Qatar maroons make last eight of AFC U-19 Championship PAGE 19

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018

FIFA president Infantino seeks vote on Club WORLD GYMNASTICS World Cup & Global Nations League PAGE 18 ASPIRE DOME

Officials of various delegations from 76 countries for the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 were treated ot Qatari culture at a welcome dinner held at the Torch Ballroom on Wednesday. The Doha Gymnastics Worlds, the first ever to be staged in the Middle East, will swing into action at the Aspire Dome following an opening ceremony on Thursday morning at 8.30am. The 10-day championships run from October 25 to November 3. ‘Qatar has made desert bloom with the flower of Gymnastics Worlds’

FIG President thanks Organising Committee for realising a dream Unique ‘handmade’ event medals and showing The Local Organising Committee unveiled the unique, handmade courage medals that combine artistic gymnastics with Qatar’s culture. The medals, which took 35-45 days to handcraft, combine the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK different gymnastics apparatus, the event’s logo and symbols of DOHA Qatari culture. Each of the medals made were given the highest care and attention by a team of professional goldsmiths and ON the eve of the 48th Artistic silversmiths who are trained on how to handle high profile events Gymnastics World Champion- such as the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. The design ships Doha 2018, International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) was a collaboration between GulfCrafts and the LOC. Commenting President Morinari Watanabe on the medals, Ali al Hitmi, CEO of the Local Organising praised the Local Organising Committee, said, “Medals are an important part of any world Committee for realising the sporting event. They are a physical representation of an athlete or “dream” of gymnastics as a team’s achievement. But for us, they are also an opportunity to sport flowering in the desert remind athletes of the experience they had in Doha. We hope that during the medal unveiling the recipients of these medals take them home to their event at the Aspire auditorium respective nations and share their piece of Qatar.” on Wednesday. Watanabe was present with Competition Brand Am- bassador Svetlana Boguin- skaia, a three-time Olympian from Belarus, FIG Secretary General Andre Gueisbuhler, Doha Worlds LOC CEO and Qatar Gymnastics Federation The 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 Local Organising Committee CEO and Qatar Gymnastics Federation President President Ali al Hitmi and Ali al Hitmi with Competition Brand Ambassador Svetlana Boguinskaia, International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe Deputy Competition Manager and FIG Secretary-General Andre Gueisbuhler at the pre-event press conference at Aspire auditorium on Wednesday. Anis Saoud. It is the first time that the ing more than flower seeds. I came to Qatar for the first time for the Asian Taking place between Oc- World Championships are be- In just 12 years since, Qatar Games in 2006. At that time, gymnastics was tober 25 and November 3, ing staged in the Middle East has made the desert bloom nothing more than flower seeds. In just 12 years since, the Doha Worlds will provide and Watanabe applauded the with the flower of the World the first qualification route efforts of the Qatar Gymnastics Championships. A dream is Qatar has made the desert bloom with the flower of the for the 2020 Olympic Games Federation (QGF) saying, “Just not something we have while World Championships. A dream is not something we have in Tokyo. now, a big Gymnastics flower we’re sleeping – a dream is while we’re sleeping – a dream is something we realise. The competition at the As- has bloomed in the desert of something we realise.” pire Dome will determine the Qatar. The meaning of this “I offer my thanks to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) winners of eight sets of med- flower is courage.” Qatar Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe als for men (Team, All-around, Until 2018, the hosting of for showing their great courage Floor Exercise, Pommel Horse, this competition had been lim- and I hope the gymnasts will Still Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars, ited to Europe, North America, respond with some wonderful towards the 2020 Olympic time, Olympic places are up and Horizontal Bar) and six Australia and East Asia, yet performances, watering the Games in Tokyo. for grabs along with 42 World for women (Team, All-around, Doha is a familiar destination flowers that the federation has “We are confident that, Championship medals. Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance for many of the participants brought into blossom.” as the competitors in Doha Three-time Olympian Beam, and Floor Exercise). Doha Worlds Local Organising Committee CEO Ali al Hitmi and having staged an FIG World On his part, Ali al Hitmi challenge for world titles and and 1989 World All-around The three medal-winning Competition Brand Ambassador Svetlana Boguinskaia unveil the Cup each year since 2008, as said, ‘We are thrilled and hon- Olympic berths, they will in- champion Svetlana Boguin- nations in the Team finals for specially-made medals symbolising Qatari culture. well as the 2006 Asian Games. oured to provide the world's spire fans and continue to skaia, said, “Don’t forget the both men and women will The FIG President add- best gymnasts with the eager propel the sport upward.” juniors. They want to show earn team berths directly to more on the 2020 Olympic reigning Olympic champi- ed: “I came to Qatar for global media presence, optimal More than 500 gymnasts their skills here. Don’t rule the 2020 Olympic Games in qualification process and refer ons from Rio and defending the first time for the Asian venue conditions and enthusi- from 76 nations have con- them out. It doesn’t matter Tokyo; other nations will have to the applicable rules.) world champions from the Games in 2006. At that astic spectator support to make verged at the Aspire Dome for which country are you from, further chances to qualify in The Japanese men and 2015 World Championships time, gymnastics was noth- their important first strides an event where, for the first the best should win.” 2019 and 2020 (click here for American women are the in Glasgow.

