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Saturday, October 13, 2018 CRICKET Safar 4, 1440 AH Chase’s 98 boosts GULF TIMES Windies in second Test against India SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL Al Rayyan lift s Super Cup volleyball title Almoez stars in Qatar’s thrilling win over Ecuador

Almoez fires a brace, while Afif, al-Haydous score in 4-3 win Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) president Ali Ghanim al-Kuwari presents the Super Cup trophy to Al Rayyan captain Mubarak Dahi Waleed as his teammates and coach celebrate on the podium. Rayyan won the title defeating Police 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17) at the QVA indoor hall yesterday. PICTURE: Othman Khalid

Qatar players celebrate a goal during the international friendly against Ecuador yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar edged past Ecuador 4-3 in an entertain- ing international friendlyQ at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. Felix Sanchez’s men were rewarded for playing an ag- gressive game as they dealt with Ecuador’s physically strong players. In the end it became an opening game, as both teams went all out on attack which thrilled the capacity crowd. For Qatar, Almoez Ali bagged a double, after Akram Afi f had given the lead. Captain Hassan al- dous proved a constant Angelo Preciado came in for seized the opportunity to Haydos also found the net threat to the opposition. Stiven Plaza. But it was Qa- pounce on the ball and shoot after converting a penalty. The hosts took the lead in tar who found the net again it on to empty net. In the 89th Ecuador’s captain En- the 32nd minute after a foul after Afi f was fouled by Cha- minute, Ecuador made it 2-4 ner Valencia had a dramatic by Ecuador left-back Diego la. Al-Haydous stepped in to after Cevallos tapped in from game. The West Ham striker Palacios outside right fl ank take the penalty and easily close range after an assist by pulled two goals back for gave them a free kick. Al- slotted it past past Carabali Robert Arboleda. his side after he scored in Haydous slammed the ball to make it 3-0. But the visitors ran out of the 66th and 71st minute, into the box, which defl ect- But Ecuador bounced time in pursuit of an equal- but was shown the red card ed and found Afi f, whose back through their cap- iser even as referee waved in the dying minutes. Jose right footed shot perched to tain Valencia, who scored off the appeals for a penalty Cevallos also found the net the centre of the goal. a stunning goal in the 67th after a handball on Qatar de- in the 89th minute to make Qatar’s second goal ar- minute. But Qatar restored fender Bassam Hisham. it an interesting few minutes rived just three minutes lat- their three-goal advantage This is Qatar’s third con- but Qatar held on for the er, when Boualem Khoukhi as Almoez was quick to secutive win after they had fi rst win against the South found Almoez, who took a pounce on a defensive lapse beaten China and Maldives Americans, who are ranked couple of touches and un- and scored his second goal last month. They now travel 58 to Qatar’s 94. Now, Qa- leashed a long-ranger that of the night. to Tashkent as they continue tar will travel to Tashkent beat Ecuador goalkeeper Al- Ecuador, however, allowed their preparation for pres- to take on Uzbekistan in an- exander Carabali. back into the game as Qatar tigious Asian Cup in Janu- other friendly on Tuesday. In the second half, Ecua- players went on a snooze. ary next year. Qatar are also Yesterday, Qatar showed dor made a double substi- Qatar goalkeeper Youssef scheduled to meet Switzer- their attacking quality as tution as Anebal Chala re- Hassan took a long time to land and Iceland in friend- Afi f, Almoez and al-Hay- placed Diego Palacios, while clear the ball and Valencia lies in November. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, October 13, 2018 CRICKET

