FOOTBALL | Page 3 CCRICKETRICKET | Page 11 I am proud of Misbah’s the players, Pakistan To Advertise here says Qatar favourites in Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 coach Fossati day-night Test

Thursday, October 13, 2016 TENNIS Muharram 12, 1438 AH Troicki stuns Nadal, GULF TIMES Murray cruises in Shanghai SPORT Page 7 UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DOHA 2016 Impressive Martin makes it a time trial double in Doha After leading Etixx-Quick-Step to team time trial victory on Sunday, German races to his fourth individual world title

have two more years. Now I have the full set of medals from “For the moment Fabian has the big- the world championships,” said Kir- ger victories in time trials, two gold yienka, who was wearing the colours of medals in the Olympic Games. For the Belarus rather than the rainbow jersey. moment he is still at the top, but I’m not at the end of my career. I’ve got two QATAR’S ABDULLAH FINISHES 60TH more years in cycling. But right now he Qatar’s sole participant in the ITT is the man.” fi nished in 60th place. Afi f Abdullah The two main pre-race favourites, concluded the 40-kilometre course on Rohan Dennis of Australia and Tom home soil just under the hour barrier, in Dumoulin of the Netherlands, both 57:36.78. struggled. While Dennis fi nished 1min “I am proud to have represented my 27sec behind the winner in sixth, Du- country at the World Championships. moulin was 2min 1sec adrift in 11th. It was a special feeling. It wasn’t easy, “You can know about a course only but I feel proud all the same,” Abdullah by going there. I was thinking whether said. to come to Doha and I fi nally decided to Four riders needed more than an do it. It didn’t work out. But the expe- hour to reach the fi nish line at The rience was worth it and it’ll help me in Pearl: Saudi Arabia’s Sultan Asiri future events,” Dumoulin said. (1:00:05.96), Pakistani’s Mohsin Kahn Ireland’s Ryan Mullen, the 13th of (1:00:33.69) and Hafi z Tahir Mahmood 70 riders named on the startlist, was (1:01:06.02) and Saied Jafer Alali from Germany’s Tony Martin cycles his way to victory in the men’s individual time trial world title in the UCI Road World Championships 2016 yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram the long-time leader, until the fi nal six Kuwait (1:01:15.51). starters began fi nishing. He ended up in The men’s elite road race is on Sun- By Yash Mudgal most out of the strong form he show- days makes up for everything,” said 44:42, a result better than the one fi fth place with a time of 46:07.74. day, with Britain’s Mark Cavendish Doha cased four days ago, when he led Etixx– Martin, who managed an average speed posted by nine of the teams who com- Martin has struggled in time trials among the favourites. Quick-Step to victory in the team time of 53.651km yesterday. peted in Sunday’s time trial. for much of the year but struck peerless trial. On the course which suited him to Martin crouched low under an um- form in searing heat yesterday. Mar- RESULTS ermany’s Tony Martin demol- “After taking the gold medal with the a tee, the German put in a monster brella on a curb and waited for Kir- tin started steady at the isolated Lusail MEN’S INDIVIDUAL 40KM TIME-TRIAL ished the fi eld to win the joint team, to win the rainbow jersey in the performance to win the title for the yienka to fi nish his ride. At the news arena in the desert and was fastest at 1. Tony Martin (GER) 44:42 record fourth men’s individual individual time trial is just the icing on fourth time in his career, following the that he had won the title, he jumped up both time checks on the road towards 2. Vasil Kiryienka (BLR) +45 time trial world title at the the cake. I was a bit scared by the heat triumphs of 2011, 2012 and 2013, thus in delight as his team surrounded him the fi nish area in The Pearl. 3. Jonathan Castroviejo (ESP) +1:10 GUCI Road Cycling World Champion- at fi rst, but having a good preparation equalling Swiss Fabian Cancellara’s whooping for his fourth world champi- Martin was the fastest man at the fi rst 4. Maciej Bodnar (POL) +1:16 ships yesterday. here in Qatar helped me cope with it,” record — 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. onship title. time split but the race was still tight, 5. Ryan Mullen (IRL) +1:21 Steady and powerful, the 31-year- said Martin. “I just had fun on the road. I want to On equalling Cancellara’s record, with Kiryienka just three seconds be- 6. Rohan Dennis (AUS) +1:27 old German stopped the clock on a fl at, Martin is leaving Etixx-Quick Step to be world champion every year, so I am Martin said, “Everybody asks me for hind and Dennis only 11 seconds off the 7. Yves Lampaert (BEL) +1:45 40km course in 44min 42sec, which join Katusha next season. proud I can ride in a world champion the record. I don’t count my medals. pace. However, Martin hit the turbos in 8. Jos van Emden (NED) +1:45 was 45 seconds faster than runner-up “I rode without any pressure, was suit from next year,” said Martin af- For me it’s more important to go from the next sector and had pulled 21 seconds 9. Reto Hollenstein (SUI) +1:51 and defending champion Vasil Kir- focused only on what I had to do, and ter selfi e-snapping moments with the year to year to the title, and wearing the ahead of Kiryienka by the second split, 10. Bob Jungels (LUX) +1:56 yienka of Belarus and 1min 10sec ahead not on my rivals, and to come out on fans. “I’ve missed it a lot.” rainbow jersey next year means more before another blistering fi nal sector 11. Tom Dumoulin (NED) +2:01 of third-placed Jonathan Castroviejo of top is really incredible. I haven’t had a Martin blitzed the Doha course, set- to me. The only thing I can say I’m still doubled the margin of victory. 12. Alex Dowsett (GBR) +2:11 Spain. great year up until this point, but to win ting the reference time at both check- motivated to go for a fi fth and a sixth “I am very satisfi ed with the work I 13. Martin Madsen (DEN) +2:11 Martin was motivated to make the two world titles in the space of just four points, before concluding the race in medal. I’m not at the end of my career. I have done and the medal I have won. 14. Marcin Bialoblocki (POL) +2:15 Road Races to begin with men’s U23 event

By Sports Reporter dred metres to sprint toward the finish chance of breaking away and keeping peloton, while Netherlands’ Cees Doha is a strategy the faster cyclists use the peloton at bay to fight for the big Bol proved his worth recently in the often, but also it also has its own risks. prize, given the smaller size of the Olympia’s Tour, a pan flat U23 stage To start with, being in the right posi- teams (6 riders max) and a technical race that has been used as launching ith both individual and tion in the final metres is crucial and circuit around The Pearl. However, a pad by some riders set to take part in team time trials done hence there is a lot of contention for mass sprint finish cannot be complete- this exciting race. and dusted, the UCI that. Secondly, a group of attackers ly ruled out. Lastly we find two riders that have Road World Champion- might break away from the peloton Halvorsen has proven his credentials excelled in 2016. Belarus’ Alexandr Wships Doha 2016 will enter a new stage during the race and make it all the way by dominating the sprints at the Riabushenko, who won the European starting today with the men’s Un- to the arrival, thus leaving only scraps Tour de l’Avenir, the world’s best U23 Championships RR, and Spain’s Iván der-23 Road Race. for those in the bunch. stage race. Pascal Ackermann, a great García Cortina, who has been quite It’s time for the Road Races, a com- The men’s Under-23 Road Race field, sprinter in his own right will share successful in 2016 having been placed pletely diff erent event where strategy comprising world’s best male riders the German Team captaincy with an inside the top 10 in 24 races over the comes into play. Unlike the time trial aged between 19 and 22 years old, will already established pro such as Phil last seven months. events, in Road Races all riders start aim for the rainbow jersey to propel Bauhaus. The race will be held entirely in The at the same time. The course is way their career to stardom. Talking about established pros, Colom- Pearl. It comprises 10 laps of the 15.2 longer, making endurance a key factor. Norway’s Kristoff er Halvorsen and bia’s Sebatián Molano has already sur- kilometre circuit, plus an initial partial Having energy is as important as sav- Slovakia’s Erik Baska are the main prised older riders this season with his lap for a total of 165.7 kilometres of ing it. Staying behind your teammates favourites for a sprint, while Neth- raw power. Meanwhile, Italy will line racing. After four days of competition, and rivals, to avoid headwind is as erland’s Cees Bol and Italy’s Simone up an outstanding team with Jakub the riders are now familiar with the important moving ahead when you Consonni, the 2015 silver medallist, section close to the finish line where won the rainbow jersey beating Con- Mareczko as star rider and Vincenzo curvy, flat nature of the course and get closer to the finish. seem to be the best candidates for a strong riders made their move and sonni. With Ledanois, 23, moving out Albanese, Riccardo Minali and the aware of how to handle the bends As for tactics, a cyclist’s main purpose successful breakaway. sprinters did their best to hold their of the category, Consonni has another aforementioned as back-up plans. and turns, but they have to withstand during a Road Race is to avoid wasting Last year’s event, held in Richmond wheel and beat them in the last metres. shot at the jersey. Slovakia’s Erik Baska has shone con- the added pressure of being packed energy. Waiting until the last few hun- (Virginia, USA), was decided in an uphill French powerhouse Kevin Ledanois Today, the powerhouses will have a sistently this season in the WorldTour between other riders and their bikes. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, October 13, 2016 SPORT

Al Arabi win QVA Cup The Hub to remain open through Sunday

By Sports Reporter seats, earplugs, and eye masks; Doha a fitness centre, open from 1pm to 6pm, with an on-site trainer available; free water, juice, and he Hub has proven to be snacks from Al Dana and Almarai a popular attraction for for residents; concession stands, Tresidents of The Pearl-Qatar, including well-known names as who seek to take a break from the Jones The Grocer, Amazing Waf- UCI Road World Championships. fles, Fahad & Abadi, Cafe Creme De Due to various road closures Paris and Popcorn Girl; and a game related to the race, The Hub has room including billiards and ping proven to be an invaluable oasis pong and foosball. for residents in need of a comfort- Many residents have taken notice, able area whilst waiting for races using social media to spread the to finish and roads to reopen. word to their friends and the rest The Hub is an attraction for the of The Pearl-Qatar residents. entire family, especially kids, as Residents of The Pearl-Qatar are there are diff erent games for all encouraged to come see this age groups. Also there are daily dedicated zone at Doha Exhibition mascot appearances by ‘Khaz’. Center (DEC). The oasis is the per- There are activities such as draw- fect place to pass time whilst being ing, puzzles, face painting, a kid’s entertained or simply relax. To playset, Playstation and video enter, Pearl-Qatar residents must games, and more. show their resident cards. The The facility opens from 7am to UCI Road World Championships 6pm through Sunday, and includes Organising Committee encourages many features, including, a relax- all residents to come check out our ing lounge, including reclining exclusive amenities.

Al Arabi players lift the QVA Cup trophy after beating defending champions El Jaish 3-1 (21-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-23) in the final yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram

FOCUS Young sons of famous fathers get their fi rst taste of Road Worlds Alexander Konychev and Raimondas Rumsas made their Worlds debut

By Sports Reporter Doha Action from UCI Road World

he world of sport is fi lled with Championships Fanzone examples of children who fol- low in their fathers’ footsteps and carve a name for them- Tselves in their own unique styles. Joe and Kobe Bryant in basketball, Bobby and Barry Bonds in baseball, and Muhammad and Laila Ali are some names that immediately spring to mind. The UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016 also had two ‘star sons’ in attendance. Italian Alexander, son of legendary Russian cyclist Dimitri Konychev, and Lithuanian Raimondas Rumsas Junior, his father’s namesake, put up contrast- ing shows in Doha. PICTURES: Jayaram While Alexander fi nished 27th in the Junior Men’s Individual Time Trial, Raimondas was 59th in the Men’s Un- der-23 event. For Alexander, who turned 18 this year, cycling was not his fi rst choice in sport. Neither was it for his father. “This is only my second year as a cy- clist. I played football for 11 years before taking up cycling, that too accidentally. Once I accompanied my father on a ride down the road, on a mountain bike. He felt I was good at it and off ered me his road bike to ride. That was the begin- Italian Alexander Konychev (left) and Raimondas Rumsas Junior (right) ning. There has been no looking back since then,” he said. wanted to be a cyclist. I am currently certain advantages to having famous Rumsas Junior, on the other hand, For the record, Dimitri tried his hand at racing for Team Palazzago, with Oli- fathers in the sport of their choice. Al- spoke more about his regular training basketball and handball for extended pe- vano Locatelli, to gain experience. I’m exander felt his dad’s advices prior to sessions with his father. riods of time before ending up in cycling. growing better every year, but I have a going to Doha stood him in good stead. “Until just a few years ago, my father Soon, he became a giant among his peers. lot to learn,” he said. “This was my fi rst experience com- used to take part in mass events, like the Rumsas Junior and his brother Linas “This year, I won the National Un- peting in a UCI Road World Champion- renowned Italian Gran Fondo. But new always knew they would follow their der-23 Individual Time Trial Champi- ships. Before coming to Qatar, I spoke regulations prohibit former profes- father’s example. For them, it was a onships while Linas won the Road Race, to my father at length about how to face sionals from competing in the race. So natural progression. with me fi nishing second. I want to be- the pressures of competing in the UCI now he rides just for fun. Whenever my “I have lived in Lucca since I was just come a punchy climber, a specialist on Road World Championships. He gave brother, my father and me are together six years old. My father joined Italian short climbs. I can be a great uphill fi n- me a list of things to concentrate on and at home, we make it a point to train to- side Fassa Bortolo and we all moved isher,” said the 22-year-old. others to avoid. That really helped me gether. The insights he provides are so with him to Tuscany. I always knew I Both riders admitted there were focus better,” said Alexander. very valuable,” he signed off .

