Tiger on Brink of PGA Tour Win Record at Japan Event

MONDAY 28 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 07 Physically they stepped it up to a South Africa’s Handre new level so we’re going to have to Pollard predicts a stop them... I think it’s two sides that CRICKET FOOTBALL ‘chess match’ against really pride themselves on a good Women’s T20: Pakistan vs Turkish Super Lig: Istanbul England in Rugby World kicking game as well. So, it’s going Bangladesh in Lahore Basaksehir vs Trabzonspor

Cup ﬁnal. ACTION

to be a good chess match. TODAY’S Tiger on brink of PGA Tour win record at Japan event

AFP round resumes today. “I am only INZAI thinking how to catch up and win the tournament,” said Tiger Woods led Hideki Matsuyama. Matsuyama by three strokes with “Let’s see what is going to Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman hits a RBI single during seven holes to play to stand on happen in the last six holes the ﬁrst inning against the Washington Nationals. the verge of golfing history when tomorrow.” the final round of the weather- Woods, who has led since his delayed Zozo Championship in first-round six-under 64 on Japan was suspended due to bad Thursday, earlier on Sunday shot Houston Astros rout light yesterday. a controlled third-round 66 to Victory for Woods today extend a two-shot lead over would see the 15-time major Woodland (68) to three over Nationals to pull champion add another illustrious Matsuyama, who carded a 65. chapter to his astonishing career Rory McIlroy was the biggest by equalling US legend Sam mover as he catapulted up the Tiger Woods of level in World Series Snead’s all-time mark of 82 PGA leaderboard with a third-round the US checks the Tour wins. 63, equalling the low round of AFP title in three seasons, are trying Woods, who is 17-under par, line on the second the week, to follow his 65 on WASHINGTON to become only the fourth club shook hands for the night with hole green during Saturday. to drop the first two games at playing partners Gary Woodland the third round The FedEx Cup champion Alex Bregman smashed a grand home and rally to win the World and Keegan Bradley in the of the PGA Zozo lies fifth on 11-under par with slam home run and Jose Urquidy Series. descending darkness after Championship, two holes to complete. threw five scoreless innings on The Nationals are trying to parring the 11th hole in his fourth yesterday. “I played great this morning,” Saturday as the Houston Astros win the first title in the club’s round. said McIlroy. “I’ve got a 12-footer ripped Washington 8-1 to pull 50-year history and the first But the current US Masters for birdie on 17 and then I’ll try level in the World Series. crown for Washington since champion is taking nothing for is not easy. It’s one of the hardest fourth rounds, delayed because to make birdie or eagle at the last Bregman blasted a towering 1924. granted and said he will need to par fours on the whole golf of Friday’s washout at Accordia and finish as high up as ball that curled just inside the Bregman became the first hit the ground running on course, it’s 490 yards,” Woods Golf Narashino Country Club. possible.” left-field pole off Nationals third baseman to drive in five Monday morning. told reporters. After Woods had finished he Tied for third on 12-under reliever Fernando Rodney in runs in a World Series game. “Starting off on the 12th hole “It’s going to be cool still had time to induce one last par are in-form US Open the seventh inning to give the Houston seized a 2-0 lead tomorrow morning, so the hole’s mighty roar from the packed champion Woodland, third last Astros their final margin as in the first inning on consecutive Victory for Woods going to play really long, so it’s golf-crazy galleries hanging off week at the CJ Cup, and PGA they equalised Major League singles by Jose Altuve, Michael today would see important that I get off to a good every Matsuyama drive, chip and Tour 2019 Rookie of the Year Im Baseball’s best-of-seven final at Brantley, Bregman and Yuli the 15-time major start. putt at the US PGA Tour’s inau- Sung-jae who had a third-round 2-2. Gurriel but Robinson Chirinos champion add another “It’s a hard pin tomorrow gural tournament in Japan. 67. “I was just trying to hit the hit into an bases-loaded, inning- over in the top right. I’ve got to The world number 27’s The atmosphere was electric illustrious chapter to his ball in the air and drive in a run ending double play to limit the do my job starting out.” snaking 25-foot birdie putt on yesterday as the sellout crowds, and I ended up driving in four,” damage for the Nats. astonishing career by Japan’s number one Mat- the 12th green somehow found who were shut out Saturday for Bregman said. Chirinos redeemed himself equalling US legend Sam suyama, in the group immedi- its way to the cup in the gloom safety reasons after almost 10 “What a great team win. We in the fourth when, after Carlos Snead’s all-time mark of ately ahead, had clung doggedly and Matsuyama moved to inches of rain fell on the course did a great job today coming out Correa walked, he smashed a 82 PGA Tour wins. to the coat-tails of Woods 14-under par, three behind during Friday’s storms, were and applying pressure.” two-run homer into the left- throughout Sunday’s third and Woods with six to play when the gleefully allowed back in. Urquidy allowed only two field stands for a 4-0 Astros hits while striking out four, the lead. 24-year-old Mexican right- It was the third play-off hander tossing 45 of his 67 homer and second round- Ko named LPGA Tour Player-of-the-Year pitches for strikes to baffle tripper of the World Series for Washington batters. the 35-year-old Venezuelan REUTERS remaining on the LPGA Tour, honours I could ever receive.” two years since joining the tour. The host Nationals will start catcher. LONDON South Korean Ko has 241 points Ko, named Rookie of the She also recorded eight game-one winner Max Scherzer Urquidy, only the third Mex- to lead compatriot Lee Jeong- Year in 2018, has won four more top-10 finishes, another in game five against Houston’s ican-born starter in World Series World number one Ko Jin- eun by 118. events this year including two season-high which included Gerrit Cole, whose loss in the history and the first right-hander young picked up the Rolex “I’m so thankful to win the majors -- the ANA Inspiration three runner-up spots, and did opener was his first defeat since from his homeland, silenced Player-of-the-Year award for Rolex Player of the Year title in California and The Evian not miss the cut in 20 starts. May after a 19-0 run in 25 starts Washington bats early. the first time after the award,” Ko, who first became Championship in Evian-les- “Some of my golf heroes over five months. Washington only managed 24-year-old forged an unas- number one in April, said in a Bains, France. have won this award and I can’t Game six will be tomorrow one hit after that over the last sailable lead in the 2019 statement yesterday. No other player has won believe that my name is now on in Houston, where game seven three innings, although left- rankings, the LPGA Tour “This was one of the best four times on the LPGA Tour the same list,” Ko added. will be played on Wednesday if fielder Soto denied a final Astros announced yesterday. years of my career and to earn this season. Ko has also won six “I can’t wait to see what the needed. run by throwing out Chirinos at With three more events this award is one of the best LPGA Tour events in less than future brings for me.” The Astros, seeking a second the plate in the ninth. MTB racing season begins at challenging Al Khor course

