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Friday, October 14, 2016 TENNIS Muharram 13, 1438 AH Murray, Djokovic GULF TIMES cruise in Shanghai; Wawrinka exits SPORT Page 3 UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DOHA 2016 Halvorsen pips Ackermann in a thrilling U23 road race ‘My teammates were so good, they’ve been working hard, I’m incredibly happy... this was my biggest goal for this season’

Norwegian lived up to the expectations. Halvorsen followed the footsteps of fellow countrymen Kurt Asle Arvesen and Sven Erik Bystrøm, who captured the Under-23 title in 1997 and 2014. Norway has now collected three Men’s Under-23 titles to equal France in sec- ond place of the all-time ranking. Italy still leads with four gold medals. Ackermann was piloted very well by his German teammates and looked on a world title course entering the fi nal straight, only to be pipped on the line by Halvorsen. “The race was tough and fast. The fi nal sprint was a little too long for me. But I’m happy with how I did,” said the German. The Italian team were nowhere to be seen in most parts of the exciting race, but Mareczko managed to place him- Norway’s Kristoff er Halvorsen (right) crosses the finish line ahead of Pascal Ackermann (centre) of Germany and Jakub Mareczko of Italy to win the men’s Under-23 road self well for the fi nal sprint and rolled race at the UCI Road World Cycling Championships yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram to bronze. Later on, he explained the Ital- By Yash Mudgal “The course was perfect for me and While the fi ve leaders were fi ghting to and the fast pace took their toll at the ians’ strategy: “The team helped me Doha this was my biggest goal for this sea- sustain their lead, Bico slipped, crashed back of the bunch. Costa Rica’s Gabriel throughout the race. In the fi nal kilo- son.” in a sharp turn and lost contact. He Marin was the fi rst to step off his bike in Norway’s Kristoff er Halvorsen metres my teammate suff ered a fall. I Talking about his plans for next sea- stood right up, remounted and man- after the fi rst full lap and many were to could sprint well only in the last 150m, orway’s Kristoff er Halvorsen son the 20-year-old champions, said, aged to get back into the lead group. At follow. In total only 149 of the 188 start- by the hunting peloton. Bryan Gomez bit it was too late. I’m still happy with pipped Pascal Ackermann “Next year I will ride for Team Joker, the the same time Iran’s Mahdi Rajabika- ers completed the full 165.7 kilometres was the second to drop from the break- the bronze.” of Germany in a high-speed same team I rode for this year.” boodcheshmeh, Michael O’Loughlin in The Pearl. away and in the penultimate lap Nuno The 2016 Road World Champion- bunch sprint to win the Un- The fl at course was tailor-made for from Ireland, Gregory Daniel from the With about 50 kilometres to go, Bico attacked. He didn’t get space, ships continue today with the junior der-23N men’s road race at the UCI Road a sprint fi nish, although there was a USA and Rwandan Jean-Claude Uwiz- mutual trust seemed to fade in the however, and heading into the fi nal lap men’s and junior women’s road races. World Cycling Championships yester- breakaway that stayed off the front eye joined to a form breakaway, that breakaway group. In the peloton, Nor- the seven frontrunners still held on to The elite women’s road race takes place day. until the fi nal 10 kilometres. The race would make last until the fi nal lap. way came to the front row, working for a 22-second lead. The Norwegian army tomorrow and the 2016 Worlds draw to The Norwegian fi nished off a great started with two crashes at rounda- Russian Pavel Silakov and Irish Daire pre-race favourite Halvorsen, who had was chasing them in full blown fashion. a close with the elite men’s road race on team-eff ort, when he beat Ackermann bouts within the fi rst fi ve kilometres. Feeley made an eff ort to escape from dominated the sprints in this year’s In the fi nal lap, Rajabikaboodchesh- Sunday. and Jakub Mareczko of Italy for a total Many riders tried to escape from the the peloton, but they did not manage. Tour de l’Avenir. meh and Eenkhoorn surrendered just of 165.7km in The Pearl with a time of peloton and after about ten kilometres The nine leaders worked together to Together with British, Spanish and seconds before their companions were MEN’S U-23 ROAD RACE RESULTS 3:40.53. Dutchman Pascal Eenkhoorn, Amanuel increase their lead to about three min- Kazakh help, the Norwegians slowly caught with ten kilometres to go. Nor- 1. Kristoff er Halvorsen (Norway) 3:40:53 The race included ten 15.2km laps Gebrezgabihier from Eritrea and Portu- utes, with the chasing peloton not yet drew the peloton nearer and nearer to way were still in the driver’s seat, with 2. Pascal Ackermann (Germany) s.t. around The Pearl and so was more like gal’s Nuno Bico were the fi rst to main- fully organised. Many riders still tried the leaders. At three laps from the fi n- France, Denmark and Germany eyeing 3. Jakub Mareczko (Italy) a criterium with constant changes of tain a real gap. The three had 44 sec- to escape, but did not succeed in bridg- ish, the gap was 2.20 minutes and with their chances in second row. France and 4. Phil Bauhaus (Germany) line, sweeping curves, roundabouts and onds at the fi rst crossing of the fi nish ing the gap. two laps to go it was 1.36 minutes. Germany made pace in the fi nal fi ve 5. Amund Grondahl Jansen (Norway) tight corners. line. With the escapees still in striking Spain and Kazakhstan joined forces Gebrezgabihier was the fi rst of the kilometres, but the Norwegian train 6. Jason Lowndes (Australia) “My teammates were so good, distance several riders tried to make a in front of the bunch halfway the race. leaders to give way. The Eritrean rider rushed to the front again after clear- 7. Ivan Garcia (Spain) they’ve been working so hard, I’m in- jump. Swiss Patrick Muller and Colom- The battlefi eld went into a status quo, suff ered from heavy cramps and had to ing the red fl ag for the fi nal kilometres. 8. Aksel Nommela (Estonia) credibly happy,” a joyful Halvorsen said bian Bryan Gomez were the fi rst to join with the breakaway holding on to their let his eighth fellow escapees go in the The fi nal sprint was a close call between 9. Jonathan Dibben (Great Britain) just minutes after crossing the line. the escapees. three-minute gap. Meanwhile the heat eighth lap. He was quickly swallowed Ackermann and Halvorsen, but the 10. Alan Banaszek (Poland)

Two unpredictable road races for an exciting Friday

By Sports Reporter be held in Bergen, Norway, but also as gold – and rainbow. Doha potential stars for the future. Later on it will be the junior men, who The Women’s Road race version will will have to complete a 135.5 kilometre start at 8:30 and comprise almost 5 course to try and snap a landmark he UCI Road World Champion- laps of the 15.2-kilometre circuit to victory. ships Doha 2016 are definitely in sum up a total of 74.5. The size of Conditions will be very similar to those Tfull swing. Every day the action the team is limited to just five riders, the women will face, with small teams is getting more exciting, with the Road rendering almost impossible for any of up to 6 riders and few chances of a Races giving a new dimension to the country to control the race in order to calm, controlled race. show thanks to their intricate tactics force a sprint. This will produce a re- Powerhouses such as current UCI and intriguing developments. With its ally nervous competition, with lots of Road World Champion Felix Gall, flat and curvy nature, The Pearl circuit attacks and riders seeking to establish from Austria, will try to succeed by produces competitions where it’s re- the ideal group and break away from launching long-range attacks, ac- ally hard to call who is going to win. the bunch for good. companied by other good rouleurs Today, it will be all about Juniors – that In order to get the victory, female like France’s Alexey Brunel and Aus- is, riders aged 17 and 18 years old. The cyclists need to be both strong, savvy tralia’s Harry Sweeny. On the other younger prospects of professional and fast towards the finish line. hand, fast cyclists like Belgium’s cycling will seek a rainbow jersey to The list of potential winners is re- Gerben Thijssen and Netherland’s distinguish themselves not only as ally long, with Netherland’s Karlijn Nils Eekhoff will save the best for last UCI Road World Champions from now Swinkels and USA’s Skylar Schneider in order to play their chances in an until the next edition of this event, to looking like two solid candidates for eventual mass sprint. Gulf Times 2 Friday, October 14, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Doha 2016 RWC Conditions not in from a painter’s perspective

By Sports Reporter es during the Team Time Trial event Doha on the competition’s fi rst day. I then danger zone, says tried to simplify the event and draw abstracts of it. Once I fi gured out alk past the ‘100m to go’ what composition I needed, I began banner before the fi n- doing the actual painting.” ish line of the UCI Road Pointon, who raised enough mon- World Championships ey via a KickStarter campaign to go WDoha 2016 on any given day and around the UK on a painting pilgrim- you are likely to see an artist, canvas age, said it was a natural step for him Aspetar Heat Unit propped up and brushes on the ready, to make paintings about cycling. briskly painting the scene before him. “Cycling and painting are closely ‘Our unit is fully equipped and are totally prepared to face any possible incident’ Meet Rob Pointon, a 34-year-old connected. If you doubt it, just have a Briton, who is trying to capture the look at some of the earliest posters for By Sports Reporter excitement of Middle East’s fi rst- the Tour de France. Cycling is a great, Doha ever UCI Road World Championships moving subject that inspires artists. on canvas, for posterity. It’s bright, colourful and exciting. He spoke about his Doha trip. “It can also be a great subject for emperature and weather con- “Qatar Airways fl ew me into the abstract painting, especially as you ditions during the UCI Road country for a month to produce a se- see streaks of colours whooshing past World Championships Doha ries of paintings about life in Doha. you at great speeds. It can allow for 2016 have not been in the dan- We thought it would be great to coin- some bold abstract shapes,” he said. Tger zone, according to the data Aspetar cide my trip with the UCI Road World The artist, who has already ex- Heat Unit have collected after four days Championships Doha 2016. hibited his works at many locations of competition. Furthermore, no ath- “Since I love painting movement around the world, felt the UCI Road letes’ heat illness or heat stroke cases around me, this was a really great World Championships Doha 2016 have been reported thus far to our unit, subject. I’ve been working on this was an ideal way to showcase the Aspetar Hospital’s Dr Olaf Schumacher painting since the competition start- country in front of the world. said yesterday, responding to media re- ed and I hope to complete it by the “The competition has showcased ports about various medical incidents end of the men’s road race, on Sun- Doha’s vast landscapes well in front caused by the heat in Doha. day,” he said. of a world audience. Doha is chang- “Our unit is fully equipped and we So how exactly did he go about do- ing very fast. By the time the 2022 are totally prepared to face any pos- ing his craft? Pointon, who studied FIFA World Cup rolls around, this sible incident,” said Dr Schumacher, painting as a child under the expert will be a transformed city. So it’s who also explained how his team re- supervision of his grandmother, ex- great to share the city’s vision for the ceives and analyses the weather data, plained: “I started by making sketch- future with the world,” he said. collected by devices placed in diff erent locations over the course and under the sun. “It’s not just the heat but also exer- cise, humidity, radiation and fi nally the wind, which ease the eff ects of the heat that we are taking into consideration. To combine all this data we are making use of the WBGT (Wet-bulb globe tem- perature) index. “It is an index several sports organi- sations use and make their recommen- dations ahead and during an event. tion. The body can adopt the heat very than a minute,” he explained. So far 100 percent of the competition well within 5-6 days, that’s why to- Racinais revealed that an ingestible has taken place in the safe zone of the gether with the UCI we prepared a bro- pill measuring body’s core temperature WBGT index, unlike past events at the chure under the name ‘Beat the Heat’ has been taken by 15-20 riders in each 1996, 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, and made it available to all federations discipline as another precaution meas- the 2016 FIFA World Cup, the 2015 several months in advance of the event ure to monitor athletes thermoregula- IAAF World Championships and vari- where we explain how to prepare, adapt tory responses as real competition data ous tennis matches, which took place and deal with high environmental tem- on the topic are scarce. in conditions within the danger zone.” peratures” added Dr Schumacher, who Thus far, only one case of suspected According to Dr Schumacher, and also denied accusations regarding a late heat illness reported at the Aspetar his associate and researcher Sebastien arrival of the ambulance in the fi nish Heat Unit, however, closer assessment Racinais, the wind especially in cycling line. did not confi rm the heat as cause of the eases the eff ects of the heat much more “A unit with two doctors and two exhaustion. The athlete fully recovered than in other sports due to the athletes’ paramedics is always available in the 15 minutes later. fast movement. fi nish line. Transportation to the Ath- British artist Rob Pointon is trying to capture the excitement of Middle East’s “The best measure is always preven- lete Medical Care Heat Unit takes less Aspetar’s Dr Olaf Schumacher first-ever UCI Road World Championships on canvas.

