezed out to make room for qualify for a fi rst World Cup since Madrid tion Marca calculated that Bale later, and a memorable solo run Bale when fi t. 1958 fell short last month. has until now missed 73 Madrid and fi nish to beat Barcelona in the For a long time untouchable, As patience wears thin in Ma- DPA Egypt had previously sealed games through injury since join- 2014 Copa del Rey fi nal. the ‘BBC’ front three of Bale, drid, the potential for a return to Berlin their spots in Russia next he sadly familiar sight ing the Spanish giants for a then However, for many in Madrid Karim Benzema and Cristiano England’s Premier League, where year. of a forlorn Gareth Bale world record 100.7mn euros those moments have been far too Ronaldo haven’t played a single Bale was twice Players’ Player of orocco and Tu- Morocco travelled to dominated Spain’s sports ($117mn) from Tottenham Hot- fl eeting for the club’s record pur- minute together so far this sea- the Year with Spurs, remains a nisia became the Abidjan leading Ivory Coast pages yesterday after the spur in 2013. chase. Bale admitted to “taking son. strong possibility. final African na- by a point in Group C and RealT Madrid star suff ered the lat- Indeed, including Bale’s tablets to get through games and “Protected by the hierarchy Manchester United boss Jose tions to qualify needing only a draw in the est in a series on injury setbacks. bumper salary, AS believe his 159 training” last season, but, even since he arrived as part of the Mourinho conceded before the forM the 2018 World Cup yes- last matchday. Since signing a lucrative new games for the club have cost Ma- then, his lack of fi tness meant he non-negotiable BBC, he hasn’t start of the season the Red Devils terday with both countries They endured a scare six-year contract with Madrid drid 1.06mn euros a match. only made a cameo appearance of made himself important,” AS would “wait for him” should Bale ending long spells away from when Gervinho missed a over a year ago, Bale, 28, has fea- Bale’s time in Madrid has not the bench for the fi nal 13 minutes added in their analysis. ever be discarded by Real. the finals. good chance for the hosts tured in just 24 matches as an been short of success. In four full as Real romped to a 12th Euro- “In fact, players like Isco or However, as the Spanish me- A 2-0 win at the Ivory but Nabil Dirar’s cross evad- ankle operation last November seasons, he has lifted the Cham- pean Cup win in his home city of Asensio with their performances dia counted the cost of not cash- Coast, who needed a victo- ed keeper Sylvain Gbohouo was followed by calf strains and pions League three times and Cardiff in June. continually put his place in the ing in on the 28-year-old, there ry of their own to progress, in the 25th minute to put the now a thigh problem, which is scored 70 goals. His highs include In his absence over the past team in doubt.” is a question mark over whether ended a 20-year qualifying guests in front. expected to keep him out for an- Real’s crucial second goal to see year, home favourites Isco and Just 15 months on from car- even the cash rich United would drought for Morocco who And when captain Medhi other month. off Atletico Madrid in the 2014 Marco Asensio have starred and rying his country to the semi- part with up to the 100 mn euros last made the finals in 1998. Benatia swept home a corner “Bale breaks down again,” Champions League fi nal, netting it would cause serious disquiet in fi nals of Euro 2016, Bale also Madrid spent on Bale for a player Tunisia’s absence has not just five minutes later, Ivory splashed the front page of Madrid from the spot in a nervous pen- the stands and the dressing room had to watch on in agony from who has struggled just to get on been so long but they will Coast were left facing a first sports daily AS. alty shootout against the same at the Bernabeu if they were to be the stands as Wales’ attempts to the pitch for the past year. celebrate a first finals in 12 missed finals since 2002. years thanks to a goalless Morocco will be making draw at home to Libya. their fifth appearance at the BOTTOMLINE Nigeria, Senegal and finals.

FOCUS Qatar dominate Czech Republic Aguero seals Argentina win but unlucky to lose friendly 1-0 initiative early on. Their first AFP Moscow meaningful chance came in By Sports Reporter the 21st minute when Angel Doha Di Maria received Messi’s late goal from Sergio pass in the area but Russian Aguero unlocked a ‘keeper Igor Akinfeev parried atar produced one of their bet- Qatar goalkeeper Sadd stubborn Russian his low shot for a corner. ter performances in recent al-Sheeb faces a tense defence yesterday Three minutes later, Ague- times yesterday but still went Aas Argentina won 1-0 in the ro forced Akinfeev into a div- moment during the Qdown 1-0 to the Czech Republic match yesterday. ground that will stage the ing save to deny his attempt in a friendly international at the Al Duhail World Cup final next year. from just outside the box. Stadium yesterday. The goal by the Manches- Akinfeev was the hero of A 15th minute strike by Antonin Barak ter City forward gave the the first half as he produced was enough for the Czechs to seal victory South Americans a deserved another impressive save after against the hosts who are in the process of win at Moscow’s renovated Aguero’s powerful shot from fi nalising their team for the Gulf Cup in 81,000-capacity Luzhniki just nine yards. December. stadium. After the interval Argen- The Czechs are placed much above Qa- “We came here to play tina continued to dominate tar in the FIFA rankings (46 against 97) against a very disciplined and possession and kept Russia’s but it was the hosts who dominated pos- organised side,” Argentina defence under constant pres- session (57%) and produced most of the coach Jorge Sampaoli said. sure but failed to find the net chances in the match, especially in the “We made some mistakes in before the 86th minute. second session. the first half but in the sec- Aguero broke the deadlock It was a show that would give coach Fe- ond we improved. We played when he headed in a rebound lix Sanchez much heart, especially after a very intense game. from his own blocked shot his team’s defeat to the little-known Car- “The things we’ve planned after a sharp break down the ibbean team of Curacao last month. did work. We played in a bold, right wing and low cross from The Czechs, who failed to qualify for direct manner.” Cristian Pavon. next year’s World Cup in Russia, were up The coach singled out “We expected the match to and running right from the start and put Sheeb. The remainder of the fi rst session A few minutes later, Pavlenka again “We played very well but were clearly Aguero for his performance. be difficult and that we would considerable pressure on the Qatari de- was marked by some unremarkable foot- brought off a fi ne save, this time off a unlucky,” goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb said. “Aguero played very well,” not possess the ball or the in- fence. ball but Qatar returned a much trans- powerful shot from Hassan al-Haydous “It was a good match and our perform- Sampaoli said. “He under- itiative,” Russia’s head coach After surviving a couple of close calls, formed side after the interval. from outside the penalty area. ance gives us plenty of confi dence for our stood the philosophy of the Stanislav Cherchesov said. the hosts’ defence fell in the 15th minute Immediately on resumption, the Ismail Mohamed then found his shot future engagements,” he added. game and was very active “Argentina scored after the when they failed to mark Barak who found Czechs almost conceded the equalizer but take an unlucky defl ection and fl y over the Qatar will next face Iceland in another even though he didn’t have referee failed to see that one himself in perfect position to meet a cor- Almoez Ali’s fi ne header from close was crosspiece and Abdelkarim Hassan had friendly on Tuesday. Earlier The Czech much space.” of their players was offside, ner and fi re home a low shot that slipped saved by Werder Bremen goalkeeper Jiri his goal ruled out for being off side by the Republic had beaten World Cup-bound Argentina, orchestrated but I’d say they won deserv- under diving Qatar goalkeeper Saad al- Pavlenka. thinnest of margins. Iceland 2-1 in Doha. by Lionel Messi, seized the edly.” Gulf Times 4 Sunday, November 12, 2017 SPORT

