HERE WE Come!

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 24 | FENCING PERFEcT 10 FOR RAYYAN POWER OF THE SWORD Playmaker Rodrigo Tabata’s late goal stuns The Qatar Fencing Federation is all geared up El Jaish as Al Rayyan register their 10th to host the 12th Epee Grand Prix for men successive win in the Qatar Stars League. and Eighth World Cup for women.

WEDNESDAY, DEcEmBER 2, 2015 | Vol X | No.44 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on

, RIOHERE WE cOmE! Qatari handballers create history by making the Olympic cut for the first time as they defeat Iran in the Asian Qualification Tournament final.PAGES 18-19 DSP/Mohan

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 26 | MOTORSPORT Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound P 20 | POSTER Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 Bennani drives GREAT BRITAIN Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 SPECIAL Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 STORY home a point! DAVIS CUP CHAMPS www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 3 EXCITEMENT NOW OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: JUST A TOUCH AWAY Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Handball team’s Olympic berth Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos a defining moment for Qatar A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko HE handball team’s qualification for next year’sr io prevailed over the same opponents in the last-four stage Gopakumar K Olympics could very well be a defining moment of Asian Olympic qualifiers. Joice Michael Tin Qatar’s sports saga. After the footballers made it The QHA had reposed faith in rivera’s abilities by Technical support Shaheen Mohammed to the 1984 Los Angeles and ’92 barcelona Games, we’ll extending his contract until after the ’20 Tokyo Olympics. Abdul Naser M once again have representation in a ball game at the I feel this is something Qatar’s other sports federations quadrennial event. can learn from. Giving coaches long-term contracts and Qatar had narrowly lost the chance to make necessary freedom to work will only enhance a team’s the cut when they went down to France in the efficiency in the long run. P.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 World championship final in Doha early this year. It’s vital to choose the best names and stick with www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Notwithstanding the fact that it was our best-ever them through thick and thin. The policy of hiring and Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 show on the global stage, the Olympic dream remained firing coaches at the drop of a hat will only prove e-mail: [email protected] unfulfilled. counter-productive. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 At the Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament which The QHA should now focus on converting the national e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 concluded last week, Qatar proved to be unstoppable. team’s feel-good factor into developments at the e-mail: [email protected] What pleased me even more was the unbeaten march grass-roots level. The side’s achievements will definitely towards the title. inspire a whole new generation of players to take up In hindsight, several factors contributed to the success. the sport. Nothing can motivate youngsters and their www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus The Qatar Handball Association (QHA) made the right parents more than success at the international level. www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar choice by handing over the team’s reins to Spaniard I wish our players good luck at rio. Let them reach Valero rivera, who had guided his country to the ’13 IHF greater heights. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar Worlds triumph. He was then given a free hand in the selection of players as well as planning and execution. The result is there for all to see. For the first time in Publishers: ASPIrE Printing, Publishing and Distribution history, Qatar won gold at the Asian championship and Printed at ASPIrE Printing Press Incheon Asian Games last year, defeating formidable Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi South Korea in both finals. Incidentally, our players Editor-in-chief

INSIDE P 17 | FOOTBALL P 22 | TENNIS P 31 | MOTORSPORT Time to ponder Well Serbed! Three in a row The recent revelations that The Qatar Exxonmobil Open maintains its Nico rosberg wraps up the michel Platini, and presumably tradition of attracting the best in the business Formula One season on a high Sepp blatter too, faces a as world No.1 Novak Djokovic and rafael at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix possible lifetime ban opens up Nadal confirm their participation. with his third victory in a row. a whole new can of worms. P 28 | MODERN P 29 | CRICKET PENTATHLON Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution Glowing under lights P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Champion stuff The region’s best players are Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 e-mail: [email protected] South Korea’s Jun Woongtae literally glowing under the lights at the Second Gcc Women’s Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 wins the men’s title at the UIPm e-mail: [email protected] champion of champions event Twenty20 tournament. at the Al Shaqab Arena. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Aju George Chris Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Handball team’s Olympic berth Photographers Mohan Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos a defining moment for Qatar A K BijuRaj Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko HE handball team’s qualification for next year’sr io prevailed over the same opponents in the last-four stage Gopakumar K Olympics could very well be a defining moment of Asian Olympic qualifiers. Joice Michael Tin Qatar’s sports saga. After the footballers made it The QHA had reposed faith in rivera’s abilities by Technical support Shaheen Mohammed to the 1984 Los Angeles and ’92 barcelona Games, we’ll extending his contract until after the ’20 Tokyo Olympics. Abdul Naser M once again have representation in a ball game at the I feel this is something Qatar’s other sports federations quadrennial event. can learn from. Giving coaches long-term contracts and Qatar had narrowly lost the chance to make necessary freedom to work will only enhance a team’s the cut when they went down to France in the efficiency in the long run. P.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 World championship final in Doha early this year. It’s vital to choose the best names and stick with www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Notwithstanding the fact that it was our best-ever them through thick and thin. The policy of hiring and Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 show on the global stage, the Olympic dream remained firing coaches at the drop of a hat will only prove e-mail: [email protected] unfulfilled. counter-productive. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 At the Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament which The QHA should now focus on converting the national e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 concluded last week, Qatar proved to be unstoppable. team’s feel-good factor into developments at the e-mail: [email protected] What pleased me even more was the unbeaten march grass-roots level. The side’s achievements will definitely towards the title. inspire a whole new generation of players to take up In hindsight, several factors contributed to the success. the sport. Nothing can motivate youngsters and their www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus The Qatar Handball Association (QHA) made the right parents more than success at the international level. www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar choice by handing over the team’s reins to Spaniard I wish our players good luck at rio. Let them reach Valero rivera, who had guided his country to the ’13 IHF greater heights. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar Worlds triumph. He was then given a free hand in the selection of players as well as planning and execution. The result is there for all to see. For the first time in Publishers: ASPIrE Printing, Publishing and Distribution history, Qatar won gold at the Asian championship and Printed at ASPIrE Printing Press Incheon Asian Games last year, defeating formidable Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi South Korea in both finals. Incidentally, our players Editor-in-chief

INSIDE P 17 | FOOTBALL P 22 | TENNIS P 31 | MOTORSPORT Time to ponder Well Serbed! Three in a row The recent revelations that The Qatar Exxonmobil Open maintains its Nico rosberg wraps up the michel Platini, and presumably tradition of attracting the best in the business Formula One season on a high Sepp blatter too, faces a as world No.1 Novak Djokovic and rafael at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix possible lifetime ban opens up Nadal confirm their participation. with his third victory in a row. a whole new can of worms. P 28 | MODERN P 29 | CRICKET PENTATHLON Glowing under lights Champion stuff The region’s best players are South Korea’s Jun Woongtae literally glowing under the lights wins the men’s title at the UIPm at the Second Gcc Women’s champion of champions event Twenty20 tournament. at the Al Shaqab Arena. 4 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 5

PICK OF THE WEEK | FOOTBALL

‘All stadiums to be ready by 2020’

UPREME Committee for enabling works and foundations. the workers’ accommodation. Delivery and Legacy Technical We’re about to name the main The official added that the SDelivery Office Chairman Hilal contractor, who’ll be from Qatar. main contractors for the Qatar Al Kuwari said all stadiums for the He said more local companies Foundation and Al Rayyan World Cup in Qatar would be ready were taken on board. Stadiums would be announced by 2020. “The Al Bayt Stadium-Al Khor next year. “We’re currently working on six “The work on the stadium in the proposed stadiums for the 2022 Education City started last March FIFA World Cup and we’ve launched WE’RE CURRENTLY by Astad Company, which belongs the design of five of them,” said Al WORKING ON SIX to the Qatar Foundation. The main Kuwari, who is also president of the PROPOSED STADIUMS FOR contractor of it as well as Al Rayyan ššGhanim Al Aspire Zone Foundation. THE WORLD CUP. Stadium will be named early next Kuwari, left, “The Khalifa International year. Work on it started in July, ’14, and Khalid Al ‘Communities have Stadium, being built by the Aspire and it’ll be ready by ’19. Regarding Jumaily with the representatives Zone, is the first venue to be ready City is also being built by the Aspire the Lusail Stadium, the work of the Indian major role to play’ community DSP/Mohan by the end of next year while work Zone and it’s at a good stage. The started on October, ’14, and it’ll be at the ceremony. šš From left, Supreme committee for Delivery and Legacy Assistant Secretary General (Tournament Affairs) Nasser Al Khater, Hassan Al Thawadi, Technical Delivery Office chairman Hilal Al Kuwari and Vice-chairman Yasir Al Jamal at the Press conference. on all stadiums will be completed early works started in June, ’14, and ready by ’20. The design is to be by ’20. it’ll be completed by ’18. The main launched soon. Mohammad Amin-ul Islam “We’ve started the work on the contractor was named and we’ve “We’re currently identifying the the country’s development. With Al Wakrah Stadium in December, signed a deal with Al Khor and Al best options for the training sites the fall of oil prices, we actually ’13, and it’ll be completed by ’18. So Thakhira, a company belonging to and studying almost 65 locations,” HE Supreme Committee for Delivery and feel more comfortable because it far we’ve completed the hoarding, the people of those area, to build Al Kuwari added. Legacy (SCDL) signed a Memorandum of further enhances our individual TUnderstanding with 27 communities in Qatar commitment of being fiscally last week to increase their participation in various Creating a responsible,” said Al Thawadi. activities and programmes related to the 2022 FIFA The official said he was proud of World Cup stadium at Ras Abu Aboud World Cup. what the ScDL had achieved in the Representatives from India, Philippines, last five years. HE Supreme Committee for Hamad International Airport, the and Beach Clubs. It is connected with Nepal, China, Russia and Bangladesh and other “I’m proud of what we’ve Delivery and Legacy (SCDL) exact location was not known. the eight-lane F Ring Road, leading countries took part in the event. SCDL Competition achieved, where we’ve got to in Tannounced on Tuesday that Ras Abu Aboud is situated up to the Industrial Area and beyond. Venues Executive Director Ghanim Al Kuwari terms of the stadiums and the the eighth stadium to be built for pretty close to Doha Port and just Many speculative reports linking and Community Engagement Manager Khalid Al work we’ve done with our various the 2022 World Cup will be located 10km away from the new Hamad Ras Abou Aboud with several Jumaily were also present. stakeholders. The initiatives we’ve at the Ras Abu Aboud area. International Airport. Until recently, it projects, including major hotels and “All communities have an important role to launched, whether it’s Generation The SCDL had already announced used to be the nerve centre of Qatar resorts, had appeared in the local play. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, how Amazing, Josoor Institute — which’s the locations for seven stadiums — Petroleum’s operations, media in the past, but now it is old you’re or what you do for a living. If you live looking to create a workforce and Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Rayyan, Khalifa housing several sure that it would be one of the in Qatar, you’re part of our journey. We need the long-term capability development International, Qatar Foundation, offices and its precincts for the ’22 World support of every community and individual to of the people living in this region Losail and Qatar Sports Club — out recreation Cup. achieve our goals,” said Al Jumaily. legacy who would contribute to the sports of which work started on the first centres RAS ABU It may be recalled “The World Cup is not just about 32 nations, HE last five years have given was open only for ’18, then we industry — challenge 22, all have five. such as ABOUD that Qatar’s World 64 games and a month-long football festival. It’s QATAR’S SUPREME COMMITTEE FOR Qatar the required time to wouldn’t have bid. If the criticism created a big impact. They speak Though it was reported the eighth the Al HAMAD Cup bid file had about leaving a lasting legacy which will benefit Tbuild a strong foundation for came on board because of that, volumes about how we could touch would be somewhere near the Ghazal INTERNATIONAL featured 12 venues, generations across Qatar and the Middle East,” he DELIVERY AND LEGACY IS SPOT-ON successfully delivering the middle well I can tell you that no time was people on a profound level. AIRPORT including the Doha added. East’s first World cup, according to lost. The development is going on, “On the infrastructure side, Port Stadium, and The main idea of the SCDL is to work with the WITH ITS PLANS AND CALCULATIONS Supreme committee for Delivery implementing the vision on ground. there’s the vision behind our the decision to locate community leaders to share exclusive content, AS IT DRIVES FORWARD TOWARDS and Legacy (ScDL) Secretary We’ve built the platform over the stadiums and precincts which one close to the port provide leadership training and skill development SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERING THE General Hassan Al Thawadi, engages communities. For example, aligns with its original from sports experts. They will also participate in who added the falling oil prices at the Wakrah precinct, we’ve projection. art and cultural outreach programmes, cultivate MIDDLE EAST’S FIRST WORLD CUP, would not have any impact on its FROM THE BEGINNING, a hotel, wedding hall, training FIFA stipulates that there new networks and build social and human legacy WRITES N GANESH. organisation. WE’VE BEEN TRYING TO facilities, making it a centre for the should be eight to 12 stadiums initiatives that will benefit the country after the ’22 Speaking to reporters on the eve REDUCE OUR BUDGET AS community. It’s not just a stadium to host the World Cup. World Cup. of the fifth anniversary of the 2022 MUCH AS POSSIBLE. which’ll be used for once a week, but The SCDL officials had already ŢšHE the The SCDL will have regular meetings with Ministers and World cup bid success on Tuesday, a vibrant place for the community. confirmed that they would be officials with the community representatives who will be provided Al Thawadi said Qatar would not “Likewise, other stadiums will be building only eight. award winners. with ongoing updates and site visits to stadium have entered the race if it was only last five years and we ensure it gets used for other purposes. These’re precincts to meet teams delivering the projects. for the ’18 event. enhanced day by day,” he said. the facts on the ground. Day by day “From the very first date, we The official said Qatar’s plan from what the World cup means gets were one of the two bids which the very beginning was to be fiscally confirmed and strengthened in the Tarsheed winners honoured eyed only the ’22 edition. responsible. Arab region and world in general. We didn’t combine ’18 and “When we won the World This World cup will go down in HE winners of the Tarsheed 22 in an engaging way using football. ’22 because we knew cup bid, our aim was to be history and will’ve a wider impact (T22) project, a joint initiative “Working with the students gave the country needed fiscally responsible in delivering than being a tournament,” he said. Tof the Qatar General Electricity us the opportunity to experience the We didn’t combine ’18 and ’22 because the 12-year period to the tournament. From the very However, Al Thawadi dismissed and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) positive effect football can have on we knew the country needed the build the necessary beginning, we’ve always been the chances of a revote on the Qatar and the Supreme Committee for people’s lives,” said SCDL Secretary 12-year period to build the necessary infrastructure. We also trying to reduce our budget as World cup. Delivery and Legacy (SCDL), were General Hassan Al Thawadi. infrastructure. We also required that required that time for much as possible. We also ensured “I don’t think there’s any reason to honoured at a gala function at the Minister of Energy and Industry time for social development and build social development and that our infrastructure were part reopen the World cup bid,” said Al Qatar National Convention Centre HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada the foundation to create the legacy. build the foundation to of the country’s plans and they Thawadi. last Monday. and Minister of Education and Hassan Al Thawadi, Supreme committee for create the legacy,” said Al weren’t imposed just for the The T22 campaign, which started Higher Education HE Dr Mohamed Delivery and Legacy Secretary General. Thawadi. tournament. It was something » The writer can be contacted at: last year, aims to educate Qatari Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi gave “If at that time it that worked hand in hand with [email protected] residents about energy conservation away the awards to the winners. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 5

‘All stadiums to be ready by 2020’

HE winners of the Tarsheed 22 in an engaging way using football. (T22) project, a joint initiative “Working with the students gave Tof the Qatar General Electricity us the opportunity to experience the and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) positive effect football can have on and the Supreme Committee for people’s lives,” said SCDL Secretary Delivery and Legacy (SCDL), were General Hassan Al Thawadi. honoured at a gala function at the Minister of Energy and Industry Qatar National Convention Centre HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada last Monday. and Minister of Education and The T22 campaign, which started Higher Education HE Dr Mohamed last year, aims to educate Qatari Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi gave residents about energy conservation away the awards to the winners. 6 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 7

FOOTBALL | QATAR

şşAl rayyan’s rodrigo Tabata QSL WEEK 10 | SHORT TAKES celebrates his goal against El Jaish. UMM SALAL 1 AL WAKRAH 1 AL SADD 2 LEKHWIYA 4

Umm Salal yet again left it late to snatch a point. champions Lekhwiya, rejuvenated by the return of Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo netted in the 91st many key players from injuries, handed Sadd their minute as the men in orange held Wakrah. first defeat. Ironically, the reversal came in moroccan Argentinian forward Sebastian Saez had converted a coach Housseine Amouta’s farewell match. Goals from penalty to put Wakrah ahead in the 77th in the game mohammed muntari (41st), Youssef msakni (56th), that came alive only in the second half. chico Flores (83rd) and Nam Tae-Hee (93rd) gave PERFECT ! the champions an easy win. Nadir belhadj (30th and 10 58th) netted twice for the losers. RODRIGO TABATA’S LATE GOAL STUNS EL JAISH AS AL RAYYAN REGISTER THEIR 10TH SUCCESSIVE WIN, WHICH NO OTHER TEAM COULD ACHIEVE SINCE THE QATAR STARS LEAGUE WAS REVAMPED IN 2008, WRITES N GANESH.

HAT does rodrigo Tabata kisses to them. rayyan coach Jorge Soria move, collided with keeper with 10 men for more than an hour mean to Al rayyan fans? Fossati bolstered the defence and Khalifa, broke his cheek bone and after losing defender John benson WHe is the last jigsaw killed time as they trooped out 2-1 pulled out. Soria then put rayyan to a red card. Umm Salal yet again which seals puzzles, the final winners and handed Jaish their ahead in the 45th, sending home a settled for a 1-1 draw, this time stroke which makes a work of art first defeat. Their unbeaten record scorcher from inside the box after against Al Wakrah. AL SAILIYA 5 QATAR SC 0 perfect or the go-to guy on whose was kept intact and lead over Jaish Victor caceres played him on the Elsewhere, Al Kharaitiyat shocked shoulders you may fully lean on. increased to seven points. It was a right. former champions Al Gharafa 2-0. bahrain international Faouzi Ayesh netted a hat-trick as Sailiya thrashed Qatar Sports club to pile more The hearts of thousands of crucial win. As mendez joined fellow Qatar Sports club suffered a 0-5 misery on latter’s comeback coach Sebastiao Lazaroni. rayyan fans at the Al Sadd Stadium Third-placed Al Sadd too drifted centre-back Abdulrahman Abkar defeat against Al Sailiya while Al Faouzi struck in the 12th, 23rd and 50th minutes once again brimmed with an further apart from rayyan, losing on the injury list, Lamouchi was Khor beat mesaimeer 2-1 to pin while striker Abdulkader Ilyas (78th and 86th) inexplicable feeling about the 2-4 to rejuvenated champions forced to field young mohammed them to the bottom. completed the rout. brazilian as his splendid Lekhwiya. but rayyan did not have Jabri alongside another makeshift MESAIMEER 1 AL KHOR 2 87th-minute goal stunned the it easy in arguably the best league defender Wesam rizik. Jaish never STANDINGS Al rayyan 10 10 0 0 36 9 30 Jaish fans, who had just settled looked compact in the second The brazilian duo of Julio cesar (48th) and madson El Jaish 10 7 2 1 25 8 23 (77th) found the target as Khor ensured mesaimeer into seats after relishing their own half while rayyan upped their Al Sadd 10 6 3 1 23 13 21 remained at the bottom of the table. muhannad share of joy. A minute ago, their THE REAL RAYYAN, THE level. Hamdallah, who came on Al Arabi 10 6 1 3 16 15 19 Adnan pulled one back in the 88th. mesaimeer have Umm Salal 10 4 5 1 15 10 17 only three points and have let in 25 goals so far. striker Abderrazaq Hamdallah had ONE WE ALL KNOW THIS at the hour mark, briefly ignited Lekhwiya 10 5 1 4 23 15 16 cancelled out Sebastian Soria’s SEASON, ARRIVED ONLY IN the Armymen’s hopes, but Tabata Al Gharafa 10 4 2 4 10 11 14 45th-minute lead. Jaish coach Sabri THE SECOND HALF. ensured they were denied even a Al Ahli 10 3 4 3 13 12 13 Al Wakrah 10 3 1 6 13 16 10 TOP SCORERS Lamouchi was urging his players to single point. Al Sailiya 10 3 1 6 13 20 10 11 rodrigo Tabata Al rayyan go for the winner, but Tabata had “The real rayyan, the one we Al Kharaitiyat 10 3 1 6 14 23 10 9 Abderrazzak Hamdallah El Jaish other plans. game this season. They quickly all know this season, arrived only Al Khor 10 2 2 6 8 14 8 muriqui Al Sadd Off a quick counter move, Koh found rhythm, but went slightly in the second half,” said Fossati, Qatar Sc 10 1 1 8 8 32 4 mesaimeer 10 1 0 9 6 25 3 8 Yannick Sagbo Umm Salal AL KHARAITIYAT AL GHARAFA myong-Jin played Sergio Garcia wayward. An organised Jaish then who looked jovial at the Press Youssef msakni Lekhwiya 2 0 along the touchline on the far side took control. A romarinho shot conference. KICK-OFF Lekhwiya vs Al Wakrah Paulinho Al Arabi and the former Espanyol captain from close was tipped over the bar Lamouchi said the road ahead The joy of Habib Sadiq as Gharafa’s caretaker coach Lekhwiya Stadium, 4pm. 7 Sardor rashidov El Jaish was shortlived as Kharaitiyat beat them. In their surged ahead before pulling it by keeper Omar bary and Sardor could be tougher. A victory, or at Thursday, Al Ahli vs mesaimeer Sebastian Saez Al Wakrah first game under the Tunisian in the previous week, December 3 Lekhwiya Stadium, 6.30pm. back for Tabata, who was left rashidov looked a constant threat least a draw, would have kept Jaish Sebastian Soria Gharafa had beaten Al Sailiya 3-1, but the Leopards Al Khor vs Al Kharaitiyat Al rayyan unmarked outside the area. The on the left wing. rayyan’s best very much in the title hunt. more Al Khor Stadium, 6.30pm. Sergio Garcia lost the plot this time. mohammed Abdulrab (26th) 6 and Hassan Abdelfattah (87th) scored for Kharaitiyat. brazilian No.10 beat Othman Al chances came through Garcia, who worrying to them is the injury to Al Sadd vs Al Sailiya Yahia Kebe Al Kharaitiyat Friday, Al Sadd Stadium, 4pm. Yahri with a fantastic first touch twice hit over when left unmarked. mendez, who is likely to be out for December 4 Umm Salal vs Al Arabi romarinho El Jaish and sent home a left-footer, Jaish were the better team in the six weeks. Al Sadd Stadium, 6.30pm. muhcine moutouali Al Wakrah which brooked no answer from first session. but towards the end of meanwhile, Al Arabi returned Qatar Sc vs El Jaish meshaal Abdullah Al Ahli Saturday, Qatar Sc Stadium, 4pm. 5 Vladimir Weiss Lekhwiya keeper Khalifa Abubaker. Tabata it, they suffered a big jolt. Defender to fourth with an impressive 1-0 December 5 Al Gharafa vs Al rayyan ran screaming to his fans and sent Lucas mendez, trying to thwart a win over Al Ahli, who had to play Qatar Sc Stadium, 6.30pm. Faouzi Ayesh Al Sailiya DSP/Mohan AL RAYYAN 2 EL JAISH 1

THINGS LEARNT DURING THE 10TH WEEK Al rayyan defeated El Jaish to draw seven points clear atop the standings. Sebastian Soria put them in front AL ARABI 1 AL AHLI 0 their credit. The brazilian was livid at his in the 45th minute while Abderrazak Hamdballah SADD MUST IMPROVE POROUS GLOVES BAD TO WORSE drew parity in the 86th. rodrigo Tabata netted in the players as they committed silly errors one It was ironical that Al Sadd’s first defeat Qasim burhan had been Qatar Sports club had suffered a 0-9 Arabi, who looked sluggish in their 0-4 defeat against 87th and it turned out to be the winner. after the other while at the post-match this season came in coach Housseine the undisputed defeat against leaders Al rayyan in the El Jaish last week, came back to the winning path Press conference, he described them as with a 1-0 win over 10-man Ahli. The reds did not Amouta’s farewell match. The latest first-choice keeper of previous week and their coach Sebastiao “schoolboy errors”. And after watching create too many chances and their only goal came reversal saw their gap with leaders Al both Al Gharafa and the Lazaroni endured more embarrassing the performance of El Jaish, their next through a Paulinho penalty in the 26th minute, but rayyan increase to nine points. Sadd’s Qatar national team moments this time when they lost 0-5 opponents, against rayyan he might have they looked compact in midfield and defence. performance, especially in defence, left for long. His mediocre to Al Sailiya, who had only two wins to realised that it would be another tough a lot to be desired. show at the Asian game for his wards. LIONS’ SHARE! Amouta looked cup saw him lose his Al rayyan completed their 10th win on the perplexed, and position to Lekhwiya’s trot. It was a historic feat as no team could so did new coach Amine Lecomte. achieve it since the Qatar Stars League’s Jesualdo Ferreira in He is looking COMPACT AGAIN came through a Paulinho penalty. coach inception in 2008. rayyan beat Al Sadd’s the stands. The increasingly vulnerable Al Arabi, who looked lethargic in their 0-4 Gianfranco Zola has to make do with the previous record of nine straight wins. “It’s Portuguese might in the league and, defeat to El Jaish, impressed while beating current squad in this month’s four rounds a dream run,” said rayyan coach Jorge admit in private embarrassingly allowed a Al Ahli 1-0. The reds were compact in before he can make necessary changes in Fossati, who had helped Sadd make an that Sadd have to Hassan Abdulfattah shot to defence and did not leave much space the January transfer window. He is sure to unprecedented sweep of domestic titles in improve by a few deflect off his legs into the for Ahli forwards. Arabi too did not create look for a midfielder as it is one area which the 2006-07 season. notches. net against Al Kharaitiyat. too many chances and their only goal needs reinforcement. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 7

şşAl rayyan’s rodrigo Tabata QSL WEEK 10 | SHORT TAKES celebrates his goal against El Jaish. UMM SALAL 1 AL WAKRAH 1 AL SADD 2 LEKHWIYA 4

Umm Salal yet again left it late to snatch a point. champions Lekhwiya, rejuvenated by the return of Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo netted in the 91st many key players from injuries, handed Sadd their minute as the men in orange held Wakrah. first defeat. Ironically, the reversal came in moroccan Argentinian forward Sebastian Saez had converted a coach Housseine Amouta’s farewell match. Goals from penalty to put Wakrah ahead in the 77th in the game mohammed muntari (41st), Youssef msakni (56th), that came alive only in the second half. chico Flores (83rd) and Nam Tae-Hee (93rd) gave ! the champions an easy win. Nadir belhadj (30th and 58th) netted twice for the losers.

AL SAILIYA 5 QATAR SC 0

bahrain international Faouzi Ayesh netted a hat-trick as Sailiya thrashed Qatar Sports club to pile more misery on latter’s comeback coach Sebastiao Lazaroni. Faouzi struck in the 12th, 23rd and 50th minutes while striker Abdulkader Ilyas (78th and 86th) completed the rout. MESAIMEER 1 AL KHOR 2

The brazilian duo of Julio cesar (48th) and madson (77th) found the target as Khor ensured mesaimeer remained at the bottom of the table. muhannad Adnan pulled one back in the 88th. mesaimeer have only three points and have let in 25 goals so far.

AL KHARAITIYAT 2 AL GHARAFA 0

The joy of Habib Sadiq as Gharafa’s caretaker coach was shortlived as Kharaitiyat beat them. In their first game under the Tunisian in the previous week, Gharafa had beaten Al Sailiya 3-1, but the Leopards lost the plot this time. mohammed Abdulrab (26th) and Hassan Abdelfattah (87th) scored for Kharaitiyat. DSP/Mohan AL RAYYAN 2 EL JAISH 1

Al rayyan defeated El Jaish to draw seven points clear atop the standings. Sebastian Soria put them in front AL ARABI 1 AL AHLI 0 their credit. The brazilian was livid at his in the 45th minute while Abderrazak Hamdballah drew parity in the 86th. rodrigo Tabata netted in the players as they committed silly errors one Arabi, who looked sluggish in their 0-4 defeat against 87th and it turned out to be the winner. after the other while at the post-match El Jaish last week, came back to the winning path Press conference, he described them as with a 1-0 win over 10-man Ahli. The reds did not “schoolboy errors”. And after watching create too many chances and their only goal came the performance of El Jaish, their next through a Paulinho penalty in the 26th minute, but opponents, against rayyan he might have they looked compact in midfield and defence. realised that it would be another tough game for his wards.

