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Thursday, October 27, 2016 TENNIS Muharram 26, 1438 AH Kuznetsova GULF TIMES edges Pliskova in Singapore thriller SPORT Page 10 IND VS NZ, 4TH ODI FOCUS Stokes can be one Southee leads NZ of all-time great all-rounders, says to series-levelling coach Bayliss

Reuters Dhaka

ngland’s could win over India mature into one of the great- est ever all-rounders, coach Trevor Bayliss said after the Williamson’s men bundle out hosts for 241 to pick up a 19-run victory 25-year-old’sE match-winning per- formance in the opening Test against AFP Bangladesh. Ranchi, India Stokes was man-of-the-match in ’s thrilling 22-run victory in Chittagong, taking six , in- ast bowlers Tim Southee and cluding two in three balls to seal vic- James Neesham ran through In- tory on the fi nal day. dia’s middle order to help New He also scored a vital 85 with the Zealand to a 19-run series-lev- bat in the second innings after Eng- ellingF win in the fourth one-day inter- land’s top order had collapsed on day national Ranchi yesterday. three. Southee (3-40) and Neesham (2-38) “He could be right up there with shared fi ve wickets between them to some of the all-time best all-round- England’s coach Trevor Bayliss bowl out India for 241 in 48.4 overs. ers,” Bayliss told reporters in Dhaka Earlier opener Martin Guptill scored ahead of the second Test starting to- he can hit anything over the fence, a gritty half-century to drive New Zea- morrow. but you’ve got to be there to get land to 260 for seven after electing to “He’s young into his career and that loose ball. In the past he prob- bat fi rst. that’s going to be easier to judge the ably hasn’t had a lot of footwork, has “Coming here, we had to decide be- longer he goes. Only time will tell. played from the crease and backed his tween dew that may or may not come “But the strides he’s made on the eye and his hands. in versus the deterioration. The dew subcontinent playing spin have been “But as we’ve seen on this tour, in didn’t come in, so that perhaps worked top class.” the one-dayers and this Test, he’s in our favour,” skipper Kane William- defended really well off the front son said of his decision to defend the “He’s young into his foot, got right out and smothered the score. career and that’s going ball before it had a chance to spin and “India is a great side, it is exciting to to be easier to judge the jump past the outside edge.” go 2-2 into the fi nal match.” longer he goes. Only time Leg-spinner had a Southee hurt India’s reply with an more modest performance in Chit- early but Ajinkya Rahane (57) will tell,” Bayliss said. “But tagong, managing three wickets on and Virat Kohli (45) put on 79 runs for the strides he’s made on a spin-friendly surface, but Bayliss the second wicket to steady the chase. the subcontinent playing urged patience with the four-Test Kohli dominated his stay at the spin have been top class” bowler ahead of a fi ve-match Test se- crease with two fours and a six before ries in India next month. his innings was cut short by leg-spin- England said “Look, it’s only been the very, very ner Ish Sodhi who got the star batsman after Chittagong that Stokes brought best leg-spinners who have got the caught behind. ‘X factor’ to the side and put the all- control and consistency and ability Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who rounder’s improvement down to his to take wickets,” said Bayliss of the is trying to make the number four slot work playing spin. 28-year-old. his own, walked out to a rousing wel- Bayliss agreed. “I think Rash is still on a journey come in his hometown Ranchi. “It wasn’t all that long ago we were there and he’s still improving. He’s Neesham soon swung into action wondering how he might go on spin- getting more and more confi dent. with two big wickets of Rahane and friendly wickets, but he’s a guy that “I expect that once upon a time Dhoni as India’s chase began to fall works extremely hard in the nets,” the the spinners weren’t thought of as apart. 53-year-old Australian said. “It’s his getting to their peak until their early Rahane was setting a good pace after defence to spin that has improved out thirties, so he’s still got a bit to learn recording his 16th ODI half-century, of sight. yet. But I think he’s on the right but failed to convert his solid start into New Zealand bowler Tim Southee (second from left) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of India’s Rohit Sharma “We know that if he gets a bad ball track.” a big score as he was adjudged lbw to a during the fourth ODI in Ranchi yesterday. (AFP) Neesham inswinger. Neesham got Dhoni bowled for 11 in spin managed to break the stand. B.J. Watling c Sharma b Kulkarni 14 his very next over as the crowd fell si- Guptill went on to complete his 31st A. Devcich c Pandya b Yadav 11 lent with the wicketkeeper-batsman ODI half-century as he and skipper M. Santner 17 once again faltering in a chasing eff ort tried to build mo- T. Southee not out 9 after he consumed 31 deliveries. mentum against a persistent bowling Extras (lb3, w13) 16 But it was Southee’s double strike in attack. Total (7 wickets; 50 overs) 260 the 33rd over of the innings that com- “What we wanted was (to) build Fall of wickets: 1-96 (Latham), 2-138 pletely derailed India’s chase with the partnerships. It was not an easy sur- (Guptill), 3-184 (Williamson), 4-192 (Nee- hosts slipping to 154 for six. face. Although you always want more, sham), 5-217 (Watling), 6-223 (Taylor), Southee got (12) and 260 was not a bad eff ort on that sur- 7-242 (Devcich) Kedar Jadhav (0) off consecutive deliv- face,” said Williamson. Bowling: Yadav 10-1-60-1 (3w), Kulkarni eries to be on hat-trick which was only Guptill, who was named the man of 7-0-59-1 (1w), Pandya 5-0-31-1 (8w), averted by Hardik Pandya (9), who did the match, though did not make the Mishra 10-0-42-2 (1w), Patel 10-0-38-1, not last long. most of a dropped chance at 62 as he Jadhav 8-0-27-0 Axar Patel tried to infuse life into fell to Pandya 10 runs later. the chase with his 40-ball 38 as he Mishra ended the obdurate William- INDIA looked to turn things around with Amit son’s stay at the crease after getting the R. Sharma c Watling b Southee 11 Mishra, who made 14, at the other end. batsman caught by Dhoni for 41. A. Rahane lbw b Neesham 57 Mishra was run out after a mix-up India’s bowlers kept chipping away V. Kohli c Watling b Sodhi 45 while attempting a second run and as the visiting batsmen found it hard M.S. Dhoni b Neesham 11 Patel was bowled by Trent Boult, who to get runs in the fi nal 15 overs, in the A. Patel b Boult 38 took two wickets. process losing wickets at regular inter- M. Pandey c Latham b Southee 12 “The number fi ve and six are quite vals. K. Jadhav lbw b Southee 0 new, they will learn their own way. Mitchell Santner struck an unbeaten H. Pandya c latham b Santner 9 Some will play big shots, some will take 13-ball 17 to give respectability to the A. Mishra run out (Santner/Watling) 14 it deep,” said Dhoni of India’s inexperi- New Zealand score which in the end D. Kulkarni not out 25 enced middle order. proved just enough. U. Yadav c Taylor b Boult 7 “Once they have played 15-20 games, India’s Ajinkya Rahane scored 57. (AFP) The action now shifts to Viskhap- Extras (lb3, w9) 12 they will fi gure out what works for atnam for the deciding fi fth and fi nal Total (all out; 48.4 overs) 241 them.” courtesy of a 96-run opening stand match on Saturday. Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Sharma), 2-98 But the hosts did not bow out with- between Guptill (72) and Tom Latham (Kohli), 3-128 (Rahane), 4-135 (Dhoni), out a fi ght as Dhawal Kulkarni, unbeat- only to lose steam towards the end of SCORECARD 5-154 (Pandey), Jadhav 6-154 (Jadhav), en on 25, and Umesh Yadav put together the innings. NEW ZEALAND 7-167 (Pandya), 8-205 (Mishra), 9-207 34 runs for the fi nal wicket to give the Leg-spinner Mishra led the bowling M. Guptill c Dhoni b Pandya 72 (Patel), 10-241 (Yadav) Black Caps a scare. charge with impressive fi gures of 2-42. T. Latham c Rahane b Patel 39 Bowling: Southee 9-0-40-3, Boult The spinners, who were brought into K. Williamson c Dhoni b Mishra 41 9.4-1-48-2 (2w), Neesham 6-0-38-2 (2w), Ben Stokes was man-of-the-match in England’s thrilling 22-run victory in GUPTILL STANDS TALL the attack after the 10th over, dried up R. Taylor run out (Kulkarni/Dhoni) 35 Santner 10-0-38-1 (1w), Sodhi 10-1-52-1, Chittagong, taking six wickets, including two in three balls to seal victory on Earlier the visitors, started off well the fl ow of runs and Patel’s left-arm J. Neesham c Kohli b Mishra 6 Devcich 4-0-22-0 (3w) the final day. He also scored a vital 85. (AFP) Gulf Times 2 Thursday, October 27, 2016

ENGLAND’S TOUR OF BANGLADESH SPOTLIGHT Latham’s a England want more huge positive for from top-order in Kiwis: McCullum ‘The top four found it very diff icult against the new ball second Test facing the spinners’

New Zealand’s Tom Latham plays a shot during the third ODI against India in Mohali, India, on Sunday. (AFP)

IANS India, it’s incredibly diffi cult where New Delhi the conditions are so diff erent to what we have back home. I think the guys will take a lot of learnings from espite being whitewashed this tour and really good experiences 0-3 in the recently con- and I am sure in time we will see the cluded Test series, former benefi t of how important this tour New Zealand skipper Bren- has been for them. Hopefully we can donD McCullum yesterday said the fi nish with a couple of wins in the last young Kiwis can take a lot of posi- two games,” he said. tives from the ongoing India tour. “In the end, you are not going to The keeper-batsman reckoned come here and have instant success that opening batsman Tom Latham across the board but only if you take has emerged as one of the fi nds of the lessons from it you can continue the tour apart from the way stumper to develop as a team. When you leave Luke Ronchi had performed in the these shores with some good learn- Tests. He also hailed the young spin- ing, that’s what is important for a ners in the side. young team,” he added. “I think Latham’s batting has been The 35-year-old, who recently a huge positive, Ronchi in Test crick- lashed out against his predecessor et and the bowling group stuck to Ross Taylor’s “uninspiring captain- their task really well too. Again these cy” in his autobiography, however, In this October 20, 2016, picture, Bangladesh’s Mehedi Hasan (centre) celebrates the wicket of England’s (right) on Day One of the first Test in Chittagong. are early stages for spinners Ish Sodhi spoke highly of his successor Kane England’s top four batsmen, including Root, Alastair Cook, and Gary Ballance, have managed a combined total of only 96 runs in both innings. (AFP) and Mitchell Santner but I think they Williamson as a world class player. performed really well as well,” the “I think Kane is going to be an in- AFP Ballance’s place is particularly vul- Haseeb Hameed waiting in the wings. see changes with 27-year-old Subashis devastating opener told reporters in credible leader. At a young age of Dhaka nerable given that he has made just two Both of them were named on Tues- Roy likely to be brought into the side an interaction here. 26, he is already very matured, he’s half-centuries in his last 10 Tests, while day in the squad to play fi ve Tests in In- after paceman Shafi ul Islam was rested. “I think we are brought up on con- a world class player and I think the Duckett will be desperate to make his dia on a tour which begins immediately Bangladesh have also called up bats- ditions which are very much diff erent team is just fi nding itself in tough cir- ngland’s misfi ring top-order mark after scores of 14 and 15 on his de- after the Bangladesh series. man Mosaddek Hossain as backup to from what we get here, it’s a matter cumstances and we shouldn’t judge will be under pressure to de- but in Chittagong. Bayliss was also against the idea of Sabbir Rahman, who was suff ering of time to adapt to the conditions as them too harshly as it’s a tough place liver in the second and fi nal Even the normally prolifi c Cook and using four spinners, something that from a stomach problem after his val- soon as possible. to come.” Test against Bangladesh start- Root have been stuttering, with both would be a rare decision for England in iant innings of 64 in the second innings “I think some of these guys like “I am sure over the coming months ingE tomorrow, aware their places could men each having scored a solitary half- a Test match. of the fi rst Test. Latham had, he was outstanding his leadership will certainly stand up be up for grabs when the team moves on century in their last six innings. With thoughts already turning to the Manager Khaled Mahmud told AFP throughout the tour in a really tough when they play in home conditions,” to India. England coach Trevor Bayliss made tour against the world’s number one that Sabbir underwent an endoscopy (opening) position and Kane Wil- he said. After winning the nailbiting fi rst Test clear he was expecting more from the Test side, England could also be tempt- yesterday, but it did not reveal any seri- liamson before he got sick he made Hailing Indian Test skipper Virat in Chittagong by just 22 runs on Mon- top order, who all struggled against spin ed to hand a debut to left-arm spinner ous problem. contributions in the fi rst game and a Kohli as one of the top contemporary day, the tourists will be keen to extend in Chittagong, while indicating that he Zafar Ansari. “Hopefully he will be fi ne before the lot of runs are required from him,” he batsmen, McCullum said: “Virat is their 100 percent record against their will keep faith with them in Dhaka. With Moeen’s batting vital to the second Test,” said Mahmud. added. defi nitely among the top line of players hosts when they face off again in the “I don’t think there’s any reason to team, the veteran Gareth Batty is the McCullum, who had a prolifi c for a number of years now. He has done capital Dhaka. change the top six at this stage,” Bayliss most likely to miss out if England opt SQUADS record in India during his interna- well in both Tests and ODIs but also England’s win in Chittagong was told reporters. for Ansari given the 39-year-old’s lack Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), tional days, conceded that it is very had a fantastic IPL season as well. His due in large part to the batting heroics “The top four guys found it very dif- of potency in Chittagong on his recall Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul diffi cult for any touring side to beat ability to be consistent in all formats is of the middle order, with , fi cult against the new ball facing the after an 11-year absence. Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mahmudul- the No.1 Test side at home. a mark of how world class he is.” and Ben Stokes all play- spinners... on a wicket which some- The Dhaka pitch is again expected lah Riyad, Shakib Al Hasan, Shuvagata “India is the No.1 Test team in the McCullum, who bid goodbye to in- ing crucial knocks to repair the damage times bounced up around your shoul- to turn but Bayliss was cool on the idea Hom, Sabbir Rahman, Mehedi Hasan, world and it’s not easy to come here ternational cricket in February this from top-order collapses. der and sometimes skidded straight of dropping a seam bowler and playing Mosaddek Hossain, Subashis Roy, Taijul and compete against them. Some- year, however, feels he has three-four The top four batsmen – Alastair through. I’m sure all the batters will be four spinners. Islam, Kamrul Islam, Nurul Hasan. times you get beaten in games be- years left in competitive cricket and is Cook, Ben Duckett, Joe Root and Gary better for it.” “There’s always an opportunity (of England: Alastair Cook (capt), Ben cause the opposition plays well.” looking forward to playing the Indian Ballance – managed a combined total using four spinners), I suppose,” Bayliss Duckett, Haseeb Hameed, Joe Root, “It’s always a tough place to tour Premier League (IPL) next season. of just 96 runs in both innings. ENDOSCOPY said. Jonny Bairstow, , Gary Bal- Their failures were all too famil- Former England captain Nasser Hussain “But it’s a bit like playing fi ve pace lance, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Chris iar and underlined how England have is among the voices calling for Ballance bowlers on a green seamer. If three or Woakes, Adil Rashid, Zafar Ansari, struggled to make solid starts in a star- to make way, with the likes of big-hit- four can’t do the job, well...” Gareth Batty, , , Zimbabwe call up uncapped duo for tling number of recent Tests. ting Jos Buttler and the teenage opener Bangladesh’s line-up will defi nitely . series Zimbabwe have called up uncapped seamer Carl Mumba and bats- BOTTOMLINE man Tarisai Musakanda for the two-test home series against Sri Lanka No Anderson as starting in on Saturday. There is also a recall after five years for seamer Chris Mpofu, while all-rounder is back in the England unchanged squad for the first time since 2014 having recently scored four half- for India centuries against a touring Pakistan A side. Mumba and batsman Tarisai ‘Big Show’ turns no-show as Musakanda, who also turns 21 this month, have been rewarded for good Fast bowler James Anderson form in domestic cricket. Mumba has 59 wickets in 16 first class matches was left out as England named at an average of less than 18, while Musakanda has played four fewer an unchanged 16-man squad on matches and already scored over 600 runs. The pace duo of Tendai Maxwell dropped from state Tuesday for their five-Test series Chatara and were not considered due to injury. The against India. Anderson, who has series will be the first for new coach Heath Streak, who was appointed taken a record 473 Test wickets for two weeks ago. Reuters England, had already been ruled Melbourne out of next month’s opening Test South Africa coach Domingo gets in Rajkot as he is recovering from a shoulder problem. The 34-year-old contract extension lenn Maxwell’s stock in was forced to miss England’s ongo- international cricket has ing series in Bangladesh, but could South Africa have extended the contract of coach Russell Domingo until continued its slide, with the join the squad for the remaining after next year’s tour to England, Cricket South Africa said yesterday. enigmatic talent left to carry four Tests of the India tour. The 42-year-old took over from Gary Kirsten in mid-2013 but his current Gthe drinks for Victoria in Australia’s England are also without paceman contract was due to run out in April after South Africa return from a tour domestic Sheffi eld Shield. due to an ankle injury, to New Zealand. “The Board believed the best approach at present was The shock omission for the match but they elected not to draft in to extend the tenure of Mr. Domingo until the end of the England tour in against Tasmania at the Melbourne another seamer, leaving the squad 2017,” said CSA chief executive, Haroon Lorgat. “Naturally the perform- Cricket Ground this week follows his unchanged from the two-Test ances of the Proteas was a key factor in the Board’s unanimous decision. exclusion from the one-day interna- series with Bangladesh. The recent 1-0 Test series win against New Zealand and the impressive tional team for tours of Sri Lanka and Stuart Broad, , Ben 5-0 win in the ODI Series against world champions Australia, resulting South Africa. Stokes, Steven Finn and Jake Ball are in us being the first nation to achieve a clean sweep against them, were The 28-year-old all-rounder had the pace bowlers in the squad, with noted. In addition, the excellent Proteas discipline and the positive cul- hoped to add to his three tests in up- Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Gareth Batty ture throughout the coaching team, the player leadership group and the coming home series against South and Zafar Ansari supplying spin. rest of the players were viewed as exemplary.” Domingo’s contract exten- Africa and Pakistan, or on the tour of England secured a 22-run victory sion means he will now oversee the team for the ICC Champions Trophy India next year. conventional shots in limited overs Few would have seen his steep drop over Bangladesh in Chittagong on plus the four tests, three one-day internationals and three But he has little chance of convinc- cricket saddled him with the unwant- in form in one-day cricket, however, Monday and will close the two-Test internationals in England. ing national selectors of his worth if ed nickname of ‘The Big Show’, while when he scored a total of nine runs in series in Dhaka this weekend. unable to sway those at state level. also opening him up to criticism for fi ve matches on tour in New Zealand England launch their series Fancy a dip? Pool planned for Gabba Test “It’s just a matter of balance,” Vic- being too fl ashy during form slumps. and West Indies earlier this year. against India in Rajkot on Novem- toria coach Andrew McDonald told Maxwell played a starring role in The all-rounder’s response to being ber 9 and will also play matches in Punters watching Australia play Pakistan at the Brisbane Test in Decem- local media of his omission. Australia’s World Cup win on home dropped from the ODI team was clas- Visakhapatnam, Mohali, Mumbai ber will enjoy a novel way to escape the heat by having a dip in a pool in “There will be some unlucky play- soil last year but he has pined for an- sically Maxwell, blasting an unbeaten, and Chennai. the stands. Cricket Australia said it would be “a unique at-match experi- ers,” he said. “We’ve got nearly the full other chance at test level after fail- match-winning 145 in a Twenty20 in- ence” during the day-night game at the Gabba ground from December list available and we’ve selected the ing to make an impression in three ternational against Sri Lanka, the sec- SQUAD (for India Test series) 15. “Featuring a pool and two large tiered decks with seating, tables and team we think can beat Tasmania.” matches against India and Pakistan ond highest score in the format. Alastair Cook (capt), Moeen Ali, shade, the Pool Deck at the Gabba will give fans the chance to take a dip, As a buccaneering batsman, a bril- from 2013-14. Following that performance, Max- Zafar Ansari, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), escape the heat, and relax in comfort while still enjoying world class Test liant fi elder and a handy spin bowler, Although enjoying a fi ne season with well remarked that 2016 was the year Jake Ball, Gary Ballance, Gareth cricket action,” it said. A draw among ticket-holders will determine who Maxwell has long been seen as a player the bat for Victoria during the last home he thought he would “break open Batty, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, gets to relax by the pool, with cricket chiefs encouraging fans to turn up for all formats but has blown hot and summer, his test hopes were thwarted world cricket”. Ben Duckett, Steven Finn, Haseeb in their swimming costumes. Australia will also face Pakistan in Sydney cold since his international debut in by the stability of Australia’s top six As the year draws to a close, Max- Hameed, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, and Melbourne Tests but first they host South Africa in a three-Test 2012. batsmen during dominant series wins well faces the far humbler goal of Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes series. His hard hitting and array of un- over New Zealand and West Indies. breaking back into his state side. Gulf Times Thursday, October 27, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

