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Wednesday, October 31, 2018 TENNIS Safar 22, 1440 AH Federer in town for GULF TIMES Paris Masters, to face Raonic today SPORT Page 3 48TH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DOHA 2018 Dominant US strikes yet another gold at Worlds Biles, Hurd, McCusker, McCallum, Eaker combine for 171.629 points, winning by a whopping 8.766 margin ahead of

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

he United States wom- en’s team lived up to their billing as heavy fa- vourites as they scooped Tanother World Artistic Gymnas- tics Championships gold medal yesterday. With Simone Biles in their ranks, victory was a sure shot for the Americans. But the manner in which it came at the Aspire Dome yesterday will concern their opponents. While Biles was not at her phenomenal best, the US, with as many as three rookies in their team, were still miles ahead of seven other fi nalists. Simone Biles of the US (centre) hugs Russia’s Irina Alekseeva (left) after the women’s team final yesterday. (Below) Aliya Mustafina of Russia.

Simone Biles of the US in action during the women’s team final at the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 at Aspire Dome yesterday. PICTURES: Thajudheen

from 2016 Rio Games. individual titles, starting with All- capable of. I don’t know why I some impressive show in . Truth to tell, the victory mar- Around title tomorrow. get so shy on that skill. It’s a for- The Russian team had its own gin was on the expected lines, Biles was diagnosed with ward-landing skill but in practice problems after Lilia Akhaimova after the US women topped the kidney stone on Friday, but the it’s usually do good, so I think it stumbled on Vault. But the sev- qualifi cations in the weekend by 21-year-old showed no signs of shakes me up and I lose a little fo- en-time Olympic medallist and nearly nine points over Russia. discomfort yesterday. She did cus, but it’s something we need to 2010 world all-around cham- Since 2011, the US has won six struggle on two of her routines, a work on,” said Biles, who is now pion Aliya Mustafi na remained straight Olympic or world titles, near-fall on Balance Beam and an tied Gabby Douglas and Aly Ra- the backbone of the Russian the longest winning streak in out-of-bounds landing on isman for the US record of four team. Mustafi na, who is making a gymnastics since the Soviet Un- Exercise. But these mistakes Olympic/world team titles. comeback after 16 months since ion domination in the 1970s. made little diff erence on the day There are more records in store she gave birth to a girl, wowed “It’s exciting to keep the streak as she anchored the team, while for Biles this week. She will be the crowd in in the Uneven Bars, going, but we have to hold up her teammates played the sup- aiming for her fourth world all- where she scored 14.500. Biles, Morgan Hurd, Riley Mc- upon ourselves every time we go porting cast to perfection. around title tomorrow, which “We were taught to always fo- Cusker, Grace McCallum and out there,” Biles said. Biles had the highest scores would take her beyond Russia’s cus not on the mistakes, but on Kara Eaker combined for 171.629 “It’s exciting to be out there, on Vault (15.500), Uneven Bars Svetlana Khorkina for the all-time the things we’ve done well,” said points, winning by a whopping especially with the group of girls (14.866) and Floor Exercise female record, while if she was to Mustafi na. “We were aiming to 8.766 margin ahead of silver we had tonight. It felt unreal. I (14.766), but looked out of con- claim two more wins in the indi- qualify for the (2020 Tokyo) Ol- medallist Russia. had to can’t believe its World Cham- trol on Balance Beam, losing half vidual apparatus Biles will over- ympic Games. We had a target settle for bronze, as the top three pionships and we’re competing a point for placing her hand on take ’s mark of 12 for and we met.” teams booked their place at the again,” she added. the beam as she was about to fall the most golds in Worlds history. Chinese gymnast Liu Jinru 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Biles said the pressure of being after a front somersault. Meanwhile, Russia held off was disappointed with her team teng of China is the favourite to WOMEN’S TEAM STANDINGS The victory margin was the favourites never caught on them. “Mistakes happen. We go back China to take the silver medal, as missing out on silver. “It’s a retain the gold, but will have to 1. US 171.629 points largest since the new scoring “It’s (being competitive) just in- into training and hopefully work they ended up fi ve tenths apart. It shame. We were so close to sec- perform much better than he 2. Russia 162.863 method replaced the perfect-10 stilled in us. We’re used to it but on the little mistakes that we was much closer than anticipated ond and we could have done bet- did in the team fi nals, where he 3. China 162.396 judging system in 2006. The we also know the expectations that have, but overall (it was) pretty as China were in danger of losing ter,” she said. stumbled on two rotations. 4. Canada 161.644 Americans crushed the Cham- we have on ourselves whenever we good. I get a little jittery every out on a medal. The Chinese team Today, the men’s all-around Russia’s Nikita Nagornyy will 5. 161.294 pionships record of 6.693 set in go out there, so I think that’s what time I go into that skill (piked were in the seventh position go- fi nal will be held, with 24 gym- be his main challenger, with 6. Japan 160.262 2014, while they also beat their keeps us going,” said Biles, who front somersault) because it’s ing into the fourth and fi nal rota- nasts vying for the top honours. United States’ Sam Mikulak also 7. Brazil 159.830 own Olympic record of 8.209 will now switch her attention to near the end and I know what I’m tion but covered up the defi cit with Defending champion Xiao Ruo- one of the contenders. 8. 159.428

BOTTOMLINE FOOTBALL Libyan sports authority denounces SAFF members leave west Asia forum Reuters Arab Emirates and Saudi Ara- election hopes of current AFC and tomorrow we are getting conduct of shooting federation chief New Delhi/Kuala Lumpur bia as well as the seven South president Sheikh Salman al- recognised, as are all the other Asian Football Federations Khalifah, who faces a possible regions,” said Patel. By Sports Reporter of sports is to work for promoting level delegation. (SAFF) now pulling out — In- challenge from former Saudi “So once you have statu- Doha peace and harmony in the world The Authority stressed that it ndia and six other South dia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhu- Arabia Football Federation tory recognition, what do you in accordance with the Olympic supports and encourages any Arab Asian nations have pulled tan, Maldives, Sri Lanka and president Adel Ezzat next year. do with the other groupings?,” Charter. gathering that supports Libya’s out of a new Saudi Arabia- Pakistan. Sheikh Salman will be look- he asked. “West Asia doesn’t he Public Authority of “We stress that sport has no sports teams at various regional, led football bloc with im- “The problem started be- ing to secure a third term as have all its countries involved Youth and Sports affi liat- relation to the political issues and continental and International Imediate eff ect, putting its fu- cause we never discussed be- AFC president when the body’s in SWAFF, so it’s an incomplete ed to the Libyan Govern- the shooting federation chief’s events. ture in doubt on the eve of the tween ourselves whether we decision makers meet in Kuala organisation.” ment of National Accord announcement is contrary to the On October 27, the United Arab Asian Football Confederation’s should be involved (in SWAFF). Lumpur on April 6. “We have no disrespect Thas denounced the conduct of the ethics of sport,” a statement from Emirates General Authority of congress in Kuala Lumpur. It was all done knee-jerk,” All The AFC congress today is to any country or what they head of the Libyan Shooting Fed- the Public Authority of Youth and Sports had issued a letter ad- The South West Asian Foot- India Football Federation pres- expected to give offi cial rec- thought of doing. But with the eration, Adel Qurashi who, at the Sports said. dressed to Qurashi appreciating ball Federation (SWAFF) was ident Praful Patel told Reuters. ognition to the long-standing recognition that SAFF will be instigation of the UAE, had said The statement added that the him for his decision to not take set up in June and is widely “Any understanding or regional bodies of the west, getting, it will be much easier Libya was not sending a team to Public Authority of Youth and part in the tournament. seen as a vehicle to grow the grouping together of countries south, south east and east to work,” Patel said. the 14th Arab Shooting Champi- Sports has affi rmed, after com- The correspondence pointed aspirations of Saudi Arabia for the larger good should not Asian football groupings. A SWAFF spokesman said onships to be held in Qatar from munication and co-ordination out that the UAE would be giving within the region. be a problem, but I don’t think “All these federations — the body had yet to be in- November 15-24. with the Libyan Olympic Com- the Libyan shooting Federation a SWAFF had included the it was well thought through SAFF, East Asia, Asean — are formed of the decision by the The Authority affi rmed in a mittee, its participation in the sum of two million euros as an ap- Gulf nations of Bahrain, Yem- when we took that decision.” all groupings but they do not seven South Asian nations to statement that the very purpose Doha championship with a high preciation. en, Oman, Kuwait, the United The news may boost the re- have any statutory recognition, withdraw. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, October 31, 2018 CRICKET

BACKING PREVIEW ‘Intelligent’ Rayudu promises to end India’s No. 4 woes Sarfraz aiming to