Officials of gymnastics delegation from 76 countries during the welcome ceremony at the Torch Ballroom on Wednesday evening. (Right) Children enact a play depicting the past and present of Qatar and how gymnastics has grown in the country. Sports Thursday, October 25, 2018 17 Simone all set to sizzle in Doha

VINAY NAYUDU DOHA

JUST like a sport superstar, Simone Biles transforms into a mesmerising gymnast the mo- ment she gets into the arena. Be it the floor, the beam, the vault or the bars, the American flings, twirls and executes rou- tines so impeccably that you simply can’t take eyes off her. Having arrived in Doha for the 48th FIG Artistic Gymnas- tics World Championships al- most a week ago, the 21-year- old has been training almost every day with her team and the dedication of a champion that she is has been the hall- mark for those present during the training to see. What beckons Biles at Worlds Simone Biles is the clear favourite to lead Team USA to its fourth-straight world title (the earlier being in 2011, 2014, 2015) as well as capture gold medals in the all-around, vault and floor exercise competitions. She could also easily add a fifth medal on the balance beam, where she is a two-time World champion and Olympic bronze medalist. Biles will alsoo become the first woman inin history to winn four world all-around titlesles if she takes goldld iinn that disciplinee American artistic gymnast Simone Biles during one of her training sessions at the Aspire Dome ahead of the 48th FIG World Championships Doha 2018. Biles is the 2016 Olympic individual all-around, vault and floor in Doha. gold medalist, and balance-beam bronze medalist. She was part of the gold-medal-winning team dubbed the “Final Five” at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

well as capture gold medals in at a medal on the uneven deal with the volleys of USA “It went better than I ex- my teammates are great.” Mustafina finished fourth Soon, she will dazzle the all-around, vault and floor bars. Biles made the final at Gymnastics turmoil. pected. I always hope beam Talking of her formidable at Russian nationals in April, Doha and the world with exercise competitions. the 2013 worlds but finished Tweeting and talking to could go a little bit better rival in 17-year-old Morgan but missed the European the first such champion- She could also easily add fourth. The uneven bars was people back home even when but hopefully I’ll calm my Hurd, she said her predicted Championships due to an ships getting under way in a fifth medal on the balance her ‘weakest’ event in 2016, in Doha doesn’t seem to have nerves once competition all-around duel with Hurd in injured knee. The Russian the Middle East at the mag- beam, where she is a two-time but she has shown significant deterred her focus. comes around.” Doha will be cooperative and is expected to compete on nificent Aspire Dome from World champion and Olympic improvement working with “I think my mindset is a Biles, who won four gold respectful. “I think healthy the uneven bars and balance Thursday. bronze medalist. new coach Laurent Landi. little better,” said Biles after medals at the Rio Olympics, competition is always the best, beam only. “Less than a year of being Biles will also become the That Biles has the met- Tuesday’s podium training at said “getting back into the so we work really well togeth- Barcelona 1992 Olympic back in training and I’m on my first woman in history to win tle of a champion and a cool Aspire Dome here. “Physically grind” of training was a daunt- er. “Hopefully, we’ll both do champion Oksana Chusovitina way to my 4th world champion- four world all-around titles head on young shoulders can I’m in better shape, which is ing challenge. well out there. We always wish of Uzbekistan will compete in ships... how crazy,” is what Biles if she takes gold in that disci- well be judged by the poise kind of crazy.” “To have so much fun the best for each other.” her 16th World Champion- had tweeted a few days ago. pline in Doha. she’s shown in the backdrop While Biles’ difficul- in my year off and then be Biles and Japan’s Kohei Uch- ships. The 43-year-old could One can only be sure of the Her main competition of the continued chaos within ty-packed routines at the hooked back into the gym, I imura won’t be the only stars contend for a medal on the crowds going crazy when they though is likely to come from USA Gymnastics following the training session gave every was like, ‘I have to do this eve- making their competitive returns vault, where she finished fifth see her performing in full flight. teenage compatriot Morgan abuse scandal. indication that she will seri- ry day?’” she said. in Doha. Russia’s Aliya Mustafi- at the Worlds in 2017. Biles is the clear favourite Hurd, the 2017 champion. The athlete, who stands ously challenge for her fourth “Before, that was all I had na, who has won back-to-back There will be plenty of ac- to lead Team USA to its fourth- Even for a Biles, there are only 1.42m tall, has remained world all-around title, she known, and then I got a shot of Olympic titles on the uneven tion all around, but trust Biles straight world title (the earlier some challenges. The Ameri- mentally strong as she’s con- downplayed her powerhouse freedom and it became a little bars, returns to the world stage to steal the spotlight each time being in 2011, 2014, 2015) as can has an outside chance tinued to train and sometimes performance. bit tougher. But it’s fine and after giving birth in 2017. she takes to the arena.

WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL LEG Finale at Losail is going to be exciting, says Chaz Davies chasing 2nd spot

