SPORT

Sunday 22 October 2017

PAGE | 23 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Pakistan confirms Thompson and Curryry Halep hopes bookie’s approach to lead Warriors past to keep dream player ‘Sarfraz’ Pelicans alive at Finals Ruthless Al Duhail trounce Umm Salal

Rizwan Rehmat QSL RESULTS The Peninsula Yesterday’s Results hree days ago French- Al Duhail beat Umm Salal 4-1 born striker Youssef El Arabi promised he Al Ahli beat Qatar SC 3-1 would aim to get the trophy that matters to Friday’s Results Thim - the Top Scorer’s shield - in the 2017-18 football season. Al Rayyan beat Al Sailiya: 1-0 The 30-year-old forward Al Sadd beat Al Arabi : 3-1

lived up to his high billing yes- Al Markhiya beat Al Khor: 1-0 terday when he fired two more goals as Al Duhail crushed Umm Salal 4-1 at the Al Gharafa Stadium. Al Ahli, coming off a 6-1 loss El Arabi now has 10 goals to against Al Duhail last week, his name in just five matches. opened the scoring through their The other two goals for Al reliable striker Abdulla who Duhail yesterday were scored by headed home off an indirect cor- Nam Tae-hee (6) and ner kick in the 12th minute. Youssef Msakni (70). It was Abdulla’s - often the Substitute Bazman Khoubi- cornerstone of Al Ahli’s great ari showed pace to produce a late fightbacks - first goal of the new goal in the 87th minute for Umm season. Salal. Midfielder Yasin Chikaoui In the other game yesterday, doubled Al Ahli’s lead injury time Al Ahli posted their first win of when he forced Qatar SC goal- the season when they hammered keeper Rajab Hamza to charge Qatar 3-1. Umm Salal goalkeeper Basel Zaidan blocks a goal bound shot from Al Duhail striker Youssef El Arabi during their QNB Stars out on a loose ball. Hamza mis- Al Duhail, coached by Djamel League match at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. Al Duhail won 4-1. Pictures: Kammutty VP/The Peninsula timed his attack and Chikaoui Belmadi, were quick off the calmly slotted the ball home. blocks when star striker Nam- In the 62nd minute, Abdulla Tae hee flicked one from inside but were denied but Al Duhail ball possession in the fast-paced Junior - sporting a bandage on close range in the 70th minute. added to his team’s and personal the Umm Salal box and beat the goalkeeper Khalifa Abubacar first half. his head - clipped one towards Meanwhile a double by cap- tally when he scored Al Ahli’s goalkeeper in the 6th minute of Ndiaye. In the 57th minute, Umm the Umm Salal goal but his shot tain Abdulla helped Al Ahli beat third goal following a neat 1-2 the match. In the 39th minute, Al Salal goalkeeper Zaidan showed was blocked by Zaidan. Qatar SC 3-0, notching their first with team mate Fareed It was a welcome sight for Duhail’s mercurial striker El poor timing with a jump to block In the 68th minute, El Arabi win of the season in five matches. Ibrahim. coach Belmadi who returned Arabi fired his 9th goal of the a curling corner kick and missed easily converted a penalty kick Abdulla played a pivotal role After picking up a high ball, after missing two QNB Stars season when he deflected a neat the ball. However, Al Duhail’s for his 10th strike of the season for Al Ahli (12 and 62) who saw Ibrahm ran towards the Qatar League games because of cross from Ali Hassan past Umm Hassan lunged forward near the as Al Duhail jumped to a 3-0 Yasin Chikaoui score the remain- SC box and swiftly back-heeled suspension. Salal goalkeeper Basel Zaidan. far post but could not deflect the cushion. A minute later, El Arabi ing goal (45) at Khalifa Bin the ball to unmarked Abdullah Umm Salal, coached by Mah- Al Duhail walked off the Al loose ball into the net from close - with a clear shot towards the Adbullah Stadium. who wasted little time in slot- moud Sayed, produced a sting of Gharafa Stadium pitch knowing range. Exactly at the one-hour goal - chipped in a neat cross to For Qatar SC, it was their ting the ball past goalkeeper attacks in the following minutes they enjoyed 60 percent of the mark, Al Duhail’s Luiz Martin Msakni who fired home from fourth loss of the season. Hamza.

Immobile United slip to shock defeat; City win extends Lazio

London ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Second-half goals from Watford striker deal to 2022 AFP Nicolas Otamendi and Leroy English Premier League results yesterday: Richarlison de Andrade Sane completed victory. (left) vies with Chelsea anchester United fell to Chelsea 4 (Pedro 12, Batshuayi 71, 90+5, Michy Batshuayi came off Rome Azpilicueta 87) Watford 2 (Doucoure 45+2, midfielder Tiemoue a shock 2-1 defeat at the bench to inspire Chelsea to AFP Pereyra 49) Bakayoko during promoted Huddersfield a 4-2 home win over Watford M Huddersfield 2 (Mooy 28, Depoitre 33) Manchester the English Premier Town yesterday as Pep Guardi- that lifted some of the pressure erie A’s top scorer Ciro United 1 (Rashford 78) League match at ola’s free-scoring Manchester on manager Antonio Conte. Immobile and goal- Manchester City 3 (Aguero 30-pen, Otamendi 73, Stamford Bridge in City moved five points clear at Sane 75) Burnley 0 Beaten in their two previous Skeeper Thomas London, yesterday. the Premier League summit. Newcastle 1 (Merino 86) Crystal Palace 0 league games, Chelsea took an Strakosha have both extended Aaron Mooy and Laurent Stoke 1 (Diouf 63) Bournemouth 2 (Surman 16, 12th-minute lead when Pedro their contracts with Lazio Depoitre scored at the John Stanislas 18-pen) curled a magnificent effort into until June 2022, the Italian Smith’s Stadium to give Hud- Swansea 1 (Mawson 56) Leicester 2 (Fernandez the top-left corner. club confirmed yesterday. dersfield a first win over United 25-og, Okazaki 49) Goals either side of the Italian international since 1952 and condemn Jose Played on Friday interval from Abdoulaye Dou- Immobile has scored 11 goals Mourinho’s side to their first loss West Ham 0 Brighton 3 (Murray 10, 75-pen, coure and Roberto Pereyra put in the top flight this season, of the campaign. Izquierdo 45+2) Marco Silva’s hard-working vis- in addition to two in the City took full advantage by Playing today itors in front. Europa League and two in the

beating Burnley 3-0, with Ser- Everton vs Arsenal (1230 GMT), Tottenham vs Liv- But Batshuayi headed in a Italian Super Cup, as the cap- gio Aguero equalling Eric erpool (1500 GMT) 71st-minute equaliser from ital club sit joint third in Serie Brook’s all-time club scoring Pedro’s cross and after Cesar A, five points adrift of leaders record of 177 goals. Azpilicueta put Chelsea in front Napoli. Defending champions Chel- after David de Gea had saved late on, Batshuayi completed The 27-year-old Immo- sea closed to within four points from Tom Ince. victory in stoppage time. bile has extended his current of second-place United by beat- Lindelof was at fault as “The performance was a contract by a year after join- ing Watford 4-2 while Depoitre scored in the 33rd good performance because to ing from Sevilla in 2016 on a Tottenham Hotspur can draw minute, failing to cut out goal- concede the equaliser at the end deal worth an estimated level with Mourinho’s men if keeper Jonas Lossl’s kick, which of the first and then go down in 9.45m euros. The striker will they beat Liverpool today. allowed Depoitre to round De the first part of the second half, earn about 2.5m euros more United’s defeat in rain- Gea and score. our confidence in that moment per year -- linked with goals lashed Huddersfield followed United substitute Marcus was low,” said Conte. scored and team bonuses -- their 0-0 draw at Liverpool last Rashford headed in Romelu “But my players showed me according to press reports. weekend and a laboured 1-0 Lukaku’s cross with 12 minutes that we have the attitude to fight Since his arrival in Rome, victory away to Benfica in the remaining, but Huddersfield and change the situation and get Immobile has scored 41 goals Champions League in held firm for a famous win. a different . It was very in 52 matches and is also the mid-week. Guardiola’s City have won important.” top scorer in the calendar Things started to go wrong their last seven league games, Leicester City began life year in Italy with 25 goals, in the 23rd minute when Phil scoring 20 goals in their last four after Craig Shakespeare with a one more than Napoli’s Dries Jones was forced off by an home games. 2-1 win at Swansea City. Mertens and two more than apparent hip injury, with Victor Argentina striker Aguero Caretaker manager Michael Roma’s Edin Dzeko. Lindelof taking his place. netted from the spot on the half Appleton saw Leicester go 2-0 Strakosha has been with Huddersfield went ahead hour after Burnley goalkeeper up through a Federico Fernan- Lazio since 2012 and was five minutes later when former Nick Pope was contentiously dez own goal and a Shinji rewarded after playing a key City player Mooy robbed Juan adjudged to have fouled Ber- Okazaki effort before Alfie role in their victory at Juven- Mata and followed in to score nardo Silva. Mawson replied for Swansea. tus last weekend. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2017 Delhi Dynamos’ Eduardo looking forward to Qatar 2022

