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Sunday 8 January 2017 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 Pakistan's Misbah Rooney equals goaloal bemoans record as United flaws rout Reading

Serbia's Novak Djokovic poses with the ExxonMobil Qatar Open trophy after beating Britain's Andy Murray 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in the final at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex in Doha yesterday. INSET: Great Britain's World No. 1 Murray poses with the runner-up trophy. Djokovic retains Qatar Open title

Armstrong Vas went a distance. Murray got The Peninsula Djokovic reigns all the momentum in the supreme decider after the match point It's definitely one of the efending cham- drama of the second set. best ways to start the pion Novak Defending champion The Scot started hitting Djokovic man- Djokovic managed the ball so cleanly for the year: Novak Djokovic aged to dig just to defeat world no.1 first time in the match. a little deeper to Andy Murray in But the champion fighter Ddefeat world No.1 Andy Mur- dramatic Qatar that Djokovic is he clawed ray 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, in the final Exxonmobil Open his way back to break Mur- of the Qatar ExxonMobil finale. ray in the seventh game to Open at the Khalifa Interna- With yesterday's make it 4-3 and held his tional Tennis Complex in win, the former serve to have an upper hand Doha yesterday. world number one in the decider at 5-3. The Serb dug deep and also ended Murray's Murray held his nerve found extra reserves of 28-match win and then Djokovic reeled off energy - just when he looked streak. his four straight points to win at his lowest in the third and a marathon three-setter at deciding set to end the 6-4. 28-game winning streak of Murray struggled - missed a With yesterday’s win, Murray on his way to the routine backhand, went long Djokovic extended his win- winner’s purse. again and but then skied a ning to 25 against Murray’s The win was a sweet forehand long to give Djok- 11 in 36 matches they have revenge for the former world ovic the break. contested so far. No.1 who lost to Murray in Thereafter, the Serb held "It's definitely one of the the November ATP Finals, his serve and the former best ways to start the year," the last match of the 2016 world No.1 finished off with the Serbian said. season. The year-end No. 1 a brutal forehand winner "All the way to the last ATP Ranking was on the line, down the line to take it at shot you never know with and Murray won 6-3, 6-4. 6-3. Andy. It's no strange occur- CHAMPIONS Despite yesterday’s loss In the second set, Mur- rence for both of us to play the Scot will stay World No. ray saved three match points three sets for three hours. It's YEAR CHAMPION 1. Yesterday, Djokovic took at 5-4 down and broke twice a very physical battle and 2017 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) control of his own serve in a row to take the second we're both going to need 2016 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) putting the pressure back on set and level the match. some time to recover from 2015 David Ferrer (Spain) Murray. Djokovic had his that and get ready for Mel- 2014 Rafael Nadal (Spain) The defending champion chances to wrap up proceed- bourne," Djokovic added. 2013 Richard Gasquet (France) held his serve in the first set ings but could not capitalize With yesterday's win, 2012 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) and broke the Briton in the in the second set. In the Djokovic also ended Mur- 2011 Roger Federer (Switzerland) eight game to have an upper eighth game, Murray saves ray's 28-match win streak. 2010 Nikolay Davydenko (Russia) hand early on. one break point but then Murray had won two 2009 Andy Murray (Great Britain) The early-season clash double faults to give Djoko- back to back titles like Djoik- 2008 Andy Murray (Great Britain) between the world's two best vic a potentially decisive ovic in 2008, and 2009. 2007 Ivan Ljubičić (Croatia) players just a week shy of the advantage at 4-3. But with a On Friday, Murray 2006 Roger Federer (Switzerland) Australian Open kept the game away from seeing his advanced to the title match 2005 Roger Federer (Switzerland) packed house on its toes 28-match winning run end, by beating third seed Tomas 2004 Nicolas Escudé (France) throughout the two hours Murray changed things Berdych 6-3, 6-4 to push his 2003 Stefan Koubek (Austria) 54-minute dual. around. overall winning streak to 28. 2002 Younes El Aynaoui (Morocco) The sixth game was the The Briton broke Djok- He also beat Berdych for 2001 Marcelo Ríos (Chile) best one of the first set, fea- ovic serve as frustration the seventh consecutive time, 2000 Fabrice Santoro (France) turing two terrific rallies crept into his rival’s game. dating back to a 2015 Austral- Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a 1999 Rainer Schüttler (Germany) - first a brilliant drop shot- Murray took a point off ian Open semi-final victory. 1998 Petr Korda (Czech Republic) return to Andy Murray of great lob combo from Djokovic, an error by Djokovic, who Earlier on Friday, second 1997 Jim Courier (United States) Britain during their ExxonMobil 1996 Petr Korda (Czech Republic) but Murray fought back and smashed his racket and was seed Djokovic moved into Qatar Open singles final at the 1995 Stefan Edberg (Sweden) won a marathon rally with promptly docked a point to the title contest by saving Khalifa International Tennis 1994 Stefan Edberg (Sweden) a brilliant cross-court drop give Murray the game, the five match points and beat- Complex in Doha yesterday. 1993 Boris Becker (Germany) shot of his own, with Murray world No.1 went on to win ing Fernando Verdasco 4-6, Djokovic won 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. able to hold his serve at the second set at 7-5. 7-6(7), 6-3 in two hours and three-all. In the eight game From there on the match 22 minutes. SPORT 8 JANUARY 2017 SUNDAY 21 Misbah bemoans bowling flaws Australia whitewash