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK centration you could 0.1 sec- DOHA ond on a lap! Fans throng the Losail International Circuit’s paddock area to meet their bike heroes during the World Superbike round last year. THE only one to challenge THE SEASON’S BEEN CHALLENG- champion Jonathan Rea for ING. HOW HAPPY ARE YOU WITH four consecutive World Su- THE BIKE? Entertainment set to light perbike (WSBK) seasons, Brit We’ve had some success with Chaz Davies is back to one of the Panigale R but this season his favourite hunting track – has been a little bit difficult, up Pirelli Qatar Round the Losail International Cri- we’ve suffered a bit with the cuit – and is yet again keen to new regulations. Our bike has TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK action to the stage, with A win the final round and claim only two cylinders so the total DOHA Question of Bikes beginning the overall runners-up spot. rev range of bike is quite short at 3.25pm before the new for On Wednesday, the and with the new rules, they’ve WITH paddock access included 2019 WorldSBK Podium Show 31-year-old opened up in a changed the rpm limits so our with all tickets this weekend, directly after Race One. You free-wheeling interview with bike gets a little bit more pe- the Pirelli Qatar Round at the can see your heroes on stage the media at the Grand Hyatt nalised than some of the oth- Losail International Circuit is straight after the Podium, get- Doha ahead of zooming off ers. It’s not given is a disad- truly one for all and children ting their first reactions. on his Ducati Panigale R bike vantage but makes us work a under 11 have access for free, Action then begins to heat over the weekend at Losail. bit harder to achieve the same making it a full family affair. up on stage on Friday night Excerpts: results. Then I’ve had some in- With the pressure off for the with the SuperShow beginning YOU ARE FIGHTING FOR A SECOND juries, I broke my collar bone championship, there is still all at 8.45pm, as all riders will be PLACE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP. HOW twice, came off on back of a to play for on track and so much present to give fans the full MUCH DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU? knee injury last winter. There to see off the track throughout SBK® experience and meet all Obviously, the goal when you have been few hurdles, we be- the Pirelli Qatar Round. your heroes. start the season is the first gan the season quite well, but With a welcoming Arabic Ending the weekend on Sat- place in the championship. But then though we’ve been con- tent in the paddock, fans will urday, the on stage action starts now that is unachievable, so sistent we have not been that be able to chill out and relax from 4.30pm right through to we are now looking to be the spectacular. We are just miss- throughout the day, in-between the extended time of 9.45pm. second-best for the silver med- Ducati’s British rider Chaz Davies during his interaction with the media at the Grand Hyatt Doha on Wednesday. ing that little bit. or before sessions out on track. With interactive games, the two al. It’s important because you Next year we’ll have a new Offering an opposite vibe podium shows there is also an- want to be the vice-champion. my closest rival Michael Van here, also it’s something com- HOW DO YOU KEEP YOURSELF bike, a four-cyclinder bike compared to the sensational other exciting addition. It’s not the end of the world Der Mark was far behind in the pletely different than what we MOTIVATED? which is the first time Ducati action out on track. Whilst The World Champions if you can’t be the first, but it race and I thought here’s a big have in Europe. It’s really spe- I just think about the next has produced and something you can enjoy many delicacies prize-giving show will begin would be nice to be second opportunity to score and then cial. The track is flowing, got a target. That’s all I know as a very exciting for all of us. Look- with the food court which is at 9pm, as fans, teams, rid- best. And it’s definitely worth I crashed. And I was like, you character to it and difficult and racing biker. When the lights ing forward to it. It’s needed. filled with an array of favour- ers and members of the pad- it. This would be my fourth idiot! Why did you do that? presents a lot of challenges. go out, that’s me and noth- ites, as you proudly wear your dock have the opportunity to consecutive season battling for But as a racer sometimes you ing else matters at that point. YOU THINK THAT JONATHAN REA, new merchandise which can congratulate our 2018 world the 2nd position and as I said it do throw cautions to the wind. THERE HAS BEEN RAIN IN DOHA. Sometimes the build up to that THE CHAMPION, EVER GOING TO be purchased from the tents. champions on stage, followed is important. Coming down to That’s what I did then and now WHAT IF RAINS DURING THE is quite long you have quite a RELENT? On top of this, children by a cocktail. All three day the last race at Losail in Doha, it’s the last race, no race is ever WEEKEND OF THE RACE? lot of time to think. But then, Never (laughs). Jonathan is can enjoy an alternative look tickets include a free invita- it is going to be exciting. the same. Obviously, I’ll have That would be a situation. when the lights go out, noth- a great rider and he’s got a around the paddock with the tion to the prize giving show, one eye on Michael to see what I know we do have a prob- ing matters, no time to think. great package underneath pedal cars. But the main at- so everyone can be involved. YOU NOW HAVE A 24-POINT LEAD sort of a race he’s doing, but lem with the artificial light- You just race. That’s the ele- him and he is able to extract traction of the weekend will no The Motul Action Box will AHEAD OF YAMAHA’S MICHAEL VAN also I want to finish the season ing as it causes a reflection ment and that’s the motiva- 100% out of his package every doubt be the Paddock Show. be open all weekend in pit DER MARK. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR strong. I would try and win the and makes it difficult to see tion. And just keep doing that. weekend and knows his bike Unique to WorldSBK, live garage 31 for fans to enjoy a STRATEGY? last race. I want to finish on a clearly during the race. So if This a great lifestyle, we get to very very well now. His bike is commentary begins on stage different aspect of the racing In Argentina, I crashed in the high note for me and the team. it rains here, usually the pro- travel and we get to see these also always improving, so for from Thursday, with every from, getting right into the first race and during the race tocol is the race doesn’t go amazing places and ride mo- us we need to get to that level session live on stage from FP1 heart of pit lane. Or get anoth- I was thinking which way to DO YOU LIKE THE LOSAIL TRACK? ahead. We have to see when torbikes. It’s a bit of a drain next year. We feel we have at 4.20pm right through to er aspect of pit lane with the play my cards, do I attack or Yeah. I really like the track it happens. Personally, I and so you need the motiva- more room for that with the 9.25pm for WorldSBK FP3. pit walk, on Friday at 3.30pm do I defend? And I could see here. I like the atmosphere hope it doesn’t rain. tion because if you lose con- new bike. Friday brings even more or Saturday at 4pm. 18 Thursday, October 25, 2018 Sports UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CAF hails Qatar’s preparations for 2022 World Cup

