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Thursday, October 25, 2018 Safar 16, 1440 AH Kohli fastest to GULF TIMES reach 10,000 runs in ODIs SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL/ AFC UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIP Qatar storm into quarters aft er 4-0 win over Taipei ALSO QUALIFY FOR LAST EIGHT BUT UAE ELIMINATED

AFC six goals in less than an hour against Jakarta Qatar. Todd Rivaldo Ferre, Indonesia’s three-goal super sub against the Qa- atar progressed to the AFC taris, remained on the bench through- U-19 Championship quar- out the opening 45 minutes but he was ter-fi nals yesterday as a hardly needed as Indonesia were large- Q4-0 win over ly the better team. helped them fi nish top of a tight Group Despite that, the decisive goal was A. the result of sheer opportunism, with Qatar, Indonesia and the UAE all Witan robbing Emirati defender Yousef fi nished on six points but the Emiratis Ali of the ball 40 yards from goal before were eliminated on the basis of goals outpacing in the vicinity and slamming scored in matches between the three the ball home from just inside the pen- teams. Yesterday, the UAE crashed to a alty area. 1-0 defeat at the hands of hosts Indo- With the crowd electrifi ed, the nesia, the only goal coming from Witan Emiratis had to negotiate a tricky ten- Sulaeman. minute period to limit the damage to A fl urry of second half goals ensured one, with the ever-dangerous Ali Saleh the nervy victory for Qatar who had earning a free kick, and forcing Mu- gone into the game knowing that only hammad Riyandi into a solid save upon a win would have guaranteed them a taking it, to give the West Asians a mo- ticket through to the last eight. ment of respite. Qatar, the 2014 title winners will With Qatar and Chinese Taipei now meet the yet to be decided run- locked at 0-0 in the other match, both ners-up in Group B, with Sunday’s en- sides were going to the quarter-fi nals counter sure to be a titanic tussle given as things stood at half-time, but both that both a spot in the semi-fi nals and knew they required a positive result to a berth at next year’s FIFA U-20 World remain in control of their own destiny. Cup will be up for grabs. Rivlado Ferre was introduced at On what proved to be a tense night the break, local hopes suff ered a ma- of football, Qatar came close to break- jor blow in the 53rd minute, when ing the deadlock on 11 minutes when Nurhidayat was sent off for a second Abdulrasheed Umaru thumped a fi erce bookable off ence after bringing down angled drive against the bar, before Omar Ahmed Saleh. goalkeeper Li Guan-Pei did well to The complexion of the game changed deny Mohamed Waad Abdulwahhab in an instant, and it was the visitors and Umaru in quick succession shortly who began to look more threatening, after. although the Garuda Muda were still Umaru was once again foiled by Li able to produce moments of promise in the 27th minute, while Hashim Ali’s when they ventured forward. clever fl ick from a corner failed to beat Qatar players celebrate after beating Chinese Taipei and qualifying for the quarter-finals of the AFC Under-19 Championship in Indonesia. Qatari goals in Bogor meant United the alert Chinese Taipei custodian Arab Emirates could no longer aff ord to shortly after half-hour mark. Qatar’s ascendancy showed no sign broken and the East Asians failing to Hashim Ali bagging his second of the Meanwhile, Indonesia started in lose, and they had their best chance of In the fi nal moments of what had of abating, but more resolute Chinese must a genuine opportunity of their game with a delightful curling eff ort a spirited fashion with Egy Maulana the game so far when Ali Saleh volleyed proved to be a dominant yet decid- Taipei defending forced them to wait own, Qatar added a second through that beat Li’s despairing dive. Vikri and Sadil Ramdani both causing wide from 12 yards in the 74th minute. edly frustrating half for the Qataris, Li until the 57th minute before taking the Hashim Ali courtesy of a deft fi nish Qatar rounded off the scoring on 86 early headaches for the Emiratis. In a chaotic fi nale, and despite seven did supremely well to repel a rasping lead with substitute Khaled Mansour four minutes later. minutes when Umaru expertly con- With newfound defensive organi- minutes of additional time, Indonesia Umaru drive from 12 yards and Ahmed drilling a shot across Li and into the As chances became few and far be- verted a penalty after Khaled Moham- sation and a 30,000-strong crowd held on to secure not only a famous Suhail planted a header narrowly wide net. tween, Qatar pressed for a third and it med had been brought down in the area roaring them on, the hosts bore little victory, but also an improbable trip to of the target much to his annoyance. With Chinese Taipei’s resolve clearly duly came with 13 minutes remaining, by Chiu Po-Jui. resemblance to the side that conceded the last eight.

WORLD America’s Biles takes centre stage in Doha

By Sahan Bidappa “It’s really exciting to American has set her eyes on that elu- competition and hopefully we’ll bring Doha inspire the younger generation. sive medal. back some medals. It will be good. We’ll I remember being so little and “I’ve never medalled in uneven bars make memories,” she added. looking up to some of fi nal but I’ve only been in one,” Biles More than 500 gymnasts from 76 ll eyes were on Simone Biles my heroes, and hopefully said last week when asked the event she nations will converge at the Aspire as she trained at the Aspire they’re looking up to me” would most like to win aside from the Dome, with three medal-winning na- Dome on the eve of the Artis- team competition. “Maybe if I could tions in the Team fi nals for both men tic Gymnastics World Cham- in 2016. There is an excitement in the make a bar fi nal, that would be pretty and women earning team berths di- Apionships. The Olympic champion air to see the Texan on stage with Biles cool because I think of all the med- rectly to the 2020 Olympic Games in holds court wherever she goes and it set to nail a vault routine never been als you can get and the fi nals you can Tokyo. The line-up in Doha includes was no diff erent in Doha. attempted at the big stage before. She participate in, I always admire the bar 22 world and Olympic gold medallists At 21, Biles is already one of the gave a glimpse of what to expect in workers just because it’s so hard men- from 13 nations. greatest gymnasts ever to grace the Doha, when she performed Cheng with tally and physically,” she added. The competition will determine sport, and by the time she winds up her an extra half twist at the USA Gymnas- Biles is the only member of the US the winners of eight sets of medals for career she could be perched alone at the tics’ selection camp earlier this month. women’s team of six who has competed men – team, all-around, fl oor exer- top, at least in terms of the medals won. Her closest challenge for the all- at an Olympics or in a world cham- cise, pommel horse, rings, vault, paral- A quadruple gold medallist at Rio around title will come from compatriot pionships team competition, but still lel bars and horizontal bar. There will Olympics, Biles is already a three-time Morgan Hurd, who claimed the crown they are the overwhelming favourite. be six for women – team, all-around, world all-around champion, three- in Montreal last year, in Biles’ absence. If they do stand on top of the podium vault, uneven bars, balance beam and time world fl oor champion, and two- “It’s really exciting to inspire the in Doha next week, the US will earn a fl oor. time world balance beam champion. younger generation. I remember being sixth straight Olympic or world title — The Japanese men and Ameri- And if she adds another gold in Doha, so little and looking up to some of my the longest female run of dominance in can women are the reigning Olympic she will become the fi rst woman in his- heroes, and hopefully they’re looking the sport since the 1970s Soviet teams. champions from Rio and defending tory to win four world all-around titles. up to me,” she said after Tuesday’s po- “We have a lot of rookies in our team world champions from the 2015 World What adds more spice to the World dium training at Aspire Dome. and a couple veterans, but the veter- Championships in Glasgow. The team Championships – the fi rst ever to be The lone apparatus that Biles has not ans are excited to shine some light on competition is not held at the world held in the Middle East – is that Biles conquered internationally is the un- the rookies and lead them through the championships in post-Olympic years. is making her return to international even bars. Biles has made one uneven Worlds,” Biles said. Men’s qualifying starts today, while the competition after taking a year off fol- bars fi nal at worlds — placing fourth “I’m really excited. I think our team women’s qualifi ers is on Saturday. The American star Simone Biles. lowing her triumphant showing in Rio in 2013 — and was 14th in Rio. And the as a whole will shine a lot of light at this fi nals start from next Tuesday. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, October 25, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FIG president lauds Qatar for hosting Gymnastics Worlds 'I off er my thanks to the Qatar Gymnastics Federation for showing great initiative to host the event' Top gymnasts to compete for unique handmade medals Doha: Ahead of the 48th Artis- als take them home to their tic Gymnastics World Champi- respective nation’s and share onships Doha 2018 which starts their piece of Qatar.” today, the Local Organising Speaking at the welcome Committee unveiled the press conference was also Am- unique, handmade medals that bassador to the World Cham- combine pionship in Doha, three-time with Qatar’s culture. Olympic champion Svetlana The medals, which took 35- Boguinskaia. She added: “Being 45 days to handcraft, combine a world champion myself, I the diff erent gymnastics ap- know how hard you have to paratus, the event’s logo and train, persevere and challenge symbols of Qatari culture. Each yourself to reach this point. I’m of the medals made were given so excited to watch the athletes the highest care and attention who are here at this Champi- by a team of professional gold- onship because of this. I wish smiths and silversmiths who them luck and may the best are trained on how to handle win. Here’s to a great and safe high profile events such as competition.” the Artistic Gymnastics World The Artistic Gymnastics Championships. World Championships, the flag- The design was a collabora- ship event of the International tion between GulfCrafts and Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the Local Organising Com- will be staged at Aspire Dome mittee. Commenting on the from today till to November 3. medals, Ali al-Hitmi CEO of the Over 700 female and male Local Organising Committee gymnasts from 76 countries, said: “Medals are an important including three Team Qatar part of any world sporting gymnasts, will compete at this event. They are a physical edition that will also serve as representation of an athlete or the first qualification event for team’s achievement. But for us, Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic they are also an opportunity to Games. Qatar is the first coun- remind athletes the experience try in the Middle East to host they had in Doha. We hope that the Artistic Gymnastics World FIG President Morinari Watanabe (right) and CEO of the Local Organising Committee Ali al-Hitmi at a banquet on the eve of the World Championships in Doha yesterday. the recipients of these med- Championships.

