SPORT 07 on Paper, We Certainly Have the Advantage in the World Tiger Woods FOOTBALL GAMES Ahead of His Return to Rankings

MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 07 On paper, we certainly have the advantage in the world Tiger Woods FOOTBALL GAMES ahead of his return to rankings. (But) when you start ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE SEA Games in the Presidents Cup as a West Ham United The Philippines out on Thursday, it’s 0-0. We playing captain at Royal

ACTION vs Arsenal have to go out and win this Cup. Melbourne this week. South Asian Games, Nepal TODAY’S Joshua wins Ruiz rematch to reclaim heavyweight crown

AFP AD DIRIYAH

Britain’s Anthony Joshua reclaimed his world heavyweight crown from Andy Ruiz on Saturday, outclassing the Mexican-American to score a unanimous points victory. Joshua, who suffered a stunning knockout defeat to Ruiz in New York in June, pro- duced a masterclass to regain his IBF, WBA and WBO titles in emphatic fashion. Dominating from the outset, Joshua won by margins of 118-110 on two scorecards with the third judge making it 119-109. Billed as the “Clash on the Dunes”, the eagerly antici- pated rematch marked the first time a world heavyweight title fight has been staged in Saudi Arabia. And after entering the purpose built open-air arena Qatar’s three-time Dakar Rally champion Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah posing at Diriyah, on the outskirts of British boxer Anthony Joshua celebrates after winning the heavyweight boxing match against for a photograph with the World Sports Legends Award during the 4th the Saudi capital, just after Andy Ruiz Jr for the IBF, WBA and WBO titles in Diriya, Saudi Arabia on Saturday. midnight, it was Joshua who edition of the prestigious awards ceremony which is also known as the rose to the occasion with a Oscars of Sport, at the Fairmont Monte Carlo on Saturday. Mario Andretti stylish victory. The 2012 Olympic Joshua, who improved to 23-1, for 12 rounds to leave Ruiz (Former F1 World Champion, Indycar and Nascar Champion), Loris Capirossi The final scores in no way champion Joshua, 21 by knockout. pawing at shadows. (Three-time MotoGP World Champion) and Ana Gabriela Guevara (World Champion of 400m, multiple Olympic medallist) also received the World flattered Joshua, who frus- who suffered a “No excuses, but I said to Ruiz admitted he had trated his heavier opponent myself I’m going to correct it prepared poorly for the Sports Legends Awards. PICTURES: TWITTER /@ALKASSCHANNEL with superb movement while stunning knockout and come again.” rematch. picking off Ruiz relentlessly defeat to Ruiz “I just wanted to put on a “It was his night man,” with his jab. in New York in great boxing masterclass Ruiz said. “I didn’t prepare as Joshua, badly stung by his June, produces tonight and also show the I should of. I gained too much defeat to Ruiz at Madison sweet science of this lovely weight. But I don’t want to Square Garden, was ecstatic a masterclass to sport,” Joshua added. “t’s make excuses, he won, he after clinching a one-sided regain his IBF, WBA about hitting and not getting bossed me around. win. and WBO titles in hit.” “But if we do a third fight “The first time was so nice, emphatic fashion. Ruiz had shocked you best believe I’m going to I had to do it twice,” Joshua onlookers at Friday’s weigh- get in the best shape of my said as he celebrated in by tipping the scales at 283 life.” becoming a two-time world being floored four times on his pounds (128.4 kilograms), fully Pressed on his excess heavyweight champion. way to the first loss of his 15 pounds heavier than his weight, Ruiz said it had The 2012 Olympic career. weight in the first fight. “affected me a lot.” champion revealed he had “I’m used to knocking guys Joshua by contrast came “I thought I was going to adapted his style after June’s out and last time, I realised in at 237 pounds, his leaner, feel stronger and feel better, loss to Ruiz, when he got that I hurt the man but I got less bulky physique allowing but on my next fight I’m going Winning golfers posing for a photograph during the prize distribution drawn into a slugfest before caught coming in,” said him to dance around the ring to get better prepared.” ceremony of Qatar Golf Lovers Tournament at the Doha Golf Club. QGL Golf Tournament: White, Beaten Ruiz wants a third match Durnin emerge victorious REUTERS against a flabby-looking opponent. Had he beaten Joshua in the rematch, LONDON The big men that Joshua needs to beat Ruiz had planned to fight Pulev next. THE PENINSULA to really burnish his re-established repu- Ultimately Deontay Wilder, the WBC DOHA A beaten Andy Ruiz Jr called for a rematch tation as a two-times world champion with champion who holds the only meaningful after Anthony Joshua won back an array of the WBO, IBF, WBA and IBO belts to defend belt outside the Briton’s possession, would Clark White played flawless golf to emerge victorious in Flight A of the world heavyweight titles in Saudi Arabia on are elsewhere. In the near term, unbeaten be an obvious target but boxing politics golf tournament organised by Qatar Golf Lovers at the Doha Golf Course Saturday, but the Mexican-American cannot Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk could be the next means that remains some way off. over the weekend. John Durnin carded an impressive score to win Flight expect to be at the front of the queue. opponent after the WBO said a mandatory A fight between the two champions has B of the competition. “Who wants to see the third trilogy fight challenge had to take place before June 4 been long sought but talks have gone Forty golfers participated in the tournament that was played on a right here?” Ruiz called out to the crowd at or the title would be declared vacant. nowhere with plenty of recrimination and Strokeplay format. the Diriyah arena. “In 180 days? Lets rock and roll mate. posturing. The other big payday would be JB Roy and Jasjit Butalia were declared runners-up in Flight A and Joshua had sounded receptive to the Usyk? No problem,” Joshua said in response. a showdown with fellow Briton and former Flight B respectively. Sanjeev Gupta won the ‘closest to pin’ award, Phil idea - “if you heard, we’re going to do it a The IBF’s mandatory challenger is Bul- champion Tyson Fury, the “Gypsy King”, Meagan won the ‘longest putt’ award, Nathaniel Hayes won the ‘longest third,” he said - but promoter Eddie Hearn garian Kubrat Pulev and he had been who is due to have a rematch with Wilder drive’ award and Dwayne Smith won the ‘closest to rope’ awards. QGL would not be drawn after a bout won scheduled to fight Joshua in 2017 before in February after their last clash ended in a hosted a prize distribution dinner for all golfers and gave away prizes to clinically on a unanimous points decision withdrawing with a shoulder injury. draw. all winners.