Reuters tory in the fourth one-dayer against West cement Twenty20 Mumbai Indies in Mumbai. “We need to back him till the World Cup and give him more confi dence. He is feeling dominance against ohit Sharma struck yet another good about his game and he is a very confi - ‘daddy hundred’ but it was prob- dent man.” ably Ambati Rayudu’s relatively Rayudu exhibited both sides of his batting New Zealand modest century on Monday which in his 211-run stand with Rohit on Monday, pleasedR India captain Virat Kohli more as fi rst playing second fi ddle to his partner and he seeks an end to a pesky problem seven then using the long handle to good eff ect in AFP dreds alongside India’s Rohit months before next year’s World Cup. his brilliantly paced knock of 100. Abu Dhabi Sharma. An undercooked middle order has been In the end, he matched Rohit’s four sixes New Zealand also have hard the direct result of having an in-form trio — and also reached the 50 and 100 marks in hitting all-rounders in Corey Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli — at the fewer balls than his partner. akistan skipper Sarfraz Anderson and Colin de Grand- top of India’s batting order of late. “He reads the game really well, so we are Ahmed vowed that his homme, with pace attack spear- The problem has been acute at number happy that someone with intelligence is all-conquering Twen- headed by Tim Southee, Lockie four with Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, batting at number four,” Kohli said. ty20 team will continue Ferguson and Adam Milne. Lokesh Rahul and Dinesh Karthik being Rohit was equally impressed with the theirP hot streak in their three- Williamson said his team trialled at the crucial spot and found inad- ability of Rayudu, who registered his third match series against New Zea- needed to be at their best to beat equate. ODI century on Monday, to play according land, starting in Abu Dhabi to- the top team. Rayudu’s second 50-plus score in four to the situation. day. “Obviously, Pakistan are a matches against West Indies has fi lled Kohli “I think it’s a very important knock,” the Pakistan maintained top spot strong side,” said Williamson. with optimism he may not need to fret over India vice-captain said of the 33-year-old. in the 20-over world rankings “That’s something we’ve the issue anymore. “Hopefully he has solved all the mysteries with a 3-0 whitewash of Aus- known for a long time. The last “Rayudu has taken his opportunity with of number four. I guess till the World Cup, tralia in Dubai on Sunday, ce- time we played against them was both hands,” Kohli said after the team’s vic- there won’t be any talk of number four.” menting their place as the lead- at home in New Zealand and it ing lights of the game’s shortest was a tough series,” added Wil- format. liamson of the January series Pa- FOCUS Ever since Sarfraz took over as kistan won 2-1. captain Pakistan have won 26 of “They are extremely strong in their 30 matches and the ham- these conditions. Their rankings mering of Australia was their suggest that as well. They have tenth straight series win. had a lot of success in the format “We want to carry forward in recent times.” the winning momentum of the Williamson admitted opener Australia series,” said Sarfraz, Martin Guptill, out of the tour who announced Shoaib Malik with a calf strain, will be missed. Rudd, Speed call will join the team in time for the “It’s a shame we don’t have match soon after becoming a fa- Martin for this series,” said Wil- ther. liamson of Guptill, who is the Malik’s tennis star wife Sania highest run scorer in the format Mirza gave birth to a baby boy in with 2271 in 75 matches. India early yesterday. “He’s obviously a world class However opener Fakhar Za- player for us and a big perform- man is still sidelined with the er.” on Peever to quit knee problem that forced him The remaining two matches to sit out Sunday’s game against will be played in Dubai on Friday Australia in Dubai. and Sunday. The two teams will Mark Taylor would fit the bill, says former ICC chief Speed Sarfraz admitted New Zea- also play three Tests and one- land, two points behind Austral- day internationals. Reuters ia in the world rankings having Sydney played three fewer matches, will Teams (from): be a tougher opponent. Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed “They (New Zealand) have a (captain), Mohamed Hafeez, ressure was building on strong team with ideal batsmen Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Cricket Australia chair- for Twenty20 and a balanced Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab man David Peever to re- bowling attack so we need to set Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Us- sign in the wake of the the tone from the fi rst game by man Khan Shanwari, Hasan Ali, Prelease of a scathing independ- winning it,” said Sarfraz, whose Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf ent review into the culture of the team has won 10 of their 18 pre- New Zealand: Kane Williamson game. vious Twenty20 internationals (captain), Corey Anderson, Mark Former prime minister Kevin against New Zealand. Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Rudd and former ICC Chief Pakistan’s varied bowling at- Colin de Grandhomme, Adam Executive Malcolm Speed were tack defended totals of 155, 147 Milne, Colin Munro, Ajaz Patel, among those calling for him and 150 against Australia but Glenn Phillips, Seth Rance, Tim to be replaced after Monday’s New Zealand’s top order of Colin Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, release of the review commis- Munro, skipper Kane William- Ross Taylor sioned in the wake of March’s son and Ross Taylor are expected Umpires: Shozab Raza (Pak) ball-tampering scandal. to be a sterner test than Austral- and Asif Yaqoob (Pak) The report said the govern- ia’s mis-fi ring batsmen. Tv umpire: Rashid Riaz(Pak) ing body was perceived as “ar- Munro is one of only two bats- Match referee: Javagal Srini- rogant” and “controlling” and men to hit three Twenty20 hun- ath (IND) treated its elite players like commodities, allowing “alpha- male” egos to develop a win-at- all-costs approach. Peever, who was awarded a second fi ve-year term last week, embarked on a series of media interviews defending the lead- ership of Cricket Australia on Monday, including one in which he described the ball-tampering incident as a “hiccup”. Speed said that interview had convinced him that the former mining executive was not the right man to take Cricket Aus- tralia forward and that some- body with a background in the game needed to take over. “It’s not a hiccup, it’s much Cricket Australia chairman David Peever (L) addresses the media beside the chair of the review sub-committee Jacquie Hey during a press more than that,” Speed, who conference in Melbourne on Monday. Pakistan are supremely confident ahead of their T20 series was chief executive of the Aus- against New Zealand. tralian cricket board from 1997 “So let’s get this straight,” he to be lifted. ty on the board — some women, Former captain and vice-cap- until 2001 before serving a simi- wrote. “Cricket Australia, under Speed suggested that former some people who aren’t from tain Smith and Warner are serv- lar role at the global governing David Peever, has overseen the Australia Test captain and the cricket family so to speak ing one-year bans, former coach SPOTLIGHT body, told ABC radio. destruction of the (internation- Cricket Australia board member — but I think that’s missing at Darren Lehmann and chief ex- “My response when I saw al) image of our national game. Mark Taylor would fi t the bill as the moment, that the dyed-in- ecutive James Sutherland have that interview and I saw that “But Peever gets re-appoint- chairman in place of Peever. the-wool cricket people need since stood down, while high comment, I thought Australian ed as chair last wk, 3 days be- “I’d like to see Mark Taylor to stand up and take back their performance chief Pat Howard Lehmann wants cricket can do better in choosing fore release of damning report? stand up as chairman of Cricket sport.” has announced his departure. its chairman and the game de- #PeeverShouldResign.” Australia,” he said. Peever was also faced with In The Australian newspaper, serves better governance.” With the review also sug- “David is the fi rst to have blanket condemnation in the cricket writer Gideon Haigh Warner, Smith Former Prime Minister Rudd gesting that the culture CA come out of the corporate world pages of Australia’s newspapers pinpointed a line in the review joined a growing chorus of dis- fostered had contributed to the rather than out of the cricket yesterday, the main charge being that spoke of people in leader- content at Peever’s reaction ball-tampering scandal, there world and I think in this crisis that he had extended his reign as ship roles having to take respon- bans reviewed to the review on social media, were calls for the suspensions that’s what’s shown here,” Speed chairman after the ball-tamper- sibility for matters “over which posting his comments on Twit- imposed on Steve Smith, David added. ing scandal while heads around they do not exercise direct con- Reuters the Sydney Morning Herald. ter. Warner and Cameron Bancroft “It’s good to see some diversi- him rolled. trol”. Sydney “I think the general feeling around Australia, certainly the people I talk to, is they want them BOTTOMLINE ormer Australia coach playing again, at worst domes- Darren Lehmann has tic cricket. “Now the fi ndings joined calls for Steve have come down they should be Smith, David Warner and reviewing the sanctions on the England cricketers warned over Sri Lanka upheaval CameronF Bancroft to have their three players.” Among other fi nd- bans set aside and be allowed to ings, the review found that Cricket AFP preparations for the first Test.” return to state and international Australia was perceived to be “ar- Colombo Reuben said a four-day practice cricket. rogant and controlling” and said to match in Colombo would go ahead as Lehmann, who stood down in view the events in South Africa as planned, despite the troubles in the the wake of the ball-tampering “the failure of a handful of players” ngland’s cricket stars have been capital. scandal that led to the trio being would be a mistake. told to stay away from political England take on Sri Lanka in the first suspended, made his comments While Lehmann’s view of the demonstrations while touring Test at Galle, in the south of the coun- after the release on Monday’s mood of the Australian public Sri Lanka, which is in the grip of try, on November 6. England are due scathing review of the culture of might be refl ective of the “bubble” aE constitutional power struggle. to stay in Sri Lanka until November 27 the Australian game. the review said surrounded top One man has been killed in upheaval when the third Test ends. Smith and Warner are some players, Test greats Shane Warne, after President Maithripala Sirisena The dispute between sacked prime seven months into one-year bans, Adam Gilchrist and Doug Walters sacked the country’s prime minister minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and while Bancroft will be eligible to have also called for a reduction to and replaced him with former strong- Rajapakse has already hit Sri Lanka’s return in December after his sus- the bans. man leader Mahinda Rajapakse. cricket establishment. pension for attempting to tamper The players’ union has also “We are exercising vigilance and On Sunday, bodyguards for Petro- with the ball during a test against called for the sanctions to be avoiding all demonstrations or large leum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri South Africa in Cape Town in looked at again as, in their view, political gatherings,” England spokes- Lanka’s captain when they won the March. the ball-tampering in South Africa man Danny Reuben told AFP. 1996 World Cup, opened fire at a crowd “I think they should be back but was in part the result of a “culture “We are aware of a political demon- England cricketer Stuart Broad (L) bowls during the two-day practice match between as they moved to rescue him from Ra- it’s up to the board to make that and system” which put too much stration today, but for us it is all about the Sri Lanka Board XI and England team in Colombo yesterday. japakse supporters. decision, not me,” Lehmann told pressure on the players to win. Gulf Times Wednesday, October 31, 2018 3 SPORT

