FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 NNHL|HL Page 5 Italy’s Ranieri Sharks lose named new 3-goal lead, manager of storm back to Fulham beat Predators

Thursday, November 15, 2018 CRICKET Rabia I 7, 1440 AH Curran, Buttler GULF TIMES spare England’s blushes in Kandy SPORT Page 7 RALLYING Al-Attiyah poised to end record season in style The Qatari will also be bidding to break his own record of 13 wins in the Qatar round of the regional series

By Sports Reporter THE START LIST Doha 2018 Manateq International Rally of Evo X 17. Humaid al-Waili (OMN)/Mohamed Qatar – list of starters: 8. Mohamed al-Meer (QAT)/Ahmad al- al-Mazruii (OMN) Mitsubishi Lancer he 2018 Manateq International 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Mat- Fares (KWT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Evo VIII Rally of Qatar gets underway thieu Baumel (FRA) Ford Fiesta R5 9. Abdullah al-Kuwari (QAT)/Nasser al- 18. Zakariya al-Shanfari (OMN)/Saif al- with a brand new ceremonial 2. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT)/Saff ah al- Kuwari (QAT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Hinai (OMN) Subaru Impreza WRX STi start with the backdrop of the Thefiri (KWT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 14. Rashid al-Mohannadi (QAT)/Yousef 19. Jarah al-Tauqi (OMN)/Issa al-Wardi hustleT and bustle of Souq Waqif in 4. Adel Hussein (QAT)/Ziad Chehab Juma (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (OMN) Mitsubishi Lamcer Evo VII downtown Doha today evening. (LEB) Ford Fiesta R5 15. Saleh bin Eidan (KWT)/ Alexei Kuz- 20. Shaun McGonigal (OMN)/Nathan All three regional rally titles were 5. Vojtĕch Štajf (CZE)/Veronica mich (RUS) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX Marriott (OMN) Subaru Impreza WRX decided in Kuwait two weeks ago Havelkova (CZE) Škoda Fabia R5 16. Abdullah al-Rawahi (OMN)/Ata STi and that means that individual pride 7. Saif Abdullah al-Harthy (OMN)/ al-Hmoud (JOR) Subaru Impreza WRX 21. Henry Kahy (LBN)/Musa Djiyerian and outright wins are at stake on this Salim al-Abri (OMN) Mitsubishi Lancer STi (JOR) Škoda Fabia 1.6 weekend’s revised fi nal round in the northern Qatar deserts. The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) have attracted 15 potential teams on the FIA start- ing list, plus National Rally entrants, and competitors from eight nations to the fi nal round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC). This is despite the conclusion of the respec- tive category battles. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah is still cel- ebrating his record-breaking 14th re- Peerless: Naser Saleh al-Attiyah gional title and the Qatari will also be bidding to break his own record of 13 Ihab al-Shorafa. that it was ready for FIA scrutineering wins in the Qatar round of the regional Abdullah al-Kuwari returns to the checks. series. Mechanical issues cost him and hot seat in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo- There is a further entry for Leba- French navigator Matthieu Baumel the lution X. The Qatari’s standout per- non’s MERC 3 champion Henry Kahy chance to shine in 2017 and opened the formance so far in the regional rally in a two-wheel drive Škoda Fabia 1.6. door for Rashed al-Nuami to take his series was fi rst in Group N and third Route changes forced on rally offi - solitary MERC win. overall in Jordan in 2016. cials by the weather have reduced the Resistance in the R5 category comes Khaled al-Suwaidi is a non-starter competitive distance from 203.40km from Czech rival Vojt ch Štajf in a but there are further local entries for to 153.82km, but the event still remains Škoda Fabia and fellow Qatari Adel Mohammed al-Meer and Rashed al- within the 75% required by the FIA to Abdulla, who makes his debut in a Mohannadi. make it eligible for full championship Ford Fiesta R5 run by Motortune. Abdullah al-Rawahi heads a six- points. The MERC 2 or Group N catego- car entry from the Sultanate of Oman Tomorrow’s Eraida stage has been ry will see the closest competition that also includes entries for Zakaria reduced from 17.02km to 15.87km and with eight Mitsubishi Lancers and al-Shanfari, Saif Abdullah al-Harthy, Al Dhakira has gone from 18.13km three Subaru Imprezas set for battle Oman-based Shaun McGonigal, Jarah to 12.46km. Saturday’s opener at Al through Qatar’s northern deserts. Ku- al-Tauqi and Humaid al-Waili. Khor has been trimmed from 18.37km wait’s Meshari al-Thefi ri has already Saleh bin Eidan returns to the to 13.20km, Al Ghariyah remains un- clinched the title, but Jordan’s Khaled championship and boosts the entry changed and the Al Ruwais special is Juma is heading for the runners-up from Kuwait in a car that was being now 14.22km, as opposed to 27.02km spot in the absence of both he and rival refettled against the clock to ensure in the original itinerary.

FOOTBALL Afi f strike helps Qatar shock Switzerland By Sports Reporter Luzano, Switzerland

kram Afi f struck late in the match to help Qatar shock Switzerland 1-0 in an inter- Anational friendly at the Sta- dio di Cornaredo in Luzano, Switzer- land, yesterday. The Al Sadd star made good of a pass from Karim Boudiaf from the cen- treline before rounding off Swiss goal- keeper Yvon Mvogo and slotting home from close in the 86th minute. Switzerland, ranked eighth in the FIFA rankings, failed to assert them- selves in the match and paid the pen- alty. It was a rare victory for Qatar against a side in the top 10 of the FIFA rank- ings. Qatar, currently 96th on the list, Akram Afif leaves Swiss goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo in a mess before scoring for had beaten China and Ecuador recent- Qatar in Luzano yesterday. ly but lost to Uzbekistan in friendlies as they prepare for the Asian Cup in And although the Swiss tightened leaving their defence exposed. January. up in the second half and created a few That resulted in Afi f enjoying an un- Qatar yesterday tested the Swiss de- chances, the Qatar defence held fi rm to interrupted run after he received the fence numerous times especially in the thwart their moves. pass from Boudiaf, and he literally tore fi rst half, with Afi f and Almoez Ali go- As the match neared the end, the across the vacant space to score the ing close. entire Swiss team advanced up front, only goal of the match. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, November 15, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Chelsea to let Cahill leave on loan as a reward for his service By Dominic Fifield However, he has found himself out of Southampton, West Ham and Fulham, The Guardian favour under Maurizio Sarri and, hav- now under the stewardship of Claudio ing played only 21 minutes in the Premier Ranieri, may seek to keep Cahill in the League this term, was not included among Premier League, while his fi rst club, As- helsea are to reward their captain, the substitutes for Sunday’s draw against ton Villa, where John Terry, a former cen- Gary Cahill, for six years of fi ne Everton. He had made clear his frustration tral defensive partner, is assistant man- service with a loan in January to in September when asked if he could leave ager, could off er an opportunity to excel secure more regular fi rst-team mid-season. “I don’t want to jump the in the Championship. It remains to be Cfootball in a move which will eff ectively gun but, as things stand, probably yes,” he seen whether there will be interest from bring the curtain down on his career at said at the time. “Sometimes you have to abroad. Stamford Bridge. make tough decisions. As it is, I’m not en- Meanwhile, a report also claimed Man- The former England centre-half is out joying things.” chester United are preparing to move for of contract next summer and will depart Sarri has praised Cahill’s infl uence Cahill. According to the Daily Express, on a free, with Chelsea, who normally in the dressing room, and retained him Cahill has been told by Chelsea that they insist their players sign new deals before as fi rst-team captain for all that Cesar will not stand in his way if they receive an sanctioning a loan in order to protect Azpilicueta has eff ectively become the off er which suits all parties in the January their value, making an exception for the on-fi eld captain. Yet Chelsea are increas- transfer window. The report also claims 32-year-old. That is a refl ection of his ingly conscious that Andreas Christensen that Jose Mourinho is ready to make a achievements since joining from Bolton and Ethan Ampadu, young players who move to bring the centre-back to Man- for £7mn in January 2012. Cahill, capped have also found themselves on the fringes, chester United. Cahill won the Premier 61 times, has won two Premier League are growing frustrated at a lack of game League title under Mourinho at Chelsea, titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, a Cham- time. By permitting Cahill his mid-season while the United manager has been keen to pions League and a Europa League over a move, that pair may be appeased as they strengthen his options in central defence Chelsea defender Gary Cahill (centre) in action during the UEFA Europa League group match against FC BATE glittering career at the club. shift slightly up the pecking order. since the summer. Borisov in Minsk last Thursday. (AFP)

