SPORT Tuesday 13 December 2016 PAGE | 27 PAGE | 28 Warriors 7-star Hosszu rebound steals the showw from loss in Montreal

Barca, Al Ahli ready for action

Armstrong Vas ieu, on account of injury. The Peninsula Manager Enrique has Airways selected his 23 players for panish giants FC the trip to Qatar and has Barcelona will be opted for 21 first team play- seeks to looking to maintain ers plus two from Barça B their perfect record team, Carles Alena and extend links against a club from Borja Lopez. S the Arab region when they Barca’s rival are reign- take on Al Ahli, the current ing Pro League champion Al with Barca champions of the Saudi Pro- Ahli who are currently in fessional League, in third place in the Saudi Ara- ReutersReuters today. bian first division. For Barça, this will be The Saudi Arabian club atar Airways hopes to their first ever appearance are already in Doha and had Barcelona players board the flight as they prepare to leaveeave for DohaDohha to playplalay maintain commercial in Qatar, and fans from a practice session on Sun- against Al Ahli Saudi FC in the Match of the Champions att ththee ThanThanii BiBinn JJaJassimsss im Qties with Barcelona around the world will con- day evening while the Stadium, starting at 7.00pm today. Picture courtesy www.fcbarcelona.combarceloel na.comm despitedespite endingendin its contract to spon- verge at the Thani Bin Spanish club will arrive late sor the SpanishSpan champions' shirts, Jassim Stadium, home of Al on Monday night. CEOCEO AkbarAkba Al Baker said Gharafa Club, where the For Enrique's side the worthy winner able to lay eventsvents such as thesethese,, but yesterday.yesterday. two hugely popular teams match comes a few days MATCH OF claim to the Qatar Airways foror contributing to the Barca signedsig the most lucrative compete in the first ever after the Liga trip to CHAMPIONS Cup. well-beingell-being and social shirt sponsorshipsponsor deal in world soc- Match of Champions, to win Osasuna which they won Supreme Committee for developmentevelopment ofof Qatar,” cer lastlast monthm by agreeing a the Qatar Airways Cup. 3-0 as they currently lay in BARCELONA Delivery & Legacy (SC) Sec- hee aadded.dded. four-yearfour-year dedeal with Japanese inter- The Catalan club have the second position behind vs retary General Hassan Al Earlier,Earlier, Al ThaTha-- netnet rretaileretailer Rakuten worth €55m also never faced a team Real Madrid in the AL AHLI SAUDI FC Thawadi and vice-president wadiadi aandnd AAll BBakeraker ($58.9m)($58.9m) a year.ye from Saudi Arabia but it will standings. of the organising commit- unveilednveiled tthehe stunning Qatar AirwaysAir will cease to be not be the first time Barce- The two previous Venue: Thani Bin tee, said high profile designesign ooff tthehe Qatar thethe club'sclub's sshirth sponsor from next lona have played against a matches before the Osasuna Jassim Stadium matches help the FIFA 2022 Airwaysirways Cup troptrophyhy season. team from an Arab one had resulted in draws. Kick-off: 7.00pm. World Cup hosts to analyse foror the firstfirst time.time. "Our ccontracton finishes next June country. Barca drew goalless the shortcomings and pre- DesignedDesigned byby a butbut we araree having conversations This will be Barça's sev- with Malaga and later pare for the mega event teamam fromfrom Qatar aboutabout beingbein the club's main air- enth such game and in the shared points in the one-all of international unity, as which is six years away. Airways,irways, takintakingg line partner,"partne Al Baker told a news previous six they have a draw in the derby match teams and their supporters “The enormity of this inspirationn spi rati on conferenceconferen yesterday ahead of record of five wins and one with Real Madrid. come together from around match is a testament to fromom the mmod-od- Barcelona'sBarcelon friendly with Al Ahli draw from five friendlies The two football giants the world to celebrate the Qatar’s growing standing as ernrn aircraftaircraft SaudiSaudi FFC in Doha tomorrow. and one official fixture (See are sponsored by Qatar Air- determination and spirit the home of international theyhey fly,fly, "When"W we finish discus- Box). ways, and the airline carrier that is required to win. We football in the GCC, where thehe CuCupp sions and things are clearer Enrique's team will thus is happy to bring the mam- are exceptionally proud to the world’s greatest players we'llwe'll decide if we stay aim to maintain their moth match to Doha, the not only support two iconic are converging to bring togethertoge or not. Right now unbeaten record. GCC’s ‘home of interna- teams through our sponsor- world-class competitions to we have various teams The Catalans, which tional football’. ship of FC Barcelona and Al the region. It is also a signif- thatt want us to sponsor boast of one of the impres- Speaking at a press con- Ahli Saudi FC, but to bring icant marker in our journey them so we'll take our sive striking trio in the form ference, Qatar Airways these two beloved teams towards 2022 when we will time to decide what of Luis Suarez, Neymar Jr Group Chief Executive, Al together for what we are proudly host the 2022 FIFA direction we take." and Lionel Messi, will be Baker said: “Qatar Airways sure will be a phenomenal World Cup. missing just one player from believes in sport as a source match – a Match of Cham- “Through the Social wasas handmadehandmade inin Doha,Doha, the first team Jeremy Math- of inspiration and a symbol pions, no less – with the Development pillar of the cast in 18 carat gold. It is Qatar National Vision designed to reflect the glo- 2030, our leadership aims bal unity that sport to promote sport as a phys- inspires, and signifies the Big test for La Liga giants ical activity, particularly reward for teamwork, Barcelona have never faced a team from in Casabalanca in Morrocco which ended in a amongst the nation’s effort and determination. Saudi Arabia, but have played against a 3-0 victory over W.A.C. youth. By bringing such Tickets for the match team from an Arab country before. The other games took place in Cairo against Al popular sporting heroes to sold out within hours of This will be Barça's seventh game against a Ahly again in 2007 a mere 46 years on form their doorstep – such as release, with purchases club from the Arab region, and in the previ- their first meeting. This time the Catalans won the legendary players of FC made from around the ous six they have a record of five wins and 4-0. Two years later the Blaugranas travelled Barcelona and Al Ahli world, with a full capacity one draw from five friendlies and one official to Kuwait to play Kazma Sporting Club, in the Saudi FC – we are enabling stadium of 18,000 people fixture only game which Barça hasn't won with the sports fans to live their set to attend the match. The only official game took place in Yokoha- game ending in a 1-1 draw. football dreams, and are Football fans from as far- ma in Japan against the Qatar’s Al Saad in In 2011, the already mentioned Club World the 2011 Club World Cup. Barça claimed vic- Cup game against Al Saad took place. Finally, inspiring them to follow in flung as Thailand and tory with a 4-0 win which took the Catalan the last fixture was in Tangier in Morroco in the footsteps of their Singapore will fly into club into the final against Santos. 