FED CUP Sabalenka defeats Stephens to level fi nal

AFP tle not only with my rival but singles player to get ourselves Sasnovich, ranked 87th in the Minsk against myself as well. on board in the fi rst match,” world, fought back and pulled “I made plenty of mistakes world number 10 Vandeweghe the scores level at 4-4. but luckily I managed to claim said. Vandeweghe responded by loane Stephens’ miser- this important rubber to level “I started perfect both sets breaking again in the ninth game able run continued as she and it’s the most important thing with early breaks but it wasn’t and then held her serve to win lost a tough three-setter about today’s match. Hopefully, easy to close out on both occa- the set and the match. to Belarus teenager Ary- tomorrow we will be able to per- sions as Aliaksandra was very The fi nal will conclude on naS Sabalenka yesterday in Minsk form better.” motivated and played really well Sunday with the reverse singles to leave the Fed Cup fi nal level at The players traded breaks today.” followed by the potentially deci- 1-1. throughout the opening set but Vandeweghe, this season’s sive doubles rubber. Earlier, CoCo Vandeweghe Sabalenka was slightly more Australian Open and US Open beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich in precise taking a one-set lead in semi-fi nalist, looked in com- RESULTS straight sets to put the United 37 minutes. mand from the start on the Belarus 1 United States 1 States into the lead. Stephens Stephens, 24, pulled fought hard court in the packed Minsk Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) bt has lost every match since win- back to 1-1 after one hour, Chizhovka 8,000-seat arena Sloane Stephens (USA) 6-3, 3-6, ning the US Open title in Sep- 10 minutes on court break- peppering her opponent with 6-4 tember. ing Sabalenka’s serve halfway shots from the baseline. CoCo Vendeweghe (USA) bt In her fi rst Fed Cup appear- through the second set. The 25-year-old American Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) ance of the year, she lost to The fi rst six games of the de- started the rubber with an im- 6-4, 6-4 Sabalenka 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 after ciding set went against serve, mediate break clinching a 2-0 one hour 49 minutes on court. leaving the rivals level at three lead, which she confi dently kept Sunday (from 1100 GMT) The 19-year-old Sabalenka, games all before Sabalenka pro- to take the opening set in 45 Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) v CoCo ranked 78th in the world, had duced the deciding break in the minutes. Vendeweghe (USA) never faced Stephens, the world 10th game sealing her victory on The players traded breaks Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) v number 13. the fourth match point. early in the second set but Sloane Stephens (USA) “I’m full of emotions,” Vandeweghe beat Sasnovich Vandeweghe, playing with Vera Lapko/Lidziya Marozava Sabalenka said. “It was a very 6-4, 6-4 in the opener. slightly more accuracy, went 3-1 (BLR) v Shelby Rogers/Alison nervous match and I had to bat- “That’s my job as number one up. Riske (USA) Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka returns the ball to US Sloane Stephens during their Fed Cup final in Minsk. (AFP)

TENNIS CRICKET Pakistan put off WI series to March Injury fears cloud fusing to tour over security AFP Lahore fears for eight years. International Cricket was suspended in Pakistan after akistan yesterday put terrorists attacks on the Sri off their three-match Lankan team bus in Lahore in Twenty20 series 2009, which killed eight peo- with the West Indies ple and injured several players. Nadal-Federer dream Pscheduled later this month to Pakistan hosted Zimbabwe March next year, citing weath- for a limited over series in 2015 er conditions as the reason for followed by staging of the fi nal postponement. of the Pakistan Super League Pakistan Cricket Board and Twenty20 series with a (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi World XI -- both this year. announced the new dates. Last month Sri Lanka be- “The weather conditions came the fi rst high profi le clash at ATP Finals were not conducive so we did team to play a Twenty20 in- not take any risk and next year ternational match in Lahore. ‘I’m working every day, practising well and just trying to be ready for the action’ a full strength West Indies Sethi said the PCB and team will play three Twenty20 Cricket West Indies have matches on March 29, 31 and agreed to play Twenty20 se- April 1,” said Sethi at a press ries for fi ve years. conference. “Pakistan and West Indies A combination of smoke boards have signed an agree- and fog has paralysed daily life ment to play a series of T20 in Lahore, and also threatened each year for the next fi ve the staging of Twenty20 in- years, fi rst in Pakistan and ternationals. then in the United States sub- Pakistan had hoped three- ject to the availability of the match series would further venue and dates,” said Sethi. help them revive international A third team will also be in- Cricket in their country, where vited to USA for a tri-series, foreign teams have been re- said Sethi.

GOLF Fleetwood sets up Sunday Race to Dubai title tilt

AFP of the Race to Dubai standings Sun City, South Africa over the absent Justin Rose. A third win of 2017 would deliver him the number one nglishman Tommy crown, while a high fi nish Fleetwood said he was would still leave former US delighted to be in con- Open champion Rose with tention for the Ned- it all to do next week at the bankE Challenge win that would season-ending DP World Tour secure the European Tour Championship in Dubai. number one title today, after a “Today I was playing, trying rousing third round at Sun City. to get myself into some kind of The 26-year-old surged contention for the tournament into life on Saturday after poor and I am now mentally pre- rounds of 73 and 74 to jump 30 pared for tomorrow, big time,” places and into a share of sev- said Fleetwood. enth place, courtesy of a 67 for “Hopefully you’ve always a two-under-par total, as he got something to play for to- looks for the victory that would wards the end of the year, seal the Race to Dubai title. whether it’s top 30, gets you If left Fleetwood six strokes in the Open or top 10, Race to behind Scotland’s Scott Dubai, and it’s a new experi- This file photo taken on October 15, 2017 shows winner Roger Federer of Switzerland (left) and second-placed Rafael Nadal of Spain react as they hold their trophies after the sin- Jamieson, who also signed for ence trying to win the title. gles final match at the Shanghai Masters in Shanghai. (AFP) a 67 and a one-shot lead at “So, every shot counts eight-under par. and every shot should count AFP a claim to membership of the the one major piece of silverware showpiece after missing out last The most likely candidate The world number 19 ar- throughout the year. It’s that London game’s elite. missing from his trophy cabinet year during a long layoff . appears to be Zverev, who has rived in South Africa with a it just gets magnifi ed towards World number one Nadal, who and he wants to put that right. “Last year I couldn’t be here so rocketed up the rankings to 134,839-point lead at the top the end of it.” won the French Open and US “Being here is an important it’s nice to be here again because number three after an outstand- afael Nadal and Roger Open this year, admitted on Fri- thing but for me the most im- this year I had to start further ing season in which he has won Federer can set up a day that he is not training at 100 portant thing is everything that back in the rankings,” said the fi ve tournaments, including two Feng Shanshan is China’s fi rst World No. 1 dream climax to the percent ahead of his tournament happened to me this year, the Swiss, who astonished the tennis Masters titles. 2017 season at the ATP opener against Belgium’s David tournaments, competing almost world by winning the Australian “Winning two Masters series Feng Shanshan became China’s first golfer to be world number WorldR Tour Finals, but organis- Goffi n on Monday, although he every week with a very competi- Open after months away from is special for any player in an era one after she claimed back-to-back wins with a thrilling victory at ers are sweating on the Span- said he is likely to be fi t enough tive level of tennis, being healthy the sport. where the top events have been the Blue Bay LPGA yesterday. No Chinese golfer, male or female, iard’s fi tness and a new crop are to play. until Paris,” he said. Federer, at the grand old age of monopolised by the ‘Big Four’,” has ever topped the rankings before and her slice of history un- itching to spoil the party. “I hope. And if I didn’t believe And Nadal said although he 36, said he felt fresh after a sea- said the German, who is in the derlines the country’s growing heft in the sport in both sexes. The two all-time greats get I can be ready, for me, I wouldn’t welcomed the opportunity to son that had exceeded his expec- ‘Boris Becker’ group along with Feng, who started the week third in the world, is projected to rise star billing in London after each be here,” said the Spaniard, who fi nish the year with another tations. Fedrer, former US Open winner to top spot at the expense of South Korean rookie Park Sung- won two Grand Slams and locked will also do battle with Dominic high-profi le clash against Fed- “This year I ended up play- Marin Cilic and Jack Sock. Hyun, the LPGA said. The 28-year-old Feng’s ascent to the summit down the top two rankings spots Thiem and Grigor Dimitrov in erer, he was not fi xated on the ing much less than I thought I He added that the younger comes thanks to a nervy one-shot victory over Moriya Jutanu- as Novak Djokovic and Andy the ‘Pete Sampras’ group. need to defeat the Swiss after would. Because of the great start generation was making a push garn after the Thai’s birdie try on the 72nd hole lipped out on the Murray had injury-plagued sea- “I’m working every day, prac- four straight losses to his old ri- to the season I didn’t have to towards the top of the game to southern Chinese island of Hainan. Feng’s fellow Chinese players sons to forget. tising well and just trying to be val in 2017. push it that much to be honest, challenge the existing powers. showered the trailblazer in water on the 18th green and she told The eight-man fi eld at the O2 ready for the action.” which was great,” he said. The singles tournament, LPGA.com: “I’m really, really excited and very proud of myself and Arena has an unbalanced look The 31-year-old, forced to Federer chases seventh title So can anybody smash the which runs until November 19, I think it’s special because I won this tournament to become world about it but 20-year-old Al- pull out of the Paris Masters last Federer, chasing his seventh Federer-Nadal duopoly at the begins with Thiem taking on number one. I finished first in China, so I actually claimed the exander Zverev leads a hungry week with a knee injury, is pain- Tour Finals title, is happy to tournament featuring the sea- Dimitrov. The top two in each world number one in front of all the people at home,” said Feng. chasing pack, desperate to stake fully aware that the ATP Finals is be back at the end-of-season son’s top players? group qualify for the semi-fi nals. Gulf Times Sunday, November 12, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Cowboys owner Banged-up says Elliott case not cause of Goodell rift