PREMIER LEAGUE ‘I love Leo’ — Maradona denies Messi criticism

Diego Maradona says he “loves” Lionel Messi and described as “false” com- ments attributed to him attacking his Argentine compatriot and Barcelona legend. “Leo is a friend of mine and I’d Ranieri to the rescue as never speak ill of a friend,” Maradona told Marca yesterday. Last month Mara- dona was quoted as telling Fox Sports in Mexico that Messi “is not a leader... It’s useless to try and make a leader out of someone who goes to the bathroom 20 times before a game”. He told Marca Fulham sack Jokanovic that “all that was false”. “All I said was that Leo is a phenom- enon. And that there were players who After 12 games, Fulham sit bottom of the pile with just five points and one win go to the toilet 20 times, but I never made any reference to Leo,” he insisted. AFP London PSG draw Orleans in League Cup last 16 ulham appointed Italian veter- an Claudio Ranieri as manager Paris Saint-Germain were drawn with yesterday after sacking Slavi- second-division outfit Orleans in the last sa Jokanovic in a bid to beat 16 as they look towards a sixth consecu- theF drop from the Premier League. tive French League Cup trophy. Jokanovic led Fulham back into Eng- PSG have won the last five editions of land’s top fl ight in May 2018 but the the competition as well as five of the 50-year-old Serbian has struggled to last six Ligue 1 titles. Thomas Tuchel’s adapt to life in the Premier League. top-flight leaders have won all 13 of After 12 games, Fulham sit bottom their league fixtures so far and will be of the pile with just fi ve points and expected to prevail at Orleans’ Stade de one win. Ranieri, who famously led la Source on December 18/19. Elsewhere Leicester to a fairytale Premier League in the draw PSG’s southern rivals Mar- title in 2016, was a free agent after seille host Strasbourg, Guingamp are being sacked by French Ligue 1 club at Nice, Thierry Henry’s Monaco drew Nantes one game before the end of last second-division Lorient. season. He has been given a “multi-year” contract by Fulham chairman Sha- US striker Weah angling for hid Khan. “It is an honour to accept loan move away from Paris Mr Khan’s invitation and opportunity to lead Fulham, a fantastic club with Timothy Weah is hoping to leave the tradition and history,” Ranieri told the French champions Paris-St Germain club’s offi cial website. “The objective (PSG) on loan to get more playing time, at Fulham should never be to merely the teenage striker said yeseterday. survive in the Premier League. We Weah, 18, has played only three times must at all times be a diffi cult oppo- for PSG this season as bigger names nent and should expect to succeed.” such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Ed- Khan thanked Jokanovic, the fi rst inson Cavani have limited his chances managerial casualty of the season in in the first team. the Premier League, for his work at the “Right now I’m not playing, but I’m club. “I wasn’t anticipating having to always looking to improve, doing extra make this announcement related to stuff and just watching the other guys Slavisa and wish the circumstances and learning from them,” the US inter- were such that I didn’t have to, but our national said ahead of a friendly match path this season has led me to make against England at Wembley today. what I know is the correct decision, at Italian manager Claudio Ranieri famously led Leicester to a fairytale Premier League title in 2016. (Reuters) “Just waiting on my turn and hoping I’m the right time, for our players, the club going on loan soon.” and our supporters,” said the Fulham prabha, died with four others when viously coached Napoli, Fiorentina, win the Premier League crown. “This Fulham squad has exceptional chairman. his helicopter plummeted into a car Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Valencia, Ranieri faces a similarly formidable talent that is contrary to its position in “Slavisa will always have my ap- park outside the King Power stadium Juventus, Roma, Inter Milan and the challenge if he is to lift Fulham out of the table. I know this team is very ca- Dortmund's Pulisic open to preciation and respect for everything shortly after a match against West Greek national team. But winning the the doldrums. But he believes the Lon- pable of better performances, which Premier League move he did to return Fulham to top-fl ight Ham. “I was terribly shaken by the title with Leicester two years ago re- doners can be competitive again. we will work on straight away as we football.” news,” Ranieri said two weeks ago. “He mains the aff able 67-year-old’s big- He will take charge of his fi rst game prepare for Southampton at the Cot- Christian Pulisic has said he is open to Ranieri’s appointment comes only was a good man and always had a posi- gest career achievement. in 10 days’ time when Fulham wel- tage,” added Ranieri. Ranieri will then moving to the Premier League, with weeks after his former boss at Leices- tive word for everyone.” Leicester started that 2015-2016 come fellow strugglers Southampton face former clubs Chelsea and Leices- Chelsea understood to be leading the ter, club owner Vichai Srivaddhana- Italian journeyman Ranieri has pre- league campaign on odds of 5000-1 to to Craven Cottage. ter in successive games. race to sign the forward from Borus- sia Dortmund next summer. The USA international is expected to face his LA LIGA FOCUS clubmate Jadon Sancho at Wembley today having been left out of the Dortmund side that beat Bayern Munich on Saturday in favour of the 18-year-old Real confi rm Solari Rooney to wear 10 shirt, captain’s Englishman. Pulisic has been linked to several Premier League sides including Liverpool and Tottenham in the past as coach until 2021 armband in England farewell but it is understood that Chelsea have shown most interest in prising him AFP Reuters Manchester City’s Fabian Delph will away from the Bundesliga leaders. The Madrid London captain England against the US but will 20-year-old has so far refused to dis- give the armband to Rooney when he cuss a contract extension at Dortmund enters. “When I fi rst came into the Eng- and with his deal set to expire in 2020. antiago Solari on Tues- ayne Rooney will wear land set-up, Wayne was captain, he wel- day was confi rmed as Real the number 10 shirt and comed me and put his arm around me Madrid coach until 2021 captain’s armband when and made me feel at home. As soon as Referee suspended for following his success- he comes on for his fi nal he comes on I will give him the armband ‘rock, paper, scissors’ fulS spell in charge as caretaker WEngland appearance in today’s friendly back,” said the midfi elder. “We’re going boss of the European champions. with the United States, manager Gareth to be giving him a guard of honour. It is A football referee in England has “Real Madrid’s board of direc- Southgate said. “The players are very going to be a huge night for Wayne and been suspended for three weeks after tors met today and decided to keen that Wayne wears the number 10 it is important we honour him for all of it emerged he had abandoned the name Santiago Solari as fi rst team and on the brink of qualifi cation and we believe that is a fi tting tribute,” his achievements throughout his career.” standard pre-match coin toss ahead of a coach until June 30, 2021,” the for the last 16 in Europe. Southgate told a news conference. The decision to make the friendly a Women’s Super League match in favour club announced in a statement. Solari was handed the reins “All of our group have huge respect for tribute night for Rooney has divided of a game of ‘rock, paper, scissors’. Solari’s anointment as sacked on a temporary two-week basis Wayne and they feel that it is fi tting that opinion with some pundits saying re- The Football Association announced Julen Lopetegui’s permanent on October 29 after Lopetegui his last game should in the number 10,” calling a player who has retired from the that referee David McNamara had successor comes after wins in his had overseen a miserable run added the England manager. Rooney, Wayne Rooney will be playing his 120th national team devalues an England cap. accepted a charge of “not acting in the fi rst four matches. And with 15 that included just one victory in who now plays in Major League Soccer and final match for England. (Reuters) Southgate was saddened that Rooney best interests of the game” prior to a goals scored and only two con- seven games. The last of those, for DC United, will start on the bench had faced such questions. WSL match between Manchester City ceded the 42-year-old Argentin- a 5-1 thumping at the hands of before entering the fi eld for his 120th sure our preparation for Sunday is right “It’s been disappointing to see him and Reading last month. ian has established the best ever Barcelona, proved the fi nal straw and fi nal cap in the international at is another priority.” (Wayne) almost have to defend his inclu- Under the laws of football, a referee start for a Real manager. for club president Florentino Pe- Wembley Stadium. England face Croatia in a Nations sion. But that is where we are. The most must conduct a coin toss between the After thrashing Melilla in the rez but the team have rebounded Southgate did not want to fi x a time League match on Sunday. “But I have important thing is that within the Eng- two captains to decide which team Copa del Rey, they won 5-0 away under their new coach. in the game when Rooney would come to say it’s very important for all of us land group we value what he has done kicks off . But instead it has been re- to Viktoria Plzen in the Cham- Solari’s maiden match as long- on but said he had discussed it with the as a group that he gets a good send off ,” and what he has given,” he said. ported that McNamara, after leaving his pions League, between victories term boss is the trip to Eibar in La 33-year-old. “We will give him enough added Southgate, who said Rooney had “We are delighted to have him with us. coin in the changing room, invited City over Real Valladolid and Celta Liga on November 25, following so that I think it is fi tting... but we also looked sharp in training. “He is in good Hopefully he has felt that warmth from captain Steph Houghton and Reading Vigo in La Liga. The upturn has the international break. This is want to make sure we get the balance of form, we knew he was in good form with all of us and I know the reaction of the skipper Kirsty Pearce to participate in left Madrid only four points Solari’s maiden job in charge of a looking at younger players, giving them his club coming into this. In training, he supporters will be very special to him,” the child’s game of ‘rock, paper, scis- adrift of league leaders Barcelona fi rst team. the right amount of time and making has fi tted in perfectly.” added Southgate. sors’ instead. Gulf Times Thursday, November 15, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Rodriguez blow for Bayern as Colombian tears knee ligament Loew will continue Berlin: Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez is expected to be ruled out for the rest of the year after joining Bayern Munich’s list of casualties with a knee ligament injury suff ered in training. Rodriguez is the fourth squad clear-out for midfielder at the German champions to be sidelined alongside Thiago Alcantara, Corentin Tolisso, Kingsley Coman and Arjen Robben. “This is obviously bitter news. James is a very impor- tant player, in my eyes he’s new-look Germany our best, a creative mind, and we don’t have another one like him,” said Bayern striker Sandro Wagner. The 27-year- Loew left Boateng out of his latest squad and now Mueller is set to be benched again old Colombian’s knee will be immobilised for ten days and AFP then undergo physiotherapy Berlin and rehabilitation, Bayern confirmed on Wednesday, without giving a return date. oachim Loew is set to again give It looks unlikely Rodriguez youth a chance in Germany’s last will play again in 2018 with internationals of 2018, against the Bundesliga’s winter break Russia and the Netherlands, as to start on December 23. Ro- hisJ squad clear-out continues following driguez’s absence will prove the World Cup debacle. a huge blow to a Bayern side Having already dropped 2014 World struggling for consistency. Cup winner Sami Khedira, Loew left Niko Kovac’s men have lost Jerome Boateng out of his latest squad three of their last six league and now Thomas Mueller is set to again games and dropped to fifth in be benched for today’s friendly against the table after Saturday’s 3-2 Russia in Leipzig. defeat at Borussia Dortmund Germany head coach Loew is with- to sit seven points off leaders out Marco Reus against the Russians Dortmund. as the Borussia Dortmund winger has a Rodriguez, the top-scorer bruised foot. After the worst 12 months at the 2014 World Cup and on in the history of the German Football loan from Real Madrid until Association (DFB) — Germany have the end of the season, had never before suff ered six defeats in a been in good form with key calendar year — change is needed, es- goals in league wins against pecially given their group-stage World Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke Cup exit in Russia. and Wolfsburg. Loew said the youthful forward line But reports claim the Co- of 22-year-old striker Timo Werner, lombian is unhappy at Bayern. plus wingers Leroy Sane, 22, and Serge He was dropped for Satur- Gnabry, 23, will get another chance day’s defeat at Dortmund, against Russia having impressed in last reportedly because he arrived month’s 2-1 defeat in France. “It looks late to training, which the club as though the trio who played against later denied. France will also play up front against Meanwhile, Coman, 22, is Russia,” said Loew. That would mean on the verge of returning to Mueller again starting on the bench, the fold after tearing ankle like he did in Paris, yet Loew insists the ligaments in August during Bayern forward is still part of his plans. the first game of the season. “Thomas gives the younger players a “I need two more weeks, then lot of energy and is always able to de- I will be back,” Coman said at cide games, even if he’s going through an event in Munich. a diffi cult phase,” said Loew with Muel- ler currently struggling to hold down a regular place at Bayern. “We have one year to prepare for Euro 2020 and to in- tegrate young players.” Loew insisted the result against Rus- sia is not as important as the perform- ance, saying: “We want to use this chance to be more sure of our game and we are in a phase of rebuilding.” Only three members of the 2014 World Cup fi nal team — Manuel Neuer, Mats Hum- mels and Toni Kroos — started against France, with the other eight players all Germany’s head coach Joachim Loew (right) keeps a close eye as the players train on the eve of their friendly match against Russia in Leipzig, eastern Germany. (AFP) between 22 and 25 years of age, a selec- tion Loew is likely to repeat. day’s game. Loew’s side want to avenge if Germany are relegated. on the Nations League — it would not be Hummels complained of feeling unwell The Germans need a confi dence- their 3-0 loss in Amsterdam last month “We don’t have things in our own the end of the world if we have to play in playing for Bayern in the league defeat booster against the Russians ahead of and beat the Dutch, who in turn would hands anymore in order to stay in the a lower division in 2020.” at Dortmund last Saturday, but Loew their key Nations League showdown relegate Germany from Nations League league,” admitted Loew, after Germany Loew is also freshening up his defence said he should be fi t. “Mats had a slight on Monday against the Netherlands in A if they avoid defeat against France in managed just one point from their fi rst and with Boateng out, his 23-year-old sniffl e before the game against Dort- Gelsenkirchen. Real Madrid midfi elder Rotterdam tomorrow. However, Loew three games. “Perhaps we made the Bayern Munich teammate Niklas Suele mund, but he hasn’t got a cold or fever,” Kroos is set to join the squad after to- said it would not be the end of the world mistake of putting too much emphasis is likely to partner Hummels in defence. said Loew.

