SPORTSunday 2 December 2018

PAGE | 08 PAGE | 10Lakers rally

past Mavericks; Rockets romp

over Spurs

Woods avoids penalty for double hitting a shot during Hero Challenge

River Plate say no to Mardid finalAFP BUENOS AIRES

River Plate said yesterday that they have refused to play the Copa Liber-tadores final against Boca Juniors in Madrid.

The match between the Argentine arch-rivals has been moved to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium after it was twice postponed last weekend after River Plate fans attacked the Boca Juniors team bus.

The match is due to be played in the Spanish capital on December

9, but River Plate said they “con-firmed their rejection of the change of location”.

In a statement on the club’s website, River said it was “incompre-hensible” that the game had been moved to Spain. River said the club bore no responsibility for the “faults in the security operation” for the high profile fixture in Buenos Aires.

“It is incomprehensible that the superclasico cannot take place as normal in the same country where a G20 summit is currently taking place,” the club added.

World leaders including US

President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are attending the G20 summit in the Argentine capital this weekend.

Several hours before River put out their statement, Boca Juniors said they were going to appeal against the decision to move the match to Madrid to the South American football federation CON-MEBOL, and eventually to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Several Boca Juniors players including Pablo Perez needed hos-pital treatment for injuries caused by shards of glass and others

complained about the effects of inhaling teargas.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said yesterday that “idiots ruined the party” for everyone at the Copa Libertadores.

“I was here last Saturday,” Infantino said at a press conference at the G20 summit. It was a sad moment for everyone. It is a football match. It is not a war, not even a battle. We have to work to find out who are the people to blame. You have to identify them and get them out (of football).”

The general view of River Plate’s fans inside the

Antonio Vespucio Liberti Stadium in Buenos Aires,

Argentina before the Copa Libertadores Final - Second leg match in this

November 24, 2018 file photo.

Villa unites with former

Barca team-mate

Iniesta at Vissel KobeREUTERS TOKYO

Former Barcelona forward David Villa announced yesterday he will be joining Spanish compatriot Andres I n i e s t a a n d German World Cup winner Lukas P o d o l s k i a t J .League club Vissel Kobe next season.

The 36-year-old, who won the 2008 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup with Spain, said he would be leaving New York City FC after scoring 80 goals in 124 games for the Major League Soccer side.

Villa made the announcement on YouTube and the move was later confirmed by Kobe in a statement.

“It’s decided,” he said in a video. “I have a new destination. A great challenge awaits.

“New country. New culture. New team-mates. Hello Japan. Hello Vissel Kobe.”

Villa was Iniesta’s team mate during a very successful period for the Spanish giants and won two La Liga titles and the Cham-pions League in 2011.

Iniesta scored on Saturday as Kobe wrapped up their J.League season with a 3-2 victory over Vegalta Sendai, finishing 10th in the 18-team league.

Barcelona’s Iniesta celebrates with team-mate David Villa after scoring a goal in this file photo.

Netherlands crush Malaysia as Pakistan go down fighting at Hockey WorldsFIH BHUBANESWAR, INDIA

Netherlands made a big statement against Malaysia and Germany edged to a narrow victory over a well-organised Pakistan side on day four of the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018.

The Netherlands were a cut above Malaysia in the first two periods of the day’s opening match, showing brilliant movement to cause the team from Asia no end of problems. Jeroen Herzberger’s remarkable return from the international wilderness continued, with the 32-year-old forward scoring two wonderful backhand finishes either side of

supplying a perfect pass for Mirco Pruijser to score as the Dutch raced into a 3-0 half time lead. It was an advantage that would cer-tainly have been bigger were it not for veteran Malaysia goal-keeper Kumar Subramiam, who made numerous crucial saves to stop the Netherlands from running riot.

The Dutch continued their dominance after half time, with Mirco Pruijser and Billy Bakker both hitting the frame of the goal before Mink van der Weerden scored a penalty corner drag-flick to make it 4-0. The score was moved to 5-0 before the end of the third quarter when Robbert Kemperman volleyed home from close range, making the occasion

of his 200thsenior international appearance even more memo-rable. A further two goals were scored by the rampant Dutch side in the final quarter, with Thierry Brinkman firing home a glorious backhand effort before Odisha Player of the Match Jeroen Herz-berger completed his hat-trick in the final minute of the game. It was a terrific performance from the European champions, who have given early indication that they very much mean business here in Bhubaneswar.

In the next match, Germany and Pakistan could not be sepa-rated in the first two quarters of game in which the defences of both teams excelled.

The match burst into life in

the third quarter, with Germany breaking the deadlock thanks to a wonderfully worked goal that was finished brilliantly by Marco Miltkau, who dived at full stretch to chip the ball over Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Butt and into the unguarded net. The Green Shirts came close to levelling moments later through a sliding Muhammad Zubair, but the Pakistan forward was unable to trouble Germany goalkeeper Tobias Walter with his attempted deflection.

Germany controlled the latter stages of the match to seal the victory, with Mats Grambusch being named the Odisha Player of the Match for his fine per-formance in midfield.

Germany’s Benedikt Furk (left) and Pakistan’s Umar Bhutta fight

for the ball during their group stage match of the 2018 Hockey

World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India, yesterday.

Al Arabi and Al Kharaitiyat players vie for ball possession during their QNB Stars League Round-14 match played at the Al Arabi Stadium yesterday.

QSL: Al Arabi get back to winning waysTHE PENINSULA DOHA

Al Arabi got back to winning ways after beating Al Kharaitiyat 2-1 in Week 14 of the QNB Stars League (QSL) yesterday.

Ahmed Ibrahim (43rd minute) and Mohammed Salah El Neel (49th) scored the goals for Al Arabi.

Valentin Lazar pulled one back for Al Kharaitiyat in the 55th minute.

It was Al Arabi’s sixth victory. Tunisian coach Hatem Al Moaddeb’s men took their points tally to 18, while Al Kharaitiyat stayed on three

points from the victory they registered against Al Gharafa.

The Thunders are precar-iously placed at the bottom of league standings and face relegation.

Al Kharaitiyat had the numerical advantage of playing with 10 men for most part of the game after Majed Aman was given his marching orders in the 42nd minute.

Both teams fought it out in their bid to gain advantage.

Al Kharaitiyat put up a gritty show. In fact they enjoyed more ball possession in the first half (53 per cent) although it was 50-50 at the end of the game.

Ahmed Ibrahim opened the scoring via a header off a free-kick from Tareq Hamad.

Brazilian Diego Jardel, who held the Al Arabi mid-field together, gave the assist

for their second goal scored by El Neel.