TENNIS COMMENT Nadal, Djokovic Federer in town for need to see bigger picture over Saudi exhibition match By Kevin Mitchell kind of things happen … it’s Paris Masters, to terrible that one journalist The Guardian lost the life. I know something happened very bad inside f the many wither- there. So we are looking about ing put downs John how evolves the situation and McEnroe uttered I hope the things will clarify in his playing as soon as possible.” career,O a favourite remains his Djokovic was equally face Raonic today response to why he refused to adroit at avoiding a head-on play Björn Borg in apartheid confrontation with his hosts. South Africa: “I’ve got better “I personally always try to be ‘I feel like it’s better for me to play matches rather than practice, and I think that’s it’ ways to earn a million dol- very apolitical. I don’t like to lars.” involve myself in any political AFP In nine words McEnroe exchange or situations. And Paris told the world he did not need it’s unfortunate that we are to compromise his values or both drawn into this right expose himself to ridicule – now. oger Federer yesterday even for a million dollars. He “All I can say is that we confi rmed his par- was worth more than that. He have the commitment with ticipation at this year’s was good enough to make up them for over a year. Actu- Paris Masters after a the slack somewhere else. He ally last year when we were three-yearR absence. and Borg were at the height discussing this potential The Swiss world number of their celebrity, having just match-up, we agreed that it’s three will face Canada’s Milos played a Wimbledon fi nal that going to happen in December Raonic today after receiving a was described then and for as a kind of a lead-up to the bye in the fi rst round. years to come as the greatest beginning of the season. And “I feel like it’s better for me to of all time, to be eclipsed only, it was my professional tennis play matches rather than practice, perhaps, by that between Ra- decision to do that. and I think that’s it. As long as I fael Nadal and Roger Federer “And of course I know, I’m don’t feel like I’m taking a chance in 2008. aware of what’s happening. on my health prior to London (the In 1980, however, a mil- And it’s sad, of course. It’s ATP Tour Finals), that’s the key as lion dollars was quite some the only thing that you can well,” Federer said. inducement to break the in- feel when you see something “I’m happy to play tomorrow. ternational sporting embargo like that and when you hear I feel like I recovered well from on South Africa. And this year something like that. But I last week. So yeah, I’ll give it a McEnroe elaborated for the can’t say more than that. My go tomorrow. I’m excited,” he fi rst time about the controver- team right now is in touch added, after winning the Swiss sy. Speaking to the American with the people in Saudi indoor championships in Basel journalist Graham Bensinger Arabia as well as Rafa’s and on Sunday. he said: “At that time it was of course we are all talking Raonic beat Frenchman Jo- worth at least $10m now or to understand the situation Wilfried Tsonga 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), more, but I feel proud that I better. 7-6 (5) yesterday. Canada’s Milos Raonic serves during made that decision. I thought “Right now we just don’t Federer’s only tournament their Paris Masters first round match to myself: ‘Yeah, this is an un- have obviously enough infor- victory in Bercy came in 2011. against France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga believable amount of money mation and we have to look On his last appearance in 2015 he yesterday. (AFP) but there’s a reason why into that a bit more and then was knocked out by American they’re off ering it – because we’ll make our decision soon. John Isner in the round of 16. the opening round through the injury. Edmund has been ad- they’re going to take advan- It’s a commitment. And I’ve It will be the fi rst non-Grand qualifi ers but lost 6-4, 6-4 to vised to rest after scans showed Switzerland’s Roger Federer tage of me and sort of use that been always trying to be very Slam event to feature Federer, Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics. a small amount of fl uid behind during a training session in propaganda in a way.’ professional and respectful Rafael Nadal and Novak Djoko- Gilles Simon defeated com- his left knee. Paris yesterday. (Reuters) “I was 21 but I could get towards people that I have vic since last year’s Indian Wells patriot Lucas Pouille 6-3, 6-4 in The 23-year-old hopes to re- that. I wasn’t going to be the commitment with. We are Masters. an all-French aff air to advance cover in time for the start of the pawn in that whole thing. trying to take in consideration Meanwhile French hopes of to the second round yesterday. 2019 season. I took pride in that. It felt everything, all the options.” success in Paris were dented The 33-year-old Simon out- It has been a breakthrough wrong … it wasn’t that dif- Exactly how much more in- when Pierre-Hugues Herbert, played Pouille with some clean year for world number 15 Ed- fi cult a decision. I was 21, I formation even athletes inside Jeremy Chardy and Benoit Paire and disciplined tennis, claiming mund, who won his fi rst ATP didn’t need the money that their bubbles would need to were eliminated in the fi rst three breaks of serve and only Tour title and also reached the bad yet. I think that was one know about an incident that round yesterday. giving away nine unforced errors semi-fi nals of the Australian of the better decisions that I has played globally across all World number 57 Herbert was to win in 1 hour and 24 minutes. Open in January. made in my career.” media for weeks is diffi cult to beaten by Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Edmund, whose record is 36- You would imagine, then, imagine. Kukushkin in three sets (3-6, EDMUND’S SEASON OVER 21 for the year, had still been in 38 years on, that Nadal (who, So, until they withdraw, 6-3, 7-5) while Jeremy Chardy, Kyle Edmund was forced to end the race for a place as an alter- like McEnroe in 1980, does this pointless public relations ranked 40th, lost 6-4, 6-4 to his season yesterday as the Brit- nate at the ATP Tour Finals in not need the money) and stunt in Jeddah on Decem- Spain’s Fernando Verdasco. ish number one withdrew from London next month before pull- Novak Djokovic (likewise) ber 22 goes ahead with their The 56th-ranked Paire made the Paris Masters with a knee ing out of the Paris Masters. would come up with a similar blessing, before they fl y out response in almost identical to Australia for the Austral- circumstances. As of this mo- ian Open. Indeed, central to ment, however – no. their defence was the claim Sabalenka edges out Barty in Zhuhai opener At the fi rst opportunity that “the tournament” was to explain or justify their part of their preparation for AFP showing the form that has seen Ninth seed Barty took the initia- was their first round robin I think last year was good, but involvement in a $1mn-apiece the fi rst major of 2019 – as if Zhuhai, China her shoot up the world rank- tive in the second set, breaking match, with both yet to play this year’s another level. exhibition on 22 December in they would not benefi t more ings from 39th to 12th place in in the fourth game, only for eighth seed and world number “It’s really exciting for the Saudi Arabia (where state- from rest (given the repeated just three months. Sabalenka to break back in 18 Caroline Garcia from France. women’s game. We have the sponsored killing is as blatant complaint that they have too ig-hitting Aryna ’s Sabalenka, 20, made Barty’s two following service Barty told journalists after the top 20 players in the world this as it was in South Africa in many commitments) or play- Sabalenka was too strong the most of breaking Australian games. match: “I’m disappointed not year who are fighting right until 1980), they were toweringly ing in a way more competitive Bfor Ashleigh Barty in Barty, 22, in the very first game The pair produced some to come away with the win, the end of the season, which is equivocal in press conferenc- environment than an over- the opening singles clash of of the match, seeing out a nip- thrilling base-line battles for but I’ll have another oppor- really positive.” es in Paris at the weekend. hyped friendly hit in front of the WTA Elite Trophy in China and-tuck opening set. the spectators at the Hengqin tunity in the next few days to Now in its fourth year the Elite Nadal said of his reluctance royalty in the desert. yesterday, taking the match In-form Sabalenka looked the International Tennis Center, but try and finish my season on a Trophy features 12 players to be drawn into a discussion And what excuse will 6-4, 6-4. more confident of the two in Sabalenka turned the screw to real high.” ranked roughly from nine to 20. about the murder of the jour- Europe’s best golfers come The tournament’s youngest the early stages, and the third see out the match in one hour, Asked about the strength of the This year’s total prize money is nalist Jamal Khashoggi: “Of up with if they take part in player produced some typically seed her nerve to pull out her 26 minutes. field in Zhuhai, the 2017 semi- $2.35mn across the singles and course I’m aware of all the the Saudi International, a aggressive tennis in Zhuhai, first two aces to clinch the set. Sabalenka and Barty’s clash finalist said: “It’s phenomenal. doubles tournaments. situation. But I had a com- tournament added to the 2019 mitment since one year ago schedule and due to take place to play there. And my team is at the Royal Greens Golf and talking to them, to analyse the Country Club in King Abdul- BOXING SPOTLIGHT things. That’s it. lah Economic City from 31 “As you know, when these January? Probably none. CAS ruling allows ‘Over the moon’ — Mirza, offi cial to stand for Malik welcome baby boy AIBA presidency nuclear-armed rivals India and Reuters the list of those standing for Pakistan. Berlin election at the next congress, “It’s a boyyyy!!!!” Mirza’s on Nov 2-3 in Moscow. Kon- younger sister, Anam Mirza, akbayev, a Kazakh, who also wrote on Instagram. he Court of Arbitra- heads the Asian boxing con- Malik’s manager and agent, tion for Sport yes- federation, had been told by Ameem Haq, said the former terday upheld an the AIBA election committee Pakistan captain was “over the appeal by hopeful at the time that he had not ac- moon” to become a father. TSerik Konakbayev against his quired the necessary 20 letters “#BabyMirzaMalik boy is exclusion from next month’s of support from federations. here! Baby and mother are all vote to elect the new presi- CAS said the election com- smiles, the dad is over the moon,” dent of international boxing mittee had wrongly refused to Haq tweeted. association AIBA. consider some nominations of Mirza, who is a three-time AIBA has been beset by support for Konakbayev. Grand Slam doubles winner, an- serious fi nancial and govern- “Therefore, the Panel ac- Indian tennis player Sania Mirza (left) and her Pakistani cricketer nounced her pregnancy in April, ance problems which have knowledged that Serik Kon- husband Shoaib Malik. prompting speculation her ten- put its spot at the 2020 Ol- akbayev reached the threshold nis career was over. She had been ympics in jeopardy with the of 20 nominations supporting AFP “Excited to announce: It’s a sidelined since last October with International Olympic Com- his candidature for the AIBA New Delhi boy, and my girl is doing great a knee injury. mittee telling it to fi x the cur- Presidency within the rel- and keeping strong as usual #Al- The 31-year-old, who became rent problems by next month evant time limit,” it said in a humdulilah. Thank you for the the fi rst Indian to win a WTA or face an Olympic exit. statement. “In conclusion, the ndian tennis star Sania Mir- wishes and Duas, we are hum- tournament singles title in 2005, CAS ordered AIBA to in- CAS Panel came to the con- za has given birth to a baby bled. #BabyMirzaMalik,” Malik has said the baby’s surname clude Konakbayev, an AIBA clusion that the appeal should boy, her Pakistani cricketer tweeted. would be Mirza-Malik. vice-president who had been be upheld and that Serik Kon- husband Shoaib Malik said Mirza and Malik enjoy a high All-rounder Malik, 36, has banned from running against akbayev should be allowed to Iyesterday, prompting a fl ood of profi le owing to their successful been Pakistan’s key player in the the only candidate — interim participate in the election for congratulatory messages on so- sports careers and their unusual limited-overs format after he re- Novak Djokovic (left) and Rafael Nadal. president Gafur Rahimov — in the role of AIBA President.” cial media. marriage straddling the border of tired from Test cricket in 2015. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, October 31, 2018 SPORT

HORSE RACING RALLYING New Kuwait Motor New racing season Town circuit ready for MERC return

