SPORT Wednesday 14 November 2018 PAGE | 28 PAGE | 29 England Ocon and Verstappen sides with ’s give glimpse of F1’s suspect spinner future Stage set for Manateq Rally of Qatar THE PENINSULA FIA Middle East Rally Championship and his Portuguese assistant Jaime Qatar and this resulted in flooding and rally still has five different stages and four of them (MERC). Santos have been out in the northern damage to the stages. We were have been modified,” he added. DOHA: Freak weather conditions and Twenty cars and 40 competitors deserts checking the condition of the obliged to modify the route in order “That has resulted in shorter stages, but safer heavy rain have inundated parts of from nine nations are making their tracks and making any necessary to avoid any difficult situations. We stages. We have made short cuts to avoid muddy northern Qatar and forced officials at final preparations for the three-day changes to enable the event to run did that to avoid any possible cancel- sections and areas where the cars would get the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle event, which gets under way with a cer- smoothly. lation of stages. stuck. Federation (QMMF) to make last emonial start at Souq Waqif tomorrow. Speaking from the QMMF’s new “If the rain continues, then we “There are lakes in the desert. Some tracks minute changes to the route for this They will carry out their reconnaissance offices at the Qatar Handball Sports may have to do more changes. In fact, disappeared into the water. It would have been weekend’s Manateq International of the revised route today. Arena, Almeida said: “We have had we have now done two rallies. We had impossible, even for a 4x4 vehicle, to cross them. Rally of Qatar, the final round of the Clerk of the course Pedro Almeida exceptional weather conditions in rally A and now we have rally B. The We have done a big job to prepare a second rally in one week. Competitors will receive a bulletin with the changes when they complete their reg- istration,” said Almeida. Rally officials had hoped to run 203.40 com- petitive kilometres in a total route of 832.75km before the late modifications. Friday’s action is scheduled to be fought out over two runs through the Eraida and Al Dhakira Nasser Saleh stages, while Saturday’s timetable included two Al Attiyah runs through a new northerly Al-Khor special, Manateq International Rally makes a Al Ghariyah and the Al Ruwais timed test. Rain and adverse weather have affected the of Qatar gets under way splash in Jordan in this event in the past and route modifications have with a ceremonial start at file photo, taken place on several occasions. The worst Souq Waqif tomorrow. The and faces the weather in the history of the event occurred back participants will carry out their possibility of in 1993 when the area was inundated when the event ran out of the former Ramada Renaissance reconnaissance of the revised a wet stage surface in Hotel in downtown Doha. route today. Qatar. That event was synonymous with large areas of standing water and small lakes on many stages Twenty cars and 40 competitors from nine and was eventually won by Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah and Mubarak Al Hajri in a Toyota Celica nations are making their final preparations GT4. for the three-day event. This year’s event will start and finish at Souq Waqif in downtown Doha with the ceremonial start planned for 7:05pm tomorrow.

Anderson thrashes Nishikori in ATP Finals humiliation

AFP for Wimbledon finalist Thiem. It has been a curious year Anderson, who has set a new for Nishikori as the former US LONDON: Kevin Anderson career-high of 47 victories in a Open finalist, troubled by a wrist handed Japan’s Kei Nishikori a calender year. injury, started 2018 losing to the humiliating 6-0, 6-1 thrashing He will rarely have had such world number 238 in a Chal- at the ATP Finals as the South an easy outing as this one lenger event in January and African moved to the brink of a throughout his memorable 2018. crashed to 39th in the ATP semi-final berth yesterday. Anderson won the Vienna rankings in April after a pro- Anderson won the first 11 final at Nishikori’s expense in longed slump. games and needed only 64 October before losing to the Jap- But the 28-year-old had minutes to demolish the woeful anese star in the Paris Masters climbed back to ninth in the Nishikori in a remarkably one- four days later. world thanks to a strong second sided group stage clash at Lon- But the close nature of those half of a campaign, featuring a don’s O2 Arena. matches was a distant memory semi-final appearance at the US Having also won his opening as Nishikori, who had beaten Open. match against Dominic Thiem Federer in straight sets on His renaissance peaked in his debut at the prestigious Sunday, put his hopes of a semi- when he handed former ATP season-ending event, Anderson final spot in jeopardy with this Finals champion Federer his first is close to becoming the first tame surrender. straight sets defeat in the group African to qualify for the last four Anderson’s final group stage of the tournament. at the ATP Finals. match is against Federer But Nishikori seemed to It was a landmark moment tomorrow, while Nishikori faces have nothing left after that effort. Anderson is back in London just four months after losing his Having also won first Wimbledon final against his opening match Novak Djokovic. And he didn’t take long to against Dominic seize the initiative as he broke Thiem in his debut Nishikori in the second game of at the prestigious the match. season-ending Unloading some searing event, Anderson is ground-strokes, Anderson, aided close to becoming by 14 unforced errors from Nishikori, cemented his the first African advantage with two more breaks to qualify for the in the fourth and six games. last four at the ATP It had taken Anderson just Finals. 31 minutes to complete his first set masterclass and he didn’t It was a landmark take his foot off the gas. moment for With Nishikori remaining out of sorts with another 10 Wimbledon finalist unforced errors in the second Anderson, who has set, Anderson powered ahead to set a new career- make it 11 games in a row. high of 47 victories Nishikori avoided a whitewash when he won the South Africa’s Kevin Anderson in a calender year. 12th game to ironic cheers from celebrates after beating Japan’s the crowd, but Anderson quickly Kei Nishikori in London yesterday. closed out the win. 28 SPORT WEDNESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2018

