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Tuesday, September 27, 2016 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijja 25, 1437 AH Rampant Dortmund GULF TIMES will put stuttering Real to test SPORT Page 3 AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL AL AIN VS EL JAISH 5:50PM QATAR TIME Confi dent El Jaish take on Al Ain, aim to make history ‘We deserve to be here now and hopefully we can continue on our way towards the final of the competition. We face a strong team with good players but we have a good team as well and we are ready for the match’

AFC Al Ain

l Jaish coach has stressed his side deserve to be in the semi-fi nals of the 2016 AFC Champions League asE they prepare to take on former champions Al Ain in the fi rst leg of their last four encounter today evening. The Qatari side saw off Al Nasr from the in the quarter-fi nals in controversial circum- stances after being awarded a 3-0 win following the annulment of the fi rst leg due to the fi elding of an ineligible player. A 1-0 win in the second leg in secured the result for Lamouchi’s side and they are now setting their sights on reaching the fi nal for the fi rst time in the club’s history. “We deserve to be here now and hopefully we can continue on our way towards the fi nal of the competition,” said Lamouchi. “We face a strong team with good players but we have a good team as well and we are ready for the match.” The two teams have already met in this year’s competition, with El Jaish winning both encounters in the group stages as they started the tournament in impressive fashion with striker Ro- marinho in particularly stand-out form. El Jaish have since added former Barcelona midfi elder Seydou Keita to their line-up and Lamouchi will also have Lucas Mendes available for the fi rst leg after he missed the previous game against Al Nasr due to suspen- sion. Despite those win earlier in the com- petition, Lamouchi knows the results count for nothing as the two teams El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi (left). (Right) El Jaish team during their practice session at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain yesterday ahead of the first leg of their AFC Champions semi-final tie. prepare to battle it out for a place in the fi nal against either Jeonbuk Hyundai but things now will be harder because El Jaish saw off Al Nasr from the sides have a lot of ambition in the motiv of that was the second leg against Lokomotiv due Motors or FC Seoul, both of Korea Re- they now know how we play and things United Arab Emirates in the quarter- semi-fi nals as we both want to go to secured thanks to an impressive per- to suspension, does not believe those public. will not be easy. I’m very confi dent that fi nals with a 4-0 aggregate win earlier the fi nal. formance in the away leg following a matches will have any bearing on the “We know Al Ain very well and they our players will be able to get a positive in the month, and the Croatian coach “I hope that we will be lucky in the 0-0 draw on home soil. outcome of the last four meeting. have great history in the AFC Champi- result in the two matches.” is pleased his team will not have to face match tomorrow so that we can have Despite Dalic’s comments, the two “These two matches are very impor- ons League,’ said Lamouchi of the in- Al Ain’s rivals from Dubai in the semi- a good win that will help us before teams have met in the competition tant and we are meeting a strong side augural tournament winners. “I know ‘JAISH EASIER OPPONENT’ fi nals today evening. the second leg. We are now close to already this season, with El Jaish win- against whom we lost twice before,” he that we are a strong side and they have Meanwhile Zlatko Dalic believes his Al “The match against El Jaish will be achieving our target, but at the same ning both of their encounters in the said. “But things now should be diff er- never lost twice in the competition in Ain side will have a less troublesome very hard for us, but things would have time things will be tough if we don’t get group stages as Al Ain made a lacklus- ent because we are at a critical stage of the same week, which means that we route to the fi nal due to the Qatari club’s been harder for us had Al Nasr quali- a positive result.” tre start to the competition. the competition and we should avoid should be expecting a tough match. unfamiliarity with the two-time fi nalists fi ed for the semi-fi nals because they Al Ain qualifi ed for the semi-fi nals But the coach, who will welcome any mistakes if we want to qualify for “We have previously defeated them from the United Arab Emirates. know us very well,” said Dalic. “Both with a 1-0 aggregate win over Loko- back Mohammed Fayez after he missed the fi nal.”

QATAR STARS LEAGUE Laudrup returns to Qatar as Rayyan coach

Agencies Laudrup, previously the coach at quarter-fi nals where they lost to Sau- “The board of Al Rayyan football Doha English Premier League team Swansea di’s Al Hilal 6-3 over a two-legged tie. club have reached an agreement City, beat off competition from former With the appointment of Laudrup, with Denmark’s Michael Laudrup Tottenham manager Christian Gross, Rayyan have found an able replacement to be the manager of the club,” ig-name manager Michael according to another statement on the for Fossati. The Uruguayan had deliv- read a statement on the club’s Laudrup will take over the reins club’s website posted earlier in the day. ered the title in emphatic fashion last website. of champi- With Rayyan returning to the Cham- season, winning their fi rst QSL crown ons Al Rayyan, the club’s man- pions League for this season, Laudrup’s in over 20 years, fi nishing 14 points record so far. Bagement announced yesterday. experience with Lekhiwya was seen as ahead of second-placed El Jaish. Of course, it’s ridiculously early in Former Barcelona and Real Madrid vital by the club management. After that blazing run to the title, the season to be making any sort of in- star Laudrup will replace , The 52-year-old had a successful Rayyan seem to be suff ering a slump in ference but with the league title seem- who was appointed as coach of Qatar’s outing with Lekhwiya in his previ- form and didn’t go on to claim all the ingly a four-horse race all the way to national team over the weekend. ous stint as a QSL manager. He guided silverware available last season, as was the fi nish, Laudrup will have little or no “The board of Al Rayyan football the Red Knights to the QSL title in expected of them. This season they won time getting the defending champions club have reached an agreement with the 2014-15 season where Lekhwiya their fi rst match comfortably against running like a champion mare. Denmark’s Michael Laudrup to be the wrapped up the title with one match newly-promoted Shahania. But they Rayyan fans are a demanding lot and manager of the club,” read a statement day to spare. They fi nished fi ve points were held to a goalless draw against after having made a dramatic re-entry on the club’s website. ahead of second-placed Al Sadd and Umm Salal. Two matches and they fi nd to the QSL last season, they will be ex- “It is expected that Laudrup will ar- also fi nished with an impressive goal themselves two points adrift of the pecting a second title and even a strong rive in Doha within the next few hours diff erence of 34. In the AFC Champions other title contenders – Lekhwiya, El run in the Asian Champions League to offi cially sign the contract.” File picture of Michael Laudrup during his days as Lekhwiya coach. League, Laudrup’s boys reached the Jaish and Al Sadd, who have a perfect which will begin in February 2017. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, September 27, 2016 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT FIFA racism task force achieved its Totti still magic as goal, says Samoura

