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Sunday, November 18, 2018 TENNIS Rabia I 10, 1440 AH Zverev shocks GULF TIMES Federer to reach final of ATP Finals SPORT Page 4 MANATEQ INTERNATIONAL RALLY OF QATAR Leach takes Stajf is fi rst non-Arab four as England close in on winner of Qatar rally series victory Al-Attiyah, who had already bagged a Reuters record-breaking 14th MERC title, had Pallekele, Sri Lanka to retire on the first stage of the day ngland’s left-arm spin- since 1986 ner Jack Leach led a strong spin bowling dis- By Sports Reporter play that put the tour- istsE within three of a Losail series-clinching victory against Sri Lanka on an intriguing fourth zech driver Vojtech day of the second Test yesterday. Stajf and his female Chasing 301 to win on a turn- navigator Veronika ing Pallekele track, Sri Lanka Havelkova created their reached 226 for seven when rain ownC little piece of history with ended play for the second con- the fi rst innings, was on 21 when a shock victory in the Manateq secutive day with the hosts still his edge off Moeen fl ew past International Rally of Qatar, the needing 75 to square the three- Stokes at slip and the batsman fi nal round of the FIA Middle Test series at 1-1. also successfully overturned a East Rally Championship, yes- Combative half-centuries leg before decision off Adil Rash- terday. from former Angelo id on review. Following Nasser Saleh al- Mathews and opener was fi nally out to Attiyah’s retirement on the fi rst Karunaratne had set Sri Lanka up some brilliant fi elding at short leg stage of the day, Stajf cruised to nicely in their chase after Leach’s from Jennings, who anticipated an emphatic win. His success brilliant spell of spin bowling a sweep shot from the batsman marked the fi rst victory in the with the new ball had reduced and moved smartly to his left to Qatar International Rally for a them to 26-3. parry the ball to wicketkeeper Ben non-Arab driver since the late But off -spinner Moeen Ali and Foakes for a catch off Rashid. Bjorn Waldegard’s success with Leach, who has already taken a Stokes missed a relatively co-driver Fred Gallagher in a career-best 4-73 in an innings, easier chance when he dropped Toyota Celica Turbo way back brought England right back in Mathews at slip with the bats- in 1986. The win also marked the game by dismissing Mathews man on seven. The right-hander the fi rst for a non-Qatari driver for 88 and Dilruwan Perera for made England pay dearly with since 2002 and the fi rst MERC two respectively in quick succes- another stand of 73 with Roshen win for the Czech at the end of sion after the tea break. Silva for the fi fth . his debut season. Sri Lanka’s hopes on the fi - England missed a chance to Stajf won the fi rst stage of nal day will rest on wicketkeeper dismiss Silva, who had top- the day and then extended his Niroshan Dickwella, who was un- scored for the hosts with 85 in advantage over Adel Abdulla to beaten on 27 at the close of play. the fi rst innings, on 32 when they 1min 50sec with the fastest time Leach had given England the failed to review a not-out verdict through Al Ghariyah. The Skoda ideal start when he lured Kaushal to an lbw shout off Moeen. Re- Fabia R5 driver’s eventual win- Silva out of his crease with a plays showed it would have been ning margin was 4min 07.8sec. fl ighted to be overturned in their favour. Havelkova is a two-time Slova- for four. Moeen sent Silva back on 37 kian national champion, but this Dhananjaya de Silva was out to with England captain Joe Root was her fi rst event with Stajf. a smart catch by Keaton Jennings opting to successfully review an- The delighted Czech said: “I Czech driver Vojtech Stajf (third from right) and his navigator Veronika Havelkova (third from left), winners of the Manateq International Rally at short leg for one while Kusal other not out decision for a bat- feel sorry for Nasser, but that of Qatar pose on the podium with runners-up Adel Abdulla (second from left) of Qatar and navigator Ziad Chebab (left), and third-placed Mendis was also trapped lbw for pad catch. happens sometimes. That is ral- driver Abdullah al-Kuwari and navigator Nasser al-Kuwari, both from Qatar, yesterday. the same score, with England Mathews and Dickwella lying. We were keeping the pace overturning the umpire’s not out thwarted England further with to be safe from the beginning, decision on review. an attacking 45-run stand for the holding back and waiting for Karunaratne made a dogged 57 sixth wicket before Moeen dis- a possible problem for Nasser. and it was his fourth-wicket stand missed Mathews leg before. That’s what happened. My fi rst of 77 with the experienced Math- England had batted for about rally was actually in 1986 with ews that revived Sri Lanka’s chase. 20 minutes in the morning be- my uncle. That’s when I decided fore they were all out for 346 for to become a rally driver. I am MISSED CHANCES a lead of 300. Foakes followed up so happy for my sponsors, who England wasted chances to dis- his debut century during the win have supported me to experi- miss Karunaratne and Mathews in Galle with an unbeaten 65. ence such a hard and challeng- with all-rounder Ben Stokes the Akila Dananjaya, who was ing event like Rally Qatar. guilty fi elder and off -spinner reported for a suspect bowling “This year’s Middle East Moeen Ali the unfortunate bowl- action after the Galle Test but is Championship was very hard for er on both occasions. free to play, notched up career- me. All the rallies were new for Karunaratne, who made 63 in best fi gures of 6-115 for the hosts. me and all the events were very diff erent. I am still learning at the age of 44, even though I have Scorecard been doing rallies for 22 years. This has been a great challenge.” Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah assesses the damage to the Fiesta R5 Qatar’s Adel Abdulla and navigator Ziad Chebab were impressive on ENGLAND 1st inn 290 all out Bowling: Perera 20.4-2-96- Al-Attiyah and French navi- at the end of SS5 yesterday. debut in a Ford Fiesta R5 to finish runners-up. SRI LANKA 1st inn 336 all out 3, Pushpakumara 27-1-101-1, gator Matthieu Baumel headed Dananjaya 25-0-115-6, De Silva ENGLAND 2nd inn (o/n 324-9) into the opening Al Khor stage ished behind him. But it was puncture and a turbo issue in OVERALL CLASSIFICATION 4. Roger Feghali (LBN) 38pts 4-0-7-0, Lakmal 4-0-14-0 defending a lead of just over two over for us.” stage six. But the Qatari and his (TOP 5) 5. Henry Kahy (LBN) 33pts J. Leach lbw b Perera 1 minutes, but the Qatari’s hopes Qatar’s runner-up Adel Ab- nephew Nasser al-Kuwari se- 1. Vojtech Stajf (CZE)/Veronika 6. Khaled Juma (JOR) 32pts R. Burns lbw b Pushpakumara 59 SRI LANKA 2nd inn of securing a record 14th home dulla and new Lebanese navi- cured the fi nal podium place and Havelkova (CZE) Skoda Fabia R5 7. Adel Abdulla (QAT) 29pts D. Karunaratne c Foakes b Rashid 57 event win were ruined just me- gator Ziad Chebab delivered an won the MERC 2 category. 1hr 39min 46.7sec 8. Christos Demostheous (CYP) K. Jennings c de Silva b Dananjaya tres into the stage when the rear impressive debut performance Mohamed al-Meer was un- 2. Adel Hussein (QAT)/Ziad 25pts 26 K. Silva st Foakes b Leach 4 left-hand drive fl ange broke in a Ford Fiesta R5. able to capitalise on al-Kuwari’s Chehab (LEB) Ford Fiesta R5 1hr 9. Abdullah al-Kuwari (QAT) J. Root lbw b Dananjaya 124 D. de Silva c Jennings b Leach 1 on his Ford Fiesta R5. The crew Abdulla got to grips with the delays when he suff ered his own 43min 54.5sec 24pts B. Stokes lbw b Perera 0 struggled to the stage fi nish, increased performance quickly, time loss in Al Ghariyah. He and 3. Abdullah al-Kuwari (QAT)/ 10. Rodolphe Asmar (LBN) 24pts K. Mendis lbw Leach 1 dropping 2min 40.9sec to new although the loss of over two Ahmad al-Fares reached the fi n- Nasser al-Kuwari (QAT) Mit- J. Buttler b Dananjaya 34 A. Mathews lbw Ali 88 M. Ali lbw b Dananjaya 10 leader Stajf, but retired after the minutes in the seventh stage be- ish in fourth. subishi Lancer Evo X 1hr 52min 2018 FIA MERC 2 STANDINGS R. Silva c Root b Ali 37 fl ying fi nish. cause of power steering issues MERC 3 champion Henry 48.0sec (TOP 10) B. Foakes not out 65 Al-Attiyah said: “The upright cost him any realistic chance of Kahy and Jordanian navigator 4. Mohamed al-Meer (QAT)/Ah- 1. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT) 117pts N. Dickwella batting 27 S. Curran b Dananjaya 0 was completely broken. Maybe catching Stajf. Musa Djiyerian wrapped up an mad al-Fares (KWT) Mitsubishi 2. Khaled Juma (JOR) 49pts D. Perera lbw Leach 2 A. Rashid lbw b Dananjaya 2 it was some damage when we Abdulla said: “This is a very excellent season with anoth- Lancer Evo X 2hrs 13min 57.1sec 3. Abdullah al-Kuwari (QAT) Extras (5b, 4lb) 9 had a puncture in Kuwait. It was good result for me. We pushed a er impressive display in their 5. Rashid al-Mohannadi (QAT)/ 39pts J. Anderson b Perera 12 the same corner. It is bad luck. little for the fi rst two stages this two-wheel drive Skoda Fabia Yousef Juma (JOR) Mitsubi- 4. Savvas Savva (CYP) 37pts Total (7 wickets, 65.2 overs) 226 Extras (b4, lb9) 13 The problem was from the start morning and then we lost the 1.6. Kahy was classifi ed in sixth shi Lancer Evo IX 2hrs 20min 5. Ihab Al-Shorafa (JOR) 33pts Fall of Wickets: 1-14 (Silva), 2-16 of the stage. There was a vibra- power steering after two kilo- overall after losing fi fth on the 27.8sec 6. Costas Zenonos (CYP) 30pts Total (all out, 80.4 overs) 346 (de Silva), 3-26 (Mendis), 4-103 tion. We did 300 metres and metres. It was hard to turn in the penultimate stage. 7. Mohamed al-Meer (QAT) 29pts Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Leach), (Karunaratne), 5-176 (Silva), stopped to check if it was a fl at tight corners and we threw away Qatar’s Rashed al-Mohannadi 2018 FIA MERC OVERALL 8. Ahmed Shaban (JOR) 25pts 2-77 (Jennings), 3-108 (Burns), 6-221 (Mathews), 7-226 (Perera) tyre. We saw nothing and de- a lot of time.” and Jordanian co-driver Yousef STANDINGS (TOP 10) 8. George Englezou (CYP) 25pts 4-109 (Stokes), 5-183 (Buttler), Bowling: Anderson 5-2-12-0, cided to keep going to the fi nish. Abdullah al-Kuwari moved Juma fi nished fi fth after Kahy 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT) 10. Rashid al-Mohannadi (QAT) 6-219 (Ali), 7-301 (Root), 8-301 Leach 23.2-2-73-4, Ali 15-0-65-2, The wheel was completely stuck into third overall when al-At- suff ered technical issues near 153pts 24pts (Curran), 9-305 (Rashid), 10-346 and we only had three wheels. tiyah retired and then lost over the end and slipped to sixth 2. Vojtech Stajf (CZE) 131pts 10. Nasser Khalifa al-Attiyah (Anderson) Rashid 17-1-52-1, Root 5-0-15-0 We let Vojtech pass and we fi n- two and a half minutes with a place. 3. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT) 59pts (QAT) 24pts Gulf Times 2 Sunday, November 18, 2018 FOOTBALL

