SPORT

Saturday 4 November 2017

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Nadal withdraws fromm ‘Proud’ Barshim QSL:Q Al Rayyan Paris Masters with dedicates new Asiann bag full points; injury before quartersrs accolade to Al Duhail win El Shorbagy crowned champion

Armstrong Vas The Peninsula winners orld No.3 Mohamed El The Qatar Classic tournament first began Shorbagy in 2001, with ’s defeating experienced ’s David Palmer in the final, before a few hiccups securing the title again against the same Win the all–Egyptian clash to opponent the following year. pick up his third Qatar Classic Former World No.1s and title here yesterday in as kept the title in English hands he steam rolled over first-time either side of a short break in 2004 while the finalist in three World Championship was held in Qatar, before games to one. Egyptian trio , and At the Khalifa International took up the mantle of the Qatar and Complex, Classic champion over the next three El Shorbagy took a little over tournaments. an hour to set aside the chal- Since then, some of the most famous lenge of the World No. 7 names in squash have had their name adorned winning 11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 11-7 on the coveted trophy, with three-time World in the PSA World Series event. Champion , former World No.1 The final, the sixth all- and current World No.1 Egyptian Qatar Classic final Gregory Gaultier. since 2008, started with both the players matching each Winners other, but El Shorbagy broke 2017: Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) free at a crucial moment and 2016: (EGY) when it mattered the most tak- 2015: Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) ing the first game. 2014: No event In the second, Momen 2013: Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) stretched his higher ranked 2012: No event opponent to the limit and man- 2011: Gregory Gaultier (FRA) 2010: aged to win after a close fight. Karim Darwish (EGY) 2009: Nick Matthew (ENG) Thereafter, 26-year-old El 2008: Karim Darwish (EGY) Shorbagy restored order in the 2007 (October): Amr Shabana (EGY) third to take a decisive lead and 2007 (April): Ramy Ashour (EGY) wrapped up the title by pock- 2005: James Willstrop (ENG) eting the fourth to clinch the 2004: No event title and add to his wins in 2013 Nasser Ghanem Al Khelaifi, President of Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF), hands Qatar 2003: Lee Beachill (ENG) and 2015. Classic trophy to Mohamed El Shorbagy after he defeated Tarek Momen in the all–Egyptian final at Khalifa 2002: Peter Nicol (ENG) The win extended El Shor- International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. Pictures: Anvar Sadat 2001: Peter Nicol (ENG) bagy’s head-to-head record against Momen to 8-3 and Last season I didn’t play like a “This week I got it right and how much I wanted to win. I made him richer by $24,225 winner - this week I feel like I I felt I played the big points just killed myself on every shot while Momen had to contend played at my best level and that well,” said El Shorbagy. and I’m so happy to have won.” with the cheque of $14,820. was my focus coming here.” “What made the difference After the match Momen “I’m extremely proud of After dropping the second today was my experience. I said: “It’s been an incredible how I performed this week at game El Shorbagy looked to be have been in so many finals. week for me. I didn’t know When I saw the draw pre-event I knew this event,” said El Shorbagy. up against it in the third as But it was his first. I knew the what to expect coming here “When I saw the draw pre- Momen, utilising his speed and emotions he was going and making my first ever World it would be tough. I had to play the event I knew it would be tough. agility, attacked in the mid- through. Series tournament final was World No.9, the No.5, the No.1 and the I had to play the World No.9, stages to string together a series “I was trying to contain him very special. Obviously I’m dis- No.7 to win, but playing tough the No.5, the No.1 and the No.7 of punishing rallies. but at times he was like a train appointed to lose but think it to win, but playing tough oppo- But the Bristol-based - I just couldn’t stop him. When was a good match.” opponents is the challenge that I live nents is the challenge that I live player showed just why he has he took the second game it was Nasser Ghanem Al Khelaifi, for. To be the best you have to beat for. To be the best you have to won 28 PSA World Tour titles a big blow for me. He really President of Qatar Tennis, beat these players. - 14 of which have come at pushed me and I feel this is just Squash and Badminton Feder- these players: Mohamed El Shorbagy “At the end of the day you World Series level - as he dug the beginning for him. If he can ation (QTSBF) gave away the want to challenge yourself in with dogged determination keep that momentum, he’ll be trophies and the prize money in against the best. Backing it up to come through a crucial stage hard to stop. the presence of Tareq Darwish mentally each day was not easy of the match and complete the “But today it didn’t matter Zainal, Tournament Director and - but I’m really happy. win. how tired I was - it was about other officials from PSA.