Two-time champions Arabi aim for Super Cup hat-trick against Rayyan today

By Yash Mudgal Arabi finished second in the Asia Men’s Rayyan’s coach Igor Arbutina said on Doha Club Volleyball Championship held in PICTURE: Nasar TK the eve of the match. Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, recently and “Yes, we lost to Arabi last year and we won the QVA Cup defeating El Jaish 3-1 were eliminated in the first round of n-form Al Arabi are aiming to (21-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-23) in the final the QVA Cup, but we are well prepared continue their dream run and claim on Wednesday. this time and also coming with a new- Ia hat-trick of Super Cup titles, when “We are playing good volleyball look team. Hopefully, we will put up a they take on arch rivals Al Rayyan in a recently and players are confident good show,” he said. one-off match today in the Indoor Hall after their QVA Cup victory. My team Rayyan’s Osman Ajab echoed the of Al Arabi Stadium. is match-fit and I hope we will put up a views of his coach. “Our team is fully This is the third edition of the Cup good show tomorrow against Rayyan,” geared up. The team will be diff erent and likely to set the momentum for Arabi coach Mawya Alajnaf said, from the one that played in the QVA the 2016-17 Qatar League, which while addressing a press conference Cup and I hope we will have a good will start on October 17. The Super yesterday. outing tomorrow against Arabi,” he Cup features Emir’s Cup champions Matches between Rayyan and Arabi said. against Qatar League winners. Since have always been high-voltage con- Qatar Volleyball Association executive Arabi won both, they will take on the tests and as both the teams are going director Ahmad al-Shaybani said the League runners-up Rayyan. Arabi are to name close to full-strength teams Rayyan, who lost the first two Super “I am expecting a tough match tomor- are coming with good show in Asian association will honour some players the two-time defending champions after the QVA Cup, the expectations Cup contests to Arabi, is hoping for a row. Arabi is a top team and it’s always Cup and recent QVA Cup triumph, we for their services to the game during of the Super Cup. are a few notches up this time. better show this time. a challenge to face them and as they have to be at our best to beat them,” the match.

BOTTOMLINE American involvement in French fi rms meet sports leaders, decision makers in Qatar 2016 RWC “layer of depth” in By Sports Reporter specialising in the design, manufac- Doha turing, marketing and installation of US-Qatari relationship sports equipment; Mediatree Group, a multinational media company; Or- Qatar has made history as the first usiness France, the national ange Business Services, an ICT serv- country in the Middle East to host the agency supporting the inter- ices provider; Omniris Technologies, 89th UCI Road World Championship. national development of the a company specialised in the provision The US ambassador to Qatar Dana French economy, are organ- of fully integrated solutions to large Shell Smith noted that this cycling isingB French Qatar Sport Days, which venues; Seaver, who have developed event made clear that “Qatar has estab- began on October 11 and will run till fi rst-ever smart equipment for horses; lished itself as a major stop in the glo- tomorrow, in Doha. and Serge Ferrari, a leader in the fl ex- bal sporting arena,” and added “this is The event coincides with the UCI ible composite material sector. a source of pride for Qatar, the region, Road World Championships in the According to Business France, and its friends – especially the US”. heart of Doha. French companies have made their At a reception for the American cyclists Representatives of the participat- skills and latest technologies avail- and their supporters yesterday, Smith ing French companies held collective able to fulfi l Qatar’s sustainable objec- hailed the involvement of American business-to-business (BtoB) meet- tives towards its major sport events. A cyclists in Qatar as a clear symbol of ings with sports authorities and deci- group of French companies based in strong bilateral relations. sion makers. Qatar has founded a local cluster called “Your participation here provides They met with the Supreme Com- Representatives of the participating French companies at the Al Wakrah Stadium site. French Team for Sport, supported another layer of meaningful depth to mittee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), by the French Embassy and Business the already deep and broad US-Qatari who organised a visit of Al Wakrah partners and distributors to off er their troducing leading French companies to sulting organisation; Dietal, a com- France, to off er integrated solutions relationship,” she said. stadium, under construction for the know-how, products and services. local authorities and decision makers in pany specialised in the design and the in the whole sport event value chain She went on to congratulate several 2022 FIFA World Cup. Aspire Zone Christelle Peyran, head of Business the fi eld of sports is a great opportunity manufacturing of professional indoor to the Qatari authorities. French Team American cyclists for their wins during Foundation welcomed them at the France Qatar, said: “Qatar is hosting the for both parties to foster mutual rela- lighting fi xtures; Etienne Lacroix – for Sport, which gathers 60 compa- the first days of the World Champi- Aspire Dome, while Al Shaqab off ered fi rst Road World Championship in the tionships and help improve the econo- Ruggieri, one of the leading pyrotech- nies will launch its website, under the onship. Specifically, Amber Neben, them an amazing Arabian horse show Middle East among other major sport my of both countries.” nic fi eld and fi reworks companies; patronage of Thierry Braillard, French Brandon NcNulty, Evelyn Stevens, Boels at their equestrian facilities. The pro- events such as the World Gymnastics Some of the French companies par- Green Sciences, who have designed Secretary of State in charge of Sport, Dolmans and Ian Garrison– along with gramme includes meetings with the Championship in 2018 and the FIFA ticipating in the event include, AREP, a solution to fi ght against indoor air during the Doha Cycling Road World the participating US team as a whole. Ministry of Culture and Sports, local World Cup in 2022. We believe that in- a multidisciplinary engineering con- pollution; Marty Sports, a company Championship 2016. Gulf Times Friday, October 14, 2016 3 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT DJOKOVIC SAYS NO TALKS ON RETAINING BECKER AS COACH Murray, Djokovic Shanghai: World number one evolve” after the women’s tour Novak Djokovic said yesterday signalled a move towards new he hadn’t made any plans to scoring formats. Djokovic said keep Boris Becker as a coach diff erent scoring methods were next year as they appeared worth considering to make ten- headed for a split. Djokovic, nis, whose matches vary wildly speaking after cruising into the in duration, easier to follow cruise in Shanghai Shanghai Masters quarter- on TV. finals, said he had only made “All sports are doing eve- arrangements with the German rything they can in order to great for the rest of the season. get their sport to the highest Third seed Stan Wawrinka was eliminated by Gilles Simon 6-4, 6-4 “We are still working (to- possible level and fulfil their gether), yeah for now the plan potential,” Djokovic said. “I is the rest of the season, what’s think tennis has yet to fulfil its Gilles Simon of France hits a return left, indoor tournaments,” he full potential. I think we are at a en route to his win over Stan said. Asked what would happen good state at the moment, for Wawrinka of Switzerland during the next year, Djokovic said: “We sure but we still have a lot of Shanghai Masters yesterday. (AFP) still haven’t talked about it.” room to get better.” Becker joined Djokovic’s Women’s Tennis Association coaching team at the start of chief executive Steve Simon 2014, helping him win six Grand has said he’s considering Slam titles and put together using super tie-breaks and one of the all-time great sea- no-ad scoring, already used in sons last year. But speculation doubles, in singles matches. about their partnership has Djokovic’s cautious welcome grown since the Serb suff ered a contrasts with the reaction crisis of motivation and a series from Rafael Nadal, who said of injuries since completing tennis thrived on long and “dra- a career Grand Slam at the matic matches that become French Open. emotional”. Djokovic says he has now “Tennis has values that we taken a fresh mental approach need to follow, in my opinion,” since he lost in Wimbledon’s the Spanish 14-time Grand third round and in round one Slam-winner said this month at the Olympics, while also in Beijing. Some exhibition enduring wrist and elbow prob- matches play sets up to four lems. “I don’t think about any games, rather than six, while trophies or number ones in the the International Premier Ten- world, rankings, anything like nis League has experimental that. It’s completely diff erent,” rules including no ‘let’ serves he said earlier this week. and a timer between points. Djokovic skipped last week’s “Some of the rules are wor- China Open with a wrist injury thy of consideration... some are but there were few doubts not,” Djokovic said. “So I guess about his form as he disman- we all have to come together tled Canadian qualifier Vasek and figure out the way we want Pospisil 6-4, 6-4 yesterday. to improve and evolve, because Meanwhile, Djokovic called everything else is going in that for tennis to “improve and direction.”