Qatar players train ahead of Iceland friendly

Qatar players train yesterday ahead of their international friendly against Iceland, which will be held at the Belgian city of Eupen tomorrow. Felix Sanchez’s men are on a high after their stunning 1-0 win over eighth-ranked Switzerland in Lugano, Switzerland on Thursday. Akram Afif’s late goal gave the 2022 World Cup hosts a surprise victory. The friendlies are part of Qatar’s preparations for the Asian Cup, which will be held in the UAE in January. Qatar are in Group E along with Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and North Korea.

SPOTLIGHT ASEAN Thailand, Neymar penalty punishes Philippines maintain Uruguay in feisty friendly perfect start Reuters Hong Kong

‘It was a typical South American derby. We have respect for Uruguay, they are dangerous’ hailand’s Korrakot Wiri- yaudomsiri scored di- AFP rect from a corner as the holders beat Indonesia T4-2 in the Asean Football Fed- eration Championship yester- eymar kept his cool to score the day, while Sven-Goran Eriksson controversial penalty that fi red notched up his second win in a Brazil to a 1-0 win over Uru- row as Philippines coach. guay in a full-blooded friendly Korrakot curled in his left- Non Friday night. Brazil captain Neymar foot eff ort to cancel out Zulfi - was subjected to some ferocious fouls andi’s long-range opener for from Uruguay as the clash between the Indonesia before delivering a South American rivals boiled over at Ar- free kick in fi rst half injury time senal’s Emirates Stadium. from which Pansa Hemviboon But the Paris Saint-Germain striker gave the defending champions had the last laugh, netting from the spot the lead. late in the second half after Diego Laxalt Milovan Rajevac’s Thai side was harshly ruled to have fouled Danilo. went into cruise control in the Brazil are now unbeaten in their last 10 second half, with Adisak Krai- meetings with Uruguay, who haven’t sorn adding a third in the 65th defeated the fi ve-time world champi- minute and Pokkhao A-nan put ons since 2001. the result beyond doubt with a Brazil, building towards hosting the perfect weighted lob from out- Copa America next year, take on Cam- side the area nine minutes later. eroon in another friendly in Milton Fachruddin Wahyudi Aryanto Keynes on Tuesday. It will be their last headed home from close range match of 2018, having recorded fi ve two minutes from time to claim a successive friendly victories since los- consolation for the Indonesians. ing in the World Cup quarter-fi nals Eriksson’s Philippines side, against Belgium. “It was a typical South meanwhile, sealed a 3-2 win over American derby. We have respect for East Timor that ensures the Az- Uruguay. They have dangerous play- kals remain in contention for a ers,” Brazil boss Tite said. “We managed place in the knockout rounds of to control them. This is our third game the regional tournament. Phil now without conceding a goal.” Younghusband, who celebrated Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez his 100th international appear- added: “Neymar was playing with free- ance earlier this week, put them dom. We weren’t controlling him very ahead in the 27th minute after well. But I thought our young team Stephan Schrock forced the de- matched Brazil. It’s a shame it comes fence onto the back foot. down to a controversial situation.” Six minutes later Martin Steu- Even on a dank, misty north Lon- ble added a second for Eriksson’s don evening that was a mn miles from side and Carlos de Murga headed the sun-soaked beaches of Rio, Bra- in a third midway through the zil’s global popularity ensured a large second half before late goals crowd braved the elements to see their Brazil’s Neymar celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot in the international friendly against Uruguay at the Emirates Stadium in London on Friday night. (Reuters) from Nataniel Reis and Joao star-studded line-up. Neymar was the Pedro ensured a nervous fi nish headline act as the Maracana came to Filipe Luis’s cross, but his close-range Alisson Becker. Uruguay’s Lucas Tor- Uruguay’s no-hold-barred style suc- ing clipped by Mathias Suarez. But he for the home side. the Holloway Road. eff ort was ruled out for off side. Try- reira was on home turf and the Arse- ceeded in knocking Brazil out of their almost found the perfect response with Thailand and the Philippines His every touch brought cheers of ap- ing his luck from long range soon after, nal midfi elder showed the steely streak stride. Brazil nearly fell behind just be- a mazy run and shot that tested Alisson. each have six points atop Group proval from the crowd and it wasn’t long Neymar whistled a fi erce strike just over that has endeared him to Gunners fans fore the interval as Alisson was forced Neymar fi nally got his revenge for the B after winning their opening before he conjured the Selecao’s fi rst Campana’s crossbar. when he earned a booking for clatter- to repel Edinson Cavani’s close-range rough treatment in the 76th minute. two games before they meet in chance. Tripped by Rodrigo Bentancur Uruguay were hardly short of star ing into Neymar. That crunching tackle strike from a Suarez cross. Suarez went When Uruguay’s Laxalt dived in on the Philippine city of Bacolod on after a fl amboyant run, Neymar picked power themselves and the two-time was typical of the robust approach that close himself, blasting a low free-kick Danilo, the Brazilian launched into a Wednesday. Indonesia and Sin- himself up to take the resulting free- World Cup winners came close to taking has remained Uruguay’s trademark for that forced Alisson to save at full stretch theatrical fall that convinced Pawson to gapore are three points adrift, kick and drilled a low shot that forced a the lead in the 23rd minute. Seizing on decades. after the interval. give a dubious penalty. with the Indonesians having good save from Martin Campana. Brazil’s careless loss of possession, Bar- There was little love lost between the Neymar was growing increasingly Neymar grabbed the ball and stepped played three times. The top two Neymar thought he had opened the celona forward Luis Suarez unleashed sides and referee Craig Pawson dished irritated by the Uruguayan tackling, up to send Campana the wrong way in the fi ve-team group advance scoring when he slotted home from a dipping shot that was turned over by out fi ve bookings in the fi rst half alone. shaking his head in frustration after be- from the spot. to December’s semi-fi nals.

FOCUS Nigeria, Uganda, Mali, Morocco qualify for Cup of Nations

AFP day needing a win to accom- Percy Tau set up the equaliser for a 1-0 victory and left Gabon, who pions League, gave the Comoros Johannesburg pany Nigeria in qualifying from Lebo Mothiba on 26 minutes, but were without injured star Pierre- a second-minute lead. Group E. The Libyans just missed the hosts were fortunate as sev- Emerick Aubameyang, needing a Patrick Phiri equalised after equalling the record away win- eral contentious off side decisions matchday 6 victory in Burundi to 53 minutes and Nasser Chamed igeria, Uganda, Mali ning margin for a Cup of Nations went against Nigeria. “ qualify from Group C. scored the winner in the 70th and Morocco qualifi ed qualifi er held by Ghana, who won Anis Saltou bagged a hat- A draw will suffi ce for Burun- minute on an artifi cial pitch. for the 2019 Africa Cup 9-1 in Niger 49 years ago. trick in Victoria as Libya hu- di, who are ranked 142nd in the Leaders Morocco and second- of Nations yesterday A total of nine nations have miliated the Seychelles, whose world and seeking a fi rst Cup of placed Cameroon qualify from Nwhile Libya scored eight goals to booked now places at the newly- 188th world ranking is the lowest Nations appearance. Morocco the group with the latter assured keep alive their hopes of also fea- extended 24-team fi nals with among the 48 teams in the quali- qualifi ed when Group B rivals of a place because they are host- turing at the fi nals. Nigeria drew hosts Cameroon, Madagascar, fying competition. A Patrick Malawi lost 2-1 away to out-of- ing the June 15-July 13 tourna- 1-1 with South Africa in Soweto, Senegal, Egypt and Tunisia se- Kaddu goal on 79 minutes not contention Comoros in Mitsami- ment. Cameroon are involved Uganda edged Cape Verde 1-0 curing berths before this week- only assured Uganda of fi rst place ouli. The Comoran victory in the in the qualifying competition to in Kampala, Mali beat Gabon end. Nigeria, the three-time in Group K, it opened the door for multi-island Indian Ocean state gain match practice before de- in Libreville and Morocco went former champions who had failed Tanzania to also qualify. gave Morocco an unassailable fending the title they won in Ga- through after rivals Malawi lost to qualify for the last two edi- If Tanzania win in Lesotho six-point advantage over Malawi bon last year by defeating Egypt in the Comoros. tions, were ahead in South Africa today they will return to the with one matchday left. El Far- 2-1 in the fi nal. Morocco climbed Libya triumphed 8-1 in the within nine minutes when Buhle African football showcase af- dou Mohamed Ben Nabouhane, above Cameroon into fi rst place South Africa’s Tiyani Mabunda (right) and Nigeria’s Alexander Iwobi Seychelles and host South Africa Mkhwanazi scored an own goal. ter a 39-year absence. An early who has been playing for Red in Group B on Friday after beat- vie for the ball during the African Cup of Nations qualifier in next March on the fi nal match- Outstanding South African Moussa Doumbia goal gave Mali Star Belgrade in the UEFA Cham- ing them 2-0 in Casablanca. Johannesburg yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, November 18, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