COMPACT AGAIN came through a Paulinho penalty. coach Al Arabi, who looked lethargic in their 0-4 Gianfranco Zola has to make do with the defeat to El Jaish, impressed while beating current squad in this month’s four rounds Al Ahli 1-0. The reds were compact in before he can make necessary changes in defence and did not leave much space the January transfer window. He is sure to for Ahli forwards. Arabi too did not create look for a midfielder as it is one area which too many chances and their only goal needs reinforcement. 8 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

ŠŠFrom left, Jesualdo Ferreira, Turki Al Ali and I’m tired, I need mohammed Ghanem Al A’ali at a break: Amouta the Press conference. Cops find their voice OUSSEINE Amouta ended his stint as Al Sadd coach with a 2-4 defeat against home a Nam Tae-Hee corner in the HLekhwiya last week. Mohammad Amin-ul Islam 83rd minute for his first goal while but the 46-year-old moroccan, who took over mohammed Kassola fouled msakni from Jorge Fossati in 2012-13, had plenty of inside the box in added time and success during his three-year reign. He helped HAmPIONS Lekhwiya took Nam converted from the spot to the club regain the Qatar Stars League in his first three valuable points and, just ensure his side their fifth win in the season and also won the Emir’s cup (’14, ’15) as Cas importantly, regained some league. well as Sheikh Jassim cup (’14). lost confidence as they beat Al Sadd Lekhwiya, who have jumped to “I’m still with Sadd. I’ll finish my season here 4-2 last week. sixth with 16 points, played probably as technical director and will help new coach Sadd, who had not lost in the their best match in the league so Jesualdo Ferreira,” Amouta told Doha Stadium

league this season, took the lead far. For the first time, they put in a Plus. Divakaran DSP/Vinod in the 30th minute when a Nadir concerted effort, something “I had told the president to give me a break. belhadj cross from the right crossed that was starkly missing I’m tired. It isn’t easy to work continuously the line even as Xavi Hernandez in their previous for three years as a coach, as there was a lunged forward to tap the ball home. matches. The lot of pressure. As Sadd coach, I’ve achieved Sadd still title contenders, but Lekhwiya equalised through something. I’m happy. my next target will be to Qatar international mohammed moves help the new coach make them a strong side.” muntari, who fired home a rasping were more The former Sadd player became their technical says new coach Ferreira right-footer from the top of the box authoritative director in ’11 and was known for promoting in the 41st. and were centred youngsters. Last season, when Sadd missed of taking charge of this club. my Ferreira, who last coached Egypt’s The cops took the lead when on their lone striker muntari who, stars such as Khalfan Ibrahim and muriqui due N Ganesh task is to help them get back to Zamalek, said, “It isn’t fair on after initial hiccups, has gained some to injuries, Amouta gave breaks to a lot of local the podium. This is my first spell my part to comment on the confidence. players like Hamza Senhaji, Jasser Yahya, musab with a club in the Gulf region and I performance of the team, which SADD STARTED msakni too was a livewire in the Kader and Saleh Al badr. ESUALDO Ferreira, who hope to make it a successful one,” played under another coach. They THE LIVELIER, BUT attack. Thanks to him, Lekhwiya “We need to make way for young players. took charge of Al Sadd last lost, but I found many youngsters GRADUALLY THEY managed to exert a lot of pressure They’re the club’s future and they should get the Jweek, expressed confidence capable of delivering a good level. LOST THE STEAM. on Sadd. chance to prove their mettle,” said of shaping them as strong title I BELIEVE I’VE JOINED AT I feel the boys can live up to any The Tunisian, who joined the Amouta. contenders. THE RIGHT TIME. I FEEL challenge. team in the 2012-13 season, came The team’s indifferent The Portuguese coach signed THE BOYS CAN LIVE UP TO “I thank the Sadd management Tunisian international Youssef close on a number of occasions in form may have forced the a contract until the end of the ANY CHALLENGE. for giving me the opportunity to msakni’s diagonal shot from the left the first half. Oncem sakni’s powerful club management to go for season, with an option to extend it coach this great club. I believe side of the box found the back of the shot was saved by Saad and then his a change midway into the for one more year. The 69-year-old I’ve joined at the right time, we’re net after goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb curling effort from inside the box hit season, but it remains to be had watched Sadd go down 2-4 at said Ferreira, who was officially not out of contention for any of came out of his area and found the far post. seen how far it is going to home to champions Lekhwiya for presented before the media at the the titles this season. Hard work himself in no man’s land in the 57th. Sadd started the livelier, but help them. but Amouta was their first defeat in the Qatar Stars club premises last week. is the key to success and I believe Sadd roared right back as belhadj gradually they lost the steam. hopeful Sadd will return to form League (QSL). Al Sadd Sports club Executive our foreign and national players again struck a minute later. The Defence was one of the main under the new coach. “Everybody knows Sadd are one Director Turki Al Ali and Football will live up to their tasks during Algerian, in great form, tapped the reasons for their failure while the “Sadd still have a of the biggest clubs in Asia, and Head mohammed Ghanem Al training as well as matches,” said ball home after Xavi had set him midfield also looked a bit worn out. chance. The club have won the continental title A’ali were also present at the Press Ferreira, who guided Porto to a up. In the 59th, muriqui had a great Young musab Kader looked good need to reinforce twice and reached the club World conference. hat-trick of league titles starting chance to give Sadd the lead, but the in the right-back position, but he some changes cup semifinal once. I’m proud Asked about the level of Sadd, with the 2006-07 season. brazilian lost his balance as he took a would still need some time to in defence and crack at the goal. carry such a big responsibility midfield. Against Lekhwiya made Sadd pay as against top sides while centre-back Lekhwiya, we Al Sadd’s new coach Jesualdo Ferreira said the World cup in 2022 would ‘Qatar 2022 be a resounding success. centre-back chico Flores headed Kassola seemed to have been past had a good “Qatar is developing fast and should be fully ready in time. I saw the his prime. start. I had will be a big preparations at the Khalifa International Stadium which, I’m sure, will be The ‘high-profile’ midfield under hoped for the success’ an architectural masterpiece,” said Ferreira. Xavi was easily outclassed and, second goal after “Doha has been hosting several international competitions and the barring belhadj, others either lacked taking the lead, experience they gain would make them competent hosts,” he said. motivation or energy. but the defence If the former Asian champions let us down,” he şşLekhwiya’s hope to regain the title they last Youssef msakni explained. won in ’12, they seriously need to vies with Al Sadd’s ‘I’m enjoying my Umm Salal stint’ revamp the squad by ‘resting’ some Khalfan Ibrahim. Housseine of their senior players. ANNIcK Sagbo, who once team’s 14 goals so far. Last week, Amouta

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod again saved Umm Salal’s his equaliser came in the 91st Yblushes with a late equaliser minute, with the former Hull city against Al Wakrah, said his team player sliding home a Welinton Belmadi hails players after deserving win had a group of good players, but cross from the left. It helped Umm they had to improve individually. Salal increase their tally to 17, even EKHWIYA coach Djamel didn’t make too many mistakes. a disappointing start to the we’ll get back into the top four,” he “If you ask me, our team is good, though they slipped to fifth in the Belmadi was happy to see his We missed a lot of chances, but league. The team’s failure in the said. we’ve enough good players. but table. Lteam beat title challengers I’m happy the players put in their AFc champions League pre- “We never expected a big win everyone of us should work hard Sagbo, who joined the men in Al Sadd. maximum efforts,” said belmadi. quarterfinal stage was also a big against Sadd. In the last and improve. Eventually, it’ll help orange this season, said he was “The last few games weren’t good “The win against Sadd will boost blow which had put him under six-seven matches, we missed us become a stronger unit. I believe enjoying his stint in Qatar. for us, so we wanted to win. It was our confidence in the remaining immense pressure. He, however, key players and affected our if we do that we can finish among “I’m enjoying stay in Umm Salal. a tactical victory. We dominated and matches.” hoped his team could still finish in performance, but we didn’t lose the top four,” the Ivorian forward I like this country and I want to won against a top side like Sadd. The Algerian, who guided the top four. hope despite the setbacks. Their told Doha Stadium Plus. contribute more to my team,” said Yannick We conceded the first goal due to Lekhwiya to back-to-back titles “The league is still wide open. return to the squad has helped us Sagbo has scored eight of his the 27-year-old. Sagbo a misunderstanding, but luckily we in 2010-11 and 2011-12, had Our target remains the same and play much better,” said belmadi. 8 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod again saved Umm Salal’s his equaliser came in the 91st Yblushes with a late equaliser minute, with the former Hull city against Al Wakrah, said his team player sliding home a Welinton Belmadi hails players after deserving win had a group of good players, but cross from the left. It helped Umm they had to improve individually. Salal increase their tally to 17, even EKHWIYA coach Djamel didn’t make too many mistakes. a disappointing start to the we’ll get back into the top four,” he “If you ask me, our team is good, though they slipped to fifth in the Belmadi was happy to see his We missed a lot of chances, but league. The team’s failure in the said. we’ve enough good players. but table. Lteam beat title challengers I’m happy the players put in their AFc champions League pre- “We never expected a big win everyone of us should work hard Sagbo, who joined the men in Al Sadd. maximum efforts,” said belmadi. quarterfinal stage was also a big against Sadd. In the last and improve. Eventually, it’ll help orange this season, said he was “The last few games weren’t good “The win against Sadd will boost blow which had put him under six-seven matches, we missed us become a stronger unit. I believe enjoying his stint in Qatar. for us, so we wanted to win. It was our confidence in the remaining immense pressure. He, however, key players and affected our if we do that we can finish among “I’m enjoying stay in Umm Salal. a tactical victory. We dominated and matches.” hoped his team could still finish in performance, but we didn’t lose the top four,” the Ivorian forward I like this country and I want to won against a top side like Sadd. The Algerian, who guided the top four. hope despite the setbacks. Their told Doha Stadium Plus. contribute more to my team,” said Yannick We conceded the first goal due to Lekhwiya to back-to-back titles “The league is still wide open. return to the squad has helped us Sagbo has scored eight of his the 27-year-old. Sagbo a misunderstanding, but luckily we in 2010-11 and 2011-12, had Our target remains the same and play much better,” said belmadi. 10 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 11 FOOTBALL | QATAR/ASIA

ŠŠGuangzhou Evergrande players ‘FIFA’s next leader celebrate their AFc champions League will be an Asian’ triumph.

SIAN Football confederation (AFc) President Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who Awon unanimous backing from his Executive committee as the man to “rebuild FIFA”, said he was “confident” that the next head of the world governing body would come from Asia. “It is a big support for my campaign, as well as an honour for me, to have the endorsement and full backing of the AFc Executive committee,” Shaikh Salman said in a statement. “Since you are the elected representatives of the AFc member associations, it also sends a strong message that Asia is behind one candidate. “I’m confident that the next president of FIFA will be from Asia. This would not only be a recognition of the ever-increasing role that Asia and Asian football has, but also will allow us to have a say in shaping a better future for this great game,” he added. Big rise in Champs League rewards DSP/Mohammed Dabboos DSP/Mohammed HE Asian Football $750,000 respectively. from the ASEAN region in Johor ššAl Kharaitiyat’s confederation (AFc) AFc President Shaikh Salman bin Darul Ta’zim of malaysia.” Domingos has decided to increase Ibrahim Al Khalifa said, “We want The Excom also approved Nascimento, left, T challenges ‘We’re delighted to rewards in its two flagship club to reward success. The increase in the Finance committee’s Al Gharafa’s Yassine competitions and also invest prize money from greater-than- recommendation to increase chikhaoui. Concerns galore make fans happy’ heavily in the development of expected financial revenues will financial support for hosting member associations. AFc competitions with an aim caretaker Habib Sadeq, had showed not look good enough to thwart L rAYYAN start as overwhelming The AFc Executive committee, to encourage more member N Ganesh some signs of improvement by counter-attacks. We’ve more than favourites in Saturday’s Qatar Stars League which met in New Delhi last week, THERE WILL ALSO BE associations to bid for tournaments, beating Al Sailiya, but they came one player struggling for form and Amatch against Al Gharafa, yet the former’s decided to double the prize money SIGNIFICANT INCREASE particularly age-group events. a cropper against Kharaitiyat, who that makes my job difficult,” said Football Head Ali Salem Afifa described it as a for teams reaching the finals of FOR THE SIDES REACHING There was also backing for F LAST week’s defeat against Al thus ended their two-match losing Sadeq. crucial tie. both AFc champions League and THE KNOCKOUT PHASES. increased investment in member Kharaitiyat came as a shock to Al streak. Gharafa, who had once again “We enter each and every game with the only AFc cup from next year. There will association development to help IGharafa, then there was confusion Despite having only 43 rebuilt the team by changing aim of winning. I consider that the Al Gharafa also be significant increase for raise technical standards and level to add to their embarrassment as per cent possession, all four foreign players game is very crucial for us and we must stay the sides reaching the knockout make the AFc champions League of refereeing. A referees’ academy Diego Aguirre decided not to come Kharaitiyat controlled and adding young focused,” Afifa told www.qsl.com.qa. phases. even more fiercely-contested. We has also been proposed. back as coach. the match. Gharafa Qatar internationals The official, however, said he had full Presently, the prize money also hope the move will increase meanwhile, Windsor John was Gharafa had announced Aguirre hardly created like Al mehdi Ali and confidence in his team. for champions League winners the appeal of the AFc cup which, made the general secretary on a as new coach on their website and any move worth Abdulaziz Hatem, had “I’m not worried or concerned about our team. and runners-up are $1.5m and for the first time, had a winner permanent basis. he was expected to arrive last week, remembering in the looked good enough We’re putting up good performances week in, but the Uruguayan’s agent Juan entire 90 minutes. to regain the league week out. I would like to congratulate the players Figer said his client had not finalised mohammed Abdulrab title, which they last won for what they’ve done so far. I also want to yet on joining the Qatari side. put Kharaitiyat ahead in the in the 2009-10 season. but the appreciate the team’s technical staff on our latest UAE’s Khalil named Asia’s Player of the Year Instead, he is expected to take over 27th by tapping in a Yahia Kebe latest reversal has pushed them win, over El Jaish,” said Afifa. brazilian giants Sao Paulo. pass. Jordanian forward Hassan further down, to seventh. Unless He was quick to point out the fact that the HE UAE’s Ahmed Khalil AWARDEES Abdelfattah sealed the issue in the they quickly regroup, the seven- league title was not yet decided. got a modicum of revenge MEMBER ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT RECOGNITION AWARDS 87th when his shot from a tight time champions might yet again “Sixteen rounds are still to be played, which on Guangzhou Evergrande OF THE YEAR FOR GRASS-ROOTS FOOTBALL T Inspiring Japan Inspiring Japan EXPERIENCED CZECH angle deflected off the legs of finish outside the top four. The club, means 48 points are at stake. Of course, our aim captain Zheng Zhi when he pipped Developing Hong Kong Developing Vietnam COACH MILAN MACALA goalkeeper Qasim burhan into the which once ruled Qatar football is to win the league title, but it’s too early to speak the chinese to the Asian Football Aspiring bangladesh Aspiring brunei Darussalam IS LINKED WITH THE net. and won a hat-trick of titles starting anything about it. I’m optimistic that our team confederation (AFc) Player of the DREAM ASIA AWARD FAIR PLAY ASSOCIATION GHARAFA JOB. “We committed many mistakes. with the 2007-08 season, must raise will continue in the same manner,” he said. Year award last Sunday. chinese Football Association Japan Our frontline lacked quality in the bar on themselves. What they “We won 10 games on the trot, which is an Khalil’s Al Ahli club finished Japan FA CLUB OF THE YEAR finishing while our defence did immediately need is a new coach. achievement. It was accomplished due to the Vietnam FA Guangzhou Evergrande (cHN) NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR FUTSAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR “We’ll wait for the response from hard work and efforts made by everyone — the men Australia Vahid Shamsaee (IrN) Sao Paulo. If they don’t show an players, technical staff, officials and fans. ASIAN CUP CHAMPIONS Women Japan FUTSAL TEAM OF THE YEAR interest, then we’ll look for other “We’re delighted to make our fans happy,” Afifa AUSTRALIA WON COACH OF THE YEAR Tasisat Daryaei (IrN) clubs,” Figer was quoted as saying. runners-up added. THE MEN’S TEAM OF THE men Ange Postecoglou (AUS) YOUTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR Aguirre is currently in charge YEAR AWARD. Women Asako Takakura (JPN) men Dostonbek Khamdamov (UZb) AL GHARAFA IN PLAYER OF THE YEAR Women rikako Kobayashi (JPN) of brazilian club Internacional QSL’S LAST FIVE men Ahmed Khalil (UAE) FOREIGN PLAYER OF THE YEAR who, with one round of matches EDITIONS Women To be announced later ricardo Goulart Pereira (brA) remaining, are fifth in the league runners-up in the AFc champions ASIAN INTERNATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR championship, two points adrift League as Zheng guided Guangzhou Son Heung-min (KOr) of Sao Paulo. A final decision to their second continental title in would be taken thisAl week, Arabi but his AlSixth Ahli Al Gharafa Al Kharaitiyat Al Khor Al Sadd Al Sailiya Al Shahaniathree years. Al Shamal “I can’tAl explain Wakrah my feeling,” Khalil point.El Jaish Lekhwiyatop scorer ricardo QatarGoulart wonSC Australia’sUmm Asian Salal cup triumph at Gharafa move is unlikely as they but the 24-year-old Khalil won told reporters. “It means a lot to me. “I’ve goals that I’ve set for the the AFc Foreign Player of the Year home last January. are reportedly looking beyond him. Seventh the individual battle at a glittering It’s not for me only, it’s for all the future and I’ll try my best to achieve award. “What a year it has been — with Experienced czech coach milan ceremony on the outskirts of people of the United Arab Emirates.” them. I’ve ambitions to play in Asian cup champions Australia the (viewership) record broken macala, who last managed Qatar’s Eighth the Indian capital, denying 2013 Khalil became only the third Europe, but presently I’ve a contract won the men’s team of the year on the opening days of January Al Ahli, is linked with the post. winner Zheng a second AFc Player player to have won both the senior with my current club,” he said. award while Japan claimed the in Australia, right up to the last Gharafa, who recently fired of the Year award and also beating and youth (in 2008) individual Guangzhou won the AFc club of women’s team honour. Ange few days in Guangzhou,” said brazilian coach Pericles chamusca 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Ali Salem Afifa compatriot Omar Abdulrahman to accolades, and the forward said he the Year award while their brazilian Postecoglou won the top coach’s AFc President Shaikh Salman bin and are currently coached by emerge as the continent’s top player. would like to play in Europe at some recruit and AFc champions League honour for masterminding Ibrahim Al Khalifa. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 11

ŠŠGuangzhou Evergrande players ‘FIFA’s next leader celebrate their AFc champions League will be an Asian’ triumph.

HE Asian Football $750,000 respectively. from the ASEAN region in Johor confederation (AFc) AFc President Shaikh Salman bin Darul Ta’zim of malaysia.” Thas decided to increase Ibrahim Al Khalifa said, “We want The Excom also approved rewards in its two flagship club to reward success. The increase in the Finance committee’s competitions and also invest prize money from greater-than- recommendation to increase heavily in the development of expected financial revenues will financial support for hosting member associations. AFc competitions with an aim The AFc Executive committee, to encourage more member which met in New Delhi last week, THERE WILL ALSO BE associations to bid for tournaments, decided to double the prize money SIGNIFICANT INCREASE particularly age-group events. for teams reaching the finals of FOR THE SIDES REACHING There was also backing for both AFc champions League and THE KNOCKOUT PHASES. increased investment in member AFc cup from next year. There will association development to help also be significant increase for raise technical standards and level the sides reaching the knockout make the AFc champions League of refereeing. A referees’ academy phases. even more fiercely-contested. We has also been proposed. Presently, the prize money also hope the move will increase meanwhile, Windsor John was for champions League winners the appeal of the AFc cup which, made the general secretary on a and runners-up are $1.5m and for the first time, had a winner permanent basis. UAE’s Khalil named Asia’s Player of the Year HE UAE’s Ahmed Khalil AWARDEES got a modicum of revenge MEMBER ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT RECOGNITION AWARDS on Guangzhou Evergrande OF THE YEAR FOR GRASS-ROOTS FOOTBALL T Inspiring Japan Inspiring Japan captain Zheng Zhi when he pipped Developing Hong Kong Developing Vietnam the chinese to the Asian Football Aspiring bangladesh Aspiring brunei Darussalam confederation (AFc) Player of the DREAM ASIA AWARD FAIR PLAY ASSOCIATION Year award last Sunday. chinese Football Association Japan Khalil’s Al Ahli club finished Japan FA CLUB OF THE YEAR Vietnam FA Guangzhou Evergrande (cHN) NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR FUTSAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR men Australia Vahid Shamsaee (IrN) ASIAN CUP CHAMPIONS Women Japan FUTSAL TEAM OF THE YEAR AUSTRALIA WON COACH OF THE YEAR Tasisat Daryaei (IrN) THE MEN’S TEAM OF THE men Ange Postecoglou (AUS) YOUTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR YEAR AWARD. Women Asako Takakura (JPN) men Dostonbek Khamdamov (UZb) PLAYER OF THE YEAR Women rikako Kobayashi (JPN) men Ahmed Khalil (UAE) FOREIGN PLAYER OF THE YEAR Women To be announced later ricardo Goulart Pereira (brA) runners-up in the AFc champions ASIAN INTERNATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR League as Zheng guided Guangzhou Son Heung-min (KOr) to their second continental title in three years. “I can’t explain my feeling,” Khalil point. top scorer ricardo Goulart won Australia’s Asian cup triumph at but the 24-year-old Khalil won told reporters. “It means a lot to me. “I’ve goals that I’ve set for the the AFc Foreign Player of the Year home last January. the individual battle at a glittering It’s not for me only, it’s for all the future and I’ll try my best to achieve award. “What a year it has been — with ceremony on the outskirts of people of the United Arab Emirates.” them. I’ve ambitions to play in Asian cup champions Australia the (viewership) record broken the Indian capital, denying 2013 Khalil became only the third Europe, but presently I’ve a contract won the men’s team of the year on the opening days of January winner Zheng a second AFc Player player to have won both the senior with my current club,” he said. award while Japan claimed the in Australia, right up to the last of the Year award and also beating and youth (in 2008) individual Guangzhou won the AFc club of women’s team honour. Ange few days in Guangzhou,” said compatriot Omar Abdulrahman to accolades, and the forward said he the Year award while their brazilian Postecoglou won the top coach’s AFc President Shaikh Salman bin emerge as the continent’s top player. would like to play in Europe at some recruit and AFc champions League honour for masterminding Ibrahim Al Khalifa. 12 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 13 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

EPL HIGHLIGHTS HEADLINES Costa upset, Mourinho not • Vardy scores for record 11th game running as HIGHLY Leicester hold man United The belgian international had Jamie McGeever • man city top after beating Southampton 3-1 chelsea’s best chance half way through the second half, volleying • Sanchez, Koscielny injured as Arsenal draw 1-1 at Norwich a swinging Ivanovic cross goalward HELSEA manager Jose first time with his left foot, which QUOTE mourinho hailed his team’s Hugo Lloris tipped away for a corner Cperformance in last Sunday’s with an agile dive. “I would have rested him today, but he felt goalless draw at Tottenham Hotspur champions chelsea went into the REVARDYNG! perfectly alright before the game. He declared that as the best of the season yet spent match only four points above the he had no problem. most of his post-match Press relegation zone, so will view this as Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger defends his LEICESTER CITY STRIKER JAMIE VARDY BECOMES THE FIRST PLAYER TO SCORE IN 11 conference fielding questions about a platform from which to kick-start decision to pick Alexis Sanchez, who injured CONSECUTIVE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHES WHEN HE FINDS THE MARK IN his hamstring at Norwich after complaining of a man who did not even play. their stuttering league season. The THEIR DRAWN FIXTURE WITH MANCHESTER UNITED, WRITES MIKE COLLETT. tightness in the muscle earlier in the week. Out-of-form Spanish striker Diego draw lifts them one place to 14th. costa cut a disconsolate, frustrated “I wouldn’t be surprised if in the figure in the Premier League contest next 10 matches we don’t lose one,” TWEET at White Hart Lane, starting the mourinho said after the game. AmIE Vardy wrote a new Vardy, 28, born in Sheffield and the team and counter-attacking is “Well done @vardy7! You’re number one now and game on the substitutes’ bench with For Spurs, the result was a missed EPL TOP SCORERS you deserved it. #11inarow. chapter in his fairytale rise from a boyhood Sheffield Wednesday a big advantage for us.” Jamie Vardy Leicester city his boots in his hands and ending 14 Former manchester United striker ruud van the wilderness of non-League fan, has scored 13 in his 11-match It certainly proved that way 10 romelu Lukaku Everton it by throwing his training bib in J Nistelrooy (@rvN1776) offers his congratulations Harry Kane Tottenham COSTA FAILED TO FIND football to playing for England, streak and 14 for the season, against United. A clearance from 8 after Jamie Vardy breaks his record by scoring for mourinho’s direction. when he became the first player to making him the league’s top scorer goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel Odion Ighalo Watford costa has failed to recapture last LAST SEASON’S FORM, Olivier Giroud Arsenal the 11th consecutive Premier League game. score in 11 consecutive Premiership and an early contender for the went to christian Fuchs who ran 7 riyad mahrez Leicester city season’s sparkling form, scoring SCORING THREE GOALS IN matches last week. Footballer of the Year award, which 50m with the ball before feeding it Sergio Aguero man city three goals in 11 league appearances 11 LEAGUE APPEARANCES. The Leicester city striker’s has never been won by a Leicester to Vardy. Alexis Sanchez Arsenal STAT this term. 24th-minute goal against player. He timed his run to perfection, ross barkley Everton With five points, bottom club Aston Villa have Yet, mourinho played down 6 Georginio Wijnaldum Newcastle equalled the record for the lowest number of manchester United at the King cutting through the United defence suggestions that his relationship opportunity to move up to fourth, Graziano Pelle Southampton points picked up by a team after 14 games of a Power Stadium eclipsed the record before sending his angled shot Andre Ayew Swansea Premier League season. with costa has broken down and but it stretched their unbeaten established across two seasons VARDY, 28, HAS SCORED 13 fizzing past United keeper David that the striker’s attitude has become league run to 13 games, their best in 2003 by United’s former Dutch GOALS IN HIS 11-MATCH de Gea. He has played 111 times for a cause for concern. sequence since 1984-85. striker ruud van Nistelrooy and took STREAK AND 14 FOR THE Vardy has come a long way since Leicester since they gambled a GOAL “If he wants to hurt me, it’s not Harry Kane, who had scored nine Vardy closer to an even older record, SEASON. being convicted of assault, and million pounds on his pace and Adam Smith (for bournemouth against Everton) (with) his bib,” mourinho joked after goals in six games, was kept quiet set almost 84 years ago. placed under police curfew with skill to bring them goals, and he right-back Smith inspired his side to come back the game. “I wasn’t expecting to by chelsea’s impressive central If Vardy scores against Swansea an electronic tag to monitor his has not let them down with 39 so from 2-0 down with a stunning 25-yard shot from have a player on the bench who was defensive partnership of Gary cahill the right-hand edge of the box that flew into the city this week, the player described but right now, the speedy striker, movements while slowly building far. jumping and singing because they’re and Kurt Zouma. top-left corner. by his manager claudio ranieri as who has broken into the England his career away from the limelight meanwhile, manchester city not playing. A top player going on Spurs manager mauricio “this fantastic man” will equal the squad this year and has four caps, at Stocksbridge, climbed back to the top of the the bench? They’re not happy. So for Pochettino said his side had better all-time top-flight scoring record is firmly focused on winning Halifax and Premier League with manager MOMENT me, his behaviour was normal.” chances and considered it two points of 12 consecutive matches set by matches first. Fleetwood manuel Pellegrini hoping the good Vardy makes history (in Leicester city’s 1-1 draw mourinho preferred to highlight dropped rather than one point Sheffield United’s Irish forward “I’m obviously delighted,” Town. news will continue, with striker against manchester United) the “fantastic” performance of Eden gained. Jimmy Dunne in the old Division Vardy said after breaking the Sergio Aguero being given an With 24 minutes on the clock at the King Power Hazard, who was chelsea’s most “We had four shots on target, One in 1931-32. record. “but the main thing injury all-clear. Stadium, Vardy ran onto a beautifully-weighted creative and dangerous player and, enough chances to score, and they Sheffield United said widespread was the performance and I Aguero hobbled off with a pass from christian Fuchs before lashing a shot in costa’s absence, was deployed only had one. Hazard. I think we past David de Gea to set a new record. reports that blackpool’s Stan think we put up a very good grimace in the 63rd after appearing furthest up the pitch. deserved more,” he said. mortensen set the record at 11 shift.” to turn his ankle during a 3-1 win matches in 1950-51 were incorrect, Vardy’s goal came on a over Southampton at the Etihad PLAYER “If he (Diego costa) wants to hurt me, it’s not confirming Dunne scored 19 goals in counter-attack from a United Stadium that took city to the Junior Stanislas (bournemouth) (with) his bib. I wasn’t expecting to have his 12-match run between October corner and he added, No.1 spot on goal difference from The bournemouth winger scored a a player on the bench who was jumping brace, including a headed 24, 1931, and January 1, ’32. “We’ve a lot of pace in Leicester city. Diego and singing because they’re not playing. A equaliser in the 98th Costa minute, as Eddie Howe’s top player going on the bench? They’re not side twice came from happy. So for me, his behaviour was normal. behind to hold Everton to a thrilling 3-3 draw. Jose Mourinho, chelsea manager. Sanchez injury leaves Arsenal hamstrung VARDY FACT FILE Full name Jamie richard Vardy rSENAL manager Arsene big blow. ,” Wenger said. “He says it’s how his workaholic striker needed a when asked if the injury could have Age 28 Wenger’s gamble of playing a kick on his hamstring. I fear it’s not rest, the visit to carrow road looked been down to Sanchez’s workload, Place of birth Sheffield, England Ahis injured “lion” Alexis the reality.” an opportune moment to offer a “You can say that’s a problem but Position striker Sanchez in last Sunday’s 1-1 Premier If forward Sanchez is ruled out for fatigued stalwart some respite. we don’t have much choice up front. Had I thought about the CLUB CAREER League draw at Norwich city may key games, including at Olympiakos Asked about this by reporters, I would’ve rested him today, but he record too much, it would’ve Stocksbridge Park Steels 2007-10 prove costly as the chilean hobbled on December 9, which could decide declared that he had no problem.” affected my performance and Halifax Town 2010-11 off amid fears he could face a Arsenal’s champions League fate, it Indeed, Sanchez had looked sharp Fleetwood Town 2011-12 I didn’t want that. It would’ve lengthy absence. will doubtless leave Wenger facing SANCHEZ HAD LOOKED in the first half, setting up mesut Leicester city 2012-present On a wretched day for the criticism about whether it was his SHARP IN THE FIRST HALF, Ozil’s goal, and it was only midway been letting my team down. It HONOURS injury-plagued Gunners, which own fault in risking the chilean. SETTING UP OZIL’S GOAL. through the second half that he went was just like any other game. Northern Premier League 2010-11 The record was the last thing on Premier Division (seventh tier) also saw fresh woes for defender Wenger said Sanchez had suffered down, clutching his right hamstring conference Premier (fifth tier) 2011-12 Laurent Koscielny and midfielder a “hamstring alarm” after the after rushing upfield to chase a ball. my mind. I just wanted to put Alexis Football League Santi cazorla, Wenger admitted that midweek champions League win Wenger responded sharply, “The Arsenal lost Koscielny after 10 up a good performance and get 2013-14 Sanchez championship (second tier) Sanchez’s hamstring trouble looked over Dinamo Zagreb, but reckoned players are there to play, not to be minutes and, according to Wenger, three points. We win as a team ominous for the title challengers. that his predator had the durability rested when (the) Press decides a knee problem saw cazorla playing and today we drew as one. “We lost Alexis Sanchez. I don’t and resistance to roar back. when they need to be rested.” “on one leg” in the later stages when Jamie Vardy know how long he’ll be out but it’s a Yet, having also often talked about The Frenchman also told Sky Sports Arsenal had run out of replacements. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 13