DPA Belgian David Goffi n beat Gael Monfi ls enough: one break in both sets.” for 6-5 in the fi nal set, leaving Zverev Shanghai 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Djokovic, a 12-time grand Jack Sock reversed a run of eight con- with a smashed racquet and a smoulder- slam winner, is working to hold off a secutive losses to Milos Raonic, with the ing temper. The teenager made a huge charge in the points chase from Murray, American saving two match points as he eff ort in the next game, but the experi- orld number one Novak who is within striking distance of the top rallied to secure a 0-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10-8) enced Tsonga was able to save three break Djokovic and rival Andy year-end ranking held by the Serb. knockout of the fi fth seed. points and wrap up his great escape on a Murray intensifi ed their Djokovic’s bid for a fourth Shanghai ti- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had to fi ght to sal- fi rst match point. battle for the top rank- tle comes as he plays for the fi rst time in vage a place in the quarter-fi nals as the Tsonga had to quit with a knee problem Wing spot yesterday as the leading seeds a month after losing the US Open fi nal to ninth seed held off teenaged Alexander in his US Open match against Djokovic both motored into the quarter-fi nals of Wawrinka. Zverev for a 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 7-5 comeback and is playing his only week in Asia after the Shanghai Masters. Djokovic eased The Serb sent Pospisil to his 23rd defeat win. missing Chengdu and Beijing along with a through 6-4, 6-4 as he ended the minor of the season against just 10 wins — two The Frenchman, who has been dealing home event last month in Metz. winning streak of qualifi er Vasek Pospisil. of those picked up this week in China. with a knee injury, advanced in two and a Second seed Murray beat French hope- Pospisil had not won two consecutive half hours with 11 aces and fi ve breaks of RESULTS ful Lucas Pouille 6-1, 6-3, without fac- main-draw matches for a year previously. his fast-rising 19-year-old German op- (x denotes seeding): ing a break point in the 78 minutes. “The Djokovic has not lost to the number 131 ponent, who led 4-1 in the third set. His Men’s singles third round: Mischa Zverev start was pretty tight, but it was a good in four meetings, with the top seed im- win denied a victory sweep by Zverev and (GER) bt Marcel Granollers (ESP) 6-7 (4/7), start from both of us. Then maybe he proving his record for the season to 58-6 elder brother Mischa, the fi rst qualifi er 6-4, 6-1; Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x9) bt Alex- started rushing a little bit in the next cou- with seven titles. “I thought it was a great into a Masters 1000 last-eight place this ander Zverev (GER) 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 7-5; Novak ple of games, and the fi rst set was pretty quality of tennis today from both play- season by defeating Marcel Granollers Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) much gone,” Murray said. ers,” Djokovic said. 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 6-1. 6-4, 6-4; Jack Sock (USA) bt Milos Raonic “In the second he changed it up, he was “I was very pleased with the way I Mischa Zverev, 29, was playing after (CAN x5) 0-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10/8); Andy Murray serve and volleying a bit. He tried a lot of played from the fi rst to last point. I don’t qualifying for the ninth time this season. (GBR x2) bt Lucas Pouille (FRA x13) 6-1, 6-3; diff erent things today, but I came up with think I dropped my level at all. Vasek was Alexander Zverev won the St Petersburg Roberto Bautista (ESP x15) bt Viktor Troicki some good shots.” serving very well, it was really hard to title recently, becoming the fi rst teenager (SRB) 6-3, 6-3; David Goff in (BEL x11) bt Gael Serb Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Vasek Pospisil of Third seed Stan Wawrinka was elimi- read his serve. But just when I needed to to win an ATP trophy since 2008. Monfils (FRA x6) 4-6, 6-4, 6-2; Gilles Simon Canada at the Shanghai Masters yesterday. (AFP) nated by Gilles Simon 6-4, 6-4 while read his serve and play well, I did. It was Tsonga saved his afternoon as he broke (FRA) bt Stan Wawrinka (SUI x3) 6-4, 6-4

FOCUS WTA ROUND-UP Kyrgios fi ned $16,500 Kerber in Hong Kong quarters

DPA over Shanghai meltdown Hong Kong (DPA) AFP fi nal. Murray was annoyed that TV cameras zoomed Shanghai into his bag to reveal handwritten tactical pointers orld number one Angelique during Sunday’s 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) win over Bulgaria’s Kerber fi nished off a rain-in- Grigor Dimitrov. terrupted match from 24 hours ustralia’s Nick Kyrgios was hit with a “The camera crews were going right inside my earlier yesterday with the Ger- $16,500 fi ne yesterday after his extraordi- bag to see what was on (the notes),” the British Wman booking a spot in the quarter-fi nals nary performance at the Shanghai Masters world number two said at the Shanghai Masters. “I of the Hong Kong Open 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 over where he tanked points and argued with just asked this week that I don’t mind the camera Louisa Chirico. fans.A The combustible world number 14 received being on me at the change of ends but just to not be The two-time grand slam winner did the maximum $10,000 fi ne for “lack of best eff orts”, right inside my bag, if possible. Hopefully they re- have a late niggle, losing serve as she tried plus $5,000 for abusing a spectator and another spect that and it’s not a problem.” to close out the win, which barely took 20 $1,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Wimbledon and Olympic champion was minutes at the second time of asking. Chir- Trouble-prone Kyrgios, 21, patted a slow serve speaking after he beat France’s Lucas Pouille 6-1, ico broke for 2-5 with an overhead to extend into his opponent’s court and failed to properly 6-3 to reach the Shanghai quarter-fi nals. the contest but Kerber answered a game contest several points in his 6-3, 6-1 defeat to later with a break-back which spelled the 110th-ranked Mischa Zverev. Kyrgios also clashed WORRIED NADAL CONSIDERS end. Kerber next takes on Australian eighth with the chair umpire and fans, received a code vio- SLASHING SCHEDULE seed Daria Gavrilova, who also had to fi nish lation for swearing and had a heated argument with Rafael Nadal said he may call an early halt to his off a match with Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 7-5 one spectator when he was facing match points. season and hit the practice courts instead as he bids at Victoria Park. It was just the latest incident involving the Aus- to halt a slide in his form and results in time for next Alize Cornet came up a winner after six tralian number one, who received a one-month season. The 30-year-old, a 14-time Grand Slam defeats by Venus Williams, knocking out suspended ban last year for a lewd comment about champion, bore a worried look after he was soundly the second seed 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 and taking re- Stan Wawrinka’s girlfriend. Kyrgios later apolo- beaten 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) by Viktor Troicki in his fi rst venge for a Hong Kong loss to the 36-year- gised for the Shanghai meltdown when he tweeted: match at the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday. old in the 2015 quarter-fi nals. “Not good enough today on many levels, I’m better It extended a diffi cult run for the Spanish left- Johanna Konta will lose valuable ground Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark than that. I can go on about excuses but there are hander who hasn’t reached a fi nal since he won in the points race to the Singapore year-end beat Heather Watson of Britain none. Sorry.” his second title of the year in Barcelona in April. event this month after withdrawing from at the Hong Kong Open. (AFP) Novak Djokovic said Kyrgios was one of the “I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next her second-round match with an abdomi- game’s biggest talents but that he had “life lessons” couple of weeks. It’s something that I need to think nal strain. The third seed, who played the to learn. “Not many great things are spoken about about”, said the world number fi ve. “I cannot say Beijing fi nal at the weekend, handed over a him lately,” said the Serb. “I’m sorry to hear that, now what I’m going to do during the next month. place in the quarters to China’s Wang Qiang. (US) beat 6-Caroline Garcia (France) 4-6 6-2 6-4 The only other seed in action yester- because I share the opinion of many players and I’m not sure about my calendar. I’m not sure about Konta, fi rst British woman in three dec- Kristina Mladenovic (France) beat Nao Hibino day, Puerto Rican Monica Puig, also had many in the tennis world, that he’s one of the great- the things that I need to do to try to be 100 percent ades to reach the WTA top 10, currently (Japan) 7-6(5) 6-2 Wang Qiang (China) beat a straight sets win. The Rio Olympic est talents that the game has seen lately and he’s got ready for next year.” holds the eighth and fi nal provisional Sin- 3-Johanna Konta (Britain) walkover 8-Daria champion disposing of Spain’s Lara Arrua- huge potential. He’s been doing well you’ve got to The last events of the season include the Swiss gapore qualifying spot. But she is threat- Gavrilova (Australia) beat Katerina Siniakova barrena 6-4, 6-2. Low-ranked American give him credit for that. But on the other hand, he Indoors, the Paris Masters and the ATP World Tour ened by Slovak Dominika Cibulkova, cur- (Czech Republic) 6-2 7-5 Alison Riske, the world number 56 whose obviously has life lessons to learn. He’s still rela- Finals in London. But Nadal said more tournaments rently playing this week in Linz, Austria and victory at the 2014 Tianjin Open remains tively young, so hopefully that’s going to happen.” may not be what he needs. “Sometimes keeping trailing by only 10 points. RAPID-FIRE WIN FOR her only WTA Tour title, continued her Andy Murray questioned whether fi nes were ef- (on) competing is not the solution. Sometimes the Bethanie Mattek-Sands recovered to de- RADWANSKA IN TIANJIN quest for a repeat, beating Poland’s Magda fective against young players and whether the pun- solution is to practise and stop and have a process of feat French sixth seed Caroline Garcia 4-6, Top seed Agnieszka Radwanska enjoyed a Linette 6-3, 7-6 (7/2). ishment would have any eff ect on Kyrgios. training. And maybe that’s an opportunity to do itd. 6-2, 6-4 and France’s Kristina Mladenovic rapid win in the WTA Tianjin Open second Results: Women’s singles 2nd round: Agniesz- “I’m not sure about that. Maybe I’m going to play in defeated Japan’s Nao Hibino 7-6 round yesterday, demolishing her opponent ka Radwanska (POL x1) bt Evgeniya Rodina NOTE FUNNY! MURRAY SLAMS Basel in two weeks. So it’s not the day and not the RESULTS: Alize Cornet (France) beat 2-Venus Evgeniya Rodina 6-1, 6-1. At 103, the Rus- (RUS) 6-1, 6-1; Peng Shuai (CHN) bt Kai-Chen SNOOPING TV CREWS moment to analyse all these kind of things.” Nadal’s Williams (US) 6-2 3-6 6-2 1-Angelique Kerber sian is exactly 100 places lower in the WTA Chang (TPE) 6-3, 6-2; Mónica Puig (PUR x5) bt Andy Murray told camera crews to stop snooping fi rst ever defeat to Troicki, ranked 31st, came less (Germany) beat Louisa Chirico (US) 6-2 3-6 6-2 world rankings than the 2012 Wimbledon Lara Arruabarrena (ESP) 6-4, 6-2; Alison Riske in his bag yesterday after his private match notes than a week after his dispiriting straight-sets loss to 5-Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) beat Heather fi nalist, and the match was over in a little (USA) bt Magda Linette (POL) 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) were exposed on TV during last week’s China Open Grigor Dimitrov in the China Open quarter-fi nals. Watson (Britain) 6-3 6-3 Bethanie Mattek-Sands more than an hour. Gulf Times 4 Friday, October 14, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Four tied for lead Golden girl Ennis-Hill at British Masters