Bangladesh cricketers Taijul puts congratulate teammate (second Bangladesh right) as they walk off the field after the on top despite third day of the second Test match Taylor’s ton against Zimbabwe at the Sher- AFP e-Bangla SCOREBOARD National DHAKA: Left-arm spinner Taijul BANGLADESH, first innings 522-7 decl Islam claimed his third consec- ZIMBABWE, first innings (overnight 25-1) Stadium H. Masakadza c Mehidy b Taijul ...... 14 utive five- haul yesterday B. Chari c Mominul b Mehidy ...... 53 in Dhaka to put Bangladesh in command D. Tiripano c Mehidy b Taijul ...... 8 yesterday. in the second Test against B. Taylor c Taijul b Mehidy ...... 110 Zimbabwe despite a defiant S. Williams b Taijul ...... 11 century by Brendon Taylor in S. Raza b Taijul ...... 0 Dhaka. P. Moor lbw b Ariful ...... 83 The home side bowled out R. Chakabva c Mominul b Taijul ...... 10 Zimbabwe for 304 runs in the B. Mavuta c Ariful b Mehidy ...... 0 K. Jarvis ...... 9 first innings to take a 218-run T. Chatara retired out ...... 0 lead after they had declared Extras (b5, lb1) 6 their own innings for a Total ( all out; 105.3 overs) ...... 304 mammoth 522-7 the previous Fall of : 1-20, 2-40, 3-96, 4-129, 5-131, afternoon. 6-270, 7-290, 8-290, 9-304 Zimbabwe need only a draw : Mustafizur 21-8-58-0, Khaled 18-7- to win their first Test series in 48-0, Taijull 40.3-10-107-5, Mehidy 20-3-61-3, seven years, with the visitors 2-0-14-0, Ariful 4-2-10-1 Foakes keeps Bairstow out having won the opening match Toss: Bangladesh Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG), Kumar in Sylhet by 151 runs, their first Dharmasena (SRI) Test win away in almost two TV Umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS) decades. Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI) as England retain Galle XI Taijul dismissed Regis Chakabva for 10 to complete his REUTERS favour. tional,” Root added. haul and Zimbabwe’s innings ended immediately, 19 short of the His 107 in the first innings “He’s pretty much been follow-on mark as last man Tendai Chatara was unable to bat due COLOMBO: Ben Foakes was key to England’s compre- faultless, not really stood out at to injury. retained the wicketkeeper’s hensive victory, also earning him all, which is probably a good Zimbabwe edged towards avoiding the follow-on once Taylor position after his dream debut the man-of-the-match award. thing for a wicketkeeper, and hit 110 off 194 balls and Peter Moor added a career-best 83 to rescue in Galle as England named an “Ben is going to keep,” Root long-term I see him as a focal the side from a precarious 131-5 in the final session. unchanged XI for the second test said in comments published by part of the test team.” Bangladesh had occasional medium pacer to thank against Sri Lanka, which starts The Independent before the Sri Lanka face a difficult task for breaking Moor’s 139-run sixth-wicket partnership with Taylor today in Pallekele. team was announced. to stay alive in the three-Test when he trapped the right-hander leg before in his first over. The tourists’ order is “We’ve come to Sri Lanka to series, having lost spinner Moor, who was dropped on 75 by substitute fielder Nazmul Islam set to be rejigged, though, with win this tour. And in these con- to retirement at cover off Mustfizur Rahman, hit 12 fours and a six in his fifth Test Ben Stokes replacing , ditions, I think Ben is the best and skipper Dinesh Chandimal 50, his second successive half-century in the series. who managed zero and three in option behind the stumps. to a groin injury. Taylor brought up his hundred off Taijul but off-spinner Mehedy Galle, at number three, the “It’s a great opportunity for To make it worse, spinner Hasan soon ended his innings to put Bangladesh back in control. England and Wales Cricket Ben to show his ability, and I has been Taijul took a stunning catch at square leg to end the fine innings Board (ECB) said on its website. think you’ve got to reward a per- reported for a suspect bowling off Taylor, who hit 10 fours in his fifth Test century -- his first ever Moeen, who claimed eight formance like last week.” action, though he is free to play, away from home. wickets in the series opener Root said his Yorkshire team while paceman Lahiru Kumara Bangladesh also dominated the opening two sessions of the day which England won by 211 runs mate Bairstow, who has has been dropped from the after Zimbabwe resumed play on 25-1. inside four days, will bat at strengthened England’s lower- squad for breaking team curfew. Brian Chari led Zimbabwe’s initial resistance, hitting 53 off 128 number six instead. middle order with his batting England team for second balls before he was snared by Mehidy on the stroke of lunch. With Jonny Bairstow fit and and worked hard on his wicket- Test: Rory Burns, Keaton Jen- Mominul Haque took the catch at short leg that was confirmed available for selection after Replacing the injured keeping, still had a role to play nings, Ben Stokes, Joe Root by television replay after Bangladesh reviewed the initial not out sitting out of the series opener Bairstow at Galle, Foakes’ in the Test side. (captain), Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, decision. with an ankle injury, England century on debut and tidy “Jonny is a fine keeper and Ben Foakes (wicketkeeper), Sam Taijul dismissed nightwatchman Donald Tiripano for eight early captain Joe Root (pictured right) glovework behind the stumps what he’s done over the last Curran, Adil Rashid, Jack Leach, in the morning but Chari provided some counter-punch, hitting six had faced a selection dilemma. eventually clinched it in his couple of years has been excep- James Anderson fours and two sixes in his second Test fifty. PSL retentions announced England captain sides LAHORE: The (PSL) retentions have been. The remaining squads to be picked at Player Draft on November 20. PSL returns to action on 14 February 2019! with SL’s suspect spinner Retained (10 