EPL HIGHLIGHTS HEADLINES Costa upset, Mourinho not • Vardy scores for record 11th game running as Leicester hold man United The belgian international had Jamie McGeever • man city top after beating Southampton 3-1 chelsea’s best chance half way through the second half, volleying • Sanchez, Koscielny injured as Arsenal draw 1-1 at Norwich a swinging Ivanovic cross goalward HELSEA manager Jose first time with his left foot, which QUOTE mourinho hailed his team’s Hugo Lloris tipped away for a corner Cperformance in last Sunday’s with an agile dive. “I would have rested him today, but he felt goalless draw at Tottenham Hotspur champions chelsea went into the perfectly alright before the game. He declared that as the best of the season yet spent match only four points above the he had no problem. most of his post-match Press relegation zone, so will view this as Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger defends his conference fielding questions about a platform from which to kick-start decision to pick Alexis Sanchez, who injured his hamstring at Norwich after complaining of a man who did not even play. their stuttering league season. The tightness in the muscle earlier in the week. Out-of-form Spanish striker Diego draw lifts them one place to 14th. costa cut a disconsolate, frustrated “I wouldn’t be surprised if in the figure in the Premier League contest next 10 matches we don’t lose one,” TWEET at White Hart Lane, starting the mourinho said after the game. “Well done @vardy7! You’re number one now and game on the substitutes’ bench with For Spurs, the result was a missed you deserved it. #11inarow. his boots in his hands and ending Former manchester United striker ruud van it by throwing his training bib in Nistelrooy (@rvN1776) offers his congratulations COSTA FAILED TO FIND after Jamie Vardy breaks his record by scoring for mourinho’s direction. the 11th consecutive Premier League game. costa has failed to recapture last LAST SEASON’S FORM, season’s sparkling form, scoring SCORING THREE GOALS IN three goals in 11 league appearances 11 LEAGUE APPEARANCES. STAT this term. With five points, bottom club Aston Villa have Yet, mourinho played down equalled the record for the lowest number of suggestions that his relationship opportunity to move up to fourth, points picked up by a team after 14 games of a Premier League season. with costa has broken down and but it stretched their unbeaten that the striker’s attitude has become league run to 13 games, their best a cause for concern. sequence since 1984-85. GOAL “If he wants to hurt me, it’s not Harry Kane, who had scored nine Adam Smith (for bournemouth against Everton) (with) his bib,” mourinho joked after goals in six games, was kept quiet right-back Smith inspired his side to come back the game. “I wasn’t expecting to by chelsea’s impressive central from 2-0 down with a stunning 25-yard shot from have a player on the bench who was defensive partnership of Gary cahill the right-hand edge of the box that flew into the jumping and singing because they’re and Kurt Zouma. top-left corner. not playing. A top player going on Spurs manager mauricio the bench? They’re not happy. So for Pochettino said his side had better MOMENT me, his behaviour was normal.” chances and considered it two points Vardy makes history (in Leicester city’s 1-1 draw mourinho preferred to highlight dropped rather than one point against manchester United) the “fantastic” performance of Eden gained. With 24 minutes on the clock at the King Power Hazard, who was chelsea’s most “We had four shots on target, Stadium, Vardy ran onto a beautifully-weighted creative and dangerous player and, enough chances to score, and they pass from christian Fuchs before lashing a shot in costa’s absence, was deployed only had one. Hazard. I think we past David de Gea to set a new record. furthest up the pitch. deserved more,” he said.

PLAYER “If he (Diego costa) wants to hurt me, it’s not Junior Stanislas (bournemouth) (with) his bib. I wasn’t expecting to have The bournemouth winger scored a a player on the bench who was jumping brace, including a headed Diego and singing because they’re not playing. A equaliser in the 98th Costa minute, as Eddie Howe’s top player going on the bench? They’re not side twice came from happy. So for me, his behaviour was normal. behind to hold Everton to a thrilling 3-3 draw. Jose Mourinho, chelsea manager. Sanchez injury leaves Arsenal hamstrung rSENAL manager Arsene big blow. ,” Wenger said. “He says it’s how his workaholic striker needed a when asked if the injury could have Wenger’s gamble of playing a kick on his hamstring. I fear it’s not rest, the visit to carrow road looked been down to Sanchez’s workload, Ahis injured “lion” Alexis the reality.” an opportune moment to offer a “You can say that’s a problem but Sanchez in last Sunday’s 1-1 Premier If forward Sanchez is ruled out for fatigued stalwart some respite. we don’t have much choice up front. League draw at Norwich city may key games, including at Olympiakos Asked about this by reporters, I would’ve rested him today, but he prove costly as the chilean hobbled on December 9, which could decide declared that he had no problem.” off amid fears he could face a Arsenal’s champions League fate, it Indeed, Sanchez had looked sharp lengthy absence. will doubtless leave Wenger facing SANCHEZ HAD LOOKED in the first half, setting up mesut On a wretched day for the criticism about whether it was his SHARP IN THE FIRST HALF, Ozil’s goal, and it was only midway injury-plagued Gunners, which own fault in risking the chilean. SETTING UP OZIL’S GOAL. through the second half that he went also saw fresh woes for defender Wenger said Sanchez had suffered down, clutching his right hamstring Laurent Koscielny and midfielder a “hamstring alarm” after the after rushing upfield to chase a ball. Alexis Santi cazorla, Wenger admitted that midweek champions League win Wenger responded sharply, “The Arsenal lost Koscielny after 10 Sanchez Sanchez’s hamstring trouble looked over Dinamo Zagreb, but reckoned players are there to play, not to be minutes and, according to Wenger, ominous for the title challengers. that his predator had the durability rested when (the) Press decides a knee problem saw cazorla playing “We lost Alexis Sanchez. I don’t and resistance to roar back. when they need to be rested.” “on one leg” in the later stages when know how long he’ll be out but it’s a Yet, having also often talked about The Frenchman also told Sky Sports Arsenal had run out of replacements. 14 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 15 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

COLLATED RESULTS RESULTS Hamilton 16 6 4 6 21 22 22 ross county 16 6 3 7 23 22 21 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EPL Dundee 16 4 8 4 22 25 20 Advantage Racing GROUP A Liverpool bt Swansea city 1-0 Inverness 16 4 5 7 17 22 17 malmo lost to PSG (rabiot 3, Di maria 0-5 Norwich city drew Arsenal 1-1 14, 68, Ibrahimovic 50, Lucas 82) Partick Thistle 16 4 5 7 17 23 17 Tottenham drew chelsea 0-0 after first-leg final Ruthless trident Shakhtar Donetsk (Alex Teixeira 78-pen, Kilmarnock 16 4 4 8 17 29 16 most of that remarkable run, having score, they aren’t happy.” 88, Dentinho 83) lost to real madrid 3-4 West Ham drew West brom 1-1 motherwell 16 4 3 9 13 23 15 Tim Hanlon (ronaldo 18, 70, modric 50, carvajal 52) bournemouth drew Everton 3-3 Dundee United 16 2 2 12 12 32 8 AcING club beat Independiente 2-0 in missed almost two months with a Last season, the trio hit a Spanish GROUP B Aston Villa lost to Watford 2-3 cSKA moscow lost to Wolfsburg LA LIGA the opening leg of the Libertadores cup knee problem and only returning to record of 122 goals as barca won 0-2 crystal Palace bt Newcastle 5-1 (Akinfeev 67-og, Schuerrle 88) barcelona 13 11 0 2 33 12 33 play-off final, earning their first win at the action in the 4-0 pulverising of real the treble and now they have 125 Leicester city drew man United 1-1 R man United drew PSV Eindhoven 0-0 Atletico madrid 13 9 2 2 18 6 29 Libertadores de America ground in 11 years. ArcELONA’S devastating madrid. — and counting — this calendar man city bt Southampton 3-1 GROUP C real madrid 13 8 3 2 28 11 27 Astana (Twumasi 19, Anicic 31) drew Sunderland bt Stoke city 2-0 Striker Gustavo Bou opened the attacking trident of Lionel In his absence, both Neymar and year after a double from Neymar and 2-2 celta Vigo 13 7 3 3 24 21 24 benfica (Jimenez 40, 72) scoring against the run of play messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez flourished, scoring 16 goals a goal each from Suarez and messi SPFL Deportivo coruna 13 5 6 2 20 13 21 B Atletico madrid (Griezmann 13, 65) bt 2-0 Inverness lost to celtic 1-3 in the 37th minute when he Suarez are only happy if they all against Sociedad. Galatasaray Villarreal 13 6 3 4 16 14 21 Aberdeen bt ross county 3-1 controlled a long clearance out of score, emphasising the camaraderie Their attacking displays have GROUP D Athletic club 13 6 2 5 21 16 20 Dundee United lost to Hamilton 1-2 the racing half, weaved past two between them. LAST SEASON, THE TRIO helped barca top La Liga with 33 Juventus (mandzukic 18) bt man city 1-0 Eibar 13 5 5 3 17 14 20 borussia m’bach (Stindl 29, 83, Johnson Kilmarnock lost to Partick Thistle 2-5 Valencia 13 5 4 4 17 10 19 defenders and beat goalkeeper Little wonder then the trio was HIT A SPANISH RECORD points from 13 games, four more 68, raffael 78) bt Sevilla (Vitolo 82, 4-2 motherwell drew Hearts 2-2 Sevilla 13 5 3 5 18 18 18 banega 90+1-pen) Diego rodriguez. again smiling last week as they OF 122 GOALS AS BARCA than Atletico madrid and nine ahead St Johnstone drew Dundee 1-1 real betis 13 5 3 5 12 17 18 racing, playing without suspended each found the target in a 4-0 of real madrid, who face Eibar last GROUP E WON THE TREBLE. bATE borisov (Gordeichuk 2) drew LA LIGA Espanyol 13 5 1 7 14 24 16 1-1 captain Diego milito, doubled their lead four hammering of real Sociedad at the Sunday. bayer Leverkusen (mehmedi 68) Eibar lost to real madrid 0-2 Getafe 13 4 2 7 14 19 14 minutes later when Oscar romero swivelled in the camp Nou which took barca’s tally Yet, despite the way they have barcelona (Suarez 15, 44, messi 18, Getafe bt Villarreal 2-0 rayo Vallecano 13 4 2 7 14 23 14 60 Pique 56, Adriano 77) bt roma 6-1 rayo Vallecano lost to Athletic club 0-3 real Sociedad 13 3 3 7 14 18 12 box to bury a shot inside the bottom corner. to a remarkable 32 goals in their last between them from the previous six been crushing sides recently, Enrique (Dzeko 90) Sevilla bt Valencia 1-0 Sporting Gijon 13 3 3 7 12 20 12 “I wanted to know what it feels like to silence nine matches in both La Liga and games going into El clasico. feels barca are still not at their peak. šbayern munich’s Thomas mueller, right, vies with Hertha berlin’s Per cijan Skjelbred. GROUP F š Granada 13 2 5 6 15 22 11 Arsenal (Ozil 29, Sanchez 33, 69) bt Atletico madrid bt Espanyol 1-0 a crowd as a visitor because it hadn’t happened champions League. “When the game is won, they “I don’t think we’re playing at our 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb celta Vigo bt Sporting Gijon 2-1 malaga 13 2 4 7 7 13 10 to me. I had faith I could do it and I did at a very most surprising has been that look for each of them to score best and last season we were better,” bayern munich (costa 8, Lewandowski barcelona bt real Sociedad 4-0 Las Palmas 13 2 4 7 10 19 10 tough ground,” said bou. talisman messi has been injured for and it is something natural for he said. “We’re playing very well WEEKLY ROUND-UP 16, mueller 20, coman 70) bt 4-0 Las Palmas lost to Deportivo coruna 0-2 Levante 13 2 4 7 10 24 10 them,” said barcelona coach Luis which’s great and I hope our best Olympiakos malaga drew Granada 2-2 GROUP G SERIE A Levante lost to real betis 0-1 Enrique. “They’ve a really good football is ahead of us. Nobody has Porto lost to Dynamo Kiev (Yarmolenko Inter milan 13 9 3 1 16 7 30 0-2 understanding and if they don’t won the league in December and it’ll Bayern keep winning 36-pen, Gonzalez 64) SERIE A Napoli 13 8 4 1 24 8 28 maccabi Tel Aviv lost to chelsea (cahill Fiorentina 13 9 1 3 26 11 28 Vasco hoping to be an interesting month for us with 0-4 roma lost to Atalanta bergamo 0-2 20, Willian 73, Oscar 77, Zouma 90) chievo Verona lost to Udinese 2-3 AS roma 14 8 3 3 29 17 27 the club Worlds and the King’s cup.” GROUP H Empoli bt Lazio 1-0 Juventus 14 7 3 4 20 11 24 Zenit St Petersburg (Shatov 15, Dzyuba avoid relegation meanwhile, a Gareth bale header streak in Germany 2-0 Frosinone bt Verona 3-2 Ac milan 14 7 2 5 19 18 23 74) bt Valencia and a cristiano ronaldo penalty gave Lyon (Ferri 7) lost to Gent (milicevic 32, Genoa lost to carpi 1-2 Sassuolo 13 6 4 3 15 12 22 1-2 FLOODED stadium forced Vasco da Gama real madrid a much-needed 2-0 NbEATEN bundesliga leaders poor first touch. coulibaly 90+5) Palermo lost to Juventus 0-3 Torino 14 6 3 5 20 18 21 players to take the long way to the pitch victory over Eibar in La Liga and put bayern munich continued Ac milan bt Sampdoria 4-1 Atalanta 14 6 3 5 15 15 21 Atalanta beat Roma EUROPA LEAGUE through a cheering crowd of fans last them six points off the top of the their record-breaking GROUP A Torino bt bologna 2-0 Lazio 14 6 1 7 17 22 19 A U molde lost to Fenerbahce (Fernandao Udinese 14 5 3 6 14 17 18 Sunday, but merely inspired them to a 1-0 win that standings. bundesliga run with their 13th win In Italy, AS roma, thumped 6-1 by 0-2 BUNDESLIGA 68, Tufan 84) Empoli 14 5 3 6 16 20 18 bayer Leverkusen drew Schalke 04 1-1 kept their hopes of avoiding relegation alive until The Welshman notched up his in 14 games after beating Hertha barcelona in the champions League celtic (mcGregor 4) lost to Ajax (milik chievo Verona 14 4 4 6 18 16 16 1-2 borussia Dortmund bt Vfb Stuttgart 4-1 the final day of the season. first goal since the end of August berlin 2-0. on Tuesday, stayed fourth in Serie 22, cerny 88) Sampdoria 14 4 4 6 20 22 16 GROUP B Augsburg drew VfL Wolfsburg 0-0 Kick off for the penultimate game when he nodded in a Luka modric First-half goals from Thomas A after a 0-2 defeat by Atalanta, Genoa 14 4 4 6 15 19 16 Liverpool (milner 38-pen, benteke mainz bt E Frankfurt 2-1 2-1 Palermo 14 4 3 7 13 20 15 of the season against Santos was cross two minutes before half-time mueller and Kingsley coman put with Alejandro Gomez and German 45+1) bt bordeaux (Saivet 33) bayern munich bt Hertha berlin 2-0 rubin Kazan (Georgiev 72, Devic 90) Frosinone 14 4 2 8 14 24 14 delayed an hour after torrential against the small basque club who undefeated bayern, in dominant Denis, with a penalty, scoring for the 2-0 Hanover bt Ingolstadt 4-0 bt Sion bologna 14 4 1 9 13 19 13 Hoffenheim drew borussia m’bach 3-3 rain fell in rio de Janeiro, leaving have surprised this season and went form despite half a dozen injury visitors. GROUP C carpi 14 2 3 9 13 27 9 Werder bremen lost to Hamburg 1-3 the pitch waterlogged. into the game with one defeat from absences, on 40 points. Juventus climbed to fifth, winning PAOK Salonika drew FK Qabala 0-0 Verona 14 0 6 8 10 24 6 Fc Krasnodar (Pavel mamaev 2-pen) bt SV Darmstadt drew cologne 0-0 The water left the tunnel to the eight matches. They are eight ahead of second- 3-0 at Palermo for their fourth 1-0 borussia Dortmund LIGUE 1 BUNDESLIGA pitch water-logged and the Vasco real were made to work hard placed borussia Dortmund, who league victory in a row. mario GROUP D bayern munich 14 13 1 0 42 5 40 G bordeaux lost to caen 1-4 players were forced to take the back route via the against a battling Eibar, but ronaldo crushed Vfb Stuttgart 4-1 with mandzukic, Stefano Sturaro and Legia Warsaw (Priovic 35) bt midtjylland 1-0 borussia Dortmund 14 10 2 2 40 19 32 Oly marseille drew monaco 3-3 terracing where hundreds of fans descended to secured the win with a penalty after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring club brugge lost to Napoli (chiriches 41) 0-1 VfL Wolfsburg 14 7 4 3 23 15 25 St Etienne bt E Guingamp 3-0 GROUP E borussia m’bach 14 7 2 5 28 22 23 cheer the players onto the field. The surface was 82 minutes following a foul by twice to take his season’s tally to 17 Angers bt Lille 2-0 Villarreal (Soriano 78) bt rapid Vienna 1-0 Hertha berlin 14 7 2 5 18 17 23 eventually given the okay and former Paris Saint- Dani Garcia on Lucas Vazquez. in 14 matches. PEP GUARDIOLA FIELDED Dinamo minsk (Adamovic 90+2) bt Nantes drew bastia 0-0 1-0 bayer Leverkusen 14 6 3 5 18 18 21 HIS 14TH DIFFERENT Viktoria Plzen GFc Ajaccio drew Fc Lorient 1-1 Germain and Qatar’s Al Gharafa forward Nene got Third-placed real now have VfL Wolfsburg slipped seven Hamburg SV 14 6 3 5 17 18 21 GROUP F PSG bt ES Troyes 4-1 the winner in the 44th minute of the first half. 27 points from 13 games, two points off the pace in third spot STARTING ELEVEN IN AS Schalke 04 14 6 3 5 18 20 21 braga (ricardo Ferreira 42, crislan 90+2) 2-1 Stade de reims drew Stade rennes 2-2 behind Atletico madrid while barca after managing only a 0-0 draw at MANY LEAGUE GAMES. bt Slovan Liberec (Efremov 35) mainz 14 6 2 6 20 20 20 Toulouse bt Nice 2-0 marseille (N’Koudou 28, batshuayi 88) cologne 14 5 5 4 15 18 20 have 33 points. struggling Augsburg. 2-1 Oly Lyon lost to montpellier HSc 2-4 A day after reporting record bt Groningen (maduro 50) Ingolstadt 04 14 5 4 5 10 14 19 Players strike over GROUP G STANDINGS Darmstadt 98 14 3 6 5 14 19 15 profits, bayern were equally Simone Zaza shared the goals which Lazio (candreva 4, Parolo 68, Djordjevic 3-1 As of Sunday. E Frankfurt 14 3 5 6 18 22 14 90+3) bt Dnipro (Gama 65) sparkling on the pitch, looking fresh all came in the second half. Hanover 96 14 4 2 8 17 24 14 rosenborg (Soderland 40) drew Saint- EPL $20m pay backlog after their midweek 4-0 mauling 1-1 Werder bremen 14 4 1 9 14 28 13 ššFrom left, Luiz Easy win for PSG Etienne (roux 80-pen) man city 14 9 2 3 30 14 29 Suarez, Neymar and of Olympiakos in the champions GROUP H Leicester city 14 8 5 1 29 21 29 Augsburg 14 2 4 8 17 25 10 LAYErS in Ecuador’s top two divisions have Lionel messi. Messi, Neymar and League and despite key injury In France, Paris Saint-Germain Lokomotiv moscow (maicon 5, Al. man United 14 8 4 2 20 10 28 Vfb Stuttgart 14 3 1 10 18 35 10 miranchuk 86) lost to Sporting Lisbon 2-4 Arsenal 14 8 3 3 24 12 27 Hoffenheim 14 1 6 7 15 23 9 gone on strike over about $20m in salaries absences including Arjen robben, cruised to a 4-1 victory over bottom (montero 20, ruiz 38, Gelson martins owed to them by the clubs. Ronaldo short-listed Douglas costa, David Alaba, mario club Troyes at the Parc des Princes 43 matheus Pereira 60) Tottenham 14 6 7 1 24 11 25 LIGUE 1 P Liverpool 14 6 5 3 18 15 23 PSG 15 13 2 0 37 8 41 besiktas (cenk Tosun 35, 78) bt Of the 24 clubs in the first and Goetze and Thiago Alcantara. to preserve their 13-point lead over 2-0 Skenderbeu crystal Palace 14 7 1 6 19 14 22 caen 15 9 1 5 18 15 28 second divisions, 18 are in debt rGENTINIAN Lionel messi, in succession between ’09 and ’12. coach Pep Guardiola fielded his caen in Ligue 1. GROUP I West Ham 14 6 4 4 25 21 22 Angers 15 7 5 3 14 9 26 basel (Suchy 40, Elneny 74) drew to their players over unpaid Portuguese cristiano ronaldo ronaldo has won three times, once 14th different starting eleven in as Edinson cavani, Zlatan 2-2 Everton 14 5 6 3 27 19 21 Oly Lyon 15 7 4 4 21 14 25 Fiorentina (bernardeschi 23, 36) salaries this year. and brazilian Neymar will when he was at manchester United many league games this season, Ibrahimovic, Layvin Kurzawa and Southampton 14 5 5 4 20 17 20 St Etienne 15 8 1 6 20 19 25 A belenenses drew Lech Poznan 0-0 Watford 14 5 4 5 15 16 19 “We’ve decided to stop our compete for the title of the world’s in ’08 and the most recent two but they were dominant from the Jean-Kevin Augustin scored as GROUP J Nice 15 7 3 5 30 19 24 Stoke city 14 5 4 5 11 14 19 activities,” said Edwin Tenorio, best footballer after being short- editions at real madrid. start, striking twice late in the first Laurent blanc’s side made it nine monaco lost to Anderlecht (Gillet 45+1, monaco 15 6 6 3 21 21 24 0-2 West brom 14 5 3 6 13 18 18 vice-president of the Ecuador listed for the 2015 FIFA ballon d’Or messi is favourite to lift the trophy half, with mueller nodding in from consecutive league wins. Acheampong 78) Stade rennes 15 5 7 3 21 18 22 Qarabag lost to Tottenham Hotspur chelsea 14 4 3 7 17 23 15 0-1 Lorient 15 5 6 4 24 21 21 Footballers’ Association. trophy last monday. again after a calendar year in which, a medhi benatia header in the 34th caen thumped Girondins (Kane 78) Swansea city 14 3 5 6 14 19 14 Nantes 15 6 2 7 12 15 20 “The players are owed around $20m, this For the seventh time in eight despite losing two months to injury, minute to take his league goal tally bordeaux 4-1 away to stay two GROUP K Norwich city 14 3 4 7 17 25 13 Oly marseille 15 5 4 6 23 17 19 Schalke 04 (choupo-moting 86) bt 1-0 Sunderland 14 3 3 8 16 26 12 E Guingamp 15 5 4 6 15 20 19 would be for the year 2015.” years, the dynamic duo of he has still scored 48 goals while to 13 in 14 matches. points ahead of Angers, who beat APOEL bournemouth 14 2 4 8 17 30 10 The strike action, which could affect the barcelona’s messi and real madrid’s inspiring barca to a champions Frenchman coman added another Lille 2-0, and move three points clear Sparta Prague (Jakub brabec 33) bt montpellier 15 5 3 7 18 19 18 1-0 Newcastle 14 2 4 8 14 30 10 weekend’s league programme, was called ronaldo are expected to fill the top League, La Liga and King’s cup treble. four minutes before half-time and of Olympique Lyon, who lost 4-2 at Asteras G bordeaux 15 4 6 5 20 25 18 Aston Villa 14 1 2 11 12 27 5 Stade de reims 15 4 4 7 15 19 16 after the Ecuadorean Football Federation two places on the podium in Zurich, ronaldo too has 48 to his name Poland striker robert Lewandowski, home to montpellier. GROUP L AZ Alkmaar (Dabney Souza 48) lost SPFL Ajaccio 15 4 4 7 14 19 16 decided against sanctioning indebted clubs Switzerland, on January 11. for club and country this year, but who hit the woodwork in the first Olympique marseille snatched to Partizan belgrade (Oumaru 65, 1-2 celtic 16 12 3 1 41 12 39 bastia 15 4 3 8 15 21 15 Zivkovic 89) despite these being repeatedly denounced by messi, who will now have been real’s fortunes have slumped and his half, had a golden chance in the a 3-3 draw at home to AS monaco Lille 15 2 8 5 8 11 14 Augsburg (Trochowski 41, bobadilla 59) Aberdeen 16 10 2 4 25 18 32 the union. on the podium for an amazing nine claims that he is still No.1 have held Cristiano 53rd, having been left unmarked in thanks to Georges-Kevin Nkoudou’s Hearts 16 9 4 3 29 17 31 Toulouse 15 2 6 7 14 28 12 Ronaldo lost to Athletic bilbao (Susaeta 10, Aritz 2-3 successive years, won four times just a little less conviction than usual. front of goal but was betrayed by his late equaliser in a thriller. Aduriz 83, 86) St Johnstone 16 8 3 5 32 24 27 ES Troyes 15 0 5 10 8 30 5 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 15

