GGOLFOLF | Page 5 RRUGBY|UGBY Page 6 Griffi n holds Boks block on to clinch out Brighton Houston as they prepare Open title for Japan

Tuesday, October 15, 2019 FOOTBALL Safar 16, 1441 AH Bale on target GULF TIMES as Wales’ Euro hopes on knife-edge SPORT Page 7

ANOC stay in the hunt for handball and v’ball golds Younousse proved himself a true leader for his team who are still unbeaten in the tournament

By Yash Mudgal showed some resistance and reduced the gap. But Seifeddine Elmajid, who contributed 12 points, came up with his superb play and helped the hosts main- atar’s 4x4 team tain the lead. inched closer to a possible At 17-15, Younousse picked two ANOC World Beach Games consecutive points to take Qatar 19- gold medal as the hosts de- 15 clear. Elmajid followed it up with Qfeated Chile 2-0 (21-13, 21-18) to enter a clever drop to get the match point the semi-fi nals yesterday. on the board (20-16). Chile saved two The team also ad- points but it was late for them as El- vanced to the last four, beating Austral- majid sealed the victory with a deep ia 2-0 (24-17 21-14), staying on course smash. for what could be a potential second Younousse proved himself a true gold medal. leader for his team who are still un- In volleyball, it was Qatar’s fourth beaten in the tournament. He has add- win from as many matches and once ed responsibility on his shoulder as his again they were helmed by their star regular partner on the world beach vol- QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani and Secretary-General player Cherif Younousse with 15 points, leyball tour, Tijan, is injured and sitting Jassim Rashid al-Buainain watch the action along with other off icials. including 12 from attack. out the action. Younousse-Tijan are “We’re very pleased to be in the World No 14 in FIVB World Ranking. Qatar will take on Poland, who de- Sweden overcame Hungary 2-1 (17-19, semi-fi nals of the World Beach Games. “Tijan’s absence has been a big blow feated Germany 2-0 (21-11, 21-9), in the 22-20, 7-4), while Spain beat Denmark Since the format is new to us and we for us, but he is with us to provide his semi-fi nal today at 7pm. USA defeated in straight sets 2-0 (20-17, 30-24). did not have enough time, there have moral support from the bench. All the 2-0 (21-14, 21-13) Mozambique to meet Defender Mutasem Mohamed netted been some mistakes. We’ve been trying players are trying to do their best and Action from the Qatar vs Chile match yesterday. Indonesia, who defeated Australia 2-1 nine goals, while right wing Hani Kakhi to reduce them and will continue to do we’re proud to be one step away from (23-25, 21-16, 15-9), in the semi-fi nal. was hundred percent on the target in so,” Younousse said. reaching the fi nal,” he said. “We’re gelling well as a team in this and cleared one hurdle. The strong In handball, the hosts will take on his fi ve shots. Veteran defender Mah- The fi rst set was an easy one and in Qatar’s blocker Ziad Benlouaer was format. We cleared the prelims and way we’re playing, anything is possi- fi ve-time world champions Brazil to- moud Hassanballa struck four out of the second set also Qatar took a com- also satisfi ed with his team’s perform- managed to enter the knockout stage. ble. We’re trying to relax and enjoy the day. Brazil defeated Croatia 2-1 (30- fi ve, while specialist Mohamed Hassan manding 10-5 lead. However, Chile ance. We had a good match against Chile matches one by one,” Benlouaer said. 10, 17-16, 6-4). In other quarter-fi nals netted three goals in fi ve attempts.

FOOTBALL Unbeaten Qatar take on Oman in crucial clash

By Sports Reporter Qatar against a resurgent Oman side. Abdurusag, who has represented Qa- Doha Sanchez’s men are yet to replicate the tar at the U20 World Cup in Poland, has kind of form, which made the Asian plenty of pace and is a constant threat in Champions at the turn of the year. front of the goal and Sanchez will hope atar will lock horns with A match against fellow GCC side will the young striker will show his skills in Oman in the FIFA World Cup be of special signifi cance to Qatari fans front of the home fans today. Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian and it will be also be a perfect motiva- Meanwhile, just 100 kilometres west QCup China 2023 Asian Quali- tion for the players to get back to their of the -Bangladesh border, the two fi ers at the Al Janoub Stadium today, best. The focus will also be on forward nations face-off in Kolkata’s Salt Lake with the group’s top spot at stake. The Yusef Abdurusag, who has caught Stadium with just one point separating match will start at 7.30pm. the eye with impressive performance them at the bottom of Group E. Felix Sanchez’s men are top of the against Bangladesh. Despite the narrow margin, senti- Group E with seven points from three The 20-year-old bagged his fi rst-ev- ment at the two camps could not be matches, while Oman are one point er goal for Qatar in Dhaka last week and more diff erent; the disappointment behind they also have played a game is expected to make the playing XI today. of an opening day 2-1 home defeat to less. The two sides are yet to be beaten Abdurusag is enjoying a breakthrough Oman made way for excitement and in Group E, which also includes India, season in the QNB Stars League, with optimism after India held Asian cham- Bangladesh and Afghanistan. the on-loan Al Sadd winger playing a pions Qatar to a goalless draw in Doha “It’s going to be an important match key role in Al Arabi’s good start to their last month to collect their fi rst point of for us and we hope we can win at home,” campaign. the campaign. Qatar coach Felix Sanchez said. “Oman are a good side. They are the Gulf Cup champions, so it’s important everyone puts in his best eff ort,” he added. Reigning Asian champions and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar still have to navigate their way through the qualifi - ers to earn a place in China 2023. Their Qatari players train for the match against Oman yesterday. Picture on right shows Qatar Football Association President journey started in style with a 6-0 de- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani speaking to coach Felix Sanchez. feat of Afghanistan in Doha, but things were not as straight forward when India put themselves at the summit of the go into Qatar game boosted by a solid yet to get a win in the fi ve previous at- visited, holding them to a goalless stale- group with seven points. 3-0 home victory over Afghanistan that tempts. Qatar won three times, the last mate. Qatar’s opponents today will be the propelled them into second place with of which came in the 2002 FIFA World Qatar got back to winning ways last toughest of their campaign so far. Oman six points. Cup Qualifi ers. week, coming away from a diffi cult trip snatched a hard-fought 2-1 win in India Today’s game will be their sixth en- But considering the patchy form they to rainy Bangladesh with a 2-0 win to thanks to an added-time goal and they counter in the qualifi ers and Oman are are in, it won’t be a walk in the park for Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, October 15, 2019 ANOC WORLD BEACH GAMES

ANOC WORLD BEACH GAMES QATAR 2019 SPOTLIGHT QVA president commends Piff aretti, Meijer clinch outstanding performance wakeboard golds of Qatari ‘I feel amazing right now. I’m over the moon and I’m stoked to be able to come here in Qatar’ national team