Reuters hangs up her spikes Watford, England ee Westwood bounced back from his Ryder ‘I’ve always said I wanted to leave on a high and have no regrets. I know that retiring now is right’ Cup disappointment to lie just one shot off the Llead after the opening round of AFP London the British Masters yesterday. Tommy Fleetwood, Marc War- ren, Richard Sterne and Mikko ritish athletics great Jessica Ennis-Hill, Ilonen are tied at the top after who won heptathlon gold at the 2012 Ol- each defi ed the cold and blus- ympics, announced her retirement from tery conditions to card 66s, with athletics yesterday. In a post on social Westwood and Andrew ‘Beef’ media,B the 30-year-old reigning world champion Johnston among a group of seven described it as “one of the toughest decisions I’ve players on four under par. had to make”. Two missed cuts and a poor “I’ve always said I wanted to leave on a high and Ryder Cup show prompted have no regrets. I know that retiring now is right,” Westwood to seek solace from she wrote on Instagram. Her retirement means she some vintage displays captured will not return to the stadium where she experi- on fi lm and the blast from the enced her greatest achievement — as London hosts past worked a treat. Buoyed by a next year’s World Athletics Championships. birdie three at his fi rst hole, the British Athletics described her record as an ath- par-four 10th, the former world lete as “phenomenal”, adding: “And that’s without number one shrugged off the considering the challenges of returning from preg- wintry weather at The Grove to nancy to win world gold and Olympic silver.” surge through the fi eld with a Ennis-Hill, a two-time world champion in 2009 four-under-par 67 in the open- and 2015, had hinted at retirement after claiming ing round. silver at the Rio Olympics. Ennis-Hill’s greatest “I’ve been working on a cou- moment came on a golden night for British athlet- ple of things on my swing, trying ics in front of a raucous home crowd in London four to get a swing thought, looking years ago, which has gone down in British sporting back at old videos when I played folklore as ‘Super Saturday’, as fellow Britons Mo well and got in good positions,” Farah win the 10,000 metres and Greg Rutherford Westwood told reporters on the the long jump inside the Olympic Stadium. outskirts of London. As a result Royal Mail issued a stamp in honour “I managed to implement that of her achievement. The trio were unable to repeat today. That’s what golfers do, that feat in Rio as aside from Ennis-Hill’s silver, they try to remember what they Rutherford took bronze although Farah did retain did when they played well and if his title. She competed in Rio two years after the they have any video on it... try to birth of her son Reggie and had been bidding to remember what they were work- become just the third athlete to successfully de- ing on.” fend her Olympic crown after having a baby. But Westwood missed the cut at she missed out on retaining her title by 35 points to the Italian Open in the middle Belgium’s Nafi ssatou Thiam. of September and at last week’s “Amazing memories...from my fi rst world title Dunhill Links Championship in in Berlin 2009 to Rio 2016 I’m so fortunate to have Scotland. had such an amazing career within the sport I love In between, the 43-year-old and this has been one of the toughest decisions I’ve Englishman was unable to re- had to make,” she wrote on Instagram. ward captain Darren Clarke for “But I know that retiring now is right. I’ve always giving him a wildcard pick at said I want to leave my sport on a high and have no the Ryder Cup, failing to win a regrets and I can truly say that. I want to thank point in three matches as Europe my family and incredible team who have spent so lost 17-11 to the United States in much of their time supporting me and enabling me Minnesota. to achieve my dreams. Also a huge thank you to all Westwood believes he let those people who have supported and followed my Britain’s Jessica Ennis-Hill won the heptathlon gold at the 2012 Olympics and is also a two-time world champion in 2009 and 2015. The 30-year-old had down his good friend Clarke “a career over the years x.” hinted at retirement after claiming silver at the Rio Olympics. (AFP) little bit” at Hazeltine National. Ennis’s longtime coach, Toni Minichiello, was “I was a captain’s pick and would glad to see her retire while still a world-class per- hard and she never gives up. She’s funny. Despite day fellow Briton Kelly Sotherton tweeted her trib- and a great example to the younger team mem- have liked to have performed former. “We’ve known for a long time this day was all the fame and money she’s never forgotten where ute to Ennis-Hill. “It’s sad to hear that @J_Ennis bers,” said Black. well for him,” he explained. coming,” he said. “Many sports people hold on she’s come from — most of her friends she’s had has retired before @London2017. She has achieved One of those British team members, 23-year-old Westwood, whose British Mas- too long. Jess has managed to avoid walking out of from school days. There’s a competitive streak too. the pinnacle of sport and is a fabulous role model sprinter Adam Gemili, the European 200m cham- ters victory in 2007 is one of the stadium after failing a qualifying round. She’s And it’s driven by not wanting to let anyone down, for anyone.” pion in 2014, underlined Black’s words by tweet- 23 European Tour wins he has walking out of the stadium by stepping off the po- including herself,” Minichiello added. That point was emphasised by British Athletics ing: “It’s a sad day for track as our Queen @J_Ennis achieved, said he had to tinker dium. She’s one of our sporting greats. It seems fi t- Ennis-Hill’s fi rst medal at a championships performance director Neil Black. “Not only has she retires. with his plans at The Grove due ting this way. came 10 years ago with bronze in the Common- competed at the highest level, but she has been a “Was a real privilege to see her and her team in to the plunging temperatures in “She’s humble, she grafts, she pushes herself wealth Games in Melbourne. The champion that warm and positive presence within the GB team action these last few years. Legend!” the south of England.

FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION GOLF ROUND-UP FURY’S LICENCE SUSPENDED Poulter, Pigem share lead AFP ied her last two holes to salvage a London: Former world heavyweight cham- Macau three-over-par 75 in the open- pion Tyson Fury’s licence to box has been ing round of the KEB Hana Bank suspended by the British Boxing Board of Championship yesterday, while Control (BBBofC), the national governing ngland’s Ian Poulter American Alison Lee struck the body announced yesterday. The decision hit a masterful seven- front with a seven-under 65 in came after the troubled British boxer, who under-par 64 to share Incheon. has admitted taking cocaine to deal with the fi rst round lead with The 21-year-old Lee has strug- SpaniardE Carlos Pigem at the gled throughout the year due to depression, vacated his World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Venetian Macao Open yesterday. shoulder problems, missing fi ve Association (WBA) titles with “immediate Returning after a four-month in- cuts in a row at one point, but eff ect” to concentrate on his “medical treat- jury layoff , Poulter birdied all the said she was fi nally playing to her ment and recovery” late Wednesday. par fi ve holes at Macau Golf and potential after opening a three- The BBBofC said Fury’s licence to box Country Club and did not drop shot lead at the $2mn LPGA Tour had been suspended pending further a shot in the $1.1mn Asian Tour event. investigation into “anti-doping and medical tournament. “I injured my shoulder back in issues”. Fury, 28, was set to be stripped of Pigem matched him with a February and I didn’t know what his titles after cancelling two planned re- stunning outward 28 which in- was wrong,” she told a news con- matches this year against former champion cluded fi ve birdies and one eagle. ference at the SKY 72 Golf Club. Wladimir Klitschko, having upset the odds Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat was “I was scared to hit ball, because to beat the Ukrainian in November last year. a shot further back on 65 after I didn’t know where it was going That was Fury’s last fight, with the boxer two closing birdies. India’s Anir- to go. So it was tough mentally also taking Klitschko’s International Boxing ban Lahiri hit a bogey-free 66 to going through that, missing all Federation (IBF) title. However, he had to share fourth place with Austral- those cuts. But I’m very happy previously vacate that belt after failing ian Marcus Fraser. with where my game is now.” to fulfil a mandatory defence against Vy- Miguel Tabuena of the Philip- New Zealander Ko, who has acheslav Glazkov. pines carded a 67 to share sixth not won on the LPGA Tour since “I feel that it is only fair and right and British boxer Tyson Fury has admitted taking cocaine to deal with depression and has with Australians Marcus Both July, is being pushed hard for for the good of boxing to keep the titles vacated his WBO and WBA titles to concentrate on his medical treatment. (Reuters) and Kalem Richardson and In- the circuit’s points title by Thai active and allow the other contenders to dia’s Chiragh Kumar. Former Ry- Ariya Jutanugarn, who fi nished fight for the vacant belts that I proudly won because of mental health issues. He also Explaining why his rematch with der Cup star Poulter was pleased one over par yesterday. Swede and held as the undefeated heavyweight cancelled their first planned rematch in July Klitschko had been called off for a second with his return after 14 weeks off Anna Nordqvist, France’s Karine champion of the world when I defeated citing an ankle injury. The outspoken boxer time, Fury said: “I’ve not been training. I’ve to rest his arthritic right foot. Icher, American Lizette Salas the long-standing champion Wladimir admitted in an interview with Rolling Stone been going through depression. I just don’t “I just tried to get my game and Koreans Cho Jeong-min and Klitschko,” Fury said in a statement issued magazine this month that he was suff ering want to live any more, if you know what into shape coming out here. I Kim In-kyung are tied for second by promoters Hennessy Sports. “I won the from depression and taking cocaine. I’m saying. I’ve had total enough of it. So birdied all the par fi ves which after carding matching 68s. De- titles in the ring and I believe that they The controversial Fury announced cocaine is a little minor thing compared to is obviously very helpful and I fending champion Lexi Thomp- should be lost in the ring, but I’m unable to earlier this month he was retiring only to not wanting to live any more.” didn’t make any mistake. It’s the Ian Poulter of England tees off son is a further two shots adrift. defend at this time.” make a U-turn just hours later following He added: “I don’t know if I’m going to type of course where if you don’t during round one of Venetian LEADING SCORES Mick Hennessy, Fury’s promoter, said the media reports he had failed a drug test for see the year out, to be honest. They say I’ve make a mistake, you can piece to- Macau Open. (AFP) 65 — Alison Lee (USA) decision was “heartbreaking”. Peter Fury, cocaine. Fury, who believes he has been got a version of bipolar. I’m a manic depres- gether a very nice score,” he said. 68 — Anna Nordqvist (SWE), Cho Tyson’s uncle and trainer, said: “Tyson will discriminated against because of his travel- sive. I just hope someone kills me before I LEADING SCORES 68 — Rattanon Wannasrichan Jeong-Min, Karine Icher (FRA), Kim be back stronger from this and I will make ler community background, then confirmed kill myself.” 64 — Ian Poulter (ENG), Carlos (THA), Adam Groom (AUS), Toni In-Kyung, Lizette Salas (USA) sure, no matter what we have to deal with, for the first time that he had taken the The self-styled “Gypsy King”, has courted Pigem (ESP) Ferrer (ESP), Alex Cejka (GER), Rahil 69 — Minjee Lee (AUS), Ji Eun-Hee, Tyson not only comes back but will reclaim class A drug as a way of self-medicating for controversy since defeating Klitschko to be- 65 — Chapchai Nirat (THA) Gangjee (IND), Sutijet Kooratana- Brittany Lang (USA), Haru Nomura what’s rightfully his. I’m very proud of my severe depression. Listen, I’ve done a lot of come world champion, making a series of 66 — Marcus Fraser (AUS), Anirban pisan (THA) (JPN), Carlota Ciganda (ESP) nephew’s achievements.” things in my life. I’ve done lots of cocaine. comments about homosexuality and Jews Lahiri (IND) 70 — Bae Seon-Woo, Lexi Thomp- Fury had already withdrawn from a Lots of it,” Fury told Rolling Stone magazine and extolling the virtues of his extreme 67 — Miguel Tabuena (PHI), Marcus LEE LEADS BY THREE IN son (USA), Brooke M. Henderson rematch with Klitschko on October 29 in a series of startling admissions. religious views. Both (AUS), Chiragh Kumar (IND), KOREA, KO STRUGGLES (CAN), Candie Kung (TPE), Angela Kalem Richardson (AUS). World number one Lydia Ko bird- Stanford (USA) Gulf Times Friday, October 14, 2016 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Honda’s Marquez gets fi rst shot at MotoGP title in Japan Spaniard will become champion if he wins and if Rossi finishes 15th or lower and Lorenzo comes in fourth or worse