NATIONS LEAGUE Netherlands hand France fi rst post-World Cup defeat Dutch need just a point against relegated Germany tomorrow to leapfrog France and make the semi-finals

AFP Ryan Babel and Steven Bergwijn. Rotterdam, Netherlands “We played to the minimum of our potential and paid for it. The score could have been even more fl atter- he Netherlands have qualifi - ing for the Dutch,” said Lloris, easily cation for the Nations League France’s best performer. “We have to semi-fi nals in their sights after ask questions of ourselves after and beating France 2-0 on Friday to hope that the Germans beat them on Thand Didier Deschamps’ side their fi rst Monday.” defeat since winning the World Cup. Depay was in particularly fi ne fettle, Georginio Wijnaldum struck on and the Lyon attacker was denied three the stroke of half-time and the daz- times in the space of three second-half zling Memphis Depay chipped home a minutes by Lloris to stop the Dutch cheeky stoppage-time penalty to bag a adding to their total. First Lloris pushed win in Rotterdam for Ronald Koeman’s away Depay’s stinging free-kick in the revitalised side that leaves the impres- 73rd minute, then two minutes later the sive Dutch needing just a point against Spurs man saved his bamboozled de- relegated Germany on Monday to leap- fenders with two smart saves from the frog France and make the semi-fi nals. striker in a matter of seconds. The Dutch are a point behind lead- France fi nally creaked into action not ers France, who only needed a draw long after, but off ered little going for- themselves on Friday to qualify for the ward, and with the match rolling into knockout stage in their last match of injury time Lloris once again saved his the group. team’s blushes with a superb save from Wijnaldum’s goal came practically Frenkie De Jong’s long-range strike fol- at the midway point of a match domi- lowing a rapid breakaway. nated by the hosts, who have bounced However De Jong, picked out by De- back from the doldrums after failing to schamps on Thursday as one to watch qualify for the World Cup. for the Netherlands, helped his side seal They dominated the lacklustre world the points when he was bundled down champions from the off and were only in the area by Moussa Sissoko with sec- denied a even bigger win by a magnifi - onds left. Depay stepped up and capped cent performance from France goal- a brilliant individual and team display keeper Hugo Lloris. “This win shows by clipping a panenka spot-kick over a the spirit of the team, the quality of the despairing Lloris, announcing the re- players we have,” said Depay. “It shows turn of the Netherlands to the big stage. that we have a bright future, we have to continue like this. This is just the start.” UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE RESULTS The closest Deschamps’ men came League A: Group 1: At Rotterdam, Neth- to scoring was a weak 10th-minute erlands: Netherlands 2 (Wijnaldum 44, header from Antoine Griezmann, who Depay 90+5-pen) France 0 was otherwise anonymous alongside the equally invisible Kylian Mbappe. League B: Group 1: At Trnava, Slovakia: “There was one team out there with Slovakia 4 (Rusnak 6, Kucka 26, Zrelak a lot of desire and we didn’t have 52, Mak 61) Ukraine 1 (Konoplyanka 47); enough,” said Deschamps. “There was Group 4: At Cardiff : Wales 1 (Bale 90) a clear gulf between the sides and they Denmark 2 (Jorgensen 42, Braithwaite deserved the win... We weren’t at the 88) races and didn’t show enough.” League C: Group 3: At Nicosia: Cyprus 1 The Dutch meanwhile peppered (Zachariou 24) Bulgaria 1 (Dimitrov 89- Lloris’ goal from the off , with Wijnal- pen); At Ljubljana dum forcing the France keeper’s fi rst save with just a minute on the clock Slovenia 1 (Verbic 9) Norway 1 (Johnsen following an impressive burst from 85) star turn Depay. The match would have League D: Group 4: At Gibraltar: Gibraltar been done and dusted long before the 2 (De Barr 10, Priestley 78) Armenia 6 fi nal whistle had it not been for Totten- (Movsisyan 27, 48, 52, 54, Kartashyan ham stopper Lloris, who engaged in an 66, Karapetyan 90+4); At Vaduz: almost personal battle with the Neth- Liechtenstein 0 Macedonia 2 (Bardhi 53, Netherlands’ midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum (right) celebrates with forward Memphis Depay after scoring a goal during the UEFA Nations League football match erlands’ vibrant front three of Depay, Nestorovski 90+1) against France at the Feijenoord stadium in Rotterdam on Friday night. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Fatigue Dalic’s main Serbia eye Nations League promotion concern for England clash aft er beating Montenegro Reuters AFP Belgrade London erbia closed in on promotion to the roatia coach Zlatko Nations League second tier after a Dalic said yesterday he 2-1 home win over neighbours Mon- was worried his players tenegro yesterday left them top of would still be feeling the GroupS 4 in League C. The Serbians, who won effC ects of their thrilling 3-2 win with fi rst-half goals from Adem Ljajic and over Spain when they meet Eng- Aleksandar Mitrovic, have 11 points from land in a decisive Nations League fi ve games, four more than Montenegro who fi xture today. can no longer clinch top spot. The 52-year-old, who will be Serbia will be promoted if Romania, who without injured Barcelona star have six points from four games, fail to beat Ivan Rakitic, is yet to taste defeat visiting Lithuania in last night’s late kick off . to Gareth Southgate’s side hav- Lithuania have no points from four games ing memorably beaten them 2-1 and face almost certain relegation to League in the World Cup semi-fi nal and D. Ljajic and Mitrovic, who also missed a Serbia’s Adem Ljajic celebrates after scoring against Montenegro in Belgrade. (Reuters) then fought out a 0-0 draw in penalty, put Serbia in the driving seat but Croatia in their opening Nations they were forced to hang on after Stefan ing Aleksandar Kolarov cross from the left. many at Red Star stadium, but Mitrovic fell League encounter. Mugosa pulled one back in the 70th minute. However, the Fulham striker was guilty of a woefully short of matching it. A win for Croatia would take The home side dominated the opening poor Panenka-style penalty miss in the 38th Mitrovic then shaved the far post and Dalic’s men to the semi-fi nals period and Ljajic fi red them ahead in the minute, dinking the ball over the bar as he forced a good save from Petkovic with head- of the Nations League and send Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic (right) and forward Ivan Perisic during a 30th minute when he took a delightful Du- tried to emulate the spot kick by the former ers in the closing stages of the fi rst period as England down to League B. training session at Wembley stadium in London yesterday. (Reuters) san Tadic through ball into his stride and Czech maestro that was made famous at the Montenegro struggled to break out of their “We totally respect the England beat goalkeeper Danijel Petkovic with a cool same ground. own half. Roared on by a small but noisy team,” Dalic told reporters. “We to France in the fi nal. Croatia both teams will try to win the fi nish. Antonin Panenka scored the winning goal group of fans, Montenegro looked more pur- learned a lot in both matches. had not scored in the Nations match. It’s diffi cult to say who is Mitrovic doubled the lead two minutes with an audacious eff ort to give Czechoslo- poseful after the break and striker Mogusa I’m more worried about our team League until Thursday’s remark- the favourite team. If we play our later with a superb header after twist- vakia the 1976 European Championship title fi red a thumping shot into the roof of the net because we played against Spain able 3-2 win over Spain, who best like we did against Spain I ing and turning in mid-air to meet a teas- with a penalty shootout win over West Ger- from 10 metres. two days ago. I’ll try to get the had thrashed them 6-0 in their think we can win the match.” best from my players.” opening match. “Maybe it was His England counterpart Ga- Dalic, who was a surprise too soon after the World Cup,” reth Southgate says familiarity choice for the Croatia job when said Perisic. has not bred contempt but it has he was plucked from United Arab “That’s why there was a little given him a fair idea of where to Barca’s Rakitic set for time out with hamstring strain Emirates outfi t Al Ain in 2017, bit of a comedown. Tomorrow exploit their weaknesses. “We Barcelona: Barcelona midfielder Ivan be sidelined for two to three weeks. left the pitch in Zagreb suff ering discom- said his players would be up for we will play how we know we can know their style of play, we know Rakitic is expected to be sidelined for at Rakitic was already suspended for next fort in the back of his right thigh. “We want the task given the historic sta- play. We will be very focused on their preferences, the areas that least two weeks after the Liga champions Saturday’s clash between the Liga leaders healthy players and Ivan in this moment dium they would be playing in. the next Euro qualifi ers but to- they build up, we know areas that said yesterday he had strained his right and third-placed Atletico Madrid, who are is not 100% ready. Unfortunately, we are “We don’t need to be motivated,” morrow against England we will we think we can try to exploit,” hamstring in Croatia’s 3-2 home win over a point behind, after being sent off against going to play without him.” said Dalic. “We play at Wembley, try to play like we did against he said. “It’s two really evenly- Spain in the Nations League on Thursday. Real Betis last week. He is now certain to Rakitic, 30, has played 102 games for one of the most important stadi- Spain.” matched teams. Both games after The Croatian had already been ruled miss the Champions League trip to PSV Croatia but Dalic said they have players ums in the world.” Midfi elder Perisic, a target for 90 minutes have been draws.” out of his country’s winner-takes-all game Eindhoven on Nov. 28 and a Liga game at capable of filling in. “We will see who will Ivan Perisic, one of the stand- Manchester United a few years However, Southgate — whose against England today in the new competi- home to Villarreal on Dec. 2. replace him. We have (Mateo) Kovacic, out performers for Croatia at the ago, said it was in neither side’s side can progress to the fi nals of tion and was sent back to Barcelona, where Croatia manager said: “He will go to we have (Josip) Brekalo, we have (Milan) World Cup and the scorer of the interests to settle for a draw the new competition if they beat he underwent tests yesterday. Barcelona, it’s a serious injury. You know Badelj,” he added. “There is always a solu- equaliser in the semi-fi nal win today. “Of course both teams their opponents which off ers the Barca’s medical report did not state how that I usually take no risk. If there is a doubt tion and we should stop whining about over England, said it had taken a need to win tomorrow,” said the chance of qualifi cation for Euro long the 30-year-old midfielder would that the injury could be serious, then we let someone who’s not going to be there. We while for him and his teammates 29-year-old Inter Milan star. “If 2020 — believes his side have be out for, although Spanish newspaper him rest,” Dalic said. will find a solution and we are going to to get over their eff orts in Russia not, Spain go through. If in the progressed since the heartbreak Mundo Deportivo said he was expected to He did not specify the injury but Rakitic Wembley to enjoy football.” which ended with a 4-2 defeat last 10 minutes it’s still a draw of losing to the Croats in Russia. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, November 18, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS GOLF Italy’s Molinari stays on track to Zverev shocks win Race to Dubai