Armstrong Vas cardiology screening for the players. The Peninsula Delhi Dynamos FC head coach Miguel Portugal said: “The Academy elhi Dynamos Spanish defender provides a lot of resources and exper- Eduardo Montoya is confident tise to help the young footballers from Dthat FIFA 2022 World Cup in India who come here to train so that, Qatar will be a spectacular showpiece one day, they can transfer the knowl- event and he is eagerly looking forward edge they learn here back into Indian to it. football and help the sport develop over “Qatar is witnessing amazing growth the long term.” and, in 2022, Doha will be a great place Young Albino Gomes, who was to visit for the World Cup. I’m very glad selected to be the goalkeeper for the to see a country with a different culture India U23 side taking part in the 2017 such as Qatar host the World Cup. Foot- AFC U23 qualifiers, praised Aspire ball is for all, not only for Europe or for Academy’s facilities and said the train- America, and people will enjoy their ing camp provided the team with time here,” Eduardo said. access to world-class pitches and facil- The 36-year-old defender, who ities that aren’t always available in plays in the Indian Super League (ISL) Delhi Dynamos players and officials pose for a India. for the North India club, was in Doha picture with Barcelona and legend Xavi Looking ahead to this upcoming ISL for the two-week pre-season training during their training session at Aspire Academy season, Gomes said: “Our training in camp of Delhi Dynamos at Aspire in Doha on Thursday. Aspire Academy follows a two-week Academy. training camp in León, Spain. We’re “It’s good to come to Doha after our quite pleased with our preparations and first training camp in Spain to be mid-November. The training camp in Academy share its football knowhow Dynamos FC played friendlies against we look forward to the start of the fourth exposed to different environments and Doha comes only a few months after and management expertise with the club QNB Stars League teams: Muaither S.C, ISL season.” weather conditions.” Aspire Academy and the Delhi Dyna- to help Delhi Dynamos achieve success Al Wakrah SC and the military team. Spanish and Barcelona great Xavi The Indian club is preparing for sea- mos FC signed a technical partnership on the pitch. Aspetar, Qatar’s orthopaedic and Hernandez showed up for Delhi Dyna- son four of the ISL starting in that will see the world-renowned During the training camp, Delhi sports medicine hospital, also provided mos FC’s last training session. Dortmund throw away two-goal lead

Berlin League draw. Before kick-off, to celebrate with Burki. Philipp centre-back to cover for injuries AFP sporting director RESULTS had made it 2-0 when he fired -- just before Frankfurt scored told Sky that Burki has Dort- German Bundesliga results yesterday: home Mario Goetze’s pass on 57 twice. undesliga leaders mund’s full backing, but another RB Leipzig 1 (Sabitzer 23) VfB Stuttgart 0 minutes, but Frankfurt were then “We simply weren’t really mistake by their goalkeeper in Borussia Moenchengladbach 1 (Johnson 7) Bayer handed a route back into the playing at that point, so I took off threw away a two- Frankfurt allowed Eintracht back Leverkusen 5 (Bender 48, Bailey 59, Brandt 61, game when Burki brought down a defender. We wanted some goal lead in their 2-2 in the game. Volland 69, Pohjanpalo 81) Rebic, and Haller fired home the calm,” explained the Dutchman. draw at Eintracht Goals by Turkey interna- 2 (Haller 64-pen, Wolf 68) spot-kick. With Dortmund’s “We had lots of chances to BFrankfurt yesterday after tional Nuri Sahin and winger Borussia Dortmund 2 (Sahin 19, Philipp 57) defence struggling, midfielder go 3-0 up -- we just didn’t take Augsburg 1 (Gregoritsch 33) Hanover 96 2 (Fuel- another mistake by goalkeeper Maximilian Philipp either side of Wolf curled home the equaliser them.” lkrug 77, 89) Roman Burki triggered the hosts’ the break put Dortmund 2-0 up, on 68 minutes. RB Leipzig, who face Bayern Playing today fightback. but Eintracht roared back with In pushing to restore the twice next week -- at home on Cologne vs Werder Bremen (1130), Freiburg vs Dortmund are winless in two goals in four second-half lead, Dortmund gave a Bundes- Wednesday in the German Cup, Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim (1600) their last three games after also minutes. Played Friday liga debut to 17-year-old then away next Saturday in the

losing 3-2 at home to RB Leipzig French striker Sebastien Schalke 04 2 (Goretzka 13, Burgstaller 74) Mainz ex-Manchester City midfielder Bundesliga -- followed their last Saturday in the Bundesliga Haller slotted home a penalty on 05 0 Jadon Sancho, who was released midweek Champions League and drawing 1-1 at Cypriot side 64 minutes before midfielder by England from the Under-17 victory over Porto with a narrow APOEL on Tuesday in the Cham- Marius Wolf levelled shortly World Cup in India. Frankfurt’s win against Stuttgart. pions League. after. one ahead of RB Leipzig, who point could have come at a price Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer On Friday, Dortmund’s Swiss “That shouldn’t happen, if won 1-0 at home to VfB as USA wide man Timothy Chan- netted the winner midway shot-stopper Burki extended his you lead 2-0 you shouldn’t allow Stuttgart. dler limped off with a knee injury through the first half when his Dortmund forward Maximilian contract at Dortmund until 2021. an open game,” said Sahin. Frankfurt’s Ante Rebic had a on 37 minutes. shot looped over Stuttgart’s Ger- Philipp celebrates after scoring It was a vote of confidence Dortmund stay top on 20 goal disallowed for offside just Dortmund coach Peter Bosz many goalkeeper Ron-Robert a goal during the Bundesliga by the club after Burki endured points, just three ahead of before Dortmund went in front defended his decision to bring Zieler. Meanwhile, Bayer match against Eintracht sharp criticism for a mistake defending champions Bayern as Marc Bartra’s long-range pass on defender Dan-Axel Zagadou Leverkusen are ninth after a Frankfurt in Frankfurt am Main, which allowed APOEL to take a Munich, who are at strugglers was converted on 19 minutes by for midfielder Julian stunning 5-1 romp at Borussia central Germany, yesterday. shock lead in the Champions Hamburg later on Saturday, and Sahin, who sprinted 80 metres Weigl -- converted to a Moenchengladbach. Balde opens mark Neymar a mentor for Mbappe in Monaco victory

