NASSER SALEH AL ATTIYAH P 22 | BOXING STARS Descend ON

P 13 | FOOTBALL P 22 | BOXING GULF PLAYERS HAVE QUALITY STARS DEScEND ON DOHA New Zealand coach Anthony Hudson believes The presence of top professionals Manny Gulf players, like Qatar’s Khalfan Ibrahim, have Pacquaio and Amir Khan as guests at the the potential to succeed in European leagues. Worlds boosts the sport’s profile in Qatar.

WEDNESDAY, OcTObER 14, 2015 | Vol X | No.37 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on

5 5

Qatar thrash Maldives to make it five wins from as many matches and consolidate their

DSP/Fadi Al Assaad DSP/Fadi position on top of Group C in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualification. PAGES 6-7

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 10 | FOOTBALL P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 Getting paid for NASSER SALEH Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW chasing passion! AL ATTIYAH www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Improved level of maturity Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos visible in Qatar’s approach A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko OtHING succeeds like success, they say. With five Sebastian Soria was recalled in time for the china Gopakumar K wins out of five and 15 points in their kitty, Qatar tie. He didn’t score, but his power and speed constantly Joice Michael Nare poised to progress to the final round of 2018 troubled rival defenders. His ability to take the defenders Technical support Shaheen Mohammed World cup Asian Zone qualification. the creditable win away from the goal is sure to create opportunities for Abdul Naser M over china earlier last week seemed to have boosted others to score. When a team’s front man and rearguard Qatar’s confidence as they virtually toyed with Maldives perform well, it’s quite natural others also raise their on tuesday. performance by a notch or two. In their remaining fixtures, Qatar will play bhutan carreno also needs to be complimented for instilling P.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 (November 17), Hong Kong (March 24) and china (March a winning mentality and sense of discipline in the team. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 29). While the Hong Kong match is at home, the other Overall, there was an improved level of maturity in the Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 two are away. As things stand, Qatar should qualify for players’ approach as was evident from the way they e-mail: [email protected] the 12-team final round as group leaders. the 15-0 rout wriggled out of tight situations. He was even willing Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 of bhutan last month has given them a healthy goal to experiment with youngsters, giving Akram Afif e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 difference too. an opportunity in the second half against china and e-mail: [email protected] Qatar’s squad by and large comprises the same group Maldives. of players who had failed miserably at the Asian cup So far so good. but the momentum needs to be in Australia last January. So what made them click as a sustained. What lies ahead in the final round will be a real www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus team? Uruguayan coach Daniel carreno, who took over test of character for both the coach and players. ALL SPORTS, www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar from Djamel belmadi in May, didn’t tinker much with the Keep it up, Qatar. line-up, except for a couple of valuable changes. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar carreno brought in Amine Lecomte as Qatar’s first- choice goalkeeper in place of Qasim burhan. Amine has been a source of strength and inspiration as the last line Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi Publishers: ASPIrE Printing, of defence so far in the qualification. Editor-in-chief ONE STADIUM Publishing and Distribution Printed at ASPIrE Printing Press

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INSIDE P 16 | FOOTBALL P 18 | INITIATIVE P 29 | MILITARY GAMES Perfect match Ace sports academy Qatari hoopsters shine New Liverpool manager the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Qatar win a gold, five silver and two Juergen Klopp could not have Academy, which offers programmes bronze medals at the sixth edition in found a more fitting club to in various disciplines, plays an Mungyeong, South Korea. take his successful coaching instrumental role in promoting career to the next level. sports culture in Qatar.

P 26 | MOTORSPORT P 28 | SQUASH

Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Nasser supreme Uphill task! Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah adds the FIA Qatar’s Abdullah Al tamimi e-mail: [email protected] World cup for cross-country rallies has his task cut out after being Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 to his collection and looks poised drawn against world No.1 e-mail: [email protected] to achieve his aim of winning four Mohamed El Shorbagy of www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar championships in the season. Egypt in the Qatar classic. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Improved level of maturity Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos visible in Qatar’s approach A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko OtHING succeeds like success, they say. With five Sebastian Soria was recalled in time for the china Gopakumar K wins out of five and 15 points in their kitty, Qatar tie. He didn’t score, but his power and speed constantly Joice Michael Nare poised to progress to the final round of 2018 troubled rival defenders. His ability to take the defenders Technical support Shaheen Mohammed World cup Asian Zone qualification. the creditable win away from the goal is sure to create opportunities for Abdul Naser M over china earlier last week seemed to have boosted others to score. When a team’s front man and rearguard Qatar’s confidence as they virtually toyed with Maldives perform well, it’s quite natural others also raise their on tuesday. performance by a notch or two. In their remaining fixtures, Qatar will play bhutan carreno also needs to be complimented for instilling P.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 (November 17), Hong Kong (March 24) and china (March a winning mentality and sense of discipline in the team. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 29). While the Hong Kong match is at home, the other Overall, there was an improved level of maturity in the Editorial: tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 two are away. As things stand, Qatar should qualify for players’ approach as was evident from the way they e-mail: [email protected] the 12-team final round as group leaders. the 15-0 rout wriggled out of tight situations. He was even willing Marketing & advertising: tel: +974 44138566 of bhutan last month has given them a healthy goal to experiment with youngsters, giving Akram Afif e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 difference too. an opportunity in the second half against china and e-mail: [email protected] Qatar’s squad by and large comprises the same group Maldives. of players who had failed miserably at the Asian cup So far so good. but the momentum needs to be in Australia last January. So what made them click as a sustained. What lies ahead in the final round will be a real www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus team? Uruguayan coach Daniel carreno, who took over test of character for both the coach and players. www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar from Djamel belmadi in May, didn’t tinker much with the Keep it up, Qatar. line-up, except for a couple of valuable changes. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar carreno brought in Amine Lecomte as Qatar’s first- choice goalkeeper in place of Qasim burhan. Amine has been a source of strength and inspiration as the last line Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi Publishers: ASPIrE Printing, Publishing and Distribution of defence so far in the qualification. Editor-in-chief Printed at ASPIrE Printing Press

P 26 | MOTORSPORT P 28 | SQUASH Nasser supreme Uphill task! Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah adds the FIA Qatar’s Abdullah Al tamimi World cup for cross-country rallies has his task cut out after being to his collection and looks poised drawn against world No.1 to achieve his aim of winning four Mohamed El Shorbagy of championships in the season. Egypt in the Qatar classic. 4 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 5

MIXEDPICK OF ZONE THE WEEK | QATAR | FOOTBALL

lost one big battle by reluctantly simply massage its own ego by ’11. blatter’s long-time advisor own Asian confederation. then POTENTIAL SUCCESSORS agreeing to step down seven punishing lesser scapegoats. Klaus Stohlker says the veteran there is the little-known Musa Ruffinen may step months into his fifth term after Yet, that was to underestimate Swiss “will fight until the last day.” bility, president of the Liberian FA, FIFA faces months of turmoil over the election of a new president, after incumbent Sepp blatter was suspended digesting the full repercussions of Hans-Joachim Eckert, the German that last day is supposed to who has received scant backing over a criminal probe. the one-time favourite to in as a candidate the twin US and Swiss corruption judge who heads the adjudicatory be February 26, the presidential from his own African brothers succeed him, UEFA President Michel Platini, was also probes that thrust the sharpest chamber of the committee. election date to replace blatter. despite personally appealing to suspended, while another top runner chung Mong- OrMEr FIFA secretary general Michel Zen of blades into the heart of FIFA’s Eckert may’ve taken a lot of stick but it’s rapidly degenerating into their executive committee. Joon was hit with a six-year ban. Who could be in the Ruffinen has been asked to stand for the running to take over from blatter, who has run FIFA credibility, blatter was determined for leaving out key parts of the total farce. technically, once the rumour has it that Asian Football since 1998, at the February 26 election? Fpresidency of the game’s governing body and to cling on and not be further infamous Michael Garcia report 90 days are completed — plus confederation chief Shaikh Salman is studying the situation. humiliated by throwing in the towel into the 2018 and ’22 World cup 45 more at the discretion of the bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa may, as a “I’m simply studying the situation following MICHEL PLATINI even earlier. bid process, but take one look Ethics committee — blatter could result of all the confusion, put his Once the clear favourite to succeed some requests that I’ve received to In one sense, blatter’s defiance at his cV and you can see how return to power just in time to take name forward, after all. rumour his long-time ally blatter, the be a candidate for the position. I’ll Total not to be brought down before many prominent people he has charge of the electoral congress also has it that the election might former France captain has been monitor the situation, see how the time of his own choosing successfully prosecuted and the and doubtless give a tub-thumbing be postponed until the current tarnished by his association with it develops in the next days and the veteran Swiss. Platini had deserves admiration given much extent of his knowledge and goodbye speech. but I just can’t mountain of dust settles. If it’s presented himself as the man check the feasibility to see if it of the largely unreported work he experience. see that happening unless he is delayed simply to allow Platini to to clean up FIFA, but last month makes sense,” said ruffinen. has done to improve facilities in Some say failure to react to the somehow cleared on appeal. stand, that would be a bad tactical he was named in the investigation ruffinen, a former referee, did into blatter because of a $2m payment he the developing world, especially in And who would be in the move. If on the other hand, it’s received in 2011. not say who had suggested he stand. Asia and Africa. but he should’ve running? Whether Platini, who postponed to provide as much time He served as FIFA’s secretary general from 1998 to realised when Swiss investigators RUMOUR ALSO has long been the favourite to take as possible for a highly regarded list 2002 and left after falling out with president Sepp came calling that the die was cast. HAS IT THAT THE over, will still be eligible is highly of new contenders to come forward, CHUNG MONG-JOON blatter. South Korean tycoon chung, a farce! Instead his stubborn refusal to read ELECTION MIGHT BE questionable. Like blatter, Platini that makes good sense. FIFA vice president for 17 years FIFA’S INTERNAL TURMOIL TAKES A TURN FOR THE WORSE the signs have led to the very thing POSTPONED. has appealed, but the deadline tokyo Sexwale, the South African until 2011, has been a fierce critic FOLLOWING THE ETHICS COMMITTEE’S SUSPENSION OF SEPP he dreaded most — being cast out for nominations, don’t forget, is human rights icon who runs FIFA’s of blatter since announcing his Makudi suspended of his own office. a few days away on October 26. mediation efforts between Israel bid in August, saying the Swiss had morally bankrupted the BLATTER AND MICHEL PLATINI, WRITES ANDREW WARSHAW. Given all the imponderables criminal proceedings against blatter Platini may’ve cleverly submitted and Palestine, says he still hasn’t organisation. but he was banned for three months and uncertainties surrounding would’ve rendered both Eckert his required five letters of support made up his mind, but might yet for six years for breaking rules while the biggest corruption story in and the investigatory side of the before he was suspended, but that emerge as a genuine contender. In lobbying for his country’s 2022 World cup OrMEr FIFA Executive committee member bid. S rUMOUrS picked up own door to bare its teeth. the history of sport, it’s unwise to Ethics committee a laughing stock. may not be enough to save him. the meantime, there’s now a power Worawi Makudi, the current head of thailand steam around the middle For weeks and months on end, predict what happens next. but Yet now they’re being attacked in Quite simply, he may not pass vacuum not only at FIFA, but at FFootball Association, has been suspended for of last week that ethics in the face of mounting scrutiny one element of the saga needs certain quarters for going too far. the necessary integrity check. the UEFA too. At both organisations, PRINCE ALI BIN AL HUSSEIN 90 days pending a full investigation, the Ethics A Jordan’s Prince Ali pitched his hat investigators were about to throw and pressure, blatter had to be highlighted. For months, Surely both arguments can’t be fact that the French federation has the two guys who’ve temporarily committee of the game’s governing body said. into the ring last month, saying the book at Sepp blatter, FIFA’s been assuring anyone the independence of FIFA’s Ethics right. the result is a legal battle found it necessary to go straight to stepped in are hardly a break from he is the only candidate with Makudi, who was on the committee in headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, who would listen that committee has been called between the Ethics committee on the court of Arbitration for Sport on the establishment. cameroon’s Issa the guts to confront corruption December, 2010, when it voted to award the bathed in autumn sunshine, he and FIFA were clean into question, with the the one hand and the teams of Platini’s behalf suggests it doubts Hayatou and Spain’s Angel Villar in FIFA. the 39-year-old led an hosting rights of the ’18 and ’22 World seemed calm and uneventful. From while acknowledging sceptics predicting blatter, Platini and ex-FIFA secretary FIFA’s Appeals committee will Lllona are more corruption-tainted unsuccessful challenge as a reform cups, will now face a formal candidate against blatter for the the outside at least. the need for urgent the committee general Jerome Valcke on the other. overturn the suspension. old guard than reform-minded new top job in May, just two days after the investigation, it said. the reality was quite different. reform to prevent any wouldn’t dare go How long it’ll run is anyone’s With chung Mong-Joon almost broom. arrest of seven FIFA officials in Zurich. “the decision was taken on Inside, blatter was learning what more rogue elements near blatter and guess. blatter and Platini both definitely out of the equation too It only goes to prove how the prince has so far not been implicated in the grounds that a breach of the any graft scandals at the organisation. he had long feared — that the very from infiltrating his would vehemently deny they’ve done following the six-year ban, that desperate a need there is for root code of Ethics appears to have body he had set up to weed out organisation. anything wrong over payment the leaves Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of and branch change, a phrase too been committed and a decision on corruption had arrived at his very Having Frenchman received from FIFA in Jordan, beaten by blatter in May, often used by the anti-blatter ZICO the main issue may not be taken early as the only remaining heavyweight lobby just for the sake of it but, Like Platini, brazilian Zico enjoys enough. the case is now the subject of formal a legendary reputation as a contender. but Prince Ali no longer given FIFA’s current paralysis, more player — he graced three World investigation proceedings,” the Ethics committee Š ŠFrom left, has UEFA’s support or that of his relevant than ever. cups. the 62-year-old, who has said. Sepp blatter, Michel managed several teams including Platini and Jerome Switzerland’s attorney general has opened an Japan and Iraq as well as latterly Valcke. investigation into the bidding process for the ’18 Indian club side Goa, announced his candidacy in June. but he has no and ’22 tournaments. experience in administration and conceded Ethics body rejects he was struggling to muster the backing of five national federations, which he needs to get on the ballot. Reform committee Platini’s claims to continue work IFA’s Ethics committee has rejected criticism from JEROME CHAMPAGNE Former FIFA deputy secretary UEFA President Michel Platini over the manner of general and director of FIFA advisory panel is pressing ahead to Fhis suspension, saying the argument that he was international relations, draft reforms of the scandal-shaken world not allowed to defend himself is ‘not valid.’ champagne tried to challenge body despite the suspension of president blatter in the May election, but A A statement issued on behalf of FIFA’s ethics judge Sepp blatter and other senior officials amid could not get the necessary official Hans-Joachim Eckert rejected suggestions that Platini backing. champagne was once a corruption investigations, the panel’s head said. had not been fairly treated and that he had been close blatter aide and now advises “this has no influence on the reform process interviewed for five hours by FIFA’s ethics investigators. the Palestine and North cyprus football itself because our work continues,” said Francois federations. “the argument put forward by Michel Platini’s carrard, who heads the reform committee that lawyers that their client had not had the possibility to FIFA’s Executive committee set up in July. defend himself before the adjudicatory chamber before TOKYO SEXWALE carrard, a former director general of the his suspension isn’t valid,” it said. South African anti-apartheid International Olympic committee, stressed the activist Sexwale has been touted “After the investigatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics by some as a possible outside committee’s efforts were independent of the committee had heard him for more than five hours on candidate for the race. German people in charge at FIFA, whose leadership is in October 1, 2015 — with the hearing documented on legend Franz beckenbauer gave disarray. more than 50 pages — the chairman of the adjudicatory the 62-year-old his backing last the Executive committee is supposed to month, saying he was a fresh face chamber, Hans-Joachim Eckert, did not see a need for a and had the smell of neutrality. but review its ideas before they go before a members’ second hearing with Mr Platini.” Sexwale, who spent 13 years in prison congress scheduled for February. Meanwhile, South American football’s governing alongside Nelson Mandela and now works carrard gave no details of what his group was on the FIFA Monitoring committee body cONMEbOL has criticised Platini’s suspension, Israel-Palestine, said earlier this month he considering. It remains unclear if his panel will terming it “disproportionate and untimely.” has still not decided if he would run. incorporate radical reforms proposed last month. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 5

’11. blatter’s long-time advisor own Asian confederation. then POTENTIAL SUCCESSORS Klaus Stohlker says the veteran there is the little-known Musa Ruffinen may step Swiss “will fight until the last day.” bility, president of the Liberian FA, FIFA faces months of turmoil over the election of a new president, after incumbent Sepp blatter was suspended that last day is supposed to who has received scant backing over a criminal probe. the one-time favourite to in as a candidate be February 26, the presidential from his own African brothers succeed him, UEFA President Michel Platini, was also election date to replace blatter. despite personally appealing to suspended, while another top runner chung Mong- OrMEr FIFA secretary general Michel Zen but it’s rapidly degenerating into their executive committee. Joon was hit with a six-year ban. Who could be in the Ruffinen has been asked to stand for the running to take over from blatter, who has run FIFA total farce. technically, once the rumour has it that Asian Football since 1998, at the February 26 election? Fpresidency of the game’s governing body and 90 days are completed — plus confederation chief Shaikh Salman is studying the situation. 45 more at the discretion of the bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa may, as a “I’m simply studying the situation following MICHEL PLATINI Ethics committee — blatter could result of all the confusion, put his Once the clear favourite to succeed some requests that I’ve received to return to power just in time to take name forward, after all. rumour his long-time ally blatter, the be a candidate for the position. I’ll charge of the electoral congress also has it that the election might former France captain has been monitor the situation, see how and doubtless give a tub-thumbing be postponed until the current tarnished by his association with it develops in the next days and the veteran Swiss. Platini had goodbye speech. but I just can’t mountain of dust settles. If it’s presented himself as the man check the feasibility to see if it see that happening unless he is delayed simply to allow Platini to to clean up FIFA, but last month makes sense,” said ruffinen. somehow cleared on appeal. stand, that would be a bad tactical he was named in the investigation ruffinen, a former referee, did into blatter because of a $2m payment he And who would be in the move. If on the other hand, it’s received in 2011. not say who had suggested he stand. running? Whether Platini, who postponed to provide as much time He served as FIFA’s secretary general from 1998 to has long been the favourite to take as possible for a highly regarded list 2002 and left after falling out with president Sepp over, will still be eligible is highly of new contenders to come forward, CHUNG MONG-JOON blatter. South Korean tycoon chung, a questionable. Like blatter, Platini that makes good sense. FIFA vice president for 17 years has appealed, but the deadline tokyo Sexwale, the South African until 2011, has been a fierce critic for nominations, don’t forget, is human rights icon who runs FIFA’s of blatter since announcing his Makudi suspended a few days away on October 26. mediation efforts between Israel bid in August, saying the Swiss had morally bankrupted the Platini may’ve cleverly submitted and Palestine, says he still hasn’t organisation. but he was banned for three months his required five letters of support made up his mind, but might yet for six years for breaking rules while before he was suspended, but that emerge as a genuine contender. In lobbying for his country’s 2022 World cup OrMEr FIFA Executive committee member bid. may not be enough to save him. the meantime, there’s now a power Worawi Makudi, the current head of thailand Quite simply, he may not pass vacuum not only at FIFA, but at FFootball Association, has been suspended for the necessary integrity check. the UEFA too. At both organisations, PRINCE ALI BIN AL HUSSEIN 90 days pending a full investigation, the Ethics fact that the French federation has the two guys who’ve temporarily Jordan’s Prince Ali pitched his hat committee of the game’s governing body said. into the ring last month, saying found it necessary to go straight to stepped in are hardly a break from he is the only candidate with Makudi, who was on the committee in the court of Arbitration for Sport on the establishment. cameroon’s Issa the guts to confront corruption December, 2010, when it voted to award the Platini’s behalf suggests it doubts Hayatou and Spain’s Angel Villar in FIFA. the 39-year-old led an hosting rights of the ’18 and ’22 World FIFA’s Appeals committee will Lllona are more corruption-tainted unsuccessful challenge as a reform cups, will now face a formal candidate against blatter for the overturn the suspension. old guard than reform-minded new top job in May, just two days after the investigation, it said. With chung Mong-Joon almost broom. arrest of seven FIFA officials in Zurich. “the decision was taken on definitely out of the equation too It only goes to prove how the prince has so far not been implicated in the grounds that a breach of the any graft scandals at the organisation. following the six-year ban, that desperate a need there is for root code of Ethics appears to have leaves Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of and branch change, a phrase too been committed and a decision on Jordan, beaten by blatter in May, often used by the anti-blatter ZICO the main issue may not be taken early as the only remaining heavyweight lobby just for the sake of it but, Like Platini, brazilian Zico enjoys enough. the case is now the subject of formal a legendary reputation as a contender. but Prince Ali no longer given FIFA’s current paralysis, more player — he graced three World investigation proceedings,” the Ethics committee has UEFA’s support or that of his relevant than ever. cups. the 62-year-old, who has said. managed several teams including Switzerland’s attorney general has opened an Japan and Iraq as well as latterly investigation into the bidding process for the ’18 Indian club side Goa, announced his candidacy in June. but he has no and ’22 tournaments. experience in administration and conceded Ethics body rejects he was struggling to muster the backing of five national federations, which he needs to get on the ballot. Reform committee Platini’s claims to continue work IFA’s Ethics committee has rejected criticism from JEROME CHAMPAGNE Former FIFA deputy secretary UEFA President Michel Platini over the manner of general and director of FIFA advisory panel is pressing ahead to Fhis suspension, saying the argument that he was international relations, draft reforms of the scandal-shaken world not allowed to defend himself is ‘not valid.’ champagne tried to challenge body despite the suspension of president blatter in the May election, but A A statement issued on behalf of FIFA’s ethics judge Sepp blatter and other senior officials amid could not get the necessary official Hans-Joachim Eckert rejected suggestions that Platini backing. champagne was once a corruption investigations, the panel’s head said. had not been fairly treated and that he had been close blatter aide and now advises “this has no influence on the reform process interviewed for five hours by FIFA’s ethics investigators. the Palestine and North cyprus football itself because our work continues,” said Francois federations. “the argument put forward by Michel Platini’s carrard, who heads the reform committee that lawyers that their client had not had the possibility to FIFA’s Executive committee set up in July. defend himself before the adjudicatory chamber before TOKYO SEXWALE carrard, a former director general of the his suspension isn’t valid,” it said. South African anti-apartheid International Olympic committee, stressed the activist Sexwale has been touted “After the investigatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics by some as a possible outside committee’s efforts were independent of the committee had heard him for more than five hours on candidate for the race. German people in charge at FIFA, whose leadership is in October 1, 2015 — with the hearing documented on legend Franz beckenbauer gave disarray. more than 50 pages — the chairman of the adjudicatory the 62-year-old his backing last the Executive committee is supposed to month, saying he was a fresh face chamber, Hans-Joachim Eckert, did not see a need for a and had the smell of neutrality. but review its ideas before they go before a members’ second hearing with Mr Platini.” Sexwale, who spent 13 years in prison congress scheduled for February. Meanwhile, South American football’s governing alongside Nelson Mandela and now works carrard gave no details of what his group was on the FIFA Monitoring committee body cONMEbOL has criticised Platini’s suspension, Israel-Palestine, said earlier this month he considering. It remains unclear if his panel will terming it “disproportionate and untimely.” has still not decided if he would run. incorporate radical reforms proposed last month. 6 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 7

FOOTBALL | QATAR/ASIA

ŠŠIndia’s Sandesh Jhingan challenges COVER STORY Oman’s Emad Al Hosni.