Honda’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez sits on a 1966-67 Honda RC181 500-cc race motorcycle to celebrate Honda’s 50th anniversary of premier-class Yamaha’s Italian rider Valentino Rossi (left) answers a question as Marc Marquez looks ahead Grand Prix debut on the eve of the Japanese Grand Prix in the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Motegi. (AFP) of the Japanese Grand Prix in the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Motegi, yesterday. (AFP)

AFP as other races,” said Marquez, who has never build their concentration through three week- further down the line. But riders could also build “We need to see how the tyre will suit the Motegi, Japan won at the Motegi circuit, which is known for ends of successive races in diff erent time zones their concentration in the race series and im- track,” he said, after spending a day testing on its hard braking and acceleration. The Spaniard and climates in the Asian “triple-header”, which prove their performance, said Rossi. the 4.8-kilometre (3-mile) track. But the top big said he was focused on the race at hand since also takes them to Australia and Malaysia. “You stay on the bike a lot of time, so you can four riders are not out of the woods, as this year onda’s Marc Marquez gets his fi rst “many, many things” would have to work in his The championship could still go to the wire at go faster and faster. Also, those are three fantas- has made space for others to grab their fi rst race chance to seal this year’s MotoGP favour for him to lock the season victory in Ja- the season fi nale back on Marquez’s home soil in tic tracks,” Rossi said, adding that Yamaha ma- wins and take podium fi nishes. world championship on Sunday in Ja- pan, with 100 points still up for grabs. Spain, as this unpredictable season has yielded chines have traditionally fared well in Motegi. Spaniard Maverick Vinales won the British pan. The two-time world champion “My riding style is not so bad. But our bike an incredible eight diff erent grand prix winners Reigning champion Lorenzo was aiming to GP, marking the fi rst victory for Suzuki since Hfrom Spain has a 52-point gap over his closest struggles a little bit every year here. We will see so far. With a successful track record in Japan, overcome the 14-point defi cit to his Yamaha 2007. Italy’s Andrea Iannone will skip Motegi rival, Valentino Rossi. during this weekend...and try to take points for Yamaha’s Rossi is hungry for more wins to close teammate before ending his successful nine due to a vertebra fracture. He won in Austria for He would claim the season trophy if he wins the championship. That will be most impor- the gap following four-straight podium fi nishes. seasons with the Japanese manufacturer and Ducati, their fi rst win since 2010. There were and if the Italian fi nishes 15th or lower and if tant,” Marquez said. The nine-time world champion said the tri- switching to Ducati next year. two other Honda successes with Australia’s Jack third-placed Jorge Lorenzo comes in fourth or Sunny weather is expected for the race in ple-header is “always complicated” as a small Honda’s Dani Pedrosa, fourth in the champi- Miller winning in Assen and Cal Crutchlow tak- worse. “We will try to have the same mentality cool, mountainous Motegi, as teams readied to problem in Motegi could turn into greater risks onship, has won three times at Motegi. ing the chequered fl ag in Brno.

DOPING FORMULA ONE Norway’s Johaug fails drug test Former F1 driver Webber

AFP assumed full responsibility for the Sundby Oslo case having failed to request the required authorisation. announces retirement

orwegian cross country skier SPORTS COURT FINDS FIVE Reuters Therese Johaug, a seven-time RUSSIANS GUILTY OF DOPING London world champion and former Ol- The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ympic gold medallist, has failed a yesterday found fi ve Russian athletes guilty Ndrug test, the Norwegian ski federation an- of doping, suspending each from competi- ormer Formula One driver Mark Webber nounced yesterday. The 28-year-old tested tion for four years. Their cases were taken up will retire from professional racing at the positive for traces of the banned anabolic by the Lausanne-based court after Russia’s end of the world endurance season in Bah- steroid clostebol during an out-of-compe- athletics federation was suspended by gov- rain in November, Porsche said yesterday. tition control on September 16. erning body IAAF following revelations of “TheF six-hour race on November 19 will be the last Johaug won relay gold at the 2010 Van- a massive, government-supported doping time the reigning World Champion from Australia couver Olympics and silver in the 30km programme. will compete as a works driver,” the manufacturer freestyle and bronze in the 10km classical The CAS ruling concerned racewalkers said in a statement. in Sochi 2014. The federation said the skier Vera Sokolova, Elmira Alembekova, Ivan Webber, 40, will become a Porsche ‘special rep- was unaware that the substance was con- Noskov, Mikhail Ryzhov and Denis Strelkov, resentative’ at global events and work as a consult- tained in a lip cream called Trofodermin she who all tested positive for blood boosting ant on motorsport programmes. The Australian used to treat burns during a training session endurance enhancer EPO in June 2015. “All won the World Endurance title with Porsche in 2015 at altitude in Italy late August. National ski- fi ve athletes have been found to have com- with Germany’s Timo Bernhard and New Zealand- ing team doctor Fredrik Bendiksen took re- mitted an anti-doping rule violation,” CAS er Brendon Hartley. “I will miss the sheer speed, sponsibility and announced later yesterday said in a statement, adding that their sus- downforce and competition, but I want to leave on a his immediate resignation. “I’m devastated pensions would retroactively be counted high and I’m very much looking forward to my new to fi nd myself in this situation which I fi nd from mid July 2016. tasks,” said the winner of nine Formula One grands extremely complicated and surreal,” said The ruling is the latest blow to Russia’s prix with Red Bull. He competed in 215 Formula One Johaug. “I fi nd it unfair and unjustifi ed even Three-time Olympic cross-country skiing beleaguered athletics programme, which races for Minardi, Jaguar, Williams and Red Bull be- if, of course, I’m aware as an athlete I’m re- medalist Therese Johaug is in tears as she was barred from the Rio Games and is at the fore leaving in 2013. sponsible for the substances I use.” arrives for a press conference in Oslo, centre of a unprecedented doping scandal “It was a big change from Formula One to LMP1 No sanction has yet been announced. Per Norway yesterday. (Reuters) that led the International Olympic Com- (Le Mans Prototype) and an entirely new experi- Wiik Johansen of Antidoping Norge, the mittee (IOC) to seek a complete overhaul of ence. But it came at the right time for me,” said country’s drugs control body, said Johaug should she be found guilty of doping. It is global drug testing. Webber. “It will be strange getting into the race car had tested positive for small quantities of the second doping incident to shake the The IOC at the weekend called for all test- for the very last time in Bahrain but for now I will the steroid. “Nothing indicates that that Norwegian federation recently after cross ing and sanctioning powers to be taken away thoroughly enjoy every moment of the remaining would have performance-enhancing ef- country skier Martin Sundby was suspend- from sports federations. It wants the World races.” fects,” he said. ed for two months and stripped of his 2015 Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to set up a But Antidoping Norge legal expert Brita overall World Cup and Tour de Ski titles new global testing body and CAS to make all HAMILTON MISSES BARCELONA Rokenes warned that Johaug could face up for unauthorised use of medication to treat decisions on punishments for those caught TEST TO REST SORE FOOT to four years’ exclusion from competition asthma. The Norwegian federation said it cheating. Triple Formula One world champion Lewis Hamil- Mark Webber will become a Porsche ‘special ton has pulled out of a tyre test in Barcelona to rest representative’ at global events and work as a a sore foot ahead of next week’s US Grand Prix in consultant on motorsport programmes. FOCUS Austin, his Mercedes team said yesterday. The Brit- on had been due originally to test the 2017 Pirelli Rosberg, who is now heading for his fi rst title, tyres with a modifi ed 2015 ‘mule’ car on Wednesday then went on to win the three races after that in but teammate and championship leader Nico Ros- Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi before starting the Milan mayor underlines 2028 Olympic hopes berg took on those duties instead. new season with four successive victories. Both A team spokesman said German reserve driver Hamilton and Rosberg were at the team’s Brackley AFP tial, and resounding, ‘No’ last month, Milan providing such a bid would invite invest- Pascal Wehrlein, who races for Manor, stood in for headquarters and Brixworth high performance en- Milan is ready to take up the baton. Sala, who was ment in the city’s sporting infrastructure.” Hamilton yesterday. gine facility on Tuesday, with the Briton seen to be elected in June, is determined to improve the Milan hosted the world Expo in 2015, but “Lewis had some discomfort in his foot after limping slightly later in the afternoon. city’s poor track record for sporting infra- for the Olympics Italy’s fashion capital may training on Tuesday,” he said. “It was agreed he Hamilton triggered a media spat at the last race ilan should consider bidding to structure. need help, from nearby Turin and Genoa. wouldn’t test so he could rest it and get physio to be in Japan when he was criticised for playing around host the 2028 Olympics, if Los He said it was “only fair” the Lombardy Milan’s biggest stadium is the 81,000-seater in good shape for Austin, which he will be. No con- with Snapchat during a news conference, taking Angeles beat Paris and Budapest capital, known around the world for its “in- San Siro, used by Serie A rivals AC Milan and cerns on that front.” pictures of fellow drivers and complaining of the in the race to host the 2024 edi- dustry, fi nancial centres, fashion, hospital- Inter. Turin boasts Juventus Stadium, as well Hamilton is 33 points behind Rosberg in the world boring format of the event. Mtion, the city’s mayor said yesterday. A re- ity and food”, should be seen as a realistic as the Stadio Olimpico, the home of league championship with four races remaining, mean- He then walked out of a media briefi ng on Sat- cent decision by Rome city offi cials to veto candidate. “If Paris is chosen, we won’t even rivals Torino. “For the Olympics I’d imagine ing that even if he wins every one it will still not be urday and hurriedly left the circuit after the race, an Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) bid consider it,” Sala said in a report yesterday. a Milan-Turin-Genoa triangle,” added Sala. enough if Rosberg fi nishes second each time. The fl ying back to Europe with non-executive chairman for the 2024 Games has left Paris and Los “But if Los Angeles wins, it means it’s a “Turin as a city of stadiums and Genoa as Briton won his third title, and second with Mer- Niki Lauda and Mercedes motorsport head Toto Angeles leading that race ahead of Budapest. non-European city. So CONI could think a seaside base, where soon we hope to have cedes, at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas last year Wolff . The team said then that Hamilton had to be Less than two weeks after Rome offi cials about putting Milan forward as a candidate high speed travel links.” Italy last hosted the when Rosberg started on pole but made a mistake back in Europe as soon as possible to be ready for rubber-stamped mayor Virginia Raggi’s ini- for 2028. Indeed, I say it would be only fair, Olympics in 1960 in Rome. that gifted his team mate the victory. Wednesday testing. Gulf Times 6 Friday, October 14, 2016 SPORT