By Amjad Vanimal QNA Doha Doha

assimiliano Piff aretti atar Volleyball Association (QVA) Presi- of Italy dominated the dent Ali Ghanim al-Kuwari praised the men’s division while results and the outstanding level shown Sanne Meijer of the by the Qatari team at the Association MNetherlands took the women’s title ofQ National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World in the wakeboard competition at Beach Games Qatar 2019, which is currently under- Legtaifi ya Lagoon yesterday. way in Doha, and will conclude tomorrow. Showing grace and poise, Pif- In his statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), faretti posted the day’s highest QVA president said that it would be a good thing for score of 86.22, netting 28.53 for Qatar to lead Group A in this round, especially be- execution, 29.06 for intensity and cause the game in its current form is new in Qatar. 28.64 for composition from the It is for the fi rst time the team is playing in the 4x4 judging panel. competitions, but they have quickly mastered the Piff aretti — the reigning Euro- game. pean men’s wakeboard champion The team topped the group after winning three and 2015 world champion — had consecutive games, where they beat Indonesia, a an amazing start and went on to good team in , before beating US and Germany beat Cory Teunissen of Australia, on the same day to advance to the second round of who took silver with just 2 points the tournament. behind Piff aret, while 21-year-old Al-Kuwari added that the competitions in the Guenther Oka of the US bagged the second round will be diffi cult, because the eight bronze with 82.67 points. teams are good and aim to win medals. He stressed “I never really thought about gold that the ambition of the Qatari team is to win gold. medal until the result came out. I The team is ranked in well globally and has great feel amazing right now. I’m over ambitions for the next stage, the most important the moon and I’m stoked to be able of which is to qualify directly for the next Olympic to come here in Qatar and perform Games ( 2020). the run that I had planned since day Al-Kuwari also praised the eff orts of the or- one,” Piff aretti told Gulf Times after ganising committee that succeeded in organising receiving the gold medal. the tournament, as well as the large audience that “I take advice from every single watched the volleyball games at the Al Gharafa person that I really like. That’s the courts. kind of person I’m. I do believe that I The Qatari national team comprises Ahmad Tijan can always learn from other athletes Massimiliano Piff aretti (also inset) of Italy in action during the men’s wakeboard final in the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 yesterday. (Laurel Photo) and world number 14 Cherif Younousse. as well,” Piff aretti added. The Qatari national team has achieved many Speaking after winning the silver continental and international successes in the re- medal, Cory Teunissen said, “I had cent period. a few wobbles, had a crash on a trick The organising committee of the ANOC World that I never really crash on, so defi - Beach Games Qatar 2019 announced that the public nitely a few unexpected events went can enter the courts and attend the games for free. down but I ended up with the silver Qatar 2019 World Beach Games is an extraordinary medal so can’t be super bummed event that is being held for the fi rst time in the his- with that.” tory of beach sports. More than 1,200 athletes from 96 countries from MEIJER MAGIC fi ve continents are competing in 14 competitions In the women’s fi nal, two-time at four locations — Katara Cultural Village, Aspire European champion Sanne Meijer Zone, Al Gharafa Club and the Ritz-Carlton Doha’s outclassed the fi eld, fi nishing with Legtaifi ya Lagoon. a whopping 83.88-points, netting 27.75 for execution, 28.17 for inten- sity and 27.86 for composition. Alice Virag of Italy placed sec- QOC signs co-operation ond with 66.45 points while Jamie agreement with Thai Lopina of the US had 64.11 points to claim bronze. counterpart “I can’t describe how excited I’m. QNA Looking at yesterday I was kind of Doha disappointed in my riding but now I’m incredibly happy,” Meijer told Gulf Times. atar Olympic Committee (QOC) has Banking on the experience from signed a co-operation agreement with Doha, Meijer hopes to take her win- Qthe National Olympic Committee of Thai- ning form through to the World land, on the sidelines of the ANOC World Beach Championships next week in Can- Games Qatar 2019. cun, Mexico. The agreement was signed in the presence of “It’s pretty hectic but I’m excited Director of Support Services at the QOC Hamad now. I hope to win but it’s going to Lahdan al-Muhannadi, Director General of Aspire be hard, really hard. It’s a diff er- Logistics Abdulla al-Naimi, and off icials from the ent federation to this so it will also National Olympic Committee of Thailand, the be diff erent scoring. It’s only the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the Thai second time I will compete in these Sanne Meijer (also inset) of Netherlands competes in the women’s wakeboard final in the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 yesterday. (Laurel Photo) delegation. kind of Worlds so it will be kind of The agreement aims to strengthen co-operation like a tryout, but I’ll try my best (in formance, coach Peter Van Getel ago we had a very fruitful train- contest. Last week was a complete organised; people in Qatar are so between Qatar and the Kingdom of Thailand in Mexico),” Meijer said. said, “As a coach, I’m proud that ing in Portugal and that was the rest for her. friendly. We just love being here in the field of sports during the next phase. Speaking about Meijer’s per- Meijer won the gold. Three weeks last training Meijer had before this “The competition is so well- this beautiful country.” Getel said.

FOCUS Baladna sponsors ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019

By Sports Reporter Doha

aladna Food Industries Co. WLL, Qatar’s largest producer of fresh dairy and beverages, is spon- soringB the World Beach Games Qatar 2019, organised by the As- sociation of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). The inau- gural international beach multi- sport event is currently under- way and will conclude tomorrow. Baladna have a dedicated area called the Baladna Fan Zone at one of the venues — Katara Cul- tural Village — where they are distributing refreshments to fans and athletes. The products will include fresh dairy drinks and 100 percent natural juices with no added sugar. Additionally, they will be catering to the VIP section with an array of food products. Commenting on the sponsor- ship, Baladna Chairman Moutaz Baladna has a dedicated Fan Zone at Katara Cultural Village during the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019. al-Khayyat said, “Baladna takes pride in sponsoring ANOC sports and health. In addition, Baladna’s Public Relations and to make delicious beverages like 96 countries from fi ve continents World Beach Games in Qatar. the products distributed will Communications Director, said, milkshakes, iced coff ees, and mo- are competing in 14 competi- The event aligns with our core be encourage fans to pursue a “Baladna’s fan zone has been jitos using Baladna’s products. tions at four locations: the Katara value of supporting Qatar in healthy lifestyle.” built to meet a healthy lifestyle in Our barista will be available daily Cultural Village, , Al its mission towards Qatar Na- Commenting on the Balad- an innovative and creative man- during the event from 5-7pm.” Gharafa Club and the Ritz-Carl- tional Vision 2030, in promoting na Fan Zone, Saba al-Fadala, ner. We have a designated barista More than 1,200 athletes from ton Doha’s Legtaifi ya Lagoon. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 15, 2019 3 SPORT

AQUATHLON BEACH TENNIS Italy exact Spain’s Vinuela and revenge on Russia By Sports Reporter day in men’s doubles, earned Tous champions a spot in the other semi-fi nal Doha with a victory over Brazil. They will face the Spanish team of ‘It’s not my strong side, and then in the second running, I didn’t have any power’ talian duo Tommaso Gio- Gerard Rodriguez/Antonio Ra- vannini and Flaminia mos, victors over France. Daina’s dramatic 7-6 (4), In the women’s doubles, 7-5 victory over World No. world No 1 Italian pair Giulia I1 Nikita Burmakin and Irina Gasparri/Sofi a Cimatti eas- Glimakova of Russia in mixed ily handled Liudmila Nikoyan/ doubles punctuated a day that Ekaterina Kirgizova (RUS) 6-2 saw the previously-undefeat- 6-2, which will set up a semi- ed Russians, relative newcom- fi nal matchup with Rafaella ers to the sport, fi nally beaten Miller (BRA) and partner Joana at Katara Beach in the quarter- Cortez (BRA). The Brazilians fi nal round. prevailed 6-4 6-2 over Lady Giovannini/Daina fell be- Correa/Patricia Diaz (VEN). hind 1-4 early in the fi rst set, Prior to her mixed doubles and it looked like the Rus- match, Russia’s Glimakova sians, let by world No 1 Bur- battled through the day’s most makin, would cruise into the competitive match with Daria semi-fi nals. But the Italians Churakova (RUS) against Na- responded by winning six of dia Johnston/Nicole Melch the next eight games, includ- (USA). The Americans pushed ing the tie-break to take the the Russian duo to the brink fi rst set. Finding themselves in an 113-minute marathon down 1-4 in the second set, it match that eventually went was the Russians who would Russia’s way 5-7 7-5 10-5. then battle back to even the Italy’s second-ranked team set at four games apiece. With of Daina/Nicole Nobile also Giovannini serving to close out advanced 6-3 6-3 against Bra- the match, Burmakin/Glima- zilians Lorena Melo/Marcela kova fought to again level the Vita. They will face Glimako- score at fi ve games apiece, but va/Churakova in today’s semi- the Italians won the next two fi nal, setting up a potential all- for a hard-fought victory. Italy women’s fi nal. In the afternoon session, In the evening’s other mixed top ranked duo Alessandro doubles action, both Brazil- Calbucci/Michele Cappel- ian teams advanced to the next letti (ITA) took the opening round. Rafaella Miller (BRA) set against Nikolai Gurev/ and her partner Baran needed Ivan Syrov (RUS) 6-1 before three sets to defeat Ramos/ An athlete takes part in Aquathlon event during the ANOC World Beach Games at the Katara Beach yesterday. battling through a second set Eva Fernandez (ESP) 4-6 6-3 marred with unforced errors 10-3, while Font/Joana Cortez By Sports Reporter 26:29, with reigning world champion Ros- able to maintain, and even slightly extend, en’s event. She paced the fi rst leg in a to hang on 7-5. They will meet prevailed over Spain’s other Doha tislav Pevtsov (AZE) in third with a time of this lead on the fi nal leg, despite the fact pack along with Mexico’s Itzel Arroyo, former world No 1 Vinicius mixed doubles squad Rodrigu- 26:43. On the women’s side, Azerbaijan’s that both Pevtsov and Devay are superior Marharyta Krylova (UKR) and Manac. Font/Andre Baran (BRA) in the ez/Sabrina Lopez 6-4 6-1. Kseniia Levkovska took silver with a time runners, fi nishing with a time of 26:22. Through the transition, she entered the next round. Today’s women’s semi- pain’s Kevin Vinuela and Francisca of 30:03, followed by Antoanela Manac “I can’t swim in warm water,” said a water third, but exited after the swim Burmakin/Sergey Kuptsov fi nals kick off at 2:30pm, fol- Tous (ESP) both were crowned (ROU) with bronze in 30:17. disappointed Pevtsov, who led the fi eld leading the race in step with Chloe Pol- (RUS), who defeated second- lowed by the men at 4:30pm. Aquathlon Individual gold med- In the men’s race Vinuela stayed with through the fi rst running portion. “It’s lard (GBR), who had made up more than seeded Giovannini/Luca Cra- The medals matches will com- allists after physically taxing, fast the lead pack through the fi rst run, and not my strong side, and then in the sec- 30 seconds on the swim. The Spaniard, marossa (ITA) the previous mence at 5:30pm. racesS at Katara Beach yesterday. entered the water in fi fth position behind ond [running] segment, I didn’t have any though, quickly found her second gear on Challenging conditions defi ned the Belgium’s Emmanuel Lejeune, Pevtsov, power.” the fi nal run and cruised to a 25-second event, which consisted of a 2.5-kilometre Devay and Jaime Gonzalez (MEX). But a Colombia’s Hugo Ruiz had an impres- victory in 29:38. run, a 750-metre swim and a second 2.5 strong swim – his specialty – gave him a sive performance to place fourth. Pollard eventually placed sixth, while kilometres on the pavement. slight advantage as he emerged from the Tous proved to be the athlete to beat compatriot and one of the race favourites Mark Devay (HUN) nabbed silver in water just ahead of the Hungarian. He was for the majority of the race in the wom- Hannah Kitchen (GBR) did not fi nish.