QNA DOHA

A delegation from the Con- federation of African Football (CAF), headed by the chair- man Ahmad Ahmad, hailed the projects carried out to date and the future plans for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. This came during a re- ception hosted by the Qatar Football Association today for the CAF delegation at Palazzo at Malaz Kempinski, as the CAF chief Ahmad Ahmad African delegation is paying an official visit to Qatar (22- delegation expressed their ad- 26 October), which comes in miration for the presentation implementation of the coop- that demonstrated Qatar's eration agreement signed be- readiness to host the 2022 tween the African and Qatar World Cup, giving the State of Football Associations in May Qatar a great opportunity to 2015 at CAF headquarters. stimulate innovation, positive The agreement includes change and sustainable devel- several areas of cooperation opment through its stadiums, for the development of football training areas, fan areas and between the two organisations many places of residence, as in the framework of the dis- well as major developments in tinguished bilateral relations the infrastructure of roads and between the Qatar Football railways and Hamad Interna- Association and the various tional Airport, which enhances continental federations and innovation and technology, the focus on exchanging expe- and provides platforms for riences in various fields such young people for innovation as administration, training, and entrepreneurship, espe- Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo after the UEFA Champions League match against Manchester United at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Tuesday. (EPA) sports medicine, arbitration, cially under the umbrella of infrastructure development, sustainability, with respect for marketing and media. culture, and aims to accelerate The meeting was attended progress towards the national by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa development goals, and cre- Juve beat Man United as bin Ahmad al Thani, President ate a lasting legacy for Qatar, of the Qatar Football Associa- the Middle East, Asia and the tion and Hassan Abdullah al world. Thawadi, Secretary General The programme of the del- of the Supreme Committee for egation visit includes many Real win unconvincingly and Legacy. activities, as the delegation The attendees reviewed visited Aspire Academy and the progress of the 2022 Aspetar Sports Medicine Hos- World Cup projects and the pital, and there will be a tour Paulo Dybala’s goal hands Ronaldo winning return to Manchester’s Old Trafford most prominent programs of to visit the Museum of Islamic the Supreme Committee. Art, Katara and many other AFP post for United, who drew an- do Silva sealed the win with a Members of the Confeder- tourist attractions and shop- PARIS other blank at home in Europe brilliant goal within seconds ation of African Football (CAF) ping complexes. after a 0-0 draw with Valencia of coming off the bench in the CRISTIANO Ronaldo marked three weeks ago. second half. his return to Old Trafford with Juventus have maximum After losing at home to a victory as Juventus beat points after three games in Lyon in their Group F opener, Manchester United 1-0 in the Group H, and host Mourin- City have now won back-to- Qatar, Nepal FA sign Champions League on Tues- ho's side in Turin next. back games on the road and day, while under-pressure "Juventus is a different the result in the night's other collaboration agreement Real Madrid got back to win- level of quality, I have to be match went their way. ning ways. honest. A level of quality, sta- Brazilian forward Joe- QNA eration agreement between Julen Lopetegui's days bility, experience, know-how," linton's stoppage-time goal DOHA the two football bodies is as Madrid coach still look Mourinho conceded. earned Hoffenheim a 3-3 something that I look forward numbered despite seeing the "I have no complaints with draw at home to Lyon, allow- THE Qatar Football Associa- with great anticipation," reigning European champions my boys. I have a positive feel- ing City to lead the group from tion (QFA) on Tuesday signed Sherpa said. beat Viktoria Plzen on a night ing for their effort." the French side. a five-year collaboration “The agreement will in which both Bayern Munich The good news for United Andrej Kramaric netted agreement with the All Nepal strengthen the cooperation in and Manchester City won on is that they remain second in twice for Hoffenheim in be- Football Association (ANFA). various fields related to foot- the road. the group after Valencia were Real Madrid’s Marcelo (left) celebrates scoring his goal with Gareth tween strikes from Bertrand President of NFA Karma ball. We know the experience It is just one win in seven held to a 1-1 draw by Young Bale during their Champions League match against FC Viktoria Plzen Traore and Tanguy Ndombe- Tsering Sherpa and Bijian Qatar has in the field of devel- matches now for Jose Mour- Boys in Switzerland. at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on Tuesday. (AFP) le, but Memphis Depay ap- Raj Sharma, General Co- oping the sport. Their training inho's United after they went Michy Batshuayi put the peared to have won it for Lyon ordinator of the Nepalese courses for players, officials, down to defeat against an ac- Spaniards ahead, but Guil- RESULTS ing, with Edin Dzeko scoring a before Joelinton intervened. Football League Commit- referees, and coaches etc are complished Juventus, who laume Hoarau's second-half first-half brace before Cengiz "In Europe, 0-3, we were tee, met with QFA President hugely beneficial for the par- were worthy victors. penalty gave Young Boys their FIXTURES Under sealed the points. outstanding," Guardiola told Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa ticipants,” he added. After facing uncomfort- first point. AEK Athens 0 - 2 Bayern München That game was overshad- BT Sport. "If we are able to bin Ahmed al Thani. “There is no doubt that Young Boys 1 - 1 Valencia able questions on the eve of Lopetegui's position in Ajax 1 - 0 Benfica owed by reports that around win the next game Shakhtar The new agreement also Qatar has become the lead- the game over rape allegations charge of Real remains frag- Hoffenheim 3 - 3 Olympique Lyonnais 20 people had been injured will be out. After our defeat in brings QFA and ANFA closer ing sports centre in Asia. We made against him in the Unit- ile despite his side claiming a Shakhtar Donetsk 0 - 3 Manchester City – at least one seriously – Lyon we were under pressure. as they look into ways and are proud to be working with ed States, Ronaldo played his first win in six games by beat- Roma 3 - 0 CSKA Moskva when an escalator leading to a I'm very pleased with our means to develop the worlds a body like the QFA. It is a Real Madrid 2 - 1 Viktoria Plzen part on the field for Juve back ing Viktoria Plzen 2-1 at the Manchester United 0 - 1 Juventus metro station in central Rome performance." biggest sport. professionally run sports body at the ground where he was Santiago Bernabeu. collapsed. Italian media said Meanwhile, Javi Martinez It is expected that Qatar that works diligently to de- once idolised. Karim Benzema headed Russian football fans caused and Robert Lewandowski and Nepal will have exchange velop the sport in Qatar and He played a key role in Madrid ahead early on, and at least keep Real level with the accident. scored second-half goals as programmes between the two around Asia,” Sherpa said. the winner as it was his cross, Marcelo later doubled their Roma atop Group G. Pep Guardiola's Man- Bayern beat AEK Athens 2-0 countries in various age brack- The ANFA President said aimed at Juan Cuadrado, lead before Patrik Hrosovsky "I am convinced I will be," chester City had little trouble in Greece. ets to develop youth football. he was impressed by Qatar's which ended up falling for scored for the Czech champi- said Lopetegui when asked if against Shakhtar Donetsk, Niko Kovac's team are Qatar will also rely on the help preparations being carried Paulo Dybala to tuck home in ons to set up a nervy finale. he believed he would still be in winning 3-0 in Ukraine to level atop Group E with Ajax, from Aspire Academy and As- out to host the 2022 FIFA the 17th minute. Reports suggest Lopetegui charge against Barcelona. atone for a defeat there last who defeated Benfica 1-0 petar Sports Medicine Hospi- World Cup following his visit Ronaldo also forced a su- may still not survive in the job Roma eased to a 3-0 win season. thanks to a deflected stop- tal to beef up their exchange to the pavilion at the Su- perb save from David de Gea, until Sunday's Clasico against over CSKA Moscow, who had David Silva and Aymeric page-time winner from young programs with NFA. preme Committee for Deliv- while Paul Pogba struck the Barcelona, but the result did beaten Real in their last out- Laporte scored before Bernar- full-back Noussair Mazraoui. "The signing of this coop- ery and Legacy.