BOTTOMLINE Poor Indian roads lead Olympian to return luxury car gift

DPA Karmakar, 23, the fi rst female In- tre in Agartala and, secondly, the roads New Delhi dian gymnast to qualify for an Olym- are not suitable to drive a posh car such pic Games put up a stellar show at the as this,” he told the Times of India daily. Rio event, but narrowly missed out on Her father, Dulal Karmakar, con- hanks, but no thanks, said In- a medal. fi rmed that the association had ac- dian Olympic gymnast Dipa Indian cricket legend Sachin Ten- cepted their request to replace the Karmakar as she returned a dulkar gave a BMW each to Karmakar BMW with another car by giving a sum car she’d received as a gift to and two Indian woman medallists on equivalent to the price of the luxury car. Tcommemorate her performance in Bra- behalf of the Hyderabad Badminton India has a notorious reputation for zil this summer, according to news re- Association in August. having the world’s deadliest roads, ports yesterday. Karmakar’s coach, Bisheswar Nandi, with an estimated average of 135,000 But she didn’t return the gift because said her family would have diffi cul- fatalities in traffic accidents every of any scandal. Nor were there concerns ties in maintaining such a posh car in year. that taking the gift was inappropriate. India once one factors in poor roads her home city of Agartala, where roads The spate of road crashes is blamed No, the problem is that it’s not worth and maintenance costs, the Olympian’s were narrow and not well-maintained. on poorly maintained roads and vehi- the trouble of owning a luxury car in family said. “First, there is no BMW service cen- cles as well as negligent driving. Gulf Times Thursday, October 13, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT DISAPPOINTMENT Stielike rues lack of bite as toothless I am proud of the Korea stumble chances against a determined Iranian defence. “Our primary goal is to qualify for the World Cup but if we play like we did today, it may be dif- players, says Qatar fi cult to accomplish that. It hurts to admit it, but we have to credit the better team,” Stielike told re- porters after the game. “I sent Kim Shin-wook on in the second half to fi nd ways to score but it didn’t work out. I think it’s due to the fact that we coach Fossati don’t have a striker like Sebas- tian Soria,” he added of the Qa- tari forward who troubled Korea ‘We only had a short time to organise ourselves but the players helped me and I’m South Korea coach Uli Stielike. in their previous match. proud of them. We now need to focus on the 90 minutes of the next game...’ South Korea were often out- Reuters muscled by Iran, who comfort- Tehran ably won a majority of the physi- By Sports Reporter cal duels, and Stielike feels the Doha only way his side can overcome outh Korea head coach this weakness was to develop a Uli Stielike bemoaned better understanding of their atar coach Jorge Fossati will be the lack of a cutting edge brand of football. a relieved man after his team striker after his side of- “I know Iran pushed us around scored a vital victory over Syria feredS little threat going forward with their physical play but I in their 2018 World Cup quali- in Tuesday’s 1-0 World Cup think there’s something fun- fyingQ campaign. Hassan al-Haydous qualifying defeat to Iran in Te- damentally wrong that we still converted a penalty to help Qatar score hran. couldn’t win here with new play- their fi rst points of this campaign. The Asia section Group A leaders ers and coaches,” the 61-year-old three points also saw them leapfrog Chi- Iran dominated the clash at the German said. na and move into fi fth place in the Group Azadi stadium with home striker “Our players tend to be smaller A standings. Sardar Azmoun scoring the win- or weaker than the Iranian play- This win has given Qatar a glimmer ning goal with a well-taken fi nish ers. And it’s going to take a lot of of hope and Fossati was thankful to the in the fi rst half. work to overcome that with solid players for pulling off the win. “We came The Koreans, who suff ered play of our own.” back into the competition at such a criti- their fi rst defeat in the qualifying South Korea, who are third in cal time because we had to win and the campaign for the 2018 tourna- their qualifying group after four players were determined to get the vic- ment, failed to cope with the in- games, host second-placed Uz- tory,” said Fossati after the match. tensity of Team Melli’s play and bekistan in a key encounter next “We only had a short time to organise struggled to create any clear-cut month. ourselves but the players helped me and I’m proud of them. We now need to focus on the 90 minutes of the next game and RELIEF not all the rest of the matches.” Qatar play against China next and the Uruguayan is hoping that this victory will work as motivation for the next Halilhodzic safe match. “The win tonight will give us big motivation and I hope we can use this to our advantage in the next matches,” aft er Japan draw said Fossati. Syria coach Ayman al-Hakim praised Reuters his team’s eff orts despite the loss. “We Melbourne played a good match despite the defeat,” said Syria coach. “It was a good performance in the fi rst apan’s 1-1 draw with Asian half but we conceded a goal from a mis- champions Australia on take and such things happen in football,” Tuesday has made safe he added. coach Vahid Halilhod- Syria with four points from their four Jzic’s job at least until the next matches so far are currently fourth in the round of World Cup qualifi ers. standings and al-Hakim believes that his The 63-year-old Bosnian, who team stand a chance to qualify for the took over in March last year, had fi nals. “We still have a chance to qualify Qatar’s coach Jorge Fossati (C) hugs Luiz Junior (R) as they celebrate their team’s goal against Syria. come under fi re after the Blue surprise, tactically. We needed to and I believe the group is complicated Samurai started the fi nal round be effi cient. because all the teams have a chance.” “We needed this win. Now we chance for Syria.” Senior defender Ahmed Yassir said his of Asian qualifying with a shock “Australia can only score from have a chance of moving ahead. He added: “They changed their ap- side will work hard to retain their win- home loss to the United Arab free kicks and corners. I gave We needed this win: Saad al-Sheeb As you saw we were playing a proach also in the second half when they ning form in the coming games following Emirates. very specifi c instructions... on side that plays physical football,” dropped one defender and retained three their 1-0 victory over Syria. A 2-0 win away at Group B set pieces. Australia are Asian al-Sheeb said after a tense game players at the back.” whipping boys Thailand and a champions and we could not af- “The best three points of the quali- scrappy 2-1 home victory over ford to take many risks.” In-form goalie Saad al-Sheeb celebrated We are motivated to carry on the good fying season for us. We are moti- the similarly unfancied Iraq were The Australian players ex- his team’s 1-0 win over Syria, saying the work: Yassir vated to carry on the good work” not enough to ease the pressure pressed surprise that a Japanese victory came at the ‘right time’. on Halilhodzic. team with attacking talents such “We needed this win. Now we have a “I am very happy. We played really The draw in Melbourne, how- as AC Milan’s Keisuke Honda had chance of moving ahead. As you saw we well. We created chances. We wasted a lot ever, prompted Japan Football played so defensively after taking were playing a side that plays physical of chances also in the fi rst half. This is the Association technical direc- a fi fth minute lead through Genki football,” al-Sheeb said after the tense best three points of the qualifying season tor Akira Nishino to confi rm Haraguchi. 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying game. for us. We are motivated to carry on the the coach would still be in place Halilhodzic, though, was un- “We missed a lot chances to score. good work,” Yassir said after the game. when group leaders Saudi Arabia apologetic if disappointed not to Thank God they didn’t score. They too He added: “There was a bit of hesita- visit Saitama on Nov. 15. come away with the win. had chances to score. We had chances to tion between me and Sebastian Soria as “Of course,” he told Kyodo “I don’t regret a thing,” he score as well,” he said. we missed chances to score. Every game news agency. “This is not a bad said. “It’s a little bit frustrating. About the friction in the game, the Al is hard. We are prepared to play hard in result at all.” We prepared well tactically. The Sadd goalkeeper said: “You get to see the coming games also.” Halilhodzic certainly felt he boys played well, especially in these things in football. It’s all games- “These three points really matter. We and his team had won the tactical defence. We let them have the manship. The second half was better should learn from our mistakes. There battle with the Australians, who bulk of possession. We should for both sides. The game was open. was a lot of pressure on the players. But led the group unbeaten going have two more points. The free-kick was the most dangerous we are happy now,” he said. into Tuesday’s match. “They had very few chances “I thought we played a fantas- because we maintained our de- tic match. We managed the game fensive discipline.” QATAR STARS LEAGUE with good tactics,” the former The Blue Samurai have seven Algeria coach told reporters. points after four of the 10 match- “If we had been a bit fresher es in the round and sit behind the and had more pace, we could Saudis (10) and the Socceroos (8) Jaish face Khor as AFC semis loom have won. I wanted to throw a in Group B. SACKED

By Sports Reporter Khor are to get anything from Khalid Abdulraouf are injured Doha the match. The Brazilian striker and maybe Seidou Keita can play scored his side’s only goal when in this match for us,” added the Algeria fi re coach the sides last met in the league Lamouchi at a press conference l Jaish go head to head in January last year. That time, yesterday. against Al Khor at the Jean Fernandez set his side up Al Khor go in to this third aft er disappointing Lekhwiya stadium to- to defend deep and attack on round fi xture with one loss and day in round three of the break, and the French head one win. The Knights will be theE QSL. Jaish, who are in the coach could well do the same hoping to get the three points World Cup result semi-fi nal of the AFC Champi- this time out. against a tough opposition. ons League will want to win this Sabri Lamouchi, the head Jean Fernandez, the head Reuters where Algeria had hoped to make match against Al Khor to restore coach of El Jaish, has never de- coach of Al Khor had this to say Algiers a winning start to a diffi cult confi dence in the team. feated Al Khor and he wants to ahead of the game, “I want to group, the Algerian Press Service The Soldiers have enjoyed an change that fact. “Al Khor is an congratulate El Jaish for reach- news agency added. unbeaten start to the QSL sea- important game for many rea- ing the semi-fi nal of the AFC ilovan Rajevac be- He met with the federation son so far, but will face a tough sons and because the last time Champions League. My team came the second president Mohamed Raouraoua test in Al Khor who have enjoyed we played in QSL was three is ready, we played two friendly coaching casualty of on Tuesday to discuss the fallout strong results against the tradi- weeks ago and we have to fi nd games and we are coming to the the opening round of from the match, after which his tionally bigger clubs, under the our rhythm. Also, it is before game with high confi dence.” MAfrican World Cup group quali- departure was announced. tutelage of veteran French coach our big AFC Champions League “El Jaish is playing next week in fi ers at the weekend when he was Algeria, who next face Nigeria Jean Fernandez. game. And I as a coach have semi-fi nal of Champions League sacked by Algeria on Tuesday. in November, will now be looking El Jaish will be looking to rest never won against Al Khor and I and they are eager to win and our The country’s football fed- for their third coach within a year. some key players ahead of their would like to change that.” game will give them a push for eration announced the deci- Frenchman Christian Gour- AFC Champions League semi- “I am not thinking about the the next game so it will be tough,” sion in the wake of the 1-1 home cuff quit the job in April to return fi nal second leg, and this could El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi (left) and Al Khor coach Jean next game, I am only thinking added the Frenchman. draw with Cameroon on Sunday, to Ligue 1. mean a start for attacker Abdul- Fernandez during the pre-match press conference yesterday. about tomorrow and if I want to Speaking about the prepara- which marked a disappointing Rajevac, 62, was previously gadir Ilyas, who was called back win tomorrow I have to put the tion during the break Fernan- start to their Group B campaign. coach of Ghana, when they be- from a loan spell with Khor at season last time out against be hoping his side can continue best team forward,” added the dez added, “We are ready for The Serbian had only been in came only the third African coun- the beginning of the season. Al Sailiya. A solitary goal from their winning ways. French tactician ahead of the the game as we played friendly charge for two matches but was try to reach the World Cup quar- As for the visitors they reg- Madson was enough for the Indeed the attacking talents crunch encounter. matches against Al Sailiya and Al criticised by several players for ter-fi nals at the 2010 tournament istered their fi rst victory of the Knights, and Jean Fernandez will of Madson will be needed if “Abderrazak Hamedallah and Rayyan which prepared us well.” his tactics in the game in Blida, in South Africa, and Qatar. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, October 13, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT WORRY Messi injury absence threatens Argentina Brazil go top while World Cup hopes Argentina stunned in WC qualifi ers An Argentine fan holds a sign in support of Argentine player Lionel It is the first time since qualifying began that Brazil have led the standings and they look Messi during the match between Argentina and Paraguay. on course to maintain their record of never having failed to qualify for a World Cup Reuters aff ecting your state of mind. Cordoba I’m very worried.” Argentina AFP face a tough double-header next Montevideo month, playing away to a fast- ionel Messi, having re- improving Brazil, who lead the versed his decision to group after a run of four wins, razil powered to the top of the quit international soccer before hosting Colombia. table in South America’s 2018 with a view to playing at And they will need their talis- World Cup qualifying race on Lanother World Cup, could miss man if they are to stop the rot. Tuesday with a victory over out on Russia 2018 if Argentina Argentina have picked up more VenezuelaB as Argentina suff ered a shock continue their downward spiral. points in the three qualifi ers that defeat at home to Paraguay. Argentina played poorly in Messi played — all wins — than in Goals from Manchester City teen- their last three qualifi ers without the other seven. ager Gabriel Jesus and Chelsea’s Willian the injured Messi and languish in They have 16 points, fi ve be- secured a 2-0 win over Venezuela in a fi fth place in the South American hind Brazil, four adrift of Uru- match interrupted by a lengthy fl oodlight group with Paraguay and Chile guay and one short of Ecuador failure that plunged Merida’s Estadio hot on their tails. and Colombia with eight match- Metropolitano into darkness. Only four countries are guar- es to go. The victory was Brazil’s fourth con- anteed a place at the fi nals. secutive win of the qualifying campaign Midfi eld general Javier ‘UNCOMFORTABLE’ AGUERO and left the fi ve-time world champions Mascherano was under no illu- Paraguay are one point behind on top of the standings with 21 points af- sions when he said: “It’s clear the and Chile two, in a tight group ter 10 games. team need to react, and it’s not of seven teams vying for the four The win was the latest evidence of Bra- their attitude — there’s plenty of qualifying places for the Russia zil’s resurgence under new coach Tite, that — but in terms of their game.” fi nals and the fi fth-place playoff who took over following the sacking of Unable to compensate for berth currently occupied by Ar- Dunga in June after the Selecao’s Copa Messi’s absence despite a pool gentina. America Centenario fl op. of players with big reputations Sergio Aguero, in good form It is the fi rst time since qualifying be- in European club football, Ar- for Manchester City, embodies gan that Brazil have led the standings, gentina were jeered and whis- Argentina’s malaise, missing a and the team look fi rmly on course to tled by their fans after Tuesday’s penalty that would have levelled maintain their record of never having humiliating 1-0 home defeat by the score and apparently uncom- failed to qualify for a World Cup. Paraguay in Cordoba. fortable in a withdrawn attacking The acid test of Brazil’s renaissance It is the fi rst time Argentina role behind Gonzalo Higuain. is likely to come next month when they have lost two home matches in a However, coach Edgardo Bau- play old rivals Argentina, who stumbled qualifying campaign, having also za, who inherited the team from to a 1-0 defeat at home to Paraguay in started on the wrong foot with a Gerardo Martino and started out Cordoba. 2-0 defeat by Ecuador in Buenos with a 1-0 home win over Uru- A superb counter-attacking goal from Aires a year ago. guay in Messi’s last qualifi er on striker Derlis Gonzalez on 18 minutes was “We lost (on Tuesday) because Sept. 1, said he had faith in his enough to give Paraguay all three points the team never found answers in players. as the hosts once again struggled to cope either of the two matches,” said “This squad has shown me with the absence of Lionel Messi. Mascherano, referring to both the they have a lot of desire. We must Argentina have taken just two points Paraguay defeat and last week’s keep working within the squad from a possible nine in their past three 2-2 draw with Peru in Lima. we have (and) see which players matches, all played without Barcelona Argentina’s Javier Mascherano leaves as Paraguay’s players celebrate winning the match. “The (poor) football ends up are in the best shape,” Bauza said. star Messi. The Argentinians rallied furiously in Copa America, desperately needed three Results helped Uruguay into a 2-1 lead at the Es- the second half, with Angel Di Maria see- points to get back on track after a stutter- tadio Metropolitano. ANALYSIS ing a goal from a free-kick disallowed ing start to the qualifi cation campaign. Results from 2018 World Cup South Colombia had taken the lead through because of a foul while both Gonzalo Hi- Bayern Munich midfi elder Atrudo American qualifiers on Tuesday: Abel Aguilar after 15 minutes to open the guain and Sergio Aguero went close. Vidal got “La Roja” off to a dream start, scoring. But with Paraguay goalkeeper Justo heading home on 10 minutes to put Chile At La Paz In La Paz, two goals from Everton Fading WC hopes a Villar in defi ant form between the posts, 1-0 up. Bolivia 2 (Escobar 4, 43) Ecuador 2 striker Enner Valencia capped a tumul- the visitor held on for a battling victory But a bold second half display from (Enner Valencia 48, 89) tuous week for the England-based player which revives their hopes of snagging Peru was rewarded on 76 minutes when as Ecuador came from 2-0 down to grab a rude awakening for one of the qualifi cation berths. Edison Flores skipped clear on the edge At Barranquilla, Colombia 2-2 draw with Bolivia. The win left Paraguay just one point of the area to rifl e home a low shot to Colombia 2 (Aguilar 15, Mina 84) Uru- Valencia lashed home an 89th-minute behind Argentina in the standings after make it 1-1. guay 2 (Rodriguez 27, Suarez 73) strike to earn Ecuador a point after earlier China’s dream 10 games. It seemed as though Peru had done giving his team hope with a 48th-minute Argentina occupy the fi fth qualify- enough for a share of the points but with At Cordoba, Argentina goal. Reuters can perform the sort of miracles ing spot in the table with 16 points, with time running out, Vidal found space near Argentina 0 Paraguay 1 (Gonzalez 18) Bolivia had taken a 2-0 lead through Shanghai that would be needed, no matter Paraguay just behind on 15 points. the edge of the penalty area and lashed 38-year-old striker Pablo Escobar. what Chinese fans or President home a low shot to beat Pedro Gallese. At Santiago Valencia’s goals capped a dramatic Xi might expect,” Dreyer added. ‘KING ARTURO’ SLAYS PERU Chile’s win leaves them seventh in the Chile 2 (Vidal 10, 85) Peru 1 (Flores 76) week of duty with the international team. hina’s ambitions to be- Chile, meanwhile, remain outside the standings with 14 points, two points from Last week, the 26-year-old was at come a global soccer “FAKE BUBBLE” qualification places despite their 2-1 the qualifi cation places. At Merida, Venezuela the centre of a bizarre incident dur- power are facing a stark Tuesday’s defeat left the Chinese victory over Peru in Santiago in the re- Earlier, leaders Uruguay were held to Venezuela 0 Brazil 2 (Gabriel Jesus 8, ing his team’s win over Chile in Quito reality check after the team at the bottom of its qualify- gional derby known as the “Clasico del a 2-2 draw by fourth placed Colombia in when he was accused of feigning injury nationalC team’s coach stepped ing group after the fi rst four games Willian 53) Pacifico.” an entertaining duel in rain-swept Bar- to avoid police officers waiting on the down following defeats to Uz- in Asia’s third round of qualifi ca- Chile, the dominant force in South ranquilla. sidelines to arrest him in connection bekistan and war-torn Syria, tion with six games remaining. American football over the past two Centre-back Yerry Mina headed Co- time after goals from Cristian Rodriguez with an alimony dispute. leaving in tatters a bid to qualify The state-run Global Times years with back-to-back wins in the lombia’s equaliser fi ve minutes from and Barcelona superstar Luis Suarez had What’s sport without a little drama... for the 2018 World Cup. newspaper said the seeming The slump underlines the prosperity of domestic football, challenge facing President Xi which has seen huge sums spent BOTTOMLINE Jinping, who wants China to host on player transfers and star for- - and win - the World Cup. eign managers, was just “a fake With Xi’s blessing, China had bubble” pumped up by “crazy been in a bullish soccer mood. capital” and imported talent. It invested billions of dol- The broader Chinese invest- lars to develop grassroots soccer ment splurge into soccer, which academies, brought high-profi le has sparked up to $3 billion worth China coach Gao quits aft er loss players and managers into China of Chinese deals for global sport- from overseas, and is buying into ing assets since the end of last AFP But he acknowledged discuss- ‘ROTTEN MEAT’ global soccer assets from Ital- year, is also facing road bumps. Beijing ing his future with Chinese Foot- Gao “failed to mould an eff ective ian club Inter Milan to England’s China’s richest man, Wang ball Association bosses before formation nor playing style for Manchester City. Jianlin, threw cold water over in- the game, according to the Asian the Chinese team”, Xinhua said, Beijing wants China to compete vestments in overseas soccer clubs hina’s national football Football Confederation website. adding that while there were six with the best teams in the world in August, saying it was tough to coach Gao Hongbo an- “We agreed if we couldn’t matches left, “the performances by 2050, while investors like In- actually make any money. nounced his resigna- reach a positive result against Uz- of the Chinese team have not ter Milan’s new Chinese owner Wang’s Dalian Wanda Group tion after a 2-0 defeat to bekistan I would stand down from given the fans any hope”. Suning Commerce Group talk has a stake in Spanish club UzbekistanC left the perennially my post,” it quoted him as saying. But many fans defended Gao about setting global soccer supply Atletico Madrid. underachieving side’s hopes of “As a result of this defeat, I on social media, blaming the chains from clubs to media outlets Chinese-owned clubs Inter reaching Russia 2018 hanging by bring an end to my time in charge Chinese Football Association and merchandising deals. Milan and Aston Villa are strug- a thread. of the China national team.” and the players themselves for But many sports industry in- gling, despite big promises by The loss in Tashkent on Tues- Gao, a former striker for the the team’s woes. siders question whether China their new Chinese owners, while day left Team Dragon bottom of national team, previously man- “The men’s team is like rotten can live up its bold ambitions. Chinese deals for Italian giants their third stage qualifying group aged the side in 2009-11 and meat, and the coach is like the “The massive investment in AC Milan and England’s Hull for the next World Cup, with only was reappointed in February, af- fridge. The meat already stinks, football, and in particular Presi- City have been hit by question one point from four games. ter Frenchman Alain Perrin was but management doesn’t think dent Xi’s personal involvement, marks over fi nancing. Only the top three of the six sacked following embarrassing to toss it out for fresh stuff , it has raised expectations to wholly Lou Yichen, a veteran soccer contenders will progress. performances including a draw just keeps changing the fridge,” unrealistic levels,” said Mark commentator and vice president Despite being the world’s with Hong Kong. wrote one user on the Twitter- Dreyer, Beijing-based founder of online broadcaster PPTV, saw a most populous country and Under Gao, China squeaked like platform Weibo. of sports information website real risk that the investment boom second-largest economy, and into the third round of World Fans called for the sacking China Sports Insider. could leave Chinese fi rms and money pouring into the domes- Cup qualifying, but they en- of China’s football association China, ranked 78th in the clubs heavily in the red - with no tic game after President Xi Jin- dured a humiliating loss at home president Cai Zhenhua after the world behind St. Kitts and Nevis guarantee of long-term success. ping declared ambitions to host to war-torn Syria last week and defeat to Syria, but he has ig- and Libya, has qualifi ed just once “Clubs themselves are getting and one day win the World Cup, File picture of China’s national football coach Gao Hongbo who their sole point so far came from nored them so far, instead urging for the World Cup fi nals. quick results by leaning heavily China remain minnows on the retired from his post yesterday. a 0-0 draw with Iran. the players “not to lose confi - That was in 2002, when the on high levels of investment and global football stage. “I hope the China national dence” over their losses. team lost all three games with- paying sky-high prices (for play- The team has only ever quali- the world by FIFA. “I will leave conference after the Uzbekistan team will be better in the fu- China’s next match is at home out scoring a goal. “This isn’t ers),” Lou said. “In the near-term fi ed for one World Cup and are the national team because of match, the offi cial Xinhua news ture and we will meet in football to 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar going to change for years, and no at least, it’s going to be hard to currently ranked a lowly 78th in poor health,” Gao told a press agency reported yesterday. again,” Gao said. next month. coach - foreign or otherwise - get this money back.” Gulf Times Thursday, October 13, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