OPINION Pakistan ready for ‘dangerous’ Australia: Arthur AFP match on Tuesday. centuries from Mohammad Ha- Arthur conceded skipper Sar- Dubai “Of course Australia will be feez and Haris Sohail after win- fraz Ahmed should have started dangerous after the fi ght they ning a crucial toss. with Abbas on the fi fth morning, put up, no doubt about that,” after the seamer jolted Australia akistan head coach said Arthur. “But I am confi dent SARFRAZ ERROR with three wickets the evening Mickey Arthur admitted that we are playing good enough They then bowled Australia out before. Australia will be a “dan- cricket and we will come harder.” for 202 with debutant off -spin- “I told Sarfraz that we should gerous” proposition in Arthur, who previously ner Bilal Asif taking 6 for 36 and have gone with Abbas and Yasir Pthe second Test after they clung coached his native South Africa fast bowler Mohammad Abbas 4 but he had spoken to some senior on for an improbable draw in a and Australia, said his players for 29. players and they told him to bowl thrilling series opener in Dubai. were hurting after blowing a “We certainly got some good with Wahab Riaz. Australia put up a remark- great opportunity to take a 1-0 runs in the fi rst innings, golden “The reasoning they gave able fi ghtback to deny Pakistan lead in the two-match series. runs as there were some good was that Wahab was supposed victory on a wearing fi fth day “For me it was really disap- knocks. We then bowled well to bring that reverse swing into pitch, as they avoided defeat by pointing that we did not cross in the fi rst innings but not very play and that there were some holding on with just two wickets the line,” he said. “But the good good in the second innings on a patches, but I think our best remaining. thing for us is that it has hurt the fi fth day pitch,” said Arthur, who bowlers (Yasir and Abbas) should Set a daunting 462-run tar- players as if we have lost and that praised Australia’s battling dis- have been bowling early on,” said get, Australia ended on 362-8 for me is a good sign. play. Arthur. as opener Usman Khawaja an- “It shows that the boys are “I think we have got to hand Arthur said the injury to open- chored the recovery with a mag- getting mentally tough and ma- it to them, on a day fi ve wicket er Imam-ul-Haq, who suff ered a nifi cent 141, ably assisted by turing and do not settle for sec- with Yasir Shah and Abbas – two fractured fi nger on the fi nal day, debutant Travis Head (72) and ond best any more, and that cul- world class bowlers in your at- was a big blow. skipper Tim Paine, who made 61 ture we want to create is getting tack – we backed ourselves to “Imam has been batting very not out. through to our players and we win the Test. well so it’s a loss,” said Arthur of Arthur, who took the Pakistan will be raring to go in the second “We can win nine times out of Imam, who scored 76 and 48 in job in May 2016, told AFP his Test.” ten on a fi fth day pitch but Kha- Dubai. team will be ready for a reinvig- Pakistan dominated the open- waja played exceptionally well “But that gives an opportunity orated Australia in Abu Dhabi ing Test, compiling a fi rst in- and Tim Paine played pretty well to another player to show his come the start of the second nings total of 482 on the back of too and took away the game.” talent.” Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT South Africa seal T20 series with 6-wicket win Chase’s 98 boosts had earned a recall himself. Agencies Potchefstroom Masakadza (21) and Brendan Taylor (29) looked confi dent in their stand 26 from 22 balls but outh Africa cantered to a the introduction of the experi- six-wicket victory over enced Robbie Frylinck (4-0-20- Zimbabwe to seal the 2) broke the stand as Masakadza three-match KFC T20 was clean-bowled after facing Windies in second seriesS 2-0 with a match to spare just 16 balls with two boundaries at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom and two sixes. yesterday. De Kock then took a good catch Zimbabwe set South Africa 133 off Frylinck to dismiss Tarisai to win in 20 overs and the hosts Musakanda without scoring to comfortably reached their target leave the visitors on 35 for three. with 26 balls to spare, ending on Taylor and Williams (41) then 135 for four with JP Duminy guid- added 29 runs off 27 balls for the Test against India ing his side to victory with an un- fourth wicket with Taylor strug- beaten 33 from 26 balls including gling to fi nd the boundary on ‘I think he understands spin. They face a lot of spin back in the Caribbean in domestic cricket’ three boundaries and a six. regular occasions. South Africa’s batting line- The Zimbabwean wicketkeeper AFP up failed to take the game by the faced 35 balls with two fours and a Hyderabad scruff of the neck with Rassie six and it was left up to Williams van der Dussen (13) and captain to keep the pace up. Williams Faf du Plessis (12) falling cheaply. faced just 28 balls and struck two oston Chase hit an un- Van der Dussen, who claimed a boundaries and three sixes off beaten 98 yesterday to maiden half-century on his debut legspinner Tabraiz Shamsi (4- give the West Indies in the fi rst T20, chipped a slower 0-37-1) but Paterson returned hope of setting a chal- ball from Chris Mpofu (3.4-0-31- to the attack and and bowled the lengingR total as they battle to 1) straight back to the bowler. lefthander with a slower ball. level their Test series against Du Plessis looked confi dent in Peter Moor (9) and Elton India. striking two boundaries from his Chigumbura (6) failed to ignite The tourists were 295 for sev- nine balls, played inside the line while Tendai Chisoro (14 not out) en at stumps after electing to from a delivery from Sean Wil- and Mavuta (7 not out) managed bat fi rst in the second and fi nal liams (3-0-25-2) and was clean- 17 unbeaten runs from 11 balls to Test in Hyderabad. bowled shortly after Quinton de give their bowlers something to West Indies at times looked in Kock had been bowled by the ev- bowl at. trouble but Chase built crucial er-improving Brandon Mavuta The teams head-off to Benoni partnerships, including a 104- (4-0-29-1). for the third and fi nal T20 with run seventh-wicket stand with South Africa had found them- South Africa looking to make it skipper Jason Holder, who made selves at 58 for three but Duminy a clean-sweep as they did in the 52. Chase was accompanied by and Heinrich Klaasen (22) stead- one-day international series. Devendra Bishoo, on two, at the ied the nerves with a stand of 44 close of play. from 31 deliveries before Duminy BRIEF SCORES “Bishoo can score runs and and Miller (19 not out) played Zimbabwe 132-7 in 20 overs keep his wicket intact. Ideally out the match with an unbroken (S. Williams 41; L. Ngidi 2-36, D. you’d look at the magic number stand of 33 from 26 balls. Paterson 2-22, R. Frylinck 2-20) of 400 in the fi rst innings,” said Earlier, Zimbabwe had posted v South Africa 135-4 in 15.4 overs West Indies coach Stuart Law. 132 for seven in their 20 overs af- (J. Duminy 33 not out; S. Wil- “350, 400 will be ideal for us ter captain Hamilton Masakadza liams 2-25) and obviously the new ball with had won the toss and elected to Result: South Africa won by six Shannon Gabriel, with his ex- bat fi rst. wickets press pace, and Jason Holder back Man of the match Dane Pater- Series: South Africa lead the with his bounce and swing, we son (4-0-22-2) needed just two three-match series 2-0 can get early breakthroughs and balls to make an impact as he Remaining match: October 14, expose the middle order of India bowled Solomon Mire (1), who Benoni. and put them under pressure.” But Law acknowledged that his team will “have to work our socks off to get to 350”. Ireland’s O’Brien retires from Holder made a strong return international cricket after missing the opening defeat in Rajkot with an ankle injury, Indian wicketkeeper Rishab Pant looks on as West Indies batsman Roston Chase plays a shot during the first day’s play of the second Test at hitting his eighth Test fi fty. the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad yesterday. (AFP) The second new ball did the trick for India as paceman Scorecard Umesh Yadav got Holder caught India spin test ideal for Bangladesh tour, says Windies coach behind on a rising delivery. WEST INDIES 1st innings Umesh and spinner Kuldeep West Indies coach Stuart Law “Coming to India we expect to touring Bangladesh side 2-0 in K. Brathwaite lbw K. Yadav 14 Yadav claimed three wickets Friday said his batsmen being play a lot of spin ... we are going July during a successful home each to rattle the West Indies tested against quality Indian to face lot of spin over there (as season, for their Cricketing K. Powell c Jadeja b Ashwin 22 middle order as the tourists spinners is ideal preparation for well), so it’s good the boys are talent and a bright future. “The S. Hope lbw b U. Yadav 36 slipped to 113-5 and then 182-6. their upcoming tour of Bang- getting a taste of spin here,” thing I have noticed at my time S. Hetmyer lbw b K. Yadav 12 Ireland wicketkeeper-batsman Kevin. “I have been blessed But Chase kept his calm to ladesh. The Caribbean side are Law told reporters in Hydera- with the West Indies here is that Niall O’Brien announced yes- to have been lucky enough to S. Ambris c Jadeja b K. Yadav 18 counter attack with wicket- battling to level the two-match bad. “It’s a great learning curve there is lot of talent, not only in terday that he is retiring from have represented my country keeper-batsman Shane Dow- series against India with Roston for us and we try and get the this team but also in the whole R. Chase not out 98 international and first-class for 16 years with plenty more rich in a 69-run sixth-wicket Chase hitting an unbeaten 98 dirtiest and dustiest pitches of Cricket back in the Carib- S. Dowrich lbw b U. Yadav 30 cricket after a 16-year career. ups than downs and for this stand, as skipper Virat Kohli on day one of the second Test to bat against them so we did bean,” said Law, who will coach The 36-year-old, who made his I look back with nothing but J. Holder c Pant b U. Yadav 52 mixed and matched the Indian in Hyderabad. learn how to play spin,” added English county side Middlesex international debut against Den- smiles and laughter.” bowlers. The West Indies, who lost their Law, who has decided to give from next season. D. Bishoo not out 2 mark in 2002, played 216 times Cricket Ireland performance opening game by an innings up the West Indies job after the After brief stints in charge of Extras ((b6, lb5) 11 for Ireland and appeared in his director Richard Holdsworth SECURITY SCARE and 272 runs in Rajkot last Bangladesh series. The Jason Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the Total (7 wickets, 95 overs) 295 nation’s first-ever Test, against said O’Brien had been symbolic Umesh fi nally broke the part- week, will travel to Bangladesh Holder-led West Indies will play 49-year-old took over the Wind- Pakistan, in May this year. of the rise of Irish cricket. nership by trapping Dowrich for two Tests, three one-day five ODIs and three T20 match- ies’ reins in January 2017 and Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Powell), O’Brien opted for the number 72 “He has the distinction of being lbw for 30. internationals and three Twen- es in India before heading off led his team to a memorable 2-52 (Brathwaite), 3-86 (Hope), shirt to mark his match-winning central to one of those truly Chase got to his seventh Test ty20 matches in November- to Bangladesh. Law praised the Test victory over England at 4-92 (Hetmyer), 5-113 (Ambris), score in Ireland’s famous win iconic Irish sporting moments fi fty just before tea and is on December. West Indies, who drubbed the Headingley last summer. 6-182 (Dowrich), 7-286 (Holder) against Pakistan at the 2007 – the World Cup win over Paki- course for his fourth Test cen- Bowling: U. Yadav 22-2-83-3, World Cup. His county career stan in 2007,” he said. tury. His highest Test score of Thakur 1.4-0-9-0, Ashwin 24.2-7- included spells with Kent, North- “While he had many more 137 not out came against India crease. He uses that to his ad- scans and did not return to fi eld. ing with one fast bowler and 49-1, K. Yadav 26-2-74-3, Jadeja amptonshire and Leicestershire. achievements throughout his in Jamaica in 2016. vantage, he is a clean striker of “Had Shardul been there, it three spinners, you fi nish overs 20-0-69-0. “It is with a heavy heart that I career subsequent to this, it is “I think he understands spin. the ball.” would have been more help for quickly so the idea was to slow am announcing my retirement the part he played in that win They face a lot of spin back India are a bowler short af- the spinners. Like I got three down the pace of the game a lit- to plant a kiss on his cheek and from international and profes- that etched him into the Irish in the Caribbean in domestic ter debutant paceman Shardul wickets and if he could have tle bit,” he added. The morning take a selfi e. Security offi cers sional cricket,” said O’Brien, who sporting psyche and something cricket,” said Law. “He has got a Thakur suff ered a groin injury in chipped in with a couple,” said session saw a fan run onto the overpowered the youngster and has played much of his career he should be justifiably proud long reach, he takes half a stride his second over and limped back Umesh. fi eld and embrace Kohli, who hauled him off the fi eld as the alongside his younger brother of.” and is there to the length of the to the pavilion. He was sent for “Actually when you are bowl- was clearly upset. The fan tried crowd roared and clapped. Gulf Times Saturday, October 13, 2018 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Wang on brink of year’s biggest win as rain stops play AFP Wang had seemed in complete con- Earlier, China’s Zhang Shuai looked Hong Kong trol during the match, with the un- in ominous form as she swatted aside der pressure Svitolina committing a last year’s runner-up Daria Gavrilova string of unforced errors, before the in straight sets. hinese number one Wang top seeded Ukrainian was saved by the The world number 39 overwhelmed Qiang was on the brink of weather. her Australian opponent – who is the biggest win of her season The eventual winner will play ranked fi ve places above her – with yesterday when rain abrupt- former world number one Garbine the power and precision of her ground lyC stopped her quarter-fi nal against Muguruza, who fought off a late come- strokes and ran away with a comfort- world number fi ve Elina Svitolina. back by Thailand’s Luksika Kumkhum able 6-1, 6-3 victory after little more The 26-year-old was serving for the to win 6-2, 7-5. than an hour on court. Zhang, China’s match at 15-30, 5-2 in the second set Muguruza, the 2016 French Open number two, will make her debut in – after cruising to a 6-2 victory in the and 2017 Wimbledon champion, is the Hong Kong semis today when she fi rst set – when the heavens opened. keen to fi nish what has been by her takes on Ukrainian teenager Dayana Play was later suspended until to- standards a disappointing season on a Yastremska. day, giving the sixth seed an agonising high. She has slumped to a world rank- “The fi rst and second rounds gave overnight wait to close out the win. ing of 13, while her best Grand Slam me a lot of confi dence – that’s why to- Svitolina would be Wang’s highest- performance was a semi fi nal at Ro- day I played really well,” the 29-year- ranked top ten scalp this year. land Garros. The Spaniard was relieved old said. The current world number 24 to keep the hard-fought match to just Zhang will be favourite to win grabbed headlines at the French Open two sets ahead of her Saturday semi. against 18-year-old Yastremska, cur- with her straight-sets demolition of “It was very competitive,” the rently ranked 102. Venus Williams, off ering a hint of what 25-year-old. The 2016 Wimbledon girls sin- was to come. Kumkhum broke her as she served gles fi nalist fought back from an early She later overcame Karolina Plisk- for the match, levelling the scores at setback to win only her second WTA ova in both Beijing and Wuhan, but 5-5, before Muguruza fi nally overcame quarter-fi nal earlier yesterday. none of the victories was against such her opponent, who is ranked 105. The teen quickly went down 4-0 to a high ranked opponent as Svitolina. “I feel in the second set she was outsider Kristina Kucova – the world She also beat Caroline Wozniacki in playing so much better – it was a full number 317 who knocked out Jelena 2013 aged just 21 when the Dane was battle. I think the diff erence was a cou- Ostapenko in the fi rst round – before Wang Qiang of China hits a return during her quarter-final against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine at the Hong Kong Open tennis ranked number 10. ple of points.” recovering to win 7-6 (8/6), 6-2. tournament yesterday. (AFP)