Ex-Tunisia player CSKA fan stabbed in detained in Belgium clashes before CL football fraud probe Infantino seeks vote on tourneys despite criticism match in Rome BRUSSELS: Former Tunisia REUTERS Leagues, said they were op- ROME: A CSKA Moscow fan was international Fabien Camus was MANCHESTER Financial posed to "both the process stabbed and two others wounded detained on Wednesday in a and the content" of Infan- ahead of Tuesday's Champions massive fraud and match-fixing FIFA President Gianni Infan- backers tino's proposals. "There has League game with Roma, Italian scandal that has engulfed Bel- tino will put his controversial not been a proper consulta- media said Wednesday. Police gium's top football division. plans for two new interna- O Infantino revealed his tion or impact study" Colom- used water cannons against The 33-year-old midfielder, tional soccer tournaments to plans in May for a new bo told Reuters, saying many rioting fans and identified 18 of who is without a club after he a vote at Friday's meeting of Global Nations League and members of his organisation them late Tuesday as violence left KV Mechelen at the end of the body's ruling council, a a revamped Club World Cup were concerned that the plans was reported outside the Stadio last season, is the first player to spokesman for the govern- which he says are backed by would further increase the gap Olimpico. Roma and CSKA fans be detained since the scandal ing body told Reuters on a ‘solid and serious’ group between the wealthy clubs and had already clashed in Rome, broke on October 10. Wednesday. of investors willing to spend the rest, adding to the prob- leaving 19 people wounded, Prosecutors said Camus, However, with the World $25 billion over a 12-year lem of competitive imbalance when the two sides met in the who started his career at Mar- Leagues Forum, which repre- cycle starting in 2021. in domestic club football. 2014/15 season. About 20 seille, has been charged with sents 38 professional leagues, President of The Federation Internationale de Football Association UEFA have not made a Russian fans were hurt in central "money laundering and involve- asking Infantino last week (FIFA) Gianni Infantino during the elective assembly of the Italian public statement regarding Rome when an escalator col- ment in a criminal organisa- not to go for a vote and strong Football Federation (FIGC) recently. (AFP) Friday's meeting but in the lapsed at the Repubblica stop, tion". opposition within Europe, rum (WLF) letter, signed by past they have been clear in near the Termini train station. "An Olivier Myny, a forward at Friday's FIFA council meet- ball's governing body UEFA called the 'Final Eight' fea- Premier League executive their opposition to Infanti- anomaly caused the collapse of second-tier club OH Leuven, ing in Kigali, Rwanda, could are among several organisa- turing eight international chairman Richard Scuda- no’s plans. the escalator, but we cannot say was charged as part of the cause a major split. tions unwilling to endorse the teams, council members will more, Bundesliga CEO Chris- In May, UEFA presi- anything yet about how things probe two weeks ago but was Infantino revealed his plans at this stage. be urged to back the principle tian Seifert and Mexican Liga dent Aleksander Ceferin de- happened," the ANSA news released by the judge. plans in May for a new Glo- The new competitions and authorise FIFA to work MX executive president En- nounced what he called 'highly agency quoted Rome firefighters' More than 20 individuals, in- bal Nations League and a and related commercial strat- further on the project. rique Bonilla and confirmed cynical and ruthless mercan- chief Giampiero Boscaino as say- cluding club executives, players' revamped Club World Cup egy feature on the agenda for The picture for the Club to Reuters, said the leagues tilism' and accused FIFA of ing. Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi agents and two referees, have which he says are backed by the meeting and the FIFA World Cup, currently an an- are "firmly opposed to any selling the soul of the game. said at the Repubblica stop that been charged as part of the a 'solid and serious' group spokesman told Reuters that nual tournament with seven decision at this stage". As well as concerns over the "witnesses seem to have seen investigation that partly relates of investors willing to spend there will be votes held on teams, is less clear. Infan- The WLF includes Afri- international calendar, which (people) sing and dance on the to suspected match-fixing in a $25 billion over a 12-year cy- the proposals. tino had talked of a four can, Asian, South and North has already been agreed until escalator." failed effort to save formerly cle starting in 2021. The spokesman said that yearly event featuring 24 American leagues as well as 2024, several officials have Dozens of empty and broken top-tier Mechelen from relega- The European Leagues, in regard to the Global Na- clubs but several alternative those from Europe. expressed surprise that In- beer bottles were reportedly found tion to the second division. which includes the Premier tions League, where Infan- models will also be put to Alberto Colombo, Dep- fantino has yet to reveal the at the stop despite the ban on al- Ten people have been League, Bundesliga and La tino envisages a mini-World the Council. uty General Secretary and identity of the financial back- coholic drinks ahead of the game detained. (AFP) Liga, and European foot- Cup, held every two years The World Leagues Fo- spokesman for the European ers for the plan. which Roma won 3-0. (DPA) Sports Thursday, October 25, 2018 19 Stephens victory hands winless Osaka Singapore lifeline