Egypt’s Tarek Momen returns a shot to his compatriot Mohamed El Shorbagy during their final of Qatar Classic at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. El Shorbagy won the final 3-1: 11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 11-7 in 64 minutes. Right: Momen displays his runner-up trophy after the final. SPORT SATURDAY 21 4 NOVEMBER 2017

Smith fumes I AAF to introduce world rankings in 2018 over ‘mates The rankings will be a point- President Seb Coe has made no and fans will have a clear under- Championships and the 2020 Reuters based system in which athletes secret of his frustration with standing of the hierarchy of Tokyo Olympics. pick’ claims collect points across different many aspects of the Diamond competitions... allowing them to The sport’s governing body thletics is to introduce a levels of meet throughout the League’s current format and is follow a logical season-long path will also establish a new depart- Sydney world rankings system in season to determine qualifica- desperate to reform it. to the pinnacle of Athletics’ top ment named IAAF Heritage to AFP A2018 as part of a wide- tion for premier competitions When it comes to major two competitions.” use athletics’ history, drive spread effort to bring some sense such as the Olympics and World championships, athletes are cur- The athletes’ position in the understanding of the sport and ustralia skipper Steve and shape to its currently nebu- Championships. rently selected by their national rankings will be determined by promote it around the world. Smith yesterday rub- lous calendar, and continue to It is also hoped that the associations, if they achieve a various performance aspects “The Rankings will bring Abished claims he move away from the sport’s introduction of the rankings will qualification time or mark. along with the level of competi- much needed clarity to what is favours his “mates” as selec- scandal-hit past. bring some focus to the Diamond “The IAAF World Rankings tion they are participating in. today a confusing competition tion looms for the highly The introduction of the rank- League, where currently lead- will drive and shape the global The points system for each picture even for those from anticipated Ashes Test series ings in partnership with All ing athletes often do not compete competition system including event along with other details within the sport, while Heritage with England. Athletics, announced yesterday, against each other, leaving fans entry into the World Champion- related to the rankings will be will be an important tool to help Smith is not part of Aus- is part of a reform package that feeling short-changed and often ships and Olympic Games,” Coe finalised in the first quarter of inform, inspire and engage inter- tralia’s three-man selection was voted in by the IAAF in confused. said in a statement. 2018, meaning the new system est through the extraordinarily panel, but he has been assailed December to change the way the International Association of “For the first time in the can be applied for qualification story of Athletics,” IAAF CEO by former players who believe sport’s governing body operates. Athletics Federations (IAAF) sport’s history, athletes, media into the 2019 World Olivier Gers said. he gets too much say in Aus- tralia’s lineups. The captain hit back strongly at a media conference Wilder faces in Sydney, calling suggestions of favouritism “absolute Nadal withdraws in Paris garbage”. Stiverne “I’m not a selector, but I certainly speak to the selec- with eye on tors a lot and express my views,” Smith told reporters. with injury before quarters “All this rubbish about me Joshua picking my mates, it’s abso- lute garbage. I certainly don’t New York agree with that.” AFP Paris It’s normal that these kind of things hap- Questions were raised AFP pen. The knee is always, you know, about Smith’s involvement in eontay Wilder will have bothering a little bit, but sometimes it’s the New South Wales team one eye on a future orld number one Rafael worse, and now is a little bit worse.” decision to drop veteran Dsuper-fight with Nadal pulled out of the He called the trainer to have his knee opener Ed Cowan from a Anthony Joshua today when Paris Masters yesterday taped after the second set of his last-16 recent game against South he defends his World Boxing before his quarter-final win over Pablo Cuevas, before insisting Australia, with young Test Council heavyweight title Wwith a knee injury. he would be fit to play at the season- hopeful Daniel Hughes pre- against Canadian challenger The Spaniard, who had his right ending event in London. ferred in his place. Bermane Stiverne in New knee strapped during his third-round But the 16-time cham- Blues coach Trent John- York. win on Thursday, said he wanted to try pion then ended his bid for a first Paris ston said it was one of the Wilder (38-0, with 37 KOs) and be ready to face Filip Krajinovic in Masters title, a