players): Shadab Khan (Platinum), (Platinum), Faheem Ashraf (Platinum), Mohammad Sami AFP (Diamond), Asif Ali (Diamond), Rumman Raees (Gold), Hussain Talat (Silver, Ambassador), Sahibzada Farhan (Silver), Zafar cannot play,” said Suranga Lakmal, who Gohar (Silver), (Silver) will captain Sri Lanka in the absence of Released: Andre Russell, Misbah-ul-Haq, Samuel Badree, Iftikhar Ahmed, Amad Butt, JP Duminy, Sam Billings, , KANDY: England captain Joe Root had injured Dinesh Chandimal. David Willey, Mohammad Hasan, Mohammad Hasnain, Samit Patel, words of sympathy for Sri Lanka spinner “He can still play and he’s in a good Akila Dananjaya who will go into the mentality, he will still play the next match KINGS second Test today with his bowling action and correct his mistake.” under investigation by cricket’s world body. England’s unchanged team may mean Retained (8 players): (Platinum), (Platinum), Colin Munro (Platinum), Usman Khan (Diamond), Root was questioned about Dananjaya Root and coach Trevor Bayliss want Ben (Diamond, Ambassador), (Diamond), Mohammad Rizwan (Gold), (Gold) as it was announced that England would Stokes to establish himself as a regular Released: , , Khurram Manzoor, Mitchell Johnson, Luke Wright, , Tabish Khan, Mohammad keep the same team that hammered Sri number three -- a troublesome position Irfan Jnr, , Eoin Morgan, Saifullah Bangash Lanka in the first Test with Ben Stokes for England. playing as number three batsman and Stokes, who batted number five in the Jonny Bairstow kept out despite being fit first Test, had been in competition with Jos Retained (8 players): Fakhar Zaman (Platinum), (Diamond), Anton Devcich (Gold), (Gold), Shaheen again. Buttler for a boost up the order. Afridi (Silver, Ambassador), Hasan Khan (Silver), Agha Salman (Silver), Sohail Akhtar (Silver) Sri Lanka has insisted that the 25-year- Moeen Ali has fallen out of contention Released: Brendon McCullum, , , , Ghulam Mudassar. Angelo Mathews, Mitchell old off-spinner Dananjaya is ready to play after scoring just three runs in two innings McClenaghan, Gulraiz Sadaf despite the International Cricket Council in the first Test. Traded: and Sunil Narine (to ) to get spinner Hassan Khan and fast bowler Rahat Ali. Also, reporting him for his bowling in the first Stokes has played 64 of his 85 Test will have their Platinum pick in the first round. Lahore and Quetta also swapped their second round of silver category. Test. knocks at number six. “It is an unfortunate thing he has to deal The England coaching staff believe QUETTA GLADIATORS with,” said Root. however that his technique is suited to a Retained (9 players): Sarfraz Ahmed (Platinum), Sunil Narine (Platinum), Shane Watson (Diamond, Mentor), “Ultimately for us we played him at higher position. (Diamond), Mohammad Nawaz (Diamond), (Gold, Ambassador), Umar Akmal (Gold), Anwar Ali (Silver), Galle pretty well throughout the last game. Bairstow, England’s first-choice wick- Saud Shakil (Silver) “If you see anyone with a question mark etkeeper-batsman for the past three years, Released: Mahmudullah, , Mir Hamza, Asad Shafiq, Brathwaite, Rameez Raja jnr, Saad Ali, Rashid Khan, Azam by their action, you hope they get through was believed to have recovered from ankle Khan, Kevin Pietersen, Chris Green, Kohler Cadmore, Ben Laughlin, Jason Roy, John Hastings, , and it doesn’t hamper their career. It is ligament damage suffered in the one-day Traded: Bought Umar Akmal and Sunil Narine from Lahore Qalandars in exchange of Hassan Khan and Rahat Ali. Quetta never nice to see.” series. also gave up their Platinum pick in the first round to Qalandars. The second round of silver category has also been swapped Root said the suspect action had not But Ben Foakes’ stunning debut as between both franchises. shocked him. stand-in made a change difficult. “It didn’t really stand out to me per- Speaking before the line-up was Retained (8 players): (Platinum), (Platinum), Darren Sammy (Diamond), (Diamond, sonally,” he added. announced, Root highlighted the need for Ambassador), (Gold), (Silver), Khalid Usman (Silver), Sameen Gul (Emerging) “It doesn’t matter what his action is like, the team to remain flexible. Released: Shakib Al Hasan, , Haris Sohail, , Mohammad Asghar, Dwayne Bravo, Tamim Iqbal, it’s how we play him. It’s how it comes “I think you have to adjust, to be as Hammad Azam, Saad Nasim, Taimoor Sultan, Ibtisam Sheikh, Andre Fletcher, , Mohammad Arif down to us playing the ball, being skilful adaptable as possible,” Root said while Relegation: Kamran Akmal (from Platinum to Diamond, but made Ambassador in compensation) enough to react to the on the addressing the media. surface.” “You obviously want some sort of con- SIXTH TEAM (previously ) The match umpires reported Danan- sistency in your top order but in tours in Retained (8 players): (Platinum), (Diamond), (Diamond, Ambassador), Shan jaya’s action after the first Test, which this part of the world, on surfaces where Masood (Gold), Mohammad Abbas (Silver), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Silver), Umar Siddiq (Silver), Mohammad Junaid (Emerging) England won by 211 runs. He took two conditions are so extreme at times, there Released: , Kumar Sangakkara, Sohaib Maqsood, , Mohammad Abbas, , Abdullah wickets for 184 runs. will be times you might want to change Shafiq, Saif Badar, Hardus Viljoen, , Under ICC rules Dananjaya must things round,” he said. Traded: Sold Sohail Tanvir to Quetta Gladiators for Diamond-round pick, bought Mohammad Junaid from Quetta Gladiator undergo testing at an approved ICC centre “I want us to take the positive option if in exchange for second pick in Emerging Category within two weeks and he is expected to fly we’re unsure at any stage. I want us to con- to Australia as soon as the second Test ends. tinue keep taking the game to the “There are no ICC rules saying he opposition.” WEDNESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 29