By FIG tar. The meaning of this fl ower is blossom.” Taking place from in Glasgow, Scotland. pionships in Montreal. are back Doha courage.” today till 3 November, the 48th The team competition is not this year in Doha and will share Until 2018, the hosting of this World Championships will pro- held at the world championships the spotlight with new world competition had been limited to vide the fi rst qualifi cation route in post-Olympic years. champions Morgan Hurd of USA n the eve of the 2018 Europe, North America, Aus- for the 2020 Olympic Games in “We are thrilled and honoured and Xiao Ruoteng of . Biles Artistic Gymnastics tralia and East Asia, yet Doha is Tokyo. to provide the world’s best gym- is tipped to become the fi rst fe- World Championships a familiar destination for many The competition at the Aspire nasts with the eager global media male gymnast to win four World in Doha, Federation of the participants having staged Dome will determine the winners presence, optimal venue condi- All-around titles, while six-time InternationaleO de Gymnastique an FIG each year since of eight sets of medals for men tions and enthusiastic spectator world champion Uchimura will (FIG) President Morinari Watan- 2008, as well as the 2006 Asian (Team, All-around, Floor Exer- support to make their important be competing four events only. abe has praised the Qatari organ- Games. The FIG President added: cise, Pommel Horse, Still Rings, fi rst strides towards the 2020 The deep lineup in Doha in- isers for realising the ‘dream’ of “I came to Qatar for the fi rst time Vault, Parallel Bars, and Hori- Olympic Games in Tokyo,” said cludes 22 World and Olympic Gymnastics as a sport fl owering for the Asian Games in 2006. zontal Bar) and six for women Ali al-Hitmi, Chief Executive gold medallists from 13 nations. in the desert. At that time, Gymnastics was (Team, All-around, Vault, Un- Offi cer of the Local Organising All but one of the Olympic ap- More than 500 gymnasts from nothing more than fl ower seeds. even Bars, Balance Beam, and Committee for the 48th Artistic paratus champions will be in the 76 nations will converge on the In just 12 years since, Qatar has Floor Exercise). Gymnastics World Champion- Qatari capital, and all but three Aspire Dome for an event where, made the desert bloom with the The three medal-winning na- ships and President of the Qatar of the reigning world apparatus for the fi rst time, Olympic places fl ower of the World Champion- tions in the Team fi nals for both Gymnastics Federation. “We are champions will be back to de- are up for grabs along with 42 ships. A dream is not something men and women will earn team confi dent that, as the competi- fend their titles. The roster also World Championship medals. It we have while we’re sleeping - a berths directly to the 2020 Ol- tors in Doha challenge for world includes numerous young gym- is not the only fi rst as these are dream is something we realise.” ympic Games in Tokyo; other na- titles and Olympic berths, they nasts who have had breakout the fi rst World Championships “I off er my thanks to the Qa- tions will have further chances to will inspire fans and continue to years so far in 2018 and are fa- to be staged in the Middle East tar Gymnastics Federation for qualify in 2019 and 2020. propel the sport upward.” voured for more success in Doha. and Watanabe applauded the ef- showing great initiative and I The Japanese men and Ameri- Olympic All-around cham- Three-time Olympian Svet- forts of the Qatar Gymnastics hope the gymnasts will respond can women are the reigning Ol- pions Simone Biles of USA and lana Boguinskaia of , the CEO of the Local Organising Committee for the 48th Artistic Federation when he said: “Just with some wonderful perform- ympic champions from Rio and Kohei Uchimura of , who 1989 World All-around cham- Gymnastics World Championships Ali al-Hitmi and event’s now, a big Gymnastics fl ower ances, watering the fl owers that defending world champions from were absent from the All-around pion, is serving as the event am- ambassador Svetlana Boguinskaia of Belarus, the 1989 World has bloomed in the desert of Qa- the federation has brought into the 2015 World Championships fi nals at the 2017 World Cham- bassador. All-around champion, unveil the medals yesterday.

Gymnasts, officials get a taste of Qatari culture FOCUS Qatar Airways welcomes gymnasts from around the world for Doha Worlds atar Airways is pleased to be the Na- Committee of the 48th World Artistic Gymnas- tional Airline Sponsor of the highly-an- tics Championships is excited to host this global ticipated 48th World Artistic Gymnas- event in Qatar, the fi rst of its kind in the Mid- tics Championships. The competition, dle East, which will surely raise Qatar’s sporting whichQ be held from today till 3 November, will profi le on a global scale. Our commitment to this bring more than 600 male and female gymnasts World Championship demonstrates our country’s from 78 countries to compete across 10 days at the ability to amaze the world with our world-class state-of-the-art Aspire Academy Dome. facilities and warm hospitality. We welcome visi- Multiple Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles tors of all ages to watch the competition, and wish of the leads the lineup of competi- all athletes the best of luck.” tors at this year’s championship, and will compete Qatar Airways holds an extensive global sports against several of the world’s top gymnasts dur- portfolio, sponsoring some of the biggest teams ing the thrilling ten-day championship, including around the world. In addition to its existing part- Angelina Melnikova of , Luo Huan of China nership with the German football club giants FC and Rebeca Andrade of . Bayern München AG, for which it is a Platinum Qatar’s very own gymnasts, Ahmad al-Dayani, Partner, Qatar Airways also recently revealed Ahmed Nabil and Jana al-Kiki are also participat- multi-year sponsorship agreements with Italian ing in the championship, where all eyes will be on football club AS Roma and with Argentinian foot- A distinct and truly Qatari cultural show marked the welcoming ceremony for participants and off icials of the 48th FIG Artistic Gymnastics the world’s top athletes to see who will take home ball club Boca Juniors, making it the Offi cial Jersey World Championships Doha 2018 yesterday. In an hour-and-a-half long ceremony, over 1,300 delegates including gymnasts, off icials and the winning title. Gymnasts will be competing in Sponsor of both teams. other guests from more than 78 countries were welcomed in a traditional Qatari way, including cultural and heritage sections of Qatari the following events: fl oor, pommel horse, rings, In May 2017, Qatar Airways announced a craftsmanship, folklore and dance. vault, parallel bars, and balance beam, among groundbreaking sponsorship deal with FIFA, many others. Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- which saw the award-winning airline become the tive, Akbar al-Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is de- Offi cial Partner and Offi cial Airline of FIFA until lighted to be bringing some of the world’s most 2022. The partnership, one of the biggest sporting talented gymnasts to Qatar to display their in- sponsorships in the world, will give Qatar Airways credible talents at the 48th World Artistic Gym- extensive marketing and branding rights at the nastics Championship. We are proud to be the 2022 World Cup Qatar, with an expected audi- National Airline Sponsor of this exciting global ence reach of more than two billion people. The event, which is a major highlight on Qatar’s sport- agreement sees Qatar Airways become the Offi - ing calendar and supports the nation’s emergence cial Airline Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup, as a world-class sports destination. the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the FIFA Under-20 “We believe in the power of sport and its ability and Under-17 World Cups, the FIFA Beach World to bring people together, and we are certain that Cup, and the FIFA Interactive World Cup. this event will inspire the next generation of gym- Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Busi- nasts across Qatar and the Middle East. We wish ness Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, all of Qatar’s gymnasts the best of luck in this managed by international air transport rating or- year’s championship.” ganization, Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Busi- Executive Director of the Organising Commit- ness Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ tee, Ali al-Hitmi, said: “The Local Organising and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’. Gulf Times Thursday, October 25, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT CAF hails Qatar’s World Cup preparations

Doha: A delegation from the experiences in various fields Confederation of African Foot- such as administration, training, Juve prove too ball (CAF), headed by its chair- sports medicine, arbitration, man Ahmad Ahmad, has hailed infrastructure development, Qatar’s World Cup projects. marketing and media. The delegation was hosted by The meeting was attended by the Qatar Football Associa- President of the Qatar Football tion at Malaz Kempinski. The Association Sheikh Hamad bin visit comes as part of the co- Khalifa bin Ahmad al-Thani, and operation agreement signed Secretary-General of the Su- good for United on between the African and Qatar preme Committee for Delivery Football Association in May & Legacy Hassan al-Thawadi. 2015. The attendees reviewed the The agreement includes several progress of the 2022 World Cup areas of cooperation for the de- projects and the most promi- velopment of football between nent programs of the Supreme the two organisations in the Committee. framework of the distinguished Members of the CAF delegation Ronaldo’s return bilateral relations between the expressed their admiration for Qatar Football Association and a presentation that demonstrat- But for David de Gea’s heroics United would have lost by a higher margin the various continental federa- ed Qatar’s readiness to host the tions. It focuses on exchanging 2022 World Cup.

EMPHATIC City fl ex muscles with huge victory over Shakhtar Reuters “We’ve recovered with these Kharkiv, two results in (a win at Hoffenheim) and here. After the defeat against Lyon, it’s in anchester City began our hands again and winning to show their cre- our games at home will be the dentials like proper next stage.” Champions League The English Premier League Mheavyweights when they became leaders, with Kevin De Bruyne the fi rst English team to win at back for his first full start of the Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo shoots at the Manchester United goal during their Champions League match on Tuesday. Shakhtar Donetsk in European season after an injury layoff, competition with a handsome continued their recent dazzling AFP against one of the favourites to to add a centre-back in the the move to from Madrid problems, but we missed the 3-0 success in their Group F form by taking control from the Manchester win the Champions League. summer were thwarted. this summer have been over- fi nal pass too many times, es- match on Tuesday. opening whistle. Jose Mourinho’s men were “Juventus is champions shadowed by a rape allegation pecially in the second half,” said City, who false-started in the In the first half hour, Riyad handed a break before kick-off for seven years in a row, two made against him in the United Juventus boss Massimiliano Al- campaign with their only loss of Mahrez could and maybe should ose Mourinho bemoaned as Valencia’s 1-1 draw away to Champions League fi nals in the States, which he strongly de- legri. the season at home to Olympique have scored twice, once after the chasm between his Young Boys means United still last four or fi ve years and they nies. And the reception he re- “However I’m satisfi ed most- Lyonnais, were a wholly diff er- City had broken with breath- Manchester United side hold a two-point lead over the are not happy with what they ceived from the United faithful ly because we are continuing ent proposition, waltzing to vic- taking pace from their own half and Juventus as the Ital- Spaniards, but a fourth defeat of have, they want more. They this time was far more muted, to grow, especially in terms of tory with goals from David Silva, before he then also set up David ianJ champions won 1-0 on the season will see speculation had (Gonzalo) Higuain, (Mario) although he was applauded off confi dence, and that allowed us Aymeric Laporte and substitute Silva to flick the ball impudent- Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to over Mourinho’s future increase Manduzkic and Dybala, but the fi eld at the end of the game to impose our own game in this Bernardo Silva. ly against Shakhtar’s post. Old Traff ord in the Champions once more. they want more, they want Ro- after taking a selfi e with a pitch diffi cult stadium.” What looked a potentially Yet the Spanish maestro League on Tuesday. And in keeping with his com- naldo,” he added. invader, who was hauled away De Gea made fi ne saves from diffi cult 1,700-mile visit to the made no mistake with a left foot Ronaldo did not get on the plaints all season, Mourinho “They go for the best players by security staff . Joao Cancelo and Blaise Ma- Ukrainian champions, who had volley just after the half-hour to scoresheet, but played a sup- suggested United need to invest in the world. A big club with a Ronaldo scored the winner tuidi before the break, but saved beaten Pep Guardiola’s men in reward City’s mastery. porting role by helping set up more in the transfer market to big past but also a big desire to in a contentious Champions his best stop to prevent Ron- the group stages last year, was Five minutes later, De Bru- Paulo Dybala’s winner on 17 get to Juventus’ level. have a big future.” League last-16 tie for Madrid aldo scoring his fi rst Champions made to look eff ortlessly routine yne’s corner fell to Laporte, who minutes as Juventus opened up Juventus spent 112mn euros Ronaldo was given a hero’s fi ve years ago, but this time League goal for Juventus seven as the dazzling David Silva or- found himself unmarked as he a fi ve-point lead over United at ($129mn) for a 33-year-old Ro- welcome on his previous visit played the role of provider for minutes into the second-half. chestrated their dominance. stooped to head home. the top of Group H. naldo in July and also brought to Old Traff ord with Real Ma- Dybala to be the match-winner. Going behind brought out the City could easily have scored Though the home side at- Only a series of excellent saves Leonardo Bonucci back just a drid in 2013 after scoring 118 His cross intended for Juan best in Mourinho’s side against more goals but the win put the tacked intermittently, City from David de Gea prevented year after selling the Italian in- goals for United in six seasons Cuadrado ricocheted kindly off Newcastle and Chelsea to help English champions top of the could have scored three more the margin of defeat being far ternational to AC Milan. between 2003 and 2009 to help Chris Smalling into the path of ease the pressure on the man- group on six points, a point goals in the space of the first 12 greater for the hosts as any mo- “Mr. Bonucci, Mr. (Giorgio) the Red Devils win three Pre- Dybala to sweep the ball past De ager. clear of Lyon, who drew 3-3 at minutes of the second half as mentum United gained from Chiellini, they could go to Har- mier League titles and the fi rst Gea for his fourth goal in two But the hosts failed to threat- a Hoffenheim team who have they continued to pour forward. fi ghtbacks against Newcastle vard to give some classes about of his fi ve Champions Leagues. Champions League games. en until Paul Pogba’s curling two points along with bottom- Bernardo Silva had been on and Chelsea in recent weeks in how to be a central defender,” The Portuguese’s early days “The forwards moved a lot shot from outside the box hit the placed Shakhtar. the pitch for 90 seconds after the Premier League faded away said Mourinho, whose attempts as Juventus player since making and caused their defence a few post 15 minutes from time. City manager Pep Guardiola the excellent De Bruyne’s with- suggested on the eve of the drawal when another devastat- match that the club may still ing City counter saw the Portu- BOTTOMLINE lack the special passion for the guese midfielder race through competition that could drive and slot his 71st minute left- them to European glory but his foot shot in off the far post. team of all talents demonstrated It sealed Shakhtar’s first de- they certainly have the quality. feat in 12 matches in all com- Shakhtar had never been petitions, leaving their chances beaten by English visitors in of qualifying for the knockout De Jong leveller leaves Spurs’ seven home matches, leav- stages looking bleak. ing Guardiola to appreciate the “We have to admit that City magnitude of the win. “Zero- were better tonight. Much bet- three here,” he said, “It’s an ter,” conceded Shakhtar manager hopes hanging by a thread amazing result. Paulo Fonseca.