Paris season, despite making only at PSG, says Marquinhos AFP 21 starts. His signing was made to eita Balde netted his first help fill the void left by Kylian Saint-Germain-en-Laye, he loves this kind of game,” said goal since his big-money Mbappe, the teenage sensation AFP Marquinhos. The 23-year-old Ksummer move to who was allowed to join PSG defender, who is in his fifth season Monaco as the reigning French on an initial loan deal. aris Saint-Germain superstar at PSG and has played over 20 champions eased to a welcome However, Balde has had a Neymar will be crucial to the times for Brazil, says Neymar’s role 2-0 victory at home to Caen in slow start to his Monaco Pdevelopment of fellow new as mentor to the 18-year-old Ligue 1 yesterday. career and it took him until recruit Kylian Mbappe, the club’s Mbappe will help to shape the Balde got the opener mid- the 21st minute of this game vice-captain Marquinhos said. French international striker’s game. way through the first half and at the Stade Louis II to break Marquinhos also said he “Neymar knows how important the prolific Radamel Falcao his duck for Leonardo Jardim’s believes Neymar will do more to he is for Kylian, as Messi was added a penalty just before the side. bring glory to the Qatar-owned important for him, as Ronaldinho hour mark as Monaco recorded He was played through by Paris club than its former Brazilian was important for Messi. a first win in five outings in all Thomas Lemar and held off his number 10 Ronaldinho. “Kylian is an adorable guy, and competitions. marker before slotting past Marquinhos and Neymar were the two of them hit it off straight The principality side, Caen’s veteran goalkeeper on the same gold medal-winning away,” said Marquinhos. beaten 2-1 at home by Besiktas Remy Vercoutre. Brazil team at the 2016 Rio Olym- “Even if they don’t speak the in the Champions League in Monaco were unlucky not pics and the defender believes the same language, on the pitch you can midweek, are second in the to add to their lead before the striker’s leadership skills will be an see how well they get on. Ligue 1 table, three points interval with Jemerson head- important factor as the club go in “Both of them are capable (of behind Paris Saint-Germain ing against the bar and Rony search of titles this season. winning the Ballon d’Or). The main before the leaders go to Mar- Lopes being denied by Vercou- “He’s a wonderful player. When thing is that it’s magnificent to have seille today. tre after being played in by it’s a big game that’s when he shows the pair of them here,” said Mar- They are five points clear Fabinho. the most character, the best atti- quinhos. Ronaldinho, the Brazilian of Marseille, Saint-Etienne -- The Caen goalkeeper also tude,” Marquinhos said of the superstar of his time, lit up the Parc beaten 1-0 at home by beat away a Youri Tielemans 25-year-old Brazilian who joined des Princes from 2001 to 2003. Montpellier on Friday -- and volley but the second goal PSG for a world-record 222 m euros “I hope he’ll do even more than Claudio Ranieri’s Nantes, who arrived in the 59th minute. in the close season. Ronaldinho because he’s a won- are in action at home to Guin- Lopes was fouled by Jan “He likes to take charge of derful player and he always wants gamp later, a day after their Repas just outside the penalty things and he loves a boiling atmos- to stand up and be counted on the PSG forward Kylian Mbappe Italian coach’s 66th box but went to ground inside phere,” Marquinhos said. pitch,” Marquinhos said. reacts during the UEFA birthday. the area and the referee That approach will be tested PSG recruited Mbappe from Champions League match Senegal forward Balde, awarded a penalty. today when PSG travel to Marseille Monaco just before the summer against RSC Anderlecht at 22, bought late in the sum- Ligue 1 top scorer Falcao for a Ligue 1 grudge match with the transfer deadline on an initial loan the Constant Vanden Stock mer transfer window from sent the goalkeeper the wrong capital outfit sitting top on 25 points deal which is set to be made into a Stadium on Tuesday. Lazio on a five-year deal for way for his 13th goal of the and OM third on 17. permanent move next year for a reported 30m euros after campaign, condemning Caen “I know Neymar well and know 180m euros. impressing with 16 goals in to a defeat that leaves them the Italian top flight last ninth. SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 23

Cremer puts on Pakistan confirms bookie’s top in first Test against WI Bulawayo approach to ‘player’ Sarfraz Reuters aptain took four as CZimbabwe restricted Sharjah mum of six months. were suspended, and West Indies to 219 all out on AFP The maximum pun- fined one million rupees the opening day of the first ishment is a life ban. while spinning all- Test at the Queens Sports top Pakistan Pakistan lead the five- rounder Mohammad Club yesterday. official match series 4-0 after a Nawaz was banned for Zimbabwe reached 19 for yesterday thumping seven- two months (one sus- no loss in reply at the close confirmed a win against in pended) and fined with debutant opener Solo- national team Sharjah on Friday. The Rs200,000 ($2,000) for mon Mire on 17 and playerA was approached by final match takes place in failing to report fixing his partner Hamilton Masa- a bookie with an offer of Sharjah on Monday. offers at various stages. kadza yet to get off the mark. fixing which was reported Under ICC rules a Pakistan has a history Cremer (four for 64) was to the anti-corruption unit. player is interviewed by of fixing related incidents the pick of the bowlers with Pakistan Cricket its anti-corruption unit to with three of their top his leg-breaks on a turning Board (PCB) chairman further investigate the players -- Salman Butt, wicket and was superbly sup- Najam Sethi said the mat- matter, but the governing Mohammad Asif and ported by all-rounder Sean ter was being dealt with body does not make any Mohammad Amir -- Williams (three for 20) as by his board and the comment on an ongoing banned for five years in a eight of the West Indies wick- International Cricket investigation. spot fixing scandal on ets fell to spin. Council (ICC). Pakistan cricket team’s tour of England in Shai Hope was left “A player was received a jolt in Febru- 2010. stranded on 90 not out in the approached,” Sethi said ary when two of its A judicial inquiry on visitors’ innings as he ran out on Twitter. “As per rules players -- Sharjeel Khan fixing ended in life bans of partners, with the only he immediately reported and Khalid Latif -- were on Salim Malik and Ataur other meaningful score com- to PCB who informed ICC. caught in a spot-fixing Rehman and fines on six ing from opener Kieran Matters are jointly in scandal which rocked players Wasim Akram, Powell (56). hand. No further their league Waqar Younis, Inzamam- Zimbabwe have recalled comment.” held in United Arab Emir- ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed, experienced batsman Pakistani media said ates. Sharjeel was banned Saeed Anwar and Akram and seamer the player approached for five years (two and a Raza in 2000. Leg-spin- for the first Test of was skipper Sarfraz half years of which were ner Danish Kaneria is the two-match series. Ahmed (pictured) and it suspended) while Khalid serving a life ban in a Jarvis’ last game for Zim- happened on October 17 was banned for five years 2010 spot fixing case in a babwe was back in 2013, after before the third one-day and fined one million county match in which he signed a Kolpak international in Abu rupees ($10,000). England. deal with English county side Dhabi a day later. The two played for Lancashire. Taylor followed Reports said Ahmed Islamabad United in the suit after the World Cup in had immediately reported Pakistan Super League 2015, when he moved to the matter to PCB’s anti- (PSL) and were accused of Nottinghamshire. corruption unit, who in arranging two dot balls in Jarvis marked his return turn informed the ICC. return for money in the with the early wicket of Under the anti-cor- opening match of the Pakistani media said the player Kraigg Brathwaite, while Test ruption code a player league. approached was skipper Sarfraz Ahmed debutant dis- must report a fixing offer Pacer Mohammad and it happened on October 17 before the missed Kyle Hope in his third and failure to do so can Irfan was banned for one third one-day international in Abu Dhabi a over. result in a ban of a mini- year, six months of which day later. Both batsmen were caught behind by wicket- keeper Regis Chakabva, though Hope was only given out after the Decision Review SRI LANKAN TWENTY20 SQUAD System revealed an edge and overturned umpire Paul Reif- Kohli hails India’s new spin (captain), Dilshan Munaweera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera fel’s original decision. Samarawickrama, Ashan Priyanjan, Mahela Udawatte, Dasun Shanaka, Sachith From 35 for two, the Pathirana, Vikum Sanjaya, Lahiru Gamage, Seekkuge Prasanna, Vishwa Fernan- West Indies rallied with a