Indiana Pacers guard Aaron Holiday (centre) drives to the basket against New York Knicks suffer ninth straight loss Knicks forward Marcus Morris Sr. (left) and forward Taj Gibson during their NBA game at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. REUTERS off-season, with the bright NBA RESULTS contest. “We talked about that NEW YORK lights and glamour of New York actually, like, ‘we’ve got to start City eclipsed by six consecutive Utah 126, Memphis 112 taking responsibility,’ because With the Rockefeller Plaza losing seasons. New York 103, Indiana 104 he would stand up in front of Christmas tree lit and the Radio Even the sudden firing of Philadelphia 141, Cleveland 94 y’all and take all the bullets for City Rockettes kicking into high head coach David Fizdale, Houston 115, Phoenix 109 all of us. gear, a grimmer December intended to reset the team’s tra- Dallas 130, New Orleans 84 “It’s not 100 percent on tradition is coming into focus jectory, seemed to backfire, him.” in the Big Apple: The New York with stunned players lamenting Nuggets on Thursday and Mon- Power forward Julius Knicks are in big trouble. their leader’s departure. day’s 132-88 drubbing at the Randle, who missed a second Handed their ninth straight “It’s a family thing,” center hands of the Milwaukee Bucks free throw that would have tied loss in heartbreaking fashion Mitchell Robinson told should have foretold the coach’s Saturday’s game in its final against the Indiana Pacers on reporters after their 103-104 impending fate, Fizdale’s moments, told reporters the Saturday, the Knicks fell to 4-19 loss in front of a rowdy departure nonetheless “caught team had no choice but to “keep on the year, equaling the record hometown crowd. “(Fizdale is) everyone by surprise,” fighting.” set in 2014 for the worst start in still going to be part of us no according to guard Dennis The team next flies west to franchise history. matter what. He looked after us Smith Jr. take on the Portland Trail- It is familiar territory for the besides basketball but as people “We didn’t want it to fall all blazers on Tuesday, kicking off Knicks, as they failed to attract as well.” on him,” Smith told a scrum of a bruising four-game road trip star free agents like Kevin While a gobsmacking reporters in the locker room, that proves there is no rest for Durant and Kyrie Irving in the 129-92 loss against the Denver prior to Saturday night’s weary. 08 SPORT MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 Jones survives scare to win home event REUTERS Jones’s ball was in The Australian SYDNEY a bunker when the roar went up for Oost- Open scores Sydneysider Matt Jones won his huizen’s final putt but second Australian Open title in the Australian was SYDNEY: Leading final round four years yesterday after a unaware that the scores at the Australian Open two-under-par 69 in the final South African had at The Australian Golf Club in round proved just enough for a picked up an eagle and Sydney yesterday (par 71, AUS one-shot victory over major his second shot ended unless stated, *denotes winner Louis Oosthuizen. up in a rough patch of amateur): There was late drama when bark. His third shot got Oosthuizen finished with an him back on the 269 - Matt Jones eagle to draw within a shot of the fairway, however, and 67-65-68-69 lead but Jones, despite finding a a well-judged chip 270 - Louis Oosthuizen bunker from the 18th tee, held Matt Jones walked onto the green gave (RSA) 68-66-70-66 his nerve to nail a five-foot par hand-in-hand with one him a short putt to 275 - Aaron Pike 71-66- putt on the final green and secure clinch his third profes- 69-69, *Takumi Kanaya (JPN) the title. of his daughters at one sional title. 65-69-70-71 Jones, the overnight leader, point and the back-nine South African 276 - *Yu Chun-an (TPE) ended on 15-under 269 for tour- birdies duly arrived at Oosthuizen, using the 65-70-74-67, Greg Chalmers nament to raise the Stonehaven tournament to warm 71-68-70-67, Denzel Ieremia Cup for the second time at The the 13th and 14th holes up for next week’s (NZL) 69-65-71-71, Paul Casey Australian Golf Club, where he with the Australian Presidents Cup in Mel- (ENG) 68-65-71-72, Cameron is a member and also secured his looking to have sealed bourne, shot a 66 for Tringale (USA) 69-65-69-73 2015 triumph. the title when he nailed second place with 277 - Deyen Lawson 72-65- “It’s very special when it’s Australian golfer Matt Jones holds the Aaron Pike (69) and 74-66, Marc Leishman 69-67- your national Open and to do it a 30-foot putt for trophy after winning the Australian Japan’s Takumi 70-71, Jamie Arnold two times is something that’s another at the 17th. Open in Sydney yesterday. Kanaya (71) in third 70-71-64-72 pretty unbelievable right now,” place a further five 278 - Richard Green 72-67- said the Arizona-based shots back on 68-71, Jason Scrivener 39-year-old. nine-under. 68-71-68-71 “It’s a great honour and to be blanketed the course over the Australian Open. Jones had holes with the Australian looking Jones, Queenslander Pike 279 - Shae Wools-Cobb on a trophy with Jack (Nicklaus) first two rounds of the tour- picked up at least three shots to have sealed the title when he and amateur world number one 69-65-72-73 and Gary (Player) and Greg nament but blustery winds over the back nine in the first nailed a 30-foot putt for another Kanaya also earned spots at next 280 - Cory Crawford (Norman) and Adam (Scott), Rory cleared the skies over the three rounds so would have been at the 17th. year’s British Open with Oost- 71-69-69-71, Stephen Allan (McIlroy), Jordan (Speith) is weekend. confident of victory when he It was not going to be that huizen enjoying a lifetime 70-68-72-70, Dimitrios Papa- something that I’ll be able to look The wind brings its own turned around at level par with straightforward, however, and exemption after his 2010 datos 67-66-75-72, David back on later in life and be very problems to the suburban layout his three-shot overnight lead Oosthuizen, who had also picked triumph at the major. England’s Bransdon 71-66-70-73, Blake proud of.” but it appears few players are intact. up three birdies on the back nine, Paul Casey, the highest-ranked Windred 68-68-70-74 Players had complained of better equipped to deal with He walked hand-in-hand triggered a late scare with an player in the field at world 281 - Maverick Antcliff visibility problems and stinging them than Jones, who has fin- with one of his daughters at one eagle three at the last that left number 14, finished in a share of 71-70-73-67, Darren Beck eyes when smoke from the bush- ished first-second-first on his point and the back-nine birdies Jones needing to par the final fifth on eight-under after a final 71-69-71-70 fires raging around Sydney last three visits home for the duly arrived at the 13th and 14th hole for victory. round 72. Hero World AFP Challenge MIAMI Stenson’s eagle-eye scores Sweden’s Henrik Stenson snatched a dramatic victory at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, conjuring a late eagle to win by one shot ahead of Spain’s Jon Rahm. seals Bahamas victory MIAMI: Leading final-round Stenson, who started the day one off the lead, carded a six-under-par 66 to finish scores in the Hero World on 18 under with a four-round aggregate 270 at Albany Golf Club in New Providence. Challenge golf tournament Stenson’s win came after a brilliant eagle three on the par-five 15th, the 43-year-old hosted by Tiger Woods at nailing his second from the fairway to within a few inches for the easiest of tap-ins. Albany Golf Club in New The eagle gave Stenson the lead after earlier birdies on the 10th and 13th holes fol- Providence, Bahamas (USA lowed a bogey six on the ninth. unless noted, par-72): “Obviously the shot of the day was that five-wood to a couple of inches on 15, so I was very pleased about that,” said Stenson, who hasn’t won on either the European 270 - Henrik Stenson Tour or PGA tour since the Wyndham Championship in August of 2017. (SWE) 69-67-68-66 Although the Tiger Woods-hosted Hero World Challenge isn’t an official PGA 271 - Jon Rahm (ESP) Tour tournament, it does offer world ranking points that will provide a boost to 70-66-69-66 former No. 2 Stenson, who was ranked 40th coming into the week. 272 - Patrick Reed Rahm, who had started the day one shot off of Stenson, carded a six-under-par 66-66-74-66 66. The Spaniard had also entered the reckoning for the title after a strong finish 274 - Tiger Woods which included a birdie-eagle-birdie sequence on the 14th, 15th and 16th holes. Rahm 72-66-67-69 finished on 17 under. 275 - Justin Rose (ENG) Patrick Reed meanwhile bounced back from his controversial third round display 69-70-71-65, Justin Thomas -- when he was slapped with a two-shot penalty for improving his lie -- to finish 69-69-67-70 with a closing 66. Reed reeled off five birdies and four pars over the back nine to 276 - Kevin Kisner 71-70- reignite his challenge, eventually finishing third on 16 under, two off the lead. 70-65, Gary Woodland Tournament host Tiger Woods meanwhile was unable to mount a decisive final 66-69-68-73 round charge, posting a three-under-par 69 to end in fourth place on 14 under. Woods 278 - Rickie Fowler looked poised for a strong challenge after reaching the turn at three under after three 69-69-72-68 birdies and no bogeys. But although he picked up a fourth birdie on the 11th, a bogey 281 - Tony Finau 79-68- on the 14th stymied his challenge and he was unable to carve out any more chances. 69-65, Xander Schauffele England’s Justin Rose and Justin Thomas finished tied for fifth place on 13 under. 73-70-70-68, Webb Simpson Rose moved up the leaderboard after a roller coaster round which included nine 73-68-71-69 birdies and two bogeys for a seven-under-par 65. 283 - Chez Reavie 68-73-69-73 Henrik Stenson of Sweden poses with the trophy after winning the Hero World Challenge at Albany in Nassau, Bahamas. Presidents Cup: US look to extend reign

REUTERS the US tyranny. With 10 Americans in and counts the 1998 and 2011 Jason Day, pulled Tiger Woods of the United MELBOURNE the world’s top 20 compared to just tournaments among his eight out of the Inter- States lines up a putt on Adam Scott for the Internationals, the Presidents Cups as a player. national team A biennial tournament that has struggled US might have little need of a seasoned The team’s three Australians the 9th hole during the with a back for relevance under a heavy weight of Presidents Cup campaigner to get the -- Scott, Marc Leishman and ﬁnal round of the Hero problem. American supremacy will roar back into job done. Cameron Smith -- also know World Challenge at Albany On paper, the life when Tiger Woods returns to the They have exactly that in Woods, their way around the sandbelt but in Nassau, Bahamas. Americans Presidents Cup as a playing captain at however. they are well aware that local should have Royal Melbourne this week. He played the course in 1998 when knowledge counted for little in more than The 15-time major champion missed the US suffered their lone Presidents Cup 2011. enough fire- the 2015 tournament and was a non- defeat and returned 13 years later to roll Four of the five Australians in power to extend playing assistant two years ago when in the winning putt at the 2011 the 2011 Team International their winning Steve Stricker’s United States steam- tournament. bombed in front of home fans, streak but the rolled the Internationals 19-11 at Liberty “On paper, we certainly have the with Robert Allenby infamously strange alchemy National. advantage in the world rankings,” blaming his playing partners for of team events Woods, though, used one of his four Woods said last month. his failure to earn a point. can do unusual captain’s picks on himself and will be “(But) when you start out on Once heavily stacked with things. front and centre at the famed sandbelt Thursday, it’s 0-0. We have to go out Australians and South Africans, Most of Team course, calling the shots in the locker and win this Cup.” the team representing the world International are room and out on the fairways as the vis- Webb Simpson was also part of the outside the Ryder Cup nations has at the Australian Open in Sydney over at least free of the itors bid for an eighth straight title. 19-15 win in 2011 and can offer tips to a more cosmopolitan look this time the weekend. scars of past thrashings. If they start well Now 43, Woods may not take a big his younger team mates. round. All of the US team barring Dustin and fire up an Australian crowd who playing load while juggling management The youthful Internationals have Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, Mexican Johnson warmed up at Woods’s charity proved far too polite to the Americans duties but his presence is a bonanza for seven debutants compared to five for Abraham Ancer and Li Haotong of China invitational, the Hero World Challenge, in 2011, they could make a decent organisers and certain to bring huge the visitors and will be looking to fully will all represent their nations for the in the Bahamas before making the long- contest of it. Pan described the Interna- crowds flooding to the usually sleepy exploit every advantage they can muster. first time at the tournament, along with haul flight to Melbourne. tionals as young and “fearless”. bayside suburb of Black Rock. They will lean heavily on captain Taiwan’s CT Pan. The US suffered a considerable blow “We have a great opportunity and It also spells trouble for an Interna- Ernie Els, who set the course record at Els has been at pains to build cama- when Brooks Koepka was a late with- plus we have a home advantage,” he tionals team short on quality and expe- Royal Melbourne’s composite layout raderie for the team and coaxed many drawal due to injury, while one of his said. “Obviously, history tells a lot, but rience that appears ill-equipped to end when he shot a 12-under 60 in 2004 of them Down Under early to compete predecessors as world number one, what we are looking at is our future.” MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 09

SPORTS DIARY FOR DECEMBER 9 TO Lara, Kallis to feature in Qatar JANUARY 3: Monday, December 9 MULTI-SPORT EVENTS: Southeast Asian Games, Philippines (until December 11) Tuesday, December 10 Celebrity Cricket League FOOTBALL: UEFA Champions League, group stage matchday six MULTI-SPORT EVENTS: Southeast Asian Games, Philippines (until December 11) Wednesday, December 11 ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA FOOTBALL: UEFA Champions League, group stage matchday six; Club World Cup first round, Al Sadd (QAT) vs Hienghene (NCL), Doha Twelve selected players from CRICKET: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test (WTC) at Rawalpindi (until December Qatar will get a chance to brush 15); India vs West Indies, 3rd T20 at Hyderabad shoulders with cricket legends led MULTI-SPORT EVENTS: Southeast Asian Games, Philippines (ends) by Brain Lara at the Qatar Thursday, December 12 Celebrity Cricket League (QCCL) FOOTBALL: Europa League group stage, matchday six T20 Match on December 20, it was CRICKET: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 1st Test (WTC) at Rawalpindi (until December announced yesterday. 15); Australia v New Zealand, 1st Test (D/N) at Perth (until December 16) Legends from Australia, West GOLF: Presidents Cup at Melbourne, Australia (until December 15) Indies, England, India, Sri Lanka, Friday, December 13 Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and CRICKET: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 1st Test (WTC) at Rawalpindi (until December New Zealand will play the T20 15); Australia v New Zealand, 1st Test (D/N) at Perth (until December 16) match. GOLF: Presidents Cup at Melbourne, Australia (until December 15); USPGA QBE The T20 match will be Qatar Cricket Association President, Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari addressing a press conference in the presence of Shootout in Florida (until December 15) between Team Hope and Team QMission Founder & CEO Sheikha Sara Nasser A Al Thani in Doha yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA Challengers and each team will RUGBY UNION: European club cups, group stage, matchday four; Cape Town consist of six international legends of the capabilities and contribu- Nafees of Bangladesh. cricket legends and giving them Sevens (until Dec 15) and six locally selected players. tions of the differently-able Also coming to Doha is the a chance to play the game with Saturday, December 14 Qatar Cricket Association people in the society, legends of Oman duo of Adnan Ilyas and such great sportsmen,” she CRICKET: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 1st Test (WTC) at Rawalpindi (until December (QCA) President, Yousef Jeham Al cricket from 11 countries will fly Amir Ali along with Sri Lanka’s added. 15); Australia v New Zealand, 1st Test (D/N) at Perth (until December 16) Kuwari addressing a press con- to Qatar and play a one- off Chamara Kapugedera and Tillaka- The QCCL will be give the RUGBY UNION: European club cups, group stage, Round 4; Cape Town Sevens ference in the presence of friendly T20 cricket match on ratne Dilshan budding cricketers from Qatar an (until Dec 15) QMission Founder & CEO Sheikha December 20,” said Al Kuwari. Former Kenyan international opportunity to play with their GOLF: Presidents Cup at Melbourne, Australia (until December 15); Alfred Dunhill Sara Nasser A Al Thani said that QCCL is supported by the Tom Tiklo and now a Devel- favourite legends said the QCA Championship at Leopard Creek, South Africa (until December 15) besides the West Indian great 15 Qatar Cricket Association, opment Director - Board of chief. FOOTBALL: Club World Cup second round first round, Al Hilal (KSA) vs Espe- other well known players of the informed organisers. Control, Cricket Kenya will be “The trails for the bowlers rance (TUN) and Monterrey (MEX) vs Al-Sadd (QAT) or Hienghene (NCL), Doha game from 11 countries will take Along with Lara, other players one of the star attractions of the took place on December 6 while SKI JUMPING: World Cup at Klingenthal, Germany part in the event. who will be seen in action event event. for the batsman the trails will take Sunday, December 15 “To promote social awareness include South Africa’s Jacques Also taking part in the match place on December 13 from 7am Kallis, and New Zealand’s Daniel will be, former Australian all- to 11:30am and from 2pm to 8pm CRICKET: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 1st Test (WTC) at Rawalpindi (ends); Australia v Vettori, India’s Harbajan Singh rounder-turned-coach Tom at the Bravo Cricket Academy, New Zealand, 1st Test (D/N) at Perth (until December 16); India v West Indies, and Mohamed Kaif, Rana Naveed, Moody but as a commentator. He Ezdan Oasis, Al Wukair,” said 1st ODI at Chennai Moin Khan, Imran Nazir, and along with former captain of Christopher Raja, a member of the RUGBY UNION: European club cups, group stage, Round 4, Cape Town Sevens To promote social Abdul Razzak (all of Pakistan), England women team Charlotte organising team. (ends) awareness of the Mohammad Ashraful and Shariar Edwards will be the two star com- GOLF: Presidents Cup at Melbourne, Australia (ends); Alfred Dunhill Champi- mentators of the match, organ- onship at Leopard Creek, South Africa (ends) capabilities and isers informed. Monday, December 16 contributions of “QMission, an events FOOTBALL: UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw; UEFA Europa League the differently-able company, will be hosting this round of 32 draw event as part of its corporate social CRICKET: Australia v New Zealand, 1st Test (D/N) at Perth (ends) people in the society, responsibility and will show their Tuesday, December 17 legends of cricket appreciation to the blue collar ALPINE SKIING: Women’s World Cup giant slalom, Courcheval, France from 11 countries will workers community who have FOOTBALL: Club World Cup, first semi final, Flamengo vs qualifier, Doha ﬂy to Qatar and play been supporting the growth in Qatar over the past many years,” Wednesday, December 18 a one- off friendly said Sheikha Sara. CRICKET: India v West Indies, 2nd ODI at Visakhapatnam T20 cricket match on Brian Lara “A sports event like cricket, FOOTBALL: Club World Cup, second semi-final, Liverpool v qualifier, Doha Jacques Kallis December 20: Yousef which is close to the heart of this Thursday, December 19 Jeham Al Kuwari community will be an amazing CRICKET: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test at Karachi (until December 23) event, bringing them closer to TENNIS: Mubadala championships, Abu Dhabi (until Dec 21) GOLF: EPGA at Australian PGA Championship, Gold Coast (until Dec 22) Friday, December 20 Sri Lanka’s CRICKET: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test at Karachi (until December 23) Simmons anchors chase TENNIS: Mubadala championships, Abu Dhabi (until Dec 21) Lakmal to miss GOLF: EPGA at Australian PGA Championship, Gold Coast (until Dec 22) Pakistan tour Saturday, December 21 as Windies level T20 series FOOTBALL: Club World Cup, final, Doha AFP CRICKET: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test at Karachi (until December 23) COLOMBO, REUTERS West Indies’ Lendl TENNIS: Mubadala championships, Abu Dhabi (ends) NEW DELHI Simmons plays a shot GOLF: EPGA at Australian PGA Championship, Gold Coast (until Dec 22) Sri Lankan fast bowler Suranga during the second Sunday, December 22 Lakmal will miss a two-match West Indies opener Lendl T20 international CRICKET: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test at Karachi (until December 23); India v Test series in Pakistan after Simmons smashed a breezy 67 match against India West Indies at Cuttack, 3rd ODI contracting dengue fever, Sri not out to help secure a series- at the Greenﬁeld GOLF: EPGA at Australian PGA Championship, Gold Coast (until Dec 22) Lanka’s cricket board levelling eight-wicket victory International Monday, December 23 announced yesterday. over India in the second Stadium in CRICKET: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test at Karachi (ends) He will be replaced by Twenty20 International Thiruvananthapuram, Tuesday, December 24 Asitha Fernando, who will join yesterday. yesterday. No major events scheduled the squad for the second match After restricting the hosts to Wednesday, December 25 of the series, the first to be 170-7, the tourists’ big-hitting played in Pakistan for more top order clobbered 12 sixes, No major events scheduled than a decade following a mil- compared to India’s five, and Thursday, December 26 itant attack on a touring Sri chased down the target with CRICKET: Australia v New Zealand at Melbourne, 2nd Test (until Dec 30); South Lankan team in March 2009. nine balls to spare. Africa v England at Centurion, 1st Test (until Dec 30) Sri Lanka have also given India lost Rohit Sharma and Friday, December 27 former skipper Dinesh Chan- fellow opener KL Rahul cheaply FOOTBALL: CAF Champions League group stage, matchday three dimal a chance to fight his way after West Indies captain CRICKET: Australia v New Zealand at Melbourne, 2nd Test (until Dec 30); South back into the national team, Kieron Pollard won the toss and Africa v England at Centurion, 1st Test (until Dec 30) now led by Dimuth elected to field. Saturday, December 28 Karunaratne. Shivam Dube revived the CRICKET: Australia v New Zealand at Melbourne, 2nd Test (until Dec 30); South The 30-year-old Chandimal hosts with his maiden fifty in Africa v England at Centurion, 1st Test (until Dec 30) played his last Test in Australia Twenty20 Internationals, clob- ALPINE SKIING: Men’s World Cup downhill at Bormio, Italy; Women’s World in February. bering four sixes, including Cup giant slalom at Lienz, Austria He was included in the three in a Pollard over. squad that played New Zealand The left-hander made 54 Sunday, December 29 in August but did not play a before throwing his wicket CRICKET: Australia v New Zealand at Melbourne, 2nd Test (until Dec 30); South match. away. Africa v England at Centurion, 1st Test (until Dec 30) In October, half of the 16 Sri Rishabh Pant made 33 not ALPINE SKIING: Men’s World Cup alpine combined at Bormio, Italy; Women’s Lankan players originally out but most of the Indian World Cup slalom at Lienz, Austria named to play in a limited overs batsmen struggled against the SCOREBOARD AMERICAN FOOTBALL: Final weekend of regular NFL season series in to Pakistan refused to clever change of pace by the Monday, December 30 India 2-0-11-1, Holder 4-0-42-1, Williams 4-0- travel, citing security fears. West Indian bowlers and settled CRICKET: Australia v New Zealand at Melbourne, 2nd Test (ends); South Africa The Test squad left Sri for a sub-200 total. R Sharma b Holder ...... 15 30-2 (3w, 2nb), Pollard 2-0-29-0 (3w), v England at Centurion, 1st Test (ends) Lanka Cricket headquarters in Kesrick Williams dismissed KL Rahul c Hetmyer b Pierre ...... 11 Walsh 4-0-28-2 SKI-JUMPING: Four Hills Tournament starts in Oberstdorf, Germany Colombo Sunday after receiving Virat Kohli for 19. S Dube c Hetmyer b Walsh ...... 54 West Indies Tuesday, December 31 blessings from Buddhist monks. Simmons and fellow opener No major events scheduled The first Test will be played Evin Lewis (40) put on 73 runs V Kohli c Simmons b Williams ...... 19 L Simmons not out ...... 67 in Rawalpindi from December to give West Indies a strong R Pant (not out) ...... 33 E Lewis st Pant b Sundar ...... 40 Wednesday, January 1, 2020 11. start, both benefiting from S Iyer c King b Walsh ...... 10 S Hetmyer c Kohli b Jadeja ...... 23 ICE HOCKEY: NHL Winter Classic, Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Nashville v Dallas SKI-JUMPING: Four Hills Tournament event in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany Sri Lanka squad: Dimuth India’s unusually sloppy R Jadeja b Williams ...... 9 N Pooran not out ...... 38 Karunaratne (capt), Oshada catching at Thiruvanan- DARTS: PDC World Championship final Fernando, Kusal Mendis, thapuram’s Greenfield Interna- W Sundar c & b Cottrell ...... 0 Extras (NB1, W4) ...... 5 Thursday, January 2 Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chan- tional Stadium. D Chahar (not out) ...... 1 Total (2 wkts) ...... 173 GOLF: USPGA Tournament of Champions, Hawaii (until January 5) dimal, Kusal Perera, Lahiru Kohli took a spectacular Extras (LB3, NB2, W13) ...... 18 Fall of wickets: 1-73, 2-112 Friday, January 3 Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de catch near the rope to send Total (7 wkts)...... 170 Bowling: Chahar 3 3-0-35-0 (2w), Kumar CRICKET: Australia v New Zealand at Sydney, 3rd Test Match (until January 7); Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dil- back Shimron Hetmyer but Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-56, 3-97, 4-120, 4-0-36-0, Sundar 4-0-26-1 (1w), Chahal South Africa v England at Cape Town, 2nd Test match (until January 7) ruwan Perera, Lasith Simons and Nicholas Pooran, TENNIS: ATP Cup in Australia (until January 12) 5-144, 6-164, 7-167 3-0-36-0 (1w), Dube 2-0-18-0 (1nb), Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara, who made 38 out, batted sen- GOLF: USPGA Tournament of Champions, Hawaii (until January 5) Vishwa Fernando, Kasun sibly, completing the victory Bowling: Cottrell 4-0-27-1 (3w), Pierre Jadeja 2-0-22-1 Rajitha, and Lakshan Sandakan. with minimum fuss. 10 SPORT MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019

Messi hat-trick breaks La Liga EPL: Vardy fires title-chasing record as Barca put five past Leicester to club record win Mallorca

AFP AFP LONDON MADRID

Leicester closed the gap on Lionel Messi broke yet another Premier League leaders record by hitting his 35th La Liverpool as Jamie Vardy Liga hat-trick on Saturday as extended his red-hot streak with Barcelona thrashed Real a brace in yesterday’s record- Mallorca 5-2 to keep pace with breaking 4-1 rout of Aston Villa. Real Madrid at the top of the Brendan Rodgers’ second- table. placed side moved within eight A trio of vintage Messi fin- points of Liverpool thanks to ishes contributed to five goals from Vardy, Kelechi Ihea- stunning Barca goals, the best nacho and Jonny Evans at Villa of them arguably belonging to Park. Luis Suarez, whose brilliant Jack Grealish had reduced backheel capped a free-flowing the deficit to 2-1 late in the first move, involving seven different half, but Leicester cruised to an players. eighth consecutive top-flight Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy (left) But at the end of a week in victory, setting a new club record celebrates after scoring the opening which Messi claimed a record that smashed the previous best goal during the English Premier League sixth Ballon d’Or, the Argen- from the 1962-63 season. match against Aston Villa at Villa Park in tinian etched his name into the Vardy has now scored in Birmingham, central England, yesterday. history books again after eight consecutive Premier pulling clear of Cristiano Ron- League appearances and is the aldo’s 34 La Liga hat-tricks to competition’s top scorer with 16 stand alone. goals this term. The 32-year-old The efforts of Messi and striker’s blistering run has given Suarez overshadowed Antoine him a chance of equalling his Griezmann’s opener but that sequence of scoring in 11 suc- campaign. “I thought they were team in front of us.” Vardy main- side a lifeline in first half the 68th minute when Jonjo was impressive too, the cessive matches during Leices- amazing, it is a historical day for tained his superb form to put stoppage-time when Villa’s Shelvey headed in substitute Frenchman applying a sump- ter’s 2015-16 title-winning the club and the performance Leicester ahead in the 21st captain shot past Kasper Sch- Andy Carroll’s cross, giving the tuous chip after being assisted warranted that,” Rodgers said. minute. meichel after Leicester failed to midfielder three goals in his last by his own goalkeeper Marc- English Premier League “It really does mean some- Latching onto a fine pass clear. three games. Andre ter Stegen. English Premier League results thing special, it puts the team in from Iheanacho and, with the But Evans restored Leices- And Federico Fernandez An exhibition of creativity yesterday: the history books of Leicester injured Tyrone Mings unable to ter’s two-goal advantage in the won it with three minutes left at Camp Nou allowed for the Aston Villa 1 (Grealish 45) Leicester 4 City.” Leicester’s surge up the sprint back, Vardy had space to 49th minute when the defender when he tapped in after Sean occasional lapse in defence and (Vardy 21, 75, Iheanacho 41, Evans 49) table, after 12 wins from their last round Tom Heaton before stum- met Maddison’s corner with a Longstaff’s long-range effort was Mallorca’s Ante Budimir twice Newcastle 2 (Shelvey 68, Fernandez 87) 14 league games, has made them bling over the ball. towering header for his first goal fumbled by Saints keeper Alex reduced the deficit to 2-1 and Southampton 1 (Ings 52) unexpected title contenders Quickly recovering his since February. McCarthy. 4-2, even if a comeback never Norwich 1 (Tettey 27) Sheffield United 2 again and leaves them in position footing, the striker glided past Vardy put the result beyond Newcastle are up to 10th looked likely. (Stevens 49, Baldock 52) to qualify for the Champions Ezri Konsa to slot home from doubt in the 75th minute as he place, while Southampton sit Instead, Messi underlined Played on Saturday League. inside the six-yard box. raced clear of the Villa defence third bottom. his status as the world’s finest Jurgen Klopp’s men remain After bagging the winner to drill past Heaton. Sheffield United came from footballer with another sublime Bournemouth 0 Liverpool 3 (Oxlade- heavy title favourites and the against Everton last Sunday, Newcastle fought back to behind to win 2-1 at second- performance, instant evidence Chamberlain 35, Keita 44, Salah 54) acid test of Leicester’s creden- Nigerian forward Iheanacho make it two consecutive wins bottom Norwich. for why he was presented with Everton 3 (Richarlison 5, Calvert-Lewin tials will come with successive struck again in the 41st with a 2-1 success against Norwich took the lead in the his latest Ballon d’Or trophy on 49, 84) Chelsea 1 (Kovacic 52) fixtures against Manchester City minute. Southampton. 27th minute through captain the pitch before kick-off. Manchester City 1 (Otamendi 85) Manchester and Liverpool over Christmas. Teed up by a sweeping Danny Ings gave South- Alexander Tettey’s powerful Messi now has 12 goals this United 2 (Rashford 23-pen, Martial 29) “We will just concentrate on Leicester move, James Maddison ampton a 52nd-minute lead at finish for his first Premier League season, the highest in the Tottenham 5 (Kane 4, 54, Moura 9, Son playing as well as we can and surged into the Villa area and St James’ Park, the striker goal since 2016. division and one ahead of Real 32, Sissoko 74) Burnley 0 with a performance level as high delivered a fine cross that Ihea- running onto Jack Stephens’ long Enda Stevens equalised for Madrid’s Karim Benzema, who Watford 0 Crystal Palace 0 as we can,” Rodgers added. nacho turned in from close pass to notch his fifth goal in his United in the 49th minute with had scored one and set up Playing Today “Wherever we are in the range. last five appearances. a header from George Baldock’s another in an equally com- West Ham vs Arsenal (2000 GMT) table we always look to chase the Grealish gave Dean Smith’s But Newcastle were level in cross. fortable 2-0 victory over Espanyol a few hours earlier. It means Madrid and Bar- celona are back level on points at the top of the table, with Neymar inspires PSG to comeback victory Barca ahead on goal difference. Sevilla, in third, are four points AFP from a free-kick in a similar further back. PARIS position when his effort struck Benzema’s own irresistable the upright, before the world’s form in parallel with Messi adds Paris Saint-Germain Neymar scored a sublime free- two most expensive players an intriguing sub-plot to the forward Neymar kick and set up another goal as combined to supply Mauro Icardi upcoming Clasico on December Paris Saint-Germain rallied to scores a goal against for the third goal in a seven- 18, which looks increasingly beat 10-man Montpellier 3-1 on Montpellier’s goalkeeper minute blitz. Played into space likely to decide who will sit first Saturday and restore their lead Geronimo Rulli during down the left flank by Neymar, over the Christmas break. at the top of Ligue 1 to eight the French L1 match at Mbappe clipped a delightful La Liga’s most successful points. the Mosson Stadium in cross with the outside of his right duo also appear to have Montpellier, unbeaten at Montpellier, southeastern boot for Icardi to volley home overcome their rocky starts, home since the opening day of France on Saturday. from eight yards. with both now hitting their the season, grabbed the lead on “It was a very difficult first stride ahead of what is shaping 41 minutes at the Stade de la half. We didn’t show our true up to be a crunch meeting in 11 Mosson when Daniel Congre’s colours but we had a good days time. header was diverted into his own reaction in the second half,” said Messi in this mood will be net by the hand of Argentine PSG captain Thiago Silva. hard to stop. For his first goal, midfielder Leandro Paredes. “Neymar is going to get back he cut in from the right and bent PSG had failed to win on any to his level bit by bit. He’s not the ball into the top left-hand of their last three trips to there yet. He’s coming back from corner and his second was Montpellier and were forced into a significant injury. I hope he will almost a carbon copy, Suarez a pair of early changes as Presnel be ready for the key phase of the setting it back for Messi to hit Kimpembe and Idrissa Gueye season, namely March and April. the same spot. In between, hobbled off with injuries. He’s going to help his team.” Budimir latched onto an But the dismissal of Pedro There was concern in the excellent reverse pass by Salva Mendes on 72 minutes for a closing stages in Montpellier Sevilla to briefly give Mallorca second yellow card after he down and curled the resulting season to bring PSG level. forward cutting inside Arnaud when PSG goalkeeper Keylor hope after Griezmann had scythed down Neymar proved free-kick from 25 yards beyond Neymar then slipped a ball Souquet and lashing inside the Navas was struck on the head by opened the scoring, racing onto the turning point. Geronimo Rulli and into the top through to Kylian Mbappe in the far post to put the visitors ahead. a water bottle thrown from the Ter Stegen’s through ball and The Brazilian dusted himself corner for his sixth goal this Montpellier area, the French Neymar almost netted again stands. scooping it over Manolo Reina. United down City 2-1 in Manchester derby

AFP win after Jurgen Klopp’s men behind Liverpool, who have won United started the evening match late header sparking a frantic many chances... we should have LONDON coasted to a 3-0 victory on Eng- 15 of their 16 league games. No buoyed by their victory against wave of City attacks but they been three or four up but for land’s south coast but they suc- side has ever gone on to win the Spurs in midweek and were failed to find an equaliser and some good goalkeeping.” Manchester United delivered a cumbed to United’s lightning- title after being as many points immediately on the front foot, United moved up to fifth in the A disappointed Pep Guar- potentially fatal blow to quick attacks, losing 2-1. behind the top side at the end of pouring forward at frightening table. diola, whose side remained in Manchester City’s Premier Earlier, Jose Mourinho’s Tot- a day. pace. “We’ll remember this one. third spot, said it was “not time” League title hopes on Saturday tenham blitzed Burnley 5-0, with But the match was over- Marcus Rashford opened the We look so dangerous when we to think about the title race. after leaders Liverpool secured Son Heung-min scoring a sen- shadowed by unsavoury inci- scoring from the penalty spot in get the ball and go forward “We have to think about the Christmas number one spot sational individual goal, while dents, with United midfielder the 23rd minute and Anthony against arguably the best team what we have to do and think with victory against Bourne- fourth-placed Chelsea went Fred hit by objects thrown from Martial doubled the visitors’ lead in the world,” Solskjaer told the about the next game,” he told Sky mouth. down 3-1 to Everton at Goodison the crowd and footage on social six minutes later. BBC. Sports. Defending champions City Park. media appearing to show a City City came back strongly and “They are an unbelievable “Doesn’t matter if six, eight came into the match at the Etihad City’s fourth league defeat of fan making monkey chants. eventually their pressure paid team and to get a result and or 14 points we have to continue. Stadium knowing they had to the season leaves them 14 points Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s off, with Nicolas Otamendi’s defend like we did and create as We are a fantastic team.” MONDAY 9 DECEMBER 2019 SPORT 11

Bahrain’s players throw their coach Helio Souza into the air to celebrate after winning the ﬁnal yesterday.