PAK VS WI, DAY 1, 1ST TEST FOCUS England’s Buttler Ton-up Azhar Ali ‘anxious’ before Bangladesh win lights up Pakistan’s “We are a pretty young and inexpe- rienced team, we will learn a lot from here,” he added. England and Bangladesh will now play a two-Test series starting in Chit- tagong on October 20, when Alastair Cook will take over from Buttler as day-night Test England captain. STOKES BELIEVES IN-FORM Opener’s unbeaten 146 guides Pakistan to 279 for 1 at stumps against Windies ENGLAND CAN TOP ODI RANKINGS England will climb to the top of the AFP one-day international (ODI) cricket Dubai world rankings if they can maintain their fi ne form in the format, all- rounder Ben Stokes has said. pener Azhar Ali became the Stokes played a key role with an un- fi rst batsman to record a beaten 47 as England won the decid- century in a day-night Test ing third match against the hosts in off a pink ball as he helped Agencies Chittagong on Wednesday to wrap up PakistanO dominate West Indies in Du- a third successive one-day series tri- Chittagong, Bangladesh bai yesterday. umph, having beaten Sri Lanka and Pa- Ali’s unbeaten 146 guided Paki- kistan at home earlier this year. stan to 279-1 at close on the opening ngland’s Jos Buttler admit- England are currently fi fth in the day of the fi rst Test — just the sec- ted to being “anxious” about ODI rankings, behind Australia, South ond day-night match in Test cricket’s captaining the side for their Africa, New Zealand and India. 140-year-old history — after Misbah- controversial one-day interna- “It’s really exciting. If we carry on ul-Haq won the toss and opted to bat tionalE tour of Bangladesh, before com- like this we’ll achieve our target of be- on a fl at Dubai stadium pitch. ing away with a thrilling series win. ing world number one,” Stokes, who Asad Shafi q was the other not out Buttler was named skipper after was named the man of the series, told batsman with 33. regular one-day captain Eoin Morgan Sky Sports. Cricket saw the innovation of day- decided against going on the tour after England’s loss to Bangladesh in Ad- night Tests with a pink ball for the militants earlier this year attacked and elaide, which knocked them out of the fi rst time when Australia played New killed 22 mostly foreign hostages at a 2015 ODI World Cup, spurred a string Zealand at Adelaide in November last Dhaka cafe. of changes to the national team set-up year, attempting to reverse the trend of Security concerns have hung over and Stokes felt the squad are starting to dwindling Test crowds. the series, with the massacre casting yield the dividends of the strategy. Australia won the low-scoring aff air doubt on whether Bangladesh’s secu- “The team we have had together for on the third day by a narrow three- rity forces could guarantee the England the last 18 months have been playing wicket margin, with Australian wick- team’s safety. unbelievable cricket,” the 25-year-old et-keeper Peter Nevill’s 66 the top But Buttler said the tour had been added. individual score. fantastic so far and praised his players With skipper Eoin Morgan sitting Ali bettered that and put his name Pakistani batsman Azhar Ali (centre) plays a shot as West Indies wicketkeeper Shai Hope (right) and teammate Leon for a gritty performance on Wednesday out the Bangladesh series over secu- in the records book with a 366-minute Johnson (left) look on on Day One of the first Test at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium yesterday. (AFP) to defeat Bangladesh by four wickets rity concerns, wicketkeeper-batsman stay at the crease, hitting 14 bounda- and clinch the series 2-1. Jos Buttler was tasked with leading a ries, but unlike Adelaide where the at- It was a second time unlucky for before appeals. spinner Bishoo in the 21st but there “I think we showed immense char- young and inexperienced squad against tendance was 123,000 over three days, Aslam who was run out for 82 in the West Indies’ spinners failed to cre- were no signs of spin. acter,” Buttler said after the match that a side that had won their six previous only 500-odd people passed through Birmingham Test against England two ate any problems for Pakistan’s open- The remaining two Tests will be saw England restrict the home side to home ODI series. the gates in Dubai. months ago. ers who fl ourished as the day pro- played in Abu Dhabi (October 21-25) 277-6 and hit the winning runs with 13 “Me and Jos work quite well. We’re Despite the empty stands Ali and West Indies took the second new gressed. and Sharjah (October 30-November balls to spare. quite aggressive in how we want to Sami Aslam, who fell for 90, started ball as soon as it was due after 80 overs It couldn’t have been a better start 3). “I was nervous and anxious a little play our cricket, not just with the bat brightly with an imperious 215-run with Pakistan on 249-1 but failed to for Pakistan in a match marking their bit about doing it but I think I enjoyed and the ball, but with fi eld placings,” stand for the opening wicket. get another wicket. 400th Test, as they won a crucial toss SCORECARD the role to come away with a series Stokes, who was vice-captain for the Ali drove off -spinner Roston Chase Chase was the lone wicket-taker and made excellent early progress. PAKISTAN (first innings) win,” he said of his role as captain. series, said. to mid-off for his ninth boundary to with 1-63 in 21 overs. Pakistan handed Test caps to mid- S. Aslam b Chase 90 “I don’t think we can underestimate Morgan and infl uential opening complete his 11th Test century — his Earlier Ali and Aslam dominated the dle-order batsman Babar Azam and A. Ali not out 146 what we have achieved here. It’s a tough batsman Alex Hales are expected to re- second in three matches — before bowling in the fi rst two sessions as the all-rounder Mohamed Nawaz. A. Shafiq not out 33 place to come. It’s been a fantastic tour. turn to the squad when England travel pumping the air in jubiliation. two openers added 91 in the second Ali was given a lifeline when Leon Extras (b1, lb2, nb6, w1) 10 “The crowd has been fantastic and to India for their next three-match ODI session after they were 81-0 at tea. Johnson failed to hold onto a sharp Total (for 1 wkt; 90 overs) 279 we have been looked after brilliantly. series in January. ASLAM FALLS SHORT West Indies used up both of their chance at gully off Miguel Cummins Fall of wickets: 1-215 (Aslam) Aslam, 20, missed out on a hundred referrals, fi rst against Ali off paceman on 17. Bowling: Gabriel 14-2-55-0 (4nb), Cum- by 10 runs when he swept Chase onto Jason Holder when the batsman was West Indian captain Holder brought mins 16-2-62-0 (1w), Holder 15-4-30-0, his stumps. He hit nine fours in his on 38, and then on Aslam (69) off leg- on his part-time spinner Kraigg Brathwaite 8-2-21-0, Bishoo 16-3-45-0, India’s Raina ruled out of fi rst ODI against NZ 290-minute stay at the crease. spinner Devendra Bishoo — both leg- Brathwaite in the 15th over and leg- Chase 21-2-63-1 Batsman Suresh Raina has been ruled out of India’s first one-day interna- tional (ODI) against New Zealand in Dharamsala on Monday with viral fever, a week after being recalled into the squad for this month’s five-match series. Steyn key as rivals gear up for Tests The 29-year-old, who last played an ODI for India in 2015, was overlooked by selectors for India’s ODI tour of Australia earlier this year, the tour of Zimba- AFP ners are in the Test squad, however, “When Dale gets that red ball in his bwe in June and the Twenty20 squad for the two matches against West Indies Cape Town including Steyn, whose five one-day hand he’s just a diff erent bowler. He in August. “The BCCI Medical team has confirmed that Suresh Raina, who is wickets came at a cost of 50.80 runs is still our number one bowler in Test recovering from a bout of viral fever, is ruled out of the first ODI of the Paytm each, while he leaked runs at a shade cricket and for us to have a success- ODI Trophy against New Zealand,” Indian cricket board (BCCI) secretary Ajay ale Steyn may have taken under seven an over. ful tour of Australia, Dale Steyn will Shirke said in a statement. Hosts India completed a 3-0 sweep of the Test a pounding during South Fellow fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, be the guy to make or break that for series against New Zealand earlier this month. DAfrica’s one-day international also expected to play a key role in us. I’m confident he will have a good series sweep over Australia, but he the Tests, was marginally worse. He series.” Marsh to stand down as Aussie chief selector remains key to his country’s hopes also took five wickets, but at an aver- Du Plessis admitted, though, that when they take on their long-time age of 52.80 in conceding 7.33 runs Steyn’s fitness would be crucial. Australia will have a new chairman of selectors before the next Ashes series rivals in a Test series next month. an over. Now 33, the long-time number one after Cricket Australia said yesterday that Rodney Marsh would not be seek- Just four days after completing an South African captain Faf du Plessis bowler in Test cricket suff ered groin ing to stay on in the role when his contract expires next year. The 68-year-old historic 5-0 victory in a one-day said both fast bowlers were aware and, more recently, shoulder injuries former Test wicketkeeper has headed up the four-man selection committee series, South Africa’s cricketers will they had performed below expecta- that severely restricted his appear- since 2014 having previously served on the panel for three years under John board a flight to Perth on Sunday for tions but said he expected both to ances last season. Inverarity. “We can confirm that Rod Marsh has decided not to continue on in an even bigger challenge — three Only three of the Australian one-day step up in Australia, especially Steyn. “His shoulder looks okay,” said Du his role as national selector once his contract expires in June, 2017,” a spokes- Test matches in Australia. squad — captain Steve Smith, David “Dale in Test cricket is a diff erent Plessis. “That’s a challenge — to make man for Cricket Australia said. “At this stage no decision has been made on What happened in South Africa may Warner and Mitchell Marsh — are breed,” he said. “In Test cricket it’s sure that he stays fit and that he can a replacement.” The next Ashes series will be in 2017-18 in Australia. Under not have much bearing on the Test likely starters in the Test series, about consistency and making sure bowl for long periods of time. Our Marsh’s chairmanship of the panel, Australia lost the 2015 Ashes series in Eng- series, with conditions and playing which starts in Perth on November 3. you bowl in good areas for a long bowling attack needs to be fit for us land but won the 50-overs World Cup on home soil in the same year and held personnel being very diff erent. Nine of South Africa’s one-day win- period of time. to win a series in Australia.” the number one ranking in Test cricket for six months earlier this year.