serious blow for a tour- toughest decisions of his faces Stiverne for the second the last eight but that “it wasn’t possi- nament which is already missing the likes coaching career to leave out time, two years after winning ble to play”. of Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Stan the former Test opener, who the title from the 39-year-old He did not say if he would be fit to Wawrinka. was the top run-scorer in last in a one-sided unanimous vic- play at the World Tour Finals in London If Nadal pulls out of the Tour Finals, season’s Sheffield Shield. tory in Las Vegas in January later this month. it would leave Federer as the only mem- Cowan told Fox Sports: “I 2015. “Yesterday (Thursday), the pain was ber of the ‘Big Four’ in the year-ending don’t agree with that selec- The Canadian earned very strong but it was not the moment event. tion policy, but it’s the another crack at Wilder in to stop,” Nadal told a press World number 77 Krajinovic, who Australian Test captain, it’s his September after the scheduled conference. had never been past the second round team.” challenger, Luis Ortiz, failed a “I had treatment last night to try and of a Masters tournament before, now This prompted criticism drugs test. be able to play today... But unfortunately progresses to his first ATP semi- from former Test paceman If their first meeting is it was impossible for me to return to the final of the season against Rodney Hogg, among others, anything to go by, Wilder is court in the same condition as last night. either Juan Martin del of Smith’s alleged “captain’s expected to have little diffi- It is a sad day for me.” Potro or calls” at the selection table. culty in putting away Stiverne The 31-year-old became the oldest today. While Smith has bristled for a second time. Judges man to secure top spot in the end of sea- “I did not at the suggestion, he also scored the first fight 120-108, son rankings when he beat Hyeon Chung expect this at all, insisted he was largely 119-108 and 118-109 in Wild- in his opening match on Wednesday. I was ready to unconcerned. er’s favour. Nadal has fought back this year from play but then I “People can say what they Stiverne has blamed a series of knee problems, winning the heard he had like,” the 28-year-old said. “I’ll health issues for his failure to French and US Open titles. pulled out,” read it, but it doesn’t bother muster much resistance to But he allayed fears this would lead said the Serb. me. I’ll just get on with it.” Wilder’s onslaught in their first to another lengthy spell on the sidelines, “I’m England begin their tour meeting. after injury-plagued campaigns saw him going to in a two-day hit-out against a “I have no fear heading fail to reach a Grand Slam semi-final in enjoy today WA XI in Perth, starting on into this fight. It’s not that I 2015 and 2016. and then see ’s Rafael Nadal reacts after winning against Uruguay’s Pablo Saturday, in the build-up to didn’t see the openings in the “I had a long year, a lot of matches. how it goes Cuevas during the pre-quarter finals at the ATP World Tour Masters the first Ashes Test in Brisbane last fight, I just couldn’t phys- I pushed the body,” Nadal added. tomorrow 1000 indoor tennis tournament in Paris on Thursday. Nadal won on November 23. ically perform how I needed “We are at the end of the season. (today).” the match 6-3, 6-7 and 6-3. Smith rates the Ashes bat- to,” Stiverne said. tle with Joe Root’s tourists as “I had health concerns but the biggest challenge he’s now I’ve turned the chapter faced as Australia captain. on that and I’m focused on “No doubt. Ashes series Saturday night. This is going Goerges sends Mladenovic crashing out are always big,” Smith said. to be a completely different “This is my first Ashes series fight this time around.” as captain and it’s going to be Wilder, 32, laughed off Zhuhai 10 ranking to America’s CoCo Vandeweghe. a good challenge.” Stiverne’s comments -- and AFP It ends a career-high season for Mlade- Although the world’s top- warned he will seek a knock- novic, now world number 11. rated batsman, Smith has not out against the only opponent ulia Goerges beat top seed Kristina Mlad- She finished 2016 ranked 42nd but won scored a century since his 111 who has taken him the dis- enovic 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) to reach the WTA her first tour title in St Petersburg and against at Dharamsala tance. “He survived the first JElite Trophy semi-finals and send the reached three other finals this year. in March. time. He’s the only one to sur- Frenchwoman tumbling out of the world Later ’s number one player Peng “I haven’t felt great for a vive on their feet. I will finish top 10 yesterday. Shuai downed Elena Vesnina 6-2, 1-0 after little while now,” he said. the job this time,” Wilder said. The number seven seed joins American the Russian was forced to retire due to injury. “I think I’ve made some The prospects for that CoCo