Reuters approve of his decisions. That’s what Boston stretches New York this is about. “The committee that basically nego- tiates the salary with our commissioner allas Cowboys owner Jerry is taking the view, especially the chair- Jones said the reason he is man (Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur threatening to sue the NFL Blank), that they in a limited group can are issues surrounding ex- complete this agreement,” Jones said. tendingD commissioner Roger Goodell’s “I disagree. I think we should, with all win streak to 11 contract, not the suspension of star of the interest and commitment that running back Ezekiel Elliott. you have throughout the ownership.” Jones, who also is the team’s general Jones said the issues go beyond the Irving suff ered possible concussion less than two minutes into the game manager, said he is “disappointed” the decision to suspend Elliott, who had Cowboys likely will be without Elliott his latest legal motion denied by the AFP for the next six games but the possible 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in New Los Angeles lawsuit against the league and other York on Thursday, meaning his six- owners has nothing to do with how he game NFL suspension is back in eff ect. believes Elliott has been treated in the Goodell suspended Elliott for six he Boston Celtics juggernaut league’s investigation into domestic games on Aug. 11 after a 13-month inves- continues to steamroll its way violence. tigation concluded he was in violation of through the NBA, extend- Jones emphasized to 105.3 The Fan the league’s personal-conduct policy for ing their winning streak to 11 in Dallas that his threatening a lawsuit an incident in the summer of 2016. Tgames on Friday despite a rash of in- only has to do with the handling of Elliott, who was not arrested or juries that now includes all-star Kyrie Goodell’s new contract. charged in the case, maintains his in- Irving. “This is such an important matter in nocence after being accused of assault- With Gordon Hayward out for the light of a lot of the things that are go- ing former girlfriend Tiff any Thomp- season and Al Horford sitting out a ing on in the NFL right now,” Jones said son in Columbus, Ohio. second straight game with a concus- Friday. “I basically feel this extension His next court date is set for Dec. 1, sion, Irving suff ered a possible con- of Roger should go and be reviewed and after the NFL Players Association re- cussion less than two minutes into approved by all the owners, not just a quested an expedited appeal of Thurs- the game after taking an elbow from few of the owners. day’s decision. teammate Aron Baynes. “This is simply about making sure “The facts are, the issues that involve No matter — despite the revolving that all clubs have input into not only the commissioner are far more reach- door on the infi rmary — the Celtics the commissioner’s (contract) exten- ing,” Jones said. “I’ve been dealing with just keep on winning without their Big sion, but also in future years his deci- this commissioner for almost 28 years, Three, rallying from an 18-point defi - sions. We all see how impactful a com- as an employee of the NFL. Zeke’s been cit then hanging on for a 90-87 vic- missioner’s decision can be in many involved here a year, a year and a half. tory on Friday night over the Charlotte areas. We’ve given him a lot of power Those are really separate issues as to Hornets. and I think we need the checks and bal- Zeke. The policy that we have that has “We’re just going to do what we do no ances of ownership having to actually impacted Zeke is more of my issue with matter who we got,” Celtics Terry Ro- be in a position to not just suggest but the commissioner.” zier said. “No matter who we’re going to play with, we’re going to play hard.” Boston scored a season-low 11 points SPOTLIGHT in the fi rst quarter and was down 18 ear- ly in the third before sending the Hor- nets to their fourth straight loss. With unheralded guard Shane Lar- Japan’s Otani hopes to kin leading the way, the Celtics went on a 14-2 fourth-quarter surge to take Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (second from right) is fouled by Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard (third from control of the game and held the Hor- right) while driving to the basket during their game in Boston, Massachusetts, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) continue two-way style nets to 11 points in the fourth quar- ter. But Boston still had to survive a AFP scramble at the end to survive. UCLA win in China following arrest of trio Tokyo Larkin fi nished with a season-high 16 points, while rookie Jayson Tatum, UCLA triumphed in their season-open- sponsor of the game. basketball-playing siblings who have who is playing with a sore ankle, er in China yesterday despite missing The players were arrested on suspicion emerged on the national stage in the apanese baseball superstar Sho- scored 16 points. three young stars over allegations of of stealing from a Louis Vuitton store US in recent years, fuelled in part by hei Otani yesterday voiced his “There’s no funner place to play shoplifting, amid reports the team are and later freed on bail, ESPN reported. father LaVar’s aggressive promotion wish to continue playing both on than in Boston in comeback games,” set to fly home without them. Steve Alford, coach of UCLA Bruins, of his sons as future NBA superstars. the mound and at the plate in the Larkin said. “We went out there. US,J saying he has not given up either UCLA defeated Georgia Tech 63-60 in declined to say if the three would After seeing his team hold on for Crowd got behind us. We pulled out a Shanghai but speculation rumbles on be on the plane back to the United victory, Alford said it had been an pitching or batting. victory.” about the fate of LiAngelo Ball, the States with the rest of the team. enjoyable week in China. The 23-year-old right-handed Rozier had 15 points seven rebounds younger brother of Los Angeles Lak- “We just move on,” was all he would “The people have been tremendous, pitcher and left-handed hitter formally and four assists, Marcus Morris had 14 ers star Lonzo Ball, and team-mates say on the matter. we have been able to be here for a announced his plan to move to Major and seven rebounds and Jaylen Brown Cody Riley and Jalen Hill. But ESPN, citing multiple sources, week and be in two diff erent cities in League Baseball in 2018 a day after his scored 10 points and had 13 rebounds. The trio were reportedly arrested said that the three will remain in China,” he said. team Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fight- Kemba Walker led all scorers with on Tuesday after around 20 police Hangzhou pending further enquiries. “The people have been just outstand- ers accepted “his dream” to play in the 20 points despite missing all six of off icers swooped on their hotel in Chinese authorities have declined to ing and we knew coming over that country. his three-point shot attempts, while Hangzhou, near Shanghai, where the comment, but shoplifting can bring a the people of China really enjoy “I’m glad to have done both,” the the team’s website. Frank Kaminsky scored all 14 of his team had visited the headquarters of prison term of several years in China. basketball, and good basketball, and I two-way player, dubbed the ‘Japanese Otani, who had ankle surgery last points in the fi rst half. Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, a LiAngelo Ball is one of three thought they got that today.” Babe Ruth’ by US media, told a news month and is undergoing rehabilita- Walker, who missed a jumper that conference in Tokyo. “I want to further tion, will soon start negotiations with would have put his team ahead with improve what I have done,” said Otani US teams seeking him through his fi ve seconds left, scored Charlotte’s straight with a 111-104 victory over the and fi ve assists. Bellinelli’s miss, Bradley made a free in a business suit with a navy blue tie — agent. fi nal eight points. Atlanta Hawks. Kent Bazemore had 22 points, throw and collected the rebound after the team colour of the Fighters. The 6-foot-4-inch (1.93m) play- Hornets forward Dwight Howard Jackson had 22 points and six as- fi ve rebounds and fi ve assists for the missing the second try. Jackson then “At this stage I don’t think I will give er, whose fastball tops 100 mph (161 had a dismal night, shooting two-for- sists for the Pistons, who gave away a Hawks (2-10). drained another key three-pointer to up one of them,” he said. km/h), inked a one-year $2.37 mn con- eight from the fl oor, two-for-nine 19-point lead before regaining control Detroit led 76-69 heading into the clinch the win. Otani hit .322 with 22 home runs and tract with the Fighters in December. from the foul line, while making seven in front of a crowd of 16,600 at Little fourth. The Hawks closed the gap to 67 runs-batted-in in 104 games and He will not become eligible for free turnovers. Caesars Arena. fi ve early in the quarter and once again RESULTS had a 1.86 earned run average and 174 agency until after the 2021 season, and “We’re giving up huge leads. We’re Andre Drummond had 16 points, 20 midway through after Bazemore made Brooklyn ...... 101 Portland...... 97 strikeouts in 140 innings for the Nip- therefore needed the team’s approval to not maintaining our game. We’ve got rebounds and a career-high seven as- a jumper. Oklahoma City ..120 LA Clippers ...... 111 pon Ham Fighters last season. negotiate with Major League teams. to be better as a whole,” Walker said. sists for Detroit, who improved to 9-3 Bazemore’s three-pointer from the Milwaukee ...... 94 San Antonio ...... 87 He missed two months early this “As long as I play baseball, I want to on the season. top of the key and another from the Orlando ...... 128 Phoenix ...... 112 season and another stretch in July and be a number one player,” Otani said. JACKSON’S LATE BOMBS Avery Bradley tallied 20 points and wing tied it 94-94 with 3:49 left. Miami ...... 84 Utah ...... 74 August with injuries to his ankle and “The greatest happiness for players Elsewhere, Reggie Jackson made two Tobias Harris fi nished with 16 points The teams traded scores until Jack- Indiana ...... 105 Chicago ...... 87 thigh — but has still batted.332 with is that fans and people say he is number clutch three pointers down the stretch and eight rebounds. Ish Smith came son’s three with 52.3 seconds left put Boston ...... 90 Charlotte ...... 87 eight home runs and 31 RBIs this sea- one. I work hard aiming to be such a as the Detroit Pistons won their fourth off the bench to fi nish with 17 points the Pistons on top 103-100. Following Detroit...... 111 Atlanta...... 104 son, according to the latest update on player,” he added.