AFP PSV on one point in Group B, weireld’s header past Zoet from Eindhoven fi ve points behind Barcelona inside a packed area. and Inter Milan, who play later But somehow the goal was Wednesday. ruled off side. Although Kane was uuk De Jong scored a dra- A fast start saw Tottenham in an off side position, the Eng- matic late leveller as PSV quickly take control and in the land striker made no attempt to Eindhoven scraped a 2-2 18th minute Kane saw a great play the ball. Champions League draw header come off post and cross- Spurs made amends almost withL 10-man Tottenham Hot- bar following a corner from the immediately, Christian Eriksen spur to leave the English giants’ right. splitting the PSV defence to set campaign hanging by a thread PSV midfi elder Gaston Pereiro up Kieran Trippier for a crisp yesterday. fi red just a yard wide of Lloris’s cross that Lucas fi red fi rst-time With no points from their upright with a 25-yard free-kick past Zoet via a defl ection. opening two Group B fi xtures, and at the other end Zoet was Tottenham were thankful mo- this was make-or-break for both down quickly to smother when ments later when Pereiro drib- Spurs and PSV at the Philips Sta- Son skipped past the Spurs de- bled past Alderweireld to prod an dion. fence to fi re a low shot on target. eff ort off Lloris’s bar. A dominant Spurs looked to Yet the Londoners were But Spurs continued to be the have the points wrapped up after stunned on the half hour when better team. Kane nodded past Jeroen Zoet for Toby Alderweireld panicked on a Zoet came to the rescue to a 55th-minute lead after Lucas Tottenham’s Harry Kane (R) celebrates with Kieran Trippier after backpass from Davinson Sanchez deny Eriksen after he was set up Moura had equalised after Hirv- their second goal against PSV yesterday. as Lozano applied the pressure. by Trippier and the Dane made ing Lozano’s 30th-minute open- Despite Alderweireld running amends soon after with a superb er for PSV. The French World Cup win- away a superb free-kick at the back to block, Lozano’s eff ort delivery that saw Kane nod past But when Lozano threatened ner was immediately shown a red base of the post, only to be defl ected off the Belgian’s boot to Zoet at the back post. to catch a through ball in the 78th card, with Spurs manager Mau- caught ball-watching when De send the ball over a rooted Lloris. Despite Spurs’ dominance, the minute, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris ricio Pocchettino taking off He- Jong poked a loose ball past him Tottenham looked to be back depleted Londoners were made Shakhtar Donetsk’s Ukrainian defender Yaroslav Rakitskiy (L) vies came rushing out of his goal and ung-Min Son for second-choice with three minutes left on the on level terms minutes later to pay in the fi nal minutes when for the ball with Manchester City’s Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus (R) caught the Mexican winger with ‘keeper Michel Vorm. clock. when, from a corner, Sanchez De Jong pounced in a packed area during their UEFA Champions League football match at the Metallist his knee. Vorm’s fi rst task was to push It saw Spurs locked with fi red a rebound from Alder- to poke past Vorm. stadium in Kharkiv on Tuesday. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, October 25, 2018 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Kashima edge six-goal thriller to Rampant Arsenal reach Asian fi nal

AFP the near post and stooped low to Suwon plant his header past Shin Hwa- yong, silencing Suwon’s home fans. apan’s Kashima Antlers Kashima were in the driving face Lisbon test, fought back from behind seat, but Suwon came charg- to edge Suwon Bluew- ing back with three goals in nine ings 6-5 on aggregate and minutes to regain control after reachJ their fi rst Asian Champi- the break. ons League fi nal after a six-goal Six minutes after the restart, thriller yesterday. Lim Sang-hyub gobbled up a Suwon looked on course for close-range rebound, before Jo the fi nal after three quick goals Sung-jin scored with a diving Hazard doubtful in the second half before Kashi- header from a corner two min- ma, who came from two down to utes later. Chelsea’s Hazard has bad back, could miss match against BATE Borisov edge the fi rst leg 3-2, mounted Then on the hour-mark, another stunning comeback. Montenegrin veteran Dejan AFP Late goals from Daigo Ni- Damjanovic squeezed one in at Paris shi and new Brazilian sign- the near post for his 36th Cham- ing Serginho made it 3-3 on pions League goal — equalling the night as the Japanese side Korean great Lee Dong-gook’s mid a packed sched- snatched a heart-stopping ag- tournament record. ule Arsenal take a gregate win to set up a fi nal with However, Suwon’s joy was 10-match winning ’s Persepolis. short-lived as Nishi pulled one Astreak to Sporting Lis- Kashima held the edge after back on 64 minutes, making it bon as their quest to win the the rollercoaster fi rst leg, and 3-2 on the night and 5-5 on ag- Europa League continues today, they increased their aggregate gregate as extra time beckoned. when city rivals Chelsea, possi- lead to 4-2 after Shuto Yamamo- And Korean heads dropped on bly without the infl uential Eden to’s opener on 25 minutes at 82 minutes when Serginho bur- Hazard, host BATE Borisov of Suwon World Cup Stadium in ied his shot in the top corner to Belarus. . put Kashima 6-5 ahead on ag- After sealing an impressive From a free kick, the Japan in- gregate and set the Japanese side 10th straight victory at home to ternational defender stole in at on course for the fi nal. Leicester in the Premier League on Monday, Unai Emery’s outfi t are the team to watch in Group E. Arsenal and Sporting sit on six points apiece after two games, with ’s Qarabag and fellow strugglers Vorskla of Ukraine still pointless. Sporting are fi fth in ’s top fl ight, four points off the top with former Manchester United star Nani having scored three goals from seven league outings. If Arsenal needed more rea- son to believe in their chances of going all the way, they need not look far. As coach of Sevilla in 2013-2016, Emery led the Span- Kashima Antlers’ Nishi Daigo (C) celebrates his goal against South iards to three consecutive Europa Korea’s Suwon Samsung Bluewings in Suwon yesterday. League titles. “We are beginning to play with heart,” Emery said after Mon- day’s come-from-behind 3-1 win, in which Mesut Ozil scored Sadd’s Ferreira rues missed and provided an assist in a man- chances against Persepolis of-the-match performance. “I think we played some sexy Doha: Al Sadd head coach is great. We football,” said the 30-year-old Jesualdo Ferreira praised his German. players for their performance Sporting, who won 2-1 away in the 1-1 draw with Persepolis to Loures in the Portuguese Cup in the second leg of their AFC with Nani and Bruno Fernandes Champions League semifinal both on target, should be fresher tie, which saw the Wolves exit having played on Saturday. the tournament. Arsenal played on Monday Speaking after the match, and Emery, already set to make Ferreira said: “We played well changes due to a packed sched- in both legs but did not make ule, is set to tinker further after good use of chances. In the first both Nacho Monreal and Sead leg, we conceded a weird pen- Kolasinac were ruled out. alty which lead to our defeat “Yesterday was a very bad day Arsenal’s Stephan Lichtsteiner, Mesut Ozil, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Granit Xhaka and Danny Welbeck during a training session and the exit from this tourna- love it, as coaches and play- for injuries,” Emery conceded on yesterday. ment. This is football. ers because this is the real Tuesday. He added: “The first leg result atmoshpere of football.” Having won both their open- Alvaro Morata struggling on just hoping the past experience of not punchlines.” Dudelange v Olympiacos made things diff icult for us. Asked to compare Qatari and ing Group L matches, 2013 three goals this season, Hazard’s coach Rudi Garcia pays divi- Late kick-off s (all matches We played to win and gave 90 Iranian football, Ferreira said champions Chelsea can take a absence could rob Chelsea of dends as they bid for their fi rst Fixtures (all matches 1655 1900 GMT) minutes of off ensive football, that it wouldn’t be fair because major step to the next round with their main attacking threat after win of the group stage following GMT) Group G: Rangers v Spartak trying to win the game in any there are different factors in a home win today, although they a blistering seven-goal start to a 2-2 draw at Apollon Limas- Group A: Zurich v Leverkusen, Moscow, Villarreal v Rapid manner but we were unable to. place. “We have to consider may have to do without Hazard. the Premier League campaign. sol. He joined them from Roma, AEK Larnaca v Ludogorets Vienna Persepolis had a fantastic game the fact that Iran has a huge The Belgian playmaker says Yet Brazilian winger Wil- where he faced Lazio fi ve times in Group B: Salzburg v Rosenborg, Group H: Eintracht Frankfurt v and most of their players did population and has a bigger he was kicked so much during lian remains upbeat about their the capital-city derby and never Leipzig v Celtic Apollon, Marseille v Lazio well, especially the goalkeeper. pool of players, unlike Qatar Chelsea’s 2-2 weekend draw with chances, claiming the entire club lost. Group C: Zenit Saint Petersburg Group I: Sarpsborg v Malmo, Congratulations to them on the where the residents are fewer Manchester United that he will has been given a lift by the arrival “Three wins and two draws in v Bordeaux, Kobenhavn v Slavia Besiktas v Genk win and the qualification for in number and as a result, have miss the Stamford Bridge game of new coach Maurizio Sarri. fi ve games, I hope we can get a Praha Group J: Standard Liege v Kras- the final.” lesser players.” against BATE with a bad back. “The way we are playing this result like I used to in those Rome Group D: Anderlecht v Fener- nodar, Sevilla v Akhisar “We wasted many chances at Finally, Ferreira said: “What the “When I woke up on Monday I season, we can go all the way,” derbies,” Garcia told AFP. bahce, Spartak Trnava v Dinamo Group K: Jablonec v Astana, home and also at the Azadi goalkeeeper Alireza Beiranvand was stiff . Even during the second the in-form winger said of their He added: “I’ll always have a Zagreb Rennes v Dynamo Kiev and we weren’t able to score did was fantastic. He was the half I couldn’t accelerate prop- Europa League campaign. little bit of Roma in my heart so Group E: Qarabag v Vorskla, Group L: Chelsea v BATE Bori- more than one goal. But to diff erence against us. He is truly erly,” he said. As Marseille prepare to face that gives us added inspiration, Sporting CP v Arsenal sov, PAOK v Vidi be honest, the footballing a great goalkeeper; he fought With Spanish centre-forward Lazio, the French side will be but what counts here is winning, Group F: AC Milan v Real Betis, atmosphere that we see in Iran and denied our attack.”