EUROPEAN WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS SWEET PAIN Heroic Hart battered and bruised aft er Poor England held saving England in Slovenia as Germany coast ‘We’ve done our job, taking six points (this past week) and not conceding any goals. We scored our two goals very early and that allowed us to win without suff ering’

England’s goalkeeper Joe Hart makes a save during the World Cup 2018 football qualification match between Slovenia and England.

AFP while,” Hart told ITV. “My body Ljubljana is in absolute pieces, I will strug- gle to get up tomorrow. “The lad has got across and oe Hart admitted that he fl icked it on and I just did every- felt battered and bruised thing I could to keep it out. after his heroic display in “I don’t know what happened, England’s underwhelming I have only just seen it now on 0-0J draw in Slovenia on Tuesday. camera — it hurt though. I landed Hart enjoyed his best day of a on the frame of the goal.” diffi cult season as the England With Gareth Southgate’s team goalkeeper made a series of fi ne lacking any rhythm, Hart had to saves in the World Cup quali- be at his best and he hopes the fi er, including a brilliant eff ort to gritty point proves important in keep out Jasmin Kurtic’s second- England’s bid to reach the 2018 half header. World Cup. It was a sweet moment for “I was asked to do quite a bit, Hart, who is currently exiled on but it was down to a few errors loan at Italian club Torino after from us,” Hart added. being axed by new Manchester “But we can all improve, we City boss Pep Guardiola. are a young team and have dug Hart needed lengthy treat- in, in an intense atmosphere and ment after his wonder save to taken a point. deny Kurtic because he landed “On the night it was a diffi cult heavily, but he was able to con- result, but we have to look at the tinue and kept the hosts at bay. bigger picture, which is trying to “It is my best game for a qualify for Russia.”

PRAISE Slovenia’s Rok Kronaveter (L) vies for the ball with England’s John Stones during FIFA World Cup qualifying football match between Slovenia and England in Ljubljana. Germany impossible AFP “We have to improve but we are try- Results Prosinecki’s team a surprise second in the Paris ing to qualify for Russia. My body is in standings following their shock defeat of pieces, I’ll struggle to get up tomorrow,” Group C Norway at the weekend. to contain: O’Neill added Hart, who has been shunted out on Czech Republic 0 Azerbaijan 0 The Norwegians were in danger of an- ngland laboured to a 0-0 draw loan to Torino in Serie A. other highly embarrassing result at home away to Slovenia on Tuesday in England moved on to seven points af- Germany 2 (Draxler 13, Khedira 17) to San Marino before three goals in the their 2018 World Cup qualifi er ter three matches, two more than Slove- Northern Ireland 0 fi nal 13 minutes eased tensions in Oslo as with Wayne Rooney dropped to nia and Lithuania, who defeated 10-man the hosts won 4-1. theE bench, while title-holders Germany Malta 2-0 in Vilnius. Robert Lewandowski snatched a dra- Group E remained fi rmly on course for the fi nals. Slovakia registered their fi rst points Denmark 0 Montenegro 1 (Beciraj 32) matic stoppage-time winner as Poland Manchester City reject Joe Hart pro- with a commanding 3-0 victory over overcome 10-man Armenia 2-1 in War- duced three terrifi c saves to deny Roman Scotland in Trnava where Robert Mak Poland 2 (Mkoyan 48-o.g., Lewand- saw. Bezjak, Josip Ilicic and Jasmin Kurtic, scored twice before Adam Nemec capped owski 90+5) Armenia 1 (Pizzelli 50) Hrayr Mkoyan’s own goal just after the who also hit the post, as Gareth South- off a miserable evening for Gordon Stra- break gifted Poland the lead, but Arme- gate’s inexperienced side clung on des- chan’s visitors. Kazakhstan 0 Romania 0 nia, who played a man down for an hour perately for a point in Ljubljana to remain In Hanover, defending champions after the dismissal of Gael Andonian, top of Group F. Germany swept aside Northern Ire- Group F levelled two minutes later through Mar- Jesse Lingard’s fi erce long-range strike land 2-0 with fi rst-half goals from Ju- Slovakia 3 (Mak 18, 56, Nemec 68) cos Pizzelli. forced Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak into lian Draxler and Sami Khedira sending Scotland 0 However, Lewandowski scored for the a sharp stop late on as the stalemate en- Joachim Loew’s men two points clear in eighth straight qualifi er as he headed in sured both countries maintained their Group C and looking ominous. Slovenia 0 England 0 deep into injury time to keep Poland level unbeaten starts to the campaign. “We’ve done our job, taking six points on points with Group E leaders Montene- Germany’s Sami Khedira (2ndR) celebrates scoring their second goal. “It’s my best game for a while but it (this past week) and not conceding any gro, 1-0 winners in Denmark. was down to a few errors from us,” said goals,” said Loew. “We scored our two Azerbaijan extended their undefeated Romania are two points off the pace AFP for Russia as quickly as possible. Hart, who kept a third successive clean goals very early and that allowed us to run with a hard-fought point in a goal- following a 0-0 draw with Kazakhstan in Hanover “This was a fairly eff ortless sheet in qualifying. win without suff ering.” less draw in the Czech Republic, Robert Astana. victory, I have to admit,” said Loew. “We took a quick lead and orthern Ireland man- sat back after that. Ireland de- BOTTOMLINE ager Michael O’Neill fended deep, it felt like a 1-9-1 says a rampant Ger- formation at times.” many are almost im- But Loew rejected the notion Npossible to stop after the world that his side are a class apart, champions’ dominant 2-0 win in especially after the disappoint- a World Cup qualifi er. ment of their semi-fi nal defeat Southgate says he inherited ‘mess’ The Germans made it three to France at Euro 2016. wins from three qualifi ers for the “There have been teams who 2018 fi nals in Russia with fi rst- have managed to stop us, but the DPA but we have taken over a mess Wayne Rooney from the starting half goals by Julian Draxler and fact is we have managed to reach London and had to steady the ship. line-up but called on his captain Sami Khedira sealing the routine a level of domination,” said Loew. “With the objective of quali- late as England chased an elu- win in Hanover on Tuesday. “We have a great level of vari- fying, we’ve kept the team on sive goal. “It was the moment in Germany are yet to even con- ability with players changing areth Southgate ad- track.” the game where we felt his ex- cede a goal in their qualifi ers for positions to confound the op- mitted he inherited a While England were deserved perience would be important,” Russia 2018 and look in ominous position. “mess” as England in- winners against Malta, they Southgate said without indicat- form. “We came here with a plan “We have diff erent players scor- terim manager but says were second-best on Tuesday. ing whether Rooney did enough to try and nullify a fantastic team ing goals and we have managed to Gthe team remains on track after They may feel that they stole a to regain his starting spot. with fantastic players, which is get a lot of depth to our game, plus his fi rst two games in charge. point on the night, with Hart the England next face Scotland in only good if you can keep them we have a very settled side. The England under-21 boss was ringleader of the band of thieves. a qualifi er on November 11 fol- to zero,” said O’Neill, whose side “We have really worked hard handed the top job for the rest of The keeper made a trio of lowed by friendly against Spain has four points from three games to get this level.” 2016 following Sam Allardyce’s top-class saves including one in four days later in Southgate’s and faces an uphill battle to get to But Loew cautioned that wins shock departure two weeks ago which he pushed a header onto fi nal match as the Football As- the World Cup. against Norway, the Czech Re- after just 67 days in charge. Eng- the underside of the crossbar sociation look for a permanent “We conceded the fi rst goal, it public and now Northern Ireland land beat Malta 2-0 at the week- with his left hand and cleared it manager. was a great fi nish from Draxler, meant Germany had not faced end in Southgate’s opening match away with his right. “We’re very much a work but it was disappointing to lose “category one” sides. before the heroics of goalkeeper “We owe our goalkeeper really in progress as far as I can see,” the second goal from a corner. Loew will travel to Russia in Joe Hart earned them a drab 0-0 for getting a point,” Southgate Southgate said. “What was key “We looked like we could get November for a fact-fi nding trip World Cup qualifying draw in said. “He was fantastic. that, in an incredibly diffi cult 10 a goal when we countered in the ahead of Germany’s involvement Slovenia on Tuesday. “He’s at his best when he’s days not only in terms of taking fi rst-half and we showed a good in the Confederations Cup next The results leave them two calm and composed, it’s some- over but with the withdrawals spirit to keep them to two goals. year and in anticipation of quali- points clear in Group F after thing we’ve discussed and this with injury, to get “But I’m not sure there is a fying for the 2018 World Cup. three matches on the road to the week his manner has been very four points. system which can contain Ger- Captain Manuel Neuer says 2018 World Cup in Russia. calm. “We’d have liked six, to have many at this moment in time. however that there is room for “I can’t thank the players “It was a brilliant save, we scored more goals and been “It’s not just the tactical side improvement. and support team enough for didn’t start either half well and more fl uent with the ball, for of it, it’s the enormous quality “We know from the last Euro- the backing I have had,” South- it’s an outstanding save that gets sure, but we sit top of the group. and athleticism of their players.” pean championships that any- gate said following the game us a point.” “The overall objective is to Germany coach Joachim Loew thing can happen and we still in Ljubljana. “We wanted six Southgate made headlines qualify so, long term, this could revealed he told his side they have dangerous games ahead of points (from the two qualifi ers) England interim manager Gareth Southgate. before the match by dropping be an important point.” need to be “ruthless” and qualify us,” he warned. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, October 13, 2016 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT OPINION Donald knows Westwood eyes Ryder ‘mental anguish’ Cup captaincy in 2020 of Woods AFP ‘There are a lot of candidates for the captaincy but I’ll be putting my name in the ring for sure’ Watford, United Kingdom ritish Masters host Luke AFP Donald sympathised Watford, United Kingdom with the “mental an- guish” long-time rival TigerB Woods is enduring after ee Westwood has set his sights on being the American was forced to can- appointed European captain for the 2020 cel his long-awaited comeback Ryder Cup despite his poor showing in his this week. Woods, a 14-time team’s recent defeat against the United major winner, announced he LStates. Westwood failed to score a point in three was not ready to return from his matches at Hazeltine in the most disappointing of 14-month injury layoff with a his 10 Ryder Cup appearances. long-standing back problem as The 43-year old Englishman went to the US planned at the new PGA Tour looking to eclipse Nick Faldo’s all-time European season opener in California. record scoring feat. But instead Westwood found Former world number one himself dropped by skipper Darren Clarke after Donald himself struggled with teaming with rookie Thomas Pieters and being a career-threatening wrist in- handed a 5 & 4 defeat by Dustin Johnson and Matt jury in the past. “There’s a lot Kuchar in the opening day Foursomes. of mental anguish when injury It was Westwood’s second biggest defeat since forces you to take time off from making his Ryder Cup debut in 1997. And as West- the game,” said Donald. “I was wood began preparations for today’s British Mas- out for six months and could ters at The Grove, just north of London, he revealed only start hitting balls gradu- his European captaincy aspirations for the 2020 ally fi rst on my short game and Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. putting following the surgery.” “I certainly would not want to be captain next Donald was born and went to time around, as that’s too soon for me, so I think school not far from this week’s 2020 is defi nitely on my radar,” he said yesterday. British Masters venue at The “After that, 2022, who knows. There are a lot of Grove near Watford, north of candidates for the captaincy but I’ll be putting my London, and is teeing-up this name in the ring for sure. It’s something I’d like week on the course that hosted to do. I’ve played in 10 Ryder Cups and witnessed the 2006 WGC-American Ex- 10 diff erent forms of captaincy, so I’m pretty well press Championship. Woods qualifi ed to be a captain I would have thought. I’ve won the event a decade ago with played in a lot of teams and I’d like to maybe play Donald fi nishing sixth. again but if I can’t play again, I’d like to do the as- However, in 2008 Donald sistant captain’s role. I don’t think you have to be picked up a left wrist injury at an assistant captain (fi rst) but it probably helps.It’s the US Open forcing him out for another angle to see it from, more experience. And a number of months. He under- there won’t be any people that would have played went surgery and did not taste under 10 diff erent captains because there’s not success again until late 2010 be- many who have played 10 Ryder Cups.” fore reaching world number one One factor possibly in Westwood’s favour for in May 2012. 2020 is that his close friend Clarke will be a mem- “Tiger’s the greatest player ber of the three-man selection panel that should that’s ever played, and he’s got sit in early 2019 to choose the Whistling Straits very, very high standards and captain. The process of electing the 2018 European expectations,” said 38-year-old captain will take place early next year and Den- Donald. mark’s Thomas Bjorn, the long-time Chairman of “I think that you have to weigh the Tournament Players Committee, is the short- that up with that feel of almost priced favourite for Paris. Sitting on the panel to failure or fear of anxiety of not choose the next European captain will be European England’s Lee Westwood reacts to a missed putt during the Pro-Am event ahead of the British Masters at The Grove, just north of London. (Reuters) performing well. You know Tour CEO Keith Pelley, former European skipper sometimes those don’t match Paul McGinley and Clarke. Ryder Cup, the 50-year old has contested just six The pain is not so bad now, as it gets a bit painful Ryder Cup and the Americans just played better up. If Tiger Woods is healthy events due to struggles with rheumatoid arthritis from time to time, but that’s just getting old. So I than we did,” he said. like he says he is, that’s probably OLAZABAL READY TO in his joints. But after spending the past fi ve weeks am going to play this week and next week’s Portu- “The way that Davis (Love 111) had the golf what he’s weighing out right END LONG INJURY ABSENCE practising in San Sebastian, Spain, Olazabal is gal Masters and see how it goes.” course set-up meant it was always going to be now, just feeling comfortable. Former Masters champion Jose Maria Olaza- quitely optimistic of playing all four rounds. Among the fi rst to greet Olazabal with a big hug hard for Europe to win. There was just no rough “Again, it’s really hard to get bal is set to return to the European Tour after an “The last two weeks, I have played six rounds on on The Grove practice range was Westwood, who out there and someone saying to me that there comfortable unless you actually 18-month injury absence. Olazabal will tee off in my home course and that’s about all I could man- had won two of three Ryder Cup matches in 2012 were fi ve eagles and 72 birdies during the singles put yourself through it. At some the British Masters today, as the Spaniard com- age,” he said. “So it’s going to be nice to get a score- under Olazabal’s captaincy at Medinah. and not all matches went the full 18-hole distance. point he’s got to jump in, and if petes for the fi rst time since missing the halfway card back into my pocket this week, but it could And after watching the recent Ryder Cup on tel- The Europeans can hold their heads high but they he messes up, he’s got a good op- cut at the 2015 Masters. depend on the numbers if it’s going to be a decent evision, Olazabal declared the US simply played just came up against a red-hot American side who portunity to get better the next Since captaining Europe to victory in the 2014 week. I am feeling better but I’m still not 100% fi t. the better golf. “I watched every single shot in the holed more putts.” time he plays.” Dustin Johnson named ASIAN TOUR PGA Player of the Year Grace targets win at Macau Open Agencies tage. Hopefully I’ll be there or there about at It’s almost like a fresh start for me again in Miami: DUSTIN JOHNSON was named PGA Tour Macau the end of the week.” terms of playing and I’m excited to be back,” Player of the Year on Tuesday following a break- The South African star successfully re- said the former British Open winner, who through season which saw him land a first major tained his Qatar Masters title at the start of featured in the Macao Open back in 1999. before helping the USA to victory in the Ryder Cup. outh African star Branden Grace the year and then claimed a breakthrough Lahiri, winner of the Macau Open in 2014 The 32-year-old, who has worked his way to plans to live up to his top billing by victory in the United States in April. He also and runner-up in 2013 and last year, is look- the upper echelons of his sport after overcoming winning the US$1.1 million Venetian enjoyed top-fi ve fi nishes at the US Open ing to triumph again at one of his favourite personal problems, was chosen for the award after Macau Open starting today, to en- and PGA Championship, which reinforced hunting grounds on the Asian Tour. “The sureS he closes out another amazing season. his growing reputation as a potential Major golf course is a big challenge. I had some a ballot by fellow professionals on the tour. “His hard work on the golf course and in the The world number 14, who has tri- winner. tough years here in my rookie years and I’ve gym paid off with the finest season of his career umphed twice this year and posted six top- “I’ve ticked off so many of my goals. I’m learned to play the golf course. I think I kind and the member vote reflects the respect his 10s around the world, is the highest ranked trying to sneak into the world’s top-10 and of changed my game to adapt to it,” said La- peers have for him,” PGA Tour Commissioner Tim golfer in the fi eld which includes title holder stay there which has been a big goal all year. hiri, who is 47-under-par here in the past Finchem said. Scott Hend, reigning Asian Tour number It’s been a great season, which I’ve been three seasons. Johnson’s season saw him win the US Open as one Anirban Lahiri of India and Europe’s consistent to be in the top-15 which shows Two-time Macau Open winner Zhang well as the lucrative World Golf Championships- Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke and vice the consistency. I want to take it week by Lian-wei, who has only missed the event Bridgestone Invitational and BMW Championship. captain Ian Poulter, who is making a return week, try to win this week and carry on and once since its inauguration in 1998, will be In 22 starts, the world number two posted 15 top- from injury. take the momentum for the weeks coming amongst a host of top Chinese players in- 10 finishes and made 21 cuts. The 28-year-old Grace is hoping to up,” said Grace, who won the China Open in cluding Liang Wen-chong, the Asian Tour Johnson has won at least one PGA Tour event in achieve what fellow countryman Ernie Els 2012. number one in 2007, and youngster Dou Ze- nine consecutive seasons dating back to his rookie failed to do, which is to win the Macau Open. After spending the past two years as cap- cheng challenging for honours. year in 2008 — the longest active streak on the “Ernie has been here many times and he tain of the European Ryder Cup team, vet- No fewer than 43 Asian Tour winners, Tour. Johnson’s triumphant 2016 campaign came says it’s a fantastic place and the tourna- eran Clarke is keen to get back into individ- seven players from the current top-10 and just two years after he took a voluntary sabbati- ment is the way it should be run. Being top- ual mode again. “I couldn’t think of a better fi ve Order of Merit champions are in the cal through the second half of 2014 following a 15 in the world, I hope it would be an advan- place to do that than starting here in Macao. fi eld this week. reported positive test for cocaine.