do, , and Chathuranga de Silva, Minod Bhanuka. 75-run stand for the third duo ahead of NZ ODI series wicket between Powell and Hope, but Zimbabwe Mumbai they are so good together, it is remained patient and never Reuters tempting to play them in every let the West Indian scoring game. Perera to lead Lanka’s accelerate. ndia captain Virat Kohli has “Ashwin and Jadeja have That allowed the hosts to praised new spinners Kul- We need to find played limited-overs cricket for take control once again when I deep Yadav and Yuzvendra our best bowling last six-seven years regularly. Twenty20 squad for Cremer made the break- Chahal and is tempted to play These youngsters have stepped through, as Powell was them together in India’s one-day combination up and it creates a strong pool brilliantly caught at short leg series opener against New Zea- before we reach for us before the World Cup.” Pakistan series by . land in Mumbai today. New Zealand skipper Kane With Cremer and Zimba- Left-arm wrist spinner the World Cup: Williamson believes his side face bwe’s other part-time Yadav and right-arm leg break Virat Kohli an uphill task to beat India in Sharjah the Sri Lankan ministry to chose spinners gaining significant bowler Chahal have established their own backyard. AFP a different team for Lahore, turn, Roston Chase endured themselves as India’s first- “India’s record is very good which was rejected. some nervy moments early choice attacking combination, at home. They are a very hard ll-rounder Thisara Per- Lakmal and Kapugedara on before reaching tea on 20 keeping veterans Ravichandran team to beat. We know that, at era will lead a 16-man Sri were part of the squad which not out. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja out home in particular, they are the ALankan squad for the was attacked during the second West Indies fielded an for the third consecutive lim- strongest team in the world,” three-match Twenty20 series Test in Lahore eight years ago, unchanged side from the one ited-overs series. reach the World Cup (in 2019) Williamson said. against Pakistan announced which left eight people killed that played England in its last Yadav and Chahal combined stage,” Kohli told reporters “People talk a lot about yesterday, the last of which will and seven visiting team mem- Test in September, to pick up 13 wickets in India’s yesterday. adjusting to the conditions in be played in Lahore. bers and support staff were recent 4-1 ODI series victory “We always had in mind to India, and that’s is really impor- The Sri Lankan team will injured. SCOREBOARD over Australia. bring wrist spinners into play. tant. We did that fairly well last return to Pakistan for the first The 28-year-old Perera, “We need to find our best We honestly did not think of time we were here and it would time since gunmen attacked appointed captain for the first West Indies (I innings): bowling combination before we playing the two together but nice to do that better (this time).” their bus in Lahore in March time, toured Pakistan as mem- K Brathwaite c Chakabva b Jarvis ...... 3 K Powell c Ervine b Cremer ...... 56 2009, forcing international ber of a World XI for a K Hope c Chakabva b Mire ...... 16 teams to shun tours of Pakistan three-match Twenty20 inter- S Hope (not out) ...... 90 over security fears. national series played in Lahore R Chase c Ervine b Raza ...... 31 The first two matches will last month. J Blackwood st Chakabva b Cremer ...... 1 be played in Abu Dhabi on The World XI series was S Dowrich c Masakadza b Williams ...... 11 October 26 and 27 before the part of Pakistan Cricket Board’s J Holder lbw b Williams ...... 8 Sri Lankan team tours Pakistan effort to revive international D Bishoo c Ervine b Williams ...... 0 K Roach lbw b Cremer ...... 0 in a fly-in, fly-out arrangement cricket in the country, which S Gabriel c Ervine b Cremer ...... 0 of 24 hours. also included the staging of the Extras (3B) ...... 3 The last match will be Pakistan Super League final in Total (all out) ...... 219 played in Lahore on October 29. March this year. Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-35, 3-110, 4-174, Sri Lankan limited overs Pakistan also hosted Zim- 5-179, 6-202, 7-212, 8-218, 9-219, 10-219. captain , fast babwe for a five-match limited Bowling: Jarvis 14-2-40-1, Mpofu 14-4-28-0, bowler , current overs series in 2015 but bigger Mire 7-0-22-1, Cremer 23.5-3-64-4, 11-1-42-1, Williams 13-4-20-3. team spearhead Suranga Lak- teams like Australia, India, Eng- Zimbabwe (I innings): mal, and batsmen Niroshan land, New Zealand and South H Masakadza (batting) ...... 0 Dickwella and Chamara Kapug- Africa have refsued to tour S Mire (batting)...... 17 edara reportedly withdrew there. That forced Pakistan to Extras (2LB) ...... 2 from the tour of Pakistan over play their home matches in Total (0 wkts) ...... 19 security fears. neutral venues in UAE. To bat: B Taylor, C Ervine, S Williams, Sikandar Malinga was not selected Pakistan currently leads the Raza, M Waller, R Chakabva, G Cremer, K Jarvis, C Mpofu.

Indian captain Virat Kohli (left) and team-mates Hardik Pandya (centre), Ajinkya Rahane for the ongoing one-day series five-match one-day series 4-0 Bowling: Gabriel 2-1-2-0, Holder 1-0-9-0, (right) and Axar Patel talk during a training session in Mumbai yesterday. in United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the last match in Sharjah Bishoo 1-1-0-0, Chase 1-0-6-0. but had reportedly requested tomorrow. 24 SPORT SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2017 SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 25