AFP started well and methodically SINGAPORE constructed points to rattle Bertens before the Dutchwom- FORMER US Open champion an clawed back into the contest. Sloane Stephens overcame gal- In the tournament’s first tie lant Kiki Bertens in another break, Stephens took advantage marathon match at the WTA of a misfiring Bertens to draw Finals, a result which breathes first blood. A gritty Bertens hit life into Japanese sensation back in the second set, working Naomi Osaka’s teetering Singa- Stephens around the court to pore campaign. take control of the rallies. A de- The American struggled moralised Stephens had no an- mid-match but fought back swer and her slump continued from an early break in the third into the deciding set where she set to prevail 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 6-3 was broken in the second game. in two hours and 20 minutes. But the twists continued It was the result crowd fa- with Stephens coming back vourite Osaka needed after she from nowhere to break twice fell to number one seed Angel- and reel off four straight games. ique Kerber in a three-set clas- Bertens only qualified just sic to put her on the brink of days before the tournament af- Qatar players celebrate a goal agaisnt Chinese Taipei during their AFC U-19 Group A match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Wednesday. elimination. ter world number one Simona Like White Group, all play- Halep withdrew due to injury. ers from Red Group can still Earlier, Kerber had a chance qualify for the semi-finals al- to serve it out against Osaka in though winless Osaka will need the second set but triumphed Qatar to the fore, cruise to rely on results to get through. the hard way in a pulsating 6-4, World number six 5-7, 6-4 victory in two hours Stephens has moved into and 30 minutes. pole position after her second The German appeared to be straight victory. hampered by a back injury in “I just tried my very best the third set but dug deep and into AFC U-19 quarters from the first point in the third gained the crucial break in the set and it didn’t go my way im- seventh game. mediately but I just kept bat- “I will try to recover as deadlock on 11 minutes when resolute Chinese Taipei de- med had been brought down in tling,” she said after the match. soon as possible,” Kerber told The Maroons thump Chinese Taipei 4-0 Abdulrasheed Umaru thumped fending forced them to wait the area by Chiu Po-Jui. It was the sixth consecutive reporters. “It was just one, to top group; Indonesia down UAE a fierce angled drive against until the 57th minute before Meanwhile, 10-man Indo- match to go the distance at the two points which decided the the bar, before goalkeeper Li taking the lead with substitute nesia sensationally qualified unpredictable WTA Finals. match. I'm just happy that I Guan-Pei did well to deny Mo- Khaled Mansour drilling a shot for the AFC U-19 Champion- A sharp moving Stephens won the battle.” AFC ticket through to the last eight. hammed Waad Abdulwahhab across Li and into the net. ship quarter-finals for the first BOGOR (JAKARTA) In the end, Qatar assumed and Umaru in quick succession With Chinese Taipei’s re- time in 40 years, beating Unit- pole position by the narrow- shortly after. solve clearly broken and the ed Arab Emirates 1-0 to elimi- QATAR progressed into the est of margins after scoring Umaru was once again East Asians failing to must a nate the visitors at Gelora Bung AFC U-19 Championship In- more goals than either second- foiled by Li in the 27th minute, genuine opportunity of their Karno Stadium. donesia 2018 quarter-finals on placed Indonesia or the United while Hashim Ali’s clever flick own, Qatar added a second A 23rd-minute goal from Wednesday as a hard-fought Arab Emirates in the games be- from a corner failed to beat the through Hashim Ali courtesy of Witan Sulaeman gave the hosts 4-0 win over a resilient Chi- tween the trio. alert Chinese Taipei custodian a deft finish four minutes later. the lead, but they had to dig nese Taipei helped them fin- The 2014 title winners will shortly after half-hour mark. As chances became few deep to hold out after captain ish top of a tight Group A that now meet the yet to be de- In the final moments of and far between, Qatar Nurhidayat Haji Haris was sent saw three teams finish tied on cided runners-up in Group B, what had proved to be a domi- pressed for a third and it duly off early in the second half. six points. with Sunday’s encounter sure nant yet decidedly frustrating came with 13 minutes remain- The decisive goal was the Indonesia finished second to be a titanic tussle given that half for the Qataris, Li did su- ing, Hashim Ali bagging his result of sheer opportunism, in the group after beating UAE both a spot in the semi-finals premely well to repel a rasping second of the game with a de- with Witan robbing Emirati by a lone goal. and a berth at next year’s Umaru drive from 12 yards and lightful curling effort that beat defender Yousef Ali of the A flurry of second half goals FIFA U-20 World Cup will be Ahmed Suhail planted a head- Li’s despairing dive. ball 40 yards from goal be- ensured the nervy victory for up for grabs. er narrowly wide of the target Qatar rounded off the fore outpacing everyone in Qatar who had gone into the On what proved to be a much to his annoyance. scoring on 86 minutes when the vicinity and slamming the Sloane Stephens after her singles round-robin match against Kiki game knowing that only a win tense night of football, Qatar Qatar’s ascendancy showed Umaru expertly converted a ball home from just inside the Bertens at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals 2018 at the Indoor would have guaranteed