By A Correspondent track itself was laid by the Arizo- Arifjan, Kuwait na National Company in associa- all set to begin today tion with Trimble, the machine control technologies company. uwait’s exciting new The Kuwait International Rally state-of-the-art race started at the Sirbb karting track, circuit — Kuwait Mo- near Kuwait City, in 2016 but has tor Town Race Circuit followed neighbours Qatar and —K will host the country’s return Abu Dhabi to utilise excellent to the FIA Middle East Rally race circuit facilities to host off - Championship (MERC) after a road rally events. one-year absence this weekend. Both the Qatar International It marks the fi rst time that the Rally and Qatar Cross-Country facility has ever been used to host Rally use the Losail International an FIA event. circuit and the Abu Dhabi Desert Kuwait Motor Town Race Cir- Challenge traditionally starts cuit was inaugurated under the and fi nishes at the Yas Marina patronage and in attendance of circuit. Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Sabah al- Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Atti- Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on yah is the leading competitor in March 28 this year. The Kuwait the FIA Middle East Rally Cham- International Rally is based there pionship and has been impressed this week with the fourth round with the new start location in of the regional rally series taking Kuwait. “This is an excellent fa- place over 13 timed desert special cility and I am sure it will have stages from tomorrow through to a very exciting future in world Saturday afternoon. motor sport,” said the visiting The new facility is situated MERC series leader, who starts in the area of Arifjan, 52km as top seed this weekend. south of Kuwait City, and was Jordanian motorcycle enduro constructed in 14 months. The rider Ata al-Hmoud won his cat- project was the vision of the egory at the recent Jordan Baja kick off the 2018-19 season and QR60,000. the three-day fl agship festi- Amiri Dirwan and was brought and is in Kuwait for the rally. “I Al Ruwais Cup for Arabians today. The Late Rabiah Saad Al val. to reality by renowned German have been very impressed. The With a mix of sprints and Kaabi Cup Day will follow on The HH Sheikh Moham- engineer and circuit designer circuit, the set-up, the pits, the will be the feature on Day 1 middle distance races on dirt, turf tomorrow. The card will med Bin Khalifa Al Thani Tro- Herman Tilke. facilities, they are all state-of- the eight-race card should be include as many as 11 races phy Day is also scheduled for The site holds seven diff er- the-art,” said Ata. By Sports Reporter after the start of the new the perfect meeting to get the after having added two races, December 2018 while the HH ent race tracks, including an Competitors carried out their Doha season was postponed due to horses, the trainers and the both from last week’s second Sheikh Abdulla Bin Khalifa Al FIA grade main race circuit of fi rst day of route reconnaissance the heavy rains across Doha jockeys going. The races of race meeting. Thani Cups and Trophy Day, 5.61km, and also features facili- yesterday and will be permitted last week. The new season the fi rst and the second race The new season includes and the HH The Emir’s Sword ties for drag racing, karting, mo- a second day to check the route atar Racing and is expected to be rich with meetings will be distributed some prestigious internation- Trials Day will be held in Jan- tocross, rally and dune racing. today before the competitive ac- Equestrian Club thrilling racing, fulfilling throughout the season appro- al races, culminating with HH uary 2019. There is suffi cient seating and tion gets underway with a timed (QREC) manage- QREC’s vision and strategy priately in terms of horses and The Amir’s Sword Festival, The Qatar Oaks, the Derby space for around 8,000 specta- super special at 16.00hrs tomor- ment, led by chair- of enhancing Qatar’s excel- distances. which will be held in February and The Late Sheikh Jassim tors, VIP halls, media facilities, row after the ceremonial start manQ Issa bin Mohamed al- lent standing in the horse The feature race, for Pure- 2019. Bin Mohammed Al Thani Tro- 32 pit facilities and parking for at the Kuwait Motor Town Race Mohannadi, is gearing up for racing world and maintain- bred Arabians, carries a total The two USD 1million fea- phy (Qatar National Day Tro- around 3,300 vehicles. The race Circuit. a brand new season of excit- ing the remarkable reputa- prize money of QR100,000 tures —HH The Amir’s Tro- phy) meetings will be held in ing horse racing as the action tion of Al Rayyan Park. while the three maiden races phy (Gr1) for Thoroughbreds December 2018, while the Qa- shifts to the Al Rayyan race- The Al Ruwais Cup Day, have a prize pot of QR45,000 and HH The Amir’s Sword tar Gold Sword and the Qatar track starting today. originally the third meeting each and the other four races (Gr1 PA) for the Purebred Ara- Gold Trophy Day will be held Preparations continued in the offi cial programme, will ranging between QR50,000 bians — are the highlights of in April 2019.

FOCUS Aspire Academy celebrates Barrow’s success

By Sports Reporter and daily focus to overcome in- Doha juries that he has sustained is exemplary.” The celebration event fea- Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah is the leading competitor in the FIA spire Academy on tured a Q&A interview with Bar- Middle East Rally Championship and has been impressed with the Monday held an event row during which he described new start location in Kuwait. attended by student- his experiences and expressed athletes, coaches, his utmost gratitude and appre- sportA scientists and staff to cel- ciation to Aspire and the QAF. SPOTLIGHT ebrate the achievements of Ow- Barrow said, “Of course, de- aab Barrow at the recent Youth termination and focus are very which took important. This is true not only place in Buenos Aires, Argen- in terms of training, but also ex- We are committed tina. tends to managing sleep cycles Barrow clinched gold in the and a sticking to a strict diet. All men’s 110m hurdles event at the these factors aff ect an athlete’s to AIPS’ objectives, Games. One of three athletes performance.” representing Qatar in Argentine, Commenting on his future Barrow won the race with a per- prospects, he said, “I want to says al-Boainin sonal best time of 13.17 seconds. make the most of my opportu- Barrow’s achievements re- nities and compete with the best By Sports Reporter fl ect the strong cooperation and in the world at the 2019 IAAF Doha partnership that exists between World Championships in Doha. the Qatar Athletics Federation This is one of my key goals.” (QAF) and Aspire Academy. In 2020, the 17-year-old stu- atar Sports Press Com- Now in its third year, this part- dent athlete will still be able mittee Board member nership is designed to improve Owaab Barrow (fourth from left) cuts a cake during an Aspire Academy event celebrating his success at to compete in the IAAF World Mubarak al-Boainin athletic performance and pro- the recent . U20 Championships in Nairobi, highlighted the im- vide sportsmen with access to Kenya. And if he maintains his portanceQ of hosting the Interna- the world-class expertise, fa- Christopher, coach for Sprints, row’s journey and progress during aab had great potential and ex- current progress and rate of suc- tional Sports Press Association cilities and training opportuni- Hurdles and Relay at Aspire the three years from 2015 to 2018. hibited many of the core skills cess, he could potentially com- (AIPS) Executive Committee and ties available at Aspire Academy. Academy and Barrow’s coach, Christopher said, “From the needed to succeed at this level. pete in the 2020 Summer Olym- Jury Meet in Doha yesterday. During Monday’s event, Lee took the lead in describing Bar- very start, I could see that Ow- His positivity, determination pics in Tokyo, Japan. He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the meet that is focused on the ‘AIPS Sport Media RUGBY Awards’ scheduled for Lausanne, tive Committee to the Supreme Switzerland, in January 2019. Committee for Delivery & Lega- “Qatar today is the sought-after cy; a trip to Qatar Foundation is destination in terms of sports and also planned. They would also go promoting sporting culture. In to Aspire Done, which is hosting Jones forced to face England rebuilding job such a scenario, it is but obvious the 2018 World Artistic Gymnas- that we, members of the Qatar tics Championships. Reuters November internationals that fi fth-choice loosehead where Jones want outside him? Sports Press Committee, are play- “The tour also intends to high- London also include tests against New Exeter duo (two Jones is picking from rela- ing host to this prestigious event. light the development made by Zealand, Japan and Australia. caps as a replacement) and un- tive luxury in the back three “As AIPS president Mr Gianni Qatar in all walks of life, rather Yet the lack of anything re- capped will battle it but nothing looks remotely set- Merlo yesterday pointed out that than just sports. For example, the hen three Sunday motely resembling a settled out, making 11-cap, two-start tled there either. Mike Brown, a they have received 1,276 submis- fi rst time Mr Merlo came to Qatar Times rugby ex- side, with the World Cup loom- Harry Williams look like a posi- virtual ever-present at fullback sions in eight diff erent catego- was 21 years ago and since then he perts pick their ing large, is a real worry for Jones tive veteran at tighthead. and who played three tests on ries, it means that the journal- has been a regular here. But, the England team to who was already feeling the Does co-captain Dylan Hart- the wing in South Africa in June, ists from across the world are thing he noticed the most is its Wface South Africa and agree on strain after losing six of his last ley start at hooker, or will Jamie was surprisingly dropped yes- following it. To be precise the development. He said yesterday only two positions it is abun- seven games. George hold on to the shirt he terday, leaving May, Elliot Daly, submissions have come from 119 in an interview that Qatar changes dantly clear that coach Eddie The Australian is a fully paid- wore on the South African tour and Chris Ashton to countries,” said al-Boainin about every six months. Not to speak of Jones is facing a monumen- up member of the “you need while Hartley was out with con- battle for starting places. the importance of the event for the fact that the state-of-the-art tal challenge to forge a team 10 800 caps to win a World Cup” cussion? Jones insists he knows his journalists across the world. sports infrastructure like the As- months out from the World Cup. club but even in the best-case The absence of Danny Cipriani best team and that these games “We at Qatar Sports Press Com- pire Dome is an example in itself Respected correspondent scenario England are likely to be from the squad suggests Jones are mere “sparring matches” mittee are committed towards the for other nations desirous of host- Stephen Jones and former Eng- well short of that magic number has abandoned his usual system in the build-up to Japan and to ideologies of fair journalism, so ing premier events. And Qatar land players Stuart Barnes and by the time they get to Japan. the irreplaceable Billy Vuni- of playing Owen Farrell at centre some extent the massive injury it is but obvious that we welcome hosts more than 90 events in a Lawrence Dallaglio were united Jones has not been helped by a pola looks set to go to uncapped outside George Ford, with Farrell list gives him a get-out clause such a meet in Qatar.” year including the big ticket ones,” in selecting Henry Slade at out- slew of injuries and suspensions 21-year-old Zach Mercer after expected to start at fl yhalf. should the next month go badly. Speaking about the meet’s added Mubarak. side centre and Jonny May on that have robbed him of several Ben Morgan — who last played However, with South Africa schedule, he added, “The event “Also such events like the the left wing but the 13 other regulars, including his entire back in the 2015 World Cup — was left WRECKING BALL also missing key starters due to is spread across four days start- AIPS Executive Committee and slots were a matter of debate. row, and he will have been work- out of a 25-man match squad That opens the door for Manu their not being released by their ing today. The fi rst two days the Jury Meet, provides a platform Jones did not exactly help ing overtime, not that he doesn’t named by Jones yesterday. Tuilagi, edging his way back to European clubs for a match out- Executive Committee Meeting for developing technologies in the process by opting for Alex every day anyway, in England’s Tom Curry is expected to play form after a wretched run of side the designated test window, will take place and the next two sports journalism to come to the Goode, Dave Attwood and Don Portugal training camp to bed at seven with Brad Shields and long-term injuries, and if the it is not an excuse that will cut days the Jurors will meet. fore as premier journalists and Armand, three players not in- down the replacements. Maro Itoje in the mix at blindside. Leicester wrecking ball is in- much ice with the 82,000 fi lling “We also intend to take the photographers get recognised for cluded in Jones’s squad for the The number eight shirt of Jones is down to about his cluded, what sort of centre will Twickenham on Saturday. members of the AIPS Execu- their work.” Gulf Times Wednesday, October 31, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA Thompson breaks three-point record as Warriors beat Bulls Thompson reveals teammate Curry urged him to go for his record as he continued to drain a series of three-pointers