COLLATED RESULTS RESULTS Hamilton 16 6 4 6 21 22 22 ross county 16 6 3 7 23 22 21 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EPL Dundee 16 4 8 4 22 25 20 GROUP A Liverpool bt Swansea city 1-0 Inverness 16 4 5 7 17 22 17 malmo lost to PSG (rabiot 3, Di maria 0-5 Norwich city drew Arsenal 1-1 14, 68, Ibrahimovic 50, Lucas 82) Partick Thistle 16 4 5 7 17 23 17 Tottenham drew chelsea 0-0 Shakhtar Donetsk (Alex Teixeira 78-pen, Kilmarnock 16 4 4 8 17 29 16 88, Dentinho 83) lost to real madrid 3-4 West Ham drew West brom 1-1 motherwell 16 4 3 9 13 23 15 (ronaldo 18, 70, modric 50, carvajal 52) bournemouth drew Everton 3-3 Dundee United 16 2 2 12 12 32 8 GROUP B Aston Villa lost to Watford 2-3 cSKA moscow lost to Wolfsburg LA LIGA 0-2 crystal Palace bt Newcastle 5-1 (Akinfeev 67-og, Schuerrle 88) barcelona 13 11 0 2 33 12 33 Leicester city drew man United 1-1 man United drew PSV Eindhoven 0-0 Atletico madrid 13 9 2 2 18 6 29 man city bt Southampton 3-1 GROUP C real madrid 13 8 3 2 28 11 27 Astana (Twumasi 19, Anicic 31) drew Sunderland bt Stoke city 2-0 2-2 celta Vigo 13 7 3 3 24 21 24 benfica (Jimenez 40, 72) SPFL Deportivo coruna 13 5 6 2 20 13 21 Atletico madrid (Griezmann 13, 65) bt 2-0 Inverness lost to celtic 1-3 Galatasaray Villarreal 13 6 3 4 16 14 21 Aberdeen bt ross county 3-1 GROUP D Athletic club 13 6 2 5 21 16 20 Juventus (mandzukic 18) bt man city 1-0 Dundee United lost to Hamilton 1-2 Eibar 13 5 5 3 17 14 20 borussia m’bach (Stindl 29, 83, Johnson Kilmarnock lost to Partick Thistle 2-5 Valencia 13 5 4 4 17 10 19 68, raffael 78) bt Sevilla (Vitolo 82, 4-2 motherwell drew Hearts 2-2 Sevilla 13 5 3 5 18 18 18 banega 90+1-pen) St Johnstone drew Dundee 1-1 real betis 13 5 3 5 12 17 18 GROUP E bATE borisov (Gordeichuk 2) drew LA LIGA Espanyol 13 5 1 7 14 24 16 1-1 bayer Leverkusen (mehmedi 68) Eibar lost to real madrid 0-2 Getafe 13 4 2 7 14 19 14 barcelona (Suarez 15, 44, messi 18, Getafe bt Villarreal 2-0 rayo Vallecano 13 4 2 7 14 23 14 60 Pique 56, Adriano 77) bt roma 6-1 rayo Vallecano lost to Athletic club 0-3 real Sociedad 13 3 3 7 14 18 12 (Dzeko 90) Sevilla bt Valencia 1-0 Sporting Gijon 13 3 3 7 12 20 12 šbayern munich’s Thomas mueller, right, vies with Hertha berlin’s Per cijan Skjelbred. GROUP F š Granada 13 2 5 6 15 22 11 Arsenal (Ozil 29, Sanchez 33, 69) bt Atletico madrid bt Espanyol 1-0 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb celta Vigo bt Sporting Gijon 2-1 malaga 13 2 4 7 7 13 10 bayern munich (costa 8, Lewandowski barcelona bt real Sociedad 4-0 Las Palmas 13 2 4 7 10 19 10 WEEKLY ROUND-UP 16, mueller 20, coman 70) bt 4-0 Las Palmas lost to Deportivo coruna 0-2 Levante 13 2 4 7 10 24 10 Olympiakos malaga drew Granada 2-2 GROUP G SERIE A Levante lost to real betis 0-1 Porto lost to Dynamo Kiev (Yarmolenko Inter milan 13 9 3 1 16 7 30 0-2 Bayern keep winning 36-pen, Gonzalez 64) SERIE A Napoli 13 8 4 1 24 8 28 maccabi Tel Aviv lost to chelsea (cahill Fiorentina 13 9 1 3 26 11 28 0-4 roma lost to Atalanta bergamo 0-2 20, Willian 73, Oscar 77, Zouma 90) chievo Verona lost to Udinese 2-3 AS roma 14 8 3 3 29 17 27 GROUP H Empoli bt Lazio 1-0 Juventus 14 7 3 4 20 11 24 Zenit St Petersburg (Shatov 15, Dzyuba streak in Germany 2-0 Frosinone bt Verona 3-2 Ac milan 14 7 2 5 19 18 23 74) bt Valencia Lyon (Ferri 7) lost to Gent (milicevic 32, Genoa lost to carpi 1-2 Sassuolo 13 6 4 3 15 12 22 1-2 NbEATEN bundesliga leaders poor first touch. coulibaly 90+5) Palermo lost to Juventus 0-3 Torino 14 6 3 5 20 18 21 bayern munich continued Ac milan bt Sampdoria 4-1 Atalanta 14 6 3 5 15 15 21 Atalanta beat Roma EUROPA LEAGUE their record-breaking GROUP A Torino bt bologna 2-0 Lazio 14 6 1 7 17 22 19 U molde lost to Fenerbahce (Fernandao Udinese 14 5 3 6 14 17 18 bundesliga run with their 13th win In Italy, AS roma, thumped 6-1 by 0-2 BUNDESLIGA 68, Tufan 84) Empoli 14 5 3 6 16 20 18 bayer Leverkusen drew Schalke 04 1-1 in 14 games after beating Hertha barcelona in the champions League celtic (mcGregor 4) lost to Ajax (milik chievo Verona 14 4 4 6 18 16 16 1-2 borussia Dortmund bt Vfb Stuttgart 4-1 berlin 2-0. on Tuesday, stayed fourth in Serie 22, cerny 88) Sampdoria 14 4 4 6 20 22 16 GROUP B Augsburg drew VfL Wolfsburg 0-0 First-half goals from Thomas A after a 0-2 defeat by Atalanta, Genoa 14 4 4 6 15 19 16 Liverpool (milner 38-pen, benteke mainz bt E Frankfurt 2-1 2-1 Palermo 14 4 3 7 13 20 15 mueller and Kingsley coman put with Alejandro Gomez and German 45+1) bt bordeaux (Saivet 33) bayern munich bt Hertha berlin 2-0 rubin Kazan (Georgiev 72, Devic 90) Frosinone 14 4 2 8 14 24 14 undefeated bayern, in dominant Denis, with a penalty, scoring for the 2-0 Hanover bt Ingolstadt 4-0 bt Sion bologna 14 4 1 9 13 19 13 Hoffenheim drew borussia m’bach 3-3 form despite half a dozen injury visitors. GROUP C carpi 14 2 3 9 13 27 9 Werder bremen lost to Hamburg 1-3 absences, on 40 points. Juventus climbed to fifth, winning PAOK Salonika drew FK Qabala 0-0 Verona 14 0 6 8 10 24 6 Fc Krasnodar (Pavel mamaev 2-pen) bt SV Darmstadt drew cologne 0-0 They are eight ahead of second- 3-0 at Palermo for their fourth 1-0 borussia Dortmund LIGUE 1 BUNDESLIGA placed borussia Dortmund, who league victory in a row. mario GROUP D bayern munich 14 13 1 0 42 5 40 G bordeaux lost to caen 1-4 crushed Vfb Stuttgart 4-1 with mandzukic, Stefano Sturaro and Legia Warsaw (Priovic 35) bt midtjylland 1-0 borussia Dortmund 14 10 2 2 40 19 32 Oly marseille drew monaco 3-3 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring club brugge lost to Napoli (chiriches 41) 0-1 VfL Wolfsburg 14 7 4 3 23 15 25 St Etienne bt E Guingamp 3-0 GROUP E borussia m’bach 14 7 2 5 28 22 23 twice to take his season’s tally to 17 Angers bt Lille 2-0 Villarreal (Soriano 78) bt rapid Vienna 1-0 Hertha berlin 14 7 2 5 18 17 23 in 14 matches. PEP GUARDIOLA FIELDED Dinamo minsk (Adamovic 90+2) bt Nantes drew bastia 0-0 1-0 bayer Leverkusen 14 6 3 5 18 18 21 HIS 14TH DIFFERENT Viktoria Plzen GFc Ajaccio drew Fc Lorient 1-1 VfL Wolfsburg slipped seven Hamburg SV 14 6 3 5 17 18 21 GROUP F PSG bt ES Troyes 4-1 points off the pace in third spot STARTING ELEVEN IN AS Schalke 04 14 6 3 5 18 20 21 braga (ricardo Ferreira 42, crislan 90+2) 2-1 Stade de reims drew Stade rennes 2-2 after managing only a 0-0 draw at MANY LEAGUE GAMES. bt Slovan Liberec (Efremov 35) mainz 14 6 2 6 20 20 20 Toulouse bt Nice 2-0 marseille (N’Koudou 28, batshuayi 88) cologne 14 5 5 4 15 18 20 struggling Augsburg. 2-1 Oly Lyon lost to montpellier HSc 2-4 A day after reporting record bt Groningen (maduro 50) Ingolstadt 04 14 5 4 5 10 14 19 GROUP G STANDINGS Darmstadt 98 14 3 6 5 14 19 15 profits, bayern were equally Simone Zaza shared the goals which Lazio (candreva 4, Parolo 68, Djordjevic 3-1 As of Sunday. E Frankfurt 14 3 5 6 18 22 14 90+3) bt Dnipro (Gama 65) sparkling on the pitch, looking fresh all came in the second half. Hanover 96 14 4 2 8 17 24 14 rosenborg (Soderland 40) drew Saint- EPL after their midweek 4-0 mauling 1-1 Easy win for PSG Etienne (roux 80-pen) man city 14 9 2 3 30 14 29 Werder bremen 14 4 1 9 14 28 13 of Olympiakos in the champions GROUP H Leicester city 14 8 5 1 29 21 29 Augsburg 14 2 4 8 17 25 10 League and despite key injury In France, Paris Saint-Germain Lokomotiv moscow (maicon 5, Al. man United 14 8 4 2 20 10 28 Vfb Stuttgart 14 3 1 10 18 35 10 miranchuk 86) lost to Sporting Lisbon 2-4 Arsenal 14 8 3 3 24 12 27 Hoffenheim 14 1 6 7 15 23 9 absences including Arjen robben, cruised to a 4-1 victory over bottom (montero 20, ruiz 38, Gelson martins Douglas costa, David Alaba, mario club Troyes at the Parc des Princes 43 matheus Pereira 60) Tottenham 14 6 7 1 24 11 25 LIGUE 1 besiktas (cenk Tosun 35, 78) bt Liverpool 14 6 5 3 18 15 23 PSG 15 13 2 0 37 8 41 Goetze and Thiago Alcantara. to preserve their 13-point lead over 2-0 Skenderbeu crystal Palace 14 7 1 6 19 14 22 caen 15 9 1 5 18 15 28 coach Pep Guardiola fielded his caen in Ligue 1. GROUP I West Ham 14 6 4 4 25 21 22 Angers 15 7 5 3 14 9 26 basel (Suchy 40, Elneny 74) drew 14th different starting eleven in as Edinson cavani, Zlatan 2-2 Everton 14 5 6 3 27 19 21 Oly Lyon 15 7 4 4 21 14 25 Fiorentina (bernardeschi 23, 36) many league games this season, Ibrahimovic, Layvin Kurzawa and Southampton 14 5 5 4 20 17 20 St Etienne 15 8 1 6 20 19 25 belenenses drew Lech Poznan 0-0 Watford 14 5 4 5 15 16 19 but they were dominant from the Jean-Kevin Augustin scored as GROUP J Nice 15 7 3 5 30 19 24 Stoke city 14 5 4 5 11 14 19 start, striking twice late in the first Laurent blanc’s side made it nine monaco lost to Anderlecht (Gillet 45+1, monaco 15 6 6 3 21 21 24 0-2 West brom 14 5 3 6 13 18 18 half, with mueller nodding in from consecutive league wins. Acheampong 78) Stade rennes 15 5 7 3 21 18 22 Qarabag lost to Tottenham Hotspur chelsea 14 4 3 7 17 23 15 Lorient 15 5 6 4 24 21 21 0-1 a medhi benatia header in the 34th caen thumped Girondins (Kane 78) Swansea city 14 3 5 6 14 19 14 Nantes 15 6 2 7 12 15 20 minute to take his league goal tally bordeaux 4-1 away to stay two GROUP K Norwich city 14 3 4 7 17 25 13 Oly marseille 15 5 4 6 23 17 19 Schalke 04 (choupo-moting 86) bt 1-0 Sunderland 14 3 3 8 16 26 12 E Guingamp 15 5 4 6 15 20 19 to 13 in 14 matches. points ahead of Angers, who beat APOEL bournemouth 14 2 4 8 17 30 10 Frenchman coman added another Lille 2-0, and move three points clear Sparta Prague (Jakub brabec 33) bt montpellier 15 5 3 7 18 19 18 1-0 Newcastle 14 2 4 8 14 30 10 four minutes before half-time and of Olympique Lyon, who lost 4-2 at Asteras G bordeaux 15 4 6 5 20 25 18 Aston Villa 14 1 2 11 12 27 5 Stade de reims 15 4 4 7 15 19 16 Poland striker robert Lewandowski, home to montpellier. GROUP L AZ Alkmaar (Dabney Souza 48) lost SPFL Ajaccio 15 4 4 7 14 19 16 who hit the woodwork in the first Olympique marseille snatched to Partizan belgrade (Oumaru 65, 1-2 celtic 16 12 3 1 41 12 39 bastia 15 4 3 8 15 21 15 Zivkovic 89) half, had a golden chance in the a 3-3 draw at home to AS monaco Lille 15 2 8 5 8 11 14 Augsburg (Trochowski 41, bobadilla 59) Aberdeen 16 10 2 4 25 18 32 53rd, having been left unmarked in thanks to Georges-Kevin Nkoudou’s lost to Athletic bilbao (Susaeta 10, Aritz 2-3 Hearts 16 9 4 3 29 17 31 Toulouse 15 2 6 7 14 28 12 front of goal but was betrayed by his late equaliser in a thriller. Aduriz 83, 86) St Johnstone 16 8 3 5 32 24 27 ES Troyes 15 0 5 10 8 30 5 16 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 17 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

the way things turned out for The head of the brazilian Football INTERVIEW Brazil’s Del confederation (cbF) has resigned his me. my career improved steadily post on FIFA’s Executive committee ‘Blatter not exempt from code’ without any kind of meteoric Nero quits after months of pressure to stand rise, which did me a lot of good. down, the South American Football IFA’S ethics watchdog has rejected suspended I didn’t go from zero to hero ExCom post confederation (conmebol) said last President Sepp Blatter’s claim that he is not overnight. week. Fsubject to its rules and that only congress “mr. Marco Polo Del Nero can bar him from his role as head of the scandal- asked to leave the FIFA Excom as ЂЂHow have you changed since plagued global football body. conmebol’s representative and he Der Titan’s reflections hanging up your boots? Do blatter has been suspended for 90 days along recommended mr. Fernando Sarney HEN it comes to such an award? you think that this could pose man who calls himself the world’s huge plus for any back line. you still have the same great as his replacement and that was with European boss michel Platini. FIFA’s Ethics individual awards, only ЃЂAlthough goalkeepers are held a problem when it comes to best player — and who can blame ambition and strong will as unanimously approved,” conmebol committee is investigating their conduct and they Wa few goalkeepers have in very high regard in Germany, I individual awards? Does it make it him? (laughs). ЂЂIf you were picking a team, before? said in a statement issued after could face much longer suspensions. managed to step into the limelight suspect that the world has caught too difficult to pick a single player For me, Arjen robben is also who would you put in goal: Neuer ЃЂThere’s a significant difference regional football bosses met in brazil. blatter recently compared himself to a head-of- and Oliver Kahn is one of them. on to the ideas that can be one of out of such a strong unit? an exceptional performer, but or Oliver Kahn at his best? between the player who had to Sarney is the son of a former state who could only be removed by parliament. brazilian president and one of four While Lev Yashin remains the sole a team’s most crucial players, if not Ѓ While Germany have many regularly struggles with injuries. Ѓ I think that would be difficult. face anything that came his way However, Andreas bantel, spokesman for the Ђ Ђ vice-presidents of the cbF. keeper to collect the ballon d’Or, the most vital of all, and that you excellently skilled footballers, they I’d keep changing it. There’d be out on the pitch and perform at Del Nero replaced Jose maria Ethics committee, said. “The FIFA code of ethics back in 1963, Der Titan is the only can only win major titles with a don’t have a ronaldo or a messi. The ЂЂHow would you compare Neuer no such thing as a No.1 for me: his best for a top club every two marin as head of the cbF in April and applies to anyone who is involved in football and one to have been named player of fantastic shot stopper. Nevertheless, national team is picked to create with yourself? whoever was in better form would or three days and the man I am will continue in that role. there are absolutely no exceptions whatsoever.” the tournament at a FIFA World cup. I think greater emphasis is placed on the best possible blend; at the ’14 ЃЂI’m not a fan of comparing one get to play. today. Of course, I can still use The UEFA champions League goalkeepers in Europe than in South World cup there was a perfect generation with another given that some of the qualities I learned winner delivered a series of America, for example. balance between individualists each generation needs a specific ЂЂWhen you think back over your during my playing career, such SPECIAL COLUMN formidable performances at Korea- such as mario Gotze or mesut set of skills. manuel is a sweeper- career, would you do everything as discipline and a targeted Japan 2002 to help his team reach ЂЂYou experienced a similar Ozil, more unassuming players keeper who has taken the game the same way again if you had the approach to work, but I no longer the final. And while he could not situation in ’02, being among tasked with important roles and to a new level, always takes plenty chance? need to draw on the introverted prevent Germany from finishing the final three nominees, but of risks and has made himself an ЃЂI wasn’t a remarkably gifted moments I spent standing in Time to think of post-Platini days runners-up to brazil, his contribution ultimately losing out on the award. 11th outfield player. He’s always player even when I was young. the tunnel or show the same was impressive enough to earn the Does this mean you can empathise I THINK GREATER available for a pass and is equally I didn’t play in Germany’s many aggression I displayed out on the given that FIFA’s own ballot is now 46-year-old adidas Golden ball. with Neuer? EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON strong on both his left and right national youth sides like a lot of pitch. Andrew Warshaw on February 26 and given that “It’s a shame, of course — I ЃЂI could hardly have imagined GOALKEEPERS IN EUROPE foot. His team-mates can bring others have. I wouldn’t do anything prospective UEFA presidential would’ve loved to become world winning that title for the reasons THAN IN SOUTH AMERICA. him into the game whenever the differently because I made the most ЂЂAlthough your job was to candidates must be given reasonable champion,” said the former bayern I’ve just discussed; it would’ve situation requires it, and that’s a of the potential I had, and that’s just stop players from scoring, what AST week’s sensational time to campaign, there’s no way the munich showstopper, who also been remarkable back then. do you think a FIFA Puskas revelation that michel Platini, European body’s scheduled march managed to finish among the top Although I was named player on-pitch leaders. This made the Award winning goal should look Land presumably Sepp blatter congress could be turned into an three for that year’s FIFA World of the tournament at the World difference against teams such as like? What makes a goal special? too, faces a possible lifetime ban electoral one. Player of the Year, as he discussed cup, it would’ve been completely Argentina that are built around one ЃЂFor me, a special goal is one over “that” payment has opened up That means organising another the goalkeeper’s place in the FIFA outrageous for a goalkeeper to win particular player, a situation that that’s unstoppable — that’s the a whole new can of worms over the summit shortly afterwards, solely ballon d’Or vote and the differences the ballon d’Or. simply doesn’t exist in the German main prerequisite. It should be seriousness of what was actually for the purposes of replacing Platini. between him and Germany’s current national side. something that’s exceptional agreed all those years ago. mindful of the fact that UEFA will No.1 manuel Neuer in an exclusive ЂЂDo you believe the outcome of Nevertheless, I don’t want and doesn’t happen every day. Until recently, it was generally need a president in place to hand interview with www.fifa.com. Korea-Japan World Cup influenced to make the mistake of being The goals I most enjoy watching assumed that the FIFA president and Michel Platini over the trophy to the winners the result of the FIFA World Player judgmental here and saying are the moves where five or six his would-be successor would be of next summer’s European ЂЂFive Germans were among the of the Year in ’02? Would you’ve that one model is better than passes are made before the ball banned, pending appeal, for roughly championship finals, from what I Ballon d’Or nominees last year won the award had you been a the other. All I’m saying is that reaches the goal — real tactical between five and seven years if payment, just to recap, was made chairing an Excom meeting in understand late may or early June is after winning the FIFA World Cup, world champion? Germany succeeded in creating a masterstrokes. When they work, found guilty over the notorious two in February that year, a few months September. looking like the optimum date for an including a goalkeeper in Neuer. ЃЂIt does make a huge difference. very strong unit at last year’s World they’re a real joy to watch. million Swiss francs exchange that before blatter won another term Having apparently failed to election. Were you disappointed by the Winning a major title like the World cup. continues to make headline news after running unopposed. Platini, register the agreed amount with Who would contest it? Surely decision? cup, European championship or ЂЂWhat was the best save of across the globe. remember, ruled out standing FIFA’s financial people, one aspect not the current stand-in, Angel ЃЂI can remember there being champions League in a given year ЂЂNeuer is one of three Germans your career? blatter and Platini, from what against the veteran Swiss saying of the case being considered is how Villar Llona, Spain’s FIFA vice- plenty of talk about manuel in is a big factor, as is the number of nominated for the men’s award ЃЂI don’t even think anyone we’re told, allegedly breached four he had loads more to do at UEFA. on earth Platini expected, since president who, after years of evading Germany in the run-up to the goals someone has scored. That’s this year. Do you think he has a in the stadium noticed it at clauses of the ethics code covering but could his resolve have been the contract was oral, to receive his punishment, was finally sanctioned Gala, but I don’t think many people why Lionel messi and cristiano real chance of winning, and if not, the time; it happened in a mismanagement, conflict of weakened knowing there was a big money several years down the road earlier this month for failing to co- overseas completely understood ronaldo are always nominated. Of who will pick up the prize? champions League group match interest, false accounting and non windfall to follow? in the event that blatter happened to operate with the official investigation why a goalkeeper was nominated course, we mustn’t forget that these ЃЂIt always depends on major against celtic. After the ball was co-operation with or criticising the Ever since he was first dragged lose his grip on power — or possibly into the ’18 and ’22 World cup bid for that kind of award at all. I think players also bring the fans plenty of trophies. barcelona won the cut back from the byline, a celtic ethics committee. was no longer alive. We won’t have process and whose anti-reformist the ballon d’Or should be for outfield pleasure and enjoyment. That was champions League and Juventus player ran on to it at full pace Platini’s lawyers have cried foul, all the answers until FIFA’s German stance is well known. Surely not players and that keepers should be even true for me when I was still made it to the final. Then there’s and fired in a shot from 8m out. accusing ethics investigators of going LIFETIME BANS AREN’T ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert Wolfgang Niersbach now that he has recognised separately in another playing in goal; watching someone the question of who has scored the I got my hand to it somehow, way over the top in a concerted RECOMMENDED LIGHTLY. announces his judgment some time resigned from the German FA over category. That way, we wouldn’t be like Zinedine Zidane play was most goals. Thomas muller, Neuer, and the ball ricocheted from attempt to stop their client from THEY INVOLVE THE ‘C’ before christmas. Even then we the entirely separate ’06 World cup confronted with this issue anymore, simply a delight. That’s why these Neymar… my fingertips onto the crossbar fulfilling his ambition of taking over WORD: CORRUPTION. may not be given too much detail. slush fund allegations. as it always triggers a big discussion. players have earned the awards It’ll probably be another battle before bouncing back down from blatter next February. but now, but it’s no surprise that tongues are So who then? by all accounts, they’ve won. between messi, who’s had a strong where a team-mate cleared it. it appears the charges against him wagging aplenty in the respective England’s David Gill isn’t interested in ЂЂWhy does the wider world not season, and ronaldo, who has It was hardly noticeable to the are so strong that they could lead to into the FIFA corruption scandal, hierarchies of FIFA and UEFA. Not the job. Not yet anyway. One familiar yet understand that a goalkeeper ЂЂGermany’s success is often scored another hatful of goals. I spectators unless they watched it sanctions which could potentially Platini has been at pains to protest least following one unconfirmed name being discussed, were Platini’s can be among the nominees for attributed to the team. Do think ronaldo will win again, a in super slow motion. Although plunge him into the wilderness. not only his innocence but his report that Platini had sought to dreams to be crushed, is michael it was only a group game, that Lifetime bans aren’t recommended willingness to co-operate with the block access to his bank accounts by van Praag. The Dutch FA boss may save really stuck with me. lightly. They invariably involve the c‘ ’ authorities. Within hours of being Swiss prosecutors. be 68, but there’s strong support for I’ve played against ronaldo, whose pace, athleticism and word: corruption. So what was it that questioned by Swiss prosecutors, he Speaking of UEFA, little has been the man who withdrew just before Inzaghi, the ability to create a goal from any situation made him brilliant. blatter and Platini, who vehemently made it clear that he had nothing to made so far of the time scale for the last FIFA presidential campaign I also faced Thierry Henry, who was a remarkable striker: most feared sleek, elegant and very, very clever in front of goal. deny any wrongdoing, might’ve hide. but what if it’s now deemed electing a new president if Platini in may because he didn’t have striker The forward I least enjoyed playing against was Filippo plotted in secret that goes far beyond that the payment in question wasn’t is banned for even longer than sufficient global support. Inzaghi. He was someone you sometimes hardly saw the routine consultancy work from only for services rendered when his current 90-day suspension. The talk, according to insiders, is anything of; you wouldn’t even be sure he was playing 1999 to 2002, which both claim was Platini was blatter’s special advisor, It’s looking increasingly likely for the highly respected Van Praag to but at the end of the match the scoreboard would entirely above board even though it but also for helping secure blatter’s European football’s governing body run European football for three years show 1-0 or 2-0 to Inzaghi. He was a very was carried out several years before re-election? The Swiss attorney will probably have to hold two (the remainder of Platini’s current difficult striker and probably the one I liked playing against least of all because he was the sum was paid up? general was obviously suspicious. congresses in quick succession. term), then pass the mantle to completely unpredictable. Is there, after all, genuine evidence Otherwise, investigators would Given that any appeal by Platini someone younger. At this stage, it’s Oliver Kahn that the agreement was linked to surely not have swooped on FIFA would probably not be concluded all ifs and buts, but it seems a sound blatter’s ’11 re-election victory? The headquarters just as blatter was before mid-January at the earliest, plan on paper. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 17