BOTTOMLINE Infantino to ask for vote on new tournaments

Reuters desliga and La Liga, and European Seifert and Mexican Liga MX ex- tilism’ and accused FIFA of selling Manchester football’s governing body UEFA are ecutive president Enrique Bonilla the soul of the game. among several organisations unwill- and confi rmed to Reuters, said the As well as concerns over the inter- ing to endorse the plans at this stage. leagues are “fi rmly opposed to any national calendar, which has already IFA president Gianni Infan- The new competitions and related decision at this stage”. been agreed until 2024, several offi - tino will put his controversial commercial strategy feature on the The WLF includes African, Asian, cials have expressed surprise that In- plans for two new interna- agenda for the meeting and the FIFA South and North American leagues as fantino has yet to reveal the identity tional soccer tournaments to spokesman told Reuters that there well as those from Europe. of the fi nancial backers for the plan. aF vote at tomorrow’s meeting of the will be votes held on the proposals. Alberto Colombo, Deputy General Jesper Moller, a member of FIFA’s body’s ruling council, a spokesman The spokesman said that in regard Secretary and spokesman for the Eu- Organising Committee for FIFA for the governing body told Reuters to the Global Nations League, where ropean Leagues, said they were op- Competitions and president of the yesterday. Infantino envisages a mini-World posed to “both the process and the Danish Football Federation, told Reu- However, with the World Leagues Cup, held every two years called the content” of Infantino’s proposals. ters in May that no vote could be held Forum, which represents 38 profes- ‘Final Eight’ featuring eight interna- “There has not been a proper con- on the plans without knowing the sional leagues, asking Infantino last tional teams, council members will sultation or impact study” Colombo identity of the backers, who wish to week not to go for a vote and strong be urged to back the principle and told Reuters, saying many members take 49 % ownership in the manage- opposition within Europe, FIFA authorise FIFA to work further on the of his organisation were concerned ment of the new events. council meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, project. that the plans would further increase “We want to see things and docu- could cause a major split. The picture for the Club World the gap between the wealthy clubs mentation. We have learned from the Infantino revealed his plans in May Cup, currently an annual tourna- and the rest, adding to the problem of past. So now do it in a proper way,” he for a new Global Nations League and ment with seven teams, is less clear. competitive imbalance in domestic said. a revamped Club World Cup which Infantino had talked of a four yearly club football. Infantino has said the investors he says are backed by a ‘solid and event featuring 24 clubs but several UEFA have not made a public state- came from Asia, Europe and North serious’ group of investors willing to alternative models will also be put to ment regarding tomorrow’s meeting America but said he was unable to spend the Council. but in the past they have been clear in provide details as he had signed a $25bn over a 12-year cycle starting The World Leagues Forum (WLF) their opposition to Infantino’s plans. non-disclosure agreement. in 2021. letter, signed by Premier League ex- In May, UEFA president Aleksand- Several media reports have stated The European Leagues, which ecutive chairman Richard Scuda- er Ceferin denounced what he called that Japanese conglomerate SoftBank includes the Premier League, Bun- more, Bundesliga CEO Christian ‘highly cynical and ruthless mercan- Group is heading the consortium. Gulf Times Thursday, October 25, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA Griffi n’s half-century as Pistons defeat Sixers AFP “At halftime I said this wasn’t 2016, when they fi nished eighth points while Julius Randle and Los Angeles going to be a game where the in the Eastern Conference. Nikola Mirotic added 18 points person who punches the most Philadelphia’s preparations each to leave the Pelicans at 3-0. wins. It’s going to be about the meanwhile were jolted earlier After a hard-fought fi rst half, lake Griffi n scored a ca- person who can absorb the most Tuesday when Australian-born the Pelicans pulled away with reer-high 50 points as punches, and we did that. guard Ben Simmons was ruled a big third quarter which saw the Detroit Pistons ex- “We just believed and kept out with tightness in his lower them open up a 91-84 lead head- tended their unbeaten fi ghting and fi nished the game.” back. Sixers coach Brett Brown ing into the fourth which they startB to the season with an over- Griffi n, who was show- said the decision to rest Sim- held onto until the fi nal buzzer. time victory over the Philadelphia ered with chants of “M-V-P” mons was precautionary, add- In Denver meanwhile, the 76ers on Tuesday. throughout, said he had been ing that he hopes to play against Nuggets improved to 4-0 with a Griffi n weighed in with a driv- determined to nail his winning Milwaukee on Wednesday. 126-112 blowout over the Sacra- ing layup to tie the score with just free throw after missing six ear- With Simmons missing, Em- mento Kings. Eight Denver play- under two seconds left on the lier in the game. biid stepped up to shoulder the ers cracked double fi gures, with clock and drew a foul from Robert “I’m going to go and ice and off ensive burden with 33 points point guard Jamal Murray lead- Covington before making a free then get back to the free throw while J.J. Redick added 30. Cov- ing the scoring with 19. throw to seal a 133-132 victory at line to practice,” he said. ington added 16 points, and Nikola Jokic meanwhile ended Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena. Griffi n was one of fi ve players Dario Saric 14. the night with 14 points, 12 re- Griffi n also weighed in with to fi nish with double digit scor- Elsewhere on Monday, New bounds and six assists. Denver 14 rebounds and six assists as ing fi gures, with Reggie Jackson Orleans and Denver joined De- were never threatened through- the Pistons laid down a marker claiming 23 points and Ish Smith troit by preserving their unbeat- out, stretching into a 112-87 to their Eastern Conference ri- adding 21 off the bench. en starts to the season. Anthony lead midway through the fourth vals. Griffi n’s career night also Davis scored 34 points for the quarter and romping to a victory included one highlight-reel PELICANS, NUGGETS Pelicans in a 116-109 win over that leaves them on top of the worthy moment in the second ROLL ON the Los Angeles Clippers in New Western Conference standings. quarter when he soared above The victory gave Detroit three Orleans. Davis pulled down 12 Sixers big man Joel Embiid to wins out of three as they set rebounds and contributed two RESULTS slam down a monster dunk. out on their latest bid to return assists as the Pelicans all-round Denver 126-112 Sacramento “We just kept fi ghting,” Griffi n to the postseason. The Pistons scoring power overwhelmed the New Orleans 116-109 Clippers Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griff in (right) dribbles on Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid in the sec- said. “We kept taking punches. have not made the playoff s since Clippers. Elfrid Payton had 20 Detroit 133-132 Philadelphia ond half at Little Caesars Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

MLB/WORLD SERIES NHL Crosby ends drought twofold; Pens top Nunez’s 3-run homer Oilers in overtime