ENGLISH LEAGUE CUP Foreigner not best England Sturridge brace helps option: Glenn : The Football As- sociation may be reluctant to hire a foreigner as Sam Allardyce’s replacement as Liverpool down Spurs full-time England manager based on previous painful experiences, FA chief execu- Oxlade-Chamberlain gives Arsenal 2-0 win over reading; Hull, Newcastle and Leeds progress tive Martin Glenn told the BBC yesterday. Glenn, who admitted he had been personally disappointed by Allardyce’s behaviour in which he advised journalists posing as Far Eastern businessmen about circumventing the ban on third-party ownership of players, added the national set-up had not been left in a great state when the foreign managers left. Swede Sven-Goran Eriks- son and Italy’s Fabio Capello are the two foreigners the FA have turned to with varying degrees of success this cen- tury. Eriksson — along with Roy Hodgson the only man- ager to have gone to three major finals with England in the past 20 years — guided England to three succes- sive quarter-finals, losing to Portugal on penalties in two of them. Capello’s reign was far less harmonious and included a woeful 2010 World Cup finals campaign culminating in a 4-1 thrashing by Germany. “In the past we’ve gone for foreign managers who’d be attracted as they might help us win a tournament,” said Glenn, who was head-hunted last year to take up the role after a successful career in the food industry. “They haven’t maybe left the inter- national set up in a better place. We want somebody there for the long term.” Glenn said one of the biggest conundrums the next manager faced and one that his predecessors had singularly failed to resolve is ridding the players of their demons with regard to don- ning the England shirt. “We have been very suc- cessful at winning tourna- ments in the development teams,” said Glenn. “The under-21s, the under-19s, Tottenham Hotspur’s goalkeeper Michel Vorm (right) makes a save under pressure from Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge during the English Football League Cup fourth round match at Anfield on Tuesday night. (AFP) when we put our boys up against the best in the world Reuters Leeds United beat Norwich City 3-2 petitions, showed predatory instincts to home with 14 minutes remaining. Al- Championship battle with Serbia strik- we are winning. We’re not London on penalties, while the quarter-fi nal poke home. berto Moreno was then lucky to avoid er Aleksandar Mitrovic and Senegal’s translating that enough lineup were to be completed late last While his work rate often comes un- conceding a second spot kick after tan- Mohamed Diame both scoring twice when it comes to the senior night with three more ties including der scrutiny, Sturridge’s eye for goal has gling with Lamela again, but the match while Matt Ritchie netted a penalty and team. “We think the diff er- aniel Sturridge sent Liverpool Manchester United hosting local ri- never been in doubt and when Marko ended with Liverpool back on the front Ayoze Perez scored in stoppage time to ence is psychological prepa- into the League Cup quarter- vals and holders City in the pick of the Grujic’s shot defl ected into his path, foot as Sturridge struck the crossbar round off the rout. ration, this fear factor when fi nals and gave his manager a fourth round matches. he showed lightning reactions to beat and substitute Danny Ings had an eff ort Ronaldo Vieira scored the winning you put on the England shirt. reminder of his talents with With no European football to occupy Spurs keeper Michel Vorm to the ball. saved by Vorm. penalty for Leeds United against Nor- The manager we hire will twoD clinical goals in a 2-1 win over Tot- his squad this season, Liverpool man- “He did what he has to do. It was Arsenal, who are unbeaten in all com- wich City in another all second-tier really understand that and tenham Hotspur on Tuesday night. ager Klopp raised a few eyebrows by brilliant, he could have scored three or petitions since the opening weekend of contest after the match fi nished 1-1 at will have detailed plans to The England striker has struggled to making 11 changes to the side that beat four,” said Klopp, who regularly prefers the Premier League season, were frus- fulltime and 2-2 after extra time. address it.” convince Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp West Bromwich Albion 2-1 in the Pre- Brazilian Roberto Firmino in attack in trated for large periods of the fi rst half LEAGUE CUP FOURTH-ROUND RESULTS Glenn said he expected this season, but he was a livewire all mier League on Saturday. the Premier League. before Oxlade-Chamberlain put them (aet denotes after extra time): interim manager Gareth night at Anfi eld where his double put Spurs, who are midway through a Sturridge passed up two chances ahead against Reading after 33 minutes. Arsenal 2 (Oxlade-Chamberlain 33, 78) Southgate, who impressed in the hosts in charge before Vincent Jans- run of seven games in 23 days and have either side of halftime, but he made He doubled the lead with 12 minutes left Reading 0 his stewardship of the Eng- sen pulled a goal back with a penalty for the Champions League to worry about, amends by doubling Liverpool’s lead when he drove a shot from distance that City 1 (Tomlin 90+3) Hull 2 (Maguire land Under-21 side but ruled the visitors. had more justifi cation for retaining only in the 64th minute. Georginio Wijnal- was defl ected in off a Reading boot. 44, Dawson 47) himself out when Hodgson Klopp’s side were joined in the last Eric Dier from the side that drew 0-0 dum played him through on goal and Hull City took a two goal lead at Leeds 2 (Antonsson 43, Wood 109) Nor- stepped down after losing eight by Arsenal, who eased past sec- with Bournemouth at the weekend. Sturridge squeezed his fi nish through second-tier Bristol City when Harry wich 2 (Pritchard 14, Oliveira 99) — aet to Iceland at Euro 2016, to ond-tier Reading 2-0 with Alex Ox- Liverpool, record eight times League Vorm’s legs in front of the Kop. Maguire and Michael Dawson scored Leeds win 3-2 on penalties be a candidate. Southgate lade-Chamberlain scoring twice, while Cup winners and last season’s beaten It had been smooth sailing for Liv- within four minutes either side of half- Liverpool 2 (Sturridge 9, 64) Tottenham 1 has thus far been in charge Newcastle United romped to a 6-0 win fi nalists, were ahead after nine minutes erpool until that point but Lucas Leiva time before Lee Tomlin pulled back a (Janssen 76-pen) for two 2018 World Cup over 10-man Preston North End and when Sturridge, who has started just nibbled the heels of Erik Lamela to con- stoppage-time goal for the hosts. Newcastle 6 (Mitrovic 19, 55, Diame 38, 87, qualifiers. Hull City won 2-1 at Bristol City. two of their last six games in all com- cede a penalty, which Janssen slammed Newcastle thrashed Preston in an all- Ritchie 53-pen, Perez 90+1) Preston 0

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT No change in Toure situation: Guardiola Giant-killers Lotte stun Agencies Manchester Leverkusen in German Cup ep Guardiola is standing by his de- cision not to pick Yaya Toure due AFP They crashed 3-0 at home to Hoff enheim on Sat- to comments by the midfi elder’s Berlin urday in the Bundesliga, and the pressure is ratch- agent, the Manchester City man- eting up on coach Roger Schmidt. Pager said on Tuesday. Guardiola has frozen The embarrassing defeat comes just 24 hours af- Toure out of the fi rst-team picture after the iant-killers Sportfreunde Lotte claimed ter Schmidt was banned for two games by the Ger- Ivorian’s agent, Dimitri Seluk, said his client another top-fl ight scalp on Tuesday night man FA for verbally abusing a rival coach. Schmidt had been “humiliated” when he was left out despite fi nishing their German Cup clash had to watch the nightmare unfold from the team of City’s Champions League squad. against Bayer Leverkusen with 10 men, bus while serving his ban, which saw him excluded City were up against Manchester United in Gwinning 4-3 on penalties. Third division Lotte had from the playing area. Freiburg were another Bun- the League Cup fourth round last night, giv- already shocked Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in desliga club to crash out on penalties when they lost ing Guardiola a chance to rotate his squad, the fi rst round. 4-3 at home to second-division Sandhausen fol- but he said that until Seluk apologises, Toure Despite seeing defender Tim Wendel sent off on lowing a 3-3 draw. Last night, holders Bayern Mu- will remain on the sidelines. “You know the 79 minutes for a second yellow card, Lotte held on nich were in action playing host to Augsburg in an situation from Yaya,” Guardiola told report- to a 2-2 draw after extra-time in the second round all-Bundesliga match. ers at his pre-match press conference. “I Scarves with the faces of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Manchester United clash. Leverkusen were booed by their own fans SELECTED SECOND-ROUND RESULTS would like to come with Yaya, believe me, boss Jose Mourinho are sold outside the stadium before the League Cup match. (Reuters) while director of sport Rudi Voeller was left fuming. (aet denotes after extra time): but you know the situation.” “This can’t be surpassed in terms of stupidity,” he Lotte 2 (Hilbert 47-og, Freiberger 105+1) Bayer Guardiola is seeking to end a run of fi ve 3-0 in the last 15 or 20 minutes you can Guardiola has told his players not to lose said. Kevin Volland’s two goals for Leverkusen were Leverkusen 2 (Volland 25, 95) — aet matches without victory — the joint-long- have more control and it gets a little easier. faith in his high-risk, high-reward style of cancelled out by an own goal from Roberto Hilbert Lotte win 4-3 on penalties est such sequence of his glittering manage- But we were playing 10 against 11 against football, but has said he needs time to as- and Kevin Freiberger’s equaliser for Lotte in the Freiburg 3 (Moeller Daehli 21, Grifo 76, Petersen 82-pen) rial career. Toure, 33, has been at City since Barcelona, it’s physical and tough in the sess his side. “Even when we were winning 106th minute. Sandhausen 3 (Kister 39, Wooten 53, Sukuta-Pasu 64) — joining from Barcelona in 2010 and has won Champions League. After that there was 10 games in a row I felt we had to make a lot In the shoot-out, Chile’s Charles Aranguiz, aet Sandhausen win 4-3 on penalties two Premier League titles, two League Cups the game against Southampton, when we of eff ort to win those games. You cannot win Volland and Austria’s Julian Baumgartlinger, all Hallescher FC 0 Hamburg 4 (Wood 8, 43, Lasogga 57, and one FA Cup during that time. made a mistake to go behind. Three days af- any game here without spending a lot of en- of whom are internationals, missed penalties for Waldschmidt 82) Guardiola also said he is still learning ter Manchester United it is West Brom, then ergy,” he added. “I am still learning how the Leverkusen. It has been a worrying dip in for Bayer, Eintracht Frankfurt 0 Ingolstadt 0 — aet to adapt to the demands of English foot- Barcelona and they are so important as well,” team reacts to winning and not winning, to who are away to Tottenham Hotspur in the Cham- Frankfurt win 4-1 on penalties ball. “Our last few games have been tough,” he said. “I am still learning about football in playing at home after a Champions League pions League week next but are winless in their last Borussia Moenchengladbach 2 (Johnson 32 Stindl 84) Guardiola said. “If you are winning a game this country.” game, and I am pretty sure I need time.” four matches. VfB Stuttgart 0 Gulf Times 4 Thursday, October 27, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Genoa end 10-man Can’t see Wenger as Milan’s bid for Serie A England coach: Henry lead AFP Wenger, who has spent 20 years as manager of Arsenal, has been strongly linked with England job Milan