AFP Manchester, United Kingdom

othing sinister Roma icon turns 40 should be read into the disbanding of the FIFA task force ‘He’s one of the best ever. It’s amazing to see what he can still do with a ball’ Non racism as it had simply achieved its goals, FIFA secre- tary-general Fatma Samoura said yesterday. The 54-year-old Senegalese FIFA’s secretary-general Fatma — recruited to some surprise Samoura speaks during the from the United Nations in Soccerex Global Convention May and the fi rst woman and 2016 in Manchester. (AFP) non-European to serve on the FIFA executive — added FIFA ing the 2018 World Cup as their could live with the perception fans are notorious for their racist by many that it was too soon to chants and attacks. end the task force’s work. “It’s not football’s problem “We can live with percep- alone but it is used as a vehi- tion but we are taking very cle by extremists in football seriously our role as football’s to try and promote Islamo- governing body to fi ght dis- phobia and xenophobia,” said crimination, it is well refl ected Burnham. “We must take the in the statutes,” said Samoura, toughest possible line that we who delivered the keynote ad- are all one and won’t tolerate dress at the Soccerex Global racism in our great game and Football Convention. give extremists publicity.” The task force was estab- Soccerex is a top sports lished in 2013 by disgraced business conference bringing former FIFA President Sepp together more than 3,000 del- Blatter to eradicate racism in egates to Manchester over the football but was disbanded coming three days. recently with the world sports Samoura’s appointment body controversially insisting triggered scepticism over her the mission had been a success. lack of knowledge of football, “It had a very specifi c man- but she insisted she had helped date and they came up with her husband run a football club very strong recommendations in Senegal so understood many and FIFA is acting on them,” facets of the game. said Samoura. She also said she would not “There are several cases have left her role at the UN against teams and based on after 21 years — she worked solid legal grounds we have on the UN World Food Pro- taken strong measures through gramme and in several the sanctioning body.” hotspots including Liberia, “Coming from the UN we Sierra Leone and Kosovo — if must really be fi rm. It is re- she had felt FIFA was beyond ally on top of the agenda of the redemption following s serious FIFA administration. It is zero of massive scandals. tolerance to discrimination “The FIFA brand is very sol- on grounds of culture, racism id,” she said. colour of the skin and sexual “I had a very comfortable po- orientation.” sition in the UN but I was con- Andy Burnham, formerly Cul- vinced by the new FIFA presi- ture, Media and Sport Secretary dent Gianni Infantino it was in former prime minister Tony time for a change at FIFA.” Blair’s government, had aired his “Yes it suff ered reputational concerns when he opened the damage but my presence here AS Roma’s forward Francesco Totti scores a penalty during the Italian Serie A match against Torino at the ‘Grande Torino’ Stadium in Turin on Sunday. (AFP) convention, addressing Samoura is how to restore trust and directly saying it was rather confi dence in FIFA. I am ready AFP saw Totti, if not his undera- ing. Two seasons later, he helped Manchester City in 2015 to be- tive contributions Totti, who worrying with host- to take this challenge.” Milan chieving club, rise to the top, end Roma’s 18-year wait for the come the oldest scorer in the has scored six times in his last fans expect a fairytale ending Serie A title, in 2001. Champions League at 38 and 11 league games, has made this this season. When Roma weren’t winning, three days. campaign. s hard as he tries, Roma It is over 23 years since Totti he was stunning rivals with an Even Roma’s stoic coach He started his fi rst Roma Six vie for Asian spots on coach Luciano Spalletti made his Roma debut in the fi nal astonishing array of ball skills Spalletti, who has battled to re- league game since September FIFA council aft er Qatari banned is unlikely to convince minutes of a 2-0 win at Brescia and goals. mind everyone that Totti is “one 2015 last week at Crotone and fans this week that in March 1993. of many Roma players”, had to repaid Spalletti’s faith by send- Six Asian candidates will vie for three seats on the reformed FIFA FrancescoA Totti is just another And his latest milestone serves Time machine doff his cap. ing Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko Council in Goa today after a senior Qatari off icial was barred from player for the Serie A giants. as a reminder of how Totti has Totti has “purged” bitter city “I want four or fi ve Tottis in on his way to his fi rst brace of the election due to an ongoing investigation into corruption. Yesterday Totti turns 40 and evolved, adapted to and excelled rivals Lazio on more than one this team,” Spalletti said after he the season, and a 4-0 win, with The FIFA Council has replaced the largely discredited Executive the one-club man who is in his in a changing game during some occasion, goaded other rivals came off the bench to provide an a cheeky lob that completely Committee under reforms instituted in the wake of the corrup- 25th and likely last season with of the wonder years of Italy’s top with equally provocative mes- assist for Dzeko and then score wrong-footed the Crotone back tion scandal which has engulfed soccer’s world governing body the ‘Giallorossi’ (Yellow and fl ight. sages on T-shirts and, last year, the winner from the spot in a line. over the last 16 months. Reds) is still, when he gets the “He is an example for us all hit the headlines after celebrat- dramatic, rain-delayed 3-2 win “His intuition is phenom- The three successful candidates at today’s Asian Football chance, producing the magic. and someone we all look up to,” ing a brace against Lazio by run- over Sampdoria last week. enal,” gushed Crotone coach Confederation extraordinary congress in Goa will represent Asia “For me, he’s been the top said Cristiano Ronaldo last Feb- ning to the ‘Curva Sud’ and us- “If I don’t play him, people Nicola. on the body along with Bahraini vice president Sheikh Salman player in Italy for the past 25 ruary as Real Madrid prepared ing a telephone to take a ‘selfi e’ get annoyed at me but I want to As Roma prepare for Totti’s bin Ebrahim al-Khalifah and members from Japan, Malaysia and years,” said Sinisa Mihajlovic, to face Roma in the Champions with thousands of fans in the produce another player like him. party this week, fans will be Kuwait. Saoud al-Mohannadi, vice-president of the Qatar Football whose Torino side upset Totti’s League. background. One great player is not enough.” constantly reminded of Totti’s Association, had announced his candidature and cleared the pre-birthday party celebrations “If you play at the level he Totti is unlikely to challenge As expected, Totti raced to achievements in the game. necessary FIFA integrity check but was ruled out late on Sunday. by beating Roma 3-1 in Turin on does, it’s good for him, for foot- Silvio Piola’s all-time Serie the Curva Sud, ripped off his Although Spalletti won’t stay “FIFA has advised the Asian Football Confederation that, based Sunday. ball and also for the children, be- A record of 274 league goals, shirt and was mobbed by the at the party for long, because on the report of the Investigatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics “He’s one of the best ever. It’s cause we give them the idea that which included over 100 for entire Roma bench as he milked “the rest of the squad won’t Committee, it has decided Mr Saoud A. Aziz al-Mohannadi (Qa- amazing to see what he can still football has no limits.” Lazio. the applause. be happy when I show up”, the tar) is not eligible to stand in the elections for the FIFA Council,” do with a ball.” When Totti took the captain’s Two days before his birthday, “That was the fi rst time I felt Roma coach will honour his in- the AFC said in a statement. Known as the ‘Golden Boy’ as armband from Brazilian de- Totti hit his 250th league goal, afraid of taking a penalty,” said vitation. A FIFA ethics investigator last month recommended Al-Mohan- a precociously-gifted teen, and fender Aldair under pioneering beating Joe Hart for the second Totti. “You just can’t aff ord to He said: “I can’t buy him a nadi be banned from the game for at least two-and-a-half years revered as the ‘King of Rome’ Czech coach Zdenek Zeman in time in two years having scored miss under the Curva!” time machine but that shows for refusing to cooperate with an inquiry. throughout a storied career that 1998, he had answered his call- the leveller in a 1-1 draw against It was just one of many posi- what I think of him.”