DOHA WINNERS THE PENINSULA Men’s Open: Mersni, Mehdi (Tunisia) Team Al The season-opening race sign- Bidaa aling the start of the MTB racing Women’s Open: Sundstedt, Pia (Finland) event in Qatar took place in Al Team Rasen Adventure Shop Khor, this weekend featuring Men’s U-30: Hermi, Mohamad Abdolrahman exciting action. (Iran) Team Iran Only 161 riders out of 180 Men’s U-40: Wouters, Cornelis Jan (Nether- mountain bikers finished the lands) race on the challenging course. Men’s Masters: Catalan, Denrei (Philippines) This race used the all-new xc Team Rasen Adventure Shop circuit track designed and laid Men’s Veterans: Andersen, Jaco out with the help of Team El (South Africa) Team Rasen Adventure Shop Padyakero of UFMBQ. Women’s Ww: Rowena Ruiz (Philippines) Rider Nicolas Wohlwend of Team Doha Chiqlistas Liechtenstein said: “The route is Men’s Novice: an exciting combination of quite De Vera, Mel Christian technical sections with some fast (Philippines) Team Bike To Work pace parts next to the mangroves Women’s Novice: Corby, Helena forest of Al Khor and some sur- (South Africa) Riders and officials pose for a group photo after the opening round

prisingly steep climbs. The race Youth U-16: Prasetyo, Aditya (Indonesia) of MTB racing season held in Al Khor. itself was a lot of fun with around Team Ifme 50 participants in my category alone, 180+ in total. Due to the the race organisers for the track race. Consequently, he got the (Netherlands) won the Men categories respectively. Team Team Rasen Adventure Shop heat, the second half of my race that was well laid out with lots KOM Badge in STRAVA for this Under 40 category. It is also Bike To Work cyclist Mel still proves her prowess in was a real challenge - thanks to of different challenges. route. worth mentioning that he got his Christian De Vera (Philippines) mountain bike racing by winning all the volunteers handing out Tunisian triathlete Mehdi Iran riders, who are just vis- 2nd podium of that day winning won the 1st Place for Men Novice the Open Women category. She water bottles.” Mersni of Team Al Bidaa, who iting Qatar to try out the 2nd place for the Torch Stairway category. also finished with the most laps Neil Melville (UK), a veteran was non-stop training and com- mountain bike circuit race, Run after the MTB race With the introduction of for women in this race. in Qatar’s cycling races both peting on multi-sports in and out Mohammed & Taregh Abdol- yesterday. additional handicap categories Rowena Ruiz (Philippines) of Road and MTB commented the of Qatar even during the peak of rahman Hermi won the 1st and Rasen Adventure Team for women, we had managed to Team Doha Chiqlistas won the race as a brutal first bicycle race the summer season, won the Men 2nd place respectively in the Men Riders, Denrei Catalan of Philip- involve more lady participants Women Weekend Warrior cat- of the season while Michael Open category. He is also the Under 30 category. pines & Jaco Anderson of South in the mountain bike racing egory while South African Anderson (South Africa) of Team overall winner in terms of Fastest Another first-timer in Qatar’s Africa topped the Masters (40 & scene. Former UCI Pro rider Pia Helena Corby won the Women Rasen Adventure shop lauded Lap and most Laps done for this MTB scene, Cornelis Jan Wouters Above) & Veterans (50 & above) Stundstedt (Finland) of Novice category. 08 SPORT MONDAY 28 OCTOBER 2019

Squash: Tickets go on sale for PSA World Championship

THE PENINSULA of the Men’s World Champi- The last three winners of the Raphael Kandra in one of the Mohamed Abouelghar, Diego DOHA onship, and the fifth time that Men’s World Championship will toughest first round matches Elias, Miguel Rodriguez and the tournament will be held in all feature in Qatar, with on day one, while former Marwan ElShorbagy will all be Tickets sale is under way for the Qatar, after the 1998, 2004, 2012 reigning World Champion and World No.1 ElShorbagy will aiming to win a first World PSA Men’s World Championship and 2014 events were also held World No.1, Ali Farag (pictured) face compatriot Karim El Championship title next month 2019-2020, with the best squash in Doha. leading the way, alongside 2017 Hammamy. in a multi-national draw. players in the world set to The Khalifa International World Champion Mohamed Gawad, another former Tickets are available for appear at the Khalifa Interna- Tennis and Squash Complex will ElShorbagy - who was a runner- World No.1, will be up against purchase through the Qatar tional Tennis and Squash be the host venue, with this up in Doha in 2012 and 2014 - Frenchman Auguste Dussourd Squash Federation website. Complex in Doha from event replacing the annual PSA and 2016 champion Karim in the first round. Squash fans can also follow the November 8 to 15. Platinum Qatar Classic Abdel Gawad. The likes of Tarek Momen, tournament on Twitter and This will be the 41st edition tournament. Farag will face Germany’s Paul Coll, Simon Rösner, Facebook.

PNG secure T20: Australia crush Sri Lanka next year’s T20 World after Warner’s birthday ton Cup berth