the way things turned out for The head of the brazilian Football Brazil’s Del confederation (cbF) has resigned his me. my career improved steadily post on FIFA’s Executive committee ‘Blatter not exempt from code’ without any kind of meteoric Nero quits after months of pressure to stand rise, which did me a lot of good. down, the South American Football IFA’S ethics watchdog has rejected suspended I didn’t go from zero to hero ExCom post confederation (conmebol) said last President Sepp Blatter’s claim that he is not overnight. week. Fsubject to its rules and that only congress “mr. Marco Polo Del Nero can bar him from his role as head of the scandal- asked to leave the FIFA Excom as ЂЂHow have you changed since plagued global football body. conmebol’s representative and he Der Titan’s reflections hanging up your boots? Do blatter has been suspended for 90 days along recommended mr. Fernando Sarney you still have the same great as his replacement and that was with European boss michel Platini. FIFA’s Ethics ambition and strong will as unanimously approved,” conmebol committee is investigating their conduct and they before? said in a statement issued after could face much longer suspensions. ЃЂThere’s a significant difference regional football bosses met in brazil. blatter recently compared himself to a head-of- between the player who had to Sarney is the son of a former state who could only be removed by parliament. brazilian president and one of four face anything that came his way However, Andreas bantel, spokesman for the vice-presidents of the cbF. out on the pitch and perform at Del Nero replaced Jose maria Ethics committee, said. “The FIFA code of ethics his best for a top club every two marin as head of the cbF in April and applies to anyone who is involved in football and or three days and the man I am will continue in that role. there are absolutely no exceptions whatsoever.” today. Of course, I can still use some of the qualities I learned during my playing career, such SPECIAL COLUMN as discipline and a targeted approach to work, but I no longer need to draw on the introverted moments I spent standing in Time to think of post-Platini days the tunnel or show the same aggression I displayed out on the given that FIFA’s own ballot is pitch. Andrew Warshaw on February 26 and given that prospective UEFA presidential ЂЂAlthough your job was to candidates must be given reasonable stop players from scoring, what AST week’s sensational time to campaign, there’s no way the do you think a FIFA Puskas revelation that michel Platini, European body’s scheduled march Award winning goal should look Land presumably Sepp blatter congress could be turned into an like? What makes a goal special? too, faces a possible lifetime ban electoral one. ЃЂFor me, a special goal is one over “that” payment has opened up That means organising another that’s unstoppable — that’s the a whole new can of worms over the summit shortly afterwards, solely main prerequisite. It should be seriousness of what was actually for the purposes of replacing Platini. something that’s exceptional agreed all those years ago. mindful of the fact that UEFA will and doesn’t happen every day. Until recently, it was generally need a president in place to hand The goals I most enjoy watching assumed that the FIFA president and Michel Platini over the trophy to the winners are the moves where five or six his would-be successor would be of next summer’s European passes are made before the ball banned, pending appeal, for roughly championship finals, from what I reaches the goal — real tactical between five and seven years if payment, just to recap, was made chairing an Excom meeting in understand late may or early June is masterstrokes. When they work, found guilty over the notorious two in February that year, a few months September. looking like the optimum date for an they’re a real joy to watch. million Swiss francs exchange that before blatter won another term Having apparently failed to election. continues to make headline news after running unopposed. Platini, register the agreed amount with Who would contest it? Surely ЂЂWhat was the best save of across the globe. remember, ruled out standing FIFA’s financial people, one aspect not the current stand-in, Angel your career? blatter and Platini, from what against the veteran Swiss saying of the case being considered is how Villar Llona, Spain’s FIFA vice- ЃЂI don’t even think anyone we’re told, allegedly breached four he had loads more to do at UEFA. on earth Platini expected, since president who, after years of evading in the stadium noticed it at clauses of the ethics code covering but could his resolve have been the contract was oral, to receive his punishment, was finally sanctioned the time; it happened in a mismanagement, conflict of weakened knowing there was a big money several years down the road earlier this month for failing to co- champions League group match interest, false accounting and non windfall to follow? in the event that blatter happened to operate with the official investigation against celtic. After the ball was co-operation with or criticising the Ever since he was first dragged lose his grip on power — or possibly into the ’18 and ’22 World cup bid cut back from the byline, a celtic ethics committee. was no longer alive. We won’t have process and whose anti-reformist player ran on to it at full pace Platini’s lawyers have cried foul, all the answers until FIFA’s German stance is well known. Surely not and fired in a shot from 8m out. accusing ethics investigators of going LIFETIME BANS AREN’T ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert Wolfgang Niersbach now that he has I got my hand to it somehow, way over the top in a concerted RECOMMENDED LIGHTLY. announces his judgment some time resigned from the German FA over and the ball ricocheted from attempt to stop their client from THEY INVOLVE THE ‘C’ before christmas. Even then we the entirely separate ’06 World cup my fingertips onto the crossbar fulfilling his ambition of taking over WORD: CORRUPTION. may not be given too much detail. slush fund allegations. before bouncing back down from blatter next February. but now, but it’s no surprise that tongues are So who then? by all accounts, where a team-mate cleared it. it appears the charges against him wagging aplenty in the respective England’s David Gill isn’t interested in It was hardly noticeable to the are so strong that they could lead to into the FIFA corruption scandal, hierarchies of FIFA and UEFA. Not the job. Not yet anyway. One familiar spectators unless they watched it sanctions which could potentially Platini has been at pains to protest least following one unconfirmed name being discussed, were Platini’s in super slow motion. Although plunge him into the wilderness. not only his innocence but his report that Platini had sought to dreams to be crushed, is michael it was only a group game, that Lifetime bans aren’t recommended willingness to co-operate with the block access to his bank accounts by van Praag. The Dutch FA boss may save really stuck with me. lightly. They invariably involve the c‘ ’ authorities. Within hours of being Swiss prosecutors. be 68, but there’s strong support for word: corruption. So what was it that questioned by Swiss prosecutors, he Speaking of UEFA, little has been the man who withdrew just before blatter and Platini, who vehemently made it clear that he had nothing to made so far of the time scale for the last FIFA presidential campaign deny any wrongdoing, might’ve hide. but what if it’s now deemed electing a new president if Platini in may because he didn’t have plotted in secret that goes far beyond that the payment in question wasn’t is banned for even longer than sufficient global support. the routine consultancy work from only for services rendered when his current 90-day suspension. The talk, according to insiders, is 1999 to 2002, which both claim was Platini was blatter’s special advisor, It’s looking increasingly likely for the highly respected Van Praag to entirely above board even though it but also for helping secure blatter’s European football’s governing body run European football for three years was carried out several years before re-election? The Swiss attorney will probably have to hold two (the remainder of Platini’s current the sum was paid up? general was obviously suspicious. congresses in quick succession. term), then pass the mantle to Is there, after all, genuine evidence Otherwise, investigators would Given that any appeal by Platini someone younger. At this stage, it’s that the agreement was linked to surely not have swooped on FIFA would probably not be concluded all ifs and buts, but it seems a sound blatter’s ’11 re-election victory? The headquarters just as blatter was before mid-January at the earliest, plan on paper. 18 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 19

HANDBALL

COVER STORY ‘We’ll be ready for Olympics’ ŠŠHE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani ALErO rivera, who helped hanging high above his head. With with our heads held high. I’ve a congratulates Valero Qatar qualify for the Olympic just a minute left, he was hugging feeling we can do well there,” he told rivera after the win. Games for the first time, players and holding their heads Doha Stadium plus. Ahmed mohammed V Abdulrab Al Shaabi continues to wield his magical between his giant palms. When the “First things first, the players is also seen. powers. final buzzer went, he simply let go will get some well-deserved rest The 64-year-old Spanish coach, and screamed at the crowd. before rejoining the clubs for their who played an instrumental role rivera, who took charge in April, domestic engagements. We’ll start in his home country’s triumph at our preparations for the rio Games the 2013 IHF World championship, well in advance. We’re preparing a helped Qatar bag silver in this year’s THE PLAYERS WORKED detailed training schedule for the edition. before that, he had guided HARD FOR THE TITLE same. We’ll be well prepared for the them to the Asian championship AND THEY EARNED THEIR Olympics,” he added. and Asian Games gold medals for PEERS’ RESPECT. rivera was not at all surprised the first time. about the team’s huge victory As always, he was calmness- margins in Doha. personified during Qatar’s final ’13, has brought stability to the team “We were the best-prepared against Iran in the Asian Olympic which until then had been grappling team in Doha and we won all our Saric again saves Qualification Tournament. with constant change of coaches and games by sizeable margins. I wish It was only in the 57th minute training styles. to thank Qatar’s highest powers as the day for Qatar here we that he finally started showing The barcelona and Spain legend well as officials of the Qatar Handball Ţ Rio, HE Salah bin Ţ some emotion, lightly fist-bumping promised his wards would do their Association for believing in us and Ghanem bin ATAr’S 38-year-old goalkeeper Danijel Saric players who were coming off the best in rio. giving us the perfect conditions to Nasser Al Ali has a habit of being at his best when they hands over the field. “The players deserve every work. I’m really pleased with our trophy to Qatar Qare badly in need of his services. by the 58th, he started taking accolade coming their way. They achievement,” said rivera, whose captain Hamad The experienced Fc barcelona Intersport madadi as small, frantic sips from a water worked hard for it and they earned contract was recently extended until team-mates and custodian, who calmed Qatar’s nerves during many bottle, looking at a large digital clock their peers’ respect. We’ll go to rio the ’20 Tokyo Olympic Games. officials cheer on. of their IHF World championship matches at home, was once again hailed as a hero last week. He was at his best against Iran in the final, come! punching away more than 10 clear attempts at goals. In the end, Saric’s brave resistance made QATAR CREATE HISTORY BY MAKING THE OLYMPIC CUT FOR THE things a lot easier for the hosts. FIRST TIME AS THEY DEFEAT IRAN IN THE ASIAN QUALIFICATION but the modest player refused to take any credit for himself. TOURNAMENT FINAL, WRITES AJU GEORGE CHRIS. “I’m a professional and am always expected to be at my best. my performance in the final wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for EAr 2015 will go down win the Asian Olympic Qualification the 51st second. Yousef benali team-mates’ support. They strengthened our in history as Qatar’s most Tournament and become only the (three) then increased the lead in defence considerably, especially in the second half. Ysuccessful ever since it fourth team — after hosts brazil, the second minute. I’m thankful I could play a little part in the team’s started fielding national teams in world champions France and Pan Iran, initially flustered by the win,” Saric told Doha Stadium Plus. competitions, in early 1980s. American title holders Argentina home fans who kept making He sounded excited about travelling to rio for Qatar had finished runners-up — to make the cut for the ’16 rio mexican waves, drew parity (4- the ’16 Olympic Games. ŢŠQatar’s Zarko at the IHF World championship at Games. 4) soon after. Shahoo Nosrati (five) “I’ve played at the highest levels for both club markovic shoots home in February and now they And if the team can reproduce and Sajad Esteki (four) proved to be and country, and have won many medals as well. against Iran in the final. have qualified for the Olympics for the kind of ruthlessness they their most potent players. but I’ve never been to the Games before. I’m so the first time. displayed in Doha, a historic In the first half, both sides tested happy that finally, at 39, I’ll get to live my dream,”

The hosts overcame Iran 28-19 to Olympic medal is well within their DSP/Mohan he said. reach. Qatar began their campaign with IF QATAR CAN REPRODUCE way after the breather. As the goal better result. All our hard work, over WINNERS’ VOICE a ruthless 49-9 dismantling of THE DOHA DISPLAY, THEY difference climbed, the Iranians several months, has paid off. We’ll Uzbekistan before steamrollering CAN DREAM OF A HISTORIC found themselves on the back foot. now do our best to put our best Japan (36-19) and Iran (32-17). OLYMPIC MEDAL. The writing on the wall was very foot forward in rio. I’m confident Oman (31-20) and Saudi Arabia clear in the final 10 minutes. If body we can make a statement in brazil. (29-23) were also helpless in front language was any indication, then I congratulate coach Valero rivera of Qatar’s might. In the last-four each other’s resolve with creative Qatar won the final much before it and our players,” Al Shaabi told stage, they overcame South counter-attacks. but most of them actually ended. Doha Stadium Plus. Korea 30-26 to set up a title were rendered ineffective, thanks to Qatar Handball Association Qatar Olympic committee showdown with Iran. some inspired defending. President Ahmed mohammed President HE Sheikh Joaan “We had a clear “It was one of the “I didn’t play in the “We were always in The final was a tense Sometimes, the players resorted Abdulrab Al Shaabi was thrilled bin Hamad Al Thani, Secretary game plan for Iran best nights of my final, yet I’m happy. control. Although affair, with the frosty to rough tactics and tempers flared. with the team’s qualification for rio. General Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al and we executed it life. I’ve never been The bigger thing is the first 30 minutes relationship between rival Nosrati’s goal-bound shot, which “We couldn’t have asked for a Kuwari, Asian Handball Federation well. We were able to the Olympics Qatar won. I had was tough, that players quite apparent even narrowly missed Qatari goalkeeper Executive Director Ahmad Abu Lail to put them under and I’m looking complete faith and paved the way for before the throw-off. At least Danijel Saric’s head, caused the two and other dignitaries watched the RESULTS pressure early on forward to doing so we divd well. I had an easier second half of Qatar’s players did not players to exchange heated words. FINAL final. and that paid rich next year. All credit expected us to win half. The training we greet their opponents as they Qatar opened up a three-goal Qatar bt Iran 28-19 minister of Youth and Sports HE lined up. lead for the first time in the 25th THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali dividends in the for the win goes the title even before did in Turkey and Zarko markovic, Qatar’s (12-9) and never relinquished it. bahrain bt South Korea 34-21 awarded the winners. second half. to coach (Valero) the event started. Spain helped us. SEMIFINALS rivera. most effective player with They led 15-11 at half-time. Zarko Markovic, Goran Stojanovic, Youssef Benali, pivot. Qatar bt South Korea 30-26 seven goals to his name, Unlike the tightly-contested first » The writer can be contacted at: right-back. Rafael Capote, left-back. goalkeeper. Iran bt bahrain 35-30

DSP/Mohan opened the scoring in half, it was a Qatar show all the [email protected] www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 19

‘We’ll be ready for Olympics’ ALErO rivera, who helped hanging high above his head. With with our heads held high. I’ve a Qatar qualify for the Olympic just a minute left, he was hugging feeling we can do well there,” he told VGames for the first time, players and holding their heads Doha Stadium plus. continues to wield his magical between his giant palms. When the “First things first, the players powers. final buzzer went, he simply let go will get some well-deserved rest The 64-year-old Spanish coach, and screamed at the crowd. before rejoining the clubs for their who played an instrumental role rivera, who took charge in April, domestic engagements. We’ll start in his home country’s triumph at our preparations for the rio Games the 2013 IHF World championship, well in advance. We’re preparing a helped Qatar bag silver in this year’s THE PLAYERS WORKED detailed training schedule for the edition. before that, he had guided HARD FOR THE TITLE same. We’ll be well prepared for the them to the Asian championship AND THEY EARNED THEIR Olympics,” he added. and Asian Games gold medals for PEERS’ RESPECT. rivera was not at all surprised the first time. about the team’s huge victory As always, he was calmness- margins in Doha. personified during Qatar’s final ’13, has brought stability to the team “We were the best-prepared against Iran in the Asian Olympic which until then had been grappling team in Doha and we won all our Saric again saves Qualification Tournament. with constant change of coaches and games by sizeable margins. I wish It was only in the 57th minute training styles. to thank Qatar’s highest powers as the day for Qatar that he finally started showing The barcelona and Spain legend well as officials of the Qatar Handball ŢŢHE Salah bin some emotion, lightly fist-bumping promised his wards would do their Association for believing in us and Ghanem bin ATAr’S 38-year-old goalkeeper Danijel Saric players who were coming off the best in rio. giving us the perfect conditions to Nasser Al Ali has a habit of being at his best when they hands over the field. “The players deserve every work. I’m really pleased with our trophy to Qatar Qare badly in need of his services. by the 58th, he started taking accolade coming their way. They achievement,” said rivera, whose captain Hamad The experienced Fc barcelona Intersport madadi as small, frantic sips from a water worked hard for it and they earned contract was recently extended until team-mates and custodian, who calmed Qatar’s nerves during many bottle, looking at a large digital clock their peers’ respect. We’ll go to rio the ’20 Tokyo Olympic Games. officials cheer on. of their IHF World championship matches at home, was once again hailed as a hero last week. He was at his best against Iran in the final, punching away more than 10 clear attempts at goals. In the end, Saric’s brave resistance made things a lot easier for the hosts. but the modest player refused to take any credit for himself. “I’m a professional and am always expected to be at my best. my performance in the final wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for team-mates’ support. They strengthened our defence considerably, especially in the second half. I’m thankful I could play a little part in the team’s win,” Saric told Doha Stadium Plus. He sounded excited about travelling to rio for the ’16 Olympic Games. “I’ve played at the highest levels for both club and country, and have won many medals as well. but I’ve never been to the Games before. I’m so happy that finally, at 39, I’ll get to live my dream,”

DSP/Mohan he said. way after the breather. As the goal better result. All our hard work, over WINNERS’ VOICE difference climbed, the Iranians several months, has paid off. We’ll found themselves on the back foot. now do our best to put our best The writing on the wall was very foot forward in rio. I’m confident clear in the final 10 minutes. If body we can make a statement in brazil. language was any indication, then I congratulate coach Valero rivera Qatar won the final much before it and our players,” Al Shaabi told actually ended. Doha Stadium Plus. Qatar Handball Association Qatar Olympic committee President Ahmed mohammed President HE Sheikh Joaan “We had a clear “It was one of the “I didn’t play in the “We were always in Abdulrab Al Shaabi was thrilled bin Hamad Al Thani, Secretary game plan for Iran best nights of my final, yet I’m happy. control. Although with the team’s qualification for rio. General Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al and we executed it life. I’ve never been The bigger thing is the first 30 minutes “We couldn’t have asked for a Kuwari, Asian Handball Federation well. We were able to the Olympics Qatar won. I had was tough, that Executive Director Ahmad Abu Lail to put them under and I’m looking complete faith and paved the way for and other dignitaries watched the RESULTS pressure early on forward to doing so we divd well. I had an easier second FINAL final. and that paid rich next year. All credit expected us to win half. The training we Qatar bt Iran 28-19 minister of Youth and Sports HE THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali dividends in the for the win goes the title even before did in Turkey and bahrain bt South Korea 34-21 awarded the winners. second half. to coach (Valero) the event started. Spain helped us. SEMIFINALS rivera. Zarko Markovic, Goran Stojanovic, Youssef Benali, pivot. Qatar bt South Korea 30-26 » The writer can be contacted at: right-back. Rafael Capote, left-back. goalkeeper. Iran bt bahrain 35-30 [email protected] www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

FIFPRO WORLD XI

DAVIS CUP GREAT BRITAIN CHAMPIONS www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

FIFPRO WORLD XI

DAVIS CUP GREAT BRITAIN CHAMPIONS 22 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 23

“We’re honoured to have another year with players of the highest calibre coming to Qatar. The week in Doha kicks off the ATP World Tour season and these players are looking TENNIS to hit the courts fresh from their end-of-season break. Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi, Qatar Tennis Federation President.

THE FAB FIVE Prefix denotes season-ending ranking.

1. NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB) Fresh from his triumph in the World Tour Finals in London, Djokovic looks almost unbeatable. The world No.1 had an incredible season in which he won three of the four Grands Slam on offer. He will be keen to overcome Well the disappointment of losing out in the quarterfinal on his debut in Doha last year.

5. RAFAEL NADAL (ESP) Karim Alami Will be looking to start his season afresh in the Qatari capital after a forgettable year blighted by injuries and lack of form which saw him win just one title. He has always been a big hit among the big Spanish expatriate population in the country. ‘A cornerstone on 6. TOMAS BERDYCH (CZE) He is yet to live up to the lofty standards he had set Serbed! after reaching the 2010 Wimbledon final. The czech Qatar’s calendar’ THE QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN MAINTAINS ITS TRADITION OF fighter continues his quest for a maiden Grand Slam title. He lost to David Ferrer in last year’s final S THE Qatar Open enters its Open, which has been one of ATP’s ATTRACTING THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS, WITH TOP NAMES in Doha. The triumph in Shenzhen where he beat SUCH AS WORLD NO.1 NOVAK DJOKOVIC AND RAFAEL NADAL Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in a rain-marred final 24th edition, the organisers three season openers. was one of the highlights of the last season. Aare happy that they could “Since 1993, the Qatar Exxonmobil CONFIRMING THEIR PARTICIPATION, WRITES SAJITH B WARRIER. get most of the marquee names on Open has always been a cornerstone 7. DAVID FERRER (ESP) board once again. on the country’s sports calendar. As World No.1 Novak Djokovic heads the first tennis tournament in the He started the season in style by winning in Qatar the star cast in Doha, which also region, it has set a foundation and and added four more to the kitty while the victory in FTEr capping a dream year highest calibre coming to Qatar. disappointment. Vienna earned him the ticket to the ATP World Tour includes crowd favourite rafael precedent for all other events in the in which he went on to win The week in Doha kicks off the The Spaniard, who was the Finals in London. He remains the best Spaniard after Nadal. Gulf. We continue to build upon 11 titles including three ATP World Tour season and these champion in ’13, had come to Nadal on clay and is always known as the ultimate Tournament Director Karim Alami what we’ve already established in A fighter regardless of the surface or the opponent. Grands Slam, world No.1 Novak players are looking to hit the Doha after an injury lay-off, spoke about the goodwill those big Djokovic has decided to start the courts fresh from their hoping to begin the season names bring to Doha. new year at the venue where his end-of-season break,” said Qatar with a bang at a place where 9. RICHARD GASQUET (FRA) “Our field highlights the vast THE QATAR OPEN HAS SET A FOUNDATION AND 2015 journey began, though on a Tennis Federation President he has always been a big The Frenchman, who won in Qatar in 2013, has talent and diversity on the ATP disappointing note. Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi. fan favourite. However, he always remained in the top-10 mix. He defeated an World Tour. Having quality players PRECEDENT FOR ALL The Serb’s win-loss record in ’15 The Qatar Exxonmobil Open, lost in the opening round to in-form Stan Wawrinka in thrilling five sets in the like Novak (Djokovic) and rafa EVENTS IN THE GULF. read 82-6 and the first of those along with events in brisbane and unheralded German michael quarterfinal of Wimbledon, which was undoubtedly (Nadal) prove how important this the high point of the season. He would be hoping to defeats happened in Doha when chennai, heralds the new season, berrer. improve on last season’s 43-17 win-loss record. event is on the Tour. These players he was felled by Ivo Karlovic in the and with five of the top 10 players The honours board of the Qatar start their year in Doha and it gives order to create an event that players, quarterfinal. preferring Doha, fans can look for Exxonmobil Open has some the event a great deal of attention spectators and sponsors are proud of,” That did not deter the Serb from some exciting action in the 24th illustrious names engraved on it, internationally,” said Alami. he added. confirming his participation for edition of the tournament, which including Djokovic’s current coach OTHER CONFIRMED NAMES The player-turned-administrator Talking about the 24th edition, the Qatar Exxonmobil Open, to be has always drawn the crème de la boris becker, who triumphed 17 Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 64 Pablo Andujar (ESP) has seen the tournament grow over Alami had this to say. 29 Andreas Seppi (ITA) 66 robin Haase (NED) held from January 4 to 9 on the crème of tennis. in the inaugural edition in 31 Jeremy chardy (FrA) 67 Pablo carreno busta (ESP) the years. “The stars who’ve have played Though Djokovic’s long- 1993. 35 Leonardo mayer (ArG) 68 Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) As a player, the moroccan had here include legends of the game. time rival roger Federer (world Djokovic would be keen 43 martin Klizan (SVK) 74 Guido Pella (ArG) created one of the major upsets in This time, it’s no different. Novak THE FIELD ALSO INCLUDES No.3) preferred the brisbane to see his name there 49 Fernando Verdasco (ESP) 79 Andrey Kuznetsov (rUS) tournament history when he beat (Djokovic) returns to Doha as 50 Teymuraz Gabashvili (rUS) 82 Damir Dzumhur (bIH) CHAMPION DAVID FERRER International and 2009 champion when he leaves Doha in 54 Albert ramos-Vinolas (ESP) 85 ricardas berankis (LTU) the then world No.1 and American the world No.1 for the second AND PAST WINNER Andy murray (world No.2) opted January. 58 Simone bolelli (ITA) 86 Steve Darcis (bEL) star Pete Sampras in the opening consecutive year and rafa (Nadal) is RICHARD GASQUET. for the Hopman cup in Perth, the 62 Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKr) 98 Daniel munoz-De La Nava (ESP) round of the 1994 edition. looking to win here for the first time Doha field still looks the strongest, Post his playing career, Alami since 2014 while Ferrer will try to with nine of the top 50 players turned into administration and has defend his title. We’re honoured to Khalifa International complex hard confirming their names in the been serving as the Tournament have such names competing in Doha courts. draw of 32. Director of the Qatar Exxonmobil time and again,” he concluded. “Next year is going to be very The 25 direct entries will be condensed in terms of scheduling. joined by three wild cards and I’ll try to do as well as I’ve done four qualifiers. in the last couple of years, always French Open champion peak at the right moments and and world No.4 Stan always try to perform my best at Wawrinka is one big Grab your tickets now! the biggest events,” Djokovic said player who has never Tickets for the 2016 Qatar Exxonmobil Open went on sale online when asked about his goals for been to Doha and he last monday. They can be purchased by logging on to the Qatar the new season. will head for chennai Tennis Federation’s website (to www.qatartennis.org). The field for the ATP World Tour to defend the title. Ticket sales will soon commence at various malls in Doha inducing city centre, Villaggio, Landmark, Lagoona as well as at 250 Series also includes reigning Just like Djokovic, designated booths at the Khalifa International complex. champion David Ferrer, former Nadal will also Exxonmobil will also be setting up booths at the main venue champions rafael Nadal (world be keen to where tickets can be purchased on a daily basis. No.5) and richard Gasquet, last make up for The Khalifa International complex, built in 1992, had an initial year’s runner-up Tomas berdych, his last year’s seating capacity of 4,500. It was enhanced to 7,000 when the Qatar Feliciano Lopez, Andreas Seppi, Tennis Federation got the right to host the WTA season-ending Leonardo mayer and Fernando championship in 2008. Verdasco. “We’re honoured to have Novak Rafael another year, with players of the Djokovic Nadal www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 23

“We’re honoured to have another year with players of the highest calibre coming to Qatar. The week in Doha kicks off the ATP World Tour season and these players are looking to hit the courts fresh from their end-of-season break. Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi, Qatar Tennis Federation President.

THE FAB FIVE Prefix denotes season-ending ranking.

1. NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB) Fresh from his triumph in the World Tour Finals in London, Djokovic looks almost unbeatable. The world No.1 had an incredible season in which he won three of the four Grands Slam on offer. He will be keen to overcome the disappointment of losing out in the quarterfinal on his debut in Doha last year.

Grab your tickets now! Tickets for the 2016 Qatar Exxonmobil Open went on sale online last monday. They can be purchased by logging on to the Qatar Tennis Federation’s website (to www.qatartennis.org). Ticket sales will soon commence at various malls in Doha inducing city centre, Villaggio, Landmark, Lagoona as well as at designated booths at the Khalifa International complex. Exxonmobil will also be setting up booths at the main venue where tickets can be purchased on a daily basis. The Khalifa International complex, built in 1992, had an initial seating capacity of 4,500. It was enhanced to 7,000 when the Qatar Tennis Federation got the right to host the WTA season-ending championship in 2008.