JUDGEMENT PSG defender sentenced to jail for police assault

AFP sued, while PSG later confi rmed was in trouble with his club last Paris his lawyer had lodged an season after making derogatory appeal. comments about his then-PSG It means the full-back could coach Laurent Blanc and other aris Saint-Germain play for PSG in their Champions team-mates, including current (PSG) defender Serge League tie against Ludogorets in Manchester United star Zlatan Aurier was sentenced to Bulgaria tomorrow. Ibrahimovic, on a social media two months in jail yes- “The club takes note of his video post. Pterday for assaulting a police of- condemnation. An appeal has He was suspended by his club fi cer following an incident out- been lodged at the end of the for fi ve weeks but owned up to side a Paris nightclub in May. hearing by the player’s lawyer,” having committed “a stupid The court heard that the trou- said a PSG statement. mistake”. bled Ivory Coast international “Serge Aurier will continue to But since returning to pre- refused to cooperate when asked benefi t from the presumption of season training in July, Aurier to leave his tinted-glass Porsche innocence ahead of the appeal has impressed his bosses. Cayenne car which police said court’s decision.” “The club wants to underline was incorrectly parked outside The 23-year-old, who has had the player’s professional attitude the club in the early hours in an recent disciplinary problems shown since his return on July 4.” upmarket district of the French with his club, rejected the police “At the same time, Paris capital. account of the incident and said Saint-Germain reaffi rms our Police said the incident turned he was the victim of violence. aff ection and respect for the violent when an agitated Aurier He has fi led a complaint forces of order and the jobs they elbowed one of the offi cers in against the police. do.” the chest, causing him to have to The court also ordered him to However, his court appear- take a day off work. pay 600 euros ($674) in damages ance comes on the back of Aurier Aurier denied the charge and and interest as well as 1,500 eu- being sent off in PSG’s 2-0 Ligue was allowed to walk free from ros in court costs. 1 defeat at Toulouse on Friday the court because no order for Aurier, who said in court he night, their second reverse of the immediate incarceration was is- earns 200,000 euros a month, season. Paris Saint-Germain’s defender Serge Aurier at a courthouse in Paris to answer a charge of elbowing a police off icer. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, September 27, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW ‘Leicester bank on Slimani experience against Porto’ Leicester City will bank on the inside knowledge and Rampant Dortmund will goal threat of Porto’s nem- esis Islam Slimani ahead of their Champions League Group G clash today. Slimani, who joined Leices- ter from Sporting Lisbon for a club record fee in the transfer window, scored put stuttering Real to test six goals against Sporting’s arch-rivals Porto during his time in Portugal, earning ‘We are still top of the league. The important thing is how you finish and we have to win all our games if possible’ the nickname “The Dragon slayer”. A brace from Riyad Mahrez Reuters helped Leicester to a 3-0 win Dortmund, Germany over Club Bruges on their Champions League debut, but manager Claudio Ranieri uropean champions Real expects a tougher fight from Madrid head to rampag- the double champions from ing Borussia Dortmund Portugal. for their Champions “I spoke with Slimani about LeagueE Group F game today in Porto. We have a lot of a frazzled state with their buoy- respect for Porto. They’re ant start to the season having more experienced in been punctured by successive Europe. They play so many La Liga draws. matches,” the Italian told Real gave away a late equaliser reporters yesterday. to draw 2-2 at Las Palmas on Sat- “They are used to staying at urday, after their joint-record the top of their league. They 16-game winning streak in La won six titles. We respect a Liga was halted by Wednesday’s lot but we try to win. Also 1-1 home stalemate against Vil- Porto try to win,” Ranieri larreal, which saw their lead at added. the top cut to a point. “Slimani is going to play Dortmund, meanwhile, have tomorrow. He’s a goalscorer been on a sizzling run since los- against Porto. I’m sure it ing to RB Leipzig on Septem- would be a very good threat ber 10, scoring 20 goals in four to them.” straight wins against Legia War- Midfielder Marc Albrighton, saw in the Champions League who opened the scoring and Darmstadt, Wolfsburg and against Bruges, said the Freiburg in the Bundesliga. English champions, who lost Dortmund, who thrashed the 4-1 at Manchester United Polish club 6-0 away in their on Saturday, must avoid opening group game, are second complacency. in the German top fl ight and on “Porto will be as tough. Friday equalled a club record We’ve got to be organised of 24 games without defeat at and compact. Going into this home in the Bundesliga with a game we’ve done our work 3-1 win over Freiburg. and what we need to know,” Even in the midst of Real’s he said. sensational winning run, Zined- “Three points is the aim. ine Zidane’s side were criticised We got off to a great start by the media for unconvincing but the bread and butter is performances and their sloppi- at home and you have to ness was punished by Las Pal- win your home games to mas in their last La Liga outing. progress. Midfi elder Tana hooked home “In Bruges, it was a surreal a poor clearance from Real’s feeling to hear the theme Raphael Varane to cancel out tune. It’s special and adds Marco Asensio’s opener and, more spice to the game. after Karim Benzema had re- It makes you want to go stored Real’s lead, Sergio Araujo further and want more. sneaked into the box from the “Your senior players are im- left to level in the 85th minute. portant in every game. You Real’s lacklustre displays need players to have played have been compounded by the in the competition before.” absence of midfi eld anchor Goalkeeper Kasper Sch- Casemiro and infl uential left meichel has returned to back Marcelo through injury training after recovering and the form of talisman Cris- from a groin injury. tiano Ronaldo. Dortmund’s head coach Thomas Tuchel talks to players during a training session in Dortmund on the eve of the Champions League first leg match against Real Madrid. (AFP) “Schmeichel trained nor- Ronaldo has endured a diffi - mally today. Let me think cult start to the season, scoring Champions League.” tonight. You know I decide twice in four games — including Eleven-times European the night before to see if he’s against his former club Sporting champions Real have a dis- Tuchel still wary of Ronaldo despite slow start to season available tomorrow,” Ranieri in Real’s 2-1 home win in their mal record in Germany, having Borussia Dortmund coach but has made a slow start to his Tuesday’s Group F match. League night in Dortmund and added. fi rst Champions League group won four out of 30 competitive Thomas Tuchel is not convinced eighth campaign, missing three “You cannot declare that Cris- the best players bring their best game — while missing three due games in the country, and have Cristiano Ronaldo is out of games with injury and scoring tiano Ronaldo is not on form, performances on nights like to injury and illness. lost their last three visits to form saying he expected the two goals in four appearances, full stop,” Tuchel told a news these.” Real’s strong start to He reacted angrily to being Dortmund. Real Madrid talisman to cause completing 90 minutes twice. conference yesterday. “Who the season has been punctured substituted by Zidane with 18 Dortmund are waiting on the his side plenty of problems in Ronaldo’s angry reaction to be- said Cristiano is out of form? by two consecutive draws, minutes left at Las Palmas. fi tness of their Spain centre- today’s Champions League ing taken off by coach Zinedine And what does that mean? I which interrupted a joint La Striker Alvaro Morata, how- back Marc Bartra and Colombi- heavyweight clash. Ronaldo, Zidane in the 72nd minute of can’t give a concrete answer Liga record of 16 straight wins, ever, said there were still plenty an forward Adrian Ramos, who the all-time top scorer in the Real’s 2-2 draw at Las Palmas on but Cristiano is one of the best and Zidane’s side will have to of reasons to be optimistic. both missed Friday’s win over competition with 94 goals, has Sunday has been the subject of players in the world. He is an cope against Dortmund without “We still haven’t lost and we Freiburg. struggled to regain fitness and much attention in the Spanish incredible player, a born winner. midfield anchor Casemiro and are still top of the league. The Their hitman Pierre-Emerick form since limping off in the media, who are debating wheth- “He can be decisive for his team left-back Marcelo. Casemiro important thing is how you fi nish Aubameyang fi nished the game Euro 2016 final with a knee in- er the 32-year-old is past his in any moment in a game and has been ruled out of action for and we have to win all our games with a knock although the Ga- jury. The prolific Portuguese has best. Dortmund coach Tuchel, that’s why we’re expecting two months with a calf injury, if possible,” he told reporters. bon striker, who has four goals averaged over a goal per game however, said his team will not to face the best Real Madrid something Tuchel appeared “We have to keep working in his last three games, said it in his seven seasons with Real be any less wary of Ronaldo in side possible. It’s a Champions unaware of. and now focus our minds on the was nothing to worry about.