Sydney 672 runs. Reuters He was not the first vaunted spinner from South Asia to Pakistan with SCG win akistan's failure to take 20 struggle to adapt to the in all three Tests conditions. Pwas responsible for their Yesterday's defeat was Sydney series loss in Australia and the Pakistan's 12th straight in Aus- AFP situation will not improve tralia through four series unless players get more expo- sweeps since 1999 and Misbah ustralia clinched a sure to conditions Down Under, said youngsters identified as series clean sweep Misbah-ul-Haq (pic- test prospects had to be given with an emphatic tured) said yesterday. a chance to taste the conditions 220-run win over Misbah's team arrived in earlier in their careers. Pakistan in the third Australia with their hosts in dis- "If we are not touring more TestA in Sydney yesterday. array after a 2-1 home series often in Australia and South The tourists were all out loss to South Africa and the Africa, this could happen again shortly before tea on the final tourists were confident they and again," he said. day for 244 chasing 465 runs could at least take one Test in "I've already suggested that with paceman the series, if not emulate the some of our players should be and spinner Steve O'Keefe both Proteas. sent to Australia on a regular snaring three wickets. Despite the odd patch of basis to play games here... this Pakistan's hopes of holding competitiveness, Pakistan were is the only way we can out for a draw evaporated with largely outclassed and their improve. the dismissals of leading series demise was completed at the "If you are coming here run-scorer Azhar Ali and veteran Sydney Ground yester- after four or five or six years, Younis Khan before lunch. day when they crumbled to a seven or eight guys are coming Wicketkeeper Sarfraz 220-run defeat to lose the here for the first time. We are Ahmed topscored with a fight- series 3-0. going to struggle." ing unbeaten 72 off 70 balls. "Our bowling is always our Pakistan's bowling woes Australia completed a series strength but in this series I was were not helped by the number clean sweep after a 39-run win a bit disappointed that we of injuries with pace spearhead in the first Gabba Test and an couldn't take 20 wickets in any Mohammad Amir in the treat- innings and 18-run victory in of the Tests," the 42-year-old ment room for much of the Melbourne last week. Misbah told reporters. series. "To win in Australia, It was Pakistan's 12th Australia's captain Steve Smith holds the trophy as he poses with team-mates David Warner "That's why we were so your fitness is vital, in any other straight defeat since their last (right) and after defeating Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. behind in every game, that's country you can survive but in Test win in Australia in Sydney important for you in Australian Australia you need supreme fit- 22 years ago. 288 for two against South Africa SCOREBOARD Shah's 93-ball defiance ended a conditions. ness," Misbah added. Dynamic opening batsman in 2006. The tourists lost four half-hour before lunch when he "It's difficult for any Asian Misbah, who has said he David Warner was named Man- wickets in yesterday's first ses- Australia (I innings): ...... 538/8 decl was snapped up the slips by side to come here and take 20 will return to Pakistan before of-the-Match for his scintillating sion after resuming at 55 for one. Pakistan (I innings):...... 315 fielding substitute Jackson Bird wickets in a Test match. That's deciding on his future, thought hundred before lunch on the Azhar Ali lasted just six balls Australia (II innings): ...... 241/2 decl off left-arm spinner Steve Pakistan (II innings): an art and we could not do that the manner of the defeat in the opening day, while skipper Steve into the final day before he was A Ali c&b Hazlewood ...... 11 O'Keefe for 13. and that mainly cost us the second test in Melbourne, Smith was announced as the out in a soft on his S Khan c Warner b Lyon ...... 40 Asad Shafiq went soon after series." where the tourists were dis- official player of the series. overnight score of 11. Y Shah c (sub) b O'Keefe ...... 13 lunch bowled by If most of the Pakistan tour missed for 163 on the final day, "I'm really proud of the way He tried to work Josh Hazle- B Azam lbw Hazlewood ...... 9 off a thick inside edge for 30. highlights came from batsman, had been another decisive fac- the boys have played in the last wood to the leg-side only to bunt Y Khan c Hazlewood b Lyon ...... 13 Misbah resisted for 98 balls the biggest disappointment was tor. "The last day of the MCG few weeks," Smith said. the ball back to the bowler for M ul-Haq c Lyon b O'Keefe ...... 38 before he went after O'Keefe and A Shafiq b Starc ...... 30 probably leg-spinner was the biggest disappoint- "I don't think Davy Warner an easy return catch. S Ahmed () ...... 72 skied to the safe hands of Lyon YYasirasir Shah,Shah, who mentment ofof thethe tourtour andand wewe knows any other way and he set Azhar finished as the high- W Riaz c Wade b O'Keefe ...... 12 at mid-off for 38 -- his highest aarrivedrrived oonn hihiss got demoralised from the tone for us straight up in the est Pakistan run-scorer in a M Amir (run out (O'Keefe) ...... 5 score of a struggling series. ffirstirst tourtour that aandnd could nnotot first and second innings." series in Australia with 406 at I Khan c (sub) b Hazlewood ...... 0 Misbah, at 42 and playing his DownDown Under recover,"recover," he said. Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul- 81.20. Extras (NB-1)...... 1 probable last innings in Aus- withwith a big "This is how it is. Haq said his team never Babar Azam followed in Total (all out) ...... 244 tralia, was given a generous rereputationputation AustraliaAustralia iiss notnot anan recovered from their shattering Hazlewood's next over, trapped Fall of wickets: 1-51, 2-55, 3-67, 4-82, 5-96, ovation as he left the SCG. 6-136, 7-188, 8-202, 9-224, 10-244. butbut departeddeparted eaeasysy place."place." innings defeat to lose the series leg before for nine to end Wahab Riaz cracked three Bowling: Starc 17-2-57-1 (1nb); Hazlewood 18.2-