Rafael Nadal 24 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 25

FENCING

Massive participation at Qatar Grand Prix

TOTAL of 51 countries former European champion and will be represented at the romania’s world No.8 Simona A12th Epee Grand Prix for Gherman beat Estonia’s world No.4 men and Eighth World cup for Erika Kirpu 15-10 to win gold. women. As many as 187 male and The individual winners will 155 female fencers have already pocket $10,000 as prize money confirmed their participation. whereas the runners-up will take The event, comprising foil and home $5,000. The winners in team sabre competitions, forms a part of events will bag $5,000 and the series held in nine cities. runners-up $4,000. Frenchman Daniel Jerent The entries for Grand Prix overcame Switzerland’s Peer borsky competitions are limited to a 15-8 in the men’s final last year while in the women’s category, THE EVENT, COMPRISING FOIL AND SABRE COMPETITIONS, FORMS SWORD A PART OF THE SERIES.

maximum of eight fencers per weapon per country. Only the host nation can have more entries. POWER For the official FIE world ranking, the best five results at the World cup competitions (including Grand Prix and satellite events) plus the World championships or Olympic Games and the zonal championships are taken into account. The three-day DSP/Mohan event is open to fencers holding sport a ray of hope. an FIE licence THE QATAR FENCING FEDERATION IS ALL GEARED UP TO HOST THE 12TH EPEE GRAND PRIX FOR MEN “Fencing is relatively a new for the 2015 sport, but the SOP has helped it season and/or AND EIGHTH WORLD CUP FOR WOMEN, WRITES MOHAMMAD AMIN-UL ISLAM. gain visibility in Qatar. The number those subject to a of children trying the sport at request of licence Daniel Jerent the SOP has swelled. We really made by their HE international fencing tough as there’re Olympic berths stars makes this event special,” appreciate the QOc’s effort,” he Simona federations. Gherman federation’s (FIE) 12th Epee up for grabs,” said Al Hemaidi. he said. “The QFF first hosted it in said. TGrand Prix for men and The QFF head also expressed 2005 and we’re delighted with the “We want to promote fencing at Eighth World cup for women will happiness with the participation of event’s success in the last decade.” schools. Since it’s an Olympic sport, Wuxi to host 2018 Worlds start at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiya several teams from the region. Asked if the current economic we want to involve educational Arena on Friday, with the finals “Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia, scenario would affect the institutions. We’ve been sending HINESE city of Wuxi was scheduled to take place at The Iraq and the UAE will be taking sport’s growth, he said, “There’s coaches to various schools. Chance to awarded the 2018 World Gate mall on Saturday and Sunday. part. It shows the general interest no shortage of funds. Like all besides, we’ve our training centre learn from the best Cchampionships by the Qatar has been organising this in the sport in the Arab region. I federations, we too have a fixed at Al mamoura. I’ve seen a lot of international fencing federation The Qatar Olympic Academy Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, blue-riband event annually, hoping wish them luck and best wishes,” and allocated budget. The Qatar interest among the girls. I strongly (FIE) at its annual congress in in collaboration with the Qatar Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, to develop the sport in the country. he added. Olympic committee (QOc) didn’t feel fencing has a bright future,” Al Fencing Federation Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Guangzhou last week. “It’s one of the strongest At a Press conference in Doha trim it, but a great care has been Hemaidi explained. and international body, started Turkey are taking part in the Plovdiv (bulgaria) and and most important events on taken to use it judiciously. The However, he said the sport faced a four-day women’s coaching event. Livorno (Italy) will host the international calendar. The government and QOc are helping a challenge in retaining talent. course in Doha last monday. The FIE welcomed Qatar’s the cadet and Junior, decision, stamping its approval tournament is praised by the FIE SINCE IT’S AN OLYMPIC the sport grow in the country,” he “We’ve been having several The Level 1 programme initiative to focus on women and, veterans World for securing a 30 per cent female DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod officials. The finals always attract SPORT, WE WANT TO added. fencers in our age-group teams, in foil, which will end on coaching development. championships respectively presence on its Executive committee. Thursday, should help the Several preparatory steps a good number of fans,” Qatar INVOLVE EDUCATIONAL Al Hemaidi reiterated the but most of them discontinue after in ’17 and ’18. Qatar Fencing Federation (QFF) coaches develop their skills were undertaken earlier Fencing Federation (QFF) President INSTITUTIONS. federation’s goal of hosting more graduation. We need to encourage under romania’s this year by the The congress also adopted President Saleh Amer Al Hemaidi Saleh Amer Al Hemaidi told Doha international tournaments, but them to stay in the sport,” he expert Petru Kuki. international body, the FIE code of Ethics, attended the congress. Stadium Plus. subject to approval from the QOc. opined. coaches from including recruitment of readapting the International meanwhile, the FIE Executive This year’s edition has added last week, Al Hemaidi, who is “We’re willing to host more The QFF has also taken serious Qatar as well women coaches to run Olympic committees (IOc) committee has decided to importance as it is a also the tournment director, international events, but that’ll initiatives to organise coaches’ clinic. Uzbekistan, training camps. vision which has been temporarily ban the Kuwait qualifying event underlined that all arrangements depend on the QOc and its “We don’t have many reviewed and re-elaborated federation, pending a further for next year’s for the prestigious event have been calendar. right now, there’re a host experienced hands here. We’ve by the FIE Legal commission, decision by the IOc, which Olympic Games completed. of competitions till ’16. We can been conducting courses so that we and is now incorporated in the suspended the Kuwait Olympic in rio de “We want to present Qatar as plan only for ’17,” said Al Hemaidi, can have more coaches. We’re also FIE Statutes. In line with the IOc committee. The suspension also Janeiro, brazil. a sports hub. World’s top fencers who is also an FIE vice-president. going to have a clinic for women guidelines, the code includes a applies to the Gulf country’s referees, “The are always interested in coming to The QFF’s school initiatives coaches during the championship, section dedicated to the fight against though its fencers can take part Saleh Amer competition Qatar because of the competition’s and QOc’s Schools Olympic which’ll be helpful at the grass-roots betting and corruption. in competitions under the Al Hemaidi will be very high level. The presence of top Programme (SOP) have given the level,” he added. The FIE also took a unanimous FIE banner. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 25

Massive participation at Qatar Grand Prix

maximum of eight fencers per weapon per country. Only the host nation can have more entries. For the official FIE world ranking, the best five results at the World cup competitions (including Grand Prix and satellite events) plus the World championships or Olympic Games and the zonal championships are taken into account. The three-day DSP/Mohan event is open to fencers holding sport a ray of hope. an FIE licence “Fencing is relatively a new for the 2015 sport, but the SOP has helped it season and/or gain visibility in Qatar. The number those subject to a of children trying the sport at request of licence Daniel Jerent the SOP has swelled. We really made by their appreciate the QOc’s effort,” he Simona federations. Gherman said. “We want to promote fencing at schools. Since it’s an Olympic sport, Wuxi to host 2018 Worlds we want to involve educational institutions. We’ve been sending HINESE city of Wuxi was coaches to various schools. Chance to awarded the 2018 World besides, we’ve our training centre learn from the best Cchampionships by the at Al mamoura. I’ve seen a lot of international fencing federation The Qatar Olympic Academy Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, interest among the girls. I strongly (FIE) at its annual congress in in collaboration with the Qatar Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, feel fencing has a bright future,” Al Fencing Federation Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Guangzhou last week. Hemaidi explained. and international body, started Turkey are taking part in the Plovdiv (bulgaria) and However, he said the sport faced a four-day women’s coaching event. Livorno (Italy) will host a challenge in retaining talent. course in Doha last monday. The FIE welcomed Qatar’s the cadet and Junior, decision, stamping its approval “We’ve been having several The Level 1 programme initiative to focus on women and, veterans World for securing a 30 per cent female fencers in our age-group teams, in foil, which will end on coaching development. championships respectively presence on its Executive committee. Thursday, should help the Several preparatory steps but most of them discontinue after in ’17 and ’18. Qatar Fencing Federation (QFF) coaches develop their skills were undertaken earlier graduation. We need to encourage under romania’s this year by the The congress also adopted President Saleh Amer Al Hemaidi them to stay in the sport,” he expert Petru Kuki. international body, the FIE code of Ethics, attended the congress. opined. coaches from including recruitment of readapting the International meanwhile, the FIE Executive The QFF has also taken serious Qatar as well women coaches to run Olympic committees (IOc) committee has decided to initiatives to organise coaches’ clinic. Uzbekistan, training camps. vision which has been temporarily ban the Kuwait “We don’t have many reviewed and re-elaborated federation, pending a further experienced hands here. We’ve by the FIE Legal commission, decision by the IOc, which been conducting courses so that we and is now incorporated in the suspended the Kuwait Olympic can have more coaches. We’re also FIE Statutes. In line with the IOc committee. The suspension also going to have a clinic for women guidelines, the code includes a applies to the Gulf country’s referees, coaches during the championship, section dedicated to the fight against though its fencers can take part which’ll be helpful at the grass-roots betting and corruption. in competitions under the level,” he added. The FIE also took a unanimous FIE banner. 26 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 27

MOTORSPORT

Muller outshines Citroen team-mate Loeb N THE battle between two fourth in both races. with four drivers working together RESULTS Frenchmen, Yvan muller had “The target was to try to win at to push hard has been amazing. RACE 1 the last laugh as he pipped least one of the two races and I regarding Sebastien (Loeb), I wish 1. Jose maria Lopez (ArG) 24:33.1 I 2. mehdi bennani (mAr) at 7.6 citroen team-mate Sebastien Loeb could do it. In race 2, I set a very him good luck for the future,” said 3. Hugo Valente (FrA) 11.7 to clinch the overall runner-up muller. RACE 2 spot in the FIA World Touring car It was the last race for nine-time 1. Yvan muller (FrA) 32:47.7 championship by a single point. GOING INTO THE FINAL world rally champion Loeb under 2. ma Qing Hua (cHN) at 5.26 ROUND, LOEB HAD A 3. Norbert michelisz (HUN) 6.3 Argentinian Jose maria the citroen banner as the French FINAL STANDINGS Lopez had clinched the title in SLENDER FOUR-POINT manufacturers have decided not to 1. Jose maria Lopez (ESP) 475 the previous round in buriam, LEAD OVER MULLER. renew his contract, thus bringing to 2. Yvan muller (FrA) 357 Thailand, while second place was end their 15-year long association. 3. Sebastien Loeb (FrA) 356 still up for the grabs. The 41-year-old has now turned Going into the final leg in Qatar, good pace and was fast. Overall, it his attention to Dakar debut. and move on. For the first time, I’m Loeb had a slender four-point lead was a good outing for me. I would “I’ve some great memories with free to think of what I’ll do. I had Yvan over muller. like to thank the citroen team, citroen over the last 15 years. For a good experience in rallying and DrivingMOROCCAN MEHDI BENNANI, THE FIRST Muller He finished sixth in race 1 and particularly all of my team-mates sure, it’s a bit emotional, but I’ve in Touring car. Now I’m heading to ARAB DRIVER TO WIN A ROUND OF THE won race 2 while Loeb ended up because the level of the team to look in front, and not behind, the Dakar,” Loeb said. WORLD TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP, HAS home THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE IT REALLY BIG, STARS ON LOSAIL RACE WRITES SAJITH B WARRIER. Learning “Normally, “I’ve been in the the motoGP championship experience a point! circuits for 11 years, for Nasser are good but night race NE win is all it takes to overall is looking at the positives. drive one of their two privately- in Qatar as well as my overall for racing. was a new Ace Qatari rally driver change your life and mehdi “I was the first driver from an entered citroen c-Elysees cars in performance. At Losail, my lap Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, This one is a experience for bennani will be the first to Arab country to ever compete in this season. speed was good but, for sure, who has made winning O bit higher me. They used to admit it. The first Arab driver to the WTcc. I hope to be the first Prior to the Losail leg, bennani I can go faster. I don’t have the a habit, had a different ššFrancois ribeiro and Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah address the Press conference. experience on his World win a round of the World Touring one to clinch a world title in the finished fourth at home, in experience of factory drivers. I’m on minimum speed and be quite famous back in the Touring car championship car championship (WTcc), the discipline. That’s the goal I’m marrakech. still learning lots of new things there’s a good grip. The car UK in the 1990s and I relived loses a lot of down force on the past. To have the night (WTcc) debut. moroccan hopes to be the flag “When this season’s calendar in every race,” said bennani, who Wild card Nasser, driving WTCC is here to stay! bearer as the sport slowly makes was finalised, I had marked out will continue with Sebastien Loeb the inside of the circuit. The race as the final event of the a chevrolet rmL cruze Tc1 its way into the region. FOR SURE, I’M HAPPY morocco and Qatar. I knew lots of racing Team in the WTcc next first corner was a bit hard. season was fantastic. for campos racing Team, ITH the inaugural night Qatar,” he said. bennani’s moment of glory came WITH MY OUTING IN people will be waiting for me at season. Jose Maria Lopez, WTcc champion. Robert Huff, 2012 WTcc champion. finished last but one in race of the World Touring ribeiro dwelled further on the at Shanghai in October, 2014. The QATAR AS WELL AS MY these two legs. I’m happy to get “It’s an excellent news. It race 1 and 14th among 18 car championship positives of race of Qatar. competitors in race 2. W 32-year-old failed to notch up OVERALL PERFORMANCE. my best results in these two races,” shows the trust the team has (WTcc) proving to be a big hit, “We conducted race on a Friday before the event, Nasser another win since then, but he is he added. in me. “mehdi bennani had played down any there is every chance that it may evening at Losail when it was now showing plenty of promise. bennani was bang on when he “To be a part of this has everything big hopes and had set a stay in Qatar. between seven and nine o’clock In the WTcc’s final round at the working towards,” said bennani. said ‘lots of people’. moroccan fans sport, while keeping in he needs to modest target of finishing Eurosport, the event promoter, central European Time. An estimated Losail international circuit last Like most drivers, bennani had turned up in large numbers mind that I’m racing for both races. had signed a three-year deal with 60 million viewers all over the world distinguish “It was important to week, bennani pushed champion started in karting, in ’01. Three at Losail waving their country’s Sebastien Loeb who is a himself. I’m the Qatar motor and motorcycle watched the action live. Qatar has Jose maria Lopez all the way in years later, he moved to single-seat flag and cheering his twists and legend, gives me utmost finish two races as I didn’t Federation (QmmF) to host the been a pioneer of night races. They convinced that have any experience in this race 1 before ending up second cars and made his WTcc debut turns. He was undoubtedly the star satisfaction. I want to season-ending race at Losail. held the motoGP under lights before championship. Watching while in race 2, he had to be only in ’09. of the night as bigger names like thank all the people he can go further. china’s macau had previously Formula One came to Abu Dhabi. There’ll be some opportunities from behind, I learned a ŢŢmehdi bennani content with a fifth place. After his Shanghai win for Sebastien Loeb and Nasser Saleh who’ve allowed me to lot,” said Nasser. hosted the last leg for 10 years on No other federation in the region competes at Losail. bennani, who finished eighth Proteam racing Honda, Sebastien Al Attiyah paled in comparison. reach what I’m today,” he that he’ll have to seize without The 44-year-year-old is the trot. Loeb racing Team signed him to “I’m happy with my outing signed off. making mistakes. now ready for his Dakar Eurosport Head of Events and Sebastien Loeb, rally legend. title defence. WTcc General manager Francois TO FINISH AN EVENT, YOU “The WTcc was a novel ribeiro justified the switch. WANT THE MAXIMUM experience for me. Never “We’ve been finishing WTcc for 10 NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN do I sweat like this, even in Dakar. but, years in macau. It’s an amazing city FRONT OF TELEVISION. okay, this was really with a good tradition for motorsport, enjoyable although especially Touring cars. but in I was looking when macau, we were racing at lunchtime is doing as much as the QmmF for the laps would finish. on Sunday which was very difficult promotion of the sport — be it two I’ll now prepare myself in terms of broadcasting,” said wheels or four wheels. I had full for Dakar,” he added. ribeiro. trust in the QmmF and its president BENNANI “To finish a championship, you Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, who FACT FILE want the maximum number of assured he would do a first-class moroccan karting champion in 2001. people in front of television. racing event with the WTcc. The success European karting runner-up in ’01. at lunchtime in macau meant that of this race has vindicated my faith,” runner-up in Formula European viewers had to get up at added ribeiro. bmW Asia in ’04. five or six o’clock. Personally, I don’t Al Attiyah shared ribeiro’s views. made his World Touring think it’s the right time to watch “We’re happy to bring one of the championship debut in ’09. television at home with your family biggest events in motor sports to became the first Arab driver to win a round of the World Touring at five on Sunday morning. So the Qatar finally. We’re keen to do more championship at Shanghai in idea was to finish the championship road racing activities and make October, ’14. in a better time zone to have as our tie-up with Eurosport and the many people watching on television. WTcc a long-standing one,” said

DSP/Mohan So, it was a natural choice to go to Al Attiyah. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 27

STARS ON LOSAIL RACE Learning “Normally, “I’ve been in the the motoGP championship experience circuits for 11 years, for Nasser are good but night race for racing. was a new Ace Qatari rally driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, This one is a experience for who has made winning bit higher me. They used to a habit, had a different ššFrancois ribeiro and Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah address the Press conference. on minimum speed and be quite famous back in the experience on his World there’s a good grip. The car UK in the 1990s and I relived Touring car championship loses a lot of down force on the past. To have the night (WTcc) debut. Wild card Nasser, driving WTCC is here to stay! the inside of the circuit. The race as the final event of the a chevrolet rmL cruze Tc1 first corner was a bit hard. season was fantastic. for campos racing Team, ITH the inaugural night Qatar,” he said. Jose Maria Lopez, WTcc champion. Robert Huff, 2012 WTcc champion. finished last but one in race of the World Touring ribeiro dwelled further on the race 1 and 14th among 18 car championship positives of race of Qatar. competitors in race 2. W (WTcc) proving to be a big hit, “We conducted race on a Friday before the event, Nasser “mehdi bennani had played down any there is every chance that it may evening at Losail when it was has everything big hopes and had set a stay in Qatar. between seven and nine o’clock he needs to modest target of finishing Eurosport, the event promoter, central European Time. An estimated both races. had signed a three-year deal with 60 million viewers all over the world distinguish “It was important to himself. I’m the Qatar motor and motorcycle watched the action live. Qatar has finish two races as I didn’t Federation (QmmF) to host the been a pioneer of night races. They convinced that have any experience in this season-ending race at Losail. held the motoGP under lights before championship. Watching he can go further. china’s macau had previously Formula One came to Abu Dhabi. There’ll be some opportunities from behind, I learned a lot,” said Nasser. hosted the last leg for 10 years on No other federation in the region that he’ll have to seize without The 44-year-year-old is the trot. making mistakes. now ready for his Dakar Eurosport Head of Events and Sebastien Loeb, rally legend. title defence. WTcc General manager Francois TO FINISH AN EVENT, YOU “The WTcc was a novel ribeiro justified the switch. WANT THE MAXIMUM experience for me. Never “We’ve been finishing WTcc for 10 NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN do I sweat like this, even in Dakar. but, years in macau. It’s an amazing city FRONT OF TELEVISION. okay, this was really with a good tradition for motorsport, enjoyable although especially Touring cars. but in I was looking when macau, we were racing at lunchtime is doing as much as the QmmF for the laps would finish. on Sunday which was very difficult promotion of the sport — be it two I’ll now prepare myself in terms of broadcasting,” said wheels or four wheels. I had full for Dakar,” he added. ribeiro. trust in the QmmF and its president BENNANI “To finish a championship, you Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, who FACT FILE want the maximum number of assured he would do a first-class moroccan karting champion in 2001. people in front of television. racing event with the WTcc. The success European karting runner-up in ’01. at lunchtime in macau meant that of this race has vindicated my faith,” runner-up in Formula European viewers had to get up at added ribeiro. bmW Asia in ’04. five or six o’clock. Personally, I don’t Al Attiyah shared ribeiro’s views. made his World Touring think it’s the right time to watch “We’re happy to bring one of the championship debut in ’09. television at home with your family biggest events in motor sports to became the first Arab driver to win a round of the World Touring at five on Sunday morning. So the Qatar finally. We’re keen to do more championship at Shanghai in idea was to finish the championship road racing activities and make October, ’14. in a better time zone to have as our tie-up with Eurosport and the many people watching on television. WTcc a long-standing one,” said So, it was a natural choice to go to Al Attiyah. 28 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 29

Qatar international Savio Nayak is currently playing in the franchisee- Savio plays based mumbai rink Hockey League, launched by former India players Gavin Ferreira and cornelius D’costa. With the Qatar league not being in Mumbai held due to the unavailability of a ground as the Al rayyan Stadium MIXED ZONE | QATAR event is under renovation for the 2022 FIFA World cup, most players travel abroad to play in various tournaments.

şşFrom left, Jun CRICKET BASKETBALL ֫ Woongtae, Qatar ֫ Foundation’s Director of community Affairs mohammed Al El Jaish off to flying Glowing under the lights! Naimi, Dr Klaus Schormann and Annika Schleu. start in Qatar League HE region’s best players are on Thursday. time while Saudi Arabia do not have literally glowing under the Qatar lost to the UAE by 65 runs in a women’s team,” said Tournament ITLE contenders El Jaish won back-to-back Tlights at the Second Gcc the opening match. However, they Director Gul Khan. matches in the Qatar League last week. Women’s T20 tournament, under The teams will play each other T The Armymen, who finished third at the way at the Asian Town Stadium in twice, with the top two advancing to recent Arab club championship in the UAE, defeated Doha’s Industrial Area. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME the final. HANDBALL “This is the first time the ccG THE GCC WOMEN’S T20 meanwhile, the QcA revealed Al Arabi (89-59) and Al Wakrah (87-70) by convincing ֫ margins at the Al Gharafa Indoor Hall last week. women’s T20 championship is CHAMPIONSHIP IS BEING its plans to organise a schools Jaish’s Serbian coach being held under lights. Oman had HELD UNDER LIGHTS. tournament. MODERN PENTATHLON RESULTS Dragoslav milovanovic Gharafa survive organised the inaugural edition “We’ll host an Under-19 schools ֫ El Jaish bt Al Arabi 89-59 was happy with the during the day time,” Qatar cricket tournament soon. Ideal Indian Al Khor bt Qatar Sc 81-74 team’s strong start. Association (QcA) Vice-President quickly recouped and beat Oman by School, mES, Pakistan Education Al rayyan bt Al Ahli 94-57 Wakrah scare Al Sadd bt Al Gharafa 71-56 “Our team is quite ronald mendonca said. seven wickets. centre and Pak Shamaa have Al Khor bt Al Shamal 66-59 settled this season and I OLDErS Al Gharafa survived a scare from Al Apart from the hosts, holders UAE “We had invited Kuwait also, confirmed their participation,” said El Jaish bt Al Wakrah 87-70 believe we’ve a genuine Wakrah before escaping with a 26-26 draw and Oman are the other teams in the but they’re playing in another QcA General Secretary manzoor Champion stuff chance of fighting for Hin the Qatar League at the Qatar Handball fray. The tournament will conclude tournament in Thailand at the same Ahmad. OUTH Korea’s 20-year-old Jun horse riding. In the end, the score booster. Fencing has traditionally the title. my players have been doing exceptionally Association Indoor Hall last week. Woongtae and Germany’s in combined events (pistol shooting been my weakest event, but I well and I’m proud of them. Arabi and Wakrah Gharafa, who trailed 12-14 at half-time, pulled SAnnika Schleu won the men’s and cross-country run) helped me excelled in it in Doha. I’ll take a lot aren’t easy teams to overcome. So the wins against up their socks just and women’s title respectively of bag the title. I’m looking forward of positives from my performances them makes me more happy,” said milovanovic. in time to avoid an RESULTS the UIPm champion of champions to the rio Games. Next season, here,” said Schleu. meanwhile, Al Khor, one of the weaker sides embarrassing upset. El Quiyada bt Al Khor 35-20 Al Arabi bt Qatar Sc 34-29 (cOc) event at the Al Shaqab Arena I hope to train hard and make UIPm President Dr Klaus in the tournament, recorded two wins. They first Shawki Kasim, who Al Gharafa drew Al Wakrah 26-26 last week. sure my riding is as good as other Schormann was pleased with overcame Qatar Sc 81-74 before edging Al Shamal is coaching Gharafa Jun, ranked ninth in the world, disciplines,” said Woongate. Qatar’s hosting of the prestigious 66-59. for the sixth season in a row, felt they could have Š had to wait until shooting, the final tournament. Holders Al rayyan had it easy against minnows done a lot better. ŢFrom left, Gul Khan, ronald event, to be declared the winner “As we’ve seen so many times in Al Ahli (94-57) while Al Sadd defeated Al Gharafa “In the first half, both our offence and defence mendonca, manzoor with 1,448 points. Lithuania’s PENTATHLON HAS the past, the fight for the first six 71-56. weren’t up to the mark. We couldn’t prevent them Ahmad and event co-ordinator Justinas Kinderis (1,444) and South BEEN RECEIVING A positions was very tight. The lead from taking the lead. However, we fared much mariam Gul at a Korea’s Jinhwa Jung (1,443) finished LOT OF EXPOSURE IN changed several times and things better in the second half. Though we couldn’t win, Press conference. second and third respectively. THE REGION. went down to the wire. Doha also I’m happy we were able to extend our unbeaten HORSERACING Among women, Schleu powered proved to be great hosts. Pentathlon streak. but things are going to get a lot tougher as ֫ to the top with 1,327 points, has been receiving a lot of exposure we progress,” said the Tunisian. ahead of South Korea’s mina Jeong Schleu, the world No.22, came in the region and I hope it takes off In other games, El Quiyada proved to be too good (1,321) and Lithuania’s Gintare out on top in riding and maintained in a big way in the future,” he said. for bottom team Al Khor as they romped home to Kareemah gallops to glory Venckauskaite (1,305). her form in combined events to Doha, which previously hosted a 35-20 win. meanwhile, Al Arabi got the better of Woongate, considered a rising win. the champion of champions in ’13, Qatar Sc 34-29. Lina Al mels finished third ahead of Abrar (Adrie De Vries up) was star, refused to read too much into “I’m so happy because last has been roped in as its organiser in Turflight Enwa. another impressive winner - ULTRARUNNING Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari- of the week. Zuhair mohsen his result ahead of the 2016 rio season things didn’t go the way I the next two years as well. ֫ Olympic Games. planned. I’m also yet to qualify for cOc Event Director mohammed owned La musawama (majd schooled Abrar romped home “I did well in both fencing and the German Olympic team. So the Al Naimi attended the awarding ŠşEl Jaish kept mm Qarn’s Kareemah (Amer Al Arab-New Princess) made a to a comfortable victory in the swimming, but wasn’t as good in win in Doha was a huge confidence ceremony. their unbeaten run. Leading names for Al Hanouf), saddled by winning start to her career with Umm Salal Oaks Trial for Local UAlban de mieulle, posted an a smashing victory in the Umm Thoroughbred three-year-old 50km World C’ship impressive victory in the Umm Salal Salal Oaks Trail for Local-bred Pure fillies. - SHOOTING Oaks Trial for three-year-old Pure Arabian for three-year-old fillies. Hamad Adel Al muslimani VOLLEYBALL ֫ ֫ OrE than 100 leading names will vie Arabian fillies at the Qatar racing Jassim Al Ghazali-trained filly was owned bronze maquette came up for honours at the inaugural 50km and Equestrian club last week. ridden to a start-to-finish victory with a ground-devouring run in Easy for Arabi Ali emerges top gun MWorld championship, to be held under Kareemah, ridden by Jean by Tadgh O’Shea. Nadja, Ostorah the final furlong to overhaul Akeed the auspices of the International Association of ŢŢUmm Qarn’s baptiste Hamel, galloped resolutely Dukhan and Sanayed completed misk and won the class 1 Umm Kareemah wins AVOUrITES Al Arabi opened their Qatar after shoot-off Ultrarunners, at the Aspire Zone on Friday. the Umm Salal in the home stretch to win by a the frame. Salal Oaks Trial for Thoroughbred League campaign with an easy 25-17, 25-15, The Third Aspire International 6:50 race will Oaks Trial. length from stable-mate Tharwah. Hussain Ali bukhanan-owned three-year-old fillies. F25-15 victory over Qatar Sc. ATAr’S Ali Ahmad Al Ishaq beat compatriot also be held along with the event, giving local The 24-time champions, hoping to wrest back and 2002 busan Asian Games double gold enthusiasts the opportunity to run alongside RESULTS the league shield from arch-rivals Al rayyan after a medallist masoud Hamad Al Athba in a professionals. The race consists of a 50km, 10-lap bint Al Akaber (Adrie De Vries) 1, Firdous 2, AJS Al Q maanagieh 3, Sharsaa Al Naif 4. Won by: 1 ¼, 3, 3. Race 1 three-year gap, have made some good signings, shoot-off to clinch the Association cup skeet title. journey across the Aspire Zone for individuals or Trained by: mohammed Khalid. Owned by: Subaiya Awad including former cuban nationals Osmel camejo both Ali and masoud hit 13 of the 15 targets teams made up of five members. Each lap is 5km Ibrahim. and Jorge Gonzalez Garcia. The duo, which played in the final at the Losail range. but in shoot-off long, with competitors required to complete the race rebelde (Jaures marcialis) 1, Sefaat 2, river Goddess 3, Race 2 Azma 4. Won by: 1, Shd, ½. Trained by: S Ibido. Owned by: a key role in Arabi’s recent victory in the Super cup Ali held his nerve and missed only one of the five within six hours. The 6:50 event consists of open Abdulhadi mana Al Hajri. final against rayyan, gelled well to leave Qatar Sc targets while masoud failed twice. race (male/female) and relay team (male/female/ charlie’s Wish (marco monteriso) 1, cappuccino Delight 2, helpless in the match that never rose to any great “I wasn’t in good form in the qualification rounds mixed). Race 3 mallak 3, Dubawi coast 4. Won by: Nk, ½, 1. Trained by: S Ibido. Owned by: Abdulhadi mana Al Hajri. heights. while masoud was finding targets with relative ease. Aspire Zone Foundation Events manager Abdullah Abrar (Adrie De Vries) 1, mahbooba 2, Princess Noor 3, Qatar Sc, who brought up the rear last season but, luck was on my side and everything clicked for Al Khater said, “Qatar has become a popular Race 4 Tanja bu Thaila 4. Won by: 2½, Hd, Nk. Trained by: Zuhair were looking for a change of fortunes after me. I kept my cool when it mattered,” said Ali, who destination for major sports events and athletes mohsen. Owned by: Hussain Ali bukanan. bronze maquette (Tadgh O’Shea) 1, Akeed misk 2, replacing long-serving Tunisian coach Ghazi Kouba has been a regular in the domestic arena since the ’06 from around the world. Hosting the 50km Worlds Natural charm 3, Fadak 4. Won by: ½, 5, Shd. Trained Race 5 with bulgarian Viktor Gorgiev. but Arabi proved too Doha Asiad. and Aspire International 6:50 race reflects the by: mohammed Hussain. Owned by: Hamad Adel Al muslimani. good for them. Hanan Ali Haji clinched the women’s title, international body’s confidence in our ability to La musawama (Tadgh O’Shea) 1, Najda 2, Ostorah Qatar Sc will take on champions rayyan in their which was also decided in shoot-off. Hanan and successfully manage major events.” Race 6 Dukhan 3, 4. Won by: 2 ½, 2, 1. Trained by: Jassim Al next match on Wednesday. şşAl Arabi’s Jorge her nearest rival Amal Ahmad Al rafi both shot IAU communications Director Nadeem Khan Ghazali. Owned by: Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari. Gonzalez Garcia in Kareemah (Jean baptiste Hamel) 1, Tharwah 2, Lina Al In other action, Police beat Al Sadd 25-19, 25-17, full flight against 10 targets each. In the shoot-off, Hanan edged added, “We’re extremely excited to host our Race 7 mels 3, Enwa 4. Won by: 1, 3½, 1 ¼ . Trained by: Alban De DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod 22-25, 25-19. Qatar Sc. Amal 2-1. landmark 50km world championships at Aspire.” Babu Photo/Juhaim mieulle. Owned by: Umm Qarn. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 29

Qatar international Savio Nayak is currently playing in the franchisee- Savio plays based mumbai rink Hockey League, launched by former India players Gavin Ferreira and cornelius D’costa. With the Qatar league not being in Mumbai held due to the unavailability of a ground as the Al rayyan Stadium event is under renovation for the 2022 FIFA World cup, most players travel abroad to play in various tournaments.