Reuters Augusta National in April and Dubai remains keen to land an early Christmas present. “I feel good,” the 28-year- rancesco Molinari re- old American said. “I feel like Federer to reach mained on track to be- the consistency of my game is come the fi rst Italian where it needs to be. to win the European “To have a chance to go out Tour’sF season-long Race to and fi nish the year off right and Dubai after carding a 70 to sit win a golf tournament, give at fi ve-under par heading into myself a little early Christmas the fi nal round of the DP World gift, a trophy, would be amaz- Tour Championship yesterday. ing.” fi nal of ATP Finals Molinari’s closest rival Eng- England’s Jordan Smith also land’s Tommy Fleetwood, who fi nished with a fl ourish, three ‘My team and me have been working so hard for this. I’m a little bit upset now about how it all must win this weekend to have birdies from the 14th leaving any chance of retaining the him one shot off the lead at ended, I didn’t want it to end that way, but hopefully I’ll have many more great matches here’ Harry Vardon Trophy, failed to 13-under. make a single birdie in a frus- Lee Westwood, who won AFP trating third-round 74, slip- his fi rst European Tour title in London ping eight shots off the pace. four years at the Nedbank Golf Patrick Reed and Danny Challenge last week, contin- Willett shared the lead after ued his brilliant run with seven lexander Zverev beat a dramatic late birdie spree at birdies in the fi rst 14 holes. Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6 Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. The Englishman fi nished at (7/5) yesterday to reach U.S. Masters champion Reed 12-under for a share of fourth the title decider at the fi red four birdies in six holes spot alongside compatriot ATPA Finals in a match that ended on the back nine to fi nish with Matt Wallace and South Afri- in confusion and high drama. fi ve-under-67 and set a club- can Dean Burmester. The 21-year-old German, house target of 14-under, while Overnight leader Wallace, leading the charge of the new England’s Willett posted three chasing a fourth European generation against the old guard, birdies in a row to join him with Tour title victory of the season, is now just one win away from a 68. started with three birdies but a the biggest title of his career but Reed is looking for his fi rst double bogey at the eighth re- the Swiss must wait for a tilt at victory since his triumph at stricted him to a 71. his 100th tournament victory. The end of the match was overshadowed by an unusual incident, Zverev stopping a rally with Federer leading 4-3 in the second-set tie-break after a ballboy dropped a ball, forcing the point to be replayed. Zverev won the point with an ace and nudged into a 5-4 lead before Federer inexplicably net- ted with a simple forehand vol- ley to hand the German two set points, the second of which he took on his own serve. Immediately after the match Francesco Molinari of Italy plays a shot during day three of the DP fi nished there were boos from World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates golf course in the pro-Federer crowd at Lon- Dubai yesterday. (AFP) don’s O2 Arena and on-court interviewer Annabel Croft told them to be “more respectful” as Zverev had been playing by the Thompson seizes three-shot lead in rules. LPGA Tour Championship “First of all I want to apolo- gise for the situation in the tie- Lexi Thompson fired a bogey- only player without a bogey break,” said the German. “The free five-under par 67 on Fri- through 36 holes and is on the ball boy dropped the ball and it day to grab a three-shot lead way to expunging the memory is the rules we have to stop the midway through the LPGA of a missed two-footer that point.” Germany’s Alexander Zverev celebrates winning against Switzerland’s Roger Federer during their singles semi-final on day seven of the ATP Tour Championship in Naples, cost her victory here last year. “I’m unbelievably proud,” World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London yesterday. (AFP) Florida. Thompson, without A victory would extend her added the world number fi ve. a victory in 2018, capped her streak to six consecutive LPGA “My team and me have been ther player able to make serious faltered in the 12th game of the enormous cheers from the par- The tie-break went with serve round with three straight seasons with at least one win. working so hard for this. inroads, Zverev sending down opening set, watching helplessly tisan crowd. until the 10th point, when Fe- birdies at Tiburon Golf Club “I gave myself the birdie “I’m a little bit upset now howitzers around the 140 miles- as Zverev zipped a magnifi cent But the frustrated 20-time derer netted to hand Zverev a to pull away from overnight opportunities I wanted,” said about how it all ended, I didn’t per-hour (225 kilometres per passing shot past him down the Grand Slam winner could not mini-break - an advantage he leader Amy Olson and fellow Thompson, who missed just want it to end that way, but hour) mark. line on his way to breaking to consolidate his position, losing did not squander. American Brittany Lincicome. one fairway and found all 18 hopefully I’ll have many more Six-time champion Federer, love. the next game as Zverev levelled Zverev, who already has three Her 36-hole score of 12-under greens in regulation. “Wish I great matches here.” 37, and third seed Zverev both The second seed regrouped at 2-2. Masters series titles under his par 132 tied the tournament would’ve made a few more, showed a willingness to get to and drew fi rst blood in the sec- Federer’s level slipped as his belt in his short career, is the record set by Lydia Ko in 2016 but definitely not complaining SERVE DOMINATES the net in a match featuring ond set, breaking in the third young opponent stayed focused youngest fi nalist at the event and matched by Park Sung- with the five-under round and Serve dominated the fi rst set of power and guile. game with a thunderous back- but he clung on to take the set to since Juan Martin del Potro in hyun in 2017. Thompson is the the finish I had.” a high-class match, with nei- The Swiss veteran eventually hand down the line that drew a tie-break. 2009.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Howell three in front at Horikawa leads, Koepka halfway at RSM Classic Reuters fi ve strokes off the pace Washington Reuters Tokyo Mexican Ancer makes a big move to lead in Sydney harles Howell re- mained bogey-free and Mexican Abraham Ancer took charge on moving round one and shared the lead at the halfway extended his lead to orld number one day with a brilliant seven-under-par 65 in blus- stage after a hole-in-one, faded out of contention three strokes after the Brooks Koepka tery Sydney winds to move into an imposing five- with a third-round 76. secondC round at the RSM Classic has his work cut stroke lead after the third round of the Australian The South Korean, bidding to become the first in Georgia on Friday. out if he is to win Open yesterday. Asian to lift the Stonehaven Cup, imploded with Howell added a second succes- Wthe Dunlop Phoenix Tourna- The Texas-born 27-year-old, playing in Australia two double bogeys in three holes on the back sive 64, this time on the par-70 ment for a third year in a row for the first time, blitzed five straight birdies from nine and finished tied for 12th on four-under. Seaside course after playing his after falling fi ve strokes behind the sixth hole and added three more on the way With his co-overnight leader Max McArdle open- fi rst round on the par-72 Plan- leader Mikumu Horikawa dur- home for a total of 13-under 203 after 54 holes at ing his round with a double bogey, the names at tation at Sea Island.He posted ing the third round in Miyazaki The Lakes Golf Club. the top of the leaderboard changed frequently a 14-under 128 halfway total, yesterday. Japanese amateur Keita Nakajima was in second before Ancer took control with his run of birdies. while fellow Americans Cameron Japan’s Horikawa will take place on eight-under after a 70, one shot better The Mexican could have been even further in Champ and Jason Gore both shot a two-shot lead into the fi nal than American Keegan Bradley and the leading front had he not narrowly missed a 10-foot eagle 63 at Seaside to jump into equal round at Phoenix Country Club Australian Marcus Fraser, who both shot 71s for a putt after successfully traversing the water with second place on 11-under. after fi ring seven birdies with a share of third. his approach shot at the 17th hole. Howell, 39, said he could not single bogey in a six-under-par Matt Kuchar, the highest ranked player in the “It would be awesome (to win),” said Ancer, remember two days of better 65 to move to 12-under 201 for field, looked liked joining them on seven-under whose only previous professional title came on ball-striking during his nearly the tournament after 54 holes. only to bogey the final hole and sign for a 73 and the Web.com tour. two-decade long professional Australian Brendan Jones share of fifth with three Australians. “I’ve seen the names of the players that have career, which has reaped more and Japan’s Shugo Imahira also “It was a tough round,” said Ancer. “I knew it won before, very inspiring ... it would mean the than $35 million in prize money. shot 65s for a share of second was going to be blowing all day so I had to stay world to me.” However, with only two PGA on 10-under with South Ko- patient and keep the ball in play. World number 29 Kuchar, who won the PGA Tour victories, Howell acknowl- rean Park Sang-hyun alone in “I was able to do that, it was a very challenging Tour’s Mayakoba Classic in Mexico last weekend, edges he is not particularly com- fourth a further shot back after round but everything went my way and when it and compatriot Bradley will be expected to fortable or experienced play- shooting a 68 for the third day didn’t go my way I managed to make at most a mount a challenge today. ing with the lead. “I’ve almost in a row. bogey, which out here is pretty good.” “I wish I was a little closer to Abraham. He has done everything in my career, tories, said nerves were not so for the fi rst time, blitzed fi ve Koepka started the day three Nakajima will bear the hopes of Asia going into been playing some really good golf,” Bradley but playing with a lead isn’t one much the problem. Rather, he straight birdies from the sixth shots off the pace after landing the final day after An Byeong-hun, who led after said. thing I’ve really done a whole lot sometimes had trouble keeping hole and added three more on the three late birdies on Friday and of,” he told reporters. his mind in the moment. way home for a total of 13-under looked to have ignited his round on seven-under. I should have myself in con- Hyun-woo (68). The Argentine “I could talk to you about fi n- “S Mexican Abraham Ancer 203 after 54 holes at The Lakes when he nailed an eagle putt at “It was pretty bad,” Koepka tention with nine holes to go. world number 48 was equally ishing second or third a lot. As took charge on moving day with Golf Club. Japanese amateur his fourth hole, a par fi ve. told reporters. “I didn’t hit very That’s the plan.” unimpressed with his round. many golf tournaments as I’ve a brilliant seven-under-par 65 in Keita Nakajima was in second The American stalled when good, didn’t putt very good. It’s Overnight leader Emiliano “Absolutely garbage to be played, this is still relatively new blustery Sydney winds to move place on eight-under after a 70, he gave back the shots with a kind of continuation of last two Grillo managed only a level par honest,” he said. “Didn’t hit for me, which is kind of surpris- into an imposing fi ve-stroke lead one shot better than American double bogey at the next hole, days. I haven’t got any momen- 71 and fell to a tie for fi fth on it good off the tee, didn’t hit ing at almost 40 years old.” after the third round of the Aus- Keegan Bradley and the leading however, and two more birdies tum. I played poorly. eight-under with Yuki Inamori good second shot, putting was Howell, who has 16 runner- tralian Open. The Texas-born Australian Marcus Fraser, who over the back nine left him with “I need to play better. If I (70) and another South Korean horrible. A lot of work to do ups to go with his pair of vic- 27-year-old, playing in Australia both shot 71s for a share of third. a 69 to stand in a share of eighth can put a good round together, Japan Golf Tour regular in Ryu tomorrow.” Gulf Times Sunday, November 18, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Rielly nets overtime winner as Leafs Celtics edge Raptors dump Ducks

