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Home , Arthur Zanetti, Artur Dalaloyan, Carlos Yulo, Elisabeth Seitz, Imad Wasim, Mai Murakami

SPORT Saturday 3 November 2018 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 18 Daniel Ricciardo Farag downs Rosner ready for last two to win maiden races of the season Classic title Biles seals record 13th world title as Dalaloyan bags second gold FAWAD HUSSAIN YESTERDAY’S MEDALLISTS THE PENINSULA Artistic Worlds Men’s floor : will take back Gold: (RUS) - 14.900 has delivered a lot of memories from Doha and Silver: Kenzo Shirai (JPN) - 14.866 the best among them is that she Bronze: Carlos Edriel Yulo (PHI) - 14.600 message of will return home as the most deco- rated gymnast of all times at the Women’s World Championships. Gold: Simone Biles (USA) - 15.366 peace: Al Hitmi A day after clinching a record Silver: Shallon Olsen (CAN) - 14.516 THE PENINSULA 4th all-around title, the American Bronze: Alexa Moreno (MEX) - 14.508 superstar won her 13th world gold medal with a maiden vault title on Men’s DOHA: The Executive Director first day of apparatus finals at the Gold: (CHN) 15.166 of the Organising Committee of 48th World Silver: (GB) 15.166 Doha Worlds and President of Championships, yesterday. Bronze: Lee Chih Kai, (TPE) 14.966 the Qatar Gymnastics Federation But the penultimate day at Ali Al Hitmi yesterday said that Doha Worlds was not just about Women’s 48th FIG Artistic Gymnastics Biles as reigning men’s all-around Gold: (BEL)- 15.2 World Championships Doha champion Artur Dalaloyan, Xiao Silver: Simone Biles (USA)14.7 2018, the first-ever to be staged Ruoteng, Nina Derwael and Bronze: Elisabeth Seitz (GER) 14.6 in the Middle East, has also dis- succeeded in delivering the played dazzling performances to Men’s message of peace and Qatar’s wow fans at packed Aspire Dome. Gold: Eleftherios Petrounias (GRE) capabilities to the world. President of the Qatar 15.366 “We would like to thank H Olympic Committee, H E Sheikh Simone Biles of the United States competes on the uneven bars during day nine of the 2018 FIG Silver: Arthur Zanetti (BRA) 15.100 E Sheikh Joan bin Hamad Al Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and Artistic Gymnastics Championships at the Aspire Dome in Doha yesterday. Bronze: Marco Lodadio (ITA) 14.900 Thani, Chairman of the Qatar President Olympic Council of Asia, Olympic Committee and Sheikh Ahmed Al Fahad, along Chairman of the Organising with top officials from World and finally clinched her maiden dismount was great, so I’m very, uneven bar silver as she became Roteng second time Committee of Doha Worlds for Asian gymnastics federations also world gold medal when she won very happy with my per- the only American to earn world lucky his full support. watched yesterday’s the women’s uneven bar final. formance,” Derwael said. medals in every event. ’s Ruoteng, who missed “The ten-day long Doha proceedings. She amassed 15.200 points, “I felt a lot of stress before “It’s good to get a medal, all-around title on a tie-breaker Worlds will conclude today with 0.500 ahead of second-placed mounting the bars, but once I got because I’m feeling pretty con- against Dalaloyan, was second great success, and the flag of Maiden vault title for Biles with ’s Elisabeth into my rhythm, I could feel, fident on that event, and that’s time lucky after his score in men’s the championships as hosts shall Biles Seitz finishing third with 14.600 ‘Yeah, it’s going great,’ and con- the first time in a while that I’ve pommel horse final was tied again be passed on to Germany, who Unlike on Thursday when she points. tinued like that. Then, when I felt really comfortable,” Biles with Great Britain’s defending will be next hosts for the 2019 fell twice in women’s all-around “It was one of my best rou- stuck my landing, it was just a said. champion Max Whitlock. edition to be held in . final, Biles did not make any tines that I’ve done here so far. relief,” she added. The Chinese star was awarded “We have succeeded in pro- mistake in her first of two finals, I slightly over-rotated my full Biles, however, also achieved Dalaloyan new world gold on better execution points viding an exceptionally well marking 15.366 points from two turn before my dismount, but my another record by winning an champion after both the gymnasts tallied organised event which has vaults to overcome Canada’s After winning the men’s all- 15.166 points each. exceeded expectations and the Shallon Olsen, who scored 14.516 around title on a tie-breaker on “Max is a superstar, but he specified criteria. We hope that points for a silver medal. Thursday, Russian ace Dalaloyan made some little mistakes, so I we have set a new bench mark The vault title gave Biles her sealed his second gold in Doha think I was a little better than he. for Stuttgart to follow and to third gold medal in Doha, taking after dethroning ’s Apparently the judges preferred aim and achieve the standard. her overall tally to 13 world gold defending champion Kenzo my performance. It’s my