CCRICKETRICKET | Page 2 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 7 Taijul’s haul Messi could of 11 play against leads hosts Inter, says fi ghtback Barca coach

Tuesday, November 6, 2018 TENNIS Safar 28, 1440 AH Djoko ends year as GULF TIMES top gun as Nadal misses ATP Finals SPORT Page 3 FOCUS Mayweather takes his money team to mystery fi ght in Japan Unbeaten American boxing star will fight 20-year-old kickboxer at a Japanese MMA promotion card on December 31

Reuters “I wanted to do something dif- out hesitation. past the former world champion bout before any real judgement Tokyo ferent. I always wanted to display “My opponent looks taller would not have taken this chal- can be made. my skills outside the US and be than I thought, I think because of lenge so light-heartedly. If this move is a bid to stay in a special fi ght,” added May- the aura around him, but I think I With fi ghting fans — both relevant, then Mayweather, loyd Mayweather’s over- weather, who has fought every could hit him.” boxing and MMA alike — try- whose business acumen has been stated arrival to his unveil- one of his professional bouts in Nasukawa’s comments caused ing to process the latest twist matched only by his performanc- ing as the new fi gurehead the United States. MaMayweatheryweather aandnd his bbusi-usi- ini MMayweather’sayweather’s cacareerreer ppath,ath, es in the ring,ring, hashas certainlycertainly foundfound for a Japanese mixed mar- Mayweather’s latesttest momoveve nenessss aadvisordvisor BBrentrent wwiwillll pprimarilyrimarily ccomeome ddownown to a way to kkeepeep hhisis name in llights.ights. tialF arts promotion proved that no- comes as a major shockock after hhee JoJohnsonhnson to bbreakreak tththehe eventuaeventuall ddecisionecision over thethe matter what the event or the loca- announced his secondond retire-retire- inintoto bbeamingeaming rrurulesl es of hhisis nexn e xt FloydFloyd Mayweather Jr. ooff the US tion, the American boxing legend ment from the ring followingollowing hishis smsmilesiles bbutut strestretchestches himselfhimself duringduring a news will always be box offi ce. defeat of Irish mixed martmartialial arts ttherehere wawass cconferenceonference in Tokyo, Japan, The undefeated 41-year-old (MMA) star Conor McGregorcGregor in a a sesensense yeyesterday.sterday. Mayweather’sMayweather’s announced he was coming out of crossover boxing matchtch llastast yeyear.ar. tthathat iinn DecemberDecember 3311 opoppo-po- a retirement yesterday and will However, the most sstunningtunning aas-s- ttheh e nenentnt wiwillll bbee JJapaneseapanese top the bill at the Rizin Fight- pect of Mayweather’ss annouannounce-nce- kikickboxerckboxer TenshinTenshin ing Federation’s next card on ment is his decision to sisigngn witwithh an NNasukawaasukawa ((right).right). December 31, in a bout against a MMA brand, having neneverver comcom-- (R(Reuters)euters) Japanese kickboxer with the rules peted in the octagon before.efore. yet to be determined. Prior to yesterday’s news con- CONFIDENT OPPONENTPONENT ference, Mayweather gave a se- While boxing rules restrictestrict bboutsouts lect number of media interviews to the use of just punches,ches, MMA over the weekend, but the iden- also incorporates kicks,cks, kkneesnees tity of Rizin’s marquee recruit for and elbow strikes, aass wewellll as the Saitama event had been kept wrestling, joint locksocks anandd under wraps. chokes. So, with the logo for May- Mayweather and hhisis team weather’s ‘The Money Team’ said they were still iinn ne- brand ostentatiously emblazoned gotiations with Rizinn ovoverer across the room, there was a pal- the rules and formatt ofof Mayweather ready for Japan pable sense of intrigue ahead of the fi ght, which shoulduld the American’s late arrival. be “situated” in thee fi ght, whatever the rules When Mayweather fi nally ap- coming weeks. peared in front of the media in The identity off Reuters Saturday. Tokyo, the American, whose Mayweather’s oppo-- Tokyo “We will just see. I can do it all. boxing record is an unblemished nent, Japanese kick-k-- I can do anything if I set my 50-0, was far more subdued than boxer Tenshin Nasu-- mind to it.” his noisy introduction, substi- kawa — a fi ghter halff loyd Mayweather has Nasukawa is contracted to tuting his usual bravado with a the American’s age won world titles in five Rizin and competes in their serious business-like tone. — muddies the wa- Fdiff erent weight classes championships in both MMA “We want to continue and I ters yet further. and is 50-0 in an unparal- and pure kickboxing. He has want to continue to build my Nasukawa com- leled boxing career but the won all four of his MMA fights. relationship with Money Team petes in both MMA American could be set for a While boxing rules restrict Tokyo, I want to continue to and kickboxing, stunning detour into the world bouts to the use of fists, MMA come over here and bring other and has won all four of mixed martial arts after rules can incorporate kicks, fi ghters over here,” Mayweather of his cage fi ghts. signing with Japanese promot- knees and elbow strikes, as explained during a somewhat While Mayweath- ers Rizin Fighting Federation. well as wrestling, joint locks stilted news conference. er showered praisee Twenty-year-old Japanese and chokes. “My company have been mak- on his opponent andd kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa His decision to sign a deal with ing some huge fi ghts happen in even disparaged him-m-- is to be the opponent for the RIZIN was all about timing, he the US but we look forward to self by saying “mymy undefeated 41-year-old. said. taking the Mayweather promo- body don’t look thee Mayweather has never fought “Everything is about timing, tions banner and the TMT (The same as it used to professionally under MMA everything takes time and Money Team) banner worldwide look”, a bullish Nasu-u- rules and did not specify what everything is about timing,” he and if it means working with a kawa exuded confifi - format the fight would follow. added. great guy like this (Rizin presi- dence. He said negotiations were “Its also all about entertain- dent Nobuyuki Sakakibara) then “I would like too ongoing with Nasukawa’s ment. I love to entertain, I like there is no problem.” prove with my own fi stt representatives and that his for people to be entertained It seems for Mayweather, what others couldn’tt skill-set did not end at boxing. and who doesn’t want to be who won boxing world titles at do in the past,” saidd “I can wrestle, I can wrestle entertained. fi ve diff erent weight divisions, the 20-year-old, who little bit. I can box a lot a bit,” “It is good to come over to this fi ght is about expanding added he accepted Mayweather told Reuters another part of the world, have his brand and business interests the off er to fi ght in an interview Tokyo on fun and enjoy each other.” overseas. Mayweather with-

CRICKET Drained Taylor quits as CA director

AFP after the damning independent reporters. director was either to step up or the game and straining the play- Sydney review blamed CA’s “arrogant” “I don’t think I can give any step off the board,” he said. ers’ relationship with the gov- and “controlling” culture as con- more. I’ve lost the energy and I “I had an opportunity at this erning body. tributing to players cheating in think it’s time for someone else time to put my name forward as Interim CA chairman Earl Ed- ormer Test Mark the pursuit of victory. to step up and fi ll my shoes.” a chairman, or step off . dings admitted he had hoped the Taylor quit as a Cricket He ruled himself out, citing a Since Steve Smith, David “That’s where I got to and I respected Taylor, who played in Australia director yester- confl ict of interest, having re- Warner and Cameron Bancroft think I’ve made the right move in 104 Tests, would remain on the day, saying he had “lost cently signed a new contract with were banned for trying to al- the interests of Australian cricket board. theF energy” to continue after a broadcaster Channel Nine which ter the ball with sandpaper in a to step off and give some other, “Mark has played a signifi cant torrid time sparked by the ball- has the rights to the World Cup Test in March, Tay- hopefully, former player an op- role in helping build and shape tampering scandal and a scathing and Ashes series in 2019. lor has been at the forefront of portunity to add some fresh ideas relationships within the cricket review into the governing body. And Taylor, who served 13 working to restore relations be- to this role as a director of Cricket community, specifi cally with He becomes the latest top fi g- years on the board, has now de- tween CA and the players’ union. Australia.” players past and present,” he said. ure to exit the embattled organi- cided to split from CA altogether But now is the right time to While the cheating row has “In his role as director he has sation following chief executive and give it a clean slate to restore “allow Cricket Australia and the dominated his time as director always worked collaboratively James Sutherland and chairman its reputation. Australian Cricketers’ Associa- this year, Taylor was also heavily with key parties to put the inter- David Peever. “I’ve just got to the end. Par- tion to work from a fresh page”. involved last year in a bruising ests of Australian cricket fi rst. Taylor was only last week ticularly over the last 18 months, and protracted pay dispute be- “It’s been an honour to have an fl oated as a potential successor to there’s been a lot in this role as a ‘STEP OFF’ tween CA and the ACA. icon of Australian cricket serv- Peever, with the sport in desper- director of Cricket Australia and “I said many months ago that my The bad-tempered stand-off ing on the board of Cricket Aus- ate need of inspired leadership it’s taken its toll on me,” he told next step as a Cricket Australia rumbled on for months, rattling tralia.” Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, November 6, 2018 CRICKET

PREVIEW Chandimal looks to put England in a spin at Galle

AFP it’s spinners who take charge. own, stand up and do something “We have few things under Galle, Sri Lanka Then again, it’s all about special for England.” the sleeve (for Herath). We don’t weather and the condition of Keaton Jennings is expected to want to reveal all because we the pitch.” open alongside Rory Burns, who want him to be surprised,” said kipper Dinesh Chandimal But England are also ready is set for his Test debut as Cook’s Chandimal. yesterday said Sri Lanka’s with their battery of spinners replacement. “The main thing is, if we can spinners are ready to fi re led by Moeen Ali. Jack Leach, Joe win this game and the series, in the fi rst Test against Denly and Adil Rashid will also be HERATH’S HURRAH that will be a really good farewell EnglandS in Galle as the hosts eye fi ghting for a place in the starting But the spotlight in Galle remains for him. That’s what the team is a winning farewell for the retiring line-up. on the departing Herath, the looking forward to,” he said. Rangana Herath. Skipper Joe Root also admitted most successful left-arm spinner Root said his team also wants Sri Lanka, who went down to yesterday that spin would “play a in history, as he seeks a fairytale to do something for Herath as he the tourists 3-1 in the fi ve one- huge part” but said the was ready swansong. hailed his “phenomenal longev- day internationals and also lost for anything. Herath made his debut at Galle ity” in a career spanning 19 years. a one-off match, are “We’ve just got to adapt very in 1999, got a hat-trick there in But Root warned his players looking for redemption in the well, very quickly and read the 2016 and is one scalp away from a against getting aff ected by the three-Test series starting today. situation. century of wickets at the pictur- occasion. Spinners Dilruwan Perera and “We’ve got a very balanced esque venue. “I’m very aware of how skillful Akila Dananjaya are expected to squad with plenty of diff er- Only two other bowlers have he is and how he’ll try and get us partner Herath in his fi nal in- ent options... From that point achieved this feat — compatriot out,” said Root. ternational outing on a turning of view I feel we’ll be very well Muttiah Muralitharan at Galle, “Of course there’ll be a lot of Galle track that has seen rain in prepared for whatever surface is Kandy and SSC Colombo, and noise around him and it being his the lead up to the match. thrown at us.” England paceman James Ander- last game. “When you look at the Galle The match will also be Eng- son at Lord’s. “But we’ve got to play 11 Sri pitch, it’s always turning and land’s fi rst Test since stalwart The 40-year-old Herath has Lankan players who could all helpful to spinners,” Chandimal Alastair Cook hung up his bat in “It will be my fi rst Test match ence and everything he brings “Of course we miss him. But taken 430 wickets in 92 Tests and equally aff ect the game and that told reporters. September following the home without playing with Alastair. to the squad and the team,” said it’s a great opportunity for some- is among the top 10 -tak- respect has to be there for the “When we play in Sri Lanka, side’s 4-1 drubbing of India. It’s a big loss in terms of experi- Root. one else to make that spot their ers in fi ve-day history. whole team.”