Relaxed Hartley Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving avoids full throttle the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Marquez pips Dovizioso to grab Team Mercedes on F1 debut F1 WO8 on track during practice for the United States last-gasp pole at Phillip Island Austin Reuters Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Phillip Island, Australia qualifying session by finishing in the top oing full throttle almost took on a new Americas in Austin, AFP AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX GRID two positions in the first session, for rid- Texas on Friday. meaning for Brendon Hartley after his MOTOGP ers whose practice times were outside the helmet lifted at speed during his first For- orld championship leader Marc top ten. G 1ST ROW mula One practice session on Friday. Marquez snatched pole position Rossi posted a best 1:29.346 lap time The first New Zealand grand prix driver for Wand left title rival Andrea 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 1:28.386, 2. on his Yamaha, 0.359secs ahead of Smith 33 years otherwise sounded pretty happy with Dovizioso in his wake in the final seconds Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 1:28.719, 3. on a KTM. his day’s work, despite collecting a 25-place of qualifying yesterday for the Australian Johann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha) 1:28.744 Triple world MotoGP champion Jorge grid penalty before he had even stepped into MotoGP. 2ND ROW Lorenzo, who injured his ankle in a tum- the car at the US Grand Prix. Triple world champion Marquez ble during third free practice, was sixth on Hartley completed 69 laps, more than a race grabbed his 44th pole in his 88th MotoGP 4. Andrea Iannone (ITA/Suzuki) 1:28.937, 5. his Ducati to push him down to 16th on distance, and went through the pre-set pro- with a best lap time of one minute 28.386 Jack Miller (AUS/Honda) 1:28.964, 6. Pol Sunday’s race grid. gramme with barely a hiccup in the Toro Rosso. seconds at Phillip Island, while Ducati’s Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 1:29.030 “It was a bad crash and I rolled over a At the end of the afternoon he was 17th. Dovizioso struggled to 11th fastest and will 3RD ROW number of times in the gravel,” Lorenzo He appeared completely unfazed when start today’s race from the fourth row. 7. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 1:29.203, 8. said. talking to reporters afterwards. The Spanish Honda rider, who leads “I immediately thought I had broken Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Aprilia) 1:29.271, 9. Bra- For a man who had not driven a Formula Dovizioso by 11 points with three rounds something, but luckily the X-ray ruled out One car since 2010, another era altogether, and left, will start on the inside of the grid, dley Smith (GBR/KTM) 1:29.321 any fractures and only confirmed a whose last single seater outing was in 2012, it alongside his compatriot Maverick Vinales 4TH ROW sprained left ankle, which hurts a lot.” all stacked up to an impressive and memora- and French Yamaha racer Johann Zarco. 10. Calal Crutchlow (GBR/Honda) 1:29.429, 11. ble experience. Dovizioso will be hoping Marquez con- Andreaea Dovizioso ((ITA/Ducati)ITA/Ducati) 1:1:29.496,29.496, 112.2. “I’m 27, I’m not a young rookie,” he said by tinues to have his impetuous moments Dani PPedrosaedrosa ((ESP/Honda)1:29.546ESP/Honda)1:29.546 way of explanation for the laid-back approach. around the fast, sweeping Phillip Island “It was a pretty positive first day. I tried to track. not over-think it, I just tried to go out and see Marquez crashed out of last year’s race grid. how I felt in the first session. while leading and already crowned world Six-timex-time racerace wiwinnernner “I kept it (the car) on track, made good pro- Record-breaking Hamilton champion. He also came off his Honda bike Valentinotino Rossi will join gression through the day, did a lot of practice during the 2014 race. Aleix Espargarospargaro (Aprilia) and starts, pitstop practice which was something “We will see the feeling with the bike, Briton Bradley Smith (KTM) quite new to me ... and it’s only taking two and it is important at the start that I warm the on the third row.row. a half seconds.” tyres well and we will see which rear tyres Dovizioso,vizioso, who beat Mar-Mar- A Le Mans 24 Hours winner with Porsche we will choose,” Marquez said. quez inn a thrillinthrillingg final lap and also a world endurance champion, Hart- “The race is very long, 27 laps, the tyres duel inn Japan last weekend, ley is no stranger to high performance racing can drop, I will just try to start well and get struggleded in qualifying and will but he recognised he still had a lot to learn, par- dominates practice in Austin the feel of the bike. start offff the fourth row aloalongng ticularly through the quick corners, and to “The most important thing is to finish with lastast year’s race winner Cal improve on before today’s race. on the podium and especially in front of Crutchlowlow andand DaniDani Pedrosa.Pedrosa. Whatever his grid position after qualifying, Dovi (Dovizioso). “Thehe crash in practice condi- the New Zealander will be starting at the back Austin platform and a solid start to the couple of successive laps tomor- “It’s important to start ahead of Dovi, tioned mmyy ququalifyingalifying session a bit,” due to an engine switch he inherited as a result AFP weekend. row it should be better.” US GRAND PRIX PRACTICE TIMES but at Motegi he started from ninth and he Doviziosooso said. of being a late replacement for absent French- “It was amazing to have so After failing to finish two of ON FRIDAY: was behind me already by lap four.” “WeWe could surely have gone man Pierre Gasly. hampionship leader much support - which I am super the last three races in Asia, Vet- Zarco, who snatched pole position at quicker,r, but unfortunatelyunfortunately I wasn’t able Hartley cannot change that but there is Lewis Hamilton con- grateful for. I’m excited to see tel may have been happy to Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:34.668 (26 laps) Motegi last weekend, looked set to repeat to ride as well as yesterdayyesterday and so unlikely to be any repeat of the helmet tinued his everyone tomorrow.” emerge unscathed on Friday, but the feat when he hit the front before we startrt down the grid. problem. record-breaking Hamilton, who has dismissed he completed only 11 laps com- Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) 1:35.065 (30) Vinales and Marquez in turn claimed the “A realreal pity, but that’s “We had some issues with the helmet lift- form on Friday when talk of clinching the world title pared to Hamilton’s 26 laps in the Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) 1:35.192 (11) best lap time in the final moments of the wayay it went and ing up and trying to choke me,” he said. “I guess Che reeled off a ‘double top’ in this weekend as “silly”, can take second session. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1:35.279 (39) qualifying. now wee have onlyonly to they designed the car around a certain helmet practice for this weekend’s his fourth championship if he Hamilton’s Mercedes team- Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) 1:35.463 (24) “We want to push from the beginning think about and I’ve turned up with a different one. So we’re United States Grand Prix. wins and Vettel fails to finish in mate Valtteri Bottas was fourth Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Ferrari) 1:35.514 (29) of the race so off the front is a good place tomorrowrow to trtryy getting on top of that.” As his title rival Sebastian the top five on Sunday. ahead of Australian Daniel Ric- to be,” Vinales said. and workwork out Fernando Alonso (ESP/McLaren-Honda) 1:36.304 (28) The team added a small windshield and Vettel struggled through a dif- Vettel, who has seen his ciardo in the second Red Bull and “We hope for a dry race, we know in where we cancan there will be continuing tweaks with the driv- ficult second session in which championship challenge under- 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen Felipe Massa (BRA/Williams) 1:36.460 (30) the wet we are not at the level of the improve.”ve.” ers’ seat but otherwise Hartley felt at home. he spun off in his Ferrari, Ham- mined by accidents and engine in the second Ferrari. Sergio Pérez (MEX/Force India) 1:36.481 (28) others.” Rossissi aandnd “I feel positive I can do the drive come Sun- ilton smashed the lap record at problems in the last three races, Two-time champion Fern- Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force India) 1:36.490 (34) Andrea Iannone (Suzuki), Australian Smithi th day,” he said. the Circuit of the Americas. admitted that he had suffered ando Alonso was seventh fastest Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Renault) 1:36.529 (30) Jack Miller (Honda) and Pol Espargaro advancedced ttoo His best lap in one minute from “a messy afternoon”. ahead of Felipe Massa of Wil- Nico Hülkenberg (GER/Renault) 1:36.534 (18) (KTM) will start off the second row of the the secondcond and 34.668 seconds saw him He said: “It’s Friday and you liams and the two Force India outpace nearest rival Max Ver- want to run as much as possible. cars of Sergio Perez and Esteban Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso) 1:36.761 (40) Red Bull’s Horner stappen, who earlier signed a That didn’t work out for me. Ocon. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas) 1:37.285 (17) new deal to stay at Red Bull Great Britain’s Mercedes GP driver Lewis Hamilton of and “We have to take it as it is Debutant Brendon Hartley, Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren-Honda) 1:37.463 (31) until 2020, by nearly four- prepares to drive in the garage during practice for the United right now and make sure that the the first New Zealander to race Lance Stroll (CAN/Williams) 1:37.788 (27) delighted with tenths of a second and States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas in car is in good shape to get the in Formula One for 33 years, was Brendon Hartley (NZL/Toro Rosso) 1:37.987 (41) four-time champion Vettel by rhythm and then I think we 17th on his first run with Toro Austin, Texas. Pascal Wehrlein (GER/Sauber) 1:38.165 (35) half a second. should be quick. Rosso, but is expected to start Verstappen deal “It’s been an interesting day moved around and how the car feeling good. There are lots of “It’s important to feel com- today’s race from the back of the Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber) 1:38.262 (22) with lots of ups and downs in feels,” said Hamilton. areas we can improve on, but fortable. Obviously, we’re missing grid after taking a penalty for Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) 1:38.387 (26) Austin terms of how the track has “But overall the car was generally it feels like a solid some laps, but I’m sure with a having a new engine. AFP

ed Bull chief Christian Horner could hardly disguise his glee on Friday after Red Bull Racing drivers Daniel Ricciardo (second right) of Australia the team confirmed they had re-signed R and Max Verstappen (right) of Netherlands take part in a training Max Verstappen on a new three-year contract. session with the Del Valle Cardinals High School Football Team The 20-year-old Dutchman will stay with ahead of the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Ricciardo the team until 2020 after agreeing a deal that Americas in Austin, Texas yesterday . delighted Red Bull and ended widespread spec- ulation about his future. “He’s in the best place in the sport to build happy at Red a team around him,” said Horner, who said he hoped also to retain Australian Daniel Ricciardo. Both drivers have been linked with moves to Ferrari and Mercedes. Bull for now But Horner was happy to sweep that spec- ulation aside by re-signing the sport’s hottest young driver. Austin “What Max has seen this year is the strength AFP in depth in the team, its ability to develop and ability to dig itself out of an issue where we aniel Ricciardo believes it is too soon for him to started the year. decide his future in Formula One following Red “It’s been a character-building year for him, DBull’s move to re-sign his younger team-mate but he feels very comfortable in the environ- Dutchman Max Verstappen. ment and he’s enjoying racing within the team. The Australian, whose current deal runs to 2018, said: He sees the commitment that is there for the “To be honest, it’s not that I’ve said no to anything. It’s just future.” still quite early, I think. Many paddock observers believe the reten- “People talked a little bit about contracts and the silly tion of Verstappen made clear that Red Bull season for next year, but I thought it would still happen intend to make him the focal point for their next year,” he said, speaking during qualifying for the US future plans just as rivals Mercedes and Fer- Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. rari have done with Lewis Hamilton and Ricciardo, 28, said 20-year-old Verstappen’s deal was Sebastian Vettel. a positive development. Honda’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez races down the Ricciardo’s current contract ends in 2018. “Obviously it’s not really got anything to do with me, “We’ve spoken with Daniel,” said Horner. but if I’m to try and extract some positives out of his news back straight during qualifying for the 2017 Australian “It’s very clear we want to do exactly the it’s that it gives us good confidence for next year. MotoGP Grand Prix at Phillip Island yesterday. The world same with him. There was a window of discus- “He and his management see a lot of positives in the championship leader snatched pole position and left title sion that took place with Max and obviously team to continue like that. rival Andrea Dovizioso in his wake in the final seconds of our objective is to retain the two drivers and “I’m 100 percent here next year, I can at least say that, qualifying yesterday. hopefully we will be able to achieve that until and I think it gives both of us confidence that we’ll keep 2020.” progressing the way we are.” 26 SPORT SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2017