withwith eieightght in the second Melbourne Test. a disappointing series with a 7-29-3; Lyon 27-6-100-2; O'Keefe 17-4-53-3; fours off nine balls before he lost wwicketsickets at a "The last day of the MCG was total of just 68 runs from six Smith 1-0-5-0. a review for caught behind off ccostost the biggest disappointment of innings. O'Keefe for 12, and O'Keefe ran ooff the tour and we got demoralised Younis Khan missed out on not get enough on a Lyon deliv- out Mohammad Amir for five to from that and could not recover. becoming the first Pakistan bats- ery and lobbed to Hazlewood at put Australia on the brink of This is how it is. Australia is not man to reach 10,000 Test runs mid-on. victory. an easy place," Misbah said. when he was caught in the deep It was a significant wicket for Hazlewood claimed the last The highest target success- off spinner Nathan Lyon for 13. Australia following on from the wicket and his third of the fully chased down in the fourth Younis, who scored an first-over dismissal of Azhar to innings when he had Imran innings at the Sydney Cricket unbeaten 175 for his 34th Test have Pakistan plunging towards Khan caught in the slips for a Ground (SCG) was Australia's hundred in the first innings, did defeat. Nightwatchman Yasir duck.

Pakistan batsman Younis Lynn, Stanlake named in Australia squad Khan reacts after being dismissed by Australia on the final day of the Sydney exciting combination that cov- into the national ODI team. Australia Squad third Test at the SCG, in AFP ers all bases for us over the "Lynn is in superb form for the Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, Pat Sydney yesterday. course of the five matches Cummins, James Faulkner, Josh Hazle- Brisbane Heat and although that ustralia dropped George against Pakistan," interim chief is a different form of the game wood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Chris Bailey and Aaron Finch selector Trevor Hohns said. we believe it is right that we give and called up newcomers "This is an extremely impor- Lynn, Mitchell Marsh, , Billy him the chance to show whether A Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, and Billy Stanlake in tant series for us as we have the he can convert his wonderful a 14-man squad yesterday for Chappell-Hadlee Series in New . ball-striking ability to ODIs," he their five-game one-day inter- Zealand and in mid-year the ICC said. national series against Pakistan Champions Trophy, a tourna- Big Bash League after a lengthy Lynn has played in five starting next week. ment which we won in 2006 and time out through injury," Hohns internationals, the Bailey and Finch along with 2009." said. most recent of them against all-rounder Hilton Cartwight Hohns said the selection "Billy is back playing again India in Sydney in January last were left out after playing in the panel was impressed by the pace and playing well and we believe year, while fast bowler Stanlake Chappell-Hadlee ODI series of the giant Stanlake. that now is the right time to give features in a senior national ros- against New Zealand last month. "Stanlake is an exciting pros- him a chance to stretch ter for the first time. Usman Khawaja, batsman pect who bowls with genuine himself." Khawaja returns to the ODI Lynn and fast bowler Stanlake pace and is a player who has Hohns said the panel also squad after last playing in an ODI took their places. made a terrific return to action believed the time was right to against Ireland in Benoni, South "We believe this squad is an for the in the bring the explosive-hitting Lynn Africa, in September.

Tour de France champion Froome rejected TUE on 'moral' grounds

LondonLondon The Team Sky rider was It did not sit well morally with since hacked medical records tighten their regulations around Reuters granted TUEs in May 2013 and me," he told the BBC. showed the Briton was granted TUEs, so they're not something April 2014 to treat the condition In 2013, Froome was allowed TUEs for anti-inflammatory drug that we question, their legiti- hree-timehree- Tour de but chose not to apply for a TUE to use prednisolone for his asthma triamcinolone before the 2011 macy," added Froome. Chris FranceFranc champion - which allows athletes to take for a week before winning the Cri- Tour de France, his 2012 Tour de "It's not good for sport in gen- Froome TChrisChris FFroome has said banned substances on medical terium du Dauphine while the France win and the 2013 Giro eral. The fact that we're discussing hehe rejectedrejecte a therapeutic grounds - when he was advised following year he took it for a d'Italia. There is no suggestion that the validity of results, that brings use exemptionexe (TUE) to to do so during the 2015 Tour. week during the Tour de Roman- Wiggins, Froome or Team Sky it back to the authorities, it is treat hhis asthma dur- "I didn't feel having a TUE in die, as he defended his title. broke any rules. something they need to tighten up ing theth 2015 race on the last week of the Tour was Bradley Wiggins and Team "I think WADA (the World on so that there aren't questions moralmora grounds. something I was prepared to do. Sky have been under scrutiny Anti-Doping Agency) need to being asked anymore," he said. 22 SPORT SUNDAY 8 JANUARY 2017 Ronaldo scores as Real match Barcelona's unbeaten record