Reuters New York

idney Crosby scored a powers Red Sox over highlight goal at 2:12 of overtime on Tuesday to give the visiting Pitts- burghS Penguins a 6-5 win over the Edmonton Oilers in a back- and-forth game. Crosby stickhandled all over the Oilers zone before back- Dodgers in opener handing the puck over the left pad of goaltender Cam Talbot for ‘I know he throws lot of off -speed. I know he doesn’t want me to beat him with his second goal of the game. Patric Hornqvist and Jamie fastball, so I will see all at-bat something soft and he do it twice’ Oleksiak also scored twice for Pittsburgh. Leon Draisaitl and AFP Alex Chiasson each scored twice Boston and Connor McDavid added a Pittsburgh Penguins forward goal for Edmonton. Matt Murray Sidney Crosby celebrates an made 41 saves for the Penguins, overtime winning goal against oston pinch-hitter Ed- and Talbot made 25. Edmonton Oilers at Rogers uardo Nunez smashed Crosby broke his longest Place on Tuesday. a three-run homer over goal drought to start a season, PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports the towering “Green six games, on the only goal of Monster”B left-fi eld wall and the the fi rst, a defl ection on a Kris pass from Rieder. Red Sox held off the Los Angeles Letang pass during a power play Hornqvist fi nished the sec- Dodgers 8-4 in Tuesday’s World at 10:58. Draisaitl tied it 1:06 into ond-period scoring when the Series opener. the second when he got a loose puck went in off his skate with With Boston clinging to a puck in the high slot and blasted 54.2 seconds left for a 4-3 Pitts- one-run lead, the 31-year-old it under Murray’s blocker. Ryan burgh lead. Dominican reserve infi elder Nugent-Hopkins picked up his In the third, Edmonton scored blasted the seventh-inning of- 200th career assist. back-to-back power-play goals fering from Dodgers reliever Chiasson made it 2-1 at 3:10 to regain the lead. Alex Wood over the Fenway Park on a shot from the slot as he McDavid forged a 4-4 tie on a landmark and the Red Sox seized was falling on his backside. At screened shot from the top of the the lead in Major League Base- 7:16, Oleksiak fi nished off a crisp right circle at 2:47, and Draisaitl ball’s best-of-seven fi nal, which passing display off the rush for a shovelled the puck past Murray’s continues here Wednesday. 2-2 tie. blocker at 4:18 to make it 5-4. “I know he throws lot of off - Hornqvist got his fi rst goal of Oleksiak’s second, on a long speed,” Nunez said. “I know he the season for a 3-2 Penguins rebound at 6:51, tied it 5-5. doesn’t want me to beat him lead at 10:24. Dominik Simon, with fastball, so I will see all at- from deep, fed Hornqvist, who RESULTS bat something soft and he do it banged it past Talbot from in Orlando 93-90 Boston twice.” front of the crease. Toronto 127-106 Charlotte Boston outfi elder Andrew Be- Chiasson’s second tied it again Milwaukee 124-113New York nintendi became only the third at 15:15. He had a two-on-two Minnesota 101-91 Indiana Red Sox batter with four hits in a with Tobias Rieder against Pitts- Dallas 115-109 Chicago World Series game after Jacoby burgh’s Jack Johnson and Olli Memphis 92-84 Utah Ellsbury in 2007 and Wally Mo- Maatta. The two Oilers got be- Washington 125-124 Portland ses in 1946, scoring three times hind the defensemen for a two- Golden State 123-103 Phoenix in the hosts’ triumph. on-none, and Chiasson buried a San Antonio 143-142 LA Lakers “We were able to execute,” Benintendi said. “For the most part we were able to do what we wanted to do. We were able to get Falcons lose guard Fusco on the board early and often.” for rest of season The Red Sox seek a ninth ti- tle overall, the fi rst since 2013 The injury woes of the Atlanta line. Fusco is his first season and fourth in 15 seasons, while Falcons continue as right guard with Atlanta. He signed a three- the Dodgers, who fell one win Brandon Fusco is done for year, $12.75 million contract as a shy of last year’s crown, chase the season after sustaining a free agent in March. their seventh World Series tro- broken right ankle during the Ben Garland replaced Fusco in phy but fi rst since 1988. Windy Monday night game against the the lineup against the Giants and rain-drenched Fenway Park New York Giants. and is in line to start when the had the coldest conditions the Falcons coach Dan Quinn an- Falcons visit the Washington Dodgers had endured all year, nounced during a press confer- Redskins on Nov 4. Atlanta has but they twice rallied to equalise ence on Tuesday that the injury a bye this week. until Nunez broke open the back was season-ending. “You really felt his speed to and forth contest. Fusco was hurt during the first try to get to the second level,” “From the fi rst at-bat, we put Boston Red Sox pinch-hitter Eduardo Nunez celebrates after hitting a three run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the half of the game, carried off Quinn told reporters of Garland. pressure on them. That’s what seventh inning in game one of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports the field and then carted to the “He did a good job in protection we do,” Red Sox manager Alex locker room. as well. We keep track of finish Cora said. “We attacked pitches geles within 5-4. like a deep breath, an exhale. We than two batters into the fi fth tinez made the Dodgers pay by Fusco is the sixth Atlanta start- plays and finished blocks. ... (He in the middle of the strike zone In the Boston seventh, Benin- knew we were set up pretty well inning. Boston leadoff batter knocking him in with a dou- ing player and second off ensive had) six or seven of those from and we did an outstanding job tendi lofted a ground-rule dou- those last two innings.” Mookie Betts, the major league’s ble for a 3-2 Red Sox edge, but lineman to be placed on injured a finishing standpoint, which is off ensively.” ble and Martinez was walked Boston relievers Nathan Eo- top hitter, singled and scored Machado hit a run-scoring reserve this year. The Falcons good.” before the Dodgers pulled re- valdi and Craig Kimbrel retired on a Benintendi single and J.D. ground out in the fi fth inning previously lost left guard Andy According to NFL Network, MACHADO DRIVES liever Pedro Baez for Wood. the last six Dodgers batters to Martinez later singled Benin- to pull the Dodgers level again Levitre to a season-ending Atlanta will sign guard Rees IN THREE Cora inserted Nunez, who de- seal the victory. tendi in for a 2-0 Boston lead. befoe a fi elder’s choice by Xan- triceps injury. Odhiambo off the Indianapolis Dodgers shortstop Manny livered the decisive blow. Dodgers manager Dave Rob- Dodgers designated hitter der Bogaerts and a Rafael Devers The other starters placed on in- Colts’ practice squad for depth. Machado, despised by Red Sox “He makes great moves. erts benched Pedro Baez for Matt Kemp blasted a second run-scoring single put Boston jured reserve are safeties Keanu Odhiambo, 26, was a third- fans after a 2017 slide that in- He’s very smart,” Nunez said. Wood despite him striking out inning solo homer off Sale over ahead to stay. Neal (knee) and Ricardo Allen round pick of the Seattle jured Boston’s Dustin Pedroia, “I think that’s the reason we’re the two batters he faced. “I re- the Green Monster in his fi rst “That’s a good off ense. They (Achilles), linebacker Deion Seahawks in 2016 and started ignored boos and derisive here, because every move we ally liked Alex in that spot,” World Series at-bat and Mach- got the big hit when they need- Jones (foot) and running back seven games for them last year, chants to drive in three runs. make it’s for a good reason.” The Roberts said. ado singled in an equaliser in ed it,” Roberts said. Devonta Freeman (groin). The but he was waived during final Machado smacked a bases- Red Sox fi nally had breathing the third inning. “We didn’t play the defense injuries to Neal and Allen also cuts before joining the Colts’ loaded sacrifi ce fl y to centre- room over the Dodgers. SALE, KERSHAW OUT EARLY A video review overturned we typically do. I thought we left were season-ending ailments, practice squad in late Septem- fi eld in the seventh inning that “It was a huge hit,” Beninten- Left-handed star starting pitch- a double play to put Boston’s some outs out there. To beat a while Jones and Freeman could ber. The Falcons also released scored pinch hitter Max Muncy di said. “Getting that extra three ers Clayton Kershaw for LA and Steve Pearce at fi rst base with club like that, you’ve got to play be recalled if healthy down the backup guard Zac Kerin. from third base to pull Los An- runs, that extra cushion, was Boston’s Chris Sale lasted more two outs in the third and Mar- a cleaner game defensively.” Gulf Times 6 Thursday, October 25, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS/WTA FINALS Kerber overcomes Osaka as Stephens wins again Reuters Osaka, who was often battling to keep another one in two days from now.” Singapore her emotions in check, fashioned fi ve break points when Kerber served for SLOW BURNER the set at 5-4 but the German was able The second match was a slow burner, ngelique Kerber produced a to stave off all of them with some gutsy with the crowd taking time to warm to dogged display of defensive Tennis and sealed the opener with a the contest, as Stephens raced into a 3-0 Tennis to tame big-hitting booming serve. lead before Bertens dragged herself back Naomi Osaka 6-4 5-7 6-4 in Osaka’s inability to make the most of thanks to some clever changes of pace aA classic Red Group encounter between her potent serve looked to have cost her and direction. the winners of the last two Grand Slams the match when she was broken to love Improved serving from both players at the WTA Finals yesterday. in the ninth game of the second set but ensured the opener went to a tiebreak In the late match, Sloane Stephens she then reeled off three games in a row and after Stephens staked another 3-0 continued her dream debut at the to level the contest. lead, the American edged ahead on her eight-woman event when the American The third set was a war of attri- third set point when Bertens sent a fore- moved to the brink of the semi-fi nals tion with both players stretching every hand into the tramlines. after she rallied for a 7-6(4) 2-6 6-3 vic- sinew to hold serve until Osaka cracked Bertens capitalised on a rapid drop in tory over fellow tournament rookie Kiki fi rst in the seventh game, gifting Kerber intensity from Stephens to reel off four Bertens. the crucial break with a slew of poor games in a row on her way to taking the Kerber’s victory evened up her record shot selections from 40-15 ahead. second set. at 1-1 in round robin play as Osaka The break was enough for Kerber to The Dutchwoman carried that mo- slumped to her second straight defeat, seal a brilliant win, with Osaka crushing mentum into the start of the decid- leaving the US Open champion needing a backhand into the net on the German’s er, breaking to move 2-0 ahead, but to beat Bertens in her fi nal group match fi rst match point. Stephens fi nally woke from her slum- to have any hope of advancing. “I had my chances in the second set ber after looking fl at for a half a dozen The early match began tentatively but she played some unbelievable Ten- games too reassert her authority and with three consecutive breaks of serve nis to win that one, and it felt like there close out a memorable victory. falling in the German’s favour as Osaka was only one or two points in the decid- “I just tried my best from the very looked to dictate with her power, while er,” Wimbledon champion Kerber said fi rst point of the fi nal set. It didn’t go my Kerber was content to counter-punch in a post-match interview. way immediately but I just kept battling off the back foot and keep the ball in “It was great to win such a great and I’m really pleased to pull through,” Germany’s Angelique Kerber celebrates after defeating Japan’s Naomi Osaka during their singles match at the WTA Finals play. match and to be able to look forward to Stephens said. in Singapore yesterday. (AFP)

GOLF FOCUS Federer digs deep to reach second round Man of the moment second set before his opponent AFP Basel, managed to square the match with a break in game 10. The top seed went up an early oger Federer had to break in the third and broke Kra- fi ght hard to hold off jinovic in an 11-minute game for ’s Filip Krajinovic a 5-2 lead, only to fail to serve on Tuesday, edging to a out the match at the fi rst time of Koepka warns he 6-2,R 4-6, 6-4 win to reach the asking. second round of the Swiss In- But he clinched victory on his doors. second match point to take his The eight-time champion career record at the tournament fl irted with his earliest exit in to 67-9 as he bids to reach a 12th Basel since his 1998 debut as a successive fi nal at St. Jakob- teenager, but came out on top in shalle. a nervy deciding set. “I’m glad I got through. These can ‘get even better’ “I was up 6-2, 3-1, it could are the matches you have to win,” have ended very quickly,” Fed- said Federer. ‘I don’t feel like I’ve peaked at all. I feel like I can get a lot better. You can always improve’ erer said. “But I made life more “Things didn’t really fl ow, but diffi cult. it was a hard-fought win. I feel “I didn’t have the best serv- good physically. I have a day off ing stats, maybe that caught up tomorrow so it was no trouble to to me. play three sets. “But these are diff erent balls, “I’m happy where I am right more altitude than in Shanghai, now.” it’s about getting used to it. The 37-year-old Federer, who “And fi rst rounds are always revealed earlier this week that he tricky, it’s never a given that you had been struggling with a hand are going to win.” injury since the grass-court sea- Earlier, Jan-Lennard Struff son, last lost at the Swiss Indoors ended the possibility of a re- in 2013, going down to Juan Mar- match between Federer and his tin del Potro. US Open conqueror John Mill- Seventh seed Daniil Medvedev, man by beating the Australian a semi-fi nalist last week in Mos- 7-6 (7/3), 6-2. cow, saw off German Maximilian Krajinovic appeared to be on Marterer 6-3, 7-5. the way to a straight-sets loss Russian Medvedev stands at in his fi rst meeting with the 20- a career-high ranking of 20th, time Grand Slam winner before with three titles this season and the momentum began to turn. will next face Andreas Seppi af- Up a set and a break, the Swiss ter the Italian defeated Japan’s lost serve in the sixth game of the Taro Daniel 6-0, 6-4.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL Aspire to host AVC Qatar Master from November 27