TENNIS CYCLING Valverde eyes Tour of Lombardy triumph Federer fi res to join French duo Pinto, and Romain AFP Milan Barden, Italian Gianni Moscon and Colombians Rigoberto Uran and Miguel Angleo Lopez. ewly-crowned world “With the form I’m now champion Alejandro showing I’m getting more and Valverde headlines the more convinced of continuing season-fi nale Tour of the positive streak until Satur- Djoko in Shanghai NLombardy today looking for his day in Lombardy,” said Pinot af- fi rst win in a race where he has ter winning the Milan-Turin. twice fi nished runner-up. British Sky riders Chris The fi fth and fi nal Monument Froome, winner of the Giro of the season – the ‘Race of the d’Italia, and Tour de France win- Falling Leaves’ – will be fought ner Geraint Thomas, will not be over 241km through the Alps- competing. region between Bergamo and The Mitchelton-Scott team Masters semi-fi nals Como in northern Italy. are led by 2018 Vuelta champion Movistar rider Valverde will Simon Yates and his twin broth- ‘I knew I had to step it up too, and I was able to do it, so it’s a good feeling to have’ be challenged by the same ri- er Adam. The route features vals who were beaten for the iconic climbs up Madonna del AFP world championships road race Ghisallo and Muro di Sormano, Shanghai crown in Innsbruck last month, with the fi nal hill, a 1.7km ascent including France’s Romain Bar- to Monte Olimpino with a fi ve det who fi nished second and percent gradient. oger Federer blazed third-placed Canadian Michael into the Shanghai Woods. ITALY’S COLBRELLI DEFIES Masters semi-fi nals “Being world champion is im- WIND, RAIN TO WIN GRAN with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) portant for whoever it might be,” PIEMONTE victoryR over Kei Nishikori as the said Valverde. Italian Sonny Colbrelli of the Swiss great’s title defence be- “It’s also a race that I like a Bahrain-Merida team defi ed the latedly caught fi re yesterday. lot and which I’ve always nearly wind and rainy conditions to win The 20-time Grand Slam won.” a sprint fi nish for the Gran Pie- champion and top seed will Valverde fi nished second in the monte semi-classic in northern meet 13th seed Borna Coric to- Tour of Lombardy in 2013 and Italy on Thursday. day after the Croatian defeated 2014. The heavy rain made con- unseeded Australian Matthew The 38-year-old warmed up ditions treacherous with falls Ebden 7-5, 6-4. by fi nishing third in the Milan- leaving the peloton depleted as The other semi-fi nal tees up Turin semi-classic on Wednes- it approached the fi nish line at Novak Djokovic against young day, which was won by French Stupinigi outside Turin after the German star Alexander Zverev, rider Thibaut Pinot (Groupama- 191km race. just the second time they will FDJ), who will be among the fa- Colbrelli made a break with have met. vourites this weekend. 350 metres to go clocking a fi - The 37-year-old Federer was Valverde, who was banned nal time of 4hrs 20min 50sec forced to battle through the fi rst for two years following Spanish ahead of France’s Florian two matches of his title defence, doping probe Operacion Puerto, Senechal(Quick-Step Floors) fi rst to Daniil Medvedev and this week defended his record and Italian Davide Ballerini (An- then Roberto Bautista Agut. since returning in 2012. droni) who fi nished second and But he put Nishikori under “That’s water under the third respectively at the same the cosh immediately, break- bridge, and I don’t even want to time. ing the eighth seed in the fi rst talk about it. I believe I’ve suf- “I couldn’t have hoped for a game of both sets, though the fi ciently demonstrated who I am better way to close my season, Japanese did well to recover and since then.” exactly with a victory like it force a second-set tie break. Italian Vincenzo Nibali will be started in Dubai,” said 28-year- Federer had to play catch-up defending his title, over a route old Colbrelli. in the tie break and said after- that is virtually identical to last “I like bad weather. When I wards that he was relieved to year’s apart from a fi nal three had space, I launched the long avoid another three-setter. kilometre drop to the fi nish line sprint and I thought ‘I’m going “I saw Kei was playing ex- at Como. to take a chance’. The most im- tremely aggressive, especially Nibali, of the Bahrain-Merida portant thing before the sprint towards the end of the sec- team, also won the race in 2015, was to not slip. ond set,” said the Swiss world and is one of two former win- “It was very dangerous, there number two, who has been con- ners competing along with 2014 were crashes, but when it’s wet, tent with his form this week de- champion Daniel Martin of Ire- it’s always like that.” spite being pushed to three sets land. The Cycling season concludes in his other two matches. The 33-year-old Nibali, who today with the Tour of Lombardy “I knew I had to step it up too, has won all the Grand Tours in- – nicknamed the ‘Race of the and I was able to do it, so it’s a cluding the Tour de France in Falling Leaves’ – the fi nal of the good feeling to have, no doubt 2014, but has struggled for form fi ve Monument classics, from about it.” this season. Bergamo to Como in northern Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates his win against Kei Nishikori of Japan in Shanghai Masters quarter-finals yesterday. (Reuters) Race favourites include Italy. DJOKOVIC WARY OF ZVEREV Djokovic said that he was rel- 11th-seeded Briton seals Zver- ishing facing “top player” Zver- Zverev blames ‘superstition’ for ‘ridiculous’ use of towels ev’s place in the season-ending ev after the 14-time Grand Slam ATP Finals in London next Britain’s unbeaten Saunders champion beat Kevin Anderson Alexander Zverev weighed in on the debate about minutes, when they wipe their faces and hands month, which bring together vacates middleweight crown 7-6 (7/1), 6-3. players’ use of towels yesterday, saying those between points. That system will be tried out at the top eight men. Djokovic saved set point in who wipe down after every point are “ridiculous” the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan next month. The top four players in the Undefeated British southpaw his violation of the Massachu- the opener before taking control and do it for superstition, not sweat. “There are some players – some American world – Nadal, Federer, Djoko- Billy Joe Saunders vacated the setts Athletic Commission’s anti- of the tie break and the second There has been much discussion at the Shanghai players, some other players – that go for the vic and Juan Martin del Potro World Boxing Organisation mid- doping regulations,” Valcarcel set to dump out the South Afri- Masters this week about the issue after Fernando towel literally after every single point,” said the – had already qualifi ed for Lon- dleweight title Thursday after said in a statement on the WBO can seventh seed. Verdasco berated a ball boy at the Shenzhen 21-year-old German prodigy Zverev. “That’s a bit don. Zverev is ranked fi fth. a doping violation that scuttled website. The commission on The 31-year-old from Serbia Open for failing to bring his towel fast enough. ridiculous, in my perspective. “You serve an ace Zverev, now under the tu- a scheduled title defence next Tuesday refused to approve is in blistering form, winning Roger Federer told reporters in Shanghai earlier or a double fault, or your opponent serves an telage of Ivan Lendl, said week in Boston. 29-year-old Englishman Saun- Wimbledon, the Cincinnati this week that ball boys and girls – who are ace, and the poor ball kid has to keep running for he is pleased with his over- WBO president Francisco ders, 26-0 with 12 knockouts, to Masters and US Open in recent unpaid volunteers – should be given as much the towel just because it’s a superstition and it’s all progress, even if a maiden Valcarcel said he would recom- fight in Boston as planned on months, after having elbow sur- respect as anyone else. not a use because you’re sweating too much or Grand Slam remains elusive. mend that Saunders receive a October 20 against American gery in February. There have been calls for towel rails to be placed something like that. “I think every year you feel six-month ban after testing posi- southpaw Demetrius Andrade, The second seed is desperate at the back of courts so ball kids do not have to “I mean, some players literally use it as supersti- more mature. Every year you tive in an August 30 urinalysis 25-0 with 16 knockouts. to grab injured Rafael Nadal’s bring the sweaty towels to players every few tion. That’s not the purpose for it.” spend on tour, you feel kind of for what ESPN reported was the Andrade, 20, will now fight for year-end number one ranking. diff erent,” he said. banned stimulant oxilofrine, the vacant crown on October Djokovic and Zverev met on bulent last season with injury he warned. Touted as a potential future “Last year was the fi rst time I which Saunders said came from 20 against Namibia’s 33-year-old clay in the fi nal of the Rome and off -court issues, said they “But also he has improved a multiple Grand Slam winner, kind of broke through to the top a nasal spray. unbeaten Walter Kautondokwa, Masters in May last year, the were “both diff erent players” lot and he has established him- fourth seed Zverev eased past 10 and was a top-fi ve player. “Saunders has voluntarily 17-0 with 16 knockouts entering 21-year-old German winning now. self as a top player. Kyle Edmund to reach his fi rst “It’s always easier to get there vacated the WBO middleweight his first fight outside Africa and 6-4, 6-3. “I wasn’t – I feel like – play- “It’s going to be defi nitely a Shanghai semi-fi nal. – but then staying there is al- title and publicly apologised for first world title bout. Djokovic, who endured a tur- ing as well as I’m playing today,” close match.” The 6-4, 6-4 victory over the ways the tougher part.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, October 13, 2018 SPORT