honour “We are thankful to all for medals that surpassed Belarusian Shirai in the floor final. that the judges admired it,” said the praise showered on the male gymnast ’s Dalaloyan’s performance Ruoteng. championships in Doha, whether feat of 12 titles. was a treat to watch with his Lee Chih-Kai of Chinese it was the International Gym- “I wanted to redeem myself beautiful double-double and Taipei also made history by nastics Federation (FIG) or from (after mistakes on Thursday) and superb twists giving him 14.900 winning a bronze medal – the first officials of the participating I am happy I managed to that,” points which lent him a gold ever medal for his country – after countries or even the athletes. Biles said after her third world title medal. Shirai finished close with collecting 14.966 points. The international accolades are in Doha. 14.866 points to earn a silver proof of our success in deliv- She was also delighted for her medal. Petrounias maintains ering our message to the world new record of 13 world titles. “Today I tried an experiment. rings domination that Qatar is a nation which “I am very excited and happy I was sitting and didn’t train In what was the last apparatus believes in peace and safety of with my performance so far. One before my performance. I pre- final yesterday, Greece’s all. A capital destination for more day of competition and I am pared myself mentally. I focused, Petrounias continued his domi- sport and is capable of hosting looking forward to it,” she added. came out and performed. I just nation in rings despite a looming major international tournaments ’s Alexa Moreno took did my thing,” said the Russian shoulder injury. in the best possible way,” he bronze medal with 14.508 points gymnast. As expected, he outsmarted added. while Uzbekistan legend Oksana “There is still room for his opponents in the final and Al Hitmi also complimented Chusovitina, 43, finished fourth, achievement. It’s good that I still tallied 15.366 points for third con- his team for the top show. “The missing a medal by 0.208 points. have room to improve. There is secutive world gold medal. Bra- success of the tournament no limit for perfection.” zil’s Arthur Zanetti (15.100) and reflects the efforts made by the Derwael outsmarts Biles , 18, made history Italy’s Marco Lodadio (14.900) Organising Committee to deliver in uneven bars in the event by winning first grabbed silver and bronze medal. the championships inkeeping sensation Derwael, Artur Dalaloyan of celebrates on the podium after winning world medal for after The 10-day event will con- with Qatar’s reputation of who has been impressive the gold medal in the floor exercise yesterday. PICTURE: SYED OMAR bagging 14.600 points for a clude today with 5 more apparatus hosting top sporting events,” he throughout the Doha event, bronze medal. finals scheduled on the final day. said. Doha Worlds seems like a miracle to me: Watanabe

THE PENINSULA unique given the competition that standards at the Doha Worlds are silver-winning effort in the delegations on Tuesday said, “This we are seeing. I first came to Qatar something special. women’s All-around event. is after 2021… the federations will DOHA: The International in 2006 and the event here at the “What we saw in the men’s “Murakami was also very good decide.” Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Aspire Dome now in 2018 seems All-Around was a tie which was and everyone is happy with her Having drawn cheers President Morinari Watanabe like a miracle to me,” said the first time since the new rules show,” he said. appearing dressed in traditional termed the on-going 48th Watanabe. have been introduced. The On the current format of world Arabic attire – the ‘thobe’ --- Artistic World Championships The 59-year-old, who became women’s All-around competition gymnastics competition and during the opening ceremony of Doha 2018 as a ‘miracle’ while the 9th president of FIG in January too was a thrilling competition. No whether he would support sug- the Doha Worlds, Watanabe was speaking to journalists soon 2017, and its first Asian head doubt, this is special,” he said. gestions of a change, Watanabe open to the championships after the thrilling women’s All- opined that the level of gymnastics Watanabe, who is also the first proposed to be a new member of returning to this part of the world around competition at the seen at the Doha Worlds is out of from the Japanese world of sport the International Olympic Com- again. Aspire Dome on Thursday. the ordinary. to head an international sports mittee during the 2018 Youth “It is not for me to decide, but “This world championships “This has been one of the federation, also congratulated and who headed if Qatar and other Arabic nations Morinari Watanabe have emerged as somewhat better world championships. The gymnast Mai Murakami on her a roundtable meeting of FIG want, why not,” he said. SATURDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 17