NHL Stone’s overtime goal wins it for Senators

Reuters by’s fi fth straight victory. game losing streak. GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5, JETS 2 Stockholm, Sweden Phil Kessel was credited with the Evgenii Dadonov, Aleksander Bark- William Karlsson scored two goals, in- Penguins’ goal. Pittsburgh’s Sidney ov and Vincent Trocheck also scored cluding one short-handed, and David Crosby, playing in his 800th career for the Panthers. Florida’s Roberto Perron and Luca Sbisa each had a goal ark Stone’s second goal of game, was held without a goal for the Luongo (24 saves) passed Curtis Joseph and an assist to lead Las Vegas over the night 59 seconds into 10th straight game. Murray stopped 27 for fourth place all-time in wins by a Winnipeg. overtime lifted the Ottawa shots for the Penguins. goaltender, with 455. Luongo played in James Neal scored his ninth goal of the Senators to a 4-3 victory his 500th game with the Panthers on season and Maxime Lagace stopped 24 Mover the Colorado Avalanche on Friday MAPLE LEAFS 3, BRUINS 2 (OT) Tuesday. shots to pick up his second win in seven in the NHL Global Series. Patrick Marleau scored at 1:07 of over- Kyle Okposo scored for the Sabres, games in net for the Golden Knights, who Ottawa won for the second time in time to give Toronto a comeback vic- who were unable to string together back- improved to 7-1-0 at home. three games. Swedish defenseman Fre- tory over Boston. to-back wins after a victory Tuesday Patrik Laine and Adam Lowry scored drik Claesson, Mark Stone and Chris David Pastrnak scored on a power against the Washington Capitals. Robin goals for Winnipeg, which had an DiDomenico registered goals while play in the third period to give the Bru- Lehner made 27 saves for Buff alo. eight-game unbeaten streak snapped. Craig Anderson made 16 saves. ins the 2-1 lead. The Maple Leafs tied It was the fourth straight game that Colorado lost its second straight the game with one minute left in regu- HURRICANES 3, BLUE JACKETS 1 Laine, who has eight goals, has scored. game after a three-game winning lation on the second goal of the game by Jordan Staal scored twice as Carolina streak. Alexander Kerfoot registered a James van Riemsdyk, on a defl ection. defeated Columbus. STARS 5, ISLANDERS 0 goal and assist, and Nail Yakupov and Jake Gardiner shot from the right Staal scored the game-winner at 8:54 John Klingberg had a goal and two as- Nathan MacKinnon added goals. Sey- circle and Marleau redirected it for his of the third period after scoring the ty- sists, and Ben Bishop stopped all 14 mon Varlamov made 28 saves. seventh goal of the season, to end the ing goal 3:50 into the second period. shots he faced to earn his 20th career Stone took a feed from Derick overtime. Brock McGinn added an empty-net shutout for Dallas. Brassard and hit the open net with Ottawa Senators right wing Mark Stone celebrates after scoring during the Patrice Bergeron also scored for goal for the Hurricanes, who won con- Mattias Janmark, Esa Lindell, who Varlamov out of position. Swedish de- overtime period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Boston and Anton Khudobin made 30 secutive games for the second time this also had an assist, Gemel Smith and Ja- fenseman Erik Karlsson earned the sec- Stockholm, Sweden, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) saves. Frederik Andersen stopped 33 season. Staal recorded his 12th career son Spezza also scored for Dallas. ondary assist on the game-winner. shots for Toronto. two-goal game and fi rst since Feb. 25, Klingberg gave Dallas an early lead son had a goal and an assist as Wash- the season, in the second period, and 2012, for Pittsburgh against Tampa Bay. when he scored his fourth goal of the CAPITALS 4, PENGUINS 1 ington defeated Pittsburgh. Chandler Stephenson added an insur- PANTHERS 4, SABRES 1 Brandon Dubinsky scored for the season 1:32 into the game during a Braden Holtby made 27 saves to notch The Capitals’ T.J. Oshie scored the ance goal with 6:18 left. Jakub Vrana Ian McCoshen scored 3:50 into the Blue Jackets, who lost their fourth 4-on-4 situation. He now has 11 points his 200th career victory, and John Carl- go-ahead goal, his seventh goal of added an empty-netter to clinch Holt- third period as Florida snapped a fi ve- straight. over his past eight games. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, November 12, 2017 SPORT