GOLF MOTORSPORT Pepperell powers to lead at British Masters Russell completes Agencies Pepperell said. ter registering a level par 72 not British trio in F1 Surrey, England “I was kind of relieved to get long before play was suspended my score in a decent spot early overnight due to darkness. Reuters footsteps of 2009 world cham- in the round because I didn’t Wallace said he was playing London pion and compatriot Jenson But- ddie Pepperell strode feel like I was playing very well. for his grandmother, who passed ton, who was handed his debut into a commanding Three-under is a good score and away yesterday morning. “I ac- by team founder Frank Williams halfway lead at the Brit- I’m very happy with it. tually had the afternoon off yes- eorge Russell will join as a 20-year-old in 2000 and ish Masters after the “My short game and my terday because I was quite tired, Lewis Hamilton and won the title with Brawn GP. EnglishmanE carded a three- putting has been very good. I and my grandma died yester- Lando Norris in a trio Britons Damon Hill, in 1996, under second round 69 to move didn’t putt well last week and day morning, so that was quite of British Formula One and Nigel Mansell, in 1992, both three strokes clear at Walton I never do on slow greens but tough. And today was a hard one Gdrivers next season after former took their championships with Heath, where tournament host I tend to putt better on quick to get through. I’m playing with champions Williams announced Williams, who have not won a Justin Rose signed for a level par greens – I’m focussing less on a heavy heart this weekend, but yesterday they had signed the race since 2012. 72 to ensure he is playing at the hitting the ball and more on I’m playing for her,” he said. youngster on a multi-year deal. “We have always tried to pro- weekend. stroking it down the line. Frenchman Julien Guerrier The 20-year-old, who has a mote and develop young talent Having claimed his maid- “I’ve got myself a lie-in which was fi ve under through 15 holes long-term contract with Wil- at Williams, and George fi ts that en European Tour win at the is nice after an early one this before play was called to a halt, liams’ engine providers Mer- ethos perfectly,” said deputy Commercial Bank Qatar Mas- runner-up fi nishes at the Ab- under total. morning and it’s going to be a while Jordan Smith was in the cedes, looks set to win the For- principal Claire Williams. ters earlier this year, Pepperell erdeen Standard Investments “It was pretty good today I great weekend to look forward clubhouse on four under. mula Two championship after “He is already highly regard- is chasing his second title of Scottish Open and the Portugal would say. It was pretty chilly to. It’s a great course, great World number two Rose, taking a 37 point lead with two ed in the paddock and a driver a breakthrough season – the Masters, and the Oxford player this morning and it’s a long drive crowds, and I’m excited for it.” meanwhile, signed for a level races to come. whose career we have been 27-year-old currently sits in 11th continued that remarkably con- out to the tenth tee, and it felt a That opened a sizeable gap at par 72 which will be enough for “I feel 100 percent ready,” watching for a while. In the time position on the Race to Dubai. sistent form as he overcame the bit of a lonely place out there, so the top, with three-time win- the 2013 US Open Champion to Russell, who will debut in Aus- we have spent with him so far, we He has made eight consecu- tricky windy conditions to card it could have gone either way for ner this season Matt Wallace in make the cut after round two tralia in March, told Reuters in an believe that he will be a great fi t tive cuts since July, including fi ve birdies en route to an eight me, like it did for a lot of guys,” second place on fi ve-under af- concludes today morning. interview. for our team.” “I feel really motivated for the Williams gave no details about task ahead,” added the Briton, who who their other driver would be, SPOTLIGHT has had to contain his excitement but 19-year-old Canadian Lance Women’s top for weeks after being told at last Stroll looks certain to move to two in leading month’s Russian Grand Prix that Force India — a team now con- he had got the drive. trolled by his billionaire father pack at LPGA “Formula One has been my Lawrence. Incheon lifelong ambition and dream, so The future of Russian Sergey to fi nally get this opportunity... Sirotkin, who made his debut Women’s top two Park I’m defi nitely not going to take with Williams this year, remains Sung-hyun of South Ko- this for granted.” uncertain with fi nancial consid- Woodland ties rea and Thailand’s Ariya Hamilton, who can clinch erations possibly coming into Jutanugarn were among his fi fth world championship in play. four players tied for the Texas next week, is at Mercedes Mercedes have yet to secure a second-round lead at the while Norris, 18, will be mak- seat for young Frenchman Este- LPGA KEB Hana Bank ing his race debut with McLaren ban Ocon, who also has a long- Championship yesterday. in 2019 after competing against term contract with the reigning Also on eight under at Russell in Formula Two. champions but is set to lose his course record the Sky 72 Golf Club in Williams have had a slow and Force India place to Stroll. Incheon, South Korea, ill-handling car this year and are Poland’s Robert Kubica, a were England’s Charley last in one of the worst seasons former grand prix winner, has Hull, ranked 33, and 29th- in the history of a proud British served as reserve this season and ranked Danielle Kang of team with nine constructors’ and is keen to make a race return after the US. seven drivers’ championships. suff ering serious hand injuries in World number one Park The tall Russell follows in the a rally crash in 2011. three-putted twice but for joint lead birdied three of the last six holes for a four-under 68 to secure her position 11-under puts him at the top of the leaderboard with Leishman in the leading group on eight under par. Reuters “Overall, it wasn’t a bad Kuala Lumpur round,” she said. “Those miscues stuck in my mind for a bit, but I was ary Woodland carded a able to pick up a handful sizzling second round of birdies as well.” of 11-under par 61 to tie Ariya bogeyed two of the course record and the first four holes but Gsoar to the joint halfway lead at stormed back with six the CIMB Classic yesterday. birdies on the back nine The 34-year-old American for a round of 67 at the sank 11 birdies in his blemish- par-72 course. free round to match the course “I didn’t watch the lead- record Justin Thomas set during erboard because after his victorious 2015 campaign at my front nine, I didn’t the TPC Kuala Lumpur. care about the lead,” she “I just played solid just like I said, according to Yonhap Yokohama to host IAAF World did yesterday, I just made more news agency. “I just putts,” said Woodland, who played golf.” Relays in 2019 shares the top spot with Marc Park and Ariya are the Leishman at 14-under 130. only LPGA players with AFP location.” “I think I hit 17 greens, which three victories this year. Paris Yokohama, Japan’s second obviously is a big deal, but I made Hull, who is seeking her largest city by population, will some putts, too, which is nice.” first win for nearly two host the two-day competition Woodland has not missed years, said she felt “like he 2019 athletics World on May 11 and 12. the tournament since 2013 and Marc Leishman of the US in action during the second round of the CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur. (AFP) my game is up there”. Relays will be held in “This will also be a great op- is hoping to be third time lucky Japanese teenager Nasa Tthe Japanese city of portunity for our athletes to having fi nished second in 2013 “It would be nice to get in the tend to do.” second, but other than that I Hataoka, who led after Yokohama after the hosts for experience the culture and and 2014. “I can be aggressive winner’s circle again this year,” Ryder Cup winner Paul Casey was hitting it pretty good,” said the first round, fell back the last three editions, the conditions of the host nation out here. I can hit a lot of driv- said the Australian. threw himself into the mix with the 22-year-old. “So really hap- with a one-over-par 73 Bahamas, were no longer able little more than a year before ers, which is a huge advantage. “I played well last year but a 65 to share the third spot with py with where I am right now to tie for fifth with New to off er financial backing, the the Tokyo 2020 Olympic And the other holes, you know, didn’t win anything, so that’s India’s Shubhankar Sharma one and I just want to continue do- Zealand’s Korean-born IAAF said yesterday. Games,” said IAAF president irons into some of the tougher probably the goal — to win shot behind. ing that for the next two days.” former world number “After the Bahamas govern- Sebastian Coe. holes, I’m laying back.” again. Just have to do everything Sharma drained nine birdies Thomas, seeking a third CIMB one Lydia Ko, two shots ment confirmed that it would The Nassau Guardian newspa- Leishman’s bogey-free round right and that generally takes against a single bogey for his 64. Classic title, slipped to a share of behind the leaders. no longer be able to off er per reported in July that the of 62 fi lled him with title hopes. care of itself. That’s what I in- “Just that one bad shot on the 15th place following a 69. the financial guarantee that event cost the Bahamas $5mn underpinned the event in (4.3mn euros) to host. Nassau, several member The 2017 event featured FOCUS federations contacted the men’s and women’s 4x100 IAAF directly to express their metres, 4x200m, 4x400m interest in hosting the 2019 and 4x800m relays, as well World Relays,” the IAAF said in as a mixed 4x400m race that a statement. will be introduced at the 2019 Jakraphan wrests share of lead in Karachi “Following very careful world championships in Doha consideration, Japan was ahead of its Olympic debut in akraphan Premsirigorn en Asian Tour title is on track. four-over-par and 74 players considered to be the preferred Tokyo. shook off his wrist in- After a starting his day with a will progress to the weekend jury and carded a four- string of pars, his round kick- rounds. (Asian Tour) under-par 68 to grab a started after sinking three- shareJ of the lead at the UMA consecutive birdies from holes LEADING ROUND 2 SCORES SKIING CNS Open Golf Championship seven to nine. Suradit made two 137 - Suradit Yongcharoenchai yesterday. more birdies and a lone bogey (THA) 69-68, Jakraphan Prem- The 26-year-old Jakraphan before signing for a 68. sirigorn (THA) 69-68, Namchok played fl awlessly over his open- Namchok’s driving woes Tantipokhakul (THA) 67-70. Vonn to retire at end ing nine holes highlighted by continue in the second round 138 - Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) four birdies before cruising to a as he has only hit half seven out 68-70, Mohamed Munir (PAK) seven-under-par 137 total at the of 14 fairways. He wasn’t able to 69-69. of 2018-19 season historic Karachi Golf Club. rely on his putts today but was 140 - Tirawat Kaewsiribandit “It feels great to be in this still able to card a 70 to fi nish (THA) 71-69. Reuters small businesses. position, especially so after tied-fi rst at the halfway stage 141 - Mitchell Slorach (SIN) Toronto “If I could break the coming back from my wrist in- of the US$300,000 event. 72-69, Siddikur Rahman (BAN) record that would be jury. I was out for four months Pawin Ingkhapradit of Thai- 71-70, Koh Deng Shan (SIN) amazing, if I can’t it has after getting my Tour card. I land and Pakistan’s Mohamed 70-71, Ahmad Baig (PAK) 67-74, indsey Vonn, been a great ride and I am missed all my cuts this year be- Munir are in tied-fourth after Mohamed Shabbir (PAK) 68-73, widely regarded still the most successful cause I wasn’t ready, but now carding 70 and 69 respectively. Settee Prakongvech (THA) as the greatest fe- female and I still think I’m 80, or even 100 per cent,” Another Thai, Tirawat 72-69, Suttijet Kooratanapisan male ski racer of that’s something to be re- Jakraphan said. Kawesiribandit, is in lone sixth Lall-time, will retire from ally proud of. (THA) 71-70, James Ryan Lam “I’ve putted well today. If you after ending his day with a 69. (PHI) 68-73. competition follow- “So we’ll just see what miss your tee shot here, you’ll Eight players, including Sin- 142 - Honey Baisoya (IND) 68- ing the 2018-19 season happens this year.” get problems. I was fl awless gaporeans Mitchell Slorach 74, Matloob Ahmed (PAK) 72-70, even if she fails to break Vonn, who in 2015 over the fi rst nine and I thought and Koh Deng Shan, as well as M. Safdar Khan (PAK) 73-69, the record for World founded the education- I played well in the second nine, Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman Peradol Panyathanasedh (THA) Cup wins, the American said on focused Lindsey Vonn Founda- just that the putts didn’t go in. are in tied-eight. 76-66, Aman Raj (IND) 75-67, Thursday. tion, said she would turn her “I’m going to focus and have Danny Masrin of Indonesia Dilshad Ali (PAK) 70-72. The 33-year-old holds the attention to launching her own fun with the Thai players who carded a fl awless 66, the lowest 143 - Piya Swangarunporn women’s record of 82 World Cup business when she hangs up her will also be on my fl ight.” score of the morning session. (THA) 71-72, Pasavee Lertvilai wins and trails only Swedish skis. Joining him at the pinnacle of He was able to sustain his for- (THA) 73-70, Danny Masrin great Ingemar Stenmark’s long- “My experiences on the slopes a Thai-dominated leaderboard ward momentum throughout (INA) 77-66, Liu Yanwei (CHN) standing mark of 86. have helped shape me into who I are compatriots Suradit Yong- the entire day after a challeng- 74-69, Mohamed Naeem (PAK) “This is going to be my last am today,” she said on Twitter. charoenchai and Namchok ing par save at the start of his 71-72, Gregory Foo (SIN) 73-70, season. Defi nitely retiring af- “I’m confi dent those same les- Tantipokhakul. round on 10th. Nirun Sae-Ueng (THA) 70-73, ter this year,” Vonn said in New sons will pay off as I begin to ex- Suradit’s hunt for his maid- The cut line was set at Manuel Trappel (AUT) 72-71. Suradit Yongcharoenchai of Thailand is tied at the top. York while moderating a panel on plore what’s next for my career.” Gulf Times Saturday, October 13, 2018 5 SPORT

PREVIEW Titans, Ravens meet in matchup of grinders Reuters ing, he’s got one of the surest Tennessee’s off ense will have said. “And (run) if it’s not there New York pair of hands I’ve ever seen,” to contend with a Ravens de- or he feels an edge or sees a seam, Flacco said regarding Crabtree’s fense that leads the league in because sometimes those are the drops. “It’s just about relax- fewest points allowed (15.4 per hardest ones to defend as opposed he Baltimore Ravens vis- ing, letting the game come to game) and is third in fewest to the ones that are designed. He it the Tennessee Titans you, not trying to do too much. yards allowed (303.8 per game). always has that ability to extend tomorrow, and similari- I think it’s something that he’ll “I think across the board the play and go off schedule.” ties between the two are defi nitely get over.” they’ve got players in every part of Tennessee is also looking for Tdiffi cult to ignore. The Ravens Meanwhile, the Ravens rank their defense,” Titans quarterback more production from its tight (3-2) and Titans (3-2) both en- 25th in the NFL with an average Marcus Mariota said. “Whether ends, who in the past four games dured bad road losses in Week 5. of 94.4 rushing yards per game. it’s owning the line of scrimmage, have just four catches for 35 yards. Their off enses failed to a “It’s one player away, or one causing havoc in the back end, Pro Bowl starter Delanie Walker touchdown, and they both lost little mistake away from big yards they’ve done a great job.” was lost for the season in Week 1. on fi eld goals in the fi nal sec- or a big gain or possibly a touch- Mariota (14 of 26 passing for 129 Titans safety Kenny Vac- onds, though the Ravens man- down,” Baltimore running back yards and an interception) had a caro (elbow) and linebacker aged overtime in Cleveland. Alex Collins said. “That’s the potential touchdown pass dropped Will Compton (hamstring) did Both teams are having trouble most important thing is that we by wide receiver Nick Williams in not practice Wednesday and running the ball and were hurt just trust the game plan and trust the fourth quarter Sunday. Wil- Thursday, and linebacker Wesley Sunday by wide receiver drops. the system and trust what our liams was released Tuesday, and Woodyard (shoulder) was lim- The Ravens were averaging coaches have been teaching us.” Cameron Batson was promoted ited in practice both days. 30.8 points per game until their Big running plays could come from the practice squad. Injured Ravens sitting out 12-9 loss to the Browns in which tomorrow when the Ravens The Titans’ top two running Wednesday and Thursday in- Joe Flacco threw 56 passes, com- face their former defensive co- backs – Derrick Henry and Dion cluded nose tackle Michael pleting 29. Wide receiver Michael ordinator Dean Pees, who now Lewis – are averaging a com- Pierce (foot) cornerbacks Bran- Crabtree has 24 receptions, but runs the Titans defense. His bined 3.3 yards per carry. Mari- don Carr (knee) and rookie An- also has six drops, including one unit ranks seventh in total yards ota has rushed for 122 yards and thony Averett (hamstring), and that would have been a touch- allowed and is tied for third in a 5.5-yard average. defensive back Anthony Levine down in the fi nal minute of regu- points allowed but is yielding “I’d like to see him be able to Sr. (hamstring). Cornerback lation Sunday. 123.2 rushing yards per game extend plays just that are passes,” Tavon Young (hip) was added to “You see him out here, catch- (26th overall). Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel the injury report Thursday. Baltimore running back Alex Collins.