Madrid La liga which Ronaldo powered home AFP his 17th goal of the season. And with the Granada ristiano Ronaldo defence once again pulled Pep Guardiola paraded his fourth 39 apart by Madrid's movement, Ballon d'Or and Real Madrid equalise Modric's low cross found an powered home his Barcelona's record unmarked Isco for a simple Guardiola first goal of 2017 as 39-game unbeaten run finish at the back post for his CReal Madrid equalled Barce- second of the afternoon. lona's Spanish record Madrid understandably demands City 39-game unbeaten run with eased off in the second half a 5-0 demolition of lowly Gra- with the possibility of another win streak after nada yesterday. 4 19 games to come in the next The Portuguese was hon- Zidane's men score four two months as Toni Kroos, Isco Cup demolition oured by previous Ballon d'Or goals with in thirty and Marcelo were replaced to winners to have played for minutes against Granada hand them some extra rest. Madrid including Luis Figo, However, the European London Ronaldo, Michael Owen and champions did net a fifth just AFP his coach Zinedine Zidane the leaders with victory at Vil- before the hour mark when before kick-off. And Real's larreal today. Casemiro was left unmarked ep Guardiola challenged his relentless run stretching back Once again Zidane was to bundle home substitute Manchester City stars to to April last year continued vindicated as all three of the James Rodriguez's free-kick P prove they are back in the once the action got underway frontline scored in a rapid at the back post. groove by following their FA Cup as they scored four in the start. The hosts got a break for Antoine Griezmann ended demolition of West Ham with a opening half-hour. the opener as Isco could have a three-month goal drought long winning streak. Isco and Karim Benzema been penalised for a trip on in La Liga as sealed Atletico Guardiola has been frus- slotted home from close range Sergi Samper before he Madrid's 2-0 win at Eibar. trated with his players lately before Ronaldo bulleted home exchanged passes with Ben- After a first-half short on goal after they struggled to carry out a header from Marcelo's cross. zema and slotted low past mouth action, Saul Niguez his game-plan in a series of Another simple finish from Guillermo Ochoa. nodded Atletico in front eight erratic displays. Isco made it four before the Madrid were also fortu- minutes after the break. But the City manager was break and Casemiro turned nate for the second as Griezmann hadn't netted smiling from ear to ear after Fri- home James Rodriguez's free- Benzema appeared offside in 821 La Liga minutes since day's 5-0 victory in the third kick for the fifth after when he prodded into an October 2, but bundled home round offered hope his side have half-time. empty net after Ochoa tamely from close range after a one- finally recaptured the swagger- Defeat leaves Granada parried Luka Modric's shot two with Kevin Gameiro 16 ing form they showed at the start Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (front) celebrates past Real firmly rooted in the relegation into his path. minutes from time. of the season. Madrid's Brazilian defender Marcelo after scoring a goal against zone with just nine points Real captain for the day Victory moves Atletico up Guardiola is adamant main- Granada during their La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabeu from 17 games. Marcelo marked the 10-year to fourth, but they remain taining that kind of dominant Stadium in Madrid, Spain yesterday. At the top, Barca can close anniversary since his debut nine points adrift of Real hav- display is the only way City will back to within three points of with a pinpoint cross from ing also played a game more. make up ground