them a came close to breaking the no sign of abating, but more penalty after Khaled Moham- penalty area. Stadium in Singapore on Wednesday. (EPA-EFE) Mercedes, Hamilton heading for Bangladesh duo hit half centuries to seal series win over Zimbabwe another Mexican coronation AFP SCOREBOARD REUTERS Sebastian Vettel can only take four races, that's what my mind battle on our hands and we CHITTAGONG MEXICO CITY the title by winning all of the was set on," he said of his ap- will have to keep pushing to ZIMBABWE BANGLADESH remaining races and hoping his proach going into last weekend. win both titles," commented OPENER Imrul Kayes and H. Masakadza c Mushfiqur b Saifuddin 14 Liton Das c Tiripano b Raza 83 C. Zhuwao c Fazle b Mehidy 20 Imrul Kayes c Chigumbura b Raza 90 LEWIS Hamilton won his British rival fails to score the Hamilton's Finnish team Mercedes team boss Toto Liton Das hit big half-centuries B. Taylor lbw b Mahmudullah 75 St Taylor b Raza 0 fourth Formula One world five points needed to put the mate Valtteri Bottas may also Wolff. as Bangladesh crushed Zimba- S. Williams c Mushfiqur b Saifuddin 47 Mushfiqur Rahim 40 championship in Mexico last championship to bed. feel he has more of a chance of The thinner air should bwe by seven in the S. Raza c Mushfiqur b Mortaza 49 not out 24 year and it will come as a shock Seventh on Sunday would standing on top of the podium, mean Ferrari and Mercedes second one-day international P. Moor c Mehidy b Mustafizur 17 Extras (lb1, w11, nb1) 13 E. Chigumbura c Nazmul b Saifuddin 3 Total (three wickets; 44.1 overs) 250 if he does not also wrap up his do the trick for Hamilton but for the first time this year, since have less of an engine advan- to take an unassailable 2-0 B. Mavuta not out 9 Did not bat: Mahmudullah Riyad, , fifth at the capital's Hermanos the 33-year-old, who admitted a win for him also hands Ham- tage, opening up a window of lead in the three-match series D. Tiripano not out 3 Mohammad Saifuddin, , Mustafizur Rodriguez circuit this weekend. to thinking strategically in the ilton the title. opportunity for Red Bull. in Chittagong on Wednesday. Extras (b5, lb3, w1) 9 Rahman, Fall of wickets: 1-148 (Liton), The Mercedes driver will previous race in Texas when The focus "That's what helped us last Imrul missed out on his Total (seven wickets; 50 overs) 246 2-152 (Fazle), 3-211 (Imrul) Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Masakadza), 2-70 (Zhuwao), : Jarvis 9-0-31-0 (w2), Chatara 7-0-48-0(w1), want to do it with rather more trying to pass Verstappen for for both Mer- year and we're hopeful it will do second century in the series 3-147 (Taylor), 4-188 (Williams), 5-229 (Raza), 6-229- Tiripano 5-0-22-0, Mavuta 7-0-56-0 (w7), Williams determination and style this second, is going cedes drivers the same again." said Red Bull when he was dismissed for (Moor), 7-234 (Chigumbura) Bowling: Mortaza 10-0- 6-0-43-0 (nb1), Raza 10-1-43-3 (w1), Zhuwao 0.1-0- time, however, even if he is for the win. will remain on team boss Christian Horner. 90, but this was enough to 49-1, Mustafizur 10-0-35-1, Saifuddin 10-1-45-3, 6-0 still publicly taking nothing for "I know the securing the "Realistically it's our last help Bangladesh cruise to Mehidy 7-0-45-1 (w1), Nazmul 10-0-43-0, Result: Bangladesh won by seven wickets granted and warning against guys will do great constructors' shot at winning a race between 250-3 in 44.1 overs after they Mahmudullah 3-0-21-1 complacency. analysis from to- crown for a now and the end of the year." restricted Zimbabwe to 246-6 Last time, the Briton - now day in the next fifth year Further back there are at the Zahur Ahmed Chowd- very first over of the innings “I think winning the toss 70 points clear of Ferrari's couple of days in a row, still some big battles going hury Stadium. following a television replay. was crucial. We knew about Sebastian Vettel with three and we'll come however. on for championship posi- Imrul, who played a match- Off-break bowler Sikandar the dew, but it was not as much rounds remaining - finished strong in the next Mer- tion that decides how the winning knock of 144 runs in Raza dismissed Liton to break as we expected,” Mortaza said. ninth and was lapped in a race," he told re- cedes are 66 share of the revenues and Sunday’s series opener, shared the stand and then also had Mushfiqur Rahim and high-altitude race won by Red porters after fin- points ahead prize money is divided. 148 runs with Liton Das in the number three Fazle Mahmud Mohammad Mithun were Bull's young Dutchman Max ishing third in of Ferrari, who Fourth-placed Renault opening stand, Bangladesh’s in his next over, but Imrul unbeaten on 40 and 24 runs Verstappen. Austin last Sun- closed the gap have a good but not safe margin best ODI start in 2018. stood firm to deny Zimbabwe respectively. Mithun clinched If Verstappen were to re- day with Vettel in Texas, with a to Haas while the Racing Point Liton chipped in with 83 further momentum. Bangladesh’s 12th successive peat the feat, and that cannot fourth. maximum 86 still Force India team - with Mexi- off 77 balls after being re- Bangladesh skipper win over Zimbabwe in style, be ruled out, Hamilton would "The sole to be won after co's sole driver Sergio Perez - prieved on naught by the Mashrafe Mortaza acknowl- hitting left-arm spinner Ce- be champion anyway. goal was to Lewis Hamilton Mexico. are closing in on sixth-placed third umpire, who overturned edged dew in the field made phas Zhuwao for a six over That is because Ferrari's win these "We have a McLaren. a leg-before decision in the their job easier. deep square leg. Tale of a tie: Shai dashes India hopes; Kohli fastest to 10,000