FOCUS RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP Russian refusal to admit doping Tonga upset New could block Olympic path: WADA Zealand, Australia Reuters Roadmap.” stopped the denials. ease past Lebanon Toronto If Russia remains non-compliant Russian President Vladimir Putin with the WADA Anti-Doping Code it suggested on Thursday that allegations would be another obstacle standing in of a state-sponsored doping programme AFP down with Australia in the semi-fi nals. ussia’s refusal to accept re- the way of the country being cleared to were an attempt to sow discontent Sydney In front of a capacity 26,000 crowd sponsibility for widespread compete at next year’s Winter Olym- ahead of the country’s presidential elec- at Hamilton’s Waikato Stadium, the state-sponsored doping un- pics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. tions and retaliation for alleged Russian Kiwis dominated the latter stages of covered in the McLaren re- Countries and sports federations meddling in the US election. onga announced themselves the opening term with three tries to portR could prevent its competitors must be compliant with the WADA The head of Russia’s cross-country as an emerging rugby league lead by 14 points at half-time. taking part in the 2018 Winter Olym- Code to be eligible for the Olympics skiing federation Elena Valbe threw power with a spirited come- But they buckled as Fusitua ignited pics, WADA director general Olivier with the International Olympic Com- more fuel on the fi re on Friday by criti- from-behind 28-22 win over Tonga’s stunning comeback that pro- Niggli said on Friday. mittee (IOC) making the ultimate de- cising the IOC’s decision to ban six Tformer World Cup champions New duced 22 unanswered points before the One of the 19 conditions the World cision on participation. Russians for life from the Games, de- Zealand in Hamilton yesterday. Kiwis scored again. Anti-Doping Agency laid out in a WADA, which said on Friday it had scribing it as politically motivated. While the Kiwis were faltering, de- When New Zealand were able to use ‘Roadmap to Compliance’ requires the obtained a database of Russian drug “It is certainly unfortunate that we fending champions Australia wore the deft off -loading game that worked authorities responsible for Russia’s agreed by everybody, including our testing that confi rms the allegations keep having this kind of rhetoric de- down Lebanon 34-0 to fi nish the pool to devastating eff ect against Scotland anti-doping programme, including board, and until there is a decision made in the McLaren report, will spite all the evidence that is now on round unbeaten after earlier wins over last week, they scored fi rst-half tries the Ministry of Sport and National Ol- from the WADA board that this Road present its fi ndings to the IOC before the table,” said Niggli. “We’ve told the England (18-4) and France (52-6). to wings Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and ympic Committee, to publicly accept Map should be changed we are stick- the Olympic Committee’s Dec. 5-7 Russians the requirement is there for New Zealand defector David Fusitua Jordan Rapana along with fullback the fi ndings of the McLaren investi- ing to it,” Niggli told Reuters in a tel- executive board meeting when it is ex- them to acknowledge the fi ndings of bagged three tries in a second-half Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. gation. The report by Canadian law- ephone interview from WADA’s Mon- pected to decide Russia’s fate for Feb- the McLaren report. Tongan blitz that produced a shock But as they were forced into errors in yer Richard McLaren found that more treal headquarters. ruary’s Winter Games. “I honestly don’t understand why outcome in the match of the tourna- the second half, their only other points than 1,000 Russian competitors in “So yes, we will not consider that rather than accepting what happened ment between the Pool B heavyweights. came from a late try by Tuivasa-Sheck. more than 30 sports were involved in they have fulfi lled the conditions as SHIFTING BLAME and saying it and change things and But while Fusitua stood out with his Australia fi nished top of Pool A with a conspiracy to conceal positive drug long as there are still conditions on the WADA warned Russia in September move forward and they have done a lot tries as Tonga turned around a 16-2 a clear-cut win over Lebanon in Syd- tests over a period of fi ve years. Roadmap that have not been fulfi lled. to stop shifting blame for its dop- of good work, they have a problem do- half-time defi cit, it was Jason Taum- ney. “We have one Roadmap that was We are not deviating from the agreed ing scandals but the threat has not ing the last part.” alolo, the chief defector among sev- The win means the Kangaroos will eral big names from Australia and New advance to the quarter-fi nals to face Zealand who switched allegiance to Samoa while Lebanon bow out of the RUGBY Tonga, who was the centrepiece of Pa- World Cup. cifi c kingdom’s historic fi rst win over The Kangaroos, who led 10-0 at the Kiwis. half-time, scored six tries with Mel- The North Queensland Cowboys su- bourne Storm’s Cameron Munster get- perstar used his hulking frame to lead ting a brace. a huge Tongan pack that pounded the Scotland drew 14-14 with Samoa in New Zealand defensive line into sub- Cairns despite missing their captain mission. Danny Brough and playing most of the It set Tonga up as the fi rst second- game reduced to a 15-man match squad. England see off tier nation to be genuine title World The draw means Samoa progress Cup contenders and left top-tier New to the quarter-fi nals while Scotland’s Zealand on course for a likely show- World Cup campaign is over.

Pumas in scrappy Scotland edge Samoa in try-fest Scotland made a quick start with an early try but had to hang on for a 44-38 victory over Samoa in a try-filled test at Murrayfield yesterday. Stuart Hogg crossed over inside 90 seconds for the first of six Scottish tries to set the foundation for home success and there were also scores for Stuart McInally This was England’s fourth successive win (2), Huw Jones, Alex Dunbar and substitute Pete Horne. Samoa replied with against Argentina in just over a year five tries — four in a spirited second- half display as they gave the Scots a stiff opener examination. Scotland made the perfect start after a Finn Russell chip to get through the defence and a hack-on by Tommy Seymour bounced perfectly for AFP fullback Hogg to go over. Debutant lock Josh Tyrell claimed a pushover try for Twickenham, United Kingdom Samoa just before the 30-minute mark but the Scots responded with two tries to go into the interval 25-10 ahead. Jones used his speed to slip the Samoa defence and McInally got his first score on the stroke of halftime. McInally‘s ngland launched their No- second try, almost identical to the first as Scotland used their strength in the vember international cam- maul, came six minutes into the second half as the home side opened up paign with an unconvincing 22-point gap. But tries from Piula Fa’asalele and Tim Nanai-Williams, playing 21-8 victory over 2019 World flyhalf for the first time, suddenly brought Samoa right back into contention as CupE pool opponents Argentina at the deficit was reduced to 32-24. The sides traded scores with Dunbar fighting Twickenham yesterday. his way over after a clever pick-up from Lee Jones but Samoa responding Nathan Hughes scored his fi rst straight from the kick off as Kieron Fonotia crashed over the line. Hogg’s Test try and Semesa Rokoduguni also counter-attack set Horne up to take Scotland over 40 points but Samoa stayed crossed for England before Nicolas in contention when Ofisa Trevirabnus went over under the posts. Sanchez went over late on for the Pu- mas in an error-strewn match. England’s pack won the battle McKinley kicks penalty on debut as up front, with prop Mako Vunipola Italy beat named man-of-the-match. “There’s stuff to work on,” England Ian McKinley kicked a penalty on his captain Dylan Hartley told Sky Sports. international debut as Italy got their “Ball in hand, I think we need to November Test series off to a winning get into the right areas of the fi eld and start with a 19-10 victory over Fiji in Sicily. then treasure the ball,” the hooker Italy’s coach Conor O’Shea named fellow added. Irishman McKinley among five uncapped “Too many times it ended up in players to face Fiji, Argentina and South touch.” Africa in this month’s November interna- Meanwhile former soldier Rokodu- tionals. The former Ireland U20 player — guni said scoring a try on Armistice wearing specially manufactured goggles Day, which commemorates war dead, England’s Nathan Hughes runs in to score their first try during the rugby union match against Argentina at Twickenham after he was blinded in his left eye by a was particularly poignant. Stadium in London yesterday. (Reuters) teammate’s stud eight years ago — came “Today is one of the biggest days for on as a substitute on 62 minutes to close service personnel and it was an honour England started with Henry Slade at range, however, after Argentina con- a realistic position” to attempt a catch the match with a penalty kick. Carlo Canna scored 11 points as Italy ended a to represent both the army and Eng- inside centre and Sam Underhill in the ceded two needless ruck penalties. and, after studying video replays, pro- series of nine consecutive defeats going back to their stunning victory over land, the Bath wing told the BBC. pack as coach Eddie Jones rested the Ford’s successful goal kicks came duced a yellow card. South Africa in November 2016 in Florence. “It’s diff icult to win matches of this This was England’s fourth succes- British and Irish Lions duo of Owen either side of wing Emiliano Boff elli’s Brown — who has a history of con- level and it’s hard to take advantage of the chances when you’re not used to sive victory against Argentina in just Farrell and Maro Itoje. eighth-minute eff ort for the Pumas. cussion injuries — was replaced by winning,” said O’Shea. The hosts dominated early with Benetton prop Simone over a year, including a 2-0 series tri- In an unfamiliar black change kit at A key moment of the fi rst half came Rokoduguni after appearing to land Ferrari touching down after 28 minutes with Zebre fly-half Canna convert- umph in Argentina in June. a rainy Twickenham, the hosts had a in the 22nd minute when Argentina awkwardly on his head. ing. Leone Nakarawa pulled Fiji level 10-10 at the break with a 39-minute try England will surely need to go up chance to take the lead as early as the wing Joaquin Tuculet was sin-binned Soon afterwards, with Argentina a after a tackling error by Italy captain Sergio Parisse. After a first half hour of a gear if they are to beat Australia at second minute. for taking out England fullback Mike man down, England scored their fi rst high-intensity, Fiji regained possession in the final ten minutes of the first half Twickenham a week on Saturday. But fl y-half Ford, taking over kick- Brown in mid-air as the pair contested try when Ford’s excellent cut-out pass with Leone Nakarawa’s try converted by Ben Volavola with a Volovala penalty For the Pumas, defeat continued ing duties in Farrell’s absence, saw a a high ball. found Hughes wide on the right, with completing the visitors scoreline. Then 27-year-old former Leinster fly-half a miserable 2017 that has seen them 35-metre penalty attempt hit the right It seemed a harsh decision but the No 8 charging over from close McKinley, now playing club rugby for Treviso, stepped up to seal victory for record just one victory in 10 Tests — post. South African referee Marius van der range. Ford could not convert but Eng- his adopted country. against Georgia in June. He was twice on target from closer Westhuizen ruled Tuculet was “not in land led 11-3.