AFP ikola Ninkovic, Leon- Mumbai ardo Pavoletti and a Juraj Kucka own goal ended 10-man AC Mi- rsenal legend Thierry Henry said yes- Nlan’s chances of going top of Se- terday there was no way he could see his rie A after crashing 3-0 to Genoa former boss Arsene Wenger fi lling the va- on Tuesday night. cant England manager’s position. Milan travelled to the Luigi AWenger, who recently celebrated his 20th anni- Ferraris buoyed by a weekend versary as manager of Arsenal, has been strongly victory over Juventus that closed linked with the job following the sacking of Sam the gap on the Italian champions Allardyce last month. “You can never say never but and Serie A leaders to just two I personally don’t see it happening,” Henry told re- points. But Genoa had won the porters in India’s commercial capital Mumbai. last two editions of this fi xture Allardyce was dismissed following the pub- 1-0 and by the end fully deserved lication by the Daily Telegraph of controversial what was just their fourth win of comments made to undercover reporters. He was the season. secretly fi lmed giving advice on how to circum- It moved them up to seventh, navigate transfer rules and mocking England pred- six points off the lead, while Mi- ecessor Roy Hodgson. lan remain third, ahead of last Gareth Southgate is in temporary charge with night’s and tonight’s remaining England’s Football Association on the hunt for a midweek fi xtures. full-time successor. Wenger’s contract with the Injuries in defence forced Mi- Gunners is due to expire at the end of this Premier lan coach Vincenzo Montella to League campaign and he’s known to have several turn midfi elder Andrea Poli into keen admirers at the FA. a makeshift right-back, while But Henry, who won two top-fl ight league ti- Keisuke Honda was given his tles with Arsenal under Wenger, believes his fel- fi rst start of the season in mid- low Frenchman may be lukewarm about the idea fi eld. It took Genoa just 11 min- of coaching the English national team. “I think he utes to fi nd a way past Gianluigi answered himself recently when he said that the Donnarumma. England manager should be English. That’s his Ninkovic, on his fi rst start for own words,” said the former striker. the club, rushed in to meet To- “I said recently that Arsene likes to be on the mas Rincon’s chip with a diving fi eld on a daily basis and when you’re coach of a header that beat Milan’s teen- national team you don’t get to do that,” Henry add- age goalkeeper. Milan defender ed. Wenger has been on the receiving end of severe Alessio Romagnoli produced criticism by some fans frustrated by Arsenal’s fail- the visitors’ best chance of the ure to win the Premier League since 2004. half when he unleashed a drive But Henry, Arsenal’s all-time top goal scorer, that fl ashed just wide of the near warned supporters to enjoy the 67-year-old while post, while M’Baye Niang’s vol- he is still at the club. “Be careful what you wish for ley from Carlos Bacca’s knock- because when he’s not going to be around people down fl ew over. are going to realise what he was doing at the time,” Milan’s chances of launching said the World Cup winner, now an assistant coach an unlikely fi ghtback collapsed with Belgium. 10 minutes after the restart when Arsenal sit joint top of the league on 20 points Former French and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry (centre) interacts with children during a promotional event in Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) Gabriel Paletta lunged with both with Manchester City and Liverpool after nine feet at Luca Rigoni. The veteran games. Chelsea and Tottenham are just a point front this season instead of on the wing, which he a fi llip to Indian football. “It helps massively when balling greats and learn about the game. That’s defender made little contact back. “It looks like fi nally things are going the right says creates more space for the Germany interna- you have such people in the league,” said Henry. what will be amazing,” said Arsenal and France’s with the Genoa forward, but the way,” said Henry, on a promotional tour of India for tional to exploit. “When you have a guy who as a The ISL has attracted top names like Zico, Rob- leading goal-scorer. referee immediately produced a sports brand Puma. No. 9, the way he puts pressure, the way he moves, erto Carlos, Lucio, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljung- Henry landed in Kolkata on Tuesday morning red card. “It would be great if in his 20th season in charge his vision for the ball, that creates a lot of holes for berg, David Trezeguet, Alessandro Del Piero, Elano and within hours witnessed the ISL clash between When Rigoni fi red low into the he can win the title. But are they going to do it? The Ozil,” Henry said. “That’s why Ozil is scoring a lot Blumer, Helder Postiga, Adrian Mutu and Nicolas Atletico de Kolkata and Mumbai City FC, a close area 10 minutes from the end, competition is massive,” he added. of goals – off the movement of Alexis Sanchez.” Anelka to name a few. The Arsenal legend, who encounter that left him impressed. Kucka stuck his leg out to defl ect Henry says Arsenal’s star midfi elder Mesut Ozil Henry said that the Indian Super League foot- also played for Monaco, Juventus, Barcelona and “I arrived into India and came to see the ISL the ball past Donnarumma as has Alexis Sanchez to thank for his goal-scoring ball which attracts some big names from across New York Red Bulls, however, asked the organis- match in the evening. The game needed a goal, Pavoletti lingered. Six minutes streak this season. Ozil has netted six goals already the world can help massively in the development ers to ensure that more young Indian players come which came late, but other than that it’s a good at- later Pavoletti got his name on this term – just two short of last campaign’s total – of the game in the country. Since the start of ISL through the ranks and get a chance to rub shoul- mosphere here. It was a good game of football. We the scoresheet with a fi ne curl- while he only has one assist, despite being known in 2014, several leading names from world football ders with the best in the world. saw two good goalkeepers and Diego Forlan doing ing strike from the edge of the more as a playmaker than a goal scorer. have plied their trade in India and Henry believes “What helps more is if you can develop young what he does best – putting the ball at the back of area after turning Romagnoli in- Henry thinks that is down to Sanchez playing up the arrival of stars from around the globe can give Indian players who can play alongside these foot- the net,” said Henry. side out.

ROUND-UP ARSENAL’S IWOBI TOLD HE ‘MUST BANISH NERVES TO START SCORING’ Mourinho feeling isolated

London: Arsene Wenger has challenged Alex Iwobi to find the missing piece in Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi (right) vies for from home comforts his game, having said he is currently “too the ball with Reading’s Liam Kelly nervous” in front of goal. The Arsenal during the League Cup fourth round AFP manager played Iwobi in the No.10 role in match on Tuesday night. (Reuters) London the 2-0 League Cup win against Reading on Tuesday night, and he watched him link the play smartly. ose Mourinho’s woes Like many of Arsenal’s attacking mid- aren’t just on the pitch, fielders over the years, Iwobi would love the Manchester United to be given the roaming role behind the manager is unhappy about hisJ living arrangements and be- striker. At present, though, there is a signifi- cant obstacle in his way – Mesut Özil. ing separated from his family. Iwobi had sightings of goal against Read- The 53-year-old – who is in need ing but he could not finish and one moment of a good result in last night’s EFL served to undermine what was a positive Cup clash with city rivals Man- all-round performance. When Alex Oxlade- chester City after the 4-0 ham- Chamberlain swapped passes with the mering by Chelsea on Sunday – substitute Olivier Giroud on 74 minutes and has yet to fi nd a fl at and is living saw his shot beaten out by the goalkeeper, on his own in a luxury hotel. Ali Al-Habsi, the ball broke to Iwobi and a However, that presents its own big chance beckoned. problems for the Portuguese in London. Football in London. Spanish champions were also Iwobi had to take it first time but he manager as he says he is under Friends. So they are in an age criticised for their conduct. mistimed it and got the ball stuck under his siege from the paparazzi. “You where they can’t chase me like Luis Suarez and Neymar were studs. The 20-year-old has two goals so far know the history of the paparaz- they did before. So for the fi rst hit by a plastic bottle thrown by for Arsenal. zi, for the hotel and the brand time the family lives in a diff erent the Valencia fans as Barca cel- “He is not a typical winger and I think he that sponsors me, the clothes way. We try to see the evolution ebrated a last-gasp 3-2 win at can play in the No10 role,” Wenger said. “He brand, (it) is amazing because of our feelings and see how we Mestalla on Saturday in what had turns the game forward, he passes the ball they are there every day,” Mour- cope with the situation.” been a bad-tempered La Liga en- through the lines very well, he has a final inho told Sky Sports. Mourinho, whose odds of not counter. ball in him. I think he has all in the locker to “For me it is a disaster because being United manager by sea- A disciplinary committee of pass and give the final ball. What you want I want sometimes to walk a little son’s end were cut to 11/4 fol- the Spanish Football Federation from him now is the finishing – that’s still a bit and I can’t. I just want to cross lowing the Chelsea thrashing, fi ned the home side 1,500 euros little part that is missing in his game. He is the bridge and go to a restaurant. said fi nding a fl at could ease the ($1,600) and said a repeat could too nervous at the moment when he has I can’t so it is really bad. But I familial situation as there would result in a stadium closure. But the possibility to finish.” have my apps and I can ask for be somewhere for them to stay. it also had harsh words for Bar- The Reading game was an emotional food to also be delivered.” However, the restaurants ben- celona, accusing some of their occasion for Carl Jenkinson, who made his Mourinho, whose off the pitch efi ting from his use of their apps players – without giving names first appearance for Arsenal in 898 days. troubles increased with the loss need not be worried as Mourinho – of “reproachable behaviour” The right-back spent the previous two of Ivory Coast central defender admitted to a rare failing. “If I as they celebrated close to the seasons on loan at West Ham United and Eric Bailly for two months with fi nd a nice apartment with a good touchline. However, the Federa- he suff ered a cruciate knee ligament injury a knee ligament injury suff ered connection from the garage to tion stressed that “nothing, ab- with them in January – from which he has in the Chelsea match, admits the the apartment maybe I do it, but solutely nothing justifi es a vio- only just recovered. problem of being separated from I can’t cook.”. lent public reaction”. “Arsenal is my club,” Jenkinson said. “I his family – they have stayed in In response, Barcelona issued a went out on loan for a couple of years but, “I loved my time at West Ham, I played a away, stay fit and play as much as I can. London – is less easy to remedy. VALENCIA FINED, statement calling the criticism of always in my mind, I thought I wanted to lot of football and it was fantastic for me. When I get opportunities, I have got to take “The reality is that my daugh- BARCELONA CENSURED their players “totally reproach- perform so I can come back here. I wanted It’s a great club. I enjoyed every minute I them.” ter (Matilde) will be 20 next Valencia were fi ned and warned able”. “The committee should to be good enough and I still want to be had there but it is great for me to be back By David Hytner week, my son (Jose Jnr) will be 17 yesterday after a section of fans have confi ned itself to analysing good enough to play here. here now. I have just got to keep grafting The Guardian in a couple of months,” he said. pelted celebrating Barcelona the facts and apply the existing “They are very stable. University players with a bottle, but the rules,” the Catalan club said. Gulf Times Thursday, October 27, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

QATAR STARS LEAGUE In QSL every game is important: Ahli Sailiya face Shahania, coach Bonacic Doha: Al Ahli will take on Al they will get the three points Khor in round five of the QSL today. “I believe that tomorrow at the Al Ahli Stadium tonight. we are going to beat Al Khor Ahli are heading into the game and I know how to prepare my off the back of a 2-0 derby win players for this match and to eye fi rst win of season over Al Arabi and are currently motivate them. They might ranked fourth in the table. The think some teams are easier brigadiers will be gunning for than others but it’s my job to another win against Al Khor. keep them alert and moti- Scoring goals has been a concern for Sailiya, who are 12th in the standings Luka Bonacic, the head vated.” coach of Al Ahli wants his team Al Khor has four points from to keep on playing in the same as many games and currently way: “We continue working like sit ninth in the QSL standings. usual. In Qatar every game is The Knights have a tough task important, we analysed that ahead of them as they face Al Khor and they have good an in form Al Ahli side. Jean off ence and we must find a way Fernandez, the head coach of through in order to win this Al Khor thinks that it will be a match.” tough game, “Al Ahli is a very Speaking about Mojtaba Jab- good team and they have very bari’s injury situation Bonacic good strikers who win games added: “His situation is not well. for them. They are not an easy He started some light running club to be playing against.” but ASPETAR hospital says Speaking about their last he will be ready in four to six game against Kharaitiyat which weeks, that is football and all ended in a draw Fernandez my other players will give their said; “We lost a lot of chances all to cover for the loss.” and we know we have weak “For each team we have a dif- points and we are working on ferent strategy and this will be fixing them. Al Ahli is a very big the case for Al Khor. I believe team and I am hoping our team in our players and I’m satisfied to be luckier in front of goal.” with my players. I look forward “I am convinced that the to see what I can achieve with players that I have are good this group,” added the Croation however it is up to the club to head coach. bring in new players and until Bonacic is full of confidence now we have nothing,” added Al Sailiya head coach Sami Trabelsi (right) speaks ahead of the Qatar Stars League match against Al Shahania, yesterday. in his team and believes that the Frenchman.

By Sports Reporter players but I personally feel players in Doha Shahania have the quality as well,” added the Portuguese. Fernando is also happy with his play- ound fi ve of the Qatar Stars er’s reaction to conceding goals, “I am League season kicks off with two very satisfi ed with their reaction after games today evening at Al Ahli conceding the goal. We conceded in the stadium, involving sides who last 20 minutes but we pushed forward areR looking to build on their impressive because we wanted to get something and showing in round four. that’s why we got the penalty.” First up, Al Sailiya take on Al Shahania The 7:30pm kick-off will see high- at 5:20pm. Sailiya are currently 12th in fl ying Al Ahli take on Al Khor at Ahli the QSL standings and will be targeting stadium. The home side are fresh from a their fi rst win of the season. 2-0 derby day victory over Al Arabi and Sami Trabelsi’s side made a tough start will be targeting a win to maintain their to the season with three straight defeats, fourth place position in the league. but has stabilized in recent weeks pick- Head coach Luka Bonacic has certainly ing up two draws in the league. Goals got his squad moving in the right direc- have been a concern for Sailiya lately, tion based on the fi rst four games of the and Trabelsi will be hoping that summer season, and will be looking to continue signing Paul Efoulou can fi nd the back of their form. D.R Congo international the net soon. Al Shahania coach Jose Fernando at a press conference yesterday. Firmin Mubele has been central to the Trabelsi believes his team is in better Brigadiers rise up the league table and shape than last season. “This season we numbers are about winning. Although we center of defence if Shahania are to con- could be amongst the goals again. have started better than last season. Sha- are improving in performance but to be tinue their fi ne form in the QSL. As for Al Khor, they will be looking to hania is a very good side they are giving realistic we need better results,” added Fernando wants his players to be con- frustrate the free fl owing football of Ahli, strong performances as a team. If we look the Tunisian tactician at the press con- fi dent going into games. “The result last and be targeting at least a point on their at their previous performances they have ference yesterday. week got us a point and that gives us con- travels. In round four, Khor shared the some great matches. They don’t have big As for Al Shahania, they have been the fi dence. Each game we are attacking more points with Al Kharitiyat in a 1-1 draw names and we don’t have big names so it surprise package in the QSL this sea- and there is a good atmosphere in the club and currently sit in ninth place in the QSL will be an interesting match,” he said. son and have registered fi ve points from and I want to keep this atmosphere. The standings. Speaking about his side’s lack of goals their opening four games. Last time out, next game against Sailiya is very tough French tactician Jean Fernandez prides Trabelsi added: “We were having a prob- they needed a last minute penalty to get a but we will try our best,” he said. himself on a well drilled backline, and lem with defence last season and we fi xed share of the points with Al Gharafa. “I feel there is quality in the team and will be expecting a big performance from this problem but at the same time we now Head coach Jose Fernando has stepped right now I want get everything from the Kuwaiti summer signing Sultan Al En- have a problem in attack. We are fi nding up from his assistant manager role per- players and I am very satisfi ed with their ezi. The youngster has showed plenty of it diffi cult to fi nd the net as we need good fectly, and has the Oryxes well drilled. performance. I tell them that if we train promise in his early Khor career and will fi nishing.” Spanish defender Álvaro Mejía will have the right way you can get results. I know certainly be targeting his second clean Al Ahli coach Luka Bonacic. “In football stats is about numbers and to be at his uncompromising best in the players in the top four sides have good sheet of the season against Al Ahli.