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and team members celebrate after Mercedes winning the constructors championship at the Brazilian Grand team members Prix in this November 11, 2018 file photo. are legends, says Hamilton

AFP

SAO PAULO: Lewis Hamilton hailed his Mercedes team as legends yesterday and described his championship-clinching victory in Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix as the best moment in five triumphant seasons. His dramatic success con- firmed Mercedes’ record- equalling fifth consecutive double of drivers’ and teams’ Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns against US player John Isner during their singles round-robin match championships. It was his 10th on day two of the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London on Monday. victory this season, signalling that he has won 60 per cent of victory, he told the race team: Lewis this year has just made the the team’s points, the 72nd of his “It’s an incredible honour to difference for us,” he said. “He career and his 50th in the 99 work with all of you... Seeing you keeps putting it on pole. And Djokovic beats Isner races held in the V6 turbo hybrid guys after the race, seeing that whenever its wet, he’s always at era since 2014. energy that you guys all had, that the front. In the races, we can “It was an emotional happiness can fill a lifetime. I make mistakes and he’ll recover afternoon,” he said. “And, I think, really want you to remember it by doing something unlikely in ATP Finals opener that might be the best moment that moment and hold on to it on the track that no-one sees I’ve had with this team... I’ve because that’s what’s going to coming. AFP impossible but I managed to be Since the start of Wim- never seen the guys so happy. power us to many more cham- “And he spends a whole year at the right place at the right bledon he has now won 32 out “We’ve been together a long pionships. Never let that energy not making mistakes. He’s just LONDON: Novak Djokovic sent time. of 34 matches. time and the guys are usually drop... I tell you, that propels me. the consummate racing driver.” out a warning to his rivals at the “I held serve well, I backed Earlier, Zverev kept his happy, but reserved about it. So “These past six years have Amid the celebrations, team ATP Finals on Monday, brushing it up from the baseline, I played nerve at the key moments to I was hoping that when I got back been epic and iconic. We are now chief Toto Wolff reminded of aside big-serving John Isner 6-4, very solid and didn’t give him beat Marin Cilic 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 the guys could feel what I was legends. Just remember that. their need to avoid complacency 6-3 to launch his bid for a many opportunities.” (7/1), recovering from a break feeling. I saw it and I’ll remember When you go home, when you and next season bid for an out- record-equalling sixth ATP Speaking about the court down in each set. that moment for the rest of my look in the mirror, when you right record sixth title double, Finals title in style. conditions, he said: “It takes a The 30-year-old Cilic, who life.” wake up, say ‘I’m a legend’. moving them clear of Ferrari. Earlier, in the same Guga little bit of time really to get has a reputation for faltering The 33-year-old Briton, who You’ve got to say that to “The job is going to get more Kuerten group, Alexander yourself adjusted to the surface... under intense pressure, broke plans to celebrate with the team yourself... ‘I’m a legend’.” difficult every year. We are Zverev made it six consecutive it takes a lot of rotation, takes a first but the German hit back, back at their Brackley base on By common consent, Ham- setting the benchmark at the wins against Marin Cilic in a lot of spin. When you serve well, going on to edge the tie-break. Tuesday, added: “It’s hard to con- ilton has also become a legend moment and our competition contest at London’s O2 Arena also it accelerates through the In the second set, the template what’s happened in of F1 with an error-free season will get more energised and featuring scores of unforced court.” Croatian again drew first blood these last six years. It’s been such providing the foundations for the motivated by us... errors. With Cristiano Ronaldo but third-seed Zverev, 21, an incredible journey and by no team’s double success. “All points start at zero next World number one watching on, the top seed broke responded immediately and means has it been easy for Technical director James year. Djokovic, though, was playing Isner in the fifth game of the first dominated the tie-break to seal anybody. It’s just the greatest Allison pin-pointed him as the “We will have forgotten a different game, appearing little set to establish a stranglehold the match. team effort that I can remember. key factor in Mercedes’ victory about the five and will fight hard troubled by the howitzers and never looked like allowing There were a total of 78 It’s really awesome.” in both championships after a to be in contention for the sixth. coming off the giant Isner’s the American eighth seed back unforced errors in the contest In a show of emotional grat- fiercely-fought duel with rivals Whether we achieve it or not, we racquet -- breaking his into the contest, breaking twice -- with Australian Open finalist itude in the garage after Sunday’s Ferrari. “You’ve got to say that will see next year.” opponent three times and not more in the second set to win in Cilic hitting 46 of those -- as conceding a single break point 73 minutes. both players struggled to adapt on his own serve. The Serb is a red-hot to the court conditions. Red Bull’s In stark contrast to second favourite to draw level on six “The court is difficult,” said Dutch seed Roger Federer, who pro- titles at the season finale with Zverev. “The court is very fast. duced an error-strewn per- Federer, who faces an uphill And it’s very high-bouncing as driver Max formance in defeat to Kei task to reach the semi-finals well. So, it’s more difficult than Verstappen Nishikori on Sunday, Djokovic after his loss in his first round- in other tournaments, so eve- arrives at the hit just six unforced errors and robin match. rybody has to kind of find their Interlagos won 86 percent of points on his Djokovic, who replaced the rhythm in the first match. “ racetrack in serve, making a mockery of the injured Rafael Nadal at the top The ATP Finals are con- Sao Paulo, apparent challenging nature of of the rankings last week, has tested by the eight players who Brazil, in this the playing surface. stormed up the charts this year have accumulated the most November “The match was great, obvi- following elbow surgery and a ranking points over the season 10, 2018, file ously,” said the 31-year-old. “I period of indifferent form, and is in a round-robin format, photo taken had three breaks of serve of John winning Wimbledon and the US with the best four players on the eve which is sometimes mission Open along the way. reaching the semi-finals. of the Brazil Formula One Grand Prix. Zverev will not Ocon, Verstappen give play in revamped Davis Cup finals glimpse of F1’s future AFP in 2019 Ocon, who was attempting explained why Ocon was to un-lap himself, was given a punished. REUTERS SAO PAULO: Esteban Ocon and 10-seconds stop-go penalty for He said the Frenchman was Max Verstappen supplied a causing the crash, but he was “absolutely” allowed to un-lap LONDON: Germany’s Alex glimpse of Formula One’s future backed afterwards by his Force himself, but pointed out that it Zverev says he will not take part Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo and family watch the group with their impassioned battle on India team, Mercedes chief Toto was the manner in which he in a revamped Davis Cup finals stage match between Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and John and off the track at the Brazilian Wolff and Hamilton, who had a attempted to do so that was showpiece event in Spain next Isner of the US in London. Grand Prix. grandstand view of the incident wrong. He pointed out that November. Changes to the The two young and highly- and said Verstappen was 60 per Ocon, on fresher tyres, could 118-year-old team event will see Cup in November,” world players that end their season in rated stars collided in an cent to blame. have waited until Turn Four the competition turned into a number five Zverev told Paris (Masters at the end of incident that cost Dutchman The Mercedes driver pointed where Verstappen would have week-long competition taking reporters after his win over October or early November), and Verstappen of Red Bull his lead out immediately after the race been more vulnerable to him. place in November, with 18 Marin Cilic at the ATP Finals on then go home, usually that’s the in the race - a setback that that the impetuous Dutchman “It’s happened many times nations battling for the title. Monday. “I am going to play in end of the season. And to try to caused him to lose his temper should have left more room in the past,” said Whiting. “But, The first two editions will February in Germany, in gear up for Davis Cup after this afterwards in a violent confron- because Ocon had “nothing to of course, you expect it to be take place in Madrid’s La Caja Frankfurt, I’m going to do that. event, it would be pretty tough, tation with the Frenchman in the lose” and had every right to try done safely and, more to the Magica, the current venue for the “The Davis Cup has some mentally and physically. The post-race drivers’ weighing and un-lap himself. point, it should be done cleanly Madrid Open. Men’s Tour the ATP serious issues to think about. One date’s not ideal.” room. “I thought that it was fair and absolutely without fighting.” have also announced the start of of them is the dates. I think the Zverev was more positive The collision handed a 10th game for him to try to un-lap It was the first flashpoint a rival World Team Cup to begin date is very important and I think about the ATP’s World Team victory of the season to new himself,” said Hamilton. “Of clash between a back-marker in Australia in January 2020 with none of the top players will play, Cup. “Hopefully, it’s going to be five-time champion Lewis Ham- course, you don’t want to cause and a race leader since the 2001 the likes of world number one except Rafa (Nadal) because it’s a good event,” he said. “Obvi- ilton - whose triumph confirmed an incident, but in those sce- Brazilian race in which Verstap- Novak Djokovic and 20-time in Spain. ously, it’s in the first week of the Mercedes retained the con- narios you give each other pen’s father Jos took out Juan Grand Slam champion Roger “I’m very, very sure that a lot year, so it makes sense to play, structors’ title for a record- space. It’s so simple to give each Pablo Montoya and a reminder Federer likely to prioritise it. of top players will not play. We’ll and it’s in Australia as well. So equalling fifth consecutive other space. You can never of the infamous 1993 Japanese The 21-year-old Zverev, see how it goes.” it’s not bad schedule-wise.” season - assume that the person’s not up Grand Prix after which an regarded as one of the players to American John Isner, beaten The International Tennis Verstappen, who three times your inside because he’s a back- enraged Ayrton Senna knocked lead men’s tennis into a new era, by Novak Djokovic on his ATP Federation (ITF) announced in pushed Ocon forcibly and marker and he’s going to back Eddie Irvine down with a punch. said he would still be available Finals debut, said he supported August that its proposals to threatened to strike him, was off. However, Whiting added for the Davis Cup qualifying the idea of revamping the Davis breathe new life into the Davis ordered to carry out two days “You’ve got to acknowledge that it made no difference that round in February but said he Cup but said organisers needed Cup had been backed by the of community service under the the fact that he may be there... Verstappen was the race leader. would not play in the November to think again about staging the majority of national federations. direction of the sport’s ruling (and think) I’m going to leave The post-race fracas over- finals week, suggesting the date finals at the end of a gruelling Investment group Kosmos, led body, the International Motoring extra space because actually he’s shadowed a dramatic nail-biting was a bad choice for most season. by Spanish international foot- Federation (FIA). in a different race to me. finish which confirmed another players. “The format’s unique. I, for baller Gerard Pique, has signed Their collision was a result “That’s my opinion about it. title double for Mercedes and a Germany host Hungary in one, don’t like the date. I think a 25-year partnering deal with of several years as rivals in So, from my seat, it felt like it hot drivers’ rivalry for the future February in Frankfurt and must that’s the big beef with players the ITF to revamp the Davis Cup junior formulae, in which both wasn’t 100 percent one side. with Ocon, expected to be in a win to qualify for the Madrid finals. now,” the 33-year-old told with a total investment of $3bn were identified as potential More like maybe it’s 60-40...” Mercedes from 2020, enjoying “I’m not going to play Davis reporters. “Let’s say the top 20 being ploughed into tennis. champions, as much as a fight Formula One’s official race many more fights with Red for position in Sunday’s race. director Charlie Whiting later Bull’s Verstappen. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2018