Reuters to the front of the net and Gar- Anaheim diner’s centring pass went off Marleau’s skate as he was be- ing tripped by Anaheim’s Josh organ Rielly scored Manson. in overtime battle the winning goal at The Ducks tied it on Ab- 3:17 of overtime as erg’s goal at 18:35 of the sec- the Toronto Maple ond. Adam Henrique lofted the MLeafs defeated the host Ana- puck out of Anaheim’s zone to heim Ducks 2-1 Friday night. centre ice, where Nick Ritchie Patrick Marleau also scored gloved it and started a 2-on- for the Maple Leafs, who im- 1 break with Aberg. Ritchie’s proved to an NHL-best 9-1 on cross-ice pass found Aberg at of Eastern powers the road this season. Toronto the top of the right faceoff cir- also completed a sweep of the cle and he unleashed a slapshot ‘We wanted to come out and be the aggressive team. We got kind of stalled in that California teams in the same toward the lower left corner season away from home for the that redirected off the butt of third quarter, but we picked it up again down the stretch’ fi rst time since 1995-96. Sparks’ stick and into the net. Garret Sparks, making just Although Maple Leafs cen- his fourth start of the season tre John Tavares was on the after Frederik Andersen made ice when the winning goal was 42 saves Thursday night in a scored, he had his seven-game 5-3 victory at San Jose, stopped point streak snapped. Tavares 38 shots. Pontus Aberg scored had fi ve goals and fi ve assists for Anaheim and goaltender during the run. John Gibson made 33 saves. The Ducks played without The Ducks dropped to 8-1-2 defenseman Cam Fowler, who when allowing two or fewer had surgery Friday to repair goals this season. facial fractures he sustained Rielly took a pass from Mitch when he was hit in the face by Marner and beat Gibson with a a puck during the third period slapshot from the left faceoff of a 3-2 shootout win Monday circle for the winner. against Nashville. Marleau gave the Maple Leafs the lead at 5:42 of the RESULTS fi rst period. Nazem Kadri won Dallas ...... 1 Boston ...... 0 (OT) a faceoff in the off ensive end Buff alo...... 2 Winnipeg .....1 (SO) and Jake Gardiner collected Los Angeles ...... 2 Chicago ...... 1 (SO) the puck at the blue line be- Washington ...... 3 Colorado ...... 2 (OT) fore charging down the left Toronto ...... 2 Anaheim ...... 1 (OT) wing. Marleau made his way St. Louis ...... 4 Las Vegas ...... 1

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (right) and Anaheim Ducks center Rickard Rakell battle for the puck during the overtime period at Honda Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

World Series MVP Pearce to return for Red Sox World Series Most Valuable Dodgers, a game after fuelling Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving controls the ball against Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet during overtime at TD Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Player Steve Pearce will return Boston’s game-four victory to the Boston Red Sox next with a home run and a clutch AFP pulled Boston level, while Leonard missed fourth quarter. season, agreeing on Friday three-run double. All four of Los Angeles RESULTS a potential game-winner at the buzzer. Ben Simmons drove for a layup that to a one-year contract worth his hits in the World Series Boston quickly seized control in over- put Philadelphia up 109-107 with 58.7 $6.25 million. “We’re thrilled were for extra bases. Pearce Milwaukee 123-104 Chicago time, in which they never trailed. seconds remaining, and Butler drained a to have Steve back with us for was acquired by the Red Sox yrie Irving scored 23 of his 43 Memphis 112-104 Sacramento “We wanted to come out and be the ag- jump shot to stretch the lead then drew an another year, as we think he’s a from the Blue Jays for minor points in the fourth quarter and Minnesota 112-96 Portland gressive team,” Irving said. off ensive foul from the Jazz. great fit for our club,” said Red leaguer Santiago Espinal on overtime Friday as the Boston “We got kind of stalled in that third Joel Embiid, who scored 12 of his 23 Sox president of baseball opera- June 28 and quickly estab- New Orleans 129-124 New York Celtics made a statement with quarter, but we picked it up again down points in the fourth quarter, capped the tions Dave Dombrowski. “Obvi- lished himself, hitting seven Ka 123-116 victory over the NBA’s Eastern Boston 123-116 Toronto the stretch. I was just trying to be aggres- scoring with two free throws and the Six- ously, we all saw what kind of homers in 50 games along Conference leading Toronto Raptors. Indiana 99-91 Miami sive, trying to get to my spots. I had my ers improved to 10-7. impact he can have on the field, with 26 runs-batted-in. pull-up working.” Butler, whose fi rst game with the Six- Irving added 11 assists and Jayson Philadelphia 113-107 Utah especially with the post-season Pearce, who grew up a Red Tatum chipped in 21 points and seven In Philadelphia, Jimmy Butler scored ers was Wednesday’s loss at Orlando, also that he had. He also provides Sox fan, finally landed in Bos- rebounds for the Celtics, who erased Brooklyn 115-104 Washington 28 points in his home debut for the 76ers, contributed seven assists, three rebounds good depth and balance from ton after stints with 11 other an eight-point fourth quarter defi cit to quarter, the Celtics were down 86-78 af- leading the way in a 113-107 victory over and two steals. the right side for us.” teams in a career that has improve to 9-6 while the Raptors fell to ter Leonard’s layup with 10:37 left in the the Utah Jazz. Embiid had seven rebounds, three The right-handed slugger been hampered by injury. 12-4. fourth. Butler, acquired on Monday from the blocked shots and two steals despite play- emerged as the unlikely home “This has been a lifelong jour- Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points and But they out-scored Toronto 29-25 in Minnesota Timberwolves, got a warm ing just 26 minutes because of foul trou- run hero of Boston’s World ney,” Pearce said after the Red pulled down 15 rebounds for the Raptors, the fi nal frame, knotting the score at 90- welcome from Philly fans and made ble and Simmons fi nished with 10 points, Series victory over the Los Sox vanquished the Dodgers who have lost three in a row since open- 90 on Irving’s three-pointer. a quick impact as the hosts seized a eight rebounds and eight assists. Angeles Dodgers. He clubbed in Major League Baseball’s title ing the season with 12 wins in their fi rst 13 Toronto regained a 107-103 lead with 16-point lead in the fi rst quarter. Utah’s Donovan Mitchell led all scorers two homers in the series- series. “To be here right now is games. 1:29 remaining in regulation, but Tatum’s The Jazz dug in to make it close, and with 31 points, but the Jazz suff ered their clinching 5-1 win over the a dream come true.” Trailing 82-78 at the end of the third dunk and Gordon Hayward’s free throws the teams traded the lead six times in the second straight defeat.

NFL Rested Texans ready for injury-ravaged Redskins Reuters ceptions – that helped keep the a dislocated thumb, but Crowder use him more, even more than we Washington Buccaneers out of the end zone. (ankle) and running back Chris did,” O’Brien said. “He’s a very The Redskins are off to their Thompson (ribs) remain out. smart guy, excellent pro. He was best nine-game start since 2008 Kicker Dustin Hopkins (groin) is in here last week, meeting extra he Houston Texans go and their plus-11 turnover dif- questionable and expected to try on Thursday, Friday, trying to get for their seventh straight ferential is their best since late to gut it out. Houston’s defense some more of the off ense down.” win on Sunday when 2012. The defense is tied for is allowing 20.4 points per game Deshaun Watson boasts a pas- they visit the Washing- fourth in the NFL in points al- (seventh in the NFL). They’ve ser rating of 100.7 and contrib- Tton Redskins in a matchup of di- lowed (19.4). held four of their last fi ve oppo- utes to a running attack that’s vision leaders. The Redskins (6- Playing without three starters nents to 17 points or less. gaining 120.2 yards per game. 3) come in with a two-game lead on the off ensive line and wide re- “Certainly, they are one of the Houston switched return men in the NFC East while the Texans ceiver Jamison Crowder, the Red- most disruptive fronts in foot- during the bye, waiving run- (6-3) roll in a game in front of skins managed one touchdown ball. I think when you talk about ning back/receiver Tyler Ervin the Tennessee Titans in the AFC on Sunday and haven’t topped just creating problems, penetra- and claiming DeAndre Carter off South and coming off a bye. the 20-point mark in their last tion. They’re all over the place,” waivers from the Eagles. “Obviously, I think everybody four games. Quarterback Alex Smith said. “They obviously are The last time the teams met was has confi dence in their ability to Smith has thrown 10 touchdown really, really talented. They get O’Brien’s debut, a 17-6 Texans go out there and play well, but and three interceptions and has a up the fi eld.” win in Week 1 of 2014. Ryan Fit- I also think our team under- 90.7 passer rating. That said, the former Chief is zpatrick was the Houston quar- stands that this is a very hum- “I think the last couple weeks 4-1 against the Texans, including terback and safety DJ Swearinger, bling league,” Texans coach Bill against Atlanta and Tampa Bay 3-1 since O’Brien took over. enjoying a standout season for the O’Brien said. “This is a league, we had too many drives we are Houston receiver DeAndre Redskins, notched his fi rst career like I always say, it’s a short walk. wasting on penalties or dropped Hopkins leads the AFC with 63 sack for the Texans. It’s a short walk from where you passes or self-infl icted wounds catches, good for 894 yards and Swearinger was waived af- are right now to where you were and that’s what we have to get seven touchdowns. O’Brien used ter two seasons and said this when you were 0-3.” rid of,” coach Jay Gruden said. the bye week to integrate recent- week he blames O’Brien for how Washington is coming off a bi- “Then, make the plays that ly acquired wide receiver De- things ended. “I hope DJ has a zarre 16-3 win at Tampa Bay. The present themselves.” maryius Thomas into the off ense great game but I hope he plays Redskins allowed 501 yards of Left tackle Trent Williams is and hopes to expand his role. He within himself and doesn’t do off ense but forced four turnovers questionable to return Sunday as caught three passes in his Texans too much extra-curricular activ- – two fumbles and two inter- he recovers from surgery to repair debut. “We’ve got to be able to ity things,” Gruden said. Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien Gulf Times 6 Sunday, November 18, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY FOCUS Wallabies beat Italy 26-7 for fi rst Cokanasiga strikes European tour win