BAN VS ZIM, DAY 3, 1ST TEST SPOTLIGHT Bangladesh Starc new ball snub dismiss an attempt to break Taijul’s haul of Zimbabwe for 181 in losing streak: Finch Reuters their second Melbourne innings but ustralia captain Aaron 11 wickets leads Finch said relieving face record pace spearhead Mitch- ell Starc of new ball chase with dutiesA in the opening one-day international against South Af- two days rica was an attempt to snap his team’s horror run of losses, albeit to go one that had backfi red. hosts fi ghtback Eyebrows were raised when Nathan Coulter-Nile opened the AFP with Josh Hazlewood in Sylhet, Bangladesh Scorecard Sunday’s series-opener in Perth, breaking Starc’s three-year ZIMBABWE 1st inn 282 all out streak of opening the bowling in aijul Islam claimed 11 BANGLADESH 1st inn 143 all out internationals. wickets to lead Bang- ZIMBABWE 2nd inn (o/n 0-1) The ploy was quickly shelved ladesh’s fi ghtback in when Coulter-Nile was ham- the fi rst Test against H. Masakadza lbw b Hasan 48 mered for 16 runs in his fi rst over, TZimbabwe yesterday, but the b Hasan and South Africa’s batsmen eas- B. Chari 4 hosts still need a record chase B. Taylor c Kayes b T. Islam 24 ily mowed down the hosts’ paltry to win in Sylhet. 152 to win by six wickets. Bangladesh dismissed Zim- S. Williams b T. Islam 20 “We’d planned to go in with babwe for 181 in their second S. Raza b T. Islam 25 Coults (Coulter-Nile) and Josh innings with Taijul returning P. Moor c Das b T. Islam 0(Hazlewood) with the new ball,” impressive bowling fi gures of Finch said after Australia lost by 5-62. R. Chakabva c Mahmudullah b N. Islam 20 six wickets. Taijul’s eff ort boosted W. Masakadza lbw b Hasan 17 “It didn’t work out for Coults The loss came less than a week Bangladesh after they were B. Mavuta c A. Haque B N. Islam 6 in the fi rst over today, then we after a scathing cultural review bowled out cheaply for just went to Starcy pretty quick. into governing body Cricket K. Jarvis not out 1 143 in response to the tourists’ “It’s just a tactical thing to be Australia which forced chairman fi rst innings haul of 282 runs. T. Chatara lbw b T. Islam 8honest. Sixteen out of 18 losses David Peever resign amid fi erce The hosts were 26-0 in Extra (b4, lb4) 8 in a row, 17 out of 19 now, we’re reaction. their chase of 321 when bad looking for something to try, to Finch, who replaced Tim Paine Total (all out, 65.4 overs) 181 light stopped play on day try some new things, something as skipper after the wicketkeeper three at the Sylhet Interna- Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam (right) acknowledges the crowd after completing his 11-wicket haul on Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Chari), 2-47 (Tay- diff erent. led Australia to a 5-0 whitewash tional Stadium. third day of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Sylhet, Bangladesh, yesterday. (AFP) lor), 3-101 (Masakadza), 4-121 (Williams), “If you keep doing the same defeat away to England, said Opener Liton Das and Im- 5-121 (Moor), 6-130 (Raza), 7-165 (W. thing over and over it’s the defi - confi dence was low but said they rul Kayes remained unbeaten pick the remaining four wick- til the ninth over of the day for ther success in the opening Masakadza), 8-172 (Chakabva), 9-173 nition of insanity, isn’t it?” could turn it around in time for on 14 and 12 respectively as ets in just 3.4 overs after the their fi rst breakthrough when session. (Mavuta), 10-181 (Chatara) The bowlers were hardly to their World Cup defence in Eng- Bangladesh head into day four break. off -spinner Mehidy Hasan Mehidy trapped Maskadza Bowling: T. Islam 28.4-8-62-5, N. Islam blame for Australia’s humilia- land in seven months. with another 295 runs needed Off -spinner Mehidy Hasan bowled Brian Chari for nine. leg before for 48 after the 6-1-27-2, Jayed 7-1-25-0, Hasan 19-7-48-3, tion in their fi rst match of the “When guys are not perform- to re-write the record books. and left-arm spinner Nazmul Chari was earlier dropped break before Taijul took con- Mahmudullah 4-1-7-0, M. Haque 1-0-4-0 home summer, having been set ing as well as they can do, there’s No team has ever had to Islam complemented Taijul by Nazmul Islam off Abu Jayed trol of the innings. a thankless task to defend 152 by always going to be a bit of doubt,” chase so many runs to win a with 3-48 and 2-27 respec- at backward point on one after He bowled Williams for 20 the batsmen at the new Perth he said. Test match in Bangladesh. tively. he resumed Zimbabwe’s in- and then dismissed Peter Moor BANGLADESH 2nd innings stadium. “But you’re only one good shot Bangladesh’s highest suc- Taijul, who also claimed nings on 0-1 with Masakadza. for a duck in the next ball. L. Das not out 14 With former captain Steve away from feeling on top of the cessful chase at home is 101 6-108 in the fi rst innings, Imrul took a stunning catch Raza, who made a quick 25 I. Kayes not out 12 Smith and vice captain David world again. I think it’s about against Zimbabwe in 2014. fi ttingly claimed the fi nal at mid-on as Taijul dismissed off 30 balls, was unable to sur- Warner still serving ball-tam- understanding it’s not all doom Zimbabwe though were on Zimbabwe wicket when he Brendon Taylor for 24. vive long as Taijul spun one Total (no loss; 10.1 overs) 26 pering bans, Australia were given and gloom.” their way to a bigger lead af- trapped Tendai Chatara leg- Masakadza and Sean Wil- beautifully to uproot his mid- Bowling: Jarvis 5-2-11-0, Chatara 5-1-15- another harsh reminder of their The second match of the ter reaching 165-6 at tea, but before. liams then batted with cau- dle stump and complete his 0, Raza 0.1-0-0-0 threadbare stocks, with three-day series is in Adelaide on spinners made a quick work to Bangladesh had to wait un- tion to deny Bangladesh fur- maiden 10-wicket haul. their top six combining for 65 runs. Friday.

FOCUS It’s in our DNA: Youthful Pakistan race to T20 domination

AFP bowling out the opposition at will.” coach. Waqar Younis told AFP. Dubai With their powerful and penetra- Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, “Young players are hungry for tive bowling unit, Pakistan have one of Pakistan’s greatest batsmen, success, they do the hard work dismissed rival teams the most times had no reservations over selecting and want to achieve and that has rash young players, peak — 31 in all — while, in the last two youngsters. changed the whole picture.” fi tness and a winning years, they have defended a total of It completely changed the Pakistan’s latest pace sensation, mentality “in their DNA”, under 150 on 40 occasions out of 44, scenario as since September Shaheen Shah Afridi, is only 18. Pakistan are the current with three failures and one tie. 2016, Pakistan have won 29 of 33 He became the youngest bowler to kingsB of international Twenty20 Sunday’s win against New Zea- Twenty20 internationals with only take three wickets in a Twenty20 cricket. land in Dubai was their ninth match four defeats. international against New Zealand The last two Sundays have seen victory in a row — their longest The current year has been phe- in Dubai on Friday. Pakistan race to series whitewashes winning streak. nomenal for Sarfraz and his young World number one Twenty20 in the game’s shortest format “Pakistan take this format very side, winning 17 of their 19 matches batsman Babar Azam became the against Australia and New Zealand. seriously and play with regular with two losses. quickest to 1,000 runs in the short- They also have registered 11 players most of the time,” said Raja. So what has changed? est format in just 26 innings, one consecutive series wins — a world The greatest of all the surprises Analysts say it is linked to the better than Indian maestro Virat record. is Pakistan’s fi elding — not a strong youthful nature of the country. Kohli’s record of 27. The rapid-fi re cricket of T20 point in the past. Their fi elders According to the Election Azam is only 24 and so are Hasan mirrors the helter-skelter nature of have eff ected 25 run-outs in the last Commission of Pakistan figures, Ali and Faheem Ashraf, while leg- life in the country of 220mn. 28 matches. 42.4mn out of the nearly 97mn spinnner Shadab Khan is just 20. Former captain-turned-com- registered voters in this year’s “The key diff erence is that we are mentator Ramiz Raja believes YOUTH CHANGED PAKISTAN poll, which saw former cricket a very young team and our fi elding Pakistan’s Twenty20 fl air comes Following their fi rst-round exit captain Imran Khan become prime stands out and that has made us a naturally. from the 2016 World Twenty20, minister, were between the ages of good team,” said Sarfraz. “It’s partly our DNA,” said Raja. Pakistan have a new captain in 18 and 35. “We have introduced youth and “But our successes have a lot to do Sarfraz Ahmed while the coaching “The prime reason for the suc- the results are obvious. We want with skills and fi tness. Pakistan is reins were handed to South Africa’s cess in Twenty20 is the power to rise and rise and maintain that Captain Sarfraz Ahmed (third from left) and his young side have won 17 of their 19 matches with a damn good team in this format, Mickey Arthur, a former Australia of youth,” ex-captain and coach position.” two losses this year. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, November 6, 2018 3 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Khachanov revels in ‘biggest Djokovic ends year achievement’ aft er as top gun as Nadal Paris Masters win misses ATP Finals Rafa hopes ‘to be in full condition for next season’ after undergoing ankle surgery