By Sports Reporter Doha

or the seventh consecu- tive year, Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) is set to host the largest beach vol- Fleyball competition in Asia, the ‘Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Qatar Master’. The four-day championship (Left to right) Brooks Koepka of the United States, Francesco Molinari of Italy, Justin Rose of England, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Dustin Johnson of the United States will take place at Aspire Park, pose with the trophy ahead of the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions golf tournament in Shanghai yesterday. (AFP) from November 27 to 30 2018. consecutive years at the AZF is The event is jointly organised a testament to its trust in AZF’s Reuters “I don’t feel like I’ve peaked tin Rose are in a fi eld that boasts You’ve got to take it, learn from Rose warned that Koepka was by Qatar Volleyball Association capacity to organise interna- Shanghai at all. I feel like I can get a lot 19 of the world’s top 30. it and move on.” “looking fresh” after his win (QVA), Qatar Olympic Commit- tional events, where AVC relies better. You can always improve. Also on hand is the “Moli- in South Korea, at a time when tee (QOC) and AZF. Top teams heavily on AZF’s organisational “With maturity, coming out Wood” duo of Francesco Mo- BUST-UP BRUSHED OFF many players are drained from from 24 Asian, African, Latin capabilities, world-class facili- rooks Koepka has won on the Golf course you learn linari and Tommy Fleetwood, Koepka and Johnson are noted travelling across the globe to the American and European coun- ties and experts. half of this year’s ma- new things about yourself every who provided the spark for Eu- friends, but reports emerged region after an intense season. tries with gather alongside more The championship promises to jors and is Golf’s newly day.” rope’s dominating Ryder Cup of a bust-up between the pair “(Koepka) is getting his due than 60 delegates including; be a successful competition that anointed world number The 28-year-old, who com- win, along with several of their after the Ryder Cup defeat last now. It’s been a real breakout athletes, coaches, and offi cials to lives up to AZF and Qatar’s repu- one,B but the red-hot American bines a powerful game with a teammates. month, shining a spotlight on year for him,” Rose said. give volleyball enthusiasts of all tation as a global leader in organ- insists he can get even better as cool demeanour, said he feels Johnson memorably implod- their participation in Shanghai. “The style in which he is do- levels the opportunity to enjoy a ising sporting events. This year he leads an elite fi eld into this “no pressure” after rising to the ed last year in the fi nal round They were chummy at a tour- ing it is impressive. He plays a fun-fi lled atmosphere. we are the organising partners of week’s WGC-HSBC Champions. top ranking. at Sheshan, surrendering a six- nament launch event Tuesday very aggressive game and when The list of participating coun- the event and we will also provide The 2018 US PGA Tour Player Chasing him is the usual stroke lead compiled through 54 night and Johnson said the pair he’s on, he’s hard to beat.” tries includes: Qatar, , marketing and communications of the Year is the man to beat in who’s who of star names drawn holes and opening a door that remained “best buddies” while Both Rose and McIlroy con- , , , support to the competition.” Shanghai after he coolly shot a annually to Sheshan Interna- Rose barged through to win. brushing off the reported rift. fessed to some fatigue after , Germany, Great Brit- The 2017 edition of the AVC fi nal-round 64 to clinch victory tional Golf Club for the tour- The long-hitting American “It was absolutely nothing their long journey to China and ain, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, , Beach Tour Qatar Master fea- in the CJ Cup in South Korea nament dubbed “Asia’s major” said that was history. and people made a lot bigger were wary of jet lag. Mongolia, , Nigeria, tured twenty-four teams rep- last week and ascend to Golf’s which carries a winner’s purse “I didn’t play that badly. I just deal out of it than what it was,” “You don’t know how good Sierra Leone, , Chi- resenting twelve countries. The top ranking for the fi rst time. of $1.8 million. hit a couple of iron shots that Johnson said. you’ll be until you get out there nese Taipei, Uruguay, United teams included; China, Japan, “The way I’m playing right World number two Dustin cost me the tournament,” said Koepka is the fourth Golfer Thursday, but my game feels States of America, Zimbabwe. , , Indone- now, I feel like I can win any- Johnson, reigning US Masters Johnson, who lifted the tro- this year to rise to world number pretty sharp,” McIlroy said. Nasser Abdullah al-Hajri, Di- sia, , Oman, Saudi Ara- where,” said Koepka - a joint champion Patrick Reed, four- phy at Sheshan in 2013 with a one, the fi rst time that has hap- “I’ve played well here. I’ve rector of PR and Communica- bia, , Iran, Qatar and runner-up in Shanghai last year time major winner Rory McIlroy WGC-HSBC Champions record pened since 1997 and illustrat- had some really good fi nishes, tions at AZF, said: “The AVC’s Taiwan. Qatar won the competi- - ahead of the $10 million event and last year’s tournament vic- 24-under par total of 264. ing the startling depth of talent I just haven’t had the win. So commitment to host the inter- tion with Australia second and which begins on Thursday. tor and world number three Jus- “That’s just Golf sometimes. in the game. hopefully this is the year.” national championship for seven Indonesia third. Gulf Times Thursday, October 25, 2018 7 SPORT

SECOND ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL Bangladesh seal series against Zimbabwe AFP opening stand, Bangladesh’s two useful knocks to give them a Scorecard Chittagong best ODI start in 2018. competitive score. Taylor added Liton chipped in with 83 off 52 and 77 runs for the second and ZIMBABWE Mustafizur 10-0-35-1, Saifuddin 77 balls after being reprieved on third respectively with Masakadza c Mushfiqur b Saifuddin 14 10-1-45-3, Mehidy 7-0-45-1 (w1), pener Imrul Kayes and naught by the third umpire, who Zhuwao (20) and Williams before Nazmul 10-0-43-0, Mahmudullah Liton Das hit big half- overturned a leg-before deci- Bangladesh stalled Zimbabwe’s C. Zhuwao c Fazle b Mehidy 20 3-0-21-1. centuries as Bangla- sion in the very fi rst over of the progress. Taylor, who hit nine B. Taylor lbw b Mahmudullah 75 BANGLADESH desh crushed Zim- innings following a television fours and a six in his eighth fi fty S. Williams c Mushfiqur b Saifuddin 47 babweO by seven in the replay. against Bangladesh, the highest L. Das c Tiripano b Raza 83 second one-day international to Off -break bowler Sikandar by any cricketer, also benefi ted S. Raza c Mushfiqur b Mortaza 49 I. Kayes c Chigumbura b Raza 90 take an unassailable 2-0 lead in Raza dismissed Liton to break from a television replay as he was P. Moor c Mehidy b Mustafizur 17 F. Mahmud St Taylor b Raza 0 the three-match series in Chit- the stand and then also had reprieved on 42 after being given Chigumbura c Nazmul b Saifuddin 3 tagong yesterday. number three Fazle Mahmud in out leg before wicket initially. M. Rahim 40 Imrul missed out on his sec- his next over, but Imrul stood Zimbabwe’s Masakadza la- B. Mavuta not out 9 M. Mithun not out 24 ond century in the series when fi rm to deny Zimbabwe further Bangladesh batsmen Liton Das (right) celebrates his half-century with mented their inability to capi- D. Tiripano not out 3 Extras (lb1, w11, nb1) 13 he was dismissed for 90, but this momentum. Raza also removed teammate Imrul Kayes during the second ODI against Zimbabwe in talise on a good start. “We didn’t Extras (b5, lb3, w1) 9 was enough to help Bangladesh Imrul, who hit only seven fours Chittagong yesterday. (AFP) manage to kick on after the kind Total (3 wickets; 44.1 overs) 250 cruise to 250-3 in 44.1 overs af- in his 111-ball innings, before of start. Credit to Bangladeshi Total (7 wickets; 50 overs) 246 Fall of wickets: 1-148 (Liton), ter they restricted Zimbabwe fi nishing with 3-43. pected,” Mortaza said. spinner Cephas Zhuwao for a six bowlers for starving us at the Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Masakadza), 2-152 (Fazle), 3-211 (Imrul) to 246-6 at the Zahur Ahmed Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mushfi qur Rahim and Mo- over deep square leg. Sent into death,” he said. 2-70 (Zhuwao), 3-147 (Taylor), Bowling: Jarvis 9-0-31-0 (w2), Chowdhury Stadium. Mortaza acknowledged dew in hammad Mithun were unbeaten bat fi rst, Zimbabwe earlier lost Rookie all-rounder Mohamed 4-188 (Williams), 5-229 (Raza), Chatara 7-0-48-0(w1), Tiripano Imrul, who played a match- the fi eld made their job easier. on 40 and 24 runs respectively. skipper Hamilton Masakadza Saifuddin fi nished with the most 6-229-(Moor), 7-234 (Chigum- 5-0-22-0, Mavuta 7-0-56-0 (w7), winning knock of 144 runs in “I think winning the toss was Mithun clinched Bangladesh’s (14) quickly but Brendan Taylor impressive fi gures of 3-45 for the bura) Williams 6-0-43-0 (nb1), Raza 10- Sunday’s series opener, shared crucial. We knew about the dew, 12th successive win over Zim- hit 75 off 73 balls while Raza (49) home side and was named man Bowlers: Mortaza 10-0-49-1, 1-43-3 (w1), Zhuwao 0.1-0-6-0 148 runs with Liton Das in the but it was not as much as we ex- babwe in style, hitting left-arm and Sean Williams (47) played of the match.