ReutersPadua coaching career in Padua, said he was happy with the per- formance, praising his team’s ustralia beat Italy defence which kept Italy at bay 26-7 yesterday, keep- while prop Scott Sio, yellow- on debut as England ing their unblem- carded for a deliberate knock- ished record against down, was off the fi eld. He also theA Azzurri intact in what was lauded Matt To’omua’s per- billed as a must-win match for formance at fl yhalf in place of Wallabies’ embattled coach Bernard Foley, who was shifted Michael Cheika. to inside centre after Austral- The Wallabies showed ia’s narrow loss to Wales last enough scrambling defence to weekend. beat Japan 35-15 keep the Italians at bay in per- However, the Wallabies leave fect conditions in the Rugby- for Twickenham with a doubt England avoid embarrassment after a fine first-half performance from Japan mad Italian town of Padua, over the fi tness of number but dropped balls, mix-ups eight David Pocock, who can AFP in attack and scrum penal- turn games with his steals at Twickenham, United Kingdom ties marred the win, only their the breakdown. He was fl oored fourth in their last 12 tests. by a collision in the second half Australia scored four tries to and left the fi eld nursing his oe Cokanasiga scored a try one to register their fi rst win neck. “We’ll see how he recov- on his Test debut as Eng- on their European tour. Winger ers,” Cheika said. land came from behind Marika Koroibete ran in two Italian winger Mattia Bel- to beat 2019 World Cup and prop Taniela Tupou and lini scored the home side’s hostsJ Japan 35-15 at Twicken- replacement scrumhalf Will try, scooping up a wayward ham yesterday. Genia one apiece, but several pass from Foley soon after the England were 15-10 down at opportunities went begging. break, but Italy’s coach Conor half-time and a shock looked With England awaiting them O’Shea voiced outrage that possible, but they scored 25 un- next weekend at Twickenham, they had been denied a try in answered points after the break. and the World Cup beckon- the opening minutes. Cokanasiga’s try 10 minutes ing in less than 12 months, the Scrumhalf Tito Tebaldi in- from time and another from Dy- Wallabies have still to settle tercepted a pass and bolted lan Hartley in the 76th minute on their best fl yhalf and inside under the posts but was judged were tough on 2019 World Cup centre combination and make to be off side without a video hosts Japan. On a dry day ide- their back three fully click on review. al for their favoured, running attack.“I feel great. We won, “I’m angry,” O’Shea said. game, Japan deservedly led at we grinded. In the change “For the life of me, why don’t the interval. rooms people were smiling,” you go upstairs when it’s there. England scrum-half Danny captain Michael Hooper said. It’s just beyond belief.” Care may have crossed for the “It was a win and we have not Australia and Italy have met fi rst try of the match in just the had a huge amount (of them) 18 times, with the Wallabies third minute but Japan’s passing, this year.” winning each time. led by their No 9 Fumiaki Tana- Cheika, who began his ka, and handling was far sharper in the opening 40 minutes. Their enterprising play was SPOTLIGHT rewarded with tries by centre Ryoko Nakamura and captain Michael Leitch. Meanwhile England again paid Gatland praises the price for repeated indisci- pline, with hooker sin-binned. impact of bench But England, with coach Ed- die Jones making use of his bench, recovered to lead thanks aft er Tonga romp to openside fl anker Mark Wil- son’s fi rst Test try and the boot Reuters made a signifi cant impact.” of George Ford, their captain Cardif Flyhalf Dan Biggar scored for this match, before powering a try and kicked 14 points in away in the closing stages. a solid display with the boot, Jones made 11 changes to the ales coach Warren earning praise from his coach, side that suff ered an agonis- Gatland praised while the equally impressive ing 16-15 loss at home to world the impact of his Patchell excelled when he came champions New Zealand last England’s Joe Cokanasiga scores their third try against Japan in Twickenham yesterday. (Reuters) bench players in on. weekend, with -born Coka- Wtheir emphatic 74-24 Novem- Both are pushing Gareth nasiga - who arrived in England to fl y-half Yu Tamura’s long- ing off Ashton and bringing on ber international victory over Anscombe, who started the aged just three - included. range eff ort in the 16th minute. Henry Slae, who went into mid- Canada stay on course for WC with Germany win Tonga at the Millennium Sta- fi rst two games of the Novem- Fly-half Ford led the team out Soon afterwards, England fi eld. He made another change at dium yesterday after the Pacif- ber international series, for a on winning his 50th cap after he were a man down when George half-time, taking off Lozwoski at Canada remain on course for a ninth successive Rugby World Cup ic islanders had briefl y threat- starting place in next week- had been on the bench for a 12- was yellow-carded for killing the half-time and bringing on regu- appearance after a 29-10 bonus-point victory over Germany in their ened an upset. end’s home clash with South 11 win over South Africa and the ball. From the ensuing scrum, lar co-captain . repechage qualifier at the Pierre-Delort Stadium yesterday. Tonga were level at 24-24 Africa. narrow loss to the All Blacks. Tanaka fi red the ball to Nakamu- A rare Japan infringement al- The North American side need just a point from their final qualifier early in the second half having “The pleasing thing is that Japan’s ‘amateur’ players ra, who went in under the posts lowed Ford to kick a penalty against Hong Kong on Friday to seal a berth at the World Cup in scored 21 unanswered points all our 10s are playing well. We were earning £14 (2,000 Yen) after Alex Lozowski missed a that cut their lead to two points Japan next year and keep up their 100 percent appearance record in the second quarter of the have been pleased with Gareth per day, whereas their England tackle. Tamura converted and and England went ahead on the since the global showpiece was first played in 1987. game, but the introduction and Rhys was excellent when counterparts received £25,000 Japan led 10-7 before, with Ash- hour mark. Powerful running by Canada have 10 points from their two games at the top of the pool, of the likes of scrumhalf Aled he came on,” Gatland said. per match. This fi xture was just ton joining the scrum, England replacement prop Kyle Sinck- while second-placed Hong Kong have five, meaning even a loss Davies, lock Cory Hill and re- “In a number of positions, the second Test between the two won a penalty on the halfway ler and fl anker paved without conceding a bonus-point would see the Canadians qualify. placement fl yhalf Rhys Patch- we have some strength in countries, with England having line that saw long-range kick the way for Ford to fi nd Wilson Germany and Kenya, who also meet next Friday, have been elimi- ell saw Wales romp to an eighth depth and some real selection thrashed Japan 60-7 at the inau- specialist Daly’s superb strike with a clever inside pass for a nated. “It was incredibly diff icult, we knew they would come out test win in a row. headaches.” gural 1987 World Cup. from 50 metres level the scores. converted try. England then put strong and be a physical side. To come through was awesome,” “If you look at the game Gatland knows that the Jones was, however, Japan’s But Japan hit back after they the result beyond doubt when Canada captain Phil Mack said in the post-match presentation. in segments, we started ex- Springboks will supply argu- coach when they stunned South caught England napping with replacement scrum-half Rich- “This team has been through so much, we have had a lot of losses ceptionally well, we got our- ably the side’s toughest test Africa 34-32 in Brighton at the a quick line-out. The ball was ard Wigglesworth, following his in a row but we have taken learnings from those for these kinds selves into a bit of a hole then this month as they build to- 2015 World Cup in England. worked back and across the fi eld own clever box kick, released of situations. We have to respect Hong Kong and it will be really dug ourselves out of it with an wards the World Cup in Japan Cokanasiga was quickly into before fi nding its way to Leitch, Cokanasiga who then shrugged tough, but we will enjoy this win first.” Canada pulled away from outstanding second-half per- next year. the action as England went standing in space out on the off two tackles on the way to a Germany in the second period after holding a narrow 10-7 lead at formance,” Gatland told re- “They have gone back to tra- ahead. Full-back ran right. The New Zealand-born try before Hartley fi nished off a halftime. Tries from Waikato Chiefs number eight Tyler Ardron, porters. “I thought the bench ditional South African Rugby, back a loose Japan kick before fl anker powered through tackles driving maul. England complete flyhalf Gordon McRorie and flanker Lucas Rumball in the second was good again. As a collective physical players, direct, it is releasing Cokanasiga. He in turn by replacement hooker Dylan their 2018 programme at home to period secured the win for the Canadians, who are ranked number group, they should be pretty going to be a real challenge for found George on his inside, who Hartley and Care before side- Australia on November 24 when 21 in the world. Hong Kong kept their qualification hopes alive proud of that. us,” New Zealander Gatland delivered a scoring pass to Care. stepping Daly for an excellent try. Japan play Russia in Gloucester, with a six-try bonus-point 42-17 victory over Kenya. The Asian side “We have spoken in the past said. “The good thing about Japan declined several kick- Jones abandoned his experi- southwest England, in a dress trailed 12-7 at halftime, but led by two tries from number eight about trying to get momentum where we are is that we are able penalties before getting on ment of playing , rehearsal for the opening game Thomas Lamboley they rallied for an emphatic victory. from the bench and they are building our self-belief and the scoreboard, though, thanks usually a wing, at centre by tak- of next year’s World Cup. really upping it. I thought they confi dence.