Algerian midfielder Jugurtha Hamroun was the livewire among the Al Kharaitiyat ranks. He set the stage for their goal netted by Valentin.

Al Arabi defeated Al Kharaitiyat 1-0 in the first leg.

Today, Al Sadd will meet Al Gharafa at the Al Gharafa Stadium. The venue will later host the Round-14 clach between Al Rayyan and table leaders Al Duhail.

The final match of the day will take place at the Al Arabi Stadium where Al Shahania meets Al Khor.

Yesterday’s ResultAl Arabi 2-1 Al Kharaitiyat

Today’s Matches4.00pm: Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd

at Al Gharafa Stadium6.30pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Duhail

at Al Gharafa Stadium6.30pm: Al Shahania vs Al Khor

at Al Arabi Stadium

QNB STARS LEAGUE

08 SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER 2018SPORT

Lakers rally past Mavericks; Rockets romp over SpursAFP LOS ANGELES

James Harden and Chris Paul combined for 37 points as the Houston Rockets snapped a four-game losing streak by clob-bering the rebuilding San Antonio Spurs 136-105 on Friday.

Harden delivered 23 points and 10 assists while Paul put up 14 points and 10 assists for the Rockets, who won the battle of the struggling Lone Star State teams.

“We’re a confident group when we have all of our players. When we’ve got a healthy roster, we can compete with anybody in the league,” Harden said.

Houston’s Clint Capela led all scorers with 27 points, as the Rockets handed the Spurs their second straight lopsided defeat -- San Antonio lost 128-89 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

The Rockets and Spurs are two former NBA juggernauts who few would have guessed would both be under.500 at this point in the 2018-19 season.

Houston (10-11) have made some key adjustments to their lineup through the first quarter of the season, and Paul’s return after missing three games with a hamstring injury also helped them get back on track Friday.

The Rockets built a large enough lead that they were able to sit their starters for most of the final quarter.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points and DeMar DeRozan added 18 for the Spurs, who have dropped to 10-12 on the season.

The numbers are not good -- the Spurs allowed their biggest point total in a half this season and matched the most points they have allowed in the third quarter. The Rockets scored 70 points in the first half and added 40 points in the third quarter. Houston finished 22 for 54 on three-pointers.

“It sucks to go out there and get embarrassed like that (back to back),” said DeRozan.

It’s been a tough season so

far for San Antonio, who traded away Kawhi Leonard in the spring, saw veteran point guard Tony Parker leave for Charlotte, and then dealt with the retirement of heart-and-soul player Manu Ginobili.

“We’re obviously discom-bobulated on offense,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

“A lot of that has to do with me, so I’ve got to do a better job there. I think defensively we’ve obviously got to shore up our effort and our wisdom at that end of the court. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” - LeBron leads Lakers - Elsewhere, LeBron

James scored 28 points and Tyson Chandler added 13 points as the Los Angeles Lakers snapped the Dallas Mavericks’ three-game winning streak with a 114-103 victory.

“I just locked into the game plan and tried to get some easy shots in,” said Chandler.

Brandon Ingram tallied 19 points and Kyle Kuzma finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds as the Lakers -- who trailed for most of the first three quarters -- improved to 13-9 on the season. In New York, Memphis point guard Mike Conley scored 13 of his team’s 14 points in

double overtime to lead the Griz-zlies past the Brooklyn Nets, 131-125. In the second extra session, Conley shot three-for-three from the field and made all seven of his free throws -- he finished the game with 37 points and 10 rebounds.

Grizzlies rookie Jaren Jackson scored a career-high 36 points for Memphis, who snapped a three-game losing streak.

DeMarre Carroll had 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Nets, whose losing streak hit five games. Elsewhere, Russell West-brook flirted with a triple double

by delivering 23 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Atlanta Hawks, 124-109.

San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) and Houston Rockets centre Clint Capela battle for a rebound during the first half of their NBA Game at AT&T Center on Friday.

Boston 128 Cleveland 95

Utah 119 Charlotte 111

Detroit 107 Chicago 88

Philadelphia 123 Washington 98

Memphis 131 Brooklyn 125

Miami 106 New Orleans 101

Oklahoma City 124 Atlanta 109

Houston 136 San Antonio 105

Orlando 99 Phoenix 85

La Lakers 114 Dallas 103

Denver 113 Portland 112

NBA RESULTS

Barkov scores to help Panthers top SabresREUTERS NEW YORK

Aleksander Barkov scored 2:26 into overtime to lead the host Florida Panthers to a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres in Sunrise, Florida on Friday.

Buffalo’s NHL-best 10-game winning streak ended in a 5-4 loss in Tampa on Thursday, and Barkov eluded Jack Eichel, posi-tioned himself in front of the Buffalo goal in overtime, and buried his ninth goal off a pass from Jonathan Huberdeau to hand the Sabres consecutive losses for the only time in November.

Florida also had goals from Jared McCann and Evgenii Dadonov, and Huberdeau had two assists. The Panthers won their sixth straight against Buffalo.

Huberdeau has 18 points in his last 14 games. Jeff Skinner and Sam Reinhart scored goals for Buffalo, which finished November with an 11-3-1 record.

Ducks 2, Hurricanes 1 Ryan Getzlaf scored just 1:15

into overtime and Anaheim, which trailed for most of the game, defeated host Carolina in Raleigh, N.C., as the Ducks won for the fifth time in their last six games.

Getzlaf produced his seventh goal of the season after Ana-heim’s Pontus Aberg scored with 3:50 remaining in regulation. His shot bounced off Carolina goalie Curtis McElhinney’s shoulder and

into the net. Goalie John Gibson stopped 33 shots for Anaheim. Andrei Svechnikov scored in the first period for Carolina, which had won four of its previous five games.

Flames 4, Kings 1 Mikael Backlund scored

twice in a three-point outing, and

Johnny Gaudreau potted the game-winning goal in the third period as host Calgary beat Los Angeles with Flames goalie Mike Smith needing only 13 saves in winning his second consecutive start.

With the score tied 1-1 despite Calgary dominating all

game, Gaudreau netted a power-play goal at 7:44 of the final frame to take the lead.

Gaudreau, who rang three shots off the post on the night, sent a backhander into the cage for his 10th goal of the season and fourth in six games.

Smith’s biggest save came

early in the third period when it was a 1-1 game -- a clutch diving blocker stop on Dustin Brown.

The Flames, who are on a 5-1-1 run, gave up a season-low 14 shots on goal. By comparison, they fired 18 on the Kings net in the third period alone.

Blues 3, Avalanche 2 Colton Parayko scored a gor-

geous goal with 3:26 left in overtime, and St. Louis overcame the loss of Alexander Steen to beat Colorado in Denver.

Parayko got the game-winner when he beat Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard and managed to knock the puck with a one-handed backhander past Semyon Varlamov. Steen scored before leaving with an injury, Vladimir Tarasenko also had a goal and Joel Edmundson had two assists. Jake Allen had 27 saves for St. Louis. Mikko Ran-tanen and Nikita Zadorov scored for Colorado, which had its six-game winning streak snapped. Varlamov stopped 34 shots.

Capitals 6, Devils 3 Nicklas Backstrom finished

with three goals and an assist as host Washington extended its winning streak to seven games with a victory over New Jersey.

Alex Ovechkin had a goal and two assists while Tom Wilson and Andre Burakovsky each scored. Wilson now has seven goals in the nine games he has played this season.

This also was his 400th career game. But he did not get to stick around for the finish of it. Wilson was ejected when he received a match penalty late in the second period after clipping Brett Seney in what appeared to be the shoulder/neck area on the blindside while skating past him, leaving the Devil on the ice and dazed.

Mackenzie Weegar (52) of the Florida Panthers defends against Johan Larsson of the Buffalo Sabres at the BB&T Center during their NHL game in Sunrise, Florida on Friday.

Cubs tender contract to suspended SS RussellREUTERS NEW YORK

The Chicago Cubs tendered a contract on Friday to suspended shortstop Addison Russell to keep him from becoming a free agent, but president of baseball opera-tions Theo Epstein said that doesn’t guarantee his future with the club.

Russell, who turns 25 in January, was suspended for 40 games late in the 2018 season after his ex-wife accused him of domestic vio-lence. He will miss the first month of the season while serving the remainder of that suspension.

Friday was the deadline to tender contracts to players under club control, but unsigned, for the 2019 season.

“While this decision leaves the door open for Addison to later make an impact for us on the field, it does not represent the finish line nor rubber-stamp his future as a Cub,” Epstein wrote in a lengthy statement.

“It does however reflect our support for him as long as he continues to make progress and demonstrates his commitment to these important issues.”

Russell also issued a statement Friday offering his “heartfelt apology” to those affected by his behavior, including his ex-wife, Melisa Reidy, who described in a blog post in September how he had abused her during their 2 1/2-year marriage.

“Since accepting my sus-pension, I’ve had time to reflect on my past behavior and think about the next steps I need to take to grow as a person,” Russell said.

The Cubs acquired Russell in 2014 as part of a deal that sent pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the Oakland Athletics. Russell has hit.242 with 51 homers and 230 RBIs in 533 career games.

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar Superstock 600 defending champion Saeed Al Sulaiti launched the new season with the fastest times in the first official practice sessions at Losail International Circuit (LIC).

The first official practice sessions fea-tured a total of 22 riders over the weekend.

Al Sulaiti was the fastest rider with a lap time of 2:05.131 on Day 2 during the last session, finishing ahead of veteran rider Mishal Al Naimi, the runner-up of last year’s championship. Al Naimi was second in a time of 2:05.178.

Last season’s Rookie of the Year rider Abdullah Al Qubaisi was third fastest in a time of 2:05.367.

Nasser Al Malki and Hungarian Balint Kovacs completed the top five while Fahad Al Sowaidi, Jassim Al Thani, Kuwaiti Mohammad Al Zaidan, Ali Al Shammari and Kuwaiti Nawaf Al Shuabi finished in the top 10.

The Championship is organised by Losail Circuit Sports Club LCSC) and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) with Pirelli Qatar as sponsor of the championship.

There will be a total of five rounds, with two races at each round and the two categories racing together - QSTK600 and QSTK Trophy.

The first round of the season will be held December 6 and 7.

Al Sulaiti was very happy with the overall results of the official test.

“To be honest, I faced difficult times for this weekend as unfortunately I broke my finger last week while training but I was able to ride and suffer the pain and in the second day when I set the fastest time,” Al Sulaiti said. “I am also really happy with Abdulla’s performance com-pared to last season. He is much faster and for sure that this season there will be more than two riders competing for the championship.

“Thanks to Abdulrahman Al Mannai, the QMMF President, and Khalid Al Remaihi, the LCSC Vice President and General Manager, for their generous support. I also want to thank my sponsors Ooredoo for their continued support,” Al Sulaiti said.

Veteran Qatar rider Al Naimi, despite struggling with front tyre issues, seemed pleased with his practice outings.

“I tried to find a good set up for the bike but we didn’t have enough grip to do a good lap time and I had a problem with the front tyre that was destroyed all the time,” Al Naimi said.

“The bike is working very well and I hope we can make a good result in the opening round. I take this opportunity to thank sponsors Ooredoo for their support and QMMF and Losail Circuit Sports Club for their backing,” Al Naimi said.

Hungarian rider Kovacs is back in Qatar to race in the hugely popular series.

Kovacs, who has been racing at the IDM and Suzuki Cup with a 1000cc bike, said ‘the QSTK championship is a great opportunity to train’.

“It is really nice to race again here.

After racing with the 1000cc it is a bit difficult to get again into the rhythm of the 600cc bike but this test is good to get used to the bike. I am really looking forward for the opening round next weekend,” Kovacs said.

In this season, there are newcomer riders from Kuwati and Australia, organ-isers said.

Out of eight Kuwaiti riders that take part in this championship, Mohammad Al Zaidan is clearly one of the most promising riders.

“I am very happy with the result in the practice. Last week, during the track day, it was different but this time, with the support of all the mechanics, we have got a good set up in the bike and I am really excited to start again another season and join this amazing champi-onship,” Al Zaidan said

“I also would like to thank QMMF and Losail Circuit Sports Club for their support,” he added.

Khalid Al Remaihi, LCSC Vice Pres-ident and General Manager, said: “We are very proud of what we achieved last season and we expect another fierce and strong competition among all the par-ticipants in both categories. He added: “It is great that more riders from abroad are joining our championship and for sure that all of them will give all the best in every race.”

09SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT

QSTK: Al Sulaiti is the fastest in official practice

Qatar Manateq Baja: Allouh and Al Kuwari bag honours in styleTHE PENINSULA DOHA

Veteran driver Ahmed Alloh and co-driver Nasser Al Kuwari yesterday won the fourth round of the 2018 Manateq Qatar National Baja Championship against a strong field.

The hugely popular rally ran for two special stages at Sealine desert in the Southern region of the country.

The total distance the participants covered was of 267km (139km of special stage) before the drivers headed back to the QMMF head-quarters for the podium ceremony in front of the iconic Losail Sports Stadium.

QMMF CEO, Sultan Al Muraikhi, and Manateq Director of the Office of Chief Exec-utive Officer and Public Relations Manager, Ibrahim Bin Issa Al Fadalah, crowned the champions at the prize distribution ceremony.

“I thank God for this great result,” Allouh said yesterday. “I am very pleased. This result has been possible as a culmination of great hard work from me and my team mate,” he added.

“Having Nasser as a co-driver was a great decision. These are my first points despite fea-turing in previous rounds. I am confident I will do event better in the coming rounds,” he said.

“I also give my thanks to QMMF for con-ducting a great event for us drivers. The organ-isation is just brilliant,” Allouh added.

Al Kuwari was thrilled with the outcome.“Today the round was perfect for us,” Al

Kuwari said after the prize distribution cer-emony. “The route device which we all used today was very helpful. In the past the drivers would get lost during the rallies but this year the QMMF gave the drivers a new device which really helped us,” he added.

“Everything was fine today except for one tricky spot where we had to negotiate muddy terrain. All of the drivers were fearful that they might get stuck but I checked with my driver and he said we should go for it. All the partic-ipants got a penalty but we drove through. We didn’t get a penalty,” Al Kuwari said.

“So we are very happy that we got a great result. I am happy that we won despite a strong field. Hopefully I can continue in this fashion. These are home events for us and we want to deliver very good performances,” Al Kuwari said.

Abdullah Al Rabban set the fastest time in stage 1 which ran for almost 70 km, followed

by Mohammed Al Harqan who came second with six minutes back, while Mohammed Al Meer finished the stage in third place.

In the second stage yesterday, Al Harqan emerged the fastest driver ahead of Alloh, who finally won the rally.

Al Harqan finished the stage in second spot while third place went to Mohammed Al Meer.

Despite his fourth place, veteran rally driver Sheikh Hamad bin Eid Al Thani maintained his lead with 57 points in T1 class ahead of Al Meer who has a tally of 42 points. Nayef Al Nasr is third with 40 points.

Some drivers were force to retire yesterday

in the second stage namely Abdullah Rabban stopping due to punctures while Rashid Al Mohannadi got delayed and exceeded the time limit.

Mohammed Al Attiyah suffered mechanical failure (gearbox issues).

The participants featured in three classes: T1, T2 and T3. The last two rounds of the cham-pionship will be held on December 21 and 22.

The sixth and final round on January 18 and 19, 2019.

The first and second round were held on the sidelines of the Qatar Desert Rally, and the third round was held mid-October.

Mishal Al NaimiSaeed Al Sulaiti

A group photograph of the participants in Round 4 of the Qatar Manateq Baja at the prize distribution ceremony held outside QMMF headquarters.

The podium winners in Round 4 of the Qatar Manateq Baja yesterday.

New Force India owner targets top three and a profitREUTERS LONDON

Force India can become a profitable Formula One team fighting for a place in the top three, according to owner Lawrence Stroll.

The Canadian billionaire, who rescued the British-based team from adminis-tration in August, told the New York Times in an interview that he saw Force India as a good business opportunity.

Stroll’s 20-year-old son Lance was confirmed on Friday as one of the drivers and the takeover has been seen as a move to provide him with a more competitive seat than he had at struggling Williams.

“I’m not in this for ego. I’m not in this to lose money. I’m in this for the long term, as I have been with every other business I’ve owned, be it Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors or whoever,” said Stroll senior. The Montreal-based Canadian, who made his fortune by investing in global fashion brands, bought the Mont Tremblant circuit in Quebec 18 years ago and has been closely involved in his son’s career.

His Force India con-sortium includes Canadian entrepreneur Andre Des-marais, Jonathan Dudman, John Idol, telecoms investor John McCaw Jr, Michael de Picciotto and Stroll’s business partner Silas Chou.

Stroll said in the interview, carried out at the season’s penultimate race in Brazil in early November, that he had looked at the numbers and assessed where the sport was going under US-based owners Liberty Media.

“It’s no secret there’s going to be some sort of a budget cap and better cash distribution to the smaller teams,” said Stroll.

“That is still to be clarified how well that works out, but there are all the right rum-blings, and I’ve had enough conversations with (F1 chairman) Chase (Carey) to understand that is the direction they want and need to take the business. For me, that spells financial oppor-tunity, and looking at 2021 onwards, a profitable business opportunity.”

2018-19 CALENDAR:

Round 1 December 6-7, 2018Round 2 December 14-15, 2018Round 3 January 25-26, 2019Round 4 February 8-9, 2019Round 5 March 29-30, 2019

10 SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER 2018SPORT

A boxing bout in progress at the Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro during the 2016 Olympic Games.

IOC President vows to ‘work hard’for boxing in Tokyo 2020 OlympicsAFP TOKYO

The International Olympic Committee will “work hard” to include boxing in the 2020 Games in Tokyo despite freezing prepara-tions over a governance crisis in the sport, the body’s chief said yesterday.

On Friday, the IOC said it was halting preparations for boxing at the 2020 Games and launched a probe into the sport’s troubled gov-erning body -- the International Boxing Association (AIBA).

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, IOC President Thomas Bach declined to promise that

boxing would be part of the 2020 games, but said “we will make all efforts to protect the athletes as we always do.”

He said the IOC had “received a request from the national boxing federation of Japan pleading to have an Olympic boxing tournament. We’re absolutely in line with this request,” he added.

“We want to have one and this is why we will work hard.”

But he said there were ongoing concerns about AIBA, particularly its head -- a controversial Uzbek busi-nessman linked to organised crime by the US Treasury Department. He denies the claims.

AIBA meanwhile said it was

“pleased” that the IOC’s executive board had “acknowledged” its progress, despite the virtually unprecedented decision by the body to freeze progress to include boxing in 2020.

AIBA head Gafur Rakhimov also rejected the suggestion that his listing by the US Treasury Department impacted his ability to run the organisation.

“I can assure the IOC that the situation with US authorities based on false allegations by the previous regime of my country is being addressed and that my legal team is working hard to correct this,” the statement issued late Friday, said.

The IOC’s decision poses

logistical problems for the organisers of the 2020 games, freezing all official contact between AIBA and 2020 organisers, as well as ticket sales, test event planning and final-ising the competition schedule. But Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto said Saturday that while “official level contact” was halted, working-level contact with AIBA would continue.

“Working level contact is allowed, that’s our understanding. So we will liaise, we will keep our collaboration, coordination,” he told reporters after a meeting with the IOC’s executive board in Tokyo.

“We will make efforts in prep-aration so that we have no delay in responding to the eventual decision

which might come to implement the competition (of boxing). Venue preparation will proceed accord-ingly,” he added.

The IOC’s final decision on whether to include boxing in the 2020 programme is not expected until next June, Muto said.

But he sought to reassure ath-letes that Tokyo would be ready if the IOC permitted a boxing tour-nament at the Games.

“Regarding the preparations, no worries, that’s what I want to say to the athletes,” he said.

Relations between the IOC and AIBA took a dive at the 2016 Rio Olympics when 36 officials and ref-erees were suspended amid

allegations of bout fixing. Ties were further battered earlier this month when AIBA elected Rakhimov as leader.

AIBA made a last-ditch bid to persuade the IOC that it had cleaned up its act, issuing a flurry of state-ments lauding its own efforts on financing and judging.

But while the IOC has acknowl-edged progress on judging, refe-reeing and anti-doping, it said there were still a “whole range” of issues on governance. Boxing has an ancient Olympic tradition and has featured at every modern games since 1904, expect the 1912 Games in Stockholm because Swedish law at the time banned the sport.

On Friday, the IOC said it was halting preparations for

boxing at the 2020 Games and launched a probe into

the sport’s governing body - the International Boxing

Association (AIBA)

Boxing has an ancient Olympic tradition and has featured at every modern games since 1904, expect

the 1912 Games in Stockholm because Swedish law at the

time banned the sport.

A young student-rider in action.Woods avoids penalty

for double hitting a shotREUTERS ALBANY, BAHAMAS

Tiger Woods avoided a penalty at the Hero World Challenge on Friday after rules officials deter-mined that a double-hit was not visible in real time.

Slow-motion, high definition television replays showed Woods’ club making contact with the ball at least twice as he scooped it out of a bush on the final hole at Albany in the Bahamas.

Under a rule implemented last year, however, a penalty is not assessed if such an infraction is visible only in slow motion replays.

“In slow motion I did hit it twice but in real time I didn’t feel that at all,” Woods told reporters after shooting 69 to trail second-round leaders Jon Rahm and Henrik Stenson by eight strokes.

Rules official Mark Russell said the incident had been reviewed and that Woods, who

double-bogeyed the hole, was in the clear.

Had the incident occurred before April 2017, Woods would have received a one-stroke penalty.

That was when the game’s gov-erning bodies, the U.S. Golf Asso-ciation and the Royal & Ancient, changed a rule in response to improvements in video technology that were leading to penalties that in previous eras would have been avoided.

“If the committee concludes that such facts could not rea-sonably have been seen with the naked eye and the player was not otherwise aware of the potential breach, the player will be deemed not to have breached the rules, even when video technology shows otherwise,” the rule said.

From Jan. 1, when major revi-sions of the rule book will be implemented, there will be no penalty for accidentally hitting a ball more than once on a single stroke.

Rahm, Stenson tied for halfway lead at Hero REUTERS ALBANY, BAHAMAS

Jon Rahm shot a nine-under-par 63 to share the lead with Henrik Stenson at the halfway mark of the Hero World Challenge on Friday while Tiger Woods’ round came undone at the last where he avoided a penalty for a double hit but still carded a double-bogey.

Swede Stenson’s 66 saw him match Rahm at 10-under 134, one shot ahead of Americans Dustin Johnson and Patrick Cantlay.

Patrick Reed went from equal first to nearly last with a 77 that left him eight shots back at Albany in the Bahamas.

Rahm, who has played a heavy late-year schedule since helping Europe to victory at the Ryder Cup in September, said his game had been dialled in.

“I missed one fairway, I believe (and) that’s only because they put a patch of rough in the middle of the fairway on four,” the Spaniard said.

“Didn’t seem like much could go wrong. If I’m hitting really solid drives and have short irons in, it’s hard not to be aggressive.”

Stenson, who picked up three points from three matches at the Ryder Cup in France, was not quite as flawless but still got the job done.

“Putting has been really solid these first couple of days, short game as well, a lot of good up-and-downs,” he said. “A couple of wishy-washy shots, but all in all, in good shape.”

Tournament host Woods shot 69 to join Reed tied for 14th in the 18-man field, though his round could have been worse had he been penalised for a double-hit while trying to get his ball out from under a bush.

The infraction was only evident in slow motion replay and under a rule introduced last year, there is no penalty unless the double-hit can be seen in real time.

Young riders show off skills at Al Shaqab’s EED competition

EED INTERNAL COMPETITION 2018/2019

RESULTS

Comp. (2) Dressage Level 1

Rank/Horse Rider

1: Belagio Khadija A.Tomerak 2: Karel Alia Al Faddeh3: Top Madame Nayla T. Al ThaniComp. (3) Dressage Level 2, Team

1: Rociero Abdulla Al Fadalla 2: Sally Mohammed Z. Al Mutawa 3: Rainbow Abdulaziz A. Al MarriComp. (4) Novice Rider, Table A, 40 X Pool

1: A/C Callin Jassim K. Al Derbestie 2: Zinnette Noor A. Abu Afifa 3: Isabella Maryam A. TomerakComp. (5) Intermediate, Table A, 0/65

1: Geale Mohammed I. Al Hor2: Geale Moza F. Al Thani 3: Pedro Tameem S. Al HorComp. (6), Advance, Table A, 80/85

1: Kleen/ Shaddel Michelle Abdulla M. Abdulaziz 2: Famke Julliette Truyffaut 3: Queen Logic Jassim A. Al Yousuf

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Al Shaqab’s Equine Education Department (EED) students took part in the annual EED Internal Compe-tition at the Al Shaqab Arena on Thursday.

The student-riders participated in dressage and show jumping events and proved their excellence in both categories. The event also saw their family members competing in addition to the student riders.

The podium winners, their trainers and Al Shaqab officials pose for a photograph following the presentation ceremony of the EED Internal Competition at the Al Shaqab Arena on Thursday.

Tiger Woods of the United States prepares to putt

on the 18th green during round two of the Hero World

Challenge in Albany, Bahamas on Friday.

AFP LONDON

Manchester City moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League as Raheem Sterling inspired a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, while Crystal Palace clinched a crucial 2-0 victory over relegation rivals Burnley yesterday.

Pep Guardiola’s side racked up their sixth successive league win thanks to a second half surge after Bournemouth shocked the Etihad Stadium.

City hold a significant lead over second placed Liverpool, but they can close the gap back to two points if they beat Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Sunday.

Guardiola left City’s record goal-scorer Sergio Aguero out of the squad, but even the Argentine star’s absence couldn’t halt the champions’ momentum.

City had scored 40 goals in their previous 13 league games and it took them just 16 minutes to shatter Bournemouth’s resistence as Bernardo Silva bagged his second goal of the season. Leroy Sane’s shot was saved by Asmir Begovic, but Silva was on hand to tap into the empty net.

City were stunned in the 44th minute when Callum Wilson headed Bournemouth’s equaliser from a Simon Francis cross.

But the leaders restored order in the 57th minute as Sterling continued his mastery of Eddie Howe’s team.

Sterling netted from close-range after Begovic spilled Danilo’s shot, making it eight goals in six league appearances against Bournemouth for the City winger. Ilkay Gundogan put the result beyond doubt when the German finished a fine move involving Bernardo Silva and Sane in the 79th minute.

At Selhurst Park, Palace ended their eight-game winless league run at the expense of fellow strugglers Burnley.

Heading into this weekend, Palace had managed two points at home this season, scoring only two home goals, which were both penalties.

Roy Hodgson’s team finally ended their drought from open play in bizarre fashion when James McArthur’s 16th minute cross was missed by players from both teams, hit the far post and trickled into the net.

Andros Townsend’s 77th minute curler ensured Palace would win for the first time since September and condemn third bottom Burnley to a seventh suc-cessive league game without a win.

Brighton conceded the fastest goal in the Premier League this season, but Chris Hughton’s team recovered to win 2-1 at 10-man Huddersfield.

David Wagner’s side took just 54 seconds to open the

scoring through Mathias Jorgensen.

But fourth bottom Hudders-field were reduced to 10 men when Steve Mounie was sent off for a 32nd minute foul on Yves

Bissouma. Brighton drew level in first half stoppage-time through Shane Duffy’s towering header. The Seagulls sealed their first win in four games thanks to Florin Andone’s maiden goal in English football in the 69th minute.

Leicester won for just the second time in seven league games as Watford slumped to a 2-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium.

Claude Puel’s side won an 12th minute penalty when Jamie Vardy was brought down by Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster and the England striker con-verted it himself for his fifth goal of the season.

James Maddison, back in the team after a ban for diving, doubled Leicester’s lead in the 23rd minute with a fine finish.

Watford’s misery was com-plete when Etienne Capoue was

sent off in the 90th minute for a lunge on Kelechi Iheanacho.

West Ham ended Newcas-tle’s three-match winning run as Javier Hernandez struck twice in a 3-0 victory at St James Park.

Newcastle fans had called for supporters not to take their seats until the 11th minute in protest against “11 wasted years of Mike Ashley’s tenure as chairman at the club”.

And, in a fittingly farcical twist for the troubled club, the fans who joined the protest were only just settling into their seats when Newcastle fell behind in the 11th minute to Hernandez’s cool finish.

West Ham had won just one of their previous six league games, but Hernandez netted again in the 63rd minute before Felipe Anderson capped the rout in stoppage-time.

11SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT

Buoyant Spurs aim to end Arsenal’s unbeaten run AFP LONDON

Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has warned Arsenal that his side are in the perfect form to end their bitter rivals’ 18-match unbeaten run today.

Mauricio Pochettino’s team head to the Emirates Stadium on a six-match winning streak which has carried them to third in the Premier League table.

Tottenham are also on a high after salvaging their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League last 16 with a 1-0 win over Inter Milan on Wednesday.

Revitalised by new boss Unai Emery, Arsenal’s own form has been just as impressive over the last three months and they sit only three points behind Tottenham.

But England international Winks says the north London derby has come at the right time for Tottenham as they chase a first win at their hated neigh-bours’ stadium since 2010.

“It is a game the fans want to win and one that we want to win. Three games in a week is going to be tough, but confidence is high,” Winks said.

“Of course they are beatable. The form we are in right now, it is probably the perfect time to go there. It is going to be a good game.”

The 196th clash between these feuding city-rivals

promises to be a fascinating study of two teams who started the season with differing ambitions.

While Tottenham hope to mount a genuine title challenge, Arsenal would be happy with a top four finish after emerging from the dark final days of Arsene Wenger’s reign.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 11 league games, but have yet to defeat one of their top four rivals this season after losing to Manchester City and Chelsea and drawing with Liverpool.

A victory would give Tot-tenham their highest points total after 14 games of a Premier League season, while a draw would mean they equal their best haul of 31 points in the 2011-12 campaign.

The Gunners have lost just one of their last 25 top-flight home matches against Tot-tenham, but they have won only one of the last eight league derbies.

Emery’s side endured a long trip to Kiev in midweek for their Europa League win against

Vorskla, but the Gunners rested 10 players to keep them fresh for the derby.

Rob Holding was the only player to retain his place from the previous Premier League match at Bournemouth and the defender is hoping Emery gives him the chance to subdue Harry Kane on Sunday.

Tottenham striker Kane has scored seven times against Arsenal and is one shy of equalling Emmanuel Adebayor’s record for most Premier League goals in north London derbies.

Derby Day on beIN SPORTSTHE PENINSULA DOHA

All eyes are on beIN this weekend as fans look forward to some mouth-watering English Premier League derbies live and exclusive on beIN, the home of sports and enter-tainment.

The English Premier League has already seen its fair share of action this season. With at least five teams fighting for a top four finish and Liverpool trying to keep pace with leaders Manchester City, the Premier League season has definitely lived up to expectations.

Arsenal have had a con-sistent start under new coach Unai Emery. After extending their unbeaten run to 17 games in all competitions, they now see themselves only one point behind fourth placed Chelsea.

Despite their inactivity in the transfer market, Tottenham Hotspur have been in good form this season and after their impressive 3-1 win against London rivals Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino’s men are raring to go as they face their North London rivals Arsenal.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur will kick off today at 17:05 Mecca Time (GMT +3) and broadcasted live and exclusive on beIN SPORTS HD2 in Arabic and beIN SPORTS HD11 in English. The game will also be broadcasted on beIN’s

dedicated 4K channel for a superior viewing experience.

London hosts another derby today as Chelsea take on rivals Fulham in the West London Derby.

Fulham have had a disap-pointing start to the season and currently sit in 20th place. The arrival of former Leicester City manager and 2015/16 Premier League winner Claudio Ranieri has already boosted confidence with a win against South-ampton in his first game in charge, they will be looking to build on that good start when they face Chelsea.

The Blues, on the other hand have started their season well under Maurizio Sarri, winning 8 out of their 13 league games and having the third best goal difference in the league.

The west London derby will kick off on today at 15:00 Mecca Time (GMT +3) and broadcasted live and exclusive on beIN SPORTS HD2 in Arabic and beIN SPORTS HD11 in English

beIN SPORTS will also be host to a fiery Merseyside derby as Liverpool take on Everton as they continue to put pressure on league leaders City.

Liverpool vs Everton will kick off today at 19:15 Mecca Time (GMT +3) and broadcasted live and exclusive on beIN SPORTS HD2 in Arabic and beIN SPORTS HD11 in English. The game will also be broadcasted on beIN’s dedicated 4K channel.

Cameroon lose 2019 Africa Cup of Nations hosting rightsAFP ACCRA

Cameroon was on Friday stripped of hosting the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations due to delays in preparing for the continental showpiece, organisers the Confederation of African Football announced.

“Today we took the decision to withdraw the 2019 CAN from Cameroon,” CAF president Ahmad Ahmad told a press conference in Accra, seven months before the 2019 opening match.

He was speaking after a 10-hour CAF executive meeting held behind closed doors in the Ghanaian capital.

Ahmad said “a task force” would be set up to launch an appeal for offers “to determine a new organising country between now and the end of the year”.

South Africa and Morocco are two frontline contenders to step in as hosts for the event -- expanded to 24 teams for the first time -- in place of Cameroon, who won the last edition in 2017 in Gabon.

Morocco, who lost out to a United States/Mexico/Canada bid to host the 2026 World Cup, have regularly been reported as possible replacements.

The North Africans had been set to stage the 2015 Cup of Nations before being stripped of its hosting rights in a row over the Ebola outbreak.

South Africa is the only African country to stage a World Cup, in 2010, and last staged the Cup of Nations in 2013.

“I know that there are countries which are inter-ested, rest assured, candidate countries will come forward,” said Ahmad.

Arsenal’s coach Unai Emery reacts during the UEFA Europa League Group E match against Vorskla at the Olympiyski Stadium, in Kiev on Thursday.

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (right) scores their second goal past Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic (centre) during the English Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, yesterday.

Yesterday’s ResultsCrystal Palace 2 (McArthur 16, Townsend 77) Burnley 0 Huddersfield 1 (Jorgensen 1) Brighton 2 (Duffy 45+4, Andone 69) Leicester 2 (Vardy 12-pen, Maddison 23) Watford 0 Manchester City 3 (B Silva 16, Sterling 57, Gundogan 79) Bournemouth 1 (Wilson 44) Newcastle 0 West Ham 3 (Hernandez 11, 63, Anderson 90+3)

Played on Friday Cardiff 2 (Gunarsson 65, Hoilett 77) Wolves 1 (Doherty 18)

Today’s Fixtures (kick-offs all GMT) Chelsea vs Fulham (1200), Arsenal vs Tot-tenham (1405), Liverpool vs Everton (1615)

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

EPL: Sterling sparkles as Man City move five points clear

REUTERS RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

Many top athletes, facing a world outdoor championships in Doha that do not start until late September, will be competing less, if at all, during the indoor season, coaches and athlete representatives have said.

Typically scheduled for August, the 2019 Worlds will be held from September 27-October 6.

But the adjustment could have ramifications stretching all the way to Tokyo’s 2020 Olympics.

“With the long season in front of us, and the next couple of years with the world cham-pionships and the Olympics, I think most people are going to err on the side of caution and probably train through the indoor season,” said Renaldo Nehemiah, agent for world 100 metres champion Justin Gatlin.

“If they compete at all, they may run in an event just to break up the monotony of training.”

World 60m record holder Christian Coleman said as much in an August interview.

“I doubt that I will run the 60, maybe run the 200, 300

maybe 4x4 just to be on top of training,” said Coleman, the 2017 world 100m silver med-allist and a Doha favourite.

“It would be kind of hard for me to go out there and put down a fast time in the 60 and still be able to carry that all the way to October but we’ll see.”

Olympic and world triple jump champion Christian Taylor, Olympic hurdles gold medallist Brianna McNeal, indoor world pole vault winner Sandi Morris, Diamond League champions Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley and world indoor 60m bronze medallist Ronnie Baker all have limited or no indoor plans, their agents say.

“It’s completely out of the norm to be competing that late,” agent Paul Doyle said.

Internationally, British Female Athlete of the Year Dina Asher-Smith, the European championships triple sprint gold medallist, and Kenyan world 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri will not compete indoors, agent Ricky Simms said.

Bahamian Olympic 400m gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Canadian triple Olympic sprint medallist Andre De Grasse also are unlikely to.

“I am not a big fan of com-peting in the indoor season. It

makes the season feel even longer,” Taylor said in an email to Reuters.

His season already will be lengthy with Taylor planning to compete in all Diamond League meetings which have a triple jump.

“It is quite difficult to adapt to change, but you have to trust yourself, your coach and also realise that everyone else in the sport is going through the same challenge,” said Taylor, who

started his training a month later and sees the challenge as a learning opportunity.

Even without Taylor and other key athletes, indoor meetings won’t go lacking for known competitors, agents said.

Olympic shot put winner Ryan Crouser is planning to go all out at New York’s Millrose Games and the US indoor cham-pionships, with Olympic and world silver medallist Joe Kovacs his biggest competition.

Boston’s indoor grand prix also have will top talent.

“But is it going to get eve-ryone I want? I don’t think so,” said organiser Mark Wetmore.

Even Lyles will not be deciding until mid-December whether to have an indoor season, said Wetmore, his agent.

Coaches are pushing back normal training sessions and working on schedules to ensure athletes peak for the cut-throat

US championships in late July and again for the worlds.

But the biggest challenge is not this year, said Lance Brauman, who coaches Lyles, Miller-Uibo and others.

“The biggest thing is you are going to get about four weeks off (about half the normal down time) before you have to start training for the Olympics.

“That’s going to be the adjustment period more so than running into a later summer.”

SPORT 07SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER 2018

It is quite difficult to adapt to

change, but you have to trust

yourself, your coach and also realise

that everyone else in the sport is

going through the same challenge.

Olympic and world triple jump champion Christian Taylor

Bangladesh vs West Indies2nd Test - Day 3

in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Chelsea vs FulhamArsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

CRICKET FOOTBALL (EPL)

TO

DAY

’SA

CTIO

N

Late IAAF show means fewer will compete at indoor eventsTypically

scheduled for

August, the 2019

Worlds will be held

from September

27-October 6.

But the

adjustment could

have ramifications

stretching all the

way to Tokyo’s

2020 Olympics as

many top athletes

will be competing

less, if at all,

during the indoor

season.

Spinners put West Indies in trouble afterMahmudullah ton helps BD post big totalAFP DHAKA

Bangladesh spinners took a firm grip on the second Test against West Indies after Mahmudullah Riyad struck a career best 136 to guide the hosts to 508 in the first innings in Dhaka yesterday.

Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan shared five wickets between them as West Indies were reduced to 75-5 at stumps on the second day, trailing the hosts by 433 runs in the first innings.

All five West Indies batsmen were clean bowled -- only the third time in cricket history and the first time by spinners as Mehidy finished with 3-36 and Shakib claimed 2-15.

Shakib struck in the very first over when he flummoxed West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite with inward delivery and Kieran Powell (four), Sunil Ambris (seven), Roston Chase (zero) and Shai Hope (10) followed him in quick succession.

Shimron Hetmyer (32 not out) and Shane Dowrich (17 not out) stemmed the rot to survive the day.

Hetmyer was given out off rookie spinner Nayeem Hasan on 10, but the decision was over-turned by television replay.

The West Indies innings were in complete contrast to those of Bangladesh, which saw Shakib (80), Shadman Islam (76) and Liton Das (54) making useful con-tribution along with Mahmudullah.

Resuming on 259-5, Bangla-desh’s innings revolved around Mahmudullah, who faced 242 balls and struck 10 fours in his third Test century, on the second day.

Mahmudullah helped Bang-ladesh build on their overnight score putting on a 111-run with Shakib Al Hasan for the sixth wicket, 92-run with Liton Das for the seventh wicket, and a 56-run with Taijul Islam (36) for the ninth wicket.

Shakib, who resumed on 55 overnight, added 25 to his over-night score before he gave a catch to Hope at gully off Kemar Roach.

Mahmudullah and Liton maintained the pressure, helping the home side add 128 runs in 25 overs of the morning session.

Liton -- who was making a comeback to the side after being dropped in the first Test -- hit Chase a six and a four in one over to bring a quickfire fifty off just 50 balls.

Liton, who struck eight fours and a six in his fourth Test fifty, fell after the lunch break when he attempted a reverse sweep off Brathwaite and missed the line to get bowled.

Jomel Warrican dismissed next batsman Mehidy Hasan, but Taijul and Mahmudullah frus-trated West Indies to take their score close to 500-run mark.

Mahmudullah faced 29 balls in nervous nineties before he cut

Chase for four to bring his hundred.

Warrican bowled Mah-mudullah to wrap-up the Bang-ladesh innings and finish with 2-91, while Roach, Devendra

Bishoo and Brathwaite also claimed two wickets each.

Bangladesh are leading the two-Test series 1-0 thanks to their 64-run win in the first Test in Chittagong.

BANGLADESH, first inningsShadman Islam lbw b Bishoo ...................... 76Soumya Sarkar c Hope b Chase ................... 19Mominul Haque c Chase b Roach ................29Mohammad Mithun b Bishoo ......................29Shakib Al Hasan c Hope b Roach .................80Mushfiqur Rahim b Lewis .............................. 14Mahmudullah Riyad b Warrican ................ 136Liton Das b Brathwaite .................................54Mehidy Hasan c Dowrich b Warrican ......... 18Taijul Islam c Dowrich b Brathwaite ...........26Nayeem Hasan not out ..................................12Extras (b2, lb8, w1, nb 4) ............................15Total (all out; 154 overs) ...................508Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Soumya), 2-87 (Mo-minul), 3-151 (Mohammad), 4-161 (Shadman), 5-190 (Mushfiqur), 6-301 (Shakib), 7-393 (Liton), 8-416 (Mehidy), 9-472 (Taijul), 10-508 (Mahmudullah)Bowling: Roach 25-4-61-2 (nb1), Lewis 20-2-

69-1 (w1), Chase 28-0-111-1 Warrican 38-5-91-2, Bishoo 28-1-109-2 (nb3), Brathwaite 15-0-57-2WEST INDIES, first inningsK. Brathwaite b Shakib ...................................0K. Powell b Mehidy .......................................... 4S. Hope b Mehidy ........................................... 10S. Ambris b Shakib ............................................7R. Chase b Mehidy ........................................... 0S. Hetmyer not out ......................................... 32S. Dowrich not out ..........................................17Extras (b4, lb1) ................................................5Total (five wickets; 24 overs) ..............75To bat: D. Bishoo, K. Roach, J. Warrican, S. LewisFall of wickets: 1-0 (Brathwaite), 2-6 (Pow-ell), 3-17 (Ambris), 4-20 (Chase), 5-29 (Hope)Bowling: Shakib 9-3-15-2, Mehidy 10-1-36-3, Nayeem 3-0-9-0, Taijul 1-0-10-0, Mahmudul-lah 1-1-0-0

SCOREBOARD

Tamim in line for Bangladesh ODI return AFP DHAKA

Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal is set to make a comeback to the Bang-ladesh squad for the upcoming one-day inter-national series against the West Indies, an official said yesterday.

Tamim has not played since injuring his wrist during the Asia Cup opener against Sri Lanka in the UAE in September.

He was expected to return to the side during the ongoing two-Test series against the West Indies but a rib injury in a recent training session delayed his comeback.

“He has been cleared by the physio to play the ODIs. We are expecting him to play from the start of the series,” said chief selector Minhajul Abedin.

The three-match ODI series will be held from December 9-14 in Dhaka and Sylhet. Bangladeshi selectors yesterday included Tamim in a Bang-ladesh Cricket Board XI squad for a warm-up match against the visitors in Dhaka which will be played on Thursday.

Bangladesh ODI skipper Mashrafe Mortaza will lead the BCB team in the game. West Indies are currently trailing Bangladesh by 0-1 in the Test series.

West Indies’ batsman Kieran Powell (left) is bowled out during the second day of the second Test cricket match against Bangladesh in Dhaka, yesterday.

Vijay hits century but Indian bowlers struggleAFP SYDNEY

Murali Vijay hit a stylish century yesterday to strengthen his bid to open the batting in the first Test against Australia, after India’s rusty bowlers struggled against a young CA XI.

The veteran was dropped after the second Test against England this year, but has fought his way back into con-tention through a spell with Essex.

And with a nasty ligament injury on Friday ruling young opener Prithvi Shaw out of the Adelaide Test next week, he grabbed his chance with both hands, smashing 16 fours and five sixes in compiling 129.

KL Rahul, who is expected to face the new ball in Adelaide alongside either Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, or even uncapped Mayank Agarwal, made 62 in their 212-2 total.

The four-day match at the Sydney Cricket Ground was India’s last hit out before the Test and it ended in a draw after the CA XI made a mammoth 544 in reply to the visitor’s first innings 358.

The big total from the home batsmen was a reality check for India’s bowlers, who failed to impress.

Pacemen Umesh Yadav (1-113) and Ishant Sharma (1-73), and chief spinner Rav-ichandran Ashwin (2-122) were all expensive, but they at least got plenty of valuable practice.

Little-known Harry Nielsen was a thorn in their side, coming in at number six to hit exactly 100. Three other batsmen -- D’Arcy Short, Aaron Hardie and Max Bryant -- made half centuries.

The first of four-Test series gets underway on Thursday.

World 100 metres

champion Justin Gatlin

World 60m record holder

Christian Coleman