SPOTLIGHT ‘China’s Real Madrid’ set sights on global market AFP Beijing

ix league titles in a row and two Asian trophies along the way could be just the start for China’s Guangzhou Ever- grande, who have drawn comparisons withS Real Madrid and Manchester United and are eyeing global recognition. The team from the southern metropolis of Guangzhou have risen from obscurity and cor- ruption to break new ground for Asian football, becoming China’s fi rst AFC Champions League winners in 2013. That victory earned the sobri- quet “Asia’s fi rst superclub” as Evergrande’s Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has led Guangzhou spending power and heavily South American Evergrande to a fifth straight league title last squad, then marshalled by World Cup-winning year before clinching the sixth on Sunday. coach Marcello Lippi, put rivals in the shade. Another World Cup-winner, Brazil’s Luiz cially true of Guangzhou with its stable of stars, Felipe Scolari, joined in 2015 and duly helped titles and, according to Simon Chadwick, pro- them to their second Champions League tro- fessor of sports business at Britain’s Salford phy, plus a fi fth straight league title last year University, “fi rst-mover advantage”. before clinching the sixth on Sunday. “Guangzhou are in some ways the Real Ma- With the Chinese Super League fi rmly con- drid of Chinese football,” said Chadwick.”High quered — despite rising competition from other value, high profi le player signings have become big-spending clubs — and their reputation well part of the club’s brand narrative. To engage established in Asia, Evergrande can target lofti- with fans around the world, one element a foot- er goals. After Evergrande outlined plans to be- ball club brand must have is a record of sus- come one of the world’s top clubs, analysts say tained success. Guangzhou are now building they may soon be touring Europe — turning the China’s Guangzhou Evergrande have drawn comparisons with Real Madrid and Manchester United and are eyeing global recognition. (AFP) this record and so have the potential to become, tables on the current situation, where European in branding terms, globally recognised.” clubs visit Asia looking to extend their fanbase. Super League. They have been national cham- in June. In March, China’s offi cial Xinhua news midst of the Pearl River Delta, the world’s larg- One element, however, has been glaringly “At this rate it would not be inconceivable for pions every year since. agency even rated Evergrande as the world’s est and most populous urban area. absent so far: world-class football. While Ev- Chinese clubs to be touring Europe in the next “Six in a row is special for any club,” Gary richest club, based on a transaction of the club’s Guangzhou were the fi rst of China’s big ergrande are pre-eminent in China, their two decade,” Jon Stainer, Nielsen Sport’s managing White, head coach of second-tier Shanghai shares which implied a market capitalisation of spenders, reportedly making Argentina’s Dario visits to the Club World Cup both ended in director for the United Kingdom and Ireland, Shenxin, told AFP. “Guangzhou’s motto is ‘Be $3.35bn, a shade higher than Real Madrid and Conca one of the world’s best paid players when fourth-place fi nishes, with 3-0 defeats to Bay- told AFP. Evergrande are a lesson in what can the Best Forever’ and they have the resources Manchester United. they signed him in 2011. ern Munich and Barcelona along the way. be achieved with money and determination both fi nancially and emotionally from their The ingredients are in place for further suc- They have been followed by clubs like Jiang- It doesn’t mean that better days aren’t ahead as just three years before their fi rst Asian title, stakeholders to become a global brand.” cess on the pitch: Scolari extended his contract su, Shanghai SIPG and Hebei China Fortune for Evergrande, and their brand, owing to the they were demoted in disgrace from the Su- In August, Forbes valued Guangzhou at this week and the squad includes Colombian who, encouraged by President Xi Jinping’s drive sheer weight of investment if nothing else. “The per League during a wide-ranging corruption $282mn, a fi gure comparable to many top striker Jackson Martinez, Brazilian talents to make Chinese football great, splashed out level of investment combined with the desire crackdown. clubs in Europe — some of which are now be- Paulinho and Ricardo Goulart and a number of $400mn on players this year. from China to see themselves as a key player in The club was snapped up by Evergrande Real ing snapped up by Chinese investors. Shopping Chinese internationals. Now, with the Chinese Super League broad- world football is something the industry should Estate Group, which had become a multi-bil- empire Suning, owner of Jiangsu, Guangzhou’s Evergrande, as well as their wealthy own- cast in more than 50 countries, including Brit- certainly take note of and prepare for,” said lion dollar enterprise in China’s property boom, closest Super League challenger this year, paid ers, also boast an average attendance of around ain, there is a growing awareness of Chinese Stainer. “There is no doubt that the economy of and immediately won promotion back to the around $310mn for a 70% stake in Inter Milan 45,000 at their Tianhe stadium which is in the teams in Europe and elsewhere. This is espe- the wider football industry is shifting.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, October 27, 2016 SPORT

NBA Record 113 non-US players from 41 nations open NBA season

A record 113 players from outside the United States are on NBA rosters as the LeBron leads Cavaliers league opens its 2016-17 season on Tuesday, with at least one international player on all thirty clubs. The league detailed global talent hours before the opening tip-off of its romp as Warriors crash 71st campaign in Cleve- land, where the Cavaliers were set to raise the ‘We want to keep our fans on cloud 20. If we can do that we’ve done our job’ city’s first championship banner for any team since 1964. AFP Warriors humbled In all, a record 41 nations Los Angeles In Oakland, Golden State’s are represented on NBA hopes of embarking on an- rosters as the league other record-breaking start to cracked the 100 interna- eBron James led the Cleve- the season — following their tional player mark for the land Cavaliers in a season- 24-0 run last year — came to third season in a row. opening rout of the New an abrupt end when they were There are 61 European York Knicks on Tuesday as dismantled 129-100 by West- players and 14 African Lthe vaunted Golden State Warriors ern Conference rivals San players in the NBA. super-team suff ered a resounding Antonio. The old mark for global fi rst night thrashing. A night expected to be domi- players of 101 was set in James notched a triple-double nated by Golden State’s new the 2014-15 season, one as Cleveland trounced the new- signing Kevin Durant ended more than last season. look Knicks 117-88 on a night with the Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard The old record of players when the Cavs were formally stealing the show in a crushing from 39 nations was set presented with their diamond- rout of last year’s NBA Finals in the 2013-14 campaign encrusted 2015-2016 champion- runners-up. and was two above last ship rings. Durant enjoyed a solid season’s total. A festive atmosphere in- enough scoring debut — weigh- Canada leads the way side the Quicken Loans Arena ing in with 27 points — but the for the global contingent was heightened by the fact that Warriors were run ragged by for the third consecutive Cleveland’s baseball team, the Leonard, who posted a career- campaign with 11 players, Indians, were hosting — and high 35 points and LaMarcus including Cleveland’s beating — the Chicago Cubs in Aldridge (26 points). Tristan Thompson and the World Series Opener also Leonard, 25, indicated he is Boston’s Kelly Olynyk. Tuesday. ready to step into the leadership France ranks second with News of the Indians’ open- vacuum created by the retire- 10 players, including San ing runs against the Cubs was ment of Spurs legend Tim Dun- Antonio’s Tony Parker greeted with deafening cheers can earlier this year. and Charlotte’s Nicolas and chants of “Let’s Go Tribe!” “Tim was a great basket- Batum, while Brazil has throughout the game. ball player, led this team to fi ve nine, including Anderson James, who returned to the championships and I just want Varejao of the Golden Cavaliers in 2014 on a mission to do the same, to get close to State Warriors and Nene to lead his hometown team to that,” Leonard said. of the Houston Rockets. NBA glory, addressed the home “Just keep having a winning Australia has eight crowd in the pre-match ceremo- culture and keep moving for- NBA players, including nies. ward from there.” Andrew Bogut of Dallas, As James wiped away tears San Antonio fi nished with an Patty Mills of San Antonio during the ceremony and fi ddled eye-popping 21 off ensive re- and Matthew Dellave- with his new ring that is stuff ed bounds, all in the fi nal 41 min- dova of Milwaukee. with 216 diamonds - represent- utes, bullying the Warriors into The Utah Jazz leads the ing Cleveland’s 216 area code - the the paint, timing their jumps NBA with seven interna- Indians hosted the Chicago Cubs better and bailing out failed tional players, including across the street in Game 1 of the possessions with tip-ins. Frenchmen Boris Diaw World Series. In particular, Zaza Pa- and Rudy Gobert and This city with so little to cheer chulia, who had a rough debut, Aussies Joe Ingles and for so many decades is suddenly was burned on a few failed box- Dante Exum, while the overfl owing with riches. outs. Dallas Mavericks, Denver “If you’re not from here, live He fi nished with only two Nuggets, Oklahoma City here, play here, or get your- points and three rebounds in 20 Thunder, Orlando Magic, self to Cleveland, then it makes minutes. Aldridge had 26 points Philadelphia 76ers, no sense for you to live at this and 14 rebounds. San Antonio Spurs and point,” James said. The loss was a chastening de- Toronto Raptors each “Cleveland against the feat for the Warriors and coach feature six. world!” Steve Kerr after a close-season Among NBA global James, who fi nished with 19 dominated by talk of his team’s newcomers, Croatia’s points, 11 rebounds and 14 as- fearsome attacking arsenal. Dragan Bender, the NBA sists, later spoke of his pride at “I’m sure we’ll be motivated Draft’s number four pick, being able to celebrate the Cavs for our next game,” Kerr said. and the Phoenix Suns crown with the city’s fans. “I think our guys were em- will host Sacramento on “It was a great moment, to be barrassed tonight. I know I Wednesday. able to relive our accomplish- was.” Number nine pick Jakob ment from last year one more Warriors star and reigning Poeltl, the first Austrian time, something that’s always NBA MVP Stephen Curry de- player in NBA history, will going to be with us. It was an un- scribed the loss as a “nice little debut for Toronto against believable atmosphere tonight,” slap in the face.” Detroit while South he said. Durant meanwhile said the Sudan’s Thon Maker, “We want to keep our fans on Warriors should not panic after chosen 10th overall, will cloud 20. If we can do that we’ve only one game of the season. join Milwaukee the same done our job.” “We can’t overreact but we night as the Bucks face But while the Cavs refl ected on a LeBron James (No 23) of the Cleveland Cavaliers finishes off a fast break with a dunk in the third quarter as Carmelo Anthony (No 7) of the New can’t let these games pile up,” Charlotte. solid night’s work, the Knicks were York Knicks looks on at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. (AFP) Durant said. sent back to the drawing board. Having invested heavily in close season, the Knicks are hoping New Yorkers’ lack of a mean saying the team needed to learn them down, but for sure we have RESULTS bringing 2011 NBA MVP Der- to mount a serious challenge in the streak after the blowout. to foul tactically. to foul them in the open court to Cavaliers 117 Knicks 88 rick Rose and Chicago teammate Eastern Conference this season. “Tonight left a bad taste in “We’ve got to put people make sure (James) doesn’t get Spurs 129 Warriors 100 Joakim Noah to the club in the Rose however lamented the everybody’s mouth,” Rose said, down. We’ve got to foul. Not put the crowd into the game.” Trail Blazers 113 Jazz 104

SPOTLIGHT Warriors vow to bounce back aft er Spurs mauling

AFP tonight. I know I was,” Kerr told reporters. Oakland “I didn’t see losing by 29 points coming. We had a pretty good camp, a pretty good exhibition season but that doesn’t really hellshocked Golden State Warri- mean a whole lot. ors players and coaches vowed to “You can still see we’re still searching for bounce back after launching their our rotations and patterns. I told the team season with a crushing 129-100 de- it’s a long season, we’ve got a long way to featS at home to the San Antonio Spurs on go, we’ll come in tomorrow and get a little Tuesday. bit better.” A disjointed Warriors team was pum- Golden State’s blockbuster summer meled relentlessly by San Antonio, who signing Kevin Durant, top scorer with 27 piled up the points through Kawhi Leonard points, also attempted to keep the shel- and LaMarcus Aldridge to silence the Ora- lacking in perspective. cle Arena crowd. “We can’t over-react. But we can’t let Warriors reigning NBA MVP Stephen these games pile up either,” Durant said. Curry described the mauling as a “slap in “It’s a slap in the face and woke us up a lit- the face” but vowed to produce a response tle bit and we’re looking forward to getting in Friday’s road game against the New Or- better.” leans Pelicans. Klay Thompson said the humbling na- “It’s a nice little slap in the face,” Curry ture of the loss may benefi t the team by said. “First game you want to come out and puncturing the hype ballooning around protect your own court and have that en- Kerr’s all-star roster. ergy of a home opener. I just felt we didn’t “It sucks right now but I really believe in have that energy,” added Curry, who fi n- the long run this loss will help us,” Thomp- ished with 26 points. son said. “I’m not going to over-exaggerate the “Everyone was anointing us, expecta- vibe but you’ve got to kind of bounce back. tions are crazy, whatever. In the long run We have a lot of work to do, but I think I really believe this will help us. This isn’t we’re still in a pretty good spot.” the end of the world, far from it. It’s only Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he was October 25. embarrassed by the scale of the loss. “It shouldn’t have come to this but it’s a “I’m sure we’ll be motivated for our next long season. I expect us to be much better game. I think our guys were embarrassed on Friday night.” Kevin Durant (C) of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Tony Parker (R) of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in their NBA game. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, October 27, 2016 7 SPORT

MLB SPOTLIGHT Cleveland counting on Indians blank Cubs 6-0 more heroics from Kluber in World Series opener and Perez AFP ‘For me it means a lot. I’ve come a long ways. I’m playing with confidence right now’ Cleveland leveland pitcher Corey Kluber and catcher Roberto Perez humbled the hard-hitting Chicago Cubs in Tuesday’s World Series opener, but Cwill be called upon again as the Indians try to end a 67-year title drought. Both made historic eff orts in their World Series debuts to give Cleveland the fi rst opening shutout since 1990 in Major League Baseball’s best-of-seven champi- onship fi nal. Perez, in addition to telling Kluber which pitches to throw and where, became the fi rst player to smash two home runs from the last spot in a batting order in a World Series game. “His hands are so soft and he’s confi dent to boot. That’s a good combination,” said Indians manager Terry Francona. “What he did at the plate, my goodness. That was ex- citing to watch.” Kluber struck out nine over six scoreless innings, retiring eight over the fi rst three innings to set a World Series record. Only one other pitcher since 1919 has thrown six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts in his World Series debut. “He prepares so well before the game, his routines and work ethic,” Francona said. “That’s why we’re here late into October and the needle on the gas tank doesn’t point towards empty.” It’s also why Francona might rely upon Kluber to possibly pitch on short rest in game four and a possible game seven rather than go on his usual break in game fi ve. “We need him and we’re going to need him more,” Francona said regarding why he lifted the right-hander after only six in- nings. “We’re planning on bringing him back so I didn’t want to overextend him.” In his fi rst career attempt pitching on short rest against Toronto in the American League fi nals, Kluber allowed two runs on four hits in fi ve innings to take the loss. “I’ll pitch whenever he asks me to,” Klu- ber said. “It’s all about doing whatever we can to get to four wins before they do. If that means pitching on short rest, then I’m more than willing to do that.” Kluber and Perez were connecting on their signals and precision pitches, Kluber’s deceptive breaking balls mystifying Cubs batters as Perez ordered his throws well. “He did an unbelievable job. It’s almost like Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez hits a three-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in game one of the Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber throws a pitch against the Chicago he knew what they were looking for,” Kluber World Series at Progressive Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Cubs in game one of the World Series. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports said of Perez. “He had them off balance for the majority of the night. Really, the only AFP ing not won the Major League Base- leagues with 103 regular-seasson emotions,” he said.“To make some- June 3, allowed only one run in taking time they got hits was when I didn’t execute. Cleveland ball crown since 1908, while the Indi- victories, lost in their fi rst World Se- thing happen, it’s an unbelievable three prior World Series starts but “His confi dence, you can see it growing ans have the second-longest futility ries appearance since 1945, a 25,948- feeling.” stumbled early. every day, every game with him and with streak in the major leagues, having day gap, before 38,091 spectators. Kluber, now with 12 consecutive Francisco Lindor singled, stole the team.” hile the Chicago Cubs last taken the title in 1948. The best- “I’m not disappointed by any triumphs when the Tribe score at second, took third on two Lester The Indians have been a distant second returned to the World of-seven showdown that will end one means except for the fact we did not least two runs, struck out eight of the walks and scored when Carlos Rami- to the Cubs in attention, Chicago trying to Series on Tuesday after a team’s misery continues at Cleveland win,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon fi rst 11 batters he faced, baffl ing Cubs rez dribbled a ground ball halfway to end an American sports record title drought 71-year wait, the Cleve- before the scene shifts to Chicago’s said. “We actually did better than hitters by painting the inside edges of third base for an infi eld single. since 1908 overshadowing the Tribe’s 1948 Wland Indians made sure they would iconic 102-year-old Wrigley Field. that all looked. the strike zone. Lester then hit Cleveland batter mark. But Francona, who managed the Bos- wait even longer for a world series Major League Baseball advanced “The quality of at-bats were not “He had good late movement on his Brandon Guyer with a pitch with the ton Red Sox in 2004 when they snapped a title victory. start by one hour to 7pm (2300 GMT) that bad. I have no concerns. We were fastball and breaking ball,” Indians bases loaded to force home another drought dating to 1918, played for the Cubs Cleveland’s Roberto Perez smashed due to forecasts of heavy rain by late ready to play. Our guys looked really manager Terry Francona said. The Indians run. in 1986 and understands why long-suff ering two home runs and pitcher Corey evening. good. We’re fi ne.” 30-year-old right-hander, an 18- Kluber was removed in the seventh Cubs fans have become America’s darlings. Kluber struck out nine batters over The Indians managed the fi rst Perez, making his World Series game winner this season, set a World but Indians reliever Andrew Miller “I actually think they deserve it,” said six shutout innings to spark the Indi- shutout in a World Series opener debut, blasted a three-run homer Series record for most strikeouts over shut down Cubs rally bids in the sev- Francona. “They have won 103 games. And ans over Chicago 6-0 in the opening since 1990. Game-one winners have off Cubs reliever Hector Rondon in the fi rst three innings. enth and eighth innings, striking out the Cubs are the Cubs. I get it. I played game of the 112th World Series. gone on to capture the World Series the eighth inning after a solo round- “Kluber was outstanding,” Mad- Addison Russell and Ross to end the there. That’s just the way the Cubs are.” “I don’t think I’ve ever had a night in 17 of the past 19 years. tripper off the metal railing atop the don said. “He gets such great move- seventh and Kyle Schwarber to es- But Francona warns that Cleveland, like that. It was huge,” Perez said. “You have that extra level of inten- left-fi eld wall in the fourth inning. ment both directions with his cutter cape the eighth, stretching his streak which had its fi rst sports title since 1964 “For me it means a lot. I’ve come sity and focus,” Kluber said. The 27-year-old Puerto Rican and comebacker. He was hitting his of scoreless playoff relief innings to 13 when the NBA Cavaliers won the crown last a long ways. I’m playing with confi - “I’m really just trying to treat it catcher became the fi rst player hit- edges. He pitched well. You’ve got to 2/3. Schwarber, out since April with June, craves an end to baseball misery with dence right now.” like any other start. Obviously there’s ting last in the batting order to blast give him a lot of credit.” a knee injury, became the fi rst non- its own special passion. The Cubs own America’s longest more riding on each game.” two homers in a World Series game. Cubs left-handed pitcher Jon pitcher to make his fi rst hit of a sea- If we can win,” he said, “this city will go sports championship drought, hav- The Cubs, who led the major “I was just trying to control my Lester, who had lost only once since son in the World Series. bananas.”