Team Qatar ready for Switzerland friendly in Lugano

Qatari star Akram Afif (right) during a training session with his team-mate in Lugano, Switzerland ahead of today’s friendly match against the home side. RIGHT: Qatar players during a training session under the supervision of coach Felix Sanchez (INSET). After taking on the Swiss side, Al Anabi will clash with Iceland in a Belgium friendly on November 19. The two European friendly games are part of team’s preparations for next January’s Asian Cup. The national team will play more international friendlies next month when it hosts Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Algeria and Iran on December 17, 23, 25 and 31.

Trippier ruled out of England Star Rooney excited for ‘great internationals

AFP moment’ in England farewell AGENCIES LONDON: Tottenham right- Football Association Three Lions on February 12,12, substitute to claim his 120th cacapp Rooney’s involvement has back Kieran Trippier was has sold more than 2003.2003. He has not plaplayedyed forfof r inin the charitcharityy ggameame at WembleWembleyy ledled to a llateate rrushush fforor tticketsickets ooverver ruled out of England’s inter- WASHINGTON: Wayne Rooney 20,000 tickets for EnglandEngland since a 3-0 victory over today.today. thethe ppastast weeweek,k, witwithh an nationals against the USA and (pictured) says he is honoured England’s friendly ScotlandScotland at WemWembleybley on attendanceattendance ooff aaboutbout 6060,000,000 now Croatia this week due to a to make a final appearance for NovemberNovember 11, 2016. predicted.predicted. TheThe charitycharity matcmatchh wiwillll against the United States groin injury, the Football England and happy for manager “I havehave to admitadmit I ddon’ton’t knowknow raiseraise funds for the WaWayneyne Association (FA) confirmed Gareth Southgate to decide his since former captain howhow much I’m goinggoing to play,play, RooneyRooney Foundation, which aims yesterday. playing time tomorrow against Wayne Rooney’s one-off whetherwhether that’sthat’s ffromrom thethe start or to imimproveprove thethe liveslives ofof disadvan-disadvan- Trippier, who scored in the United States. international comeback whetherwhether ththat’sat’s tthehe lastlast fewfew tagedtaged cchildren.hildren. England’s World Cup semi- Former Manchester United was confirmed. minutes,”minutes,” RooneyRooney said.said. “Looking“Looking forwardforward to meetingmeeting final defeat to Croatia in July, star Rooney, in video comments “I’ll“I’ll speakspeak to Gareth before upup with the @En@Englandgland squad hobbled off after just 25 released by his Major League we meet uup.p. Whatever he wants laterlater today,today, alwaysalways a hugehuge minutes of Spurs’ 1-0 win at Soccer club DC United, detailed England.” England’s all-time meme thenthen to playplay I’m hhappyappy to dodo hhonour.onour. An exciting weeweekk fforor Crystal Palace on Saturday. his excitement at earning his men’s goals leader came to MLS so.”so.” @FoundationWR!,”@FoundationWR!,” “Trippier was one of 27 120th cap for England in his in July, lifting DC United from the Meanwhile,Meanwhile, thethe FootFootballball RooneyRooney wrote on players to report to St farewell match, a friendly bottom of the table to the play- AssociationAssociation hashas soldsold moremore Twitter bbeforeefore George’s Park on Monday but, against the Americans at offs in his first campaign. thanthan 2020,000,000 tickets forfor joiningjoining GarethGareth following assessment over the Wembley Stadium. United were ousted by England’sEngland’s ffriendlyriendly Southgate’sS outh gate’s last 24 hours, it was decided “Playing on the squad for this Columbus in their post-season agagainstainst the UnitUniteded ssquadquad on that he’ll return to his club to game and see some old team- opener earlier this month. StatesStates since formerformer MMonday.onday. continue rehabilitation,” said mates, see Gareth and the England’s Football Associ- captaincaptain WayneWayne Rooney,Rooney, who the FA in a statement. coaching staff, and then obvi- ation set up the Rooney tribute Rooney’sR ooney ’s beganbegan his career at Arsenal forward Danny ously to play at Wembley for the with proceeds going to youth oone-offne-off inter-inter- EEverton,verton, sspentpent 13 Welbeck, who suffered a last time will be a great moment,” charities. nanationaltional seasonsseasons at MManchesteranchester serious ankle injury in a Rooney said. “Obviously it’s a huge honor comebackcomeback was UUnited.nited. AAfterfter a season bbackack Europa League clash with “To see old team-mates, for the FA to grant me this game. confirmed,confirmed, an aatt EvertonEverton,, he moved to the Sporting Lisbon last week, is coaches and be around them for It’s an important game, obvi- FAFA spokes-spokes- United States to join DC United, the only other withdrawal a few days, but also to see the ously. The money will be raised woman saidsaid helpinghelping themthem to thethe MLS play-play- from the original 28-man fans -- it’ll be great to pull on the for children’s charities, which I yesterday.yesterday. offsoffs in hhisis ffirstirst campaicampaign.gn. squad named by Gareth England shirt again in front of think is really important,” Rooney,Rooney, Eng-Eng- SouthgateSouthgate is expectedexpected to give Southgate. the fans in almost a way of me Rooney said. land’sland’s rrecordecord his first-choice playersplayers some rest Wayne Rooney is set to saying thank you to the fans for Rooney, 33, has scored 53 scorerscorer withwith 53 against the United Stated ahead win his 120th cap in a friendly the support you’ve shown me goals in 119 England appearances goals,goals, is expectedexpected ttoo ofof a Nations League clashclash against against the USA today. over my time playing for since making his debut for the be broughtbrought onon as a CroatiaCroatia onon Sunday.Sunday. Cole announces retirement FA probes Guardiola’s

REUTERS appearances for the national remarks over referee side between 2001 and 2010, LONDON: Former England but never quite reached the Taylor, say reports and Chelsea midfielder Joe potential he showed in his Cole has announced his youth. Cole was often hindered AFP retirement from football Cole made 716 by injuries throughout his yesterday, bringing the curtain appearances and career. LONDON: The Football Association is seeking an explanation from down on a 20-year profes- scored 104 goals He was selected for the Pep Guardiola regarding his comments about referee Anthony Taylor sional career. for seven clubs 2002, 2006 and 2010 World prior to last weekend’s Manchester derby, British media reported on Cole, who turned 37 last Cups, making his final England Monday. week, made 716 appearances and completed his appearance at the latter tour- Manchester City boss Guardiola did not appear to say anything and scored 104 goals for seven career with Tampa nament in South Africa. controversial or critical about the official but the FA, English foot- clubs and completed his career Bay Rowdies in the Cole’s career after leaving ball’s governing body has made it clear previously it would prefer with Tampa Bay Rowdies in second-tier United Chelsea in 2010 was limited to managers not to make any public comment at all about referees. the second-tier United Soccer short uneventful spells at Liv- Taylor, hails from the Manchester suburb of Wythenshawe, near Joe Cole in League. Soccer League. erpool, Lille, West Ham, Aston Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground. That led some City fans to action during “After 20 years as a pro- Villa and Coventry City before question his impartiality ahead of Sunday’s match at the Etihad Stadium. fessional, the time has come an England moving to the United States. “He is going to try to do the best job, like we try as managers and for me to hang up my boots,” game in this Having enjoyed a short football players,” said Guardiola when asked about the referee at his Cole, who came through West June 7, 2010 stint as player-assistant coach pre-match press conference. Ham United’s youth system, file photo. at the Rowdies, Cole now “Mr Taylor is going to try to make a good time. I don’t think too said in a statement. wishes to pursue a coaching much. The important thing is to focus on our game, of course knowing “It has been a dream come career in the near-future. which opponent we are going to face, and that’s all. true. All of it. dribbling skills and flair. He Chelsea, including three “I want to stay involved “Hopefully they can make good decisions for both sides and (it “Whatever is next, I hope joined Chelsea in 2003, one of Premier League titles and two in the game. I feel I can offer will) be a good game -- all England, all parts of Europe are going to the next two decades are as a number of recruits brought FA Cups. a lot as a coach and have watch us, that is the most important pleasure. special as my last 20 years as in following the takeover of On the international stage, really enjoyed the oppor- “The referee doesn’t want to make a mistake but he knows eve- a professional have been.” the club by Russian Roman Cole was regarded as a tunity to undertake some of rybody around the world is going to watch him. He doesn’t want to Cole made his debut at Abramovich but struggled to member of England’s ‘golden these duties with the make mistakes, that is pretty sure. West Ham aged 17 and became impose himself as a starter in generation’ which included the Rowdies,” he added. “But if he is a fan of United or City? Anybody can be a fan of club captain four years later, his early days at Stamford likes of Frank Lampard, David “To lend my experience to whoever he wants. No problem.” None of Taylor’s decisions proved being heralded as one of Eng- Bridge. Beckham, Steven Gerrard and help other young footballers controversial in a match City, the reigning Premier League cham- land’s brightest youth pros- However, he went on to Rio Ferdinand. achieve their dreams, just like pions, won 3-1 to return to the top of the table. pects due to his excellent win every domestic honour at He scored 10 goals in 56 I did, is a big passion of mine.” WEDNESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 31 QSF No.1: Mosaad, Selby in final ARMSTRONG VAS Mosaad won 4-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-6. Omar Mosaad (left) of Egypt and World Champion Karim Abdel THE PENINSULA In the other semi-final, Selby England Daryl Selby will clash in Gawad rises to No.9 to overtake took 65 minutes to overcome the today’s final of the QSF No.1 PSA fellow Egyptian Mohamed DOHA: Former World No.3 challenge of Lobban in a five- Bronze tournament at the Khalifa Abouelghar, who completes the Omar Mosaad of Egypt and game thriller. International Tennis and Squash top 10. England Daryl Selby will clash in World No.32 Lobban, who Complex. India’s Saurav Ghosal stays today’s final of the QSF No.1 PSA downed number two seed Ger- at No.11 ahead of Peru’s Diego Bronze tournament at the Khalifa many’s Raphael Kandra in Elias, who moves up a place to International Tennis and Squash straight-games to reach his No.12, Australia’s Ryan Cuskelly, Complex. second semi-final of 2018 on who rises three places to No.13, In yesterday’s semi-finals, Monday started on a fluent note Hong Kong’s Max Lee (No.14) and Mosaad and Selby registered by taking the first game at 11-3, Egypt’s Ramy Ashour (No.15). contrasting wins over George but Selby bounced back and 2015 World Championship Parker of England and Greg pocketed the second and third runner-up Omar Mosaad has Lobban of Scotland through identical scores of 11-3. fallen five places to No.17, with respectively. Lobban, however did not Willstrop (No.18), Nicolas Mueller The 30-year-old Mosaad, thrown in the towel but fought (No.19) and Raphael Kandra who will be looking to pick up back to draw level int eh fourth rounding off the top 20. his 11 career title in Qatar, took to take the match into the fifth up four places to World No.16 to to be a stern test for World No.3 for a ninth successive month. Ali Rhyl-based Tesni Evans has 46 minutes to dispatch the chal- and deciding game. become England’s No.1 male Tarek Momen and World No.2 Farag (No.2), Marwan ElShorbagy become the first Welsh woman lenge of Parker in four games. In the deciding game, Selby player after the PSA Men’s World Ali Farag, respectively. (No.3), Tarek Momen (No.4) and ever to break into the world’s top England’s World No.44 kept his cool in crucial moments Rankings. Those performances have Simon Rösner retain their places 10 after the PSA Women’s World Parker failed to extend his of the match to win 3-11, 11-3, James reached the third seen him leapfrog compatriot in an unchanged top five, while Rankings. Evans made history impressive form of the week, he 11-3, 9-11, 11-8 and set up the title round of the FS Investments US and former World No.1 James France’s Gregory Gaultier moves last month in Philadelphia as she started off strongly taking the match with Mosaad. Open Squash Championships Willstrop in the rankings, while up a place to No.6, trading places became the first Welsh player to first game but thereafter Mosaad The final starts at 6.00pm. and the second round of the the current holder of the World with Colombia’s Miguel Angel reach the semi-finals of the FS dictated terms to push the Eng- Meanwhile, Nottingham- Channel VAS Championships No.1 spot – Egypt’s Mohamed Rodriguez. New Zealand’s Paul Investments US Open Squash lishman on the defensive. based Declan James has moved during October, where he proved ElShorbagy – tops the rankings Coll stays at No.8, while former Championships.