BOTTOMLINE South African rugby is rotten, says 1995 hero Stransky

Reuters With their next fi xture coming weakening local teams,” he said. “If you mistakes made by his side who have Cape Town against a resurgent England at Twick- come through that weak system, you now gone nearly four hours without enham in November, South African become a weak player.” scoring a try and rarely threatening one. rugby is having to face up to some pain- Stransky also believes the domestic He denies there is a lack of ambition outh African rugby is “rotten ful questions. set-up is hamstrung further by a lack of to go forward with ball in hand, but the from the bottom up and top Coach Allister Coetzee, whose four coaching talent at all levels. recall of Morne Steyn at fl yhalf for the down” and needs radical re- wins from nine games in charge gives “To be frank, in some instances we last two matches suggests otherwise. form if the current slump is to him the second-worst win percentage have got a bunch of inexperienced, am- The South African conference, set beS reversed, according to Joel Stransky, after the dark days of Carel du Plessis ateur coaches leading our top domestic for Oct. 19-21, in which the six Super whose drop goal sealed their greatest in 1997, was quick to blame the coun- sides,” he said. Rugby franchises’ CEOs and coaches triumph when they won the 1995 World try’s domestic system as he tried to ex- “There appears to be no long-term will meet to discuss the way forward for Cup on home soil. plain the crushing defeat and Stransky plan, no mentorship and little goes into the Springboks, appears to be a positive That emotional extra-time victory agrees. improving coaching structures. Some- step. over the All Blacks in front of Nelson “You cannot look at 2016 in iso- thing needs to change.” But Stransky backed Coetzee’s ob- Mandela, and another World Cup tri- lation, it is a problem that has been All Black coach Steve Hansen, when servation after the All Black mauling umph in 2007, underlined South Afri- coming for some time and you need asked for his analysis of South Africa’s that there were few players outside of ca’s re-emergence as one of the sport’s to look at the game holistically from problems, said the country could take a the current squad who could make a superpowers, but those heady days are grassroots level to the top,” Stransky, lot from the New Zealand model. major impact. starting to acquire a sepia tinge in the now a respected pundit and business- “The golden goose is our central “I don’t see a quick turnaround,” wake of their recent woes. man, told Reuters. Things reached their nadir for the Pumas last Saturday with the humiliating record contracting system because when you Stransky said. “There are maybe a Last year they lost at home to Argen- “The kids coming out of school do 57-15 capitulation to New Zealand in Durban. (AFP) have good administrators at the top in handful of players who could come in to tina and Ireland for the fi rst time, to Ja- not have the same skill-set as in other control of contracts, then everyone has improve the team. pan at the World Cup and followed up countries, or are as well coached. The on the Springboks being the best team Africa has in the southern hemisphere to work together because you only have “The reality is we are set for long- with defeat to the Pumas this August education system plays a major role in in the world, they are focussed on win- championship, compared to the fi ve one paymaster,” he said. term pain. We need a wholesale during a ragged Rugby Championship. that. ning the Currie Cup, winning promo- each of New Zealand and Australia, di- “Our only agenda is to win matches change. This system was voted in 100 Things reached their nadir last Sat- “The next level is where the system tion to the Premier Division or suc- lutes playing talent. and produce quality players.” years ago and the turkeys aren’t going urday with the humiliating record 57-15 really fails, from South African Rugby ceeding in Super Rugby. “It means players are leaving in Coetzee has cut a frustrated fi gure to vote for Christmas to change it. We capitulation to New Zealand in Durban. down. The (14) unions are not focussed Stransky believes the six teams South droves for contracts overseas, further in post-match interviews, bemoaning are set up to fail.” Gulf Times Friday, October 14, 2016 7 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Liverpool, United fans warned to behave FIFA to decide on AFP fi fth evening kick-off between London Liverpool and United in the last 35 years, giving fans more time to drink before the game, and the iverpool and Manches- clubs are doing all they can to en- ter United fans have been sure it passes off without incident. warned to cut out their of- Previous encounters have fensive behaviour during been marred by chants from World Cup reform LMonday’s potentially explosive both sets of fans about Hillsbor- Premier League clash at Anfi eld. ough, where 96 Liverpool fans Meetings between the bitter died, and the Munich air disas- rivals have been marred by vio- ter, which claimed the lives of lence between supporters and 23 people in 1958 including eight ‘...maybe we don’t change anything vile chants from the stands since United players and three staff . the 1970s. Last season, the un- and maybe we change everything’ savoury atmosphere ramped up Yorke slams Southgate over in January when Liverpool were fi ned by Rooney benching UEFA for illicit chanting, setting Former Manchester United off fi reworks, throwing objects star Dwight Yorke has branded and crowd disturbances follow- Gareth Southgate a disgrace for ing their Europa League last 16 his “disrespectful” treatment of tie at Old Traff ord. England striker Wayne Rooney. United received a similar pun- Yorke was incensed that Eng- ishment for crowd disturbances land interim manager Southgate and the throwing of objects at dropped Rooney to the bench for the same match, prior to which Tuesday’s goalless draw against police had to remove a ‘Murder- Slovenia after he was jeered by ers’ banner, in reference to the fans at Wembley during anoth- Heysel and Hillsborough disas- er World Cup qualifi er against ters, which was hung on a bridge Malta. above a motorway used by Liv- Southgate confi rmed his de- erpool fans on their way to Old cision at a press conference on Traff ord. Monday, with United forward Now the clubs are trying to get Rooney sat alongside him. tough on off enders and issued The 30-year-old, who is Eng- a joint statement that said any land’s all-time top-scorer with off ensive behaviour will result 53 goals, had played poorly in in ejection from the ground and a midfi eld role against Malta possible criminal prosecution. and eventually came on in the “Both clubs, their support- closing stages of the Slovenia ers and football fans around the match. world are looking forward to this But Yorke, a Champions historic and passionate match League and Premier League win- between two of the sport’s big- ner in his four-year spell with gest and oldest rivals,” the state- United, told 888sport: “You get ment read. people like Gareth Southgate “There is great rivalry be- taking him out of the team be- tween our fans and we ask all cause of the pressure from the supporters to be respectful and media and I think that’s wrong help eradicate all forms of off en- especially coming off the back of sive and discriminatory behav- a positive result. iour from the game. “Sometimes you have to show “If any supporters are found people a little faith and for Ga- to be engaged in any form of of- reth Southgate to make that call, fensive or discriminatory behav- well I thought that was a little iour by stewards or via CCTV strange. then they will be immediately “To then put him in front of removed from the stadium, risk the media to face the music and arrest, prosecution and be re- say he isn’t going to play was ported in accordance with the disrespectful and a disgrace in club’s ground regulations. my opinion.” “This is an unrivalled fi xture Rooney has also been dropped in the Premier League calendar by United manager Jose Mour- and we thank all fans for their inho this season, but Yorke be- continued support in this im- lieves he can still recapture the portant area of the game.” form that made him such a force Monday’s match is only the in his heyday.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura address the media after a meeting of the FIFA Council in Zurich yesterday. (Reuters) Clubs discuss breakaway after AFP fying round automatically book ber council — formerly called the Swiss-Italian national was Israel/Palestine Zurich a place in the tournament, while the FIFA executive committee elected to take over world foot- Palestinians children Champions League changes an additional 32 teams would — also backed plans to allow ball’s governing body amid an marched on an Israeli settle- compete in a new pre-tourna- countries to co-host the World unprecedented crisis. ment this week chanting “In- COPENHAGEN: A group of leading clubs from counties including IFA executives will make ment play-off . From the play- Cup, a move that would ease the While the fl urry of bombshell fantino let us play”, in a clear Denmark, Scotland and the Netherlands are in talks to create a a fi nal decision on World off , 16 nations would then move enormous fi nancial burden on graft revelations that charac- reminder of another tough new trans-European soccer league in response to recent proposals Cup reform in January on to the World Cup itself. prospective hosts. terised the end of former presi- challenge facing the FIFA to change the format of the Champions League. Fafter weighing up three “We’ll keep an open mind “The view is that co-host- dent Sepp Blatter’s tenure have leader. In August UEFA announced a series of changes to the Champions proposals yesterday, as president and an open spirit and maybe ing should be allowed because eased, FIFA still faces chal- The Palestine Football Asso- League from 2018, including guaranteeing a place for the top four Gianni Infantino pushes plans to we don’t change anything and obviously when we organise lenges, including ongoing cor- ciation has written to Infantino clubs in the four top-ranked associations to leave only 16 spots grow the lucrative tournament. maybe we change everything,” events like the World Cup the ruption investigations by pros- calling on FIFA to demand the for the rest of the continent. FC Copennhagen, the current Danish Infantino said it was possible Infantino said after the fi rst of requirements that we put are ecutors in the United States and Israeli Football Association expel league leaders, confirmed to Reuters yesterday that talks about that FIFA will leave the compe- the two-day council meeting. high,” he told reporters at FIFA’s Switzerland. the clubs based on Jewish set- the formation of a new league were ongoing. tition as a 32-team event, but he “The decision will be taken headquarters in Zurich. Infantino, a 46-year-old law- tlements in the occupied West “Yes, it’s correct. If we don’t act now, we will see the biggest clubs has made no secret of his desire at the next council meeting in Voicing concern that host- yer and former UEFA number Bank, which are considered ille- grow bigger and stronger, while clubs like ours will have increas- to see the World Cup involve January,” he said. Calls to ex- ing was becoming “increasingly two, has made growing football gal under international law. ingly diff icult terms,” Copenhagen’s managing director Anders more countries, and more rev- pand the showcase tournament, diffi cult” for individual coun- globally, improving transparen- Infantino told AFP last week Horsholt told local newspaper BT. Horsholt suggested that teams enue, from 2026 and beyond. a vital source of FIFA revenue, tries, Infantino said FIFA want- cy and increasing FIFA income that the issue was “one of (his) playing in the new league might have to drop out of their domestic One option studied by the have been criticised over fears ed to ensure that the World Cup top priorities of his administra- highest priorities”. leagues. BT said leading clubs from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, powerful FIFA Council at yes- it would dilute the quality of becomes “a sustainable event”. tion. The Council meeting is due the Netherlands, Belgium and Scotland — some of the countries terday’s meeting was a 40-team World Cup competition and add If a new stadium is needed, While World Cup reform is to hear a report on the Israel- most likely to suff er under the new Champions eague plans — were World Cup, with eight groups of new fi xtures to football’s already it should be something that’s key to that agenda, Infantino on Palestinian issue from the head participating in the talks. Last week the organisation representing fi ve teams, or 10 groups of four. packed calendar. “useful for the country”, the Thursday also announced that of FIFA’s monitoring mission to Europe’s domestic soccer leagues (EPFL) refused to accept UEFA’s A 48-team proposal, fa- FIFA chief added. “We don’t $4 bn (3.6 bn euros) had been the area, South Africa’s Tokyo proposed changes and said such measures could lead to a private voured by Infantino, would see Support for co-hosting want white elephants.” It has earmarked to develop football Sexwale, before the Council and closed league. the 16 group winners of a quali- Infantino said the 36-mem- been nearly eight months since globally. meeting wraps up today.