RYDER CUP STAR WOOD RESISTS but not Wood, who is nearing the end of his eighth US TEMPTATION full season competing in Europe. European Ryder Cup star Chris Wood admits he is “I am not intending to take up a PGA Tour card too much of a “home boy” and will resist the urge at this stage because if you are going to commit to compete full time on the prestigious PGA Tour. to the PGA Tour you have to do it properly and live The 28-year-old Englishman returns to competi- over there,” he said on Tuesday. “I am too much tion this week for the first time since the Ryder of a home boy and I would struggle, I think, to live Cup seeking to become only the fourth player in America. I also like the idea, as was the case this behind Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros and Colin morning, of getting into my own car and driving to Montgomerie to capture the BMW PGA Champion- the course here at The Grove. ship and the British Masters in the same season. “I might consider dipping my toe in next year Wood played in two Hazeltine matches, teaming playing a few more events ahead of the three with Justin Rose to win their foursomes encoun- US-based majors and see how that goes. But the ter and then taking the heavily fancied Dustin big thing for me is: what if I am over there in the Johnson right down to the last hole before losing States for a few weeks and you miss a cut? All you 1 up. Like his non-PGA Tour member team-mates, do is go back to your hotel room and stare at the Wood is eligible to apply for invitations into events ceiling.” on the 2016/17 PGA Tour season that commences Wood said playing up close with World No. 2 this week. Johnson was a sight to behold. “I probably need to Fellow European Team rookie Thomas Pieters hit it about 40 yards farther to keep up with Dustin revealed last week he has accepted off ers in the Johnson as I’ve never seen anybody bomb it like hope of earning full 2017/18 membership status, he does,” said Wood. From left : Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland, Anirban Lahiri of India, Branden Grace of South Africa, Scott Hend of Australia and Zhang Liang-wei of China ahead of the Venetian Macau Open starting from today. Gulf Times Thursday, October 13, 2016 7 TENNIS

SHANGHAI MASTERS KYRGIOS COURTS MORE TROUBLE IN Troicki stuns Nadal, SHANGHAI EXIT Shanghai: Australian Nick don’t like it, I didn’t ask you to Kyrgios caused more on-court come and watch. Just leave. controversy in his defeat by un- If you’re so good at giving seeded German Mischa Zverev advice and so good at tennis, at the Shanghai Masters yester- why aren’t you as good as me? day with a listless performance Why aren’t you on the tour? Murray cruises that could land him in trouble You want to buy a ticket? Come with the ATP. watch me. You know I’m unpre- Zverev, 29, took just 48 min- dictable. It’s your choice. I don’t utes to beat number 12 seed owe you anything.” ‘It was a great feeling playing like this against Rafa, who is a great champion’ Kyrgios, who had appeared Kyrgios, 21, whose three ATP uninterested throughout the titles were all won this season, Agencies second-round clash, putting in said he had been too “physi- Shanghai a series of half-hearted serves cally tired” to compete and had and barely moving to meet his thrown in the towel. opponent’s returns. “It was just tough,” he told ourth seed Rafa Nadal was The Australian also clashed reporters. “Obviously I played stunned by Serb Viktor Troicki with spectators before being a lot of matches in a row. Physi- in an upset-fi lled Shanghai Mas- booed off the court after losing cally tired, mentally tired. That’s ters second round yesterday while 6-3, 6-1. At one point, Kyrgios, why I’m trying to work on being AndyF Murray breezed past American Ste- who reached a career-high 14th able to be consistent every ve Johnson and Nick Kyrgios slumped to a in the world on Sunday after week.” listless defeat. winning the Japan Open, ap- Kyrgios has made as many Troicki, ranked 31st in the world, over- peared to be walking off court headlines for his off -court came Nadal 6-3 7-6(3) in an hour and 34 before Zverev had returned a antics as for his exciting tennis minutes to secure his fi rst ever victory ball to him. during his brief, but turbulent, in fi ve previous attempts against the 14- Kyrgios, later apologised on career. time grand slam winner. The unseeded his Twitter account. “Not good He pulled out of the 2016 Rio Serb broke twice to seal the opening set enough today on many levels, Olympics after a public spat before Nadal came back strongly in the I’m better than that. I can go with the Australian chef de second. on about excuses but there are mission Kitty Chiller, who said The Spaniard saved a match point at none. Sorry,” wrote Kyrgios, some of Kyrgios’s social media 5-4 down but was defeated in the tie- who had also courted contro- posts suggested “he doesn’t re- break. “I played really well,” Troicki said. versy during his opening-round ally understand what it means “I was aggressive, I served well, I hit the win against American Sam to be an Australian Olympian”. ball nice. It was a great feeling on the Querrey on Tuesday, when he And at Wimbledon this court playing like this against Rafa Nadal, had said he was bored. year, Kyrgios was involved in a who is a great champion.” During his match with Zver- heated row in his post-match Chinese fans brandished pictures of ev, Kyrgios became embroiled news conference after being Nadal — including one of him in his un- in an angry exchange with a challenged about his behaviour derwear — but they looked on in dismay fan who told him to “respect and language, which earned as the 14-time Grand Slam champion the game” and “respect the him yet another code violation was well beaten. Afterwards Nadal, now people”. The world number during his second-round vic- 30 and with a catalogue of injuries to his 12 replied: “You want to come tory over Dustin Brown. name, vowed to return to top form by next here and play? Sit down and His attitude was also ques- season, mainly by putting the zip back in shut up and watch.” tioned after he capitulated in his forehand and movement. Kyrgios told a news confer- his subsequent match against “I know what I have to do and I’m going ence afterwards that he did Andy Murray, rushing between to do it,” scowled the Spaniard, who has not owe spectators anything. serves and appearing at times had little to smile about at the big tour- “It’s my choice,” he said. “If you to throw in the towel. naments this year. “I’ve got two-and-a- half months until next season starts so I have got two-and-a-half months to put myself at the level I want to be. And I’m confi dent I’m going to do it.” Twice Shanghai Masters champion Murray, who claimed the China Open title last week, had no such trouble as he won Viktor Troicki of Serbia celebrates after winning his match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the Shanghai Masters tennis 6-3 6-2 as he won 70% of second-serve tournament in Shanghai yesterday. (AFP) return points. The second-seeded Briton, who scraped through a testing encounter peared uninterested throughout, landing him of playing his girlfriend, and walking (ESP) bt Tomas Berdych (CZE x7) 7-6 (7/4), with Johnson at the Rio Olympics in Au- a series of half-hearted serves and barely away from one of the German’s serves as 7-6 (7/1); Stan Wawrinka (SUI x3) bt Kyle gust, also saved the one break point he moving to meet his opponent’s returns. it landed. Edmund (GBR) 6-3, 6-4; David Goff in (BEL faced in the fi rst set. He will play French- The 21-year-old also clashed with Seventh seed Tomas Berdych lost to x11) bt Benoit Paire (FRA) 6-1, 7-6 (7/0); Milos man Lucas Pouille in the third round. spectators before being booed off the Marcel Granollers of Spain 7-6(4) 7-6(1), Raonic (CAN x5) bt Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) 6-2, “I felt like I was creating a lot of chanc- court after a match that lasted just 48 while third seed Stan Wawrinka, the US 6-4; Jack Sock (USA) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP) es on his serve. I thought I moved well for minutes. Kyrgios, later apologised on his Open Champion, beat Britain’s Kyle Ed- 6-3, 4-6, 6-4; Gilles Simon (FRA) bt Wu Di the fi rst match in new conditions,” Mur- Twitter account, saying his performance mund 6-3 6-4 and Canada’s Vasek Po- (CHN) 6-2, 6-2; Vasek Pospisil (CAN) bt Grigor ray told reporters. “I was timing the ball was “not good enough”. spisil battled past Grigor Dimitrov 7-5 Dimitrov (BUL) 7-5, 7-6 (7/2); Mischa Zverev well. I felt like I was controlling a lot of Afterwards Kyrgios, known for his 7-6(2). (GER) bt Nick Kyrgios (AUS x12) 6-3, 6-1; the rallies. Yeah, for a fi rst match after volatile behaviour, admitted “taking the Canada’s Milos Raonic beat Paolo Lucas Pouille (FRA x13) bt Nicolas Almagro playing pretty diff erent conditions a few easy way out” and “tapping out a little Lorenzi 6-2, 6-4, David Goffi n beat Be- (ESP) 6-4, 7-6 (12/10); Viktor Troicki (SRB) bt days ago, it was good.” bit”, saying he was tired after last week’s noit Paire 6-1, 7-6 (7/0) and Gilles Simon Rafael Nadal (ESP x4) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3); Roberto Australia’s Nick Kyrgios lost to Germa- Japan Open win. ousted Chinese wildcard Wu Di 6-2, 6-2. Bautista (ESP x15) bt Taylor Fritz (USA) 6-4, Australia’s Nick Kyrgios also clashed with spectators before ny’s Mischa Zverev 6-3 6-1 with another Low points included a child-like RESULTS 6-4; Andy Murray (GBR x2) bt Steve Johnson being booed off the court after losing 6-3, 6-1. (AFP) controversial display in which he ap- lobbed serve which Zverev said reminded Men’s singles 2nd rd: Marcel Granollers (USA) 6-3, 6-2