2012 and saw Barça face Raja Club Athletic favourite players. For this, Doha especially for this The rest of the games were friendlies in the Casablanca. The game ended with an 8-0 I would like to thank Qatar premium match, truly opposition's country of origin: the first game scoreline for the visitors. In total they have Al Ahli Saudi FC players train at the Al Arabi SC Stadium in Doha on Sunday. Airways for their contin- cementing Qatar’s position was a 6-1 Barça victory against Al Ahly in played six games with a record of five wins, Picture by: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula ued support in not only as a leader in sporting 1961 in Cairo, Egypt; the following game was one draw, 29 goals for and two against. facilitating global-level entertainment. SPORT TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2016 27 Janawicz of US dominates at Warriors rebound from loss Qatar Open Thunder win eam USA member John Westbrook's streak Janawicz led the third of triple-double Tqualifying squad (fifth scoring ends but he overall) with 1, 475 total and still scored a an average of 245.83 for six game-high 37 points games to take the lead in the to power Oklahoma qualifying of the Qatar Open to victory at the Qatar Bowling Center in Doha. The Kegel lane expert, Los Angeles who won the gold medals in AFP singles, trios and masters at the 2015 Pan American Bowl- ussell Westbrook had ing Confederation Men’s his streak of triple- Championships, posted double scoring games of 254, 229, 279, 263, snapped but he still 214 and 236. Janawicz leads scored a game high 37 a field of 109 bowlers from Rpoints to power the Oklahoma 40 countries. City Thunder to a 99-96 victory Janawicz earned a $300 over the Boston Celtics bonus for the highest series yesterday. awarded by the Qatar Bowl- Westbrook saw his streak of ing Federation. consecutive games with triple- Diana Zavjalova of Latvia, doubles end at seven as he shot who previously held the lead, 14-of-26 and tallied 12 rebounds slipped to second place with and six assists in front of a crowd 1454 total, including 48 pins of 18,400 at Chesapeake Energy handicap. The 2013 USBC Arena. Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks blocks an attempt to score from D'Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers during Queens started squad 4 with "We have got to be able to their NBA match in Los Angeles, California, yesterday. back-to-back 267 and closed close the door," Westbrook said. with 201, 234, 216 and 221 for "We are not going to be able to 1406 scratch, an average of blow teams out like we used to. had a couple of more assists. He Westbrook carried down the NBA-record streak of not losing surge. Warriors guard Klay 234.33. We have got to grind it out." did a lot of different things that lane to the front of the rim for a back-to-back games. Thompson scored 12 of his 30 Zavjalova was the best of Steven Adams added 16 impacted the game at a high layup and Oklahoma City The Warriors delivered in the points during that fourth-quar- 19 women in the field and one points and eight rebounds for the level." grabbed a 96-94 lead. fourth quarter to fend off the ter run. of four in the top 8. Reigning Thunder who improved to 15-9. With 3:20 left in the fourth, Westbrook won a tip ball and Timberwolves and make sure Kevin Durant added 22 Qubica AMF World Cup Enes Kanter came off the bench Oklahoma City's Adams com- tapped it ahead to Anthony Mor- their 111-game streak of not los- points and eight rebounds, champion Jenny Wegner of to score 14 points. pleted a three-point play to cut row. He pushed it to Jerami Grant ing consecutive regular season Stephen Curry had 22 points and Sweden led the first squad Al Horford led Boston with the deficit to 90-89. Bradley for an impressive two-handed games continued. nine assists, and Draymond (third overall) with 1402 19 points and six rebounds. Jae responded with a jumper on the dunk with 14 seconds left in the "It's really one of the most Green scored 18 for the Warri- scratch, including high games Crowder and Avery Bradley each other end. game. impressive streaks that I've ever ors, who improved to 21-4. of 278 and 270, and 1450 total finished with 18 points as Bos- Westbrook then sank a The Celtics were able to cut seen," said Warriors coach Steve Minnesota's Karl- to finish the second qualify- ton dropped to 13-11. three-pointer to tie the game. But the lead down to two, but West- Kerr. Anthony Towns tallied his ing day in third position. Westbrook, who leads the once again Bradley answered brook nailed one-of-two free "That's a lot of games." 15th double-double of the Overnight leader Oliver NBA in fourth quarter scoring, with a basket off a missed shot. throws. Marcus Smart had a One night after a road loss to season with 25 points and 18 Morig of Germany skipped to had 13 in the quarter. Westbrook tied the game chance to tie, but his three-point the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden rebounds. fourth place with 1434 and "I'll say this about the triple- with 1:20 remaining in the fourth. attempt missed. State trailed by 10 after three In Detroit, TJ McConnell had was followed by South Afri- doubles, because I always find Boston gave the ball to Horford, In Minneapolis, the Golden quarters but outscored Minne- 12 points and 10 rebounds and can Francois Louw in fifth this interesting," Thunder coach but he had his shot blocked by State Warriors rebounded from sota 38-20 in the fourth to pull finished one assist shy of a tri- place with 1430, including Billy Donovan said. Adams. a road loss to beat the rebuild- away for the win. ple-double as the Philadelphia four games in the 250s. "On a night like tonight, does The Thunder got the ball ing Minnesota Timberwolves Golden State began the 76ers defeated the Detroit Pis- 15-time PBA champion it make it any less special if he with 39 seconds left and 116-108 and extend their fourth quarter with a 25-4 tons 97-79. Mika Koivuniemi of Finland, who now serves as head coach of the UAE national team, fell from second to sixth place with 1429. Giants edge Cowboys, Broncos in peril Places seven and eight belonged to world and Asian champion Esther Cheah of New York had a celebration all planned catch of the game which came Malaysia and PWBA cham- AFP with commemorative hats and in the fourth quarter. Moments pion and multiple Central shirts to put on if they clinched later Giants Leon Hall inter- American Championships he New York Giants ral- the division title on Sunday night cepted a pass intended for gold medalist Rocio Restrepo lied to sneak past Dallas at the Giants MetLife Stadium. Bryant and New York was off (right) of Colombia with 1419 T10-7 in a defensive battle "The coach talked about it to the races. and 1416, respectively. on Sunday, snapping the Cow- all week. Them having their box Elsewhere Sunday, Aaron Rounding out the top 10 boys' 11-game win streak and of goods, the hats the shirts and Rodgers threw for three touch- were Rafiq Ismail of Malay- giving