PICTURES: ANVAR SADATH, MOHAMED FARAG, AGENCIES

A saudi player unsuccessfully shoots at the goal during yesterday’s ﬁnal.

Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia supporters cheer their favourite teams during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup tournament in Doha. SPORT PAGE | 07 PAGE | 10 JoshuaJosh wins Ruiz EPL: Vardy ﬁres remarematcht to reclaim title-chasing heavyweight Leicester to club crown record win

Monday 9 December 2019

Bahraini players celebrate after winning the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup title after defeating Saudi Arabia in the ﬁnal played at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, yesterday. PICTURE: MOHAMED FARAG

The Reds stun three-time champions Saudi Arabia in Doha finale Bahrain clinch maiden Gulf Cup title

FAWAD HUSSAIN Amir H H Sheikh THE PENINSULA Tamim bin Hamad ARABIAN GULF CUP FINALS Al Thani crowns Helio YEAR CHAMPIONS SCORE RUNNERS-UP Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin 2019 Bahrain 1-0 KSA Hamad Al Thani crowned Sousa-coached 2017–18 Oman 0 – 0 (5–4) UAE Bahrain champions 2014 Qatar 2 – 1 KSA Bahrain champions of 24th 2013 UAE 2 – 1 (a.e.t.) Iraq Arabian Gulf Cup after ‘The Reds’ in the eight-team 2010 Kuwait 1 – 0 KSA shocked three-time winners regional event at 2009 Oman 0 – 0 0(6–5) KSA Saudi Arabia 1-0 in a thrilling 2007 UAE 1 – 0 Oman final to clinch their maiden Abdullah Bin Khalifa 2004 Qatar 1 – 1 (6–5) Oman regional trophy yesterday . Stadium. 2003–04 KSA round-robin Bahrain The Father Amir H H Sheikh 2002 KSA round-robin Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H 1998 Kuwait round-robin KSA 1996 Kuwait round-robin Qatar Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al kick off as both the sides made 1994 KSA round-robin UAE Thani, the Personal Represent- wholesale changes to start the 1992 Qatar round-robin Bahrain ative of H H the Amir; H H Sheikh game. 1990 Kuwait round-robin Qatar Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani Bahrain coach Helio Sousa – 1988 Iraq round-robin UAE and H E Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa following a marathon semi-final 1986 Kuwait round-robin UAE Al Thani were also in attendance victory against Iraq on Thursday 1984 Iraq 1 – 1 (4–3) Qatar at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa – decided to start the all- 1982 Kuwait round-robin Bahrain Stadium where a large number important clash with completely 1979 Iraq round-robin Kuwait of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain fans a new side but Saudi Arabia took 1976 Kuwait 4 – 2 Iraq 1974 Kuwait 4 – 0 KSA were also present. early grip of the game after Bahraini defender Sayed Redha Isa (right) and coach Helio Souza celebrate after winning the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup ﬁnal 1972 Kuwait round-robin KSA Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabia Frenchman Renard made three 1970 Kuwait round-robin Bahrain – appearing in their seventh final changes, fielding winger Salem yesterday. of the regional tournament – Al Dawsari, Al Faraj and dominated the title-deciding defending midfielder Ziyad Al In the first 30 minutes, the header was tipped off by goal- Sousa’s Bahrain, however, minutes off stoppage t titime as ththeir i match – but Bahrain were Sahafi in the side. ‘Green Falcons’ were clearly keeper Fawaz Al Qarni. remained undaunted and started avid fans erupted in jubilation rewarded for showing strong As expected, the game got off dominating the proceedings with Saudi Arabia were denied to launch attacks from the right after the final whistle. nerves in tense moments as they to a fast start with both teams 65 percent of ball possession. their second penalty after striker side and went ahead from one of UAE striker Ali Mabkhout, finally got their name on the win- striving for early control of the They made plenty of more attacks Abdullah Al Hamdan – who those attacks after Al Rumaihi who scored five goals including ner’s list in their fifth final. title clash. Al Hilal star Al after a missed penalty with scored the winning goal against fired them ahead in the 69th a hat-trick against Yemen, took Striker Mohamed Al Dawsari, coming back from Bahrain attack yet to pose a real Qatar in the semi-final on minute. the top scorer award while Saudi Rumaihi’s slick goal in the second injury, soon made his presence threat against them. Thursday – appeared to be The 29-year-old striker was Arabia’s midfielder Abdullah Atif half, which left the Saudi Arabian felt by firing a right-footed drive Reckless tackles from both tripped by Faisal Al Humaidan in perfect position to deflect a and goal-keeper Al Qarni were fans in silence, proved to be the from outside the box that struck the sides continued to hamper the but VAR verdict decided against cross from Al Humaidan as he named as the best player and best trophy-winning goal as ‘The the top bar. fast pace of the game resulting in it as stalemate continued till tapped the ball past goalkeeper goalkeeper of the tournament. Green Falcons’ were left ruing a Renard’s side soon won a cautions to Saudi Arabia’s Sultan halftime. Fawaz for a 1-0 lead. The tournament - which saw missed penalty in the first half by penalty after Al Dawsari was Al Ghanam and Al Faraj while Renard rotated his defense Saudi Arabia threw every- packed stadiums throughout the captain Salman Mohammed Al brought down by striker Jasim Bahrain defender Ahmed Nabeel line after the break with Talal thing to bounce back in the game 15 matches - marked another Faraj. Ahmed inside the box in the 11th was also handed a yellow card Al-Absi coming in for Mohamed but a formidable Bahrain defense successful organisation by Qatar Fans from both the nations - minute, but the opportunity to by Swiss referee Lionel Tschudi. Khbrani as the play in start of the closed out gaps to deny Saudi sports authorities following who flew to Doha in large grab an early lead was wasted as With five minutes left in the second was also concentrated in Arabia. blockbuster events like IAAF numbers ahead of the final - captain Al Faraj hit the ball wide half time, ‘The Reds’ gave first the Bahrain half with Saudi ‘The Reds’ held their nerves World Athletics Championships started to build up the intriguing much to the delight of the Bah- scare to Renard’s side when Arabia pushing the ‘Men in Red’ and cancelled out raging attacks and ANOC World Beach Games clash a couple of hours before the raini fans. striker Mahdi Al Humaidan’s back. from the Saudis in entire six in October.