Vandeweghe, Australia’s Ashleigh But despite her win, the round robin for- progress the last couple of fight however have been com- Julia Goerges of reacts during Barty, and Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia in mat of the tournament means Peng, a days. It’ll be good to spend plicated by the WBC’s decision the race to the final in Zhuhai, southern wildcard entry making her debut in Zhuhai, some time in the middle to just her women’s singles match against to declare the winner of Sat- China. will not go through to the semis. reaffirm that. Kristina Mladenovic of during the urday’s undercard bout Mladenovic needed a straight-sets win The 25-year-old, the oldest player in the “Had a really good hit between Dominic Breazeale Zhuhai Elite Trophy tennis tournament in to reach the semis but instead went down tournament, lost to Vandeweghe earlier in today, felt like I figured things and Eric Molina as the man- Zhuhai, China yesterday. in one hour, 36 minutes, ceding her number the week. out at the end.” datory challenger for Wilder. Wilder however has accused Joshua of ducking him, and declares that he is ready to fight the Briton. Ferrari boss warns they could quit F1 over new plans “As soon as Anthony Joshua accepts the fight, then I’ll be there,” Wilder said. Paris said F1 had been “part of our “I don’t want to play NAS- has said he wants a “Super Bowl” new engine design from 2021. “They’re trying to distract AFP DNA since the day we were CAR globally, I just don’t.” build-up to each race. “I think it needs to be abso- people because they know born” on a conference call dis- US-based Liberty Media “Liberty has got a couple of lutely clear that unless we find that I’m a danger to anybody’s errari could quit Formula cussing Ferrari’s financial results took over F1 this year with big good intentions in all of this, one a set of circumstances, the career. All their excuses have One at the end of 2020 if on Thursday. plans to add more razzmatazz, of which is to reduce the cost of results of which are beneficial nothing to do with the sport of Fthe team does not agree “But if we change the sand- concerts and celebrities. execution for the team, which I to the maintenance of the brand, boxing,” he said. with the plans of the sports’ new box to the point where it And Chase Carey, who think is good,” Marchionne said. and the marketplace, and to the “The only thing people owners, the boss of the Italian becomes an unrecognisable became F1 chief executive after “There are a couple of things strengthening of the unique care about is the best fighting carmaker has warned. sandbox, I don’t want to play the long reign of flamboyant we don’t necessarily agree with,” position for Ferrari, Ferrari will the best, and that’s what I’m President Sergio Marchionne any more,” he said. ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone, he added, including plans for a not play,” he said. trying to do.” 22 SPORT SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2017

TURKISH OPEN SCORES -14 Nicolas Colsaerts (Belgium) 64 64 -10 Eddie Pepperell (Britain) 66 66 -9 Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thailand) 66 67 ‘Proud’ Barshim dedicates -8 Shane Lowry (Ireland) 68 66 Matthew Southgate (Britain) 69 65 Stephen Gallacher (Britain) 69 65 Matthew Fitzpatrick (Britain) 69 65 -7 Lee Westwood (Britain) 67 68 -6 Thomas Pieters (Belgium) 69 67 new Asian accolade to Qatar Peter Uihlein (US) 69 67 Soren Kjeldsen () 67 69 Jordan Smith (Britain) 69 67 -5 Dylan Frittelli (South Africa) 70 67 Qatar’s world champion Mutaz Joost Luiten (Netherlands) 64 73 Barshim speaks after receiving Andres Romero (Argentina) 65 72 his ‘Best Athlete in Asia’ award Ian Poulter (Britain) 66 71 in Prague on Thursday. Padraig Harrington (Ireland) 65 72 Screen grab from Olympic Channel Matthieu Pavon (France) 66 71 Paul Dunne (Ireland) 67 70 Tyrrell Hatton (Britain) 67 70

Thorbjorn Olesen (Denmark) 69 68 Justin Rose (Britain) 69 68 Colsaerts charges 4 shots clear

This kind of individual athlete needs a lot of in Turkey support. I thank the State, my family and Belek everyone who help me to win. It was only Reuters possible with the support of people in Qatar which keeps me going. This award is for icolas Colsaerts has gone more than five Qatar and not for me alone: Mutaz Barshim Nyears without a tour- nament victory but the big-hitting Belgian is threat- ening to turn this week’s $7m Turkish Airlines Open into a one-man show. The 34-year-old played The Peninsula/QNA star high jumper Barshim said Qatar Athletics Federation almost immaculate golf for after winning the award. praised Barshim achieve- the second day running yes- lympic star and “This kind of individual ath- ments and the success of the Sheikh Joaan attends terday, a second successive world champion lete needs a lot of support. I championship. 