NFL NHL Rangers beat Wentz, Eagles cruise Sharks in OT for Quinn’s fi rst win Reuters Zuccarello, who emerged from New York behind the net and slid the puck past Barkley, Giants to Howden. Howden kept pos- session while being draped by rady Skjei scored 37 Burns and slid a backhander ‘It was big for us to come out early and get on the board’ seconds into overtime through Burns’ legs and by Dell. as the New York Rang- The Sharks took a 2-1 lead AFP ers rallied late in regu- 4:59 into the second when Don- lationB and earned a 3-2 victory skoi fi nished off a 3-on-1 with New York over the visiting San Jose Sharks Antti Suomela and the lead held on Thursday night at Madison until Smith tied it. he Super Bowl champi- Square Garden. Smith scored the tying goal on Philadelphia Eagles The Rangers were 2:39 away from the slot as he eluded snapped a two-game from falling to 0-4 for the fi rst Evander Kane and sent Pavel skid with an impressive time since 1998-99 but de- Buchnevich’s backhanded pass T34-13 NFL victory over the be- fenseman Brendan Smith tied from over the net fl ying over leaguered New York Giants on the game, assuring the Rangers Dell’s shoulder. Thursday. of at least a point. Carson Wentz threw for three Skjei ensured New York would CAMPBELL, KINGS SPOIL touchdowns as the Eagles took a get two points when he slipped CANADIENS’ HOME OPENER 31-6 lead on their way to a fourth a 13-foot wrist shot from near Jack Campbell made 40 saves, straight victory over their NFC the left circle over Aaron Dell’s and Adrian Kempe and Michael East division rivals. shoulder, giving new coach Dav- Amadio scored fi rst-period “Man, it feels good to get back id Quinn his fi rst NHL win. It goals as the Los Angeles Kings in that win column,” said Wentz, was Skjei’s second career game- spoiled the Montreal Canadiens’ whose eagles improved to 3-3 and winning goal and fi rst overtime home opener with a 3-0 victory moved atop the wide-open divi- goal. Skjei scored after Sharks on Thursday night. sion. defenseman Erik Karlsson com- Jeff Carter added a goal and Wentz connected with Alshon mitted a giveaway deep in his of- two assists, putting the game Jeff ery on touchdown passes of 13 fensive zone when his pass from away with a third-period score yards and one yard, split by a 10- behind the net, intended for To- as the Kings improved to 1-1-0 yard TD toss to Zach Ertz. mas Hertl, was intercepted by on their early-season, four- Corey Clement dived over for the Rangers. Before Smith tied game trip through Canada. It a one-yard touchdown and Jake the game and Skjei won it, rookie was the second consecutive sea- Elliott booted fi eld goals of 33 and Brett Howden scored in the fi rst son the Kings shut out the Cana- 30 yards. period. diens in Montreal. Wentz, who missed the fi rst Henrik Lundqvist recorded Campbell recorded his fi rst two games of the season as he his 432nd career win by stopping career shutout in his eighth ca- continued to recover from a knee 41 shots. It was his fi rst game reer start, taking over in net for ligament injury, looked sharp and this year where he faced at least the third consecutive game after made the most of his early chance 40 shots and he made 31 of those veteran goalie Jonathan Quick after Philadelphia linebacker stops in the fi rst 40 minutes. sustained a lower-body injury in Kamu Grugier-Hill intercepted Brent Burns recorded two as- practice Saturday. an Eli Manning pass defl ected by sists for the Sharks, who fell to Campbell appeared to lose his Jordan Hicks. 2-2 on a fi ve-game trip and blew shutout with 9:01 remaining in Grugier-Hill returned the ball the late lead two nights after an the game when the puck trick- to the Giants’ 16-yard line to set 8-2 win at Philadelphia. led into the Kings’ goal. Referees up Wentz for his across-the- Burns recorded his fi rst multi- initially waved off the goal, but body touchdown pass to Jeff ery. point game of the season by set- overturned the call on replay “It was big for us to come ting up goals by Marcus Soren- ruling that the goal happened in out early and get on the board,” son in the fi rst period and Joonas “one continuous motion.” Wentz said. Donskoi in the second. The Kings countered with a “We had great fi eld posi- Dell made 24 saves in his sec- coach’s replay, and Montreal’s tion and capitalised early. That’s ond straight start. Andrew Shaw was ruled to have something we preach all the time, The Sharks took the lead 84 interfered with Campbell on the to start fast, and we were able to seconds into New York’s power play. The Kings took an early do that tonight.” play when Burns stripped Kevin lead when Kempe scored 3:56 The Eagles, who had not Hayes near the blue line in the into the game. Kempe took the scored more than 23 points in off ensive zone. Sorensen wound puck at centre ice, moved in- a game so far this season, led up with the puck on a breaka- side the blue line and beat goalie 24-6 at halftime and were never way, made a move around Skjei Carey Price (26 saves) over his threatened by a Giants team that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (left) and wide receiver Alshon Jeff ery celebrate after defeating the New York Giants at and fi red a rising wrist shot over right shoulder to the short side heard plenty of boos from their MetLife Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Lundqvist’s left shoulder with of the goal. Kempe’s fi rst goal home fans. 15:29 left. New York tied the of the season ended a 32-game Sensational rookie Saquon cutting Philadelphia’s lead to sion in the team after wide re- about his teammates. on the victory. game over nine minutes later drought without a goal that went Barkley was a rare bright spot for 31-13. ceiver Odell Beckham provoked As the Giants were left to pon- “It’s huge,” he said. thanks to Howden’s deft ma- back to February. It was his 19th New York, his 50-yard touch- But the defeat won’t silence the ire of coach Pat Shurmur der a season already slipping “Being 3-3 is a heck of a lot noeuvre in the low slot. career goal, with fi ve of those down run in the third quarter critics of Manning or soothe ten- with negative comments to ESPN away, Wentz was hoping to build better than 2-4.” A pass from Chris Krieder coming in three career games went behind the net to Mats against Montreal. Utah Jazz will keep guard Mitchell for 2019-20 campaign

Donovan Mitchell, who led all NBA rookies 3-pointers made in a season while earning MONTREAL GROUP SEEKS NBA arrange financing. Fortier estimated the last season by scoring 20.5 points a game, a unanimous spot on the 2017-18 NBA EXPANSION OPPORTUNITY cost at between $1.5 billion and $2 billion will remain with the Utah Jazz through the All-Rookie First Team, although the Rookie If the NBA decides to expand, organis- in US dollars, but said no public funding 2019-20 campaign, the club announced. of the Year award went to Australian Ben ers in Montreal wants the league to look would be required. The Jazz exercised a club option to keep Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers. Mitch- north of the border. A Quebec business According to Fortier, Montreal Canadiens the 13th pick in last year’s NBA Draft for a ell averaged 24.4 points over 11 playoff group led by former federal cabinet owner Geoff Molson is open to the idea of third campaign just six days before Utah games, the first rookie to average more minister and senator Michael Fortier has an NBA team playing at the Bell Centre. opens the 2018-19 season Wednesday at than 20 points in the post-season since spoken with NBA commissioner Adam The NBA currently has 30 teams, 15 teams Sacramento. Tim Duncan in 1998 as the Jazz reached Silver, Fortier told reporters Wednesday. in the Eastern and Western conferences. Mitchell, who won last season’s NBA Slam the second round before losing to the “Although the NBA and its commissioner The league last expanded in 2004, when Dunk Contest, joined David Robinson, Houston Rockets. Mitchell scored 33 have made it clear to us that they cur- the Charlotte Bobcats (now the Hornets) Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt points to set a Utah one-game rookie play- rently have no plans to expand the league, joined. Seattle, which saw its SuperSon- Chamberlain as the only rookies since off record, breaking Karl Malone’s 31-point we have taken the decision to prepare for ics move to Oklahoma City in 2008, has 1959 to lead all scorers for a club that wins mark from 1986, then surpassed himself when expansion does take place, because long been considered the favourite for 45 games or more. Mitchell is the only with a 38-point eff ort in a series-clinching we believe it will take place,” Fortier said. future expansion. Other cities who have guard in that iconic group. The 22-year- game six first-round performance against The group has been meeting with po- expressed interest include Vancouver, A shot by New York Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei (not pictured) old also set a rookie record with 187 Oklahoma City. tential Canadian and foreign investors to Pittsburgh. gets by San Jose Sharks goaltender Aaron Dell to win the game in overtime at Madison Square Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Saturday, October 13, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT VAR innovator Van Basten to quit FIFA technical post