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Arnautovic may leave West Ham to Kante turned down off shore pursue Champions League dream payments from Chelsea: Report By Ed Aarons AFP The Guardian Paris

arko Arnautovic has admitted rance midfi elder N’Golo he is ready to leave West Ham to Kante refused to have play in the Champions League, part of his Chelsea salary with the Austria forward deter- Fpaid under advantageous Mmined to compete at the highest level pos- tax terms in Jersey or to receive sible before his career is over. off shore payments for his image Arnautovic, who moved to east London rights, according to a Football in the summer of 2017 from Stoke for a then Leaks investigation published club record fee worth up to £25mn, has been yesterday. The report by French in outstanding form since being handed a investigative site Mediapart says more central role by former manager David that six weeks before Kante left Moyes last season, and scored 11 Premier Leicester for Chelsea in 2016, League goals last term. a company called NK Promo- He has continued to impress this season tions was registered in Jersey, in having already found the net fi ve times in 10 an apparent attempt to pay 10% matches despite West Ham’s early struggles of the players’ income abroad to under Manuel Pellegrini. avoid tax. Mediapart was unsure But while he has previously insisted he is whether the company was set up happy at West Ham, Arnautovic – who is by Chelsea or Kante’s relatives. represented by his brother Danijel – has ac- At fi rst, Kante’s lawyer sug- knowledged that he may never have a better gested his client would “approve” chance of securing a move to one of Europe’s the set-up, but last year the top clubs. “I’m 29, so that’s the best age,” he 27-year-old insisted through his told the Austrian newspaper Kurier. tax advisor that he refused to take “It’s clear that I want to compete with the any off shore payments. “N’Golo France’s N’Golo Kante (right) and Antoine Griezmann at a training best players. But in this aff air I totally trust a player like Marko this cannot be the end,” derstand that.” is infl exible, he simply wants a session in Clairefontaine, France yesterday. (Reuters) my brother.” said Danijel Arnautovic. Asked if it was possible Arnautovic could normal salary,” Kante’s tax advis- Manchester United were linked with a “He’s a big part of West Ham’s team but I leave soon, his brother added: “That’s pos- er said in May 2017 in an e-mail take any risks.” won the World Cup in Russia this move for Arnautovic in the summer but think it’s possible to tease out more of him. sible. It was already very, very close this sent to Chelsea executives. Kante has become a fan fa- year. “I’m not surprised. He’s West Ham were unwilling to sell a player For that to happen, he has to play for a top last summer.” Meanwhile, West Ham are “After reading numerous press vourite in England since winning just being N’Golo. Everything is they consider to be a crucial member of the team. Marko is ready for the next step. A still hopeful of signing Samir Nasri despite articles on image rights and tax a memorable Premier League ti- perfect, he’s not a cheater, except team. However, his brother’s words will be player like him should not play against rel- concerns over the France international’s fi t- investigations against players tle with Leicester in 2016, before a little bit at card games,” smiled of great concern to the club’s hierarchy as egation. He should play for the international ness. Pellegrini is understood to be in favour and clubs, N’Golo is increasingly lifting the trophy again the fol- Kante’s international teammate they attempt to build a side capable of chal- spots. Marko is really enjoying playing for of handing the 31-year-old a deal until the concerned that the set-up pro- lowing season at Chelsea and be- Blaise Matuidi at a press confer- lenging at the top end of the Premier League. West Ham. He loves that club and the fans. end of the season with an option to extend posed to him could be questioned ing named PFA Player of the Year. ence ahead of tomorrow’s Na- “He’s already playing in the Premier League But there is still that feeling, that this can- his stay. Nasri is not eligible to play until 1 by the tax authorities. N’Golo He also started all seven of tions League game against the and that’s where the best players are. But for not be the end. And everybody should un- January because of a doping ban. decided that he did not want to France’s matches as his country Netherlands. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, November 15, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Health issues force Djokovic hammers Radwanska to quit AFP Warsaw