TABATA’S SON JOINS AL RAYYAN’S FOOTBALL ACADEMY Stage set for QSL Cup’s Round 3 fixtures

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The 2018-19 season QSL Cup’s Round 3 matches will be played on Friday and Saturday with three matches on each day. Fixtures are scheduled during international breaks when the QNB Stars League is halted. The tournament is also a great platform for clubs to unearth new talents and they give opportunities to as many Under-23 players as possible. Group B matches will be played on Friday and Group A on Saturday. The fixtures on Friday are Al Sailiya vs Al Sadd (16:00) at Al Ahli Stadium, Al Khor vs Al Ahli (18:10) at Al Ahli Former Qatar national team player Rodrigo Tabata, officially registering his son Francesco Tabata at the newly-launched Al Rayyan Football Academy in Doha. Tabata, Stadium and Al Rayyan VS Al who is the captain of QNB Stars League side Al Rayyan, also met with the Academy Director Saad Muftah. Tabata said during his meeting with Muftah that he will Shahania (18:10) at Al Khor remain a supporter of the school - while he is an active player or when he retires from the sport - as such academies help young fans develop the game the right way. Stadium. On Saturday, it will be Umm Salal vs Al Duhail (16:00), at Qatar SC Stadium, Al Arabi vs Qatar SC (18:10) at Qatar SC Stadium and Al English FA to cut foreign players Gharafa vs Al Kharaitiyat (18:10) at Al Gharafa Stadium. Al Duhail are leading the Group A standings with four in Premier League, says report points (one victory and a draw). REUTERS would have to fulfil the same criteria that non-EU players Umm Salal also have four do now to get a work permit, the report added. points and same goal dif- LONDON: In a bid to deal with Brexit and boost the number “We are continuing to work with the Premier League, ference (+1), but Al Duhail of homegrown players, the English Football Association EFL (English Football League) and a range of government occupy the top spot having (FA) is planning to reduce the number of overseas players departments, including: DCMS (Department for Digital, scored more number of goals in Premier League squads to 12 from 17, the Times news- Culture, Media and Sport); Home Office; Treasury during (three as against Umm Salal’s paper reported yesterday. this consultation period,” an FA spokesperson said. one). Al Kharaitiyat and Al The proposal, to be put to the clubs this week, would British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday Gharafa are third and fourth mean significant changes to a number of sides. Thirteen that there were still considerable unresolved issues with with three and two points clubs have more than 12 overseas players in their first team the European Union over Brexit as the two sides approached respectively. squads this season. the “endgame” in negotiations for departure from the bloc. Qatar SC also have two The FA would in return agree to give a governing body Meanwhile, global footballers’ union FIFPro has warned points, but are placed fifth endorsement, usually issued for a non-EU/European Eco- that the survival of smaller clubs and leagues is at risk, having scored less number of nomic Area elite player to help the development of football potentially affecting thousands of jobs, due to the increased goals compared to Al Gharafa in England, for a work permit for every foreign player who concentration of wealth in the sport. (one against two). gets a contract with a Premier League club, the report said. The union’s comments followed reports on the ‘Football Al Arabi have yet to open If the clubs fail to reach agreement with the FA on Brexit, Leaks’ documents obtained by German publication Der their account. Al Rayyan and they could face a “no-deal” scenario where all EU players Spiegel and reviewed by Reuters in partnership with Al Khor are the first and European Investigative Collaborations, a network of inter- second-placed team respec- national media, earlier this month that plans for a Super tively in Group B. They both Manchester City’s League were back on the agenda. have six points with an French midfielder Der Spiegel said a fresh plan had recently been drafted all-win record, but Al Rayyan Samir Nasri. by Spanish company Key Capital Partners for Real Madrid topped the table on better which foresees 11 top European clubs creating a Super goal difference (+11 as against League in 2021. Key Capital Partners has not commented Al Khor’s (+2). Al Rayyan on the report. “It is important that the top clubs and com- scored 11 goals conceding petitions recognise they have a responsibility towards the none, while Al Khor scored entire industry,” FIFPro said in a statement yesrterday. four and conceded two. “It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to Similarly, Al Ahli and Al protect the integrity and values of football.” FIFPro said Sadd are on three points each, the current system, which gives all clubs the possibility to but the former occupy the take part in European competition through sporting merit, third position with a goal dif- needed to be maintained. ference of -1 compared to Al “The sustainability of the professional football pyramid Sadd’s -5. Al Sailiya and Al France’s forward Kylian Mbappe plays the ball needs to be safeguarded,” it said. Shahania have not opened during a training session in Clairefontaine-en- “The economic survival of smaller clubs and leagues their account and are placed is at risk and competitiveness within championships is van- Yvelines, near Paris, yesterday, as part of the team’s fifth and sixth respectively, ishing. This affects millions of fans, thousands of jobs for preparation for the Nations League football match the former having a goal dif- players and raises serious questions about the viability of against the Netherlands and a friendly football ference of -3 as against Al the industry.” match against Uruguay. Shahania’s -4. WEDNESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 27

If you see anyone with a question mark by their action, CRICKET FOOTBALL you hope they get through and Joe Root, Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Palmeiras vs Fluminense it doesn’t hamper their career. England captain 2nd Test - Day 4 Cruzeiro vs Corinthians