Reuters fi nal 1:43 of overtime as host San Anto- Chicago nio held off Dallas, which is still winless on the road. DeRozan outdueled Mav- ericks rookie Luka Doncic, who scored lay Thompson set an NBA a career-high 31 points. Doncic scored record with 14 3-pointers as eight consecutive points during a late part of an NBA-season-high fourth-quarter run that helped Dal- 52-point performance, and las force overtime. LaMarcus Aldridge Kthe visiting Golden State Warriors contributed 20 points for San Antonio, stormed to a 149-124 win over the Chi- which received 15 points, 11 rebounds, cago Bulls on Monday night. four assists and six steals from Rudy The Warriors scored 92 points in the Gay. DeRozan led the Spurs with nine fi rst half — the most ever by a road team assists. Dallas got 22 points from Den- and the second most of all time behind nis Smith Jr. Harrison Barnes added 18 the Phoenix Suns, who had 107 in the points, and DeAndre Jordan had eight fi rst half against the Denver Nuggets on points and 18 rebounds. Nov. 19, 1990. Golden State led 92-50 at the break. The 42-point margin was the fourth- TRAIL BLAZERS 103, PACERS 93 largest halftime lead in history and the CJ McCollum and Zach Collins each largest lead by a road team. Thompson had 17 points to lead seven Portland fi nished 14 of 24 from beyond the arc. double-fi gure scorers as the visitors He exulted and held up three fi ngers dropped Indiana in Indianapolis. Col- with each hand after his record-break- lins matched his career high and led a ing 3-ball dropped through the net with crew of Trail Blazers reserves who out- 4:53 remaining in the third quarter. scored their Pacers counterparts 54-15. The shot moved Thompson past Victor Oladipo scored 21 points and teammate Steph Curry, who sank 13 Darren Collison added 17 for the Pacers. 3-pointers against the New Orleans The Blazers shot 48.7% from the fi eld Pelicans on Nov. 8, 2016. In 26 min- and 94.4% from the free-throw line utes of action, Thompson made 18 of and won the rebounding battle 50-35. 29 fi eld-goal attempts and grabbed fi ve rebounds. Thompson later revealed KNICKS 115, NETS 96 Curry had urged him to go for his record Tim Hardaway Jr. scored the fi rst eight as he continued to drain a series of points of a decisive run spanning the three-pointers. “Before I went out for second and third quarters as host New the second half, Steph just looked at the York snapped a fi ve-game losing streak box score and said ‘Go get it,’” Thomp- by beating Brooklyn. The Knicks’ los- son said. “That shows the unselfi sh- ing streak included close losses to a pair ness that’s within him. Same with K.D of Eastern Conference contenders, the (Kevin Durant), Draymond (Green) and Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, everyone else that was out there on the as well as a 28-point loss to the defend- fl oor with me, just trying to fi nd me and ing NBA champion Golden State Warri- give me good looks,” he added. ors in which New York led in the fourth “I forced a few bad shots, but I was quarter. Hardaway led all scorers with so anxious. Anytime there’s an NBA 25 points while Enes Kanter recorded record at stake you kind of get a little a double-double with 15 points and 15 nervous. I’m just so blessed to be able to rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie led the play with the guys I do. It was an amaz- Nets with 17 points while Rondae Hol- ing night that I’ll never forget.” lis-Jeff erson fi nished with 16 points. Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson (centre) shoots the ball past Chicago Bulls’ Justin Holiday (left) and Zach LaVine during the NBA match. (USA TODAY Sports) BUCKS 124, RAPTORS 109 KINGS 123, HEAT 113 Host Milwaukee held Toronto without a 30 for the Raptors, who fell to 6-1. a four-game suspension and scored 17 Julius Randle had 24 points and eight young career that he has scored at least Willie Cauley-Stein posted 26 points fi eld goal for the fi rst 4:11 of the second of his 24 points in the fi rst half for Los rebounds and Nikola Mirotic had a 20 points. Markelle Fultz scored a ca- and 13 rebounds to lead visiting Sacra- quarter, establishing an early lead be- TIMBERWOLVES 124, LAKERS 120 Angeles, and Kyle Kuzma scored 16 of double-double with 17 points and 10 reer-high 16 points while Mike Muscala mento over Miami despite Josh Rich- fore pulling away in a battle of unbeaten Jimmy Butler made fi ve 3-pointers in his 19 in the fi rst half. rebounds for New Orleans, which hung and JJ Redick added 14 apiece for the ardson scoring a career-high 31 points teams missing their leading scorers. the fourth quarter and scored 32 points tough despite not having Anthony Dav- Sixers, who won their second straight. for the Heat, which had its two-game The Bucks improved to 7-0 de- to lead host Minnesota over Los An- NUGGETS 116, PELICANS 111 is (elbow). Joel Embiid had a relatively quiet win streak snapped. spite the absence of Giannis Antetok- geles in Minneapolis. Karl-Anthony Nikola Jokic fi nished one rebound shy game with 10 points, six rebounds The Kings, who have won three ounmpo, who was recovering from Towns added 25 points, 16 rebounds of a triple-double, Gary Harris and 76ERS 113, HAWKS 92 and six assists. Kent Bazemore led the straight games, were also led by Bud- a concussion, and took advantage of and four blocks for the Timberwolves, Jamal Murray scored 23 points apiece, Ben Simmons scored 21 points to lead Hawks with 18 points while Trae Young, dy Hield (23 points), De’Aaron Fox (20 the Raptors’ decision to rest their star, and rookie guard Josh Okogie scored a and host Denver beat New Orleans. Jo- seven Philadelphia players in double Omari Spellman and Dewayne Dedmon points, eight assists) and Nemanja Kawhi Leonard. Milwaukee fi lled An- season-high 17 points. kic fi nished with 12 points, 10 assists fi gures in a rout of visiting Atlanta. added 11 each. Bjelica (19 points, fi ve assists, fi ve re- tetokounmpo’s void with balanced LeBron James had 29 points, 10 re- and nine rebounds. His eff ort helped Simmons, who registered his fi rst 20- bounds).The Kings used a 43-point scoring, placing seven players in dou- bounds and seven assists for the Lak- Denver remain unbeaten in four home plus point eff ort of the season, also had SPURS 113, MAVERICKS 108 (OT) third quarter to propel them to victory. ble fi gures, led by Ersan Ilyasova’s 19 ers after being held scoreless in the fi rst games this season. Paul Millsap also 12 rebounds and nine assists. DeMar DeRozan, who led all players It was the most points allowed by Mi- points. Serge Ibaka had a season-high quarter. Brandon Ingram returned from scored 18 points for the Nuggets. It was the 21st time in Simmons’ with 34 points, scored six points in the ami in any quarter this season.

NHL NFL Pettersson helps Canucks down Wild Brady extends his dominance Reuters Vancouver as Patriots cruise past Bills AFP lias Pettersson scored two goals, in- New York cluding the winner, as the host Van- couver Canucks beat the Minnesota Wild 5-2 on Monday night. Petters- om Brady stretched his son,E a 19-year-old Swedish rookie, notched record of dominance the second two-goal game of his seven- over the Buff alo Bills game NHL career. on Monday as the New With a team-leading seven goals on the TEngland Patriots scored two late season, he is scoring at a goal-per-game touchdowns to clinch a 25-6 win clip. Despite missing several players due to over their divisional rivals. Patri- injuries, the Canucks picked up their fi rst ots quarterback Brady improved win in three games. The Wild saw their win to 29 wins and three defeats streak end at fi ve games. against the Bills in his 19 sea- Pettersson’s fi rst goal, on a one-timer off sons in the NFL as New England a Michael Del Zotto pass at 6:51 of the sec- scored a dogged victory in freez- ond period, gave the Canucks a 3-1 lead. He ing conditions at New Era Field. scored his second goal on a breakaway at “They made it tough on us,” 6:29 of the third. Brady said afterward. “But we’ll Pettersson blocked Matt Dumba’s shot take a win however we can get near the Vancouver blue line and took a lead it, and try and learn from it and pass from Brock Boeser to put Vancouver move on next week.” A game ahead 4-2. dominated by defense saw the Markus Granlund, Jake Virtanen and Ben Patriots leading 12-6 at the end Hutton, with an empty-netter in the fi nal of the third quarter after four minute, also scored for the Canucks. Jordan fi eld goals from kicker Stephen Greenway, with his fi rst career NHL goal, Gostkowski. and Ryan Suter tallied for the Wild. Minne- The Bills’ points came from sota was hampered by a lack of productiv- two fi eld goals from Stephen ity on the power play, converting just one of Hauschka in the second and third fi ve man-advantage opportunities. The Ca- quarters. But the Patriots gave nucks were good on one of four. Vancouver themselves some breathing space New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (right) loses control of goaltender Jacob Markstrom stopped 37 of in the fourth quarter when James the ball on a hit by Buff alo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander during 39 shots for the win, Minnesota netminder White burrowed over from one the first quarter on Monday night. (USA TODAY Sports) Devan Dubnyk blocked 26 of 30. yard out for a touchdown to put Granlund opened the scoring 7:17 into the the Patriots 18-6 ahead with just was reversed to leave the Patriots proved to 6-2 at the top of the game as he fi red in Bo Horvat’s pass from be- under 10 minutes remaining. 12 points ahead. AFC East. hind the net while left alone in front. Green- The Bills thought they had Victory was assured for the Brady, 41, fi nished with 29 way drew the Wild even only 35 seconds Minnesota Wild forward Eric Fehr (right) defends against Vancouver Canucks forward Elias scored a touchdown when back- Patriots soon afterward when completions from 45 attempts later by jamming in a rebound. Pettersson during the NHL game in Vancouver, British Columbia. (USA TODAY Sports) up quarterback Derek Ander- Anderson attempted to fi nd Bills for 324 yards with no touch- He made a successful return to the NHL son found Jason Croom in the receiver Kaelin Clay on a third downs and no interceptions. after posting a hat trick Sunday for Iowa of caught Dubnyk going the wrong way on a the middle frame. He took a pass from Mi- end zone with six minutes left, and long, only to be picked off “They don’t give up any big the American Hockey League, where he was slap shot from the blue line. Pettersson dou- kael Granlund, the brother of Vancouver’s with Croom making a spectacu- by Patriots safety Devin Mc- plays,” Brady said of the Bills. sent for a two-game stint intended to get bled the lead less than two minutes later. Markus, and beat Markstrom with a long lar one-handed catch. Replays Courty. McCourty galloped 84 “We had a couple of opportuni- him to shoot more. The goals came on Vancouver’s fi rst two wrist shot through traffi c. The Canucks lost showed Croom failed to secure yards down the sideline to score ties that we didn’t take advan- Virtanen gave the Canucks a 2-1 lead on shots of the period. Suter pulled Minnesota center Brandon Sutter to an undisclosed up- the ball as he hit the turf, how- a touchdown and make the game tage of. But we hung in there and a power play 5:15 of the second period. He within one goal on a power play at 14:37 of per-body injury in the second period. ever, and the touchdown award safe for the Patriots, who im- grinded it out.” Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, October 31, 2018 SPORT