Pakistan beat Al Shahania hold Al Gharafa by six to clinch T20 to goalless draw in QSL series AFP THE PENINSULA : beat New DOHA: Al Shahania held Al Zealand by six wickets in the Gharafa to a goalless draw in second interna- Week 11 of the QNB Stars League tional in Dubai yesterday to at the Al Gharafa Stadium take an unassailable 2-0 lead yesterday. in the three-match series. Al Gharafa moved to 15 New Zealand scored points and Al Shahania 12. 153-7 with Corey Anderson It was the third drawn (44 ) and Colin Munro encounter for both Al Gharafa (44) after they won the toss and Al Shahania. and batted. The Cheetahs have four wins Pakistan overhauled the and as many defeats against their target for the loss of four name, whereas Al Shahania have wickets in 19.4 overs with registered three victories and (34 not five losses. out) hitting the winning Al Gharafa enjoyed a pos- boundary. session of 53 per cent in the first scored 40 and Asif Ali made half, which they increased mar- 38. ginally to 55 per cent at the final This is Pakistan’s 11th whistle. series win in succession. Both teams tried hard to Pakistan won the first make a breakthrough, but their Action from the QNB Stars League match match by two runs in Abu efforts went in vain. between Al Gharafa and Al Shahania at Al Dhabi on Wednesday. The Al Gharafa missed Abdulaziz Gharafa Stadium yesterday. third and final match is in Hatem through an injury, while Dubai on Sunday. Al Shahania were without their ace Argentinian striker Luciano SCOREBOARD Vazquez who received his New Zealand marching orders during their 1-1 in the 33rd minute. Al Sadd Arabi in the last round, the mood exciting and challenging match. had gone through a difficult Colin Munro st Ahmed b Hafeez ...... 44 draw with Umm Salal in the pre- raised their points tally to 20 in the team camp is upbeat. We I cannot reveal the details of our phase, but we are improving. The Glenn Phillips c Ahmed b ...... 5 vious round. from nine matches. They now may miss two prominent players, strategy against Qatar SC. They league is long and we must show Kane Williamson c Zaman b Afridi ...... 37 The second half too did not have six wins and played two Samuel Eto’o and Ahmed Moein, have improved a lot recently and our desire to win through our c Malik b Wasim ...... 4 see a drastic improvement as Al games less due to their AFC but we have choices. got some positive results. We abilities.” Ross Taylor out ...... 3 Gharafa found it hard to break a Champions League “I am confident that we will have to be well-prepared for Elsewhere, Al Khor coach Corey Anderson (not out) ...... 44 resolute Al Shahania defence. commitments. play a strong match and move them. Bernard Casoni wnats to forget Tim Seifert c b Afridi ...... 11 Al Gharafa’s Dutch star It was a blow to Umm Salal, further up in the standings with “We seek to bring out our the loss in the last round match Tim Southee run out ...... 0 Adam Milne (not out) ...... 0 Wesley Sneijder scored a goal in who aim to break into the top another victory. I am confident best and we fully believe results and want to turn the tide agianst Extras: (2LB, 2NB, 1W) ...... 5 the 59th minute, but it was ruled four. They remained on 15 points. in our team’s abilities and we align with performance. We may Al Ahli. Total: (for 7 wickets) ...... 153 offside. In today’s matches, Qatar SC respect Al Rayyan. be occupying the second position “The Al Ahli game is difficult. Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-56, 3-67, 4-83, 5-125, In the other match, Al Sadd take on Al Rayyan while Al Ahli “Winning two games and a in the table, but we must work However, we will be looking for 6-148, 7-149 got back to winning ways with a face Al Khor. draw is important because the more. We are keen to get a pos- three points in order to move Did not bat: Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel. 5-1 victory over Umm Salal at the Qatar SC coach Sergio Batista upcoming clash is my fourth itive result in the last game of away from the danger zone and Bowling: 4-0-25-1, Faheem Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. said the Al Rayyan match will be since I took over. I know that my first leg. finish the first leg on a winning Ashraf 3-0-27-0, Mohammad Hafeez 2-0-12-1, Pedro Miguel (20th minute), a tough one. team will play it hard and Al Rayyan goalkeeper Omar note. 3-0-43-0 (2nb), 4-0- Hassan Al Haydous (29th), Xavi “Facing Al Rayyan will be the nothing is impossible. We have Barry said, “Our game against “Al Ahli are coming from a 20-3, Shadab Khan 4-0-24-0 (1w). Hernandez (55th) and Akram Afif most difficult task for me since players of great qualities,” said Qatar SC is important. We focus big win over Al Sadd and their Pakistan: (69th and 87th) scored the goals I took over Qatar SC. I know that Batista. on all games, all of which are dif- confidence is high. But we will c Williamson b Milne ...... 24 Babar Azam c sub (Ferguson) b Southee ...40 for Al Sadd. Al Rayyan are a strong team and Meanwhile, Al Rayyan’s ficult, and we deal with them work hard through which we Asif Ali lbw b Munro ...... 