64 helping him charge four Mutaz Barshim thank the State, my family and He said it also reflected his strokes clear of the field with said he was elated everyone who help me to win. talent and high standing on his Prague meetings a 14-under-par total of 128. to win the 2017 It was only possible with the fellow international athletes England’s Eddie Pepperell O‘Best Athlete in Asia’ by the support of people in Qatar which and the prestigious position Prague Saud bin Abdulrahman Al returned a 66 to climb into National Olympic Committee keeps me going. This award is that Barshim occupies. “He was QNA Thani, Adviser to H E the second position on 132, one (ANOC) and dedicated the for Qatar and not for me alone,” able to challenge the difficul- President Qatar Olympic ahead of Thailand’s Kiradech award to Qatar and his fellow added the Qatari star. “I thank ties and rise of the podiums resident of the Qatar Committee, QOC’s Secre- Aphibarnrat (67). citizens. my coach for his great work and and reach the summit.” Olympic Committee tary-General Jassim Rashid It was Colsaerts, however, Also the nominee for thank you all,” he said.” He concluded his state- P (QOC) H E Sheikh Al Buainain and Khalil Al who stole the spotlight IAAF’s Athlete of the Year Bashim won the high jump ment by congratulating Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Jaber, Director of Sports although he acknowledged Award, Barshim - the two-time competition as part of the Barshim on his achievement, attended the meetings of the Affairs at the QOC. that he had to work a bit Olympic medallist and 2017 World Athletics Champion- wishing him more achieve- General Assembly of the The meetings witnessed harder in his second round IAAF world champion – was ships in the London World ments and victories and raise National Olympic Commit- record participation of 1,300 than he did on Thursday. named the 2017 Best Athlete in Athletics Championships last the “support” high in interna- tee (ANOC) held in Prague athletes representing the “Yesterday it was kind of Asia by the National Olympic August, to prove that he is on tional forums. on Thursday. world Olympic movement. eyes closed and everything Committee (ANOC) on the right path to winning titles For his part, Mohammed The meetings were held The participants repre- kind of falling in my lap,” he Thursday. and making global Al-Fadala, Secretary General in the presence of a number sented 205 Olympic told reporters at the Regnum The awards ceremony was achievements. of the Qatar Athletics Federa- of prominent international committees in the world, led Carya Golf and Spa Resort, held in the Czech capital of He won the Asian gold in tion, expressed his pride over sports personalities, includ- by the President of the Inter- which overlooks the Prague, on the sidelines of the 2011 and the Arab Games of the the outstanding achievement ing Dr. Thomas Bach, national Olympic Committee Mediterranean. General Assembly of the same year, and then the gold of the champion Barshim and President of the Interna- and representatives of inter- “Today it was actually National Olympic Committees medal of the World Military praised him for winning the tional Olympic Committee, national sports federations. more satisfying to shoot the and awards prizes to the best Championship in Rio de award for the best athletes in and Sheikh Ahmed Al Fahad The ANOC annual assembly same score but having to go athletes in all continents with Janeiro. Asia, stressing that the achieve- Al Sabah, Chairman of the was held in partnership with and find it a little bit more. I other awards for the best The following year he won ment did not come from a National Olympic Commit- the Czech Olympic Commit- recovered well every time I national Olympic committees. the Asian Championships and vacuum but rather from the tees Association (ANOC), tee with a view to providing hit a bad shot so I guess that With his new achievement, snatched the spotlight at the fruits of supporting of our wise who is also Chairman of the ANOC with an opportunity was a key. Barshim continues to dub the London 2012 Olympic Games leadership and guidance. Olympic Council of Asia. to present all the develop- “I wasn’t quite as good off golden falcon of Qatar flying and won the bronze and then He added that this honor During the meetings, the ments before the National the tee, I thought, but I still in the skies of international won Silver in 2013 World and appreciation is a great IOC commended Qatar’s Olympic Committees, hear played some great shots into sport, adding a great achieve- Championships. honour not only for the Union partnership and strong sup- the requirements of these the greens.” ment to his record of Then the 2014 Asian Games of Forces, but also for all the port for the institution committees and understand Colsaerts has won twice championships and medals gold and silver in 2016 Rio people of Qatar and that our launched for refugees. their concerns and on the European Tour, at the and rise above the podiums Olympics before the 2017 youth are capable of fighting The State of Qatar was priorities. 