AFP an opportunity for the inexperi- IANS ADELAIDE enced players to get used to the NEW DELHI conditions before the World Cup. David Warner emphatically “We want to compete well in Papua New Guinea (PNG) qual- bounced back to form with a the next matches. They (batsmen) ified for the 2020 World T20 Australian batsman David Warner first-ever Twenty20 century as are playing on drop-in pitches after completing a sensational celebrates his century against Australia crushed Sri Lanka by for the first time and didn’t know comeback win over Kenya in Sri Lanka during the ﬁrst T20 in 134 runs in their opening match how the pitch will behave. This their World T20 qualifiers. This Adelaide, yesterday. of the three-game series in is not an excuse. We have to will be the first time that they Adelaide yesterday. adjust in the next few games.” will be playing in the men’s T20 Birthday boy Warner Finch bludgeoned three sixes World Cup. clubbed an unbeaten 100 as he SCOREBOARD and eight fours in Australia’s PNG recovered from 19/6 powered Australia to a massive Australia K. Perera b Starc ...... 16 innings before holing out to to win by 45 runs and with the 233 for two, aided by century A. Finch c Mendis b Sandakan ...... 64 O. Fernando b Agar ...... 13 Kusal Mendis at deep mid-wicket Netherlands failing to chase stands with skipper Aaron Finch D. Warner not out ...... 100 D. Shanaka c Richardson b Zampa ...... 17 off left-arm spinner Lakshan down a total of 130 in 12.3 overs and Glenn Maxwell. G. Maxwell c Perera b Shanaka ...... 62 W. Hasaranga run out (Maxwell) ...... 5 Sandakan for 64 off 36 balls. in their match against Scotland, A. Turner not out ...... 1 L. Sandakan c Agar b Zampa ...... 6 Sri Lanka limped to 99 for Extras (nb1, w5) ...... 6 L. Malinga not out ...... 13 The Aussie skipper shared in PNG finished top of their group nine from their 20 overs in a Total (2 wickets, 20 overs) ...... 233 K. Rajitha st Carey b Zampa ...... 0 a lively opening stand of 122 with and thus booked a trip to Aus- meek response, with leg-spinner Fall of wickets: 1-122 (Finch), 2-229 (Maxwell) N. Pradeep not out ...... 8 Warner and looked in ominous tralia for the marquee tour- Adam Zampa capturing three for Did not bat: S. Smith, A. Carey, A. Agar, P. Cum- Extras (lb6, nb1, w1) ...... 8 scoring form before he top- nament that will be held from mins, M. Starc, K. Richardson, A. Zampa Total (9 wickets, 20 overs) ...... 99 14. Bowling: Malinga 4-0-37-0 (2w), Rajitha 4-0- Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Mendis), 2-13 (Gunathilaka), edged the leg-spinner in the 11th October 18 to November 15 next It was Australia’s biggest- 75-0 (1nb), Pradeep 4-0-28-0, Sandakan 4-0- 3-13 (Rajapaksa), 4-46 (Fernando), 5-50 (Perera), over. year. ever win in the format and Sri 41-1 (1w), Hasaranga 3-0-42-0, Shanaka 1-0-10- 6-71 (Hasaranga), 7-71 (Shanaka), 8-82 Maxwell showcased a wide PNG’s fortunes were Lanka’s heaviest T20 defeat. 1 (1w) (Sandakan), 9-83 (Rajitha) range of improvised shot- dependent on the match Sri Lanka Bowling: Starc 4-0-18-2, Richardson 4-0-21-0 Coming off a dismal Ashes D. Gunathilaka c Warner b Cummins ...... 11 (1w, 1nb), Cummins 4-0-27-2, Zampa 4-0-14-3, making for his 62 off just 28 balls, between the Netherlands and campaign in England and low K. Mendis c Turner b Starc ...... 0 Agar 4-0-13-1 studded with three sixes and Scotland with the former scores in the new domestic B. Rajapaksa b Cummins ...... 2 Result: Australia won by 134 runs seven fours. topping the group had they won season, Warner plundered his He partnered Warner in a the match. But the Dutch could ton off 56 balls with four sixes 107-run stand and was dis- not chase down the total of 130 and 10 fours. Maxwell, as the Australians and it’s always tough to chase a with 17 and wicketkeeper Kusal missed, caught behind off off 12.3 overs, thus trailed PNG The left-handed opener ripped into the Sri Lankan big one down in Australia. Perera hit 16 before he was Shanaka in the final over of the on net run rate. scored just 95 runs in 10 innings bowlers -- with Kasun Rajitha’s “It’s great to come out and bowled by Mitchell Starc. innings. It was Australia’s highest Earlier, Ireland had on Sat- for Australia’s Ashes retention, 0-75 off four overs proving the play on nice true wickets.” Skipper Lasith Malinga was T20 total at home since their 221 urday sealed their spot in the but once he got set yesterday he most expensive figures in a T20 Sri Lanka were always strug- still there at the end with an against England in Sydney in World T20 with an eight-wicket pounded the Sri Lankan bowlers international. gling in reply, with Pat Cummins unbeaten 13. 2007. win over Nigeria. Their status with belligerence, and reached “It means a lot to contribute on a hat-trick after dismissing “The bowlers didn’t bowl in Australia face the Sri was also dependent upon the his hundred off the last ball of to the team and put us in great Danushka Gunathilaka (11) and the right line and length. This is Lankans in Brisbane and Mel- result of the match between the innings. position,” man-of-the-match Bhanuka Rajapaksa (2) with suc- a good learning phase for our bourne before Pakistan arrive for Oman and Jersey. A victory for The ton on his 33rd birthday Warner said. cessive deliveries in his opening young bowlers,” Malinga said. T20s in Sydney, Canberra and Oman would have meant the was complemented by blistering “It was a good milestone, but over. He finished with 2 for 27. “We know we are playing Perth as they prepare to host the end of Ireland’s hopes but half-centuries from Finch and we got a great total on the board Dasun Shanaka top scored against a tough team, but this is T20 World Cup next October. Jersey beat them by 14 runs. Indian attack ‘not too many other BCCI wants to hold countries can match’: Chappell first day-night Test IANS “India has added a new other factor in India’s ascent has at Eden Gardens NEW DELHI dimension to their game with the been the shining example set by fast bowlers -- even minus their captain, Virat Kohli. Always IANS from November 22. BCB chief NEW DELHI Former Australia captain Ian Jasprit Bumrah -- playing a huge After years of planning a player who wanted to perform Nizamuddin Chowdhury said Chappell feels the Indian pace part in a home victory. After well in all conditions, Kohli’s that the board can take a battery commands respect in all years of planning and the advent and the advent of desire for excellence rubbed off The Board of Control for Cricket decision only after getting conditions and with the spinners, of numerous academies, India numerous academies, on his teammates and the whole in India (BCCI) would like the players’ and team manage- India’s bowling arsenal is hard has finally put together a group India has ﬁnally put side has the common goal of second Test of the upcoming ment’s consent. to match. of fast bowlers who allow them wanting to be the best.” series between India and Bang- “At first we have to take the India whitewashed South to compete anywhere in the together a group Chappell also raised his ladesh to be a day-night Test, consent of the players and Africa 3-0 in the recently con- cricket world,” Chappell was of fast bowlers concern in the manner in which according to the Bangladesh members of the team man- cluded Test series by huge quoted as saying by ESPN- who allow them to South Africa lost all the three Cricket Board (BCB). agement about it. It is totally a margins to consolidate their Cricinfo in his column for them.” compete anywhere in Tests, without any fight barring, In that case, the iconic Eden technical matter (playing day- position at the top of the ICC Test “Bumrah, when fit, the inde- to an extent, the first rubber. He Gardens in Kolkata could be host night Test from skill perspective) Championship standings. fatigable Mohammed Shami, the the cricket world: Ian said that the five-day contest to India’s first-ever day-night and we have to consider that Ace off-spinner Ravi- vastly improved Ishant Sharma, Chappell survives on healthy contests and Test. However, the BCB is yet to there is preparation required to chandran Ashwin was the and the pacy Umesh Yadav give this is alarming for the game. consent to it. play a Test with a pink ball,” he highest wicket-taker in the series India a quartet of fast bowlers adequately placed to cope with “Test cricket relies heavily on “They (BCCI) have proposed said according to Cricbuzz. while spin partner Ravindra that demand respect in all con- any conditions they encounter. a good contest to be entertaining (a Day-Night Test) and we will The tour starts with a three- Jadeja also scalped a few, but it ditions. These pace spearheads, A well-balanced bowling attack and exciting.” let them know after thinking a match T20I series, the first of was the pacers Mohammed added to India’s always capable is the perfect antidote to any “Recent contests like India’s while,” BCB cricket operation which will be played on Shami (pictured) and Umesh spinners, give the attack a attempt to provide conditions triumph in Australia and the Chairman Akram Khan told November 3. The Test series will Yadav, who returned with a potency that not too many other that heavily favour the home enthralling Ashes series will keep reporters yesterday. be Bangladesh’s first in the bagfulul of wickets too,too, a countries can match,match,” hhe wrote. side.” patrons fascinated by the game. “We have receivedceived thethe letterletter WWorldorld Test CChampionship.hampionship. rarityy in the past on Chappell said with HardikHar Pan- Lauding Rohit Sharma for his However, a plethora of lop-sided two or three dayss (back)(back) and we spin-friendly-friendly dya’sdya’s incinclusionlusion in tthehe side as a exploits while opening the series or boring batting exhibi- will take a decisionon in tthishis regarregardd Indiand i a n seam-bowlingseam-bowling aallrounder,llr batting, Chappell said India now tions have little appeal as a but we have notot discusseddiscussed iitt conditions.ditions. India would be well pplaced to has a surplus of talent that makes contest and will quickly lose (yet). We will letet them know WhatWhat stoodstood cope withwith any condition.”condit them the envy of the cricket world. favour with the fans. about our decisionion withinwithin one out momorere waswas SlotSlot a fit seam-boseam-bowlingw all- “It was always only a matter of “If South Africa’s slide is a or two days,” hee said. that ththeyey ddidid it rounderrounder in HarHardikdik PaPandyan into when India got their act together long-term affliction -- and Newly-electedted BCCI PPres-res- withoutout pace thatthat group aandn India -- in particular concerning judging by their batting in India, ident Sourav Gangulynguly (pictured)(pictured) spearheadrhead Jasprit areare morem than selection -- before they became a this could well be the case -- had earlier said thathat sincesince InIndiandian Bumrah,rah, whowho is true powerhouse in the game. then that leaves three teams, captain Virat Kohlihli is agreeaagreeable,ble, nursingsing an “With an enormous talent India, Australia and England in India could be playingplaying its first injury.y. pool, young players gaining the strong category, with New ever day-night TestTest as soon as experience from mixing with Zealand just below that in the Bangladeshsh series. international stars in the IPL, and standard. The rest of the Test The first Testst will stastartrt oonn the right selections, India should teams have a lot of ground to November 14 in InIndoredore whilewhilee remain a powerful opponent for make up in order to be regarded the second is scheduledheduledd Jasprit Bumrah the indefinite future.” as strong performers in all to be played at thee On Kohli, he wrote: “The conditions.” Eden Gardensns MONDAY 28 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 09