38 Yannick Sagbo scored the we are ready to face them. Under-23 coach Gilson Souza realistically. beat Al Rayyan and Al Mohammad Hafeez (not out) ...... 34 consolation goal for Umm Salal “After the victory over Al said: “I am sure it will be an “There is no doubt that we Kharaitiyat.” c Phillips b Milne ...... 10 Sarfraz Ahmed (not out) ...... 0 Extras: (3LB, 5W) ...... 8 Total: (for 4 wkts) ...... 154 City’s De Fall of wickets: 1-40, 2-96, 3-114, 4-148 Did not bat: , Imad Wasim, Bruyne could Man United can reach Premier Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi Bowling: Ajaz Patel 2-0-18-0 (1w), Tim South- be out for up ee 4-0-26-1 (2w), Adam Milne 2.4-0-25-2, Col- in de Grandhomme 4-0-21-0 (1w), Ish Sodhi to six weeks League top four, says Mourinho 4-0-39-0 (1w), Colin Munro 3-0-22-1. Result: Pakistan win by 6 wickets. REUTERS AFP Series: Pakistan wins 2-0. Mourinho has refused to rule out a challenge for the title but : Manchester City’s MANCHESTER: Jose Mourinho says the first priority must be to Belgian playmaker Kevin De believes Manchester United can climb into the top four. Hafeez and Bruyne will be out for up to still secure a top-four finish in “When you are outside the six weeks after suffering knee the Premier League, saying an top four I don’t think you should Imad back in ligament damage, the unkind fixture list is partly to speak about the title,” he said. Premier League champions blame for their early season “When you are in the top Pakistan’s said yesterday. struggles. four, which I believe we are The midfielder was sub- United are languishing in going to be, you can look up, see ODI squad stituted in the 85th minute on eighth place in the table, five the distance, look to the fixtures, Thursday in a 2-0 win against points from a Champions League to the calendar.” AFP Fulham at the Etihad Stadium qualification position, as they He declined to reveal that sent City into the quarter- prepare to visit Bournemouth whether striker Romelu Lukaku finals of the League Cup. today. would be recalled at Bourne- LAHORE: Allrounders De Bruyne was making But the manager believes his mouth, having been dropped Mohammad Hafeez and Imad his first domestic start after team have been hindered by a after going eight games without Wasim staged a comeback returning last month from a series of difficult back-to-back scoring. yesterday in Pakistan’s right knee injury but went off away fixtures, citing the fact they The manager also said he 15-member squad for the after opposing defender must travel to Manchester City was “100 percent not guilty” of three-match one-day series Timothy Fosu-Mensah landed in the Premier League on using foul language after being against New Zealand. heavily on the player’s left November 11, four days after a cleared by an independent Hafeez, 38, who is a knee. Champions League trip to panel of a Football Association veteran of 200 one-day “(De Bruyne) underwent Juventus, and that they visit Liv- charge. internationals, missed out on scans on Friday,” City said in erpool in December after a Mourinho was accused of Pakistan’s one-day series in a statement on the club European away game against improper conduct for remarks in July this year website https://www.mancity. Valencia. he allegedly made in Portuguese and was also left out of the com/. He did not mention that after their 3-2 Premier League Asia Cup in September. “No surgery is needed but United have also had back-to- win over Newcastle on October But he showed good form he is expected to be out for back home games three times Manchester United manager 6.He has avoided a touchline in the 3-0 Twenty20 series win between 5-6 weeks.” De across all competitions already Jose Mourinho gestures during ban after the charge was found against and in the Bruyne, who played a pivotal this season and have only played the English Premier League “not proven”, although it is first Twenty20 match against role in City’s record-breaking two of the current top six in their match against Everton at the understood that the FA is con- New Zealand -- both in the title triumph last term, injured opening 10 league games. Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain sidering an appeal. -- to his right knee in City’s Mourinho, in his pre-match on Monday. However, Mourinho said that force his way back in the side. opening league game in press conference, said he the reason United went to such Wasim has not been part of the August. The 27-year-old will believed the picture at Old lengths to contest the charge, one-day squad since Pakistan’s now miss the Manchester Trafford would be rosier at the putting forward detailed lin- series against in derby against local rivals beginning of the New Year. guistic analysis and citing prec- October last year, and has been United on Nov. 11 as well as “I always say that in the end and Watford). Now we have a the three biggest candidates for edents of other football figures plagued by fitness problems. the rest of the Champions of the season you play 19 double away league fixture at the title, in Liverpool, Chelsea swearing during matches, was Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed League group stages.Pep matches at home and away and Bournemouth and Manchester and Manchester City, so the cal- because he was convinced of his (), Fakhar Zaman, Guardiola’s side, currently top it doesn’t matter when but the City. endar was not nice to us. innocence. Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad of the table with 26 points reality is that the way the fixtures “We will have Juventus away “But I think by the end of “You know the reason why Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib from 10 matches, host South- are coming, sometimes they before we go to Manchester City, December, which is the end of I ask the club and lawyers to Malik, Asif Ali, , ampton on Sunday. The have an influence in the and we will have Valencia away the first half of the Premier appeal was because I was 100 Shadab Khan, Faheem Spaniard told reporters he moment. before Liverpool. League season, we are not going percent sure that I was not guilty Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Hasan doubted the injury could have “We had a double fixture “In this part of the season, to be in the position we are now. of these charges but you never Ali, , Shaheen been avoided. away in September (at Burnley we play away against possibly We will be in a better position.” know how it ends,” he said. Afridi, Usman Khan Shinwari 18 SPORT SATURDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2018

(From left) PSA Chief Executive Officer Alex Gough, Qatar Classic runner-up Simon Rosner, President of the Qatar Tennis, Squashash and and BBadmintonaddmmiinton Federation (QTSBF) Nasser Al Khelaifi, champion Ali Farag and QTSBF Secretary General Tarek Zainal pose for a photograph duringng thethhe ppresentationrereseennttaatioon ceremony at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. PICTURES: EBRAHIM KUTTY Farag downs Rosner to win maiden Qatar Classic title ARMSTRONG VAS the pair met in semi-finals of the 2018 “The atmosphere was beyond my withth mymy weekweekk andandn howhowow I backedbaccked upp THE PENINSULA edition of that event, but the World imagination. Nothing I’ve played matchatch aafterfter mamatch.tch. AAndnnd II’m’mm reallyrealll y No.2 earned his revenge with a near before was like that but mid-way proudoud withwithh thethe waywayy I handledhanndled tthehee DOHA: A new Qatar Classic champion faultless display to down the German through the first game I managed to wholehole week.”weekk.” was crowned in Doha yesterday with 11-9, 11-7, 11-5. settle and get into my game plan. SpeakingSpeakinngg afterafter tthehhee mmatch,atchh, RosnerRosnerr second-seed Ali Farag of Egypt It was Rosner who began the “I tried to make sure that first game said:d: “H“Hee waswas ththee betterbeetttteer pplayerlayer totoday.day. defeating Germany’s World No.5 Simon stronger of the two, getting the better was long and that I wasn’t giving away I mademade a fewfew errorserrors – I hunghuh ngg inin there,there,, Rosner in straight-games to clinch the of Farag in the opening exchanges to any cheap points. I was behind and I I triedried veryveryy hardhard anandnd everythingeverryythinng I PSA World Tour Platinum title open up a quick lead. But it was short- didn’t think I would win that game, but could,uld, bbutut hhee wawass jujustustst ttooooo ggoodood – butbut yesterday. lived as Farag began to nullify Rosner’s coming through to win it made a huge he ddeserveseserves thetht e win.win.. I ddon’tono ’t hhaveava e anaanyny The 26-year-old from Cairo, Farag mid-court dominance to level the psychological difference I think. regrets,grets, ggettingetttiinng inin ananothernototheh r fifinalnal is hugehugge delighted a partizan crowd at the opening game, and from that point on “At the US Open against Simon I forr me.me. Obviously,Obbviouo sly, youyouo wantwant too getgett Khalifa International Tennis and he went from strength to strength to became too passive, and if you do that thoseose wiwins,ns, butbbut at tthehe ssameame time,timeme, yoyouou Squash Complex to register his second complete the win after 46 minutes. he will kill you on court. You have to shouldould bebe happyhhaappp y wiwithitthh whatwhat youyoou havehave PSA World Tour Platinum title victory “At the beginning I saw how find that balance and I was able to do achieved.hieved. and his maiden trophy in Qatar. crowed the venue was and the screams that from the second half of the first “I“I havehave goggoodoodo mmemoriesemmories fromfromm thisthhis Farag’s defence of his maiden of the crowd were crazy which made game all the way to the end today so I court,urt, laslastt yearyeearr I mademade thethhe semis,semis,, tthishih s Platinum title win, the US Open, was me nervous – it took me a little while am very happy. yearar a finalist,finalist, whowhho knows,knon ws, maybemayybe a crushed by Rosner last month when to calm my nerves down,” said Farag. “I’m very happy with the win, and winnernnernner nnextext year,”year,yyearr,” thethe GermanGermam n said.saaid. Ricciardo Khachanov sets up Thiem ready for semi as Djokovic, Federer last two eye dream Paris duel