2011 and the 2012 Arab, Asian and World Cup gold medal. adults, creativity and excel- prominently present at the The ANOC is committed World Match Play Champi- international. Thani bin Abdulrahman lence in all fields if armed with Prague Summit with a del- to providing the best possi- onship in Spain, and said he “I am very proud of the Al Kuwari, Second Vice Pres- potentials, qualifications, self- egation headed by H E ble support to the Olympic would be taking nothing for work I have done and I thank ident of the Qatar Olympic confidence and will to reach Sheikh Joaan and H E Sheikh Committees. granted over the weekend. all those who supported me,” Committee and Chairman of the top of glory. “If I’m capable of going 14-under in two rounds then somebody else, or a few other guys, are capable of doing the same,” he explained. “I’m just going to try to keep playing the way I’ve been playing the last two World Cup hero Goetze earns Germany recall days. Probably not get ahead of myself and see where that GERMAN SQUAD Berlin With the likes of stalwarts Manuel takes me.” AFP Neuer, Thomas Mueller and Marco Reus Sharing fourth place on Goalkeepers: (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter missing through injury, Loew has given 134 were English pair Mat- Stegen (Barcelona/ESP), (Paris SG/FRA) orld Cup final match-winner Leipzig’s Marcel Halstenberg a first call- thew Southgate and Matthew Defence: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Mario Goetze was recalled to up at the age of 26. Fitzpatrick, Ireland’s Shane (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Marcel Halstenberg (RB Leipzig), coach Joachim Loew’s Germany Having topped their 2018 World Cup Lowry and Scot Stephen (Bayern Munich), (Bayern Mu- W squad yesterday for friendlies against qualifying group with a perfect 10 wins Gallacher. nich), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin), Antonio Rudiger England and France. from 10, Germany have a tough pro- World number six Justin (Chelsea/ENG), Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich). Midfield: (Liverpool/ENG), Mario Goetze (Borussia Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundiogan, gramme of friendlies before heading to Rose, the highest-ranked Dortmund), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City/ENG), Sami Khedira also a World Cup winner from in Russia. player in the field, was on 135 (Juventus/ITA), (Real Madrid/ESP), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal/ 2014, likewise makes his return to the fold, They play England at Wembley on after carding a 68. ENG), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Manchester the two having not played for Germany November 10 before hosting France in “I didn’t play particularly City/ENG), Sandro Wagner (1899 Hoffenheim), Amin Younes for almost a year. Cologne four days later. well,” the Englishman said. (Ajax/NED) They have recovered from their long In March they will then play Spain and “The short game kept me in it Forwards: Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (injury) breaks. They’re once again play- Brazil. Mario a few times early on the front

(Paris SG/FRA), Lars Stindl (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Timo ing a key role for their respective clubs The list of forwards also includes Goetze’s nine and on the back nine I Werner (RB Leipzig) and have rediscovered their rhythm,” said Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen) and file photo. couldn’t quite capitalise on the Loew. Julian Draxler (Paris SG/FRA). couple of chances I had.” SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2017 SPORT 23 Rea tops race 1 at Losail Circuit

The Peninsula SuperSport title contender Lucas Championship just over a month ago. Mahias (GRT Yamaha Official Sofuoglu is riding through the pain World champion orld champion WorldSSP Team) secured the best seat barrier during this final weekend of Jonathan Rea of Jonathan Rea last in the house grabbing the superpole the season and is receiving medical night produced ahead of compatriot (CIA checkups after each session as he bids Great Britain in amazing speed and Landlord Insurance Honda) and Niki to prevent Mahias from taking his action at Losail form to seal race 1 Tuuli (Kallio Racing) of Finland. crown. International Circuit Wof the final round of the 2017 Cluzel and Tuulli will also start PJ Jacobsen (MV Reparto in Doha. WorldSBK Championship. today’s final race of the season from Corse) and Sheridan Morais (Kallio With riders jostling for a promis- the front row at the Losail Interna- Racing) should be amongst the front ing finish ahead of today’s night race tional Circuit. Mahias goes into the runners in the race, getting away just 2 at the Losail International Circuit final race of the season today with a behind Sofuoglu on row two. (LIC), Rea of Kawasaki Racing Team 20-point