Grant’s first 2 NHL goals lead NBA: Thompson and Curry Ducks’ 6-2 rout of Canadiens

Anaheim, California lead Warriors past Pelicans AP

erek Grant didn’t score a goal in the first 92 games of his NHL Golden State Warriors guard Klay D career, and then he put two Thompson (centre) drives past New past star Montreal goalie Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (left) Carey Price. and guard E’Twaun Moore during the first That was only perhaps the quarter of their game at the Smoothie fifth-strangest occurrence in King Center on Friday. the Anaheim Ducks’ 6-2 vic- tory over the struggling Canadiens on Friday night. Grant scored during Ana- heim’s three-goal first period, and he scored again while the Ducks connected three times in a 97-second span of the third. In between, the Cana- diens launched a stunning 30 shots in the second period at Anaheim goalie John Gibson, who made a franchise-record 28 saves. Brandon Montour, Anto- ine Vermette and Chris Wagner had a goal and an assist apiece for the Ducks, who had scored just two goals in their previous two games before shredding one of the NHL’s top goalies. Dennis Rasmussen also scored his first goal for the Ducks dur- ing the first period. “That’s the best start we’ve had for our hockey club this year,” Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle said. “We just want to play the right way, and I guess for 40 minutes, we played pretty good. The other 20, we need New Orleans the second half. Anthony Davis NBA RESULTS technical foul by official Ed third quarter. “We’re just not to work on.” AP had 35 points and 17 rebounds Malloy in the second quarter. ready to put together a com- Paul Byron and Brendan for the Pelicans, while fellow LA Lakers 132 Phoenix 130 ... The Pelicans announced that plete game. We’re basically Gallagher scored and Price s quickly as Golden big man DeMarcus Cousins had Golden State 128 New Orleans 120 C Alexis Ajinca would miss four still in training camp in my made 39 saves for the Cana- State’s Klay 35 points and 14 rebounds. Sacramento 93 Dallas 88 to six weeks following success- mind,” Warriors coach Steve diens (1-6-1), who have lost Thompson pulled Despite the loss, coach Minnesota 100 Utah 97 ful bilateral knee injections to Kerr said. seven straight during their up for his seventh Alvin Gentry and several Peli- Brooklyn 126 Orlando 121 treat patellar tendinitis. ... New “We’re still working on worst start to a season since 3-pointer of the cans players felt their play Orleans shot 50 percent from everything and that’s pretty 1941. night,A the Pelicans’ packed, improved against the defend- Charlotte 109 Atlanta 91 3-point range in the first half, obvious.” One game after Montreal home-opening crowd stopped ing champion Warriors and left Portland 114 Indiana 96 hitting 11 of 22, but made just Durant scored two points yielded four goals in the third chanting, “Defence,” and optimistic about an upcoming Boston 102 Philadelphia 92 five of 14 from deep in the sec- and blocked two shots by period of a loss at Los Ange- started looking for the nearest West Coast trip. Washington 115 Detroit 111 ond half. Tony Allen during a short les, the Canadiens allowed

exits. “We took another huge Cleveland 116 Milwaukee 97 Meanwhile, New Orleans stretch in which he played Anaheim’s three-goal flurry Thompson scored 31 step tonight,” Cousins said. “I’m stormed in front early, thanks with only one shoe after the in the third. points, Stephen Curry added proud of the way we battled, to eight 3-pointers in the first other had fallen off right Montour broke open the 28 and the Golden State War- looking forward to the next quarter. The period closed with before he hit a layup. Durant game with an exceptional riors easily erased a 15-point matchup. I think we are in a Gentry said. “We have to con- a long 3 by each team. and Curry grinned as they one-timer from the boards first-half deficit en route to a good place.” tinue to try to figure it out.” Draymond Green hit from watched a replay of the after Kevin Bieksa’s stick 128-120 victory over the New The teams combined for 34 Warriors: Curry reached 31 feet as the shot clock ran sequence in the locker room. shattered on his own shot Orleans Pelicans on Friday 3-pointers, with the Warriors 3,927 assists, passing Tim down, then Davis beat the horn Meanwhile, Green said attempt, and Grant and Wag- night. hitting 18. Thompson, his Hardaway for second place on from 30 feet, turning after the Durant will “never” get the ner added goals 23 seconds “I felt like I was in the quick-release perimeter shoot- the franchise’s assists list. ... shot to face the crowd and credit he deserves for his apart. zone,” Thompson said. “If I ing on full display, was 7 of 12 David West, who was New pound the palm of his right defensive play because “his “I don’t know a human on went out there and shot some from deep. Orleans’ first-round draft hand into his chest. offense is too pretty.” earth that wouldn’t be frus- more jumpers, I’d probably The Pelicans, who wound choice in 2003 and spent his Davis’ shot put the Pelicans Green, who scored 10 trated at this point,” said make some more. I was just up trailing by double digits first eight NBA seasons with the up 39-26, and New Orleans led points, was assessed a techni- Price, who dropped to 0-4-0 getting great looks tonight.” much of the fourth quarter, franchise, received polite by as many as 15 when Cous- cal foul after shoving Cousins in his career at Honda Center. Kevin Durant added 22 pulled as close as five points applause after scoring his first ins’ free throw made it 57-42 in the second quarter. points and a career-high seven on Cousins’ 3 with about three points on a mid-range jumper. half way through the second “I was just trying to get in NHL RESULTS blocked shots for the Warriors, minutes to go. But Thompson He followed that up with a quarter. Cous’ head. That’s it. He was Anaheim 6 Montreal 2 who won for the first time this responded immediately with 3-pointer shortly after and fin- Golden State closed out the playing well,” Green explained. young season after dropping a 3, after which Golden State ished with 11 points. half with a 19-7 flourish, “He put his armpit in my face Winnipeg 4 Minnesota 3 their opener to Houston. remained comfortably in Pelicans: G Ian Clark had capped by Durant’s 3 that and he flopped a little bit on Washington 4 Detroit 3 New Orleans is still look- control. 14 points, while Jrue Holiday made it 64-61 at halftime. the push.” Pittsburgh 4 Florida 3 ing for its first victory after two “We were better today than and Jordan Crawford each That turned out to be part But Green stressed that games, shooting well early in we were the last game (at added 13 from the back court. of a 26-7 run that gave the Cousins is “my guy” when Vancouver 4 Buffalo 2

both contests before fading in Memphis). That’s important,” ... Gentry was assessed a Warriors their first lead in the they’re not competing. San Jose 3 New Jersey 0