CRICKET ֫ Glowing under the lights! HE region’s best players are on Thursday. time while Saudi Arabia do not have literally glowing under the Qatar lost to the UAE by 65 runs in a women’s team,” said Tournament Tlights at the Second Gcc the opening match. However, they Director Gul Khan. Women’s T20 tournament, under The teams will play each other way at the Asian Town Stadium in twice, with the top two advancing to Doha’s Industrial Area. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME the final. HANDBALL “This is the first time the ccG THE GCC WOMEN’S T20 meanwhile, the QcA revealed ֫ women’s T20 championship is CHAMPIONSHIP IS BEING its plans to organise a schools being held under lights. Oman had HELD UNDER LIGHTS. tournament. Gharafa survive organised the inaugural edition “We’ll host an Under-19 schools during the day time,” Qatar cricket tournament soon. Ideal Indian Wakrah scare Association (QcA) Vice-President quickly recouped and beat Oman by School, mES, Pakistan Education ronald mendonca said. seven wickets. centre and Pak Shamaa have OLDErS Al Gharafa survived a scare from Al Apart from the hosts, holders UAE “We had invited Kuwait also, confirmed their participation,” said Wakrah before escaping with a 26-26 draw and Oman are the other teams in the but they’re playing in another QcA General Secretary manzoor Hin the Qatar League at the Qatar Handball fray. The tournament will conclude tournament in Thailand at the same Ahmad. Association Indoor Hall last week. Gharafa, who trailed 12-14 at half-time, pulled up their socks just in time to avoid an RESULTS embarrassing upset. El Quiyada bt Al Khor 35-20 Al Arabi bt Qatar Sc 34-29 Shawki Kasim, who Al Gharafa drew Al Wakrah 26-26 is coaching Gharafa for the sixth season in a row, felt they could have Š done a lot better. ŢFrom left, Gul Khan, ronald “In the first half, both our offence and defence mendonca, manzoor weren’t up to the mark. We couldn’t prevent them Ahmad and event co-ordinator from taking the lead. However, we fared much mariam Gul at a better in the second half. Though we couldn’t win, Press conference. I’m happy we were able to extend our unbeaten HORSERACING streak. but things are going to get a lot tougher as ֫ we progress,” said the Tunisian. In other games, El Quiyada proved to be too good for bottom team Al Khor as they romped home to Kareemah gallops to glory a 35-20 win. meanwhile, Al Arabi got the better of Qatar Sc 34-29. Lina Al mels finished third ahead of Abrar (Adrie De Vries up) was Turflight Enwa. another impressive winner -ULTRARUNNING Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari- of the week. Zuhair mohsen ֫ owned La musawama (majd schooled Abrar romped home mm Qarn’s Kareemah (Amer Al Arab-New Princess) made a to a comfortable victory in the Leading names for Al Hanouf), saddled by winning start to her career with Umm Salal Oaks Trial for Local UAlban de mieulle, posted an a smashing victory in the Umm Thoroughbred three-year-old 50km World C’ship impressive victory in the Umm Salal Salal Oaks Trail for Local-bred Pure fillies. Oaks Trial for three-year-old Pure Arabian for three-year-old fillies. Hamad Adel Al muslimani- OrE than 100 leading names will vie Arabian fillies at the Qatar racing Jassim Al Ghazali-trained filly was owned bronze maquette came up for honours at the inaugural 50km and Equestrian club last week. ridden to a start-to-finish victory with a ground-devouring run in MWorld championship, to be held under Kareemah, ridden by Jean by Tadgh O’Shea. Nadja, Ostorah the final furlong to overhaul Akeed the auspices of the International Association of ŢŢUmm Qarn’s baptiste Hamel, galloped resolutely Dukhan and Sanayed completed misk and won the class 1 Umm Kareemah wins Ultrarunners, at the Aspire Zone on Friday. the Umm Salal in the home stretch to win by a the frame. Salal Oaks Trial for Thoroughbred The Third Aspire International 6:50 race will Oaks Trial. length from stable-mate Tharwah. Hussain Ali bukhanan-owned three-year-old fillies. also be held along with the event, giving local enthusiasts the opportunity to run alongside RESULTS professionals. The race consists of a 50km, 10-lap bint Al Akaber (Adrie De Vries) 1, Firdous 2, AJS Al maanagieh 3, Sharsaa Al Naif 4. Won by: 1 ¼, 3, 3. Race 1 journey across the Aspire Zone for individuals or Trained by: mohammed Khalid. Owned by: Subaiya Awad teams made up of five members. Each lap is 5km Ibrahim. long, with competitors required to complete the race rebelde (Jaures marcialis) 1, Sefaat 2, river Goddess 3, Race 2 Azma 4. Won by: 1, Shd, ½. Trained by: S Ibido. Owned by: within six hours. The 6:50 event consists of open Abdulhadi mana Al Hajri. race (male/female) and relay team (male/female/ charlie’s Wish (marco monteriso) 1, cappuccino Delight 2, mixed). Race 3 mallak 3, Dubawi coast 4. Won by: Nk, ½, 1. Trained by: S Ibido. Owned by: Abdulhadi mana Al Hajri. Aspire Zone Foundation Events manager Abdullah Abrar (Adrie De Vries) 1, mahbooba 2, Princess Noor 3, Al Khater said, “Qatar has become a popular Race 4 Tanja bu Thaila 4. Won by: 2½, Hd, Nk. Trained by: Zuhair destination for major sports events and athletes mohsen. Owned by: Hussain Ali bukanan. bronze maquette (Tadgh O’Shea) 1, Akeed misk 2, from around the world. Hosting the 50km Worlds Natural charm 3, Fadak 4. Won by: ½, 5, Shd. Trained Race 5 and Aspire International 6:50 race reflects the by: mohammed Hussain. Owned by: Hamad Adel Al muslimani. international body’s confidence in our ability to La musawama (Tadgh O’Shea) 1, Najda 2, Ostorah successfully manage major events.” Race 6 Dukhan 3, 4. Won by: 2 ½, 2, 1. Trained by: Jassim Al IAU communications Director Nadeem Khan Ghazali. Owned by: Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari. Kareemah (Jean baptiste Hamel) 1, Tharwah 2, Lina Al added, “We’re extremely excited to host our Race 7 mels 3, Enwa 4. Won by: 1, 3½, 1 ¼ . Trained by: Alban De

landmark 50km world championships at Aspire.” Babu Photo/Juhaim mieulle. Owned by: Umm Qarn. 30 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 31

Hamburg’s bid to host the 2024 Olympics collapsed after the Hamburg’s majority of the city’s residents voted against it in a referendum, killing off the candidacy and leaving officials in shock. 2024 bid Hamburg’s withdrawal reshuffles the cards in the race, with MIXED ZONE | INTERNATIONAL collapses Paris, Los Angeles, budapest and rome left in contention and an International Olympic committee decision due in 2017.

TENNIS ֫ BASKETBALL GOLF ֫ ֫ Jones’s Matt Bryant to retire at The wait finish at home! the end of season ššAn official party carries the casket of Jonah Lomu during a memorial service. OmE favourite matt Jones held ETErAN Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant RUGBY off world No.1 Jordan Spieth and announced that this will be his final season, ֫ Ha charging Adam Scott to win Vwalking away as one of the greatest legends in is over! the Australian Open by a stroke after a national basketball Association (NbA) history. HE moment Andy murray dramatic final round last Sunday. The five-time bN A champion, who ranks third in all- All Blacks pay final RESULTS has pursued with such Leading by three shots overnight, time scoring with 32,670 points, said in GrEAT brITAIN bT bELGIUm 3-1 š Tfanatical zeal finally arrived, David Goffin (bEL) bt Kyle 3-6, 1-6, šmembers of Australian team strike a happy pose after the series win. Jones gave his pursuers every chance a first-person poem on the Players respects to Lomu unforgettably, last Sunday when Edmund (Gbr 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 with a double and triple bogey on the Tribune website that “this season front nine, but four birdies in a is all I’ve left to give.” IX simple words eloquently summed up the impact an outrageous lob arced over Andy murray (Gbr) bt ruben 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 ֫ bemelmans (bEL) CRICKET belgium’s David Goffin to seal Andy murray/Jamie murray 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, two-over-par 73 proved enough. The 37-year-old spent his entire Jonah Lomu had on rugby Union when New britain’s first Davis cup title for 79 (Gbr) bt Steve Darcis/David 6-2 Defending champion Spieth had a 20-season career with the Lakers, SZealand paid its final respects to the former All blacks years. Goffin (bEL) 15-foot eagle putt at the last to force the first bN A player to stay so long winger. Andy murray (Gbr) bt David 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 Tests in the pink of health? Fittingly for a player who has Goffin (bEL) a play-off but sent his ball wide of the with the same club. “Too big, too fast, too much,” Lomu’s high school coach almost single-handedly guided HE carefully-choreographed that lasted less than three days is of power swung sharply to the hole and had to settle for a 71 and a but bryant, a member of two Olympic chris Grinter told the thousands of people who had flocked his country to the title this year, his team-mates, including brother debut of day-night Test in certain to have struck a chord with bowlers in Adelaide. share of second place with Scott. gold medal squads, has been repeatedly nagged by to Eden Park for a public memorial service. the indefatigable murray ended Jamie, and captain Leon Smith. TAdelaide threw some Australia wicketkeeper Peter meanwhile, South Africa’s charl injuries in recent campaigns and has struggled to find Lomu, the sport’s first global superstar, died Goffin’s inspired resistance with Sportingly he clambered to his time-honoured conventions out the Nevill’s 66 was the highest individual Schwartzel won the Alfred Dunhill form this season. unexpectedly at the age of 40 on November 18. a moment of sheer brilliance few feet to console Goffin who had window, but offered a glimmer of THE BALANCE OF POWER score as the hosts complete a nail- Championship by four shots to clinch the “my body knows it’s time to say goodbye,” said bryant He had been suffering from a kidney disease for 20 years could conjure to complete a 6-3, gallantly clung on to the hope of hope for the survival of the game’s SWUNG TO THE BOWLERS biting three-wicket win whilce first tournament of the new European in the poem entitled “Dear basketball” and meant as a and was awaiting a second transplant. He will be buried 7-5, 6-3 victory. keeping alive belgium’s chances oldest format. IN THE DAY-NIGHT TEST chasing a target of 187 to clinch the Tour season. Matt Jones love letter to the sport. after a private funeral service later this week. of winning the title for the first Players and purists regard Tests as AT ADELAIDE. series 2-0. time. the pinnacle of the game, but their New Zealand could make only 202 ATHLETICS Coe quits Nike IT’S OBVIOUSLY AN murray then saluted the enthusiasm for five-day matches has as the hosts took a 22-run lead. ֫ AMAZING FEELING. IT’LL ‘barmy Army’, who roared his been unmatched in the terraces of the sport’s power-brokers, many of The visitors fared no better in the TAKE A FEW DAYS BEFORE every winner that rubber- most nations for years. whom were onlookers at the venue. second, being bowled out for 208 ambassador job IT REALLY SINKS IN. stamped his place in the So the total attendance of 123,000 After 11 centuries were scored in with Josh Hazlewood capturing a Eaton, Dibaba named International Association of chronicles of british sporting fans at Adelaide Oval for a game the opening two Tests, the balance career-best six for 70. Athletics Federations (IAAF) greatness, if any had doubted it President Sebastian Coe quit It gave britain an unassailable after he ended a 77-year wait for year’s best performers his ambassadorial role with winning 3-1 lead and murray a men’s champion at Wimbledon sportswear company Nike, said clinching the decisive point in 2013, a year after winning the England sweep mErIcAN decathlete Ashton finally succumbing to pressure Nico over a potential conflict of to give britain the title was more Olympics and US Open. Rosberg Eaton was named the emotional than any of his other The world No.2, whose return International Association of interest. Twenty20 series A coe, who became the IAAF career highlights. to the team in 2013 accelerated Athletics Federation’s (IAAF) male head in August, has been MOTORSPORT athlete of the year for 2015 after associated with Nike for nearly It’s obviously an amazing britain’s rapid rise from the NGLAND beat Pakistan in the third and final ֫“ feeling. You know, I imagine it’ll depths that begun when Smith Twenty20 international in a thrilling Super- breaking the world record to win 40 years, but has repeatedly take a few days before it really took charge in ’10, has won 11 EOver finish after the regulation match ended the world title. rejected such accusations. sinks in,” said murray. live rubbers in this year’s run, in a tie in Sharjah last monday. It’s three in a row Eaton, 27, scored 9,045 points in Pressure had been building Goffin gave belgium an early matching Ivan Ljubicic’s total for Pakistan needed three runs off the last four Shanghai in his first decathlon for on the former Olympic track star over the lead by defeating Kyle Edmund on croatia in ’05. Ashwin spins deliveries, but managed just two to tie the match two years to beat his own world for German hero issue for the opening day before murray at 154 for seven before a packed Sharjah Stadium. best mark. several helped the visitors draw level with India to victory Pakistan then managed just three runs in the ErmAN driver Nico rosberg wrapped up the Eaton won the award ahead months a straight-set win over ruben Super Over which England made from five balls Formula One season on a high in Abu Dhabi, of Jamaican sprinter Usain bolt, on behalf of all of us athletes who but the bemelmans. NDIA’S Ravichandran Ashwin led South Africa’s for a clean sweep of the series. Gwith team-mate and triple world champion who landed his 11th World love what we do,” said Eaton. final straw Then with brother Jamie, he put rout on a spinners’ paradise as the hosts England had won the first match by 14 runs Lewis Hamilton second in a record 12th 1-2 finish championship gold medal this Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia won appeared britain within touching distance romped to a 124-run victory with more than and the second by three, both in Dubai. of the year for dominant mercedes. year, and American triple jumper the female award after breaking to come I when a of the title with a doubles victory two days to spare in the third Test to take an The German’s third win in a row, from a sixth christian Taylor. the 1,500m world record in July leaked internal over Goffin and Steve Darcis. unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series. successive pole position, dashed Hamilton’s hopes “I didn’t beat Usain in monaco with a time of three Nike e-mail appeared to murray looked exhausted at The setback also meant South Africa, currently of a 44th career victory in car 44 on the 44th and christian, minutes 50.07sec. show him supporting the bid the end of a tense three-hour the top ranked team in this format, succumbed to anniversary of the founding of the United Arab my work simply She captured the 1,500 world of Eugene, the US city, with contest against Goffin and their first away Test series defeat since 2006. Emirates. differed in design. title in beijing and took the bronze close links to the company, collapsed on to the clay court The off-spinner, who jumped to a career-high The briton, who clinched the title in Texas last They’re some of medal in the 5,000. to host the 2021 World before being swamped by second in International cricket council rankings, month with three races to spare, finished the most talented “I’m honoured to receive this championships. meanwhile, Kenya’s world claimed seven second innings wickets while leg- 8.2sec behind after an attempt at a different and beautiful award from the IAAF,” said Dibaba. and Olympic steeplechase spinner Amit mishra grabbed the remaining three strategy failed to produce the desired performers of all “It feels so good to be the World champion Ezekiel Kemboi as South Africa, chasing 310 to stay alive in the result. time. I’m flattered Athlete of the Year. has been named to the IAAF contest, folded for 185. The win was the 16th in 19 races to be among them. “After being a finalist and Athlete’s commission. for mercedes. I accept this narrowly missing out on this award However, Kenya, has banned Ferrari’s Kimi raikkonen took third award one year ago, I’m very proud to be seven more athletes for doping West Indies spinner Sunil Narine, the world’s top-ranked bowler place ahead of team-mate Sebastian recognised by the fans and experts offences, raising the total number of drug cases in the Narine in both forms of limited-overs cricket, has been suspended from Vettel, who started 15th, for only the Finn’s of our sport,” Dibaba added. bowling in internationals after his action was ruled to be illegal. last three years to 40. third podium appearance of the season. The awards are usually handed suspended The International cricket council (Icc) said that an independent In russia, the country’s for action assessment found his bowling action was illegal because his rosberg’s win was his sixth of the season, 14th out at the annual gala dinner in athletics federation has elbow extended beyond the maximum limit of 15 degrees. of his career, and a hat-trick first for the German monaco, but that was cancelled accepted its ban from the sport Andy The Icc said the suspension would take place with immediate who had never before managed to win three this year due to doping issues in in the wake of widespread Murray effect, but Narine could reapply for a re-assessment. races in a row. the sport. doping revelations. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 31

Hamburg’s bid to host the 2024 Olympics collapsed after the Hamburg’s majority of the city’s residents voted against it in a referendum, killing off the candidacy and leaving officials in shock. 2024 bid Hamburg’s withdrawal reshuffles the cards in the race, with collapses Paris, Los Angeles, budapest and rome left in contention and an International Olympic committee decision due in 2017.

BASKETBALL GOLF ֫ ֫ Jones’s Matt Bryant to retire at finish at home! the end of season ššAn official party carries the casket of Jonah Lomu during a memorial service. OmE favourite matt Jones held ETErAN Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant RUGBY off world No.1 Jordan Spieth and announced that this will be his final season, ֫ Ha charging Adam Scott to win Vwalking away as one of the greatest legends in the Australian Open by a stroke after a national basketball Association (NbA) history. dramatic final round last Sunday. The five-time bN A champion, who ranks third in all- All Blacks pay final Leading by three shots overnight, time scoring with 32,670 points, said in Jones gave his pursuers every chance a first-person poem on the Players respects to Lomu with a double and triple bogey on the Tribune website that “this season front nine, but four birdies in a is all I’ve left to give.” IX simple words eloquently summed up the impact two-over-par 73 proved enough. The 37-year-old spent his entire Jonah Lomu had on rugby Union when New Defending champion Spieth had a 20-season career with the Lakers, SZealand paid its final respects to the former All blacks 15-foot eagle putt at the last to force the first bN A player to stay so long winger. a play-off but sent his ball wide of the with the same club. “Too big, too fast, too much,” Lomu’s high school coach hole and had to settle for a 71 and a but bryant, a member of two Olympic chris Grinter told the thousands of people who had flocked share of second place with Scott. gold medal squads, has been repeatedly nagged by to Eden Park for a public memorial service. meanwhile, South Africa’s charl injuries in recent campaigns and has struggled to find Lomu, the sport’s first global superstar, died Schwartzel won the Alfred Dunhill form this season. unexpectedly at the age of 40 on November 18. Championship by four shots to clinch the “my body knows it’s time to say goodbye,” said bryant He had been suffering from a kidney disease for 20 years first tournament of the new European in the poem entitled “Dear basketball” and meant as a and was awaiting a second transplant. He will be buried Tour season. Matt Jones love letter to the sport. after a private funeral service later this week.

ATHLETICS Coe quits Nike ֫ ambassador job Eaton, Dibaba named International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Sebastian Coe quit year’s best performers his ambassadorial role with sportswear company Nike, mErIcAN decathlete Ashton finally succumbing to pressure Nico over a potential conflict of Rosberg Eaton was named the International Association of interest. A coe, who became the IAAF Athletics Federation’s (IAAF) male head in August, has been MOTORSPORT athlete of the year for 2015 after associated with Nike for nearly ֫ breaking the world record to win 40 years, but has repeatedly the world title. rejected such accusations. It’s three in a row Eaton, 27, scored 9,045 points in Pressure had been building Shanghai in his first decathlon for on the former Olympic track star over the two years to beat his own world for German hero issue for best mark. several ErmAN driver Nico rosberg wrapped up the Eaton won the award ahead months Formula One season on a high in Abu Dhabi, of Jamaican sprinter Usain bolt, on behalf of all of us athletes who but the Gwith team-mate and triple world champion who landed his 11th World love what we do,” said Eaton. final straw Lewis Hamilton second in a record 12th 1-2 finish championship gold medal this Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia won appeared of the year for dominant mercedes. year, and American triple jumper the female award after breaking to come when a The German’s third win in a row, from a sixth christian Taylor. the 1,500m world record in July leaked internal successive pole position, dashed Hamilton’s hopes “I didn’t beat Usain in monaco with a time of three Nike e-mail appeared to of a 44th career victory in car 44 on the 44th and christian, minutes 50.07sec. show him supporting the bid anniversary of the founding of the United Arab my work simply She captured the 1,500 world of Eugene, the US city, with Emirates. differed in design. title in beijing and took the bronze close links to the company, The briton, who clinched the title in Texas last They’re some of medal in the 5,000. to host the 2021 World month with three races to spare, finished the most talented “I’m honoured to receive this championships. meanwhile, Kenya’s world 8.2sec behind after an attempt at a different and beautiful award from the IAAF,” said Dibaba. and Olympic steeplechase strategy failed to produce the desired performers of all “It feels so good to be the World champion Ezekiel Kemboi result. time. I’m flattered Athlete of the Year. has been named to the IAAF The win was the 16th in 19 races to be among them. “After being a finalist and Athlete’s commission. for mercedes. I accept this narrowly missing out on this award However, Kenya, has banned Ferrari’s Kimi raikkonen took third award one year ago, I’m very proud to be seven more athletes for doping place ahead of team-mate Sebastian recognised by the fans and experts offences, raising the total number of drug cases in the Vettel, who started 15th, for only the Finn’s of our sport,” Dibaba added. last three years to 40. third podium appearance of the season. The awards are usually handed In russia, the country’s rosberg’s win was his sixth of the season, 14th out at the annual gala dinner in athletics federation has of his career, and a hat-trick first for the German monaco, but that was cancelled accepted its ban from the sport who had never before managed to win three this year due to doping issues in in the wake of widespread races in a row. the sport. doping revelations. 32 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 33

PEOPLE SPORT THIS WEEK

russia’s Alexsey Lovchev set a Unbeaten American Jermall Arjun Tendulkar, the 16-year-old Former New Zealand captain Chris world record in clean and jerk Charlo defended his International son of Indian batting legend Sachin, is Cairns was cleared by a London court QATAR to win the 105kg world title at boxing Federation super on the road to forging his own career of claims he had lied in a libel case WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 VOLLEYBALL the IWF World Weightlifting welterweight title with a as a top-flight cricketer three years ago. The 45-year-old had CRICKET Qatar League, El Jaish vs Al Wakrah, championships in Houston, fourth-round stoppage of after being selected as an been accused of falsely claiming he 4pm and Al Shamal vs Al Khor, Gcc T20 Women’s championship, 5.30pm at Al Arabi Sports club. USA. Lovchev had a 16kg Haiti-born American Wilky all-rounder for mumbai’s youth had never cheated in cricket during a Qatar vs Oman, 12.15pm and UAE improvement from his campfort. He knocked team. After scoring a century libel action he brought against former vs Oman, 5.15pm at Asian Town SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 second clean and jerk lift to down the challenger four and taking four wickets in a trial Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Stadium. FENCING his last to finish times before the contest was tournament, Arjun was named modi. Despite being cleared of the HORSERACING FIE Women’s World cup, qualifiers, at a record 264kg. halted in the fourth round. in the 15-strong squad to charges, cairns said his involvement Weekly races, 5pm onwards at Qatar 9.30am onwards at Ali bin Hamad Al charlo improved to 23-0 while represent mumbai in the Vijay in the sport was over. racing and Equestrian club. Attiya Arena, Al Sadd. campfort fell to 21-2. merchant Under-16 Trophy. TENNIS FOOTBALL ITF Futures Tournament, 5.30pm Qatar Stars League, Qatar Sc vs El onwards at Khalifa International Jaish, 4pm at Qatar Sc Stadium; Al The Greek athletics federation bangladeshi cricketer Shakib Atletico mineiro parted ways Australia pace spearhead complex (till Saturday). Gharafa vs Al rayyan, 6.30pm at announced that Olympic medal- Al Hasan was handed a with successful coach Levir Culpi, Mitchell Starc has been ruled VOLLEYBALL FOOTBALL Qatar Sc Stadium. winning triple jumper Hrysopiyi one-match ban over a double making it likely that only out of the Test series against Qatar League, Al Arabi vs Al Sadd, Qatar Stars League, Lekhwiya vs Al SHOOTING Wakrah, 4pm at Lekhwiya Stadium; Devetzi faced punishment for foul-mouthed outburst one of brazil’s 20 Serie West Indies and is no certainty 5pm and Al rayyan vs Qatar, 6.30pm Association cup, 9am onwards at at Al Arabi Sports club. Al Ahli vs mesaimeer Losail Shooting range. a positive doping result from during the bangladesh A teams will now complete to play in the tour of New 6.30pm at Lekhwiya Stadium; Al Khor 2007. The 39-year-old retired Premier League Twenty20 the year without changing their Zealand early next year as he THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 vs Al Kharaitiyat, 6.30pm at Al Khor SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 in ’09 after a two-year IAAF ban competition. The rangpur manager. The 62-year-old took recovers from a broken foot. CRICKET Stadium. FENCING following her refusal to undergo riders’ player, who has a history over at Atletico for a fourth time Starc limped off the field during Gcc T20 Women’s championship HORSERACING FIE Women’s World cup, semifinals & an anti-doping test. She won two of disciplinary problems, was in April, 2014, and helped them the Adelaide Test against final, 4.30pm at Asian Town Stadium. Weekly races, 5pm onwards at Qatar final, 6pm-7pm at The Gate mall. Olympic medals — silver at ’04 found guilty of uttering abusive to the recopa Sul-Americana, New Zealand and scans later racing and Equestrian club. MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 Athens and bronze at ’08 beijing. language after dismissing Sylhet brazilian cup and minas Gerais confirmed he had suffered a FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 VOLLEYBALL Super Stars’ Dilshan munaweera. state championship. stress fracture in his right foot. FENCING Qatar League, Police vs Al Khor, 4pm FIE men’s Grand Prix, qualifiers, and Al Ahli vs Al Shamall, 5.30pm at 9.30am onwards at Ali bin Hamad Al Al Arabi Sports club. Attiya Arena, Al Sadd. FOOTBALL Qatar Stars League, Al Sadd vs Al Sailiya, 4pm at Al Sadd Stadium, Umm Salal vs Al Arabi, 6.30pm at STAR OF THE WEEK TYSON FURY MOVERS&SHAKERS Al Sadd Stadium. MOTORSPORT National motocross championship, Sheikh Abdullah steps 11am at Losail motocross Track.