FOCUS ‘Little pea’ Chicharito is Bayer’s big deal

AFP The Mexico international is key to then failed to score in last Wednesday’s Berlin Leverkusen’s chances of getting a fi rst win goalless draw with Augsburg. against Monaco at the fourth attempt. With four league goals this season, he is just one behind Borussia Dortmund’s is nickname ‘Chicharito’ means Score to settle Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bayern ‘little pea’, but ex-Manchester “We have a small score to settle with Munich’s Robert Lewandowski amongst United striker Javier Hernan- Monaco,” said striker Stefan Kiessling af- the Bundesliga’s top scorers. dez is proving to be a big deal for ter three defeats and a draw with the club “He certainly did not win all his battles, HBayer Leverkusen ahead of today’s Cham- from the tiny principality in recent years. but he won the important ones. That dem- pions League match at Monaco. Hernandez’s hat-trick at Mainz onstrates his wily ability to know where The 28-year-old netted a hat-trick — proves he is back to his best, according to the ball should go,” said Leverkusen’s di- his second in Germany’s top fl ight — in Schmidt. rector of sport, ex-Germany international helping Leverkusen come from 2-1 down “He wasn’t fully fi t, but now he’s back Rudi Voeller. to claim a 3-2 win at Mainz on Saturday. on top form. It also helped him that he had Chicharito’s stats in Mainz speak vol- “Thank God, he’s in form at just the a strike partner in the closing stages when umes: he scored three goals and hit the right time,” said Leverkusen’s coach Roger Stefan Kiessling came on as that gave him post with his four attempts. Schmidt after the Mainz fi ghtback. more room to operate,” said Schmidt. “I don’t know anybody who is as After fi ve years at Old Traff ord, Chich- “He doesn’t hesitate when he gets a good as he is in front of goal,” marvelled arito quit the Red Devils in August 2015 for chance.” He certainly didn’t when the Leverkusen’s Germany forward Kevin Leverkusen’s ‘Werkself’ and has banged in chance came along to bag the winner two Volland. 21 goals in 32 league games in Germany’s minutes into injury time. Signing the Mexican international was a top fl ight. “I am obviously very happy, but my big coup for Bayer. Having fractured his arm in an accident thanks go to my team-mates, who had a Hernandez has already played in a at home in August, Hernandez was not big game,” said Hernandez. Champions League fi nal, when his Man- fully fi t when he played the fi rst 45 min- “We had some luck, but the late goal chester United team lost 3-1 to Barcelona utes of Leverkusen’s opening Champions was a reward for that hard work.” in the 2011 showcase at Wembley. League group match at CSKA Moscow a The victory was important after two re- Leverkusen have yet to progress further fortnight ago. cent set-backs, for both Leverkusen and than the last 16 of the Champions League He helped his side to a 2-0 half-time Chicharito. since losing the 2002 fi nal to Real Madrid. lead, only for the Russians to fi ght back for He missed a penalty in their 2-1 defeat But with the ‘little pea’ in their ranks, a 2-2 draw. at Eintracht Frankfurt ten days ago and Leverkusen have big ambitions. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, September 27, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT EPL Man City’s Sterling credits Guardiola Sampaoli counts for rise in form