on Premier League leaders Chelsea and sus- tain their challenges in the FA Cup and Champions League. "Finally, we were able to keep the ball more than the last Rooney equals goal record games, where it was almost impossible," Guardiola said after strikes from Yaya Toure, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and John as United rout Reading Stones, plus a Havard Nordtveit own goal, sealed the rout. Manchester Monday's 2-0 victory at West stretch their Championship vis- "In the last month or so our AFP Ham United, with Marcos Rojo itors, with Martial curling into passing was up and down and and Michael Carrick the lone the grateful arms of Al Habsi. our game was unpredictable, ayne Rooney equalled survivors. Rooney was heavily but today we controlled it the Bobby Charlton's Reading manager Stam involved as United made it 2-0. way we played earlier this WManchester United established a reputation as a This time he played a one- season. scoring record as his side fearless defender at United two to put in Martial in the "We played much, much bet- crushed ex-United defender between 1998 and 2001, but the inside-left channel and the ter in that sense. Hopefully it can Jaap Stam's Reading 4-0 in the warm welcome he received on youngster casually curled the ball help us to make our players FA Cup third round yesterday. his return ended at kick-off. through Liam Moore's legs and believers that they are good Jose Mourinho's side made Rashford broke onto a into the bottom-right corner. Manchester enough to play that way every it eight wins in a row, but the Rooney flick after just 36 sec- United were forced into an United's game. headlines belonged to recalled onds to bear down on Reading early change in the 19th minute Wayne Rooney "We won points when we United captain Rooney, who goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, but bent when Rojo limped off to be celebrates after weren't good in the past and I matched the watching Charl- his shot wide trying to find the replaced by Phil Jones. scoring a goal spoke about our heart, but we ton's tally of 249 goals. corner of the net. Rashford finally got on the against Reading cannot achieve our targets if we during their Rooney, 31, needed just Rooney's breakthrough scoresheet in the 75th minute don't try again to play. FA Cup match seven minutes to equal the came when Martial ghosted past when Michael Carrick's fine "We are not as strong or as at Old Trafford record, established in March Chris Gunter on the left and through pass was missed by quick as the other teams. If we in Manchester, 1973, with the ball looping in off slipped the ball inside to Mata, Liam Moore, leaving the England, don't play this way we can't com- his right knee from Juan Mata's whose cross was guided past Al 19-year-old with the task of yesterday. pete with them." cross. Habsi by the United captain. slotting the ball past Al Habsi. Guardiola had endured a dif- Anthony Martial made it 2-0 Television cameras captured There was calamity for Al ficult week after a series of after 15 minutes before Marcus a delighted Charlton sitting in Habsi as United made it 4-0 four grumpy interviews following Rashford made the game safe the stands, followed by a grin- minutes later, the goalkeeper City's win over Burnley on Mon- with a late brace. ning former United manager accidentally nudging the ball day, but the Spaniard's first taste As expected, United man- Alex Ferguson. towards his own goal with his of the FA Cup delivered a wel- ager Mourinho rang the changes, Inspired by their lively cap- standing foot, allowing Rashford come tonic. making nine alterations from tain, the hosts continued to to lash in his second goal. British GP could be dropped for a year: Ecclestone