Verlander, Altuve help Houston Astros top Yankees

Houston “He chose to come here for make a catch at the centre-field completed only seconds before Houston AP games like this and beyond.” wall that robbed Todd Frazier of the midnight deadline for posts- Astros starting Acquired in an August 31 extra bases with two on and the eason eligibility. pitcher Justin ustin Verlander remained per- trade, Verlander has won all nine Astros up 3-0. For the Astros, it was Just-in Verlander in fect with the Houston Astros of his outings for the Astros — When it was over, Verlander time. action on Jwhen they couldn’t afford including three starts and his first had improved to 4-1 with a 1.21 Brian McCann’s RBI ground- Friday in anything else. career relief appearance during ERA in five career postseason rule double in the fifth ended an Houston. The ace right-hander pitched the postseason. With his new elimination games. He ran his 0-for-20 slump before Altuve seven shutout innings and Jose club facing playoff elimination scoreless streak in such games snapped an 0-for-12 skid with a Altuve homered and drove in for the first time in Game 6 to 24 innings. two-run single later in the inning. three runs during a 7-1 victory against the Yankees, he delivered After striking out 13 for a Altuve hit his fourth homer over the New York Yankees on again to tie the series 3-all. complete-game victory in Game of the postseason when he con- Friday night that extended the “There’s no point in saving 2, Verlander threw another gem. nected on a solo shot off David AL Championship Series to a anything,” Verlander said, The 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Robertson in the eighth. decisive Game 7. acknowledging the last two Award winner scattered five hits Houston improved to 5-0 at “He’s been everything that innings took a lot out of him. and struck out eight to improve home this postseason after drop- we could have hoped for and George Springer helped the to 9-0 with a 1.23 ERA and 67 ping three straight in New York more,” Astros manager AJ Hinch 34-year-old Verlander out of a strikeouts since agreeing to a as the Astros chase their second said about Verlander. jam in the seventh, leaping to trade from Detroit that was trip to the World Series (2005). SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2017 SPORT 27 Goerges thrashes Halep hopes to keep Kasatkina in straight sets to clinch Cup

Germany’s dream alive at Finals Julia Goerges celebrates with the trophy after Singapore Latvia’s Ostapenko are in the the victory over Reuters White Group Russia’s Daria Meanwhile, Muguruza feels Kasatkina in imona Halep (pictured) fit and fresh ahead of the WTA I think for everyone here, the most Kremlin Cup is still coming to terms Finals with the Spanish world final in Moscow with her rise to the top number two keen to bank on her important thing is to finish the year as yesterday. of the world rankings at experience of previous visits to the start of the month number one, but it is not going to be Singapore to emerge from a Sbut is trying not to let the eupho- group containing the tour’s easy. Here everyone is going to play the ria of the achievement distract hardest hitters in the round- her at the eight-woman WTA best tennis, and every match is going to robin phase. Finals which starts today. be like a final: The Wimbledon champion Halep became the first starts her campaign today Romanian to reach the summit against Latvia’s French Open of the women’s rankings when winner Jelena Ostapenko, the she beat French Open champion pair taking to the Singapore Jelena Ostapenko in the semi- Indoor Stadium court after a finals of the China Open in White Group opener between Beijing, a feat she feels is the high the best tennis, and every match meet her again. Maybe I can take Czech Karolina Pliskova and point of her career to date. is going to be like a final, as I said the revenge.” American . “The dream came true. Is just many times.” Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina and “Honestly, I had no prefer- the best feeling that I ever had “So I’m not thinking about Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki ence about who I played,” the in my tennis career so far,” the that. I play better when I’m not are the other two players in the 24-year-old told reporters of the 26-year-old told reporters in thinking about the ranking. I’m Red Group. Spain’s Garbine Mugu- draw yesterday. Singapore yesterday. justjggg going to give my y best, to try y ruza, Czech Karolina Pliskova, Muguruzagg made a stunning “It’s nice. I’m just enjoying to be focused on what I have to AAmeri-meri- can Venus Wil- debutdebut in Singapore two years the moment. I cannot describe playplay in each match, and we will lliamsiams and agago,o, winningwinning all three pool in words what I feel, but it’s a seesee at thethe endend wwhoho is goinggoing to bebe mmatchesatches bbeforeefore llosingosing a titightght good feeling. I’m happy when numbernumber one.”one.” ssemi-finalemi-final to an inspired I’m going to the courts now,” AfterAfter the win over AgnieszkaAgnieszka Radwanska, but was added Halep, who has won 15 OOstapenko,stapenko, HaHaleplep was below-parbelow-par lastlast year whenwhen sheshe WTA tournaments since her beaten in the Beijing final ffailedailed to progress out of the breakthrough year in 2013. by Frenchwoman Caro-Caro- groupgroup stage.stage. Moscow means a lot for me that I Halep is planning a major lineline GaGarciarcia aandnd tthehe TheThe SSpaniard,paniard, who was AFP can share this moment with celebration of her ascent to the RomanianRomanian will have a lit-lit- named WTA Player of the Year Dasha (Kasatkina). top of the rankings at the end of tle bit of revenge in mind onon Friday, believes her prepa- ermany’s Julia “It was my second year the season but the Romanian whenwhen the duo open Red rationration for this year’s Goerges clinched a here and I must say that I remains aware that six of the GGrouproup round-robin playplay tournamenttournament hashas beenbeen farfar bet-bet- Gcareer third WTA had a great time here last other seven women at the WTA wwithith a sshowdownhowdown ter than in the ppastast and title with a straight-set year regardless of my Finals could usurp her as world tomorrow.tomorrow. knowing that she had quali-quali- romp over Daria Kasatkina result. And I will come here number one. “She“She playedplayed reallyreally well fied relativelrelativelyy earlearlyy was also of Russia in the final of the next year to defend my “Well, the day that I won the inin China and she deserved beneficialbeneficial to her causecause.. Kremlin Cup yesterday. title.” match against Ostapenko, that toto win that title,” HaleHalepp “This“This yyearear is completelcompletelyy dif- The seventh-seeded The 28-year-old, who was the best day, by far, best added ofof Garcia.Garcia. ferent because for the ppreviousrevious German prevailed 6-1, 6-2 was contesting her fourth feeling. But when I went home, “And“And ofof course afterafter allall thethe years in Singapore I qual-qual- in one hour six minutes to WTA final of the season, I had all the friends, family close results that she did this year, she ified in the last chalk up her third victory looked in complete com- to me, and it was -- I had some deservesdeserves to be here. I tournaments.”tournaments.” over the 20-year-old mand breaking her rival’s good dinners with them,” she cancan saysay that I’m Kasatkina in their fifth serve twice from the start added. excitedexcited to head-to-head meeting. to take the opening set in “We celebrated a little bit. “I just feel amazing,” 24 minutes. But I haven’t done a big party. Goerges said on court after In the second Goerges So I’m waiting to finish here to the match. underlined her domination go to the holiday and then I will “I’ve been working at the hard court of Mos- have a big party. hard for this moment. I’m cow’s Olympic indoor “I think for everyone here, so happy and so emotional arena producing two more the most important thing is to right now. breaks to claim her first finish the year as number one, “But at the same time it title of the year. but it is not going to be easy. Here everyone is going to play Tsonga makes Antwerp final on Rookies ready to rock in Singapore