FOCUS Lopetegui gambled everything and lost the lot aft er being sacked

‘Managing the dressing room is more important than the knowledge of a coach’ COMMENT

AFP Madrid Real stars in pain and ulen Lopetegui’s brief and inglorious reign as determined to fi ght Real Madrid coach lasted just 139 days after the club confiJ rmed he had been sacked on back, says Solari Monday. Lopetegui was dismissed fol- Reuters north Africa is a chance to get lowing a meeting of the board of Madrid back on track. directors, who concluded there “The idea is to go to Melilla had been a “great disproportion and show a lot of character,” said between the quality of the staff eal Madrid’s interim Solari. “I have great hopes. To of Real Madrid...and the results coach Santiago Solari work at Madrid is a great oppor- obtained to date”. says the squad are hurt- tunity.” Santiago Solari, the club’s ing but determined to Solari will hope that he can B team coach, has been put in turnR around their dismal start to follow in the footsteps of Zined- temporary charge and is now ex- the season. ine Zidane who also stepped up pected to lead Real for their Copa Julen Lopetegui was sacked from B team coach after Rafael del Rey game against minnows on Monday, after four and a half Benitez was sacked in January Melilla today. months in charge, and replaced 2016. The Argentinian could also by Madrid B team coach Solari, Zidane led Madrid to three remain in post for Saturday’s La who faced the media for the fi rst consecutive Champions League Liga match at home to Real Val- time yesterday. triumphs but Solari is not en- ladolid. “I have found a group in pain couraging comparisons with the Lopetegui’s last game proved but eager to start and reverse the Frenchman. a humiliation as Madrid were situation,” Solari told reporters “We have to leave Zidane hammered 5-1 by rivals Bar- after supervising his fi rst train- in peace, he’s one of the big- celona in the Clasico on Sun- ing session. gest Madrid legends,” he added. day. The defeat was their fi fth “It is a group of champions “Zizou cannot be described, in seven games and, seemingly, and warriors, it is not the easiest we must leave him alone in his convinced president Florentino situation, but I see they want to greatness.” Perez that change was required. turn it around.” Solari, who joined Real from “This decision, adopted from Madrid are ninth in La Liga af- rivals Atletico Madrid in 2000 the highest level of responsibil- ter a 5-1 drubbing by Barcelona played with Zidane in Madrid’s ity, aims to change the dynam- on Sunday. Solari’s initial task midfi eld between 2001-2005, ics of the fi rst team, when all the is a clash with third-tier min- before moving to Inter Milan. objectives of this season are still nows Melilla in the fi rst leg of The former Argentina inter- achievable,” a club statement their Copa del Rey last 32 clash national returned to Madrid in read on Monday. and former Real Madrid mid- consecutive Champions League read the headline on the front edge. “Respect is earned, it isn’t on Wednesday. 2013 to take charge of one of the “The Board of Directors un- fi elder, Guti. Solari is the man in triumphs, not to mention the page of Marca, Spain’s biggest imposed,” Ramos said. But he says the trip to the tiny youth teams before being pro- derstands that there is a great position, however, after two sea- Frenchman’s popularity in the selling daily, on Monday. “Those are the coaches with Spanish autonomous enclave in moted to B team coach in 2016. disproportion between the qual- sons with Castilla, in which he dressing room. Madrid’s dreadful recent run whom we’ve won titles. Man- ity of the staff of Real Madrid, oversaw them fi nishing 11th and But beneath the celebrations showed no sign of abating at the aging the dressing room is more which has eight players nomi- eighth in Segunda B. in May, cracks were already ap- Camp Nou, however. They have important than the knowledge of nated for the next Golden Ball, For Lopetegui, the two biggest pearing. Madrid fi nished 17 managed one win in their last a coach.” something unprecedented in the jobs in Spanish football have points behind Barcelona in the seven matches, sit ninth in La The next coach will be tasked history of the club, and the re- been lost in less than fi ve months league, Zidane departed and Liga and earlier this month went with closing a seven-point gap sults obtained to date.” after his decision to join Madrid then Cristiano Ronaldo fol- more than eight hours without a on Barcelona, who returned to Madrid’s eagerness to em- also cost him his role as Spain lowed, taking an average of 50 goal. Some now believe, perhaps the top of the La Liga table after phasise the talent in their squad manager at the World Cup. goals per season with him. Perez included, that the team their emphatic win last week- was noticeable and perhaps a re- Spain subsequently failed in Perez opted against signing a needs a fi rmer hand. end. Ramos insisted the title is minder for potential successors, Russia under Fernando Hierro, big-name replacement, which Conte is a demanding coach, not yet lost. who may not be easy to fi nd. their stand-in coach, and now left Lopetegui short up front, meticulous in his tactical prepa- “There are people that would Antonio Conte is the early fa- Lopetegui’s failure at Madrid has while the problems in attack ration and unrelenting when it believe, others that wouldn’t,” vourite but initial talks have not been confi rmed too. quickly spread to the defence, comes to defensive organisation. Ramos said. “I have won La Liga gone smoothly, according to re- where Sergio Ramos and Raphael After Sunday’s game, Ramos from 10 points behind. The key ports in the Spanish press. Oth- CRACKS APPEARED Varane have become increasing- pointedly stated that managing to success is to work. Madrid ers linked with the post include Zinedine Zidane was always a ly erratic. the dressing room at Real is more never gives up when it can turn Real Madrid interim coach Santiago Solari with players during a train- Belgium coach Roberto Martinez hard act to follow given his three “It is not just Julen’s fault”, important than technical knowl- the situation around.” ing session yesterday. (Reuters)

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Chelsea coach fi ned Stoke’s midfi elder McClean calls by FA over Mourinho touchline row for respect over poppy decision bed and speaking to his family Reuters Reuters London on Monday. The former Eng- London land manager was reported to have been moved out of inten- helsea assistant coach sive care as he continued his toke City midfi elder Marco Ianni was fi ned recovery. James McClean has 6,000 pounds ($7,621) “Glenn and his family are asked supporters to re- by the Football As- overwhelmed by the best spect his decision not to sociationC (FA) on Tuesday for wishes sent from Tottenham wearS a Remembrance Day poppy his exuberant celebrations Hotspur staff , players, ex- on his shirt during matches. after a 96th-minute equal- players and most importantly McClean, who comes from iser secured the Londoners a all our tremendous supporters a nationalist area of Northern 2-2 Premier League draw with since he was taken ill on Sat- Ireland, also refused to wear a Manchester United. urday,” the statement from the poppy during spells at Sunder- Ianni admitted an FA charge Hoddle family read on Totten- land, Wigan Athletic and West of “improper conduct” after ham’s offi cial Twitter account. Bromwich Albion. The 29-year- his celebration in front of the old has previously received death opposition bench sparked an SPANISH FA VICE PRESIDENT threats over his stance. “I know altercation with United man- ARRESTED many people won’t agree with ager Jose Mourinho at Stam- Spanish FA Vice President my decision or even attempt to ford Bridge earlier this month. Andreu Subies was arrested gain an understanding of why I Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri yesterday morning as part of a don’t wear a poppy,” McClean confi rmed he apologised to police operation that also saw said in a statement from the Mourinho after the match and former president Angel Maria Championship club yesterday. Ianni was later sent to do the Villar resign on corruption “I accept that but I would same. Following the incident, charges. Subies, the former ask people to be respectful of Mourinho was “formally re- president of the Catalan Foot- the choice I have made, just as minded of his responsibilities” ball Federation (FCF), joined I’m respectful of people who do by the FA, although the Portu- the FA (RFEF) in May after choose to wear a poppy.” guese escaped a charge for his Luis Rubiales was appointed Stoke said the rest of the squad part in the row. president. would wear poppies on their “Subies has been detained shirts for league matches against HODDLE’S FAMILY as part of an active investiga- Middlesbrough on Saturday and GRATEFUL FOR WELL WISHES tion into the diversion of mon- Nottingham Forest. Glenn Hoddle’s family have ey from the Catalan Football “We recognise that the Poppy revealed their gratitude for Federation to private ends,” means diff erent things to diff er- the outpouring of support for a Spanish police spokesman ent individuals and communi- the Tottenham legend since he told Reuters. Along with Su- ties and (like the Royal British suff ered a heart attack on Sat- bies, a member of the FCF was Legion) do not believe that any- urday. Hoddle collapsed on his arrested as part of Operation body should be forced or even 61st birthday shortly before he Soule. “The RFEF expresses pressured to wear the Poppy was due to go on air as a pundit the utmost respect for the legal against their free will,” the sec- for BT Sport. He was airlifted actions, following the events ond tier side said. “James has to hospital and reportedly un- that took place this morning,” informed us that he will not be derwent surgery to insert three said Spain’s football governing wearing a Remembrance Day stents. After being described body in a statement. Poppy in our next two games. We as being in a “serious condi- “(We) want to highlight the respect his decision and his right tion” on Sunday, Hoddle was necessary respect for the pre- to follow his own convictions.” said to be awake, sitting up in sumption of innocence.” Gulf Times Wednesday, October 31, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

EPL FOCUS Mahrez dedicates City win pitch battle Wembley winner to as Mahrez sinks Spurs Vichai AFP ‘It was a great victory in special conditions, against one of the most physical teams in Europe’ London