NHL Kings rally past Blue Jackets in overtime

By Lisa Dillman up getting it at the end,” Martinez under his blocker. Columbus had ish goalie Anders Lindback to a Los Angeles Times said. “It was a really good rush ... led 2-1 after two periods. professional tryout. Kings Gen- .I just try to get the puck in their The Blue Jackets took the lead eral Manager Dean Lombardi con- hands. They’re the really skilled when Kings forward Dustin Brown fi rmed the move but said Lindback he Los Angeles Kings got ones. Tanner had a good shot and went off for holding Lukas Sedlak would be joining their minor- through their morning I was able to fi nd the rebound back and their potent power play capi- league affi liate in Ontario, Calif. skate and game without a door. talized. The move was fi rst reported by the goaltender getting injured. For Kings goalie Peter Budaj, Cam Atkinson scored at 14:51, Swedish newspaper Expressen. TIndeed, that represents progress who faced 21 shots, it was his third beating Budaj with a shot from the Essentially the Kings have noth- around here. win in three starts this season. He left circle, taking a feed across the ing to lose. After a rough fi rst week, the won at Dallas on Thursday and at slot from Sam Gagner. Most recently, Lindback, who Kings are trending up with three home, on Saturday, against Van- “It’s a hell of a play,” Atkinson is 28, had a shot in New Jersey’s straight victories after starting the couver, in a shootout. His other said in his TV interview after the training camp but the Devils did season, 0-3-0. They rallied with a appearance came in relief of Kings second period. “That’s what he not retain him. late goal in regulation on Tuesday goalie Jeff Zatkoff at Minnesota (Gagner) brings to this team. He’s His last NHL gig was last sea- and won it in overtime, beating last week. an off ensive guy. son with the Arizona Coyotes as he the Columbus Blue Jackets, 3-2, at “I think we just stuck to our “I knew eventually he was going went 5-7-1 and had a goals-against Staples Center. game,” said Martinez. “We were to fi nd me and I just buried it. I just average of 3.11. Kings defenseman Alec Mar- really happy with our fi rst period. wanted to shoot it as hard and as fast tinez scored on the rebound of We had a couple of breakdowns in as I could and luckily it went in.” Results Tanner Pearson’s shot, at 1:14, in the second period and they capi- The Kings had tied it, 1-1, on Pittsburgh 3 Florida 2 overtime, taking advantage of the talized.” a nice-looking give-and-go be- Minnesota 5 Boston 0 weary Blue Jackets nearing the The Kings’ patience eventually tween Kings center Anze Kopitar New Jersey 5 Arizona 3 end of a shift. Martinez, who had paid off with defenseman Drew and defenseman Tom Gilbert at Pjiladelphia 4 Buff alo 3 (SO) his second overtime winner of the Doughty’s goal late in regulation, 13:40 of the second period, with Tampa Bay 7 Toronto 3 season, almost always gives credit with 5:57 remaining, to tie it, 2-2, Gilbert fi nding Kopitar in the left Detriot 4 Carolina 2 to his teammates. as Columbus goalie Sergei Bo- circle. It was Kopitar’s second goal Calgary 4 St. Louis 1 And he did it again. brovsky let in a soft goal. Kings of the season. Dallas 3 Winnipeg 2 “I feel like a broken record but center Nick Shore found Doughty Earlier, the Kings’ search for Ottawa 3 Vancouver 0 Tanner and Tyler (Toff oli) just do in the circle and Doughty’s shot organizational goaltending depth San Jose 2 Anaheim 1 (OT) Alec Martinez of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates his game winning goal over the Columbus Blue the work and some reason I end went over Bobrovsky’s pad and has led them to sign veteran Swed- Los Anegles 3 Columbus 2 (OT) Jackets in overtime at Staples Centre in Los Angeles. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 8 Thursday, October 27, 2016 SPORT

ROYAL AIR MAROC CYCLING LEAGUE ANNOUNCEMENT Bahrain to host fi rst round of Porshe GT3 QCF thrilled with Cup from Nov 17-19 he Porsche GT3 Cup support race of the F1 Bahrain Challenge Middle East Grand Prix in April next year. will return to regional Speaking ahead of the new racing circuits in No- season, Walter Lechner, man- Tvember this year with the fi nal ager and organiser of the Por- countdown on for prospective sche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle positive response drivers to confi rm their entries. East, said: “The series is open Powering to its eighth sea- to anyone in the region, of all son of top fl ight motorsport, backgrounds and levels of rac- the Porsche GT3 Cup Chal- ing experience and we are able to lenge Middle East represents train up drivers and ensure that the ultimate opportunity for required licenses are achieved. prospective motor racers to “Where the drivers will fi nd compete in a professional rac- the real test is when they are to Cycling League ing environment, refi ning their competing, testing and quali- skills for global competition. fying, working closely with Over the previous seven se- their engineering teams to ‘There were more than 130 riders who took to the road and participated in the first ries, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge look at performance data and Middle East drivers have gone to understanding feedback. It is round with a great deal of enthusiasm. We can clearly see more and more people race in competitions, such as through this means we help the elite Porsche Supercup, the drivers develop. willing to be part of our races. The second round will be held on November 11. We World Endurance Champion- “The series is a proven path- ship, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, way to international motor rac- expect another day of fun riding with intention of claiming points from the riders’ and even single seater GP2. ing but also the ultimate op- With a proven track record portunity for passionate racers of honing racing skills for glo- to experience professional mo- By Sports Reporter bal competition, the reveal of torsport. Since we introduced Doha the season calendar will be the series in 2009, we’ve been welcomed by regional hopefuls giving regional drivers the op- looking to boost their motor- portunity to develop their skills he Qatar Cycling Fed- sport careers with the Porsche and balance life with a GT rac- eration (QCF) is thrilled GT3 Cup Challenge Middle ing career and we will continue to see the ‘positive’ re- East race technicians, engi- to do so into Season 8.” Tsponse from the riders neers and driver coaches. Regarded as the purest form who featured in the opening leg Launching at the Bahrain In- of racing with all drivers com- of the new Royal Air Maroc Cy- ternational Circuit on Novem- peting in identical Porsche 911 cling league. ber 19, the series gets under- GT3 Cups, the unique one- A total of 132 riders took part way as part of the 6 Hours of make series consists of 12 races in the one-day leg that started Bahrain, the fi nale weekend of between November 2016 and at Al Thakira Youth Centre and the World Endurance Champi- April 2017, giving an unrivalled ended at Ras Laff an in Al Khor, onship, giving racers an imme- opportunity for track time to QCF Technical Secretary Anrej diate immersion into an FIA- young racing hopefuls. Filip said. run competition. “Like I said during the pre- Rounds 2 and 3 will see the Race schedule event press conference, we can series travel to Dubai from De- Round 1: November 17-19 feel that cycling enthusiasm in cember 9-10 and January 27-28, Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) the country is on the up,” Filip 2017 respectively, before a trip Round 2: December 9-10, 2016 said. “There were more than 130 down to Abu Dhabi on the Feb- Dubai Autodrome, UAE riders who took to the road and ruary 10-11, 2017 following the Round 3: January 27-28, 2017 participated in the fi rst round series’ hugely successful return Dubai Autodrome, UAE with a great deal of enthusiasm.” to Yas Marina Circuit last year. Round 4: February 10-11, 2017 “We can clearly see more and Bahrain International Circuit Yas Marina Circuit, UAE more people willing to be part will be the venue for the closing Round 5: March 3-4, 2017 of our races. The second round weekends with Round 5 run- Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) will be held on November 11. We ning from March 3-4, 2017 and Round 6: April 14-16, 2017 (TBC) expect another day of fun riding the season fi nale as an offi cial Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) with intention of claiming points from the riders,” he added. Dubai Autodrome will From October 8 to 16, Qa- host Rounds 2 and 3. tar hosted the UCI World Roads Manager of QCF Jamal al-Kuwari Championships that saw fans and Regional Director of Royal turning up in large number on all Air Moraco Adel al-Khaloofi the days of competitions. presented the awards at victory The event is being supported ceremony. by Qatar Cyclists (QC) and Qatar The leaders in each category Chain Reaction (QCR), two inde- will wear the Royal Air Maroc pendent bodies that cater to pro- scarlet jersey in next race which moting the sport among the cy- will be contested in Al Shamal cling enthusiasts in the country. Sports Club on 11th of November. In the Men’s A category, Qatar According to the organisers, national team elite riders domi- the 10-leg series will see events nated the race taking fi rst three being held with a gap of two spots with Abdurrahman Salem or three weeks with the league clinching the top spot in the fi rst offi cially culminating in April leg held last Friday. next year. The Men’s B race was very The riders will have to accu- competitive, since riders were mulate points from each round racing more on their own rather and a cyclist with the top tally in than as a team. each class will be declared a win- Hamad Salem from Qatar Cy- ner at the end of the league. clists (QC) grabbed the glory of According to Filip, the rounds the day winning solo. in December and February could Julie Melvile from Carbon be rescheduled because of the Wheels racing was dominant holiday season in December Senior Team) +0:00 Men C (34 km) Racing) 1h54:54 in Women’s A category while while in February, QCF stages the 3. Khalid ALBORDINI (Qatar Na- 1. Abdulaziz ALMOHANNADI 2. Isora SOSA CABALLERO Helena Corby won the Women’s Tour of Qatar cycling races. tional Senior Team) +0:00 (Qatar Cyclists) 1h00:29 (Carbon Wheels Racing) +1:21 B race with a huge advantage. Men B (67 km) 2. Ronald Allan ALFONSO (Pinoy 3. Rebecca GRACE (TriClub Doha) Abdulaziz al-Mohanadi of Results 1. Hamad SALEM (Qatar Cyclists) Roadies Qatar) +0:30 +9:53 Qatar Cyclists was fi rst in Men’s Men A (67 km) 1h53:07 3. John GAFFNEY (Rasen Women B (34 km) C class. 1. Abdurrahman SALEM (Qatar 2. Hamed ELTAYEB (Rasen Velostar) +1:16 1. Helena CORBY 1h18:56 Secretary General of QCF National Senior Team) 1h36:57 Velostar) +1:39 Women A (67 km) 2. Angie DIXON +15:22 BIC will host the opening and final rounds of Porsche GT3 Cup. Ahmed al-Hemaidi, Executive 2. Abdullah AFIF (Qatar National 3. Nehad KADRY (None) +1:39 1. Julie MELVILLE (Carbon Wheels 3. Susan DUN +25:53

RALLYING New two-day format for this year’s Rally Jeddah

Agencies “This year we are running a two- area from 13.00hrs on Friday Jeddah, Saudi Arabia day rally and a shorter format,” said (November 18th). The prize giving Bakhashab. “We want to be part of will take place adjacent to the su- the new Gulf Challenge alongside per special stage from 21.00hrs on ffi cials in Saudi Arabia events in Oman, Qatar and the UAE Friday evening. have announced a revised next year and this is an excellent op- Saudi Arabia’s leading WRC and version of this year’s Rally portunity for us to get the event run- cross-country rallying star Yazeed Jeddah, which will run as a ning smoothly in the same format as al-Rajhi won the fi rst two editions cross-countryO rally across the King- the Gulf Challenge in readiness for of Rally Jeddah, initially with French dom’s western deserts for cars, mo- next season.” navigator Alex Winocq in 2014 and torcycles and quads on November 17 Additional support for Rally Jed- with his regular German navigator and 18. dah comes from the MBC Group, Timo Gottschalk last year. Fellow The event runs to a shorter two- Al-Arabia Advertising, Al-Madina countryman Monif al-Shammeri day format this year, as it is doubling newspaper and Total Oils. won T2 and Abdul-Majeed al-Khu- up as an offi cial candidate event for Rally headquarters will be based laifi has won the motorcycle catego- the recently announced 2017 Gulf at the Makarem Resort from Thurs- ry on two occasions. Challenge. day (November 17th). Administra- The event is being organised with The brainchild of Abdullah Ba- tion checks will be carried out at the the support of the higher commit- khashab, the former FIA Middle HQ, while scrutineering will be lo- tee of Rally Jeddah, which incor- East Rally champion, the event is cated at the nearby Land Rover deal- porates the General Presidency of supported by Mohamed Yousef ership’s workshops in Auto Mall on Youth Welfare, Jeddah Municipality, Naghi Motors (MYN Motors)–Land Malik Street. the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce Rover once again and is sanctioned After a ceremonial start on North and Industry, the Saudi Commis- by the FIA. Abhur from 19.30hrs, the competi- sion for Tourism and Antiques in the Rally Jeddah has the full support of tive action starts with a timed su- Makkah region and a branch of the the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation per special stage of around three Saudi Red Crescent in Makkah. (SAMF) and runs under the patron- kilometres on 20.00hrs on Thursday Support has also been received age of HRH Prince Mishaal bin Ma- (November 17th). from Jeddah police and traffi c de- jid bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Governor The action then switches to a partments and civil defence admin- Rally Jeddah is hoping to be part of Jeddah and head of Rally Jeddah’s challenging desert selective sec- istration. Entries close on Sunday of the new Gulf Challenge in 2017. higher organising committee. tion of around 220km in the Khulais (November 13th). Gulf Times Thursday, October 27, 2016 9 RUGBY