Opening ceremony of the six-month long event to be held at Aspire Zone School Olympic Program to kick off today

ARMSTRONG VAS Future stars competing THE PENINSULA in different sports The last edition featured 12 The 13th edition of the School sports including football, Olympic Program (SOP) will kick basketball, volleyball, off from today at Aspire Zone, handball, tennis, table officials of the organising tennis, fencing, gymnastics, committee announced here athletics, swimming, chess yesterday. and taekwondo. The opening ceremony will be held today at 9.00am, informed Qatar School Sports likely to come down on the event Association (QSSA) Executive in mid April. Director Abdulrahman Al Muftah, The six-month program of while speaking at a press individual and group sports conference. draws the participation of thou- This year’s SOP events will sands of students to achieve its see school students from Qatar mission, where a close link compete in 12 sports in the boys between sports and other spe- Abdulrahman Al Muftah (centre), Executive Director of Qatar section and 13 in the girl’s cific social fields is established School Sports Association speaking at a press conference in category. in order to promote educating The SOP, a prestigious Doha yesterday. students and raising their national sports program, is held awareness about other social annually as a collaborative effort areas of life. The program also of QSSA and Ministry of Edu- by Qatar government as part of school competitions. We aim to schools in Qatar. The SOP “We are looking forward to illustrates how these areas can cation and Higher Education, the Qatar National Vision 2030. continue to build on the success Organizing Committee aims to more participation in terms of coexist with sport. with hundreds of students com- Al Muftah informed cycling we had last year. The competi- spread a culture of sports number of school students taking The last edition featured 12 peting from all over Qatar. event is likely to be added to the tions saw 14, 700 students taking throughout Qatar’s schools and part,” said the official of the sports including football, bas- The program goes in line events, in both the girls and boys part in the various disciplines,” to engage the entire community organising committee. ketball, volleyball, handball, with other initiatives in eco- section. added Al Muftah. in active and healthy lifestyles The SOP activities which tennis, table tennis, fencing, nomic, social, human and envi- “Last year 333 schools took The SOP is a national while retaining local values and begin today will be held for the gymnastics, athletics, swimming, ronmental spheres undertaken part in various program that covers all the traditions. next six months with the curtains chess and taekwondo.