the Giants' play-off hopes he said it is not going to happen downs to reignite the Green Bay sia and Chris Via, United a boost. on this field. Sure enough it Packers postseason push in a States. Ismail, who won the Not only did the Giants didn't happen. We came out and 38-10 rout of the Seattle silver medal at the World Sin- sweep the season series by did what we had to do," Beck- Seahawks. gles Championships here in handing the Cowboys just their ham said. Rodgers made 18 of 23 for Doha last week, hit 1400 on second loss of the campaign but The win follows a 20-19 246 yards as the Seahawks were the nose and Via, who lead they also prevented Dallas from New York win in September as sent spinning to their heaviest the WSC qualifying portion, clinching the NFC West. the Giants swept the Cowboys defeat of the season at a frigid was mere two pins behind "At some point you got to for the first time in five years. Lambeau Field where every- with 1398. The top 10 at the wake up," said Giants receiver The Giants overcame a 7-0 thing went wrong for end of the qualifying will Odell Beckham. "We all knew halftime deficit by scoring 10 quarterback Russell Wilson. receive a first-round bye. what was on the line. We just unanswered points in the sec- In Tennessee, reigning Super With five out of 17 quali- weren't doing enough in the first ond half. Bowl champions Denver suf- fying squads completed, Dak Prescott (4) of the Dallas Cowboys is pressured by Romeo half but the defence is really Dallas was sloppy with fered a blow to their hopes of a Ziyad Alkhalewi of Saudi Ara- what held us together." their ball handling as receiver playoff berth after slumping to Okwara (78) of the New York Giants in the fourth quarter at bia holds the 34th and last Beckham said the Cowboys Dez Bryant fumbled on his first a 13-10 defeat at Tennessee. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday. spot to advance from the overall standing with 1274 or an average of 212.33. For the records, last year’s qualifying 'Swim-for-a-Cause' podium winners cut was 1355 (225.83). Qualifying continues today. The 2016 Qatar Bowling Open is the 16th and last stop of the 2016 European Bowl- ing Tour and also the 6th and last event of 2016 World Bowling Tour. The EBT “Platinum” tour- nament, the highest of four categories, will end on December 16. The tournament offers total prize fund of $155,000 with $40,000 going to the winner, $20,000 to the run- ner-up and a last-to-cash payout of $1,200 for 43rd place. The podium winners at the 'Swim-for-a-Cause' event - organised by Sharq Village & Spa in Doha - pose for a picture. The event was held in three categories. Total 43 players will Enis Kefl topped in the 100m category followed by Maisie Gilford and Samvel Valdez. In the 500m class, Michael Berendt took the top honours while Anthony advance to the finals on Fri- day, December 16, including Abdo and Danushka Hansaka grabbed the first and second runner-up awards. In the 250m, Kyan Galvin finished in front followed by Liza Leschenko and the top 34 in the overall qual- Marek Olewski. ifying standings, 28 SPORT TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2016 7-star Hosszu steals the show in Montreal

Montreal AFP

atinka Hosszu brought the curtain down on a week K of dominance at the Short Course World Swimming Cham- pionships on Sunday by LEFT: Chad Le Clos clinching her seventh gold medal of South Africa of the meet. competes in the The Hungarian swimming 50m Butterfly Qatar Masters: star, affectionately known as the final on day five "Iron Lady" surged to victory in of the 13th FINA the 100m butterfly to cap a World Swimming superb campaign at the cham- Championships Tickets go on sale pionships in Windsor, Ontario. (25m) at the WFCU Hosszu touched the wall Centre in Windsor 55.12sec, taking gold ahead of Ontario, Canada. Kelsi Worrell of the United States BELOW: Le Clos for top golf event (55.22) and Japan's Rikako Ikee of South Africa 55.64. The 27-year-old Hosszu had celebrates his gold The Peninsula what it is today – a world-class already stamped her class on the medal. golf championship that contin- championships with wins in the ickets for the historic 20th ues to possess quality and 100m, 200m and 400m medley anniversary edition of the excitement for everyone as well as the 200m butterfly T world-renowned Com- involved." and 100m and 200m mercial Bank Qatar Masters, The highly anticipated tour- backstrokes. have gone on general sale to the nament will once again feature Sunday's final win at the public. a star-studded line-up for its WFCU Centre completes a phe- Part of the iconic January 20th edition on one of the most nomenal 2016 for Hosszu, who ‘Desert Swing’ trio of European challenging golf courses in the also lit up the Rio de Janeiro Tour tournaments in the GCC, region. Olympics with three gold the Commercial Bank Qatar The 2016 tournament was medals. Masters, organised by The Qatar yet another scorcher and saw There was more gold too on Golf Association (QGA), the Branden Grace become the Sunday for South Korea's Park Qatar Olympic Committee tournament’s third two-time Tae-Hwan, who added the (QOC), Doha Golf Club (DGC) winner and the first to success- 1,500m title to the 200m and and long-term title sponsor, fully defend his title (2015, 400m crowns won earlier in the clocked 14:21.94 for silver and But there was Commercial Bank, will return 2016), following former Open week. Poland's Wojciech Wojdak, who more disappoint- to Doha Golf Club from Thurs- champion Paul Lawrie (1999, The win ensured Park fin- took bronze in 14:25.37. ment for US day 26th through to Sunday 2012) and former World No. 1 ishes the year on a triumphant Elsewhere Sunday, South teenager Lilly King. 29th January 2017. Adam Scott (2002, 2008). note after a tumultuous season Africa's 2012 Olympics breast- King, one of the ris- For 20 years the Commer- “History is made on the which saw him battle to com- stroke champion, Cameron van ing stars of US cial Bank Qatar Masters has Doha Golf Club course every pete in Rio after serving a drugs der Burgh, won gold in the 50m swimming who witnessed the best talents DGC’s year and the 20th edition is set ban only to come away from discipline. won gold in the Championship course and vie to be the best one yet," Hassan Brazil empty-handed. Van der Burgh took the title 100m breaststroke for the Mother of Pearl trophy Al Naimi, President of QGA, Park finished well clear of in 25.64sec, finishing ahead of at the Rio Olym- and the $2.5m prize purse. said. his rivals in 14:15.51, ahead of Ita- Peter Stevens of Slovenia (25.85) pics, finished Over the past 20 years the "This is a golf fan's chance ly's Gregorio Paltrinieri, who and Brazil's Felipe Lima (25.98). outside the medals Championship has played host to get incredibly close to the in the 200m to many of the world's favour- action and watch legendary breaststroke. ite golfers, and its illustrious list golfers at the peak of their craft King, pipped of winners features many who on a truly unique golf course. for gold in the have since gone on to reach the We are privileged to be 100m breaststroke very pinnacle of the game. involved in