London Britain. Maybe there will have to the British Government for not scheduled to take place in July, will AFP be a year without it, but normally helping towards the costs of the go ahead as planned. we are going to be alright," Eccle- event. Silverstone first staged the race he British Grand Prix may stone told ITV News. "It's good for England, good for in 1950 and has hosted it contin- have to be dropped from the "We are not worried about los- business, good for everybody. Not ually since 1987, but despite Tcalendar for a year if the ing Formula One from England, I a case for F1 companies...we could attracting 139,000 spectators last owners of Silverstone bring down am worried about losing Formula go anywhere," said Ecclestone. year, it has recorded a deficit in the curtain on their hosting of the One at Silverstone, that is all." John Grant, president of the the last two years. race in 2019, Formula One Ecclestone, who failed in an BRDC, said in a letter published by According to the terms of the supremo Bernie Ecclestone said attempt to move the race to Don- ITV News on Thursday that the current contract, a 17-year deal on Friday. ington in 2009, would not be company faced "ruinous costs". signed in 2009, Silverstone paid Ecclestone's reaction came drawn on the two venues he "The board is considering almost £18m ($22.2m, €21m) for after the president of the British claims have indicated an interest whether we should give notice the right to stage the 2016 race. Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) in stepping in to host the race. before the 2017 BGP (British Grand The figure rises by five percent warned the organisation's mem- "I'm not going to say where it Prix) of our intention to exercise every year. The BRDC keeps the bers about the viability of the race. is," he replied when pressed the break clause in the BGP con- funds raised by ticket sales and a Ecclestone, 86, said he didn't whether it was Brands Hatch or tract at the end of 2019," he wrote. proportion of hospitality money, envisage the British Grand Prix London. "We have to protect our club but receives nothing from televi- disappearing for good but there Ecclestone, who has been chief against the potentially ruinous risk sion rights or sponsorship. Bernie Ecclestone might be a one year hiatus. executive of Formula One for of a couple of bad years." Silverstone is located in the "We don't want to lose F1 in almost 40 years, criticised This year's British Grand Prix, historic cradle of F1 in Britain. SUNDAY 8 JANUARY 2017 SPORT 23