AFP races saved two match points against John Isner in the last 16 but needed just REUTERS PARIS: Russia’s Karen Khachanov over an hour to dispatch an out-of- demolished fourth seed Alexander sorts Zverev, who dropped his serve LONDON: A perkier Daniel Zverev of Germany 6-1, 6-2 yesterday six times in eight games. Ricciardo made clear to power into the Paris Masters semi- Khachanov, 22, shrugged off yesterday that he was ready finals as Novak Djokovic and Roger complaints from Zverev over noise for the last two races of the Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Federer attempted to set-up a block- coming from the Russian player’s box Formula One season after Spanish rider Alex Rins buster last-four clash. during the match. suggesting in Mexico last (left) and Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Khachanov, the winner at last “When you are playing and you weekend that he could give up Malaysian rider Hafizh Syahrin take a corner month’s Kremlin Cup in , will are losing sometimes, you just get a on his Red Bull. during the second practice session of the Malaysia now meet Austrian sixth seed little bit frustrated and upset,” said The usually upbeat Aus- MotoGP at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday. DominicThiem who knocked out Khachanov, who has reached the tralian, who is leaving for defending champion Jack Sock, the last-four of a Masters for the second Renault at the end of the 16th-seeded American, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. time after a semi-final run in Toronto year, did not hide his disap- Four-time Paris champion this summer. pointment after starting on Rins tops Malaysia practice Djokovic takes on Marin Cilic in his “Everything is fine between us pole position only to suffer quarter-final later on Friday, while and there is no problem.” his eighth retirement in 19 Federer will meet Japan’s Kei Thiem continued his bid to AFP races. champion in Japan last surge from Rins put him in Nishikori. qualify for the ATP Finals for the third Declaring his car to be month, had the third quickest the lead. Djokovic will replace Rafael consecutive year by knocking out ‘cursed’, he said his situation SEPANG: Suzuki’s Alex Rins time, 0.093 off the pace, It was a tough day for Nadal as the world’s top player on Sock who will drop out of the world’s felt hopeless and “I don’t see clocked the fastest time in while Yamaha’s Valentino Ducati’s Jorge Lorenzo, who Monday after a two-year absence. top 100 as a result of his loss the point of doing the next practice yesterday ahead of Rossi was fourth. is returning to competitive Meanwhile Federer, 37, is three yesterday. two races”. the Malaysian MotoGP -- Italy’s Dovizioso is racing after missing the last wins away from his 100th career title Thiem has won the second-most Yesterday, Ricciardo took riding on a bike that had gone chasing his third victory in a three MotoGPs due to a wrist after triumphing on home ground for matches on the ATP Tour this year -- to Instagram to reassure his up in flames just a day earlier. row at the Sepang Interna- injury. his 99th in Basel last week. now 53-17 -- one behind Zverev’s 1.7 million followers and Already seen as having tional Circuit as he seeks to He finished bottom of the World number 18 Khachanov 54-17 record. ‘address a few things from only an outside chance of clinch the runner-up spot this timesheets and was more Mexico’. winning tomorrow’s Grand season, but faces a tough than three seconds adrift of Russia’s Karen Khachanov in action against “First ones first, I will be Prix, the Spaniard’s result challenge from compatriot the fastest time. Germany’s Alexander Zverev during their doing the last two races,” he was even more surprising as Rossi. Conditions remained dry quarter-final match of the ATP Paris said. “That’s what I’m about. it came after a fuel leak set But it was Rins, currently during both practice sessions, Masters tournament at the AccorHotels Ricciardo, who is being his motorbike ablaze on in 10th place in the world with monsoon rains -- Arena in Paris yesterday. replaced at Red Bull by Toro Thursday in a pit lane. championship standings, common this time of year in Rosso’s Frenchman Pierre The fire caused only who was fastest yesterday. Malaysia -- only starting to Gasly, has won twice this year minor damage to the vehi- He had used a different fall later in the evening. as has Dutch team mate Max cle’s electronic components, bike in the morning session Dovizioso is hoping to Verstappen. and it was quickly repaired. and got the sixth fastest lap. repeat his stellar perform- The team saw Mexico, “I’m on fire,” joked Rins, It was only when he switched ances of 2016 and 2017, when where Verstappen won, as after powering to a quickest back to his main bike -- the he stormed to victory in rain- their best chance of the final lap of 1min 59.608 sec in the one hit