COLLATED RESULTS FIVE OUT OF FIVEOCTOBER 13 QATAR THRASH MALDIVES TO CONSOLIDATE Qatar bt Maldives 4-0 THEIR POSITION ON TOP OF GROUP C timor Leste lost to Malaysia 0-1 North Korea bt Yemen 1-0 IN THE 2018 WORLD CUP ASIAN ZONE bhutan lost to Hong Kong 0-1 QUALIFICATION, WRITES N GANESH. Myanmar bt Laos 3-1 Vietnam lost to thailand 0-3 Singapore bt cambodia 2-1 turkmenistan bt Guam 1-0 Kyrgyzstan bt bangladesh 2-0 MPHAtIc could be the right “they should win the group Oman bt India 3-0 bahrain bt Philippines 2-0 word to describe Qatar’s win comfortably” endorsed Maldives Jordan bt tajikistan 3-0 against Maldives. coach ricki Herbert. E Syria bt Afghanistan 5-2 North Korea, Thailand, It is not just because the hosts Eight group winners and best four Kuwait drew Lebanon 0-0 scored four goals without reply runners-up will progress to the third OCTOBER 8 against the South-East Asians. and final round, where they will be North Korea drew Philippines 0-0 Oman register wins Daniel carreno’s men played a drawn into two groups of six teams bhutan lost to Maldives 3-4 near-perfect possession game, each. the top two from each group Vietnam drew Iraq 1-1 Singapore coach bernd Stange was created numerous chances and will progress directly to the russia Myanmar lost to Lebanon 0-2 Patrick Johnston left surprised at the criticism of his Singapore bt Afghanistan 1-0 hardly committed an error. finals, with the two third-placed Syria lost to Japan 0-3 side, who have aspirations of taking And five wins from as many teams going into play-offs. turkmenistan bt India 2-1 one of the four best runners-up matches have helped them the 12 teams who make it to timor-Leste drew Palestine 1-1 OrtH Korea, thailand and places that will mean qualification for consolidate their lead in Group c the final round will also qualify Kyrgyzstan drew tajikistan 2-2 Oman took advantage of the next Asian cup and third stage of with 15 points, taking them closer to for the 2019 Asian cup in the UAE. Jordan bt Australia 2-0 Nthe absence of Asia’s elite World cup qualification. the final round of 2018 World cup Oman drew Iran 1-1 to storm clear in their World cup “Why are you not able to be happy qualification. Kuwait lost to South Korea 0-1 qualifying groups with victories on that we’ve 10 points?” the German bahrain lost to Uzbekistan 0-4 A twin strike from boualem EVERYTHING SEEMS TO tuesday. told reporters who questioned why Qatar bt china 1-0 Khoukhi (29th and 70th), and a goal BE CLICKING FOR QATAR Saudi Arabia bt UAE 2-1 With the top seeds across the eight the team made hard work of the each from Mohammed Kassola COACH DANIEL CARRENO GROUP C STANDINGS joint Asian cup qualifying groups result. (68th) and Mohammed Mousa sitting out, the region’s unfancied thailand are keen not to leave AT THE MOMENT. Qatar 5 5 0 0 24 2 15 (stoppage time) made it easy for the Hong Kong 5 3 1 1 12 3 10 sides boosted their chances of anything to chance and they ramped Gulf nation. Qatar will play bhutan china 4 2 1 1 9 1 7 grabbing one of the 12 places on up the pressure on favoured Iraq in and china away and host Hong Kong tuesday’s win and performance Maldives 5 1 0 4 4 13 3 offer for the next stage of the road to Group F by claiming a 3-0 away in bhutan 5 0 0 5 3 33 0

in between, and it looks difficult to proved they very much deserved to DSP/Mohan russia 2018. Vietnam to open up a five-point gap stop them from finishing on top of be there. in the pool, which has been reduced the group. Maldives, who put up a tough 2-1 win over bhutan, which was ššQatar’s Khalfan to four teams following Indonesia’s fight in their home game against Herbert’s first game in charge. Ibrahim dribbles ‘Boys are enjoying MALAYSIA BEAT EAST suspension by FIFA for political past Maldives’ Qatar before going down to a but all that looked insignificant Abdul Gani. TIMOR FOR THEIR FIRST interference. stoppage-time winner by as Qatar stamped their authority the games’ WORLD CUP QUALIFYING Kroekrit thawikan hit a stunning Ahmed Maksoud, on the match right from the start. AWAY WIN IN 14 YEARS. long-range swerving opener before came to Doha on Qatar look to have evolved a şšQatar’s AtAr coach Daniel Carreno an own goal by tien thanh just Unhappy Harbaoui the back of a great deal under carreno, who Mohammed Mousa said he was not thinking about before the hour mark made the appeared quite relaxed on tuesday, controls the ball the next round of the World North Korea are close to doing game safe for the visitors. theerathon during their game Q leaves Qatar Sports Club compared to the china tie which against Maldives. cup qualification as the team had not so after Jong Il-Gwan struck a bunmathan completed the scoring in they won 1-0 five days earlier. mathematically qualified yet. 15th-minute penalty for a 1-0 home Hanoi by finishing a neat team move. AtAr Sports club’s tiff with Hamdi Harbaoui “We played with a lot of “Mathematically, we haven’t qualified yet. So win over Yemen to leave the twice thailand face taiwan next month took a turn for the worse when the tunisian tension in Male as it was our I’m not thinking about it,” said carreno. World cup qualifiers four points clear before what is sure to be the Qforward left the country for belgium last week first match of the qualification. “What I like to focus now is our next match of Uzbekistan in Group H, with only decisive clash away to former Asian and later said he would not be playing for them again. KICK-OFF I think players have improved a with bhutan. I’m satisfied with the performance three games remaining. champions Iraq in tehran in the “With all respect and appreciation for Qatar Sc, its QATAR STARS LEAGUE lot now. We all see that the team of my players. Everybody is training very In Muscat, Oman dispatched India battle for top spot in the group. players, technical staff and fans, I want to announce Al Ahli vs Al Kharaitiyat is playing with personality. When well. Psychologically also they’re good. they 3-0 to move three points clear of Southeast Asian rivals Malaysia Al Ahli Stadium, 5.30pm. that I’m ending my association with the club. I wish all Al Khor vs Al rayyan things aren’t going their way, they love the colours of the national team. there’s favourites Iran at the top of Group D. grabbed their first World cup success to the club, which I was proud to represent,” Saturday, Al Gharafa Stadium, 5.30pm. aren’t getting panicked,” said carreno, a good harmony in the dressing room and With Japan playing Iran in a qualifying away win in 14 years said Harbaoui. October 17 Al Wakrah vs Al Sailiya who had guarded his players the boys are enjoying the games,” said the friendly in tehran which ended 1-1, when they edged East timor 1-0, Al Gharafa Stadium, 7.45pm. the team management said it would issue an official Mesaimeer vs Umm Salal against complacency following their Uruguayan. Singapore took the opportunity to their opening victory in Group A. statement later even though reports suggested it was Al Ahli Stadium, 7.45pm. deserving win over china. “but everything can’t be perfect all the time. move level with the four-time Asian there was no first point of the planning legal action against the player. Al Gharafa vs El Jaish Maldives looked organised at then there’s no need for a coach. We need champions at the top of Group E campaign for lowly bhutan, however, Al Gharafa Stadium, 5.30pm. Harbaoui had emerged as the second highest scorer Sunday, Al Sadd vs Qatar Sc the beginning, yet Qatar created to improve our finishing. At the tactical level, after a sketchy 2-1 win at home to with Hong Kong’s Siu Ki chan with 21 goals in the Qatar Stars League last season and October 18 Al Sadd Stadium, 5.30pm. opportunities only to squander we were open in defence and it would be cambodia, who scored their first heading the only goal in the 89th helped Qatar Sc to a fourth-place finish. Lekhwiya vs Al Arabi them. that was the only worry for dangerous to do that against strong teams,” he goal of the campaign through Sos to take the visitors clear of china in Al Sadd Stadium, 7.45pm. the league will resume on Saturday. carreno. added. Suhana. second place in Group c. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 7

ŠŠIndia’s Sandesh Jhingan challenges Oman’s Emad Al Hosni.

COLLATED RESULTS FIVE OUT OF FIVEOCTOBER 13 Qatar bt Maldives 4-0 timor Leste lost to Malaysia 0-1 North Korea bt Yemen 1-0 bhutan lost to Hong Kong 0-1 Myanmar bt Laos 3-1 Vietnam lost to thailand 0-3 Singapore bt cambodia 2-1 turkmenistan bt Guam 1-0 Kyrgyzstan bt bangladesh 2-0 Oman bt India 3-0 bahrain bt Philippines 2-0 Jordan bt tajikistan 3-0 North Korea, Thailand, Syria bt Afghanistan 5-2 Kuwait drew Lebanon 0-0 OCTOBER 8 North Korea drew Philippines 0-0 Oman register wins bhutan lost to Maldives 3-4 Vietnam drew Iraq 1-1 Singapore coach bernd Stange was Myanmar lost to Lebanon 0-2 Patrick Johnston left surprised at the criticism of his Singapore bt Afghanistan 1-0 Syria lost to Japan 0-3 side, who have aspirations of taking turkmenistan bt India 2-1 one of the four best runners-up timor-Leste drew Palestine 1-1 OrtH Korea, thailand and places that will mean qualification for Kyrgyzstan drew tajikistan 2-2 Oman took advantage of the next Asian cup and third stage of Jordan bt Australia 2-0 Nthe absence of Asia’s elite World cup qualification. Oman drew Iran 1-1 to storm clear in their World cup “Why are you not able to be happy Kuwait lost to South Korea 0-1 qualifying groups with victories on that we’ve 10 points?” the German bahrain lost to Uzbekistan 0-4 tuesday. told reporters who questioned why Qatar bt china 1-0 Saudi Arabia bt UAE 2-1 With the top seeds across the eight the team made hard work of the GROUP C STANDINGS joint Asian cup qualifying groups result. sitting out, the region’s unfancied thailand are keen not to leave Qatar 5 5 0 0 24 2 15 Hong Kong 5 3 1 1 12 3 10 sides boosted their chances of anything to chance and they ramped china 4 2 1 1 9 1 7 grabbing one of the 12 places on up the pressure on favoured Iraq in Maldives 5 1 0 4 4 13 3 offer for the next stage of the road to Group F by claiming a 3-0 away in bhutan 5 0 0 5 3 33 0 russia 2018. Vietnam to open up a five-point gap in the pool, which has been reduced to four teams following Indonesia’s ‘Boys are enjoying MALAYSIA BEAT EAST suspension by FIFA for political TIMOR FOR THEIR FIRST interference. the games’ WORLD CUP QUALIFYING Kroekrit thawikan hit a stunning AWAY WIN IN 14 YEARS. long-range swerving opener before AtAr coach Daniel Carreno an own goal by tien thanh just said he was not thinking about before the hour mark made the Qthe next round of the World North Korea are close to doing game safe for the visitors. theerathon cup qualification as the team had not so after Jong Il-Gwan struck a bunmathan completed the scoring in mathematically qualified yet. 15th-minute penalty for a 1-0 home Hanoi by finishing a neat team move. “Mathematically, we haven’t qualified yet. So win over Yemen to leave the twice thailand face taiwan next month I’m not thinking about it,” said carreno. World cup qualifiers four points clear before what is sure to be the “What I like to focus now is our next match of Uzbekistan in Group H, with only decisive clash away to former Asian with bhutan. I’m satisfied with the performance three games remaining. champions Iraq in tehran in the of my players. Everybody is training very In Muscat, Oman dispatched India battle for top spot in the group. well. Psychologically also they’re good. they 3-0 to move three points clear of Southeast Asian rivals Malaysia love the colours of the national team. there’s favourites Iran at the top of Group D. grabbed their first World cup a good harmony in the dressing room and With Japan playing Iran in a qualifying away win in 14 years the boys are enjoying the games,” said the friendly in tehran which ended 1-1, when they edged East timor 1-0, Uruguayan. Singapore took the opportunity to their opening victory in Group A. “but everything can’t be perfect all the time. move level with the four-time Asian there was no first point of the then there’s no need for a coach. We need champions at the top of Group E campaign for lowly bhutan, however, to improve our finishing. At the tactical level, after a sketchy 2-1 win at home to with Hong Kong’s Siu Ki chan we were open in defence and it would be cambodia, who scored their first heading the only goal in the 89th dangerous to do that against strong teams,” he goal of the campaign through Sos to take the visitors clear of china in added. Suhana. second place in Group c. 8 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR/ASIA

Does Chinese League Qatar take many serve its purpose? positives from LUbS in the chinese Super of our players are good only in the West Asian event League may be pumping more chinese league. International level KARIM BOUDIAF SEBASTIAN SORIA AHMED YASSER HASSAN AL HAIDOUS MOHAMMED MOUSA and more money, and chasing is totally different, so I had to make AtAr lost 0-2 to Syria in the semifinal PLAYERS C WHO the Lekhwiya player once again the Al rayyan striker was back Yasser has been in exceptional Al Haidous has been consistent. the physically-strong Mousa marquee names one after the some decisions,” said Perrin, who had of the inaugural West Asian Football turned in a fine game. He was a for an official match after more form for his club Lekhwiya and he the Al Sadd forward, who replaced has looked solid in his role of other, but it is not reflecting on the won plaudits for guiding china to QFederation Under-23 championship at MADE THE strong presence in the midfield than a year’s gap, but he did well, extended it to the match against Khalfan Ibrahim as the No.10 at a right-back. carreno has been standard of national team, if coach Asian cup quarterfinal, where they the Lekhwiya Stadium last week. DIFFERENCE throughout and scored the imposing his strong physical china. the youngster was fearless, both the club and national team, encouraging him to go forward, Alain Perrin is to believed. lost to hosts and eventual champions Goals from Khaled Al Mbayed (47th) all-important goal, heading home presence upfront and working hard remained focused throughout and penetrated a few times. His biggest which he frequently did with a Hassan Al Haidous free-kick. as ever. hardly committed an error. contribution, however, was the confidence. robinho and Paulinho were the Australia last January. and Abdullah Alshami (95th) gave Syria a dipping free-kick to pick out latest star names to move to china, “I’m disappointed with the result. convincing victory. In the final, they will meet boudiaf for the lone goal. joining 2013 AFc champions League We found it difficult in the first half. Iran, who defeated Yemen 2-1 in the other winners Guangzhou Evergrande Our defence wasn’t bad, but we last-four clash. this season, while fellow-brazilian still conceded a free-kick goal. Qatar had considered the tournament as a international Diego tardelli, who has We played better in the second preparatory event for the inaugural Asian U-23 donned Qatar’s Al Gharafa colours, half. though our passing championship, to be held in Doha from January signed for Shandong Luneng, all wasn’t up to the mark, we 12 to 30 next year. they had fast-tracked expected to equalise and several players from the triumphant Asian U-19 Toughness to the fore take home one point. It squad for the tournament and Spaniard Felix SOME OF OUR PLAYERS didn’t happen,” he said Sanchez was put in frustrated the opposition with ARE GOOD ONLY IN the Frenchman. RESULTS charge of them. N Ganesh smart passing and looked solid the defeat to Qatar Qatar had progressed THE CHINESE LEAGUE. SEMIFINALS in defence, where young Ahmed soon INTERNATIONAL LEVEL IS heavily dented Syria bt Qatar 2-0 to the semifinal as Yasser extended his fine form after while TOTALLY DIFFERENT china’s hopes of Iran bt Yemen 2-1 Group A winners, AtAr coach Daniel carreno with Lekhwiya, and he once again carreno topping the group. KICK-OFF but Syria, boasting and his wards were nervous looked flawless and confident. brought back the sports-mad both matches at the Lekhwiya physically stronger Qin the last quarter-hour of Ahmed Maksoud, deployed as Soria, who was on lucrative deals. two-time World nation, with a Stadium. players, proved too their World cup qualifier against always just above the defence line, left out by his Player of the Year ronadinho is linked population of 1.4 Wednesday, THIRD-PLACE tough for them to October 14 PLAY-OFF china. When the final whistle toiled hard and put some vital predecessor Djamel with a move to second-tier outfit billion, has been Qatar vs Yemen, handle. blew, the players celebrated with blocks. Mohammed Mousa did belmadi. Soria proved tianjin Songjiang. a powerhouse in 4.30pm. Sanchez, however, cheering fans while the Uruguayan well in negating the attacks that he is still a few notches However, last week’s defeat to several Olympic disciplines, but their FINAL looked at the positives. sneaked into the dressing room came through the right while his above Abdulkader Ilyas and Qatar, following a 1-1 draw against recent record in football is not so Syria vs Iran, “It was a great 8pm. with a swollen face, forgetting to low shot on the full in the second Mohammed Muntari, who Hong Kong at home, triggered encouraging. their only World cup experience for our even offer his counterpart Alain session reflected his confidence replaced him as the spearhead questions from chinese journalists appearance came way back in ’02. players. It was a new Perrin a handshake. while going forward. at the Gulf cup and Asian cup about the choice of Perrin’s first team, china is reportedly keen to become beginning for us. We believe we did a good job In the previous away game, Hong boudiaf, the main link between respectively. which had ’13 Asian Player of the Year the next Asian host of the World cup. overall against Syria apart from a few individual Kong had scored in the 87th and the attack and rear at the start, had Soria may not possess the Zheng Zhi of Evergrande and rayo the country’s leaders know that its mistakes, which cost us the game. We want 89th minutes to put carreno under to do more defensive duties as the wily ways of a typical South Vallecano winger Zhang chengdong national team should improve its to give it our all in the third-place play-off pressure. Against a higher-ranked game wore on. His versatility in the American striker — the one-on- as the most popular names. ranking and performance in order to Alain against Yemen because we may end up playing china, Qatar managed to defend middle has brought the biggest one chance he messed up early “When the draw was made, many rightly project its case. Perrin should Perrin a similar match in the Asian tournament,” said the lone goal scored by Karim positive change for Qatar. in the second half was another people in china said it’s an easy arrest the slump and make them Sanchez about the continental event, which boudiaf in the 22nd minute, but china even struggled to put up a proof of that — but his work ethic group. I knew that Qatar had quality perform well again. the onus is on will double as the rio Olympics qualification. their flaws and lethargy in passing is incredible. With better support and they showed it against us. Some him. ŠŠSyria’s surfaced after 70 minutes and up front, he is looking lethal Mahmood lasted till the end. It was something EVERYTHING SEEMS TO again. that he could quickly find Alain Perrin rated Australia, Japan, South Korea Albaher, left, and carreno did not like. BE CLICKING FOR QATAR his footing at his new club ‘Big four are Qatar’s Ahmed and Iran as the big four in the current World cup Alaaedin fight “Qatar’s strength lies in defence,” COACH DANIEL CARRENO Al rayyan too has added favourites to qualification campaign and considered them as for the ball. carreno said at the post-match AT THE MOMENT. to his confidence. carreno favourites to progress yet again. Press conference. would have been naive to progress’ Asked about Qatar’s chances, Perrin, who has a deep knowledge of the country’s football having It has been the case for several overlook that. coached Al Khor, Al Gharafa and Umm Salal other years, but many of his predecessors fight in the first session. they had Football may be than the national Under-23 side, said, “twelve teams rued the lack of enough Qatari their first genuine attempt only teamwork, but carreno will progress to the next round. there’s the top four, forwards in the domestic league for towards the end of the first half knows he needs strong but all others are good and they all have a chance of the national team’s dearth of goals. when Dabao Yu tested goalkeeper personalities out there progressing to the play-off.” Sebastian Soria, the naturalised claude Amine with a sharp to win regularly. And Uruguayan, has been Qatar’s main glancing header following a Zheng one suddenly finds scorer for almost a decade, but now Long cross. many of them in goals are coming through Hassan Qatar continued in earnest Qatar’s line-up. Al Haidous, Ali Asad, boudiaf, after resumption, but as carreno the decision to Jordan stun Australia Abdulkarim Hassan and others. first pulled out Asad, who played bring in young Akram

Qatar have scored 20 goals in behind Soria, early in the second Afif from the middle of DSP/Mohan OrDAN stunned Asian defence before Al Kharaitiyat striker the last four qualifiers (Maldives, half and the latter himself towards the West Asian Under-23 champions Australia 2-0 Hassan Abdelfattah struck from bhutan and Hong Kong are the the end to bolster the defence, championship and field him for Jin Amman, handing the the penalty spot immediately after other teams in Group c) and china pushed the hosts on the back almost the entire second half Socceroos their first loss in the resumption following a foul on Al conceded just two even though foot. And Hanchao Yu was unlucky spoke about carreno’s World cup qualification campaign. Dardour by Matthew Sprianovic. only china are considered to be an too see his stinging long-ranger bold approach in building Hamza Al Dardour was the Australia strove hard to restore even match for them in the group. narrowly fly past the left post more of them. And it star for the hosts as he earned a parity, but it was Jordan who found tougher challenges await them in towards the end. works. For that matter, penalty and then struck late in the net again, Al Dardour scoring the third round. And carreno knows the late slump in their level everything seems to the match to help Jordan beat the with six minutes remaining. that. apart, Qatar did a fine job. this be clicking for him same opponents for the second “Once Jordan went a goal up, china was the biggest test so far was almost the same team which at the moment. time in World cup qualifying, their the game became a little chaotic for him, but his team came up with had crashed out early at the Asian previous win coming in ’12. and we couldn’t get into any a near-perfect first-half game. they cup, but there were some visible » The writer can be contacted at: Australia dominated the first flow,” said Australia coach Ange š enjoyed the bulk of possession, changes. Amine joined the squad [email protected] šQatari players acknowledge the cheers of the crowd after beating china. šŠJordan’s Hasan Abdelfattah gets past Australia’s Matthew Spiranovic. half, but failed to breach the Jordan Postecoglou. Al Assaad DSP/Fadi 8 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR/ASIA

Qatar have scored 20 goals in behind Soria, early in the second Afif from the middle of DSP/Mohan OrDAN stunned Asian defence before Al Kharaitiyat striker the last four qualifiers (Maldives, half and the latter himself towards the West Asian Under-23 champions Australia 2-0 Hassan Abdelfattah struck from bhutan and Hong Kong are the the end to bolster the defence, championship and field him for Jin Amman, handing the the penalty spot immediately after other teams in Group c) and china pushed the hosts on the back almost the entire second half Socceroos their first loss in the resumption following a foul on Al conceded just two even though foot. And Hanchao Yu was unlucky spoke about carreno’s World cup qualification campaign. Dardour by Matthew Sprianovic. only china are considered to be an too see his stinging long-ranger bold approach in building Hamza Al Dardour was the Australia strove hard to restore even match for them in the group. narrowly fly past the left post more of them. And it star for the hosts as he earned a parity, but it was Jordan who found tougher challenges await them in towards the end. works. For that matter, penalty and then struck late in the net again, Al Dardour scoring the third round. And carreno knows the late slump in their level everything seems to the match to help Jordan beat the with six minutes remaining. that. apart, Qatar did a fine job. this be clicking for him same opponents for the second “Once Jordan went a goal up, china was the biggest test so far was almost the same team which at the moment. time in World cup qualifying, their the game became a little chaotic for him, but his team came up with had crashed out early at the Asian previous win coming in ’12. and we couldn’t get into any a near-perfect first-half game. they cup, but there were some visible » The writer can be contacted at: Australia dominated the first flow,” said Australia coach Ange š enjoyed the bulk of possession, changes. Amine joined the squad [email protected] šQatari players acknowledge the cheers of the crowd after beating china. šŠJordan’s Hasan Abdelfattah gets past Australia’s Matthew Spiranovic. half, but failed to breach the Jordan Postecoglou. Al Assaad DSP/Fadi 10 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 11 FOOTBALL | ASIA

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW I happen to get paid for chasing passion! chief. Ultimately, the success of a next priority is to be among the top Mohammad Amin-ul Islam team depends on its mentality, five teams in East Asia. Some see professionalism and objectives. this as a negative goal as we need thirdly, we brought back those to compete against strong sides like ArY White, who took charge who were playing in the Major Japan, china, South Korea, North of the Guam national team League Soccer (MLS) in the US to Korea and Hong Kong. but we’ll Gin February, 2012, is the man the team. ryan Guy was one such evaluate and then create new goals. credited with changing their outlook, player whom we brought back to style of play and, more importantly, the country as most Guam players ЂЂDespite having top facilities, what their fortunes. have a dream of playing in the US. do you think is the reason that pulls the 41-year-old gave the team Having MSL players helped the side down Gulf teams? the moniker ‘Matao’, a traditional understand professionalism. ЃЂGulf teams need to hire coaches term that represents courage among who care about the game and not Guam’s indigenous chamorro ЂЂIs Guam football supported by someone who takes up the job just population. He also integrated Inifresi, the United States Soccer Federation for money. For me, football is my life a local pledge, before every game to (USSF) since it’s an unincorporated and I happen to get paid for it. It’s bolster the national spirit. territory of the US? something I’m driven by and it’s in

White’s philosophy worked ЃЂWe’ve zero support from the USSF my blood. When you bring in foreign Divakaran DSP/Vinod wonders as the strong connection with whom we don’t have any ties. coaches, there has to be sustainability šЂMembers with the local culture elevated We get more support from Japan and and legacy. coaches use the short- of the Guam Guam to a new level of recognition Qatar, where we go for exposure trips term stints as stepping stones. national team Oman and Iran share Young helps Guam during a training and popularity after they beat and training camps. Financially, the besides, you should get connected session in Doha. turkmenistan 1-0 in a Group D match team is backed by the government to the local heritage and culture. spoils with 1-1 draw on June 11 for their first-ever victory and sponsors like United Airlines, Guam can’t play like England as I embrace technology in World cup qualifiers. It was also Diadora, budweiser and coca-cola. don’t have English players and it’ll MAN and Iran stayed level on points at the top the first time Guam hosted a World never work that way. You’ve to do of Group D after playing out a 1-1 draw in their cup qualifier. some research in the people you’re ENOWNED sports scientist speed and positioning of players O2018 FIFA World cup qualifier in Muscat last Five days later, they beat India 2-1 GUAM’S RECENT SUCCESS working with and create a philosophy Andrew Young, who and tallies their vital signs in real week. and last month held Oman goalless. MAY’VE SURPRISED THE and strategic programme which suits Rearlier worked with English time. Defender Saad Al Mukhaini put Oman in front in White, who is also the Guam WORLD, BUT IT WAS that country and not what barcelona football side Fulham, has been “We’re trying to be leaders in the 52nd minute when he tapped the ball home at the national federation’s technical ACHIEVED WITH A PLAN. or chelsea are following. helping Guam prepare for the every way and we don’t see our far post following Ali Al busaidi’s cross from the left, director, was in Doha with his players 2018 FIFA World cup size as a detriment to that,” but Jalal Hosseini equalised in the 70th, scrambling the as they prepared for their return ЂЂAre you suggesting that most qualifiers. said White. ball home from close range after the Oman defence match against turkmenistan at Some individuals also spend from foreign coaches in the Gulf are “We targeted Andrew the technology is failed to clear a free-kick. Kopetdag, Ashgabat. their own pockets for the team. focused only on money? because we know not new and is used Iran coach carlos Queiroz said his side produced a In an exclusive interview with ЃЂIt happens at times. Maybe, the he’s the best in the by teams around good result against Oman who have not won against