CRICKET FOCUS Babar, Wasim propel Pakistan to biggest West Indies’ Hope T20 win over Aussies

AFP over of their innings. Medium Abu Dhabi pacer Faheem Ashraf, who fi n- ished with 2-10, then dismissed Glenn Maxwell (two) and Chris pener Babar Azam Lynn (14) to further derail the dampens Kohli’s struck an unbeaten Australians. 68 while spinner Ben McDermott was run out Imad Wasim capped without scoring before Wasim aO return to international cricket came back into the attack to dis- with three wickets as Pakistan miss Alex Carey for one, leaving crushed Australia by 66 runs in Australia in tatters at 22-6. yesterday’s opening T20 match Only a fi ghting knock of 34 in Abu Dhabi. from Nathan Coulter-Nile, the day in thrilling tie Azam hit fi ve fours and a six last man out, ensured Australia in his 55-ball innings as Paki- didn’t succumb to their low- captain Kohli becomes fastest batsman to 10,000 One-Day International runs stan made 155-8 before Wasim est T20 total. Paceman Shaheen (3-20) ripped apart Australia’s Shah Afridi fi nished with 2-23 top order as they slumped to 89 while Hasan Ali and Shadab all out – their joint-third low- Khan took a wicket each. est T20 score – at Sheikh Zayed Earlier, Pakistan were lifted by Stadium. Azam and The win gave Pakistan a 1-0 (39) as they added 73 for the sec- lead in the three-match series ond wicket in quick time. and also their biggest T20 vic- But once Hafeez fell in the tory over Australia, improv- 14th over, Pakistan lost six wick- ing upon the 45-run win they ets for just 28 runs with skip- achieved in Harare in July. per Sarfraz Ahmed, Ashraf and Only twice have Australia Wasim falling without scoring scored fewer runs in a T20 inter- while Shadab made just one. national, making just 79 against It was left to Azam to keep one England at Southampton in 2005 end intact during his sixth T20 and 86 in a defeat by India at half-century while Hasan used Dhaka four years ago. the long handle eff ectively, hit- Left-arm spinner Wasim, ting two boundaries and a six in playing his fi rst match for Pa- a handy 17 off eight balls to help kistan since October last year, add 41 in the last fi ve overs. bowled both Australian open- The second and third T20 in- ers, Aaron Finch (nought) and ternationals will be played in D’Arcy Short (four), in the fi rst Dubai tomorrow and Sunday. Scorecard PAKISTAN AUSTRALIA F. Zaman c Coulter-Nile b Stanlake 14 A. Finch b Wasim 0 B. Azam not out 68 D. Short b Wasim 4 M. Hafeez c McDermott b Short 39 C. Lynn b Ashraf 14 A. Ali lbw b Zampa 2 G. Maxwell b Ashraf 2 H. Talat c Finch b Tye 9 B. McDermott run out 0 F. Ashraf c Maxwell b Tye 0 A. Carey c Sarfraz b Wasim 1 S. Ahmed lbw b Stanlake 0 A. Agar c Sarfraz b Hasan 19 S. Khan c McDermott b Stanlake 1 N. Coulter-Nile b Shadab 34 I. Wasim c Finch b Tye 0 A. Zampa c Hasan b Shaheen 3 H. Ali not out 17 A. Tye b Shaheen 6 Extras (b 1, lb 3, w 1) 5 B. Stanlake not out 2 Total (for 8 wkts; 20 overs) 155 Extras (b1, lb3) 4 West Indies batsman Shai Hope celebrates after scoring a century during the second ODI Indian captain Virat Kohli raises his bat after scoring a century during the Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Zaman), Total (all out; 16.5 overs) 89 against India in Visakhapatnam yesterday. (AFP) second (ODI) against West Indies Stadium in Visakhapatnam yesterday. (AFP) 2-105 (Hafeez), 3-110 (Ali), 4-130 (Talat), 5-130 (Ashraf), 6-131 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Finch), 2-5 (Short), 3-16 (Maxwell), 4-16 Rayudu, who made 73. Rayudu (Sarfraz), 7-133 (Shadab), 8-133 Reuters Scorecard (Wasim) (McDermott), 5-22 (Carey), Mumbai took stock along with Kohli af- 6-22 (Lynn), 7-60 (Agar), 8-72 ter India lost their openers for Bowlers: Coulter-Nile 4-0-42-0, (Zampa), 9-78 (Tye) INDIA 4-222 (Dhoni), 5-248 (Pant), J. Holder run out 12 40 as the batting duo rebuilt Stanlake 4-0-21-3 (1w), Tye 4-0-24- enturion Shai Hope hit R. Sharma c Hetmyer b Roach 4 6-307 (Jadeja) A. Nurse c Rayudu b U. Yadav 5 the innings and counter-attack. 3, Agar 2-0-19-0, Zampa 4-0-32-1, Bowling: Wasim 4-0-20-3, Ashraf 3-1-10-2, Hasan 3-0-16-1, Shaheen a last-ball boundary to S. Dhawan lbw b Nurse 29 Bowlers: Holder 6-0-50-0 (w1), K. Roach not out 0 Rayudu was bowled by spinner Short 2-0-13-1. help West Indies tie the Roach 10-0-67-1, Nurse 10-0-46- Ashley Nurse. It was an all Kohli 3-0-23-2, Shadab 3.5-0-16-1. V. Kohli not out 157 EXTRAS (b1, lb4, w1) 6 second one-day inter- 2 (w2), Bishoo 10-0-48-0, McCoy show after that, with the star nationalC against India despite A. Rayudu b Nurse 73 9-0-71-2 (w2), Samuels 5-0-36-1. TOTAL (7 wickets, 50 overs) 321 batsman hitting 13 fours and four Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s MS Dhoni b McCoy 20 Fall of wickets: 1-36 (K. Powell), sixes to take the steam out of the dazzling 157 yesterday West Indies bowling attack. R. Pant lbw b Samuels 17 WEST INDIES 2-64 (Hemraj), 3-78 (Samuels), Hamilton heading for another Needing fi ve runs on the fi nal Kohli took a single off Nurse K. Powell c Pant b Shami 18 4-221 (Hetmyer), 5-253 (R. Mexican coronation ball to chase down West Indies’ R. Jadeja c Powell b McCoy 13 Powell), 6-300 (Holder), 7-315 to eclipse the 10,000-run target of 322, Hope – who made M. Shami not out 0 C. Hemraj b K. Yadav 32 (Nurse) mark, before going on to score Lewis Hamilton won his fourth out, Hamilton would be cham- a total of 123 – got four off In- a hundred with a boundary off Extras (lb3, w5) 8 S. Hope not out 123 Bowling: Shami 10-0-59-1 (w1), Formula One world champion- pion anyway. That is because dian paceman Umesh Yadav as Marlon Samuels. He has also ship in last year and it Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel can M. Samuels b K. Yadav 13 Umesh 10-0-78-1, Kuldeep 10-0- the tourists ended on 321-7 in Total (6 wickets, 50 overs) 321 notched up 1,000 ODI runs in 67-3, Jadeja 10-0-49-0, Chahal will come as a shock if he does only take the title by winning their 50 overs. Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Sharma), S. Hetmyer c Kohli b Chahal 94 just 11 matches this year. 10-0-63-1. not also wrap up his fifth at the all of the remaining races and Earlier Kohli became the 2-40 (Dhawan), 3-179 (Rayudu), R. Powell c Sharma b K. Yadav 18 “Really good game of cricket capital’s Hermanos Rodriguez hoping his British rival fails to quickest batsman to reach played by both teams. Congrats circuit this weekend. The Mer- score the five points needed to 10,000 ODI runs on his way to who came into the match on second ODI ton, kept chipping “beautiful partnership”. to Virat, played a brilliant knock cedes driver will want to do it put the championship to bed. his second successive century the back of his 106 in the West away despite some tight bowl- “The way (the) two teams and on getting to the 10,000 with rather more determination Seventh on Sunday would do and help India amass 321-6 after Indies’ opening loss, smashed ing by the Indian pacemen and played it was a fair result,” Kohli milestone,” said West Indies and style this time, however, the trick for Hamilton but the electing to bat fi rst. The hosts four fours and seven sixes to un- Holder’s run out. But the day added. “Personally, I’m pretty captain Holder. even if he is still publicly taking 33-year-old, who admitted to lead the fi ve-match series 1-0. settle the Indian bowlers. Het- belonged to Kohli who reached proud of my innings and my “Shai Hope is a young tal- nothing for granted and warn- thinking strategically in the pre- Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep myer though fell short of what 10,000 runs in his 205th innings milestone.” ent and he played a magnifi cent ing against complacency. vious race in Texas when trying Yadav claimed three wickets in would have been his fourth ODI as he surpassed fellow batting Kohli’s fresh heroics came knock... Also Shimron Hetmyer Last time, the Briton – now 70 to pass Verstappen for second, what turned out to be the second ton after top edging one of Yuz- great Sachin Tendulkar, who at the back of his 140 in India’s showed his consistency again points clear of Ferrari’s Sebas- is going for the win. tied game between the two sides. vendra Chahal’s leg spinners to fi rst crossed the 10,000-run opening win on Sunday. and I felt it was a really good ef- tian Vettel with three rounds “I know the guys will do great The West Indies were in trou- get caught by Kohli at cover. mark in 259 innings in 2001. Nicknamed “King Kohli”, the fort by the bowlers.” remaining – finished ninth and analysis from today in the next ble at 78-3 when Hope infused Hope then kept his calm to “It was a great game of crick- prolifi c run-getter was dropped McCoy cleaned up Mahendra was lapped in a high-altitude couple of days and we’ll come life into their chase and put on put together another 47-run et, great to be part of it. Full on 44 by his opposite number Singh Dhoni for 20 to claim his race won by Red Bull’s young strong in the next race,” he told 143 runs for the fourth wicket crucial partnership with skip- house and credit to the West In- Jason Holder off debutant Obed fi rst ODI wicket and ended up Dutchman Max Verstappen. reporters after finishing third in with Shimron Hetmyer, who per Jason Holder to nearly pull dies team as well, they showed McCoy and made full use of the with two scalps. Nurse was the If Verstappen were to repeat the Austin last Sunday with Vettel blasted 94 off 64 deliveries. off victory for the West Indies. great heart,” said Kohli, adding reprieve. He put on 139 runs for pick of the West Indies bowlers feat, and that cannot be ruled fourth. The left-handed Hetmyer, Hope, who registered his Hetmyer and Hope had put on a the third wicket with Ambati with his fi gures of 2-46.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