AFP FASTEST TO 10,000 ONE-DAY INT’L RUNS VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA PLAYER M I R SCOREBOARD Virat Kohli* (India) 213 205 10076 Sachin Tendulkar (India) 266 259 18426 INDIA WEST INDIES (Target 322) CENTURION hit a last-ball R. Sharma c Hetmyer b Roach 4 K. Powell c Pant b Shami 18 boundary to help West Indies tie the sec- Sourav Ganguly (India) 272 263 11363 S. Dhawan lbw b Nurse 29 C. Hemraj b K. Yadav 32 ond one-day international against India Ricky Ponting (Australia) 272 266 13704 V. Kohli not out 157 S. Hope not out 123 Jacques Kallis (South Africa) 286 272 11579 A. Rayudu b Nurse 73 M. Samuels b K. Yadav 13 despite Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s daz- MS Dhoni b McCoy 20 S. Hetmyer c Kohli b Chahal 94 zling 157 on Wednesday. MS Dhoni* (India) 320 273 10143 Brian Lara (West Indies) 287 278 10405 R. Pant lbw b Samuels 17 R. Powell c Sharma b K. Yadav 18 Needing five runs on the final ball to R. Jadeja c Powell b McCoy 13 J. Holder run out (Rayudu/Chahal) 12 Rahul Dravid (India) 309 287 10889 chase down West Indies’ target of 322, M. Shami not out 0 A. Nurse c Rayudu b U. Yadav 5 Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) 315 296 10290 Extras (lb3, w5) 8 K. Roach not out 0 Hope – who made a total of 123 – got Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) 404 380 14234 Total: (For 6 wickets, 50 overs) 321 Extras (b1, lb4, w1) 6 four off Indian paceman Umesh Yadav VIRAT Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) 322 299 11739 Did not bat: Y. Chahal, U. Yadav, K. Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-15 Total: (For 7 wickets, 50 overs) 321 as the tourists ended on 321-7 in their 50 KOHLI Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) 337 328 13430 (Sharma), 2-40 (Dhawan), 3-179 (Rayudu), 4-222 (Dhoni), 5-248 Did not bat: D. Bishoo, O. McCoy Fall of wickets: 1-36 (K. Powell), 2-64 overs. (Pant), 6-307 (Jadeja) Bowling: Holder 6-0-50-0 (w1), Roach 10-0- (Hemraj), 3-78 (Samuels), 4-221 (Hetmyer), 5-253 (R. Powell), 6-300 Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) 355 333 12650 67-1, Nurse 10-0-46-2 (w2), Bishoo 10-0-48-0, McCoy 9-0-71-2 (Holder), 7-315 (Nurse) Bowling: Shami 10-0-59-1 (w1), Umesh Earlier Kohli became the quickest (w2), Samuels 5-0-36-1. 10-0-78-1, Kuldeep 10-0-67-3, Jadeja 10-0-49-0, Chahal 10-0-63-1. batsman to reach 10,000 ODI runs on into the match on the back of his 106 in Toss: India Result: Match tied Series: India lead the five-match series his way to his second successive century the West Indies’ opening loss, smashed and help India amass 321-6 after elect- four fours and seven sixes to unsettle the ing to bat first. The hosts lead the five- Indian bowlers. some tight bowling by the Indian pace- his opposite number Jason Holder off match series 1-0. Left-arm wrist spinner Hetmyer though fell short of what men and Holder’s run out. debutant Obed McCoy and made full use Kuldeep Yadav claimed three wickets in would have been his fourth ODI ton after But the day belonged to Kohli who of the reprieve. what turned out to be the second tied top edging one of Yuzvendra Chahal’s leg reached 10,000 runs in his 205th in- He put on 139 runs for the third game between the two sides. spinners to get caught by Kohli at cover. nings as he surpassed fellow great with Ambati Rayudu, who made The West Indies were in trouble at Hope then kept his calm to put to- Sachin Tendulkar, who first crossed the 73. Rayudu took stock along with Kohli 78-3 when Hope infused life into their gether another 47-run crucial partner- 10,000-run mark in 259 innings in 2001. after India lost their openers for 40 as chase and put on 143 runs for the fourth ship with skipper Jason Holder to nearly Kohli’s heroics that came at the back the batting duo rebuilt the innings and wicket with Shimron Hetmyer, who pull off victory for the West Indies. of his 140 in India’s opening win on counter-attack. West Indies’ Shai Hope (left) with Shimron Hetmyer during the second blasted 94 off 64 deliveries. Hope, who registered his second Sunday. Nicknamed “King Kohli”, the The third match is slated for Satur- One-Day International against India at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy The left-handed Hetmyer, who came ODI ton, kept chipping away despite prolific run-getter was dropped on 44 by day in Pune. ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. (AFP)