Agencies London

afael Nadal has pulled out of next week’s ATP Tour Finals in London Rdue to injury, so Novak Djokovic will end the year as world number one having re- turned to the top of the rankings Russia’s Karen Khachanov poses with his trophy after beating yesterday. Novak Djokovic in the final of the Paris Masters on Sunday. French Open champion Nadal announced that an abdominal AFP there. I could play and compete muscle problem, which pre- Paris on this level. So it was a matter vented him from playing in the of just a few points.” Paris Masters last week, and an- Djokovic, who will reclaim the kle surgery had forced him to pull ussia’s Karen Khach- top ranking from Rafael Nadal out of the season-ending event. anov capped an impres- for the fi rst time in two years, “Unfortunately I had the ab- sive year with the “big- made a strong start in his pursuit dominal problem in Paris last gest achievement” of of a record-equalling 33rd Mas- week and I also have an issue hisR career as he stunned Novak ters title as he broke for a 3-1 lead in the ankle joint that has to be Djokovic 7-5, 6-4 in Sunday’s in the opening set. removed in the operating room Paris Masters fi nal. But world number 18 Khach- today,” the 17-times Grand Slam Khachanov became the third anov, unbeaten in three previ- winner wrote on Twitter. diff erent fi rst-time winner of a ous fi nals, hit back in the very “This way I hope to be in full Masters tournament this season next game as Djokovic dragged condition for next season.” — joining Juan Martin del Potro a forehand into the tramlines, American John Isner will take and John Isner — and will rise to down break point. the 32-year-old’s place in Lon- a career-high ranking of 11th on The unseeded Russian then don when the Finals get under- Monday. broke Djokovic for a 6-5 lead, way on Sunday. Kei Nishikori He denied Djokovic a fourth momentarily faltering as he has also been drafted in to re- title in a row ahead of his re- tried to serve out for the set be- place Argentine Juan Martin del turn to world number one, and fore calmly regrouping to surge Potro who pulled out due to a avenged a straight-sets loss to ahead. knee injury. ON TOP OF THE the Serb at Wimbledon in July. Djokovic overcame Roger Fe- Spaniard Nadal’s withdrawal WORLD: Novak Djokovic “It’s one of my biggest titles so derer in an energy-sapping clas- in Paris meant Djokovic returned far, biggest achievement. And in sic that lasted over three hours to the top of the world rankings. general, it’s a breakthrough sea- in Saturday’s semi-fi nals, and The Serbian will now become the the Shanghai Masters title with- Wimbledon stands at 31-2. in the longest Grand Slam fi nal vate his game, bringing in Boris son,” said Khachanov, who also the Serb began to look weary as fi rst player since ATP rankings out dropping a set. Djokovic is now just three be- of all time, a draining 5hr 53min Becker as part of his coaching won the Kremlin Cup in Moscow he dropped serve to a fall behind were introduced in 1973 to end “What Novak has achieved hind Nadal’s total of 17 Grand epic. team for the start of the 2014 last month. early in the second set. the year at number one having this season has to go down as one Slams and six shy of Roger Fed- Djokovic captured the fi rst season, although he has since “And this title, it’s a good The 1.98m Khachanov secured started it outside the top 20. of the great sporting comebacks. erer’s record of 20. of his majors in Melbourne in reunited with long-time mentor year-end. And maybe I’m not a break for 2-1 with a crunching “Refl ecting on what I’ve been It’s been a phenomenal return to But he has time on his side — 2008, but it was three years be- Marian Vajda. crying, but still I’m really hap- backhand pass down the line through in the last year, it’s quite form that would have been hard Federer has already celebrated fore he added his second. Off court, Djokovic mar- py.” that Djokovic could only net on a phenomenal achievement,” to imagine just six months ago,” his 37th birthday while injury- After leading Serbia to a ried long-time girlfriend Jelena “To fi nish the season like this the half-volley. said Djokovic. “And, of course, ATP Executive Chairman and plagued Nadal is 32. maiden Davis Cup in 2010, he Ristic in July 2014. They have is really a dream come true,” he The 14-time Grand Slam I’m very, very happy and proud President Chris Kermode said. Furthermore, Djokovic enjoys raced through the fi rst half of two children, a son Stefan and added. champion showed trademark about it. “He fully deserves his return a lifetime 25-22 record over Fed- 2011, building up a 48-1 winning daughter Tara. Going into the event, Khach- resilience to fend off three break “Five months ago, if you told to No 1 in the ATP Rankings and erer and 27-25 against Nadal. run. However, despite his achieve- anov had won just three of 19 points while trailing 4-2, but me that, I would be — I always should be incredibly proud of his “Novak has everything to Only a semi-fi nal defeat at ments, Djokovic appears encounters against players in the Khachanov displayed steely believe in myself, but it was exceptional season.” make records in this sport,” said the French Open prevented him doomed never to be held in the top 10 but claimed a fourth such composure to seal a memora- highly improbable at that time Djokovic’s dominant run end- Argentina’s Juan Martin del Po- from becoming just the third same warm esteem as Federer scalp in a week after snapping ble victory after an hour and 38 considering my ranking and ed on Sunday when he was beat- tro after losing to Djokovic in the man to capture a calendar Grand and Nadal. Djokovic’s 22-match winning minutes. the way I played and felt on the en 7-5 6-4 by Russian Kharen US Open fi nal. Slam. There are those who see run. “Karen played really well and court.” Khachanov in the Paris Masters Djokovic’s ability to thrive He fi nished 2011 with a 70-6 something a little more calcu- He could yet take part at the he deserved to win that match,” Having missed the second half fi nal. amongst the greats has never win-loss record, a haul of 10 lating in the Djokovic make-up. ATP Tour Finals in London af- said Djokovic, who admitted he of the 2017 season because of his Djokovic, 31, underwent el- been in doubt, but the size of his tournament victories and the He was castigated during the ter earning a spot as the second had struggled to fully recover troublesome elbow, Djokovic bow surgery in January and heart often led to questions in year-end number one spot for 2015 French Open semi-fi nals alternate for the season-ending after his gruelling showdown returned at the start of this year slipped to 22nd in the world after his early days. the fi rst time. for taking an eight-minute med- event. with Federer less than 24 hours but the injury fl ared up again at a depressing quarter-fi nal exit at At Wimbledon in 2007, he Back-to-back Australian ical time-out after dropping the “I’m happy with the way I’m earlier. the Australian Open and he de- Roland Garros in June, which left retired with a back injury in the Opens followed in 2012 and third set to Andy Murray, and at playing. I mean, match by match “I don’t want to talk about cided to have surgery on it. him briefl y threatening to skip third set of his semi-fi nal against 2013, although three heart- Indian Wells the next year he was I was increasing my level,” said that. I want to talk about how He was dumped out of the Wimbledon. Nadal. He also quit at the 2006 breaking fi nal defeats kept the roundly criticised for suggesting the 22-year-old Khachanov. well he (Khachanov) played all French Open as the 20th seed But he regrouped, romped to a and 2007 French Opens at the French Open frustratingly out that men should “fi ght” to get “I think that’s what I showed week. at the quarter-fi nal stage before fourth Wimbledon title the fol- third round and quarter-fi nal of reach until 2016, when his more prize money than women. against all the top 10 guys. I “All the credit to him. He de- embarking on a fi ne run. lowing month, a 32nd Masters stages respectively, while at the breakthrough win at Roland “The stats are showing that mean, today was Novak, the one serves it. He’s a young player up Djokovic beat Nadal in a Wim- in Cincinnati and then a third 2009 Australian Open, where Garros allowed him to complete we have much more spectators who is No. 1 in the world. That’s and coming. But already estab- bledon semi-fi nal thriller before triumph at the US Open in Sep- he was defending champion, he his career Slam. on the men’s tennis matches,” the fi rst thing. lished player, top player. And he ending a two-year Grand Slam tember. pulled out of his quarter-fi nal In Paris that year, he also be- he said. At Wimbledon this year, “The second thing is after showed great quality today and drought by defeating Kevin An- Despite his loss in the fi nal with Andy Roddick citing heat came the fi rst player to break he hit out at some Centre Court some tough loses against top he showed why we’re going to derson in the fi nal. of the Paris Masters to Karen exhaustion. through the $100mn (87.8mn fans for a perceived lack of re- guys like Rafa in New York, I see a lot of him in the future.” A few weeks later he beat Del Khachanov on Sunday — which But nobody could question euro) prize money barrier. spect while schedulers also felt think they push me to the limit Khachanov is the fi rst Rus- Potro in the fi nal to win the US ended a 22-match win streak his courage at the 2012 Austral- Djokovic has also not been his ire for exiling him to Court and even to work more harder. sian to win a Masters title since Open and last month claimed — his record since the start of ian Open, when he beat Nadal afraid to take chances and inno- Two for a third round match. “And I saw that my level is Nikolay Davydenko in 2009.

BOTTOMLINE Golden memories? Graf rarely looks back AFP She added: “I rarely look back, but when I do, it’s mo- Zhuhai ments that for sure are going to be with me all my life. But I’m not one to worry to much about records — I never have done. erman great Steffi Graf had the tennis world at her “I’ve been really fortunate to have had the career that I feet when she completed the “Golden Slam” in had, and to give it all, and to retire and start my next chapter 1988 but 30 years later, she says she hardly even of life. I feel it’s not something that has that kind of priority Gthinks about the achievement. or importance any more in my life. Graf, who retired in 1999 and married Andre Agassi two “I’m not too worried if my record stands for a long time or years later, said her life has moved on so much that she is not.” Williams returned to the circuit this year after having unconcerned whether her records are matched or broken. a baby, and twice came close to matching Margaret Court’s It’s a statement which off ers a diff erent perspective as long-standing record of 24 major titles when she was run- Serena Williams continues her long and diffi cult quest to ner-up at Wimbledon and the US Open. equal the all-time record for Grand Slam singles titles. Tensions boiled over in the New York fi nal when Williams No singles player, repeatedly clashed with the umpire, in ugly scenes. Roger “I’ve been really man or woman, has won Federer, who holds the men’s record of 20 Slams, said Wil- fortunate to have had all four majors in the liams “went too far”. Graf said she had no doubt that the same year since Graf, 37-year-old American can equal Court’s record. the career that I had, whose Open-era record “She’s shown over and over, it’s incredible what she can and to give it all, and of 22 Slam titles was fi - achieve,” she said. “There’s nothing, I feel, that says that she nally surpassed by Wil- can’t.” to retire and start my liams last year. Graf added: “She’s got incredible determination. She’s got next chapter of life. I “Those are great a strong will and she’s got incredible game and talent.” feel it’s not something memories and treasured Williams has twice held all four major titles, in 2002-2003 times,” the 49-year-old and 2014-2015, but she has never swept the trophies in a sin- that has that kind of told AFP at the WTA gle season. priority or importance Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, The last man to win the calendar-year Grand Slam was for which she is a global Australia’s Rod Laver in 1969 — when he achieved the feat for any more in my life” ambassador. a second time. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, November 6, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY GOLF Late eagle lift s DeChambeau to Jones eager to Las Vegas title see England face ‘benchmark’ NZ ‘I SAID TO THE BOYS AFTER SOUTH AFRICA THAT I CAN’T WAIT. I CANNOT WAIT’