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod Doha Stadium Plus, White spoke ЂЂHow many stadiums are there in football teams are taken for granted business and he has the world. but FIFA them since 2001. about his plans with the team, his the country? as some coaches come here purely really taken hold of allowed it to be used “Our primary objective is to qualify for the next own objectives and Qatar 2022. ЃЂthe team plays at the Guam for money. I don’t believe in getting what we’re trying to do,” during matches only in round and we’re on the right path,” said Queiroz. national stadium, which isn’t big something for nothing. You must said Guam coach Gary White. July and Guam players wore Meanwhile, Guam will have their task cut out when ЂЂGuam don’t have a football like the ones in Doha. but during give to get. And if you’re only taking, “He has invested himself in it against Iran. they travel to bengaluru in their away game against culture, but you beat India, which matches, we put up extra seats. it’s a short-lived career. From an it. He’s a thorough professional For the field players, the useful India in November 12. was hailed as a big result. How was We also have a national training outsider’s perspective, I can say Qatar and he brings a level to Guam practical data is acceleration, Eight group winners and four best runners-up will it possible? centre with two artificial fields, one has excellent facilities which a coach that we’ve never seen in sports duration of time spent with an advance to the final round of qualifying for the ’18 FIFA ЃЂGuam’s recent success may’ve for games and another for training can dream of and I don’t see why they science. We’re trying to get as elevated heart-rate, and weight World cup. they will also be assured of a berth in the surprised the world, but it was sessions. can’t do well. many elite sports staff around our distribution, which can be a sign ’19 Asian cup finals in the UAE. “We’ve zero backing achieved with a plan. When I joined, Guam is the smallest Asian country, team as we can,” he said. of injury. from the USSF with I made sure Guam started their ЂЂHow about the league structure? 10 times smaller than bhutan in Young was the key as Guam the goalkeepers, meanwhile, whom we don’t youth development programme as ЃЂWe don’t have a professional terms of population and land mass. implemented wearable GPSports are focused on impact, change of have any ties. We a 10-year plan. A national academy league. We’ve a three-tier amateur So if Guam can do it, any nation technology, which measures the direction and quickness. get more and feeder system were created and tournament. the gap is still huge as can do it. It’s a question of having support from players from Under-10, U-12 and the players need to play at the highest professional people. WHITE FACT FILE Japan and Qatar, U-14 categories were selected. today, level, but the last three years of hard Name Gary White where we go for 150 players take part in training four work paid off well as we could change ЂЂHow do you see the criticism Date of birth July 25, 1974 exposure trips and days a week. the mentality of players and made against Qatar 2022? Place of birth Southampton, England. training camps. Secondly, we changed the them believe they can win. but there’s ЃЂI’m an Englishman and I wonder YOUTH CAREER mentality of the national team and still a lot of scope for improvement. why the English media has been 1986-1990 Southampton Gary White, made it a lot more a culture-based. so vocal against Qatar hosting the SENIOR CAREER 1990-1994 bognor regis town Guam coach. We made them understand whom ЂЂWhat’re the major plans for the ’22 World cup. I think those people 1994-1996 Fremantle city they’re playing for. We went into the next few years? may’ve only voiced their opinions TEAMS MANAGED roots of the country and ensured the ЃЂWe need to have a competitive from their offices in London. Doha is a 1998-1999 british Virgin Islands ŠЂOman’s Emad entire community supported them. team. When I joined, Guam were perfect World cup venue. 1999-2008 bahamas Al Hosni, left, they never had any identity, ranked 197th, but now they’ve 2009-2012 Seattle Sounders controls the (technical Director) ball ahead of hence we gave them the name jumped to 150th. there’s a method » The writer can be contacted at: Iran’s Andranik ‘Matao’ which also means the and I understand how to do it. Our [email protected] 2012- Guam teymourian. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 11

I happen to get paid for chasing passion! next priority is to be among the top five teams in East Asia. Some see this as a negative goal as we need to compete against strong sides like Japan, china, South Korea, North Korea and Hong Kong. but we’ll evaluate and then create new goals.

ЂЂDespite having top facilities, what do you think is the reason that pulls down Gulf teams? ЃЂGulf teams need to hire coaches who care about the game and not someone who takes up the job just for money. For me, football is my life and I happen to get paid for it. It’s something I’m driven by and it’s in

my blood. When you bring in foreign Divakaran DSP/Vinod coaches, there has to be sustainability šЂMembers and legacy. coaches use the short- of the Guam term stints as stepping stones. national team Oman and Iran share Young helps Guam during a training besides, you should get connected session in Doha. to the local heritage and culture. spoils with 1-1 draw Guam can’t play like England as I embrace technology don’t have English players and it’ll MAN and Iran stayed level on points at the top never work that way. You’ve to do of Group D after playing out a 1-1 draw in their some research in the people you’re ENOWNED sports scientist speed and positioning of players O2018 FIFA World cup qualifier in Muscat last working with and create a philosophy Andrew Young, who and tallies their vital signs in real week. and strategic programme which suits Rearlier worked with English time. Defender Saad Al Mukhaini put Oman in front in that country and not what barcelona football side Fulham, has been “We’re trying to be leaders in the 52nd minute when he tapped the ball home at the or chelsea are following. helping Guam prepare for the every way and we don’t see our far post following Ali Al busaidi’s cross from the left, 2018 FIFA World cup size as a detriment to that,” but Jalal Hosseini equalised in the 70th, scrambling the ЂЂAre you suggesting that most qualifiers. said White. ball home from close range after the Oman defence foreign coaches in the Gulf are “We targeted Andrew the technology is failed to clear a free-kick. focused only on money? because we know not new and is used Iran coach carlos Queiroz said his side produced a ЃЂIt happens at times. Maybe, the he’s the best in the by teams around good result against Oman who have not won against football teams are taken for granted business and he has the world. but FIFA them since 2001. as some coaches come here purely really taken hold of allowed it to be used “Our primary objective is to qualify for the next for money. I don’t believe in getting what we’re trying to do,” during matches only in round and we’re on the right path,” said Queiroz. something for nothing. You must said Guam coach Gary White. July and Guam players wore Meanwhile, Guam will have their task cut out when give to get. And if you’re only taking, “He has invested himself in it against Iran. they travel to bengaluru in their away game against it’s a short-lived career. From an it. He’s a thorough professional For the field players, the useful India in November 12. outsider’s perspective, I can say Qatar and he brings a level to Guam practical data is acceleration, Eight group winners and four best runners-up will has excellent facilities which a coach that we’ve never seen in sports duration of time spent with an advance to the final round of qualifying for the ’18 FIFA can dream of and I don’t see why they science. We’re trying to get as elevated heart-rate, and weight World cup. they will also be assured of a berth in the can’t do well. many elite sports staff around our distribution, which can be a sign ’19 Asian cup finals in the UAE. Guam is the smallest Asian country, team as we can,” he said. of injury. 10 times smaller than bhutan in Young was the key as Guam the goalkeepers, meanwhile, terms of population and land mass. implemented wearable GPSports are focused on impact, change of So if Guam can do it, any nation technology, which measures the direction and quickness. can do it. It’s a question of having professional people. WHITE FACT FILE Name Gary White ЂЂHow do you see the criticism Date of birth July 25, 1974 against Qatar 2022? Place of birth Southampton, England. ЃЂI’m an Englishman and I wonder YOUTH CAREER why the English media has been 1986-1990 Southampton so vocal against Qatar hosting the SENIOR CAREER 1990-1994 bognor regis town ’22 World cup. I think those people 1994-1996 Fremantle city may’ve only voiced their opinions TEAMS MANAGED from their offices in London. Doha is a 1998-1999 british Virgin Islands ŠЂOman’s Emad perfect World cup venue. 1999-2008 bahamas Al Hosni, left, 2009-2012 Seattle Sounders controls the (technical Director) ball ahead of » The writer can be contacted at: Iran’s Andranik [email protected] 2012- Guam teymourian. 12 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 13 FOOTBALL

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW problems could be x, y or z. but a move to rebuild the side in time for because of the illusion with all the the ’18 World cup. Hudson trusts New Zealand stuff going into it, their problems “What I had to do was to look at became more than that. Last season, the World cup in russia and work EW Zealand coach Anthony group stage before that. when you lose Luis Suarez and back from there. We had to give Hudson stays confident “I took charge of the Daniel Sturridge for so long, that’s a chances to a lot of young players. In Nthey would qualify for the Olympic team last July. huge loss to your team. People didn’t the last 12 months, a lot of young World cup in russia. the idea was to qualify even talk about that, but only found boys made their debut and played “I came to New Zealand, for the Olympics, take ‘I’m a top manager, I fault with brendan rodgers. against strong teams like South knowing that we’ve some very, the core of that group “When all these things affect Korea and china. they’ve done very good players. We don’t have a into the first team you, that’s when you lose control incredibly well. lot, but our best players are based with our best of your dressing room. If you can “the board is very happy, it in Europe — be it Winston Reid at senior players. We manage all that external stuff, understands the work done with the West Ham United or chris Wood at were disqualified then you can always focus and do team,” he said. Leeds. I believe with good coaching after winning trust my convictions’ what’s right. Players need to see and organisation, we can qualify,” the semifinal (for you being strong in those moments said Hudson. fielding South Africa- a constant learning process for like Andre Villas-boas reportedly and have convictions and certainty. THE QUALIFICATION PART “When I first came in, the team born Deklan Wynne N Ganesh Hudson, who loves to improve struggled to take control of the they don’t want you to get worried OF THE WORLD CUP IS was very out of balance, quite in the qualification himself as a football manager by dressing room (at chelsea). Hudson and involved in all those stuff,” he STRAIGHTFORWARD FOR old and had no depth. If we had tournament’s semifinal gaining knowledge from the best does not think that age is a barrier in added. NEW ZEALAND. carried on with that side, we against Vanuatu who IFA HEN he says Marcelo and regularly reflecting on his own making it big. And Hudson has been bold. When wouldn’t have a good team in found ineligible). bielsa is his role model work. that, he believes, would help “We’re “hearing” a lot of things he was offered the New Zealand three years’ time. So I had a look at It has been frustrating. Wand he learned Spanish him realise his dream of managing in modern football, Villas-boas lost job in August, 2014, much to the Yet, lack of enough games for the age-group sides as well. “We’ve some good just to attend Press conferences of an English team in the champions control of the chelsea dressing room surprise of bahrain whom he had the All Whites has been a worry for “I’m in charge of aligning the players now in the the maverick Argentinian coach, one League. and stuff like that. but we actually guided to last January’s Asian cup Hudson. style of play for national teams — U-17, U-20 and cannot let go the chance to speak “When I look at England now, I don’t know what problems he in Australia, he grabbed it. He knew “the challenge we’ve in New Under-17, U-20, U-23 and senior U-23 teams. We’re with Anthony Hudson. Especially don’t see young managers working actually had. All we know is what we it could offer him a better chance of Zealand is that, unlike the Qatar side. Our U-20 boys made history making big when you know the briton has a their way up the ladder from the heard in the media and people were materialising his another dream — national team, we aren’t playing in at the World cup at home last progress,” he bold method and that he prefers to lowest level all the way to the talking about,” said Hudson. of managing a team at the World every window. Some of the players May. they had never got past the added. think out of the box. Premier League. It just doesn’t “In football, there’s the reality cup. who took part in the friendly against Hudson has completed a decade happen anymore. Years ago, it and illusion. the media comes up “the qualification part of the Myanmar early September last in his coaching career, but he is still used to be the practice... Sam with stories. What we all know World cup is fairly straightforward played a match for New Zealand 12 just 34. English coaches generally are Allardyce, Neil Warnock, David about Villas-boas is that he didn’t for New Zealand. We’ve to top months ago, others nine months Gulf players good enough reluctant to get out of their country Moyes, etc,” Hudson, who was in have a great record at chelsea. Oceania and then we’ve one inter- ago and a majority of them six despite big native clubs’ increasing Everything else is subjective. As a continental play-off, this time months ago. So it takes time to get lack of trust in them, but Hudson has coach, I’ve zero interest in all other against a South American team. continuity,” he said. for European leagues travelled and coached in the US (and AS A COACH, I’VE ZERO stuff, what people say or think. All I would say that would be a lot Hudson finds it frustrating in an was shortlisted for the best coach INTEREST IN ALL OTHER I’m interested to live in the reality of easier than most Asian teams,” said otherwise “very, very good year”. ULF players like the UAE’s Ultimately, the teams from Europe award once for his exploits at club STUFF, WHAT PEOPLE football. Hudson. He can’t afford to waste time in his Omar Abdulrahman and will start feeling that the players are side real Maryland Monarchs), been SAY OR THINK. “take Liverpool for In New Zealand, Hudson divided learning process. He has his goals to GQatar’s Khalfan Ibrahim have quite good enough for them. One to bahrain and is now with New example. their opinions when he gave many achieve. achieved a great degree of success or two will move to Europe in the Zealand. young players debut in the in the region and Asia, but they are beginning, and it’ll open up,” said Son of former chelsea and Stoke Doha last week, told Doha Stadium senior team — 13 in the » The writer can be contacted at: often criticised for being pampered Hudson, who was brought city midfield great Alan, Hudson Plus. last five matches — in [email protected] by their own countries. to bahrain by his compatriot and spent his youth days at West Ham “the only way they can get English coach Anthony Hudson, their then senior team coach Peter United, sharing a room with Michael a job is to take a team from the who managed bahrain’s Under-23 taylor. carrick and looking up enviously at championship to the Premier HUDSON’S TAKES ON... and senior teams, said it could the work ethic of Frank Lampard, League. those who’ve come up like change soon. who was three years senior to him. that are never ever considered in MARCELO BIELSA “I think football in the Gulf is He never made it big as a player the shortlist for the top five or 10 I would say bielsa made the a lot better than what people and found coaching to be his calling. Premier League clubs. biggest influence on me. I think. there’s obviously a lot the thought of getting out of the “With the influx of foreign went to see him when he of quality here,” said Hudson. was at Athletic bilbao and big shadows of his father prompted owners and the increased global Olympique Marseille. I also “What stops the players Hudson to leave England. After outlook on the game, you need flew all the way to his home in from making it really big could spending two years in the US, he to have European or international Argentina and spent a few hours be their mentality. the quality returned to England where he took experience. You need to learn with him. I learned Spanish so that I could of life here is very, very good for listen to him at his Press conferences. I up the job of Harry redknapp’s different types of cultures and think when bielsa’s teams play at their top players. those boys who do well assistant at tottenham Hotspur and styles of football. I believe that’s levels, they’re the best to watch. What I have everything here. I think, if you manager at Newport county. but what I’m doing now. I want to have like the most about bielsa is that he has compare them with some of those that did not last long and he international experience and then got very strong convictions and principles. players from Europe... those who’ve He has his ways and he doesn’t bend to was soon in bahrain, in charge get back to the Premier League,” he anyone. For me, he’s a huge inspiration to fight for everything. of the Under-23 team. said. and has been a big part of my education. “but I’ll say there’s a lot of quality And as he started “I believe I’m a top manager in Gulf teams. take the UAE. I had exploring new countries and I’m going to compete at the said long ago that players in that and their cultures, he highest level. I trust my convictions. JOSE MOURINHO team could make it to Europe. For turned more and I trust myself,” says Hudson about He’s an outstanding coach. example, Omar Abdulrahman earns

more inquisitive. something he has learnt from bielsa. Mohan DSP/ I went to see him at real a great salary at Al Ain and live like a Life evolved While Mourinho and Pep Madrid at a time when he king but if he moves to Europe he’ll was under a lot of pressure, for him and it Guardiola are two coaches who somewhat similar to his present have to play on a tuesday night, in has become made it big at a young age, others situation. the whole of Spain had freezing cold and rain. that’s a part turned against him. I spent a week of it. HUDSON FACT FILE there and the best thing about him was “the leagues in the Gulf are that the pressure least affected him. He Full name Anthony Patrick Hudson PLAYING CAREER COACHING CAREER was bigger than all of them — the media, getting stronger, and football Date of birth March 11, 1981 YOUTH 2008-10 real Maryland Monarchs players and owners. And spending time becoming more organised, Omar Place of birth Seattle, Washington, USA West Ham United 2011 Newport county with him, you would never ever know competitive and popular. And Abdulrahman Playing position Midfielder SENIOR 2012-14 bahrain Under-23 team that everyone is attacking him. that’s what’ll happen in the long run is 2000 Luton town 2013-14 bahrain something incredible, because you can 2001-02 NEc Nijmegen 2014- New Zealand Anthony quickly recover from the losses and make Khalfan that its good standard will drive 2006-08 Wilmington Hammerheads Hudson your players perform again. Ibrahim the players to be at a certain level. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 13

problems could be x, y or z. but a move to rebuild the side in time for because of the illusion with all the the ’18 World cup. Hudson trusts New Zealand stuff going into it, their problems “What I had to do was to look at became more than that. Last season, the World cup in russia and work EW Zealand coach Anthony group stage before that. when you lose Luis Suarez and back from there. We had to give Hudson stays confident “I took charge of the Daniel Sturridge for so long, that’s a chances to a lot of young players. In Nthey would qualify for the Olympic team last July. huge loss to your team. People didn’t the last 12 months, a lot of young World cup in russia. the idea was to qualify even talk about that, but only found boys made their debut and played “I came to New Zealand, for the Olympics, take ‘I’m a top manager, I fault with brendan rodgers. against strong teams like South knowing that we’ve some very, the core of that group “When all these things affect Korea and china. they’ve done very good players. We don’t have a into the first team you, that’s when you lose control incredibly well. lot, but our best players are based with our best of your dressing room. If you can “the board is very happy, it in Europe — be it Winston Reid at senior players. We manage all that external stuff, understands the work done with the West Ham United or chris Wood at were disqualified then you can always focus and do team,” he said. Leeds. I believe with good coaching after winning trust my convictions’ what’s right. Players need to see and organisation, we can qualify,” the semifinal (for you being strong in those moments said Hudson. fielding South Africa- and have convictions and certainty. THE QUALIFICATION PART “When I first came in, the team born Deklan Wynne they don’t want you to get worried OF THE WORLD CUP IS was very out of balance, quite in the qualification and involved in all those stuff,” he STRAIGHTFORWARD FOR old and had no depth. If we had tournament’s semifinal added. NEW ZEALAND. carried on with that side, we against Vanuatu who IFA And Hudson has been bold. When wouldn’t have a good team in found ineligible). he was offered the New Zealand three years’ time. So I had a look at It has been frustrating. job in August, 2014, much to the Yet, lack of enough games for the age-group sides as well. “We’ve some good surprise of bahrain whom he had the All Whites has been a worry for “I’m in charge of aligning the players now in the guided to last January’s Asian cup Hudson. style of play for national teams — U-17, U-20 and in Australia, he grabbed it. He knew “the challenge we’ve in New Under-17, U-20, U-23 and senior U-23 teams. We’re it could offer him a better chance of Zealand is that, unlike the Qatar side. Our U-20 boys made history making big materialising his another dream — national team, we aren’t playing in at the World cup at home last progress,” he of managing a team at the World every window. Some of the players May. they had never got past the added. cup. who took part in the friendly against “the qualification part of the Myanmar early September last World cup is fairly straightforward played a match for New Zealand 12 for New Zealand. We’ve to top months ago, others nine months Gulf players good enough Oceania and then we’ve one inter- ago and a majority of them six continental play-off, this time months ago. So it takes time to get against a South American team. continuity,” he said. for European leagues I would say that would be a lot Hudson finds it frustrating in an easier than most Asian teams,” said otherwise “very, very good year”. ULF players like the UAE’s Ultimately, the teams from Europe Hudson. He can’t afford to waste time in his Omar Abdulrahman and will start feeling that the players are In New Zealand, Hudson divided learning process. He has his goals to GQatar’s Khalfan Ibrahim have quite good enough for them. One opinions when he gave many achieve. achieved a great degree of success or two will move to Europe in the young players debut in the in the region and Asia, but they are beginning, and it’ll open up,” said senior team — 13 in the » The writer can be contacted at: often criticised for being pampered Hudson, who was brought last five matches — in [email protected] by their own countries. to bahrain by his compatriot and English coach Anthony Hudson, their then senior team coach Peter who managed bahrain’s Under-23 taylor. HUDSON’S TAKES ON... and senior teams, said it could change soon. MARCELO BIELSA “I think football in the Gulf is I would say bielsa made the a lot better than what people biggest influence on me. I think. there’s obviously a lot went to see him when he of quality here,” said Hudson. was at Athletic bilbao and Olympique Marseille. I also “What stops the players flew all the way to his home in from making it really big could Argentina and spent a few hours be their mentality. the quality with him. I learned Spanish so that I could of life here is very, very good for listen to him at his Press conferences. I think when bielsa’s teams play at their top players. those boys who do well levels, they’re the best to watch. What I have everything here. I think, if you like the most about bielsa is that he has compare them with some of those got very strong convictions and principles. players from Europe... those who’ve He has his ways and he doesn’t bend to anyone. For me, he’s a huge inspiration to fight for everything. and has been a big part of my education. “but I’ll say there’s a lot of quality in Gulf teams. take the UAE. I had said long ago that players in that JOSE MOURINHO team could make it to Europe. For He’s an outstanding coach. example, Omar Abdulrahman earns I went to see him at real a great salary at Al Ain and live like a Madrid at a time when he king but if he moves to Europe he’ll was under a lot of pressure, somewhat similar to his present have to play on a tuesday night, in situation. the whole of Spain had freezing cold and rain. that’s a part turned against him. I spent a week of it. there and the best thing about him was “the leagues in the Gulf are that the pressure least affected him. He was bigger than all of them — the media, getting stronger, and football players and owners. And spending time becoming more organised, Omar with him, you would never ever know competitive and popular. And Abdulrahman that everyone is attacking him. that’s what’ll happen in the long run is something incredible, because you can quickly recover from the losses and make Khalfan that its good standard will drive your players perform again. Ibrahim the players to be at a certain level. 14 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 15 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