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Cheika defends fast-tracking rugby Injury-hit England league convert Koroibete ‘I’ve been really impressed Reuters with his work-rate... He’ll Melbourne certainly be in contention’ recall Wood ustralia coach Michael Chei- ka has defended fast-tracking AFP baiting (fi shing) and kicked the win- rugby league convert Marika London ning goal in a World Cup fi nal wearing Koroibete into his tour squad a jersey that was too small. forA Europe after the Fiji-born winger’s “That’s the sort of depth you need.” selection was derided on social media. om Wood was recalled for Meanwhile Bath lock Dave Att- Koroibete has never played a pro- England’s end-of-year inter- wood has also been recalled following fessional game in the 15-man code in nationals yesterday as coach injuries to fi rst-choice second rows Australia but was named in Cheika’s Eddie Jones tried to plug the George Kruis and . 32-man squad for the season-ending Tgaps in an injury-hit squad. Harlequins prop Joe Marler also re- tour after coming off his fi fth season in The Northampton loose forward turns from a self-imposed break that Australia’s top-fl ight National Rugby “He’s grown up playing rugby, (it’s has not played for England since Aus- saw him miss the Australia series, League. not) like he doesn’t know the game. I’m tralian coach Jones took over follow- while wing Jonny May is back in the His inclusion came at the expense of not going to be giving him another jer- ing the team’s fi rst-round exit at last squad after an injury-plagued year af- two-test Queensland back Luke Mo- sey just for the sake of it. year’s World Cup. ter Anthony Watson and Jack Nowell rahan and sparked criticism from local “It’s the smart thing for us to do.” But a back-row injury crisis that has were sidelined. pundits and rugby fans that the Walla- Will Genia has been named in the seen James Haskell, Jack Cliff ord, Sam England head to Portugal for a bies jersey was being given up cheaply. squad but Cheika was unable to con- Jones and Mike Williams all sidelined week-long training camp on Sunday “The fact of the matter is I am not fi rm whether his fi rst-choice scrum- from the upcoming four home Tests before facing South Africa at Twick- cheapening the jersey because he half would be available for the tour against South Africa, Fiji, Argentina enham on November 12, with Fiji, hasn’t got one yet,” Cheika told report- opener against Wales in Cardiff on Nov. and Australia has led to Wood’s recall. Argentina and Australia arriving at ers on a conference call yesterday. 5. The 29-year-old won the last of his ‘headquarters’ on successive week- “No-one’s getting a jersey for free, The match falls outside World Rug- 42 caps against Uruguay in England’s ends. Twickenham. no-one has and no-one will. by’s international window and Genia’s World Cup fi nale. “I think he’s obviously a talent who French club Stade Francais have no ob- It appeared his Test career was at ENGLAND SQUAD can contribute for us and make an im- ligation to release him. an end after Wood said in January that Backs: Mike Brown (Harlequins), pact further down the road, defi nitely.” The Wallabies lost 37-10 to the All Jones had told him he was “distinctly Danny Care (Harlequins), The 24-year-old Koroibete will start Blacks in Auckland at the weekend to average”. (Wasps), (Saracens), playing Super Rugby for Melbourne be white-washed 3-0 in the Bledisloe But he now fi nds himself back in a George Ford (Bath), Rebels next year after two seasons with Cup series. much-changed England squad that (Saracens), Mike Haley (Sale), NRL club Melbourne Storm. After the game, Cheika raised eye- will look to preserve Jones’s unbeaten Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Alex Lozowski The explosive fl yer is not expected brows with a rant against what he per- run as Red Rose boss made up of nine Tom Wood (right) has been recalled for England’s end-of-year internationals as (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester), to debut in the November-December ceived as disrespect from the All Blacks straight wins. coach Eddie Jones tried to plug the gaps in an injury-hit squad. (AFP) Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath), Henry tests against Wales, Scotland, Ireland, camp and was accused by opposing “He might be like Samson — gets Slade (Exeter), Ben Te’o (Worcester), France and England. coach Steve Hansen of sulking and ‘hi- stronger with the long hair and the Northampton suff ered a 41-7 Eu- Jones said building squad depth Marland Yarde (Harlequins), Ben But Cheika said he could see him jacking’ the media conference. beard,” said Jones in a reference to the ropean Champions Cup thrashing by was vital if England, knocked out in Youngs (Leicester) taking the fi eld in the mid-week match Hansen later softened his tone and biblical strongman. French side Castres last weekend, but the fi rst round of last year’s edition on Forwards: Dave Attwood (Bath), against a French Barbarians team late in said the coaches should sit down for a “I’ve been really impressed with his Jones said: “I was very impressed with home soil, were to triumph at the 2019 Dan Cole (Leicester), Charlie Ewels November and would not rule him out beer. work-rate. I’ve been in contact with Teimana Harrison. In a Northampton World Cup in Japan. (Bath), Ellis Genge (Leicester), Jamie of a test debut if injuries piled up. Cheika evaded whether he might be him to do certain things and he’s done side that didn’t do so well, that was “History shows that when you’re George (Saracens), Teimana Harrison “It’ll give me an opportunity to up for that meeting with a joke that he that,” added Jones after he unveiled the best performance I’ve seen from a preparing for a World Cup you need (Northampton), Dylan Hartley (North- coach him a little bit fi rst before he goes was off alcohol. his squad for the Old Mutual Wealth No 7 (openside fl anker) in a Premier- depth down to four and fi ve positions,” ampton), (Wasps), back to play Super Rugby, and I think “The New Zealand series has been Series. ship team.” the former Australia and Japan coach Joe Launchbury (Wasps),Courtney that’s a perfectly logical thing to do,” well and truly concluded and we got “He’ll certainly be in contention.” Jones explained. Lawes (Northampton), Joe Marler Cheika said. well and truly beaten,” he said. Jones has also selected Wood’s fel- WORLD CUP DEPTH He cited the example of New Zea- (Harlequins), Ben Morgan (Glouces- low Northampton back-row Tei- There are six uncapped players in the land fl y-half Stephen Donald, who ter), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Kyle mana Harrison despite bringing him 33-man squad in centre Ben Te’o, fl y- kicked the winning points in the All Sinckler (Harlequins), Tommy Taylor CONFIDENT off early in Sydney in June during the half Alex Lozowski, wing Mike Haley, Blacks to a 2011 fi nal win over France (Wasps), (Saracens) third Test of England’s 3-0 series win back-row, Nathan Hughes, second row following a late call-up into the squad. , (Saracens), Tom Wood in Australia. Charlie Ewels, and prop . “Stephen Donald was out white- (Northampton) Japan can drive WCup COMMENT ticket sales: Beaumont

Reuters Residency rule is ‘diluting’ rugby: Fitzgerald Bengaluru

Reuters Africa, was denying some Irish-born aking the 2019 Rugby World London players the chance to break into the Cup to Japan was a “small risk” national team. but World Rugby chief Bill “It’s no refl ection on those (foreign- Beaumont is confi dent the ormer Lions winger Luke Fit- born) guys, they’re doing everything countryT will engage its experience from zgerald has criticised rugby’s within the rules, I’d like to see Irish hosting previous international sport- residency policy for making guys in there. Are we not good enough ing events to make it a commercial suc- the international game too to fi ll the spots? I don’t know if there’s cess. “diluted”F , adding that his own country a big enough gap between Irish guys The 2015 World Cup in England was Ireland has used it to recruit too many and those guys to really justify it? the most successful event in the sport’s foreign-born players. “You’ve come all the way up history, with an average of 98 percent “We need to try to work with them The 29-year-old winger, who re- through the systems and then all of of tickets sold across all venues. and get people to buy the tickets. We’re tired through injury before the start of a sudden some guy comes in and is Japan’s spirited World Cup run in not coming to a tier two nation, com- the season, said he supported World perceived to be better because he’s England last year, when they beat mercially. We’re coming to a hugely Rugby’s decision to review the current from a different place and it’s, ‘Let’s South Africa but just missed out on successful, vibrant economic nation,” rules which allow players to be capped get this guy in’. making the last eight, has sparked the he added. after three years of living in an adopted In this March 21, 2015, picture, Ireland players celebrate after winning the Six “I don’t know if being born in a dif- growing interest in rugby in the coun- Beaumont felt that the governing country. Nations rugby in Edinburgh, Scotland. Former Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald has ferent part of the world makes you a try but it remains fi rmly second tier of body needed to take some risks in order Calls for the eligibility period to be said Ireland’s policy of looking abroad to recruit players was “wrong”. better player. I think they’re probably the game. for the sport to expand beyond its tra- increased to fi ve years have been led better than us, but if they’re not mak- With attendances dropping in the ditional heartland. by Agustin Pichot, the former Argen- Statistics from the 2016 Six Nations Payne and South Africa’s CJ Stand- ing those international teams, why local Top League, though, concerns “I think for too long we have stuck tina scrum-half who is World Rugby showed that players from 21 countries er, both of whom have been capped would we be taking them? Is that an have been raised over the size of crowds with the traditional countries that vice-chairman, a view that Fitzgerald were taking part, although not all un- in recent years, he said: “I think it’s admission we’re not as good as them, that might be attracted to the 12 venues we go to, and it’s incumbent on us to supports. der the residency rule. Japan used the wrong... I deliberately have given a I’m sure it is.” for Asia’s fi rst Rugby World Cup. spread the (game),” he said. “I think he has a really good point. rule to fi eld 10 foreign-born players at short answer, I think it’s wrong”. World Rugby has set up a working “We don’t come in with a stick and “In a way, it’s a reward to Japan for all It really dilutes it for me — I mean the 2015 World Cup. Fitzgerald added that he felt the group to review the rule “in its total- say you have to do it this way,” Beau- their contributions to rugby not only at what’s the point? It’s like a Barbarians Asked about the Irish policy, which has also allowed the ity in order to determine whether the mont told the Kyodo news agency. the last World Cup, but throughout the side against Barbarians, why do that? I (IRFU) policy of looking abroad to re- Irish provinces to recruit uncapped current regulation is fi t for purpose”. A “It’s about trying to engage the lo- years. We look at it as being a small risk don’t understand that.” cruit players like New Zealander Jaryd talent from New Zealand and South decision is expected soon. cal population, the local sports bodies, coming here. the local schools, whatever the profes- “We look at it as being a small risk sional team is in that area. coming here.”

NEW VENTURE Suspended Earls to miss All Blacks Test $100mn boost as China’s ‘olive ball’ goes pro Munster star Keith Earls will miss Ireland’s Test against world champions New Zealand after being banned for two weeks for a dangerous tackle in last Saturday’s European Champions Cup clash, a disciplinary hearing decided AFP specify the size of the league, or family too much. that mission”. yesterday. The 29-year-old utility back had been sent off in the 19th minute of Shanghai when it would start, when contacted “I really enjoy rugby, it brings me a Many fi rms in China are invest- the game — played the day after the funeral of Munster’s head coach Anthony by AFP. joy that nothing else can.” ing in sports, anticipating a mas- Foley who died of a heart related illness aged just 42 — for the tackle on The chief executive of Aliba- sive growth in leisure industries as Glasgow Warriors hooker Fraser Brown. Ireland play the All Blacks in Chicago hina will get its fi rst profes- ba’s sporting arm Alisports, Zhang ‘STRATEGIC MISSION’ China’s economy rebalances towards on November 5th — the first of two Tests they play against the world champi- sional rugby union compe- Dazhong, said the game had “un- But Xu Yaojun, president of ama- consumption. ons with the second one in Ireland on November 19th. “In upholding the red tition as part of a $100mn doubted potential” to become a teur club Guangzhou Longhua, cau- Rugby has increased its profi le in card decision, the (disciplinary) committee found that the off ence was at the investment in the currently “mass-participation sport” in China. tioned that funding was not enough Asia thanks to its inclusion in this low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected four weeks as the appropri- low-profiC le sport by e-commerce The two bodies plan to cultivate one to guarantee success. year’s Olympics and the upcoming ate entry point,” read the statement from European Professional Club Rugby giant Alibaba, the fi rm and World mn new players through school pro- “This investment is defi nitely 2019 World Cup in Japan, as well as (EPCR). “As there were no aggravating factors, the committee then reduced Rugby said yesterday. grams and train 30,000 coaches and good news,” he said. “But money is the growing world sevens series. the sanction by a maximum of two weeks due to Earls’ timely guilty plea, As well as professional men’s and 15,000 match offi cials in the next ve fi only part of what is needed to devel- Alibaba has obtained the 2016- expression of remorse and clean disciplinary record.” women’s 15-a-side leagues, a na- years, according to the statements. op the game, the whole social system 2017 broadcasting rights to show tional sevens programme will be set “We will work tirelessly to pro- in China, including the education international matches including France summon Ollivon for November Tests up, the two said in separate state- mote the development of rugby in system, all needs to be involved. We the southern hemisphere’s Rugby ments. The money will be spent over China,” Zhang added. need patience in this.” Championship and Europe’s Six Na- France coach Guy Noves called up Toulon flanker Charles Ollivon to replace 10 years. China’s national rugby captain Ma The announcement comes after tions on its online video platform. the injured Bernard Le Roux in his 32-man squad announced yesterday for But rugby has heavy handicaps to Chong welcomed the investment. Alibaba unveiled a tie-up with World The Hangzhou-based company next month’s internationals. Les Bleus play Samoa on November 12, followed overcome in the world’s most popu- “As an athlete, I fi nally see hope for Rugby to increase the game’s visibil- is investing heavily in the sports in- by Australia on November 19 and the All Blacks a week later. The 23-year-old lous country. this sport,” he told AFP. ity through its internet video plat- dustry and has a 38 % stake in the twice capped Ollivon’s inclusion for next week’s training camp at French rugby Fewer than 80,000 Chinese play Ma, 24, makes just over 3,000 forms in April, when World Rugby reigning Chinese football champi- headquarters at Marcoussis was the only surprise in Noves’ shortlist. Ollivon the sport and it is far less popular yuan (less than $500) a month play- CEO Brett Gosper told AFP that Chi- ons, Guangzhou Evergrande. had been an intended participant in a September training camp only to miss among spectators than football or ing for the Shandong provincial side. na has ambitions to host the Rugby Alisports has also signed deals that with concussion. “He has major qualities which interest us,” Noves said. basketball. Its Chinese name trans- “To be honest, until now I haven’t World Cup. to stream NFL American football He added: “We lost sight of him (last season) when he wasn’t playing for Tou- lates literally as “English-style olive thought that I could support my Gosper said in a statement on in China and sponsor FIFA’s Club lon, he’s for sure been preparing for this moment in a very committed manner. ball”. family playing rugby. But with a pro- Wednesday that World Rugby’s World Cup. It has partnerships with And perhaps this year he’s tasting the fruits of his work, and being in contact World Rugby, the sport’s inter- fessional league, I can actually make “strategic mission is to grow the glo- world amateur boxing body AIBA with high class players at Toulon. He’s playing regularly, has shown lots of national governing body, would not it a profession without burdening my bal rugby family. China is central to and basketball’s FIBA. character, scores tries...even in very hard games you saw Charles Ollivon.” Gulf Times 10 Thursday, October 27, 2016 SPORT

TENNIS CAS doubles Jeptoo ban Kuznetsova edges to four years Pliskova in thriller ‘With all the support of the crowd and my team, I couldn’t aff ord to let myself and everybody down so I had to fight. I haven’t been at my best in recent years but something changed this year... I enjoy my game, I enjoy the crowd and I feel blessed to be playing the best players in the world’