School students playing handball during the School Olympic Program in this file picture. Last year 333 schools took part in various competitions. We aim to continue to build on the success we had last year. The competitions saw 14, 700 students taking part in the various disciplines: Qatar School Sports Association (QSSA) Executive Director Abdulrahman Al Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Secretary-General Jassim Al Buenain awarding a medal to a young Muftah player following the final of a football tournament of the School Olympic Program at Aspire, in this file picture. MotoGP: Champion Marquez Salah fires Liverpool wins thriller as Vinales crashes to victory over Spurs AFP AFP PHILLIP ISLAND LIVERPOOL English Premier League English Premier League World champion Marc Marquez secured Mohamed Salah ensured Liverpool results yesterday his 11th victory of the season at the survived a major scare with the Arsenal 2 (Sokratis 7, Luiz 9) Australian MotoGP after disaster struck winner in a 2-1 win over Tottenham Crystal Palace 2 (Milivojevic fellow Spaniard Maverick Vinales, who Hotspur that saw the Premier League 32-pen, Ayew 52) crashed on the last lap. leaders restore their six-point Liverpool 2 (Henderson 52, Salah The Monster Energy Yamaha rider had advantage over Manchester City. 75-pen) Tottenham 1 (Kane 1) dominated all weekend at Phillip Island The Egyptian smashed home a Newcastle 1 (Lascelles 37) Wolves and was leading for much of the race until 75th-minute penalty, the 50th 1 (Jonny 73) Repsol Honda’s Marquez darted past in Anfield goal of his Liverpool career, Norwich 1 (Hernandez 88) the dying stages. as the Reds came back from going a Manchester United 3 (McTominay In desperate bid to retake the lead, goal down just seconds after kick off 21, Rashford 30, Martial 73) Vinales pushed too hard and skidded out to maintain their unbeaten league Played on Saturday to hand his gifted rival, who clinched his record with their ninth win in 10 Brighton 3 (Gross 15, Maupay sixth MotoGP world title in Thailand this matches. 80-pen, Digne 90+4-og) Everton month, a fifth win in a row. Salah’s decisive spot-kick was 2 (Webster 20-og, Calvert-Lewin Britain’s Cal Crutchlow, who suffered awarded after Serge Aurier allowed 74) career-threatening injuries at Phillip Sadio Mane to gain a goalside Burnley 2 (Rodriguez 86, McNeil 89) Chelsea 4 (Pulisic 21, 45, 56, Island last year, came second on his LCR- Repsol Honda MotoGP rider Marc Marquez of Spain holds up the trophy after winning position on him before tripping him Honda with Australian Jack Miller third in the process of making a tackle. Willian 58) the Australian motorcycle Grand Prix on Phillip Island yesterday. on a Ducati. It was a decision that angered the Manchester City 3 (Sterling 46, Italian veteran Valentino Rossi, racing visitors but one that allowed Liv- D. Silva 65, Gundogan 70) Aston in an amazing 400th Grand Prix, was as Rossi powered to the lead before and of the final lap before the late drama as erpool to complete a second-half Villa 0 eighth. disaster for exciting French rookie Fabio drops of rain started to fall. comeback that was started when Watford 0 Bournemouth 0 “It was an incredible, incredible Quartararo in an incident-packed first Crutchlow was ecstatic about making Jordan Henderson cancelled out a West Ham 1 (Snodgrass 44) victory because today we were not the lap. the podium after the horrors of last year, dramatic early opening goal from Sheffield United 1 (Mousset 69) fastest on the racetrack,” said Marquez, Quartararo, who was second to when he fractured his ankle and had to Harry Kane. Played on Friday who became Honda’s most successful Marquez in Japan last weekend, and undergo surgery. After recent question marks over Southampton 0 Leicester 9 ever premier class rider with his 55th win Danilo Petrucci collided, crashing out at “Crashes don’t normally phase me but Liverpool’s ability to maintain their (Chilwell 10, Tielemans 17, Perez surpassing Australian great Mick Doohan. turn two. It was a sobering end for the that one has haunted me all year,” he said majestic early-season form, this was 19, 39, 57, Vardy 45, 58, 90+4- “Maverick was fastest but I was 20-year-old, who was second on the grid after his best result of 2019. an impressive win that came after pen, Maddison 85) waiting for him... and I did a strong move after having to go through preliminary “I was not happy coming to this Grand Kane had put Spurs ahead just 47 to pass, it was the only chance for me. qualifying (Q1) for the first time following Prix thinking about it, about what could seconds into the contest. “The whole weekend has been crazy,” a nasty spill in Friday practice. happen, so to have a podium back here The 26-year-old’s header made he added, after qualifying was called off By lap four Crutchlow had moved into is very, very special.” him the joint-third highest scorer for Kane to stoop and head into the on Saturday due to strong winds and the lead, but Vinales and Marquez were in Tottenham’s history with 174 gaping net. It was a lead that lasted instead run today morning. starting to apply pressure and by lap 10 goals. until the 52nd minute, when a Hend- Asked about becoming Honda’s most Vinales was in front with his rival stalking It was also one of the simplest erson cross was headed clear and successful ever rider, he said: “They are him. after Moussa Sissoko sparked a turned back into the area by Fabinho. the biggest manufacturer in the world, so They began to put the hammer down It was an incredible, scrambling counter-attack and set Danny Rose appeared to nudge I’m happy and just enjoying the dream.” and pull clear of the field as it turned into incredible victory because Son Heung-min racing upfield. Roberto Firmino in the back but, with It was a crushing loss for Vinales, who a two-horse race, leaving the rest in a dog The South Korean’s powerful referee Anthony Taylor unmoved, won in Australia last year and started from fight for third. today we were not the strike from the edge of the area took the ball continued to the corner of pole, having reigned supreme through Marquez was riding on the limit, fastest on the racetrack: a wild deflection off the head of the six-yard area where Henderson practice and qualifying. giving everything he had to stay in touch Marc Marquez Dejan Lovren before hitting the left- hit it on the half-volley into the Spurs He had a terrible start, slipping to sixth and finally edged past Vinales at the start hand post but the rebound fell kindly goal. 10 SPORT MONDAY 28 OCTOBER 2019 Atletico Madrid return to winning ways to move level with leaders Barca