We made our own life difficult, laments Loew

ErMANY will rediscover their fell to Marco reus early on, but the goal-scoring instincts in time attacking midfielder failed to score Gfor next year’s European as did several of his team-mates championship, coach Joachim Loew in a one-sided first-half in which said after his team laboured to defeat Germany had more than a dozen Georgia 2-1. attempts on goal. Kruse the world champions wasted a “Marco usually doesn’t waste bagful of chances, just as they did them, but today he had three huge in their 1-0 loss to Ireland in their chances early,” Loew said. “He has the previous match last week, and had quality, but tonight we didn’t show to wait until the 79th minute for Max we can make this big number of Kruse to snatch the winner. chances count.” “We know that’s not what we the Germany coach, who again demand from ourselves. Not the way opted not to play a natural striker, control! believes a long pre-tournament training camp would help improve MAX KRUSE NETS THE WINNER AS THREE-TIME CHAMPIONS WE NEED TO DO MORE, their finishing. BUT THE TEAM HAS THE “We need to do more, but the GERMANY BEAT GEORGIA TO QUALIFY FOR THE EUROPEAN ššSpain’s Paco QUALITY. team has the quality,” he said. “If Alcacer, left, CHAMPIONSHIP WHILE POLAND, ROMANIA AND PERENNIAL we’ve three four weeks of a training tries to get Spain are still far camp (before the tournament) then the ball past ALSO-RANS ALBANIA TOO JOIN THE PARTY, WRITES MIKE COLLETT. Luxembourg’s we’re currently operating in front of the team always raises its level.” Maxime chanot. away from tiki-taka goal. We made our own life difficult,” He did not rule out deploying an Loew said. out-and-out striker in the future. “We sang the same song as in “I don’t want us to play long Tim Hanlon OrLD champions Armenia in Yerevan. Sixteen teams, including hosts Ireland. three, four huge chances balls to feed the forward but it’s Germany and perennial thousands of their supporters in France, are now assured of a place in early on and then the mistakes start an alternative to have a confident Walso-rans Albania do not both Albania and Kosovo, where a the expanded 24-team finals. creeping in,” he said. “First of all, we’re striker,” he said. LtHOUGH reigning champions Spain have share much in common in football, number of the Albania players were Along with the four who qualified satisfied with the qualification, but the Germans are one of the best qualified for Euro 2016, there still remains but both were united in joy last born, took to the streets, letting off last Sunday, Iceland, czech republic, not with our last two games. that’s tournament teams in the world, Aplenty of work to be done if they are to Sunday when they qualified for Euro fireworks, and driving around towns belgium, Wales, holders Spain, not our standard. We’ve work ahead regularly peaking at just the right match the heights they attained in their golden 2016 in France along with romania and cities hooting their car horns in England, Switzerland, Northern of us.” time as they did last year in brazil spell before their failure at the brazil World cup. and Poland. celebration. Ireland, Austria, Italy and Portugal the hosts should have gone ahead to win the World cup for the fourth A routine 4-0 victory over Luxembourg last week Germany, who have lifted the Poland finished behind Germany are also through. with one of three opportunities that time. in Group c rubberstamped their passage to France Henri Delauney trophy three times as with a 2-1 win over Ireland in next year. European champions, left it late, but Warsaw forcing the Irish into the Still, they have been made to work hard and COLLATED RESULTS sealed their spot with a 2-1 win over play-offs. the winner was a stunning As of Sunday. have not been able to ease to victory against already-eliminated Georgia which diving header by striker robert Germany bt Georgia 2-1 inferior sides on paper. gave them top spot in Group D. Lewandowski, who took his tally to a Gibraltar lost to Scotland 0-6 Against Luxembourg again, they got the goals in Joachim Loew’s men needed a record-equalling 13 for a single Euro Poland bt Ireland 2-1 the end, but it was a long way from the dominant Faroe Islands lost to romania 0-3 79th-minute goal from substitute campaign. Finland drew N Ireland 1-1 ‘tiki-taka’ football when they swept aside Max Kruse to win. Germany, who romania also secured their berth Greece bt Hungary 4-3 opponents with quick passing. required only a draw, squandered Armenia lost to Albania 0-3 tellingly, they have struggled in friendlies against Serbia lost to Portugal 1-2 over a dozen clear chances in the first Iceland drew Latvia 2-2 stronger sides and have lost to France, Germany half alone before thomas Mueller’s POLAND FINISHED BEHIND Kazakhstan lost to Netherlands 1-2 and the Netherlands since the World cup. 50th-minute penalty finally put GERMANY WITH A 2-1 czech republic lost to turkey 0-2 “We’ve picked up a lot of points (in qualifying), them ahead. Georgia, already out WIN OVER IRELAND IN Andorra lost to belgium 1-4 but it hasn’t been easy,” coach Vicente Del bosque bosnia bt Wales 2-0 of the running to qualify, levelled WARSAW. Israel lost to cyprus 1-2 said. “We’ve had some difficult moments.” three minutes later with captain Jaba Azerbaijan lost to Italy 1-3 they will go to the tournament having won Kankava’s superb 20-metre volley. Norway bt Malta 2-0 the European championship in ’08 and ’12, along Kruse came to the rescue three in France when they won 3-0 in the croatia bt bulgaria 3-0 with the ’10 World cup, but Del bosque has had to Macedonia lost to Ukraine 0-2 ššGermany’s Polish striker Robert Lewandowski Joachim minutes after coming on by slotting wintry Faroe Islands to secure second rebuild the side following the poor display in brazil. Slovakia lost to belarus 0-1 Max Kruse, centre, ‘I’m so said he was proud to have helped SCORING ROBERT! Loew home from a Mesut Ozil pass to place in Group F behind already- Spain bt Luxembourg 4-0 celebrates with List of most goals scored in a European their inability to get out of the group stage led to his team progress to the Euro finals. championship qualifying competition. make sure Germany, who had to put qualified Northern Ireland. England bt Estonia 2-0 team-mates after proud’ several of the older faces like Xavi and Xabi Alonso Slovenia drew Lithuania 1-1 scoring against “I’ve to tell you I’m so proud,” celebrations on hold after their shock romania’s victory lifted them to Switzerland bt San Marino 7-0 Georgia. Lewandowski shouted through a 13 12 making way for new blood. 1-0 loss in Ireland, finished top on 20 points, one behind the Irish, who Liechtenstein lost to Sweden 0-2 microphone to While they are spoilt for choice in midfield, they Moldova lost to russia 1-2 fans wearing a ROBERT KLAAS-JAN “As World cup winners we can only set the highest 22 points. finished on 21 after a 1-1 draw in LEWANDOWSKI HUNTELAAR lack options in attack where they have never been Albania, who have never Finland, leaving Hungary in third Montenegro lost to Austria 2-3 red and white (POL) (NED) goals and we want to be in the final in Paris. And able to replace the goals from David Villa and Georgia bt Gibraltar 4-0 “Vive la Pologne Euro 2016 Euro 2012 previously reached the World cup or spot with a place in the play-offs. Ireland bt Germany 1-0 I can also say that we want the title. Since Fernando torres in their pomp. 2016” t-shirt rio (de Janeiro), we’ve our fourth star (for European championship since first Hungary lost an extraordinary Scotland drew Poland 2-2 while his DAVID HEALY DAVOR SUKER Fernando Llorente, Alvaro Negredo and roberto entering both in the mid-1960s as game 3-4 to Greece, the first time Hungary bt Faroe Islands 2-1 (NIr) (crO) the fourth World cup win). In the first Soldado are among players who have been tried N Ireland bt Greece 3-1 team-mates celebrated on Euro 2008 Euro 1996 a secretive state shrouded in hard- the ’04 European champions had romania drew Finland 1-1 the pitch. games after the brazil finals, we didn’t out, and Diego costa has also had only moderate line communist aloofness, secured won in all 10 qualifiers, and the first Albania lost to Serbia 0-2 “the Irish team didn’t create 11 10 get the results we wanted. but we success. their place with a 3-0 win over time they had scored at home. Portugal bt Denmark 1-0 any real opportunities. We RAUL GONZALEZ EDUARDO always trusted in us and never doubted the favourites now to lead the line appear to be deserved to advance, we were (ESP) (crO) we would live up to that trust. We united Alvaro Morata and Paco Alcacer. the better team and played a good Euro 2000 Euro 2008 Defensively also, Spain have little cover for France (hosts) Wales England Austria qualifying round,” he said. as a team and can say now that we had a TONI POLSTER HRISTO regular centre-halves Sergio ramos and Gerard TEAMS Iceland Spain Switzerland Italy Poland co-hosted the 2012 (AUt) STOICHKOV (bUL) successful qualification campaign. czech Germany Northern Portugal tournament with Ukraine and will Euro 1996 Euro 1996 Pique. Inigo Martinez’s star has been on the wane QUALIFIED republic Poland Ireland Albania As of Sunday. be playing in their third straight Euro Bastian Schweinsteiger, at real Sociedad and the inexperienced Marc belgium romania finals. OLE MADSEN DARKO PANCEV Germany captain. (DEN) (MKD) bartra of barcelona and real Madrid’s Nacho Euro 1964 Euro 1992 Fernandez are the other options. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 15

We made our own life difficult, laments Loew

KLOPP ON…

WHAT ATTRACTED HIM enjoy the game, you’ve to for seven years. For both Klopp a perfect TO LIVERPOOL prepare for this. If you come parties, it was best to leave to the game, you want to and now I’m here. the intensity of the see fighting spirit, many football, of how the people shots and the result is only WHAT TO EXPECT ABOUT live football in Liverpool, the result of these things. HIS STYLE OF FOOTBALL all Liverpool fans around match for Reds the world. It’s not a usual WORKING WITH THE I’m not here today to club, it’s a special club. I had TRANSFER COMMITTEE speak too much about two very, very special clubs our football. First I want and right balance between players, via the Fair Play draw before being Karolos Grohmann with Mainz and borussia It wasn’t a problem for 10 to talk to my team about supporters and the board of directors. relegated in ’07. Dortmund. It’s the perfect seconds. We talk about it, our game. Everyone knows A big motivator in the changing After failing to win promotion, he next step for me to be here, of course, but for me it’s me. I don’t change in room, ‘Kloppo’, as he is called back left the next year in a tearful farewell and try and help. enough to have the first four months. It’s emotion UErGEN Klopp, who became home, is a strong supporter of high- attended by thousands of fans. and the last word; the inside, it’s speed, it’s a Liverpool manager last week, speed football. His emotional outbursts on the CHANGING PERCEPTIONS middle we can discuss. We transition game, so you’ll could not have found a more He brought Mario Goetze into touchline that have seen him banned AT ANFIELD only want to discuss about see this. All the things that J very good players. I’m not a make football interesting I fitting club to take his successful the first team in ’10, bought Shinji and fined are as much a part of his It’s a real important thing genius. I need other people want to see on the pitch. Pedro happy at Chelsea coaching career to the next level. Kagawa from Japan’s second division character as the witty punch lines that the players feel the to get perfect information. twice a bundesliga champion with and turned a string of players, that can turn a run-of-the-mill difference from now on. HIS FOUR-MONTH PAIN forward Pedro believes “When someone gets to play, borussia Dortmund, who he also including Mats Hummels, Erik champions League news conference they’ve to think they can WORKING WITH SABBATICAL his move from barcelona to they gain rhythm, confidence, reach the expectations of steered to the champions League Durm, Kevin Grosskreutz and roman into memorable entertainment. BRITISH MEDIA chelsea in the close season you’re happier, you try out more all the people, fans and I had a normal holiday. S final in 2013, Klopp finds a similar Weidenfeller, into World cup- Long considered a likely successor Press. We’ve to change All the people tell me about I’m 48. Most of the time has helped boost his confidence things,” Pedro said on the Spanish situation at Liverpool to that he winning Germany internationals. to Pep Guardiola at bayern, he from doubters to believers. the british Press, so it’s up in my life I had no money and make him a happier person. team website (www.sefutbol.com) encountered at the ruhr valley club With his trademark high pressing, announced his resignation late last We’ve to change our to you to show me they’re to make a holiday and Pedro decided to quit boyhood last week. when he joined in ’08. season, saying Dortmund needed performance, of course, all liars. then I had no time. then club barca after 11 years there and “Leaving barca was tough for me, both teams had trophy-rich a change after a disappointing but stop thinking I had four months. It was move to England after spending but I’m happy with the change,” seasons years ago, with Klopp EXUBERANT, EXPLOSIVE campaign that saw them languish about money (for COMPARISONS WITH really cool. I went with the majority of last term on the added the 28-year-old. AND WITTY, KLOPP signing new MOURINHO the family, played tennis, coming on board at Dortmund at the bottom of the table at the players). It’s only watched football all over bench and chelsea manager Jose Pedro said his fellow Spain during a low point in their history IS EVERY FAN’S halfway mark. about football. I don’t want to describe the world. Mourinho slotted him straight into players at chelsea, former barca when they were recovering from ULTIMATE COACH. “I’m — and that may come as a If you want to myself. Does anyone in his starting lineup. team-mate cesc Fabregas, Diego their ’05 near bankruptcy and not surprise to some — not stupid this room think I can do HIS TITLE AMBITIONS Although the London club have costa and cesar Azpilicueta, had wonders? No. I’m a normal AND TIME REQUIRED daring to dream big. and I know when I’ve been guy. I come from the black had a poor start to the season, helped him adjust quickly to life in At Liverpool, once the enthusiasm quick counter-attacks and never- lucky,” he once said, when Forest. I am ‘the Normal Please give us time to work Pedro has impressed and has scored the Premier League. over his arrival settles down, he will say-die approach, Dortmund took asked about coaching One’. I was a very average on it. If you want, this two goals and made one assist in “they’ve been a great support to be expected to win trophies with the the bundesliga and Europe by storm, at Dortmund. player, I became a manager could be a really special his eight appearances. me,” he said. former European champions having snatching domestic supremacy from “borussia have been in Germany at a special day. I don’t want to say we gone a quarter of a century without bayern Munich and winning over a present.” club, Mainz, then I had a can wait 20 years. If we sit here in four years, I think an English league title. millions of fans across the world Liverpool will great opportunity to take Dortmund, a special club, we win one title. the 48-year-old German, who as the club spread its commercial now hope they are Professional Hazard, helped turn 1997 champions League operations beyond Europe. his next gift. winners Dortmund from relegation Dortmund won the bundesliga in KLOPP FACT FILE candidates under predecessor ’11 and repeated the feat a year later Name Jurgen Norbert Klopp isn’t it Eden? thomas Doll into one of the most when they also clinched the German Age 48 exciting brands in world football, cup. they won the Super cup and Date of birth June 16, 1967 HELSEA’S Eden Hazard cannot that I’ve had such a difficult spell like needs a tale of woe to be successful reached the champions League Place of birth Stuttgart, Germany explain why he is struggling this,” Hazard was quoted as saying and Liverpool offer him exactly that. final in ’13, losing to their PLAYING CAREER for his club this season and by the british and belgian media. Position striker/defender C “You’re asking me how motivated bavarian rivals in the first all- club Mainz (1989-2001) said manager Jose Mourinho has “I can’t really explain it. All I know my players are? I can only talk about German title clash of the MANAGERIAL CAREER been right to drop him from the is that I’ll need to work hard in how motivated I’m and if you could competition. In ’14, they Mainz 2001-08 starting line-up as he is in the order to bounce back. At chelsea, bottle that motivation and sell it, you won the Super cup borussia Dortmund 2008-15 “worst form of his life”. we’ve concerns both as a team and would probably go to jail,” he told again. Liverpool 2015- the belgium individually,” the 24-year-old winger reporters in ’12. Having spent his HONOURS international was the said. CLUB this will be music to Liverpool’s entire playing career bundesliga 2010-11, 2011-12 Premier League’s Hazard admitted his poor success-starved fans who hope at second-tier Mainz German cup 2011-12 best player last performances meant he was no Klopp can emulate his success in EPL. 05, Klopp took over the German Super cup 2013, ’14 season as chelsea longer “untouchable” as one of the Exuberant, explosive and witty, team in ’01 and led them INDIVIDUAL cruised to the title, first names on Mourinho’s team Klopp is every fan’s ultimate coach, into the bundesliga in ’04 and German Manager of 2011, ’12 but paid the price for the Year a man who can find the connection even a 2005-06 UEFA cup spot Juergen Klopp his stunning fall from grace this term when Mourinho HAZARD HAS NO GOALS dropped him from the AND JUST TWO ASSISTS IN starting line-up for the 11 APPEARANCES FOR THE “He (Klopp) “He’s a strong “I’m convinced he’ll “In Jurgen Klopp, borussia Dortmund turned to inspired by the lyrics of the champions League defeat CLUB THIS SEASON. seems very, very personality, write a similar we’ve appointed We heard Liverpool’s best-known sons beatles’ “A Day in the Life” — by Porto recently. impressive and very strong, success story like a world-class the news, the beatles for inspiration as it starts with the line: “I read Hazard has no goals supporters will very stubborn, he did here with manager with they wished their former coach in the news today, oh boy” and just two assists in sheet, but praised the Portuguese Jurgen Klopp their best, after — and came with a photo oh boy! 11 appearances for and backed himself to bounce need to fasten determined, and us (at borussia a proven track the 48-year-old was appointed montage of Klopp running their safety belts. his performances Dortmund). record of winning the reds’ new manager. across the street like the cover the club this season, back when the league resumes on He seems somebody and his career at Liverpool have and someone who “We heard the news today, of the Liverpool band’s iconic a slump that has Saturday after the international not in love with himself, which Dortmund was a stellar rise to the many parallels with borussia and has the personality and charisma oh boy! All the best at the Kop, Abbey road album. contributed to break. Liverpool supporters can relate to top and I think he’ll do very well. everybody in Dortmund will cross to reignite this football club and Jurgen Klopp! All the best the effort sparked an equally chelsea’s slide down “I was left on the bench against @LFc!,” the bundesliga club musical response from Fc and I’m sure they’ll take him to their fingers for the reds. take the team forward. the table, where Porto in the champions League, and Alex Ferguson, former Manchester United said in a tweet. Liverpool: “Danke, @bVb! they currently sit in I’m no longer immune to being left HOW THEY REACTED HOW their hearts. manager. the short message is You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Hans-Joachim Watzke, borussia Dortmund Tom Werner, Liverpool chairman. 16th place. out. You can be untouchable when Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool great. boss. “this is the first you play well, and that hasn’t been time in my career the case with me,” Hazard added. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 17

KLOPP ON…

WHAT ATTRACTED HIM enjoy the game, you’ve to for seven years. For both TO LIVERPOOL prepare for this. If you come parties, it was best to leave to the game, you want to and now I’m here. the intensity of the see fighting spirit, many football, of how the people shots and the result is only WHAT TO EXPECT ABOUT live football in Liverpool, the result of these things. HIS STYLE OF FOOTBALL all Liverpool fans around the world. It’s not a usual WORKING WITH THE I’m not here today to club, it’s a special club. I had TRANSFER COMMITTEE speak too much about two very, very special clubs our football. First I want with Mainz and borussia It wasn’t a problem for 10 to talk to my team about Dortmund. It’s the perfect seconds. We talk about it, our game. Everyone knows next step for me to be here, of course, but for me it’s me. I don’t change in and try and help. enough to have the first four months. It’s emotion and the last word; the inside, it’s speed, it’s a CHANGING PERCEPTIONS middle we can discuss. We transition game, so you’ll AT ANFIELD only want to discuss about see this. All the things that very good players. I’m not a make football interesting I It’s a real important thing genius. I need other people want to see on the pitch. Pedro happy at Chelsea that the players feel the to get perfect information. difference from now on. HIS FOUR-MONTH PAIN forward Pedro believes “When someone gets to play, they’ve to think they can WORKING WITH SABBATICAL his move from barcelona to they gain rhythm, confidence, reach the expectations of BRITISH MEDIA chelsea in the close season you’re happier, you try out more all the people, fans and I had a normal holiday. S Press. We’ve to change All the people tell me about I’m 48. Most of the time has helped boost his confidence things,” Pedro said on the Spanish from doubters to believers. the british Press, so it’s up in my life I had no money and make him a happier person. team website (www.sefutbol.com) We’ve to change our to you to show me they’re to make a holiday and Pedro decided to quit boyhood last week. performance, of course, all liars. then I had no time. then club barca after 11 years there and “Leaving barca was tough for me, but stop thinking I had four months. It was move to England after spending but I’m happy with the change,” about money (for COMPARISONS WITH really cool. I went with the majority of last term on the added the 28-year-old. signing new MOURINHO the family, played tennis, players). It’s only watched football all over bench and chelsea manager Jose Pedro said his fellow Spain about football. I don’t want to describe the world. Mourinho slotted him straight into players at chelsea, former barca If you want to myself. Does anyone in his starting lineup. team-mate cesc Fabregas, Diego this room think I can do HIS TITLE AMBITIONS Although the London club have costa and cesar Azpilicueta, had wonders? No. I’m a normal AND TIME REQUIRED guy. I come from the black had a poor start to the season, helped him adjust quickly to life in Forest. I am ‘the Normal Please give us time to work Pedro has impressed and has scored the Premier League. One’. I was a very average on it. If you want, this two goals and made one assist in “they’ve been a great support to player, I became a manager could be a really special his eight appearances. me,” he said. in Germany at a special day. I don’t want to say we club, Mainz, then I had a can wait 20 years. If we sit great opportunity to take here in four years, I think Dortmund, a special club, we win one title. Professional Hazard,

KLOPP FACT FILE Name Jurgen Norbert Klopp isn’t it Eden? Age 48 Date of birth June 16, 1967 HELSEA’S Eden Hazard cannot that I’ve had such a difficult spell like Place of birth Stuttgart, Germany explain why he is struggling this,” Hazard was quoted as saying PLAYING CAREER for his club this season and by the british and belgian media. Position striker/defender C club Mainz (1989-2001) said manager Jose Mourinho has “I can’t really explain it. All I know MANAGERIAL CAREER been right to drop him from the is that I’ll need to work hard in Mainz 2001-08 starting line-up as he is in the order to bounce back. At chelsea, borussia Dortmund 2008-15 “worst form of his life”. we’ve concerns both as a team and Liverpool 2015- the belgium individually,” the 24-year-old winger HONOURS international was the said. CLUB bundesliga 2010-11, 2011-12 Premier League’s Hazard admitted his poor German cup 2011-12 best player last performances meant he was no German Super cup 2013, ’14 season as chelsea longer “untouchable” as one of the INDIVIDUAL cruised to the title, first names on Mourinho’s team German Manager of 2011, ’12 but paid the price for the Year his stunning fall from grace this term when Mourinho HAZARD HAS NO GOALS dropped him from the AND JUST TWO ASSISTS IN starting line-up for the 11 APPEARANCES FOR THE borussia Dortmund turned to inspired by the lyrics of the champions League defeat CLUB THIS SEASON. We heard Liverpool’s best-known sons beatles’ “A Day in the Life” — by Porto recently. the news, the beatles for inspiration as it starts with the line: “I read Hazard has no goals they wished their former coach in the news today, oh boy” and just two assists in sheet, but praised the Portuguese Jurgen Klopp their best, after — and came with a photo oh boy! 11 appearances for and backed himself to bounce the 48-year-old was appointed montage of Klopp running the reds’ new manager. across the street like the cover the club this season, back when the league resumes on “We heard the news today, of the Liverpool band’s iconic a slump that has Saturday after the international oh boy! All the best at the Kop, Abbey road album. contributed to break. Jurgen Klopp! All the best the effort sparked an equally chelsea’s slide down “I was left on the bench against @LFc!,” the bundesliga club musical response from Fc the table, where Porto in the champions League, and said in a tweet. Liverpool: “Danke, @bVb! they currently sit in I’m no longer immune to being left the short message is You’ll Never Walk Alone.” 16th place. out. You can be untouchable when “this is the first you play well, and that hasn’t been time in my career the case with me,” Hazard added. 18 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 19

PROGRAMMES Aikido Football Swimming Aqua aerobics Gymnastics tennis INITIATIVE ballet Karate Yoga basketball Kickboxing Monkeynastix brazilian jujitsu Play ball Lego Education

“I’ve been “I’ve always “I’m probably “I love both “I want to learning loved one of basketball become football basketball the first and a good at the and that’s students gymnastics, basketball academy what I’m at the and can’t player since learning at academy say which and meet April and I’m the academy. when it one I enjoy Michael Jordan enjoying my time there. I love the classes and the started. but I don’t feel doing more. I’ve been when I grow up. I already Many of my friends are atmosphere is really nice. like it has been that with the academy since its have his (brand of) shoes, also there and it’s great fun It’s great fun. I want to long. While many of my beginning. It has become now I want to meet him LITTLE BIG TALK to play and learn at the become a hoopster when classmates joined me, I’ve an inseparable part of my face to face. I’m sure I’ll do same time. I grow up. also made new friends. life. that when I grow up. Nicolas Berini Adam Abou Ezedine Abdulla Hafez. Mariam Watkins Bryan Kahale