It is never nice to see. on Lanka’s Dananjaya ACTION in Dhaka TODAY’S

Blue Jackets Williams lifts Clippers over beat Stars 2-1 AP

DALLAS: Pierre-Luc Dubois in extra-time thriller thought he had a tiebreaking goal for Columbus in the third AFP period before Dallas goalie Anton Khudobin came up LOS ANGELES: Lou Williams with a big save. Seconds later, scored 25 points from the bench Dubois had another chance as the Los Angeles Clippers upset and made it count. the league-leading Golden State Dubois scored midway Warriors 121-116 in a wild through the third period and overtime thriller at the Staples the Blue Jackets beat the Stars Center on Monday. 2-1 on Monday night. Williams reeled off 10 of his “(Khudobin) made a points in overtime to secure really nice save. (You) hope victory after the Clippers squan- you have it back,” Dubois dered a 14-point fourth quarter said. lead before digging in for the The goalie didn’t have win. much of a chance 29 seconds The 32-year-old veteran was later when Dubois took a pass supported by 23 points from the from Cam Atkinson behind bench by Montrezl Harrell as the the net and backhanded the Clippers improved to 8-5 in the puck under the crossbar with Western Conference standings. 9:39 left for his eighth goal. The Warriors remain on top “He’s a good player,” of the West after suffering only Columbus coach John Tor- their third loss of the season. The torella said, “and he’s just NBA champions are 11-3 fol- beginning in this league.” lowing the defeat. Dubois credited Atkinson. Kevin Durant led the scoring “Cam made a nice play to with 33 points while Klay bring it back around the net,” Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Thompson had 31, including five Dubois said. “I was lucky Durant (35) drives to the basket three-pointers. enough to get a stick on it.” The Warriors had trailed for past Los Angeles Clippers guard Atkinson had scored the much of the game, and appeared Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the game’s first goal in the second to be sliding toward a loss before first quarter of their NBA game at period. Alexander Radulov, a determined fourth quarter rally Staples Center on Monday. who returned to the Stars’ transformed the contest. lineup, tied the game in the A Williams three-pointer had second period. The Blue put the Clippers ahead by 101-87 Orleans Pelicans in Toronto. “We just had to get back to 30 points while Holiday poured acrimonious trade from the Min- Jackets extended their points with 6min 36 remaining before Anthony Davis had 25 points it,” Davis said. “We lost five in a on 29 points with 14 assists to nesota Timberwolves earlier streak to five games (3-0-2) the Warriors came roaring back. and 20 rebounds to lead a superb row on the road and we’re a hush the Raptors’ home crowd Monday, is not expected to make and are two points ahead of Thompson tied the game at all-round offensive performance better road team than that. at the Scotiabank Arena. his first appearance for the Sixers the New York Rangers in the 106-106 with 1:27 left on the from the Pelicans, who saw four “We just have to be dominant The Pelicans defense suc- until today. Metropolitan Division. clock but neither side were able starters crack double digits. on the road again and this was cessfully kept Toronto’s dan- Even without Butler, Columbus has won its last to take a decisive advantage, New Orleans improved to our next road game, so we had germen in check, with Kawhi however, the Sixers had too seven games against the sending the game into overtime. 7-6 with the win, which was it in our mind. Leonard and Pascal Siakam much firepower for the Heat, Stars. Dallas maintained Williams then took over with another sign the Pelicans are “It was a good test for us; restricted to 20 and 22 points, who rapidly wilted in the face of fourth place in the Central 10 points as the Clippers com- back on track after a six-game best team in the East and we’re respectively. a 35-point display from Joel Division. pleted a morale-boosting victory. losing streak which jolted their on the road, so we just made a Point guard Kyle Lowry was Embiid. The Cameroon star also Each team had entered Earlier on Monday, the War- early season progress. conscious effort to get this one.” held to just four points from 33 pulled down 18 rebounds in a the game with a 9-6-2 record. riors’ loss was mirrored by a The Pelicans have now won Davis was given support from minutes on court as the Raptors dominant performance. J.J. Khudobin and Columbus defeat for their Eastern Con- three straight to move up in the across the Pelicans line-up on fell to 12-2. Redick had 25 points while Ben goalie Sergei Bobrovsky each ference counterparts, the Western Conference standings. Monday, with E’Twaun Moore, Elsewhere Monday, the Phil- Simmons added 13. had 26 saves. The first period Toronto Raptors. Davis said New Orleans had Jrue Holiday and Julius Randle adelphia 76ers celebrated the Landry Shamet, Mike ended scoreless. Columbus The Raptors suffered only been determined to send a all making significant scoring capture of Jimmy Butler with a Muscala and Furkan Korkmaz killed all three Stars penalties their second defeat of the season message after their six-game contributions. 124-114 win over the Miami Heat. all had double-digit points tallies and held Dallas to one shot in a 126-110 loss to the New slump. Moore led the scoring with Butler, who completed his off the bench for the Sixers. on goal.

New Zealand face big Ireland test Wallabies can’t afford AFP to make big changes DUBLIN: Six Nations Grand Slam champions Ireland present enough of a challenge for world for Italy, says Toomua champions New Zealand in AFP Saturday’s Test for the Kiwis not to have to be motivated by a painful defeat in 2016, says Ryan : Australia coach may hope to try Crotty. out new players and give others a rest against Italy on Saturday The 30-year-old inflicted his but the Wallabies can ill-afford sweeping changes as they battle own pain on the Irish in 2013 in to return to winning form, utility back has said. Dublin scoring a try off the last The Wallabies slumped to their 10th defeat in 13 tests with move of the match which was a 9-6 loss to Wales over the weekend, sparking a fierce reaction converted to snatch victory after in Australia where rugby pundits called for Cheika’s sacking a their opponents had led 22-17. year out from the World Cup in Japan. He believes a clash between While there are fresh legs in the squad, including uncapped the top two-ranked teams in the 18-year-old fullback Jordan Petaia, Australia should aim to world in the cauldron of field a strong side against the Italians in Padova, said Toomua. Lansdowne Road was more than Ireland’s Jack McGrath and Jonny “I think we’ve got to win, don’t we?” Toomua told reporters. a player could ask for. Sexton during the captains run in “We’ve got to give respect to Italy as a team who we know “How can you not be excited this file picture. can upset a lot of teams. We struggled against them a few years if you’ve got this opportunity to ago back in Australia. play?” said Crotty at a press to happen again, because we (he fore when Crotty was asked did Irish a much more formidable “So I think going out with wholesale changes wouldn’t be conference. and Crotty) were both involved the All Blacks have the same array of skills than they had in the smartest tactic.” Australia have never lost to Italy in 17 “It’s two of the best teams in in Chicago and it wasn’t a great intensity going into this match the past. matches but suffered a huge scare in their last meeting in the world going at it, over here, feeling,” said Coles. as they did in 2016 when they “They’ve definitely got a last year before overhauling the Azzurri 40-27. awesome atmosphere, awesome “We can talk about history came to Dublin a few weeks more all-round game,” said the Toomua said he expected some changes to the Wallabies stadium great fans. and stuff like that, but it’s all after the Chicago defeat and beat 31-year-old. side that Wales coach Warren Gatland described as surpris- “You don’t need to go any- about this week. the Irish. “They’re not the classic ingly easy to defend against. where else, you don’t need to dip “We won’t be dipping into “I hope so,” said Crotty. team who just scrums and “We’ve lost a few on the trot now and... there might be some into the past to find the desire the past for extra motivation. “We’re going to need to. If drives, their skill-sets are huge selections that are enforced because of form rather than just and the intensity to play and play “There’ll be plenty of moti- we don’t we....” “Come off second and we’ve felt defeat and stuff giving guys a go,” added Toomua. well.” Hooker Dane Coles, who vation just to concentrate on this best,” interjected Coles. like that. “It will be imperative that we win the game and we win provided the pass for Crotty to week and hopefully get the job Coles, who was a key “They can actually play, the well, to get some momentum going into England. score that day in Dublin, said he done.” Crotty, who missed out member of the 2015 World Cup forwards have great skill-sets, “Cheika might have a bigger picture view in terms of a few and his team-mates did not want on the victorious World Cup winning side but injuries over massive respect for them. guys here and there but I think after, particularly what hap- to endure what they did in squad in 2015, and Coles appear the past couple of years have “They’ve probably added pened on the weekend, we’ve got to get a win.” After Italy, the Chicago. to have the same understanding seen Codie Taylor take his place their own little taste to interna- Wallabies finish their 2018 season against Eddie Jones’s England “I think we’re doing every- off the pitch as on it. in the starting XV, says Ireland tional footy over the last six/ at Twickenham next week. thing in our power for that not Their teamwork came to the coach Joe Schmidt has given the seven years.”