by the fire -- that he hit races -- although he has races with only next afternoon session, 0.089 topped the timesheets in the admitted that dry conditions week and then ahead of second-placed afternoon. could work against him on remaining. Andrea Dovizioso, who There was disap- the day. Red Bull are sure of third topped the morning’s pointment for Marquez, as He is currently second in place in the constructors’ timesheets. the Spaniard looked to be the world championship championship and cannot Honda’s Marc Marquez, heading for the fastest time standings, with Rossi just 15 catch Ferrari in second. who was crowned world in the afternoon before a late points behind. SATURDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 19 Ryu brushes Al Attiyah survives carnage off swing worries to to take lead at Kuwait Rally lead in Japan AFP THE PENINSULA Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah in action at the Kuwait Rally : Korea’s Ryu So-yeon yesterday. ARIFJAN KUWAIT: Nasser set aside concerns about her Saleh Al Attiyah emerged rela- swing to birdie five of her last tively unscathed from one of the eight holes and take a most action-packed days in the one-shot lead in the first recent history of the FIA Middle round of the LGPA Japan East Rally Championship (MERC) Classic yesterday. to hold an outright lead of 8min The world number three, 03.9sec in the 25th Kuwait Inter- seeking her second LPGA win national Rally yesterday. of the season, has been The first loop of three of the working extra-hard on the day’s six timed special stages in driving range and the the deserts south of Kuwait City practice paid off as she fired decimated the field and a mere seven-under 65 to lead by a four FIA cars and one entrant stroke. running in the National Rally Ryu took her a while to completed the entire day’s route. find her feet, staying only two “It was not easy today,” said under par until the 11th hole Al Attiyah. where she picked up three “It was difficult to see the birdies in a row. lines with the conditions and we She kept her momentum missed the track a couple of to put herself narrowly in times. There were no lines so I front at par-72 Seta Golf Club, needed to concentrate hard. We one stroke ahead of fellow had a flat tyre and a little scare Koreans Shin Ji-yai and Kim when I thought the clutch was In-kyung, and Japan’s Nasa slipping, but I have a big lead to Hataoka. conserve on Saturday and it’s “I think for a three-round looking good for the tournament you better make championship.” sure you have a really, really Kuwaiti driver Meshari Al- good starting day and I guess Thefiri remains firmly on course MERC 3 title for ‘Henry the Third Al-Mutairi were the only crew fifth special. After SS4, Štajf Al-Ruwahi. Fuel feed issues I had a really good opening for a fourth MERC 2 or Group N of Kuwait’ and his delighted to complete the day’s action in said: “I don’t know what hap- caused by a blown fuse robbed round,” she told the Golf showroom title. He and Qatari navigator. the National Rally category. pened. The visibility was not Khaled Juma of a potential fourth Channel afterwards. navigator Nasser Al Kuwari Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah, Vojtech Štajf’s MERC title good and we hit this hole and place after the regroup. Hataoka’s bogey on the overcame a minor scare before the former QMMF President and challenge was hanging by a the car rolled.” This year’s event is being ninth hole was her only service and a drive shaft failure FIA Vice-President, continued thread after the Czech driver The rate of attrition was high organised by the Basil Salem Al- blemish as the world number on the last stage to finish the day his impressive return to compet- badly damaged his Škoda Fabia on the first loop of three stages Sabah Motor Racing Club (BMRC) 16 holed seven birdies for her in second position. itive action and looked to be R5 on the fourth stage and with all but six of the FIA entrants under the chairmanship of six-under-par 66. Lebanon’s Henry Kahy and heading for third overall at the slipped from second to fifth and two of the National Rally Sheikh Athbi Nayef Jaber Al- China’s Feng Shanshan, Jordanian navigator Musa Djiy- end of the day. But the Qatari overall. cars retiring prematurely. Ahmad Al-Sabah and in con- the two-time defending erian survived the carnage suffered a cruel mechanical issue His crew faced a race against Drive shaft issues accounted junction with the General champion, shot 69 to be tied around them to hold an unlikely on the last stage and slipped into time to repair the R5 in time to for Rashed Al-Nuami and Ihad Authority for Sport and the 15th, and newly crowned third overall in a two-wheel Rally 2 territory. start today’s stages under Rally Al-Shorafa, engine woes plagued Kuwait International Automobile world number one Ariya Jut- drive Škoda Fabia. The points The Kuwaiti pairing of 2 after the Czech had stopped Shabi Shaban and electrical Club (KIAC). Zain Kuwait is the anugarn was at tied 28th after earned guaranteed the 2018 Jassim Al Muqahwi and Tamer again after losing his way on the gremlins sidelined Abdullah main sponsor. her 70. Japan can chop down LGCT: Pressure for podium positions All Blacks, reaches fever pitch in Doha Finals says Leitch THE PENINSULA