BOTTOMLINE World Cup bid damaged but we’ll fi ght to end: Irish rugby chief

AFP the waterline and is why we are still in “The answer is it (the outcome) is “There’s all these issues which are Dublin the battle and that is why we will keep fi nely balanced amongst the three difficult for us to understand,” he battling away.” bids,” said Browne, who has been ring- said. Browne admits he has to choose his ing round other unions sounding them “In our letter, we had a great saying reland’s bid to host the 2023 Rug- words carefully so he doesn’t get a rap out. by Albert Einstein and here I paraphrase by World Cup has been “holed” on the knuckles from World Rugby “That’s the fact. We owe it to our- him: ‘There are a lot of things that can but not sunk by the report which while also serving the Irish government selves, the government and people of be counted which don’t actually count placed them third of the three bids, who having invested both a lot of po- Ireland who have been very enthusias- and there are lots of things that count IPhilip Browne, the IRFU chief, told litical capital and money in the bid will tic about it to fi ght to the end for it.” that can’t be counted’. AFP in an interview. want answers. Browne insists Irish anger is not be- “In some respect that comes down Browne, who wrote a frank letter to “There’s a fi ne line between whing- ing directed at South Africa — he calls to our vision and what we are offer- World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper this ing and having justifi able concerns his South African counterpart Jurie ing.” week outlining Irish concerns over the round the accuracy of what is con- Roux one of rugby’s “gentlemen” — but Browne, who admitted the report report that placed 1995 hosts South tained in a report that World Rugby has at the report itself. had left him very surprised and disap- Africa ahead of France with the Irish in placed so much store and weight,” said “It is a circular argument that ‘yes pointed, said evidently their vision and third, added the team would battle to Browne. you (Ireland) can deliver stadia facili- that of World Rugby as to how a World the end until the fi rst round of voting ties but we are going to mark you down Cup should be hosted were worlds at around 1000GMT in London next ‘NO WIN SITUATION’ because you don’t have them’ despite apart. Wednesday. Browne, who has been in his post since the budget being guaranteed by the “A World Cup in Ireland would be The winner requires 20 of the World 1998 and been responsible for suc- government. a particular World Cup, something Rugby Council 39 votes on off er. followed hot on the heels of French fed- “No doubt about it, we were holed,” cessfully guiding Irish rugby from the “It is a kind of no win situation.” which fans round the world would have Browne’s letter, which questioned eration president Bernard Laporte also Browne told AFP in an interview con- amateur era to the professional world, Browne, who was a top class rower and enjoyed,” said Browne. “But apparently aspects of the report such as security expressing serious reservations about ducted in his offi ce in Dublin. believes though the prize is still up for competed in two world championships, that wasn’t part of the overall vision with all three nations rated the same, the conclusions. “We don’t think we were holed below grabs. said it was still diffi cult to comprehend. World Rugby had for it.” Gulf Times Sunday, November 12, 2017 7 SPORT