Dutch football legend Marco van Basten will leave his post as FIFA’s techni- cal director after reaching a “mutual agreement”, world football’s ruling Germany’s Loew brushes body announced. Former Ajax and AC Milan striker Van Basten joined FIFA in 2016 but will quit his post at the end of October to “spend more time with my family”, according to a FIFA statement. Van Basten is still held in high esteem by football aficionados having scored off Ballack criticism some wonder goals for both club and country during a sparkling career that saw the Dutchman win the Ballon d’Or ‘I saw the headlines, but didn’t read more — it really doesn’t interest me’ three times, in 1988, 1989 and 1992. At FIFA, he helped oversee many technical AFP aspects of the modern game. Amsterdam Olympiakos boss, 27 others ermany coach Joachim Loew face trial for corruption yesterday brushed off sharp criticism from his former Shipping magnate Vangelis Marinakis, captain Michael Ballack the owner of Olympiakos, will face trial Gin the wake of the country’s dismal accused of corruption in Greek football, World Cup performance. Loew is un- the Athens Court of Appeals decided der pressure to win today’s Nations yesterday. Marinakis, former Greek League match away to the Nether- football federation president Giorgos lands in Amsterdam, and then beat Germany coach Joachim Loew Sarris, and an ex-legal adviser have world champions France in Paris next smiles during a press conference in been accused of forming a criminal Tuesday. Ballack, the Germany cap- Amsterdam yesterday. (Reuters) organisation and manipulating results tain from 2004 to 2010, ramped up of matches. the tension this week by saying he was A total of 28 people are facing charges “surprised” Loew kept his job after his including former federation members, side fi nished bottom of their World ex-referees, the owners of Super League Cup group. “Everyone is welcome to clubs Levadiakos and Atromitos, as well say what they want, but I’m not inter- as former coaches and players. ested this week, I have other thoughts in my head,” Loew said in response to Ballack’s remarks. “I saw the head- US fund gets green light to lines, but didn’t read more — it really buy Ligue 1 club Bordeaux doesn’t interest me.” Loew made a calm impression in Local French off icials removed the yesterday’s press conference despite last obstacle yesterday to the sale of needing wins over the Dutch and Ligue 1 club Bordeaux to an American French in a tough Nations League investment fund in a deal worth 75mn group to rescue his tarnished reputa- euros. The city’s municipal council tion after the World Cup debacle. voted overwhelmingly to approve the “No, I do not feel any additional American takeover which is expected to pressure, I’ve been national coach be concluded by the end of the month. since 2006,” insisted Loew. “There held the French to a 0-0 draw in Mu- tionals were disrupted last weekend by Manuel Neuer, plus centre-backs made a good impression this week,” The deal comes two years after Ligue have been situations before in which nich last month, Germany sit second a raft of withdrawals, including that of Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng said Loew. “The four guys have expe- 1 rivals Marseille were bought by US we have had defeats and why would in their Nations League group, three chief playmaker Marco Reus, who is — Germany’s axis in defence — have rienced so many positive and negative real estate magnate Frank McCourt, the I feel more pressure in the Nations points behind leaders France and one sidelined by a knee injury. struggled in recent weeks. things. They are frustrated for a day or former Los Angeles Dodgers owner, for League than at a World Cup?” ahead of the last-placed Dutch. Worryingly for Loew, Bayern Mu- However, Loew is set to turn to the two (after defeat), but they can switch 45mn euros. The council vote off icially Germany have not lost to their “Obviously, we don’t want to be rel- nich are winless in their last four trio, as well as Thomas Mueller, who back quickly. They were very motivat- authorised the transfer of rental obliga- Dutch neighbours for 16 years, a run egated from this group, in fact we want games after suff ering a dip in form, has also been short of form, in Amster- ed. I absolutely trust these players and tions for the club’s Matmut Atlantique Loew hopes to maintain in his 168th to win it,” added Loew. which does not bode well for Ger- dam. “Thomas Mueller will play right the axis (Neuer, Boateng and Hum- ground, owned by the city, from media international as head coach. Having Preparations for both away interna- many’s defence. Bayern goalkeeper from the start, the Bayern players have mels) is very important.” group M6.

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS I thought I had agreed Sprint legend Bolt hits fi rst goals in football bid AFP and get into the team,” he added. a new contract with Sydney The superstar, a massive Manchester United fan, was handed a chance to train with the A-League side for an indefi nite Arsenal: Ramsey print legend Usain Bolt made his period in order to pursue his boyhood case for becoming a professional dream of becoming a professional foot- By David Hytner had agreed a deal but that’s no footballer yesterday when he baller. Whether he signs for the Mari- The Guardian longer the case,” Ramsey said. scored his fi rst goals after starting ners appears still up in the air, but the “So I just have to carry on play- upS front in a pre-season game for Aus- brace bolstered his case after a diffi cult ing my football and do my best tralia’s Central Coast Mariners. fi rst-half where he missed chances and aron Ramsey has re- for Arsenal this season and I’ll The 100 metres world record-holder, appeared to struggle with the pace and vealed that he thought leave the rest with the club now. who has been bidding for a professional movement of the game. “They’ve seen me he had reached an “Am I disappointed? That’s a contract since he retired last year, recov- in training, they’ve seen what I’m capable agreement with Arse- decision that they have made and ered from a painful kick in the groin to of and so, they need to analyse and say, ‘Is nalA over a new contract only for things happen in football and you grab a double against Macarthur South he good enough for this club?’ and they the club to perform a U-turn but just have to get on with it and West United in Sydney. will tell me that,” Bolt told reporters after he has promised to make what carry on playing the best I can. Bolt, 32, fi nished with his left foot after the game. “I just did what I had to do and stands to be his 11th and fi nal That’s all I am concentrating on some slack marking on 55 minutes, cel- that’s as far as I can go.” season in north London a memo- and giving my best for Arsenal.” ebrating with his trademark ‘Lightning Recently installed coach Mike Mulvey rable one. Arsenal could receive a fee for Bolt’ pose in front of more than 5,000 said he was focused on the fi rst game of The 27-year-old midfi elder, Ramsey by selling him in Janu- fans — a rare turnout for a pre-season the season for the Mariners, who fi n- whose deal expires next June, ary but the Wales international, game. The Jamaican, wearing number 95 ished bottom of the table last season, but made it clear that it was the club’s who played in the 4-1 home de- on his shirt in a nod to his 100m world heaped praised on the eight-time Olym- decision to withdraw the off er of feat against Spain on Thursday, record time of 9.58secs, then capitalised pic champion for his goals. “You’ve got fresh terms rather than his own did not sound as though he was on a defensive mix-up to score his second to be so happy for the guy, haven’t you?” to walk away from the talks, al- planning for a mid-season move. on 69 minutes before being substituted Mulvey told reporters. though he stopped short of giving “Would I stay for the rest of six minutes later with the score at 4-0. Bolt appeared to appeal for game time, his feelings on the situation. the season? Of course, yeah,” he It was the fi rst game Bolt has started saying he would improve as he gained Ramsey has started six of the said. “I am contracted to Arsenal since joining the A-League club in Au- more understanding of his teammates club’s eight Premier League and I am going to do my best now gust for an indefi nite trial. “I’m just hap- and what they wanted. He has previously games this season but there have this season to try and achieve py that I got a chance and I’m proud of tried out with clubs in Germany, South been questions as to whether he something special.” myself,” Bolt said after the game. “It was Africa and Norway to no avail. is an ideal fi t for Unai Emery’s Emery has said that he does a big deal... fi rst start and scoring two The Mariners have been giving him style of play. He had sought a not expect the contractual situa- goals. It was a good feeling. This is what one-on-one sessions on top of the large pay rise and the suspicion tion of the squad’s longest-serv- I worked towards. I try to get better and I squad’s training in a bid to turn him into has been that the club do not ing player to aff ect Ramsey’s per- am on the way to doing that.” A-League material for when the season want to push the boat out for him formance levels. Ramsey joined Bolt said he had a “lot more to learn” starts a week from now. The Mariners will because they have other options Arsenal from Cardiff in 2008 for and was keen to join the Mariners on a face Brisbane Roar, the club Mulvey was Usain Bolt, playing for A-League football club Central Coast Mariners, jumps while in central midfi eld. £5mn and has won three FA Cups, professional contract. “I’m keen, that’s sacked from in 2014, in their fi rst game controlling the ball in his first competitive start for the club against Macarthur South “Everything has been going scoring the winning goals in the why I’m here to play my best and to try next Sunday. West United in a pre-season game in Sydney yesterday. (AFP) great with the club – we thought 2014 and 2017 fi nals against Hull we were in a position where we and Chelsea respectively. China and India, football’s biggest minnows, in rare clash

Shanghai: China and India together sport — the country is cricket-mad. But account for more than a third of the regional bragging rights are at stake and world’s population, but in football terms with both teams playing January’s Asian they are minnows often beaten by Cup, the continent’s top international countries a fraction of their size. Their football competition, the clock is ticking. struggles will be laid bare today when “Friendly or no friendly, it’s the India China host their Asian rivals in a friendly national team,” said Constantine. “We that the home side are under huge pres- will go all out.” sure to win, and win well. The man under most scrutiny is an The game in Suzhou, near Shanghai, Italian, Marcello Lippi, the handsomely will be the first time India have played paid but increasingly maligned coach China away and the first match between of China. The 70-year-old has been in their senior sides in 21 years. India have charge for two years, but after a promis- never beaten China in 17 attempts. ing start, he has overseen a poor run of It may not be a match for the cognos- two wins in six games. centi, but the coaches of both countries That included a 6-0 thrashing at appreciate that hundreds of millions of home to Wales and an underwhelm- people will be willing a victory for their ing 0-0 draw with Bahrain — popula- team. India are 97th in FIFA’s rankings Indian football team are 97th in FIFA’s rankings to China’s 76. tion 1.5mn — in September. Lippi, who and China 76 — sandwiched between steered Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, Zambia and Lebanon — underlining how “You are representing 1.4bn people Ocean archipelago of less than 500,000 recently told Italian media that he will far adrift both are of the global elite. out there and I can’t tell you how impor- people. China’s unbridled footballing likely retire after the Asian Cup in the “It’s only a friendly game for the tant the game is for us,” added Constan- ambitions come from the top: President United Arab Emirates. But failure to beat world, but not us,” said Stephen Con- tine, under whom India have improved Xi Jinping is a big fan of the sport and India could herald a swifter end to his stantine, India’s British coach. “When from 166th in the rankings when he took has vowed to make the country one of tenure. With a reported annual salary of you are playing for India, you have to over in 2015. its superpowers. between $23mn and $27mn — one of the take it seriously irrespective of whatever India’s previous game saw them beat- It is not the same story in India, where highest in football — Chinese media and game you play. en 2-1 last month by Maldives, an Indian football is not even the most popular fans feel short-changed. Gulf Times Saturday, October 13, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