Reuters table to four points. London “He gives everyone the be- lief and the motivation. His speech before (the game) was aheem Sterling has fantastic and it means that on Nasri talent for hailed Manchester when you go out on to the pitch City manager Pep you are really fi red up for the Guardiola for help- game,” Sterling added. ingR him turn around his year, Guardiola, who has guided in particular for encouraging the club to six straight league the winger to “enjoy scoring wins this season, said Sterling goals”. and the rest of the team need- Sterling found the back of ed to step up in the absence of European run the net only six times in 31 midfi elder Kevin de Bruyne, Premier League games last who limped off with a ham- season and was vilifi ed by a string problem at the Liberty ‘I think there are very few players in the world with the ability to play like Samir does’ section of England’s fans after Stadium. the country’s poor Euro 2016 “Kevin is not going to play campaign. the next games and now we However, the 21-year-old need to keep going and win the has impressed under Guardi- games without him. We have ola this campaign, scoring four to do that,” Guardiola said. goals in six league games. He “Raheem feels that. He feels was also named the Premier that his team-mates appreci- League’s player of the month ate his eff orts — the staff , the for August. coaches — we are so happy “The manager has told me about what he has. to enjoy scoring goals and see- “But again this is only Sep- ing the ball go into the back of tember. I would like to be in the net. He gives everyone the May with one game left but we confi dence, not just me,” Ster- are in September and we have ling told British media. only played six games. We have Sterling scored in City’s 3-1 a lot of games to play.” win at Swansea City on Sat- City travel to Tottenham urday, a victory that stretched Hotspur, who are second in the their early lead at the top of the table, on Sunday.

Galaxy denied fi rst crack at making playoff s The Los Angeles Galaxy were denied a chance to qualify for the Major League Soccer post-season on their first attempt Sunday, losing 4-2 to the Seattle Sounders. Jordan Morris scored back-to-back goals in the second half to keep the Sounders’ playoff hopes alive and spoil the festive atmosphere for the Galaxy and their fans at StubHub Center stadium in south central Los Angele. Sevilla’s midfielder Argentinian Joaquin Correa (L) and French midfielder Samir Nasri attend a training session at the Ciudad Deportiva training grounds in Sevilla yesterday. (AFP) Toronto FC, New York Red Bulls and New York City FC all punched their tickets to the postseason on Saturday night as AFP pions Juventus, Sampaoli is hop- game back at the Sanchez Piz- weekend, while Sergio Rico will means the whole team has to the MLS Cup playoff field starts to take shape. Seville, Spain ing Nasri and the fortress Ramon juan where they have won 14 of return in goal at the expense of work to score goals and be as ef- The three clubs joined the Western Conference-leading FC Dal- Sanchez Pizjuan can push Sevilla their last 16 European ties and all Salvatore Sirigu. fi cient as possible. las, who became the first MLS team to secure a playoff spot last towards to the last 16 for the fi rst three La Liga matches so far this However, Sevilla will be with- “It is obvious we would prefer weekend. evilla coach Jorge Sam- time in six years. season. out French internationals Benoit to have Alex for these matches.” The Sounders took a 2-1 lead when Morris, who is in the running paoli believes Manches- “I am very happy that Samir “Playing every three days Tremoulinas and Adil Rami due Lyon also suff ered defeat at for the MLS rookie-of-the-year award, scored in the 63rd minute ter City loanee Samir came here,” Sampaoli said on allows you to get over defeat to injury. the weekend, going down 1-0 at off a pass from Alvaro Fernandez. Nasri has the talent to Tuesday after Nasri netted his quickly. There is always another Lyon have injury problems of Lorient to lose for the third time Morris scored his team-leading 12th goal in the 73rd minute to helpS his side to the latter stages fi rst Sevilla goal in Saturday’s 3-1 game around the corner,” added their own with star striker Al- in seven Ligue 1 games this sea- give Seattle a 3-1 lead. of the Champions League ahead defeat at Athletic Bilbao. Sampaoli. exandre Lacazette missing out son. Robbie Keane scored both goals for the Galaxy, opening the of today’s clash against Lyon. “I think there are very few “We need to have more pen- once more due to an ongoing “Although we lost to Lorient scoring in the 20th minute and converting a penalty five min- The Spanish side have won the players in the world with the etration in the fi nal third. We knee injury. this is a diff erent competition,” utes from full time after Steven Gerrard was brought down in Europa League for the past three ability to play like Samir does.” will change the system and some “Alex’s absence is a problem,” added Genesio. the box. Five-time MLS Cup champions Galaxy lost for the first seasons, but have struggled to Defeat in the Basque country players.” admitted Lyon coach Bruno “It is the most prestigious time at home this season. establish themselves amongst continued Sevilla’s awful run Indeed, Sampaoli is expected Genesio, who also has an injury club competition in the world They were unbeaten in 15 straight regular season games at Europe’s elite in the Champions of 22 La Liga games on the road to ring the changes as key play- doubt over talented youngster and we have to correct what we the StubHub Center, dating back to a 5-2 loss to the Portland League. without a win. ers Franco Vazquez, Vitolo, Lu- Nabil Fekir. did wrong on Saturday to put in Timbers in October 2015. However, after a promising However, Sampaoli expects ciano Vietto and Steven N’Zonzi “It is diffi cult for the team a good performance.” The Galaxy’s next game is Saturday at FC Dallas. 0-0 draw away to Italian cham- a turnaround for the Group H were all left on the bench at the to overcome those absences. It