such a prestigious on Saturday, fin- They include two-time tournament that has grown ished fourth in a defending champion, Branden exponentially year on year, and race won by Brit- Grace; four-time Major runner- has created a legacy in Qatar to ain's Molly Renshaw, who 'Iron Lady' shines up and perennial crowd inspire local golfers and future clocked 2:18.51. favourite, Sergio Garcia; , 2016 stars,” he added. Canada's Lauren Wog took The Hungarian star Race to Dubai winner and Open silver in 2:18.52 while another Champion Henrik Stenson, and storms to her 7th gold Briton, Chole Tutton, won two time winner in Doha, Adam Ticket prices: medal win by topping bronze with a time of 2:18.83. Scott, who went on to claim the Thursday 26 January Triple Olympic champion the field in the world number one spot and a General ticket QR 150 Katinka Hosszu Ranomi Kromowidjojo mean- women's 100m famous Masters green jacket. Friday 27 January of Hungary while won gold in the 50m butterfly to cap her "There have been some General ticket QR 200 celebrates her freestyle. The Dutch sprinter, dream run in Canada. spectacular performances here Saturday 28 January gold medal in the who winner of Olympic gold in at the Doha Golf Club over the General ticket QR 200 100m Butterfly the 4x100m freestyle relay in the past 20 years, from great South Korea's Park Sunday 29 January on day six of 2008 Games before a 50m/100m moments of on-course rivalry, Tae-Hwan adds to her General ticket QR 200 the 13th FINA double in London four years to final hole excitement and overall medals tally, Season Pass World Swimming later, took first in 23.60sec. drama," Joseph Abraham, CEO winning the gold in Thursday to Sunday (4 days) Championships Italy's Silvia Di Pietro won of Commercial Bank, said. the 1,500m after an Includes general admission on in Windsor silver in 23.90 with Madison "Every year we've hosted Kennedy of the United States intense pool battle. golf stars that have lit-up Doha all four days QR 450 Ontario, Canada. bronze in 23.93. and helped evolve this event to QCA hosts coaching camp for school kids

The Peninsula the game and physical activities. We’re really delighted that we offered coach- he Qatar Cricket Association ing to 175 boys.” (QCA) hosted a coaching camp Two groups were created and the T for junior boys in Pakistan Inter- students were given training, which national School to boost the game at covered various aspects like physical grass-root level. The camp, according fitness, batting, bowling, throwing the to QCA General Secretary, Manzoor ball, running between the wickets, Ahmad, was a big success as 175 stu- wicket-keeping and match exposure. dents, aged between 8 and 11 years, The QCA team consisted of the fol- took part seriously in each session. lowing persons: Talking about the camp, which was Aminu Islam, Head of Schools hosted on December 6, Ahmad said: coordination “The QCA contacted various expatri- Mohammad Asif Raza – Junior ate schools in Qatar with playing camp organizer and Logistic facilities. We short-listed some schools manager and then the decision to hold the camp Aruna De Silva – Head of in Pakistan International School was Program taken and the remaining 5 schools will Abdul Salam – Coach be conducted as per their schedule. Omran - Coach “The QCA provided its officials and Haider – Coach qualified coaches whose sole aim was Dr Sohail – Coach to create interest in the students about Senora De Silva TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2016 SPORT 29 Kohli's India too good for England

Mumbai Reuters Hosts win big India beat England by ff-spinner Ravichan- an innings and 36 dran Ashwin blew runs in the fourth Test away England's at Mumbai to go 3-0 lower order resist- up in the five-match ance to spin India to series. O a crushing series-clinching vic- tory on the final day of the fourth test at the Wankhede Stadium Top off-spinner yesterday. Ravichandran Ashwin The touring side, who bags 6 wickets to take resumed the final day on 182 for his tally to 27 with six, were only able to add 13 runs one more Test to play. to their total as Ashwin (6-55) took all four remaining wickets in a little more than half an hour wickets in England's first innings, and the hosts won by an innings inspired India to an unassailable and 36 runs. 3-0 lead. The five-wicket haul was the England had beaten India in 24th for the world's top-ranked their last three test series includ- test bowler and his seventh ing a 2-1 triumph on their last India captain Virat Kohli (second left) celebrates with his 10-wicket haul, after the visit to the South Asian country teammates during a victory lap after winning the fourth Test 30-year-old also took six in 2012 but the tourists have been against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai yesterday. SCOREBOARD thoroughly outplayed by the hosts since drawing the opening England (I innings): ...... 400 match in Rajkot. India (I innings): ...... 631 "This series win is probably unbeaten on 50 overnight, and when the England number 11 chances. We were in the game England (II innings): the sweetest of all we've won so Jos Buttler. walked in to bat with the umpires for three days but not good Cook bemoans A Cook lbw Jadeja ...... 18 far in the past 14-15 months," Bairstow, however, misread forced to intervene to prevent enough to take those opportuni- K Jennings lbw Kumar ...... 0 weakened J Root lbw J Yadav ...... 77 India captain Virat Kohli said at Ashwin's 'carrom' ball, a finger- the incident from escalating ties and that's what cost us." M Ali c Vijay b Jadeja ...... 0 the presentation following his spinner delivered with the further. Ashwin, who has won the spin options in J Bairstow lbw Ashwin ...... 51 side's fifth series victory in a knuckle, to be struck in front of On what has been a gener- man of the series awards in each B Stokes c Vijay b Ashwin ...... 18 row. "It could not get any the wicket after adding just a run ally dismal tour for England, they of India's last four Test series, J Ball c Patel b Ashwin ...... 2 better. to his overnight score and was also picked up an unwelcome took his tally to 27 wickets from Mumbai loss J Buttler (not out) ...... 6 "To win at Wankhede, going unable to overturn the leg before statistic of becoming just the the four matches against Eng- C Woakes b Ashiwn ...... 0 three-nil against a top quality decision on review. third side in Test history to com- land. Man of the Match Kohli, Mumbai A Rashid c Rahul b Ashwin ...... 2 Reuters J Anderson C Yadav b Ashwin ...... 2 side that has beaten us convinc- Ashwin then claimed a pile 400 in the first innings and who hit 235 in India's massive Extras (B-15, LB-2, NB-2) ...... 19 ingly last two times, it feels wicket in each of his next three still lose by an innings. first innings total of 631 for his Total (all out) ...... 195 really good." overs to bring about a quick end "Historically on this ground third double century of the year, ngland no longer have the Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-43, 3-49, 4-141, 5-180, Trailing by 49 runs entering to proceedings as England's 400 is a good score in the first leads the run-scoring list with world class spin options 6-182, 7-185, 8-189, 9-193, 10-195. the final day, England's hopes lower order capitulated meekly. innings and in the second 640 at an average of 128. E available to them that they