oland’s Agnieszka Radwanska, a former Wimbledon fi nalist, an- nounced her retirement Zverev, Federer Pfrom tennis at the age of only 29 yesterday, citing health issues. “Today, after 13 years of play- ing tennis competitively, I have decided to end my career,” Rad- wanska said on her Facebook page. “Unfortunately, I am no longer keeps hopes alive able to train and play the way I used to, and recently my body can’t live up to my expectations.” ‘I don’t think it was breathtaking tennis from both of us but a win is a win’ “I’m hanging the racket up world rankings after starting the and say goodbye to the pro tour, year in the top 30. Reuyers but I’m not leaving tennis,” Rad- “Taking into consideration my London wanska said, adding that she was health and the heavy burdens ready for “new challenges”. of professional tennis, I have to Radwanska, who reached a concede that I’m not able to push orld number one career-high ranking of second my body to the limits required,” Novak Djokovic in 2012, complained of health she said. produced a rock- woes last year, including suff er- Besides the three-set Wim- Wsolid performance ing from viruses which she had to bledon fi nal loss to Serena Wil- to dismantle the challenge of Ger- fi ght using antibiotics. liams in 2012, Radwanska also man fi rebrand Alexander Zverev at She struggled for form in the won 20 WTA Tour titles, includ- the ATP Finals, while Roger Feder- 2018 season, falling to 75 in the ing the WTA Finals in 2015. er kept his hopes alive with an easy win over Dominic Thiem. Djokovic, 10 years older than GOLF Zverev, was made to work hard in an absorbing fi rst set but the lat- ter’s challenge crumbled at the O2 Arena as Djokovic won 6-4 6-1 Kuchar, Smith to move within sight of the semi- fi nals. Five-times champion Djoko- headline as top vic, who will end the year as world number one for the fi fth time in his career after a storming second Australians snub half of the season, leads the Gus- tavo Kuerten group with two wins and is yet to drop a set. home Open “I don’t think it was breath- taking tennis from both of us but Reuters but he did not sound overly con- a win is a win,” Djokovic, who hit Sydney fi dent of landing back-to-back only three winners in the fi rst set Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in titles. “It’s hard to be good every compared to Zverev’s 15, said on action against Germany’s week,” the world number 29 told court. Alexander Zverev in eavy on history but reporters yesterday. “Certainly “I started to play better in the London yesterday. light on star quality, the form I’m in, I expect to keep second set and he was making a lot the Australian Open going well, but I also know that of unforced errors, which helped tees off at The Lakes like everybody else, you could me win.” serve for the set but this time the nals behind him as he outclassed “I don’t feel like I need to com- night’,” Federer said. HGolf Club this week in somewhat wake up tomorrow and go what All seven round-robin matches German went just wide with an Thiem 6-2 6-3. ment on this. I’d rather put it to “Yes, sometimes we have our reduced circumstances. just happened? played so far this week have been attempted lob after the Serb ven- The 37-year-old Swiss played rest rather than adding to it so say. But I asked to play Monday The tournament counts “I think I understand the ups won in straight sets, but for a while tured into the net. poorly in defeat against Kei you guys got something to write at the US Open. I played Tuesday the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Ar- and downs and the cycle of the it appeared as though the crowd The net game always looked Nishikori on Sunday and then about,” he told a news conference. night. It’s all good. Sometimes I nold Palmer and Gary Player game of golf pretty well, and would be given full value for their dangerous for Zverev and so it skipped practice on Monday. He was then asked whether get help, sometimes I don’t. as former winners, with Rory certainly hope to play well, ex- ticket. proved as he double-faulted to Comments made by French his agent Tony Godsick had ever “But a lot of the facts are not McIlroy and Jordan Spieth hav- pect to play well, but don’t feel The 21-year-old Zverev, who concede the set. player Julien Benneteau to a radio demanded that Federer only be right, just to be clear there, from ing joined the roll of honour in any extra pressure to play well.” has a Tour-leading 55 match wins Zverev looked defl ated and de- station suggesting Federer is given scheduled on Arthur Ashe court at what I heard.” more recent years. Keegan Bradley and Brandt this year, went toe-to-toe with spite holding serve for 1-1 he of- preferential treatment by tour- the US Open — a claim reportedly Federer was more concerned A lack of fi nancial clout in Snedeker are the other Ameri- Djokovic from the baseline and fered no more resistance as Djoko- nament organisers, particular in made by Benneteau in an inter- with the way he rediscovered his a golfi ng world increasingly cans from the top 50 in the world looked to have the fi repower to vic won fi ve games in a row to seal Grand Slams, also threatened to view with RMC radio. form to convincingly beat Thiem, dominated by the two major who will be out to master the worry his opponent. his 33rd win in his last 35 matches. disturb his week at the O2 Arena. “I get asked, would you like to admitting his head had not been tours, however, has left the 2018 infamous Sydney winds from Djokovic netted a routine fore- His fi nal group match is against He responded with a smooth play Monday or Tuesday some- right in a straight sets defeat by edition short of the sort of big Thursday. hand when serving at 4-4 30-30, Cilic while Zverev will hope to demolition of Austrian Thiem and times. Sometimes I get asked, ‘do Nishikori. names who have battled for the The absence of Day, Scott and off ering Zverev a break point that bounce back against Isner. then avoided being drawn into a you want to play day or night?’ “I’ll do the same tomorrow be- Stonehaven Cup in the past. Leishman leaves Cameron Smith he did not convert. On Tuesday night, Six-time row over Benneteau’s reported Sometimes they go ask the agent. cause it worked,” Federer said of That has not been helped by as the top-ranked Australian, Djokovic then double-faulted champion Roger Federer put a comments, saying they had been Sometimes they ask me, you deciding not to practise on Mon- the absence of Australian major and he feels he has a point to to give Zverev another chance to troubled start to his 16th ATP Fi- taken out of context. know, ‘Asia wants you to play at day.” winners Jason Day and Adam prove after losing out to Spieth Scott as well as Marc Leish- in a playoff when the American man, the Victorian who kicked lifted the Stonehaven Cup for SHOWJUMPING off his 2019 PGA Tour season in the second time two years ago. fi ne style with a win at the CIMB “The one at Royal Sydney was Classic in Malaysia last month. pretty heartbreaking... and it’s The fi eld does at least boast been basically on my mind ever Al Rayyan Intl the most recent winner on since,” the world number 33 said. the PGA Tour, with Matt Ku- “My focus the last couple weeks char having hot-footed his way is thinking of lifting the trophy.” Championship across the Pacifi c from Mexico His near namesake and com- after winning the Mayakoba patriot Cameron Davis, who re- Classic on Sunday. cently embarked on his rookie starts from today Kuchar, whose triumph at season on the PGA Tour, is the Playa del Carmen was his fi rst on defending champion after a one- the US circuit since 2014, is the stroke victory at The Australian By Sports Reporter jumping festival that fans wait for top-ranked player in the fi eld club last year. Doha every year.” He added: “The pas- sion for riding is increasing among the youth in the country. We see a Pinehurst hopes new No. 4 will op riders will be in action high level of competition among complement venerable No. 2 at the Al Rayyan Inter- the young participants and that Pinehurst, North Carolina: Donald Ross built it in 1907 and national Showjumping excites us. The Qatar Equestrian The opening of a redesigned converted the greens from sand Championship, which Federation is doing its best to pro- Pinehurst No. 4 has given North to grass for the 1936 PGA Cham- willT begin today at the Qatar mote the sports of equestrian and Carolina another championship pionship,” Pinehurst president Equestrian Federation’s outdoor I would say we are doing well.” course that will have its creden- Thomas Pashley told Reuters. arena. tials tested as early as next year “However, having other champi- he two-star €60,000 Schedule by a host of the world’s best onship calibre course options is competition, which was Today: 1:30pm: Two Phases | amateurs. certainly attractive.” launched in 2014, is or- Max. 115cm | 2 Horses per athlete Seven years ago, the venerable No. 2 has already hosted three ganised by the QEF in co- | 350m/min | 4,000 EUR; 4pm: Pinehurst No. 2 course was re- men’s US Opens — in 1999, 2005 operationT with Al Shaqab. Fifty Table A, Against the clock | Max. stored to its natural and historic and 2014 — and will next stage six riders and 100 horses from 120/130cm | 2 Horses per athlete character by the architect team the 2024 championship. Qatar, Canada, France, Jordan and | 350 m/min | 5000,00 EUR; 6pm: of Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. The 2014 US Women’s Open, won Morocco will battle for the top Special Two Phases Max. 140cm | Among other things, they ripped by Michelle Wie, was also held honours. The feature class – the 2 Horses per athlete | 350m/min | out the grassed rough and on No. 2. Grand Prix on Saturday will serve 7,000 EUR replaced it with sandy natural The crowned greens on No. 2 as one of the qualifying rounds Tomorrow: 1:30pm: Table A, areas more in harmony with the provide a stern and precise test, of the Arab League for the 2018 Against the clock | Max. 115cm terrain on which the course lies. repelling all but the best struck World Cup. The total prize money |2 Horses per athlete | 350m/ Such was the widespread ac- shots, while Hanse designed No. for the Grand Prix is €12,000. min | 5,000 EUR; 4pm: Table A, claim that greeted the restora- 4 to be little more forgiving. The tournament comes less Against the clock with Jump Off | tion, Pinehurst’s owners decided No. 4 also has more elevation than a week after the end of the Max. 130cm |2 Horses per athlete that No. 4 deserved similar treat- changes, which Hanse has put to fi nal round of the Global Cham- | 350m/min | 6,000 EUR; 6pm: ment. This time, however, they good use. pions Tour, which was staged Qualifying competition for the FEI signed up architect Gil Hanse, “When you stand on the sixth at Al Shaqab. Badr al-Darwish, World Cup | Table A, Against the perhaps best known for the Cam- green you can see part of 15 Secretary-General of QEF said: clock | Max. 145cm | 2 Horses per po Olímpico course that hosted other holes,” Hanse said. “Al Rayyan International Show athlete | 350m/min | 8,000 EUR golf at the 2016 Rio Games. “I don’t know if there’s anywhere Jumping Championship is a key On Saturday: 1:30pm: Table A, No. 4 will have its coming out else in the Carolina sandhills event on our annual calendar. A Against the clock | Max. 120cm party when it co-hosts the US where you have that opportunity top fi eld is ready for action. Young |2 Horses per athlete | 350m/ Amateur Championship with No. that get that sweeping grand Qatari riders will also feature in min | 6,000 EUR; 4pm: Ac- 2 next August. scale.” the event. We look forward to cumulator Competition with And while the resort’s main Hanse says No. 4 has similarities some quality action.” Joker | Max. 135cm | 2 Horse per focus for major championships to US Masters venue Augusta Tournament Director Ali al- athlete | 375m/min | 8,000 EUR; continues to be No. 2, a positive National, US Open site Shinne- Rumaihi said: “We have seen good 6pm: GRAND PRIX – World Cup Top riders will be in action at the Al Rayyan International Showjumping Championship, which will reaction by the leading amateurs cock Hills, as well as Pine Valley, crowds throng the QEF’s Outdoor Competition | Two Rounds World be held from today till Saturday at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena. The two-star could set the stage for more the New Jersey course that is Arena over the years as we have Cup Arab League rules | Min 145 – €60,000 competition, which was launched in 2014, is organised by the QEF in co-operation with Al marquee events on No. 4. routinely ranked best in the always planned family activities Max. 160cm | 1 Horse per athlete Shaqab. Fifty six riders and 100 horses from Qatar, Canada, France, Jordan and Morocco will battle “No. 2 has been our primary world, even though it never hosts for young kids. All in all, this week | 350m/min | 12,000 EUR | LR for the top honours. The feature class on Saturday will serve as one of the qualifying rounds of the championship venue since professional events. one again it will be a great show (Group E) Arab League for the 2018 World Cup. Gulf Times Thursday, November 15, 2018 5 SPORT

NFL NBA Chiefs-Rams moved from Mexico over fi eld concerns later Tuesday to move the game, very recently, we had no major coming days. Saturday. Draymond-less Reuters New York after consulting with the NFL concerns. But, the combination Tuesday morning, ESPN re- Images surfaced on social me- Players Association, inspect- of a diffi cult rainy season and a ported that the playing surface dia Tuesday showing what ap- ing the fi eld and meeting with heavy multi-event calendar of at Azteca was “a mess” and peared to be new sod being laid onday night’s mar- independent experts. It was de- events at the stadium, have re- player safety a concern. Sev- down on the fi eld. Warriors hold quee matchup be- termined that the fi eld did not sulted in signifi cant damage to eral members of both teams The Chiefs and Rams share tween the Los Ange- meet NFL standards and likely the fi eld that presents unneces- told ESPN that they wouldn’t the best record in the NFL at les Rams and Kansas wouldn’t by Monday. sary risks to player safety and play if the field didn’t meet 9-1. MCity Chiefs will be played in Los Instead, the game — for which makes it unsuitable to host an standards, and some players According to NFL rules, the off Hawks Angeles instead of Mexico City the Rams are designated the NFL game. As a result, we have requested that a representative home team in an international because of concerns about the home team — will be played at determined that moving the from the players association game must keep its home sta- Reuters points in the second half and also safety of the fi eld, the NFL an- the Los Angeles Memorial Coli- game is the right decision, and inspect the field to determine dium available in the event the New York had 11 assists as Houston pulled nounced on Tuesday afternoon. seum. one that we needed to announce its condition. contest has to be moved. away to beat host Denver. The game was scheduled for “We have worked extensively now in order to allow our teams Two recent events apparently The Rams left Los Angeles on Clint Capela had 24 points and Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with our partners at Estadio and fans to make alternate ar- damaged the hybrid playing Monday for a week of practice onas Jerebko recorded nine rebounds, and Chris Paul but reports surfaced Tuesday Azteca for months in prepara- rangements.” surface, a combination of grass in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a 14-point, 13-rebound had 21 for the Rockets. Houston morning that the fi eld wasn’t in tion for this game,” said Mark The league said it would an- and synthetic fi ller. The stadium to help acclimate the players to double-double in place has won two straight amid a ros- playing shape. Waller, NFL executive vice pres- nounce details about reim- hosted a large music concert on the altitude they could expect in of suspended Draymond ter shakeup regarding veteran The league made the decision ident of international. “Until bursement for tickets in the Nov 7 and a soccer match on Mexico City. Green,J helping the Golden State forward Carmelo Anthony, who Warriors pull away from the At- is expected to be released by the lanta Hawks for a 110-103 victory organization. NHL Tuesday night in Oakland, Calu- Monte Morris led Denver with fornia. 19 points, Jamal Murray and Gary Green was suspended for the Harris scored 15 each and Nikola game for conduct detrimen- Jokic had 14 points and 12 re- tal to the team in the wake of a bounds. The Nuggets have lost run-in he had with Kevin Du- four in a row and eight straight to rant after Monday’s overtime Houston. loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Warriors also played with- CAVALIERS 113, HORNETS 89 Sharks lose 3-goal out Stephen Curry, who sat out Jordan Clarkson scored 24 his third straight game with a points off the bench, and Tristan strained groin. Thompson had 21 rebounds as The Hawks led by as many as part of a double-double as inju- six points in the fi rst half and 58- ry-ravaged Cleveland came to- 53 early in the third period before gether for a resounding thump- Jerebko, Klay Thompson and ing of visiting Charlotte. Quinn Cook drilled 3-pointers in David Nwaba added 18 points as lead, storm back to a 17-2 fl urry that turned the game a reserve in the Cavaliers’ second for good in the Warriors’ favour. win of the season. Rodney Hood Durant led the Warriors with and Collin Sexton each scored 16 29 points. Thompson had 24 and points, while JR Smith chipped in Cook, starting in place of Curry, with 13 points. Thompson scored chipped in with 18 as Golden 11 on 5-of-6 shooting. State improved to 3-0 this sea- Jeremy Lamb’s 22 points and son in the game immediately fol- Nicolas Batum’s 11 were tops beat Predators lowing a loss for the Hornets, who shot 34.7 % from the fi eld. Kemba Walker Thornton only 11th player in NHL history to net both 400 goals and 1,000 assists ROCKETS 109, NUGGETS 99 was limited to seven points on James Harden scored 19 of his 22 2-of-16 shooting from the fi eld. Reuters New York

oe Thornton’s milestone goal in the third period was the winner as the San Jose Sharks blew a three-goal lead but recovered to claim a wild 5-4J victory over the Nashville Predators in NHL action Tuesday night. Thornton fi nished a rush set up by Marcus Sorensen at 13:18 of the fi nal frame to the delight of the home crowd to collect his 400th career goal. He’s only the 11th player in NHL history to net both 400 goals and 1,000 assists. Joe Pavelski scored twice and Sorensen had a three-point game, while Sharks goalie Martin Jones made 30 saves in the roller-coaster-ride win that came after they claimed a 3-0 fi rst-period lead only to watch it evaporate. Sorensen opened the scoring at 5:09 when he stole the puck at the right face- off dot, held off a pair of defenders while driving across the net and slid home the puck. Pavelski doubled the lead on the power play at 7:05 by defl ecting Erik Karlsson’s point shot. Karlsson became the 13th de- fenseman in NHL history to collect 400 career assists. Then Antti Suomela scored at 16:51 to make it 3-0 for San Jose, taking advantage of a lucky bounce that saw the puck come to him in the slot. Houston Rockets guard James Harden (right) drives to the net ahead The Predators stormed back and took during the game against Denver Nuggets in Denver, Colorado, on the lead. Craig Smith started the come- San Jose Sharks’ Joe Thornton (centre), Marcus Sorensen (left) and Joe Pavelski (right) celebrate a goal during the third period of the Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) back at 4:43 of the second period when NHL game against Nashville Predators in San Jose, California, on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) he finished a tap-in tally set up by Ryan Johansen’s slick cross-crease pass, then winner, wiring a glove-side shot off the Rielly had a goal and an assist and Freder- Filip Forsberg potted his first of the rush. ik Andersen made 22 saves for the Maple RESULTS MLB investigating discrimination night 40 seconds later with a breaka- Juuse Saros made 32 saves for the Leafs, who improved to 7-1-0 on the road way goal. league-leading Predators, who lost a road this season. New Jersey 4-2 Pittsburgh claims against Mariners After Forsberg collected his second game in regulation for the fi rst time this Adrian Kempe scored, and Peter Budaj NY Islanders 5-2 Vancouver of the night to tie the game at 17:52 of season. made 15 saves on 19 shots in his fi rst start Florida 2-1 Philadelphia Reuters Oct 10. It did not give a reason the middle frame by shooting while on for the Kings this season. He was replaced New York for her dismissal. a two-on-one rush, Rocco Grimaldi put KADRI, TAVARES LEAD LEAFS by rookie Cal Petersen after allowing the Buff alo 2-1 Tampa Bay “While it is our policy to not the Predators ahead at 2:43 of the third PAST KINGS fourth goal at 4:33 of the second period. Detroit 6-1 Arizona comment on personnel issues, period with a breakaway marker of his John Tavares had a goal and two assists Petersen stopped 15 of 16 shots in his NHL Washington 5-2 Minnesota ajor League Baseball we do feel it is important to own. for the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in a debut. announced Tuesday it respond to the outrageous, Edmonton 6-2 Montreal That just set the stage for San Jose’s 5-1 win against the Los Angeles Kings on The Maple Leafs went 3-for-6 on the Mwill investigate claims false claims made by today comeback. Tuesday. power play to move from sixth in the Toronto 5-1 Los Angeles of racial discrimination against on social media,” the team’s Pavelski notched his second of the Nazem Kadri scored two goals to give league to fourth in effi ciency (28.3 per- San Jose 5-4 Nashville the Seattle Mariners that were statement reads. “And to note game just 13 seconds before Thornton’s him seven in the past nine games, Morgan cent). made on Monday by a former that Martin did not make any employee. of these false allegations until “MLB is aware of the allega- after she was relieved of her BOTTOMLINE tions made by a former em- duties. ployee of the Seattle Mariners “The Mariners categorically regarding the conduct of Club deny that any member of our employees,” the league said management or coaching staff in a statement to The Athletic. made racist remarks regard- 49ers QB Mullens to remain starter aft er bye “Consistent with our policies, ing any of our players or staff . we are investigating the al- Additionally, we have not Reuters lens for his ability to get through legations.” terminated [or threatened to New York progressions — specifi cally cit- Lorena Martin, the team’s terminate] any trainers during ing the third-quarter touch- former director of high the off -season.” down to Matt Breida, Mullens’ performance, accused the Martin responded to the ick Mullens is the San last option in the progression — organization of discrimination team’s statement by saying Francisco 49ers’ start- and for making good decisions and derogatory remarks in an she “had reported many other ing quarterback when to avoid sacks. Instagram post Monday. She discriminatory incidences to the team returns from Beathard, who has thrown for singled out general man- HR and other Mariners staff Nits bye in Week 12, head coach 2,682 yards, 12 touchdowns and ager Jerry Dipoto, manager members throughout the Kyle Shanahan confi rmed Tues- 13 interceptions while going 1-9 Scott Servais and director of season.” day. as a starter over the last two sea- player development Andy Martin was hired on Oct 30, “Nick Mullens is our starter sons, will remain the backup for McKay, saying the trio called 2017. She was responsible for until I say diff erently,” Shana- the foreseeable future. Latin American players “LAZY, “coordinating all aspects of the han told reporters. “Going about He was fi rst thrust into the DUMB, and STUPID, especially Mariners physical and mental it that way, and that’s how it’ll starting lineup after Jimmy Ga- the DOMINICANS.” training approach of players continue to be.” on just 22 attempts. but Shanahan was encouraged “...What I liked about Nick is he roppolo tore his ACL in Week 3. Martin also accused the team and staff , including oversight Mullens took over as the start- He made his second consecu- by what he saw. never seemed rattled throughout That was also when Mullens was of “firing innocent trainers for of the entire organization’s er in Week 9 when C.J. Beathard tive start Monday night against “I think it’s a positive expe- the whole game, continued play- promoted to the active roster trying to do the right thing and medical, strength and condi- was nursing a wrist injury on a the New York Giants, falling rience,” Shanahan said. “The ing. He was great after the game, from the practice squad, where because of their color/race.” tioning, nutrition and mental short week. A second-year un- just short of victory when his guy’s played one game in his he was great just watching the he spent all of 2017 and the start The Mariners quickly replied skills departments.” drafted rookie from Southern pass from the 21-yard line sailed career. I know statistically [his fi lm with him. I say it was a good of 2018. Tom Savage remains on to the post with a statement Prior to joining the Mariners, Miss, Mullens starred on Thurs- out of bounds on the fi nal play. game against the Raiders] was experience, a step forward, be- the roster as a third option. denying the accusations, Martin was director of sports day Night Football against the Mullens’ stat line (27 of 39, 250 the best start in NFL history — cause I think he’ll get better from The 49ers’ fi rst game after the revealing Martin was relieved performance analytics for the Oakland Raiders, throwing for yards, one touchdown and two but I think Nick did some real each experience he has.” bye is a trip to face the Tampa of her duties with the team on NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers. 262 yards and three touchdowns interceptions) wasn’t as pretty, good things yesterday, too. Shanahan also credited Mul- Bay Buccaneers on Nov 25. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, November 15, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY FOCUS New Zealand to host 2021 Women’s Leitch promises Rugby World Cup

AFP mitted to more women and girls Dublin getting involved in sport, so we are enthusiastic supporters of bringing this elite women’s tour- eigning champions New nament to New Zealand.” Japan won’t ‘bow Zealand will host the The Black Ferns will be look- 2021 Women’s World ing to emulate the example of the Cup, World Rugby an- country’s All Blacks, who won nouncedR yesterday. men’s World Cups on home soil It will be the fi rst time the with Eden Park victories over tournament has been staged in France in both the 1987 and 2011 the southern hemisphere, with fi nals. New Zealand seeing off local ri- “Congratulations to New Zea- down’ to England vals Australia for the hosting land on being elected Women’s rights in three years’ time fol- Rugby World Cup 2021 host,” lowing a 25-17 vote in their fa- said World Rugby chairman Bill England are thirsting for a win after a 16-15 loss to New Zealand last weekend vour by members of World Rug- Beaumont in a statement. by’s governing council. Former England and British AFP changed that, he set us on the New Zealand are the most and Irish Lions captain Beau- London right track. Jake the Muss (Kiwi successful team in the history of mont, added: “I would also like actor Temuera), they could not the Women’s World Cup, hav- to thank Australia for its excep- pick it better to play Eddie!” ing won fi ve of the previous eight tional bid. We hope to welcome apan captain Michael England forwards coach Steve editions. Australia back to bid again in the Leitch has vowed his side Borthwick also worked under Fixtures in the six-week tour- future.” will not “bow down” to Jones as a member of the Japan nament will be split between Meanwhile Raelene Castle, the England or their former backroom staff that shocked the Auckland and Whangarei, with “disappointed” chief executive coachJ Eddie Jones at Twicken- Springboks at the last World match venues including Auck- of Rugby Australia, said: “We ham on Saturday. Cup. land’s Eden Park — the ‘spiritual congratulate New Zealand Rugby England boss Jones advised “Steve was fantastic; he was home’ of New Zealand rugby. on its successful bid, and we are Japan “go to the temple and a guy I could really rely on,” said New Zealand Prime Minister sure they will deliver a fantastic pray” ahead of this weekend’s Leitch of the ex-England cap- Jacinda Ardern welcomed the de- tournament in what will be the match, with his current side tain and lock. cision by saying: “I’m hugely ex- fi rst Women’s World Cup played thirsting for a victory after an “His expertise and leader- cited the event will be held here. in the Southern Hemisphere. agonising 16-15 loss to world ship was something that re- “New Zealand is the home of “While hosting the tourna- champions New Zealand last ally helped me in the four years’ women’s rugby, the Black Ferns ment here in Australia would weekend. preparation for the World Cup. captured our imaginations again have been the icing on the cake, But Leitch, who made the “His expertise at line-out, when they won their fi fth World we are looking forward to exe- bold decision to kick a penalty maul, some of that detail Cup title last year, and our entire cuting our extensive plans to ac- for the corner rather than go and some of the standards he country will get behind the tour- celerate growth in the women’s for the posts to set up the deci- brought into the team are still nament and all the teams partici- XVs format,” added Castle, her- sive try as a Japan side coached here. We still use some of his pating in 2021. self born in Australia but brought by Jones stunned South Africa language today.” “This government is com- up in New Zealand. 34-32 in the 2015 World Cup — Saturday’s match will be only one of the great all-time rugby the second offi cial Test between union upsets — was not overly the two countries, with England concerned by his former boss’ having overpowered Japan 60-7 Scotland strengthen for Bok challenge comment. in Sydney during the inaugural “We have a saying in Japan: 1987 World Cup. cotland strengthened rugby in Cape Town for four ‘sou desu ne’, which means ‘yes’ It emerged this week that Ja- their side yesterday as years, is the only change in and that’s all I can say,” said pan, the 2019 World Cup hosts, Scoach Gregor Townsend the backline in place of Alex back-row Leitch when asked are paying their ‘amateur’ play- made six changes to his start- Dunbar. Sam Skinner, who was about Jones’ remarks. ers under £14 (2,000 Yen) per ing line-up to take on South named man of the match for “So we don’t read into any- day, whereas their England Africa in their test at Murray- his debut performance against thing that’s been said in the me- counterparts earn £25,000 per field on Saturday. Fiji, moves from lock to blind dia, we just focus on what we’re match. There is a first outing in the side flanker in a positional trying to do here. “Our home-based players are November internationals for switch as Scotland anticipate a “Coming up against England amateurs, they are employees of loosehead prop Gordon Reid, forward battle. we’re obviously not going to go companies, and receive 2,000 while hooker Stuart McInally, “We expect (South Africa) to there and bow down, we are go- Yen a day,” said Japan coach locks Jonny Gray and Ben Too- be confrontational and power- ing to go out there and win it.” England boss Jones advised Japan “go to the temple and pray” ahead of this weekend’s match. (Reuters) Jamie Joseph. lis and flanker Hamish Watson ful in their ball carrying, their Leitch left his native New “To be here and play a team return to the pack. defence and also at set-piece Zealand for Japan aged just 15, we have a great relationship. rugby. So he’s very highly re- son in line to play Jones. like England is a great opportu- Gray and McInally had been time,” said Townsend. later becoming a citizen in his “He’s always been highly re- garded in Japan.” “Eddie has a big role to play in nity for a footy (rugby) team and used off the bench in last Satur- “Their traditional strength has adopted home. garded, he started out in Japan that movie. The great thing Ed- a footy player,” the former New day’s 54-17 win over Fiji at Mur- always been their physicality The 30-year-old credited back in 1998 or something like ‘EDDIE CHANGED MINDSET’ die did with Japanese rugby, he Zealand international added. rayfield, but Toolis and Watson and this remains a key point Australian coach Jones with that. He’s coached Suntory, There are plans for a Hollywood changed the mindset,” explained “Our professional players, the were rested after a 21-10 loss to of diff erence for them. It will having a major infl uence on his won championships there, and fi lm of Japan’s stunning defeat Leitch. foreign-based players that we Wales in Cardiff on Nov. 3. be a great challenge for our career, saying: “I’ve known Ed- obviously coached Japan and of the Springboks, with New “The national team always have in our team, don’t get paid Huw Jones, who played club forward pack in particular.” die since I was at university, so changed the history of Japanese Zealand actor Temuera Morri- accepted losing, but once we for playing for Japan.”

BOTTOMLINE Why did one of the NFL’s best players give up $14.5mn and a year of his prime?

By Hunter Felt the long-term risks. gotiate for an extension with a tagged sons, Bell averaged 128.9 yards after The Guardian Bell felt his health was the key player up to a certain point, the player scrimmage per game, a record for issue. He told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler does not have the ability to decline the any back since the 1970s NFL-AFL last month, “It sucks having to sit tag itself. Under this situation, a player merger. Plus, hey, he just skipped out s many had expected, out football. I want to play. I want doesn’t have very much leverage be- on a year’s worth of wear and tear. Pittsburgh Steelers running to win games and the playoff s. But yond holding out. Bell just took things Presuming he hits free agency, he back Le’Veon Bell, one of I’ve gotta take this stand. Knowing to an extreme. should receive a large contract from the best players in the NFL, my worth and knowing I can tear a somebody, even if some teams may didA not turn up at team headquarters ligament or get surgery at any time, Is this unprecedented? be hesitant to sign him thanks to the on Tuesday. The move means he’s I knew I couldn’t play 16 games with Not entirely. Washington tackle negative attention he’s received dur- not eligible to play for the remainder 400 or more touches.” Sean Gilbert held out for an entire ing the holdout. A comparable con- of the season and has forfeited the season in 1997. Kansas City Chiefs tract might be the four-year, $57.5mn $14.54mn he was due to make. Teams tend to see running defensive end Dan Williams did so in ($45mn guaranteed) contract the Los backs as replaceable cogs, 1998. This, though, is the most high- Angeles Rams have given running What exactly happened on Tues- mainly because of their profi le case. back Todd Gurley. day? tendency to decline at a Technically nothing, which is the relatively young age. Because Are the Steelers in trouble? What’s the ultimate takeaway problem. Bell, one of the NFL’s best of that, teams avoid Not particularly. James Con- from this? running backs, who has also doubled handing them long-term ner, just 23 years old and making It depends on the fallout. It’s en- as one of Pittsburgh’s top receivers, contracts whenever possible $578,000 this year on his rookie con- tirely possible that it ends up work- had been threatening to sit out the en- tract, has been productive in place of ing out for the best for both sides: tire season as he sought a better deal. Bell. The Steelers are on a fi ve-game Bell could pick up a contract that As it turns out, that wasn’t just idle If he’s worried about career- winning streak and are currently on more than justifi es the money he left chatter. Tuesday’s deadline was the altering injuries, it’s hard to blame top of the AFC North. If Bell wanted on the table this year and the Steelers latest he could show up and still play him considering what we’ve seen so to show the Steelers they will suff er could end up better in the long run this season. With the no-show, Bell is far in the league. One of the lasting without him, that part of the plan by getting signifi cant production now not considered part of the team images of this season might be safety might have already backfi red. from the younger, less expensive and is not technically under contract, Earl Thomas, whose own holdout Conner. so the Steelers cannot even trade him. lasted until just days before the start Are Bell fantasy football owners For the league in general, however, of the regular season, fl ipping off in trouble? Bell’s season-long holdout could be Why would Bell do this? the Seattle Seahawks bench after his Absolutely. a sign of things to come. Players are It has to do with money, the risk possibly career-ending injury back in more aware than ever of the potential of being injured and the fi nancial Week 4. When Thomas went down, Where does Bell go from here? of injuries impacting and even ending insecurities surrounding the running Bell commented “Get right bro bro. Another team. After all this, the their careers. They are also more aware back position. Bell, who is 26 and in I’ll continue to be the ‘bad guy’ for Steelers aren’t going to franchise him of how teams structure contracts his prime years, is concerned about ALL of us.” for a third time, particularly since it to avoid paying players guaranteed being injured, or prematurely enter- Teams tend to see running backs as would cost them more than $20mn. money and how the entire system is ing the decline phase of his career replaceable cogs, mainly because of Considering Conner’s breakthrough tilted toward the side of the owners. after being overworked, before hav- their tendency to decline at a relatively season and the headaches they’ve Look for the players to increasingly use ing a chance to freely negotiate for a young age. Because of that, teams gone through this year, it’s diffi cult to whatever leverage they have, even if salary worthy of his talent. Bell, who avoid handing them long-term con- imagine him returning to Pittsburgh that means having to sit out an entire led the league in touches per game tracts whenever possible. The Steelers, under any circumstances. season. Even if no player takes things last season, turned down the Steelers knowing this, placed the franchise tag quite as far as Bell did, teams now have off er of a ve-year/$70mnfi contract (a one-year designation a team can Would another team sign him to to be concerned about the possibility in July because he felt that the $17mn place on a potential free agent each a lucrative contract even after all of a player doing something similar in In this November 12, 2017, picture, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell in action the team off ered in guaranteed year) on Bell in each of the previous this? the future, and that alone could be a against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis. (TNS) money wasn’t enough considering two seasons. While teams can still ne- Probably. In his fi rst fi ve sea- diff erence maker. Gulf Times Thursday, November 15, 2018 7 CRICKET

SECOND TEST Curran, Buttler save England from Sri Lanka spin attack 'Me and Jimmy had quite a bit of fun out there. He was probably the one telling me to calm down and trust him'

AFP Kandy, Sri Lanka

ri Lanka’s spinners claimed some big-name England wickets on the fi rst day of the second Test yesterday before Jos Buttler and SamS Curran rescued the innings. But- tler’s 63 and a crucial 64 from Curran at the end lifted England to 285 all out after they had been struggling on 89-4 on the turning Pallekelle stadium pitch. Curran, fast becoming an Eng- land hero, said reaching near 300 was a “massive” achievement. England spinner Jack Leach then strengthened England’s position, dismissing opener Kaushal Silva in the 12 overs Sri Lanka faced as the home side reached 26 for one at the close. A day that saw Ben Stokes, batting at the key number three position, become the latest to fail also reinforced Buttler and Curran’s standing lower down the order. England were in trouble against spinners Dilruwan Perera who took four wickets, Malinda Pushpakumara (three) and Akila Dananjaya (two) when Buttler came in to counter-attack with fi ve boundaries and a crucial 45-run stand with Adil Rashid who made 31. Buttler’s 63 off 67 deliveries ensured Sri Lanka did not convert a good posi- tion into a dominant one, as he swept and reverse swept furiously and eff ec- tively. He was eventually out top-edg- ing a reverse sweep off left-arm spinner Pushpakumara, playing his fi rst Test for more than a year. Curran was even more important, taking 50 balls to reach double fi gures before he tore into the Sri Lankan bowl- ing. He hit six sixes and a four off the spinners and his last wicket partner- ship of 60 with Jimmy Anderson was the best of the innings. “It was crucial. You saw in the evening how much it spun. Getting close to 300 was massive for us,” said Curran. “Me and Jimmy had quite a bit of fun out there. He was England’s Sam Curran plays a reverse sweep as Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella looks on during the second Test in Pallekele, Sri Lanka yesterday. (Reuters) probably the one telling me to calm down and trust him.” Curran said the wicket was fast Stokes, who batted at number fi ve in breaking up and the cracks growing SCOREBOARD his team’s opening win last week, was so England spinners must be looking boosted up the order in the latest bid to forward to the second day. Ten of the ENGLAND I INNINGS B. Foakes c de Silva b Perera 19 (Stokes), 3-65 (Root), 4-89 (Burns), 5-134 K Silva b Leach 6 fi nd a solid number three. Off -spinner 11 wickets to fall Wednesday went to R. Burns c de Silva b Dananjaya 43 S. Curran c Karunaratne b Perera 64 (Ali), 6-165 (Foakes), 7-171 (Buttler), 8-216 P Pushpakumara not out 1 Perera successfully reviewed an lbw de- spinners. There were several near miss- (Rashid), 9-225 (Leach), 10-285 (Curran) cision against Stokes after the on-fi eld es during the 12 overs Sri Lanka faced, K. Jennings c Dickwella b Lakmal 1 A. Rashid lbw b Perera 31 Total: (for 1 wkt 12 Overs) 26 Bowling: Lakmal 12-1-44-1, Perera 24.4- umpire had turned down an appeal. with Karunaratne edging a ball just low B. Stokes lbw b Perera 19 J. Leach b Dananjaya 7 Yet to bat: D de Silva, K Mendis, He was out for 19. England captain Joe and wide of slip off the bowling of Ali 5-61-4, Pushpakumara 23-4-89-3, De J. Root b Pushpakumara 14 J. Anderson not out 7 Silva 2-0-4-0, Dananjaya 14-1-80-2 A Mathews, R Silva, N Dickwella, Root, who scored 35 and three in the when he was on 12. Leach then made D Perera, A Dananjaya, S Lakmal fi rst Test, was bowled by Pushpaku- the breakthrough at the other end, get- J. Buttler c Karunaratne b Extras (b4, lb 3) 7 Fall of wickets: 1-22 (K Silva) mara in the 18th over for 14 and opener ting a ball to break sharply off the sur- Pushpakumara 63 Total (all out, 75.4 overs) 285 SRI LANKA I INNINGS Rory Burns (43) soon followed as Eng- face and beat Kaushal Silva’s forward M. Ali lbw b Pushpakumara 10 Bowling: J Anderson 3-0-8-0, S Curran land lost regular wickets on the dry, defence, to rattle off stump — the bats- Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Jennings), 2-44 D Karunaratne not out 19 2-0-5-0, M Leach 4-0-7-1. M Ali 3-1-6-0 crumbling surface. man dismissed for 6.

SPOTLIGHT ICC WOMEN’S WORLD T20 Mahmudullah, spinners give Bangladesh edge Pakistan get fi rst

SCOREBOARD win, Australia seal BANGLADESH I INNINGS 522-7 declared Bowling: Jarvis 11-2-27-2, Tiripano 11-1-31- ZIMBABWE I INNINGS 304 2, Williams 16-2-69-1(w1), Raza 7-0-39-1, semi-fi nal slot Mavuta 9-0-52-0 BANGLADESH II INNINGS By ICC Liton Das b Jarvis 6 Providence, Guyana ZIMBABWE II INNINGS Imrul Kayes c Mavuta b Jarvis 3 H. Masakadza c Mominul b Chari 25 Mominul Haque c Chakabva b Tiripano 1 akistan sailed on a cap- B. Chari lbw b Chari 43 M Mithun c Chakabva b Raza 67 tain’s innings from Jave- Mushfiqur Rahim c Mavuta b Tiripano 7 B. Taylor not out 4 ria Khan, as she guided S. Williams not out 2 them to a 38-run win Mahmudullah Riyad not out 101 Pover Ireland in the ICC Women’s Ariful Haque b Williams 5 Extras ( b1, lb1) 2 World T20 at the Guyana Na- Mehidy Hasan not out 27 Total (two wickets,30 overs) 76 tional Stadium on Tuesday. The win gave Pakistan them- Extras (b5, lb1, w1) 7 Fall of wickets: 1-68 (Masakadza), 2-70 (Chari) selves the best chance of directly Total (decl for six wickets, 54 overs) 224 qualifying for the next edition To bat: S. Raza, P. Moor, R. Chakabva, B. Did not Bat: Taijul Islam, Mustafizur of the tournament. Javeria’s un- Mavuta, D. Tiripano, K. Jarvis, T. Chatara Rahman, Khaled Ahmed beaten 74 formed the spine of Bowling: Mustafiz 3-1-2-0, Taijul 13-2-34-1, their total. It was the highest Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Imrul), 2-10 (Liton), Khaled 4-1-15-0, Mehidy 7-2-16-1, Ariful score by any Pakistan batter in Pakistan captain Javeria Khan's 3-10 (Mominul), 4-25 (Liton), 5-143 3-1-7-0 T20Is, and her fi rst fi fty in 16 in- unbeaten 74 earned her the (Mithun), 6-151 (Ariful) nings. Lucy O’Reilly bowled well player of the match award. for Ireland, and was rewarded fi rst away Test win in 17 years. in their second innings, after the hosts with three late wickets. Ireland’s Katie Martin, but once that was A draw in the game would give them decided against enforcing the follow-on challenge ended on 101 for nine. broken New Zealand collapsed. their fi rst Test series win in seven years. despite their 218-run fi rst innings lead. Later, Australia notched up Bangladesh's batsman Mahmudullah is over the moon after scoring a century during Bangladesh, who must win to square the Kyle Jarvis removed openers Imrul their third win in the tourna- Brief Scores the fourth day of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Dhaka. (AFP) series, declared their innings at the tea Kayes and Liton Das in the space of three ment and 12th consecutive win Pakistan: 139-6, 20 overs (Javeria break after Mahmudullah completed his balls in the fi fth over for three and six overall to book a place in the Khan 74 not out, Ayesha Zafar 21; AFP Off -spinner Mehidy Hasan broke a 68- century by pushing leg-spinner Bran- runs respectively. First-innings centu- semi-fi nals. Their progress came Lucy O’Reilly 3-19) bt Ireland: 101-9 Dhaka run opening stand by removing Hamil- don Mavuta towards cover for two runs. rion Mominul Haque quickly followed at the expense of New Zealand, in 20 overs (Isobel Joyce 30, Clare ton Masakadza for 25 after he dropped Mahmudullah, whose only other Test ton the openers, edging Donald Tiripano to who now need other results to go Shillington 27; Nashra Sandhu the Zimbabwe captain on fi ve off debu- came against New Zealand at Hamilton in wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva for one in their way to be in with a chance 2-8, Aliya Riaz 2-16, Sana Mir 2-20, ahmudullah Riyad scored tant pacer Khaled Ahmed. Mehidy also 2010, lifted Bangladesh from a precarious the next over. of progressing. The game saw Aiman Anwer 2-25) by 38 runs his fi rst Test century in more dropped Brian Chari on naught but fellow 25-4 after Zimbabwe seamers rattled the The slump continued as Mushfi qur Alyssa Healy score her second than eight years as Bangla- spinner Taijul Islam dismissed the opener home side early on day four. The right- Rahim, who scored 219 in the fi rst in- consecutive half-century. Aus- Australia: 153-7, 20 overs (Alyssa desh set Zimbabwe a tow- for 43 soon after Bangladesh got their hander shared an 118-run stand for the nings, pulled a straight catch to square leg tralia posted a challenging 153 Healy 53, Rachael Haynes 29 Mering 443-run target to win the second fi rst breakthrough. Brendon Taylor and sixth wicket with debutant Mohammad fi elder Mavuta to depart for just seven. for seven on the back of a 71-run not out, Beth Mooney 26; Leigh Test in Dhaka yesterday. The hosts began Sean Williams remained at the crease on Mithun, who made amends for his fi rst But Mithun and Mahmudullah stemmed opening partnership between Kasperek 3-25, Sophie Devine their victory push, reducing Zimbabwe four and two respectively, facing a monu- innings duck to score 67 off 110 balls. the bleeding, slowly building their part- Healy and Beth Mooney, their 2-37) bt New Zealand: 120 all out to 76-2 at stumps on the fourth day after mental task to win or avoid a loss as Zim- Mahmudullah hit four fours and a six nership. Zimbabwe were all out for 304 fourth in a row. in17.3 overs (Suzie Bates 48, Katie Mahmudullah’s unbeaten 101 off 122 balls babwe still trailed the hosts by 367 runs. in an impressive innings, with his last 51 earlier on the third day, replying to Bang- For New Zealand, Suzie Bates martin 24; Megan Schutt 3-12, helped the side declare the second in- Zimbabwe lead the two-match series 1-0 runs coming off only 52 balls. Zimbabwe ladesh’s mammoth fi rst innings total of scored 48 and forged a 66-run Sophie Mloineux 2-20, Delissa nings on 224-6. after last week’s victory in Sylhet — their had successes against Bangladesh early 522-7 declared. fourth-wicket partnership with Kimmince 2-24) by 33 runs