REUTERS Saul Niguez of MADRID Atletico Madrid celebrates Atletico Madrid after scoring snapped a three- against Athletic game winless streak Club Bilbao in La Liga by beating at the Wanda Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at Metropolitano home on Saturday to in Madrid, on move level on points Saturday. with table-topping Sifan Hassan Barcelona. Saul Niguez put Qatari women’s taekwondo team members posing for a photograph with their medals upon injury-stricken their arrival at the Hamad International Airport in Doha, yesterday. Double world Atletico ahead in the 28th minute while champion Alvaro Morata Hassan seeks bundled the ball in Qatari women excel from close range in the 64th to seal their new coach first home league win for four games. REUTERS as medal haul grows Atletico have 19 AMSTERDAM points after 10 games THE PENINSULA along with cham- Double world champion Sifan KUWAIT CITY pions Barca, who have a game this season and was making Hassan plans to continue to in hand after the ‘Clasico’ only his second start in the train in Portland despite the Qatari women bagged a rich haul of medals against Real Madrid was post- league but he played a decisive closure of the controversial at the 6th GCC Women’s Games which is poned until December due to role in the victory by setting up Nike Oregon Project and the currently taking place in Kuwait City. security concerns. both goals. four-year doping ban handed Para-athlete Sarah Hamdi won the gold Qatar’s Ala Riad The victory helped ease ten- He used strength and pace to her former coach Alberto medal in the discus throw event (Class 33) competing in the 100 sions at the Wanda Metropol- to burst into the box and roll the Salazar. while her compatriot Mona Al Saadi won metres hurdles ﬁnal itano after fans booed the team ball across for Saul to strike it The Ethiopian-born Dutch the bronze in the 100m event for athletes during the 6th GCC and especially midfielder Koke into the net to break the athlete said it would be hard to with special needs. Women’s Games in Kuwait in the midweek 1-0 win over deadlock against an Athletic change, with the Olympic In athletics, Rima Farid won the silver City, yesterday. Farid won Bayer Leverkusen in the Cham- side who before the game had Games less than a year away, medal in the long jump while Ala Riad the silver medal. pions League. the joint-best defensive record but she would now seek a new bagged the bronze in the 100m hurdles “Today the fans were on our in the league along with coach. final. side and that makes you much Atletico. She did, however, praise Maha Ali won the silver in the table more up for the game from the Correa then got down to the Salazar’s skills. tennis singles while Aya Magdi also added start,” Saul told reporters. byline to send a low cross “He is the best coach there a bronze medal to Qatar’s medal tally in “We always go out looking towards Morata, who only had is, he does the best for his ath- the same event. to win and the three draws in a to guide the ball into the net. letes,” she told Dutch broad- Table tennis players continued to shine row (in la Liga) had left us with The visitors had nearly Qatar’s Maha caster NOS after finishing for Qatar as Maha Farmerzi and Aya Magdi a bittersweet taste so it was vital taken the lead early in the game Ali reacts after second in Sunday’s Valencia won the silver in the women’s doubles. In that we won today.” when defender Inigo Martinez half marathon in Spain. the same event, Khalloud Abd Al Rida and winning the silver Atletico were without their glanced a header towards the “There is no better coach, Maha Ali clinched the bronze as Qatar won medal in the table record 126 million euro ($139.58 top corner but Atletico goal- which makes the choice now the silver medal in the team tennis singles million) signing Joao Felix due keeper Jan Oblak produced an for a new one so much more competition. competition. to an ankle injury and first- outstanding leaping save to difficult. I want to stay in Meanwhile, Qatar’s gold medal winning choice central defenders Jose keep the effort out. America because it is difficult basketball and taekwondo teams arrived Gimenez and Stefan Savic, Athletic then had a half- to move in an Olympic year. at the Hamad Inetrnational Airport where while Diego Simeone left out hearted appeal for a penalty Everything has to be perfect.” they were welcomed by top officials. Diego Costa in favour of Angel waved away shortly after the Her agent Jos Hermens Team Qatar delegation of 132 athletes Correa. opening goal when Iker added: “We have an eye on two, at the Games is led by Lolwa al Marri, Pres- Argentine Correa has Muniain appeared to be pushed three, four American coaches, ident of Qatar Women’s Sport Committee. enjoyed little first team football to the ground by Saul. but it must be someone with Also accompanying are administrators and whom she must click.” technical staff members. Hermens had advised Hassan to move to Portland Granada new boys win to after the Rio Olympics and train with Salazar. His four-year ban top La Liga ahead of Barca for doping violations was announced at the world ath- REUTERS letics championships in Doha MADRID where Hassan completed an unprecedented double in the 1 Promoted Granada continued their stunning start to the season by 1,500 and 10,000m. climbing above Barcelona to the top of La Liga yesterday after beating The US Anti-Doping Agency Real Betis 1-0 for a fourth consecutive home win. said Salazar was punished for Former Betis forward Alvaro Vadillo struck the only goal of the “orchestrating and facilitating game just after the hour mark, tucking the ball inside the near post prohibited doping conduct” as with one touch to complete a quick counter-attack. head coach of the Nike Oregon Granada top the standings on 20 points after 10 games, one clear Project, a camp designed pri- of second-placed Barcelona who have a game in hand after the marily to develop US endurance ‘Clasico’ against Real Madrid, originally scheduled for Saturday, was athletes. Hassan said after the Qatari athlete Rima Farid (centre), silver medallist postponed until December due to security concerns. Betis struggled ban that her career had been to create many chances and the closest they came to scoring was in the long jump ﬁnal, posing with her medal. thrown into uncertainty but when Sergio Canales hit the bar from a free kick late on. They are insisted she was clean. 18th in the standings on nine points after a third defeat in four games. FIM World Champions honoured in a gala ceremony at Losail Circuit

2019 FIM Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea (second, left) with Championship runner-up Alvaro Bautista (left) and third-place Championship ﬁnisher Alex Lowes (right) posing for a photograph during the prize giving ceremony held at QMMF President Abdulrahman Al Mannai (right) posing with Randy Krummenacher (BARDAHL Evan Bros) during the Losail International Circuit on Saturday. awards presentation ceremony. RIGHT: Losail Circuit Sports Club Vice President and General Manager, Khalid Al Remaihi, presenting an award to WorldSSP300 champion Manuel Gonzalez of Kawasaki ParkinGO Team. MONDAY 28 OCTOBER 2019 SPORT 11 QSA announces sponsors for FINA World Cup Doha 2019 THE PENINSULA broadcast all the pool action DOHA live. Qatar National Bank (QNB) The FINA Swimming World Cup – the Gulf’s largest lender, and Doha 2019 has attracted several Aspetar – the world’s leading international and national specialized orthopaedic and sponsors, which have joined the sports medicine hospital are the Qatar Swimming Association’s National Sponsors of the event, (QSA) sponsoring program recognizing the value of this offering their support for the high-profile competition. upcoming meet. CSM Live, Oxygen Events, The event, which will take Q-Tickets, Jouf, Holiday Villa place from November 7 to 9, will and Qatar National Convention host the world’s top swimmers Centre (QNCC) are collaborating competing at the Hamad Aquatic with QSA as the National Centre. Suppliers. QSA will organise the meet Doha is the last stop of the for the eighth consecutive FINA Swimming World Cup year. 2019 series, and will decide the “We are very excited as the overall winners and final clus- FINA World Cup will return to An action during last year’s FINA Swimming World Cup Doha event at the Hamad Aquatic Centre. ter’s champions after three days Doha. We thank all the sponsors of exciting races. for their contribution, support Tickets for the event can be and added value to this mag- Organising Committee Omega is the Official Time- company, and Speedo - the broadcasters, Al Kass Sports bought at https://www.q-tickets. nificent event, which will Chairman and FINA Bureau keeper, while Hisamitsu phar- world’s leading brand - are the Channels, extend their part- com/Events/EventsDetails/7281/ present the world’s best Member, Khaleel Al Jabir said maceutical company, Nongfu FINA Series Sponsors. nership with QSA as the Pre- fina-swimming-world- swimmers,” QSA President, in a statement yesterday. Spring - a Chinese beverage Qatar’s leading sports senting Sponsor, and will cup-2019.