YSON Fury, who defeated means I’ll never turn away from up Malaga revamp Wladimir Klitschko to become a proper fight,” Fury had told INTERNATIONAL the world heavyweight The Independent in ’11. ALAGA’S Qatari owner recommendation. T GOLF champion, is the living On his roots, he said, “You’re born Sheikh Abdullah bin Pedro Gonzalez Segura, who is WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 FOOTBALL EPGA at Sun city, South Africa and FOOTBALL embodiment of mickey O’Neil, the a traveller. You can’t make out you’re Nasser Al Thani is hoping heading the group hired by Sheikh Gold coast, South Africa; USPGA M English League cup quarterfinals. champions League, final round of unhinged gypsy boxer played by a traveller just like you can’t make to put the struggling Spanish Abdullah, said casado’s actions at World challenge, bahamas (till Sunday). group games. brad Pitt in Guy ritchie’s 2000 film out that you’re black. It’s my life and League club back on a had caused damage. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 Snatch. it’s what I’m and even if I had £10m, stable footing after firing Among his alleged CRICKET FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 India vs South Africa, 4th Test at New Fury, who shed 32kg in five I could still sleep in a caravan.” his director general over transgressions, casado ALPINE SKIING Delhi (till monday). men’s World cup at beaver creek; months to get in shape for the fight, born into a family of Irish what auditors said was is said to have Women’s World cup at Lake Louise. landed a bruising left uppercut in Traveller heritage in Wythenshawe a series of damaging presided over salary RUGBY the ninth round that wounded in the manchester suburbs, Fury and unauthorised increases for some Opening leg of the World Sevens Klitschko’s right eye. turned pro in ’08, knocking out actions. board members which Series in Dubai. Sensing the titles slipping away, Hungary’s bela Gyongyosi in the Sheikh Abdullah, who Gonzalez Segura said were SKI JUMPING men’s and women’s World cup Klitschko threw everything he had first round on his debut. bought the south-coast unauthorised. casado had at Lillehammer. in the final round in search for a A distant relative of bartley team in 2010, has appointed a also approved the sale last year of SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 knockout, but ended up losing on Gorman, a champion bareknuckle panel of auditors to look into the the economic rights of players to a HANDBALL all three of the judges’ scorecards, boxer known as the ‘King of the club’s institutional problems and company that Sheikh Abdullah did Women’s World championships in putting an end to his winning run Gypsies’ who went undefeated Vicente casado was sacked on their not authorise. Denmark (till December 20). that stretched back to 2004. between 1972 and ’92, and named Fury’s clash with Klitschko, after mike Tyson, Fury was destined initially slated for October 24, had for the ring from an early age. ‘I’ve lost my reputation’ been postponed after the His uncle Peter is one of his 39-year-old WbA, IbF and WbO trainers while his father, known as rITON Paula Radcliffe is “should never have been forced to title holder tore a tendon in his calf. Gypsy John, was also a fighter and delighted to see her name come out and defend herself against That gave Fury, the 27-year-old recently served five years in prison Bcleared of doping allegations such insinuations.” showman from the gypsy for gouging out a man’s eye in a by athletics’ governing body, the The 41-year-old said she hoped community with the most evocative gruesome brawl at a car auction. IAAF, but the endurance that no athlete ever had to name in boxing, an extra month to Fury has a sharp tongue that running great believes her endure what she had gone raise the temperature around the has landed him in hot water with reputation has been left through. ice-cold Ukrainian. boxing authorities on several unfairly damaged during radcliffe, whose Outspoken and shaven-headed, occasions. her fight for vindication. 2003 marathon record the giant, 2.06m Fury was unbeaten He branded british rival David The IAAF concluded of 2hr, 15min, 25sec in 24 fights, 18 of which have failed Haye “a classless prima donna” and that the world marathon remains one of the to go the distance. “a diva” for postponing their fight in record holder “had sport’s best achievements, “I’m a Gypsy fighter and that ’13, which was eventually cancelled. been publicly accused of felt forced to speak out after blood doping based on the gross an mP suggested a british London misinterpretation of raw and marathon winner was ‘potentially’ incomplete data.” implicated in blood doping The federation added that she allegations made. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 33

SPORT THIS WEEK

Former New Zealand captain Chris Cairns was cleared by a London court QATAR of claims he had lied in a libel case WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 VOLLEYBALL three years ago. The 45-year-old had CRICKET Qatar League, El Jaish vs Al Wakrah, been accused of falsely claiming he 4pm and Al Shamal vs Al Khor, Gcc T20 Women’s championship, 5.30pm at Al Arabi Sports club. had never cheated in cricket during a Qatar vs Oman, 12.15pm and UAE libel action he brought against former vs Oman, 5.15pm at Asian Town SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Stadium. FENCING modi. Despite being cleared of the HORSERACING FIE Women’s World cup, qualifiers, charges, cairns said his involvement Weekly races, 5pm onwards at Qatar 9.30am onwards at Ali bin Hamad Al in the sport was over. racing and Equestrian club. Attiya Arena, Al Sadd. TENNIS FOOTBALL ITF Futures Tournament, 5.30pm Qatar Stars League, Qatar Sc vs El onwards at Khalifa International Jaish, 4pm at Qatar Sc Stadium; Al Australia pace spearhead complex (till Saturday). Gharafa vs Al rayyan, 6.30pm at Mitchell Starc has been ruled VOLLEYBALL FOOTBALL Qatar Sc Stadium. out of the Test series against Qatar League, Al Arabi vs Al Sadd, Qatar Stars League, Lekhwiya vs Al SHOOTING Wakrah, 4pm at Lekhwiya Stadium; West Indies and is no certainty 5pm and Al rayyan vs Qatar, 6.30pm Association cup, 9am onwards at at Al Arabi Sports club. Al Ahli vs mesaimeer Losail Shooting range. to play in the tour of New 6.30pm at Lekhwiya Stadium; Al Khor Zealand early next year as he THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 vs Al Kharaitiyat, 6.30pm at Al Khor SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 recovers from a broken foot. CRICKET Stadium. FENCING Starc limped off the field during Gcc T20 Women’s championship HORSERACING FIE Women’s World cup, semifinals & the Adelaide Test against final, 4.30pm at Asian Town Stadium. Weekly races, 5pm onwards at Qatar final, 6pm-7pm at The Gate mall. New Zealand and scans later racing and Equestrian club. MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 confirmed he had suffered a FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 VOLLEYBALL stress fracture in his right foot. FENCING Qatar League, Police vs Al Khor, 4pm FIE men’s Grand Prix, qualifiers, and Al Ahli vs Al Shamall, 5.30pm at 9.30am onwards at Ali bin Hamad Al Al Arabi Sports club. Attiya Arena, Al Sadd. FOOTBALL Qatar Stars League, Al Sadd vs Al Sailiya, 4pm at Al Sadd Stadium, Umm Salal vs Al Arabi, 6.30pm at MOVERS&SHAKERS Al Sadd Stadium. MOTORSPORT National motocross championship, Sheikh Abdullah steps 11am at Losail motocross Track. up Malaga revamp INTERNATIONAL ALAGA’S Qatari owner recommendation. Sheikh Abdullah bin Pedro Gonzalez Segura, who is WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 GOLF TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 FOOTBALL EPGA at Sun city, South Africa and FOOTBALL Nasser Al Thani is hoping heading the group hired by Sheikh Gold coast, South Africa; USPGA M English League cup quarterfinals. champions League, final round of to put the struggling Spanish Abdullah, said casado’s actions at World challenge, bahamas (till Sunday). group games. League club back on a had caused damage. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 stable footing after firing Among his alleged CRICKET FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 India vs South Africa, 4th Test at New his director general over transgressions, casado ALPINE SKIING Delhi (till monday). men’s World cup at beaver creek; what auditors said was is said to have Women’s World cup at Lake Louise. a series of damaging presided over salary RUGBY and unauthorised increases for some Opening leg of the World Sevens actions. board members which Series in Dubai. Sheikh Abdullah, who Gonzalez Segura said were SKI JUMPING men’s and women’s World cup bought the south-coast unauthorised. casado had at Lillehammer. team in 2010, has appointed a also approved the sale last year of SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 panel of auditors to look into the the economic rights of players to a HANDBALL club’s institutional problems and company that Sheikh Abdullah did Women’s World championships in Vicente casado was sacked on their not authorise. Denmark (till December 20). ‘I’ve lost my reputation’

rITON Paula Radcliffe is “should never have been forced to delighted to see her name come out and defend herself against Bcleared of doping allegations such insinuations.” by athletics’ governing body, the The 41-year-old said she hoped IAAF, but the endurance that no athlete ever had to running great believes her endure what she had gone reputation has been left through. unfairly damaged during radcliffe, whose her fight for vindication. 2003 marathon record The IAAF concluded of 2hr, 15min, 25sec that the world marathon remains one of the record holder “had sport’s best achievements, been publicly accused of felt forced to speak out after blood doping based on the gross an mP suggested a british London misinterpretation of raw and marathon winner was ‘potentially’ incomplete data.” implicated in blood doping The federation added that she allegations made. 34 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 35

MOSAIC

FITNESS CAMEO IPC receives Toyota’s support Japanese car manufacturer Toyota signed a deal to become the official partner of the International Paralympic committee. The agreement, which runs to 2024, covers all national Paralympic committees from ’17 and future games organising bodies Sweat & HEALTH starting with the Tokyo ’20 Paralympics. Red meat increases stroke risk Lights, camera, Danone signs ED meat is linked to an The people in the study who Even though some previous action… La Liga deal increased stroke risk and consumed the most red meat had research has linked high-protein brazilian cinema chain Kinoplex International food brand Danone Rthe odds go up the more a 47 per cent higher risk of ischemic diets to strokes, the results have announced a major partnership signed up as a supplier of Spanish gains meat people eat, a recent study stroke, caused by blockages in been mixed and the current with the 2016 Paralympic Games La Liga for the suggests. blood vessels supplying the brain, study helps solidify the evidence in rio de Janeiro. The company, remainder of the already a partner of the brazilian 2015-16 season. researchers analysed data on than those who typically ate the suggesting that red meat in Paralympic committee, will serve Under the deal, about 11,000 middle-aged people smallest amount of red meat. particular may pose a danger, said as the official cinema during the the company XErcISE not who did not have other risk factors Protein from poultry, seafood or lead study author Dr bernhard Games. will engage in only helps you live for strokes such as diabetes or heart vegetable sources like nuts and Haring of the comprehensive Heart various television Elonger. It helps you live disease, and followed half of them legumes was not associated with Failure center at University and print campaigns and with better. In addition to making your for around 23 years. any added risk. of Wurzburg in Germany. digital platforms operated heart and muscles stronger and fending through the league, encouraging improved lifestyles and eating off a host of diseases, it can also improve your habits. mental and emotional functioning as well as even Don’t waste yogurt! bolster your productivity and close relationships. A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week, will rEVIEW of previous studies suggests that Snapchat with Game, set, match improve your quality of life in the following ways. people who eat yogurt have lower body Marseille to BNP Paribas Aweight, less body fat and smaller waists, but it is not clear if the yogurt is the reason. French Ligue 1 football team bNP Paribas agreed a new five-year WARDS OFF SHARPENS IMPROVES PROTECTS THE “Studies that look specifically at weight loss Olympique marseille launched a deal to continue as title sponsor of DEPRESSION YOUR WITS SLEEP MOBILITY, VITALITY are very limited,” said co-author Irene strategic partnership the Davis cup and with video Lenoir-Wijnkoop of the Utrecht University in the Fed cup tennis While a few laps around Physical activity boosts regular aerobic exercise regular exercise can messaging Netherlands. tournaments. The the block cannot solve blood flow to the brain, helps you fall asleep slow the natural decline app Snapchat. contract will run serious emotional which may help maintain faster, spend more in physical performance “Scientifically-speaking, based on As part of the from 2017 to ’21, difficulties, researchers brain function. It also time in deep sleep, and that occurs as you age. this, it can’t be concluded that yogurt deal, the club and extends the know there is a strong promotes good lung awaken less during the by staying active, older causes weight loss, even if the tendency launched its own bank’s involvement link between regular function, a characteristic night. In fact, exercise is adults can actually keep in this analysis is promising,” said account on Snapchat, entitled with Davis cup to two decades. bNP exercise and improved of people whose the only known way for their cardiovascular Lenoir-Wijnkoop. ‘coulissesOm’, through which users Paribas has been its sponsor since ’01 mood. Aerobic exercise memories and mental healthy adults to boost fitness, metabolism of the application will be able to The researchers reviewed 22 studies. and the title sponsor since ’02. prompts the release of acuity remain strong the amount of deep sleep and muscle function access exclusive photo and video mood-lifting hormones, as they age. While all they get — and deep in line with those of Thirteen of them observed people at one content, including behind-the- — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment which relieve stress types of physical activity sleep is essential for your much younger people. point in time and compared their yogurt intakes, scenes footage from training and www.csm.com and promote a sense of help keep your mind body to renew and repair And many studies have finding that those who ate more yogurt had lower matches. @FastTrack_ME well-being. In addition, sharp, many studies itself. shown that people body weight or healthier body composition. the rhythmic muscle have shown that aerobic who were more active contractions that take exercise, in particular, at midlife were able to place in almost all successfully improves preserve their mobility, types of exercise can cognitive function. and therefore, their ACHIEVEMENT OFFBEAT increase levels of the independence, as they brain chemical serotonin, aged. It’s all in the pose for PARTNERSHIP which combats negative The Game of Our feelings. — Harvard Medical School ATP flies high with Lives makes it big Japanese rugby fans GOLDEN buddha in Japan has attracted new Emirates support POrTS writer David Goldblatt’s britain had been transformed into and unexpected attention from rugby fanatics examination of the traditions the richest sports franchisee in the Awho are thronging to the statue to witness in mIrATES signed a deal to be the 29 countries, and a cumulative global Sand huge amounts of money country, with clubs now being owned person the hand gesture it shares with beloved World Premier Partner of ATP World broadcast audience in excess of 800 associated with English football in by wealthy American businessmen cup hero Ayumu Goromaru. ETour from 2016. The million. The tour has 4.3 million OOTbALL’S world governing body FIFA, mired in The Game of Our Lives won the or russian oligarchs and players The number of visitors to the religious-turned- five-year agreement fans attending on-site and more CHARITY the worst graft scandal in its history, gave 48 Swiss William Hill Sports book of paid hundreds of millions of sports shrine in central Japan has soared five-fold represents the biggest than 880 million dedicated TV Fwatches worth up to $25,000 each to a children’s the Year award. pounds. as eager fans descend on the Dainichi Nyorai statue, sponsorship deal in viewers across the season. charity after a year cajoling officials who received them. The book “is an incisive Goldblatt added that which has clasped hands with upward pointing index ATP’s history. The partnership also Bootyful The watches were left on the hotel beds of football analysis of how and why people went to matches fingers touching each other — just like Goromaru’s As Official Airline and provides a platform across the officials attending a congress in brazil before the 2014 football’s role in british because it was part of the trademark pre-kick pose. Premier Partner of the tournaments for fans and guests World cup. FIFA’s Ethics committee, which last year society has changed so nation’s “collective identity”, “At weekends, more than 1,000 people pay homage ATP World Tour, Emirates will to experience Emirates’ unrivalled watches for a determined the gifts handed out by the brazilian football dramatically in recent decades”, but the game is at risk of being a day,” Seki-Zenkoji temple’s chief priest Shunkai Sato benefit from global marketing rights hospitality onsite, and participate in association violated its ethics rules, said last week it had the prize committee said. stifled by what he called the “sports- said last week. Goromaru, 29, propelled Japan to delivering a powerful and consistent extensive activation through noble cause! donated the Parmigiani-brand watches to Germany’s The 50-year-old said he wanted to industrial complex” of rich owners shock victory over South Africa in September, scoring presence via the Tour’s iconic net the Tour’s official website streetfootballworld, to benefit the group’s youth schemes show how a game that traditionally and commercial sponsors, and by the 24 points in what is described as the biggest upset in branding across 60 tournaments in www.atpworldtour.com. in brazil. was associated with working-class inflated prices for tickets. World cup history. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 35

CAMEO IPC receives Toyota’s support Japanese car manufacturer Toyota signed a deal to become the official partner of the International Paralympic committee. The agreement, which runs to 2024, covers all national Paralympic committees from ’17 and future games organising bodies HEALTH starting with the Tokyo ’20 Paralympics. Red meat increases stroke risk Lights, camera, Danone signs ED meat is linked to an The people in the study who Even though some previous action… La Liga deal increased stroke risk and consumed the most red meat had research has linked high-protein brazilian cinema chain Kinoplex International food brand Danone Rthe odds go up the more a 47 per cent higher risk of ischemic diets to strokes, the results have announced a major partnership signed up as a supplier of Spanish meat people eat, a recent study stroke, caused by blockages in been mixed and the current with the 2016 Paralympic Games La Liga for the suggests. blood vessels supplying the brain, study helps solidify the evidence in rio de Janeiro. The company, remainder of the already a partner of the brazilian 2015-16 season. researchers analysed data on than those who typically ate the suggesting that red meat in Paralympic committee, will serve Under the deal, about 11,000 middle-aged people smallest amount of red meat. particular may pose a danger, said as the official cinema during the the company who did not have other risk factors Protein from poultry, seafood or lead study author Dr bernhard Games. will engage in for strokes such as diabetes or heart vegetable sources like nuts and Haring of the comprehensive Heart various television disease, and followed half of them legumes was not associated with Failure center at University and print campaigns and with for around 23 years. any added risk. of Wurzburg in Germany. digital platforms operated through the league, encouraging improved lifestyles and eating Don’t waste yogurt! habits. rEVIEW of previous studies suggests that Snapchat with Game, set, match people who eat yogurt have lower body Marseille to BNP Paribas Aweight, less body fat and smaller waists, but it is not clear if the yogurt is the reason. French Ligue 1 football team bNP Paribas agreed a new five-year “Studies that look specifically at weight loss Olympique marseille launched a deal to continue as title sponsor of are very limited,” said co-author Irene strategic partnership the Davis cup and with video Lenoir-Wijnkoop of the Utrecht University in the Fed cup tennis messaging Netherlands. tournaments. The app Snapchat. contract will run “Scientifically-speaking, based on As part of the from 2017 to ’21, this, it can’t be concluded that yogurt deal, the club and extends the causes weight loss, even if the tendency launched its own bank’s involvement in this analysis is promising,” said account on Snapchat, entitled with Davis cup to two decades. bNP Lenoir-Wijnkoop. ‘coulissesOm’, through which users Paribas has been its sponsor since ’01 of the application will be able to The researchers reviewed 22 studies. and the title sponsor since ’02. access exclusive photo and video Thirteen of them observed people at one content, including behind-the- — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment point in time and compared their yogurt intakes, scenes footage from training and www.csm.com finding that those who ate more yogurt had lower matches. @FastTrack_ME body weight or healthier body composition. ACHIEVEMENT OFFBEAT The Game of Our It’s all in the pose for Lives makes it big Japanese rugby fans GOLDEN buddha in Japan has attracted new POrTS writer David Goldblatt’s britain had been transformed into and unexpected attention from rugby fanatics examination of the traditions the richest sports franchisee in the Awho are thronging to the statue to witness in Sand huge amounts of money country, with clubs now being owned person the hand gesture it shares with beloved World associated with English football in by wealthy American businessmen cup hero Ayumu Goromaru. The Game of Our Lives won the or russian oligarchs and players The number of visitors to the religious-turned- William Hill Sports book of paid hundreds of millions of sports shrine in central Japan has soared five-fold the Year award. pounds. as eager fans descend on the Dainichi Nyorai statue, The book “is an incisive Goldblatt added that which has clasped hands with upward pointing index analysis of how and why people went to matches fingers touching each other — just like Goromaru’s football’s role in british because it was part of the trademark pre-kick pose. society has changed so nation’s “collective identity”, “At weekends, more than 1,000 people pay homage dramatically in recent decades”, but the game is at risk of being a day,” Seki-Zenkoji temple’s chief priest Shunkai Sato the prize committee said. stifled by what he called the “sports- said last week. Goromaru, 29, propelled Japan to The 50-year-old said he wanted to industrial complex” of rich owners shock victory over South Africa in September, scoring show how a game that traditionally and commercial sponsors, and by the 24 points in what is described as the biggest upset in was associated with working-class inflated prices for tickets. World cup history. 36 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 37

CLOSE-UP | WORLD TOURING CAR C’SHIP DSP photos/Mohan DSP www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 37 DSP photos/Mohan DSP 38 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 39

8 3 1 2 5 6 It is your turn now. Tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSP. 1 MIND 4 SQUARE6 Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE 8 3 7 1 4 6 3 5 1 6 P 6 | FOOTBALL P 18 | VOLLEYBALL ALL GUNS bLAZING! TWo HoT To HANDLE! Defensive midfielder Khaled Abdulrauf’s Traditional powerhouses Al Arabi and 2 5 8 goal opens the floodgates as El Jaish Al Rayyan again start as overwhelming drub Al Arabi in the Qatar Stars League. favourites in the Qatar League. SUDOKU-501 9 7

4 udoku is a number-placing 5 6 puzzle3 based on a 8 3 1 2 WEDNESDAY, NovEmbER 25, 2015 | Vol X | No.43 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on 9x9 grid with several given numbers. S The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in 5 6 the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. 1 4 6 Solution-500 8 3 9 4 5 6 2 3 7 8 1

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic asserts his supremacy in the game with a straight-set victory over Switzerland’s Roger 7 8 6 1 9 4 5 3 2 7 1 4 6 3 5 Federer in the ATP World Tour Finals. PAGES 28-29

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 8 | FOOTBALL Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals P 20 | POSTER Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils ‘Felt ashamed to kiss Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 SPECIAL 2 3 1 7 5 8 4 6 9 Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 LUIZ SUAREZ Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 STORY my grandchildren’ 3 6 9 8 7 1 2 4 5 1 6 1 2 7 4 6 5 3 9 8 2 5 8 Serbian ace Djokovic has 8 5 4 9 3 2 1 7 6 all shots in the book 6 1 8 5 4 7 9 2 3 9 7 There’s no doubt that Novak Djokovic is one of 5 7 3 2 8 9 6 1 4 the all-time greats in tennis (Doha Stadium Plus, 4 9 2 3 1 6 8 5 7 4 5 6 3 November 25). He has all the shots in the book, but Fahad is Qatar’s Strongest Man it’s his amazing fitness and mental strength that’ve Fahad Al Haddad emerged as ‘Qatar’s Strongest Man’ enthusiastic spectators. helped him rule the sport. at the Aspire Park last week. Fahad emerged on top with 88 points while Rashid Not so long ago, his mental strength, or lack of it, The competition, organised by the Aspire Zone, Al Fehaida (87), Hadi Al Baraidy (84), Abdullah Issa used to let him down so often, but right now he’s saw participants undergo a series of challenges — Al Binali (76), Thamer Al Kuwari (37), Fahad Al one of the toughest players on the circuit. While truck pulling, dead-lifting, lifting sand bags, Me’adeed (33) and Khamis Al Khulaify (23) followed. rafael Nadal, probably his biggest challenger, is flipping giant tyres, heavy weightlifting (180kg) Talal Al Kuwari withdrew with an injury. continuously affected by fitness problems, Djokovic and lifting cars — that tested their limits in front of Karim Jabsheh sent the details and photographs. TOP TWEETS is conquering new heights. Mark Simon, Doha. Bentley Qatar, an affiliate of “This is the third time that Al Bentley launches Al Wajba Motors, launched Wajba Motors has unveiled a Tough time for Lazaroni the brand-new Continental GT new model at Losail. We hope model at the Losail International that we can work together with Andy murray ensured his place among the higher It’s really hard to believe that Qatar Sports club are Continental GT Circuit recently. them in future events,” said echelons of UK sport when he played a key role in Great languishing at 13th in the Qatar Stars League. A select group of clients got the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle 9britain’s 4 Davis 5cup triumph.6 murray,2 who3 had won7 8 1 The 9-0 thrashing by Al rayyan was a bit too opportunity to drive the iconic Federation President Nasser bin the Olympic gold in 2012 and Wimbledon a year later, hard to digest and that left their fans wondering version equipped with a suite of Khalifa Al Attiyah. suffered a major setback when he had to undergo a contemporary design updates Neus Ramos sent the details what has gone wrong with the club (Doha Stadium 7surgery 8 for a persistent6 1 back problem.9 4 but all that5 looks3 2 and new exquisite features. and photograph. behind him as he performed very well this year, reaching Plus, November 25). the final of the Australian Open and soaring to second in I feel the management shouldn’t have sacked 2ATP rankings.3 The1 highest7 point,5 though, 8 was definitely4 6 9 Iraqi coach radhi Shenaishil, who helped them the Davis cup triumph, which ended britain’s 79-year finish fourth last season. wait. Fans and players took to Twitter to congratulate Irfaan Saeed, Doha. 3mainly 6 murray. 9 Here are8 some 7of the tweets.1 2 4 5 1 2 7 4 6 5 3 9 8 Waiting for Carlsen We’re eagerly waiting to see magnus carlsen in ally begg Alex Corretja best Davis cup years in sport. Gb beat belgium action at the Qatar masters Open (Doha Stadium @ally_begg @Alexcorretja74 8history...... 5 4 9 33-1. 2 1 7 6 Just watched the final I can’t stop watching @ Plus, November 25). point from @andy_murray andy_murray’s match Gary Lineker Unicef UK A few months ago, the world champion had who does he go to first, his point in @Daviscup finals! 6 @GaryLineker 1 8 5 4 @UNI 7cEF_uk 9 2 3 a week-long camp in the city and praised the opponents to shake hands. AmAZING, brILLIANT, etc! britain wins the Davis cup congratulations to @andy_ Qatar chess Association’s efforts in promoting the That is what sport should for the first time in almost murray on the historic sport. be about! lucie safarova 580 years.7 Perhaps3 now2 we 8#Davis 9cup win!6 Thanks 1 so 4 but it was still a big surprise to see him @luciesafarova can give @andy_murray much for supporting our confirming his presence at the tournament, which Evolution Sports lines up holiday clinics Novak Djokovic congrats to @andy_ the credit and plaudits he work #AndysAces. @DjokerNole murray and the @ 4deserves. 9 2 3 1 6 8 5 7 is definitely going to attract huge interest. Doha-based Evolution Sports will congrats #teamGb on Daviscup team on Carla Suarez Navarro It’ll indeed be a big opportunity for chess lovers organise holiday development clinics in Dc win! @andy_murray making history! Enjoy the Manchester United @carlaSuarezNava to see the genius. football, swimming and basketball from Seeing ur reaction after celebrations! @manUtd OmG what a weekend for Sajid Khalil, Doha. December 13 onwards. winning made me relive congratulations to the @andy_murray and the The football clinic, which will conclude again how it was 4 us in British Tennis Great britain team, british team. congrats for on December 17, will be led by ‘10.Well done,u deserve it. @britishTennis including #mufc fan @ this Davis cup!! @judmoo Four-day Test great idea UEFA-certified coaches David Wallace, A special shot for a special Jamie_murray, on winning you should be very proud Real Madrid camp from Dec 17 Vincent James and James Ward. Lleyton Hewitt moment! @andy_murray the @Daviscup for the first of your boys. Former Australian skipper mark Taylor’s idea of a Training sessions and in-depth seminars @lleytonhewitt seals the @Daviscup for time since 1936! four-day cricket Test is just what the traditional The Foundation Real Madrid (FRM) daily schedule, where participants will be the highlights. What an effort @andy_ Gb with an incredible lob! Caroline Wozniacki format needs right now (Doha Stadium Plus, will organise the second edition will train with FRM coaches. All Swimming classes will focus on murray congrats on #backThebrits. Paul Hayward @caroWozniacki November 25). of its football camp at the Al Sadd participants will receive an official developing stroke techniques while the Sports Club from December 17 to 23. FRM training kit, graduation basketball clinic will help develop players’ winning @Daviscup @_PaulHayward congrats to @andy_ The white flannels and traditional set-up still The event, organised in collaboration certificate and light refreshments. basic skills. 2015! Amazing record andyroddick Olympics, Wimbledon, murray and the Gb @ attract the purists but, as advocated by Taylor, Test and throughly deserved @andyroddick Davis cup. There’s nobody Daviscup team on with QSports, is open to children For further information call To register, send an e-mail to camps@ cricket needs to be packaged well to compete with through dedication to the really impressive from @ more illustrious than Andy making history! Enjoy the aged seven to 23. 40176791, 33087381 and 66210685 evosportsqatar.com or visit www. competition. andy_murray. One of the murray currently in british celebrations ! the game’s shorter versions. The camp, limited to a maximum or log in to www.frmcampqatar.com. evosportsqatar.com. Ravi de Silva, Doha. of 350 kids, will follow a six-hour Nabil Yammine sent the details. Toyan Greaves sent the details. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 2, 2015 39

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

Fahad is Qatar’s Strongest Man Fahad Al Haddad emerged as ‘Qatar’s Strongest Man’ enthusiastic spectators. at the Aspire Park last week. Fahad emerged on top with 88 points while Rashid The competition, organised by the Aspire Zone, Al Fehaida (87), Hadi Al Baraidy (84), Abdullah Issa saw participants undergo a series of challenges — Al Binali (76), Thamer Al Kuwari (37), Fahad Al truck pulling, dead-lifting, lifting sand bags, Me’adeed (33) and Khamis Al Khulaify (23) followed. flipping giant tyres, heavy weightlifting (180kg) Talal Al Kuwari withdrew with an injury. and lifting cars — that tested their limits in front of Karim Jabsheh sent the details and photographs.

Bentley Qatar, an affiliate of “This is the third time that Al Bentley launches Al Wajba Motors, launched Wajba Motors has unveiled a the brand-new Continental GT new model at Losail. We hope model at the Losail International that we can work together with Continental GT Circuit recently. them in future events,” said A select group of clients got the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle opportunity to drive the iconic Federation President Nasser bin version equipped with a suite of Khalifa Al Attiyah. contemporary design updates Neus Ramos sent the details and new exquisite features. and photograph.

Evolution Sports lines up holiday clinics Doha-based Evolution Sports will organise holiday development clinics in football, swimming and basketball from December 13 onwards. The football clinic, which will conclude on December 17, will be led by UEFA-certified coaches David Wallace, Real Madrid camp from Dec 17 Vincent James and James Ward. Training sessions and in-depth seminars The Foundation Real Madrid (FRM) daily schedule, where participants will be the highlights. will organise the second edition will train with FRM coaches. All Swimming classes will focus on of its football camp at the Al Sadd participants will receive an official developing stroke techniques while the Sports Club from December 17 to 23. FRM training kit, graduation basketball clinic will help develop players’ The event, organised in collaboration certificate and light refreshments. basic skills. with QSports, is open to children For further information call To register, send an e-mail to camps@ aged seven to 23. 40176791, 33087381 and 66210685 evosportsqatar.com or visit www. The camp, limited to a maximum or log in to www.frmcampqatar.com. evosportsqatar.com. of 350 kids, will follow a six-hour Nabil Yammine sent the details. Toyan Greaves sent the details. NO ONE COVERS QATAR SPORTS BETTER

Catch every pulse of action... Stay tuned www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 e-mail: [email protected] www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar