FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 NNBABA | Page 5 Everton sack Wiggins’ manager three-pointer Koeman aft er silences Gunners rout Thunder

Tuesday, October 24, 2017 TENNIS Safar 4, 1439 AH Wozniacki and GULF TIMES Halep claim revenge victories SPORT Page 7 QNB STARS LEAGUE excited about facing Al Rayyan in ‘ Classico’ l Sadd Xavi Hern- “Matches against Al Rayyan are al- could prove important in the match. quality in Boualem Khoukhi and Fa- andez has said the ‘Qatar ways important for Al Sadd. Last year, “Al Rayyan bought well in the transfer had al-Abdulrahman from Eupen. Both Classico’ match between his we played them in the Emir’s Cup fi nal window this season, adding quality pro- players will be important for us on Fri- side and Al Rayyan on Friday and we needed a last-minute winner. fessional and local players to their side. day, and the course of the season, Awould highlight the best of what the That’ll be our inspiration heading into In attack, they’ve and Se- as we look to compete for all trophies,” QNB Stars League has to off er. the game and I hope we continue our bastain Soria, and have added more goals said Xavi. Al Sadd have yet to taste defeat this strong start to the season. with Abderrazak Hamdellah, who is al- Ending the interview, the playmaker season, comfortably winning their fi rst “Barcelona against Real Madrid is ready scoring for them. Defensively, they outlined Al Sadd’s targets from what fi ve games in the league, and the match considered as the ultimate clasico in may’ve lost Victor Caceres, but they’ve could be his last season as a profes- against Al Rayyan will be a stern test of Europe. Here in Qatar, our match with added Mohammed Kasola and Abdul sional footballer. their title credentials. Al Rayyan is considered as the biggest Maqsoud, two of the best defensive play- “The objective is to win the league “Both sides like to play strong at- and this is shown by the build-up in the ers in the league,” he said. title this season. Last year, we won the tacking football and the match will be country by the fans and media ahead of Xavi stressed that Al Sadd have to and Emir’s Cup. Now, our good to watch. Al Rayyan are one of the match. The atmosphere is going to assert their supremacy in the midfi eld aim is the QNB Stars League, which can the strongest teams in the QNB Stars be special,” the midfi elder said when and that’ll be crucial if The Wolves are only be won by the most consistent side League and I’m personally looking for- asked about his thoughts on the Friday- to continue their unbeaten start to the in the country. It’s the main target, but ward to the game. It’ll be a great Classi- evening clash. season. we also want to progress in all competi- co for everyone in Qatar,” said Xavi in an The former Barcelona and Spain “We’ve kept the core of the side that tions that we compete in this season,” exclusive interview with QSL Online. great opined Al Rayyan’s new additions did so well last season, we’ve added Xavi concluded. (QSL.com.qa)

FOCUS FORMULA 1 Ref fell for Aft er big Texas win, Hamilton ‘theatrics’, says all set for title red-card party in Mexico ‘I was the target of lots of missiles, cans, baguettes. I didn’t lose my cool’

AFP Marseille

eymar blames the referee for “falling for Marseille’s theatrics” after his sending off in Paris Saint-Germain’s explosiveN 2-2 draw at the Stade Velo- drome on Sunday. Neymar was constantly harried and niggled by a series of fouls in the grudge game against PSG’s bitter rivals, and pelted by projectiles hurled by Mar- seille fans whilst taking corners. The former Barcelona striker was eventually sent off for two yellow cards late on, both for retaliation with the Brazilian superstar appearing to aim a headbutt at Marseille’s Argen- tine striker Lucas Ocampos. “That wasn’t football,” the world’s most expensive player complained. “The referee fell into the trap of fall- Reuters A key one, he suggested, was his ing for Marseille’s theatrics. Austin decision to give up meat and adopt “I was the target of lots of missiles, a vegan diet around the time of last cans, baguettes. I didn’t lose my cool month’s Singapore Grand Prix. but I accept my mistake.” ewis Hamilton will have to “I feel the best I’ve ever felt, physi- He described the heated atmos- wait another week for his fourth cally and mentally,” he said. phere on the south coast as similar to Formula One world champion- “I think the best decision was mov- “a Champions League” night. ship but he has smoked a vic- ing to this team, second best decision is “We tried to play as we know how Ltory cigar already. changing my diet.” but it was diffi cult. PSG weren’t It was always going to be a long shot The retirement of former team mate great... Marseille were good whilst we for the Mercedes driver to wrap up the Nico Rosberg, immediately after win- were below standard. We have to be- title in Texas but on Sunday night, after ning the 2016 title, and a kitchen con- come used to this type of rival.” winning at the Circuit of the Americas versation with team boss Toto Wolff Tensions were running high for for the fi fth time in six years, he was last December has also transformed his France’s ‘clasico’, from which PSG fans only a fi ngertip away. demeanour. were banned over security fears. With a 66-point advantage over Fer- “Going and seeing Toto at the end of rari’s Sebastian Vettel, and three races last year was crucial,” he said. “Just put SERIOUS FOULS remaining, Hamilton looks sure to be- everything on the table and say what Supporters fought battles with police come Britain’s fi rst four-times world needed to be said. And then to build on outside the ground with cars bearing champion in Mexico City next Sunday. creating a new stronger relationship Paris number plates attacked. There A visitor to Cuba earlier in the year, which we have done.” were 16 arrests. the 32-year-old puff ed unconvincingly The arrival of Finland’s Valtteri Bot- PSG coach meanwhile on a fat cigar as he spoke to reporters tas as Rosberg’s replacement tightened urged Ligue 1 referees to make sure French referee Ruddy Buquet (right) shows a red card to Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar (centre) during the Ligue 1 match while the team celebrated a fourth suc- the team bonding and dispelled the marquee players like Neymar were against Marseille at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, France, on Sunday. (AFP) cessive constructors’ title. frostiness that was evident before. better protected. “Tastes disgusting,” he grimaced. “Valtteri is an exceptional human “We are a bit disappointed by the itri) Payet is also a good player,” said “He hasn’t been battered here, but if booked and then red-carded in the “A guy came and gave me the cigars being and you can see he gets it from sending off because he was fouled a Emery in reference to the Marseille he gets that treatment every game.....I space of two minutes. earlier. Every now and then some of the his dad,” said the Briton. “His dad’s a great deal during the game,” said Emery. playmaker. believe the referee should have had a In a dramatic ending, a bullet-like Cubans come along and give me some lovely man, very polite, he comes over “He suff ered four serious fouls from Neymar had been excellent for PSG good think about it. We need to pro- free-kick from Edinson Cavani made cigars. I took the box in there and hand- and says ‘hi’. our opponents which continued and scoring a cool-headed equaliser and tect the great players.” it 2-2 in time added on to salvage a ed them around to everyone. “Valtteri wants to win through mer- continued and continued,” added the looking every inch a big game player Marseille opened the scoring with point for PSG as Marseille players “This is the fi rst time for victory and it, and hard work. There’s never a mo- Spaniard, insisting the Paris capital until his rush of blood to the head and a Luiz Gustavo long range shot on 16 slumped to the Stade Velodrome pitch I thought it was kind of neat.” ment when he is hiding anything from side’s 222mn euro ($261.5mn) prize the red card with his side 2-1 down in minutes before Neymar levelled with in disgust and frustration. The tobacco may have proved bitter me and in actual fact it’s an unusual asset had been provoked throughout the 88th minute. a fi ne threaded shot on 33 minutes for The result means PSG keep their but everything else was looking sweet dynamic where he will ask me some- the match. “Those yellow cards were not fair his 10th goal in 11 games for the club. unbeaten record atop Ligue 1 with 26 for the Briton as he considered the fac- thing and I am actually just off ering it.” “It’s up to all of us to protect the big on Neymar, he’s a man who wants to After Florian Thauvin fi red Mar- points, four ahead of Monaco on 22. tors that had brought him to the brink Could that have happened with Ros- players, on both sides, because (Dim- play,” said Emery. seille ahead late on, Neymar was Marseille are fi fth on 18. of history. berg? Hamilton’s reply was blunt: “No”. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, October 24, 2017 FOOTBALL

FALLOUT Everton sack manager Routine win Koeman aft er Gunners rout keeps Real

Reuters nine top-fl ight titles in 1987. “It feels like it’s stale, the players here London Koeman arrived from Southampton aren’t of the quality needed, there’s in 2016 amid huge expectation and not a set system, not a pattern of play.” was granted the resources to revamp Former Everton striker Tony Cot- pressure on verton sacked manager Ron- the squad in the last transfer window tee told Sky Sports the sacking did not ald Koeman yesterday after with a net spend of 54mn pounds surprise him because Everton’s per- they dropped into the Premier ($71.1mn). formances have been “dreadful”. ELeague relegation zone fol- But Everton have won two games Ex-Everton midfi elder Peter Reid lowing Sunday’s humiliating 5-2 home in 13 in all competitions and pro- said they made a mistake not signing Barcelona defeat by Arsenal. duced another lacklustre perform- a replacement for striker Romelu Lu- Dutchman Koeman took over 16 ance against Arsenal, a defeat that led kaku while another former midfi elder months ago and spent a signifi cant to boos and many fans leaving before Leon Osman said: “It’s not just results, amount of money overhauling the the end. performances of late have been really squad in the last transfer window, Beyond the poor results, Everton’s below par, really worrying and I think but Everton have won two out of nine holder Farhad Moshiri would all like supporters have been discouraged it was pretty inevitable this was going league games in their worst start to a to express their gratitude to Ronald by a series of muddled displays with to happen.” season since 2005-06. for the service he has given to the club formations and players frequently The 54-year-old Koeman, who re- “Everton Football Club can confi rm over the past 16 months and for guid- switched as Koeman, an increasingly placed Roberto Martinez at Goodison that has left the club,” ing the club to seventh place in last distant fi gure, struggled for cohesion. Park, enjoyed a stellar playing career Everton said in a statement yesterday season’s campaign.” “I haven’t seen a worse Premier with Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eind- “Chairman Bill Kenwright, the Everton are one of the biggest clubs League side this year,” said former hoven, Barcelona and . He Board of Directors and Major Share- in England but won the last of their player and BBC pundit Steve Claridge. represented the 78 times.

SPOTLIGHT Stand up and be

Real Madrid’s Marcelo celebrates scoring their third goal against Eibar on counted: Klopp Sunday.

AFP have stopped. ‘The only way to fix it is to stay strong and to work on it’ Madrid Those two combined once more for Real’s fi rst chance of the second pe- AFP riod, but again Isco placed his fi nish too London minutes later after Dejan Lovren had eal Madrid moved back to close to Dmitrovic. completely misjudged an attempt to within fi ve points of La Liga Zidane had the luxury of bringing head clear a long throw from Hugo leaders Barcelona with a has- Benzema and Marcelo off the bench. Lloris. Rsle free 3-0 victory over Eibar And they combined to round off the urgen Klopp pledged to “fi x” replied to give the on Sunday. scoring as Marcelo drilled the French- his Liverpool team’s chronic game a misleading air of competitive- Madrid have struggled at the San- man’s pass into the bottom corner defensive problems after a 4-1 ness before further goals from Dele Alli tiago Bernabeu this season, dropping eight minutes from time. defeat at Tottenham Hotspur and Kane — both of which stemmed points in four of their previous six Victory moves Real back above city leftJ them 12 points adrift in the Pre- from defensive errors — allowed the home games. rivals Atletico Madrid into third after mier League title race. hosts to put the game to bed. However, Eibar did most of the dam- Los Rojiblancos ground out a 1-0 win at Spurs exploited abject Liverpool Lovren had long departed by then, age for them as Paulo Oliveira’s own Celta Vigo earlier on Sunday. defending throughout Sunday’s game hauled off in the 31st minute after a goal and a goalkeeping mistake from Atletico’s attacking options while at Wembley, with scoring disastrous personal display, but Klopp Marko Dmitrovic to allow Marco Asen- they wait for ’s return in twice as Mauricio Pochettino’s men said it would be wrong to point the sio’s shot through his grasp handed the January have been much criticised in moved level on points with second- fi nger of blame at the Croatian. European champions a 2-0 half-time recent weeks, particularly after a 0-0 place Manchester United. “I could have taken another one,” lead. draw at Azerbaijani champions Qara- Liverpool have now conceded 16 Klopp said. “It would not have been wad expected to bag on Wednesday left their chances of league goals — their worst statistics the biggest diff erence. We still con- pick up FIFA’s ‘The Best’ award in Lon- reaching the Champions League last 16 at this stage of a season since 1964 — ceded two more goals after Dejan left don for his goals in helping Real land a in peril. and Klopp said his team could forget the pitch. Champions League and La Liga double However, on his fi rst league start of about climbing the table until they “I think he feels not good. That’s for the fi rst time in 59 years earlier in the season, Kevin Gameiro fi red home sort things out at the back. OK. Nobody should feel good at the the year. a loose ball from a corner from close “We don’t have to talk about top moment.” Yet, the Portuguese’s off colour La range on 28 minutes for the only goal of four today. We are ninth,” said the Tottenham’s swashbuckling dis- Liga form this season continued as it the game. Liverpool manager. play, allied to Manchester United’s was Asensio who shone as his partner “I’ve come through a diffi cult time,” “We have the worst statistics since recent struggles, suggest Pochettino’s up front with Karim Benzema rested. Gameiro, who missed the start of the 1964. I can’t believe it. We are where team are best placed to take the fi ght “It is obviously better when Cris- season through injury, told BeIN Sports we are, so we deserve that.” to leaders Manchester City in the ti- tiano scores, but I am not worried,” said Spain. He added: “We have to prove we tle race. With victory having eluded Madrid boss . “Now that I am able to play, I can are better defenders than we showed Spurs in the fi rst three games of their “The season is very long and if he is help the team and score goals.” today. Wembley tenancy, Pochettino said top scorer in the Champions League Despite the sparse crowd at Balaidos “We had three unbelievable big results — and performances — such then bit-by-bit (his form) will return caused by the closure of a stand on se- scoresheets with Watford (3-3), as Sunday’s would help the place feel in La Liga.” curity grounds, Celta swarmed forward (Manchester) City (5-0) and today. like home. Asensio teed up Isco inside two min- after the break. That alone is 12 goals we have con- “I am so pleased for the team, for utes only for Dmitrovic to parry the Jan Oblak produced fi ne saves to ceded. That’s crazy. our fans,” said the Spurs manager, Spanish international’s tame eff ort. deny and in stoppage time “You don’t have to talk about qual- whose side trail City by fi ve points. Real’s defending in the fi rst pe- from , while Aspas also ity. If they don’t have quality, they “Because we start to change that riod left a lot to be desired, but Eibar clipped the bar with a free-kick. would not be involved in the Liverpool feeling that it was diffi cult to play here showed why they have only managed Villarreal’s revival under new coach squad, 100 %. at Wembley and we start to feel that to score three times all season as their continued with a 4-0 “The only way to fi x it is to stay Wembley can be our home. That con- fi nal ball continually let them down in thrashing of Las Palmas. strong and to work on it. I cannot fi x fi dence is so important for the rest of dangerous areas. Second-half strikes from Cedric it here, but we will fi x it. the season.” And the visitors didn’t help them- Bakambu, Mario Gaspar and Nicola “It’s an open race if you want — Pochettino said Kane was “amaz- selves at the back either when Oliveira Sansone added to Ximo Navarro’s own who shows me that he wants to play, ing” after a brace that leaves him as fl icked a header into his own net from goal helped move the Yellow Subma- who shows me that he’s ready to show the Premier League’s outright leading another Asensio . rine up to sixth. a reaction. We have to show a reac- scorer on eight goals. Asensio then scored his fi rst goal And Leganes sit fi fth after Claudio tion. We have no right (to do anything Another famous number 10, Di- in two months with a low strike from Beauvue scored the only goal to beat else).” ego Maradona, was in the stands and Isco’s cut-back that Dmitrovic should off -form 1-0. Klopp claimed Spurs’ fi rst goal — Pochettino said he had had an “emo- when Kane ran in behind the Liver- tional” reunion with his former New- pool back four and rounded Simon ell’s Old Boys team-mate. SCATHING Mignolet to score — would not have “I saw him before in the manager’s been scored if he had been on the room,” said the Argentinian. pitch himself, even “in trainers”. “It was diffi cult to let him go be- Kane broke the deadlock in the Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp gestures on the touchline during cause when you’re in front of Mara- Rangers players are an fourth minute and teed up Son He- the match against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium in London on dona, you want to speak with him and ung-Min for Spurs’ second eight Sunday. share a moment with him.” embarrassment, says FANBOY manager Caixinha

Kane in awe of Argentinian icon Maradona AFP inha, who took over in March, was blunt Glasgow when asked if the players were tough enough to play for Rangers. AFP quarter-fi nal — and whilst there has of someone like that. What a player he “It doesn’t look like that,” he said. London been speculation Kane could decamp was and I can only learn from someone mbattled Rangers manager “I’ve already told the players and to one of Spain’s big clubs next season like him.” Pedro Caixinha lashed his play- that’s why I’m telling you. his knowledge of Spanish is debatable. Kane, who underwent his usual Au- ers yesterday, accusing them “But I’ve told the players, ‘You are ottenham and England striker “He’s a fantastic guy (Maradona). gust drought before sparking spectac- of being an embarrassment to embarrassing me, you’re embarrass- Harry Kane says he would I got to meet him before the game — ularly into goal scoring mode, said he everyoneE to do with the historic Scot- ing our club, you’re embarrassing our love to learn some tricks from great energy, great guy,” said Kane. wanted to supplant the likes of Lionel tish club after losing out on a place in fans. Argentinian football legend “He is one of the best number 10s Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the the League Cup fi nal. “Now it’s time for you to react, and TDiego Maradona. ever so it was great for him to be here. best player in the world. The 46-year-old Portuguese — I’m glad we’re playing on Wednesday Kane — whose brace in the 4-1 dis- “He didn’t speak much English, just “At some stage I want to be the best whose position is under threat with his (they host second from bottom Kilmar- mantling of Liverpool on Sunday took speaking in Spanish so I didn’t really player in the world and to do that you side already trailing bitter rivals Celtic nock in the Premiership). his tally to 45 goals in 40 games for understand what he was saying but he have to be up there with these players,” by six points in the title race — was livid “If I could pick the same XI, those Spurs and England this year — ad- Maradona’s command of English was very energetic, he said some nice said Kane. over the team’s performance in the 2-0 guys who didn’t do the work who re- mitted he hadn’t understood much isn’t thought to be terrifi c — indeed compliments, not just to me but to the “They set the standards, Ronaldo loss to Motherwell on Sunday. ally needed to do it (on Sunday) would of what 56-year-old Maradona said he remains a bogey man to some in team and to the manager (fellow Ar- and Messi, so for the rest of us it’s Motherwell will play holders Celtic start on Wednesday,” added Caixinha, when he met him prior to Sunday’s England for his infamous ‘Hand of gentinian Mauricio Pochettino). about trying to catch them and get up — who beat Hibernian 4-2 on Saturday who will have to make changes due to match. God goal’ in the 1986 World Cup “It was great to be in the company there,” added the 24-year-old. — in the fi nal on November 26. Caix- injuries. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 24, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW MLS Portland take top spot, Bilic seeks Dempsey sees red Cup respite to league troubles Media reports say that Bilic has been given two matches to salvage his job weekend to bottom side Crystal Palace would more than likely seal his fater and make him the fourth managerial casualty of the season. Whilst he waits nervously for Wednesday the greater part of the matches take place on Tuesday with the only all Premier League aff air Swansea hosting holders Manchester United. Crowd cheer during the MLS game between Atlanta United and Toronto FC on United’s manager Jose Mourinho Sunday. The game witnessed an MLS record crowd of 71,874. will be looking for his players to show more fi ght after blasting them follow- AFP Dallas, who completed their season ing the 2-1 defeat at Huddersfi eld. Los Angeles with a 5-1 thrashing of Los Angeles Juan Mata, one of those players high Galaxy. up on Mourinho’s hit list and was re- The other Western Conference fi rst placed at half-time, issued a rallying amaican international Darren round playoff will see Houston Dyna- cry to his team-mates on Monday. Mattocks scored a second-half mo take on Sporting Kansas City. “Now, it’s time to learn from mis- winner as the Portland Timbers The Seattle Sounders received a bye takes and keep going, as we always do, Jdefeated the Vancouver White- into the Western Conference semi-fi - showing that the team sticks together caps 2-1 to seal top spot in Major nals after securing second spot with a when things don’t go so well, which is League Soccer’s Western Conference 3-0 win over the Colorado Rapids. when we need it most,” the Spaniard on Sunday. But the win for Seattle came at a wrote on his blog. Mattocks tapped in on 48 minutes cost, with veteran US international United’s neighbours Manches- to give Portland the lead after Liam Clint Dempsey sent off , leaving the ter City host Championship leaders Ridgewell had equalised for the Tim- striker facing a suspension expected Wolves with the possibility that Sergio bers following Kendall Waston’s open- to rule him out of at least one playoff Aguero if given a run out could break er. game. Eric Brook’s all-time goalscoring The win helped Portland vault to the In the East, meanwhile, Spain in- record which has stood since 1939 — top of the Western Conference on the ternational striker David Villa scored the Argentinian went level on 177 with fi nal day of the regular season, giv- twice as New York City FC drew 2-2 a goal against Burnley on Saturday. ing them a crucial bye in the opening with Columbus Crew to clinch second City manager Pep Guardiola indi- round of the playoff s. place to advance directly to the confer- cated 29-year-old Aguero would start Portland’s fi rst place fi nish com- ence semi-fi nals. — although the team will largely be pletes a roller-coaster few years for the Columbus needed a win to fi nish made up of reserves and youngsters — Oregon club, who won the MLS Cup in second and secure a fi rst round bye. Under pressure: West Ham and he was not taking Wolves lightly. 2015 but then failed to make the play- But Villa’s two goals were enough United manager Slaven Bilic. “We deserve the respect of oppo- off s last season. to give New York a share of the points. nents when they look at us, when they The defeat was costly for Vancouver, Villa also had a chance to win the game watch us on TV, on the fi eld, and say who dropped down to third place and in injury time but saw his penalty AFP close season lie third from bottom of could not come at a worse time. ‘that team makes a lot of good things’,” must now face a one-off fi rst round saved by Zack Steff en. London the Premier League — begin life post The charismatic Croatian is clearly said Guardiola. “That is all I want.” play-off against the San Jose Earth- Elsewhere, Toronto FC broke an Koeman by travelling to champions feeling the weight of expectations as The other clashes are tricky for the quakes tomorrow. MLS record with a 2-2 draw against Chelsea. one poor season last term — which Premier League sides as they face in- San Jose meanwhile scraped into the Atlanta United in Georgia. est Ham manager Slaven Both may have to play their fi rst came close to costing him his job — form tier two outfi ts with Roy Hodg- post-season for the fi rst time in fi ve The Canadians had already been as- Bilic is under even more teams in a competition which usually has been followed by no sign of a re- son’s Crystal Palace away trip to Bris- years with a thrilling 3-2 win over min- sured of top spot but Sunday’s draw saw serious pressure after Ro- gives Premier League managers the turn to the form that they showed in tol City and 2016 champions Leicester nows Minnesota United on Sunday. them fi nish with a regular season record nald Koeman’s sacking by chance to rest weary fi rst choice play- his fi rst campaign. home to Leeds being two potential A goal by Costa Rican international 69 points, surpassing Los Angeles Gal- WEverton but he will hope for a fi llip in ers. “I’m the manager and I don’t want upsets. Marco Urena three minutes into stop- axy’s 1998 record points tally of 68. Wednesday’s Last 16 League Cup ac- Indeed the League Cup would be to run away from the fact that it’s my page time gave San Jose the victory at The game also witnessed an MLS tion. bottom of priorities for most Premier responsibility, and I take full respon- Today: (kick-off s 1845GMT unless the Avaya Stadium and saw the Cali- record crowd of 71,874. Atlanta now Media reports suggest that Bilic, League managers in terms of silver- sibility,” he said. Hammers Portuguese stated) fornia team reach the playoff s in sixth face Columbus this week in the open- who made his name as Croatian na- ware or for some simply to survive in defender Jose Fonte said the players Arsenal v Norwich, Bournemouth v place, ahead of seventh-placed FC ing round of the playoff s. tional coach, has been given two the elite to keep on reaping in the mil- owed the fans a good performance. Middlesbrough, Bristol City v Crystal matches to salvage his job but a trip lions that membership off ers. “We have a game on Wednesday and Palace, Leicester v Leeds, Manches- away to in-form Tottenham Hotspur However, for Bilic no such luxury we need to go and beat Spurs because ter City v Wolves (1900), Swansea v is probably not the sort of challenge can be aff orded in that respect and we have to react, we have to bounce Manchester United Maradona at the awards one would want as one of them. facing a Tottenham side that put Liv- back,” Fonte told the club website. Tomorrow Everton — who despite splashing erpool to the sword 4-1 and fi rmly Defeat by Spurs would not be a Chelsea v Everton (1845), Tottenham v out £140mn ($185mn) on players in the set aside the so-called Wembley jinx catastrophe for Bilic but a loss next West Ham (1900)

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Ahly score record six goals to reach fi nal against Wydad

AFP perance of six years ago. Johannesburg After Etoile established a 2-1 fi rst- leg lead in Tunisia last month, the return match at the 85,000-seat Borg l Ahly of Egypt became the El Arab Stadium was expected to an fi rst club to score six goals equally tight aff air. in a CAF Champions League But it took Ahly just two min- Asemi-fi nal match as they utes to grab the lead with Tunisian Former Argentina player Diego Maradona poses with his partner Rocio crushed Etoile Sahel of Tunisia 6-2 in Ali Maaloul slamming a free-kick Oliva before the start of The Best FIFA Awards ceremony in London Alexandria on Sunday to reach the ti- past experienced goalkeeper Aymen yesterday. tle decider. Mathlouthi. The record eight-time champi- Moroccan Walid Azaro headed two ons qualifi ed 7-4 on aggregate to face goals off crosses to earn Ahly a3-0 CHINA SCENE Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in the half-time advantage and completed two-leg fi nal with the fi rst match in his hat-trick three minutes into the Egypt next weekend. second half. Since the elite African club compe- Rami Bedoui pulled one goal back Scolari set for tition began in 1964, nine clubs have for rattled one-time Champions struck fi ve goals in a single leg of a League winners Etoile before rampant semi-fi nal. Ahly scored twice more. Guangzhou exit Conakry II and Hafi a of Guinea, Hamdi Nagguez conceded an own- Mufulira Wanderers of Zambia, goal and Rami Rabia made it 6-1 just Guangzhou: Guangzhou Ever- spite eschewing the lavish spending of Bilima of the Democratic Republic past the hour mark. grande players and staff tossed an emo- rival teams. There has been no offi cial of Congo, Shooting Stars of Nigeria, Iheb Msakni netted a second Etoile tional Luiz Felipe Scolari in the air and announcement on Scolari’s future, but Mouloudia Oran of Algeria and ASEC goal a minute from time, but it was ir- hailed the Brazilian coach after they Chinese media say the well-travelled Mimosas of the Ivory Coast accom- relevant as Ahly had already booked a sealed their seventh straight Chinese coach is expected to depart, with the plished the feat in the African Cup of place in the fi nal. Super League title in what is expected decorated Italian and Champions Clubs. Achraf Bencharki bagged a brace as to be his fi nal season in charge. Thomas Tuchel, most recently with TP Mazembe of DR Congo and Wy- Al Ahly’s Walid Azaro celebrates scoring his second goal against Etoile Sahel of Wydad defeated USM Alger of Algeria Scolari’s rampant men thrashed , both strongly dad matched the achievement since Tunisia on Sunday. 3-1 in Casablanca on Saturday after a Guizhou Zhicheng 5-1 at home on Sun- linked with the post. Guangzhou have the competition underwent a name goalless fi rst leg. day to win the Chinese Super League appointed a series of big-name foreign change in 1997 to the CAF Champi- never going more than three years Ahly were fi rst crowned African Ahly and Wydad met during the (CSL) with two games to spare and un- coaches in recent years with the former ons League. this century without reaching the champions in 1982 when it was an group stage this year with each side derline Guangzhou’s status as the best Brazil, Portugal and Chelsea boss Sco- Before slamming six goals past Champions League fi nal. exclusively knockout competition winning 2-0 at home. team in the country once again. lari taking over from Italian legend Fa- Etoile, the best Ahly had managed They last appeared in a decider in and have twice won back-to-back There is a lot at stake in the fi nal The 68-year-old’s contract expires bio Cannavaro in June 2015. was four at home to Enugu Rangers 2013, defeating Orlando Pirates of titles. with a record $2.5mn (2.1mn euros) at the end of the season and his an- Cannavaro had replaced another of Nigeria in a 1982 semi-fi nal. South Africa 3-1 on aggregate with Wydad will be making a third fi nal fi rst prize plus a ticket to the FIFA Club ticipated departure signals the end of a Italian World Cup winner in Marcello Crushing Etoile enabled the “Cairo now-retired legend Mohamed Abou appearance having beaten Al Hilal of World Cup in the United Arab Emir- successful two-year stint that saw Ev- Lippi, who is now in charge of China’s Red Devils” to maintain a record of Trika among the scorers. Sudan in 1992, and going down to Es- ates during December. ergrande win seven major trophies de- improving national side. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, October 24, 2017 SPORT

FORMULA 1 SPOTLIGHT Al-Attiyah heads FIM Mercedes celebrate meeting in Tunisia

By Sports Reporter

IM deputy president Nasser bin toughest title yet Khalifa al-Attiyah expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the motorcycling organisa- ‘This for us was the most diff icult one because Ferrari was competitive’ tion’sF meeting which was held in Tuni- sia recently. Reuters Present at the meeting were heads Austin, Texas and representatives from motorsport bodies of the African nations, and many issues related to the sport’s fu- ercedes joined a select ture in the continent were discussed. group of teams to have Al-Attiyah headed the meeting at the won the Formula One request of FIM president Vito Ippolito. constructors’ champion- A work plan was to be agreed upon reach, not just by organising champi- Mship for four years in a row on Sunday by all parties, so that motorsport can be onships under FIM, but also by setting and recognised it as their toughest ti- promoted well in Africa. out new strategies,” al-Attiyah said. tle yet. “FIM is one of the most eff ective fed- “We as members of the FIM seek With an unassailable lead of 147 erations that strive for communication promotion and development of motor- points with 129 remaining from the between all countries from across the sport in the society at large as an essen- fi nal three races, Mercedes joined Fer- world. We are trying to maximise our tial part of our life style.” rari, McLaren and Red Bull who racked up similar streaks during their years of dominance. MOTOGP Unlike their rivals, Mercedes have managed to stay on top despite ma- jor rule changes at the end of last year that introduced wider tyres and re- vised aerodynamics to make the cars faster and harder to handle. And this season they have been Marquez fi ghting a resurgent and determined Ferrari rather than just waging an in- ternal battle between team mates. “This for us was the most diffi cult one because Ferrari was competi- vows patience tive and we still made it,” the team’s non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, himself a triple world champion, told reporters at the US Grand Prix. Mercedes have dominated since the as title looms start of the 1.6 litre V6 turbo hybrid Mercedes team members celebrate after winning the constructors’ championship at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, era in 2014, and are set to win both ti- Texas, on Sunday. (/MercedesAMGF1) tles again this year. They have won 11 of 17 races so far ico next weekend, barring misfortune. 11 of them this season alone. hard working,” added the Austrian, this season and 62 of 76 since the start It would have been fi ve had now- “When we set our objectives at the his briefi ng interrupted by Ferrari boss of 2014. retired team mate Nico Rosberg not beginning of the year it was to win both Maurizio Arrivabene entering to con- Britain’s Lewis Hamilton, who beaten him last year in a season where championships and be the fi rst team to gratulate him with a hug. won at the Circuit of the Americas on car reliability played a major part in do that through a regulation change like “You always try to identify silver Sunday for the fi fth time in six years, the eventual outcome. this,” said team boss Toto Wolff . bullets that make the diff erence but has won nine times this year and is a Mercedes have also qualifi ed on “Having achieved that here in Aus- the fact is that we have a really great fi ngertip away from his own fourth pole position for 69 of the last 76 races tin with three races to go, it feels re- dynamic within the team and we enjoy championship. and Hamilton, who holds the sport’s ally unbelievable. It’s just the reward doing what we do, pulling it all togeth- His title looks sure to come in Mex- all-time career record of 72, has taken for so many people that have been er. Bringing it home feels just super.”

Verstappen podium demotion stirs up a storm

ax Verstappen accused For- youngster also missing out in Mexico stappen you got robbed,” he said. AFP points but not be too aggressive. mula One stewards of killing last year for cutting a corner. Mercedes non-executive chairman Phillip Island, Australia “I’ve taken a lot of risks during the Mthe sport and suggested The stewards at Austin were Ra- Niki Lauda, himself a triple world season, but now is the time to be more fans could stay away in protest after dovan Novak of the Czech Republic, champion, also agreed, even as his patient.” he was stripped of a podium place at Finn Mika Salo and Australian Garry team celebrated their fourth succes- arc Marquez has vowed not He said his lead in the title hunt was the US Grand Prix on Sunday. Connelly, who was involved also sive constructors’ championship. to be rash as he enters the fi - “big, but not enough”. With Red Bull boss Christian Horner when Verstappen was demoted from “This decision is the worst I’ve ever nal two races of the MotoGP “Now we need to approach the re- and past champions joining in the third to fourth in Mexico last year. seen,” he told reporters. season with a sizeable lead maining races in a diff erent way. We Mover title rival Andrea Dovizioso. will try to give our maximum during outcry, the 20-year-old Dutch driver Verstappen did not mention names “He (Verstappen) did nothing wrong. vented his feelings. when he said: “It’s a shame we miss These are racing drivers, we’re not The world champion Honda rider practice in Malaysia and then in the “The engine penalty is what it is,” out on the podium, as they take it on a normal road and it’s ridiculous widened his gap over Dovizioso to 33 race hold a little bit back for ourselves,” said Verstappen, who started 16th away again, but It’s just one idiot to destroy the sport with this kind of points with a hard-fought victory at he said. after being demoted for power unit steward who always makes the deci- decision,” added the Austrian. the Australian MotoGP on Sunday. The Sunday’s victory was Marquez’s changes. “We had a great race but sions up there against me. “At the next strategy meeting we’ll Spaniard now heads to Malaysia for 35th MotoGP win from 88 starts and with those stupid decisions you kill “I get a five-second penalty and a bring it up the agenda and start all next weekend’s penultimate race of the his sixth of the year after he claimed the sport. penalty point – but for what? At the over again because we cannot do season knowing that the world title is his 44th premier class pole. It was the “I hope the fans do not like this end of the day, everybody is running that, going too far and interfering. It his to lose. second for him at Phillip Island af- decision and next year they do not wide. was a normal overtaking.” Only Dovizioso can overhaul him, ter crossing fi rst in 2015. He has twice come.” “The crowd is loving it and then you Hamilton blamed the design of but the Italian Ducati racer didn’t do crashed out when leading in Australia. Verstappen had thrilled the crowd do something like that on world TV. modern circuits for the problems and himself any favours by fi nishing 13th at Dovizioso said his Ducati team had with a last lap overtaking move on The way they did it is unbelievable. the row. Phillip Island. no option but to go all-out in Malaysia. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen to take third The sport makes no sense. They kill “He’s off -track,” he said. “This is the Dovizioso, who had revived his title “This year we’ve managed to im- place and was voted driver of the day during the race. the race like that.” problem with today’s circuits. I don’t hopes by beating Marquez in Japan a prove many aspects and be competi- by fans. “It is an appalling decision. They Verstappen’s father Jos was scathing know who made the decision, but week earlier, won in steamy Malaysia tive throughout the season,” he said. He was then demoted to fourth, have robbed all of the fans here. It of the decision on social media, with there’s all these run-off areas... Why last season. “But when you come to tracks like while waiting with race winner was a great grand prix and they have a series of comments on Twitter sug- is that not grass? If it was grass he With a maximum of 50 points up for this, where you don’t brake very much Lewis Hamilton and second-placed screwed it up,” he said. gesting Ferrari favouritism. wouldn’t have gone there. grabs in the last two races, Marquez can and where there are lots of long, fast Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel in the “We could pull out five or six diff er- “Shame on you FIA,” he said referring “I just don’t know why there’s these shut the door with another emphatic corners, some of our limits are magni- pre-podium room, for exceeding the ent incidents today of cars going to the sport’s governing body. “Obvi- flaws on these circuits. The new gen- performance at Sepang. But he is wary fi ed: in fact at Phillip Island none of the track limits to gain an advantage. off track,” he said. “Where do you ously F1 don’t know what racing is.” eration of driver comes in and is very of getting too far ahead of himself as Ducati were very quick. As the driver headed back down the gain an advantage and not gain an Mario Andretti, the 1978 world happy to exploit these things. the season builds to a climax. “Pity, because at this point of the stairs, team principal Horner let rip advantage?” champion, also chimed in: “After “Clearly, he’s way off the line. You “The victory makes me happy with season it would have been better to at what he saw as inconsistent be- It was the second time that Verstap- watching videos could equally argue can’t go there. It is very diff icult and that 33-point advantage,” he said after be closer to Marquez in the standings. haviour by the stewards who had not pen has been demoted from the po- Kimi forced him there. Best overtake when we’re in drivers’ briefings, we’re Sunday’s win. “Okay, it’s a big advan- But now we have to think of Malaysia, punished others for similar off ences dium by stewards post-race, with the of #USGP. Feel sorry for @Max33Ver- always discussing it...” tage but now is the time to understand where quite simply we’ll have to give it our options, where we can fi ght to take our all.”

BOTTOMLINE Pakistan sports offi cial praises relations with Qatar senior Pakistan sports offi - between Qatar and Pakistan.” sports facilities in Pakistan, Khan cial has said they cherish the Khan also said that Pakistan is keen said, “The sports complex has pro- partnership with Qatar and on providing all the support needed duced national champions in various see it as a stepping stone for towards the successful hosting of the individual and group games and has futureA development. 2022 World Cup. supported many young and talented Junaid Khan, Director General of “We are sure that things will be champions in the region.” Sports in Peshawar, was responding to ready in time for the expected event,” He added that Pakistan has been hit media questions during the Interna- he said. hard over the past few years by terror- tional Sports Press Association (AIPS)- “The workers in Pakistan are known ist attacks, especially during the years Asia delegation’s visit to the city. for their seriousness, accuracy and 2007-2013. But today, security has “We cherish the brotherly relation- determination wherever they work in been restored in the region. He said ship with the State of Qatar and believe the world. the best way to fi nd out about this is by that it is the future of further progress “We are working in Qatar, espe- visiting the countryside in Pakistan. A and co-operation,” Khan said. cially those who proudly contribute tourist, who comes here, should then “Of course, we have strong broth- to building World Cup facilities. To- check out our safety and security, and erly relations with the State of Qatar. day they are doing a great job and I ask also monitor the investment climate A large number of Pakistani citizens them to do their hardest.” and opportunities available here. work in various fi elds and contribute Commenting on the allegations Pakistan’s former minister of Com- in their respective capacities in Qatar,” made time and again in the Western merce, Khurram Dastgir, had said in Khan said. press about condition of workers in an earlier interview that his country “On the other hand, the Pakistani Qatar, Khan said, “The unbiased re- is willing to promote the excellent fra- citizens who work in Doha, pump ports in the media confi rm the good ternal relations with Qatar to a strong money back in to their country and treatment of workers, which is un- economic partnership, pointing out contribute to support the economy doubtedly a partnership based on that the volume of trade between the and help their families. We believe the sound foundations,” he said. two countries is 2.85 billion Qatari riy- Junaid Khan, Director General of Sports in Peshawar, with Qatar Sports Press Committee board member Mubarak al-Boainin, and relations have been and remain strong Talking about development of als ($783mn). other International Sports Press Association (AIPS)-Asia delegates. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 24, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Patriots dominate Falcons in Super Wiggins’ dramatic Bowl rematch

AFP the scoreboard with 4:09 to Los Angeles play, with a one-yard scoring toss to Julio Jones. That ended a Falcons scor- he New England Pa- ing drought of more than 91 three-pointer triots didn’t need a minutes, stretching back to comeback in their Su- the second quarter of their per Bowl rematch with loss to the Dolphins last week. Tthe Atlanta Falcons. But the Falcons dropped their With the fog rolling in at third straight game to fall to 3-3 Gillette Stadium on Sunday while the Patriots improved to night, the Patriots were clearly 5-2 and maintained their leadin in control in a 23-7 triumph. the AFC East division. silences Thunder The Pats authored the Elsewhere, the Green Bay greatest Super Bowl comeback Packers got a taste of how hard ‘I could see how much time was left. I got as close as I could and let it go’ ever in February, when they life can be without quarter- rallied from 28-3 down in the back Aaron Rodgers in a 26-17 AFP third quarter to beat the Fal- loss to the New Orleans Saints. Los Angeles cons 34-28. No such heroics Saints quarterback Drew were required as they cruised Brees threw his 500th career to a 23-0 lead before the Fal- touchdown to lead New Orle- ndrew Wiggins thwart- cons fi nally found the end ans to a fourth straight victory. ed the Oklahoma City zone in the fi nal fi ve minutes With 331 passing yards Brees Thunder’s comeback of the game. has ow surpassed 300 passing bid, launcing a game- “It was a great win for our yards in all seven of his career winningA three-pointer as time team,” said Patriots quarter- games against the Packers. expired to lift the Minnesota back Tom Brady. “Everyone Green Bay quarterback Brett Timberwolves to a 115-113 NBA put it together. Our defense Hundley completed 12 of 25 triumph on Sunday. played so well and we made passes for 87 yards in his fi rst Wiggins’ banked in shot enough plays on off ense. So start in place of Rodgers, who from near halfcourt denied new it’s a great win against a really could miss the rest of the sea- Thunder signing Carmelo An- good team.” son after suff ering a broken thony a signature moment with After a scoreless fi rst quar- right collarbone last week. his new club. Anthony had put ter, Brady connected with “Our passing game, we can Oklahoma City up with fi ve sec- Brandin Cooks on an 11-yard sit here and pick it apart all onds remaining. scoring pass. we want,” Packers coach Mike “I could see how much time Stephen Gostkowski fol- McCarthy said. “Let’s just was left,” Wiggins said. “I got as lowed with the fi rst of his three blame it on the head coach to- close as I could and let it go. fi eld goals before Brady capped day.” “Everything worked perfect- the fi rst half with a two-yard The day started early at Lon- ly,” Wiggins added. “When it left touchdown pass to James don’s Twickenham Stadium, my hands it felt amazing.” White that put New England where the Los Angeles Rams The result left the crowd in up 17-0 at the break. delivered a 33-0 beatdown of Oklahoma City - not to mention It was White’s fi rst touch- the Arizona Cardinals, who the Thunder - stunned by a sec- down since he scored the lost star quarterback Carson ond straight defeat. game-winning overtime TD in Palmer with a broken arm. Anthony, acquired in Septem- the Super Bowl. Palmer exited the game in ber from the New York Knicks Falcons quarterback Matt the second quarter with a bro- in a blockbuster trade, fi nished Ryan, perhaps feeling the pres- ken left arm and will be out at with 23 points. Wiggins and sure to atone for the team’s least eight weeks and possibly Karl-Anthony Towns led the championship choke, connect- the rest of the season. Timberwolves with 27 points ed on 22 of 33 passes for 233 The Los Angeles Chargers apiece. Towns also pulled down yards, his best eff orts coming and Jacksonville Jaguars also a team-high 12 rebounds. after the game was out of reach. posted shut-out wins. Reigning NBA Most Valuable He piloted a strong drive to The Chargers beat Denver Player Russell Westbrook, com- open the second half but kick- 21-0 - the fi rst time since 1992 ing off a six-point performance er Matt Bryant missed a 36- that the Broncos have been in a loss to the Utah Jazz on Sat- yard fi eld goal attempt. held scoreless. The Jaguars urday, shook off a slow start to After another Patriots fi eld dominated the Colts 27-0 in score 31 points with 10 assists for goal, Ryan marched the Falcons Indianapolis. Oklahoma City. 70 yards in eight plays to reach But his late-game heroics third down and goal. But they RESULTS weren’t enough after the Thun- came up empty when the Patri- Bears 17 Panthers 3 der’s lacklustre start. ots stopped them on the third Saints 26 Packers 17 He scored 15 points in the and fourth down attempts to Cowboys 40 49ers 10 fourth quarter, including a take over the ball on downs. Steelers 29 Bengals 14 three-pointer with 30 seconds “We knew this team was Seahawks 24 Giants 7 remaining that tied the game Oklahoma City Thunder centre Steven Adams (No 12) blocks a shot attempt by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jeff Teague during the first going to come in here fi red up Chargers 21 Broncos 0 at 110-110. Towns answered quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports after two straight losses,” said Patriots 23 Falcons 7 with another basket, and after Patriots defensive tackle Mal- Rams 33 Cardinals 0 Anthony’s three-pointer put The Timberwolves led 88-75 his 25:38 minutes on the court, day night. The Suns’ 48-point for the remainder of the season, colm Butler. “We just had to Dolphins 31 Jets 28 the Thunder up again Wiggins going into the fourth. The Thun- coming off the bench and mak- loss to the Portland Trail Blaz- ESPN reported. In two-plus match their intensity.” Bills 30 Buccaneers 27 swooped for the win. der opened the fi nal period with ing seven of 12 shots and four of ers on Wednesday was the worst seasons as the head coach of the Ryan fi nally put Atlanta on Jaguars 27 Colts 0 Westbrook wasn’t convinced a 14-6 scoring run before their the Nets’ 11 three-pointers. opening-night loss in NBA his- Toronto Raptors, Triano com- that the hard screen set by late charge ultimately fell short. “They give me the green light tory. Watson’s dismissal is the piled an 87-142 record. He also Towns that freed Wiggins for The Brooklyn Nets, stung by to shoot the ball, so it’s not go- fi rst fi ring of an NBA head coach has served as Canada’s national the game-winner - and knocked the injury to Jeremy Lin in the ing to hurt me to get them up,” since 2016. It is the earliest a coach and for four years as an as- down the Thunder’s Paul George fi rst game of the season, never- Crabbe said. “The basket looks coach has been ousted during a sistant for the Trail Blazers. - was legal. theless notched a second straight bigger and bigger after each one season in league history. The Suns, who play the Sac- Thunder coach Billy Donovan victory with a 116-104 home win I make.” Mike Brown was fi red by the ramento Kings on Monday night said he’d leave it to NBA offi cials over the Atlanta Hawks. Meanwhile The Phoenix Suns Los Angeles Lakers fi ve games in Phoenix, are undergoing a to “deal with that stuff ”. didn’t waste any time making a into the 2012-13 season. Watson massive rebuilding project un- Center Steven Adams was a Green light coaching change. Three games lasted 118 games with the Suns der general manager Ryan Mc- lone bright spot for the Thun- Allen Crabbe, playing limited into the season, Earl Watson is and had a 33-85 record. Phoe- Donough. The roster includes der in the early going, scoring minutes as he continues his re- out as coach and Jay Triano will nix fi nished 24-58 last season. four rookies and four second- 14 fi rst-half points. But even covery from a pre-season an- replace him on an interim basis, Watson was hired on an interim year players. though his eff orts helped the kle injury, produced 20 points, the team announced Sunday basis in 2016 after Jeff Hornacek Thunder outscore the Timber- including a three-pointer with night. The Suns lost their fi rst was fi red. RESULTS wolves by 10 points in the paint 4:37 left to play that broke a 99- three games, the latest a 130-88 Triano was the associate head Wolves 115 Thunder 113 New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (left) greets Atlanta in the fi rst half, it was Minnesota 99 tie and put the Nets ahead blowout on the road against the coach under Watson. He is ex- Nets 116 Hawks 104 Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan after their NFL game at Gillette who led at the break 61-54. for good. Crabbe was effi cient in Los Angeles Clippers on Satur- pected to remain interim coach Pelicans 119 Lakers 112 Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

BASEBALL Dodgers and Astros renew rivalry in World Series Reuters Kershaw in Game One, said of for the fi rst time since 1970. ever something turned out well 39 homers set a league rookie Los Angeles the Dodgers. When the championship se- for the Astros, whether it was a record. “They led the major leagues in ries opens today at Dodger Sta- sterling defensive play or key hit But despite entering the wins for a reason. They won a lot dium it may be the hottest that sparked a game-changing World Series as the favourite to he Los Angeles Dodgers of games in a row in the middle World Series game of all-time inning. hoist the Commissioner’s Tro- and Houston Astros took part of the season. They’re not to with temperatures expected to With Keuchel and Game Two phy at some point over the next turns this season carry- be taken lightly, but we’re not to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit starter Justin Verlander heading nine days, the Dodgers are not ing the title as “base- be either.” (37°C). the Astros’ rotation, Houston about to get complacent. Tball’s best team” and so it seems Both franchises have endured may fi nd themselves in control “They are a talented group, only fi tting they will clash this lengthy droughts in terms of FORMER RIVALS when the series shifts to Hou- the best in the American League week in Major League Baseball’s reaching the World Series, cre- The Dodgers are favourites to ston on Friday. all year,” said Dodgers manager World Series. ating a much-welcome fresh feel triumph over the Astros, who A World Series title would cap Dave Roberts. The Dodgers led the majors for the best-of-seven clash. were in the National League un- a remarkable turnaround for the “The starting pitching, with with 104 wins this season and Houston, who have not til 2013. Astros franchise since they are their one-two combo (Keuchel are 7-1 so far this postseason reached the World Series since The teams have a long history only four years removed from and Verlander). They’ve got while the Astros had 101 wins 2005, are seeking their fi rst after playing in the NL West di- their third straight 100-loss sea- very talented athletes, they can before going 7-4 in the playoff s championship in franchise his- vision for several decades, in- son in 2013. slug you and they can pitch. to reach the Fall Classic, tory while Los Angeles have not cluding during the 1970s when Japanese right-hander Yu They are the class of the Ameri- which begins today in Los been this far since winning their the Dodgers were a dominant Darvish, who joined the Dodg- can League.” Angeles. sixth title in 1988. team that drove the Astros, and ers on July 31, bolsters what was Both teams boast solid young The Astros were the talk of the rest of the league for that already a solid rotation while the Schedule for World Series cores, impact players, potent MLB after posting a 42-16 record matter, mad. bullpen has been lights-out in (all times GMT): off ences and deep starting rota- through June 5. But as they The Astros’ off ensive engine is the playoff s after being the Na- Oct 24: Houston at Los Angeles tions but the Dodgers possess a started to lose steam it was the powered by Jose Altuve, who was tional League’s best unit in the Oct 25: Houston at Los Angeles considerable edge in the bullpen, Dodgers who rolled off the best pivotal in his team’s American regular season. Oct 27: Los Angeles at Houston and that could prove to be the 50-game stretch that baseball League Championship Series The team are also getting Oct 28: Los Angeles at Houston diff erence in the best-of-seven has had in more than a century win over the New York Yan- plenty of run support from Oct 29: Los Angeles at Houston series. by going 43-7. kees in seven games to reach the high-powered by Cuban out- (if necessary) “Quality ballclub,” Astros Those impressive stretches World Series. fi elder Yasiel Puig and Cody Oct 31: Houston at Los Angeles starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel, helped set up a World Series that The diminutive second base- Bellinger, who is widely con- (if necessary) Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve smiles with the trophy who will oppose fellow former will feature two 100-plus win man always seemed to be right sidered a lock to win NL Rookie Nov 1: Houston at Los Angeles after game seven of the 2017 ALCS playoff series against the New Cy Young Award winner Clayton teams from the regular season in the middle of things when- of the Year honours after his (if necessary) York Yankees. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, October 24, 2017 SPORT

GOLF Thomas completes fi rst all-US top three since 2010 AFP was in May 2010, when Tiger Every second will count Paris Woods, Phil Mickelson and Steve at Austrian EPGA event Stricker were the leading trio. Time will be of the essence to the golfers merican Justin Thomas World top 20 playing in next year’s Austrian Open where moved to a career-high 1. Dustin Johnson (USA) 11.46 penalties will be imposed for those exceeding world ranking of third average pts a stopwatch on each shot, European golf’s rul- yesterday after claim- 2. Jordan Spieth (USA) 10.15 ing body the EPGA said yesterday. ingA his fi fth title of the year at the 3. Justin Thomas (USA) 9.23 (+1) The tournament – which is to be renamed The inaugural CJ Cup in South Korea. 4. Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 8.82 Shot Clock Masters – will be historic in that it is The 24-year-old beat Aus- (-1) the first time golfers have a time limit on each tralian Marc Leishman, who also 5. Jon Rahm (ESP) 7.65 shot and failure to keep to it will see them climbed to a career-best of 12th, 6. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 6.58 penalised a shot. in a play-off to continue an in- 7. Rickie Fowler (USA) 6.31 The move it is hoped will reduce round times credible run of form that has also 8. Jason Day (AUS) 6.23 (+1) by three quarters of an hour. seen him win the PGA Champi- 9. Henrik Stenson (SWE) 6.14 (-1) Each group will have 50 seconds for the first onship and the FedEx Cup. 10. Sergio Garcia (ESP) 6.11 (+1) player to play any given shot, and 40 seconds Spaniard Sergio Garcia retook 11. Brooks Koepka (USA) 6.06 for subsequent players. his place in the top 10 after win- (-1) A one-shot penalty will be issued for each ning his fi rst title since breaking 12. M Leishman (AUS) 5.56 (+4) bad time incurred, with each player given two his major duck at the Masters in 13. Justin Rose (ENG) 5.46 time-outs per round which will double their April at his own tournament at 14. Matt Kuchar (USA) 5.38 (-1) allotted time. Valderrama. 15. Paul Casey (ENG) 5.22 (-1) “The 2018 Shot Clock Masters will be a fasci- The top three players in the 16. Alex Noren (SWE) 5.02 (-1) nating addition to our schedule next year,” world are now all American, 17. Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 4.79 said European Tour chief executive Keith with Thomas closing in on Brit- 18. Pat Perez (USA) 4.54 (+2) Pelley. ish Open champion Jordan Spie- 19. Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) “Not only will it help us combat slow play and th and world number one Dustin 4.41 (-1) reduce round times, it is also further evidence Johnson. 20. Francesco Molinari (ITA) of our desire to embrace innovation.” The last time that was the case 4.33 (-1) Justin Thomas of the US lines up a putt on the 18th green during the final round of the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges in Jeju Island. (AFP)

RUGBY NHL Baertschi powers Vancouver Canucks Barnstorming Asafo past Red Wings

By George Sipple nated play in the second period Detroit Free Press and took a 3-1 lead on goals by Dorsett and Baertchi. Dorsett scored his team-leading fi fth ith seven of their goal for the Canucks at 8:30. no All Blacks novice next eight games A defensive lapse by the Wings on the road, the led to Dorsett’s goal. Dorsett’s Detroit Red Wings shot defl ected up and over Wwanted to bank a couple points Jimmy Howard. Sunday night against the Baertschi scored his second struggling Vancouver Canucks, goal of the game, at 13:39, un- who entered the game 3-3-1. assisted. Jake Virtanan scored But the Wings gave a lacklustre at 19:35 to give the Canucks a on Europe tour eff ort over the fi nal two periods three-goal cushion. It was Vir- of what was their worst per- tanen’s fi rst goal of the season. ‘We’ll just do what we do with every new All Black, we’ll just make sure he is ready to go’ formance of the season. Virtanen generated a game- Sven Baertschi scored a high eight shots in 7:49 over Reuters pair of goals and Derek Dor- the fi rst two periods, including Wellington sett added his team-leading six shots in the second period. fi fth goal of the season for the Green was penalized for Canucks. The Wings gave up slashing Daniel Sedin at 5:18 of t was never really going to three unanswered goals and the fi rst period. But the Wings be a case of if were outshot 18-6 in the sec- had the best scoring chance made the All Blacks squad, ond period and 37-21 for the for the next two minutes on a more a matter of when. game in a 4-1 loss at Little 2-on-1. Jacob Markstom de- IThe moment arrived on Mon- Caesars Arena. nied Frans Nielsen’s short- day when the hooker, whose Mike Green assisted on An- handed scoring attempt. hat-trick in the under-20 World thony Mantha’s goal, which The Wings fell behind 1-0 on Cup fi nal in June had him marked tied the game, 1-1, with 1:32 Baertschi’s fi rst goal of the sea- out as the next big thing in New left in the fi rst period. Green son. Baertschi’s backhand shot Zealand rugby, was named in the leads the team with 10 assists went off the glove of Howard at 37-strong party for the end-of- and 11 points. 14:34. Mantha tied the game, season tour. The Wings, trailing by three 1-1, on a wrist shot with 1:32 With coach dis- goals, generated three shots left in the period for the Wings, pensing this year with the “ap- over the fi rst 11 minutes of his fourth goal of the season. prentice” policy that saw Ardie the third period. Tomas Tatar Forward Scott Wilson, wear- Savea and tour took a hooking penalty against ing No. 23, made his debut with with the All Blacks to gain expe- Michael Del Zotto at 6:19. Ex- the Red Wing, playing on the rience in 2013 and 2016 respec- Wing Thomas Vanek went off fourth line with Luke Glend- tively, Aumua had to earn his for hooking Wings defenseman ening and Luke Witkowski. passage as a playing option. Trevor Daly at 13:33. He helped set up Witkowski The quietly spoken 20-year- The Wings gave up three for a nice scoring chance on old did so in no uncertain fash- goals to fall behind 4-1 in the one of his three shifts in the ion, with a series of outstanding second period. Canucks domi- fi rst period. performances for Wellington province propelling him into the squad as the fourth hooker be- SPOTLIGHT hind , Codie Taylor and Nathan Harris. “He’s dominating, he’s domi- nating when he carries, every- ‘All venues completed thing he does, he does really, re- ally well and stands out,” Hansen told reporters after naming his for Pyeongchang 2018’ squad yesterday. “That’s not normal for a Reuters ceremony. “We want to en- 20-year-old. So when you see Ancient Olympia, Greece sure they (athletes) have their non-normal behaviour which is time of their life with the best positive, it’s not too hard to re- facilities possible. We are well ward it.” rganisers of the 2018 on the road to achieving that.” Combining the power of 132- Pyeongchang Winter “Infrastructure including cap All Blacks rake Keven Meala- Olympics have com- the high-speed rail (connect- mu and the speed of Coles, Au- pleted construction ing Pyeongchang with Incheon mua made his Wellington debut ofO all competition and non- airport) and highways are al- as a teenager last year and scored competition venues, Games ready done. We will be the big- a hat-trick of tries against chief Lee Hee-beom said yes- gest winter Games ever and Northland. terday ahead of the start of the we aim to be the most athlete- But it was his barnstorm- Olympic torch relay. focused.” The February 9-25 ing performances for the ‘Baby Pyeongchang had been Winter Games are the fi rst to Blacks’ at the under-20 World rushing to fi nish work on a be staged in Asia outside Japan Cup earlier this year that thrust Asafo Aumua is one of four uncapped players named in New Zealand’s squad. number of projects including and the fi rst of three consecu- him onto the world stage. hotels and event venues after tive Olympics on the conti- Inspired by a good luck video hand would impress anyone, barians and a French XV among (Waikato Chiefs), Codie Taylor landers), Beauden Barrett falling behind in the fi rst few nent, with the Tokyo 2020 from the children at the after- Hansen will no doubt be looking the fi ve games on the tour, Au- (Canterbury Crusaders), Wyatt () Lima Sopoaga years of preparations. Summer Games and the 2022 school care centre in Lower Hutt just as carefully at his core skills mua could pull on the famous Crockett (Crusaders), Kane (Highlanders), Ryan Crotty Lee said the completion of Beijing Winter Games to fol- where he still works, Aumua at the scrummage and lineout black jersey and still return home Hames (Chiefs), Nepo Laulala (Crusaders), work was good news for or- low. But organisers are strug- scored fi ve tries during the tour- while they are on tour. without a test cap to his name. (Chiefs), Tim Perry (Crusad- (Crusaders), ganisers who can now focus gling to sell tickets with only nament. “We’ll just do what we do “The opportunity of this tour ers), Jeff ery Toomaga-Allen (Hurricanes), Anton Lienert- on the delivery of what he said about a third of those available For the last try of his hat-trick with every new All Black, we’ll with the Barbarians game and the (Hurricanes), Ofa Tu’ungafasi Brown (Chiefs), Sonny Bill were going to be the biggest having been bought. in the 64-17 victory over Eng- just make sure he is ready to go,” second French game just gives us ( ), Scott Barrett Williams (Blues), David Havili Winter Olympics in history. The run-up to the world’s land in the fi nal, Aumua show- Hansen said. the opportunity to play someone (Crusaders), (Crusaders), Matt Duff ie (Blues), Lee is in ancient Olympia biggest winter sports event has cased his power by wrestling his “And how much he gets will like him,” Hansen added. (Crusaders), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Damian Mc- for the lighting of the Olympic also been overshadowed by an way through fi ve would-be tack- depend on how ready he is. He “We need four hookers and (Blues), Samuel Whitelock ( Kenzie (Chiefs), torch at the site of the ancient escalating crisis on the Korean lers to get to the line. seems to be a pretty mature he’s the obvious young up-and- Crusaders), Sam Cane (Chiefs), (Highlanders), Seta Tamanivalu Olympics which will kick off peninsula. He has also displayed his pace young man. He’s got an oppor- comer. Rather than being an Vaea Fifita (Hurricanes), Jerome (Crusaders) the countdown to the Games. North Korea is working to and skill for Wellington this sea- tunity now to spend some time apprentice, he’ll get to tour and Kaino (Blues), The fl ame will arrive in develop a nuclear-tipped mis- son, most notably when he out- with three good hookers and play. He’s pretty special so we’ll (capt, Crusaders), Itinerary Seoul on Nov. 1 for the start of sile capable of striking the U.S. paced Taranaki winger Declan learn from them and he’ll get a see how he goes.” (Hurricanes), Nov 4: v Barbarians at a three-month journey across mainland and has ignored all O’Donnell to score one try and little bit of game time. (Otago Highlanders), Twickenham the country. “I can announce calls, even from its lone major stood up Canterbury fullback “He’s one for the future prob- SQUAD (Crusaders) Nov 11: v France in Paris that as of today all competi- ally China, to rein in its weap- George Bridge with a stunning ably but right now we’ll get to Forwards: Asafo Aumua (Wel- Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow Nov 14: v French XV at Lyon tion and non-comp venues are ons programmes which it con- in-and-away for another. know him.” lington Hurricanes), Dane Coles (Chiefs), TJ Perenara (Hur- Nov 18: v Scotland at Edinburgh complete,” Lee told reporters ducts in defi ance of UN Secu- While his skills with ball-in- With matches against the Bar- (Hurricanes), Nathan Harris ricanes), Aaron Smith (High- Nov 25: v Wales at Cardiff a day before the torch lighting rity Council resolutions. Gulf Times Tuesday, October 24, 2017 7 SPORT

WTA FINALS Uncapped Siraj, Iyer get India call-up

Mumbai: India yesterday Halep, Wozniacki named uncapped rising stars Mohammed Siraj and Shreyas Iyer in their squad for the three-match series against New Zealand starting next month. The 23-year-old Siraj, a pace bowler for Indian Premier claim revenge wins League (IPL) side Sunrisers , was called up after a string of impressive perform- ances for India A. Halep steps up a gear to pull away from Garcia; Wozniacki crushes Svitolina Iyer is a 22-year-old right- handed batsman who plays Reuters first class for Mumbai. Singapore He has turned out for the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL. The T20 series follows a three-match imona Halep made a winning ODI contest between the sides. start to her WTA Finals campaign New Zealand stunned the with an impressive 6-4, 6-2 vic- hosts in the first 50-overs tory over Frenchwoman Caroline match on Sunday. The first GarciaS yesterday, the Romanian surging T20 takes place in Delhi on No- Mohammed Siraj and clear in the second set to subdue her in- vember 1. The teams will then Shreyas Iyer (below). form opponent at the Singapore Indoor line up in Rajkot on November Stadium. 4 followed by the final match The second Red Group match of the in Thiruvananthapuram on day was a completely one-sided aff air November 7. Veteran bowler when Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki , who is due to blew away Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-0 in less retire after the first match, will than an hour to gain revenge for two fi nals drop out of the squad for the defeats against the Ukrainian this season. remaining fixtures, selectors Garcia was the last woman to qualify said in a statement. for the elite eight-woman event when the Meanwhile, selectors recalled 24-year-old won back-to-back titles in experienced opener Murali China but her tournament debut ended Vijay to Test squad for the first in defeat when world number one Halep two matches of a three-Test halted her 11-match winning run in em- series against Sri Lanka which phatic fashion. starts next month. The right- There was little to choose between the hander has recovered from a aggressive baseliners in the fi rst set but wrist injury that forced him to Halep stepped up a gear on the key points miss India’s recent tour of its in the opener before hassling and harry- island neighbour, when Virat ing Garcia all over the court in the second Kohli’s side crushed the Sri to triumph in 88 minutes. Lankans 3-0. “I am really happy that I could win Left-handed Abhinav Muku- my fi rst match as the number one in the nd makes way for the 33-year- world, it takes the pressure off ,” Halep, old Vijay in what is the only early January to late Febru- who was beaten by Garcia in the China change to India’s Test squad ary. The first India-Sri Lanka Open fi nal this month, said. “I enjoy be- from the one fielded against Sri Test takes place in Kolkata ing in this position and hopefully I can Lanka. Ace spinners Ravichan- from November 16-20. The play better in my second match than I did dran Ashwin and Ravindra sides travel to Nagpur for the today.” Jadeja are joined by India’s new second match, which starts on While Halep was making her fourth spin sensation, 22-year-old Kul- November 24. The final Test straight appearance in Singapore, Garcia deep Yadav, who has impressed will be played in Delhi between belied any signs of big stage nerves with since taking four in his December 2-6. a solid hold in the fi rst game, displaying Test debut against Australia in plenty of aggression and volleying well. Dharamsala in March. T20 Squad: (cap- Halep, meanwhile, was slightly sluggish Romania’s Simona Halep whips Ashwin and Jadeja have been tain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit in the early exchanges before a superb a backhand during her win over rested from India’s limited- Sharma (vice-Captain), Lokesh passing shot on the run in the fourth France’s Caroline Garcia at the overs side after selectors de- Rahul, Manish Pandey, Shreyas game appeared to act as a trigger for the WTA Tour Finals in Singapore cided to give younger bowlers Iyer, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra energetic play that eventually wore down yesterday. (Reuters) a chance in the run-up to the Singh Dhoni her opponent. 2019 World Cup. Umesh Yadav, (wicketkeeper), The pair traded breaks midway through , Ishant Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Yuz- the opener before Garcia’s serve com- Sharma and Bhuvaneshwar vendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, pletely fell apart as the set progressed and Kumar will lead the hosts’ Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Jasprit her second double fault of a calamitous speed attack. The squad for Bumrah, Ashish Nehra (only for ninth game gifted Halep a 5-4 lead. Gar- the third and final Test will be first T20), Mohammed Siraj. cia refused to buckle completely, how- named later, with Indian media Test squad: Kohli (captain), ever, and Halep needed three set points reporting that Kohli could be Lokesh Rahul, Murali Vijay, Dha- to fi nally seal the opener with a booming brilliantly after battling back from 0-40 “It was a great match, I played my best by Wozniacki, who won 10 games in a row rested for the game and the wan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rahane backhand down the line that she greeted down. Another break of serve soon fol- tennis and it’s never easy against Caroline to turn a close match into a rout. subsequent limited-overs series (vice-captain), Rohit, Wriddhiman with a loud roar and two clenched fi sts. lowed and although Garcia fi nally held after she beat me in Beijing, but I did well Wozniacki had suff ered heavy defeats before India embark on a gruel- Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Halep was fi nding the corners at in the seventh game, Halep would not be and I love competing here in Singapore,” by Svitolina in Dubai and Toronto this ling tour of South Africa. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, will and more sloppy serving from the denied and sealed the contest on her fi rst Halep added. Svitolina was also mak- year, two of six fi nals she lost, but once India and South Africa are Hardik Pandya, Mohamed Shami, Frenchwoman handed her opponent the match point when the Frenchwoman sent ing her debut in Singapore after a stellar her powerful serve had helped claim the scheduled to play three Tests, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvaneshwar fi rst break of the next set in the third a routine volley at the net into the tram- campaign in which she won fi ve titles, but opening set, the dispirited Ukrainian of- six ODIs and three T20s from Kumar, Ishant Sharma. game, which the Romanian consolidated lines. the world number four was overwhelmed fered only token resistance in the second.

CRICKET ROUND-UP FIRST TEST England can win Chase stars as West Indies dominate Ashes without AFP Stokes: Johnson Bulawayo, Zimbabwe oston Chase and Kraigg AFP cricket in November 2015, said Brathwaite led the way with the London he still believed his compatriots bat as the West Indies strength- would win and that the England ened their grip on the fi rst Test batsmen — many of whom are Ragainst Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club ngland can retain the not au fait with Australian pitch- yesterday. After Brathwaite made 86 at Ashes in Australia es — will face a barrage from the the top of the innings, Chase scored an without talismanic all- pace bowlers. unbeaten 91 to take the West Indies to rounder Ben Stokes, “I’m still confi dent that Aus- 369 for eight at stumps on the third day. claimedE former Aussie tralia can win the series, but the The tourists now hold an overall lead of star Mitchell Johnson. Stokes performances recently haven’t 429, meaning Zimbabwe will face a world- will not travel to Australia with been great from both sides,” record chase in the fourth innings. The two the rest of the England squad he said. “The wickets are a lit- batsmen took very diff erent approaches to when they fl y out next Saturday tle bouncier and faster, so some their innings, with Brathwaite’s patience as he waits to learn whether he of these new guys might fi nd it paying off in the morning session as the will face criminal charges over harder, and that’s where the Aus- West Indies added just 67 runs for the loss an incident outside a night club tralian bowling attack is strong.” of Kyle Hope for 43. in September, but has not been With the heat and general frustration ruled out of the fi ve-Test series, HICK, COOLEY TO COACH taking its toll on the Zimbabwean bowl- which starts on November 23. AGAINST ENGLAND IN ers, Chase was able to cash in later in However, Johnson — the ASHES TOUR MATCH the day. “I thought Kraigg played a re- Roston Chase was unbeaten on 91 spearhead of the Aussie attack Former England batsman Grae- ally good innings,” said Chase. “He wore to take the West Indies to 369 for in their crushing 5-0 series win me Hick and bowling coach Troy down the bowlers for the other bats- eight at stumps on the third day of in Australia in the 2013/14 series Cooley will pit their wits against men so that when we got out there they the first Test against Zimbabwe at when he took 37 wickets — said the tourists when they mentor a weren’t as fresh, which didn’t allow them Queens Sports Club yesterday. (AFP) his former teammates should Cricket Australia XI in a four-day to be as consistent as they wanted to be.” not take victory for granted if Ashes tour match in Townsville Zimbabwe did enjoy a brief period of Stokes is not able to join the next month. success in the hour before tea, when the squad. “I don’t think you can Hick played 65 Tests for Eng- West Indies fell from 174 for two to 244 read too much into what people land around the turn of the cen- for six. Brathwaite’s innings was ended are commenting on ‘no Stokes, tury and is currently Australia’s when he was trapped lbw by off -spinner When Holder was dismissed by Grae- April 2013. “If they bat for another ses- J. Holder c Mpofu b Cremer 24 no England’,” Johnson told the batting coach, while Cooley Sikandar Raza, before Kyle Jarvis used the me Cremer shortly after tea, Zimbabwe’s sion, we have to bat out fi ve sessions. I D. Bishoo c Williams b Cremer 44 BBC radio programme ‘Tuff ers was England’s bowling coach in second new ball to dismiss for hot day in the fi eld looked to be near- think the best case is that we could get a Extras (3b, 2lb) 5 and Vaughan’ hosted by former the lead-up to their 2005 Ashes 44. Left-arm spinner Sean Williams also ing an end, before Devendra Bishoo hit a draw out of this game.” Total (8 wkts, 122.3 overs) 369 England stars Phil Tufnell and breakthrough triumph before re- enjoyed success with the harder ball, as feisty 44 in an 82-run stand for the eighth Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Powell), 2-107 (K. Michael Vaughan. turning home. he had Jermaine Blackwood and with Chase. SCOREBOARD Hope), 3-174 (Brathwaite), 4-211 (S. Hope), “I think England can win The tour match, which Shane Dowrich caught at slip. However, The partnership was terminated on WEST INDIES I INNINGS 219 ALL OUT 5-224 (Blackwood), 6-244 (Dowrich), 7-277 without him. I think at a con- will take place in the tropical captain Jason Holder counter-attacked the stroke of stumps when Cremer had ZIMBABWE I INNINGS 159 ALL OUT (Holder), 8-369 (Bishoo). test at that high level, anyone Queensland city from Nov. 15-18, with a run-a-ball 24, and Chase contin- Bishoo caught on the boundary to record WEST INDIES II INNINGS Still to bat: K. Roach, S. Gabriel. can win. If you’re Australia, you is one of three England will play ued to score briskly. his seventh wicket of the match, but Zim- K. Brathwaite lbw b Sikandar Raza 86 Bowling: Jarvis 24-1-66-2, Mpofu 10-3-30- don’t want to be thinking they before and during the Ashes se- “My plan was to be aggressive towards babwe still face a long battle to save the K. Powell b Cremer 17 0, Williams 33-7-90-2, Cremer 32.3-5-111-3, can’t win because Stokes isn’t ries. Former Australia pace bowl- the bowlers, to get the fi eld changed game. K. Hope lbw b Jarvis 43 Sikandar Raza 19-4-53-1, Mire 2-0-5-0, Waller there — that can bite you in the er Ryan Harris will coach the CA around a bit and get some of the catchers “Everyone knows it’s going to be tough, S. Hope lbw b Jarvis 44 2-0-9-0. backside pretty quickly.” XI in the fi rst four-day match from nearby away from the bat, to make but you can’t go out there and be negative R. Chase 91 Match situation: West Indies lead by 429 Johnson, 35 and who retired under lights at the it easier for me to play my natural game,” and hand the game over,” said fast bowler J. Blackwood st Chakabva b Williams 3 runs with two second-innings wickets from all formats of international from Nov. 8-11. said Chase. Jarvis, who is playing his fi rst Test since S. Dowrich c Masakadza b Williams 12 remaining

Tuesday, October 24, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET SECOND LEG OF HATHAB Fiery Shinwari leads SERIES THIS WEEKEND Pakistan’s series sweep of Sri Lanka Shinwari’s 5-34 in seven overs reduces Sri Lanka to 103 all out in 26.2 overs

AFP against Pakistan. Their lowest total of Sharjah, 78 against Pakistan had also come at Sharjah in 2002. The second leg of Hathab, Qatar’s new QR1mn showjumping se- Shinwari, who debuted in the fourth ries, will be held this Friday and Saturday at Al Shaqab’s Indoor eft-arm paceman Usman one-day of this series, bowled Sadeera Arena. The first of the 12-leg series was held on October 13th Shinwari destroyed Sri Lanka Samarawickrama with the fi fth ball of and 14th with smashing success. with a fi ve-wicket burst to help the match for nought and then had Di- A total of six competitions will be held this weekend too, Pakistan achieve a convincing nesh Chandimal next ball, caught be- with riders as young as 12 in action. In the opening leg, Hamad Lnine-wicket win in the fi fth and fi nal hind without scoring. Nasser al-Qadi, astride SIEC Lonnie, had won the feature class. match for a 5-0 clean sweep of the se- In his next over Shinwari had Tha- More riders are expected to be in action this weekend, as the ries yesterday. Shinwari’s 5-34 in seven ranga bowled off a nippy delivery for competition gains popularity. overs reduced Sri Lanka to 103 all out eight and then trapped Niroshan Dick- Hathab, meaning ‘Canter’ in , is an initiative launched in 26.2 overs in Sharjah before openers wella leg before with the fi fth to leave by His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President Fakhar Zaman (48) and Imam-ul-Haq Sri Lanka tottering at 8-4. Shinwari of the Qatar Olympic Committee. The series, to be held either (45 not out) knocked off the paltry tar- completed his maiden fi ve-wicket haul at Al Shaqab or Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena, get in 20.2 overs. when he had Milinda Siriwardana (six) will be spread across seven months with the final leg to be This is Pakistan’s sixth whitewash caught by Fakhar Zaman, his wickets conducted next April. in a fi ve-match ODI series. They had coming off just 21 balls — third fastest blanked Zimbabwe (2002 and 2008), to fi ve wickets in an ODI. Bangladesh (2003 and 2008) and New Perera hit three boundaries and a six Zealand in 2003 in the past. before he became one of two wickets by The result was never in doubt once leg-spinner Shadab Khan in one over. Shinwari assisted by Hasan Ali (2-19) Hasan Ali also took 2-19, 14 wickets in and Shadab Khan (2-24) had destroyed the series. The two teams now play a Sri Lanka who had totals of 209, 187, three-match 208 and 173 in the series. The win is series, the fi rst two in on Pakistan’s ninth in a row since winning October 26 and 27 while the last in La- the Champions trophy in June this year hore on October 29. while Sri Lanka plummeted to their SCOREBOARD 12th defeat in a row, also losing 5-0 SRI LANKA INNINGS each to South Africa and India this year. U. Tharanga b Shinwari 8 Zaman hit seven boundaries in his S. Samarawickrama b Shinwari 0 47-ball knock before he fell with just 20 D. Chandimal c Ahmed b Shinwari 0 needed. Imam hit the winning bound- L. Thirimanne c Ahmed b Hasan 19 ary, fi nishing his 64-ball knock with N. Dickwella lbw b Shinwari 0 four boundaries and a six. M. Siriwardana c Zaman b Shinwari 6 But it was Pakistan’s new fi nd Shin- S. Prasanna run out 16 RUGBY wari who rocked the Sri Lankans. The T. Perera c Ashraf b Shadab 25 23-year-old fi nished with 5-34 as Sri J. Vandersay lbw b Shadab 2 Lanka, who won the toss and batted on D. Chameera b Hasan 11 an easy paced Sharjah stadium pitch, V. Fernando not out 7 Doha RFC tops Gulf never recovered from early jolts of los- Extras: (lb 1, w 8) 9 ing four wickets in the fi rst three overs. Total: (all out, 26.2 overs) 103 Shinwari termed it his best bowl- Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Samarawickrama), Conference League ing in the entire career. “Yes, you can 2-1 (Chandimal), 3-8 (Tharanga), 4-8 say this is my best performance,” said (Dickwella), 5-20 (Siriwardana), 6-49 (Thir- By Sports Reporter time Doha was ahead 13-0. “We Shinwari, declared man of the match. imanne), 7-63 (Prasanna), 8-85 (Perera), Doha can take away some real posi- “Our bowling coach (Azhar Mahmood) 9-85 (Vandersay) tives from the game, particularly always tells us to attack from the fi rst Bowling: Shinwari 7-0-34-5 (5w), Ashraf our defence in the back line and ball and I did that and got wickets.” 4-0-12-0 (1w), Wasim 4-1-12-0 (2w), Hasan oha RFC beat Muscat our structure in the fi rst 20 min- Sri Lankan skipper Upul Tharanga 5.2-0-19-2, Shadab 5-1-24-2, Hafeez 1-0-1-0 RFC 16-10 to cement utes of the match. Some of the was disappointed over the loss. “For the PAKISTAN INNINGS their position on top one-on-one tackling was excep- last 15-18 months we are losing because Imam-ul-Haq not out 45 of the table in the Gulf tional, and, by my count, we only of poor batting,” said Tharanga, refer- ConferenceD League. Alex Nat- missed six tackles,” Alex added. Fakhar Zaman c Dickwella b Vandersay 48 ring to Sri Lanka’s defeats which also not out 5 era, Doha’s coach, said: “A mixed With the highly-anticipated included their fi rst-ever loss to min- Extras: (lb2, w5) 7 senior men’s squad took on Mus- Qatar Rugby Federation league, nows Zimbabwe at home. Total: (for one wkt; 20.2 overs) 105 cat over the weekend, and came ‘Qatar Rugby XV’s Domes- Only Thisara Perera (25), Lahiru Fall of wickets: 1-84 (Zaman) away with a hard fought 16-10 tic Competition’, right around Thirimanne (19), Seekuge Prasanna Bowling: Chameera 4-1-13-0, Fernando win. Muscat has come a long way the corner, the Muscat match (16) and Dushmantha Chameera (11) 4-1-21-0, Vandersay 6.2-0-30-1 (5w), Perera and will surely come close to start served as an opportunity to pre- reached double fi gures in an abysmal 2-0-18-0, Prasanna 4-0-21-0 knocking on the door of the West pare players for the tournament, Pakistan’s fast bowler Usman Khan Shinwari bowls during the fifth batting performance by Sri Lanka, Result: Pakistan win by nine wickets, Asia Premiership League soon.” which is set to run from Novem- against Sri Lanka in Sharjah yesterday. (AFP) their second lowest total in an ODI take series 5-0 Securing an early lead, by half- ber 2017 to March 2018.

SPOTLIGHT 400 schools attend as Schools Olympic Program launched

QNA man of Qatar School Sports Association (QSSA). Off icials pose with children during the launch of the 11th edition of the Schools Olympic Program at the Qatar Sports Club on Sunday. Doha Also present were QOC Sports Aff airs Director Khalil al-Jaber; QSSA Secretary General Ali al- tegic project and needs a lot of work and focus ties, and this will be achieved only by concerted He added that the goal is to provide students Hitmi; QSSA Executive Director Abdul Rahman on the selection of talents involved in it in order eff orts and taking advantage of the existing ca- with a large space to play sports and instil its he 11th edition of the Schools Olympic al-Muftah and a number of guests and partici- to increase the benefi t as it is in the interest of pacities in an ideal manner, with a focus on the value in them as an important factor in building Program (SOP) kicked off on Sunday at pating schools. national sport. He expressed hope of reaching importance of achieving the objectives set for a civilized Qatari society and achieving Qatar’s Qatar Sports Club with the participa- The new edition of SOP comprises 11 games, the desired goals. The QOC secretary general the SOP,” al-Buainain said. National Vision 2030, which pays attention to tion of 214 boys’ schools (119 public including four group games (football, handball, stressed that the committee signifi cantly sup- Al-Hitmi said that starting the programme human development. Tschools and 95 private schools) and 186 girls’ volleyball and basketball) as well as individual ports SOP even after the QSSA took over super- from the beginning of the season will facilitate The launch of the programme was postponed schools (105 public schools and 81 private games (gymnastics, swimming, athletics, ta- vision of the programme, especially that the ob- the achievement of goals, noting that the be- for 10 days due to the hot weather in order to schools). Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) ble tennis, fencing, tennis, and shooting). The jectives set for the SOP are in the public interest ginning was good considering that the previous maintain the safety and well being of the stu- Secretary General Jassim Rashid al-Buainain opening of the programme saw the start of the regardless of who is responsible for the organi- edition was delayed due to the transfer of the dents. Meanwhile, al-Jaber said that, since its attended the ceremony along with Rabia Mo- basketball and football competitions. sation of the event. programme from the QOC to QSSA, expressing fi rst edition, SOP has achieved its goal in terms hamed al-Kaabi, undersecretary of the Ministry In a statement after the opening of the pro- “Th the development of athletes capable of hope that the current edition will be a real expe- of expanding the base of sports participation of Education and Higher Education and chair- gramme, al-Buainain said that the SOP is a stra- serving the Qatari sport is one of the top priori- rience for the association. across the diff erent age groups.