WTA ROUND-UP FOCUS Top seeds Top-four comeback tough for Federer: Stan AFP both Federer (ranked seventh) and Rafael Shanghai Nadal (fi fth) for the fi rst time since 2003 as signs grow that a new era is evolving. breeze through US Open winner Wawrinka is third oger Federer won’t fi nd it easy in the world behind Novak Djokovic to get back to the top of tennis and Andy Murray, but some young new as he battles to recover from his challengers are climbing the rankings. at WTA Tianjin biggest injury yet, fellow Swiss Wawrinka, who has shaken off the back STANR WAWRINKA warned yesterday. injury which kept him out of last week’s AFP lana Kuznetsova (RUS x2) bt Donna Federer, 35, has been out since July for China Open, saw off Britain’s Edmund, Beijing Vekic (CRO) 7-5, 6-4 knee rehabilitation after undergoing the 21, in just over an hour in Shanghai. 1st round: Agnieszka Radwanska fi rst operation of his career on a torn me- He said he had no problems with his (POL x1) bt Tatjana Maria (GER) niscus in February. motivation, unlike top-ranked Djoko- op seeds Agnieszka Rad- 6-1, 6-2 The record, 17-time Grand Slam title- vic who has admitted to burn-out after wanska and Svetlana winner suff ered a freak injury while he some adverse results and injuries in re- Kuznetsova made short JANKOVIC SAILS INTO was helping bathe his twin daughters af- cent months. “The motivation is easy, work of their opponents HONG KONG THIRD ROUND ter being knocked out of January’s Aus- for sure. I’m really happy with what hap- Tyesterday to advance in the WTA Defending champion Jelena tralian Open. “I think he’s practising. I pened in the US Open,” Wawrinka said. Tianjin Open. Jankovic of Serbia beat com- don’t know if he’s gonna be back in the “There are still a lot of challenges this In the last fi rst-round match, patriot Aleksandra Krunic in top four. We will see,” said Wawrinka, af- year with here, with Basel, Paris, Lon- world number two and top seed straight sets yesterday to reach ter beating Kyle Edmund 6-3, 6-4 in the don. I’m excited to keep playing, espe- Radwanska took just an hour to the third round of the Hong Kong Shanghai Masters’ second round. if he’s fi t and 100%, for sure he will be uary alongside Wawrinka, his sometime cially trying to keep the confi dence that I beat Germany’s Tatjana Maria, Open. The seventh seed dis- “It’s the fi rst time he has a big injury. really dangerous.” Federer will play the doubles partner, and Belinda Bencic as he have and trying to push myself the maxi- ranked 105, winning 71% of fi rst patched Krunic, who is ranked It’s not easy to come back after that. But Hopman Cup mixed-teams event in Jan- makes his return. The top four is missing mum to keep doing some great results.” serve points. Meanwhile 31-year- 141 in the world, 6-4, 6-3 in un- old Kuznetsova, the second seed, der 90 minutes. advanced to the third round with Jankovic will now face either BOTTOMLINE a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Donna United States’ Venus Williams or Vekic of Croatia, despite hitting Alize Cornet of France in the next one ace to her opponent’s fi ve. stage. Danka Kovinic of Montenegro Top seed Angelique Kerber of lost the fi rst set against Ameri- Germany, who was defeated by Nishikori qualifi es for ATP Tour fi nals can Shelby Rogers. But her oppo- Jankovic in the fi nal last year, nent only took three more games was leading America’s Louisa Reuters Memphis Open and reached the Austral- form of cricket which has proved a huge Petra Kvitova, 20th-ranked Barbora as Kovinic ran out a 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 Chirico 2-1 in the third set when London ian Open quarter-fi nals as well as the US hit. Nadal played the exhibition this year Strycova and Lucie Hradecka, ranked winner, notching eight aces and rain stopped play for the evening. Open semi-fi nals. Nishikori is currently alongside Gael Monfi ls, with Kyrgios and 193rd for singles and 14th for doubles. saving seven break points out of Kerber had dominated the fi rst nursing a muscle injury, which he sus- Lleyton Hewitt representing Australia. “It’s a pleasure to travel to the fi nals in 10. China has hosted an increas- set 6-2 but her opponent, with apan’s Kei Nishikori will make a tained during the Japan Open in Tokyo Meanwhile, women’s world number France with a team like this,” Pala said. ing number of WTA tournaments a singles ranking of 60, fought third straight appearance at the last week, and was forced to sit out this one Angelique Kerber announced she “We have a really strong team and I think as it seeks more clout in the back to take the second 6-3. The ATP Tour fi nals next month after week’s Shanghai Masters. will play the Sydney International for the we’re going there as favourites.” game. The Tianjin Open carries American faces a break point becoming the fi fth player to qual- Meanwhile, Nishikori will team up fi fth year in a row from January 8-14 in The 24-year-old Pliskova reached a total prize purse of $426,750, when play resumes today. ifyJ for the season-ending tournament, with 14-time Grand Slam champion Ra- her build-up the Australian Open. the US Open fi nals this year and made according to the WTA’s website. Also on court today are Den- organisers said yesterday. fael Nadal in a Fast4 exhibition in Sydney her way to the WTA Finals in Singapore mark’s Caroline Wozniacki and The 26-year-old world number four in January against Australia’s Nick Kyr- PLISKOVA TO SPEARHEAD at the end of October. The 26-year-old RESULTS (X DENOTES SEEDING): Britain’s Heather Watson, while will join the world’s top three — Novak gios and Bernard Tomic, organisers said. CZECHS IN FED CUP FINAL Kvitova, the Wimbledon champion in Women’s singles 2nd round: Qiang Wang of China takes on Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stanislas The short-form format, now in its World number fi ve Karolina Pliskova will 2011 and 2014, has sacked two coaches Danka Kovinic (MNE) bt Shelby Britain’s Johanna Konta in the Wawrinka — plus big-serving sixth- third year, features sets won by the fi rst lead reigning champions the Czech Re- this year as she has been struggling to re- Rogers (USA) 2-6, 6-1, 6-2; Xinyun second round. ranked Canadian Milos Raonic in Lon- player to four games, no deuces and play public in the Fed Cup fi nal against France turn to the top 10. Han (CHN) bt Yafan Wang (CHN) Konta is in good form, having don, the ATP said in a statement. continuing after lets on serve. The event, in Strasbourg on November 12-13, team The Czechs have won four Fed Cup 7-5, 6-3; Naomi Osaka (JPN) bt Lucie made it to the fi nal of the China Nishikori has had a strong year so on January 9, is billed as the Twenty20 of captain Petr Pala said. trophies out of the last fi ve editions. Hradecká (CZE) 6-2, 7-6 (7/4); Svet- Open last week. far, having won his 11th Tour title at the tennis, a reference to the fast and furious Pala has also called up 11th-ranked France last lifted the trophy in 2003. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, October 13, 2016 SPORT

MLB NBA Young has been great thus far, says Cubs stun Giants to Lakers coach

By Tania Ganguli mates. The year after Walton Los Angeles Times retired from playing was the fi rst year Young played for the Lakers. With a job on televi- o Nick Young’s name sion, Walton watched Young move on to NLCS on Tuesday night at closely, and saw how strong he Staples Centre were 14 was defensively when he put points, including four his mind to it. ‘We made the comeback against the team known for comebacks’ three-pointers,T two assists, a Knowing that, Walton set to blocked shot, a steal and one work extracting it. bloody nose that pleased his Before Sunday’s game in coach. Ontario, Walton reminded “That means you’re fi ght- Young of his defensive ability. ing,” Lakers coach Luke He challenged him to play that Walton said. way again. Young is a scorer, and he “It’s something that’s been relishes it. But as the regular over my head my whole career, season approaches, other di- I don’t play defense,” Young mensions of his game will help said after Sunday’s game, Young carve out playing time which he started in Deng’s for himself. place. “But when you got Tuesday the Lakers lost to the somebody that’s helping you Trailblazers 109-106 in over- and talking to you, that makes time as Portland guard Damian it a lot easier. I tip my hat off to Lillard scored 30 points in 26 coach for believing in me and minutes. The Lakers starting still letting me go out there lineup returned to what they and play.” began their exhibition slate That defensive energy re- with - Luol Deng, Julius Randle, turned Tuesday night. But that Timofey Mozgov, Lou Williams doesn’t mean Young’s strayed and D’Angelo Russell. too far from his roots. Young showcased his scor- “He’ll hit a three in prac- ing prowess through part of tice and run down and look the game, but the work he did at me and start naming Reg- defensively, impressed Walton gie Miller, Larry Bird and he’ll more. And it’s not for the fi rst throw his own name in there,” time this preseason that’s hap- Walton said. “When you like pened. scoring as much as that that’s “He’s fi ghting through who you are, but he’s buying in screens, he’s locking and trail- right now and it’s fun to see.” ing, getting in there and re- bounding,” Walton said. “I Roster reductions? told him after he did it the fi rst The Lakers could begin night, he proved to us that he trimming their roster before can do it so now we expect to leaving for Las Vegas. The see it every time he’s out there.” Lakers roster currently stands Walton chose not to begin at 20 players and they’ll have his time as the Lakers head to trim the roster to 15 by the coach with preconceived no- regular season. tions about Young. He’d Walton said before the game known Young from his playing that he and general manager days, but otherwise entered Mitch Kupchak planned to this summer with an open discuss potential cuts Tuesday mind. In practices he’s liked night. The Lakers will play Sac- Young’s work ethic and felt ramento on Thursday night and positively about the chemistry the Golden State Warriors on between Young and his team- Saturday night in Las Vegas.

The Chicago Cubs celebrate after defeating the San Francisco Giants during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff game at AT&T Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

By Mark Gonzales to be done,” general manager said Contreras, who was pro- er danger. Catcher David Ross hits, including a Brandon Craw- Chicago Tribune Jed Hoyer said in a champagne- moted from Triple-A Iowa on made a strong throw that arrived ford double that was less than a drenched clubhouse. “We made June 17. early enough for Baez to make foot short of a home run. the comeback against the team The Cubs’ rally took starter one of his patented quick tags to Left-hander Travis Wood was fter looking vulnerable known for comebacks.” John Lackey off the hook af- nail Denard Span on a steal at- summoned but allowed an RBI in all phases for the fi rst The Cubs will open the NL ter Moore limited the Cubs to tempt in the third. single to Gillaspie and a sacrifi ce time in three months, Championship Series Saturday two hits over eight innings and Lackey’s biggest mistakes oc- fl y to Joe Panik. the Chicago Cubs fi - night at Wrigley Field against 120 pitches, and Gillaspie went curred on consecutive plays that Meanwhile, Moore was just as nallyA displayed the timely hit- either the Washington Nationals 4-for-4 and was in the midst of enabled the Giants to snap a 1-1 eff ective as Giants Game 1 starter ting to match the determination or Los Angeles Dodgers. two rallies in the fourth and fi fth. tie in the fourth. Johnny Cueto, whom the Cubs they have showcased since their The Cubs took advantage of Lackey didn’t help a taxed Lackey allowed Moore to would have faced in a deciding World Series mission started in a Giants bullpen that blew 30 bullpen that hurled seven in- smack an 0-2 pitch into right Game 5. spring training. saves during the regular season nings in Monday’s 13-inning loss fi eld for an RBI single, and Lack- Moore used his changeup and After left-hander Matt Moore in workmanlike style. Ben Zo- as he gave up seven hits in only ey’s momentum carried him curveball eff ectively to strike out harnessed them for eight innings brist smacked an RBI double and four innings. Manager Joe Mad- just far enough past fi rst so he Kris Bryant twice. Anthony Riz- and Conor Gillaspie’s hitting rookie Willson Contreras tied don lifted him for a pinch hitter couldn’t handle a throw from zo hit a line drive single to open continued to plague them, the the game with a two-run pinch- even though the Cubs trailed shortstop Addison Russell that the fourth and snap an 0-for-13 Cubs pounced on a meek Giants hit single, clapping his hands as only 3-2 with two outs in the would have resulted in an in- slump in this series. bullpen for four runs in the ninth he ran to fi rst base. fi fth. ning-ending double play. But aside from Ross’ game- inning Tuesday night. Javier Baez came through with The Giants hadn’t lost a play- Meanwhile, the Cubs’ bullpen tying home run in the third, the Aroldis Chapman came in to a tie-breaking single to give the off elimination since Lackey beat that once held the Giants score- Cubs didn’t advance a runner as strike out the side in the bottom Cubs their fi rst lead. them – in Game 7 of the 2002 less for 33 consecutive innings far as second base until one out of the inning to close out a 6-5 Chapman then capped a per- World Series when he was a struggled in the fi fth but Carl in the fi fth, when Baez’s hustle victory that clinched this best- fect ninth when he struck out rookie with the Angels. Edwards Jr., Hector Rondon and caused shortstop Crawford to of-fi ve National League Division Brandon Belt to ignite a wild cel- Lackey constantly was in Chapman allowed just one hit rush a throw that skipped past Series in four games. ebration. trouble, and he needed excep- over the fi nal innings. fi rst baseman Brandon Belt for a “Maybe this is the way it had “I can’t describe this season,” tional defense to get out of deep- Justin Grimm allowed two three-base error.