AFP DOHA: British rider Ben Maher will be crowned champion of TOKYO: Japan captain Michael the 2018 Longines Global Leitch said yesterday that the Champions Tour at the finals Brave Blossoms were capable of in Doha, Qatar, next week, pulling off a shock victory over a while seven of the world’s top weakened All Blacks team this riders will be locked in an weekend. incredible battle for second The New Zealand-born place. skipper evoked the spirit of In the overall LGCT Japan’s astonishing 34-32 win Rankings just 28 points sep- over South Africa at the 2015 arate second place rider Rugby World Cup on the eve of Alberto Zorzi (237 points) and Saturday’s clash with the All Christian Ahlmann (209 points) Blacks in Tokyo. in eighth - and with 40 points “When you look at the for a win there is everything to number of Test matches collec- play for the riders in between. tively in the team, it’s not so Third in the rankings is much and their Test match expe- World Number 1 and 2017 LGCT rience is not so much there,” said Champion Harrie Smolders, Leitch, pointing to a second- just three points away from string New Zealand squad that Alberto on a score of 234, and includes eight new caps. fourth is Daniel Deusser just a The world champions have further point away on 233 met Japan three times in the overall. past, racking up a combined 282 Scott Brash holds fifth with points, including a World Cup a tally of 225, two time LGCT record 145-17 demolition of the Grand Prix winner Nicola Brave Blossoms in 1995. A file picture of last year’s action of the Longines Global Champions Tour at the Al Shaqab Arena. But All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made wholesale changes to the team that beat Philippaerts sits in sixth with from second to eighth place, an electric mix of top sport and have the crowd, your family, Australia 37-20 last weekend, 219 and two time LGCT title with any of those riders able to breathtaking destinations - all everyone watching and you sending his big-hitters to Europe There is more holder Edwina Tops-Alexander finish on the podium. I definitely culminating in an edge-of-the- need to do well. We want to early to prepare for Tests against pressure for us at is on 212 overall. want to take my chances.” seat final in Doha, Qatar. On top show our country what we are , Ireland and Italy. the event in Doha. Doha will also provide the As the top international of this intense line up, spec- doing and how we are Japan, once the whipping last chance for individual riders horses and riders prepare to tators will be treated to appear- improving.” boys of the World Cup, went on We are motivated, to qualify for the Longines leave for Al Shaqab - a member ances from plenty of former Big names looking for success to record further victories against you have the crowd, Global Champions Tour Super of the Qatar Foundation - champions and home heroes. at the final show of the 2018 LGCT Samoa and the United States at your family, everyone Grand Prix at the GC Playoffs pressure has reached fever Last year’s victor Bassem Championship include Ludger the 2015 tournament under in Prague this December, with pitch as athletes look to secure Hassan Mohammed will return Beerbaum (GER), Laura Kraut former coach Eddie Jones after watching and you all eyes on who will take the their place in the 2018 LGCT to Al Shaqab where he made (USA), Peder Fredricson (SWE), stunning two-time champions need to do well. We final golden ticket to the 16 rankings and vie for a share of history by becoming the first Maikel van der Vleuten (NED), South Africa. rider showdown. the 1m euro season bonus. home rider to take an LGCT Bertram Allen (IRL), Marcus They have ticked over solidly want to show our Harrie will return to the From Mexico City to the Grand Prix win there. Ehning (GER), Lorenzo de Luca since under former All Black Jamie country what we are state-of-the-art Al Shaqab sands of Miami Beach, Shang- He’ll be joined by compa- (ITA), Michael Whitaker (GBR), Joseph, but Leitch also praised doing and how we are arena next week, and knows the hai’s bright lights, the Eiffel triot Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Roger-Yves Bost (FRA), Jessica the influence of assistant John importance the finals hold: “It Tower in Paris, the sparkling Thani, who in an earlier Springsteen (USA), Gregory Plumtree, who has been helping improving: Sheikh Ali all comes down to Doha. If I harbour of Monaco and every interview said; “There is more Wathelet (BEL), Marlon Zanotelli the 2019 World Cup hosts as bin Khalid Al Thani look at the scores at the major capital city in-between pressure for us at the event in (BRA) and Gerco Schroder defence coach since last October. moment, it is very, very close the 2018 LGCT season has been Doha. We are motivated, you (NED).