Reuters fi nd her range with the fi rst serve, the Singapore Czech edging ahead fi rst with a break in the fourth game. As was the case in her win over Ag- vetlana Kuznetsova claimed neiszka Radwanska, Kuznetsova grew her second titanic victory in a into the match after a slow start and row when the Russian outlast- grabbed her fi rst break in the seventh ed Karolina Pliskova 3-6, 6-2, game but the Czech struck back im- 7-6(6)S in a thrilling White Group en- mediately to regain the initiative. counter at the WTA Finals yesterday. The big-serving Pliskova con- After battling toe-to-toe for two solidated the break with the easiest of hours and 17 minutes, Kuznetsova col- holds, rattling through her next service lapsed in a heap on the court after seal- game without dropping a point as she AFP ing victory on her fourth match point sealed the opening set in 33 minutes. Lausanne with a backhand winner down the line Kuznetsova was still moving tenta- to fi nally break the Czech’s resistance. tively and Pliskova took full advantage to “With all the support of the crowd forge another break of serve in the fi rst he Court of Arbitration for Sport and my team, I couldn’t aff ord to let game of the second set but the Russian yesterday doubled a doping ban myself and everybody down so I had found her rhythm as her opponent wa- Tagainst Kenyan marathon star to fi ght,” twice grand slam winner vered to stage an impressive fi ghtback. Rita Jeptoo to four years, signalling the Kuznetsova said. “I haven’t been at The 31-year-old Russian broke end of her career. my best in recent years but something back immediately to prevent Pliskova The world sports tribunal said there changed this year... I enjoy my game, I from running away with the contest were aggravating circumstances includ- enjoy the crowd and I feel blessed to be and then reeled off fi ve of the next six ing Jeptoo’s “deceptive and obstructive” playing the best players in the world.” games to send the match into a decider. behaviour, which warranted doubling the Kuznetsova was the fi nal qualifi er With both players emerging from original ban against the 2014 Chicago and for the elite eight-woman event when three-setters on Monday the fatigue Boston Marathon winner. she defended her Kremlin Cup title fi nally kicked in and neither was capa- The marathon titles were taken last Saturday and the world number ble of holding serve, so after combin- away from Jeptoo, now 35, who was nine has shown incredible staying ing for eight breaks in the set, it was also ordered to pay 15,000 Swiss francs power to fi rst outlast Agnieszka Rad- only fi tting the match would be de- ($15,000/13,850 euros) in legal costs to the wanska on Monday and now Pliskova. cided in a tiebreak. world athletics body, the IAAF. The victory puts Kuznetsova on the Kuznetsova had already defi ed the The IAAF had appealed to the CAS to get brink of sealing a semi-fi nal spot at odds just to get to Singapore for the the ban extended against Jeptoo who was the year-end championships for a fi rst prestigious end-of-season champion- revealed to have failed a test for the blood- time in six attempts, with her berth ship, only sneaking into the elite eight- doping EPO drug on October 24, 2014, 12 assured if Radwanska beats French player fi eld after winning the Kremlin days after winning the Chicago Marathon. Open champion Garbine Muguruza in Cup in Moscow. She hopped straight “The panel found to its comfortable the later match of the evening. on a plane, made the long fl ight to satisfaction that the athlete used rEPO Pliskova started confi dently, push- Southeast Asia to take her place in the over a period of time to enhance perform- ing her opponent around the court tournament and was already exhaust- ance,” said a CAS statement. It added that with her booming forehand and hold- ed when she arrived but is now on the there was “undisputed” proof that the ing comfortably despite struggling to verge of reaching the semi-fi nals. substance had been injected by a doctor. “The athlete provided various diff ering accounts of the circumstances leading up to the injection and also regarding her WAWRINKA ENDS FOUR-MATCH LOSING STREAK IN BASEL relationship with that doctor.” Lithuanian qualifier Richard Berankis “Playing the qualifying rally helped The CAS judges said they were “com- AFP fortably satisfied that there are aggravat- Basel, Switzerland stunned second seed Milos Raonic me for sure,” said Berankis, ranked 91 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, while Luxembourg’s Gilles in the world. “My recent results have ing circumstances in the case at hand as it Muller beat sixth seed Grigor Dimitrov not been the best. I was worried about was obvious to the panel that the athlete S Open champion Stan 6-7 (9/11), 6-4, 6-4. dropping from the top 100, which used rEPO as part of a scheme or plan”. Wawrinka ended a four-match Wawrinka admitted he was relieved would have meant no direct entry to The judges highlighted Jeptoo’s “long USwiss Indoors losing streak to have sneaked past Chiudinelli, the Australian Open.” relationship with the doctor in question, as he saved face for seeds on a day of an ATP journeyman ranked 119 and “But I got some confidence from quali- her multiple visits to see him, that her EPO first-round upsets at Basel. childhood friend of fellow Basel native fying, that’s good when you step on to use was consistent with her competition The three-time Grand Slam winner, who Federer. the court against a top five player. I’m re- calendar, that she hid the visits to the doctor claimed the Flushing Meadows crown “It was a tough physical and mental ally happy with how I performed today.” in question from her manager and coach, two months ago, overcame local wild- battle,” Wawrinka said. “It was a huge Muller unleashed 17 aces against as well as her deceptive and obstructive card Marco Chiudinelli 6-7 (1/7), 6-1, 6-4 in fight with Marco, he was playing at Dimitrov, produced 44 winners and conduct throughout the proceedings.” struggle lasting two-and-a-half hours. home and had the crowd on his side. broke three times against in his upset Jeptoo’s lawyer withdrew from defend- He needed five match points to reach It was so tough to beat him here. He win over Dimitrov, the world-ranked 18 ing her and Athletics Kenya also did not the second round, clinching victory played great and I had to fight, I needed from Bulgaria. take part in the hearing. with a 16th ace in a match where he to work hard to find a winning solution. Muller, 37th in the world, pulled Jeptoo, who won the Boston race three struck more than 35 unforced errors. “The third set was so tight, I’m just ahead of Dimitrov 3-2 in their career se- times, said last week she hoped to return Wawrinka had lost at the last four very content to get past the first round. ries as he avenged a January semi-final to elite competition. “I have returned to seri- Basel editions in the first round; he has I’ll prepare for Thursday and hope to loss in Sydney. ous training with the hope that I will return never passed the semi-finals in a dozen go further in the tournament. The most In other matches, Marcel Granollers to the marathon soon,” Jeptoo has said, previous appearances. While Wawrinka important thing was to win this match.” beat Swiss Henri Laaksonen 6-3, 3-6, expressing optimism about the CAS verdict. squeezed through, a pair of seeds Berankis scored a second career 6-2, Italy’s Paolo Lorenzi put out Nicolas The Erythropoietin (EPO) hormone, made opening exits at an event missing victory over Raonic, who is qualified for Mahut 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) and German Florian which stimulates red blood cell production both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal next month’s eight-man season finale Mayer defeated Frenchman Benoit to delay fatigue, is now one of the most through injury. in London. Paire 6-1, 6-7 (2-7), 6-4. common doping substances being found in athletes.

HOCKEY India down Malaysia to seal top spot in group IANS at 1-1 till the half-time. Kuantan, Malaysia After the 10-minute break, India made numerous goal-scoring chances in the third quarter but the goal didn’t come. n-form drag-fl ick expert Talwinder Singh’s drive from a close Rupinder Pal Singh scored a angle was blocked by custodian Subra- brace as top-ranked India eked out maniam but the ball popped out, giving a 2-1 win over Malaysia to secure India a penalty corner. But Rupinder’s Ithe top spot in the round-robin stage fl ick to the right was palmed away by the of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey Malaysian custodian in the 37th minute. tournament yesterday. Malaysia too had their moments, Rupinder, who had scored eight goals earning two penalty corners in the fi nal before this match, gave world No. 6 In- fi ve minutes of the third and penulti- dia the lead in the 12th minute but Razie mate quarter but they were not able to Rahim equalised for world No. 14 Ma- get past the Indian defence. While Ra- laysia in the 18th. However, Rupinder zie was denied by defender Surender once again stepped up to convert a pen- Kumar, Shahril Saabah’s lethargic fl ick alty corner to make it 2-1. was blocked by Chikte. With this win, Roelant Oltmans- Malaysia got another opportunity of coached India have 13 points having taking a lead when an indisciplined defen- played all the fi ve games, while Ma- sive activity from India’s part earned the laysia remain in second spot with nine hosts a penalty corner in the 56th minute. points from four games. points more than China but the goal India, however, looked better and India’s quick counter-attacking But the Malaysians levelled from the But Razie’s fl ick went wide off the mark. Meanwhile, South Korea sealed a diff erence of -1 for the former world earned a penalty corner in the third game came to the fore when Nikkin penalty corner as Razie fl icked past India hit back in a fi erce attack and spot in the semi-fi nals following a 4-3 champions could come into play even minute. Malaysian goalkeeper Kumar Thimmaiah led a stirring attack and young Indian custodian Akash Chikte, earned a penalty corner which was win over Japan, who lost fi ve consecu- if China, who have a goal diff erence of Subramaniam brought out his stick to squared for Akashdeep, who attempted who was standing in for injured captain duly converted by Rupinder with just tive matches. South Korea are third on (-14), manage a win. the left to deny Rupinder’s powerful a reverse-hand strike that was padded PR Sreejesh, in the 18th minute. Chikte 2.15 minutes left on the clock, stunning the table with seven points from four The match at the Wisma Belia Hock- fl ick in the third minute. away by Subraniam in the 15th minute. quickly fell down during an untimely the home fans. matches, while fourth-placed Pakistan ey Stadium between India and Malaysia But Rupinder gave India a 1-0 lead in A couple of minutes into the second jump and it allowed Razie to send the The hopes of the Malaysian fans re- face fi fth-placed China today. started at a very good pace with both the 12th minute when the Punjab set- quarter, Aff an Yousuf wasted a chance ball over him. vived as they were rewarded with a pen- Pakistan have six points from four the teams, known for their counter- piece specialist scored on a rebound of putting India 2-0 up as Akashdeep Chitke, however, later proved his alty corner in the fi nal minute but Ra- matches while the Chinese have three attacking game, at it from the very be- after his penalty corner fl ick hit the side set him up with just Subramaniam to quality as he denied a close-range de- zie’s high fl ick was blocked by Chikte, points. Pakistan not only have three ginning. bar and fell just in front of him. beat but the former fi red it over. fl ection near his right post to keep India paving the way for India’s 2-1 win. Gulf Times Thursday, October 27, 2016 11 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT REVEAL McIlroy hints at real reason for his Rio Majestic McIlroy Olympic snub

AFP ing that the sport’s fi rst appear- Shanghai ance in the Games for more than 100 years had been a success de- spite his own initial reservations. guns for major ory McIlroy hinted yes- McIlroy had given a blunt as- terday that his Rio Ol- sessment of Olympic golf before ympic snub may not the Rio Games, saying he prob- have been entirely due ably would not even watch it on toR fears over the Zika virus, say- TV. ing his situation was “a little “Probably (I’ll watch) the more complicated” than others. events like track and fi eld, swim- The world number three from ming, diving, the stuff that mat- scalps at WGC Holywood, Northern Ireland, ters,” he had said. also said he hadn’t turned any But McIlroy revealed he had thoughts yet to taking part in To- tuned in after all, and was de- ‘I’d love to win in China again and I’ve played well enough here to win but just haven’t kyo 2020, adding that he would lighted by what unfolded as his instead “concentrate on the 16 Ryder Cup teammates Justin done enough when it mattered. Hopefully this year will be the year to change that’ majors that we have between Rose and Henrik Stenson went now and then”. head-to-head right to the last On the eve of “Asia’s Major”, putt on the fi nal green. the $9.5-million World Golf “I was really happy with how Championships-HSBC Cham- golf went in the Olympics. I pions tournament in Shanghai, turned it on in the fi nal afternoon McIlroy was asked if he would and... you could sense an atmos- like to play in “Asia’s Olympics” phere in the crowd. — Tokyo 2020. “It was fantastic for golf, and “The participation in the Ol- to have two of our best players in ympics, for me it’s just a little the world battling it out for a gold more complicated than for some medal, it was great for the game. other people, (because of) where “I was delighted by how well it I’m from and the whole politics went and honestly, I was happy of the thing,” McIlroy told a news to be watching on TV.” conference. McIlroy got a taste of what he He was referring to having had missed out on at the Sheshan to choose whether to represent International Golf Club course Great Britain or the Republic of on Wednesday — as he entered Ireland at the Games, a highly the media centre for a press con- sensitive topic. ference, Stenson was leaving, Before pulling out ahead of the clutching his gleaming Olympic Rio Games, McIlroy had come silver medal. under fi re from some quarters in But McIlroy still would not Northern Ireland for originally commit to going to Tokyo. opting to compete under Ire- Not yet anyway. land’s tricolour. “Four years’ time is a long way “It’s a diffi cult subject for me,” away, so we’ll see what happens,” he admitted before acknowledg- said the four-time major winner.

AIMING HIGH China’s Li has big guns in sights on home soil Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks down the fairway during the ProAm event for the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions golf tournament in Shanghai.

AFP cially sanctioned event at the time (the McIlroy still went on to win the Race to Masters champion Danny Willett Shanghai Shanghai Masters in 2011). Dubai and it seemed his game had turned leads the Race to Dubai standings and “I’d love to win in China again and I’ve the corner, more so when he won the has great memories of the 7,261-yard played well enough on this golf course to Irish Open in May. Sheshan course on the western outskirts resurgent Rory McIlroy is look- win but just haven’t really done enough of Shanghai’s seething metropolis of 24 ing to end 2016 in style, start- when it mattered. Hopefully this year GROUND TO MAKE UP million people. ing by winning the prestigious will be the year to change that.” But he missed the cut in two majors — the The Englishman shot a fl awless 62 World Golf Championships- The good news for McIlroy is that he US Open and the US PGA championship with 10 birdies in the fi nal round a year HSBCA Champions in Shanghai this week. appears fi nally to have put his injury- — largely because of an inability to fi nd ago to fi nish in a share of third place. But the PGA Tour’s newly-crowned wracked 2015 behind him. the cup with the putter. British Open champion and Olym- FedEx Cup champion will have to over- McIlroy ripped ankle ligaments play- But his mojo returned on the greens pic silver medallist Henrik Stenson lies come all four of 2016’s fi rst-time ma- ing football and had to miss his British during the FedEx Cup series last month second in the European Tour standings jor winners and 40 of the world’s top 50 Open defence and a large chunk of last as he stormed to two wins in four events and will be looking to close the gap with players in a star-studded fi eld if he is to season. — the Deutsche Bank Championship and McIlroy lurking in third. Golfer Li Haotong of China attends a press conference. lift the title for the fi rst time. And so wretched were his 2015 for- the season-ending Tour Championship US Open Champion Dustin Johnson The list of champions of the tourna- tunes that when he got to Shanghai a year — and a $10 million bonus. took his fi rst big tournament win at the AFP “The diffi culty level to win a ment dubbed “Asia’s Major” reads like a ago he was fl oored by a dodgy sandwich “After the FedEx Cup and the Ryder WGC-HSBC Champions in 2013 while Shanghai WGC-HSBC Champions is ba- who’s who of golf. and severe food poisoning which meant Cup I wanted to take some time off as it US PGA Champion Jimmy Walker com- sically equal to all the four ma- But the Northern Irishman’s illustri- he could not practise. was a busy stretch of golf,” said former pletes the full house of 2016 major win- jors,” he told a news conference ous name is missing from a WGC-HS- McIlroy did manage to tee off 12 number one McIlroy. ners in China this week. hinese golf sensa- at Sheshan. BC Champions roll of honour featuring months ago — albeit 10 pounds lighter “I went to Dubai last week for a few Justin Thomas, who retained his PGA tion Li Haotong flirted Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Martin — and fi nished tied 11th, the only time he days to practise and, yeah, the game’s Tour CIMB Classic title in Kuala Lumpur with a seismic shock ‘SUPERHERO’ WOODS Kaymer and Bubba Watson, something has failed to make the top six at Sheshan. feeling really good and I’m really happy last week, plus US Ryder Cup talismen in Shanghai a year ago, Laid-back Li proved why he is McIlroy would love to put right. “I’ve avoided the club sandwich this with where I’m at. Patrick Reed and Rickie Fowler and de- afterC going into the final round regarded as a future Chinese “Here, yes, I’d love to tick that one off ,” week,” joked McIlroy. “I’d love to do the double (FedEx fending champion Russell Knox are also of “Asia’s Major” just two shots superstar with a dramatic win McIlroy told AFP. “The aim is to get out of China in one Cup and Race to Dubai). There’s a lot of in the hunt for a share of the $9.5 mil- off the lead. in May at the China Open in “I’ve won in Hong Kong before. I’ve piece. I’m taking every precaution to be ground to make up but that’s nothing a lion prize fund — the richest in world golf A year on and the 21-year- Beijing. won in Shanghai but it wasn’t an offi - in good shape,” he laughed. couple of wins wouldn’t fi x.” outside America and the majors. old’s back at the WGC-HSBC He shot an eight-under par fi - Champions on familiar turf at nal-round 64 to overhaul Chile’s Sheshan International Golf Club seasoned pro Felipe Aguilar and BOTTOMLINE — but this time as a winner, with win by three strokes, becoming a stunning maiden European only the second Chinese player Tour victory under his belt. to triumph in a European Tour Li comes into the $9.5 mil- event on home soil. lion World Golf Championships It was all the more special as event beginning today with a re- the China Open was where Li alistic aim to do something that made his professional tourna- Opportunity Knox as Russell would have been unthinkable a ment debut, as a 15-year-old few years ago — win one of golf’s amateur back in 2011. biggest events for China. Li’s runner-up spot in the Eu- “I feel that if I can play in my ropean Tour’s 2015 Shenzhen In- own style, I will be able to win,” ternational, where he outshone eyes title defence in Shanghai Li told reporters yesterday. double Masters champion Bubba AFP Knox’s fi rst trip to Asia follow- “I was hoping that because Watson, fi rst gave notice that Li Shanghai ing his appearance in the PGA I witnessed him defending his “All that counts is the mo- can thrive in the company of the Tour’s CIMB Classic in Malaysia tournament I kind of thought mentum and the perform- game’s global stars. the previous week. that maybe it’s a good thing for ance that I put in on the Victory this week in front of ussell Knox is enjoy- A year on and Knox is eyeing me,” Knox said. weekend,” Li added. “It’s his adoring home galleries would ing the new experience becoming the fi rst player to de- Knox’s fi rst Tour win a year going to be challenging, but be fi tting as the Shanghai-based of being a defending fend the WGC-HSBC Champi- ago heralded the start of a year I’m looking forward to it” Li has had the HSBC Champions champion as he pre- ons trophy successfully. that has seen a second win, three coursing through his veins from paresR to tee off today in the “Coming into this tourna- third places and a raft of top Li kept that winning feeling a young age. World Golf Championships- ment last year I was just happy 10 fi nishes as the late-bloom- with the $250,000 fi rst prize at The tournament was founded HSBC Champions in Shanghai. to be playing,” Knox admitted on ing 31-year-old broke into the the “World Celebrity Pro-Am” at in 2005, when Li was 10 years The America-based Scot only Tuesday of the tournament for world’s top 20 for the fi rst time. Mission Hills on China’s Hainan old, and he honed his game by got into the big money tourna- an elite fi eld that carries a mas- “It has been a wild journey, Island on Sunday. participating in its junior golf ment a year ago as a reserve, sive $9.5 million prize fund. but I believed in myself,” con- “All that counts is the momen- programme and watching the making a last-minute dash from “I was like, ‘hey, I’m playing fessed Knox. “I knew I was ca- tum and the performance that I likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Kuala Lumpur before pulling off with the big boys’.I knew that my pable of this, but until you do put in on the weekend,” Li added. Mickelson at Sheshan. a massive Shanghai surprise to game was capable of winning, it you’re never quite sure it will “It’s going to be challenging, but “I see a lot of good friends notch his fi rst PGA Tour win. but I defi nitely didn’t expect it,” happen.” I’m looking forward to it.” coming to support me this year,” “This is the fi rst time I’ve ever he said. Knox is grouped with Eng- He fi nished tied seventh a year said Li. defended a professional title. It’s Knox played well again in Ma- land’s in-form Paul Casey and ago on the same score as the then “My hero will always be Tiger great to feel what it’s like,” Knox laysia last week as Justin Tho- US Ryder Cup star Rickie Fowler world number one Jordan Spieth. Woods, because no one can be told AFP Tuesday on the side- Russell Knox of Scotland attends a press conference for the World mas successfully defended that for the fi rst two days, but now But Li has no illusions as to like him. For me, he’s just a su- lines of the tournament’s launch Golf Championships-HSBC Champions golf tournament in Shanghai. PGA Tour title. says he deserves to be among ex- the size of the task if he wants to perhero. event at a plush downtown And Knox, who played with alted golfi ng company. fi nish higher this week in a stel- “Like for 10 years on top he nev- Shanghai hotel. tional Golf Club as Knox became events, which rank second only Thomas as he shot 64 in the fi nal “If you see yourself wanting to lar fi eld that contains 40 of the er missed a cut and always tried to It was a week of fi rsts last year the fi rst Scotsman ever to win to the majors in prestige. round to win, believes that could be a star, then that’s what it’s all world’s top 50 players, and eight win. Actually he won a lot. I just at Shanghai’s Sheshan Interna- one the four big-money WGC The victory also came on be a good omen. about,” he said. of the top 10. try to catch up with him.” Thursday, October 27, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT WHAT TO EXPECT An insider’s guide to Final round decider the Qatar round for Kawasaki riders Rea and Sykes ‘I am happy to finish the season here at Losail because it is a circuit that I really enjoy. The atmosphere of Qatar, being a night race, in the middle of the desert, is cool’