MOTORCYCLING Marquez defi es injury to qualify 5th for Valencia MotoGP AFP at all because I wasn’t pushing,” said GRIDS FOR THE VALENCIA MOTO GP Cheste, Spain Marquez, who has already secured a MotoGP fi fth top-class world crown. Front row “I can be satisfi ed with fi fth. I feel 1. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 1min orld champion Marc ready to fi ght for the podium, and why 31.312sec, 2. Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) at Marquez battled bravely not for the victory.” 0.068, 3. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) through injury to qualify Yamaha’s Vinales seized pole as he 0.080 fi fth for the season-end- looks to fi nish third in the riders’ stand- Second row Wing Valencia MotoGP yesterday behind ings ahead of Valentino Rossi, with Alex 4. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati Pramac) pole-sitter Maverick Vinales, as the Rins second on the Ricardo Tormo de 0.102, 5. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) retiring Dani Pedrosa had to settle for Cheste circuit. 0.130, 6. Pol Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 0.265 ninth ahead of his farewell race. Italian Andrea Dovizioso completed Third row Marquez dislocated a shoulder, the front row of the grid. 7. Andrea Iannone (ITA/Suzuki) 0.317, 8. which he has injured several times be- Vinales was only 11th-fastest after Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Aprilia) 0.318, 9. fore, most recently while celebrating practice and had to go through the re- Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 0.828 after clinching the world title in Japan pechage to get into the fi nal qualifying. last month, when sliding out on his fi rst “It’s incredible, it’s been a very good Moto2 qualifying lap. weekend, we’re working very well, I’m Front row He staggered back to his feet and super happy,” Vinales told Movistar. “It 1. Luca Marini (ITA/Kalex) 1:35.777, 2. jogged to the Honda pits clutching his would be impressive if I could make the Xavi Vierge (ESP/Kalex) 0.027, 3. Marcel left arm as it hung unnaturally at his podium.” Schroetter (GER/Kalex) 0.168 side. The 33-year-old Pedrosa’s bid to Moto3 After receiving help pushing the joint leave professional motorcycling with Front row back into place, the Spaniard returned a 32nd MotoGP win suff ered a blow, 1. Tony Arbolino (ITA/Honda) 1:46.773, 2. to the track to seal a spot on the second as Marquez’s Honda team-mate could Nakarin Atiratphuvapat (THA/Honda) row. only qualify down in ninth place. 0.244, 3. John McPhee (GBR/KTM) Repsol Honda’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez rides during the MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix at the Ricardo Tormo racetrack “It was a fall that I wasn’t expecting 0.343. in Cheste, yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, November 18, 2018 7 SPORT

SHOWJUMPING Al-Rumaihi and Vivaldi K sign off with Grand Prix win 'I am very happy. I didn’t expect my horses to be doing so well, but they jumped exceedingly well'

By Sports Reporter Doha

ubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi signed off in style at the Al Rayyan International Showjumping Champion- Mship. On the fi nal day, the Qatari rider incredibly won his fi fth event by clinch- ing the Grand Prix title, the feature class of the two-star event at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena. It was the once again the dynamic duo of al-Rumaihi and his 16-year-old gelding Vivaldi K, which thrilled the crowd as the two galloped around the course. The 160cm Grand Prix class carried €12,000 in prize money and more importantly was the World Cup qualifi er. And al-Rumaihi did no harm to his chances, with a stunning win in the two-round class in a time of 78.17 and 54.62 secs. It was al-Rumaihi and Vivaldi K’s third win of the championship, and the rider's fi fth overall. Yesterday, al- Rumaihi had also won 135cm class with his 12-year-old stallion Bolan- dro. “I am very happy. I didn’t expect my horses to be doing so well, but they jumped exceedingly well. I am also very Qatar Equestrian Federation president Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah pleased with Vivaldi K for how he did (bottom left) and Event director Ali al-Rumaihi pose with the podium winners of in the Grand Prix event. Also Bolandro the Grand Prix at Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena. jumped very good,” al-Rumaihi said. The in-form rider was already setting Prize money: €3,360 Bee. 53.10 secs. €1,600 his sights on the Qatar International 2. Faleh Suwead al-Ajami (QAT) Carport. 3. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (QAT) Day- Showjumping Championship, sched- 81.31 and 56.65 secs. €2,700 dreamer EC. 54.03 secs. €1,200 uled to be held at QEF from this Thurs- Qatari rider Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi pilots Vivaldi K to Grand Prix win during the Al Rayyan International Showjumping Table A, Against the clock FEI Art. day to Saturday. “I am already looking Championship at Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi 3. Hamad Ali al-Attiyah (QAT). Clinton. forward to the next week and the in- 82.34 and 52.49 secs. €2,100 238.2.1 | Max. 120cm | Prize Money: ternational showjumping competition. curred with Clinton, which pushed the al-Qadi had to settle for third place three-day event. Accumulator Competition with Joker €6,000 It is also a World Cup qualifying event pair to third spot. with Daydreamer EC in 54.03 secs. FEI Art. 269.5 | Max. 135 cm | Prize 1 Khalid Mohammed al-Emadi (QAT) and I hope I stand in the same league as In the 135cm class, Mohamed Said The two-star €60,000 competi- Results Money: €8,000 Dolce Vita M. Time: 54.25 secs. €1,500 in this one,” al-Rumaihi added. Haidan fi nished behind al-Rumaihi, tion, which was launched in 2014, was Grand Pix – World Cup Competition | 1. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi. (QAT) 2. Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi (QAT) In the Grand Prix, Faleh Suwead al- who had secured the fi rst place with a organised by the QEF in cooperation Two Rounds | 160cm | €12,000 Bolandro. Time: 52.49 secs. Prize money: Vlacido. 56.60 secs. €1,200 Ajami fi nished second with Carport, 52.49 secs round with Bolandro. Haid- with Al Shaqab. Fifty six riders and €2,000 while Olympic rider Hamad Ali al-At- an astride Apple Bee completed the 100 horses from Qatar, Canada, France, 1. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi (QAT) 3. Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi (QAT) Dusty. tiyah had to rue for the penalties he in- round in 53.10 secs, while Saeed Nasser Jordan and Morocco competed in the Vivaldi K. Times: 78.17 and 54.62 secs. 2. Mohammed Said Haidan (QAT) Apple 57.05 secs. €900

QSL CUP El Arabi strike helps Al Duhail Momota stunned, Tai injured in Hong Kong Open semis draw against Umm Salal AFP Hong Kong By Sports Reporter Doha adminton’s top-ranked players both made shock ousef El Arabi strike in the 85th departures from the minute helped Al Duhail snatch Hong Kong Open yes- a 1-1 draw against Umm Salal in Bterday after was the QSL Cup round three Group A stunned by Son Wan-ho and Tai matchY yesterday. In other encounters, Qatar Tzu Ying retired with a waist in- SC defeated Al Arabi 2-1, while Al Gharafa jury. Son triumphed 18-21, 21-16, blanked Al Kharaitiyat 3-0. 21-19 in an exhausting 89 min- In the day’s early fi xture, Umm Salal and utes after seeing off a late boost Al Duhail were forced to share the spoils af- from the exhausted Japanese star ter a tightly-fought game ended in a draw. in the decider. Little was created for large stretches of the Momota led through the fi rst game. However, that changed in the 77th game but slipped for long enough Kenta Nishimoto of Japan hits a return during his win over Lee Cheuk minute through Abdulla Kamal. The ball for his opponent to level at 17-all Yiu of Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Open. (AFP) was thrown in from the right and a neat little after conceding six consecutive interchange found its way to Yannick Sagbo points. He kept the edge after the out hometown hero Lee Cheuk Intanon bounced back from whose inviting pass was beautifully swept interval before Son broke into the Yiu 21-18, 21-12 in 47 minutes. a fi rst game wipeout to win her into the corner by Kamal. lead at 12-11 with a gravity-defy- Lee said on Friday he had never match against South Korea’s Al Duhail were not willing to allow that ing let after a tap at the net. expected to make it to the semis. Sung Ji-hyun 10-21, 21-11, 21- goal to get to them and were back in the The Korean led through most He fought hard to qualify on the 17. The former world champion game in the 85th minute, thanks to star man of the third game but Momota opening day but had a dream run stayed well clear of her opponent El Arabi. The ball was cut back to him from kept at his heels, drawing level after second seed Shi Yuqi’s fi rst- through the second game as Sung the touchline on the left and he was able to fi ve times before an agonising round retirement. struggled to catch up to the third, neatly fi nish with his second attempt to en- miss on match point. Momota Taiwan’s Tai approached the levelling at 12 and 15 before suc- sure the game fi nished all square. Qatar SC has been in searing form since his umpire to submit her withdrawal cumbing to Intanon’s powerful put up a strong performance against Al Ara- return to the sport after a gam- moments after the fi rst break smash. bi as they came from behind to secure a 2-1 Yousef El Arabi (third right) celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Umm Salal bling scandal saw him slapped against Nozomi Okuhara, af- One more tie at 17 was enough victory and all three points. A slow match in the QSL Cup third round match yesterday. with a 12-month ban. ter yielding the fi rst game 12-21. to focus the Thai, who swept the came to action with the clock on 45+2 when But the 24-year-old has had a Okuhara had raced away with the last four points of the decider. Gaser Zakaria latched on to a through ball slow run through the Hong Kong match, leading 8-1 in three min- Tenth-ranked Sung had a and slotted home from close range. The lead tournament. He beat Chinese utes before Tai fought back. strong run through the tour- was immediately lost after the restart as Ali great Lin Dan in the fi rst round The 24-year-old top seed nament, knocking out seeded Jasemi made a 47th-minute breakthrough. but complained of burnout after told reporters afterwards she opponents PV Sindhu of India Picking up the ball 30 yards out, he ad- his fi rst three matches all went to was unfazed by her departure, and China’s He Bingjao. In the vanced a little before striking an unstoppa- three games. Son, 30, is through and looked forward to the rest women’s doubles, top seeds Yuki ble shot deep into the far right corner which to his fi rst top-fl ight singles fi nal of the season. Okuhara next Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota was undoubtedly the goal of the night. since his win at the 2016 Korea faces Ratchanok Intanon, who are through to the last day after The away side was able to complete the Masters. blitzed second-ranked Akane a marathon 105-minute 20-22, turnaround in the 78th minute as Eisa Pal- He now takes on eighth seed Yamaguchi 21-9, 21-16 in the 21-9, 21-12 win over their Indo- angi followed a lovely lofted pass from the Kenta Nishimoto, who bounced quarter-fi nals. nesian opponents. right to blindly volley home from a tight angle. Al Gharafa ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against Al Kharaitiyat, thanks to a dominant performance from their forward German Olympic legend Hary selling medals, trophies players. They opened the scoring in the 50th minute when Othman al-Yahri’s defence- Berlin: Germany’s only Olympic feel like crying when I think Washington, however the splitting through ball found Moayad Has- 100-metres champion Armin about it,” Hary said. Hary has contract can be reversed if a san, who struck his shot inside the far post. Hary is selling his medals and sold the two gold medals he German buyer were to be found. The lead was doubled in the 74th as Muath other memorabilia to a buyer in won at the 1960 Olympics for Hary said he had decided Al Salemi surged the length of the opposi- the United States. the 100m and 100m relay, world to sell his medals and trophies tion half before releasing a perfectly-timed Hary, 81, told Die Welt news- record medals, a European because he had no one to take pass for captain Wesley Sneijder to stroke paper he did not want his med- Championships poster from over his estate. “If something home with the outside of his right boot. als landing “on a flea market” 1958, spikes, trophies and suddenly happens to me, what Deep into stoppage time, Moayad was but was unhappy no German certificates. then?” he said.”Then everything able to grab his second of the night when he buyer had been found. The items are to be displayed could land on the flea market. reacted quickest to a rebound from a Snei- “The whole thing upsets me in museums in New York, Los No, that’s something I can’t bear jder pass to put the icing on the cake of a su- immensely. Sometimes I even Angeles, San Francisco and thinking about.” perb team performance. Qatar SC came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory against Al Arabi.