comeback trail Singapore Reuters Antwerp AFP ll three debutants at the WTA Finals will be hop- rench number one Jo-Wilfried Aing to continue their Tsonga (pictured) qualified for the stellar campaigns for at least Ffinal of the Antwerp ATP yester- another week by making a day beating local player Ruben positive impact at the season- Bemelmans 6-3, 6-3 and showing his ending elite eight-woman knee injury is now behind him. event in Singapore. It will be Tsonga’s first final in five The trio of newcomers are months, although it comes in a tourna- Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, who ment light on top talent as the won five WTA Tour events in 32-year-old 2017, Latvia’s French Open seeks to gain champion Jelena Ostapenko, fitness and and Frenchwoman Caroline confidence. Garcia, who snared back-to- Elina Svitolina of Ukraine poses for photographers during the Official Draw Ceremony of the WTA Finals Singapore on He is back tournaments in China to next due to seal the final berth. Friday. Centre: Caroline Garcia of France in action. Right: Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia during the event. The trio will play at the Svitolina’s appearance will make their debut in the ATP Finals in Singapore. Vienna Open feel like her graduation after starting on playing in the last two WTA this year in Singapore. It’s of have a chance, and I think success with the same formula another. Svitolina and Garcia Monday and Elite Trophy tournaments in course a big achievement for there, especially the court and that has led to an 11-match have been drawn together in then the Zhuhai, China -- a 12-woman me. I’m very, very happy that everything, it fitted me. So I winning run. the Red Group and open their Paris Masters event for those who did not I did it this year.” had a great result,” she said. “I don’t feel very different campaigns with respective the following qualify for Singapore -- where Ostapenko’s stunning suc- “Of course it’s going to be on court winning 11 matches round-robin matches against week. she reached the final last year. cess at Roland Garros was the interesting matches (here), but straight than not. I mean, it feels Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki Tsonga is also set to lead France in “All my career has been first title of her professional the good thing is that I played good, for sure, to have so many and Romanian world number next month’s Davis Cup final against step by step, and, you know, it career and after following it up against all the players in my wins like this behind me, but I one Simona Halep in Lille. was quite a good thing to play with a second tournament win group, so I kind of know how know tennis can go very fast in tomorrow. He felt pain in his right knee in Sep- in Zhuhai, something like pre- in Seoul last month, the they play, and I’m going to try one way or another,” she said. Ostapenko is in the White tember at St Petersburg and had not paring you to be here. I made 20-year-old plans to continue to show my best.” “So I’m just staying myself, Group alongside fellow big- expected to be playing again yet. a semi-final, then final last her big-hitting tactics in Garcia may have been the staying humble at practice, hitters Karolina Pliskova of the Today, Tsonga goes up against either year, so I think it can help me,” Singapore. last player to qualify for Sin- keep improving, keep work- , American Diego Schwartzman of Argentina or the she told reporters yesterday. “The French Open was a gapore following tournament ing out. I know all these Venus Williams and Spanish 19-year-old newcomer Stefanos Tsit- “We’ll see how it’s gonna great tournament for me. I was triumphs in Wuhan and Bei- matches were very hard. Some world number two Garbine sipas, who beat top seed David Goffin go, but for sure I enjoyed my always aggressive player and jing but the Frenchwoman will were very tight, and it could Muguruza, who she faces in on Friday. previous years in Zhuhai and trying to hit the ball hard if I hope to continue enjoying change from one way to her opening match today. 28 SPORT SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2017 Brilliant Batuleviciute tops Doha field

Rizwan Rehmat The Peninsula

ina Batuleviciute of Lithuania yesterday I loved competing produced flawless per- formances in fencing here. This is an and riding to claim the amazing place Ltop position at the season-end- ing Champion of Champions leg with an amazing at Al Shaqab Arena. venue: Elodie The 27-year-old Lithuanian produced a tally of 1273 points Clouvel on way to her gold medal per- formance that left her ‘surprised’. “Yes, I am very surprised. I did not expect I would do so well. I did not come here thinking I would win in Qatar,” Batulevici- Darwesh, Secretary General of ute said after the prize QEF, Dr Klaus Schormann Pres- distribution ceremony. ident of UIPM, and Jenusz Peciak, “I think I did really well in UIPM Executive Board Member fencing and riding. I felt comfort- for Sport, at the prize distribu- able though we had to start the tion ceremony. swimming competition twice The men’s competitions take because of an error from a place today. judge,” she added. The two-day competition, “But overall, I am very organised by the Qatar Eques- pleased with my effort,” Batulev- trian and Modern Pentathlon iciute said. Federation (QEMP) in collabo- “I came here to compete well Podium winners, Lina Batuleviciute of Lithuania, Alice Sotero of Italy and Elodie Clouvel of France pose for a photograph ration with UIPM, has attracted but I found good early rhythm to with Ali Al Rumaihi, UIPM) Champion of Champions - Doha - Event Director, Bader Al Darwesh, Secretary General of Qatar 34 athletes competing in five dominate,” she said. Equestrian Federation, Dr Klaus Schormann, President of UIPM, and Jenusz Peciak, UIPM Executive Board Member for Olympic disciplines swimming, “I am happy to have won my Sport during the prize distribution ceremony at Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. fencing, riding, running and second individual title. It is very shooting. pleasing.” in second spot with a tally of 1266 1261 points. Clouvel managed “I wanted a podium finish. Rio. I will start my training with Champion of Champions Batuleviciute managed a top points. 236 in fencing, 283 in swimming This is my second medal in Qatar. this goal in mind. My principal series brings together the best score of 250 points in fencing but Sotero impressed with her (first position), 291 in riding and I am going to take this form into objective is the gold medal in UIPM ranked athletes from shared the riding competition swimming session scoring 282 451 in the laser-run session to the next season, knowing that I Tokyo. I have won silver and I around the globe for a spectac- with Anna Maliszewska (300 points, followed by 298 in the finish in third spot. won a medal in Doha,” Clouvel seek a gold,” Clouvel said. ular event to crown the best male points each). riding. The Italian managed 471 “I loved competing here. This said. “My fencing and swimming and female Modern Pentathletes “My horse was very good. I points in the laser-run, just eight is an amazing place with an “I want to take step-by-step were good. I have to say my in the world. think the competition was very off the tally scored by Batulevi- amazing venue,” Clouvel said. when I prepare for the new sea- horse was really good. There Russia’s World number six stiff as there were so many tough ciute (479). “I am not sad at all. It was a son. I need to look at what I need were no problems at all. And yes, Alexsandr Lesun will be leading competitors,” she said. France’s silver medallist at pleasure being here. I did not to do to do better. My ultimate I want to be back in Qatar next the charge in the men’s compe- “It was clear that winning last year’s Rio Olympics, Elodie prepare the way I do normally goal is to win the gold at Tokyo year,” Clouvel said. tition having won the gold medal here would not be easy and it Clouvel smiled her way to the and yet I finished third,” the Games,” Clouvel said. Ali Al Rumaihi, Event Direc- at the Rio Olympic Games last was very tough for every ath- bronze medal with a score of French star added. “I won the silver last year in tor, was joined by Bader Al August. lete,” Batuleviciute said. Batuleviciute last month won the CISM World Championships held in Drzonkow, Poland. Italy’s Alice Sotero finished

Podium I came here to winners, Lina compete well but Batuleviciute of Lithuania, I found good early Alice Sotero rhythm to of Italy and dominate: Lina Elodie Clouvel of France pose for Batuleviciute a photograph during the prize distribution ceremony at Al Shaqab Arena.

UIPM CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2017 Today’s programme: (men’s competition) 10.00am: Swimming: At QF Recreation Centre 11.00am: Fencing Ranking Round: At QF Recreation Centre 1.45pm: Fencing Bonus Round: At Al Shaqab Arena 2.15pm: Riding / Draw starts: At Al Shaqab Arena 2.40pm: Riding / First athlete mounts: At Al Shaqab Arena 3.00pm: Riding competition starts: At Al Shaqab Arena 4.15pm: Laser Run starts: At Al Shaqab Arena 4.45pm: Award ceremony: At Al Shaqab Arena

UIPM CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS, DOHA: FINAL RESULTS (WOMEN) POS ATHLETE/COUNTRY FENCING SWIMMING RIDING LASER-RUN MP POINTS POS WIN DFT PTS POS TIME PTS POS TIME PTS POS TIME PTS 1 Lina Batuleviciute 1 22 10 250 14 2:33.46 244 1 70.79 300 4 13:41.05 479 1273 2 Alice Sotero 7 17 15 215 2 2:14.42 282 4 72.00 298 5 13:49.97 471 1266 3 Elodie Clouvel 3 20 12 236 1 2:13.56 283 9 72.00 291 12 14:09.83 451 1261 4 Shino Yamanaka 16 11 21 173 12 2:28.39 254 11 72.00 284 1 12:50.42 530 1241 5 Janine Kohlmann 8 17 15 215 4 2:21.06 268 7 71.96 292 6 13:58.69 462 1237 6 Ekaterina Khuraskina 4 19 13 229 17 2:39.84 231 8 72.00 291 3 13:35.10 485 1236 7 Anna Maliszewska 11 16 16 208 9 2:25.63 259 2 64.00 300 7 14:01.02 459 1226 8 Ronja Steinborn 15 12 20 180 11 2:26.49 258 10 74.00 289 2 13:30.82 490 1217 9 Sophia Hernandez 10 16 16 210 15 2:33.82 243 5 74.00 296 10 14:04.74 456 1205 10 Gloria Tocchi 5 17 15 221 10 2:26.35 258 13 97.67 246 9 14:03.51 457 1182