NFL Quarterback Barrett is OSU’s undisputed leader

By Jeff Potrykus really good decisions. have him run it instead of hand it can and playing as hard as I can.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “And he is talented enough to off all the time.” Barrett opened the 2014 sea- be able to hurt you in all the dif- Meyer acknowledged that it son as the starter after Miller ferent ways.” can be dangerous to rely on Bar- suff ered a season-ending shoul- hio State quarterback Tenth-ranked UW (4-1, 1-1) rett, who entered the season der injury in camp. He went 11-1 JT Barrett entered gets a shot at Barrett when the with 1,665 rushing yards and 22 as the starter, including 8-0 in last weekend No. 1 in teams meet at 7 p.m. Saturday at touchdowns on 286 attempts, as league games. His season ended the Big Ten in passing Camp Randall Stadium. the team’s security blanket. when he suff ered a broken an- effiO ciency with a completion rate Barrett completed only 9 of “Real dangerous,” he said. “I kle in the regular-season fi nale of 68.6 percent, with 14 touch- 21 passes (42.9 percent) for 93 don’t know the word danger- against Michigan. downs and only two intercep- yards, with one touchdown and ous, but you just don’t want to Barrett watched from the tions. one interception against the get too much of that. But that’s a sideline as Cardale Jones led The redshirt junior then went Hoosiers. little bit of ... my security blan- Ohio State to a 59-0 victory over out and suff ered through his ket is he’s one of the best players UW in the Big Ten title game. worst passing day of the 2016 Yet Barrett did what great in America. Go get a touchdown Jones then led the Buckeyes season against visiting Indiana. players do and found other J.T.” to victories over Alabama and Yet Barrett did what great ways to contribute and All Barrett does is get the Oregon in the College Football players do and found other ways lead in the No. 2-ranked Buckeyes touchdowns. Playoff . to contribute and lead in the No. Buckeyes’ 38-17 victory The 6-foot-2, 222-pounder Barrett inexplicably was the 2-ranked Buckeyes’ 38-17 vic- enters the UW game with 60 No. 2 quarterback behind Jones tory. Ohio State coach Urban Meyer touchdown passes in 28 games, a for more than half of last season. With the passing game found- was grateful Barrett sparked the program record. He accounted for 20 touchdowns ering, Barrett rushed a college- off ense with his feet but miff ed With 26 rushing touchdowns over the fi nal seven games and high 26 times for 137 yards and his star quarterback was exposed at Ohio State, Barrett is respon- helped Ohio State fi nish 12-1. a touchdown to spark the Buck- to so many hits. Barrett had more sible for 86 scores. That is just The undisputed starter this eyes (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten). carries than running backs Mike two off the program mark of 88, season, Barrett has reached the “I heard the analogy that he Weber (15-71-2 TDs) and Curtis set by Braxton Miller. point at which Meyer compares is a point guard,” Wisconsin Samuel (9-82-1), “It’s just crazy to think about,” his leadership skills to those of coach Paul Chryst said. “He is a “We had to win the damn Barrett said. “I don’t think when Tim Tebow, who guided Florida to really good one, because every- game,” Meyer said, “and he’s one people achieve and set these two national titles under Meyer. thing goes through him. He’s got of our best players. And some of records they think about it going “JT, in his own way, is exactly poise. He knows what they’re the things they were forcing us into it. With me ... I just go out on the same level as Tim,” Meyer doing, what they’re trying to af- to do on the perimeter run game, there and try to be the best for said. “And those are two elite fect on each play and he makes they were giving us the look to my team, preparing as hard as a leaders.” Gulf Times Thursday, October 13, 2016 9 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS IOC says confi dent on free Internet for Two months aft er 2022 Winter Games

Reuters plained of fi nding access to sites Beijing deemed sensitive to China’s communist leadership blocked. A IOC offi cial later admitted that he International Olym- some IOC offi cials cut a deal to Rio, Russian Olympic pics Committee is confi - let China block sensitive web- dent China will guaran- sites. tee uncensored iInternet Zhang Jiandong, a Beijing Twhen it hosts the 2022 Winter vice mayor and vice president Games, a senior IOC offi cial said of the Winter Olympics organis- yesterday, though China has ing committee, said China had given no details about how its already made commitments to pledge will work. have an open internet during the chief to step down China keeps a tight rein on the bidding process. Internet. The government has “During the 2022 Winter warned that social media, par- Games we will comprehensively ‘This is without doubt the right thing, we support it completely’ ticularly foreign services, could open access to the Internet for be a destabilising force for Chi- all (Internet) customers, includ- nese society and even jeopardise ing at the competition venues, security. where athletes stay, and other Popular foreign social media areas.” sites like Twitter, YouTube, In- China’s pledge raises the pros- stagram and Facebook as well as pect that Chinese spectators Google Inc’s main search engine will be able to access otherwise and Gmail service are all inac- blocked sites while attending the cessible in China without spe- Winter Games. cialised software to vault what However, a Beijing Olympic is known as the “Great Firewall”. offi cial said last year that Chi- “It’s guaranteed in the bid,” nese “don’t like” sites like Face- IOC Vice President Juan Anto- book and Twitter as China has nio Samaranch Jr., the son of the its own social media, such as late Juan Antonio Samaranch, Weibo and WeChat. who led the IOC from 1980 to Beijing, along with the nearby 2001, told reporters in Beijing city of Zhangjiakou, won the when asked about free Internet right to host the Games last year. in 2022. The only other city bidding to “All the experience that we’ve host the event was Kazakhstan’s had with Beijing is that they’ve Almaty, after other prospective always delivered on their word. cities dropped out citing costs We are confi dent that will be the and other worries. case.” While Beijing hosted the 2008 China had committed to pro- Summer Games to wide acclaim, viding media with the same free- its bid for the Winter Games dom to report on the 2008 Bei- was dogged by concerns over a jing Summer Olympics as they number of issues, such as the enjoyed at previous Games. city’s notorious smog, a lack of But when the main press cen- snow and China’s poor human tre opened, journalists com- rights record.

Hirano hopes to speed up her development in China Japan’s Miu Hirano is eager to make the most of her upcoming stint in China’s Super League in order to prepare herself for greater challenges ahead against the all-conquering Chinese. The 16-year-old Hirano took full advantage of the lack of Chinese competitors to win the World Cup in Philadelphia on Sunday and in doing so became the youngest female champion and first non- Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) chief Alexander Zhukov walks past Russia’s Olympic team members during a farewell ceremony before the national team’s departure to Chinese player to win the title. 2016 Rio Olympics at Sheremetyevo International Airport outside Moscow, Russia, on July 28, 2016. (Reuters) “I was aiming for a podium finish at first, but I changed my target to winning the title after the two Chinese players pulled out,” Reuters spite damning reports from the founded, in order to totally dis- political reasons while doping Russian offi cials have denied Hirano was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency. Moscow World Anti-Doping Agency credit Russian sport,” Mikhail by other countries was ignored. Moscow was behind the hack at- “It was huge for me to win it when everyone was looking to do so (WADA) that uncovered wide- Mamiashvili, president of Rus- Zhukov quickly rose through tack but have made a big play of with no Chinese players. I won’t be able to win the gold medal if I spread state-sponsored cheat- sia’s Wrestling Federation, told the ranks at the International the leaks. They say the records can’t beat Chinese players. he head of Russia’s ing. His low-key, behind-the- Reuters. Olympic Committee, which this show that the TUE system – “So I am looking to get used to the Chinese style of play (in order Olympic Commit- scenes style was in contrast to Zhukov, a Putin ally and year appointed him to an infl u- which allows competitors to take to) start winning.” tee, Alexander Zhukov, the forceful approach of Sports former deputy prime minister, ential role as head of the com- certain banned drugs for medical China won all four gold medals at the Rio Games and Hirano, who is stepping down, in Minister Vitaly Mutko, who is has been president of the Rus- mission overseeing Beijing’s ailments – is hypocritical. watched her Japan team mates win bronze as a reserve, said she Tthe biggest change at the top well known for emotional out- sian Olympic Committee since preparation to host the 2022 WADA stresses that none of was desperate to nail down a starting spot for the 2020 Tokyo of Russian sport since a dop- bursts. 2010, and was chairman of the Winter Olympics. the high-profi le athletes whose Olympics. ing scandal led to the country’s Russia was eventually al- Organising Committee for the Meanwhile Russian President records were leaked had broken “I saw things that are only possible to see from outside, but it track-and-fi eld athletes being lowed to send athletes in most 2014 Winter Olympics in the Putin on Tuesday took aim at the rules. was a weird position where I couldn’t take part,” she added of her excluded from the Rio Games. sports other than track and southern resort of Sochi. the system of therapeutic use “If things go on further this Olympics experience. President Vladimir Putin fi eld, but was banned from the Russia lavished some $50bn exemptions for athletes, after way only asthmatics or other “Watching my three team mates made me envious in a way, and it said Zhukov had told him he subsequent Paralympics. on the Games, a prestige project hackers linked to Russia broke athletes suff ering from chronic also made me feel I want to be there next time at any cost.” wanted to leave the role so he Whoever replaces Zhukov will for Putin, and fi nished top of into World Anti-Doping Agency diseases will win major sports could concentrate on his other play a key role in trying to clean the medals table. But a WADA- (WADA) fi les. Moscow is still events,” Putin said in televised job as fi rst deputy speaker in the up Russia’s reputation and heal commissioned report this year smarting after its track and fi eld comments dripping with irony. lower house of parliament. relations with the wider Olym- described how, in a clandestine team and Paralympics squad Among the athletes targeted “This is without doubt the pic movement — an important night-time operation, positive were barred from the Rio Games by the leak of their WADA fi les right thing, we support it com- priority for a country that sees samples from athletes who had this summer over evidence of were US Olympic gymnast Si- pletely,” Putin told a meeting sporting success as a symbol of cheated were smuggled out of systematic state-run Doping mone Biles, Venus and Serena of sports offi cials attended by its power and world standing. a lab through a hole drilled in across Russian sport. Williams and celebrated British Zhukov on Tuesday, adding that the wall, and then replaced with Meeting with sports chiefs, cyclists Bradley Wiggins and he “has done a lot for sport and, SOCHI COVER-UP clean samples. Putin focused attention on the Chris Froome. I hope, will do more still”. Russian offi cials made no Russia acknowledged that medical records of dozens of “Maybe we could put them Zhukov was given the tough connection between Zhukov’s there were shortcomings in its top global athletes leaked since into a special category, or their task of trying to persuade the departure and the doping alle- anti-doping operations, but last month by cyber-espionage achievements can be recorded International Olympic Com- gations. Zhukov was among those who group “Fancy Bears”, which is separately,” Putin said of ath- mittee not to ban Russia en- “In most of the cases, these argued it was being unfairly believed to be Russian, after it letes granted the controversial tirely from the Rio Games de- were made up and were un- singled out for punishment for hacked into a WADA database. TUEs.

TOKYO OLYMPICS Now’s the last chance to rein in costs: Koike

Reuters “As the Games approach, ming and rowing/canoeing — payments of over $2mn to a Sin- Tokyo costs will rise even more than although Koike noted the budget gapore bank account linked to now,” she said. review was ongoing. the son of disgraced former in- “As choices disappear, we will “Scrutiny and review of all the ternational athletics chief Lam- okyo’s governor said be asked to pay still more. Now is venues has yet to be completed, ine Diack, but Tokyo said the yesterday that now was our last chance.” so we must await that analysis payments were legitimate and the last chance to take In its bid, Tokyo estimated while remaining in contact with the IOC said it saw no reason to steps to rein in soar- costs at 734bn yen ($7.24bn) and the International Olympic Com- doubt Tokyo’s word. Ting costs for the city’s 2020 Ol- said they would bring in 3tn yen mittee (IOC) and the individual Koike said, however, that ympics, projected to cost three of economic benefi ts as well as sports federations,” she said. changing the venues at this stage trillion yen ($29bn) — over four create 150,000 jobs. “Based on that, we will make would not further damage To- times higher than planned. It also said some 85 percent of our fi nal decision.” kyo’s image. Gov. Yuriko Koike, who took the venues would be within 8km Koike said she would explain “Rather, rising costs up to now offi ce in August, ordered a re- (5 miles) of the athletes’ village, Tokyo’s position when she meets could make it seem as if Tokyo is view of Olympic expenses that a promise Koike said had be- with IOC President Thomas a very expensive place, which I last month recommended come diffi cult to keep without Bach next week. think would be even more nega- changing three venues to save burdening Tokyo, a city of 13mn Tokyo won its bid to host the tive,” she said. money, a move criticised by with a similar budget to Swe- Games largely on its reputation Koike, a long-time parlia- both the Tokyo 2020 Organising den. for effi ciency, but the organis- mentarian who served as Japan’s Committee and international “Without limits, the analysis ers have dealt with a series of fi rst female defence minister as sports offi cials. was that costs would rise close embarrassing setbacks, includ- well as environment minister, In an interview with Reuters, to 3tn yen,” she said, declining ing scrapping the initial sta- and has long been seen as hav- Koike said the proposed changes to give a specifi c budget cap be- dium design because it was too ing ambitions to become prime — which include moving rowing sides “whatever we can at this expensive and redesigning the minister. and canoeing some 400km (250 point”. logo amid plagiarism accusa- But when asked whether she miles) north of Tokyo — remain on For now, the city is zeroing in tions. had such goals, Koike said her the table to ensure that the Games on three of the most expensive There were also allegations hands were full after having be- don’t leave a legacy of debt. venues — for volleyball, swim- that the bid team made illegal come governor two months ago. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike poses with Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics emblems in Tokyo. (Reuters) Gulf Times 10 Thursday, October 13, 2016 SPORT