advantage at the top of the Federico Caricasulo (GRT Yamaha seemed unstoppable under artificial overall standings. Official WorldSSP Team), Luke Sta- light. The current world champion Mahias produced a new lap record pleford (Profile Racing) and Kyle clocked a time of 33.41.021. time of 2’00.738, which was just Smith (GEMAR Team Lorini) are all The 30-year-old from Northern 0.546s faster than the time of Cluzel. on row three despite a crash in SP2 Ireland, who was yet to win a race in Tuuli emerged as the third fastest for Smith. Qatar, finished ahead British rider rider on the grid, just 0.654s off the Michael Canducci (Puccetti Rac- Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) pace set by Mahias. ing Junior Team FMI), Christian and his stablemate from Marco Defending World Champion Gamarino (BARDAHL EVAN BROS. Melandri. Davies was 4.944 seconds Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Honda Racing) and Anthony West slower than the time set by Rea. Racing) also impressed last night with (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) all quali- Melandri, who produced a time his fourth-fastest time despite barely fied on row four. of 1’58.414 on his fastest lap, finished recovering from fractures to his pel- Two of WorldSSP’s best known 10.405 seconds behind Rea. vis at the French round of the riders had come through the earlier Irish rider Eugene Lav- Tissot Superpole 1 with Jacob- erty (Aprilia RSV4 RF) WorldSBK: Qatar Round sen leading that session finished in fourth spot Laps 17 = 91,460 Km courtesy of a 2’01.757 lap, 12.052 seconds behind Rea Position: Rider/Nat Team Gap with South African Morais fol- while Italy’s Lorenzo Sava- 1 J. Rea/GBR Kawasaki Racing Team 33:41.021 lowing the American through dori (Aprilia RSV4 RF) 2 C. Davies/GBR Aruba.It Racing - Ducatti 4.944 to SP2 0.038s behind him. completed the top five. 3 M. Melandri/ITA Aruba.It Racing - Ducati 10.405 In a pleasing perform- Savadori was 12.339 slower 4 E. Laverty/IRL Milwaukee Aprilia 12.052 ance for home racing fans, than the day’s fastest rider. 5 L. Savadori/ITA Milwaukee Aprilia 12.339 Qatar’s Saeed Al Sulati was A total of six riders did 6 T. Sykes/GBR Kawasaki Racing Team 15.587 18th fastest with his Kawa- not finish race 1 including 7 J. Torres/ESP Althea Bmw Racing Team 16.789 saki ZX-6R in SuperSport Britain’s Alex Lowes (Pata 8 S. Guintoli/FRA Kawasaki Puccetti Racing 17.869 class, while his QMMF Rac- Yamaha Official WorldSBK 9 L. Camier/GBR MV Agusta Reparto Corse 18.494 ing Team rider Mashel Al Team). 10 R. Ramos/ESP Team Kawasaki GO Eleven 22.660 Naimi finished in 22nd Earlier, French star and position. Brand new podium experience introduced in Qatar

www.worldsbk.com on stage entertainment for the entire Paddock Show is set to take on an entire Sticking with the traditional format the best scenario possible in terms of weekend. Keeping the relationship new role, as we welcome Parc Ferme of which fans know and love, the infrastructure and logistics to try this ver popular and unique to the between riders and fans as close as ever, and the podium ceremony to take cen- podium will now be brought into the innovation, and will give us a good ref- MOTUL FIM Superbike World each day has welcomed an end of day tre stage throughout the weekend. heart of the paddocks and celebrations erence for the future. We will then EChampionship, the Paddock Show show with the fastest riders, which pro- Moving away from the traditional with the winners can begin as soon as evaluate together with each single Cir- is a fan favourite and is continuing to vides the inside line for the weekend. podium riders will now head straight they swing their leg off their machines. cuit in the championship, and the grow year on year, and in Qatar it bring An all new SuperShow was introduced from the honour lap through the pad- Daniel Carrera, WorldSBK execu- feasibility to implement this procedure it even closer, with an all new look to today’s schedule, which has proven dock, to the new Parc Ferme spot next tive director explains: “Welcoming the in other rounds from our calendar. Cre- which will introduce a brand new to be a roaring success amongst spec- to the stage. new podium experience to the paddock ating the ultimate fan experience is a podium experience for the fans and tators and stars alike, with the top riders They will then be welcomed to the show stage is a natural development unique asset of the championship, and riders. welcomed on stage for a chat show and new podium experience, fans can now for WorldSBK, and is something we are by bringing the podium and Parc Ferme Throughout the 2017 season, fans signing session. enjoy every second of a riders celebra- eager to try out. We know that Losail inside the paddock, we continue to offer have been treated to some sensational But looking to the future the tion with the teams for the first time ever. International Circuit offers a Pure WorldSBK experience.”