HATHAB NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN SERIES FOCUS Fakhro crowned Qatar’s King of Drift Al-Qadi clinches 3rd the fi nal run. In second place, By Sports Reporter Doha Ahmad Abu Irshaid, driving a Nissan 350z, was the runner- up with 230 up while Moham- bdulrahman Fakhro ed al-Khayat with 227 points won the Qatar round of was third in his BMW M2. the Red Bull Car Park Sultan al-Mureikhi, Executive Drift, part of the 2017 Director of Qatar Motor and leg feature event MiddleA East Season on Friday. Motorcycle Federation handed The event was held under the victors their trophies. Rakan al-Hasawi emerges winner in the Medium Tour: 1.20/1.30m of the third leg the support and supervision of After being crowned King the Qatar Motor and Motorcy- of Drift, Fakhro said: “Thrilled By Sports Reporter cle Federation (QMMF) and in for the win for the second year Doha partnership with Total, Falken in row. Despite some obsta- Tyres, Shop and Ship, Voda- cles, we managed to overcome fone Qatar, Saleh Al Hamad Al and clinch the title. I dedicate aeed Nasser al-Qadi Mana Co. – Nissan and Losail thin victory to my country Qa- mounting a 14-year-old Circuit Sports Club. tar, and all the supporters.” gelding Daydreamer Ec The action-packed evening The judges panel was made clinched the feature event featured a signature show up of QMMF Team Coordina- ofS the third leg of the Hathab Na- by the extraordinary Abdo tor and Public Relations Man- tional Equestrian series at the Al Feghali who supervised the ager Rashid al-Sulaiti, Red Shaqab arena yesterday. event and its contestants. Bull Athlete and Rally Driver Saeed, who has made an hab- Around 10,0000 spectators Mohamed Abu Issa, Rally Vet- it of fi nishing on podium at the crowded the Doha Corniche to eran Jean Pierre Nasrallah and Hathab series, once again dazzled witness the crowning of Qa- Motorsports Producer Chafi c on the course on Daydreamer Ec tar’s ultimate drifter. Saade. Judges implemented a in the Big Tour: 1.30/1.40m class. Fakhroo set the bar as he complete criterion that ana- The pair blazed around the course achieved 243 points, winning lysed the drifters’ technique, without committing a penalty to both the crowd’s and the judg- fi nesse as well as their car’s fi nish fastest in 38.99secs, fetch- es’ favour. Fans gathered at look and aesthetics. ing Saeed a winner’s pursue of the Dallah Parking to cheer 20 The evening opened with a QR8,750. contestants, as they were put phenomenal performance by The second place went to Ha- to the ultimate drifting test. the drifting legend and Red mad Ali al-Attiyah, who piloted Fakhro, driving a Nissan Bull athlete Feghali, thrilling Clinton home in 39.84secs, while Silvia, enforced his own style all the attendees and setting Nasser al-Ghazali on Quel Hom- throughout the night, as he up the atmosphere for com- me completed the podium, with a claimed the most points up to petitive drifting. 39.97 secs fi nish. In the Medium Tour 1.20/1.30m class, Rakan al-Hasawi on Denver emerged triumphant after a jump- off . The pair was the quickest com- bination topping the timesheets in 36.31secs. Faisal Abdulhadi al- Marri (Le Premier K) came second in 43.29secs, while Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (Jazly) fi nished third in 39.60secs despite committing four penalties. After three legs of the Hathab tour held at the Al Shaqab, the QR 1mn series moves to Qatar Eques- trian Federation outdoor arena, Winner of the Big Tour: 1.30/1.40m of the third leg of Hathab National Equestrian series Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (centre), second-placed Hamad with fourth leg scheduled to be Ali al-Attiyah (left) and third-placed Nasser al-Ghazali pose on the podium with Al Shaqab’s commercial manager Omar al-Mannai held next weekend. (foreground, left) and Event Director of Qatar Equestrian Federation Ali al-Rumaihi (foreground, right) yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi Hathab, meaning ‘Canter’ in Arabic, is an initiative launched by Qatar Olympic Committee presi- dent HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani. The series is being con- ducted jointly by Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Al Shaqab Winner Abdulrahman Fakhro (centre) celebrates with second and will run till the next April placed Ahmad Abu Irshaid and third placed Mohamed al-Khayat over 12 legs. Organisers aim to im- on the podium of Qatar round of the Red Bull Car Park Drift. prove the standard of horse rid- ing among Qatari youths through Hathab, while also encouraging CRICKET the involvement of private stables and individual horse owners to increase awareness of horseman- ship as part of Qatar’s history and Dhoni launches his tradition. Results academy in UAE Big Tour: 1.30/1.40m Table A: Against the Clock with Jump-Off Agencies a honour for us that he chose 1. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Day- Dubai Dubai as his fi rst venue for the dreamer Ec). Time: 38.99secs. Academy. He will also spend Prize money: QR8,750 time at the Academy whenev- 2. Hamad Ali al-Attiyah (Clinton) ormer India cricket er he is free from his commit- 39.84secs. QR7,000 captain Mahendra ments to track the progress of 3. Nasser al-Ghazali (Quel Homme) Singh Dhoni offi - the trainees. It is a big oppor- 39.97 secs, QR5,250 cially launched his fi rst tunity for every cricket loving Facademy in the United Arab child and also parent to be as- Medium Tour: 1.20/1.30m Table Emirates (UAE) yesterday. sociated with the Academy.” A: Against the Clock with Jump- The Academy, jointly Dhoni’s childhood friend Off launched by Dubai-based Pacif- and former member of the 1. Rakan al-Hasawi (Denver) Time: ic Sports Club and Aarka Sports India Under-19 World Cup in 36.31secs. Prize money: QR6,250 Club, has been in operation 2000, Mihir Diwakar is also 2. Faisal Abdulhadi al-Marri (Le for a couple of months at the the other driving force behind Premier K) 43.29secs. QR5,000 Springdales School in Al Quoz. the academy. Diwakar is the 3. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (Jazly) Winner of the Medium Tour: 1.20/1.30m of the third leg of Hathab National Equestrian series Rakan al-Hasawi (centre), second-placed Faisal The facility named the MS managing director of Aarka 39.60secs. QR3,750 Abdulhadi al-Marri (left) and third-placed Hamad Nasser al-Qadi pose with their trophies yesterday. Dhoni Cricket Academy (MSD- Sports who own the brand of CA) will have some of the best MS Dhoni Cricket Academy. coaches from India to train the “I have known Mahi since FOOTBALL wards. The Academy was offi - childhood. His passion and cially launched by the legendary energy is infectious. He has former India captain himself in spent considerable time in the presence of excited trainees, this project to ensure that the parents and other key stake- trainees get the best possible holders of the facility. training. His involvement in The academy will conduct the project has been enriching Aspire teams clinch triple win regular matches and will also for all of us. I would also like to By Sports Reporter The games against the German visited Aspire Academy to compete fi eld squads in tournaments thank others, including Parvez Doha club were much closer in the Tri-Series tournament has to enable trainees to gain vi- Bhai for helping us make this a with only one goal making the dif- grown steadily since it was launched tal match practice. There will dream come true,” said Mihir ference in the games of the U-18s in 2012. also be an aim to engage the Diwakar, Managing Director, spire Academy’s U-16, and U-17s. Last year, a total of 32 clubs and parents in the overall develop- Aarka Sports. U-17, and U-18 football In one of the most tightly con- associations participated in the ment of their children while Bringing their support to teams have emerged vic- tested matches, Aspire Academy and tournament. they train at the academy. various aspects of the acad- torious in the latest edition Eintracht Frankfurt’s U-16 teams Participating teams have in- PSC and Aarka Sports have emy are the four managing ofA the tri-Series tournament that went to a penalty shoot-out to decide cluded major football clubs such as employed some of the best partners - Sudhir Tripathi, featured renowned German club the winner after their match ended Liverpool FC (England), Paris St- coaches from India to train the Mahmood Merchant, Vishal Eintracht Frankfurt, and for the fi rst 2-2 in regular time. The Aspire Acad- Germain (France), Ajax Amsterdam wards at the Academy. The Sindhu and Sundaram Pand- time Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa, emy players showed serious mental (Netherlands), Zenit St. Petersburg coaching staff , led by former mabhan. the Aspire Zone Foundation owned strength throughout the match and (Russia), Nagoya Grampus Eight (Ja- Mumbai bowler Vishal Mahad- The roles of Merchant and football team from Spain. managed to defeat their strong Ger- pan), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) ik is well equipped to manage Tripathi have been crucial in This year’s strong performance man opponents from the spot. and Palmeiras (Brazil) as well as na- the progress of the students. developing the impressive in- from the Aspire Academy teams fol- “We played really well in all three tional youth teams from Canada and Speaking about his associa- frastructure of the academy lows the Qatar national team’s suc- age groups, especially the games Denmark. tion with the Academy, Dhoni from the ground up and se- cessful qualifi cation to the AFC U19 against Eintracht Frankfurt, a club The selection criteria for overseas said: “I am delighted to be a lecting the coaches and sup- Championship which is taking place with one of the best youth acad- teams taking part in Aspire Acad- part of this venture and will port staff . They are also the in Indonesia next year, with the ma- emies in Germany. This year’s tour- emy’s Tri-Series football competi- contribute in every way possi- public faces of the academy. jority of Qatar’s players, coaches and nament has demanded a lot from tion includes a strong emphasis on ble to make it a success. It has medical teams from Aspire. our players. The Germans came with youth development programmes, in been my dream to contribute During the fi fth round of the in- a physical style of play this year, but addition to their standard of football to the game in every way pos- ternational Tri-Series tournament, our teams had a great response, they and style. During their time in Qatar, sible. This is the fi rst step in Aspire Academy’s talented young- played fast and fl uid football which representatives from visiting clubs that direction. The enthusi- athletes achieved some impressive gave us the upper hand over their are also invited to present their phi- asm of the trainees is what will results to top their respective age physical tactics. Our boys kept their losophy and management approach drive this venture.” groups. focus until the end of the games and when working with junior players, On his part, Parvez Khan, They dominated the games were determined to win,” said Aspire which is of considerable benefi t chairman, PSC who is also a against Cultural y Deportiva Leo- Academy U-18 coach Abdulrazak both to coaches at Aspire Academy philanthropist said: “We are nesa and won without conceding a Hedeidar. as well as those of the Qatar national excited to be associated with single goal in every age group. The number of teams that have teams. a legend like MS Dhoni. It is