Sunday, November 18, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

Arab Shooting Championship

Second vice-president of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari (right) inaugurated the Arab Shooting Championship at the Lusail Shooting Complex yesterday. About 200 shooters from 10 Arab teams are taking part in the 10-day competition which will conclude on November 25. President of the Qatar Shooting Federation Ali Mohamed al-Kuwari (left) was also present on the occasion.

CRICKET / FIRST TEST ICC WOMEN’S WORLD T20 India beat Australia to continue winning run Boult leads New Earlier, opener Smriti Mand- IANS Georgetown, Guyana hana and skipper ’s knock helped India wom- en post 167 for 8 before suff ering ndia continued their win- a batting collapse. ning momentum as they While Smriti smashed 83 runs outclassed Australia by 48 off just 55 deliveries, Harman- runs in Group B match of the preet contributed 43 runs to take Zealand fi ghtback IICC Women’s World T20 here their side to a good total. yesterday. India displayed an The Indian eves kept on losing all-round eff ort to register their wickets at regularly but it was fourth victory in as many games. the 68-run partnership between Chasing 167 for 8, Australia the Indian skipper and the open- never looked in contention as er which took them to a fi ghting they lost regular wickets to bun- total in their last group game, dle out for 119 in 19.4 overs. as India have already booked a against Pakistan Ellyse Perry was the highest semi-fi nal berth. scorer for Australia with 39 runs For Australia, medium pacer in 28 balls. Ellyse Perry scalped three wick- Black Caps bowl out Pakistan for 227 before finishing second day at 56 for 1 Ashleigh Gardner (20) and ets for just 16 runs. Beth Mooney (19) also got tg the starts but failed to convert it into BRIEF SCORES: India 167 for 8 a big knocks. ( 83, Harman- For India, Anuja Patil took preet Kaur 43; Ellyse Perry 3 for three wickets while Deepti Shar- 16) beat Australia 119 all out ma, and Poonam (Ellyse Perry39; Anuja Patil 3 for Yadav took two wickets each. 15) by 48 runs

Shrubsole hat-trick helps England close on World T20 semis

AFP the match was never a real Gros Islet, Saint Lucia contest. The usually big-hitting Lizelle Lee crawled to a 26-ball 12 nya Shrubsole took a before being trapped by Natalie hat-trick as England Sciver, who ended with incred- Athrashed South Africa ible figures of three for four by seven wickets in Saint Lucia from four overs, as South Africa on Friday to boost their hopes mustered a paltry 85 all out. of reaching the Women’s Shrubsole, the star of Eng- World Twenty20 semi-finals. land’s thrilling World Cup Hosts and reigning champions final win over India last year, West Indies could send them- wrapped up the innings by selves and England into the becoming only the second last four if they beat Sri Lanka woman from her country to later on Saturday. take a T20 international hat- It was a must-win game for trick after Sciver against New World Cup champions Eng- Zealand in 2013. land after their opening game She dismissed Shabnim Ismail, against Sri Lanka was washed Masabata Klaas and Yolani out, but a tame eff ort with the Fourie with the first three bat from South Africa ensured deliveries of the final over.

SPOTLIGHT SA bowlers shine in New Zealand bowler Trent Boult (right) accounted for Mohamed Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam for his figures of 4 for 54. win over Australia AFP second wicket after Tom Latham sion, Pakistan were well-placed Abu Dhabi was bowled by Hasan Ali for Scorecard at 144-4 at lunch, seeking a big nought in the second over, ne- lead to get a 1-0 advantage in the in truncated T20 gotiating the spin bowling well NEW ZEALAND 1st inn 153 all out 4-91 (A. Ali), 5-174 (Shafiq), 6-177 three-match series. eft-arm pacer Trent under cloudy conditions. PAKISTAN 1st inn (o/n 59/2) (Ahmed), 7-195 (Asif), 8-220 But Boult checked their Reuters job of containment in the last Boult helped New Zea- New Zealand can take heart (Shah), 9-227 (H. Ali), 10-227 progress by dismissing Asad Sydney few overs to restrict the tourists land foil Pakistan’s ad- from the fact that Pakistan lost a Imam ul-Haq c Williamson b de (Azam) Shafi q for 43, bowled off an in- to 108 for six. Grandhomme 6 vantage with four wick- Test at this venue last year against Bowling: Boult 18.2-6-54-4, de side edge. That was 174-5, the The fragility of Australia’s bat- Lets as the fi rst Test was evenly Sri Lanka by 21 runs, falling short M. Hafeez c Williamson b Boult 20 start of a passage that saw Paki- outh African bowling ting had been exposed by South Grandhomme 13-6-30-2, Patel poised after day two in Abu of a target of just 136. A. Ali c Watling b Boult 22 24-4-64-2, Wagner 18-5-30-1, stan’s last six wickets fall for 63 once again dominated Africa’s bowlers in the recent Dhabi yesterday. Pakistan squandered a good Sodhi 10-0-41-1 runs. Australian batting as the one-day series, which the Pro- Boult’s 4-54 derailed the chance of taking a big lead H. Sohail c Latham b Sodhi 38 Patel had Sarfraz Ahmed tourists won a truncated teas won 2-1, and it was quickly Pakistani batsmen who were through some inept batting, A. Shafiq b Boult 43 caught off a miscued sweep for one-offS evident again when the hosts NEW ZEALAND 2nd inn bowled out for 227 in response with only Babar Azam (62), Asad B. Azam c Watling b Boult 62 two and Bilal Asif stumped by by 21 runs on the Gold Coast yes- went out to bat. New Zealand’s fi rst innings total Shafi q (43) and Haris Sohail (38) J. Raval batting 26 Watling for 11 while Boult, de terday. South Africa all-rounder S. Ahmed c Wagner b Patel 2 of 153. making signifi cant contributions. T. Latham b H. Ali 0Grandhomme and Neil Wagner Carrara Oval’s debut as an Chris Morris (2-12) struck twice He was well supported by Azam hit fi ve boundaries in his B. Asif st Watling b Patel 11 also chipped in. international venue looked un- in three deliveries in the third K. Williamson batting 27 debutant spinner Ajaz Patel (2- 109-ball knock and was the last Y. Shah c Watling b Wagner 9 Wagner, playing in his 37th der threat when a violent storm over to reduce Australia to 27 man out when he edged Boult for Extras (3b) 3 Test, achieved a personal mile- for three, the second a peach of 64) and Colin de Grandhomme H. Ali c Taylor b de Grandhomme 4 brought torrential rain to the (2-30) as Pakistan managed a wicketkeeper BJ Watling to take Total (1 wicket, 22.4 overs) 56 stone by becoming the eighth Queensland coast early in the a yorker which sent Chris Lynn M. Abbas not out 0 fi rst innings lead of just 74. a low diving catch. Fall of Wickets: 1-0 (Latham) New Zealand bowler to take 150 evening. back for 14. New Zealand then battled Pakistan had resumed at 59-2 Extras (4b, 4lb, 1nb, 1w) 10 wickets when he dismissed Yasir The match did fi nally get un- Glenn Maxwell fought a defi ant Bowling: Abbas 6-4-5-0, H. Ali to 56-1 when bad light forced but lost overnight batsmen So- Total (all out, 83.2 overs) 227 Shah for nine. derway after a delay of nearly two rearguard with 38 off 23 balls but umpires to end the day with 4.2 hail and Azhar Ali (22) in the 4-1-12-1, Shah 8-1-21-0, Sohail Richard Hadlee leads the hours with each side allowed half Australia never looked like avoid- overs still remaining. The Black space of just six balls at the same Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Imam), 1-0-1-0, Asif 3-0-13-0, Hafeez chart of New Zealand bowlers of their usual number of overs ing a fourth straight Twenty20 Caps still trail by 18 runs with score of 91. 2-27 (Hafeez), 3-91 (Sohail), 0.4-0-1-0 with 431 wickets in 86 Tests. and South Africa, put in to bat, defeat and they fi nished their al- nine wickets remaining. Sohail was the more confi dent Others who have 150 or more made a bright start with 42 runs lotted 10 overs on 87 for seven. Skipper Kane Williamson will of the pair who added 64 for the Azhar was dropped by Jeet But Boult had the last laugh, wickets are Daniel Vettori (361 off the three power play overs. hold the key for his team as he third wicket. He hit four bound- Raval off Boult on 19 and was forcing an edge off Azhar’s bat in 112 Tests), Chris Martin (233 Skipper Faf du Plessis led the BRIEF SCORES: South Africa walked off with 27 not out and aries but was caught at short again lucky two runs later when for Watling’s one-handed div- in 71), Tim Southee (220 in 60), way in their innings with 27 off 108 for 6 (du Plessis 27, de Kock with him opener Jeet Raval on mid-wicket by Latham after a given not out as the fast bowler ing catch. Boult (219 in 55), Chris Cairns 15 balls but Australia’s bowlers, 22; Tye 2-18) beat Australia 87 26 not out. loose shot off leg-spinner Ish reviewed for a leg-before deci- In spite of losing those two (218 in 62) and Danny Morrison spearheaded by paceman Nathan for 7 (Maxwell 38; Morris 2-12) by The pair has added 56 for the Sodhi’s low full toss. sion. wickets during the morning ses- (160 in 48). Coulter-Nile (2-19), did a good 21 runs