LA LIGA Stuttering Real, Barca face more tough tests

Reuters man is having to cope without tell everyone ‘we’re back again’”. Barcelona captain Sergio Ramos for six Real are second in La Liga, Kroos defends under-fi re Zidane weeks due to a knee injury. Co- level on 15 points with lead- lombia international James Rod- ers Atletico, who host bottom Real Madrid’s World Cup-winning German midfielder Toni Kroos yes- he two biggest names riguez is also a doubt for the trip side Granada, without a win so terday defended coach Zinedine Zidane as “very important” for the in Spanish club foot- to Betis, where Zidane dropped far this season. Betis are 15th on La Liga giants despite a series of draws. ball will be anxious to his fi rst points as Real coach in a eight points. “I don’t read the newspapers or opinion pieces but it’s obvious that Tput uncharacteristically 1-1 draw last January interrupt- Barcelona, in fourth on 13 Zidane is very important for Real Madrid,” the 26-year-old told a press stuttering starts to the season ing two big opening wins. points having endured their conference after the extension of his contract until 2022. behind them tomorrow when Real midfi elder Toni Kroos worst start to a league season “I think the coach is fully involved. His qualities are not in doubt and they face sides that have set them denied the side were on a down- in 11 years, will be boosted by he acts correctly faced with this situation.” stern tests in the recent past. ward spiral, but said a return to the return of all-time top scorer After a dream start as Real Madrid coach, winning the Champions Injury-ravaged Real Madrid winning ways would be vital at Messi, who has recovered from League last May, former France World Cup winner Zidane has has visit Real Betis, while champions the weekend to end a fi rst se- a groin injury that has kept him come under fire in recent weeks, with four draws in as many matches. Barcelona welcome back talis- quence of four straight draws in out since Sept. 21. “Having a string of draws is not a good thing,” said Kroos. man Lionel Messi as they host over a decade. The return of the fi ve-time “Maybe during the second half against Eibar (1-1) we didn’t play well Deportivo La Coruna. Real have “I don’t think we are on a bad world player of the year comes at and the criticisms were justified. drawn their last four games in path. There’s a good atmosphere an ideal time for the champions, “But in Dortmund (2-2) or Las Palmas (2-2) we clearly played well, all competitions and for the fi rst in the team and it’s not easy to who lost 4-3 at Celta Vigo before even better perhaps than certain matches which we won.” time in his nine-month spell in win all the time,” the German told the international break and host Real Madrid are currently second in La Liga equal on 15 points with charge of his former team, who a news conference yesterday. Manchester City on Wednesday leaders Atletico Madrid, and travel to Real Betis on Saturday. he led to the Champions League “Perhaps we have to play more in the Champions League. “This match is very important for us to say — ‘we’re still there’,” said title last season, coach Zinedine together and give more of our- Coach Luis Enrique will have Kroos. “I don’t think we’re on the wrong path. The atmosphere is good Zidane is facing questions about selves, and we’ve had three or to make do without fullbacks in the team. It’s not easy to always win and we should perhaps give his abilities as a coach. four important players injured. Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba for more of ourselves to achieve this. On top of the prolonged ab- But that shouldn’t be an excuse, the visit of Deportivo, who have “We’ve had three or four important players injured but that mustn’t be sence of midfi elders Luka Mo- and we need to win on Satur- drawn 2-2 on their last two trips an excuse.” dric and Casemiro, the French- day... It’s vital in this game we to the Nou Camp.

Friday, October 14, 2016 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

QATAR STARS LEAGUE El Jaish defeat Al Khor 1-0 to

Umm Salal to face newly-promoted Shahania today go top of the league Umm Salal will take on Al Shahania in round three of the Qatar Stars League at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium (Qatar SC) today. Umm Salal are undefeated in the league so far with a win and a draw and will look to take advantage of their experience in the QSL as they face their newly-promoted opponents. Umm Salal’s assistant coach Thamer Abdu believes that his team is ready for the game. “Shahania is a good team and they can surprise any team in the league. We are ready to face them. We did great in the break period as coach Bulent made some tactical improvements to the team,” Abdu said at the press conference on Wednesday. He added: “We have one player coming from the Jordanian national team (Thaer al-Bawab) and now our squad is complete.” Speaking about the change in management over at Al Shahania, Abdu said, “Shahania’s new coach is familiar with the league as he has good experience and this game is similar to all other games for us as we need the three points from it and we will try our best to win it.” Al Shahania, who have a win and a loss in the league so far, have seen a change in management with Jose Fernando replacing Fathi al-Jabal as the coach. Fernando has shown confidence in his team’s ability. “Next game is very hard for us as Umm Salal is a strong team and they have good players. But I will give my best and I trust my players. They did a good job in training and I have confidence in them.” Speaking about his new role as head coach, Fernando said, “The most important thing is to keep confidence in the players. I will try to put my ideas in the tactics but most important is to keep the confidence and trust in the players.” “I like my job and every day I give my 100 percent. The moment administration put the trust in me I give it my all. I don’t know about the future but at this moment, I am passionate about this game and I like to work with my players,” he said. (QSL)

El Jaish players celebrate their goal in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) game against Al Khor at Lekhwiya stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

By Sports Reporter midfi eld. As the clock hit the each other on Sunday night. Al Wakrah. The clubs offi cial who have brought in a host of Doha 15 minute mark, The Knights’ website confi rmed the sign- local players to strengthen their Brazilian midfi eld playmaker, Al Ahli confirm double ings of Ahmed al-Saadi and squad. The duo will now join Madson, hit a volley on his left signing Abdulaziz al-Sulaiti. up with the squad; however it l Jaish kept up the pres- foot on the edge of the 18 yard QSL Side Al Ahli has further The pair has signed a one year is unlikely they will take part in sure on league leaders box that, had the woodwork strengthened their squad ahead deal with the Brigadiers. It’s the tie against Al Wakrah today Lekhwiya and Al Sadd not denied him, may have made of their third round clash against been a busy summer for Ahli evening. as they made it three him an early contender for goal fromE three in their opening Qa- of the season. tar Stars League (QSL) games Just minutes later and against beating Al Khor 1-0 at Lekhwi- the run of play, El Jaish’s Qatari ya stadium in yesterday’s only number 18, Abdulaziz al-Yazidi, game. struck a low shot from 20 yards El Jaish, who were without out that hit the arm of Al Khor’s Umm Salal’s assistant coach Thamer Abdu (right). their new summer signing, ex- captain Naif Mubarak who was FC Barcelona player Seydou sliding to block the shot, a mis- Keita, took control of the game take that gifted The Soldiers a from the opening whistle and penalty. had an early penalty shout after Silva stepped up and sent Al just 10 minutes when Brazilian Khor’s goalkeeper, Baba Djibril, playmaker Romario, went down the wrong way to take an easy in the box after a surging run. 1-0 lead into half time. The referee, however, was Despite Al Khor starting the quick to wave on play despite second-half well, the visitors protests from the Brazilian and were not able to create any clear replays suggesting it should chances and El Jaish were happy have been a penalty. to see out an uneventful second Al Khor composed them- half and take three points that selves after the early penalty will see them go top of the QSL shout against them and began league table. Shahania coach Jose Fernando (centre). pressing the home side from Lekhwiya and Al Sadd play

EPL Koeman says Everton can prevail over ‘risky’ City

Reuters London Wenger won’t choose Arsenal successor Arsene Wenger is adamant he will have no direct But Wenger’s own enthusiasm for the job has anager Ronald Koe- role in selecting the next manager of Arsenal when remained undimmed and Arsenal head into man has praised Pep his time at the Premier League side finally comes Saturday’s home game against Swansea at the Guardiola’s impact to an end. Emirates Stadium looking for a sixth straight win in at Premier League The veteran French manager, who is set to cel- all competitions. Mleaders Manchester City, but ebrate his 67th birthday next week, marked his “I think I’m moving the club forward, and the way says his Everton team can exploit 20th anniversary in charge of north London club it is managed forward, I’m quite confident on that,” the Spaniard’s “risky” playing Arsenal earlier this month. he said. style when they travel to the Eti- Wenger’s contract expires at the end of the current “The only thing that drives me on is that I want had stadium tomorrow. season and there has been speculation he could tomorrow to be a better manager than today. As City dropped their fi rst points become the next full-time manager of England — a long as I have that I don’t want to stop my career, this season when they were beat- role that he has said would appeal “if I am free one even if I don’t think I will manage somewhere else en away at Tottenham Hotspur day”. maybe.” in their last match, and Koeman But Wenger has also been intensely loyal to is confi dent Everton can use the Arsenal and he could yet sign a new deal with the space left by Guardiola’s high- Gunners. press tactics to their advantage. Wenger, however, insisted yesterday that whatever “I see a lot in the teams man- else happened he had no interest in picking his aged by Pep... Dutch football,” eventual replacement, although he would give the Koeman told reporters yesterday. Arsenal board an opinion if requested. “I like that because that’s the “I think it is very important in the club that every- most diffi cult way to win, to play body does what he is paid for,” Wenger told beIN off ensive football, sometimes Sports. risky, and to win titles. “My job is to be the manager of the club and to be “That’s diffi cult to defend but responsible for the style of play and the technical we have examples of other teams policy of the club. The board’s responsibility will be who have gotten results against to choose the next manager so that is not my job. them. Sometimes it is diffi cult “If they ask my opinion, I will give it in an honest because they are playing with a way, but it will not be me to choose the next man- lot of space behind them at the ager. I’m not in their position, I am in my position. back. If we can break that we can “The love story I have with the club is linked as well make it diffi cult.” with the fact the board has always shown faith in City won their fi rst 10 matches me and I’m very grateful for that. of the season in all competitions “No matter what happens, I will have to make my before drawing 3-3 at Celtic in decision, the board will have to make a decision the Champions League in Sep- and I will respect the decision of the board anyway, tember and slumping to a 2-0 “dream team” at Barcelona in the adding he was particularly im- they play this season and how even if I wish to stay on I will respect always the defeat at Tottenham. early 1990s. pressed by City’s 4-0 win over they play last season,” he said. decision of the board — they have the responsibil- Koeman, however, praised “We are really strong friends Borussia Moenchengladbach in Everton are fi fth in the table ity to do that.” Guardiola’s instant impact at the and now it’s a little more easy their Champions League game and a win would lift them above Wenger’s position has been called into question in club and spoke of his respect for because he lives in Manchester last month. fourth-placed Liverpool, at least recent seasons given Arsenal last won the Premier his former teammate, who along and I live close. “I watched City against Glad- temporarily, as their Merseyside League back in 2003/04 — when the ‘Invincibles’ with the Dutchman was part of “Sometimes we have time bach and it’s a very good job to rivals play Manchester United on were crowned champions without losing a match. Johan Cruyff ’s all-conquering to have dinner,” Koeman said, see the diff erence between how Monday.