Muaither take on Al Shahaniya in relegation battle

The Peninsula

he Qatar Stars League (QSL) action resumes today with three games primed Tto make an impact at both ends of the table. The first match of the day will see Muaither take on Al Shahaniya in a relegation battle at the Al Gharafa Stadium. Phillipe Birol’s side are without a win now in seven league matches and will be targeted to stop the rut against Al Shahaniya, a side who have recently appointed Croatian coach Igor Štimac to lead the side. Philip Birrol, the head coach of Muaither, has revenge on his mind against Shahaniya, “It will be a battle tomorrow. It’s a very impor- tant match for us and we have to win if we Netherlands' Pierre Verlaar Jr poses for a photograph with Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship trophy in the presence of Hassan want to stay in the league. We lost the first Al Naimi, (second left) President of Qatar Golf Association (QGA), Fahad Al Naimi, (left) QGA General Secretary, Mohamed Al Mohannady, match by 1-0 and now this match will be (second right) QGA Assistant General Secretary and Mohamed Faisal Al Naimi, QGA Executive Director during the presentation ceremony revenge for us.” at Qatar Golf Club yesterday. Pictures by Kammutty VP / The Peninsula As for the Oryxes, they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Al Rayyan in Stimac’s first game in charge of the club. The former Derby County defender has already labelled this match a six pointer and will be aiming for a reaction for Verlaar Jr champion in Doha his players. Relegation is also on the agenda when Al Kharaitiyat, who are currently in the relega- Armstrong Vas Open and Al Kaabi picked one tion zone, take on 13th placed Al Wakrah at The Peninsula of them. the Al Khor Stadium. The Thunders have been Yesterday, Verlaar Jr, who quietly improving over the next few weeks, vernight leader lost to Dubai-based Indian teen and head coach Ahmed Ajlani will know a win Pierre Verlaar Jr of Rayhan Thomas in a play-off last will push his side out of the relegation zone. the Netherlands year, stood tall among the 126 As for Al Wakrah, they come into the tie shot up a third golfers from 38 countries, who off the back of a impressive 0-0 draw against round 70 to win the took part in the championship. title chasing El Jaish. The Blue Waves will be OQatar Open Amateur Golf Cham- Christofer Rahm of Sweden hoping for more of the same again, and look pionship while Qatar's Saleh Al finished third while last year’s to take some important points off their rele- Kaabi finished second at the winner Thomas came ninth. gation rivals. Doha Golf Club yesterday. Markus Maukner of Austria, Kais Yâakoubi, the head coach of Al Wak- Verlaar Jr. finished with a who started off day one by tak- rah, believes both teams are on a similar level, scorecard of 210 while the home ing the lead finished a joint fifth. “Both teams are in the same position in terms crowd favourite Al Kaabi, who The 22-year-old had shot a of standings. They provided a great game fell to the sixth position after a four-under par 68 to take the against Al Sadd and We also had a good game four-over par 75 in the second lead on day one of the three-day against El Jaish. We both are Tunisian coaches round from the first round third championship took the fifth and we know each other very well. It’s an Qatari golfer Saleh Al Kaabi, place, came up an splendid show place along with, Sam Hobday important match but not crucial as we still have to take the runners-up spot. of England. who finished second, in many games left in the season.” The 21-year-old, Al Kaabi Thomas Strandemo of USA action during the Qatar Open The final game of the day will see two sides was hoping to become the first clinched the fourth spot. Amateur Golf Championship. with top four ambitions face off. Reigning QSL Qatari to win the tournament in champions Al Rayyan are currently in fifth spot, its 31st edition, but Verlaar Jr one point outside the top four. Michael Laudrup’s made sure that did not QATAR OPEN AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 side started the new year with a narrow 1-0 vic- happen. FINAL STANDINGS tory over Al Shahaniya and will be targeting to The Dutchman by virtue of Leaderboard R1 R2 R3 Total Par register back to back wins against Umm Salal. yesterday’s win book a place in Speaking about his team’s targets this sea- 1st Pierre Verlaar Jr (NDL) 70 70 70 210 -6 the upcoming Qatar Masters, an son, Laudrup said, “teams like Lekhwiya and European Tour event which will 2nd Saleh Ali Musbah Al Kaabi (QAT) 71 75 67 213 -3 Al Sadd are going very strong and the rest of take place at the same venue at 3rd Christofer Rahm (SWE) 75 67 73 215 -1 us are trailing them. I think what we have to the end of this month. 4th Thomas Strandemo (USA) 74 71 72 217 +1 concentrate now is to be in the top four and Al Kaabi, however, also a 5th Sam Hobday (ENG) 72 77 71 220 +4 that is the target for the club.” book place in the Qatar Masters 5th Maukner (AUT) 68 73 79 220 +4 Umm Salal come into the tie on a similar where he will get a chance to test 7th Mikkel Mathiesen (DEN) 74 76 71 221 + 5 vein of good form, with a 2-1 win over Al Khor. his skills against some of the best 7th Lguirati Ayoub (MOR) 76 73 72 221 +5 Umm Salal have already been busy in the Netherlands' Pierre Verlaar Jr celebrates pros in the European Tour event. 9th Tom Santa (FRA) Doha Golf Club, Qatar 76 76 71 223 +7 transfer window securing Syrian international after winning the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Organisers of the European 9th Lucas Becht (BEL) 75 76 72 223 +7 Mahmoud Al Mayas, they will be hoping he