Thursday, November 15, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS SC secretary-general hails the power of sport at Paris Peace Forum

upreme Committee for Delivery Vladimir Putin, and German Chancel- and economic stimulus. understanding, and highlighted events & Legacy (SC) secretary-gener- lor Angela Merkel. He said: “International organisations such as a unifi ed Korea team taking part al Hassan al-Thawadi called During the panel discussion, which must recognise the role of sport and its in the 2018 Winter Olympics. on the international community discussed sport as a resource for inclu- power to impact meaningful change in Al-Thawadi also said mega events toS recognise the power of sport during sion, reconciliation and peace-build- society. Sport’s potential is often un- such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup help the inaugural Paris Peace Forum. ing, al-Thawadi said the 2022 FIFA derestimated and it’s our duty to ensure to accelerate human and social change, Al-Thawadi took part in a panel World Cup had the power to unify the this changes at global policy level.” and cited workers’ welfare as one such session titled ‘Working out for Peace- Middle East, break down stereotypes Joining al-Thawadi on the panel example in Qatar. Building and Reconciliation’ on day and foster both cultural understanding were Massimiliano Di Cola, from the “The work we have done in relation two of the event, which hosted world and tolerance. Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation; to workers’ welfare is of paramount leaders and international organisations “The World Cup breaks down bar- Oliver Dudfi eld, Head of Sport for De- importance for the legacy of this World in an eff ort to enhance co-operation in riers and stereotypes – it promotes velopment and Peace, Commonwealth Cup. The progress we have made is order to tackle global challenges and inclusion and interaction between Secretariat; and former footballer signifi cant and even our fi ercest crit- ensure durable peace. peoples from all over the world,” said Youri Djorkaeff , who won the 1998 ics recognise this. There is still a long The forum got underway on No- al-Thawadi. FIFA World Cup with France and is journey ahead but we are committed to vember 11, while Armistice Day com- “The sporting industry in the Middle now President of the non-profi t Youri progress.” memorations were being held across East must be an engine for economic Djorkaeff Foundation, which uses the The forum, which focused on high- the globe to mark a hundred years since growth and creating jobs. Our legacy power of football to help children grow lighting and debating concrete pro- the end of the First World War. More initiatives seek to provide people with up healthier, stronger and happier. The posals to solve worldwide problems, than 80 world leaders and heads of the skills to take advantage of this.” panel was moderated by Pascal Boni- including peace and security, climate state attended the event, including His Al-Thawadi called on the interna- face, Director of the French Institute for change, migration and data manage- Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin tional community to recognise the International & Strategic Aff airs. ment, brought together more than Hamad al-Thani, British Prime Min- power of sport when it comes to pro- The panellists discussed sport’s 10,000 stakeholders in global govern- ister Theresa May, Russian President moting peace and providing both social unique position to promote peace and ance. (SC.qa)

HORSE RACING Injaaz Stud’s Izzthatright sprints to feature victory Trainers Ghazali, al-Malki, al-Ramzani and Smart saddle two winners each

By Sports Reporter Trainer: Julian Smart. Doha

hampion Trainer Jas- sim Mohamed Ghazali celebrated a one-two in the Umm Al Houl Cup, theC six-furlong sprint feature on dirt, at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday, with Injaaz Stud’s Iz- zthatright improving his strik- erate to 18 victories from 26 runs. The winner was second on the day for both Ghazali and Cham- pion Jockey Harry Bentley, as Iz- zthatright won by a neck ahead of JP Guillambert’s ride, Astley Hall. The trainer-jockey duo had a winner in the fi rst race of the day as Tadeem shed his maiden sta- tus. Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani, Ib- rahim al-Malki and Julian Smart Harry Bentley (foreground) rides Izzthatright to victory in the Umm Al were the other trainers with dou- Houl Cup yesterday. bles on the day. Jimmy Quinn-ridden Sylvia Pankhurst, owned by Ali Jumaa Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Racing manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (centre) and Grandstand and Protocol head Saad al-Hajri Abdullah al-Mudahka, and Edu- (right) with the winners of the Umm Al Houl Cup, after Harry Bentley rode Injaaz Stud’s Izzthatright, trained by Jassim Mohamed Ghazali, to ardo Pedroza-helmed Perfect victory at the Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Storm, owned by Lulwa bint Faisal al-Haidos, picked up back- His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Race 2: 1. Aneeq (Mathieu Race 5: 1. Aaley Al Magam (JP Race 8: 1. MJ Lattam (Faleh to-back victories for al-Malki bin Khalifa al-Thani, won the Pelletan), 2. Ellianka (Faleh Guillambert), 2. Damas (Ronan Bughanaim), 2. Istibdad (Harry on the day taking the two Thor- nine furlong run, even as, under Bughanaim), 3. Alanoud (Jean Thomas), 3. Bsheer (Faleh Bugha- Bentley), 3. Al Muntathar (Edu- oughbred Handicap races. claiming race rules, the owner- Baptiste Hamel), 4. Echo De Faust naim), 4. Jabal Aramoon (Marvin ardo Pedroza), 4. Snafi Al Shajaa Tomas Lukasek was in the sad- ship of the fi ve-year-old colt (Eduardo Pedroza). Won by: Nk, Suerland). Won by: 4 3/4, 2, 9 1/2. (Rashid Ali al-Marri). Won by: Shd, dle on Ehwaz as the al-Ramzani changed hands. 3 3/4, 3 1/2. Time: 1:21.34. Owner: Time: 1:58.88. Owner: Al Shahania 7 1/4. 1 1/2. Time: 1:18.92. Owner: ward shed his maiden status in Umm Qarn’s Aneeq and Jassim Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Stud. Trainer: Julian Smart. Mohanad Jassim al-Yaqout. the Purebred Arabian Maiden bin Ali al-Attiyah’s Numuthej Mieulle. Race 6: 1. Sylvia Pankhurst Trainer: Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. Plate before Qatari jockey Faleh were the other horses who reg- Race 3: 1. Ehwaz (Tomas Lu- (Jimmy Quinn), 2. River Goddess Race 9: 1. Izzthatright (Harry Bughanaim helmed his fi fth win- istered their fi rst career victories kasek), 2. AJS Al Moheeb (JP Guil- (Marco Casamento), 3. Sarrab Bentley), 2. Astley Hall (JP Guil- ner of the season, MJ Lattam, in in the Purebred Arabian Maiden lambert), 3. Muwahhab (Adnan (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Tautira lambert), 3. Notalot (Saleem the Local Purebred Arabian Con- Plate and Local Thoroughbred Hawa), 4. Odale (Harry Bentley). (Rashid Ali al-Marri). Won by: 2, Golam), 4. Victory Laurel (Jimmy ditions event. Maiden Plate events respectively. Won by: 1, 13, 3 1/2. Time: 2:15.62. 10 1/2, 1. Time: 1:12.30. Owner: Ali Quinn). Won by: Nk, 5 1/2, 3/4. Aaley Al Magam was Smart’s Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Jumaa Abdullah al-Mudahka. Time: 1:10.65. Owner: Injaaz fi rst winner of the season, with RESULTS Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Stud. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed the six-year-old opening his Race 1: 1. Tadeem (Harry Bentley), Race 4: 1. Numuthej (Marco Race 7: 1. Perfect Storm (Eduardo Ghazali. season with a win in the 1700m 2. Almasah (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. Casamento), 2. The Shark Pedroza), 2. Musical Terms (Harry Race 10: 1. Al Ghawja (Stephan Purebred Arabian Graduation Holy Shambles (Tomas Lukasek), (Anas al-Seyabi), 3. Admiral Bentley), 3. Bluebeard (Gerald Ladjadj), 2. AJS Al Ruwais (Faleh Plate under JP Guillambert. 4. Acclaimed Dancer (Adnan (Jimmy Quinn), 4. Shatir Bu Thaila Avranche), 4. Could Be (Jimmy Bughanaim), 3. Arghad (JP In the fi nal race of the day, a Hawa). Won by: 4 1/4, 1 1/2, 2 1/4. (Stephan Ladjadj). Won by: 6 Quinn). Won by: 3 1/4, 2 3/4, 4. Guillambert), 4. Kufoo (Mathieu Purebred Arabian Claiming Race, Time: 1:04.81. Owner: Mansoor 1/2, 3/4, 3/4. Time: 1:53.31. Owner: Time: 2:01.91. Owner: Lulwa bint Pelletan). Won by: 2 1/2, 17, 16. Smart’s Al Ghawja, ridden by Ebrahim al-Mahmoud. Trainer: Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah. Trainer: Faisal al-Haidos. Trainer: Ibrahim Owner: His Highness Sheikh Stephan Ladjadj rides Al Ghawja to the winner’s enclosure after the Stephan Ladjadj in the colours of Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. Mohamed Riyaz. al-Malki. Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. victory in the Purebred Arabian Claiming Race.

ACCOLADE Qatar Racing’s Roaring Lion wins Horse Of The Year Award By Sports Reporter id Redvers at the 2016 Keeneland vestec Derby at Epsom Downs in tar Racing chairman Sheikh Fa- Doha September sale for US$160,000, June. had al-Thani describing him as the son of Kitten’s Joy enjoyed an Roaring Lion had already es- “the horse of a lifetime”. outstanding year with victories tablished himself as a high-class Gosden became only the sec- wned by Qatar Rac- in three Group 1 contests over 10 juvenile, ending a progressive ond trainer to take home a total ing Limited, the out- furlongs in the space of just over two-year-old campaign with a of five Cartier awards, includ- standingly talented two months from July to Sep- neck second to Saxon Warrior in ing for Enable, who this time and consistent Roaring tember — the Coral-Eclipse at the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy picked up the Cartier Older LionO is the fourth John Gosden Sandown Park, the Juddmonte at Doncaster. Horse award. ward from Newmarket to win the International at York and the If dropping Roaring Lion back After an injury-interrupted Cartier Horse Of The Year award QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes at to a mile for Ascot was a bold campaign, the star fi lly returned in the last fi ve years. Leopardstown. move by the connections, the de- to her brilliant best at the end of Three-year-old Roaring Lion Roaring Lion followed up on cision to let the colt race on dirt the season when winning a sec- followed on the footsteps of those superb wins with a fourth for the fi rst time in the 10-fur- ond straight Qatar Prix de l’Arc Kingman (2014), Golden Horn straight Group 1 success when long G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic de Triomphe at Longchamp and (2015) and Enable (2017) to win dropped down in distance to a at Churchill Downs, USA, on following up in the Breeders’ Cup the prestigious award. mile for the Queen Elizabeth II November 3 appeared an alto- Turf at Churchill Downs. It was Roaring Lion also the Three- Stakes (Sponsored by QIPCO) at gether more fanciful choice. Af- the fi rst time ever that a horse Year-Old Colt Award, following Ascot on QIPCO British Cham- ter breaking slowly, Roaring Lion won the dream double. an outstanding campaign that pions Day on October 20. If that couldn’t cope with the kick-back included consecutive Group 1 were not enough, Roaring Lion and was eased to come home last In this October 20, 2018, picture, victories in four of Europe’s pre- also ran a great race on his only of the 14 runners. Oisin Murphy (left) rides Qatar mier all-aged races. attempt at 12 furlongs when a Roaring Lion has been retired Racing’s Roaring Lion to victory Purchased as a yearling by Qa- close third behind Masar in Brit- to stand at Tweenhills, home of in The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes tar Racing’s racing manager Dav- ain’s premier Classic, the In- Qatar Racing stallions, with Qa- at Ascot. (Racingfotos.com)