Bowling: Kumar 4-1-11-1; U Yadav 3-0-10-0; of making India bat again rested There were some angry innings, we had our chances," The fifth and final Test will enjoyed when they stunned India

Jadeja 22-3-63-2 (1nb); Ashwin 20.3-3-55-6; J on a pair of wicketkeeper-bats- words exchanged between James rued England captain Alastair be played in Chennai from in 2012, captain Alastair Cook Yadav 6-0-39-1 (1nb). men -- Jonny Bairstow, who was Anderson and the India players Cook. "We've just not taken those Friday. said after his side fell 3-0 behind the hosts in the five-match series yesterday. England are the last team to win a series in India when they Kohli turns peacemaker to beat the hosts 2-1 four years ago with spinners Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar revelling in the conditions, and ably sup- douse Ashwin-Anderson fire ported by prolific wicket-taking paceman James Anderson. During that series, Panesar took 11 wickets at the Wankhede Mumbai the docile pitches in India after about it. He told me on the Stadium while Swann picked up Reuters he hit 235 at the Wankhede Sta- ground. eight more to help England dium for his third double "So I didn't know what to thrash India by 10 wickets. irat Kohli adopted an hundred of 2016. make of it, I was laughing about However, leg-spinner Adil uncharacteristic role as England's record wicket- it, Ashwin wasn't too impressed India captain Rashid, who is England's high- V peacemaker yesterday taker in Tests dismissed Kohli and he let him know without Virat Kohli est wicket-taker in the ongoing when the India captain acted to four times during India's tour of using any bad words, honestly," shakes series with 22 victims, and off- pacify an angry exchange England in 2014 but the batsman Kohli added. hands with spinner Moeen Ali have failed to between off-spinner Ravichan- has flayed Anderson and his "I think he (Ashwin) told me Ben Stokes match those performances. dran Ashwin and England bowling partners this time, he was pretty disappointed with in Mumbai "No disrespect to Mo and paceman James Anderson on the already amassing 640 runs in the what he said and it is important yesterday. Rash but Graeme Swann and final day of the fourth Test. ongoing series at an average of to accept defeat as it is. Later on, Monty Panesar were world class The incident occurred when 128. I told James these things happen bowlers in 2012," Cook told England number 11 Anderson "For the first time I was try- and let's move on." reporters after England's defeat walked out to bat and was ing to calm things down in the Anderson has a history of threatened to boil over with Eng- what Jimmy said yesterday by an innings and 36 runs. "In greeted by a volley of angry middle at a time when James disputes with India and the team land captain Alastair Cook saying which has kind of been blown these conditions you need that. words by Ashwin, whose views Anderson is involved," a grinning filed a charge against him for it was unnecessary and left a out of all proportions, which it "Mo and Rash have bowled were echoed by his team mates Kohli, who is often very demon- pushing Ravindra Jadeja during "sour" taste. can do here. He was just stating well but they are not yet in that in the innings and 36 runs vic- strative on the field, told the Trent Bridge test in 2014. "It was a bit of a sour end a fact which if you asked Virat is league... I do not mean that dis- tory for the hosts. reporters after India moved 3-0 He was later cleared by the really. A disappointing end in probably quite true. respectfully at all and that is why Ashwin appeared irked by ahead in the five-match series. governing body International terms of how well the spirit's "But yes it was obviously just we need a slightly different bal- Anderson's comments on Sun- "Ashwin wasn't pleased with Cricket Council (ICC). been between both sides," Cook sticking up for their captain ance to the side. In 2012, we day that Kohli's technique was what he (Anderson) said in the Yesteday, the contretemps said. which I thought was slightly could play the four bowlers, two not being thoroughly tested on press and I didn't even know between Ashwin and Anderson "It was clearly reference to unnecessary." seamers and two spinners, but in this side we need more options." Cook admitted England had erred by picking an extra seamer Skipper says it was hard work in Jake Ball while overlooking Root 'ready' to captain Gareth Batty as the pitch had nothing in it for the pacers. "Here we knew it was going England team: Cook Mumbai situations," Kohli said. "We wins as captain. "No series win to spin," Cook said. "But one Reuters haven't got anything on the plat- is easy, especially not this one, thing we have strength in depth Mumbai from his family for long ter. We have had to work hard we know England is a quality in is our seamers and we can get AFP periods. ndia's unassailable 3-0 lead for it and it's been a result of Test side and we knew that they control with our seamers if it is "Those comments I made over England has not been constant pressure that we have will try to bounce back. not spinning a huge amount. ngland captain Alastair don't change," Cook told I achieved as comfortably as forced the opposition to make "Even in this game after "Generally here in Mumbai Cook said yesterday Joe reporters following England's it might appear against quality mistakes." being 2-0 down, they put 400 it spins slightly later on in the ERoot was ready to take innings and 36-run loss at opposition, captain Virat Kohli Trailing 2-0 in the series, runs in the first innings. This is game but it spun pretty much over as skipper but that no Mumbai's Wankhede said yesterday. England posted 400 in their first not a team that will throw in the from ball one and last time in decision on his own future Stadium. India thrashed England by innings in Mumbai and had the towel. We were tested but we 2012 it didn't and the pitch would be taken until the new "It sticks true to the end of an innings and 36 runs just over hosts, ranked number one in the came out on top." looked exactly the same." year. this series. Then I'll sit down half an hour into the final day at world, in trouble by reducing It was the fifth consecutive Cook was also left to rue India humiliated England with Straussy (England's Direc- the Wankhede Stadium to clinch them to 307 for six. series win for India following England's failure to take the in the fourth Test in Mumbai to tor of Cricket Andrew Strauss) the series with a match to spare. But Man of the Match Kohli triumphs in Sri Lanka and West chances that came their way. clinch the series 3-0 with a in the new year, like we made England were the last team hit 235 to rescue his team and India and home victories over Jonny Bairstow missed a match to spare, raising ques- that pact to always talk openly to win a test series in India, 2-1 led them to a massive first- South Africa and New stumping opportunity of Murali tions about how long Cook can and honestly about stuff." four years ago, and they made innings total of 631. Zealand. Vijay on 45, while Rashid remain in the job. His future "My position hasn't a strong start in the drawn test "With the bat as well we "A lot of the times, you have dropped a difficult return catch was called into question just changed whether we won this in Rajkot this time round. have shown really good char- an hour in the Test match where from India captain Virat Kohli before the tour started when game or lost," said Cook, 31, "I don't think it's been easy. acter to come back into the you can take the game away and on 68 and Joe Root also put he admitted he could quit at the who admitted though that the We have been put under pres- game, showing enough patience, you are still not willing to go for down Jayant Yadav at slip on end of the series and he was nature of the defeat could sure many times. I think I would more than the opposition," the it because you are close to your eight. Vijay scored 136, Kohli finding it difficult to be apart influence his thinking. give my team a lot of credit for 28-year-old said, adding it was milestone or things like that," he went on to make 235 and Yadav bouncing back from those tough the best out of his five series said. 104. 30 SPORT TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2016

UEFA deputy secretary general Real Madrid Sun sets Giorgio Marchetti shows the name of defending champions Real Madrid during the draw hit Japan at on Chinese for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League football sunrise trailblazer tournament at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon yesterday. Tokyo Beijing AFP AFP eal Madrid's early birds ormer Manchester swept into Tokyo at City defender Sun Rthe crack of FJihai, one of the first dawnyesterday to contest Chinese footballers to the Club World Cup and play in the English Pre- were greeted by hundreds of mier League, has bleary-eyed Japanese fans. announced his retirement The European champi- from the sport. ons, led by talisman "Today I am retiring, Cristiano Ronaldo, arrived a bidding farewell to 22 little after 5am local time years of campaigning on and, despite the presence of the football pitch," the around 300 supporters wait- 39-year-old wrote in a ing for their idols to appear, statement posted on his were quickly ushered onto verified Weibo social a team bus by security media account over the officials. weekend. Sporting dapper dark A pioneer for his suits, Real's superstar play- country, Sun's first foray Pogba brothers on ers and French coach into English football came Zinedine Zidane smiled and in 1998, when he signed waved as they passed fans for Crystal Palace with -- several in team jerseys countryman Fan Zhiyi, and some sporting Ronaldo together becoming the masks -- before leaving for first Chinese players in their hotel in Yokohama. the English leagues. collision course The Spanish giants, who He was recalled the beat Deportivo la Coruna at following year by Dalian the weekend to set a new Shide, but signed with club record of 35 games Manchester City in Feb- Nyon, Switzerland UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST 16 DRAW European Cup runners-up in unbeaten in all competitions, ruary 2002. The club AFP 1976, are currently eighth in face Mexico's Club America First legs Second legs were promoted at the end Tuesday, February 14 Tuesday, March 7 Ligue 1. on Thursday for a place in of that season and in anchester United "Saint-Etienne is an historic the Club World Cup final. Benfica (POR) vs Borussia Napoli (ITA) vs Real Madrid (ESP) October that year he will take on old club with lots of tradition. Zidane was able to rest Dortmund (GER) Arsenal (ENG) vs Bayern Munich (GER) became the first Asian Saint-Etienne in People of my generation will Ronaldo as the La Liga table- player to score in the Pre- the last 32 of the Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) vs Wednesday, March 8 never forget that (Michel) toppers battled to a 3-2 mier League. Europa League, Barcelona (ESP) Borussia Dortmund (GER) vs Platini team and it will be dif- victory, thanks to a late win- After six years with Mwith Jose Mourinho's side host- Wednesday, February 15 Benfica (POR) ficult because every team now ner from captain Segio City he joined Sheffield ing the French club in the first Real Madrid (ESP) vs Napoli (ITA) Barcelona (ESP) vs Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) is a good team in the Ramos. United in 2008, but opted leg, after yesterday's draw. Bayern Munich (GER) vs Arsenal (ENG) Tuesday, March 14 competition. Real, who are chasing a to return to China the fol- The tie will see United and Tuesday, February 21 Juventus (ITA) vs FC Porto (POR) "For sure, Manchester second world title in three lowing year after missing France midfielder Paul Pogba, Manchester City (ENG) vs Monaco (FRA) Leicester City (ENG) vs Sevilla (ESP) United is one of the big names years, were expected to hold his family. He played in the world's most expensive Bayer Leverkusen (GER) vs Atletico Wednesday, March 15 in the competition but we have a light training session in the top-tier Chinese Super player, come up against his Madrid (ESP) Monaco (FRA) vs Manchester City ENG) two months without the Europa Yokohama later yesterday. League for several years elder brother Florentin, the Wednesday, February 22 Atletico Madrid (ESP) vs Bayer League, two months to forget it, They will be without before joining second Guinea international defender. FC Porto (POR) vs Juventus (ITA) Leverkusen (GER) then we will see." Gareth Bale as the Welsh division Beijing Renhe last "That's a nice thing," said The other Premier League wizard recovers from ankle

Sevilla (ESP) vs Leicester City (ENG) - Final to be played in Cardiff on

December. Mourinho at a press conference representative, Tottenham Hot- surgery, but have been Saturday, June 3. "It's truly hard to say yesterday. "Paul was already spur, will face Gent of Belgium boosted by the return of Ger- goodbye, football still laughing about it and for sure after being eliminated from the man Toni Kroos after a brings me happiness," the his brother is also laughing. away, following crowd trouble "The good thing is the travel Champions League at the group metatarsal fracture. veteran player wrote in "It has happened a few in the first leg in France. distance. We were very unlucky stage. his post. A hero to Chinese times in the history football and Mourinho's men finished in the group phase, we had to Villarreal of Spain will face fans and a great popular- it's a nice thing." second in Group A behind Fen- go very far, it was very difficult Italian giants Roma in one of the Klopp demands iser of English football, The teams met in the now erbahce of Turkey while to go to Turkey, Ukraine," he standout ties, while Bundesliga Sun was inducted into the defunct Cup Winners' Cup first Saint-Etienne topped Group C. said. club Borussia Moenchenglad- cool heads Hall of Fame at the round in 1977, with United win- After also having to go to "Now we go to France bach were drawn against National Football Museum ning 3-1 on aggregate. Ukraine to face Zorya Luhansk because the flight is easy and Fiorentina of Italy. after more in Manchester in 2015, On that occasion, United in the group stage, United's Por- it's not an easy period, there are The first legs will be played during President Xi Jin- were forced to host the second tuguese manager is pleased that lots of games, so that is good." on Thursday, February 16, with defensive woes ping's visit to Britain. leg in the southern English city there will be no long away trip Saint-Etienne, 10-time the return matches a week of Plymouth, 450 kilometres this time. French champions and later. Liverpool AFP

iverpool manager Jur- gen Klopp bemoaned Cavani double saves PSG against Nice Lhis side's defending and lack of composure after they fell behind in the Premier Paris when receiving the ball to shot that PSG keeper League title race with a 2-2 AFP provide the final pass. The Alphons Areola saved well. draw at home to struggling PSG front line's assault saw Hatem Ben Arfa, who West Ham. second-half brace Nice 'keeper Yoan Cardinale switched to PSG from Nice Divock Origi scored for from Edinson Cavani produce seven saves, the in the summer, also made a the fourth consecutive match A saw champions Paris last a brilliant stop on the late cameo. after Darren Randolph's Saint Germain come from line from a Layvin Kurzawa Cyprien said after the blunder to save a point for two down to earn a 2-2 header in stoppage time. game his side had never frail Liverpool, who sit third, draw with Ligue 1 leaders But earlier Cavani was expected to be top at this six points behind leaders Nice at the Parc des Princes in the right place at the right stage. Chelsea. on Sunday. time to prod home the PSG players refused to Liverpool goalkeeper The visitors withstood equaliser after Cardinale speak to reporters after the Loris Karius last week gifted an early onslaught to go into had punched away a cross game having decided to Bournemouth a winner and the break 2-0 up after a right into his captain Dante impose a media blackout. Klopp's side -- so good going sumptuous free-kick from and the Uruguayan pounced On Saturday, second- forward and top of the table Wylan Cyprien on 32 min- on the loose ball. placed Monaco impressed last month -- are being reg- utes and a slick left-foot The opening goal came as Radamel Falcao netted a ularly undermined by their shot from Alassane Plea when Cyprien whipped a hat-trick in the 4-0 crush- defensive failings. right on the break. ferocious free-kick round ing of 10-man Bordeaux. Karius' positioning on The result puts Nice on the PSG wall into the top Earlier ON Sunday a Sunday for West Ham mid- 40 points from 17 games, right hand corner against goal from Romain fielder Dimitri Payet's one clear of second placed the run of play. Hamouma and a series of equaliser, which cancelled Monaco, who beat Bordeaux And then, just before the saves from Stéphane Ruff- out Adam Lallana's opener, 4-0 on Saturday and four break, Plea beat both Thi- ier saw Saint-Etienne beat was questionable. clear of under-pressure ago Silva and Marquinhos Guingamp 1-0 at home to Michail Antonio then Unai Emery's champions. at the edge of the PSG area climb to eighth after quali- capitalised on a mistake Nice coach Lucien Favre to dispatch a deft left-foot fying for the Europa League Edinson Cavani of Paris Saint- made by Joel Matip to put the looked relieved with the shot that saw the home side last-32 in midweek. Germain celebrates after visitors 2-1 up before Origi's point after Cavani had fin- booed off at the break. After a tiring Champions scoring a goal during the fortuitous 48th-minute ished from close range on In the second half, Paris League game with Sevilla in French Ligue 1 football match leveller. 46 minutes and then on the concentrated on the flanks midweek, Lyon held firm for against OGC Nice at the Parc Klopp was hardly con- hour mark before the cham- and the two Cavani goals, a 1-0 home win over Rennes des Princes Stadium in Paris, vincing in his defence of the pions ripped into the Ligue which took his league taly thanks to a first-half goal France on Sunday. German stopper Karius, 23, 1 leaders all the way to the to 16 so far, came from wide from Mathieu Valbuena saying merely that he had final whistle. crosses from Serge Aurier which sees them sit fourth. "no idea" about whether his Cavani had the ball in and Kurzawa. Goalkeeper Anthony summer signing was at fault the back of the net again Mario Balotelli came on Lopes, however, was their for the Payet free-kick strike with 15 minutes to go but as a late substitute and man of the match with five because he had only seen it Blaise Matuidi was offside quickly produced a snap notable saves. once. TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2016 SPORT 31 Al Sadd trounce Umm Salal 8-0

The Peninsula Algerian striker who just guided it into the net on the near post l Sadd hammered to compound Umm Salal’s down Umm Salal, defensive woe’s. scoring eight goals In the eighty second minute against none in their ’s shot from Qatar Stars League outside the box deflected off a (QSL)A round 11 fixture at the Al defender into the net to make Sadd Stadium yesterday. it 6-0. A minute Meshaal Al Star striker Xavi had three Shammari won a penalty and assists to his name while Bagh- he also stepped up to take it. dad Bounedjah scored a brace to The super substitute slotted the keep himself as the league’s top ball bottom left corner to make scorer. Hassan Al Haidos and it 7-0. Al Sadd were not done Meshaal Al Shammari scored yet as ’s free kick from the spot, while Pedro, Kha- in the last minute of the game lfan Ibrahim, Morteza went under the wall and into the Pouraliganji and Ibrahim Majid goal deceiving the goal keeper. all scored a goal each in a foot- The game ended with the score ball masterclass from the former board reading 8-0 for the home QSL champions. team who dominated the entire Al Sadd scored the first of game and did not give their eight goals in the eleventh opponents a chance. minute of the game courtesy of the league’s top scorer Baghdad Al Sadd players celebrate after Qatar Stars League Standings Bounedjah. Xavi’s long ball scoring a goal against Umm picked out Salal, one of eight goals in their POSITION CLUB MATCHES WIN LOSE DRAW GF GA GD POINTS on the left, who then played the Qatar Stars League Round 11 1 El Jaish 11 9 1 1 26 15 11 28 ball to Bounedjah, who con- match played at Al Sadd Stadium 2 Al Sadd 11 8 0 3 38 12 26 27 3 Lekhwiya 11 8 0 3 33 18 15 27 verted the ball into the goal from yesterday. close range. 4 Al Gharafa 11 6 3 2 26 21 5 20 The Wolves continued their 5 Al Rayyan 11 5 2 4 16 14 2 19 attack and were awarded with a score line. The Qatari interna- Jawad Ahnash. Hassan Haydoos and four goals while Umm Salal 6 Al Arabi 11 4 6 1 19 24 -5 13 second goal in the twenty fourth tional intercepted a clearance stepped up for the spot kick duty had no shots on target in the 7 Umm Salal 11 3 4 4 13 21 -8 13 minute when Xavi’s free kick was before curling the ball into the and chipped it into the net for a opening 45 minutes. 8 Al Sailiya 11 3 5 3 13 18 -5 12 headed into the goal by Morteza far corner from just inside the show stopping finish. Five minutes into the sec- 9 Al Ahli 11 2 4 5 16 18 -2 11 Pouraliganji. The Iranian inter- box. Jesualdo Fereira’s men ond half Baghdad Bounedjah 10 Al Shahaniya 11 2 4 5 12 20 -8 11 national connected with the free Al Sadd kept on exploiting ended the first half with four scored his second goal of the 11 Muaither SC 11 3 8 0 8 18 -10 9 kick and sent a looping header the Umm Salal defence and in goals to their favour and dom- night after an assist by Xavi. The 12 Al Khor 11 2 7 2 10 14 -4 8 over the keeper to make it 2-0. the thirty third minute they won inating possession with more Spanish superstar caught 13 Al Wakrah 11 1 6 4 11 17 -6 7 Just a minute later defender a penalty when Ali Assad was than sixty percent of the ball. Al Bounedjah’s run and played an 14 Al Kharaitiyat 11 1 7 3 8 19 -11 6 Pedro added a third goal to the fouled by Umm Salal captain Sadd had five shots on target inch perfect pass to the

Al Arabi rally for hard-fought Lekhwiya midfielder Youssef Msakni (top) jumps over an Al Kharaitiyat player during win against Al Khor their Qatar Stars League match played yesterday. Lekhwiya won 2-1. The Peninsula - punched the ball into the net Al-Jassim quickly pointed to the with consummate ease, easily spot kick and Khoukhi easily isitors Al Khor grabbed the beating the out-stretched hands converted from the penalty spot lead yesterday but home of goalkeeper Rajab Kassim. in the 37th minute. V side Al Arabi turned It was Al Enazi's second goal With four minutes to go in around things in admirable fash- of the season for the men in blue. the first half, Al Arabi grabbed the ion, winning the Qatar Stars In the 23rd minute, Al Ara- lead with a slick finish by Renan League (QSL) clash 2-1 at Grand bi's Reza Najafi curled in a - who fired a bullet from close Hamad Stadium. swinging shot inside the Al Wak- range hitting the top of the net Al Arabi's Bualem Khoukhi rah box but the ball hit teammate with a fast-paced shot. (37) and Wagner Renan (41) Ali's leg and slipped away from It was Renan's first goal of scored in the first half to nullify thee goalpost. the season. the advantage of Al Khor who At the half-hour mark, Al Despite conceding the first had opened through Sultan Al Arabi's Assie Koua Vivien - the goal, hosts Al Arabi rallied in fine Enazi (7) in the round-11 clash. tall defender from Ivory Coast - style, maintaining an impressive It was Al Arabi's fourth win produced a snap-header inside 66-34 percentage of ball posses- of the 2016-17 QSL season. the Al Khor box but his deflec- sion in the first 70 minutes of Visitors Al Khor grabbed the tion was pouched by goalkeeper play. lead through a field goal in the Baba Djibril on his goal-line. Two minutes from the final 7th minute through a well-coor- Three minutes later, Al Ara- whistle, Renan - with only goal- dinated move as Al Enazi bi's Nigerian forward Ezekiel keeper to beat - misfired on the deflected an easy ball into the net easily volleyed a close-range ball of the Al Khor box as the ball from close range. into the net but the goal was dis- sailed above the head of 'keeper Al Khor defender Abdulrah- allowed as off-side by the Djibril. man Ruban - on the right flank linesman. Seconds later Al Arabi - chipped in a long ball towards In the 37th minute, Khoukhi benched star player and captain teammate Abdulkarem Ali who scored his first the goal of the Khoukhi as the home side played failed to deflect the ball into the season off a penalty kick. out the remaining minutes with net as the running momentum Al Khor's Sultan Mohammed stout defending. Lekhwiya secure 2-1 victory forced him to lose his balance. Alenezi brought down Al Arabi's Struggling in the first four However, Al Khor's man of Paulo Sergio inside his own box months of the season, Al Khor the moment Al Enazi - who was with a reckless tackle. have only two wins from 11 The Peninsula passing move which resulted in minutes after the restart. unmarked inside the box Referee Abdulrahman games. a good save from Soufiane to Lekhwiya striker Yusef El Arabi our time Qatar Stars deny Luiz Martin the opener. was adjudged to have handed League (QSL) champions Seconds later a cross fell to the ball and the referee FLekhwiya left it late to Ismael Mohammed who saw hit promptly pointed to the penalty secure a 2-1 win over bottom of shot rattle the woodwork. spot. the table Al Kharaitiyat last Al Kharaitiyat registered Thunders number ten Mendes injury evening. their only chance of the first half Anouar Diba stepped up and ’s side came on the 37th minute. On a rare placed the ball into the right from a goal behind and domi- foray forward Brazilian hand corner to give Ahmad Al blow for El Jaish nated throughout to register defender Domingos headed just Ajlani’s side the most unlikely their eighth win of the season wide from a Anouar Diba of leads. thanks to goals from Yusef Msa- free-kick. Lekhwiya pushed hard to The Peninsula kni and a Yusef El Arabi In first half injury time find a leveller and eventually penalty. Lekhwiya were denied again broke the Al Kharitiyat resist- l Jaish have confirmed that their key defender Lucas Lekhwiya welcomed back thanks to a strong save by Sou- ance on the 57th minute. Khaled Mendes is set for a spell on the sidelines after pick- Yusef Msakni back to the start- fiane who was fast becoming Al Muftah swung in a accurate E ing up a knee injury that ruled him out of his sides ing line up after a injury, the Kharaitiyat’s best player. A cross cross which found Yusef Msa- 2-1 victory last night against Muaither. Tunisian international hit a shot by Ismael Mohammed found the kni who headed the ball in from The club revealed the news via their official website, from a tight angle to test Ahmed head of Yusef El Arabi and his close range. noting that Mendes will begin his rehab with the medical Soufiane on the fifth minute, it header looked destined for the Predictably the tie swung in team before making his way back to training. proved to be a signal of intent bottom left hand corner, how- the favour on the four time QSL The injury of the Brazilian defender adds to an ever from the Red Knights. ever the Moroccan was denied champions Lekhiwya as the ref- growing injury list for the current QSL league leaders. Cur- Lekhwiya looked more and again by the Qatari keeper who eree awarded his second penalty rently Sabri Lamouchi’s side is without a host of key players more likely to find the opener pulled off another fine save. The of the match with ten minutes including Seydou Keita, Abdulgadir Ilyas and Khalid Abdul- as the tie progressed. Al first half ended honours even at left to play. Yusef El Arabi raouf. Lamouchi will now be hoping that his players can Kharaitiyat had the woodwork 0-0. stepped up to dispatch the pen- return in time for their round 12 match against Al Gharafa and reactions of Ahmed Soufi- Al Kharaitiyat made a dream alty, which went in off keeper on Thursday evening at Lekhwiya Stadium. ane to thank on the 30th minute. start to the second half, after Ahmed Soufiane to score his Lekhwiya put together a slick being rewarded a penalty two thirteenth goal of the season.