Tie-ups sought with

THE SHEIKH FAISAL BIN QASSIM ACADEMY, WHICH OFFERS PROGRAMMES IN VARIOUS DISCIPLINES, national federations PLAYS AN INSTRUMENTAL ROLE IN PROMOTING SPORTS CULTURE IN QATAR, WRITES AJU GEORGE CHRIS. HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Sports Academy (SFQSA) is discussing ways of co-operation Twith various national sports federations. AtAr has been intensifying early days. programmes, we’re planning to “the SFQSA is privately funded and we’ve never its efforts to promote sports “the SFQSA is a brainchild of Al expand our services. We’ve just requested for financial help from the government. Qculture in recent years. And Jazi real Estate General manager received a licence from the Qatar but we’ve started thinking about the future and initiatives like the Qatar Olympic Jamie Watkins. the firm had been Swimming Association (QSA) to have initiated talks with various national sports committee’s Schools Olympic managing several residential start our own programme — the federations. We’ve had positive responses from the Programme have succeeded in compounds then and there was a SFQ Swim Squad. besides coaching, football, handball and swimming bodies,” said SFQSA spreading awareness of it at the strong demand for sports activities we began organising football and Director Eric Gardow. grass-roots level. basketball competitions on a small “Such tie-ups will be mutually beneficial for both What is even more encouraging scale last year. We’ll start the same parties. their aim is to get more Qatari kids involved is that slowly, but surely, private THE SPORTS ACADEMY, for swimming and gymnastics by in sports. We’ve more than 6,000 children registered entities have started stepping onto LAUNCHED IN 2012, HAS January and June, ’16, respectively. with us so far and nearly 2,000 of them are Qataris. the scene. the Sheikh Faisal bin GROWN BY LEAPS “We want to take things to the If we work to develop these kids, it may help add Qassim Sports Academy (SFQSA) is AND BOUNDS. next level by initiating year-long strength to Qatar’s various Olympic teams in the one such institution. football and basketball leagues. future. It’s a win-win situation for all involved,” he

the academy, launched in 2012, by ’17, our aim is to take our Divakaran DSP/Vinod said. has grown by leaps and bounds. It from tenants. that’s how the ššDania Lotfi with her son Hani. students to other Gcc nations for While Gardow saw huge potential for grass-roots- ššSheikh Faisal enrolled more than 2,000 children academy began functioning three international competitions against unique movement education of the lessons I’ve learnt as a grow up in a healthy environment, bin Qassim Al level sports initiatives, he felt there were problems as belonging to various nationalities years ago,” Gardow told Doha We received tremendous word of West bay. the academy has also academies from those countries,” programme for children aged one to basketball player. they’re very and the SFQSA provides that. Not thani, flanked by well. this year. Stadium Plus. mouth publicity and, soon, non- started providing sports services to added the coach. eight, and a Lego Education centre enthusiastic learners. For me, it’s a only do they play sports, in the Jamie Watkins, “though the scope for such programmes is big, right, and Eric SFQSA Director Eric Gardow, a “to begin with, there were compound residents too started schools looking to add extracurricular For the record, the SFQSA are also active there. way of giving something back to process they also make new friends. Gardow, with the there’s a dearth of quality venues. the facilities at former basketball coach who used to children’s activities in basketball, approaching us. We then decided to activities to their syllabus, but provides training in Japanese Another aspect which makes the society,” said El Hadji. Several of my son’s friends from academy students. various sports clubs are almost always occupied. In train the Qatar Sports club’s senior football and athletics. Gradually, launch it on a bigger scale,” added doesn’t have the expertise to do it. martial art aikido, aqua aerobics, academy unique is the presence Dania Lotfi, who accompanied school are with him at the academy. such a scenario, chances of an outside entity being team, spoke about the academy’s more specialised disciplines — the American. Gardow said coaching camps in ballet, basketball, brazilian jujitsu, of several active sportsmen, like her son Hani to the basketball It has also helped him improve his able to rent halls are remote,” he said. gymnastics and combat sports the SFQSA currently operates out new disciplines would be introduced football, gymnastics, karate, El Jaish basketball player El Hadji programme, felt the SFQSA was a social skills a lot,” she said. “However, I’m optimistic the issue will gradually like karate, kickboxing, jujitsu and of two facilities — the main branch soon. kickboxing, play ball, swimming, Abdul Sou, who act as volunteers. great initiative. diminish. With preparations for the 2022 FIFA World taekwondo — at Al Jazi Village II in Al Gharafa and “Since there’s a huge demand tennis and yoga. “I love working and interacting “It’s important for children to » The writer can be contacted at: cup and ’30 Qatar National Vision well under way, were introduced. Al Jazi Gardens in for grass-roots-level sports Monkeynastix, a with kids, teaching them some engage in physical activities and [email protected] more sports halls are currently being constructed. It should ease the problem a lot,” he added. Ţšchildren attend a basketball training session. ‘We’re planning to build own stadium’

AtArI business magnate working on it soon. I’m just waiting “Qatar has been putting a lot of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim for the right opportunity to present emphasis on hosting key sports QAl thani, an ardent sports the proposal. It’s one of our biggest events, including the ’22 FIFA World lover, founded the Sheikh Faisal bin dreams,” said Sheikh Faisal, after cup. Private companies, like our Qassim Sports Academy (SFQSA) interacting with a group of academy Al Jazi real Estate, are keen to help as part of his contribution towards the nation realise its dream of ensuring a healthy future for the building a sports-friendly society. country’s people. AL JAZI REAL ESTATE We’re just doing our bit,” he said. Sheikh Faisal had a twinkle IS KEEN TO HELP THE “by encouraging children to in his eye as he spoke to Doha NATION BUILD A SPORTS- become active in sports, we’re also Stadium Plus about his pet project’s FRIENDLY SOCIETY. investing in Qatar’s future — the expansion plans. youth. the SFQSA’s reputation has “We’re planning to build a grown beyond Qatar’s borders and stadium as well as several students at his private museum in many people know about us today. playgrounds, out of which the SFQSA Doha. We want to build on the success. I’m will operate in the future. While it’s He spoke about the reasoning in it for the long term. It has my full Sheikh Faisal bin

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod still in the planning stage, we’ll start behind launching the academy. support,” he added. Qassim Al Thani www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 19

PROGRAMMES Aikido Football Swimming Aqua aerobics Gymnastics tennis ballet Karate Yoga basketball Kickboxing Monkeynastix brazilian jujitsu Play ball Lego Education

Tie-ups sought with national federations

HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Sports Academy (SFQSA) is discussing ways of co-operation Twith various national sports federations. “the SFQSA is privately funded and we’ve never requested for financial help from the government. but we’ve started thinking about the future and have initiated talks with various national sports federations. We’ve had positive responses from the football, handball and swimming bodies,” said SFQSA Director Eric Gardow. “Such tie-ups will be mutually beneficial for both parties. their aim is to get more Qatari kids involved in sports. We’ve more than 6,000 children registered with us so far and nearly 2,000 of them are Qataris. If we work to develop these kids, it may help add strength to Qatar’s various Olympic teams in the future. It’s a win-win situation for all involved,” he

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod said. While Gardow saw huge potential for grass-roots- ššSheikh Faisal unique movement education of the lessons I’ve learnt as a grow up in a healthy environment, bin Qassim Al level sports initiatives, he felt there were problems as programme for children aged one to basketball player. they’re very and the SFQSA provides that. Not thani, flanked by well. eight, and a Lego Education centre enthusiastic learners. For me, it’s a only do they play sports, in the Jamie Watkins, “though the scope for such programmes is big, right, and Eric are also active there. way of giving something back to process they also make new friends. Gardow, with the there’s a dearth of quality venues. the facilities at Another aspect which makes the society,” said El Hadji. Several of my son’s friends from academy students. various sports clubs are almost always occupied. In academy unique is the presence Dania Lotfi, who accompanied school are with him at the academy. such a scenario, chances of an outside entity being of several active sportsmen, like her son Hani to the basketball It has also helped him improve his able to rent halls are remote,” he said. El Jaish basketball player El Hadji programme, felt the SFQSA was a social skills a lot,” she said. “However, I’m optimistic the issue will gradually Abdul Sou, who act as volunteers. great initiative. diminish. With preparations for the 2022 FIFA World “I love working and interacting “It’s important for children to » The writer can be contacted at: cup and ’30 Qatar National Vision well under way, with kids, teaching them some engage in physical activities and [email protected] more sports halls are currently being constructed. It should ease the problem a lot,” he added. ‘We’re planning to build own stadium’

NASSER SALEH AL ATTIYAH www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

NASSER SALEH AL ATTIYAH 22 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 23

Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson to land tyson is likely to watch final bouts of the World in Doha? championships on Wednesday. the Qatar boxing BOXING Federation had invited the American through the Amateur International boxing Association.

on the horizon

HE Amateur International thought, was a potential Director Yousuf Ali Al Kazim. boxing Association World destination for major “Qatar made history as the first With a state-of-the-art venue, Stars ššAIbA President THE PRESENCE OF TOP impeccable organisation and Tchampionships in Doha championships. Gulf country to host the prestigious Dr ching-Kuo Wu, PROFESSIONALS MANNY PACQUAIO had two top professional stars — “I’ve been to many arenas event. With a state-of-the-art passionate fans, we’ve created standing next to Pacquiao to face off with Khan? Manny Pacquaio of the Philippines around the world and this is one venue, impeccable organisation the perfect platform to set Manny Pacquiao, with referees AND AMIR KHAN AS GUESTS AT THE and Amir Khan of the Great britain of the best. Every seat in the arena and passionate fans we’ve created a new benchmark for the and judges at the t SEEMS Manny Pacquiao’s “I think I’m ready. I’ve been in rotator cuff, said a bout with Khan WORLDS TREMENDOUSLY BOOSTS THE — as guests last week. is positioned for a great view of the perfect platform to set a new Worlds. Worlds. swansong will be against Amir boxing for more than 20 years. If was feasible, but he also mentioned SPORT’S PROFILE IN QATAR, WRITES And with both Pacquaio and the ring, which creates a great benchmark for the Worlds,” said Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, Qatar boxing IKhan as the Filipino superstar’s you’re a senator, your focus should another possible opponent in Danny Khan hailing Qatar as the perfect atmosphere. the hospitality was Al Kazim. “Fans have taken the Federation President. promoter bob Arum is reportedly in only be on your job and family. I’ll Garcia. MOHAMMAD AMIN-UL ISLAM. venue for world competitions and amazing and I felt at home,” said sport to heart, particularly Filipino negotiations with the briton’s team Khan, who was snubbed by also hinting at a fight in Doha, the Khan. expatriates, and Doha has caught for a bout in February or early April Mayweather on more than one move to invite them for the Worlds “A fight here would be amazing. the attention of the boxing world.” next year. PACQUAIO SAID HE WOULD occasion, said, “It was frustrating was an apt marketing strategy by there had been a lot of talks about though Al Kazim did not divulge Pacquaio said he would have one HAVE ONE MORE FIGHT that Mayweather avoided me for the Qatar boxing Federation (QbF), a proposed bout against Pacquiao anything on the proposed bout, more fight next year before retiring NEXT YEAR. three years. I think it must’ve been which aims to put the country on and Doha would be an amazing the fact that Khan is staying back in to focus on winning a seat in the because my speed, movement, the world map. Doha till the end of the month for Philippines senate in 2016. the explosiveness and power create a lot Pacquaio, who arrived two days a training camp will definitely fuel 36-year-old’s last bout, against Floyd have to give up the other things that of problems for any boxer.” before Khan, said he would love DOHA HAS DEFINITELY speculations. I think I’m ready. I’ve Mayweather Jr in May, which was require my attention,” said Pacquiao. Meanwhile, Pacquiao said he to fight either the british boxer ANNOUNCED ITSELF AS “Khan wanted to train in Doha. been in boxing for billed as the Fight of the century, had the eight-division world champion, would have no problem taking on or Floyd Mayweather of the US A POTENTIAL VENUE FOR He’ll enjoy his time here and more than 20 years. ended in defeat. currently recovering from a torn the 28-year-old. ŢŢAmir Khan with a in Doha, in what could be his last THE BIGGEST NAMES. who knows, he might be back If you’re a senator, young boxer during bout. to compete. Doha has definitely a coaching clinic in your focus should Pacquaio praised the facilities at announced itself as a potential Gulf nations the fan zone at the only be on your job ‘India and Pakistan Ali bin Hamad Al the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena location for it. I would love to venue for the biggest names in the must build Attiyah Arena. and was impressed with Qatar’s fight with him, but I’ve left it to sport to train and compete,” said and family. I’ll have huge investment in sports. my agents to look at the contracts. Al Kazim. to give up the other more gyms! have great potential’ Khan, a two-time former world It’s definitely something I would “As an ambitious sports things that require british ace Amir Khan said champion and current want to happen,” added Khan, nation, we want Pacquaio my attention. OrLD boxing council the rise of Indian boxers, particularly the Gulf region had enough holder of the World who became the youngest british to consider Qatar Manny Pacquiao, potential to produce good silver welterweight Olympic and world bronze medallist boxing council silver Olympic medallist in the sport, when he gets in the Filipino star. boxers, but it would take Wchampion Amir Khan Vijender Singh, who defeated briton welterweight title, winning the silver as a 17-year-old ring against his next lots of efforts to achieve exuded confidence that the Sonny Whiting in the middleweight was also blown at the 2004 Athens Games. opponent as we’ve the that. academy he launched in Islamabad, category in Manchester, England, in away with the boxing is a relatively new sport perfect ingredients — “the Gulf and Arab Pakistan, in August, would produce his professional debut last week. set-up. He said in Qatar and a glamorous bout is from world-class venues region have some good champions of top calibre. “the Indians have improved their boxers. the only way to he would love to sure to increase the interest among to passionate fans — to the Amir Khan boxing Academy style and skills over the years and I encourage them is to have compete in the city young Qataris besides enhancing make it a global success. more boxing gyms. the was established at Pakistan Sports think they’re serious about the sport. which, he the country’s reputation as a host “I’m sure he’ll feel like he’s Gulf nations have huge complex in collaboration with Vijender and some others are really of top sports events. boxing in front of home fans with resources and they can Pakistan Sports board (PSb) with the good. I think if they get good facilities Pacquiao and Khan were the support he would’ve here. It’s cater to their communities’ sole aim of training young pugilists. and coaching, they’ll do well. welcomed to the impressive amazing to see Pacquaio’s universal needs by building facilities,” Khan, who is of Pakistani origin, “there’s a lot of talent in India and arena by QbF President and Local appeal and the effect he has on the said Khan. is providing coaches and boxing that’s the case with Pakistan too. the “Once they’re in place, Organising committee Executive fans,” he added. equipment while the PSb is only difference is India has made children will start going to those gyms. extending all necessary support to good use of the available facilities My father supported run it in an efficient way. and Pakistan hasn’t,” he added. Doha is a peaceful place and has some me when I was a kid. We “Pakistan has great talents, which amazing facilities. I’m glad I attended the led a middle-class and need to be promoted. I believe that World championships because it was great decent life. Still I got to country can make champions,” to see the next big talents in boxing. this position. I think what Khan told Doha Stadium Plus. matters is hard work. “Pakistan could be a top nation Amir Khan, Great britain boxer. “Any individual can scale heights in any sport as in boxing. My dream is to long as he works hard and help my country of origin. stays focused. It’s all about We’re going to have more learning from mistakes and academies in Karachi becoming a better fighter,” or Quetta. I would keep said the 28-year-old. visiting there to offer guidance to youngsters.” Vijender

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod the 28-year-old also praised Singh www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 23

Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson to land tyson is likely to watch final bouts of the World championships on Wednesday. the Qatar boxing in Doha? Federation had invited the American through the Amateur International boxing Association.

With a state-of-the-art venue, impeccable organisation and ššAIbA President Dr ching-Kuo Wu, passionate fans, we’ve created standing next to Pacquiao to face off with Khan? the perfect platform to set Manny Pacquiao, with referees a new benchmark for the and judges at the t SEEMS Manny Pacquiao’s “I think I’m ready. I’ve been in rotator cuff, said a bout with Khan Worlds. Worlds. swansong will be against Amir boxing for more than 20 years. If was feasible, but he also mentioned Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, Qatar boxing IKhan as the Filipino superstar’s you’re a senator, your focus should another possible opponent in Danny Federation President. promoter bob Arum is reportedly in only be on your job and family. I’ll Garcia. negotiations with the briton’s team Khan, who was snubbed by for a bout in February or early April Mayweather on more than one next year. PACQUAIO SAID HE WOULD occasion, said, “It was frustrating Pacquaio said he would have one HAVE ONE MORE FIGHT that Mayweather avoided me for more fight next year before retiring NEXT YEAR. three years. I think it must’ve been to focus on winning a seat in the because my speed, movement, Philippines senate in 2016. the explosiveness and power create a lot 36-year-old’s last bout, against Floyd have to give up the other things that of problems for any boxer.” I think I’m ready. I’ve Mayweather Jr in May, which was require my attention,” said Pacquiao. Meanwhile, Pacquiao said he been in boxing for billed as the Fight of the century, had the eight-division world champion, would have no problem taking on more than 20 years. ended in defeat. currently recovering from a torn the 28-year-old. If you’re a senator, your focus should Gulf nations only be on your job ‘India and Pakistan and family. I’ll have must build to give up the other more gyms! things that require have great potential’ british ace Amir Khan said my attention. OrLD boxing council the rise of Indian boxers, particularly the Gulf region had enough Manny Pacquiao, potential to produce good silver welterweight Olympic and world bronze medallist Filipino star. boxers, but it would take Wchampion Amir Khan Vijender Singh, who defeated briton lots of efforts to achieve exuded confidence that the Sonny Whiting in the middleweight that. academy he launched in Islamabad, category in Manchester, England, in “the Gulf and Arab Pakistan, in August, would produce his professional debut last week. region have some good champions of top calibre. “the Indians have improved their boxers. the only way to the Amir Khan boxing Academy style and skills over the years and I encourage them is to have more boxing gyms. the was established at Pakistan Sports think they’re serious about the sport. Gulf nations have huge complex in collaboration with Vijender and some others are really resources and they can Pakistan Sports board (PSb) with the good. I think if they get good facilities cater to their communities’ sole aim of training young pugilists. and coaching, they’ll do well. needs by building facilities,” Khan, who is of Pakistani origin, “there’s a lot of talent in India and said Khan. is providing coaches and boxing that’s the case with Pakistan too. the “Once they’re in place, equipment while the PSb is only difference is India has made children will start going to those gyms. extending all necessary support to good use of the available facilities My father supported run it in an efficient way. and Pakistan hasn’t,” he added. me when I was a kid. We “Pakistan has great talents, which led a middle-class and need to be promoted. I believe that decent life. Still I got to country can make champions,” this position. I think what Khan told Doha Stadium Plus. matters is hard work. “Pakistan could be a top nation “Any individual can scale heights in any sport as in boxing. My dream is to long as he works hard and help my country of origin. stays focused. It’s all about We’re going to have more learning from mistakes and academies in Karachi becoming a better fighter,” or Quetta. I would keep said the 28-year-old. visiting there to offer guidance to youngsters.” Vijender

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod the 28-year-old also praised Singh 24 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 25 BOXING

ŠŠcuba’s Erislandy WHAT THEY SAID Savon, left, fights Azerbaijan’s “I’m proud “HeadsUp! will “I’m happy the Abdulkadir Doha Worlds are one Abdullayev in we became protect the head. heavyweight the first AIbA In the past, boxers’ of the successful events category. Savon confederation behaviour during as far as safety of boxers is won the bout. to sign this bouts has led to concerned. We’ll be carrying Heads up, guys! forward the HeadsUp! important charter, cuts and injuries, which deals with so it’s important initiative by hosting the head. In the past, boxers’ Wu acknowledged it. Konakbayev was the seminars for coaches, so Mohammad Amin-ul Islam boxers’ safety. that they keep their behaviour during bouts had led to “It was really nice to have first to sign on it. heads up. they can implement the cuts and injuries, so it’s important Pacquaio and Khan at its launch. “I’m proud we Serik Konakbayev, changes. Asian boxing that they keep their heads up. Our both were amateur boxers before,” became the first Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, AIbA confederation President. Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, Qatar boxing OWErFUL punches to the new decision will be adopted by all said Wu. confederation President. Federation President.

face and head make boxing a AIbA member associations to help “Just before the World to sign this Divakaran DSP/Vinod Pdangerous contact sport and our athletes enjoy a stable future,” championships in Doha, a important charter the Amateur International boxing said AIbA President Dr ching-Kuo workshop was held for coaches which deals with Association (AIbA) had introduced Wu, who announced the initiative’s and referees to teach them the boxers’ safety,” said Heavyweights show strength head guards in 1984 as a safety details in Doha last week. new scoring rules. the referees Konakbayev. measure. the ’11 edition in baku, inside the ring now have the the medical OLDErS Kazakhstan, Dzmitry Asanau in another exquisite far at the World championships. but the AIbA Executive Azerbaijan, was the last Worlds to power to disqualify boxers departments of the AIbA traditional heavyweights semifinal. It was a close fight and I did all committee meeting held in allow the use of head guards. who try head-butting and you and International Olympic Hcuba, russia and Uzbekistan “I’m looking forward to the final I could do against a very strong bangkok, thailand, in 2012, passed can see that there’ve been no committee worked showed their strength as the now. I kept my cool and patience and opponent,” said Hosam. a resolution to end the use of head cases of concussion during the behind the scenes during World championships moved I didn’t panic. I knew I had to stick to Ireland’s Michael O’reilly’s guards in elite men’s competitions. THE HEADSUP! CHARTER championship. the competition to develop towards its business end at the my game plan because Asanau was highly-anticipated bout against It was based on the report of its WILL BE SHARED WITH “the coaches were told to the charter. Ali bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena last going to fold,” said conlan. bektemir Melikuziev lived up to the Medical commission’s study of AIBA’S 196 NATIONAL change their tactics and they did “We need to teach the week. the middleweight battle between billing, with the Uzbek coming up 11,000 bouts around the world. FEDERATIONS. their job well as there were no correct way to box and that In the heavyweight category, on top. the commission believed serious injuries either. It’s essential requires education of boxers top seed cuban Erislandy Savon Philippines’ rogen Ladon’s the use of head guards actually that AIbA fulfils its duty to provide and referees,” said Qatar boxing was superb against Azerbaijan’s IT WAS A PERSONAL campaign came to an end after increased the risk of injuries as the ’13 Worlds in Almaty, a strong, secure framework Federation (QbF) chief Yousuf Ali Abdulkadir Abdulllayev, but will have BEST TO GET THIS he lost an incredibly close light boxers usually dropped their heads Kazakhstan, showed a decrease within which boxers can develop Al Kazim. his work cut out against russia’s FAR AT THE WORLD flyweight contest against Vasili and took punches on the guards, in the number of concussions and excel from grass roots to He volunteered to support the Evgeny tishchenko, who was CHAMPIONSHIPS. Egorov. the russian will face cuba’s also leading to a passive and compared to baku. the protective professional level,” he added. HeadsUp! campaign and said the ruthless against Ukrainian Gevorg Joahnys Argilagos, who defeated unattractive style. gear was also missing at the ’12 bringing a change in training QbF would organise seminars Manukian, in Wednesday’s final. Ukraine’s Dmytro Zamotaev, in the to educate boxers following London Olympics, last year’s Asian methods to literally keep boxers’ to help its coaches and boxers şŠFrom left, Serik Uzbekistan’s Murodjon cuba’s Arlen Lopez and Egypt’s final. Konakbayev, Dr its decision to do away with Games (Incheon, South Korea) and heads raised during bouts was also familiarise with the new rules. ching-Kuo Wu and Akhmadaliev defeated India’s Hosam Abdin was decided by the china ensured two bronze head guards, AIbA launched the last month’s Pan American Games imperative. It led to an overall rise “I’m happy the World Yousuf Ali Al Kazim. Shiva thapa in the 56kg bantam former’s more accurate punching. medals after Jianguan Hu awareness campaign HeadsUp! (toronto, canada). in standard of the championship championships in Doha is one weight semifinal and will meet Despite a tremendous effort, Abdin (flyweight) and Wei Liu Ţ on the sidelines of the World top professionals Manny and some fights were more intense of the successful events as far as ŢMorocco’s Hassan Ireland’s Michael conlan in the lost 0-3. (welterweight) secured semifinal Saada punches USA’s championships in Doha. Pacquaio and Amir Khan, who as well as aggressive and had safety of boxers is concerned. We’ll Steve Nelson during their final. conlan put it past belarusian “It was a personal best to get this berths. “HeadsUp! is aimed at protecting were in Doha as guests last week, shades of professional ones. be carrying forward the HeadsUp! preliminary-round bout in light heavyweight supported the new initiative and the HeadsUp! charter will be initiative by hosting seminars category. shared with AIbA’s 196 national for coaches, so that they can Al Kazim happy federations. Asian boxing implement the changes,” said the Ersaker’s display bright spot for Qatar confederation President Serik official. with Worlds’ big success OStS Qatar came close to Qatari competitors began in but it was difficult as my opponent lost to Venezuelans Endry Pinto and securing a semifinal berth at style, with thulasi tharumalingam had an extra day’s rest. My legs were Luis cabrera respectively in the first Qatar boxing Federation the World championships, (light welterweight) and Hakan tired and I had to focus to stay in the round. President Yousuf Ali Al Kazim H expressed happiness with the but Hakan Ersaker failed to Nuraydin (light heavyweight) three rounds,” said Nuraydin. Sadiq, the reigning lightweight overall standard of the World overcome India’s Shiva thapa who beating botswana’s Kagiso bagwasi Doha 2006 Asian Games Gcc champion, was a bit championships. won by a unanimous decision in and Dzemal bosnjak of bosnia and disappointed. “When we won the bid, it bantam weight. Herzegovina respectively. “I was happy to fight in front of was our vision to make Doha In fact, Ersaker, who started However, the euphoria was QATAR FIELDED SIX my family and friends. It has been the centre stage of boxing in the his campaign with a win against shortlived when tharumalingam BOXERS, BUT ERSAKER’S such a huge experience and I thank region. We wanted to gather Vanuatu’s boe Warawara 2-1, was tasted a heavy defeat against SHOW WAS THE ONLY the Qatar boxing Federation for local communities to support their heroes and make the sport the only Qatari who progressed from Uzbekistan’s Fazliddin Gaibnazarov, BRIGHT SPOT FOR THEM. making my dream come true,” said come alive across the Gulf region. preliminaries after team-mates fell who won a technical knockout, Sadiq. I’m happy the first-ever World in the qualifiers. while belarus’ Mikhail Dauhaliavets championships in this region are Qatar had fielded six boxers proved too good for bronze medallist Hozam » The writer can be contacted at: proving to be a successful one,” in the competition, but Ersaker’s Nuraydin. Nabah (welterweight) lost to [email protected] said Al Kazim. performance was the only bright “I did my Argentinian Alberto Palmetta “Everybody was waiting for spot for them. best, while Abdulrahman Al Hadi (light the event and all are thrilled to watch the top boxers. What “I thank my coach who has been welterweight) and Abdullatef really impressed me was seeing invaluable in my preparations Sadiq (lightweight) people from all around the going into the competition. I’ve world create such a spectacular mixed results, but reaching the atmosphere, from the noisy Irish last eight will make me more to the passionate cubans, and a confident and help Qatar whole range of other nationalities develop a strong squad coming out in force at this marquee event,” he said. for future,” Ersaker Al Kazim said the tournament told Doha Stadium

would help promote the sport in Plus. DSP/Mohan the country. ŠŠQatar’s Hakan “It was a defining moment Ersaker, right, lost to for boxing in Qatar and a clear India’s Shiva thapa statement of how important by a unanimous the sport is for the people,” he decision in bantam DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod said. weight. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 25

ŠŠcuba’s Erislandy WHAT THEY SAID Savon, left, fights Azerbaijan’s “HeadsUp! will “I’m happy the Abdulkadir Doha Worlds are one Abdullayev in protect the head. heavyweight In the past, boxers’ of the successful events category. Savon behaviour during as far as safety of boxers is won the bout. bouts has led to concerned. We’ll be carrying cuts and injuries, forward the HeadsUp! so it’s important initiative by hosting that they keep their seminars for coaches, so heads up. they can implement the changes. Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, AIbA President. Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, Qatar boxing Federation President. DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod Heavyweights show strength OLDErS Kazakhstan, Dzmitry Asanau in another exquisite far at the World championships. traditional heavyweights semifinal. It was a close fight and I did all Hcuba, russia and Uzbekistan “I’m looking forward to the final I could do against a very strong showed their strength as the now. I kept my cool and patience and opponent,” said Hosam. World championships moved I didn’t panic. I knew I had to stick to Ireland’s Michael O’reilly’s towards its business end at the my game plan because Asanau was highly-anticipated bout against Ali bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena last going to fold,” said conlan. bektemir Melikuziev lived up to the week. the middleweight battle between billing, with the Uzbek coming up In the heavyweight category, on top. top seed cuban Erislandy Savon Philippines’ rogen Ladon’s was superb against Azerbaijan’s IT WAS A PERSONAL campaign came to an end after Abdulkadir Abdulllayev, but will have BEST TO GET THIS he lost an incredibly close light his work cut out against russia’s FAR AT THE WORLD flyweight contest against Vasili Evgeny tishchenko, who was CHAMPIONSHIPS. Egorov. the russian will face cuba’s ruthless against Ukrainian Gevorg Joahnys Argilagos, who defeated Manukian, in Wednesday’s final. Ukraine’s Dmytro Zamotaev, in the şŠFrom left, Serik Uzbekistan’s Murodjon cuba’s Arlen Lopez and Egypt’s final. Konakbayev, Dr ching-Kuo Wu and Akhmadaliev defeated India’s Hosam Abdin was decided by the china ensured two bronze Yousuf Ali Al Kazim. Shiva thapa in the 56kg bantam former’s more accurate punching. medals after Jianguan Hu weight semifinal and will meet Despite a tremendous effort, Abdin (flyweight) and Wei Liu Ireland’s Michael conlan in the lost 0-3. (welterweight) secured semifinal final. conlan put it past belarusian “It was a personal best to get this berths.