The two-time World Cup champions South Africa ground out a Pollard breaks Welsh hearts victory that consigned Wales to their third semi-ﬁnal defeat after previous losses in as Boks reach World Cup final 2011 and 1987.

AFP WelshWelsh woeswoes ccontinuedontinued as Pollard kicked his YOKOHAMA tightheadhead prop TomasTomas Francis,Fraancisnnccis, crucial fourth penalty the most used playerplayeyeer by South Africa will play England Gatlandand since tthehee llastastt WorldWorld to eliminate Wales in in the Rugby World Cup final Cup with 41 TTestsests plpplayed,aayed, a thrilling encounter after Handre Pollard scored 14 injureded his shouldershoulder in a ttatackleckle and set up a final points to steer Rassie Erasmus’ on Duaneuane VermeulenVermeuulen fromfrrom thehee against England on team to a hard-fought 19-16 restart.rt. victory over Wales in OneOne of GarGaretheth Davies’DDavvivies’ Saturday. Yokohama yesterday. manyy box kicks almostalmooso t camecacame Pollard nervelessly kicked to fruitionuition as BBiggarigggar fieldedfieeleldlded the decisive penalty with four and offloadedoffloaded to North,Nortthh, butbuutu thethhe minutes to go as the tense rare sortie into BokB k territorytert rritorititoryr game threatened to go to extra was ended bbyy a ssmartmmamart tataptap-p- We tried everything time with the scores locked at tacklele bbyy ththee uubiquitousbiquitoutoououss ddee 16-16. Klerk.k. It was a true battle of the North,North, clutchingclutching a leg,leggg, fol-ffooll- to stop Springboks, boot as the two-time World lowedd Francis oofffff thethe pitchpiittcchh ass Cup champions, in 1995 and Biggarar kicked hihiss ssesecondeccoondond 2007, ground out a victory that penaltyalty after AaronAaronn WWaWain-aina n- says coach Gatland consigned Wales to their third wrightht was taketakenn oututt offofff thethe tournament semi-final defeat ball too make it 9-9-66 at hhalf-time,alalf-timime, REUTERS after previous losses in 2011 both teams shufflingshuffling off thehe YOKOHAMA and 1987. pitchh in front ofof a subduedsuubdueded The two teams played out arena.a. Losing Wales coach Warren Gatland But I am hugely proud... we a dreadful first half of rugby Biggariggar drew thethe sidessiddes levellevevel said his team can leave Japan with dominated by turgid set-piece, earlyy with his thithirdrd penpenaltyenalty inn heads held high after trying every- punched massively above crash balls and aerial combat the seconsecondd period,period, butbuut thing they could to break the South our weight in terms of as both sides kicked the leather Damianian de AllenAllendede African stranglehold during yester- playing numbers in Wales, off the ball. finallyly broke day’s Rugby World Cup semi-final. There was none of the the try-scoringry-scoring In a game full of kick and chase, we gave 100 percent verve shown by England in deadlock.lock. South Africa always seemed to be tonight and we can hold their gripping 19-7 victory over Thehe BBokok on top, though they needed a our heads high and leave New Zealand on Saturday, but centrere shruggedshrugged offo Handre Pollard penalty four Japan with a lot of respect: the slowed rhythm suited the a weakeak cchallengehallenggee bby y minutes from time to finally kill off Springboks and their giant Biggarar andand fendedfendeed offooff OwenOwOwenn Wales’s spirited challenge and edge Warren Gatland pack of forwards, reprising the Watkinkin andand TTomosommos WilliamsWWiWilliliaamms the game 19-16. tactics they also employed in for a ffineine inindividualdividuuaal fiffive-iveve-v - “There wasn’t a lot of flowing good job of not allowing us to get their 26-3 quarter-final victory pointernter tthathat PollardPoPolollllardd rugby played, we tried to move the quick ball and it was obvious we over Japan. converted.erted. ball a bit in the first half but then it needed to try to speed things up - Bok scrum-half Faf de WithWith 20 minminutesuteess to pplayllayy became an arm wrestle,” Gatland that’s why we put Tomos on, to try Klerk showed a spark of flam- Waleses spurnespurnedd a shotshohoot ata goalggoall said. to change that, and we did try to be boyance at the very start of the to goo fforor deepdeep lilineout.ineeooutt. TThThehe After a first half without a single a bit more proactive. game, darting down the maull wwasas tthwartedhwartted bubbutt ththehe offload from either side, Gatland “I thought the longer it went on shortside from a scrum and Welshh went throthroughughh mul-muull- tried to inject some energy into his we would get a chance but all the chipping ahead, George North tiple pphaseshases andand wewereere side with early changes to his half- games against them over the past six just doing enough to cover on eventuallyntually awawardedardedd backs as he threw on Tomos Wil- years have been tight, so congratu- the bounce. anotherher penapenaltyltyy liams and Rhys Patchell. lations, they came out on top tonight. But any glimmer of bright, in frontont of the And the team showed fantastic “But I am hugely proud... we attacking rugby quickly faded posts,s, electinelectingg commitment to hammer at the punched massively above our weight amid a first quarter mired by to go forfor thethe Springboks line before sending Josh in terms of playing numbers in South African fly-half Handre never-ending scrum resets and scrum.m. Adams over in the corner, which, Wales, we gave 100 percent tonight Pollard kicks the ball to score poor kicking. after a brilliant conversion by Leigh and we can hold our heads high and When Justin Tipuric failed off a penalty during the Japan Halfpenny, levelled the scores. leave Japan with a lot of respect. to roll away, Pollard stepped 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final “In the first half we did shift it a “My first game in charge was up and made no mistake with match against Wales in Yokohama, few times and got to the edges,” he against England and the dream was a simple first penalty, quickly Thee yesterday. said. “In the second half they did a to beat them in the last - but it’s not neutralised by Dan Biggar boldd to be.” when Willie Le Roux strayed decision, South Africa’s Tendai Mtawarira (left) and Siya Kolisi Gatland will step down after 12 offside, before the Bok fly-half made to gasps from the crowd, years following Friday’s third-place celebrate after defeating Wales. got his second after a Welsh paid off as Ross Moriarty play-off against his native New scrum wheeled. managed to get the ball to Zealand and he said he would try to Makazole Mapimpi went a Tomos Williams who fed muster a competitive side from his fingertip away from a brilliant Jonathan Davies, the centre’s injury-ravaged squad. gather of yet another up-and- instantaneous pass finding Josh “A third-place play-off is a tough under from de Klerk into the Adams, who crossed in the game to play but we have to give it Welsh 22m area. corner for his sixth try of this respect,” he said. Aerial ping-pong resumed, World Cup. “For my last game in charge of Wales scrum-half Gareth Halfpenny hit the con- Wales to be against the All Blacks, a Davies eventually spilling a version to draw the scores level team I haven’t beaten with Wales, ball to hand the Boks and with Wales suddenly in the well it’s exciting for me, with me advantage, as the first ‘Mexican ascendancy. going back to coach the Waikato Wave’ rippled around the Rhys Patchell and Pollard Chiefs. stadium on 25 minutes to rival both missed with ambitious “Then I go back to the (British the action on the pitch. drop-goal attempts before the and Irish) Lions (for the 2021 tour) Wales came pouring in at latter kicked his crucial fourth to try to get some revenge on South the side of a driving maul and penalty to eliminate Wales and Africa. We weren’t able to do it Pollard made no mistake with set up a final against England tonight but maybe in a couple of his third penalty. on Saturday. years we will.” SPORT