FRIENDLY Manager Klopp desperate to end Liverpool trophy drought Mbappe helps France London: Jurgen Klopp says he does not want to be remembered as the ‘fun’ Liverpool manager who failed to win silverware as expectations rise that the club can break their long trophy drought. The German man- avoid shock Iceland loss ager celebrated his three-year anniversary at Anfield this week but has not tasted suc- ‘The team saw we needed to do something else. I bring what I can do’ cess despite taking the club to three finals. AFP He has lost his past six Guingamp, France finals since winning his first with Borussia Dortmund in 2012. At his presentation as ylian Mbappe inspired a fi ght- Reds boss in October 2015 he back from world champions pledged to win a “title” within France as they rallied from two four years. But after three goals down at home to earn trophy near-misses, the last Ka 2-2 draw with Iceland on Thursday in May’s Champions League night. Birkir Bjarnason swept Iceland final against Real Madrid, he ahead from the edge of the area on 30 admits he does not know minutes, and Kari Arnason’s excellent when that claim will come second-half header doubled their lead to fruition. Liverpool’s last in Guingamp. major trophy was the League But Mbappe, brought on as a substi- Cup in 2012 but they have tute for the fi nal half-hour, gave France not been English champions a lifeline when his shot was saved and since 1990. “I have said it then inadvertently turned in by Ice- a few times: I have no idea land defender Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson. when we will win something The Paris Saint-Germain forward lev- but I’m sure this club will win elled from the penalty spot in the 90th something,” he said. minute after Kolbeinn Sigthorsson han- “I don’t know when so let’s dled at a corner. have the best times of our “The team saw we needed to do lives until then.” something else. I bring what I can do,” Klopp added: “Nobody Mbappe said. “We saw the fans were wants to look back in 10 or completely behind us even if it wasn’t 20 years and say ‘So the best a big stadium. We wanted to do every- time we had without winning thing for the people who were there. We anything was when Klopp got the draw, we didn’t lose, but we’re was here. It was so funny and still a bit annoyed.” all that stuff .” Liverpool have France coach Didier Deschamps been touted as Manchester fi elded six of the players that began the City’s closest challengers World Cup fi nal against Croatia, hand- for the Premier League this ing in-form Marseille winger Florian season and are currently level Thauvin his fi rst start as Mbappe was with Pep Guardiola’s side and left on the bench. Iceland were beaten Chelsea on 18 points after 5-2 by France in the quarter-fi nals of eight matches, having yet to Euro 2016, and new coach Erik Ham- be defeated in the league. ren’s reign had started disastrously with “If you think about it, we two heavy defeats to open their Nations are maybe in the best mo- League campaign. ment for ages but a few other But the Nordic nation with a popu- clubs are the same and they lation of around 350,000 stunned the made the same steps so that hosts in Brittany as Aston Villa mid- makes it really hard,” Klopp fi elder Bjarnason beat Hugo Lloris with said. “It looks like we are a low strike after Alfred Finnbogason France’s Kylian Mbappe (centre) attempts to score past Iceland’s goalkeeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson (left) during the friendly match in Guingamp, France. (AFP) really on a good way and the stole the ball from Presnel Kimpembe. only thing I can guarantee is Ousmane Dembele was denied an also turned behind by Runarsson. Ar- a warning that went unheeded by Ice- fi nal minute with a nerveless spot-kick, INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY RESULTS that we constantly develop.” equaliser by a terrifi c block from Ice- nason connected superbly at a corner, land, as Mbappe was at the origin of an before a clumsy foul on the jet-heeled At Riyadh: Argentina 4 (Martinez 18, But he warned fans that he land goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson, heading in via the underside of the bar, attack that saw France pull a goal back forward in stoppage time sparked a Pereyra 53, Pezzella 82, Cervi 90+2) Iraq is not a miracle-worker. “As I while Lloris pulled off a stunning save as Iceland surged two goals clear on 58 with four minutes to play. confrontation between both sets of 0; At Cardiff : Wales 1 (Vokes 89) Spain said in my first press confer- from Ragnar Sigurdsson before keeping minutes and on course for a fi rst win His shot from a tight angle was well players over by the touchline. France 4 (Alcacer 8, 29, Ramos 19, Bartra 74); At ence here, if anybody thinks out follow-up eff orts by Bjarnason and since beating Kosovo 2-0 last October. saved by Runarsson but the rebound return to competitive action on Tues- Guingamp: France 2 (Eyjolfsson 86-og, that I can perform wonders Finnbogason. Mbappe promptly replaced Griez- fl ew straight into the unwitting Eyjolfs- day when they host Germany in the Na- Mbappe 90-pen) Iceland 2 (Bjarnason 30, then it could become really A searing Thauvin strike fi zzed just mann, and the teenager soon had the son, who was helpless as the ball rolled tions League. The two sides played out a Arnason 58); At Tampa, Florida: USA 2 diff icult in the future, because over the crossbar early in the second ball in the back of the net only for it to over the line. 0-0 draw in their opening match of the (Acosta 50, Wood 53) Colombia 4 (James I can’t.” half, with an Antoine Griezmann header be correctly ruled out for off side. It was Mbappe then snatched a draw in the competition in Munich last month. 36, Bacca 56, Falcao 74, Borja 79)

SPOTLIGHT NATIONS LEAGUE Alcacer shines as Spain crush Wales Portugal ruin Lewandowski’s AFP Cardiff , United Kingdom century celebration AFP minute. In Podgorica, Serbia win in the competition. aco Alcacer made his case for a reg- Paris downed Montenegro 2-0 in the ular place in the Spain team as the fi rst meeting between the two NATIONS LEAGUE RESULTS on-loan Borussia Dortmund for- former members of the old Yu- League A Group 3: At Chorzow: ward struck twice in his country’s ortugal, playing with- goslavia. Aleksandar Mitrovic Poland 2 (Piatek 18, Blaszc- P4-1 rout of Wales on Thursday night. out embattled Cristiano scored both goals with an 18th- zykowski 77) Portugal 3 (Andre With Diego Costa injured and Rodrigo Ronaldo, defeated Po- minute penalty followed by an Silva 32, Glik 43-og, Bernardo on the bench, Alcacer seized his chance to land 3-2 in the Nations 81st-minute eff ort. Silva 52) impress Spain boss Luis Enrique in his fi rst PLeague on Thursday night, shat- Israel recovered from a goal international appearance since March 2016. tering Robert Lewandowski’s down in Haifa to defeat Scotland League B: Group 2: At Kaliningrad: The 25-year-old maintained his blister- celebrations of playing his 100th 2-1. Charlie Mulgrew put the Russia 0 Sweden 0 ing club form to leave the Wales defence in international. European champi- Scots ahead with a 25th-minute League C: Group 1: At Haifa: Israel tatters in a one-sided friendly at the Princi- ons Portugal scored three times penalty but midfi elder Dor Peretz 2 (Peretz 52, Tierney 75-og) Scot- pality Stadium. Alcacer netted twice in the in 20 minutes in the Polish city of levelled for Israel in the 52nd land 1 (Mulgrew 25-pen) fi rst half to make it eight goals in 14 Spain Chorzow through Andre Silva (32 minute. Scotland were reduced League C: Group 4: At Podgorica: appearances, while Sergio Ramos and Marc minutes), a Kamil Glik own-goal to 10 men after an hour when Montenegro 0 Serbia 2 (Mitrovic Bartra were also on target for the visitors. (43) and a strike from Bernardo defender John Souttar was sent 18-pen, 81) Alcacer has hit seven goals in four match- Silva (52). off before Celtic’s Kieran Tier- es for Dortmund since joining on loan from Fernando Santos’s Portugal ney turned a cross from Beram At Vilnius: Lithuania 1 (Zulpa 90) Barcelona, where he struggled to break into team now have two wins in two Kayal past his own goalkeeper Romania 2 (Chipciu 13, Maxim the team and was rarely picked by Enrique in the Nations League after also Allan McGregor with 16 minutes 90+4) during his time in charge at the Camp Nou. beating Italy 1-0 in September. remaining. League D: Group 3: At Torshavn: Enrique might be having a change of heart Prolifi c Genoa striker Krzysz- The result ended Scotland’s Faroe Islands 0 Azerbaijan 3 (Al- after this predatory display from Alcacer on tof Piatek had given Poland a seven-match undefeated run in meida 28, 86-pen, Nazarov 67) an emotional night for Spain, who stood be- 19th-minute lead with Jakub competitive outings stretching At Pristina: Kosovo 3 (Kololli 30, fore kick-off for a minute’s silence in mem- Blaszczykowski cutting the defi - back to November 2016. Kosovo 81, Muriqi 68) Malta 1 (Agius 51) ory of the victims of the Majorca fl ooding cit for the home side in the 77th beat Malta 3-1 for their second which has killed 12 people. The former world and European cham- pions endured a disappointing World Cup, stunningly knocked out in the last 16 by hosts Russia after sacking manager Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament. But Enrique has won all three of his games since taking charge after the World Cup and Spain’s Paco Alcacer (left) celebrates after scoring against Wales in a International Friendly this emphatic success was the ideal prepa- match at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff , Britain. (Reuters) ration for Spain before they resume their Nations League campaign against England very good team, you’re in trouble,” Giggs States 4-2 on Thursday in an international in Seville on Monday. said. “There were so many mistakes. Spain football friendly in Tampa, Florida. Spain beat England 2-1 at Wembley in En- are such a good technical team, but we gave James put the Cafeteros in the lead with rique’s fi rst match, then hammered World away two poor goals at set-pieces. After that a spectacular eff ort from the edge of the Cup fi nalists Croatia 6-0. “It was an intense you are chasing shadows. We got taught a penalty area in the 36th minute, thrilling a game. I loved my team’s attitude. They did lesson in many aspects.” largely pro-Colombia crowd at Raymond what I wanted them to do,” Enrique said. This was the fi rst meeting between the James Stadium. “Everyone who participated today was at a countries since 1985 when Wales enjoyed a The United States responded with two high level.” famous victory in a World Cup qualifi er. To goals in the space of three minutes by Kellyn Wales were without Gareth Bale due to a mark the occasion, the match was held at Acosta and Bobby Wood early in the second groin injury and the Real Madrid forward’s the Principality Stadium, which traditional- half that gave the hosts a 2-1 lead. But Co- absence rendered them toothless. Burnley’s ly serves as the home of Welsh rugby, for the lombia rose to the challenge with goals from Sam Vokes got a late consolation for Wales, fi rst Wales football fi xture there since 2011. Carlos Bacca, Radamel Falcao and Miguel who have lost three of their six matches Borja to secure the victory. since Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs JAMES KEYS COLOMBIA’S Colombia’s North American tour contin- took over as manager. 4-2 FRIENDLY WIN OVER USA ues on Tuesday against Costa Rica at Red “The disappointment for me was in the A Colombian team lead by James Rodriguez Bull Arena in Harrison New Jersey, when the basics. If you don’t do the basics against a roared past a game but inexperienced United United States will face Peru in Connecticut. Portugal’s William Carvalho (left) and Poland’s Robert Lewandowski vie for the ball. (Reuters)

Saturday, October 13, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

Qatar’s al-Haj at Youth Games 2018 CRICKET QCA intensifi es preparation for Asia Division 2 qualifi ers for U19 World Cup

Qatar’s Ahmed al-Haj in action during the stage 1 of the men’s discus throw (1.5kg) event at the Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Thursday. Al-Haj threw the discus 51.39m for his tenth spot in the competition. The second stage is scheduled for tomorrow, and the total of two days will determine the final positions.