FOCUS CSKA play down fan fears at Tottenham clash

AFP match at home to Monaco.“Of course Moscow we should be very careful in dead ball CSKA Moscow’s coach Leonid Slutsky attends a training session situations,” Slutsky said. at the CSKA arena in Moscow on the eve of the UEFA Champions “The appearance of (Toby) Alder- League Group E match against Tottenham. (AFP) SKA Moscow coach Leonid weireld, (Jan) Vertongen or (Vincent) Slutsky insisted there would Janssen in our penalty box will defi - be no repeat of the Euro 2016 nitely be dangerous. fan violence when the Russian “But I don’t think that the dead ball championsC host Tottenham Hotspur situations will be the only or main in the Champions League. threat in tomorrow’s match as Totten- CSKA take on the Londoners in ham have a big group of skilled play- Moscow on Tuesday in the fi rst visit ers in their attack and we need to shut by an English side to the country since them down.” fans from the two countries clashed at Last week, CSKA crashed out of of the summer tournament in . the Russian Cup with a 2-1 away defeat “I believe that those English fans to Yenisei Krasnoyarsk, which put an who come to Moscow to support their end to their eight-match unbeaten run favourites will enjoy a high level of in all tournaments. hospitality, not only at the stadium The Russian champions also but everywhere,” Slutsky, who man- dropped points at the weekend after aged Russia at Euro 2016, said at a being held 1-1 by Krasnodar. press conference. Slutsky said playmaker Alan Dzago- “I’m confi dent that they’re in no ev, who missed Saturday’s match with danger. They have no reasons for a persistent muscle problem, remains fears.” uncertain for the clash with Totten- But Slutsky hopes his players won’t ham. be quite so hospitable as they look to “We will fi nalise the decision on heap more misery on a Tottenham him in the morning (Tuesday),” Slut- side that lost their opening Group E sky added. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 27, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT QFA President backs Malaysian referee to Qatar players offi ciate Qatar-Korea Red Knights set qualifying clash

QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani Malaysia’s Mohamed Amir will has urged Qatar players to off iciate the 2018 FIFA World the early pace in keep their confidence going Cup qualifying clash between as they take on Korea in a Qatar and Korea. The afore- 2018 FIFA World Cup qualify- mentioned 2018 World Cup ing match on October 6. qualifying game will be held Qatar on Saturday named on October 6, 2016 at Suwon Jorge Fossati as new coach to World Cup Stadium. replace Daniel Carreno. Mohamed Yousry will be QFA President watched Qatar Amir’s assistant while Moham- Qatar Stars League players in action during a med Zine El Abidine has been training session on Sunday. named the third off icial. Nazmi He was accompanied by Mohamed Nasr al-Din is the Lekhwiya strengthened significantly in the summer, and the signing of Moroccan Khalifa Khamis al-Thawadi fourth off icial for the said while watching the players in game. international Yusef El Arabi looks to be a strong investment from the management training. For Qatar’s home game On Sunday, new coach Fossati against Syria, Oman’s Ahmed named a 26-member squad Abu Bakr will be the chief for the October 6 clash. The off icial at Jassim Bin Hamad QFA President also met with Stadium on October 11. Fossati and his backroom staff Abu Bakr al-Salem al-Amiri members. and Rashid Hamid will be Abu The QFA chief also addressed Bakr’s assistants. the players and urged them to Qatar are attempting to reach be ‘positive’ for their forth- the next FIFA World Cup to be coming matches. held in Russia in 2018. QSL players head to Al Ahli sign Lekhwiya national team camp midfi elder