PAGE | 07 PAGE | 09 Tiger Woods MotoGP: Championion on brink of PGA Marc Marquez Tour win record wins thriller as in japan event Vinales crashes

Monday 28 October 2019 QSL: Xavi happy with win over Al Ahli despite ‘fatigue’ factor

CHINTHANA WASALA against Al Ahli, giving thumbs up to his must learn from our mistakes in the RK CLUB M W L D P THE PENINSULA players for their performance despite upcoming matches,” he added. ‘fatigue’ due to hectic schedule. Following the victory, Al Sadd moved 1 Al Duhail 8 6 0 2 20 Coach Xavi Hernandez praised his players “The match had two parts; in the first from fifth to third with 15 points following 2 Al Rayyan 8 5 0 3 18 after Al Sadd pulled off a victory against Al half, we played well and went 2-0 up but their win as Al Ahli slipped to seventh.’The 3 Al Sadd 6 5 1 0 15 Ahli at the QNB Stars League (QSL), just in the second half, we were affected by Wolves, however, have played two matches three days after a high-octane AFC Cham- fatigue due to the AFC Champions League less than Al Duhail and Al Rayyan, who 4 Al Gharafa 8 4 2 2 14 pions League semi-final second leg clash game,” said Xavi. occupy the top two positions 5 Al Arabi 7 4 2 1 13 against Al Hilal in Riyadh. “Al Ahli played well in the second half. respectively. Reigning QSL champions Al Sadd I am happy with this win after an intense Their matches against Al Arabi and Al 6 Al Sailiya 8 3 3 2 11 defeated a spirited Al Ahli side 2-1 on Sat- game against Al Ahli. In the previous Khor, which were deferred are yet to be 7 Al Ahli 8 3 4 1 10 urday to register their fifth win of the QSL, season, we lost to Al Ahli after our Cham- played. thanks to a brace by their goal-machine, pions League exit and so I’m very happy Xavi said his players need a much-needed 8 Al Wakrah 8 2 4 2 8 Baghdad Bounedjah. with this victory,” the Spaniard said. rest ahead of crucial games in the QSL. 9 Qatar SC 8 2 6 0 6 Last Tuesday, ‘The Wolves’ played out “We knew that the match would be “Baghdad needs some rest and he is a 10 Al Khor 7 1 4 2 5 a thriller against Al Hilal in the return leg, tough. Some of the players relaxed after very important player for us. I will try to which they won 4-2 but fell short on going 2-0 up and everyone saw how Al rest him during the Gulf Cup tournament. 11 Umm Salal 8 1 5 2 5 aggregate (5-6), with the Saudis advancing Ahli managed to reduce the deficit. This is We have games against Al Duhail and Qatar 12 Al Shahania 8 0 5 3 3 to the final. how things are after the AFC Champions SC coming up, and we must prepare well Xavi was satisfied with the result League. All the matches are tough and we for them.” Xavi Hernandez

Roger Federer raises the trophy after his 10th Record 10th title for ageless Swiss star Swiss title win in Basel, yesterday. Federer wins Basel crown

REUTERS The 38-year-old Swiss has now BASEL won 103 singles titles in his career and the record win in Roger Federer clinched a record-extending Basel was the second time he had 10th Swiss Indoors championship title in his hometown of Basel with a crushing 6-2, won a tournament 10 times after 6-2 victory over Australia’s Alex de Minaur achieving the feat in Halle in June. yesterday. The 38-year-old Swiss has now won match, including an absorbing 39-shot rally 103 singles titles in his career and the record when Federer led 2-1, before the Swiss win in Basel - where he once acted as a ball stepped up a gear to break his opponent boy - was the second time he had won a twice and take the opening set. tournament 10 times after achieving the Federer was ruthless on his serve and feat in Halle in June. retained his momentum and intensity in Federer converted four of 10 break the second set, moving into a 3-0 lead after points and did not drop serve to wrap up winning five games in a row before De the match in 68 minutes for his fourth title Minaur held. of the year after wins in Dubai, Miami and “It was a tough opener... the first five Halle. games, we had some great rallies,” Federer “It was fast but very nice, I think I added. “I never looked back. played a great match,” an emotional “I was great on the offence, made very Federer said after lifting the trophy. few unforced errors and came up with the “I thought Alex played a great tour- big shots and served well when I had to.” nament as well, and I think we both can be De Minaur’s rare success only delayed very happy. But what a moment for me to the inevitable as Federer set up match point win my 10th here in my hometown of and forced the 20-year-old to fire a Basel.” forehand wide as the crowd rose to their Federer and De Minaur traded blows feet to salute the 20-times Grand Slam with long baseline exchanges early in the champion.

Formula One: Mexican Grand Prix Tanak wins World Rally Championship REUTERS MADRID

Toyota’s Ott Tanak became the first Estonian driver to win the world rally championship when he finished second in Spain yesterday, ending the sport’s 15-year domination by French Sebastiens. A generation has grown up knowing no other champion than Sebastien Loeb, who won nine titles in a row, or Sebastien Ogier who took another six successive crowns. Tanak is Toyota’s first drivers’ champion since Frenchman Didier Auriol in 1994. Tanak scored five bonus points in the final Power Stage to extend his lead over Hyundai’s Rally of Spain winner Thierry Neuville to 36 points with one more round in Australia remaining worth a maximum 30. Neuville beat Tanak by 17.2 seconds in the rally, based around Salou on Spain’s eastern coast, for his third win of the season with team mate Dani Sordo third and just 0.4 behind Tanak. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during the Formula One Mexican Grand Prix at the Hermanos Rodriguez Circuit in Mexico The Belgian had led from Saturday morning with Tanak going into City, yesterday. Sunday in third place and needing to get ahead of Sordo.