WSBK Doha to host World Judo Championship in 2023 I want to fi nish season Budapest: Qatar will host the International Judo Federa- tion (IJF) 2023 World Cham- pionships, and host city Doha will also organise the 2020 IJF Masters Championships. An agreement was signed at the IJF Headquarters strongly, says Davies in Budapest between IJF President Marius Vizer and two representatives of the Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and The Welshman guns for runner-up spot in the season finale at Losail International Circuit Karate Federation - President Khalid Hamad al-Attiyah and By Sahan Bidappa general secretary Eid Ali Doha Almuraikhi. Both parties agreed on a partnership for the imple- t can be frustrating to see your rival mentation of a programme win four successive World Super- that will support the promo- bike Championship titles, but Chaz tion and development of Davies is as cheerful a bloke as they judo in Qatar before and Icome. Davies’ long-time rival Jonathan during the events that they Rea has not just clinched the champion- will host. ship title but has done so in dominating During the visit, both sides fashion. But Davies remains optimistic also established the basis over winning the title in future and can for a fruitful collaboration to only doff his hat to Kawasaki rider Rea’s implement common sports consistency. and social projects in Yemen Davies has much to look forward to in and other areas of concern. the fi nal round of the WSBK this week- Vizer said: “It is an honour end at the Losail International Circuit. for the IJF to organise World The Aruba.it Racing Ducati star is 24 Championships 2023 and points clear of Michael van der Mark Masters 2020 in Qatar, of Pata Yamaha, with two races and 50 given that Qatar is one of the points available in Qatar. countries which contributes Back at one of his favourite circuits, the most to the promotion Davies will be hoping to repeat his per- and development of sports formance from 2016 in Losail when he in their countries and also in- scored a double and a double second- ternationally. Qatar has made placed fi nish last year. In a freewheeling a major contribution to the interview yesterday at the Grand Hyatt international sports move- hotel, the Welshman spoke about fi n- ment, sport being a universal ishing on a high, his liking for the Losail value, accessible to all, and track and what keeps his motivated. thus they support friendship Excerpts and unity among the nations of the world, for peace and a Q. You are fi ghting for a second place better world.” in the championship. How much does Additionally, Qatar that mean to you? Taekwondo, Judo and Obviously, the goal when you start Karate Federation and IJF the season is the fi rst place in the cham- signed another a partner- pionship. But now that is unachievable, ship agreement whereby IJF so we are now looking to be the second would support Qatar’s judo best and it’s important. It’s not the end team for a five-year period of the world if you can’t be the fi rst, but from 2019 to 2023 in a set of it would be nice to be second best. And training camps as well as all it’s defi nitely worth it. international championships This would be my fourth consecutive held under IJF umbrella. season battling for the second position Al-Attiyah said that host- and as I said it is important. Coming ing the two high-profile down to the last race at Losail in Doha, Chaz Davies of Aruba.itRacing Ducati speaks to the media in Doha yesterday. championships stems from it is going to be exciting. Qatar’s vision to “become a Q. You won here in 2016 and fi nished and let go off the brakes a little bit ear- matters, no time to think. You just race. injuries, I broke my collar bone twice, pioneering nation that brings Q. You have a 24-point lead ahead second last year at Losail Circuit, lier and try to let the bike go through the That’s the element and that’s the moti- came off on back of a knee injury last the world together through of Michael Van Der Mark. How do what according to you is the reason corners a little faster than usual. vation. And just keep doing that. winter. There’s been few hurdles, we sustainable sports develop- you plan to strategise your races at for your success in Doha? This is a great lifestyle, we get to began the season quite well, but then ment,” and goes in line with Losail circuit? Yeah. I really like the track here. I like Q. There has been rain in Doha. How travel and we get to see these amazing though we’ve been consistent we have its four-pronged strategy In Argentina, I crashed in the fi rst the atmosphere here, also it’s some- challenging will it be to race if it places and ride motorbikes. It’s a bit of not been that spectacular. We are just that aims to raise the level of race and during the race I was thinking thing completely diff erent than what we rains again this weekend? a drain and so you need the motivation missing that little bit. sports professionalism, initi- which way to play my cards, do I attack have in Europe. It’s really special. That would be a situation. I know because if you lose concentration you Next year we’ll have a new bike, a ate a partnership in sport, es- or do I defend? And I could see my clos- The track is fl owing, got a character we do have a problem with the artifi - could 0.1 second on a lap! four-cyclinder bike which is the fi rst tablish Qatar as a sports hub est rival Michael Van Der Mark was far to it and diffi cult and presents a lot of cial lighting as it causes a refl ection and time Ducati has produced and some- and practice sport for life. behind in the race and I thought here’s challenges. makes it diffi cult to see clearly during The season’s been challenging. How thing very exciting for all of us. Looking Doha is entrusted with a big opportunity to score and then I Every time I come to Qatar, I have the race. So if it rains here, usually the happy are you with the bike? forward to it. It’s needed. hosting the two prestigious crashed. something to fi ght for. The last four protocol is the race doesn’t go ahead. We’ve had some success with the championships thanks to And I was like, you idiot! Why did you years, I’ve been fi ghting for second We have to see when it happens. Per- Panigale R but this season has been a Is Jonathan Rea, the champion, ever Qatar’s extensive expertise in do that? But as a racer sometimes you place in the championships so that’s sonally, I hope it doesn’t rain. little bit diffi cult, we’ve suff ered a bit going to relent? hosting major international do throw cautions to the wind. That’s enough motivation in itself for me to try with the new regulations. Our bike has Never (laughs). Jonathan is a great sporting events such as what I did then and now it’s the last and achieve the best results. How do you keep yourself motivated? only two cylinders so the total rev range rider and he’s got a great package un- the 2006 Asian Games, the race, no race is ever the same. In Qatar you can fi nd a really nice I just think about the next target. of bike is quite short and with the new derneath him and he is able to extract World Handball Champion- Obviously, I’ll have one eye on rhythm as the track is nice and fl ow- That’s all I know as a racing biker. When rules, they’ve changed the rpm limits so 100% out of his package every weekend ship. Qatar is also prepar- Michael to see what sort of a race he’s ing and not too tight and every corner the lights go out, that’s me and noth- our bike gets a little bit more penalised and knows his bike very very well now. ing to host the IAAF World doing, but also I want to fi nish the sea- blinks for the next one so you really ing else matters at that point. Some- than some of the others. His bike is also always improving, so for Athletics Championships, the son strong. I would try and win the last need to keep up your momentum high. times the build up to that is quite long It’s not given is a disadvantage but us we need to get to that level next year. 2022 FIFA World Cup for the race. I want to fi nish on a high note for Sometimes after the European tracks, you have quite a lot of time to think. But makes us work a bit harder to achieve We feel we have more room for that with first time in the Middle East. me and the team. you have to somewhat reset your brain then, when the lights go out, nothing the same results. Then I’ve had some the new bike.

QNB STARS LEAGUE SQUASH Unbeaten Duhail face Kharaitiyat today Qatar Airways is Offi cial Airline By Sports Reporter not expect to receive fi ve goals. Doha We suff ered from individual Partner of the Qatar Classic mistakes, which is a psychologi- cal problem. The fear of relega- atar Airways is delighted to announce l Duhail will look to tion must be off the minds of our that it is the Offi cial Airline Partner of extend their unbeaten players. Only then will they be the Qatar Classic 2018 Squash Tourna- streak in the QNB Stars able to focus on the game and ment, taking place from 27 October till ALeague when they take play well,” El Amri 2Q November at the Khalifa International Tennis on Al Kharaitiyat today at the Al “Duhail are stronger and they and Squash Complex. Duhail Stadium. The champions can score goals. However, we Qatar Classic will see top players from around are leading the standings with 19 will not be easy opponents. If we the world gather in Doha to compete for a cham- points and have played only sev- do not commit mistakes, we can pionship prize of $177,000 – the largest in the en games due to AFC Champions win. We lost many games be- tournament’s history. Players battling it out in League commitments by them cause of that reason. We cannot this year’s event include rising Qatari champion and also Al Sadd. aff ord to do that against Al Du- Abdulla al-Tamimi, rated 28th in the Profes- The Red Knights’ match hail, who have very good attack- sional Squash Association (PSA) World Ranking; against Sailiya has been resched- ers and midfi elders,” he added. Germany’s leading squash player, Simon Rosner, uled for 30th October, while their In another match today, Al rated fi fth in the PSA world ranking; South Amer- big clash with second-placed Sailiya take on Al Rayyan at the ica’s fi rst top ten player, Miguel Angel Rodriguez, Sadd will now be played on 11th Al Ahli Stadium. Sailiya are third rated sixth in the PSA world ranking, as well as Qatar’s Abdulla al-Tamimi will be in action at the December. on 16 points from eight games. many more top-ranked global players. Qatar Classic squash tournament. Duhail and Sadd are the only The Peregrines have won fi ve Qatar Airways’ award-winning hospitality will unbeaten sides in the tourna- Champions Al Duhail are table toppers while Al Kharaitiyat are lan- matches while losing two and be on display at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Chairman Nasser bin Ghanim al-Khelaifi , said: ment. Duhail have six wins and guishing at bottom of the table. drawing one. Rayyan are close Complex throughout the event, where Qatar Air- “Our partnership with Qatar Airways is a key a draw to their credit. They have behind in the fourth position ways cabin crew will present trophies to the tour- enabler for Qatar Squash Federation to organise a goal diff erence of +15, having plined,” he said they are to avoid relegation. with 15 points from nine match- nament champions. A ticketing booth will also be high-quality events and to continue defi ning Qa- scored 20 goals and conceded “I think the race for the league Kharaitiyat were in similar es. The Lions have registered available to assist with any queries that attendees tar as a globally renowned and vibrant centre for fi ve. Duhail, who defeated the title will be between us and Al situation last season as well. But four wins. They lost two games might have about their fl ight tickets. world-class sporting events.” Myanmar national team 2-1 dur- Sadd, but there are chances for they managed to stay in the fi rst and drew three to have a goal dif- Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Qatar Airways holds an extensive global sports ing the break, are in full strength. surprises and we must respect division by beating second divi- ference of -1, having scored eight al-Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is thrilled to be portfolio, sponsoring some of the biggest teams They mainly have the services all teams that we face, especially sion runners-up Al Wakrah in goals and conceded nine. the Offi cial Airline Partner for the Qatar Clas- around the world. In addition to its existing part- of players like Almoez Ali, Nam since they have a strong desire relegation play-off . Kharaitiyat, The clash will also be noted sic Tournament, which will bring the world’s top nership with the German football club giants FC Tae-Hee, Bassam al-Rawi and to win and move away from the who suff ered a big 1-5 defeat at for the one between the top- squash players to Doha to compete in this year’s Bayern München AG, for which it is a Platinum Yousef El Arabi. danger zone,” Maaloul said. the hands of Al Khor last week, four sides. Naturally, both teams event. As an airline, we believe in connecting Partner, Qatar Airways also recently revealed Duhail coach Nabil Maaloul On the other hand, Al Kharaiti- will mainly rely on Anwar Diba, would not want to drop points, people through a shared love of sport, and this multi-year sponsorship agreements with Ital- expected a tough match against yat are last in the table with only Jugurtha Hamroun, Abdulhadi with Umm Salal (14 points), Al belief is refl ected in the many world-class sport- ian football club AS Roma, and with Argentinian Kharaitiyat. “It will not be an three points that they earned Amin and Mohamed Abdulrub. Ahli and Al Arabi (both 12 points) ing events we sponsor globally. The Qatar Classic football club Boca Juniors, which saw the award- easy match though Kharaitiyat from their upset victory over Al Coach Abdelaziz El Amri said breathing down their neck. is an especially wonderful opportunity to wel- winning airline become the Offi cial Jersey Spon- are going through a tough phase. Gharafa in Week 7. The Thun- his players must play without Rayyan played out a 1-1 draw come these talented athletes and squash enthu- sor for both teams. Qatar Airways is also the of- We will have many important ders, who have scored only seven fear. “We had hoped to achieve with Al Gharafa, while Al Sailiya siasts to Doha, and we are all excited about having fi cial airline sponsor of Qatar ExxonMobil open matches in the coming days and goals while conceding 22, will be a positive result in the previous crashed to a 1-3 defeat against Al the opportunity to watch them compete.” men’s tennis tournament and Qatar Total open we have to be focused and disci- desperate for some victories if game against Al Khor. We did Shahania in the previous round. Qatar Classic Higher Organissng Committee women’s tennis tournament.