Championship at Qatar Golf Club yesterday

Tour event have kept two slots 9th Stan Kraai (NDL) 75 72 76 223 +7 can make an impact in what should be his sec- while Swedish golfer Christofer Rahm who open for two best finishing 9th Rayhan Thomas (IND) 73 71 79 223 +7 ond start for the side. won the third place, looks on. Qataris from the Qatar Amateur Bayern Munich’s training sessions at Aspire Zone attract tourists

The Peninsula FC Bayern Munich fans watch their favourite stars in action during the team's seen as beacons of excellence. desert. There’s a delightful winter training sessions at Aspire Zone’s outdoor football pitches yesterday. The comprehensive sporting atmosphere here and everyone spire Zone’s outdoor foot- services, facilities, and pro- we have met has been very invit- ball pitches have grammes Aspire offers can easily ing. Our children are huge Awitnessed an influx of compete with the world’s most football fans and they kept insist- local, regional and international established sporting organisa- ing on attending Bayern’s session football fans this week as hun- tions in hugely developed to see Arjen Robben and even dreds of keen spectators have footballing countries such as though today’s our last day we shown up to watch FC Bayern Spain, Italy and England. That’s made sure to visit. It was well Munich’s training sessions, as the why the Dome and pitches con- worth taking the time and we’re German Bundesliga giants began tinue to attract the world’s best all thrilled to have been able to their seventh annual winter teams every year.” see them and get so close to training camp in Doha. Bayern Munich’s training them.” Running until January 11, FC sessions made Aspire Zone a In addition to FC Bayern Bayern Munich’s winter training must-stop for international Munich, Aspire Zone Founda- camp aims to prepare the team tourists tion’s facilities have attracted for the second half of the Bun- The training sessions also many other internationally desliga season, as well as its attracted international tourists acclaimed sporting teams includ- upcoming matches in Europe’s who are in town to soak up some ing the likes of Manchester premier tournament, the UEFA winter sun. Yesterday’s session United, Paris Saint-Germain, Champions League. was attended by family of Dutch Schalke 04, Zenit Saint Peters- The team’s winter training tourists who are spending their burg, KAS Eupen, Shanghai camp this year is led by interna- Commenting on their visit than seeing them from afar dur- world’s top teams come back winter break in Doha and they Greenland Shenhua, and Cultural tionally acclaimed Italian coach, to Aspire Zone for the past five ing matches.” year after year,” he concluded. made a special stop at Aspire Deportiva. Carlo Ancelotti, and comprises years to attend Bayern Munich’s “When one of the world’s Meanwhile, Founder of the Zone to enjoy watching Bayern’s Because Aspire Zone and its some of the biggest footballing open training sessions, Moham- greatest football clubs such as Association, Abdullah Dashti, stars train. affiliated organisations can pro- icons in the history of the game. med Al Dumaikhi, President of Bayern Munich chooses Aspire added: “When you compare Sixteen-year-old son Jasper vide an integrated set of These include FIFA World Cup the FC Bayern Munich Fans Zone as its preferred destination Aspire Zone to similar facilities Bultman, expressed his excite- world-class sporting and medi- 2014 winners, Philip Lahm, Association in Kuwait, said: to train for the seventh consec- I’ve seen throughout my years of ment at being able to watch his cal services available to players Manuel Neuer and Thomas “Being able to watch FC Bayern utive year, that is an indicator of travel, I can honestly say Aspire favourite Dutch player, Arjen all in one place, it makes it the Muller, along with Franck Rib- Munich’s players up-close dur- Aspire Zone’s world-class capa- Zone is definitely on way above Robben, while in Doha. His ideal environment for training, ery, Arjen Robben, Xabi Alonso, ing training is a great bilities. It truly is one of the best par compared to its European father commented, “We’re very particularly during winter, and and Arturo Vidal. A large local opportunity for fans and one sporting destinations in the counterparts, and the Aspire impressed with Aspire Zone, it’s is the reason Aspire sees teams and regional attendance that is much more enjoyable world and you can see why the Dome and Aspetar can truly be a green oasis in the middle of a return year after year.