AFP London anchester City star Riyad Mahrez dedicated his Wembley winner against ep Guardiola claimed Man- Tottenham to Vichai Sri- chester City’s 1-0 win over Mvaddhanaprabha after the “heart- Tottenham was extra special breaking” death of the Leicester because of the problems posed owner. Pby Wembley’s damaged pitch. Vichai died on Saturday when his Playing on the scarred Wembley turf helicopter crashed just moments just 24 hours after it was torn up by an after taking off from Leicester’s NFL fi xture, City’s peerless quality and King Power Stadium following their a predatory fi nish from Riyad Mahrez match against West Ham. helped them win the pitch battle. The football world was stunned by A sixth victory from their last seven the tragic accident and it was espe- league games lifted Guardiola’s un- cially hard to take for Mahrez, who beaten side back above Liverpool on spent over four years with Leicester goal diff erence. and was a key fi gure in their remark- And the City manager admitted he able Premier League title triumph in was relieved to see his players cope 2016. with the treacherous conditions. The Algeria winger enjoyed a good “It was a great victory in special relationship with the charismatic conditions, against one of the most Vichai before moving to City ahead physical teams in Europe,” he said. of the current campaign. “It was not football conditions to Devastated Mahrez admitted he play. We reacted well. For our players was torn about whether to play for and the players of Tottenham, hope- City against Tottenham, but went fully they will sort the problem for the ahead because he believed Vichai future. would have wanted him to. “It’s a question for the Premier After scoring the only goal of the League and Tottenham. We were in- game in the sixth minute, Mahrez vited to come here today for the fi xture celebrated by raising his fi ngers to the hopefully they can solve that problem.” sky in tribute to Vichai. Guardiola hailed City’s Champions “It has been very, very diffi cult for League win over Shakhtar Donetsk last me. It is not easy to have this type of week as the fi nest display of his reign in stuff . The ‘Boss’ was very special to Manchester. me,” Mahrez told Sky Sports. This was a far more prosaic per- “I spent four and a half years there formance as City’s defenders took and have many memories with him. centre stage, equalling the club record He was such a good person. of six consecutive league clean-sheets. “I am very, very sad. That is why Guardiola was frustrated that City when I scored I put my hands in the wasted several chances to kill off Tot- sky for him. He did a lot for me and tenham and warned them they must Leicester and it is diffi cult to speak improve if they want to retain the title about. It is very sad.” and win the Champions League. Mahrez fl ourished at Leicester and “We had many chances. We needed was voted PFA Player of the Year for to score and we didn’t. We have a lot of his dazzling displays in their title tri- things to improve,” he said. umph. “Of course we are very good side, The 27-year-old insisted he I’m not saying the opposite, but if you wouldn’t have been able to rise to the are going to play in the later stages of top without the support of Vichai, big competitions we need things we who bought Leicester in 2010. don’t have at the moment. “He was like a dad. He was very “We will talk and work and hope- special. He was such a good person, fully we can improve.” a big heart and it was heart-breaking It was a dispiriting evening for fi fth and shocking for me to hear this news placed Tottenham, who now trail City and for all of the other people who by fi ve points after their fi rst league died with him,” Mahrez said. defeat in fi ve games. “It is a diffi cult situation I am with Tottenham defender Toby Alder- Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez celebrates with Vincent Kompany after the match. (Reuters) Leicester and the family of the vic- weireld blamed the pitch, saying: “I tims. I always wanted to play. I know have to be honest, the pitch wasn’t the presence of the Jacksonville Jag- It was an emotional moment for he would have wanted me to play. He good. uars and the Philadelphia Eagles at former Leicester star Mahrez just 48 Alli pens new six-year deal at Tottenham was passionate about football. “Both teams like to play out from the Tottenham’s temporary home a day hours after the death of Foxes owner “It was diffi cult (to play against back and to play football in these cir- earlier. There were large areas of worn Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a heli- Dele Alli has committed his long- 153 appearances for the London club. Tottenham) but I kept thinking about cumstances, it was very diffi cult.” brown turf down the middle and both copter crash outside the club’s King term future to Tottenham Hotspur by Alli has also been one of the regulars him. It was diffi cult to sleep as well.” But his manager Mauricio Pochet- fl anks, while the NFL logo in the centre Power Stadium on Saturday. signing a new six-year contract until in Gareth Southgate’s England team, City manager Pep Guardiola tino was more frustrated by the woeful circle and yard-line markers the length Mahrez pointed his fi ngers to the sky 2024, the Premier League club said winning 31 caps since making his praised Mahrez for maintaining his defending that led to City’s goal. of the pitch were all still visible. in what appeared to be a tribute to Vi- yesterday. debut in 2015. Without having signed focus against Tottenham despite “The circumstances of the pitch But City were unfazed as they raced chai. The 22-year-old, who arrived from any players in the close season, Spurs such a harrowing few days. were the same for both sides. It was the into the lead after just six minutes. City seemed less troubled by the Milton Keynes Dons in 2015, made an locked in a number of their first-team “He knew the owner. It’s a big loss kind of cheap goal you cannot concede Tottenham defender Kieran Trip- surface and they scythed through instant impact on his arrival, winning players in recent months by handing for all the families in Leicester. He in this type of game. Football will pun- pier misjudged a long kick from City the Tottenham defence with a fl ow- Professional Footballers’ Association them long-term deals. was part of them for many years,” ish you,” Pochettino said. goalkeeper Ederson, his errant header ing move that ended with Hugo Lloris Young Player of the Year award and Striker Harry Kane, defender Davinson Guardiola said. “I’m proud of the eff ort, we created allowing Raheem Sterling to steal pos- pushing Mahrez’s drive onto a post. earning a spot in PFA Premier League Sanchez and wingers Erik Lamela and “I didn’t ask if he wanted to play a lot of chances. Last season it was dif- session and cut past him into the pen- Sent clean through on goal by Erik Team of the Year in each of his first two Son Heung-min also agreed improved because I know how competitive he fi cult to compete against Manchester alty area. Lamela’s pass, Harry Kane had a gold- seasons at Spurs. terms earlier this year. is. Sometimes to play a game helps City, but today the level was closer.” Sterling showed tremendous com- en chance to equalise but his poor fi rst Under manager Mauricio Pochettino, Pochettino also signed a new deal with you, not forget it, but to think in a posure as he picked out Mahrez’s run touch, which couldn’t be blamed on Alli has established himself as a goals- Tottenham in May, extending his stay better way. FLOWING MOVE and the Algerian fi nished the raid with the turf, allowed Ederson to block with coring midfielder, bagging 48 goals in at the club until 2023. “He did really good, he was fo- Pochettino’s cause wasn’t helped by a clinical close-range fi nish. his legs. cused and did a great job.”

SERIE A Former Leicester manager Ranieri pays tribute to chairman’s ‘positivity’ Former Leicester City man- kind words, never to reproach ager Claudio Ranieri joined the you,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia. voices of condolence for the “Everything he touched be- Icardi double lift s Inter second club’s chairman Vichai Srivad- came better,” he said, adding: “I AFP period of form along with Inter. began to bucket down with dhanaprabha, who was killed in immediately thought he was a Milan We’re playing well, apart from Lazio’s Croatian midfi elder Mi- a helicopter crash on Saturday positive person, full of energy.” the game with Barcelona (2-0 lan Badelj going off injured to be night, saying the Thai tycoon The season after winning the Champions League defeat), and replaced by Danilo Cataldi. was a good and positive man. title, Ranieri was sacked as auro Icardi scored want to do even better.” But Inter continued their Vichai died along with four oth- Leicester manager in February in either half as In- “We’re not the anti-Juventus, charge with Brozovic getting the ers when his helicopter crashed 2017 with the club one place ter Milan beat Lazio as we’re a few steps away to the second after 41 minutes, fi r- and then exploded outside above the relegation zone. But M3-0 under the rain reach what they’ve done in re- ing into the bottom left corner. the club’s King Power Stadium the Italian said the chairman in Rome on Monday to move cent years, but we are happy with The visitors seemed more at after a Premier League match had formed a strong bond with ahead of Napoli and into second what we are doing.” ease on the water logged pitch against West Ham United. the team and always remained place behind Juventus in Serie A. Luciano Spalletti’s side con- continuing to dictate play. The club opened a book of con- upbeat. “Vichai Srivaddhana- Inter skipper Icardi tapped in trolled the game which had been Lazio did not give up with dolence for fans to pay tribute prabha made a very important the opener after 28 minutes with in doubt all afternoon because of Samir Handanovic pushing an at the stadium yesterday, after contribution to the Premier Marcelo Brozovic adding a sec- strong winds and rain in Rome. Adam Marusic eff ort over the many had left scarves and flow- League victory, as he’d arrive ond before the break. With just one point separating bar. ers outside the ground in the 30 minutes before the game The Argentine snatched the the two sides the match was also But they were only sporadic preceding days. Ranieri, whom to embrace everyone,” Ranieri third after 70 minutes in the Sta- an important step in the race for signs of a fi ghtback with Icardi Vichai brought in as Leicester added. “He never said a word dio Olimpico, as Inter with 22 Champions League places next drilling in the third with ease coach in 2015, masterminded out of turn, was always happy points from 10 games overtook season. from a distance. the club avoiding relegation to with a smile on his face. I am so Napoli on goal diff erence. Inter had snatched the fi nal Lazio remain fourth but have stay in the top flight and then sad right now, I want to join the Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli were Champions League spot from not lost to all their leading rivals led them in their sensational family in their grief.” Police have held 1-1 by Roma on Sunday. Lazio on the last day of last sea- – Juventus, Napoli, Roma and run to the Premier League named the other victims of the Inter and Napoli are both six son, condemning Simone Inza- now Inter. title the next year, defying crash as passengers Izabela points behind Juventus who beat ghi’s side to the Europa League. “I admit we deserved to lose odds of 5000-1. “I was terribly Roza Lechowiczas, Nursara Empoli 2-1 on Saturday thanks to Under sudden bursts of tor- this evening,” said coach Inza- shaken by the news. He was a Suknamai and Kaveporn Pun- a Cristiano Ronaldo double. rential rain, the game sprung to ghi. good man and always had a pare, and pilot Eric Swaff er. The “We’re on the right track,” life with Icardi’s opener after 28 “Against the big teams Lazio positive word for everyone. His UK’s Air Accidents Investigation said Icardi after his side’s sixth minutes. lack the conviction we have in positivity and ability to make Branch (AAIB) said it had recov- straight league win. Perisic crossed for Matias Ve- other matches. These teams are everybody love him was clear ered the flight data recorder It was also his sixth league cino, who fl icked on to Icardi to built to win titles. for all to see. He came into the and would continue to investi- goal this season. fi nish off . “Now we want to get back on Inter Milan’s Argentinian forward Mauro Icardi celebrates after scor- locker room only to dispense gate the cause of the crash. “I’m going through a good Shortly afterwards the rain track against SPAL.” ing during Italian Serie A match against Lazio in Roma. (AFP)

Wednesday, October 31, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SQUASH QNB STARS LEAGUE El Arabi strike takes Duhail seven Champ ElShorbagy clear at the top