Al Kazim happy with Worlds’ Ersaker’s display bright spot for Qatar big success OStS Qatar came close to Qatari competitors began in but it was difficult as my opponent lost to Venezuelans Endry Pinto and securing a semifinal berth at style, with thulasi tharumalingam had an extra day’s rest. My legs were Luis cabrera respectively in the first Qatar boxing Federation the World championships, (light welterweight) and Hakan tired and I had to focus to stay in the round. President Yousuf Ali Al Kazim H expressed happiness with the but Hakan Ersaker failed to Nuraydin (light heavyweight) three rounds,” said Nuraydin. Sadiq, the reigning lightweight overall standard of the World overcome India’s Shiva thapa who beating botswana’s Kagiso bagwasi Doha 2006 Asian Games Gcc champion, was a bit championships. won by a unanimous decision in and Dzemal bosnjak of bosnia and disappointed. “When we won the bid, it bantam weight. Herzegovina respectively. “I was happy to fight in front of was our vision to make Doha In fact, Ersaker, who started However, the euphoria was QATAR FIELDED SIX my family and friends. It has been the centre stage of boxing in the his campaign with a win against shortlived when tharumalingam BOXERS, BUT ERSAKER’S such a huge experience and I thank region. We wanted to gather Vanuatu’s boe Warawara 2-1, was tasted a heavy defeat against SHOW WAS THE ONLY the Qatar boxing Federation for local communities to support their heroes and make the sport the only Qatari who progressed from Uzbekistan’s Fazliddin Gaibnazarov, BRIGHT SPOT FOR THEM. making my dream come true,” said come alive across the Gulf region. preliminaries after team-mates fell who won a technical knockout, Sadiq. I’m happy the first-ever World in the qualifiers. while belarus’ Mikhail Dauhaliavets championships in this region are Qatar had fielded six boxers proved too good for bronze medallist Hozam » The writer can be contacted at: proving to be a successful one,” in the competition, but Ersaker’s Nuraydin. Nabah (welterweight) lost to [email protected] said Al Kazim. performance was the only bright “I did my Argentinian Alberto Palmetta “Everybody was waiting for spot for them. best, while Abdulrahman Al Hadi (light the event and all are thrilled to watch the top boxers. What “I thank my coach who has been welterweight) and Abdullatef really impressed me was seeing invaluable in my preparations Sadiq (lightweight) people from all around the going into the competition. I’ve world create such a spectacular mixed results, but reaching the atmosphere, from the noisy Irish last eight will make me more to the passionate cubans, and a confident and help Qatar whole range of other nationalities develop a strong squad coming out in force at this marquee event,” he said. for future,” Ersaker Al Kazim said the tournament told Doha Stadium

would help promote the sport in Plus. DSP/Mohan the country. ŠŠQatar’s Hakan “It was a defining moment Ersaker, right, lost to for boxing in Qatar and a clear India’s Shiva thapa statement of how important by a unanimous the sport is for the people,” he decision in bantam said. weight. 26 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 27

british riders Benjamin Menzies and ryan blair Menzies won the MXI and MX2 category respectively in the opening round of National Motocross and Blair win championship at the Losail Motocross track. MOTORSPORT first round the UAE’s Ali Al Kubaisi reigned supreme in the newly-introduced veterans’ category.

Ššthe final round ROLL OF of World Superbike championship at HONOUR Abdulaziz eyes Losail promises to Last 10 champions. strong finish be an exciting one. 2015 If everything goes according Nasser Saleh Al to plan, Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAt) Attiyah could earn his second title in as many weeks as he heads a strong field in Jordan, 2014 the sixth round of Middle Vladimir East rally championship Vasilyev (rUS) (MErc) to be held from “We’re happy with thursday to Saturday. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah’s Nasser is leading the MErc

2013 DSP/Mohan win and I congratulate Krzysztof standings with 100 points, Holowczyc (POL) 52 clear of his nearest rival him. It’s a huge Abdulaziz Al Kuwari. achievement not only A sixth-place finish will Down for Qatar, but also for 2012 help Nasser annex his 11th A close encounter Khalifa Al MErc crown in 13 years the entire Arab region. Mutaiwei (UAE) Nasser is no stranger while a victory will move him one short of the record to success and he has 2011 60 wins held by the UAE’s for runner-up spot always made us proud Leonid Novitskiy Mohamed bin Sulayem. with international (rUS) Abdulaziz and Saudi ItH Jonathan rea having Arabia’s Yazeed Al rajhi SCHEDULE achievements. this already been crowned FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 victory proves that Qatar will be Nasser’s strongest the champion, the final 2010 challengers. W 3pm Qatar Superbike free practice 1 is working well on a Leonid Novitskiy Abdulaziz, who gave round of the World Superbike 5.45pm Qatar Superbike free practice 2 planned sportsstrategy (rUS) Nasser a close fight in the last championship (WSbK), to be held 6.30pm World Supersport free practice 1 round in cyprus, hopes to do at the Losail International circuit on 7.30pm World Superbike free practice 1 set out by the Emir 10pm World Supersport free practice 2 Nasser Saleh it again. October 18, will see a close battle for HH Sheikh tamim bin 2009 11pm World Superbike free practice 2 Al Attiyah “I know Nasser is way Hamad Al thani. Guerlain the runner-up spot between tom SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 ahead in standings. but I chicherit (FrA) Sykes and chaz Davies. 12am Qatar Superbike pole haven’t lost hope yet and Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, briton rea clinched the world 4pm Qatar Superbike race 1 expect to put up a good show 7.45pm World Supersport pole Qatar Motor and Motorcycle 2008 in Jordan and then in the title in the 11th round at Jerez, Federation President. Nasser Saleh Al Spain, leaving his compatriot Sykes 8.45pm World Superbike pole 1 following rounds in Oman 9.10pm World Superbike pole 2 Attiyah (QAt) and Welshman Davies fight for the and Dubai. I missed out on 11pm Qatar Superbike race 2 the Lebanon leg and that cost SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 2007 me valuable points,” rued 7pm World Superbike race 1 (17 laps) to carlos Sainz Abdulaziz. ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT 8.30pm World supersport (15 laps) (ESP) Khalid Al Suwaidi and WILL BE THE PRESENCE 10pm World Superbike race 2 (17 laps) rashid Al Naimi are the other Qatari drivers in the fray. OF TWO-TIME FORMER 2006 CHAMPION MAX BIAGGI. that the Italian will call it quits after Sergey Shmakov the Qatar race, the 44-year-old will (rUS) go! be eyeing a last shot at glory and runner-up spot. also looking to become the oldest Davies has a 16-point lead over rider to win a WSbK race. QATARI DRIVER NASSER SALEH AL ATTIYAH ADDS THE FIA WORLD CUP FOR Sykes and going into the final round, “riding at night absolutely CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES TO HIS TROPHY COLLECTION AND LOOKS POISED TO COMPLETE to be held under lights, of the 13-leg fascinates me,” said biaggi, who THE AIM OF FOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THE SEASON, WRITES SAJITH B WARRIER. series, the battle between them will competes under the Aprilia racing be worth a watch. team banner. Incidentally, Sykes was the “the eyes need to get accustomed runner-up last season, behind to these enormously bright WO down, two more to go! At his final tune-up event before the Nasser and his French co-driver now we can all celebrate together, Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli, who is floodlights, which’re really powerful. the beginning of the season, Dakar. Mathieu baumel, in a MINI All4 which is a great feeling. Now I’m languishing at sixth in the standings. It seems it’s daytime,” added the TNasser Saleh Al Attiyah had Nasser, who has an unassailable racing, had won the rally last ready for the Dakar,” added Nasser. rea had finished third last year. 2010 and ’12 champion, who last set a goal of winning four titles. 261 points to russia’s Vladimir year as well. they were again in a the ’16 Dakar rally, which will Another interesting highlight month did a round of testing at the He began with a flourish, lifting Vasilyev 221, will skip the last round class of their own and exhibited a cover a total distance of 8,000km of the season finale will be the 5.3km Losail circuit. the Dakar trophy in January. Last in Portugal. Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed level of consistency that could not and crosses through three South presence of two-time former the World Supersport category week, he achieved the second, the be matched by any of their rivals American countries — Peru, bolivia champion Max biaggi. and Qatar Superbike championship FIA World cup for cross-country including Vasilyev, who finished and Argentina — will be held from As the paddock rumour is strong will also be held along WSbK. rallies, by winning the penultimate I’M NOW HOPEFUL OF 16min, 45sec behind the Qatari, in January 3 to 16. round in Morocco. And with the AGAIN DELIVERING A second place. Yazeed brought up the Nasser has won the gruelling rally the World Superbike title and to be the first-ever rider Middle East crownand World rally GOOD PERFORMANCE AT last spot on the podium. twice (’11 and ’15) and is keen to RESULTS Hayden to championship’s (WSbK) grid will to annex both championships championship’s support category THE DAKAR RALLY. “this is always a great race, defend the title. Nasser Saleh Al MINI All4 14:18.18 Attiyah (QAt)/ racing have more star power in 2016 (MotoGP and WSbK),” said Hayden (Wrc2) title within touching with some of the harshest driving “We put trust in our own abilities Matthieu baumel ride superbike with the arrival of former MotoGP about his new adventure with distance, the champion nonpareil conditions. to win last year and do it and that of the MINI with which (FrA) next season champion Nicky Hayden. Honda. is well on course to accomplish his Al rajhi is a distant third in the again this time is very special. It was we’ve had a remarkable run of Vladimir Vasilyev/ Overdrive at 16.45sec the American announced the 34-year-old waxed Konstantin Zhiltsov toyota Hilux his decision to bid adieu to his eloquent about his MotoGP stint. goals. standings with 98 points. also a big target of mine to win the results since the start of this season. (rUS) the victory at the Morocco Since most of the stages in cross-country World cup. So that It’s a fanstastic car and I really enjoy Yazeed Al rajhi (KSA)/ Overdrive 17:14 13-year-long MotoGP career, “I’ve enjoyed my time in where he won the world title in MotoGP. I spent 13 years in it and rally, which gave him his second Morocco bear resemblance to the makes me happier,” said a beaming driving it. If we can continue the way timo Gottchalk (GEr) toyota Hilux ’06, and the reasons for his switch even won a world title. Of course, ššNasser Saleh World cup of cross-country rallies gruelling Dakar, Nasser can take a Nasser. we’re going right now, I’m hopeful STANDINGS to WSbK next season. I wish I could’ve won some more Al Attiyah takes to Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAt) 261 crown after 2008, has added lot of positives from his outing in “Our team has been working very of delivering a good performance in the air during the “Superbike is where it all races and had more success, but Vladimir Vasilyev (rUS) 221 significance, considering that it was the North African country. hard to give us a shot at victory and Dakar,” Nasser concluded. Morocco rally. started and a lot of things have you don’t always get to write the Yazeed Al rajhi (KSA) 98 changed since then. Obviously, script the way you wanted,” he

Photo/Marian Chytka Photo/Marian my ultimate goal is to win the added. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 27

british riders Benjamin Menzies and ryan blair Menzies won the MXI and MX2 category respectively in the opening round of National Motocross and Blair win championship at the Losail Motocross track. first round the UAE’s Ali Al Kubaisi reigned supreme in the newly-introduced veterans’ category.

RESULTS the World Superbike title and to be the first-ever rider Hayden to championship’s (WSbK) grid will to annex both championships Nasser Saleh Al MINI All4 14:18.18 Attiyah (QAt)/ racing have more star power in 2016 (MotoGP and WSbK),” said Hayden Matthieu baumel ride superbike with the arrival of former MotoGP about his new adventure with (FrA) next season champion Nicky Hayden. Honda. Vladimir Vasilyev/ Overdrive at 16.45sec the American announced the 34-year-old waxed Konstantin Zhiltsov toyota Hilux his decision to bid adieu to his eloquent about his MotoGP stint. (rUS) Yazeed Al rajhi (KSA)/ Overdrive 17:14 13-year-long MotoGP career, “I’ve enjoyed my time in timo Gottchalk (GEr) toyota Hilux where he won the world title in MotoGP. I spent 13 years in it and ’06, and the reasons for his switch even won a world title. Of course, ššNasser Saleh STANDINGS to WSbK next season. I wish I could’ve won some more Al Attiyah takes to Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAt) 261 the air during the “Superbike is where it all races and had more success, but Vladimir Vasilyev (rUS) 221 Morocco rally. started and a lot of things have you don’t always get to write the Yazeed Al rajhi (KSA) 98 changed since then. Obviously, script the way you wanted,” he my ultimate goal is to win the added. 28 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 29

MIXED ZONE | QATAR

SAILING EQUESTRIANISM ֫ ֫ BEACH VOLLEYBALL ֫ It’s Brash’s title to Sail Qatar from Friday Qatari duo crashes lose at GCT finale HE Qatar Sailing and Marine “the competition will feature Sports Federation (QSMSF) around 90 sailors from five countries out of Asian event HE world’s best jumpers will fight for honours Twill organise the 2015 Sail and we expect a tough competition. and plenty of prize money, including a €1m Qatar regatta at the Katara beach Many sailors are treating it as a test HE Qatari duo of Mahmoud Essam and Tpurse for the overall winner, in the final round from October 16 to 19. event for the 2015 Optimist Asian Jefferson Pereira lost to hosts Indonesia’s of the 2015 Global champions tour (Gct) to be held races will be held in optimist, and Oceanian championship, also to TFahrian Syah and Mohammad Ashfiya at the Al Shaqab equestrian centre from November optimist team, laser 4.7, laser radial, be held in Doha from October 23 to 21-23, 12-21 in the quarterfinal of the inaugural 12 to 14. laser standard, hobie-16 and 470 31. It’ll be an ideal venue for Qatari Yogyakarta Open Asian Volleyball confederation reigning champion Scott Brash is currently at the classes. competitors to test their mettle,” said (AVc) tour event at Java last week. top of the leader board. the briton has 279 points, Qatar will field a 20-member QSMSF technical Advisor Sarah Essam and Pereira fought hard in the first set, just two more than Portuguese Luciana Diniz and squad in the four-day competition. Lord. but failed to get their act together in the second in 10 ahead of Sweden’s rolf-Goran a match that lasted a little less than 40 minutes. SWIMMING Gcc champions Qatar had defeated fancied bengtsson. ֫ brash said he was looking teams like Kazakhstan and India in the group forward to the season stage. finale. Grab your tickets for World Cup A total of 42 teams from 15 countries competed “I think both my in the event. the duo will next be seen in action at challengers have had IcKEtS for the penultimate at www.tickets.virginmegastore.me. the AVc tour’s Palembang Open, which begins on excellent seasons so far. they round of the FINA/airweave Qatar Swimming Association Wednesday. did well to be so close to me in TWorld cup, to be held at President Khaleel Al Jabir time for the final. Once again, it’ll the Hamad Aquatic centre on welcomed fans to the competition. all come down to individual performances in Qatar. November 2 and 3, are on sale. “We had a record-breaking It’s going to be the best part of the entire season. I’m being a qualifying event for the sure it’ll delight fans,” said brash. 2016 rio Olympics, the World cup Gct President Jan tops was happy with the tough is expected to feature some of the SO FAR, 322 COMPETITORS nature of the competition. best swimmers. FROM 44 COUNTRIES HAVE “Once again, the title race will go down to the So far, 322 competitors from 44 REGISTERED FOR THE “both Katinka (Hosszu) wire in Doha. And three jumpers have a strong countries have registered for the DOHA EVENT. and chad (le clos) seem chance. I’m so thrilled because things can’t get any Abdullah Doha event, with Great britain’s to be in great shape closer. For every sport, the dream is to keep up the Al Tamimi double world record holder Adam and they’ve been doing

excitement until the last moment. thankfully, that’s Divakaran DSP/Vinod Peaty, South Africa’s golden boy event last year and we’re expecting quite well. We expect the case for our sport,” he said. chad le clos and Hungarian katinka similar crowds this year as to see great races and Qatar, which joined the Gct in ’08, has Hosszu being the biggest names. well. We welcome families and performances from steadily built up its reputation as one of the best While the heats will begin at swimming enthusiasts to witness them in Doha. destinations of the entire series. 10am, finals are scheduled for a the world’s best perform in Doha,” With Qatar internationals Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al 6pm start on both days. tickets, he said. Khaleel Al Jabir, Qatar thani and bassem Hassan Mohammed also in the priced at Qr10 per session, can be the World cup’s final round will Swimming Association ,SQUASH President. ŠŠMahmoud Essam ֫ mix, there will be lots to look forward for the local purchased from the Virgin Mega take place in Dubai on November left, and Jefferson fans. Stores outlets in Qatar and online 6 and 7. Pereira in action. MILITARY WORLD GAMES TENNIS ֫ ֫ Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani Qatar’s Al Tamimi Ola, Amir triumph Hoopsters do Qatar proud at InterCon Open AtAr won a gold, five silver record score of 352, the Europeans and two bronze medals clinched gold by virtue of having faces uphill task AtIONAL team player Ola Basel beat Qat the Sixth cISM Military a superior fifth-round score (70 to compatriot Fatima Aba 6-2, 6-1 to clinch World Games in Mungyeong, 67). tournament held in 2013, faces learn,” said Abdullah, who turned Nthe women’s title of Eighth Intercontinental South Korea, last week. the women’s trap team of Sajith B Warrier an uphill task after being pitted professional in ’11. Doha Open, which concluded last week. basketball players did Qatar Noora Al Ali, Amna Al Abdullah against the defending champion. Other big names in the Ola proved too good for her opponent in the final proud by defeating Greece and Kholoud Al Khalaf had the ASPIrE Academy product draw include three-time world played at the Khalifa International complex. 90-73 in the final. they thus finished second on the opening AtAr’S Abdullah Al tamimi has been in good form, reaching champion ramy Ashour, who She had defeated Saba Aziz 6-1, 6-0 in exacted revenge for their 71-86 day. has his task cut out after is a darling among the sizeable the semifinal while Fatima had sailed past group-stage reversal. the men’s formation skydive Qbeing drawn against Egypt’s Egyptian expatriate population Sarah Fontana 6-4, 6-0 in the other last-four Qatar opened their campaign team won Qatar’s fifth silver reigning world No.1 Mohamed SIX-TIME QATAR CLASSIC in Doha, as well as former Qatar encounter. with back-to-back defeats, in parachuting. they scored an El Shorbagy in the Professional CHAMPION NICOL DAVID classic winners Nick Matthew of Amir bayoumi won the men’s title for the against brazil (75-77) and struggled this time. impressive 180 points to finish Squash Association’s (PSA) Qatar OF MALAYSIA WILL BE A England and Gregory Gaultier of third year in a row, thwarting off the challenge Greece (71-86), before Shooter Abdulaziz Saleh Al behind belgium (206). classic, to be held from October 30 STAR ATTRACTION. France. of Hassan Salah 6-2, 6-0 in the final. turning things around Attiyah won silver in men’s skeet. Said Aden Said was Qatar’s lone to November 6. the event also marks the return Qatar had more to cheer as another with wins over France He shot down nine targets to finish medallist in track and field. He the 20-year-old, whose current of top-level women’s game to national player Issa Shanan clinched (73-51) and the US (88-83). In behind the czech republic’s Jan won bronze in the 1,500M race, PSA ranking is 71st, got a wild card the Nash cup final in England Doha for the first time since ’11. the boys’ U-18 title, beating Ibrahim the semifinal, the Gulf nation Sychra (16). finishing in 3min, 45.64sec behind for the tournament, which will be last month and then entering the Six-time Qatar classic champion Al Sulaiti 6-1, 6-3 in the title clash. overcame brazil 60-55. Abdulaziz, along with Saeed Morocco’s Fouad Elkaam (3:44.79) played at the Khalifa International semifinal of the AnyPresence Open Nicol David of Malaysia will be the Meanwhile, the handball team Abusharib and rashid Hamad, and bahrain’s bensom Kiplagat complex. in Virginia, the US. star attraction, but Egypt’s settled for a silver after losing went on to clinch silver in the team (3:44.98). Al tamimi, who lost to England’s “I reached the last-four stage newly-crowned world No.1 26-29 to Egypt in the final. Qatar, skeet. Faisal Al rushaidi won Qatar’s James Willstrop in the opening in two tournaments recently. raneem El Welily has been given visibly tired after their hard-fought though they tied Finland for the other medal, a bronze, in men’s round in the last edition of the but I think I still’ve got a lot to the top billing. 27-24 semifinal win over the hosts, top spot with a new championship 68kg taekwondo. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 29