QSL side Al Ahli has an- nounced the season long loan signing of Lekhwiya midfielder Abdurahman Mohammed. Mohammed was previously on loan last season with Al Wakrah and will be looking for some first team game time at the Brigadiers. Ahli have been busy in the summer transfer window bringing in a total of nine players including profes- sional players Sayed Adnan and Wilfried Yessoh. Al Ahli will now begin prepara- tions in earnest for their third round match against Al Wak- rah on the 15th of September. Qatar national team stars have So far Luka Bonačić’s side has File picture of Lekhwiya players celebrating after scoring a goal against Al Gharafa in their recent Qatar Stars League encounter.. The Red Knights won the match 5-4. headed to their first training registered an opening day session under the guidance of victory against Al Gharafa and By Sports Reporter big debut season with Lekhwiya. Young squad if Lekhwiya are to compete on all Nam already leads the way in the scor- newly appointed head coach a defeat to Al Sadd. Doha striker Almoez Ali scored his fi rst ever fronts. ing charts with a fi ne hat-trick last time Jorge Fossati. The former Al QSL goal of the season in the victory over Finally Lekhwiya are enjoying fi ne out, and head coach Djamel Belmadi will Rayyan tactician has chosen a Rehema returns for Al Muaither, along with midfi elder Assim early season form from midfi elder Nam be hoping for more of the same after the 26-man squad for the upcom- Wakrah he QSL season is taking a back- Madibo who has enjoyed some impres- Tae Hee. The South Korean interna- international break when Lekhwiya take ing matches against South seat, ahead of Russia 2018 World sive cameo’s from the bench. The Qatari tional has been on sparkling form lately, on second placed Al Sadd in a top of the Korea and Syria. QSL side Al Wakrah have Cup Qualifi ers. At QSL online, youth internationals will have to step up with a man of the match performance table round 3 clash. Now to see what hap- Current QSL league leaders been handed an injury boost we have decided to look at the this year and will form a vital part of the against Al Gharafa on Saturday evening. pens next. Lekhwiya lead the way with ahead of the third round of Tearly season form of the teams in the eight players in the squad, QSL action when they take Al league. We focus on Lekhwiya, the early including midfielders Ismaeel Ahli on the 15th of October. pace setters in the Qatar Stars League. Talking points after a thrilling second round of the QSL Mohammed and Karim Iraqi defender Ali Rehema Djamel Belmadi’s side have come fl y- Boudiaf whilst Ali Afif also has been cleared to resume ing out of the traps this season scoring The QSL season heads into a three an individual strike of real quality from Al Rayyan packing the midfield and received a call up for the first training with the Blue Waves nine goals in just two QSL games. The week break for international football, Romarinho to steal the points away defence and looking to take the cham- time in over a year. after suff ering a heel injury Red Knights opened up their campaign but none the less the second round of from the Dream Team. pions on the break. Al Sadd has contributed seven just before the start of the QSL with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over games where crammed full of action Likewise Lekhwiya struck in stoppage There would have been a big worry for players to the Al Anabi squad season, in a friendly match newly promoted Muaither with two goals including dramatic late goals and time to defeat Al Gharafa 5-4 in a nine the Rayyan management concerning including regulars Ali Asad against Al Rayyan. The knock in either half. high scoring encounters. QSL online goal thriller at Al Gharafa stadium. Nam the replacement for their former head and national team captain has kept the former Iraqi Whilst in their second tie, Lekhwiya attempts to make sense of it all in our Tae Hee capped off a fine personal coach Jorge Fossati. The Uruguayan Hassan al-Haydoos. Fossati international on the sidlines needed a late Nam Tae Hee free kick to weekly talking points feature. performance with a hat-trick including accepted the call of the Qatar National also turned to his former club for Wakrah’s first two games secure all three points against Gharafa in two goals from direct free kicks. team to replace Jose Carreno who was Al Rayyan to pick the trio of of the season. Both matches a rollercoaster 5-4 victory. One note of LATE DRAMA FROM TITLE Jaish & Lekhwiya management will relieved of his duties. Saad al-Hadjri in goal along saw Mauricio Larriera’s side concern for head coach Djamel Belmadi CONTENDERS now be hoping to kick on once the QSL But Rayyan management have moved with attacker Sebastian Soria lose 2-1 to El Jaish and Al will be how the Lekhwiya defense was The second round of QSL action saw resumes on the 14th of October. quickly to find a worthy replacement and Rodrigo Tabata. Kharaitiyat respectively. breeched on four occasions, something two important late goals for sides that for the man who gave the Lions their Qatar are set to take on South The return of Rehema will that he will be certainly looking to ad- will be looking to be in the title shake WHAT NOW FOR AL RAYYAN? first QSL falcon shield in 21years. Korea in Soul on Thursday the be seen as a timely boost for dress during the international break. up come the end of May. QSL champions Al Rayyan dropped They Lions have brought in big-name 6th of October, before return- Wakrah, who are looking to Lekhwiya strengthened signifi cantly in El Jaish needed a stoppage winner their first points of the season with a manager Michael Laudrup to replace ing to Doha to face Syria just register their first points of the summer, and the signing of Moroccan from substitute attacker Romarinho hard hitting 0-0 draw with Umm Salal Fossati. The Dane has had a successful five days later on Tuesday the the QSL season. In other team international Yusef El Arabi looks to be a to defeat a spirited Al Arabi side 4-3. on Friday evening. The Lions lacked a season with Lekhwiya in 2014-15 where 11th of October. Al Anabi is cur- news, Wakrah head coach strong investment from the Lekhwiya Gerardo Pelusso’s side showed plenty cutting edge in the final third and failed he guided the Red Knights to the title rently bottom of group A, the has yet to decide if his squad management. The former Granada man of character two battle back from two to break down the resilient midfield and also to the quarter-finals of the final qualification round for will take part in any friendly is tailor made for Lekhwiya and has set- goals behind to take a 3-2 lead in the and defence of the Orange Fortress. AFC Champions League. the 2018 World Cup in Russia. matches during the break. tled well at the club, grabbing three goals match. However Sabri Lamouchi’s side On the basis of this performance it This big-name manager could just be in three starts for the Red Knights. kept their composure and scored two seems that for the top sides in the QSL, the spark that Rayyan need to get back Likewise the club has brought back goals in the final five minutes, including have figured out how to play against their rhythm. two youngsters who are primed for a AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QSL Seoul’s goals could stall Motors’ title bid

AFP trick against Sanfrecce Hiroshi- Asian players shine in Round 2 ma as he lit up the group stages Seoul to put the 2013 record set by By Sports Reporter Bounjah for the winning goal in Guangzhou Evergrande’s Muriq- Doha the second half. eonbuk Hyundai Mo- ui under threat. It was another strong per- tors’ bid for a second AFC He has been used sparingly by formance from the attacker, who Champions League title coach Hwang Sun-Hong in the he second round of QSL will be hoping his early season faces a major threat this competition’s later stages but action saw plenty of late form can aid the Qatar national weekJ when they come up against he is a dangerous impact sub, drama and sumptuous team in their quest to reach Rus- free-scoring domestic rivals FC as shown when he scored off play from four midfi eld sia 2018. Seoul and their record-seeking the bench in the fi rst leg of the Tmaestro’s who lead the way for Korean midfi elder Kooky Han striker, Adriano. quarter-fi nal against Shandong their teams. Sardor Rashidov, was identifi ed as a diff erence The Motors tore apart Sven- Luneng. Hassan al-Haydoos and the maker for Al Gharafa by team Goran Eriksson’s Shanghai SIPG Before Jeonbuk host Seoul in South Korean duo of Nam Tae mate Vladimir Weiss in the build 5-0 in the second leg of their the fi rst leg on Wednesday, 2003 Hee and Kooky Han stood out, up to the Cheetahs Saturday quarter-fi nal as they purred to- champions Al Ain contest today’s scoring six goals between them. evening clash against Lekhwiya. wards a second Asian title after West Asian clash at home against South Korean midfi elder Nam The South Korean midfi elder lifting the trophy in 2006. surprise contenders El Jaish. Tae Hee arguably put in the per- didn’t disappoint, delivering a The green-clad South Korean Qatar’s El Jaish lost the fi rst leg formance of the weekend, scor- masterful performance in the side are the unbeaten runaway of their quarter-fi nal 3-0 to Al ing a hat-trick including a stun- center of the park. The former K-League leaders by 14 points Nasr, but the result was reversed ning injury time free kick to give Qatar SC man scored a screamer and they have impeccable pedi- when the UAE side was found to Lekhwiya all three points against from outside the box to level the gree in the Champions League, have fi elded an ineligible player. Al Gharafa. The diminutive (L-R) Lekhiwya’s Nam Tae-Hee, El Jaish’s Sardor Rashidov, Al Sadd’s Hassan al-Haydous and Gharafa’s score at 4-4 for his side. contesting two fi nals and only A 1-0 win in the second leg was midfi elder ran the show against Kooky Han were the stand-out midfield performers during the round 2 of the QSL. Unfortunately compatriot once failing to reach the knock- enough to take El Jaish through the Cheetahs and was central Nam Tae Hee settled the tie in out stages. to their fi rst ever semi-fi nal in to Lekhwiya’s attacking intent hand in two goals as El Jaish left Whilst in the second half it Al Sadd attacker Hassan Hay- injury time with a stunning free- But they will be wary of FC the Asian club competition. during the tie. it late to beat Al Arabi 4-3. Jaish’s was Rashidov’s shot from dis- doos delivered a typically as- kick. Despite the defeat, Ghara- Seoul, whose Brazilian marks- UAE’s Al Ain historically have Djamel Belmadi will be hoping number ten was a constant threat tance, which cannoned off sured performance as the Wolves fa boss Pedro Caixinia will be man Adriano is the tournament’s the better record, winning the for more of the same from Nam on the left hand side in the fi rst Ahmed Fatehi to give his side a ran out 2-1 winners against Al pleased with the eff ort from his top-scorer with 12 goals — one Champions League in 2003 and as the Red Knights look to regain half. The Uzbekistan interna- vital equalizer at 3-3. Without Ahli. The Qatar international summer signing and will know away from equalling the single- losing in the fi nal two years later, the QSL falcon shield that lost to tional delivered a pinpoint pass the attacking threat of the wing- captain opened the scoring from that with more assured per- season record of 13. but El Jaish beat them twice in Al Rayyan last season. to Majid Mohammed to open the er, Jaish could have dropped the penalty spot, and turned formances from Han will result Adriano smashed four past the pool stages this year to fi nish Winger Sardor Rashidov had a scoring on the 20th minute. their fi rst points of the season. provider for team mate Bagdad in points for Al Gharafa. Buriram United and got a hat- top of Group D. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, September 27, 2016 SPORT