THIRD ODI FORMULA ONE England cruise to series victory over Bangladesh Rosberg rubbishes AFP Bangladesh Chittagong, Bangladesh T. Iqbal c Vince b Rashid ...... 45 Hamilton ‘meltdown’ I. Kayes c sub b Stokes ...... 46 S Rahman c Buttler b Rashid ...... 49 Reuters len loser”. en Duckett and Sam Billings hit Mahmudullah c Bairstow b Rashid...... 6 Brixworth, England Mercedes motorsport head half-centuries as England cruised M Rahim (not out) ...... 67 Toto Wolff said it was clear to four-wicket victory in the third S Al Hasan st Buttler b Ali ...... 4 the media needed to produce one-day international to win the N Hossain c Vince b Rashid ...... 4 ormula One champion- headlines, building up and three-matchB series against Bangladesh in ship leader Nico Ros- knocking down. M Hossain (not out) ...... 38 the port city of Chittagong yesterday. Extras (b-4, lb-3, w-11) ...... 18 berg poured scorn on “Lewis had a couple of Set a challenging target after leg-spin- Total (6 wickets, 50 overs) ...... 277 suggestions that Mer- tough weekends... if he recov- ner Adil Rashid’s career best four for 43 cedesF teammate and reigning ers and has a good weekend in Fall of wkts: 1-80, 2-106, 3-122, 4-176, 5-184, 6-192 restricted Bangladesh to 277-6, England Bowling: C Woakes 8-0-66-0 (w-2); J Ball champion Lewis Hamilton is in Austin, he’s the hero again,” he passed the target losing six wickets in 47.5 8-0-44-0; L Plunkett 9-0-51-0 (w-2); M Ali ‘meltdown’ mode after losing said. “That’s why I’m pretty overs with Duckett scoring innings highest 10-0-42-1 (w-1); B Stokes 5-0-24-1 (w-4); A ground in the title battle. relaxed about it.” 63 runs, his second fi fty in the series. The Rashid 10-0-43-4 (w-2) “It’s complete rubbish,” The two drivers earlier visit- visitors’ victory also ended Bangladesh’s England the German, winner of nine ed the Mercedes high perform- unbeaten run of six consecutive series at J Vince lbw N Hossain ...... 32 grands prix so far this season, ance engines facility at Brix- home dating back from November 2014. S Billings c Kayes b M Hossain...... 62 said as he and Hamilton joined worth, where they also joined Playing his fi rst match in the series, B Duckett c Rahim b S Islam ...... 63 factory-based employees on staff for a team photograph, Billings got his maiden fi fty scoring 62 J Bairstow b S Islam ...... 15 Tuesday to celebrate the team’s signed autographs and posed runs off 69 balls, which gave England England’s Chris Woakes (right) and Ben Stokes celebrate after winning the third and final B Stokes (not out) ...... 47 third successive constructors’ for selfi es. much-needed solidity in what was seem- ODI against Bangladesh yesterday to win the three-match series 2-1. (AFP) J Buttler b Mortaza ...... 25 championship. Mercedes won the con- ingly a tough chase on the pitch that re- M Ali c Mahmudullah b Mortaza ...... 1 “He’s on it as ever before, structors’ title in Japan at the mained covered for two days due to rain. unbroken 10 overs stretch after Tamim Sabbir Rahman (49), Kayes (46), Iqbal (45) C Woakes (not out) ...... 27 fully motivated and does mas- weekend, a week after an en- Billings, who replaced injured Jason Roy Iqbal and Kayes put on 80 runs in their and Mosaddek (38 not out) also contrib- Extras (w-6) ...... 6 sive work hours also. I’ve sel- gine failure denied Hamilton in the team, forged a 63-run opening stand opening stand. uted to what should be a competitive total. Total (6 wickets, 47.5 overs) ...... 278 dom seen that from him in victory in Malaysia. with James Vince (32) and then added an- “It was a bit tasty there. Sometimes the Rahim and young Mosaddek put on 85 Fall of wickets: 1-63, 2-127, 3-172, 4-179, the last years, such a large The three-times champi- other 64-run partnership with Duckett to bad balls get the wickets but we were try- runs in their unbroken seventh wicket 5-227, 6-236 amount,” he told Sky Sports on, who fi nished third in Su- put England fi rmly in the controller’s seat. ing to be confi dent, have a positive mind- partnership, taking Bangladesh past 250- Bowling: M Mortaza 10-1-51-2; S Islam 9.5- television at the team’s Brack- zuka on Sunday while Rosberg Leg-spinner Rashid earlier took full ad- set,” said man-of-the-match Rashid. run mark. The two teams will now engage 0-61-2 (w-3); S Al Hasan 8-0-45-0 (w-1); T ley headquarters. won, is now 33 points behind vantage of a turning wicket to derail Bang- Mushfi qur Rahim top-scored for the in a two-Test series, which will start on Ahmed 9-0-46-0 (w-1); N Hossain 7-0-53-1 British media, whose criti- the German and even winning ladesh’s innings with regular strikes in his home side with an unbeaten 67 runs while October 20 in the same city. (w-1); M Hossain 4-0-22-1 cism of Hamilton’s use of the last four races will not be Snapchat during a news con- enough if the other Mercedes ference in Suzuka led to a fi nishes second. FIFTH ODI backlash from the driver who No driver has ever won nine also walked out of another me- races in a season and not been dia session, had questioned his crowned champion at the end state of mind. of it, but Rosberg expected a Monday’s papers talked of tough battle right to the end. a ‘delicate ego’, examined his “It’s going to be an exciting ‘fragile mental state’ and sug- end to the season for sure,” the gested the Briton was losing it German said. “A battle with on and off the track. Lewis as always, it’s always Warner ton in vain “Executives were mouthing tough against him. “For me, it’s the word ‘meltdown’,” reported just about looking at Austin. the Times newspaper, which I’m excited to go there, I know said the champion had gone I have the chance to win and I from “cocky prankster to sul- want to make it happen.” as SA sweep series SPOTLIGHT Loss completes a first ever 5-0 one-day bilateral series defeat for Australians ‘Climate of fear’ at Agencies when South Africa visit Australia for three Cape Town tests starting on November 3, including a Ferrari: Baldisserri day/night game in Adelaide. Reuters have slipped behind Red Bull in avid Warner’s brilliant 173 was SCORECARD London third place overall. not enough to save Australia SOUTH AFRICA The most successful and from a 32-run defeat by South Q. de Kock c Marsh b Boland 12 oldest team in Formula One, Africa in the fi fth and fi nal one- H. Amla b Mennie 25 errari are suff ering from the Maranello team last won a dayD International at Newlands yesterday. a “climate of fear” with drivers’ world title with Raik- R. Rossouw c Marsh b Tremain 122 The loss completed a fi rst ever 5-0 one- F. du Plessis b Mennie 11 staff reluctant to take konen in 2007. Their most re- day bilateral series defeat for the Austral- J. Duminy c Bailey b Mennie 73 risks in case they are cent constructors’ champion- ians, who were bowled out for 296 chasing Ffi red, according to the Italian ship was in 2008. D. Miller c Smith b Tremain 39 328 for victory. A. Phehlukwayo b Boland 11 Formula One team’s former “Raikkonen is going bet- Warner bludgeoned 24 boundaries in his K. Rabada not out 9 chief engineer Luca Baldisserri. ter than in 2015, Vettel much 136-ball stay at the crease before falling K. Abbott c Wade b Tremain 0 “Unfortunately, neither worse,” said Baldisserri. “It’s fi ve short of his highest ODI score. D. Steyn not out 6 (chairman Sergio) Marchionne important for Ferrari to get him He was dismissed with 17 balls remain- Extras (b6, lb5, w8) 19 nor (team principal Maurizio) (Vettel) back and keep him close, ing, run out by Imran Tahir’s throw from Total (8 wkts, 50 overs) 327 Arrivabene have racing expe- at least in the short term... but the boundary as he chased a suicidal sec- Fall of wickets: 1-37 (De Kock), 2-37 (Amla), rience, a culture that has been the problem is not them.” ond run to keep the strike with Australia 3-52 (Du Plessis), 4-230 (Duminy), 5-281 lost at the top of the team,” he Marchionne, who is also still needing 40 to win. (Rossouw), 6-306 (Phehlukwayo), 7-308 told Italy’s Corriere dello Sport Fiat Chrysler chief executive, Warner’s eff ort was made more remark- (Miller), 8-309 (Abbott) newspaper. replaced Luca di Montezemolo able by the fact that the next highest score Bowling: Tremain 10-0-64-3 (2w), Boland “They are no longer a team as Ferrari chairman in 2014. in the Australian innings was 35, managed 10-0-68-2 (1w), Mennie 10-2-49-3 (1w), but a group of scared people,” Arrivabene, a former Philip by both Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. Marsh 7-0-53-0, Head 8-0-49-0 (3w), he added. “Inside there is a Morris executive, was ap- Tahir, who had a number of verbal alter- Zampa 5-0-33-0 (1w) climate of fear, the boys do not pointed in November that year. cations with Warner, was the pick of the take risks, they don’t make de- Technical director James Al- home bowlers with 2-42 in his 10 overs. AUSTRALIA cisions for fear of being kicked lison was the latest high-profi le Earlier, Rilee Rossouw made 122 in a South D. Warner run out (Tahir) 173 out in disgrace.” A Ferrari departure in July, with Mat- African total of 327 for eight. He and fellow A. Finch b Tahir 19 spokesman was not immedi- tia Binotto moving from the left-hander JP Duminy (73) transformed the S. Smith b Tahir 0 ately available for comment. engine department to replace South African innings with a fourth wicket G. Bailey b Phehlukwayo 2 Baldisserri worked closely him. Baldisserri said the engine partnership of 178 after the hosts lost their M. Marsh b Rabada 35 with seven-times world cham- department had performed fi rst three wickets for 52 runs. T. Head c De Kock b Abbott 35 pion Michael Schumacher and miracles since 2014 but Binotto Australia’s bowlers made a good start after M. Wade c De Kock b Abbott 7 Brazilian Rubens Barrichello was more of a team principal South Africa won the toss, with Scott Boland J. Mennie c Miller b Rabada 0 during a golden era for the team than a technical director. having Quinton de Kock caught at cover and C. Tremain run out (Phehlukwayo) 0 at the start of the century and While Ferrari have misfi red, Joe Mennie bowling both Hashim Amla and A. Zampa not out 6 subsequently oversaw Ferrari’s Mercedes have just won their South African captain Faf du Plessis. S. Boland run out (Rossouw) 4 driver academy. third successive constructors’ Mennie, who conceded 82 runs without Extras (lb7, nb1, w7) 15 He left Ferrari last year to title and are sure of a third taking a wicket in his only previous inter- Australia’s David Warner (left) scored a brilliant 173 against South Africa at Newlands in Total (48.2 overs) 296 manage the career of Canadian drivers’ crown in a row as well national in Johannesburg, also ended the Cape Town yesterday. (Reuters) Fall of wickets: 1-72 (Finch), 2-72 (Smith), former academy driver Lance with only Nico Rosberg and Rossouw-Duminy stand when Duminy 3-75 (Bailey), 4-139 (Marsh), 5-229 (Head), Stroll, who is tipped to race for Lewis Hamilton still in con- was caught at backward point. He was He conceded 64 runs. ets. Their partnership was worth 178 off 6-248 (Wade), 7-249 (Mennie), 8-261 (Trem- Williams next year. tention and four races remain- the best of the Australian bowlers, taking Rossouw hit the ball with great power in 170 balls. ain), 9-288 (Warner) Ferrari have failed to win a ing. Former Ferrari designer three for 49. making his runs off 118 balls with 14 fours South Africa’s total was the third-high- Bowling: Abbott 10-1-48-2, Rabada 9-0-84- race so far this year with Ger- and technical head Aldo Costa Chris Tremain, another bowler who and two sixes, while Duminy was the ideal est recorded in a one-day international at 2 (1nb, 4w), Steyn 9.2-0-56-0 (1w), Tahir 10- many’s Sebastian Vettel and has been engineering director made his debut during the series, also took partner with a combination of silky stroke Newlands. 1-42-2, Phehlukwayo 9-1-51-1 (2w), Duminy Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen, af- at Mercedes since leaving Ma- three wickets, aided by two in his last over. play and good running between the wick- The sides will clash again next month 1-0-8-0 ter three victories in 2015, and ranello in 2011.

BOTTOMLINE From monkey bars to Olympic dreams, Obstacle Course Racing goes global AFP on the military-style course known as and doing your best. We have people here has expanded into fi tness, education, Henley on Thames, United Kingdom Tough Mudder. today who have serious issues, amputa- nutrition and two TV shows in the US. “I’ve done one before and I really tions, alcoholism. This is a story about To legitimise the sport, the Inter- enjoyed it,” said David Knowles, Man- people challenging themselves and being national Obstacle Racing Federation Gimmie a hoo-rah! Gimme a hell aging Director of marketing fi rm BDA, the best version of themselves.” (IORF) was founded in 2013. Its presi- yeah!” a man shouts out from as he crossed the fi nish line with 18 col- But for others, it is about racing. Ob- dent Ian Adamson says the fi rst step a podium to the hundreds of leagues at an event an hour’s drive west stacle Course Racing has exploded in is international recognition but ad- bouncing lycra-clad people be- of London. recent years with a plethora of diff erent mits that many athletes and brands are low,“ pumping the air with their fi sts. “It’s a challenge. Going through events and themes lasting from a few pushing for OCR to be included in the “Are you reeeaaaadyyyy?” some of the water-based obstacles, hours to 24-hour marathons. Olympic and Paralympic Games. “Three, two, one, Go! it’s been quite hard and quite tough. It According to Running in USA, an es- The reigning world champion A foghorn booms, orange smoke bil- takes a lot of mental endurance as well timated 5.9mn people will participate in Jonathan Albon, who will be defending lows out and a handful of the weekend’s as physical.” an obstacle race in 2016 with a 40-fold his title at the OCR World Champion- 20,000 participants stream across the Set up in 2010, Tough Mudder was at increase in the United States over the ship that kicks off in the Blue Moun- start line. the forefront of what Obstacle Course past fi ve years. Joe De Sena began Spar- tains (Canada) today, explains the What awaits is 12 miles (19.3 kilome- Racing (OCR) afi cionados say is the tan Race in 2007 with an aim to building growing appeal. tres) of hills, mud and 26 of some of the world’s fastest growing sport. From the a whole new genre of sport. “A lot of the time you’re out in the craziest and silliest obstacles designed fi rst three events in 2010, revenue grew “When I founded Spartan Race, I wilderness and nature, that’s really nice to test physical and mental strength, 3,207% in fi ve years to reach an annual maintained from Day 1 that it would be but then you come back to the events teamwork and stamina. turnover of 100mn dollars in 2015 and 500,000 people doing the event this with a jammed wetsuit zipper. He set a legitimate sport with rules, rankings, centre and have obstacles where there From plunging into ice-cold water, expanding to 10 countries by 2016. year, 2.5mn people having done the out to design a challenge that wasn’t offi ciating, and a championship that al- are big crowds watching which gives crawling through tight tubes, scal- “All my Harvard business profes- event worldwide.” timed and where teamwork was a core lowed the best athletes in the world to you a great feeling as well,” the 27-year- ing sky-high walls and even running sors told me I was stupid and it would Dean was inspired to set up Tough part of the experience. compete against each other,” he said. old Brit said after participating in the through a fi eld of live electricity wires, never work,” co-founder and CEO Will Mudder when, during a triathlon, a “Tough Mudder isn’t an elite event, In 2012, De Sena set up the Spartan fi rst UK race organised by Nordic OCR participants are pushed to the limit Dean told AFP. “But here we are now, fellow competitor refused to help him it’s about teamwork and camaraderie World Championship and the franchise group Toughest. Gulf Times Thursday, October 13, 2016 11 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Future looks pink for Pakistan’s ball-makers AFP But cricket’s bosses are committed home fi xtures in neutral venues such years and exporting them to mainly Sialkot, Pakistan to increasing the number of day/night as the United Arab Emirates since mili- Australia and to England as well,” said Tests as they bid to reverse the trend of tants attacked the touring Sri Lanka Khawaja. falling attendances. team’s bus in Lahore in 2009. Cricket balls, weighing between 142 s cricket stages its second After years of trials, the governing Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s cel- to 163 grams depending on the catego- day-night Test this week, body have plumped for pink to replace ebrated captain who last month took ry are sold for between $4 and $25. factory workers in Pakistan traditional red under lights, as it is vis- them to number one in the rankings, is They are stitched from four leather Awill be among the avid televi- ible against both dark skies and the a fi rm believer that the “future belongs pieces which are converted into two sion viewers — they might even have traditional Test-match white kits. to night Tests”. round shaped cups after colouring the made the innovative pink balls being Two major factories and dozens of “Since the game is played for the fans raw leather — usually from cattle — used by their heroes. small units in Sialkot are on the case. and for the audience, this night cricket and moulding it on machines, before Pakistan host West Indies in Dubai “Last year we produced about is the future and it’s defi nitely good for the fi nal stitching by hand or machine. in a fi ve-day/night Test featuring the 120,000 cricket balls (all colours), but cricket,” he told reporters last week. The balls are then wrapped in crys- pink ball, starting today. our demand is growing. We hope to do The history of sports goods manu- tal polythene covers and packed in It is a match that will be closely fol- this year minimum hopefully around facturing in Sialkot dates back to the hardboard boxes — ready to be shipped lowed in Sialkot, the city that is the 150,000 balls,” Khawaja added, beam- 19th century when locals fi rst began to overseas. The use of pink balls has been country’s sports manufacturing hub. ing with pride as his workers stitched produce footballs for the British army, trialled by some domestic leagues, but Pakistan’s sports goods industry is po- the balls by hand behind him. then the occupying power. has had its share of teething problems. sitioning itself to be the top supplier of Test cricket is the sport’s longest Today, the city’s sports exports are Both the Australian and New Zea- the new pink balls aimed at dragging format with matches that despite be- worth $900mn annually, according to land teams complained about the pink the traditional format – the fi ve-day ing scheduled for fi ve days of play, can offi cial fi gures, and have supplied balls ball’s ability to swing (move in the air) game – into the 21st century. still end in a draw. for international competitions such as and that it became too soft too soon, “We are probably making 15,000 to With breaks for lunch and tea, Tests 2014 FIFA World Cup. making it harder for batsmen to score 20,000 pink balls per year. The num- evoke a bygone era and are losing sup- Established in 1953, Grays of Cam- runs. Misbah, however, said players bers of pink balls are growing,” said port to the modern, shortest, form of A Pakistani worker stitches a pink cricket ball at the Malik Sports Factory in bridge is Pakistan’s premier brand and would adapt to the conditions in time. Khawar Anwar Khawaja, chief execu- the game, Twenty20. Sialkot. Pakistan’s sports goods industry is positioning itself to be the prime produces red, white, pink and orange “Since the game is played for the tive of Grays of Cambridge, who have The high-octane Twenty20 match- manufacturer of pink cricket balls—a high-visibility alternative for use in day-night balls for the leading markets in Aus- fans and for the audience, this night been making cricket balls since 1953. es last around three hours, feature Test matches aimed at dragging the game into the 21st century. (AFP) tralia and England for top international cricket is the future and it’s defi nitely The high visibility balls made their coloured kits, live performances, loud brands such as Dukes and Gray-Nicolls. good for cricket,” he said. “The more Test debut last year when Australia music and cheerleaders. Outside of these two countries and ingly become a problem. And local manufacturers expect a frequently we play under lights, it will played New Zealand in Adelaide, to The fi rst ever Test match was played India, fi lling stadiums across fi ve days Pakistan in particular has suff ered deluge of orders. “We have been pro- give more exposure and allow players mixed reviews. in 1877 between England and Australia. and attracting advertisers has increas- because it has been forced to play its ducing pink for the last seven (or) eight to get used to it.”