By Sports Reporter Doha

he forthcoming races in Qatar will determine which Kawasaki By Sports Reporter to the track straight after. Then, Racing Team rider, Jonathan Rea Doha grid positions will be decided or Tom Sykes, will be crowned in the Tissot-Superpole shoot- T2016 FIM Superbike World Champion outs starting at sunset. The last two races of the 13-round xcitement for the Gaerne Race 1 will see lights out at WorldSBK championship will ultimately Qatar Round is at an all- 8pm, while Randy Krummen- determine which KRT rider becomes time high, as the 2016 acher (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) champion but as things stand Rea only MOTUL FIM Superbike and Luke Stapleford (Profi le Rac- has to score two points to be crowned WorldE Championship is set to be ing) commentate live from the champion for the second successive year. decided this weekend at Losail Paddock Show. On-stage activi- Were Jonathan to win the biggest for the season fi nale. The event ties begin at 9am to 10pm, with prize in Qatar he will become the fi rst always draws a crowd, as spec- the WorldSSP Qualifying show, rider since Carl Fogarty (1998-99) to tators come from near and far the WorldSSP Meet ‘n’ Greet and win back-to-back championships in the to watch blockbuster WorldSBK the WorldSBK Qualifying and WorldSBK category. action, under the stars and fl ood- Race show. He would also be the fi rst Kawasaki lights. Lots of new activities have Sunday Warm Up begins at rider to win more than one title and the been introduced off -track this 5pm with pit lane opening at 6pm ninth WorldSBK rider to achieve more year, meaning the fun won’t stop for the pit walk. Don’t miss your than one championship win. when the racing action stops for chance to meet your favourite With a maximum of 50 points up for spectators at the desert circuit. WorldSBK riders at the Paddock grabs Sykes would have to win both races Today kicks off the Middle Show at 18:45, before they take to at the Losail International Circuit, and Eastern adventure when some the grid for the fi nal time in 2016. Rea score only one point or no points of the Stars of WorldSBK go on WorldSSP will see the fi nal across both races for Tom to be able to a tour of the famous Souq Wa- standings decided when the take his second world championship. qif. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Rac- lights go out at 7:15pm before Were Sykes to become champion again, ing Team), Michael van der Mark the fi nal showdown of WorldSBK after his 2013 success with KRT, then it (Honda World Superbike Team), takes place at 9pm. Race 2 will would be he who would become the fi rst Leon Camier (MV Agusta Repar- feature guest commentary from Kawasaki rider to win more than one ti- to Corse), Jordi Torres (Althea Jules Cluzel (MV Agusta Reparto tle and the ninth WorldSBK rider to score BMW Racing Team) and Xavi Corse) and Hikari Okubo (CIA more than one championship. Fores (Barni Ducati) will have a Landlord Insurance Honda), live As well as making his fi nal attempt at guided tour of the Souq by none from the Paddock Show. That’s catching Rea, Sykes also has to ensure he other than Pedercini Racing rider not all for the weekend though, keeps ahead of Chaz Davies in the over- and local man Saeed al-Sulaiti. at 11pm local time the Paddock all rankings to retain second place and a They will be off to explore the Show welcomes everyone with Kawasaki 1-2 fi nish in the Rider’s Cham- File picture of Kawasaki Racing Team riders Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes. traditional market at 12:00pm paddock passes to the Offi cial pionship. Davies is currently 19 points and return to the track at 14:00 Prize Giving at the End of Season behind Sykes. that I really enjoy. The atmosphere of Qa- really equipped to go out and do a good job es but after a large part of the season had local time (GMT+3) for fi nal Show, to join in on celebrating Uniquely in the WorldSBK season the tar – being a night race, in the middle of the at Losail because I really enjoy the track and been completed I was not really expect- preparations ahead of lights out with the season’s Champions. races at the fast and fl owing 5.380km desert, surrounded by fi ve star hotels – is I feel we can aim high this weekend.” ing to be in a position to take it to the last on the weekend. For the fi rst time, the Paddock long Losail International Circuit are held cool. All my family will be there and a lot of round. Looking to this weekend, I really Track action begins tomor- will feature a motorcycle dealer under fl oodlights, in the relative cool of my friends are making the trip as well be- Tom Sykes: “I am relaxed and looking enjoy the format of the fl oodlit races and row afternoon at 16:30 with expo; a food corner with a varie- the evening. The 17-lap WorldSBK races cause I hope to cap off an amazing season forward to the races in Qatar and my ideal I am a night owl anyway! WorldSSP leading the way in ty of international cuisine avail- will be held on Saturday and Sunday, as with the championship win. scenario is winning at least one of them. I am also doing the press event to help the fi rst session of Free Practice. able and WorldSBK merchandise per the two-day format introduced for That is what we have been working hard I feel we can go there and fi ght for the launch the race weekend on Thursday, Later on, both WorldSSP and shops, while spectators arriving the fi rst time in 2016. for all season. The races in Qatar give us wins. It would be nice to fi nish the year which includes some traditional coff ee WorldSBK will take to the track on motorbikes will have exclu- our chance to try and do that. We have just with a win and if we can secure runner- tasting. For me, that cannot be bad! The to decide entry to Saturday’s sive parking inside the Paddock, RIDER SPEAK come off the back of a good weekend in Je- up in the championship, it is not a bad weekend will defi nitely start well and Tissot-Superpole 2 sessions. Just regardless of their pass. Jonathan Rea: “I am happy to fi nish the rez where I was on the podium for the fi rst season. Not a great one because I have hopefully we can fi nish it well, with a like at the European Rounds, the Go Karting will be open season here at Losail because it is a circuit time ever, and on the podium twice. I feel defi nitely let myself down in the wet rac- couple of strong results.” Paddock Show will provide live throughout the three-day event commentary and viewing from from 4pm until 10pm to sat- the stage all weekend thanks to isfy your need for speed, with BOTTOMLINE the giant screens provided. 15-minute sessions costing Then at 22:15, fans will expe- QR100. rience for the fi rst time at Losail Tickets are still available for the Team Managers Show. Guim the Gaerne Qatar Round, which Roda (Kawasaki Racing Team), promises a weekend of unforget- Ronald Ten Kate (Honda World table action in the steamy Ara- Superbike Team), Paul Denning bian desert. Three-day Grand- Manufacturers’ ups and downs (Pata Yamaha Offi cial WorldSBK stand tickets are QR 100 and Team) and Mick Shanley (Mil- allow access to the Paddock for waukee BMW) will be welcomed the fi rst 2,000 guests. They can to the stage for a live chat, before be purchased on the WorldSBK the Opening ‘Night’ Show greets website. at Losail International Circuit WorldSBK and WorldSSP’s fast- With an incredible line up of nteresting facts about the Did You Know? est three riders as well as lo- activities to keep fans enter- performance of your fa- cal hero Saeed al-Sulaiti for an tained at Losail as well as on- vourite manufacturers in 56 – At Losail, only two riders successful results at Losail evening round-up of the day’s track action that is sure to ex- Qatar have been able to record with 5 wins. Aprilia follow with action. cite, the fi nal Round of the 2016 IAprilia is currently the team to Saturday’s on-track thrills MOTUL FIM Superbike World a lap time in the 1-minute 4 wins - they won the last four beat at Losail: they are the only 56-second bracket: Tom Sykes races here. begin with WorldSBK riders get- Championship is set to be a siz- manufacturer to have recorded and Jonathan Rea recorded a ting in one more practice session zler in the Qatari desert on the four straight wins there: a dou- 1’56.821 and 1’56.997 respec- 4 – Four riders who claimed at 15:30 before WorldSSP take 28th to 30th of October. ble by Sylvain Guintoli in 2014 tively in 2015. their first career win in Qatar and a win each for Jordi Torres were: Yukio Kagayama (2005), and Leon Haslam last year. 12 – Ducati holds the record double World Champion Max Despite four wins, Aprilia has for most podium positions in Biaggi (2007), I’m looking forward to see what I can never started from pole in Qatar: Qatar at 12. Only one of those (2008) and Jordi Torres (2015). their best grid position was third podiums was actually a win do there, says Qatar rider al-Sulaiti by in 2009. and it was Troy Bayliss who 4 – Four riders are tied with Aprilia have never qualifi ed recorded it, in Race 1 of 2008. holding the record for the most outside of the top 10 in Qatar and wins at Losail (2 wins): Troy have never fi nished a race lower 10 – There have been 10 dif- Corser, James Toseland, Ben than eighth (13 times). Their ferent winners from of the 14 Spies and Sylvain Guintoli. only retirement came as a result races held in Qatar so far. of Jordi Torres’ crash in Race 2 3 – In the last three visits to last year. 6 – Max Biaggi holds the the Losail International Cir- The best result for BMW at pole here was Davide Giugliano being a second place by Jonathan record for the most podium cuit, each round was won by a the Losail International Circuit two years ago. Rea last year in Race 1 and by Loris finishes at Losail: six, claimed single manufacturer: Yamaha is ninth place, scored by Troy James Toseland won on a Baz two years ago in Race 1. in the three weekends from in 2009 (Spies), and Aprilia Corser in both races in 2009. Honda in Qatar in Race 1 in Both factory Kawasakis have 2007 to 2009. in 2014 (Guintoli) and 2015 Last year (2015) BMW scored 2006 and once again in Race 2 started from the front row in Qa- follows with 5 and Tom Sykes (Torres, Haslam). points fi ve times out of six starts: in 2007. Since then Honda have tar over the last two years: Tom with 4. only Imre Toth wasn’t able to fi nished on the podium in Qatar Sykes recorded the pole position 3 – Only Troy Corser (2005, score as he came 17th in Race 1. just once, with Jonathan Rea in in 2015. 6 – There have been six dif- 2007, 2008) and Max Biaggi As WorldSBK heads to Qatar “It’s going to be one of the Ducati have claimed just one Race 2, two years ago. Last year MV Agusta have scored points ferent riders to claim pole (2007, 2008, 2009) have for the final clash of season most important weekends of win in Qatar: from Troy Bayl- Michael Van der Mark narrowly at the Middle Eastern circuit in WorldSBK’s history in started from the front row 2016, Pedercini Racing rider my career as I’ll get to race in iss in Race 1, 2008. Since then, missed out on a podium after thanks to Claudio Corti two Qatar. The only rider who has three times in Qatar. If Tom Saeed al-Sulaiti took some WorldSBK at my home circuit their best result has been second fi nishing fourth in Race 2. years ago: he was 14th in Race 2. started from pole twice here Sykes qualifies on the front time out to catch up with in front of my friends and place, which they’ve scored four Since Losail returned to the The last WorldSBK week- is Troy Corser (2007-2008). row this weekend he will be WorldSBK.com, to chat about family,” said al-Sulaiti. The times out of seven races. Last WorldSBK calendar two years end for Yamaha in Qatar was in the third rider to hold the the upcoming Round in his Kawasaki rider revealed there year Chaz Davies was able to fi n- ago, Honda has scored points 2009 and Ben Spies dominated 6 – Troy Corser has led six record. home country. It will be the will be pressure to impress the ish on the podium in Race 2 in with both riders in every race. the proceedings, recording a races at Qatar, winning just first time the Qatari will race local fans but the excitement 2nd place. This is the only track on the pole position and winning both two of them: in 2005, Race 1 2 – Only two riders have been at Losail in the WorldSBK to race at home surpasses all Ducati and Yamaha have current calendar where a Kawasa- races. Between 2006 and 2009, and 2006, Race 2. able to score a Losail double category as he has previously else. “There is extra pressure scored 3 pole positions each at ki hasn’t won. They have recorded Yamaha have fi nished on the po- victory: Ben Spies in 2009 only tackled the 5.4km circuit but also extra motivation and I the Losail International Circuit. 6 podium fi nishes in the last four dium at the Losail International 5 – has had the most and Sylvain Guintoli in 2014, in the Superstock 1000 class. know the circuit.” The last Ducati rider to claim races at Losail, with the best result Circuit six times.