SPOTLIGHT Belarus trio dazzle in Waterski Jump

By Sports Reporter place after nailing a 49.3m jump. to hold off a fine eff ort from 44-year- Doha Danisheuskaya said it felt “awe- old veteran Vladimir Ryanzin (RUS), some” to fi nish her season with a win who was just knocking on the door of at the ANOC World Beach Games Qa- 60 metres with his 59.9m fi nal result. elarus netted a full set of med- tar 2019. Speaking after the event, Shpak said als across the two Waterski “This season wasn’t the best for me, preparation in his home country had Jump events, with a gold and I’ve been skiing well in practice but not been tricky, but he was not surprised bronze in the women’s and sil- in tournaments, so to fi nish strong is by Belarus’s success. verB in the men’s. awesome. It felt like the season wasn’t “In Belarus it’s cold right now, so it After a disappointing showing in the a waste. was hard to prepare,” he explained. “I preliminary event, fi nishing bottom of “Conditions today are a bit better, trained in Ukraine for a couple of weeks the six qualifying skiers, Aliaksandra so that propped me up,” she added. and everything came together. All the Danisheuskaya (BLR) rallied to produce “I got to go fi rst today too so I didn’t results were pretty close, but I’m so a spectacular winning jump of 49.5m. know any scores, I think that helped happy. I wanted to take something, and Her compatriot, 2018 European silver me. Most of the time I like to go fi rst, I knew it was possible.” medallist Hanna Straltsova, managed then I can watch everybody.” He added, “We are happy with the 49.0m on her third attempt, fi nishing In the men’s, Stepan Shpak (BLR) medals and happy to have fi rst, second Italy’s Alessandro Calbucci and Michele Cappelletti pose after third, with Jutta Menestrina of Fin- fi nished second, jumping an impres- and third – three medals for us. That’s Aliaksandra Danisheuskaya of Belarus celebrates their win over Russia’s Nikolai Gurev and Ivan Syrov in the men’s land also making the podium in second sive 59.2m, although it was not enough perfect.” after winning the women’s waterski jumping event. doubles beach tennis yesterday.

FOCUS ‘ put Doha on global sports map’

By Sports Reporter young people,” stressed al-Buainain. laying the foundation stone for organ- Doha He explained that by hosting high- ising sports events since the hosting of level sporting events Qatar gained the 15th Asian Games (2006), pointing considerable experience and knowl- out that this resulted in the establish- he Qatar Olympic Academy edge and created new standards, but ment of the , which yesterday held a seminar titled more importantly lasting legacies were has now become a beacon for aspiring “Education and Development built. He gave the example of Qatar’s athletes. of the Olympic Movement” on pioneering Schools Olympic Program He also praised the great role played Tthe sidelines of the First ANOC World which helped Qatar establish a solid by the Qatar Olympic Academy, point- Beach Games currently being hosted foundation of sport in the country af- ing out that there must be a strategy by Qatar. Speakers at the seminar ter it was introduced in 2007, draw- that is always linked to the aspirations dwelt on the role of the Olympic move- ing inspiration from the 2006 Asian of the State, and perhaps the organisa- ment in the development of people, the Games. “The Schools Olympic Pro- tion of the Asian Games encouraged importance of women’s participation gram became a beacon for the develop- us to host many world championships in the Olympics as well as the reasons ment of sport in the region,” he said. and other important sporting events. for the competition between countries “The QOC is more than ever deter- He highlighted that Qatar has suc- to host the Olympic Games, among mined to inspire, connect and excite ceeded in establishing many sports other topics. communities through the power of facilities, including the anti-doping The seminar was addressed by sport, which has the potential to bridge laboratory, which is the fi rst such lab in prominent fi gures, led by HE the As- cultures and foster friendships among the Middle East. sistant Chief of the Amiri Diwan the peoples of the world. This cannot Hussain al-Musallam, Executive Di- Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al- be achieved without the great sup- rector of the Asian Olympic Council, Thani, Secretary-General of the Qatar port of His Highness the Amir Sheikh congratulated Qatar on hosting the in- Olympic Committee Jassim Rashid HE the Assistant Chief of the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani (fourth right), Secretary-General of the Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani,” he said. augural ANOC World Beach Games in al-Buainain, ANOC Secretary-General Qatar Olympic Committee Jassim Rashid al-Buainain (fifth right) with other dignitaries during the seminar yesterday. On his part, HE Sheikh Saoud bin a very short period of time, which he Gunilla Lindberg, Executive Director Abdulrahman said, “Hosting of the said indicates the ability of Qataris to of the Asian Olympic Council Hus- Qatar Olympic Academy Saif Moham- ment,” saying this is what the Qatar into a major sports centre in the region put Qatar on the host any continental or international sain al-Musallam, Director of Olym- ed al-Nuaimi. Olympic Academy seeks to achieve. and the world. This has helped bring global map.” tournament. “Sporting events leave pic Solidarity and NOC Relations at Al-Buainain quoted the famous “What better way to build the edu- major sporting events to the Middle He expressed his delight at partici- a legacy for host countries and there- the International Olympic Committee words of the founder of the modern cational foundation for self-improve- East for the fi rst time, inspiring young- pating in the seminar, stressing that he fore we have to teach young people and James Macleod, President of the Inter- Olympic Movement, Baron Pierre de ment through major institutions such er generations. These events also cre- has been involved with the Qatari Ol- future generations the value of the Ol- national Olympic Academy, Isidoros Coubertin: “For each individual, sport as the Olympic Academies. Over the ated opportunities to demonstrate the ympic Movement for a long time. ympic Movement in the development Kouvelos and Executive Director of the is a possible source for inner improve- past two decades, Qatar has evolved power of sport to excite and educate He said that Qatar has succeeded in of people,” he said. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, October 15, 2019 PHOTO FEATURE Sights from Day 4 of the ANOC World Beach Games PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil, Jayan Orma, Laurel Photo

A Paraguay player reacts during the match against Iran. Aquathlon gets under way at Katara Beach on the fourth day of the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 yesterday.

Qatar’s Fahad al-Mohamed (left) and Abdulla al-Kaabi (right) pose with Director General Assistant of Operations Khaleel al-Jabir after the Aquathlon event at Katara. An athlete in action during the women’s bouldering final yesterday.

Action from the women’s 3x3 match between China (in red) and Kitefoil Racing Opening series at Katara Beach on Day Four of the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019. Uganda (in white) yesterday.

Action from the beach soccer match between Paraguay (in blue and white) and Iran (in red). Action from the men’s match between China (in white) and Venezuela (in maroon) yesterday. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 15, 2019 5 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Wiesberger claims 3rd win of season Griffi n holds on to at Italian Open

Reuters “To lose by one is obvi- Rome ously very disappointing,” the 25-year-old said. “I think I’ve played well ustrian Bernd Wi- when I’ve been up there on a win Houston Open esberger held off a Sunday, just other people re- spirited challenge ally keep grinding and I keep ‘I just knew that even if I made bogey I would still have a job out here next year’ from England’s Mat- coming up from behind. It thewA Fitzpatrick to claim his is what it is. It’s still a great AFP third European Tour title of week.” Los Angeles Parnevik misses the season at the Italian Open World number fi ve Justin in Rome on Sunday. Rose improved on his dismal chance for Wiesberger carded six-un- third round of 78, taking 14 ix years ago, Lanto Griffi n ‘mulligan’ in der-par 65 in the fi nal round at fewer shots to fi nish seven- had less $200 in his bank rare rules the Olgiata Club for a 16-under under overall for a share of account, so he decided to total to overturn a three-shot 15th spot. caddie for his friend and incident defi cit and beat overnight lead- fellowS pro golfer Willy Wilcox. er Fitzpatrick by one stroke. LEADING AND SELECTED A bizarre incident involving The move paid off as the pair Swede Jesper Parnevik Four birdies in fi ve holes head- FINAL-ROUND SCORES became a successful team and during a professional tourna- ing into the back nine put Wi- 268-Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) Griffi n was able to replenish his ment on Sunday was so esberger fi rmly in the driving 66-70-67-65 savings and continue his dream unusual that off icials seat, with Fitzpatrick hitting 269-Matthew Fitzpatrick 67- of playing full-time on the PGA had to consult the game’s out of bounds for a double- 65-68-69 Tour. ruling body for clarification. bogey at the ninth. 272-Kurt Kitayama (USA) 66- Fast forward to Sunday as the The three-times European Fitzpatrick recovered well 70-65-71 31-year-old Griffi n claimed his Ryder Cup member missed with three birdies in his fi nal 273-Andrew Johnston 67- maiden PGA title, two-putting the chance for a “mulligan” six holes but could only par the 68-70-68, Robert MacIntyre 18 to close with a three-under – golf terminology for a free 18th as Wiesberger claimed his 69-69-64-71, Matthias Schwab 69 and win the Houston Open by shot – when his short bogey seventh European Tour title (AUT) 68-69-70-66 one stroke. putt horseshoed around the to move from third to fi rst in 275-Shubhankar Sharma (IND) “I just knew that even if I hole and hit his foot. the season-long Race to Dubai 66-69-72-68, Matt Wallace 69- made bogey I would still have a Rather than replaying the standings. 67-67-72, Francesco Laporta job out here next year,” said Grif- putt without penalty from “It’s been a great sum- (ITA) 69-70-68-68 fi n, of Mount Shasta, California. its original spot, Parnevik in- mer for me,” Wiesberger said. 276-Rory Sabbatini (SVK) “I am so proud of the way I stead tapped the ball in from “I’ve had a lot of good Golf 65-70-75-66, Wang Jeunghun hung in there.” where it ended up for what shown and a lot of progress af- (KOR) 72-69-64-71, Andrea Griffi n came into the fourth he thought was a double- ter coming back from the last Pavan (ITA) 69-67-70-70, round with a one shot lead and bogey, only to find out later year. Justin Walters (RSA) 70-71- made fi ve birdies on Sunday to that the rules actually require “I’ve won three times this 70-65, Erik van Rooyen (RSA) fi nish with a 14-under 274. a re-do. year and it’s been the same 68-68-70-70 He told his mother, Julie, that The incident happened at every time, I’ve just really en- 277-Graeme McDowell 69-66- he would buy her a new car if he the third hole during the final joyed my time. 71-71, Justin Rose 66-69-78-64, won this week – and after earn- round of the SAS Champi- “I’ve played really well in Richard Sterne (RSA) 72-69- ing $1.3 million in fi rst-place onship on the 50-and-over the right events in Ireland and 68-68 prize money, he will make good Champions Tour. the Scottish and here this week on that promise. “When a ball on the putting which helps getting up there in SELECTED “There’s too many people (to green accidentally hits the Race to Dubai. I feel excit- 281 - Thongchai Jaidee (THA) thank). My entire team,” said any person, animal or im- ed about what is ahead of us in 69-70-71-71 Griffi n, who lost his father when movable obstruction, this these last four events.” 282 - Edoardo Molinari (ITA) he was 12 to brain cancer and stroke does not count and Fitzpatrick signed for a 70-70-72-70 likes to say it took an entire vil- the ball must be replaced round of 69 for a total of 283 - George Coetzee (RSA) lage to raise him. on its original spot,” rules of- 15-under as he fi nished run- 69-73-70-71 “I learned you don’t have to ficial Brian Claar told Reuters. ner-up for the fourth time this 286 - Lee Westwood 69-72- win. If you put all that pres- “Jesper tapped it in. In that season. 73-72. sure on yourself it can backfi re. situation he’s played from the Thinking like that helps me take wrong place. Unfortunately the pressure off .” he gets a two-stroke penalty Griffi n fi nished one stroke for playing from the wrong European Tour announces ahead of Scott Harrington and place, and the one where Mark Hubbard, who shot 67 and he tapped in counts but mixed-gender event 69 respectively. China’s Zhang the original stroke does not Xinjun and Austria’s Sepp Straka count.” in Sweden were part of a group of fi ve who Which added up to a triple- tied for fourth. bogey. If that sounds a lot to The first European Tour other. Zhang shot 66, Straka a 69 take in, you are not alone. golf tournament featuring “Bringing women and men to fi nish at 11-under along with On-site off icials were so men and women compet- together in a combined Harris English (66), Talor Gooch unfamiliar with the obscure ing against each other on tournament is exciting for (69) and Carlos Ortiz (69). rule that they phoned the the same course for the fans in Sweden and for the Griffi n is the only player to US Golf Association for same prize will take place in global game as we continue fi nish in the top 20 in every PGA clarification, and were told Sweden next year, organisers to showcase golf is a game Tour tournament since the new such a situation had never announced yesterday. for everyone,” said 10-time season started last month and occurred in a professional The inaugural Scandina- major champion Sorenstam, now leads the FedEx Cup stand- tournament to their knowl- vian Mixed event, hosted who retired from competitive ings. edge. by Swedish major winners golf in 2008. Griffi n, who earned a two year “They said ‘did that really Henrik Stenson and Annika Stenson, the 2016 British exemption on the Tour with his happen out there’?,” said Sorenstam, will be held in Open winner, has committed win, was forced to play on the Claar, who described the June 2020, with 78 men and to playing in the event for the lower Korn Ferry Tour last year incident among the strangest 78 women battling it out for a next three years. in an attempt to earn his PGA he had encountered. 1.5 million-euro ($1.66 million) “To have men and women card. “He actually gets a mulligan,” prize fund. competing alongside one He won twice on the Korn Claar said. It will provide world rankings another showcases what is Ferry Tour in 2018 and 2017 but “It’s strange you get a do-over points for both men and great about our game,” said never won an event as a college because there’s (generally) women, and be co-sanc- the 43-year-old. player. On Sunday, he was locked no such thing as a do-over tioned by the European Tour “I believe this is certainly one in a battle in the back nine. unless you hit a power line and the Ladies European (format) that can be part of He drained a 33 foot birdie putt or something. Tour (LET). the way golf is played in the on No. 16 to take the lead. He also Lanto Griff in and girlfriend Maya Brown pose with the trophy after winning the Houston Open at the Golf He should have put it back The tournament follows in future. Making our game made a par save on the 14th hole Club of Houston in Humble, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP) and tried again.” the footsteps of this year’s accessible to everyone is and two-putted up a ridge on 17 Parnevik finished equal 68th Jordan Mixed Open, which something I am extremely for another clutch par. der 278. 67, Mark Hubbard 68-69-69-69 Sepp Straka (AUT) 65-71-72-69 in the tournament won by pitted players from the passionate about.” “I just felt calm. I don’t know LEADING FOURTH-ROUND 277-Harris English 70-72-69-66, 278-Bud Cauley 72-69-70-67, American Jerry Kelly second-tier Challenge Tour, The tournament will be held why,” said Griffi n of his first win. SCORES Zhang Xinjun (CHN) 67-76-68- Chad Campbell 70-72-68-68, at Prestonwood Country the LET and the European at Bro Hof Slott Golf Club in Stewart Cink closed with a 69 to 274-Lanto Griff in 66-74-65-69 66, Talor Gooch 64-72-72-69, Stewart Cink 70-68-71-69, Denny Club. Seniors Tour against each Stockholm from June 11-14. fi nish in a tie for ninth at 10-un- 275-Scott Harrington 69-67-72- Carlos Ortiz (MEX) 70-67-71-69, McCarthy 71-72-66-69.

TENNIS Olympic gold lures Federer to Tokyo Games AFP Paris Gauff salutes Federer’s words of wisdom Coco Gauff hailed Roger Federer for gave me some perspective. shifted into overdrive, with her break- oger Federer announced yes- his words of wisdom as the 15-year-old “Now, I try to enjoy the tennis and I through WTA trophy coming much terday he will compete at next US prodigy on Sunday became the barely think of that fist-round loss two more quickly than might have been year’s Tokyo Olympics in a bid youngest champion on the WTA Tour years later.” expected. “My goal was the top 100 to claim the men’s singles gold since 2004. Gauff , meanwhile, confirmed she is and to get into the main draw of at medal,R the only major prize he has yet to Gauff defeated 2017 Roland Garros “100 percent” ready to play at this least one Grand Slam,” said the player, win. winner Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 week’s Luxembourg WTA event where who has now earned a main draw spot “I’ve been debating with my team for in the Linz final for her maiden title. she will enjoy a career-high ranking for January’s Australian Open. a few weeks now, months actually, what The teenager is managed by Federer’s inside the top 70. “I’ve accomplished all of those goals I should do in the summer time (of 2020) Team8 and even shares an Italian She started the week in Linz at 110 in this year, now I need to work on im- after Wimbledon and before the US pasta sponsor with the 20-time major the world and was originally set for proving my game. Open,” he said at a promotional event. winner. an early departure from Austria after “I’ve gone through what was sup- “At the end of the day my heart de- On Sunday, she revealed that a pep- losing in the qualifying rounds before posed to be my timeline for the next cided to play the Olympic Games again.” talk by the Swiss superstar, after she grabbing a lifeline as a lucky loser. two years. It’s been crazy.” Federer has won all four of the Grand suff ered a heartbreaking defeat in “For sure, I’m 100 percent playing in “I didn’t expect to be on the Tour in Slam tournaments, as well as the ATP the first round of the 2018 Australian Luxembourg,” said Gauff whose rise general right now,” the 2018 French Tour Finals six times, but is still waiting the 2017 Wimbledon title before losing poised to take top spot off him in the Open junior event, has helped her on has been meteoric - at the end of 2018, Open junior champion said. Gauff , to grab Olympic singles gold. an epic fi nal in the grass-court Grand coming weeks is Nadal, 33. a path which this year saw her reach she was 686 in the world. coached by her father, said she The 20-time Grand Slam champion Slam to Novak Djokovic earlier this year. The 38-year-old Federer is third in the last 16 at Wimbledon and US Open “I’m excited, it will be my last event expects to start gaining confidence did win a doubles gold alongside fellow Serbia’s Djokovic, and Federer’s eter- the world rankings, while Nadal and third round. for the year. I’m playing doubles as she gets more accustomed to the Swiss Stan Wawrinka at in 2008, nal rival Rafael Nadal, have both already Djokovic won all four Grand Slams be- “He did give me some advice at the there also (with regular partner Caty WTA circuit. but when he got to the London singles said they will compete at Tokyo, the trio tween them this year. Australian Open in 2018 when I lost in McNally). “I’m new to the Tour and I’ve not faced fi nal in 2012 he was hammered 6-2, 6-1, setting the scene for a highly competi- The two-time defending Olympic the first round (after being amongst “This is the opportunity to see how a lot of the players. I’m sure the more 6-4 by an inspired Andy Murray. tive tournament. champion and three-time Grand Slam the favourites),” Gauff recalled. I perform at back-to-back tourna- matches I play the more confident I’ll Federer did not compete at Rio 2016, Nobody will be writing the ageing winner Murray, coming back from his “He told me not to focus too much on ments.” get, along with the more experience where Murray won again, but has since triumvirate off . The 32-year-old Djoko- January hip surgery, is yet to announce the pressure or the outside drama. He Gauff ’s career timetable has suddenly I’ll have.” twice won the Australian Open and took vic is world number one and the player his intentions for Tokyo. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, October 15, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT Aki gets three-match ban, World Cup over Boks block out AFP brief statement. Tokyo “The Ireland Management are disappointed with the outcome of Bundee’s hearing and will re- reland’s Rugby World Cup view the Judicial Committee’s hopes took a knock yester- written report once received,” day as centre Bundee Aki the IRFU said. was given a three-match ban Aki becomes the latest in a se- Brighton as they Ifor a high tackle, ruling him out ries of players to be disciplined at of the rest of the tournament. the World Cup for high tackles, A judicial panel rejected Aki’s the subject of a crackdown by attempt to overturn his red card referees after they were linked to after his shoulder crashed into concussions. the head of Samoa fl y-half Ul- Aki, who has Samoan roots, upano Seuteni during Ireland’s had received support from the 47-5 win on Saturday. Samoa team which urged the ju- prepare for Japan The decision was announced dicial panel to “see some sense” ahead of Ireland’s quarter-fi nal and spare him a ban. on Saturday against New Zea- “I’ve known Bundee for a long ‘We love the country, we love the people but we have to try to beat them’ land, who are going for their time and know what a great man third straight World Cup title. he is. He’s got a great character Aki, 29, will miss the World and he doesn’t go out there to do Cup quarter-fi nal, semis and fi - that to anybody,” Samoa coach nal, if Ireland go that far, or the Steve Jackson said. “Hopefully next club matches with his Irish the powers that be see some club, Connacht.The Irish Rugby sense and hopefully he gets to Football Union responded with a continue on in this tournament.”

South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth (top centre) is tackled by New Zealand’s Samuel Whitelock during their Pool B match at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan, on September 21, 2019. (AFP) Ireland’s centre Bundee Aki walks off the pitch after receiving a red AFP to erase the Brighton game,” Er- selected his starting XV for the “We’ll have to come up with a known as the “Beast” said the card during their Pool A match against Samoa at the Fukuoka Tokyo asmus told reporters in Tokyo. quarter-fi nal match and was “99 totally new plan. Something to most important thing for the Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka, Japan, on Saturday. (AFP) “It’s 1-1 now and now we’re percent” sure that star winger match their pace and speed,” he Springboks was to focus on their going to be in for a really tough Cheslin Kolbe would have re- said. own performance. outh Africa coach Rassie game. One-one. And that game covered from an ankle injury to “Most important thing is for INJURY SCARE Erasmus said his team is in the past now and hopefully face Japan. ‘ENEMY FOR A WEEK’ us to stick to our gameplan. The had “erased” their we won’t get asked about it,” he The coach said his gameplan Erasmus joked that it was “re- challenge is not to get sucked shocking loss to Japan laughed. largely based around kicking ally diffi cult not to like Japanese into playing their game. We play inS the 2015 Rugby World Cup’s Erasmus revealed that the that worked well in the warm- people” but would have to gee up our game,” said Mtawarira. Marsh injures ‘miracle of Brighton’ as they South Africa management team up match would not be enough his players to spoil the party for He also said that the “Miracle prepare to face the hosts in the had watched Japan beat Scot- to get the job done this time — the hosts. of Brighton” match would play quarter-fi nals. land 28-21 together but apart as his opposite number Jamie “We’re playing for our coun- no part in the Springbok prepa- bowling hand; Test Erasmus said a pre-tourna- from the players. Joseph was “too sharp” for that. try and we want to try to win the rations for the clash on Sunday. ment warm-up win over Japan, “They are such a well-bal- He said he had been impressed World Cup. For the next week, “As the coach said, that game when they swept aside the Brave anced team that it’s diffi cult to at how Japan had varied their unfortunately Japan is the en- is in the past now. This is an en- spot in jeopardy Blossoms 41-7 just days before single out one particular guy. As game depending on the oppo- emy for one week. tirely new challenge. I’m looking the tournament, had exorcised a unit, they are a really formi- sition — noting that the Brave “We love the country, we love forward to it. It’s a big one. They AFP reports that he may have frac- the ghosts of 2015. dable team,” said the Springbok Blossoms had kicked only eight the people but we have to try to have been playing well. They are Perth, Australia tured his hand. “Western Aus- “In all honesty, the reason for coach. times against Scotland but 32 beat them,” he said. unbeaten so far. It’s a massive, tralian captain Mitch Marsh in- that Japan warm-up game was Erasmus said he had already times against Samoa. Prop Tendai Mtawarira, massive game.” jured his hand during (Sunday’s) ustralian Mitch Marsh Sheffi eld Shield match against was nervously waiting Tasmania at the WACA ground,” Recent history has no bearing on Ireland clash: NZ’s Hansen yesterday to see how said a statement from his team. badly he has hurt his “The extent of the injury and a bowlingA hand after punching a time frame on his return will be New Zealand have lost twice to that ended a 111-year wait. 24-22 win deep in injury time. because they have beaten us a Flyhalf Johnny Sexton, World Ireland in their last three meet- While New Zealand got a meas- Hansen, who was noticeably couple of times. Player of the Year in 2018, would dressing room wall in frustra- determined later this week after ings but All Blacks coach Steve ure of revenge two weeks later, less relaxed than he had been “A lot of people are going to be also be key for the Irish to keep tion during a weekend Sheffi eld further investigation.” Western Hansen says all form goes out beating the Irish 21-9 on home during the pool phase in Japan, talking about the past but it’s their pack going forward, he Shield game. Australia’s next match is against the window ahead of Saturday’s soil, Schmidt’s side scored anoth- was putting little stock in recent what happens on Saturday that added. The Western Australia all- Victoria on Friday and missing Rugby World Cup quarter-final er win over the world champions results having any influence on counts. What happened prior to “Why would they want to change? rounder, who was recalled to the it would be setback to Marsh’s in Tokyo. last year in Dublin. Saturday’s game, however. that is irrelevant.” That’s been very successful for Test side for the fi nal game of chances of further impressing Ireland have fashioned an impres- The All Blacks’ recent record “I think they have brought out the Hansen expected Ireland to play (them),” Hansen said. “There the Ashes against England last selectors ahead of the fi rst Test sive record under New Zealander against the Irish would have been best in us for a long, long time,” to their strengths — controlling won’t be any complacency in our month, was on his way to a big against Pakistan, which gets un- Joe Schmidt in the last six years, even worse had they not pulled he told reporters yesterday. “I the ball and using scrumhalf camp.” Hansen is stepping down score Sunday against Tasmania der way in Brisbane on Novem- with the side claiming their first off ‘The Great Escape’ in 2013 don’t know how many games we Conor Murray to put pressure on at the end of the World Cup after when he was caught and bowled ber 21. He was in the frame to ever win against the All Blacks on when Ryan Crotty’s try and Aaron have played but we enjoy playing the All Blacks’ back three with his 16 years with the team as an as- for 53. The match ended in a draw retain his place in the side after Nov. 5 2016 in Chicago, a victory Cruden’s conversion salvaged a them and that hasn’t changed tactical kicking. sistant and head coach. Reuters and Marsh took his frustrations taking 7-86 in the fi fth and fi nal out on the changing room, with Test against England at The Oval.

CRICKET ICC lift s suspensions on Zimbabwe and Nepal Ganguly set to become India cricket board chief Cricket chiefs readmitted January and the ICC Super Zimbabwe as an International League later in 2020. AFP Brijesh Patel, a former India batsman and Cricket Council member Nepal has also been Mumbai experienced administrator, is set to become yesterday following a three- readmitted as an ICC chairman of the Indian Premier League, the month suspension over member on a conditional board’s lucrative Twenty20 competition. political interference. basis following their 2016 ormer India captain Sourav Ganguly Jay Shah, son of India’s home minister An ICC statement said the suspension for a breach is poised to take over as the presi- Amit Shah, is tipped for the secretary’s post. move followed a meeting in of the ICC regulations dent of the country’s cricket board Cricket’s massive popularity in India has Dubai involving the Zimbabwe which prohibit government as nominations closed yesterday for helped the BCCI become the wealthiest of Cricket chairman Tavengwa interference and require free electionsF to the sport’s wealthiest and most all of the sport’s national boards, raking in Mukuhlani and sports and fair elections. powerful body. large sums of money from sponsorship and minister, Kirsty Coventry. Manohar said: “Given the Ganguly, 47, was the only candidate to fi le TV deals. “I would like to thank the progress made in Nepal, a his nomination for the top post after be- But it has also been embroiled in legal bat- Zimbabwe sports minister transition plan will now be ing unanimously chosen as the presidential tles and a series of scandals, including accu- for her commitment to the developed for the Cricket candidate at a meeting of the Board of Con- sations of corruption and match-fi xing in the reinstatement of Zimbabwe Association of Nepal to trol for Cricket in India (BCCI) members in IPL. Ganguly said his priority as president Cricket,” said ICC chairman support full compliance Mumbai on Sunday. would be to polish BCCI’s image. Shashank Manohar. with associate membership One of the most successful national cap- “I’m happy... as it’s a very important time “Her desire to work in support criteria, which will also tains in the sport, Ganguly is set to be elected in Indian cricket administration because of of Zimbabwe Cricket was clear involve controlled funding.” unopposed when BCCI elections are held on what has happened in the last three years,” and she has unconditionally Zimbabwe’s punishment was October 23. Yesterday was the last day for fi l- Ganguly told reporters after fi ling his nomi- complied with the conditions imposed in July after the ing nominations. nation. set down by the ICC board.” cricket board was suspended The left-handed opener retired from Test “To be in a position where I can make a dif- Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly (left), former BCCI president N Zimbabwe will now be able by the government and cricket in 2008 having accumulated 7,212 ference is extremely satisfying... We have a Srinivasan (second left) and former BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah (right) to take up their place in the replaced with an interim runs. Last month, he was re-elected presi- lot of things to do, hope we can put the house arrive at the BCCI headquarters at Wankhede stadium to file nomination for the men’s Under-19 World Cup in committee. dent of the Cricket Association of Bengal. in order.” board’s elections in Mumbai, India, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, October 15, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Neymar out for Bale on target as four weeks: PSG aris Saint-Germain striker Neymar will be out for four weeks with a hamstring injury heP suff ered playing for Brazil, the French club said yesterday. Neymar limped off in the 12th Wales’ Euro hopes minute on Sunday as Brazil drew 1-1 against Nigeria in a friendly in Singapore. PSG said that an MRI scan showed that their star player had suff ered “a grade two lesion” in his left hamstring. If he is out until November 11, Neymar will on knife-edge miss four French league match- es, including a trip to Marseille on October 17, and home and Draw leaves Wales’ qualifying destiny out of their own hands away Champions League games against Bruges.

STRUGGLING LYON NAME GARCIA AS NEW COACH Lyon have named Rudi Garcia as their new coach following the sacking of Brazilian Sylvinho last week, the Ligue 1 club an- nounced yesterday. Former Arsenal and Barcelona full-back Sylvinho saw his fi rst role as a head coach last only 11 matches as Lyon slipped to within a point of the relegation zone in the French top fl ight after a seven- game winless run. Former Marseille, Lille and Roma boss Garcia has joined on rivals into the Ligue 1 top three, a deal until 2021. “I chose Rudi missing out on Champions Garcia because he is a fi ghter League qualifi cation. who, like us, has the ambi- Garcia took training yesterday tion to win titles and succeed as his new team prepare to face on the European stage,” said second-bottom Dijon at the Lyon sporting director Juninho, Groupama Stadium on Saturday. who had also hand-picked his Sylvinho’s surprise exit came compatriot Sylvinho to replace even though Lyon have claimed Bruno Genesio at the end of last four points from their fi rst two season. Champions League group-stage The 55-year-old Garcia led outings. They will visit Benfi ca Lille to a league and cup double in Garcia’s fi rst away game in in 2011 and spent three years charge on October 23 as they with Italian giants Roma from look to edge closer to a sec- Wales’ Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring 2013. He left Marseille in May ond straight appearance in the against Croatia in the Euro 2020 qualifier after failing to lead Lyon’s bitter Champions League. Group E match in Cardiff , Britain. (Reuters)

Dream debut for nerveless AFP competed with Domagoj Vida for a high their places at Euro 2020 on Sunday night O’Neill’s side 3-1 on Thursday. Cech in penalty shootout win Cardiff , United Kingdom ball and the Welshman fi nished motion- with victories over North Macedonia and Victory in Belfast over the Northern less on the ground. He received medical Cyprus respectively, while Germany and Irish next month would secure the Oranje London: Former Premier and Chelsea in May. treatment and Giggs said afterwards he the Netherlands boosted their hopes of a fi rst appearance at a major tournament League goalkeeper Petr Cech Cech is a lifelong ice hockey areth Bale claimed a point for had no worries about James. reaching the fi nals. since fi nishing third at the 2014 World proved himself a cool cus- fan who played the sport as Wales as they drew 1-1 with Wales pressed for an equaliser and Bale Russia eased to a 5-0 thrashing of 10- Cup. Germany eased to a 3-0 victory in tomer no matter the surface a youngster before switching World Cup runners-up Croatia claimed it in injury time. Tottenham de- man Cyprus, with Poland joining them, Estonia despite seeing Emre Can sent off on Sunday, saving twice in a to football. He wore the jersey on Sunday night which left their fender Ben Davies beat Mateo Kovacic Belgium and Italy in qualifying this week in the 14th minute. penalty shootout on his ice number 39 in tribute to former GEuro 2020 qualifying hopes on a knife- and found Bale inside the box who cooly by seeing off North Macedonia 2-0. Sta- Ilkay Gundogan scored twice, with hockey debut to help fourth goaltender and two-times edge. Bale, who has had a diffi cult start to placed his shot across Livakovic for his nislav Cherchesov’s Russia, who reached Timo Werner also fi nding the net. division Guildford Phoenix beat Stanley Cup champion Dominik the season at Real Madrid, scored during 33rd international goal. the World Cup quarter-fi nals on home Joachim Loew’s side host Northern Ire- Swindon Wildcats 2. Hasek, who played in the Ameri- fi rst-half injury time after Nikola Vlasic’s Barcelona playmaker Ivan Rakitic re- soil last year, only had to avoid defeat in land in their fi nal game, which could de- The 37-year-old, who made can National Hockey League opener for Zlatko Dalic’s men. placed Kovacic for the second half. Wales Nicosia to follow Belgium in qualifying cide second place. more than 600 appearances for 16 seasons and helped the Ryan Giggs’ Wales side now face a trip forward Kieff er Moore, who scored on his from Group I. for Chelsea and Arsenal, called Czech Republic win gold at the to Azerbaijan before hosting Hungary in international debut in the midweek draw Poland went into their game against EURO 2020 QUALIFYING RESULTS time on his football career at 1998 Olympics. at Slovakia, caused Croatia’s defence November. Croatia’s Dalic host Slovakia North Macedonia knowing victory would Group C: At Minsk: Belarus 1 (Dragun the end of last season but an- “It was a childhood dream for on November 16. trouble in the air throughout. punch their ticket for the Euros. 54) Netherlands 2 (Wijnaldum 32, 41); At nounced last week that he was me to play even one game of The fi rst chance of the match fell to The only negative came on 57 minutes They were forced to be patient by the joining Phoenix and would play ice hockey,” added Cech, who Tallinn: Estonia 0 Germany 3 (Gundogan Josip Brekalo but the Croatia left-back’s after he was shown a yellow card for a visitors, who could qualify through the for the British team in his spare also wore a helmet emblazoned eff ort from outside the box went wide. challenge on Liverpool centre-back Dejan playoff s after winning their Nations 51, 57, Werner 71) time. with the logos of both Arsenal Dalic’s outfi t took the lead on just nine Lovren. Bale’s Real teammate Luka Mo- League group if they fail to do so auto- Group E: At Budapest: Hungary 1 Cech, currently Chelsea’s and Chelsea. “I’ve done that minutes. Brekalo broke down the left dric was substituted due to injury with a matically. But Przemyslaw Frankowski (Korhut 10) Azerbaijan 0; At Cardiff : technical and performance now and nobody can take that fl ank, found Bruno Petkovic inside the leg problem but Dalic said he hoped it was prodded home less than 60 seconds af- Wales 1 (Bale 45+3) Croatia 1 (Vlasic 9) adviser, was named man-of- from me. If you have a dream, box who laid off the ball to Vlasic, who nothing serious. The Welsh winger him- ter coming on as a substitute in the 74th the-match for his heroics in you chase it and you do eve- smoothly beat goalkeeper Wayne Hen- self struggled with cramp through the minute, before Akardiusz Milik made the Group G: At Ljubljana: Slovenia 0 goal and said he had surprised rything to make it happen. I’ve nessey. Wales’ fi rst shot on target came closing moments. The draw leaves Wales’ points safe. Poland remain three points Austria 1 (Posch 21); At Warsaw: Poland 2 himself with his coolness done that in football and all my shortly afterwards with Bale testing Do- qualifying destiny out of their own hands clear of Austria, who won 1-0 in Slovenia, (Frankowski 74, Milik 80) North under pressure in the penalty dreams have come true. minik Livakovic with a half-volley. heading into the fi nal two rounds of at the top of Group G, with North Mac- Macedonia 0 shootout. “I was surprised that “I said, ‘this might be the Hennessey then made up for fail- games. But wins away to Azerbaijan and edonia and Slovenia fi ve points further Group I: At Nur-Sultan: Kazakhstan 0 I wasn’t more nervous. I didn’t last dream I was hoping to ing to stop Vlasic’s eff ort on 13 minutes at home to Hungary would be enough for adrift. Belgium 2 (Batshuayi 21, Meunier 53); At know what to expect so it was (achieve)’. But I worked hard for when he dived down low to stop an Ivan a top-two spot, as long as Slovakia do not Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands re- Nicosia: Cyprus 0 Russia 5 (Cheryshev nice how quickly my body it. I think it can act as some- beat Croatia. Perisic shot. On the quarter-hour mark, mained at the top of Group C ahead of 9, 90+2, Ozdoev 23, Dzyuba 79, Golovin switched into match day mode,” thing for the young players to Manchester United’s Daniel James, who Germany on head-to-head record with a 89); At Glasgow, Scotland: Scotland 6 said Cech, whose last football know that if you chase your threatened without much fi nal product POLAND, RUSSIA QUALIFY AS nervy 2-1 win over Belarus in Minsk. The appearance was in the Europa dreams, then good things might (McGinn 12, 27, 45+1, Shankland 65, Find- throughout, suff ered what looked like a GERMANY, NETHERLANDS CLOSE IN Dutch lead third-placed Northern Ire- League final between Arsenal happen.” concussion. The former Swansea winger Meanwhile, Poland and Russia secured land by three points after beating Michael lay 67, Armstrong 87) San Marino 0

FOCUS Aspire-backed Qatar Sports Business District and La Liga sign MOU he recently launched Qa- year. The news of LaLiga’s involve- kind facility that was announced by tar Sports Business District ment refl ects strong interest shown by AZF and the QFC last year. (QSBD) has marked a major a number of other signifi cant entities The new national project aims to cre- step forward in its goal to be- and organisations. ate a premier sports business cluster in Tcome a leading hub in the region for Commenting on this strategic part- Qatar and the Middle East and capital- sports innovation by signing a repre- nership, Abdulla Nasser al-Naimi, ise on the huge potential available to sentative offi ce of LaLiga as an anchor Director General of Aspire Logistics, the sports industry sector which con- tenant. As one of the most popular member organisation of Aspire Zone tinues to grow in the lead up to the 2022 leagues in the world, the news that La- Foundation said: “We’re thrilled to an- FIFA World Cup Qatar and beyond. liga, the Spanish professional league, nounce such a prestigious organisa- La Liga’s fi rm commitment to sup- is backing the Qatar Sports Business tion as the QSBD very fi rst tenant. The porting broader educational goals has District is a huge testament to the stra- QSBD is the perfect vehicle to build on led the institution to create the “LaLiga tegic vision of Aspire Zone Foundation, this, and the interest shown by La Liga Business School” to identify, recruit and the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) in and a wide range of other organisations and train a wide range of talented pro- launching the initiative. to date is a clear validation of this mod- fessionals through programmes and The new agreement is a further dem- el. This also demonstrates our commit- initiatives that comprise football man- onstration of La Liga’s commitment to ment to fulfi l our mission to enhance agement, methodologies and analysis. developing football all over the globe, sports performance at all aspects.” Part of La Liga Business School’s initial promoting Spanish football’s values “We strongly believe that the in- operations will be delivered from its and La Liga’s management methods volvement of tenants of such calibre as brand-new offi ce in the QSBD. across the continents. The MoU paves La Liga will help catalyse further new Such developments will also play a the way for a long-term strategic part- business opportunities for the private key role in fulfi lling Qatar’s National nership with the Spanish league that sector, attract foreign investment and Vision 2030, helping to build a diverse, is expected to support collaboration push Qatari entrepreneurs forward. It knowledge-based economy by posi- in various areas including sports edu- further reinforces Qatar’s status as the tioning Qatar as a leading regional and cation and promotion, as well as the sporting capital of the Middle East.” al- international sports hub. development of strategic projects and Naemi added. Abdulla Nasser al-Naimi (left), Director General of Aspire Logistics with Fernando Sanz, Director of International Institutional The QSBD refl ects AZF’s signifi cant knowledge exchange. On this occasion; Fernando Sanz, Relations and the La Liga Ambassadors and Legends project. contribution to develop the country as There has been considerable interest Director of International Institutional the ideal location for a wide range of in the Qatar Sports Business District Relations and Director of the La Liga Foundation on this long-term strate- hope that this partnership will ulti- Sports Accelerator is one of the sports-related businesses. The Qatar from a wide range of sports indus- Ambassadors and Legends project gic partnership and are very impressed mately benefi t the footballing commu- most visible initiatives that comprise Sports Accelerator is one of the cen- try businesses and sports technology from La Liga said: “We are delighted with the goals they have set forth and nity and enhance the love and passion the ‘Qatar’s Sports Business District’ trepieces of the QSBD and comprises a start-ups since it was launched last to be collaborating with Aspire Zone their upcoming vision. We can only for sports in Qatar.” (QSBD), an all-inclusive, fi rst-of-its- building designed to fi t 80 offi ces. Tuesday, October 15, 2019 GULF TIMES FEATURE

Life of PROUDMutaz

he fl ew rial with a 2.40m jump. Feeling ally is make a sincere eff ort to His name is for ‘proud’. And he over. “They I always have great confi dent, the Qatari star upped celebrate his achievement as the debated respect for him. But he the bar to 2.46m, a mark that only high jumper ever to suc- has made an entire nation proud with how high knows, he knows, he would have broken Sotomayor’s cessfully defend his world title could it be. ‘ tells me, ‘I think you are 1992 mark. with those who matter to him. his Worlds win. Less than two weeks And it was the one’. And I tell him, ‘just The bar won, even as a lift off “Just when you think it’s all getting give me some time’. the ground twisted Barshim’s done, I have media commit- later, star high jumper Mutaz Essa very loud (at — Mutaz Essa Barshim, ankle, threatening a fantastic ments, celebrations for a week the mosque),” on Javier Sotomayor (left) and career. Just the previous year, now. But I like it, that’s the fun Barshim reflects on life after Barshim laughs. his high jump world record he had won the IAAF Athlete of part. I want to do all of this for The high jumper the Year award, fi rst high jumper the people who have been there that epic victory at has a chest-thumping in history to do so. He had won for me. I want to celebrate it all picture from the night go through it to celebrate later. Zayas (who fi nished fi fth with six outdoor high jump events, with my partners, my family, home he won the world title at I don’t think he himself hated 2.30m). Asked by this writer including the one in Hungary, my supporters, people who have By Mikhil Bhat home in Doha on his Instagram training, but it’s all the sacrifi ce what he thought of Barshim’s in 2018. He is also the only high put their life out there for me,” Doha account. He has captioned it that he was talking about.” win, Sotomayor, fl uent in Span- jumper to clear 2.40m every year says Barshim, who is more than used to work with a quote from The Greatest: On a lighter note, sacrifi ce is… ish, only said, “(Record stays) for for six straight years since 2013. happy to have all those gathered with us in management, and she “I hated every minute of train- perhaps… also not being able to now.” So, at Khalifa stadium earlier at the party get a touch of the ou are Mutaz Essa said that her parents, 86 years ing, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suff er eat all that your heart craves for. Barshim laughs when this month, when the two-time gold medal he won at home in Barshim. old, were jumping. And she had now and live the rest of your life Professional athletes and the he Olympic medallist cleared 2.33m Doha less than two weeks ago. You ensure that never seen them do that. Now as a champion.’” demands for negligible fat con- after brushing the bar Coach Stanislaw ‘Stanley’ an entire nation has they are fans. They are pulling “Rest In Peace, Muhammad tent in their body can be, well, twice, Szczyrba has played a huge cheeredY you on as you beat grav- schedules for the season, follow- Ali,” Barshim says. “It’s not disturbing. role in bringing in the ity and fl y to a second straight ing it on TV, and they have said that I hate training. I love sport, But now, “I have been eating discipline world high jump title. His High- that from now on that’s the only but you hate those moments every day. I didn’t get a scale, and help- ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin thing they are going to watch – when you almost cannot but I am good at this. I think I ing Barshim Hamad al-Thani has applauded high jump,” the 28-year-old breathe, things have put on three kilos in one rise to these you on as you make an epic says, as grateful fans and people don’t get week”. To a layman’s naked heights. An comeback from an injury to hand supporters continue to to see. When eyes, it’s not showing. uneasy rela- Qatar a gold medal. More than walk into a Red Bull you are there In that one week (and a little tionship early 40,000 people in attendance at party that has been on the track more) Barshim has visited his on transformed the Khalifa International Sta- hosted in celebra- and you puke “home” – Aspire Academy. into one of the dium and millions back home on tion of his second blood, that’s His alma mater, right here world’s best television have bit their nails as world high jump what you in the shadows of the Khalifa combination in the bar beat you twice at 2.33m title. hate. International Stadium, is the sport. before you roar back to victory. Closer home, “But you where he transformed from As one of the And then, there is the calm. after prayers at a keep com- being a brat of sorts to the Qatar fans, who Your friends, family, fans and mosque, he heads ing to it almost high jumper most, includ- came up to coach supporters have all fi led out of to someone’s house every season, ing Cuban world record Szczyrba, after the the iconic Doha stadium, and because he has to demo because you know holder Javier Sotomayor, win in Doha said, you walk back into the imposing the 2.37m deep down that have come to respect. “I want to thank state-of-the-art arena and “try it is necessary. “You know, everyone you for giving all and soak it all in”. I need to has a place you are always these fans one of the “Just some time back it was attached to. You go there happiest moments very loud. I was too hyped. and feel good,” Barshim of their lives.” Sometimes you need time to says of Aspire. “I So what has process. So much has happened, always want to go Barshim planned after everything pains, but it’s crazy,” back there, give World champ Mutaz Essa Barshim (centre) with fellow Qatari high jumper Hamdi al-Amine all these celebrations? the 28-year-old reminisces back… talk to my and e-Sports athlete Ahmed al-Meghessib during a celebration of Barshim’s win. “I have no idea. I those few moments on the spec- old teachers, my want to have a vaca- tacular night in the Qatari capital coaches, my team, the hears tion. What? Where? that was October 4, 2019. physios, my managers. of the conversation. When? I don’t know,” He only leaves the venue at They are always there for “Sotomayor is a great person. a very he says. 2:30am on October 5. you irrespective of what I have a good relationship with dear friend and com- Also a bit hazy at the He goes back home to a proud happens, good or bad.” him. What he did was amazing; petitor, Gianmarco Tamberi, or mo- ment are the details of family. Sotomayor was present that 2.45m no human has come Gimbo as the Italian is called, ran his “promising” book. “It had been a long time. I on the night of the high close to beating it,” he says. to Barshim, and jumped on him And let’s be honest, he does was away since May, preparing jump fi nal at Khalifa sta- “I always have great respect and hugged in jubilation. have a fantastic story. Albeit a (for the IAAF World Champion- dium as part of the team for him. But he knows, he knows, “In that moment, it’s just a re- story that is nowhere near its ships). Every time I used to go of youngster Luis Enrique he tells me, ‘I think you are the action. I did not even know what climax. “It’s rolling but we keep back home, it was to pick up a one’. And I tell him, ‘just give me had happened. It’s only later I pushing it back, because a lot change of my luggage and then Qatar’s Mutaz Essa some time’. saw the picture, and I thought to more is happening,” he says. to the training camp. I used to be Barshim celebrates his “Unfortunately I get injured myself, ‘oh, I was still jumping’,” There is his rise earlier in home and yet I wasn’t. I hate ho- win in the men’s high every time I get close to it,” he Barshim says. this decade, surgery last year, tels, but that’s my life. You have jump final at the IAAF laughs, before adding, “But I will “There was so much emo- and an epic comeback this year. to go through this to achieve World Championships be there one day.” tion. I ripped my bib, which is “We have to see how we put it. what you want,” says Barshim. Doha 2019 at Khalifa Barshim may sound confi dent, not allowed. The chief referee Sequels, two books, moving im- “Life’s been diff erent” to say International Stadium and may even laugh about it now, came to me: ‘you are going to get ages...” the least and the ripples of his on October 4, 2019. but he has called his injury a disqualifi ed’. I told him it is not One thing, however, he is sure achievement have been far- (Getty Im- “nightmare”. something I can control. Twice. about is, that “it’s going to be reaching to say the least. ages for Last year in July, in Hungary, I am like, what can I do? I didn’t inspirational”. “I just got a message from an IAAF) Barshim had bagged the high do it intentionally.” You are, after all, Mutaz Essa old friend from Germany. She jump event at Gyulai Memo- But what he does intention- Barshim.