HATHAB EQUESTRIAN SERIES

QCA president Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari. Al-Rumaihi wins team to the Asian Under-19 Di- By Sports Reporter Doha vision 2 qualifi ers in Thailand in December. I feel all players would brace themselves well for the up- he Qatar Cricket Asso- coming challenge. ciation (QCA) has short- “We always take all possible listed 19 probables for measures to prepare our national on opening day the national under-19 teams and we hope the Qatar Tteam and intensifi ed its prepara- under-19 team would try to do tions for the upcoming ICC Un- its best and make the country In the Small Tour, Mohammed Abdulla Juma came out on top with mare Venda F der-19 Cricket World Cup Asia proud,” al-Kuwari added. Division 2 qualifi ers. Ahmad thanked all the coaches By Sports Reporter runaway success in its inaugural Qatar will compete in the and trainers involved in building Doha season. The second season will qualifi ers, which will be held in a competitive team for the Asian also consist of 12 legs and will be Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thai- event. “I want to say thanks to all held alternatively at Al Shaqab land, from December 5 to 16. the coaches and trainers involved ubarak Yousuf al- or Qatar Equestrian Federation, The QCA had initially picked in getting the team ready. The Rumaihi emerged the joint organisers of the series. 35 players from various schools preps have gone well so far and triumphant in the The QR1mn series provides through its under-19 and un- they have now entered the fi nal Medium Tour class an opportunity for young rid- der-16 tournaments. The players phase. We hope that we would be Mas the second season of Hathab ers from Qatar to gain expe- then underwent rigorous coach- able to present a highly competi- Equestrian Series kicked off rience and test themselves ing for a few months to improve tive side in the Asian qualifi ers.” yesterday. against other best talents in their physical fi tness and skills He also thanked senior curator At Qatar Equestrian Federa- the country. Like last year, the before shortlisting the number to Shakeel for refurbishing the turf tion’s Indoor Arena, al-Rumaihi results of each leg will be used in 19, including fi ve reserves. wickets and preparing additional guided his 16-year-old geld- the selection process of riders to The players were selected by a six practice wickets for the na- ing Vivaldi K to victory after a represent Qatar in future inter- committee, which was appointed tional team. fl awless round, which the pair national competitions. by QCA president Yousef Jeham Ten teams are competing in completed in 39.01secs. Nasser al-Kuwari and comprises Qatar’s the Division 2 qualifi ers and al-Ghazali (Colibri 19) was sec- RESULTS senior players. National team they have been divided into two ond followed by Saeed Nasser Individual Medium Tour: captain Inam-ul Haq is the chief groups. Top team from each al-Qadi (Daydreamer EC) in Table A, Special Two Phases selector, and he was assisted by group would join Nepal, Malay- third. The Medium Tour attract- 120/130cm. Prize Money: Tamoor Sajjad and Zaheerud- sia, and Singapore in the Division ed a whopping 33 riders, which QR20,000 deen Ibrahim. The committee 1 qualifi ers and fi ght for a single shows how much Hathab has 1. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi. attended various training ses- spot in the Under-19 World Cup gained in popularity since it was Horse: Vivaldi K. Time: 39.01secs. Medium Tour winner Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi (rear, centre), runner-up Nasser al-Ghazali (rear, left) sions and practice matches be- from Asia. launched a year ago. Prize money: QR5,000 and third-placed Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (rear, right) pose with off icials at Qatar Equestrian Federation’s fore fi nalising the squad. Group 1 has Hong Kong, the Al-Rumaihi’s triumph also led 2. Nasser al-Ghazali. Colibri 19. Indoor Arena yesterday. PICTURE: Lotfi Garsi QCA Operations manager Man- Maldives, Bahrain, China and Al Salam to top place fi nish in the 40.19secs. QR4,000 zoor Ahmad announced the squad Kuwait, while Group 2 consists of team event, ahead of Al Shaqab 3. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi. Day- Prize money: QR10,000 on October 10 in the presence of Saudi Arabia, Bhutan, Thailand, and Al Kass. The team event has dreamer EC. QR: QR3,000 1. Mohammed Abdulla Juma parents, coaches Aruna De Silve, Qatar and Oman. been introduced this year to en- Team Medium Tour: (Venda F) Time: 41.99secs. Prize Amjad Baig, Shamsuddin, and gage community and businesses 1. Al Salam – Mubarak Yousuf money: QR2,500 Mohamed Jehangir, and Schools SQUAD: Hussain Khan, Ahmed in the equestrian series. al-Rumaihi (Vivaldi K0) Moham- 2. Saeed Hamad al-Rashdi (Graf- Cricket head Amin-ul Islam. Mushtaq, Shubh Agarwal, Samil Each team consists of three med al-Ghazali (Alegro 84); fiti De Lully CH) Time: 42.04secs. All the players are undergoing Valiyapurayil Sadiq, Patrick riders and they represent one Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi (Fan- Prize money: QR2,000 the fi nal phase of preparations Romelo Akmeemana Kumarage, of the following sponsors: Al tastique). Total time: 79.29 secs. 3. Mohammd Salem al-Marri (Gin and the QCA offi cials are opti- Aditya Piyush Makadia, Solaiman Salam (main sponsor), Exxon Prize money: QR10,000. Tonic Van De Kranenburg). Time: mistic about good performance Mohamed, Kalith Charitha Antho- Mobil, Al Kass, Al Shaqab, QNB, 2. Al Shaqab –Saeed Nasser al-Qadi 43.30secs. Prize money: QR1,500 from the team. ny Amarasinghe, Afsarullah, Dha- Lusail and Power Steel. (Daydreamer EC), Mohammed TODAY’S SCHEDULE Al-Kuwari congratulated all nitha Sandesh Gallu Hettiarrach- In the Small Tour, Mohammed Sultan al-Suwaidi (Numero Uno T); 9am: Future riders class (for un- the selected players and urged chige, Fateen Suhail Hakim, Nivid Abdulla Juma came out on top Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi (Concordiva der- 12) Optimum Time 70/85cm. them to put in their best eff orts Rakeshbhai Patel, Bismillah Khan, with 16-year-old mare Venda F Vh Wilgenhof). Total time: 81.27 10:30am: Beginner Riders: Table in practice so that they could be Syed Yousef Tameem. Reserve in 41.99secs. Saeed Hamad al- secs. Prize money: QR6,000. A, One round against the clock ready to fl y Qatar’s fl ag high in players: Sheikh Jassim Mo- Rashdi (Graffi ti De Lully CH) was 3. Al Kass –Nasser al-Ghazali 85/100cm the Asian Division 2 qualifi ers. hamed Asam, Mohamed Azam second, while Mohammd Sa- (Colibri); Ali Mohammed al-Marri 3pm: Open Class Table A, One “Qatar is rapidly rising in inter- Zaheed, Mohamed Ismath Zayan, lem al-Marri (Gin Tonic Van De (Fernhill Friendly Touch); Mo- round against the clock 115/125cm. national cricket and we’re proud Saud Kamal, Suyash Sudhir Kranenburg) took third placed. hamed Khalifa Albaker (Circus). Prize money: QR15,000 that we’re sending our young Kumar Patel. A brainchild of HE Sheikh Total Time: 82.09secs. Prize 5:30pm: Big Tour Table A, Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, money: QR4,000 One round against the clock President of the Qatar Olym- Individual Small Tour: Table A, 130/145cm. (6-12 years); SPOTLIGHT pic Committee, Hathab was a One round against the clock. QR35,000 Mohammed Abdulla Juma won the Small Tour class with Venda F.

MOTORSPORT Aspetar holds seminar ahead of Third round of Qatar Baja today gymnastics Worlds By Sports Reporter The six-leg series will have two By Sports Reporter Committee of the World Gym- Doha rounds in November and Decem- Doha nastics is committed in its mis- ber before coming to an end in sion to help athletes compete to January 2019. their full potential and reach the en drivers will battle it It will be busy season at the he Organizing Commit- highest levels of performance out for top honours in the QMMF as beehive of activities has tee for the 48th FIG Ar- during the championships. third round of the Qatar been planned. The Manateq Inter- tistic Gymnastics World The championships will Manateq Baja series today. national Rally of Qatar, the fi nale Championships Doha showcase Aspetar’s leading role TThe championship, organised by to the 2018 FIA Middle East Rally T2018, along with Aspetar, the in protecting local, regional and the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Championship is the marquee world’s leading specialised or- international players from all Federation (QMMF), will traverse event to look forward to and it will thopaedic and sports medicine sports-based injuries given the through the desert terrain of Sea- be held from November 15-17. hospital, held a seminar at Aspire wealth of knowledge and inter- line and Khor Al Udaid, which will QMMF President Abdulrahman on Thursday focusing on the fi rst national experience the hospital consist of a number of marked al-Mannai was excited for the start such gymnastics event to be held has gained through major tour- courses. of new season and said a number the Middle East. naments hosted by Qatar such as Yesterday, the administra- of activities have been lined up Aspetar shall be providing all the World Handball and World tive checks were carried out at the ahead. “It’s going to be a busy sea- medical care and sports services Boxing Championships in 2015, QMMF headquarters, followed by son. Next month we will have the not only to the athletes before the World Cycling Champion- scrutineering after which 11 vehicles hugely popular Manateq Qatar and during the championships, ships in 2016 and other major were cleared to participate in the T1, International Rally. That will host to be held from October 25 to No- sporting events. T2 and T3 categories. The ceremo- the big names in motor racing. We vember 3, but also to the public Meanwhile, today there will nial start will be held today at 8am, will special activities during that attending the mega sports event. be a new promotional event for followed by the rally in challenging week,” he said. The best of Aspetar’s medical World Gymnastics at the Mall of terrains. The prize distribution cer- “We are looking forward to this staff will be off ering their servic- Qatar following the success of an emony is scheduled at 6:30pm. week’s round. We are very excit- es for the championship with 50 earlier show which saw the pub- Qatar’s Sheikh Hamad al-Thani ed at this point in time. We have of world’s leading sports medi- lic demanding a repeat. and Mohammed al-Meer are the planned a series of activities right cine practitioners available to at- The organisers have an- front-runners for the title. The throughout the season, like we al- tend to all injuries, urgent cases nounced many prizes and free championship will resume after a ways do. We shall give more details and emergencies, if any. tickets for spectators attending gap of fi ve months, with fi rst two in the coming days,” al-Mannai Administrative checks and scrutineering were carried out at the QMMF headquarters yesterday, on The partnership between Asp- the world gymnastics champi- rounds of the series held in April. said. the eve third round of the Qatar Manateq Baja series. etar Hospital and the Organising onships at the Aspire Dome.