SAILING ֫ BEACH VOLLEYBALL ֫ Sail Qatar from Friday Qatari duo crashes HE Qatar Sailing and Marine “the competition will feature Sports Federation (QSMSF) around 90 sailors from five countries out of Asian event Twill organise the 2015 Sail and we expect a tough competition. Qatar regatta at the Katara beach Many sailors are treating it as a test HE Qatari duo of Mahmoud Essam and from October 16 to 19. event for the 2015 Optimist Asian Jefferson Pereira lost to hosts Indonesia’s races will be held in optimist, and Oceanian championship, also to TFahrian Syah and Mohammad Ashfiya optimist team, laser 4.7, laser radial, be held in Doha from October 23 to 21-23, 12-21 in the quarterfinal of the inaugural laser standard, hobie-16 and 470 31. It’ll be an ideal venue for Qatari Yogyakarta Open Asian Volleyball confederation classes. competitors to test their mettle,” said (AVc) tour event at Java last week. Qatar will field a 20-member QSMSF technical Advisor Sarah Essam and Pereira fought hard in the first set, squad in the four-day competition. Lord. but failed to get their act together in the second in a match that lasted a little less than 40 minutes. SWIMMING Gcc champions Qatar had defeated fancied ֫ teams like Kazakhstan and India in the group stage. Grab your tickets for World Cup A total of 42 teams from 15 countries competed in the event. the duo will next be seen in action at IcKEtS for the penultimate at www.tickets.virginmegastore.me. the AVc tour’s Palembang Open, which begins on round of the FINA/airweave Qatar Swimming Association Wednesday. TWorld cup, to be held at President Khaleel Al Jabir the Hamad Aquatic centre on welcomed fans to the competition. November 2 and 3, are on sale. “We had a record-breaking being a qualifying event for the 2016 rio Olympics, the World cup is expected to feature some of the SO FAR, 322 COMPETITORS best swimmers. FROM 44 COUNTRIES HAVE So far, 322 competitors from 44 REGISTERED FOR THE “both Katinka (Hosszu) countries have registered for the DOHA EVENT. and chad (le clos) seem Doha event, with Great britain’s to be in great shape double world record holder Adam and they’ve been doing Peaty, South Africa’s golden boy event last year and we’re expecting quite well. We expect chad le clos and Hungarian katinka similar crowds this year as to see great races and Hosszu being the biggest names. well. We welcome families and performances from While the heats will begin at swimming enthusiasts to witness them in Doha. 10am, finals are scheduled for a the world’s best perform in Doha,” 6pm start on both days. tickets, he said. Khaleel Al Jabir, Qatar priced at Qr10 per session, can be the World cup’s final round will Swimming Association President. ŠŠMahmoud Essam, purchased from the Virgin Mega take place in Dubai on November left, and Jefferson Stores outlets in Qatar and online 6 and 7. Pereira in action. MILITARY WORLD GAMES TENNIS ֫ ֫ Ola, Amir triumph Hoopsters do Qatar proud at InterCon Open AtAr won a gold, five silver record score of 352, the Europeans and two bronze medals clinched gold by virtue of having AtIONAL team player Ola Basel beat Qat the Sixth cISM Military a superior fifth-round score (70 to compatriot Fatima Aba 6-2, 6-1 to clinch World Games in Mungyeong, 67). Nthe women’s title of Eighth Intercontinental South Korea, last week. the women’s trap team of Doha Open, which concluded last week. basketball players did Qatar Noora Al Ali, Amna Al Abdullah Ola proved too good for her opponent in the final proud by defeating Greece and Kholoud Al Khalaf had played at the Khalifa International complex. 90-73 in the final. they thus finished second on the opening She had defeated Saba Aziz 6-1, 6-0 in exacted revenge for their 71-86 day. the semifinal while Fatima had sailed past group-stage reversal. the men’s formation skydive Sarah Fontana 6-4, 6-0 in the other last-four Qatar opened their campaign team won Qatar’s fifth silver encounter. with back-to-back defeats, in parachuting. they scored an Amir bayoumi won the men’s title for the against brazil (75-77) and struggled this time. impressive 180 points to finish third year in a row, thwarting off the challenge Greece (71-86), before Shooter Abdulaziz Saleh Al behind belgium (206). of Hassan Salah 6-2, 6-0 in the final. turning things around Attiyah won silver in men’s skeet. Said Aden Said was Qatar’s lone Qatar had more to cheer as another with wins over France He shot down nine targets to finish medallist in track and field. He national player Issa Shanan clinched (73-51) and the US (88-83). In behind the czech republic’s Jan won bronze in the 1,500M race, the boys’ U-18 title, beating Ibrahim the semifinal, the Gulf nation Sychra (16). finishing in 3min, 45.64sec behind Al Sulaiti 6-1, 6-3 in the title clash. overcame brazil 60-55. Abdulaziz, along with Saeed Morocco’s Fouad Elkaam (3:44.79) Meanwhile, the handball team Abusharib and rashid Hamad, and bahrain’s bensom Kiplagat settled for a silver after losing went on to clinch silver in the team (3:44.98). 26-29 to Egypt in the final. Qatar, skeet. Faisal Al rushaidi won Qatar’s visibly tired after their hard-fought though they tied Finland for the other medal, a bronze, in men’s 27-24 semifinal win over the hosts, top spot with a new championship 68kg taekwondo. 30 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 31

Kenyan Dickson chumba pulled away from compatriot Kenyans sweep Sammy Kitwara and comfortably won a slow chicago Marathon in a sweep for the African nation. chumba, Chicago Marathon clocked 2hr, 9min, 25sec. Sammy Ndungu finished third. MIXED ZONE | INTERNATIONAL Kenya’s world half-marathon record holder Florence Kiplagat won the women’s race.

ŠŠLewis Hamilton ŠşFrance’s ֫ GOLF leads the pack thierry Dusautoir, of drivers at the Peerless Pedrosa centre, evades russian Grand the challenge of Son eclipses Moon Prix. of Ireland players reigns in Japan during their World cup tie in cardiff. to make dad proud! PAIN’S Dani Pedrosa claimed the 50th Grand Prix win of his career, taking victory in the APtAIN’S pick bill Haas claimed the crucial SJapanese MotoGP as runner-up Valentino rossi final point at the Presidents cup, as the United extended his championship lead. CStates beat the Internationals 15.5 to 14.5 Pedrosa, who almost quit the sport earlier this year to clinch the team event for the ninth time in 11 because of an arm problem that needed surgery, editions at Incheon, South Korea, last week. grabbed the lead seven laps from the end of a wet Haas, who is also the son of US captain Jay Haas, race at the twin ring circuit in Motegi. held his nerve in the last of 12 singles matches to He surged clear of his rivals to win for the beat local favourite bae Sang-Moon. first time this season and the 50th of his MOTORSPORT career, which began in the 125cc class Jordan Spieth and Jason Day, the top two players ֫ in the world, both lost their matches, while there in 2001. was delight and heartbreak in equal measure for rossi finished second while Asia’s four representatives — thongchai Jaidee, his Yamaha team-mate and RUGBY Anirban Lahiri, Hideki Matsuyama and bae. championship rival Jorge Lorenzo ֫ After five straight comfortable US wins, the faded to third after leading for most one-point margin of victory was the narrowest King Lewis III? of the race until he had dropped back since the Americans won 16.5 to 15.5 in 1996, and when having tyre problems. France face familiar challenge suggests the PGA tour got it right by reducing the ErcEDES clinched their bosses had left the circuit long more races than the late triple “It’s a real pity because if the track didn’t dry I total number of points on offer to 30 from 34. second successive before the constructors’ title was champion Ayrton Senna, had would’ve won,” said Lorenzo. rANcE captain thierry into the next match with a lot of cup having beaten them twice. An emotional US captain Jay Haas struggled to get MFormula One confirmed, however, with the already taken over the lead as “there was a dry line and I couldn’t follow them. I Dusautoir gets a chance to appetite,” said Dusautoir after his Wales’ 6-15 defeat to Australia through a televised interview next to the 18th green constructors’ championship last outcome depending on a stewards’ rosberg wrestled with the problem. just had to survive. Frepeat his finest performance side had suffered their first defeat consigned them to a twickenham but said he had given his son a pep talk through the Sunday and Lewis Hamilton took enquiry that eventually demoted However his advantage was “Now there is only one target and that is to win the when they take on defending of the tournament, a 9-24 loss to date with the Springboks with the closing stages. a huge stride towards his third Ferrari’s Kimi raikkonen from fifth whittled away when Frenchman three races. Let’s see if we can do it.” champions New Zealand in the Six Nations champions Ireland to small consolation that they beat the “I told him, come on, win one for your mom, she drivers’ title with victory in to eighth. romain Grosjean, who was unhurt, rossi now leads Lorenzo by 18 points with a World cup quarterfinal on Saturday. consign them to the runners-up two-time world champions 12-6 deserves this. We put him out 12th and had no idea Sochi, russia. “We found out about crashed heavily on lap 12. maximum of 75 available from the remaining three the 33-year-old flanker put in a last November. this was going to happen,” he said. congratulated the title upstairs. It just rounds, in Australia, Malaysia and Valencia. massive 38 tackles against the All On the other side of the draw, the Presidents cup returns to US soil in two years’ on the podium by feels special to be a RESULTS “It was a very long race. It was very easy to make a blacks at the same stage and the THE IRISH WILL PLAY AN Scotland will play Australia, also at FORMULA ONE time at Liberty National, New Jersey. President Vladimir part of it and to have 1. Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) Mercedes 1:37.11 mistake,” said rossi. same Millennium Stadium venue IMPRESSIVE ARGENTINA twickenham, on Sunday. Putin, Hamilton took contributed to a team 2. Sebastian Vettel (GEr) Ferrari at 5.9 “At this moment I need to take points. After Jorge in 2007 to help knock out the SIDE IN ANOTHER his ninth win of the success. It’s a great 3. Sergio Perez (MEX) Force India 28.9 left our pace was the same. When it got dry it was favourites 20-18. QUARTERFINAL. QUARTERFINAL 4. Felipe Massa (brA0 Williams 38.8 FIXTURES season and 42nd of feeling,” said Hamilton. 5. Daniil Kvyat (rUS) red bull 47.5 difficult to control the bike and I saw Jorge slowing. Dusautoir also put in a (Kick-off in Doha time). his career after a throttle With four races MOTOGP “It’s a good result for the championship,” he added. man-of-the-match performance 1. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) Honda 46:50.7 South Africa vs Wales, problem forced the early remaining, and a against the All blacks in France’s spot in Pool D. twickenham, 6pm. 2. Valentino rossi (ItA) Yamaha at 8.5 şşDani Pedrosa Saturday, October 17 retirement of German maximum 100 points to be won, 3. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) Yamaha 12.1 cruises to victory in courageous 7-8 loss in the ’11 final the Irish will play an impressive New Zealand vs France, cardiff, 10pm. team-mate Nico rosberg. Hamilton has 302 points to Vettel’s 4. Marc Marquez (ESP) Honda 27.8 Japan. on their opponents home turf. Argentina side in another 5. Andrea Dovizioso (ItA) Ducati 35.08 Ireland vs Argentina, cardiff, the briton, who first triumphed 236 and rosberg’s 229. “there’s a big challenge waiting quarterfinal in cardiff on Sunday. Sunday, 3pm. in 2008, now has a lead of 66 Mexican Sergio Perez finished STANDINGS for us. but we’re going to look at the Argentineans have a good October 18 Australia vs Scotland, points over Ferrari’s second-placed third for Force India, after raikkonen FORMULA ONE what was not 100 per cent and go record against the Irish in the World twickenham, 6pm. DRIVERS CONSTRUCTORS Bill Haas Sebastian Vettel and, if results go rammed the rear of fellow Finn 1. Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) 302 1. Mercedes 531 CRICKET his way, can secure his own second Valtteri bottas’s Williams while 2. Sebastian Vettel (GEr) 236 2. Ferrari 359 ֫ successive crown in Austin, texas, battling for the final podium place. 3. Nico rosberg (GEr) 229 3. Williams 220 4. Kimi raikkonen (FIN) 123 4. red bull 149 on October 25. rosberg had led from pole, 5. Valtteri bottas (FIN) 111 5. Force India 92 Fitzpatrick is the Mercedes team holding off Hamilton through MOTOGP De Villiers leads the opening corners, but 1. Valentino rossi (ItA) 283 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) 265 British Master! was forced to retire in the 3. Marc Marquez (ESP) 197 from the front pits on the seventh of 53 laps. 4. Andrea Iannone (ItA) 172 UrOPEAN tour rookie Matt Fitzpatrick, the Hamilton, who has now won 5. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) 154 b De VILLIErS and rohit Sharma enhanced youngest player in the field, showed the old personal reputations with scintillating Estagers a thing or two by easing to a two- Acenturies, but it was the timely interventions ’ TENNIS of South African bowlers that secured the visitors stroke triumph at the $4.55M british Masters. ֫ the 21-year-old Englishman was locked in an five-run win over India in the first One-Day enthralling race for the title with International at Kanpur. Dane Soren Kjeldsen until Djokovic continues his love affair with Beijing Skipper De Villiers’s 73-ball century provided the accelerating away on back impetus as South Africa posted 303 for five. nine from the field to finish Novak OrLD No.1 Novak Djokovic has now beaten Nadal in other 45 times, with Nadal, who last year’s Hobart International, and Sharma led India’s strong reply with a brilliant 150 with a 68 and a 15-under Djokovic Djokovic continued his seven of their last eight meetings, has struggled with his form and made up for the frustration of losing before leg-spinner Imran tahir turned the run feast total Wrecent dominance over dating back to the 2013 china Open, niggling injuries in the past year, her two previous finals this year, on its head by claiming two wickets in his final over. of 269. rafael Nadal when he beat the hanging on to a 23-22 advantage. at Wimbledon in July and Wuhan Paceman Kagiso rabada then dismissed two In taiwan, South African Spaniard 6-2, 6-2 in the final of the In the women’s section, recently. Indian batsmen in as many deliveries in the final over Shaun Norris won his first Asian china Open to win the tournament IN THE WOMEN’S Spain’s Garbine Muguruza beat “For me to be able to come and to restrict the hosts to 298 for seven and give South Matt tour title after firing a closing for the sixth time. SECTION, SPAIN’S GARBINE Switzerland’s timea bacsinszky for win the tournament after losing in Africa a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Fitzpatrick four-under-par 68 to overhaul “this definitely has been my most MUGURUZA REIGNED her biggest title to date. the finals of Wuhan recently is a Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni struggled Filipino Miguel tabuena and claim the weather-hit successful tournament in my career. SUPREME. Muguruza won a hard-fought great achievement,” said Muguruza. and fell in the final over. He managed only one Tournament Players Championship. I’ve won the Australian Open five final 7-5, 6-4 to capture her first Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Stan boundary as critics did not mince their words. Meanwhile, American Jessica Korda ended a times, but beijing has been a lucky Premier Mandatory title and climb Wawrinka captured his fourth title “Dhoni used to be great when the ball was pitched miserable run of form in emphatic style by holding place for me,” said Djokovic after his and is on the verge of levelling their to fourth in the world rankings. this year when he beat his good up to him. but bowlers have understood that the off world No.2 Lydia Ko to win the $2m LPGA victory at the National tennis centre head-to-head record. It was the 22-year-old’s second friend benoit Paire 6-2, 6-4 in the key is not to give him any room to manoeuvre,” said šşSouth Africa’s A b de Villiers plays a shot during the Kanpur One-Day Malaysia Open for her fourth career title. in the chinese capital. the pair have played each WtA title, after she won her first at final of theJapan Open. former Indian captain K Srikkanth. International. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 31

Kenyan Dickson chumba pulled away from compatriot Kenyans sweep Sammy Kitwara and comfortably won a slow chicago Marathon in a sweep for the African nation. chumba, Chicago Marathon clocked 2hr, 9min, 25sec. Sammy Ndungu finished third. Kenya’s world half-marathon record holder Florence Kiplagat won the women’s race.

ŠşFrance’s thierry Dusautoir, Peerless Pedrosa centre, evades the challenge of of Ireland players reigns in Japan during their World cup tie in cardiff. PAIN’S Dani Pedrosa claimed the 50th Grand Prix win of his career, taking victory in the SJapanese MotoGP as runner-up Valentino rossi extended his championship lead. Pedrosa, who almost quit the sport earlier this year because of an arm problem that needed surgery, grabbed the lead seven laps from the end of a wet race at the twin ring circuit in Motegi. He surged clear of his rivals to win for the first time this season and the 50th of his career, which began in the 125cc class in 2001. rossi finished second while his Yamaha team-mate and RUGBY championship rival Jorge Lorenzo ֫ faded to third after leading for most of the race until he had dropped back when having tyre problems. France face familiar challenge “It’s a real pity because if the track didn’t dry I would’ve won,” said Lorenzo. rANcE captain thierry into the next match with a lot of cup having beaten them twice. “there was a dry line and I couldn’t follow them. I Dusautoir gets a chance to appetite,” said Dusautoir after his Wales’ 6-15 defeat to Australia just had to survive. Frepeat his finest performance side had suffered their first defeat consigned them to a twickenham “Now there is only one target and that is to win the when they take on defending of the tournament, a 9-24 loss to date with the Springboks with the three races. Let’s see if we can do it.” champions New Zealand in the Six Nations champions Ireland to small consolation that they beat the rossi now leads Lorenzo by 18 points with a World cup quarterfinal on Saturday. consign them to the runners-up two-time world champions 12-6 maximum of 75 available from the remaining three the 33-year-old flanker put in a last November. rounds, in Australia, Malaysia and Valencia. massive 38 tackles against the All On the other side of the draw, “It was a very long race. It was very easy to make a blacks at the same stage and the THE IRISH WILL PLAY AN Scotland will play Australia, also at mistake,” said rossi. same Millennium Stadium venue IMPRESSIVE ARGENTINA twickenham, on Sunday. “At this moment I need to take points. After Jorge in 2007 to help knock out the SIDE IN ANOTHER left our pace was the same. When it got dry it was favourites 20-18. QUARTERFINAL. QUARTERFINAL difficult to control the bike and I saw Jorge slowing. Dusautoir also put in a FIXTURES “It’s a good result for the championship,” he added. man-of-the-match performance (Kick-off in Doha time). South Africa vs Wales, against the All blacks in France’s spot in Pool D. twickenham, 6pm. şşDani Pedrosa Saturday, cruises to victory in courageous 7-8 loss in the ’11 final the Irish will play an impressive October 17 New Zealand vs France, cardiff, Japan. on their opponents home turf. Argentina side in another 10pm. Ireland vs Argentina, cardiff, “there’s a big challenge waiting quarterfinal in cardiff on Sunday. Sunday, 3pm. for us. but we’re going to look at the Argentineans have a good October 18 Australia vs Scotland, what was not 100 per cent and go record against the Irish in the World twickenham, 6pm. CRICKET ֫ De Villiers leads from the front

b De VILLIErS and rohit Sharma enhanced personal reputations with scintillating Acenturies, but it was the timely interventions of South African bowlers that secured the visitors’ five-run win over India in the first One-Day International at Kanpur. Djokovic continues his love affair with Beijing Skipper De Villiers’s 73-ball century provided the impetus as South Africa posted 303 for five. other 45 times, with Nadal, who last year’s Hobart International, and Sharma led India’s strong reply with a brilliant 150 has struggled with his form and made up for the frustration of losing before leg-spinner Imran tahir turned the run feast niggling injuries in the past year, her two previous finals this year, on its head by claiming two wickets in his final over. hanging on to a 23-22 advantage. at Wimbledon in July and Wuhan Paceman Kagiso rabada then dismissed two In the women’s section, recently. Indian batsmen in as many deliveries in the final over Spain’s Garbine Muguruza beat “For me to be able to come and to restrict the hosts to 298 for seven and give South Switzerland’s timea bacsinszky for win the tournament after losing in Africa a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. her biggest title to date. the finals of Wuhan recently is a Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni struggled Muguruza won a hard-fought great achievement,” said Muguruza. and fell in the final over. He managed only one final 7-5, 6-4 to capture her first Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Stan boundary as critics did not mince their words. Premier Mandatory title and climb Wawrinka captured his fourth title “Dhoni used to be great when the ball was pitched to fourth in the world rankings. this year when he beat his good up to him. but bowlers have understood that the It was the 22-year-old’s second friend benoit Paire 6-2, 6-4 in the key is not to give him any room to manoeuvre,” said šşSouth Africa’s A b de Villiers plays a shot during the Kanpur One-Day WtA title, after she won her first at final of theJapan Open. former Indian captain K Srikkanth. International. 32 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 33

PEOPLE SPORT THIS WEEK

A major Pakistani team German Jan Frodeno iced Italian players Potito Starace and Younis Khan became confirmed they had signed his competitors to clinch his Daniele bracciali saw life bans Pakistan’s leading run QATAR Salman Butt and paceman first triathlon Ironman World overturned by an Italian tennis scorer in test cricket WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 Mohammad Asif, who were last championship with a dominating Federation court of appeal. Starace during the first match BOXING SAILING FOOTBALL month relieved of sanctions over performance in Kailua-Kona, and bracciali were banned on August against England in AIbA World championships, 2pm Sail Qatar regatta, 10am onwards at Qatar Stars League, Al Ahli vs Al spot fixing. Former domestic Hawaii. the 2008 Olympic gold 6 after being accused of fixing Abu Dhabi on tuesday, onwards at Ali bin Hamad Al Attiya Katara beach (till tuesday). Kharaitiyat, 5.30pm at Al Ahli champions Water and Power medallist at the shorter distance matches as part of an intricate illegal overtaking Javed Miandad’s Arena (till thursday). Stadium, Al Khor vs Al rayyan, Development Authority said came out of the water in second betting scam. Starace was cleared previous mark of 8,832 runs. the 37-year- 5.30pm at Al Gharafa Stadium, Al Wakrah vs Al Sailiya, 7.45pm at Al butt and Asif would feature place and broke away on the bike of all wrongdoing, while old, who was dismissed for 38, overhauled Gharafa Stadium, Mesaimeer vs Umm in their team in the first class leg to set up his victory. Swiss bracciali saw his ban being the record in his 102nd match, taking 22 Salal, 7.45pm at Al Ahli Stadium. tournament starting in various Daniela ryf won the women’s title. reduced to 12 months. fewer than Miandad to set the mark. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 cities from October 26. FOOTBALL Qatar Stars League, Al Gharafa vs El Wales back Liam Williams has bayern Munich’s Mario Goetze will be Defending champion Roger Jaish, 5.30pm at Al Gharafa Stadium, Striker Sergio Aguero, injured Al Sadd vs Qatar Sc, 5.30pm at Al during Argentina’s shock 0-2 been ruled out of the rest of out for up to three months after Federer suffered a surprise 6-7 Sadd Stadium, Lekhwiya vs Al Arabi, home defeat to Ecuador in a the ongoing rugby World cup suffering an adductor muscle (4-7), 6-2, 3-6 defeat to Spain’s 7.45pm at Al Sadd Stadium. World cup qualifier, would be in England after sustaining injury in Germany’s 0-1 Albert ramos-Vinolas in the MOTORSPORT out for a month. Aguero tore a foot injury in the Pool A tie Euro 2016 qualifying loss to second round of the Shanghai World Superbike championship, a muscle in his left thigh half against Australia which they Ireland. Goetze was taken Masters on tuesday. the Swiss 7pm onwards at Losail International circuit. an hour into the team’s match lost 6-15. Williams played in off in the 35th minute and looked rusty against the at the river Plate stadium. “I the opening match against tests showed he had torn 70th-ranked qualifier and think I’ll be out for a month,” Uruguay but sustained a some adductor muscle fibre. despite appearing to be back on said Aguero as he left a concussion against England the 23-year-old had played track when he cruised through buenos Aires clinic. and missed their third match in 11 of the 12 matches in all the second set, succumbed in with Fiji. competitions this season. the decider. INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 TENNIS CRICKET AtP at Shanghai; WtA at Linz, tianjin and Hong Kong (till Monday). England vs Pakistan, 1st test at Abu Dhabi (till Sunday); Sri Lanka vs West THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 Indies, 1st test at Galle (till Monday); GOLF India vs South Africa, 2nd ODI at STAR OF THE WEEK MATT FITZPATRICK MOVERS&SHAKERS Indore. EPGA at Portugal Masters; LPGA at Incheon (till Monday). SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 Bolt is eager to run HORSERACING MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 british champions Day, Ascot. TENNIS HE European tour can proudly didn’t think I was hitting it that well,” SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 AtP at Stockholm, Vienna and boast the arrival of a highly- he added. CRICKET Moscow; WtA at Luxemburg and 200M in sub-19sec Moscow (till October 25). promising new kid on the Fitzpatrick broke Justin rose’s 2002 India vs South Africa, 3rd ODI at T rajkot. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 block following Matt Fitzpatrick’s record as the youngest player to win IX-tIME Olympic champion Kingston as he began preparations MOTORSPORT FOOTBALL stunning two-shot win at the the british Masters, an event that Usain Bolt has already started for next year’s rio Olympics. Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island. champions League, group stage. $4.55m british Masters. has been on the tour since 1972 and Shis preparations for next year’s “It’s one of my major goals. clearly the event is not of the same returned to the schedule this season rio Games and has sent a warning I think it’s one of the toughest stature as the US Masters, but the after a seven-year hiatus. to his competitors — he thinks ones, because it’s going to 21-year-old Englishman was happy English fans, who have had little he is capable of breaking be hard to find the right to draw comparisons between his top-notch golf to watch live in recent 19sec in the 200M. day and sometime the victory last Sunday and American years, turned up at Woburn in droves bolt’s record of perfect race to get this Jordan Spieth’s triumph in the year’s and tournament host Ian Poulter 19.19sec for the 200M (200M record). opening major in April. hailed the week as a great success. has stood since August “It’ll not be an easy “Winning wire-to-wire is “We had 57,000 fans out there 20, 2009, four days after task, but I personally something I think most players through the week and so many kids he set the 100M record of feel I can do it and my dream of and it’s not often it gets and that’s what this is about, trying 9.58sec, both at the World coach (Glen Mills) thinks RUGBY done,” Fitzpatrick said with a to get more kids out here playing Athletics championships in berlin. I can do it so it’s just about the World cup in England (till October beaming smile. “Spieth won the golf who can aspire to be a young “I really want to run under 19sec,” work and finding the perfect time 31). Masters that way and for me to be in Matt Fitzpatrick,” said Poulter, who bolt said at his training base at to do it, so it’s one of the things (for the same category is pretty special. finished down the field. “Matt played the University of West Indies in ’16),” added bolt. It’s a great achievement.” exceptionally well ... he came in on What made Fitzpatrick’s maiden an invite and took his chance with victory even more spectacular was both hands. He was a very worthy Allardyce Sunderland boss that the tour rookie, the youngest winner.” player in the field, believed he was Poulter now stands rItON’S Sam Allardyce was “I’ve enjoyed my break from not even firing on all cylinders at appointed as Sunderland’s football and now I’m raring to get Woburn. Bnew manager, eight years back. I met with club chairman “I really didn’t think I had my ‘A’ after he had a brief spell in charge Ellis Short and we spoke at length game,” he said. of their Premier League arch- about his ambitions. I hope “I know a lot of people will rivals Newcastle United. to be able to help to probably say, ‘you won so you Sunderland confirmed bring the stability and must’ve’, but there were phone calls the appointment on success that everyone to my coach on thursday evening, down as host, handing over to rose, their website after wants,” said Allardyce. Friday evening, Saturday evening, all Luke Donald and Lee Westwood for Dutchman Dick His first match in saying, ‘what do I do?’. the next three years although it is not Advocaat left the club charge will be at West “We were working on trying to fix yet known which member of the trio recently. bromwich Albion, where a couple of things because I really will pick up the baton in ’16. the 60-year-old, who has he was assistant manager been out of management since 25 years ago, on Saturday. the leaving West Ham United at the much-awaited derby against old end of last season, has signed a rivals Newcastle will follow on two-year deal. October 25. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 33