Sunday, November 12, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

IBSF WORLD BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIP FORMULA 1 Bottas on Brazil pole as Hamilton Unbeaten Advani crashes out AFP STARTING GRID Sao Paulo 1. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes altteri Bottas secured 2. Sebastian Vettel (Germa- faces Russell in fi nal the third pole position ny) Ferrari of his career yesterday 3. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) The Englishman defeats Singapore’s Gilchrist and Advani beats compatriot Shah in semis after his Mercedes Ferrari Vteammate Lewis Hamilton had 4. Max Verstappen (Neth- By Mikhil Bhat crashed in the opening minutes erlands) Red Bull - TAG Heuer Doha of an incident-fi lled qualify- 5. Sergio Perez (Mexico) ing session for today’s Brazilian Force India - Mercedes Grand Prix. 6. Fernando Alonso (Spain) hen England’s Mike The Finn clocked a best lap McLaren Russell opened the time of one minute and 8.322 7. Nico Huelkenberg (Ger- IBSF World Billiards seconds in the fi nal seconds to many) Renault 150-Up Champion- outpace his nearest rival four- 8. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Wship with a loss to India’s Dhvaj time champion Sebastian Vet- Renault Haria on Thursday, he had said tel of Ferrari by 0.038 seconds. 9. Felipe Massa (Brazil) these were just “early days”. Hamilton, who clinched Williams-Mercedes Yesterday, the multiple time his fourth title in Mexico two 10. Esteban Ocon (France) world champion stormed into weeks ago, lost control and hit Force India - Mercedes the fi nal with an easy win over the barriers on his fi rst fl ying 11. Romain Grosjean (France) England-born Singaporean star lap after only two minutes. Haas - Ferrari Peter Gilchrist in the semi-fi nals He was unhurt and is ex- 12. Stoff el Vandoorne (Bel- at the Al Arabi Sports Club In- pected to start the race from gium) McLaren door Hall. the back of the grid. 13. Kevin Magnussen (Den- The 48-year-old Englishman “I’m okay. It happened real- mark) Haas - Ferrari will face defending champion ly quickly. I tend to just look at 14. Pascal Wehrlein (Ger- Pankaj Advani in today’s fi nal. it as challenges are what makes many) Sauber - Ferrari “It just takes time, like I said life interesting and overcom- 15. Daniel Ricciardo (Aus- on the fi rst day, to get into the ing them makes life meaning- tralia) Red Bull - TAG Heuer rhythm, fi nd some concentra- ful,” Hamilton told Sky Sports. 16. Marcus Ericsson (Swe- tion,” Russell told Gulf Times “I just need to take whatever den) Sauber - Ferrari yesterday. bubble of negativity comes 17. Lance Stroll (Canada) “But I am just very happy to from that experience and move Williams-Mercedes have played well and get through, forwards and try and grow 18. Brendon Hartley (New especially here in Qatar, which is from it. It’s very unusual from Zealand) Toro Rosso - Re- a really nice place.” Pankaj Advani of India in action against compatriot Rupesh Shah during their semi-final of the IBSF World Billiards 150-Up Championship me but it shows we are all hu- nault Gilchrist started strong in yesterday. PICTURES: Shaji man and things happen.” 19. Pierre Gasly (France) Toro the fi rst frame, going 46-0, but Hamilton’s crash and Bot- Rosso - Renault a missed shot changed that all ion. I thought he sort of faltered tas’s pole completed a roller- 20. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) and Russell pounced on it with a when it was 2-all, and that was coaster Saturday for the world Mercedes 151-point break to go one-up. crucial. Once I went 3-2 up, my champion Mercedes team after Thereafter, breaks of 102, 152 rhythm was back,” Advani, who it was revealed some of their and 133 ensured Russell stayed was in the last four after a win staff had been robbed at gun- second Ferrari ahead of Max in the lead, going 4-0 up, before over compatriot Dhruv Sitwala, point late Friday as they left Verstappen and his Red Bull Gilchrist snatched one with a said after he sealed his spot in the the Interlagos circuit. team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, 151-point break of his own. fi nal. Bottas said he felt a respon- who faces a grid penalty for the However, it was too little too Both the fi nalists stressed on sibility to the team after Ham- race.Sergio Perez was sixth for late, as Russell, armed with a the importance of momentum in ilton’s shock early exit. Force India ahead of resurgent 76-point break, strolled into the the shorter format. “It feels good,” said Bottas, two-time champion Fernando fi nal. “We have had some good who also took pole at the Az- Alonso of McLaren Honda, “He had the chance in the fi rst matches in the past. He beat me erbaijan and Austrian Grands Nico Hulkenberg and his Re- game, but after that I played re- in India a couple of times, I beat Prix earlier this season. nault teammate Carlos Sainz. ally well,” said Russell, who made him in Leeds a couple of times,” “I am still a bit shaken, but it Retirement-bound local it to the semi-fi nals after a quar- Advani said. is a good feeling. It was a nice hero Felipe Massa of Williams ters victory over India’s Sourav “If I can keep the momentum lap, but it was close with Se- was 10th. Vettel, who is 15 Kothari. and score well tomorrow, then it bastian (Vettel). points ahead of third-placed “The tables help because they will be an interesting game. Mike “It was a shame that Lewis is Bottas in the title race, admit- are very beautiful and very easy. is obviously scoring really well. out, a shame for us, but I stood ted he did not commit fully to Even if you are under a little bit We have seen that some matches up for the team and it is good to his lap. of pressure, you can aff ord to feel have gone really close, anything start from pole position here.” “I think I chickened out a bit a bit relaxed because the table is can happen,” he added. Another Finn Kimi Raik- on the brakes on the last lap good.” Russell said, “In 150-up, you konen qualifi ed third in the going into Turn One,” he said. Across the hall, Advani and just got to run away with it, just compatriot Rupesh Shah were like 9-Ball pool.” locked in a close battle for the fi - nal spot. RESULTS (150-UP) Quality breaks by both the QUARTER-FINALS players ensured they were Rupesh Shah (India) beat Nay neck and neck till 2-all. In the Thway Oo (Myanmar) 5-1 third, Shah stitched together a Pankaj Advani (India) beat Dhruv 90-point break but a missed shot Sitwala (India) 5-2 handed Advani the opportunity Mike Russell (England) beat and the 32-year-old from the In- Sourav Kothari (India) 5-2 dian city of Bengaluru pounced Peter Gilchrist (Singapore) beat on it, to never look back. Siddharth Parikh (India) 5-2 Advani pocketed the sixth frame with a break of 151, going SEMI-FINALS up 4-2, and then closed out the Mike Russell (England) beat game like a well-oiled machine in Peter Gilchrist (Singapore) 5-1 the seventh frame. Pankaj Advani (India) beat “This format is tricky, if the Rupesh Shah (India) 5-2 rival gets the fi rst chance in the frame, especially at the start, and Today’s Schedule if scores heavy, it tends to put you 10am: Final Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton sits in his car right after on the back foot. But I am glad to Pankaj Advani (India) vs Mike Russell of England in action against Peter Gilchrist of Singapore during their semi-final of the IBSF crashing during the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix Q1 qualifying have come back in a strong fash- Mike Russell (England) World Billiards 150-Up Championship yesterday. session at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday. (AFP)

MOTORCYCLING Marquez storms towards title with Valencia pole AFP ing. He recorded his best time early Yamaha Tech3) at 0.349, 3. Andrea Cheste, Spain in the session. Iannone (ITA/Suzuki) 0.502, 4. Jorge The champion in waiting then hit Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) 0.563, 5. Dani the fl oor, as he so often has this sea- Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 0.692, 6. arc Marquez tightened son, after running wide at turn four, Michele Pirro (ITA/Ducati) 0.867, 7. his grip on the MotoGP but once again escaped unharmed Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 0.951, world championship despite his visible frustration. 8. Aleix Esparagaro (ESP/Suzuki) yesterday, by qualifying “I was disappointed because when 0.960, 9. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/ Mon pole for the season-ending Va- I stopped in the box I said to Santi, Ducati) 1.064, 10. Alex Rins 1.075 lencia Grand Prix with champion- my mechanic, I didn’t feel the tyre Moto2 ship rival Andrea Dovizioso down was ready,” said Marquez. “For to- 1. Alex Marquez (ESP/Kalex) the grid in ninth. morrow we are good, we are in pole 1:35.050, 2. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/ Holding a commanding 21-point position, good rhythm and this is the Kalex) at 0.065, 3. Mattia Pasini lead in the championship standings, most important thing.” (ITA/Kalex) 0.105, 4. Miguel Oliveira Honda’s Marquez can only be denied Marquez’s time was never threat- (POR/KTM) 0.132, 5. Brad Binder a fourth MotoGP world champion- ened by the chasing pack, with Zarco (RSA/KTM) 0.273, 6. Dominique ship if he fi nishes lower than 11th 0.349 seconds back in second and Aegerter (SUI/Suter) 0.398, 7. and Ducati’s Dovizioso wins. Iannone more than half a second Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/Kalex) Marquez was even able to shrug back in third. 0.412, 8. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/ off his 27th crash of the season af- Dovizioso and Marquez’s team- Kalex) 0.417, 9. Xavi Vierge (ESP/ ter posting his best time of 1min mates Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Ped- Tech 3) 0.603, 10. Marcel Schrötter 29.897sec for his eighth pole of the rosa start on the second row in (GER/Suter) 0.633 season. fourth and fi fth respectively along- Moto3 The Spaniard will be followed by side Michele Pirro. 1. Jorge Martin (ESP/Honda) 1min France’s Johann Zarco and Italian Dovizioso will also need to battle 38.428sec, 2. Joan Mir (ESP/Honda) Andrea Iannone on the front row of past nine-time world champion Val- at 0.445, 3. Gabriel Rodrigo (ARG/ the grid. entino Rossi (seventh) if he is to pull KTM) 0.548, 4. Tatsuki Suzuki (JPN/ It was a disastrous Saturday for off an unlikely comeback for his fi rst Honda) 0.880, 5. Enea Bastianini Dovizioso’s hopes of putting pres- world title. (ITA/Honda) 0.891, 6. Aron Canet sure on Marquez as he limped onto (ESP/Honda) 0.971, 7. Ayumu Sasaki the back of the third row. Qualifying grids (JPN/Honda) 1.064, 8. Marcos Rami- Marquez looked in ominous form MotoGP rez (ESP/KTM) 1.064, 9. Fabio Di Monster Yamaha Tech 3 French rider Johann Zarco (left), Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez (centre) and Team Suzuki as he posted the fastest time in both 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) Giannantonio (ITA/Honda) 1.093, 10. Ecstar’s Italian rider Andrea Iannone celebrate after the second MotoGP qualifying session of the Valencia Grand Prix at Ricardo practice sessions on Saturday morn- 1:29.897, 2. Johann Zarco (FRA/ Bo Bendsneyder (NED/KTM) 1.108 Tormo racetrack in Cheste, Valencia, yesterday. Marquez took the pole position. (AFP)