Al Rayyan bag full points; Al Gharafa held at home by Al Markhiya

Chinthana Wasala The Peninsula

l Rayyan posted a 2-0 vic- tory against Qatar SC, Atheir sixth in the season, as the two sides clashed in round seven of the QNB Stars League at Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. Defender Mousa Haroun (43rd minute) and playmaker Rodrigo Tabata (61st) scored the goals as the victory took Al Rayy- an’s points tally to 18 from seven matches. Coach Michael Laudrup’s men’s first chance came in the 14th, but Tabata’s power-packed free-kick was blocked by Jassim Al Hail and the goalkeeper free-kick to the far corner of the former champions in spectacu- Al Rayyan’s Rodrigo Tabata needed medical attention after net, leaving the opposing goal- lar fashion in the 10th minute. falling to the ground in the keeper stranded. The free-kick Weiss, who was surrounded kicks to score against Qatar SC process. was awarded after Jasem Ali by four Al Markhita defenders, during their QNB Stars League On the half-hour mark, felled Tabata off the ball just out- outpaced his challengers and match played at Al Sadd Abderrazak Hamdallah missed side the box. forced goalkeeper Mohamed Stadium yesterday. TOP LEFT: a sitter when he failed to tap the Elsewhere, at Al Gharafa Khoroub to charge out of spot. A Tabata scoring through a free- ball home, with Tabata doing the Stadium, former champions Al calm Weiss ran around the goal- kick during yesterday’s match. spadework with a free-kick. Gharafa were held to a 1-1 draw keeper and clipped the ball into LEFT: Al Gharafa’s midfielder Hamdallah was soon caught in by a fighting Al Markhiya. The the net from close range. It was Vladimir Weiss celebrates an offside trap while receiving a hosts saw Vladimir Weiss score Weiss’s fourth goal of the season with team-mates after scoring through ball. in the 10th minute but Al for Al Gharafa. against Al Markhiya yesterday. After coming close on a few Markhiya equalised through Both sides traded attacks but Pictures: Kamutty VP/ The Peninsula occasions, Al Rayyan had to wait Kwame Karikari in the 64th Al Markhiya surprisingly till the 43rd minute to open the minute. Both teams have played defended well in the first half and scoring. Tall defender Haroun 7 matches in the new season so walked off the Al Gharafa Sta- Saleh Al Bazidi clipped a chance to offer any midfielder Youssef Msakny was placed the ball home after Ham- far but have only one win each. dium pitch only looking at a 1-0 near-perfect long ball from the resistance. the star of the night as Al Duhail dallah set him up with a header Al Gharafa launched the pro- deficit to take care of in the sec- right flank towards Karkari Al Gharafa dominated ball maintained their unbeaten run off a Gonzalo Viera cross from ceeding son a cautious note but ond half. who was stationed inside the possession at 54 percent but Al with a 3-1 victory over the hosts. the left. it did not take the hosts from tak- After a string of attacks in the Al Gharafa box. Karkari Markhiya surprised fans by man- Yesterday’s win also sent Al Al Rayyan reduced their pace ing the lead in the hard-fought early part of the second half, jumped high and headed the aging a total of 6 corners against Duhail to the top of the points table on resumption and played a clash. Al Gharafa opened the scor- Karikari, Al Markhiya’s import ball home with a beautiful just two by the former with 19 points while Al Sadd were composed game but doubled the ing through Slovakian midfielder from Ghana, produced the equal- deflection that allowed goal- champions. pushed back to the second spot lead after Tabata curled his Weiss who found the net for the izer in the 64th minute. keeper Qassim Burhan no At Al Khor, Tunisian attacking with 18 points.