By Sports Reporter due to the same reason. It will Doha now be played on 28th Novem- ber. El Arabi took his tally to 10 l Duhail cemented their goals to stay second in the top storms into last position at the top of scorers’ list, behind Al Sadd’s QNB Stars League ta- Baghdad Bounedjah (16 goals). Able with a 1-0 victory El Arabi, the league top scorer over Al Sailiya at the Al Ahli Sta- in the last two seasons, found the dium yesterday. net after being set up by South Moroccan striker Yousef El Korean playmaker Nam Tae-Hee Arabi scored the all-important with a through pass. goal in the 12th minute as de- Al Duhail midfi elder Luis 8 of Qatar Classic fending champions Al Duhail Martin made his return from an moved to 25 points, seven more injury layoff , while they missed England’s Waller, who ruthlessly dispatched Omar Mosaad in the previous round for the than second-placed Al Rayyan. the services of Bassam al-Rawi It was Al Duhail’s eighth vic- who received his marching or- loss of just seven points in total, was unable to deal with ElShorbagy’s pace and power tory from nine matches. The ders during their 4-1 win over Al only time they dropped points Kharaitiyat last week. was when they were held by Al Nam controlled the midfi eld Rayyan. as Al Duhail had an edge in ball Al Sadd are third with 17 possession (56 per cent) even points, while Al Sailiya remained though they forced only six cor- in the fourth position with 16 ner kicks as against Al Sailiya’s points. seven. This was a held-over fi x- The closest Al Sailiya came ture from Week 5. It had to be to scoring was when Moroccan rescheduled due to the clash spearhead Rashid Tiberkanine of dates as Al Duhail had AFC came up with a shot that was Champions League commit- parried by Al Duhail goalkeeper ment even though they bowed Khalifa Aboobacker, who had a out of the Asian competition in good game, after 70 minutes. the quarter-fi nal stage. Khalifa’s Al Sailiya counter- Al Sadd’s game versus Al Khor part Saoud al-Khater too shone in Week 5 was also rescheduled below the bar.

Egypt’s Mohamed ElShorbagy lunges for the ball during his match against Adrian Waller at the Qatar Classic yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

By Sports Reporter 11, 7-11, 11-2) to advance. the fi rst time in his career following the Doha “I was very impressed – he is so tal- withdrawal of his third round opponent ented, good mover, nice swing, ball Borja Golan of Spain. Yousef El Arabi (C) is congratulated by teammates after he scored control. Today he gave me a very hard Coll had been in complete control against Al Sailiya yesterday. orld No.1 Mohamed ElShor- time, it was a very tough match but I of their clash, taking a two game lead bagy’s dispatched England’s expected it and enjoyed it,” said 2016 against little resistance, but injury forced Adrian Waller 3-0 (11-8, champion Gawad. Golan to concede the match in the early 11-5, 11-7) to cruise into the Last year’s fi nalist Tarek Momen stages of the third game, gifting Coll safe Wquarter-fi nals of the 2018 Qatar Clas- came back from a game down to beat passage through to the quarter-fi nals to Al Sadd to clash sic – the PSA World Tour Platinum event former champion James Willstrop, be- face Rosner. at the Khalifa International Tennis and fore Makin got the better of Mathieu “In the fi rst game I was feeling really Squash Complex yesterday. Castagnet, the Frenchman forced to re- good and fi ning my range,” said Coll. “I with Umm Salal Waller, who ruthlessly dispatched tire after suff ering an injury early in the could feel from the start he wasn’t quite former World No.3 Omar Mosaad in the fourth. there. Al Sadd will look to regain lost recover from their defeat to previous round for the loss of just seven Earlier in the day, Germany’s Simon “It was a weird one mentally. I’d rather ground when they take on Iran’s Persepolis in the AFC points in total, was unable to deal with Rosner, the World No.5, saw off the had a real hard match and he came out Umm Salal in Week 11 of the Champions League semi-final. the pace and power of ElShorbagy as threat of England’s Tom Richards. injury free, it’s a shame to come through QNB Stars League on Friday, After 10 rounds of matches, Al the Egyptian, based in Bristol, England, Rosner, who reached the semi-fi nal that way but obviously I’m also happy to November 2. The kick-off Sadd have the advantage of showed why he’s the favourite to tri- stage here twelve months ago in what into the quarters. I can chill out a bit today is at 19:25 at the Al Gharafa having played two games less umph again in Doha this week. was a breakthrough result for him, was now and hopefully be fresh for tomorrow.” Stadium. due to their AFC Champions “The way he played against Mosaad at time sluggish on court, but managed Al Sadd had suff ered a 1-4 League engagements. was unbelievable – you don’t beat to fi nd enough in his locker to prevail RESULTS defeat at the hands of Al Ahli Tournament top scorer and Mosaad like that if you aren’t a great 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7 and set up a last [7] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Borja Golan (ESP) last week and that dealt a Algerian striker Baghdad player and he showed that he is a great eight encounter with Paul Coll of New 3-0 (11-3, 12-10) retired (26m) serious blow to their hopes of Bounedjah leads Al Sadd’s player with the way he played this Zealand. [4] Simon Rosner (GER) bt Tom Richards regaining the league title. In charge. They also boast of week,” said ElShorbagy. “Tom and I know each other well, we (ENG) 3-1 (11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7) (45m) the process, The Wolves had players like Hassan al-Haydous, “He put me under a lot of pressure have played many matches against each Diego Elias (Per) bt Mazen Hesham (Egy) slipped from second to third in Akram Afif, Xavi Hernandez throughout the whole match but the other over the years and he played well (11-7, 11-6, 11-5) (36m) the table. and Gabi Fernandez. most important thing is that you don’t today so I am pleased to come through,” [1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (Egy) bt Adrian Al Sadd have 17 points from Umm Salal are placed fifth with let it get to you. I feel like I had good Karim Abdul Gawad goes for a shot as said Rosner. Waller (Eng) 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-7) (31m) eight games with five wins, two 15 points. They have four wins, preparation for this event – I feel good, Declan James waits. “It was good to have a few days at Joel Makin (Wal) bt Mathieu Castagnet draws and one defeat. They three draws and as many de- physically strong and mentally fresh.” home last week, seeing familiar faces (Fra) 11-4, 11-7, 7-11, 8-3 rtd (60m) have a goal diff erence of +25, feats against them. The Orange ElShorbagy will next take on Diego fi rst to beat Ghosal (12-10, 11-4, 11-6) in and getting some good training and [6] Karim Abdel Gawad (Egy) bt Declan the most by any team, having Fortress’ goal diff erence is -1 (15 Elias, who defeated Mazen Hesham 3-0 39 minutes and will meet Former cham- preparation in. I know the next round James (Eng) 3-2 (8-11, 11-9, 13-11, 7-11, 11-2) scored 33 goals and conceded goals for and 16 against). (11-7, 11-6, 11-5). pion Karim Abdel Gawad in quarter-fi - will all be very tough. Against Paul you (72m) eight. Yannick Sagbo, Mahmoud Second seed Ali Farag defeated Sau- nals. have to fi ght for every point. I will have [2] Ali Farag (Egy) bt Saurav Ghosal (Ind) Against Al Ahli, Al Sadd players al-Mawas and Dheyab al- rav Ghosal of India 3-0 to make the last Gawad survived a second successive to be totally focused and leave every- 3-0 (12-10, 11-4, 11-6) (39m) were seemingly tired psycho- Inabi mainly lead Umm Salal’s 8. fi ve game battle, as he defeated Eng- thing I have on court.” (3] Tarek Momen (Egy) bt James Will- logically as they had yet to charge. Farag came from 7-10 down in the land’s Declan James 3-2 (8-11, 11-9, 13- Coll breezed into the last eight for strop (Eng) 3-1 (7-11, 11-0, 11-1, 11-7) (39m)

SPOTLIGHT Qatar to host World Corporate Games in 2019 QNA 30 years ago, will incorporate eSports golf, tennis and athletics. pation events such as this supports our “Doha and Qatar together make an the Qatari talent of organising interna- Doha and mindsports. The various competitions will be goals for developing a vibrant sports outstanding venue for the Games. The tional events. We value this initiative Taking place between 6-9 Novem- hosted at eight venues across Doha. and recreation tourism sub-sector in facilities are amongst the best in the from QTA and endorse the importance ber 2019, the Doha edition of the World Qatar Foundation is set to host, bad- Qatar.” world, the ambience of the city and of reinforcing partnerships between orporations around the world Corporate Games is expected to attract minton, chess, netball, running, He continued, “Sport has a unique the magnifi cence of the infrastructure state institutions to achieve greater ex- can now sign up for the World around 8,000 international and local volleyball, and golf, as well as the power to bring people together and together with legendary hospitality of cellence in attracting similar interna- Corporate Games 2019, which participants. The event features both triathlon. Meanwhile, Aspire Zone we look forward to having this event the Qataris will create an exceptional tional events which promote cultural will be held for the fi rst time individual and team competitions, Foundation will play host to basket- amplify our country’s message of wel- experience for every participant and exchange between nations. Cin the Middle East in Doha, offi cials of open equally to women and men of all ball, fi eld hockey, rugby 7s, soccer, coming the world. QTA is working visitor.” Qatar hosts close to 80 sporting Sport for Life, organisers Qatar Tour- ages and abilities with team events for squash, and table tennis. Other offi cial closely with the hospitality sector to Saud al-Dulaimi, representative of events and world-class competitions ism Authority and Ministry of Culture skilled, semi-skilled or novice partici- venues include Doha Golf Club, Katara ensure that they can maximise on this Ministry of Culture and Sports in Qa- across a multitude of sporting disci- and Sports announced yesterday. pants. It is an all-inclusive event with Cultural Village, Losail International global event through providing cus- tar, said, “This tournament is a sig- plines annually. It is the fi rst Middle The 23rd edition and will bring to- para games integrated for various cat- Circuit, Qatar Bowling Center, and tomised packages that facilitate both nifi cant addition to the calendar of Eastern country to earn the rights to gether, the local, regional and interna- egories as well. The World Corporate Viruocity, host of the eSports games. accommodation and corporate meet- international sports events that Qatar host the World Championships in Ath- tional business sporting community. Games in Doha will include 24 diff erent Rashed al-Qurese, Chief Market- ings.” hosts. It further strengthens Qatar’s letics (2019), FIFA World Cup (2022) It will be the fi rst time that the World sports including dragon boat racing, ing & Promotion Offi cer at QTA com- Dr Maureen Johnston, Founder of position globally and refl ects the in- and the FINA World Swimming Cham- Corporate Games, established nearly ten-pin bowling, football, basketball, mented: “The hosting of mass partici- the World Corporate Games, said: ternational community’s confi dence in pionships (2023).