PREVIEW Bowler Abbott left dazed by fatal delivery to Hughes

AFP by one of the bowlers, “I am go- Sydney ing to kill you”, but Abbott said he did not recall any such back- chat. “I felt the game that day Misbah’s Pakistan ustralian cricketer Sean was being played within the laws Abbott was left upset and spirit of cricket,” he said. Aand dazed for days after Abbott said Hughes had been he bowled the ball which fatally “a bit early through the shot” injured batsman Phillip Hughes, when he took the delivery, which a coroner’s inquest has been told. made him think that the ball had Abbott, now aged 24, wrote in been travelling slower than the a statement released yesterday batsman had anticipated. “I don’t pink-hot favourites that he had always looked up remember the ball being fast or to Hughes, and had run to the slow. Maybe the wicket was a little batsman and held his head as bit slower that day. That’s the type he lay on the pitch at the Sydney of wicket at the SCG,” he said. Cricket Ground. Abbott, who has not been “Once in the changeroom I called to appear at the inquest, felt confused and upset, I had a said he had avoided watching the headache, people kept coming distressing video of the incident in day-night Test up to me but I cannot remember but stressed there would always what they said,” Abbott said. “It be risks in the game. was all a bit of a blur and I felt like “I know there has been a sug- Arch-rivals India relegated Pakistan to number two with their recent series sweep I was in a bit of a daze. I felt super gestion that the laws of the game tired. These feelings stayed with be changed so that bouncers against New Zealand but Misbah-ul-Haq’s men have a prime opportunity to close me for the next few days.” should not be bowled, but the Hughes, 25, died two days after same cricket ball will be hit and the gap in the three-match series against the West Indies and are strong favourites the rising delivery hit him in the flying around whether bouncers neck during a domestic Sheff ield are bowled or not,” he said. Shield match between New In his statement, Australian South Wales and South Australia vice-captain David Warner said in November 2014. The blow Hughes had been one of his caused a bleed on the brain from “closest mates” and he missed which death was likely “inevita- him every day. ble”, the inquest has been told. But he said he could not think The inquest, in which the of any way that a similar freak coroner is examining the manner accident could be completely of Hughes’ death and can make avoided. “I don’t think a helmet recommendations to improve could protect where Phil was safety, has looked into whether hit and still allow a batsman to he had been targeted with short move his head properly or face balls or “sledged” with unsettling up properly,” he said. The inquest comments from opponents. is due to finish tomorrow. The Questions have been raised coroner’s findings may come about whether Hughes was told then, but it could take weeks.

FOCUS ‘We believe in skills, not helpful wickets’ AFP and Mohamed Shami played key Indore, India roles on a two-paced track. “We believe in our skill and not be- lieve in creating conditions or ndia skipper Virat Kohli said atmosphere which might suit us his team relies on skill rather partially,” he said. than helpful wickets after the Ajinkya Rahane’s 188 in the fi rst hosts were offi cially crowned innings and Cheteshwar Pujara’s theI number one side after their unbeaten 101 and Gautam Gam- 3-0 thrashing of New Zealand. bhir’s quickfi re 50 in the second India, who had reclaimed the innings also contributed to India’s top spot in the world Test rankings dominance in Indore. “Credit after taking an unassailable 2-0 se- goes to everyone.... we know that Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq (right) and his West Indies counterpart Jason Holder hold the Test series trophy ahead of Asia’s day-night Test to be played in Dubai today. (AFP) ries lead in Kolkata, won the third if the entire team doesn’t put in and fi nal Test by 321 runs Tuesday the eff ort, one or two players can’t AFP belongs to day-night Tests,” said Misbah, duo of Yasir Shah and Zulfi qar Babar to do well in Dubai – as well as grabbing to consolidate their position. win matches,” said Kohli. Dubai whose team will be missing senior bats- proving too much for the spin-wary West a slice of Test history, the match is their Premier spinner Ravichandran man Younis Khan, recovering from den- Indian batsmen, especially in the unfa- 400th Test since playing their fi rst in In- Ashwin claimed seven wickets in Ashwin regains top spot gue fever. miliar day-night format with the pink dia in 1952. the fi nal innings to end with a ca- Ravichandran Ashwin regained n-form Pakistan are ready to launch Pakistan have included in-form bats- ball and under lights. A win will not only cap a historic occa- reer-best match haul of 13-140 to his number one spot in the bowl- a pink-ball spin assault on strug- man Babar Azam, 21, for his fi rst Test af- Australia staged the inaugural day- sion but will also give Pakistan momen- fl atten the New Zealand batting. ing world rankings yesterday after gling West Indies when they do ter he racked up 360 runs during the one- night Test against New Zealand in Ad- tum for their pink-ball Tests in Australia Kohli, who recorded his second his career-best performance in Ibattle in Asia’s fi rst day-night Test day series against the West Indies. elaide last November – the fi rst in Test in December. double-century in the fi rst in- the fi nal Test against New Zealand beginning today. But misfi ring openers Mohammad cricket’s 140-year history. The remaining two Tests against the nings to help India to an imposing spurred India to a series white- Pakistan have been on a roll since their Hafeez and Shan Masood have been axed The innovation has been brought in West Indies will be in Abu Dhabi (Octo- 557/5 declared, insisted that turn- wash. The lanky spinner leap- 2-2 series draw in England in August, from the squad which levelled the four- to address the dwindling crowds in Test ber 21-25) and Sharjah (October 30-No- ing pitches are not the reason for frogged South African pacer Dale which briefl y lifted them to number one match Test series against England. cricket – fl oodlit matches encourage vember 3). the team’s dominant showing. Steyn and England’s Jimmy Ander- position in world cricket’s Test rankings The West Indies, routed by Pakistan those at work during the day to attend – “We knew before the se- son at the top of the International for the fi rst time. 3-0 in both Twenty20 and one-day series and has met with initial success. Teams (from) ries that people will start talk- Cricket Council (ICC) rankings in Arch-rivals India relegated Pakistan to preceding the Tests, come in as clear un- The Adelaide Test attracted 123,000 Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Azhar ing about pitches. We knew our an update released a day after he number two with recent victory over New derdogs. spectators and an average television au- Ali, Sami Aslam, Asad Shafiq, Babar abilities and we knew we should recorded match fi gures of 13-140. Zealand but Misbah-ul-Haq’s men have a Coach Phil Simmons, who guided dience of two million. Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohamed Nawaz, be good enough to do well on any The 30-year-old Ashwin was prime opportunity to close the gap in the them to the World Twenty20 title in April But players from both sides com- Mohamed Amir, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, surface and against any team,” also named man of the series af- three-match series against the West In- this year, was sacked prior to this tour plained about the pink ball’s movement Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali, Sohail Khan, Kohli told reporters. ter India’s 321-run triumph over dies and are strong favourites. after the team lost 2-0 to India in a four- and durability, as well as the diffi culty Imran Khan India registered comprehen- the Black Caps in the third and Pakistan captain Misbah said he was match series in August. batsmen faced seeing it under lights. West Indies: Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg sive victories in all three games fi nal match in Indore which ce- relishing the prospect of a day-night But captain Jason Holder said the West Pakistan have accumulated more ex- Brathwaite (vice captain), Devendra Bishoo, starting at Kanpur’s Green Park — mented the hosts’ position as Test, where play will be from 3:30pm to Indies – down in eighth in the Test rank- perience than the West Indies under Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, the country’s 500th Test match. the number one Test team. He 10:30pm (1130 GMT to 1830 GMT) with ings – are ready to bounce back. “We have lights, adopting the coloured ball concept Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Miguel Cum- The series-clinching win at took 27 wickets in the course of two breaks of 30 minutes, in what is nom- some new faces in Tests so we will do our six years ago for the fi nal of their domes- mins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Kolkata’s Eden Gardens also the three-match series, includ- inally a “home” series for Pakistan. best,” said Holder. tic premier fi rst-class tournament. Shai Hope, Leon Johnson, Alzarri Joseph, came after four days where fast ing fi gures of seven for 59 in New “It’s exciting because I think the future Experts, however, see Pakistan’s spin Pakistan have more than one reason Marlon Samuels, Jomel Warrican bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar Zealand’s second innings. Thursday, October 13, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Al Shaqab Racing has been on impressive form this year ‘Next year will be very important for us, we hope to see the results from our breeding programme. We have around 80 mares already in foal this year. Next year we will have around 110 so we are focusing on the breeding side. It is very important to us’

By Denise Marray second in the Sussex Stakes.” London He credits the attitude of the Al Shaqab team as being a big factor in the success. “There is a very good team in l Shaqab Racing has been on place; they are enthusiastic and posi- cracking form this year with tive. I have through my experience in an impressive eight Group 1 racing come to believe that this positiv- Awins among its 21 wins to date. ity is very important,” he commented. For General Manager Khalifa al-At- On the up and coming breeding oper- tiyah, these are pleasing results but he ation, he noted: “Al Shaqab has invest- is always looking at the bigger picture ed in yearlings and proven horses; the and working towards fulfi lling the goals mix of the two has been very successful of Al Shaqab founder and owner HE as we have seen from horses like Treve, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani. Toronado, Olympic Glory and Galileo Gulf Times caught up with al-Attiyah Gold as well as horses such as Shalaa, a at the Berkeley Hotel in London during yearling purchase and one of the lead- a break in his busy schedule while at- ing two-year-olds in Europe last year. tending the Tattersalls’ sales. “Now we are seeing homebred horses He spoke about the importance making their mark such as Doha Dream of developing homebred horses and who won a Group 2 race in France on pointed to the success of Doha Dream Arc weekend. as an indicator of future hopes. Doha “This demonstrates that Sheikh Dream won the 200,000 euros Qatar Joaan’s Bouquetot stud farm in Nor- Prix Chaudenay Group 2 3000m race mandy is coming on tap. Getting a suc- for three-year-olds at the Qatar Prix de cessful breeding operation going takes l’Arc de Triomphe weekend in France time. It doesn’t just happen overnight. earlier this month. “The stud farm has got off to a great “Doha Dream is our fi rst Group win- start and I have no doubt will become ner from our Haras de Bouquetot stud a real force in the world of breeding farm in Normandy. Next year will be thoroughbreds in the days to come. You very important for us, we hope to see need good fortune in these things but the results from our breeding pro- you have to make your own luck as well. gramme. We have around 80 mares al- I think it’s been an unbelievable start for ready in foal this year. Next year we will Al Shaqab which is widely recognised in have around 110 so we are focusing on the racing industry,” Herbert observed. the breeding side. It is very important It is sometimes easy to forget that Al to us,” he said. Shaqab was only formed in 2013. Her- Al-Attiyah spends the month of Au- bert gave his view on its impact: gust in Normandy and visits regularly “I think the engagement of Al Shaqab when he is in France. The US is also seen is seen as very positive and is wel- as important to Al Shaqab in terms of its Al Shaqab Racing owner HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani (second from right) and general manager Khalifa al-Attiyah (right) celebrate Qemah’s win in the Corona- comed by the British racing industry breeding programme. tion Stakes at Royal Ascot with trainer Jean-Claude Rouget (second from left) and jockey Gregory Benoist. (BELOW LEFT) Al Shaqab racing manager Harry Herbert and by the French. “America is one of the main places (left) with jockey Frankie Dettori and trainer Richard Hannon (right) at the presentation ceremony for The Arqana July Stakes, won by Mehmas at Newmarket on July 7. “I think everyone has seen that we are focusing on; we are sending fi ve (BELOW RIGHT) HE Sheikh Joaan and jockey Dettori with Galileo Gold, winner of The Qatar Vintage Stakes at Goodwood on July 28. (Pictures: Racingfotos.com) Sheikh Joaan hasn’t just come with his mares to breed in America this year to cheque book to buy horses – which is start our breeding operation there in very good for British, Irish and French Kentucky,” he added. breeders – he has also supported racing On the track he singled out Galileo here. There is the Al Shaqab Lockinge Gold’s April victory as a major high- Day at Newbury; the prize money has light. “The 2000 Guineas win this year been boosted signifi cantly and there are was exceptional for us when Galileo huge crowds and a great atmosphere. Gold won the QIPCO 2000 Guineas “There is also Qatar’s sponsorship Stake at Newmarket,” he said. of all fi ve days of Glorious Goodwood, Asked about the rivalry between now called the Qatar Goodwood Fes- Al Shaqab and Godolphin, al-Attiyah tival. Qatar working with Lord March said: “We have very good relations with over the fi ve days of Glorious Good- Godolphin – with Sheikh Mohamed wood, a unique British brand in its own himself. We are friendly competitors. right, has been very positive and a great But of course we all want to win!” success,” he said. Al-Attiyah has high regard for At the end of the interview with Kha- Frankie Dettori who has had an incred- lifa al-Attiyah, Gulf Times could not re- ible career renaissance with Al Shaqab. sist asking for a few pointers on horses “Frankie Dettori is always smiling—I to watch out for. He obliged with the saw him just the other day. It’s good to name of a promising fi lly: “I am very see leading trainers like John Gosden impressed at the moment with the supporting him,” he said. Gulf Times spoke to Herbert to get tion of Al Shaqab,” he said. zal, and horses like Mehmas winning tory at Ascot. Winning in three coun- two-year-old fi lly Al Johrah. She is Al He also greatly values Racing Man- his take on the journey to date and fu- “We won our fi rst Classic race multiple Group races. tries is very exciting. Shaqab owned and bred. ager Harry Herbert. “Harry Herbert ture plans. “Sheikh Joaan wants to race this year when Galileo Gold won the “We have just seen our fi rst home “There was also a terrifi c showing at “We are looking forward to seeing has helped us a lot this season—includ- horses at the highest level and to be 2000 Guineas which was a wonder- bred Group winner in France—and we Goodwood with Mehmas winning the what she does next year. She had a good ing building our relations with British represented on the international stage ful achievement. Then there were the also had a Group 1 winner in America, Richmond Stakes and Al Jazi winning run at Ascot this summer, coming sec- racing,” he said. as much as possible. That is the ambi- Group 1 winning milers in France, Zel- Ectot, and Shalaa had a Group race vic- his Group 3, and Galileo Gold fi nishing ond. We have big hopes from her.”

FOCUS First concrete poured at Al Rayyan Stadium’s West stand fi ve weeks ahead of schedule l Rayyan Stadium, the pro- posed host venue through to the quarter-fi nals for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, achievedA a milestone yesterday as the fi rst concrete was poured at the loca- tion of the stadium’s West stand fi ve weeks ahead of schedule. The concrete pouring signifi es the commencement of a new phase in the construction of the stadium of one of Qatar’s most popular sports clubs, af- ter starting the foundation excavation. Engineer Youssif al-Musleh, Com- petition Venues Deputy Executive Di- rector at the Technical Delivery Offi ce of the Supreme Committee for De- livery & Legacy (SC), highlighted the importance of reaching this milestone at Al Rayyan Stadium: “We are pleased with the progress being made today on the site of Al Rayyan Stadium, which will be the home of Al Rayyan Sports Club, with one of the biggest fan bases in Qatar. Following the recent comple- tion of the training sites for the team, the concrete pouring today is another Works on the road connecting the duced to 21,000 seats after the tourna- façade will feature a multitude of local structures, which resemble the sand Al Rayyan Sports Club. signifi cant step forward towards the stadium with the nearby mall and oth- ment for legacy use. The top tier will be patterns and designs, which draw on dunes that surround desert tents. The local community was consulted completion of the stadium by 2019.” er services surrounding the precinct dismantled and donated to developing Qatari culture. Sustainability is at the heart of the about the design and legacy of this Over 100,000 m3 of concrete and are also nearing completion. football nations. Featuring an innovative exterior de- design, beginning with the decon- project with the SC making eight ma- 6,700 tonnes of structural steel will be The main contractor for Al Rayyan Approximately 1.75mn man-hours sign, it also aims to create a sense of struction of the old stadium, with 90% jlis visits in the area. The venue will used during this phase of the project. Stadium is a joint venture company of without lost time incidents (LTI) have place unique to Al Rayyan in particu- of the materials resulting from the de- serve in legacy as a hub for the local The area surrounding the stadium local company Al-Balagh Trading & been completed on site. lar, and more generally to the culture of construction being re-used. Some of community, with the area surround- has also seen major progress in recent Contracting Company and Indian con- Al Rayyan’s sporting heritage and Qatar and the Middle East. Most of the the materials will be used by local and ing the stadium including retail, and weeks with the completion of excava- struction company Larsen & Toubro. Qatar’s environment is refl ected in the hospitality and service areas will be lo- international artists to create works of aquatics centre, walkways and a wed- tion for the metro by Qatar Rail. The 40,000-capacity venue will be re- design of the stadium. The stadium’s cated outside the stadium in dune-like public art which refl ect the history of ding hall. (www.sc.qa)