AFP DeChambeau said he wasn’t Los Angeles thinking eagle when he stroked a putt from off the green at the par-five 16th. ryson DeChambeau “I was just trying to get it rolled in a 58-foot eagle close,” said the American, who putt from off the green unleashed a fist-pumping cel- Bat 16 on Sunday on the ebration when the ball dropped way to a one-shot victory in into the cup. the US PGA Tour’s Shriners for Cantlay, who had nine bird- Children Open in Las Vegas. ies on the day, could only DeChambeau, back in action watch DeChambeau finish up for the first time since play- his round, wondering if there ing on the US team that lost might be a playoff. to Europe in the Ryder Cup in “I played really good today,” September, fired a five-under he said. “I made a bunch of par 66 in the final round at TPC birdies, which was my plan. I Summerlin to edge defending stayed aggressive all day.” champion Patrick Cantlay by a He said his poor bunker shot stroke. at 17 was the result of not real- On a day that saw several ising how much sand was under players jockeying for the lead his ball. late, Cantlay was up by one “When I dug my left foot in it when he arrived at the par- didn’t have much sand, and ob- three 17th, where a poor shot viously when I hit my shot there from a greenside bunker led to was more sand under the ball,” a bogey. Right about then, De- he said. Chambeau produced his eagle “I just didn’t anticipate that,” at 16 to seize a two-shot lead. said Cantlay, who was alone in After Cantlay birdied 18, second, one shot in front of keeping the pressure on with a American Sam Ryder who had 65 for 264, DeChambeau two- nine birdies in a nine-under par putted from 30 feet at the last 62 for 265. for a win that moves him to fifth Rickie Fowler fired an eight- in the world rankings. under 63 to head a group on 267 He notched his fourth US- that also included fellow Amer- PGA Tour title since June and ican Robert Streb and Mexico’s his first of the fledgling 2018- Abraham Ancer. 19 season. Peter Uihlein, who started “I was just coming out here to the day tied with DeChambeau England’s coach Eddie Jones chats with his co-captain England’s fly-half Owen Farrell on the pitch after the international test match between England and South try and kick the rust off and was for the lead, endured a tough Africa at Twickenham stadium in south-west London on November 3. able to play some great golf,” day, carding a four-over 75 that DeChambeau said. “I didn’t included a double bogey five at AFP that I can’t wait. I cannot wait,” Jones Springboks was achieved despite the “But the win just makes everyone feel putt my best, but I was still the par-three 14th. He finished Twickenham insisted. absence of injured senior forwards Billy a bit better. If you lose a game like that, able to get it done so I’m pretty tied for 23rd, nine shots off the “They are the benchmark for world and Mako Vunipola, Chris Robshaw and it’s harder to pick the players up. Now we proud of that.” pace. rugby, the team you want to play against. Joe Launchbury. won’t have to pick them up,” the Austral- ngland coach Eddie Jones can- Where are you in the world? You only Yet the stark fact is that in 41 Tests ian, a former Wallaby and Japan coach, not wait to see how his side fare know when you play against the All stretching back over a hundred years, added. SPOTLIGHT against the “benchmark for Blacks. England have beaten New Zealand a mere “The belief you get from winning Eworld rugby” when they take on “Any team that wins 91% of their seven times. those tight games is enormous. That’s New Zealand at Twickenham. games is a great team. What other teams But Jones was adamant he did not the big thing for us.” Jones’ injury-hit team launched their in world sport do that?” need Saturday’s success, which might so Farrell, who kicked three of England’s Springboks call on November campaign with a hard-fought Jones, however, added: “You’ve got to easily have ended in defeat had a stop- four successful penalties in a match 12-11 win at home to South Africa on believe you can beat them. You’ve got to page-time penalty been awarded against where the Springboks scored the only try Saturday and the Australian wants them understand where they’re weak, under- fl y-half Owen Farrell for what many ob- of the game, was in equally bullish mood. scrumhalf De Klerk to build on that result against the world stand where they’re strong and be disci- servers felt was an illegal ‘no arms’ tackle The England co-captain highlighted champions on November 10. plined in your game plan. We will be well on Springbok replacement Andre Ester- South Africa’s 36-34 win in Wellington A curious quirk of the fi xture list prepared for them.” huizen, to bolster his confi dence in Eng- in September — the All Blacks’ only Test for France test means it is four years since England last England lost fi ve Tests in a row earlier land’s ability to defeat the All Blacks. loss so far this year — as proof New Zea- played New Zealand and Jones would this year, a poor fi nish to the Six Nations “I didn’t need this to make me believe land were far from invincible. Reuters the tour.” love to get one over the All Blacks ahead followed by a 2-1 series loss in South Af- we can beat the All Blacks — I thought we “Anyone can be beaten,” Farrell said. “I Paris It would compound a frustrat- of next year’s World Cup in Japan. rica. could beat the All Blacks back in 2016. don’t think any team is unbeatable. They ing last 12 months for Etzebeth, “I said to the boys after South Africa But a second straight win over the Nothing has changed there,” said Jones. got beat not so long ago, didn’t they?” who hurt his shoulder playing crumhalf has for the Boks against Wales last answered an SOS from December and missed the entire BOTTOMLINE South Africa coach Rassie season. SErasmus and joined the After South Africa’s meet- Springbok squad for their Test ing with France, they play tests against France in Paris on Satur- against Scotland and Wales later Matera debuts as Pumas captain on Europe tour day, adding signifi cant experi- this month. ence in a problem position for the Star full-back AFP per settle in and off ering valu- “We trailed by 20 points at side. earned a recall to the Scotland Buenos Aires able advice. one stage and the situation De Klerk was initially rested squad for the November Tests on “We are not going to do with- looked bad, but the team fought for the November internation- Monday after almost two months out Agustin. He is also a leader, back only to fi nd the gap too als which, coupled with an in- out following ankle surgery. ablo Matera will debut our number one hooker, and one wide,” recalled Matera. jury to Ross Cronje, left the side The 26-year-old is one of six as Argentina captain of the best in that position in the The Pumas have fared slightly with rookie scrumhalves Louis players to be called up by head on a challenging tour world.” better in France, winning fi ve of Schreuder, and coach Gregor Townsend for the of Europe that kicks Matera was a natural choice 17 Tests, with one of the suc- , who had just eight matches with Fiji, South Africa Poff Saturday with a Test against having replaced Creevy as cap- cesses coming in the 2007 World caps between them ahead of the and Argentina. second-ranked Ireland in Dub- tain of the Jaguares this year and Cup third-place play-off against match against England at Twick- Hogg is joined by his Glasgow lin. he led the Buenos Aires outfi t to the hosts. enham at the weekend. Warriors teammates Adam Ashe The unpredictable Pumas the Super Rugby play-off s for Scotland has proved a rela- Following that 12-11 defeat, (back-row), Scott Cummings then face France in Lille and the fi rst time. tively happy hunting ground for Erasmus has called on one of his (lock) and Nick Grigg (centre). Scotland at Murrayfi eld, nations “My promotion to captain of the South Americans with four stalwart players from this season Townsend has also called upon higher in the world rankings the national team caught me by wins and three losses, but the in De Klerk, who has been nomi- English Premiership pair, back- than the ninth-place tourists. surprise,” he admitted before the Pumas crumbled 44-15 against nated for the World Rugby Player row forward and A match against the Barbar- 31-man squad left Argentina for them in Resistencia last June. of the Year award for 2018. fl y-half to bolster ians at Twickenham concludes Ireland. When Ledesma trimmed a South Africa’s squad will also the squad after a 21-10 defeat by the last visit to Europe by the “I am understandably nerv- 38-man provisional squad he be boosted by the addition of Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. South Americans before the ous and the presence of Agustin omitted Stade Francais prop their overseas-based players, who South African-born Strauss 2019 World Cup in Japan. has been a great comfort. I am Ramiro Herrera, the only player missed the England loss as the has not played since a defeat in Argentina won two Rugby era succeeding hooker Agustin “He reminds me of several happy for the opportunity and based outside Argentina. game fell outside of the designat- Fiji on the summer tour of 2017, Championship matches for the Creevy. captains that I knew, including the challenge of leading the Pu- Star fl y-half Nicolas Sanchez, ed international window. while the last of Weir’s 27 caps fi rst time this year, but lost to “I discussed with my staff Michael Hooper of Australia, in mas.” His fi rst challenge could the leading points scorer at the Full-back Wille le Roux, wings came as a replacement against Australia in the fi nal round after who is best suited to lead Ar- the way he has grown as a play- hardly be tougher with Ireland 2015 World Cup in England, is and , Italy in last year’s Six Nations. throwing away a 24-point half- gentina going forward and Pa- er.” ranked behind only three-time set to join Herrera at the Paris loose-forward , Townsend has four players un- time advantage. blo kept being mentioned,” said Ledesma also lavished praise world champions New Zealand. club. lock Franco Mostert and prop available for next Saturday’s clash They changed coaches in Ledesma. on 33-year-old Creevy, who is The Irish demonstrated their Other exciting backline play- Vincent Koch will available for with Fiji. mid-year with Daniel Hour- “Pablo is a new voice and the widely considered to be among strength in depth by resting a ers include full-back Emiliano selection. Scarlets back-row Blade cade resigning after home losses best leader to take us where we the best hookers in the world. number of key players at the Boff elli and wingers Bautista The arrival of Mostert is a boost Thomson (head) and Harlequins to weakened Wales and Scot- want to go. He transmits his en- “In no way is the change of weekend and still hammering Delguy and Ramiro Moyano. after limped off centre James Lang (rib) suff ered land sides and was replaced by ergy and intensity very well to captaincy a suggestion that Italy 54-7 in a one-off Test in The major problem for the just two minutes into the second- injuries playing for their clubs former Pumas hooker Mario the rest of the team. Agustin failed. He has been a Chicago. pack has been the scrums, with half of Saturday’s test and could whilst (Leicester Ledesma. “This is a good time for him to great leader and I thank him for Argentina have lost all eight some back-pedalling at the set- miss the rest of the tour. Tigers) and (Edin- Now the task of skippering take the leadership role. He has the support he has given Pablo. internationals in Ireland with piece humiliating for a country “Eben looks pretty bad,” Er- burgh) are still recovering from the side has changed hands too already won 55 caps and is at the “He will play a key role going the most recent a 28-19 defeat at with a history of great scrum- asmus told reporters. “He is out head injuries with their respec- with 25-year-old fl anker Mat- right age. forward, helping the new skip- a freezing Dublin last November. magers like Ledesma. defi nitely for France and maybe tive clubs. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 6, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Lightning score late in third, early in OT, First place Raptors beat Senators

Reuters game time before the Lightning New York tied the score the fi rst time. Cedric Paquette and Mathieu Joseph also scored for Tampa clobber Lakers, anni Gourde scored 14 Bay, with Joseph picking up his seconds into overtime fi rst career goal. Ryan McDonagh as the Tampa Bay Light- had three assists, including one ning fi nished off their on the winner. Ycomeback and defeated the host Senators goalie Craig Ander- Ottawa Senators 4-3 on Sunday son made 41 saves. night. Tampa Bay goalie Louis Gourde’s sixth goal of the sea- Domingue stopped 22 shots. Bucks topple Kings son came shortly after teammate Domingue was in his 100th ca- Brayden Point forced overtime reer NHL game, though in only his late in regulation. fourth appearance of the season. Toronto grab shocking 31-point lead in first half en route to their season’s ninth win Point, who assisted on Paquette’s goal came 38 sec- Gourde’s goal, scored on a pow- onds into the second period. AFP er-play with 26.4 seconds left Joseph’s goal pulled the Light- Los Angeles RESULTS in regulation. The Lightning ning even just 3:04 into the third went on a power play with 1:40 period. The 21-year-old was Phoenix 102-100 Memphis remaining in regulation after playing in his 14th NHL game. erge Ibaka delivered a career-high Toronto 121-107 LA Lakers Mikkel Boedker was called for Joseph was set up by a pass from 34 points in a masterful display of Brooklyn 122-97 Philadelphia slashing. Anthony Cirelli. shooting as the Kawhi Leonard- Until then, it appeared Cody Tampa Bay produced 11 of the less Toronto Raptors rolled over Washington 108-95 New York Ceci’s goal with 4:44 remaining fi rst 12 shots in the third period, theS Los Angeles Lakers 121-107 on Sun- Portland 111-81 Minnesota in the third period was going to but Anderson was up to the task. day. Orlando 117-110 San Antonio rescue the Senators. Ceci came The Lightning, which was Ibaka drained his fi rst 14 shots of the down the slot alone and took a coming off a 4-1 victory a night Milwaukee 144-109 Sacramento game as Toronto embarrassed the Lakers pass from Chris Tierney to de- earlier at Montreal, is 3-2 since by grabbing a shocking 31-point lead in liver the go-ahead goal. the end of a six-game points the fi rst half en route to their ninth win of Antetokounmpo fi nished with 26 It was a frustrating fi nish for streak. the NBA season. points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists, secur- Ottawa, which has won only one “They just came out and hit us right in ing his second triple double of the season time in a seven-game stretch (1- the mouth,” said Lakers forward LeBron with his 10th assist at the end of the third 4-2). The Senators were drilled RESULTS James. quarter. 9-2 on Saturday night at Buff alo. Once their starters had seized com- “A great win for the team,” Antetok- Bobby Ryan and Maxime La- Tampa Bay 4-3 Ottawa mand the Raptors worked some of their ounmpo said. “When I drove the ball, joie scored fi rst-period power- NY Rangers 3-1 Buff alo reserve players into the contest. Los An- they were wide open. I passed it, and they play goals for the Senators, who Anaheim 3-2 Columbus geles cut the margin to 117-107 in the knocked down everything.” led for more than 38 minutes of fourth but they failed to get any closer Milwaukee, who improved to 8-1 on with the game out of hand and James sit- the season, recorded a season-high for ting on the bench in the fi nal quarter. points in a game and made a franchise “It was very, very hard to make a game record 22 threes. of it when you are trying to expend so Antetokounmpo’s fi rst triple-double of much energy trying to get back into it,” the season came against the Philadelphia said James. 76ers on October 24th when he delivered “I don’t really like to talk about it being 32 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists. disappointing. There was a lot of things Antetokounmpo passed to Pat Con- we could have done better today.” naughton in the corner for his 10th assist Ibaka finished 15-of-17 from the as Connaughton drained a three pointer field and didn’t miss a shot until 5:16 of to give the Bucks a 108-82 lead at the end the third quarter. He also added 10 re- of the third. bounds. With Milwaukee comfortably ahead “It is true I played great but to me we 118-90 Antetokounmpo went to the got the win and that is the most impor- bench for good. tant thing,” said Ibaka. Seven other Bucks were in double fi g- Kyle Lowry added 21 points and 15 as- ures. Eric Bledsoe scored 17, Ersan Il- sists as the Eastern Conference-leading yasova 15, Malcolm Brogdon and Con- Raptors recorded their eighth consecu- naughton each had 13, Tony Snell and tive win over the Lakers since 2014. Khris Middleton each had 12 and John James fi nished with just 18 points. Kyle Henson 10. Kuzma scored 24 points and Brandon In- Justin Jackson set a career-high with 22 gram added 16 for the Lakers. points, Buddy Hield had 19 and De’Aaron Leonard missed the game with a sore Fox 15 for the Kings who had their fi ve- Ottawa Senators’ Colin White (left) and Tampa Bay Lightning’s Yanni left foot which no doubt had the Lakers game winning streak snapped. Gourde (right) follow the puck in the third period of the NHL game in breathing a sigh of relief. If there was a In New York, D’Angelo Russell scored Ottawa, Canada, on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) mercy rule in basketball the Lakers would 13 of his 21 points in the second half, and have exercised it in the fi rst. the Brooklyn Nets kept the Philadelphia “We really underestimated how fast 76ers winless on the road with a 122-97 FOCUS they play,” said Kuzma. win. Elsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo The 76ers committed 28 turnovers and fi nished with a triple double as the Mil- are now 0-5 away from home this season. waukee Bucks continued their best NBA “That is not who we are,” said Philadel- Kings fi re Stevens start to a season by dominating the Sac- phia coach Brett Brown said. “That is an Toronto Raptors’ Serge Ibaka (right) dunks to score a basket in front of LA Lakers’ ramento Kings 144-109. unacceptable performance.” LeBron James during the NBA game in Los Angeles on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) aft er poor start NFL Reuters New York in the fi rst round of the posts- eason on the Golden Knights’ march to the Stanley Cup Finals. he Los Angeles Kings’ This year, however, the team’s 4-8-1 start has cost nine points in the standings coach John Stevens his equal the Florida Panthers for Brady, Patriots outduel Rodgers; job, the fi rst NHL coach- the league’s worst. One of the Ting casualty of the season. team’s off season priorities was Former Vancouver Canucks to improve the off ense, which coach Willie Desjardins will take included the signing of left wing over coaching duties on an inter- Ilya Kovalchuk, who has scored Saints hand Rams fi rst loss im basis after what Kings presi- 421 goals and 827 points in 829 dent Rob Blake said in a state- career games. Kovalchuk has AFO RESULTS Los Angeles ment was “a diffi cult decision four goals and seven assists for Chicago 41-9 Buff alo but one we feel was necessary.” 11 points in 13 games this season. “We have a great deal of re- “This is a critical time in our om Brady threw for 294 yards and Pittsburgh 23-16 Baltimore spect and appreciation for John’s season, and our results to date a touchdown as the New England Atlanta 38-14 Washington time with our organization,” the have fallen well below our expec- Patriots won their sixth straight Minnesota 24-9 Detroit statement continued. “He was a tations,” Blake said in the state- NFL game with a convincing 31- key part of our past success, and ment. T17 victory over Aaron Rodgers and the Kansas City 37-21 Cleveland we have tremendous gratitude The Kings also announced Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Miami 13-6 NY Jets for his many contributions.” they have parted ways with Don Brady earned bragging rights over Rodg- Carolina 42-28 Tampa Bay Stevens, 52, was named head Nachbaur, who joined the Kings ers after winning one of the most an- coach in April 2017. The Kings as an assistant coach before the Houston 19-17 Denver ticipated prime-time duels between two fi nished 45-29-8 last season, 2017-18 season. He will be re- quarterbacks who have won fi ve NFL most LA Chargers 25-17 Seattle though they were swept by the placed by former Kings player valuable player awards between them. New Orleans 45-35 LA Rams expansion Vegas Golden Knights Marco Sturm. “We fought pretty hard. We played New England 31-17 Green Bay pretty good in the fourth quarter,” said Brady. “Our defense made so many plays, they did a great job. I am glad they kept Rams tied things up on Goff ’s 41-yard World Series champion Red Sox boast them off the fi eld at the end. scoring pass to Cooper Kupp and a two- three Gold Glove winners “Our defense was on their receivers so New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (left) celebrates his touchdown pass to point conversion, the Saints took a 38-35 tight. It is hard to make perfect throws wide receiver Josh Gordon during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at lead on Wil Lutz’s 45-yard fi eld goal with AFP sealed a four-games-to-one every single time. Our defense made him Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) 6:23 to play. Los Angeles victory over the Los Angeles (Rodgers) do it. He made some great plays. Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Dodgers last Sunday. It is great to see him playing so well.” On the Patriots’ next possession, Brady Michael Thomas for a 72-yard TD with Chiefs’ star second-year quarterback, The American League’s Oak- Rodgers completed 24 of 43 passes connected on a 55 yard touchdown with less than four minutes remaining that put enjoyed another big day, tying Andrew he World Series cham- land Athletics and National and two touchdowns in his second career Josh Gordon to seize command of the New Orleans up 45-35. Luck’s NFL record by throwing for 300 pion Boston Red Sox League Colorado Rockies both matchup against Brady. game. Gordon fi nished with 115 yards on It was the Saints’ fi rst touchdown of yards for the eighth straight game in Tcounted three players, had two winners in infield Rodgers guided Green Bay to a 26-21 four catches. the second half, and came after the Rams a single season as the Chiefs beat the Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley positions. win at New England in November 2014 had roared back from 21 points down to Browns in Cleveland 37-21. Jr. and Ian Kinsler, among the The A’s first baseman Matt in the only previous meeting between the RAMS SUFFER FIRST DEFEAT knot the score at 35-35 early in the fourth Mahomes completed 23-of-32 passes Gold Glove award winners Olson and third baseman Matt star quarterbacks who many feel are the The Patriots were playing without all star quarter. for 375 yards, three touchdowns and one named Sunday by Major Chapman were honoured greatest of their era at the position. tight end Rob Gronkowski who was out On the ensuing Los Angeles drive, interception, and the Kansas City off ense League Baseball. while Gold Gloves also went to James White rushed for two touch- with an ankle injury. Running back Sony Rams quarterback Jared Goff threw three was right there with him. Betts won his third straight Rockies second baseman DJ downs for the host Patriots, who im- Michel also missed the game with a knee straight incompletions and the Saints Kareem Hunt ran for two touchdowns Gold Glove for defensive LeMahieu and third baseman proved to 7-2 on the season. problem. got the ball back, eventually converting a and caught a TD pass as the Chiefs im- excellence in right field. Kinsler Nolan Arenao. The turning point came late in the third Elsewhere, the New Orleans Saints fourth-and-one play that sealed the win. proved to 8-1. nabbed his second at second For the fourth time in history quarter when Green Bay’s Aaron Jones handed the Los Angeles Rams their fi rst Overall Goff connected on 28-of-40 The Browns, playing their fi rst game base and center fielder Bradley there was a tie for the NL Gold fumbled with the score tied 17-17. defeat of the season, thwarting the Rams’ passing attempts for 391 yards and three since head coach Hue Jackson was sacked, was honoured for the first time. Glove at a position as Atlanta’s New England receiver Julian Edelman second-half rally in a 45-35 triumph in touchdowns. But his fi rst-half inter- were down 37-21 in the fi nal fi ve minutes The Red Sox claimed their Freddie Freeman and the then hit White on a 37-yard catch-and- the Superdome. ception helped set up one of fi ve Saints when quarterback Baker Mayfi eld threw fourth World Series title in the Chicago Cubs Anthony Rizzo run to set up White’s second score, a one- Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw touchdowns before halftime. an interception — quashing any hopes past 15 seasons when they shared the award for first base. yard run. four touchdowns, connecting with It was 35-17 at the break. After the they harbored of a comeback. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, November 6, 2018 SPORT

FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT Abdulla shares Analyst Wenger nutritional tips with Aspire Academy’s makes return to beIN student-athletes spire Academy wel- consider were the best six years comed back Qatar’s of my life here at Aspire Acad- Former Arsenal boss is a special guest at beIN for Champions League matches No 1 and world No. 24 emy. Coming back here and be- squash player, Abdulla ing able to share what I’ve learnt rsenal’s legendary manager al-TamimiA on Sunday where he with the next generation of as- Arsene Wenger is set to join shared his international experi- piring athletes is something I beIN as a special guest to share ence with student-athletes. truly value. When I was younger, his analysis for the group stages During a full day at the Acad- I used to look up to other ath- ofA the UEFA Champions League. emy, al-Tamimi accompanied letes, and I feel very privileged to After his highly successful appearances young athletes to morning train- be an inspiration to others. As- with beIN at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in ing, lunch, had a healthy snack pire Academy is where all the key Russia, the former Arsenal manager of demonstration, led one of the foundations for my career were 22 years is set to take part in this week’s classes, and ended the tour with laid and will be very benefi cial to UEFA Champions League fi xtures live a Q&A panel session. At the everyone who comes here. from beIN’s studios in Doha. In Belgrade, Academy’s dining hall, Qatar’s “As a pro-athlete, I burn al- Group C leaders Liverpool take on Red rising squash star, ensured that most 2,000 calories a day, so it Star Belgrade in what promises to be an student-athletes could benefi t is important to pay attention to exciting matchup. from his wealth of experience as what I consume. I focus on hav- The Reds thumped the Serbian side a professional player by educat- ing three big meals and I distrib- 4-0 in the fi rst game at Anfi eld, with two ing students with healthy habits ute protein snacks within my goals coming from Mohamed Salah. Liv- for a high sporting performance. training schedule. A balanced erpool top group C with 6 points, Napoli Leading by example, al-Tami- diet is essential to fuel high per- is second with 5 points, Paris Saint Ger- mi demonstrated how young formance.” main are third with 4 points and Red Star talents could boost their energy Aspire Academy is keen on de- Belgrade are fourth with 1 point. intake by combining simple in- veloping well-educated sports Red Star Belgrade vs Liverpool kicks gredients including carbohy- champions, through a wide range off today and is broadcasted live and ex- drates, proteins, fats, minerals, of informative tools. Hosting clusive on beIN SPORTS HD 1 in Arabic, vitamins, and water.” graduates inspires students to beIN SPORTS HD 11 in English and beIN Commenting on the tour, al- eagerly work on themselves to SPORTS HD 14 with star guest Wenger Tamimi said; “I spent what I obtain a healthy, active lifestyle. and former footballers Yousef Chippo, Hatim Trabelsi and Mohamed Abutrika. Today Paris Saint Germain take on Napoli in a Group C classic. The sides drew 2-2 in their fi rst game in Paris, with Angel di Maria snatching an equaliser lish and beIN SPORTS HD 14 in French Inter Milan vs. Barcelona is at 11pm, last week thanks to a goal by Paulo Dyba- in the 93rd minute. PSG currently sit in with Arab football stars like Egyptian Qatar time and broadcasted on beIN la. Juventus sit comfortably in fi rst place third place with 4 points, behind fi rst legend Wael Gomaa and Tunisian former SPORTS HD 1 in Arabic and beIN SPORTS with 9 points while Manchester United placed Liverpool with 6 points and sec- footballer Tarik Dhiab and Italian legend HD 12 in English and beIN SPORTS HD 14 are second with 4 points and Valencia are ond placed Napoli with 5. With every- Alessandro Altobelli. and in 4K with star guest Arsene Wenger third with 2 points. thing still to play for, Group C promises Also today, Inter Milan take on Barce- and former Arab footballers and legends The match tomorrow is at 11pm and to provide an exciting climax in the weeks lona in Group B. The Spanish had the up- Yousef Chippo, Hatim Trabelsi and Mo- broadcasted on beIN SPORTS HD 1 in ahead. per hand the last time the two sides met, hamed Abutrika. Arabic, beIN SPORTS HD 11 in English, Napoli vs Paris Saint Germain kicks winning 2-0 at the Camp Nou in Barce- In Group H, Juventus host 2008 UEFA beIN SPORTS HD 14 and in 4K with star off at 11pm Qatar time and broadcasted lona. They currently lead Group B with Champions League winners Manches- guest Arsene Wenger and football legends live and exclusive on beIN SPORTS HD 9 points while Inter Milan sit in second ter United in Turin. Juventus edged out Tariq Dhiab, Mohamed Abutrika and Tar- Qatar’s squash star Abdulla al-Tamimi with Aspire Academy’s 2 in Arabic, beIN SPORTS HD 11 in Eng- place with 6 points. United 1-0 when they visited Old Traff ord iq al-Jalahma. student-athletes.

DEMISE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST Former Qatar and Aspire gears up to host Qatar’s Strongest Man spire Zone Foundation (AZF) Al Sadd star has announced that registra- tion is now open to strength athletics for Qatar’s Strongest Juma no more ManA (QSM). The event, scheduled to take place on the 7th of December, is spon- sored by Sports Corner. Only the eight strongest and fastest entrants who successfully complete the physical challenges will proceed to the actual competition. Challenges include a 200kg deadlift, a farmer’s 20m walk while carrying 120kg in each arm, and a giant 160kg tyre fl ip. AZF will run the qualifi cation rounds on the 16th, 17th, 23rd, and 24th of No- vember, from 4:00pm-6:00pm. A tech- nical meeting will also be organised by AZF to familiarise participants with the rules of the competition. On the day of the competition, the eight giants, will face challenges, such as: truck pull- ing, sand bag lifting, giant tyre fl ipping, weight lifting, and car lifting. Nasser Ab- dullah al-Hajri, Director of PR and Com- munications at AZF, said; “The event is much anticipated by sports-enthusiasts By Sports Reporter ons League success in 1989. He in Qatar. Once registration is open, we re- Doha then became a football analyst on ceive hundreds of entries. Though QSM is the Al Kass TV for the Qatar Stars once a year, contestants tend to train reg- League and other tournaments. ularly to achieve better physical stand- ormer Qatar interna- He was a popular fi gure in the ards to compete, which we are delighted tional and Al Sadd star football circles and his demise with. One of our main goals is to promote Abdullah Obaid Juma came as a shock to many. The practising an active and healthy life-style Qatar’s Strongest Man competition is scheduled to take place on the 7th of December passed away yesterday football fraternity including the throughout the year.” morningF following a heart at- 2022 FIFA World Cup organising In 2017, the competition has attracted and Christopher Oketch were named the On the day of the QSM competition, children, as well as a variety of local food tack. He was in his 60’s. committee (Supreme Committee unprecedented numbers of spectators champions of the QSM’s Qatari and open AZF will also organise a series of accom- and beverage stands. Those who are keen After his playing career was for & Legacy) and sever- from the local community, with more categories. This year’s competition will panying community activities for all the to put their strength to the test can reg- over, Obaid coached Sadd team al clubs mourned his death. The than 5,000 fans cheering for competi- only have one overall winner in a bid to family to enjoy at the event. Activities ister to participate online at www.lifeina- to their fi rst-ever AFC Champi- burial was held yesterday. tors in the stands. Abdulazi al-Kuwari raise the challenge bar even higher. will include a fan zone and play area for spire.qa

Nada, Kenza shine in golf tournaments FOCUS President of Dutch Football Club PEC Zwolle visits Aspire Academy he President of Dutch who previously worked in Qatar. club, PEC “We shall now go on to ex- Zwolle, Adriaan Visser plore co-operation possibili- Tvisited Qatar’s Aspire ties between the Netherlands Academy and was warmly wel- and the State of Qatar and talks comed by the Academy’s Di- have already begun at the high- rector of Football Performance est level of personnel within our and Science, Professor Valter Di respective sporting industries,” Salvo. Visser concluded. PEC Zwolle During his visit, Visser had is a Dutch football club based the opportunity to see Aspire in Zwolle, currently playing in Academy’s renowned facilities the Eredivisie, the Netherland’s fi rsthand as well as see the Acad- highest level of professional emy’s new Football Performance football club. They have played and Science Department. in the Eredivisie for a total of 16 Following his tour of Aspire seasons, reaching sixth place in Academy, Visser, said: “This is 2015. They won the KNVB Cup in such an impressive facility. I have Dutch Eredivisie club PEC Zwolle president Adriaan Visser at Qatar’s 2014 and also reached the fi nal in Nada Mir (right) won in the Ladies Division at Doha seen similar academy set-ups Aspire Academy. 1928, 1977 and 2015. Golf Club’s Monthly Medal, sponsored by Megarme. Kenza Gilmour won in Division 2 at a golf elsewhere, including Real Ma- The President of the Dutch In the men’s Division One Hong Sik Oh took first tournament sponsored by Royal Air Maroc drid’s Academy, but Aspire Acad- professionalism. We have learnt physical and mental strength. In club is currently in Doha on an place, while the Division Two was won by Phillip at the Doha Golf Club. South African Ruan emy has taken it to another level, a lot after seeing what Aspire fact, our visit to Aspire Academy offi cial visit to Al Gharafa Sports Mayes. In Division 3, Amin Mohamed triumphed. Jordaan was the winner in Division One. combining academic excellence Academy off ers to its student- was born out of a recommenda- Club to discuss areas of mutual with integrated experience and athletes in terms of optimising tion from our Technical Director co-operation. Gulf Times Tuesday, November 6, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Liverpool omit Shaqiri for Champions League trip Messi could play against over political tensions London: Xherdan Shaqiri has been left out of Liverpool’s travelling squad for today’s Champions League match Inter, says Barca coach against Red Star Belgrade, the club have announced. The midfielder was at the Inter Milan manager Spalletti says Barcelona are what his team hope to become centre of controversy along with Switzerland teammate Reuters Granit Xhaka when they cele- Milan brated goals with a pro-Kos- ovo “double eagle” gesture that represents the Albanian arcelona coach Ernesto Val- flag during the World Cup win verde said captain Lionel Messi over Serbia in Russia. could feature against Inter Mi- The double-eagle is viewed lan in the Champions League as a symbol of defiance in today,B little more than two weeks after Kosovo, which declared inde- breaking his arm. Messi was a surprise pendence in 2008 in a move inclusion in the squad list as he was that Serbia still refuses to expected to be out of action for three recognise. The players’ dou- weeks after breaking a bone in his right ble eagle celebration caused arm on Oct 20. outrage in Serbia and Arsenal The Argentine forward returned to midfielder Xhaka and Shaqiri, training last week and may be able to both of Kosovan-Albanian help Barcelona secure progression from descent, were fined by FIFA. Group B today at the San Siro. “Leo is at Liverpool boss Jurgen the point where he might be available, Klopp said on the club’s web- but we have to wait for the training ses- site: “It’s a situation where we sion. We have to see if he’s safe to play,” will go to the fantastic city of Valverde told reporters yesterday. Belgrade as a football team to “In terms of his play and his move- play football. We have heard ments, he’s fi ne. We have to wait.... It’s and read the speculation always better if he’s there. Of course it’s and talk about what kind of necessary to get Messi back as soon as reception Shaq would receive possible. There are three or four pos- and although we have no idea sibilities. One is that he plays from the what would happen, we want start, or he comes on, or he goes off . to go there and be focused What we won’t do is take any risks.” 100 per cent on football and Barcelona trained last night in the not have to think about any- Italian capital, after which Messi may thing else, that’s all.” receive his medical clearance from Bar- Klopp added: “We are Liver- celona’s doctors. “I don’t know if (Mes- pool FC, a big club, a football si) will play tomorrow but I am happy he team but we don’t have any is back with us,” added versatile Barce- message further than that. lona midfi elder Sergi Roberto. “It’s clear We have no political mes- that we were worried about his absence, sage, absolutely not. We want he’s the best player in the team and in the focus to be on a great the world.” game of football, free from Barcelona won the four games they anything else. “We are keen have played without Messi, includ- to be respectful and keen to ing beating Inter Milan 2-0 at the Nou avoid any distractions that Camp and thrashing Real Madrid 5-1 in would take focus away from La Liga. Meanwhile, Barcelona are what a 90-minute-plus contest Inter Milan hope to become in the fu- that is important for football ture, the Italian club’s coach Luciano and only football. So for that Spalletti said, heaping praise on their Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (left) jokes with teammates during a training session at San Siro stadium, on the eve of the Champions League match against Inter Milan. (AFP) reason, Shaq is not involved Champions League opponents. and he accepts and under- Spalletti is in the second season of a 26-year-old Steven Zhang, the son of would be the ultimate test of his team’s reach. Barcelona have been a point of degree of unpredictability increases but stands this.” Shaqiri started rebuilding job at Inter, a club that seems Suning chairman Zhang Jindong, was progress. reference for all coaches, and not just their attitude is the same without him. Liverpool’s 4-0 home win to have been in perpetual transition appointed club president, promising to “We’ve always said that we can play in football. Inter are in a phase of con- He is obviously the cherry on the cake, over Red Star. Liverpool top since winning a Champions League, Se- lead them into a new era. against any opponent....this is the tinual growth, I think we’re doing better the idol of all kids that dream of becom- Champions League Group C rie A and Coppa Italia treble under Jose Inter have won their last seven chance to see if we really can compete than last season even though we have ing footballers.” with six points, one ahead of Mourinho in 2010. games, although they were comprehen- against any side,” he told reporters. four points less,” he added. Barca lead the group with nine points Napoli and two clear of Paris China’s electronics retailer Suning sibly beaten 2-0 at Barcelona in their “Barcelona represents the highest level Spalletti said it would not make much from three games followed by Inter on Saint-Germain, with Red Star Holdings Group bought a majority stake previous Group B match two weeks of diffi culty that there is. They are al- diff erence if Lionel Messi was passed fi t six while PSV Eindhoven and Totten- at the bottom. in the club in 2016 and, two weeks ago, ago, and Spalletti said Tuesday’s match ready at the level that we are looking to to play for Barca. “With Messi, Barca’s ham have one point each.

SERIE A FOCUS Last-gasp Romagnoli puts Milan ahead of Lazio Helicopter tragedy AFP Milan will haunt me forever:

lessio Romagnoli scored the Leicester’s Schmeichel only goal after 97 minutes as AC Milan reclaimed fourth place in AFP Serie A amid drama at 10-man London UdineseA on Sunday night ahead of Lazio who earlier crushed SPAL 4-1 with Ciro Immobile bagging a brace. eicester goalkeeper Defender Romagnoli fi red in the win- Kasper Schmeichel ner amid a scramble in front of goal to add says the helicopter crash to his midweek winner against Genoa, for that killed the club’s re- a confi dence-boost ahead of next week- Lvered Thai owner Vichai Sri- end’s visit by champions Juventus to vaddhanaprabha will haunt him the San Siro. “I know it burns to lose in forever after he witnessed the the last minute,” said Milan coach Gen- tragedy. The 32-year-old Dan- naro Gattuso, whose side have won three ish international — speaking af- league games in the past week after losing ter Leicester had beaten Cardiff the Milan derby to Inter following a dra- on Saturday in their fi rst match matic Mauro Icardi injury-time winner. since the crash, which also killed “I liked really our performance and at- four others — waved the heli- titude. We arrived with injuries and suf- copter off following the 1-1 draw fered, but deserved this victory,” added AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Udinese in the Serie A on Sunday. (AFP) with West Ham on October 27. Gennaro after Milan kept their fi rst clean Moments later it came down, this, because we’ve all lost what sheet of the campaign. back,” said Gattuso, “but it doesn’t seem was unable to fi nish off so the captain PROMOTED EMPOLI SACK with Schmeichel reported to feels like a family member. Wes AC Milan and Lazio both have 21 points to be anything serious.” fi red in himself. Despite the off side fl ag COACH ANDREAZZOLI have been stopped by police as he (Morgan the captain) said a bit, I from 11 games, with Gattuso’s side occu- Spaniard Castillejo forced a series of being raised the goal stood after consul- Serie A strugglers Empoli confi rmed yes- ran towards the burning wreck- said a bit. People had a lot to say pying the fi nal Champions League spot saves from , setting up Suso tation with the video assistant referee terday they have sacked coach Aurelio age. “I was on the pitch and I because he meant so much to so on goal diff erence. The two teams are ten for what looked like a sure opener after (VAR). It was the fi rst game this season Andreazzoli after last weekend’s 5-1 de- waved him off ,” said Schmeichel, many people. Everyone wanted points behind leaders Juventus, who con- 59 minutes only for his compatriot to fi re than Milan have not conceded a goal. feat to Napoli. Andreazzoli — a former before he fl ew with teammates to chip in. He brought every- tinued their unbeaten run with a 3-1 win over when alone on front of goal. Earlier Lazio bounced back from last Roma and Udinese assistant coach — took and coaching staff to Bangkok to body here and none of this — the over Cagliari on Saturday. Udinese left-back Bram Nuytinck was week’s 3-0 home defeat to Inter Milan. over the Tuscany club last December. attend Vichai’s funeral. memories, this family he’s built, Milan suff ered an early blow Sunday harshly sent off in injury time for a foul “We had to redeem ourselves after the The 65-year-old led them to promo- “I saw it all happen. It is some- the culture he’s instilled — would when Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain on Castillejo and two minutes later Ro- knockout against Inter,” said coach Si- tion, but they have not won a match since thing that will stay with me, un- be here without him.” was forced off after 35 minutes with a magnoli jumped on an Nicholas Opoku mone Inzaghi, whose side are now fi ve their opening game in August and are in fortunately. It’s not a nice mem- Schmeichel, who faces an- back problem and was replaced by Samu blunder. points ahead of city rivals Roma, who the relegation zone with six points from ory but I’ve had all the support other emotion-packed game this Castillejo. “Higuain felt a twinge in his Amid a scramble in front of goal, Suso were held 1-1 by Fiorentina on Saturday. 11 games. that I need. The club has been Saturday when Leicester play great and everybody has received their fi rst home match since the the support that they needed.” tragedy against Burnley, said Vi- LA LIGA Schmeichel joined Leicester in chai transcended the traditional 2011, a year after Vichai bought image of a Premier League club the club, and was a pivotal fi gure owner. “When he took over this in their fairytale Premier League club it was in a pretty precarious Sevilla fall further behind with draw at Sociedad title win in 2016. He admitted to situation, and to build what he shaking as he warmed up in Car- has is quite amazing,” he said. Reuters second place and close the defi cit with fi ring wide when he was clean through. late last night. diff before the game on Saturday. “It’s one thing building a team Madrid Barca to two points but they came un- Sevilla are second in the standings, Also on Sunday, top-fl ight debutants The goalkeeper, who had the and a club that can perform on stuck in a game of scant chances, badly locked on 20 points with Atletico Madrid, Huesca were denied a fi rst win since the Thai national fl ag on his gloves, the pitch but we’re more proud of missing injured strikers Wissam Ben held to a 1-1 draw at Leganes on Satur- opening day of the season by a stoppage- then joined his teammates and the family that he’s created and evilla failed to capitalise on a Yedder and Andre Silva who have been day, and Alaves, who were beaten 2-1 at time equaliser from Getafe forward Jorge backroom staff around the centre the feeling he’s instilled in every- weekend of slip-ups for La Liga’s responsible for 12 of the team’s 22 league Basque neighbours Eibar with a stop- Molina, which ensured their game fi n- circle to pay tribute to Vichai and body being welcome. It doesn’t chasing pack when they were held goals this season. page-time header from Pape Diop. ished 1-1. the other victims. “It was tough,” matter who you are or what kind to a goalless draw away to Real Their best opportunity fell to veteran Barca are top on 24 after rallying late Villarreal found themselves and un- said Schmeichel, who had grief of position you have at the club. SociedadS on Sunday night, opening up a winger Jesus Navas who hit the side net- against struggling Rayo Vallecano on Sat- der-pressure coach Javi Calleja in deeper counselling during the week. Whether it be player, staff , sta- four-point gap behind leaders and cham- ting early in the second half, while former urday to win 3-2. Their neighbours Es- trouble following a 1-1 draw at home to “But we wanted to do it for dium staff , security — whatever pions Barcelona. Sevilla forward Sandro Ramirez missed panyol could move into second above Se- Levante which left them one point above the chairman and his family. it may be — everyone is equal and Sevilla had the chance to go clear in the home side’s best chance, slipping and villa if they beat Athletic Bilbao at home the relegation zone. We wanted to be together about part of the family.”

Tuesday, November 6, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Stakes high for Schmeichel praises PSG on crucial Qatar’s compact World trip to Napoli AFP the club,” the Uruguayan striker Naples said. “It will be diffi cult, but not impossible.” PSG have spent over 400mn aris Saint-Germain face euros ($456mn) on Neymar and the genuine danger of Mbappe in August 2017. Such Cup hosting plans an early elimination an investment was meant to ac- from the Champions celerate PSG’s rise to the status PLeague as they take on Napoli to- of uncontested European super- day. New coach Thomas Tuchel power, and yet the fear is that ‘Four years is a long time, but I’m already very excited about what is going to happen here’ has overseen a record-breaking they are going backwards on the start to the French season with continental stage. uring his recent visit to Doha, 12 wins from 12 games in Ligue 1 After four successive runs to legendary goalkeeper Peter after Kylian Mbappe and Neymar the Champions League quarter- Schmeichel said Qatar’s unique scored in a 2-1 victory over Lille fi nals, they were knocked out in hosting concept and cool- on Friday. But the situation in the last 16 in each of the last two ingD technology will make for the perfect Europe is very diff erent. years, by Barcelona and Real Ma- tournament for fans, players and offi cials. The two most expensive play- drid. Now they might not even In a wide-ranging interview with sc.qa, ers in the world did not distin- make it that far, and that could the treble-winning Manchester United guish themselves when PSG lost be seriously damaging to their goalkeeper also heaped praise on Doha’s 3-2 at Liverpool in September, reputation. unique hospitality and said he hopes Qa- and two weeks ago it took an An- It would also bring back the tar will follow in Russia’s footsteps when gel Di Maria goal in injury time to doubts over how long Neymar it comes to changing perceptions through earn the French side a 2-2 draw at will hang around. “It will be a hosting the FIFA World Cup. home to Napoli. good match to show that we have Excerpts Tuchel’s team currently sit moved up to a higher level, and third in Champions League that we are able to deal with this Q. Welcome to Qatar, we hope you have Group C, two points behind Liv- kind of pressure,” Cavani said of enjoyed your fi rst visit to Doha and erpool and one adrift of Carlo the game. seeing our 2022 FIFA World Cup plans. Ancelotti’s Napoli, with Red Star Ancelotti, meanwhile, knows What elements of the planning and in- Belgrade the whipping boys in all about PSG’s obsession with frastructure have impressed you most? the section. A defeat in the heat- the Champions League having After what I’ve seen here over the past ed atmosphere of the San Paolo coached the club to the last eight couple of days, I have to say that I am very today, then, and Paris could fi nd in 2013. “Paris have paid for their much looking forward to the World Cup themselves four points behind lack of experience in big Cham- in Qatar. It was a great experience to be in the top two with two games to pions League matches, but now Russia and be so close to the whole event. play, including a home clash with they have a stronger team than Four years is a long time, but I’m already Liverpool later this month. last year because they have more very excited about what is going to hap- Tuchel needs a big perform- confi dence,” Ancelotti said. pen here. ance from his star players, but I’m hugely impressed with what I’ve he will also need cool heads in UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE just seen at Aspire Academy. There won’t Naples. That is why the German FIXTURES TODAY be many football clubs in the world who is expected to start with veteran (Times in GMT) have facilities that come close to that. Italian Gianluigi Buff on in goal, The only one I can think of is Manches- with the 40-year-old no stranger Group A: Monaco v Club Brugge ter City, and even that is nowhere near to the atmosphere at Napoli’s (1755); Atletico Madrid v Borussia as good. The hope is that the money and home ground — he is available Dortmund (2000) ideas invested in this manifests itself in after being suspended for the Group B: Inter Milan v Barcelona producing a competitive Qatari team in fi rst three group games. (2000); Tottenham v PSV Eind- four years’ time. Former Denmark and Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel at the Legacy Pavilion during his recent visit to Doha. PSG will also hope that Edin- hoven (2000) son Cavani can shake off a mus- Q. At Khalifa International Stadium other host countries, we had to fl y to every FIFA World Cup from a non-playing 2018, that everyone who travelled really cle problem in time to feature Group C: Red Star Belgrade v you experienced the stadium cooling game. Our base camp was near Marseille perspective, how do you think the had a good time. It should be a bench- at the stadium where he used Liverpool (1755); Napoli v Paris technology Qatar is pioneering. What and our fi rst game was in Lens, which is at compact tournament will benefi t fans? mark for all future tournaments. to be idolised before moving to Saint Germain (2000) are you fi rst impressions of that? the other end of the country. You have to Logistically it will be very easy for the France in 2013. “I had three fan- Group D: FC Porto v Lokomotiv This has always been one of the big is- drive for an hour to get to the plane, then fans. The metro will be fi nished soon, Q. Finally, Russia 2018 proved hugely tastic years at Napoli. I have lots Moscow (2000); FC Schalke v sues about Qatar hosting the World Cup the fl ight, then more time in a bus at the which will allow fans to move around positive for the overall perception of of memories from my time at Galatasaray (2000) – the climate. It’s not in the normal World other end to get to your next venue. Then from one ground to the other very quick- the country. How much of an Cup slot, where it could be 50C at pitch do it all again after the game. So to have ly. The roads are being expanded, while opportunity do these events provide level, but it’s still got the potential to be everything in such close proximity, you there’s also a tram system, train system when it comes to winning over hearts in the high 20s – and when you add to cut all that out. I really like that idea. and water taxis. and minds? that the increase you will get at pitch level You have to be in the stadium the day There’s a lot in place to make this so Absolutely, the opportunity is defi - – the cooling technology becomes very before a game and travelling takes it out easy for fans. That’s one thing they did nitely there. Russia is a perfect exam- important. After visiting Khalifa Stadium of you. When you travel the day before, really well in Russia – despite the dis- ple of people thinking one thing about a I’ve now experienced how the stadiums you risk losing one or two per cent of tances between venues, the infrastruc- country, and quickly realising that many are going to be cooled down – and the your capability to tiredness and fatigue. ture was really good – and the fans, by of the negative stereotypes they may have cooling system wasn’t even turned fully So many teams now travel two days be- having a fan pass, could jump on any train been exposed to beforehand were wrong. on, just the fans – and just by having fore, and you arrive at the satellite hotels they wanted to. And everyone found it For instance, security – many people may those on, the diff erence between being – which often aren’t great – a long time relatively easy. think Qatar is unsafe, but coming here outside the stadium and inside is incred- ahead of the game. Because it’s not your Qatar and the LOC (Local Organising you quickly realise you’re probably in one ible. When you can control the tempera- base, boredom can sometimes kick in. Committee) has challenges too. Fans will of the safest places on the planet. ture like that – to whatever temperature But there will be none of that here – you’ll come here wanting to have a good time – In Russia it was the potential for vio- you see fi t – I don’t see the weather being be in the same hotel from the fi rst day you many will have saved for a long time to lence, but there was literally nothing. So a problem for the actual games. arrive to the last day you’re here, so all of come and watch the World Cup and there many people I met came away comment- those concerns and problems are com- will be a lot of things they want to do. ing on how friendly and accommodat- Q. As someone who played at the 1998 pletely alleviated. That really is a great Many will come here and want to have a ing the country was. It just shows the FIFA World Cup in France, how much advantage to the teams, and I know the party – a great party that lasts for as long opportunity the World Cup provides to do you think the compact nature of Qa- players will really like that. as their team is involved, and they should showcase your country to the world, and tar 2022 will help the players? be allowed to have that party. That’s one I think Qatar has every chance to do ex- Even though France is not as vast as Q. You have recently experienced a of the major success stories of Russia actly that. (sc.qa)

Serbian minister lauds plans of legacy and sustainability of Qatar’s World Cup stadiums

Doha: Deputy Minister of Internal Aff airs This came during her visit and the of the stadiums, as well as information East and the Arab region. of Serbia Biljana Popovic Ivkovic accompanying delegation to the legacy related to sports facilities. The Serbian off icial’s visit to the yesterday praised the plans of legacy section at the headquarters of Supreme The Serbian off icial commended the Supreme Committee for Delivery & and sustainability adopted by the Su- Committee for Delivery & Legacy, dur- remarkable achievements accomplished Legacy came on the sidelines of her preme Committee for Delivery & Legacy ing which she was briefed on Qatar’s by the Supreme Committee for Delivery participation in Milipol Qatar 2018, cur- in the stadiums, which will host Qatar preparations to host the World Cup, & Legacy towards organizing the FIFA rently in session in Doha Exhibition and 2022 World Cup. especially with regard to the readiness World Cup for the first time in the Middle Convention Center. Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar (left) and Kylian MBappe take part in a training session in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, western Paris. (AFP)

FOCUS Change to QMMF statute garners strong support from offi cials QNA lam al-Dosari said the decision to es- that the presence of the General As- Doha tablish a general assembly, like in all sembly will enhance their participation other federations, will turn Qatar into in the decision-making process. one of the leading and highly-innova- There needs to be a minimum of ffi cials have praised the new tive countries in the region for sports. three clubs in the General Assembly in statutes of the Qatar Motor He paid tribute to the current board order to hold elections, which al-Dosa- and Motorcycle Federation for their attempt to change the statute, ri said was Al Sadd, Mawater Center, (QMMF) adopted by Minis- saying it refl ected their commitment to Qatar SC, and Losail circuit. He noted terO of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin develop the sport. that the ministry will oversee the elec- Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, which aims Al-Dosari revealed that the QMMF, tions in order to ensure all the rules and to empower young people and provide in talks with the Ministry of Cul- legal measures are taken. them an opportunity to choose new ture and Sports, expressed its desire Vice Chairman of Losail Circuit board of directors through a general as- to change the statute in order to give Sports Club Khalid al-Rumaihi said sembly. youth more power in the decision mak- that having a General Assembly will Now member clubs can vote for elect ing process by holding a general as- promote the federation’s independence a new board. The new statute said that sembly. He said that the ministry has and will encourage youth to play a big- the current board, chaired by QMMF adopted the amendments after study- ger role in the decision-making proc- president Abdulrahman al-Mannai, ing them carefully from a legal stand- ess. “The new system paves the way for will prepare for holding the elections point, to ensure it was in line with the more clubs to join the General Assem- within three months. At a press confer- sports law No 1 of 2016 issued by His bly in the future. I want to thank the ence yesterday, al-Mannai said that he Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin QMMF for this move as it will enhance was looking to change the statute ever Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation president Abdulrahman al-Mannai, Qatar Sports for all Federation president Hamad al-Thani which said that a gen- the youth’s capabilities.” al-Rumaihi since he presided over the federation. Abdulrahman Musellam al-Dosari, Vice Chairman of Losail Circuit Sports Club Khalid al-Rumaihi, Director of Mawater Center eral assembly would be the authority said. “It’s important to have an an offi - Salem al-Mohannadi and Batabit Center director Mohamed Ghanem al-Kubaisi pose after a press conference yesterday. for choosing new boards. Director of Mawater Centre Salem cial umbrella, under which all parties The QSFA president said that the al-Mohannadi and Batabit Centre di- involved in the sport, can meet and to other sports association. It empower Al-Mannai said that the upcom- well received by the international fed- ministry supported the initiative of rector Mohamed Ghanem al-Kubaisi discuss ways to develop motor sports. youth who can now also contribute to ing elections will be the fi rst ever to be erations for auto and for motorcycle. QMMF because it was in line with the thanked the Ministry of Culture and The new statute will also enhance the managing the federation and its mem- held to choose a new board for QMMF, Qatar Sports for all Federation strategy of the ministry in terms of em- Sports for its continuous support and independence of the federation, similar ber clubs,” he said. adding that the amendments were very (QSFA) president Abdulrahman Musel- powering young people, considering said that the new statute will help de-