SPORT THIS WEEK

Younis Khan became Pakistan’s leading run QATAR scorer in test cricket WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 during the first match BOXING SAILING FOOTBALL against England in AIbA World championships, 2pm Sail Qatar regatta, 10am onwards at Qatar Stars League, Al Ahli vs Al Abu Dhabi on tuesday, onwards at Ali bin Hamad Al Attiya Katara beach (till tuesday). Kharaitiyat, 5.30pm at Al Ahli overtaking Javed Miandad’s Arena (till thursday). Stadium, Al Khor vs Al rayyan, previous mark of 8,832 runs. the 37-year- 5.30pm at Al Gharafa Stadium, Al Wakrah vs Al Sailiya, 7.45pm at Al old, who was dismissed for 38, overhauled Gharafa Stadium, Mesaimeer vs Umm the record in his 102nd match, taking 22 Salal, 7.45pm at Al Ahli Stadium. fewer than Miandad to set the mark. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 FOOTBALL Qatar Stars League, Al Gharafa vs El Defending champion Roger Jaish, 5.30pm at Al Gharafa Stadium, Al Sadd vs Qatar Sc, 5.30pm at Al Federer suffered a surprise 6-7 Sadd Stadium, Lekhwiya vs Al Arabi, (4-7), 6-2, 3-6 defeat to Spain’s 7.45pm at Al Sadd Stadium. Albert ramos-Vinolas in the MOTORSPORT second round of the Shanghai World Superbike championship, Masters on tuesday. the Swiss 7pm onwards at Losail International looked rusty against the circuit. 70th-ranked qualifier and despite appearing to be back on track when he cruised through the second set, succumbed in the decider. INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 TENNIS CRICKET AtP at Shanghai; WtA at Linz, tianjin and Hong Kong (till Monday). England vs Pakistan, 1st test at Abu Dhabi (till Sunday); Sri Lanka vs West THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 Indies, 1st test at Galle (till Monday); GOLF India vs South Africa, 2nd ODI at MOVERS&SHAKERS Indore. EPGA at Portugal Masters; LPGA at Incheon (till Monday). SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 Bolt is eager to run HORSERACING MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 british champions Day, Ascot. TENNIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 AtP at Stockholm, Vienna and CRICKET Moscow; WtA at Luxemburg and 200M in sub-19sec Moscow (till October 25). India vs South Africa, 3rd ODI at rajkot. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 IX-tIME Olympic champion Kingston as he began preparations MOTORSPORT FOOTBALL Usain Bolt has already started for next year’s rio Olympics. Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island. champions League, group stage. Shis preparations for next year’s “It’s one of my major goals. rio Games and has sent a warning I think it’s one of the toughest to his competitors — he thinks ones, because it’s going to he is capable of breaking be hard to find the right 19sec in the 200M. day and sometime the bolt’s record of perfect race to get this 19.19sec for the 200M (200M record). has stood since August “It’ll not be an easy 20, 2009, four days after task, but I personally he set the 100M record of feel I can do it and my 9.58sec, both at the World coach (Glen Mills) thinks RUGBY Athletics championships in berlin. I can do it so it’s just about the World cup in England (till October “I really want to run under 19sec,” work and finding the perfect time 31). bolt said at his training base at to do it, so it’s one of the things (for the University of West Indies in ’16),” added bolt. Allardyce Sunderland boss

rItON’S Sam Allardyce was “I’ve enjoyed my break from appointed as Sunderland’s football and now I’m raring to get Bnew manager, eight years back. I met with club chairman after he had a brief spell in charge Ellis Short and we spoke at length of their Premier League arch- about his ambitions. I hope rivals Newcastle United. to be able to help to Sunderland confirmed bring the stability and the appointment on success that everyone their website after wants,” said Allardyce. Dutchman Dick His first match in Advocaat left the club charge will be at West recently. bromwich Albion, where the 60-year-old, who has he was assistant manager been out of management since 25 years ago, on Saturday. the leaving West Ham United at the much-awaited derby against old end of last season, has signed a rivals Newcastle will follow on two-year deal. October 25. 34 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 35

A shirt worn by New Zealand rugby captain Dave Gallaher during a 1905 All Blacks test against Wales in 1905 was sold for £180,000 last week. the shirt, which had been expected to fetch £20,000 to £40,000, went under the jersey fetches hammer at the roger Jones & co saleroom in cardiff and was sold to MOSAIC £180,000 a britain-based bidder, the BBC reported. the ’05 ‘Originals’ tour was the first outside Australasia by a New Zealand team and it was while in britain that they were dubbed the All blacks by the local media. LIFESTYLE Dangers of weight-loss surgery bESE people may be more after surgery, 111 patients, which in JAMA Surgery. likely to harm themselves comes to roughly one per cent “this study shouldn’t dissuade Oor attempt suicide after of people in the study, received patients with mental health weight-loss surgery, a canadian emergency care for self-inflicted problems from seeking study suggests. injuries. While small, the risk of bariatric surgery, but it researchers followed about these emergencies was 54 per cent should encourage 8,800 patients for three years higher after surgery than it was healthcare providers before and after they had surgery before. to target them for to lose weight. Most of them had Most of these incidents of improved follow-up a common type of bariatric surgery self-inflicted harm happened care,” said Ghaferi, known as gastric bypass, which one to three years after bariatric a bariatric helps them shed excess pounds by surgeries, suggesting that patients surgery reducing stomach capacity from may need more long-term specialist at the about three pints to the size of a behavioural healthcare, said University of SPORTMART shot glass. Dr Amir Ghaferi, author of an Michigan and Ann Arbor Veterans During the first three years editorial accompanying the study Administration Healthcare System. MEDIA Bettering LFArDAN Automobiles, the 740iLi and 8 cylinder 750iLi xDrive, CAMEO importer of bMW vehicles with the latter accelerating from Ain Qatar, last week launched 0-100kmph in just 4.4sec at 450hp. Kaspersky Lab renews Ferrari deal ESPN to foray into digital market the sixth generation bMW 7 Series the 6 cylinder equivalent offers an cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab agreed a packed with a number of new impressive 326hp. POrtS fans on the Indian In collaboration with MSM, ESPN five-year extension of their agreement with Scuderia technologies and design features. Alfardan Automobiles General Ferrari Formula One racing team. the Moscow-based subcontinent will be spoilt for will start a multisport website and the car is equipped with a host Manager Ihab Allam said, “the firm will continue to provide security services for the Schoice after Indian Premier app, which will provide coverage of new bMW connectedDrive launch of the all-new bMW 7 Series team until at least 2021. According to the deal thought League (IPL) rights holder Multi of cricket, football, tennis, NbA and driver assistance features including in Qatar is a landmark occasion. We’re to be worth more than $2m per year, Kaspersky Lab will Screen Media (MSM) and sports several other sports. the intuitive touch command: a proud to show our customers the continue to enjoy branding on the nose of Ferrari cars as broadcaster ESPN announced plans besides broadcasting the popular 7-inch tablet positioned in the rear sixth generation of bMW’s flagship well as on drivers’ helmets, overalls and team uniforms. last week to launch new channels IPL and NbA, MSM also holds of the vehicle offering passengers model, a car that brings a new and foray into digital market. excluding the annual IPL twenty20 rights for the ongoing rugby World a completely new experience in meaning to luxury. We believe this’ll Tissot ticks on ESPN, a Walt Disney unit, competition. cup, next year’s European Football controlling multiple functions, a be a true game changer in the luxury exited India in 2012 after a split As part of the ‘long-term’ championship, ’17 FIFA Under-17 unique Gesture control function car market, one that’ll make a big with NBA with rupert Murdoch-owned deal, Sony corp-owned MSM World cup to be held in India, and which offers those inside the vehicle impact in Qatar as the car includes the NbA recently signed a deal Star TV, which owns the rights will rebrand its sports channel football leagues such as with the option to increase the so many industry first features that with tissot, which sees the to the cricket-crazy country’s KIX as SONY ESPN and the two the Spanish La Liga and Italian volume of the radio only by gesturing set it way apart from any competitor Swiss watch brand become the home international matches broadcasters will also launch new Serie A, and English FA cup as well at the screen, and Sky Lounge which models.” American basketball league’s Official and domestic tournaments, channels in the coming months. as Australian Open tennis. timekeeper. the six-year pact, Emirates stays is a panorama glass roof welcoming bMW Group Middle East reported to be worth in excess of them to enjoy the day or night sky. Managing Director Johannes Seibert $200m, also includes the Women’s with Hamburg the vehicle’s advanced chassis commented, “the Middle East has National basketball Association Dubai-based airline Emirates OFFBEAT technology allows users to adjust long been an important market and NbA Development League, announced an extension to its its set-up to their preferred for the bMW 7 Series. the flagship will begin at the start of 2016- sponsorship with the Hamburg requirements, and creates an ideal model is constantly one of the top 17 season. As part of the package, football club for another three years. Howl of fame, literally! the new agreement, reported to be balance between sports performance sellers accounting between 16 to tissot will deliver a new ‘state-of- the-art integrated timing system,’ worth €7.5m per season, will run and comfort. 20 per cent to total sales. the all- including branded shot clocks. until at least the end of the OrE than 400 people, many dressed as the new model is armed with new 7 Series brings with it a new 2018-19 season. werewolves, howled at the moon for HEALTH two comprehensively-revised meaning to the expression Mmore than a minute last week to set a engines: the 6 cylinder ‘sheer driving pleasure’.” new Guinness World record. Claro supports the Halloween theme park at Mead Open saw 464 people howl for a minute to break the previous Depression affects While smoking is linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes, Rio Open record set by 296 students at the St cloud State this risk appears to drop over the long South American telecom brand University in Minnesota, the US, in 2013. one-third of footballers Quit term once cigarette use stops, a review claro, a subsidiary of Mexico- “the reason we’ve gone for a werewolf howl is of evidence suggests. owned telecommunications group because obviously the attraction is called the Howl,” EPrESSION and anxiety weeks prior to being questioned. smoking! researchers analysed data on almost Huajin backs WTA America Movil, announced the said Matt Heast of Mead Open Farm. issues affect over a third the study also produced evidence 5.9 million people in 88 previous studies renewal of its “It was fantastic to listen to nearly 500 people examining the connection between of current professional of a correlation between serious injury Elite Trophy title howling in unison. Some of the participants really D smoking, second-hand smoke exposure sponsorship footballers, according to a and depression, with players who had got into the spirit of the event and came dressed as and diabetes. they estimated that Shanghai-based Huajin Securities of South study published by world sustained three or more such injuries roughly 28 million type 2 diabetes cases signed up as title sponsor of the America’s werewolves. players’ union FIFPro last week. found to be between two and four worldwide — or about 11.7 per cent inaugural WtA Elite trophy, to biggest “It has been an amazing opening night and we the research, led by FIFPro’s times more likely to report mental of cases in men and 2.4 per cent in be held in Zhuhai, china, from tennis event, look forward to welcoming many more visitors to November 3 to 9. chief Medical Officer Dr Vincent health issues. women — could be attributed to active the rio Open. the Howl between now and Halloween,” added Gouttebarge, found that 38 per the study drew upon data supplied smoking. Heast. If they quit, ex-smokers faced an even cent of the 607 current players by FIFPro member unions in belgium, higher risk of diabetes, but as more — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment Mead Open Farm is well known as a family farm sampled and 35 per cent of 219 chile, Finland, France, Japan, Norway, years pass without cigarette use their www.csm.com park and runs its popular Freaky Fortnight spooky former players reported symptoms Paraguay, Peru, Spain, Sweden and odds of getting the disease gradually @FastTrack_ME Halloween daytime event for families during of depression and anxiety in the four Switzerland. diminished, the analysis found. October half term. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 35

CLOSE-UP DSP photos/Mohan, Vinod Divakaran Vinod photos/Mohan, DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 37 DSP photos/Mohan, Vinod Divakaran Vinod photos/Mohan, DSP 38 WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 39

1 6 5 7 9 It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSP. 8 MIND9 2 3 SQUARE Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE 3 2 6 5 3 9 1 7 6 3 P 8 | FOOTBALL P 24 | BOXING ON THE PROWL! THE GUARD & GUIDE! Winger Moayad Hassan nets the only Amateur world governing body’s president 4 6 2 3 goal as Al Gharafa make the most of an Dr Ching-Kuo Wu’s energy and determination Al Arabi error in the Qatar Stars League. immensely help the sport improve its profile. SUDOKU-494 9 3 5 Basketball federation,

udoku1 is a number-placing puzzle9 based on a 1 6 WEDNESDAY, OcTObER 7, 2015 | Vol X | No.36 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on 9x9 grid with several given numbers. Qatar Foundation in deal S the object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in 5 7 9 the empty squares so that each row, each column and The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) agreement will further strengthen the bond,” each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. reached a co-operation agreement with Qatar said QBF General Secretary Mohammed Ali Al 8 9 2 3 Foundation (QF) last week for the game’s Hobash. Solution-493 development at the grass-roots-level. The two QBF President Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman entities will also work together to build a pool Al Thani, Executive Director Saadoun Al 3 2 Enter the of players in various age groups. Kuwari and QF’s Acting Community Services 5 1 3 2 7 9 8 4 6 “The QBF is keen to identify young talent Manager Faisal Al Dossari were also present at Dragon! and develop them in the future. The Qatar the signing ceremony. 2 7 4 6 8 3 1 9 5 The FIFA World Cup qualifier against China is the biggest test 6 5 3 9 1 7 so far for Uruguayan Daniel Carreno as Qatar coach. PAGES 6-7 Foundation is a great place to start. Our Mohamed Blake sent the details and Gokul DSP/Fadi Al Assaad DSP/Fadi

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 coaches are already working there and this the photograph. Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 7 | FOOTBALL P 20 | POSTER Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Mission future ALVARO Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE 8 9 6 5 4 1 7 3 2 Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW for Olabe MORATA 9 3 8 7 2 6 5 1 4 6 3 6 4 7 8 1 5 9 2 3 4 6 2 3 Qatar Under-19 team’s Aspire Zone to host 1 2 5 9 3 4 6 7 8 form raises hopes 3 8 2 1 5 7 4 6 9 Open Aquathon race 9 3 5 the Qatar Under-19 team topping their Asian The Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) will organise an 4 6 1 3 9 8 2 5 7 championship qualifying group (Doha Stadium Plus, Open Aquathon competition on October 24 prior to the 7 5 9 4 6 2 3 8 1 1 9 October 7) was a welcome relief mainly because it 2015-16 AZF Aquathon Series. came after the U-16 side’s failure to reach the final The non-timed competition, open to men and women round of continental championship. athletes residing in Qatar, will start at the Hamad the onus was on the U-19 boys to silence the Aquatic Centre pool and go around the AZF precinct. critics as they hadn’t done particularly well after Roads will be closed to ensure the participants’ safety. winning the title in Myanmar last year and they While adults will swim 500M and run a 5km circuit, children in various age categories will swim between responded in style. 100 and 200M, and run between 1.5 and 3km distances. It has to be said that roberto Olabe, who took over Entry to the competition is free and registrations can TOP TWEETS the team just before the event, did a splendid job. be made until Sunday at http://www.lifeinaspire.qa/ Hamad Saleh, Doha. Events/Aquathon2015/Aquathon2015.aspx. Mohammed Hassan sent the details and photographs. What ails Qatar SC? When Wales star Gareth Bale called their 0-2 reversal It’s difficult to fathom the reasons behind Qatar against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Euro 2016 qualifiers Sports club’s indifferent form (Doha Stadium Plus, 5as the ‘best1 loss3 of his life,’2 it was7 not entirely9 without8 reason.4 6 October 7). Medical experts meet in Qatar After all, Israel’s 1-2 loss to Cyprus, in another qualifier, had Iraqi coach radhi Shenaishil had done admirably just ensured Wales a place at the finals in France. It will be The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation World Rally Championship’s Chief Medical Officer well last season, helping them finish a creditable 2Wales’ first7 appearance4 6 at a major8 competition3 since1 the9 5 (QMMF) hosted a two-day FIA medical seminar Jean Duby and German Formula One Grand Prix’s 1958 FIFA World Cup. Understandably, the news put the fourth in the Qatar Stars League, but they’re for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Medical Commission Chairman Dr Michael Scholz football-mad nation in a state of euphoria and accolades struggling to get their act together this time. region at the Losail International Circuit last were among the key speakers. 8started 9pouring 6 in. Twitter5 exploded 4 with1 congratulatory 7 3 2 radhi needs to find the problems and address week. The event also included simulation work on messages and here are some of them. them immediately should they stay in the top flight. The seminar, which had both theoretical discourses the track, with the highlight being an exercise Noushad Ibrahim, Doha. and practical presentations, was attended by involving a car going into the nbarrier and a 9 3 8 7 2 6 5 1 4 medical personnel from the MENA region. difficult extrication. QMMF President Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, FIA Neus Ramos sent the details and photographs. 6 4 7 8 1 5 9 2 3 Hosts par excellence Wayne Hennessey @LaurensJulien BlancoEdition especially when you the successful organisation of boxing World @WayneHennessey1 What an achievement! 1@ blancoEdition2 5 9 3consider 4 it’s a country6 7 8 championships (Doha Stadium Plus, October 7) was We’ve done it #euros #wales Incredible. See you in France they’ve done it! Wales has which is roughly the size of yet another feather on Qatar’s cap. #buzzing Wales! qualified to the European Wales. Ours is a small country, but when it comes to championship for the first hosting international sports events, be it football, Ben Davies Robbie Savage 3time in8 history! 2 1 5Martin 7 Lipton 4 6 9 @ben_Davies33 @robbieSavage8 @MartinLipton boxing, handball, swimming or gymnastics, we’re Drift Championship on Friday What a group of lads this And let’s not forget the 4colin murray6 1 3 9Forget 8 tonight. 2 Qualifying 5 7 among the best in the world. is!! Such a big achievement! legend Gary speed who @colinMurray lasts 10 games. Outstanding Hashem Abdullah, Doha. The Qatar Racing Club now plan to take it to the and excitement,” said QRC #togetherStronger put the belief back into our congrats Wales! 57 years!! achievement by Wales. (QRC) will host the Drift next level. With Formula CEO Fahad Mohammed #cymruAmbyth. nation. 7t he wait5 is over!!9 Enjoy4 6t hrilled2 for my3 many pals8 1 Championship on Friday. Drift’s expertise, fans and Behzad. every second! See u who suffered the dark days. Youngsters to the fore Between 6pm and 9pm, some competitors can expect the Abdulrahman Al Kharji sent simon church Iwan Roberts on the EuroStar! Allez of the best drivers from the highest level of competition the details and photographs. @churchy18 @iwanwroberts Allez! “You are going to SocialRMadrid Even though Qatar could manage only a seventh- place finish at the FIbA Asia championship, it was Middle East will vie for the We did it!!@FAWales great Oh my god what a game of France!!” @SocialrMadrid Drift King Crown at the QRC’s to be part of this special ups and downs but I don’t regardless of the score, encouraging that young players in the squad did well custom-built track in Doha’s group hope everyone care we’re off to France well Spencer FC Wales have qualified for (Doha Stadium Plus, October 7). Industrial Area. enjoyed their night. done lads. @SpencerOwen the Euro for the first time Most of Qatar’s recent impressive results at the During the competition, #togetherStonger. congratulations to Wales ever! congratulations @ regional and continental levels were on the back participants will get a chance Rob Phillips who will be joining England Garethbale11! of top performances by a couple of seasoned to unleash the full power Wayne Routledge @robphillipshere & Northern Ireland at the campaigners. that’s a worrying trend from the team’s of their cars in a safe and @Wayneroutledge What a way to do it! Not Euros next year!!! Gabby Logan controlled environment. point of view. Forget the result tonight, exactly according to script @GabbyLogan The QRC recently entered into incredible achievement for but history won’t remember David Schneider Well done Wales - incredible but youngsters such as Mohamed Hassan a formal tie-up with Formula everyone involved with the this defeat - Welsh football @davidschneider campaign from chris Mohammed and Abdulrahman Mohammed Drift, widely regarded as the Welsh FA! France awaits... will never be the same congratulations to Wales. coleman and his team. Saad have proved they’ve the talent to take up top drift series in the world. Julien Laurens again! Amazing achievement, #Wales #EUrO2016 Qatar’s mantle. “Drifting in the GCC has Waleed Hamza, Doha. continued to grow and we www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, OctObEr 14, 2015 39

It is your turn now. tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSP. Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE

Basketball federation, Qatar Foundation in deal

The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) agreement will further strengthen the bond,” reached a co-operation agreement with Qatar said QBF General Secretary Mohammed Ali Al Foundation (QF) last week for the game’s Hobash. development at the grass-roots-level. The two QBF President Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman entities will also work together to build a pool Al Thani, Executive Director Saadoun Al of players in various age groups. Kuwari and QF’s Acting Community Services “The QBF is keen to identify young talent Manager Faisal Al Dossari were also present at and develop them in the future. The Qatar the signing ceremony. Foundation is a great place to start. Our Mohamed Blake sent the details and Gokul coaches are already working there and this the photograph. Aspire Zone to host Open Aquathon race The Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) will organise an Open Aquathon competition on October 24 prior to the 2015-16 AZF Aquathon Series. The non-timed competition, open to men and women athletes residing in Qatar, will start at the Hamad Aquatic Centre pool and go around the AZF precinct. Roads will be closed to ensure the participants’ safety. While adults will swim 500M and run a 5km circuit, children in various age categories will swim between 100 and 200M, and run between 1.5 and 3km distances. Entry to the competition is free and registrations can be made until Sunday at http://www.lifeinaspire.qa/ Events/Aquathon2015/Aquathon2015.aspx. Mohammed Hassan sent the details and photographs.

Medical experts meet in Qatar The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation World Rally Championship’s Chief Medical Officer (QMMF) hosted a two-day FIA medical seminar Jean Duby and German Formula One Grand Prix’s for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Medical Commission Chairman Dr Michael Scholz region at the Losail International Circuit last were among the key speakers. week. The event also included simulation work on The seminar, which had both theoretical discourses the track, with the highlight being an exercise and practical presentations, was attended by involving a car going into the nbarrier and a medical personnel from the MENA region. difficult extrication. QMMF President Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, FIA Neus Ramos sent the details and photographs.

Drift Championship on Friday The Qatar Racing Club now plan to take it to the and excitement,” said QRC (QRC) will host the Drift next level. With Formula CEO Fahad Mohammed Championship on Friday. Drift’s expertise, fans and Behzad. Between 6pm and 9pm, some competitors can expect the Abdulrahman Al Kharji sent of the best drivers from the highest level of competition the details and photographs. Middle East will vie for the Drift King Crown at the QRC’s custom-built track in Doha’s Industrial Area. During the competition, participants will get a chance to unleash the full power of their cars in a safe and controlled environment. The QRC recently entered into a formal tie-up with Formula Drift, widely regarded as the top drift series in the world. “Drifting in the GCC has continued to grow and we www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

EXCITEMENT NOW JUST A TOUCH AWAY

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