FORMULA ONE Brown steps down from CSM, linked Promoters of Mexican to a role in F1

Reuters London

merican marketing executive Grand Prix hope for Zak Brown, who has been linked Ato a role in Formula One after Liberty Media’s takeover, announced yesterday he was stepping down from his current role as head of CSM Sport & Entertainment at the end of the year. Brown said in a statement that he more races in the US would take his experience “forward to my next chapter in the arena I know best, motorsport”, but could not immedi- ately be reached for further comment. ‘We wish we could have more and more races on prime time on our side of the world and Formula One is facing a major I think the only way we will get that is if, collaboratively, there start being more races in the shake-up after US cable TV mogul John Malone’s Liberty Media agreed this region in general. It would be great to basically consolidate Formula One in North America’ month to take control. The deal is likely to lead to a new push to develop the US market and win fresh audiences. Media reports have suggested that new Formula One chairman Chase Carey wants to appoint more executives to run the commercial and sporting operations, until now the preserve of 85-year-old supremo Bernie Ecclestone. CSM said that Brown, whose agency has introduced top sponsors to Formula One, would remain involved in CSM as chairman of its global advisory board and non-executive chairman of its JMI motorsport arm. The 44-year-old founded JMI sports marketing, which was bought by CSM, a division of Chime Communications, in 2013. IAAF President Sebastian Coe is chairman of CSM. Liberty Media has acquired an initial 18.7% stake in Formula One from con- trolling shareholder CVC Capital Part- ners and plans to complete a cash and shares deal by the first quarter of 2017. Brown, who owns a number of old F1 cars including an ex-Ayrton Senna Lotus 98T and Michael Schumacher Benetton B191, said after the deal was announced that he could not think of a better buyer. “If you had to write down a list of who you would want to buy Formula One, Liberty would be top of that list,” the executive, whose company is also active in US racing series, told Reuters at the time. “They’ve sold it to a strategic buyer as opposed to another financial buyer. So they will be making decisions that are strategic-led, what’s best for the growth of the sport and the fans and the sponsors.” Brown was also at this month’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza with Coe. In an interview with Reuters last year, Brown voiced concerns about the sport and said it had lost some of its buzz, with budgets out of control and exces- sive hosting fees and ticket prices. “The potential for the sport is un- tapped. I think it needs, as an industry, to be much better marketed. It’s not where it needs to be,” he said in that interview.

Reuters plicated,” Mexican Grand Prix market- was scheduled between Monaco and “There really hasn’t been any lon- three-day attendance of 336,000. London ing director Rodrigo Sanchez said. Azerbaijan. gevity or consistency in the events, Mexico currently has two drivers “We wish we could have more and Mexico returned to the calendar last whether they change cities or disappear on the starting grid, Force India’s po- more races on prime time on our side year after a 23-year-absence while the for a few years and come back, especial- dium-chasing Sergio Perez and Haas exican Grand Prix or- of the world and I think the only way United States has tried out 10 diff erent ly in the United States,” added Sanchez, F1’s Esteban Gutierrez, who has yet to ganisers hope US company we will get that is if, collaboratively, venues over the years and had no race whose race has a contract to 2019. score this season. Liberty Media’s takeover of there start being more races in the between 2007 and 2012, when Austin Formula One’s new chairman Chase The 12th corner of the Hermanos Formula One will boost their region in general. It would be great to made its debut. Carey, an American, has said he sees Rodriguez circuit has been renamed eventM by expanding in the region and basically consolidate Formula One in Europe has a block of races, Can- the United States as a big long-term after local hero Adrian Fernandez, now eventually creating a North American North America.” ada apart, running from May to Sep- growth area. an ambassador for the race, who was season similar to Europe’s run of races. Formula One currently has three tember. “We need to keep promoting The sport’s 85-year-old chief exec- runner-up in the US CART series in Liberty, owned by cable TV mo- North American races — in Montreal, Formula One... amongst the entire utive Bernie Ecclestone has long talked 2000 and ran his own team. gul John Malone, agreed this month the Texas state capital Austin and continent. We don’t have the luxury about adding a race on the west and There are also plans to improve the to take control of the global sport in a Mexico City. There is also one in South as a geographic region that some of the east coasts, with a return to Las Vegas podium ceremony by allowing more of deal expected to lead to expansion in America, the Brazilian Grand Prix at other areas have,” said Sanchez, whose considered most likely and Miami also the crowd onto the track. the US market that Formula One has Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit. Oct. 30 race is paired with Texas. mentioned. “You look at Monza and it’s just a struggled to crack. Canada’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve “It’s well known that there is just a Sanchez said this year’s race was beautiful picture of that front stretch “When we are trying to build new has been on the calendar since 1978, European part of the season. Having 90% sold out and expected a full house full of people. So hopefully we can audiences and bring new fans and create although the contract has yet to be ex- more races within your geographic area, come race weekend. Last year’s race create something special this year,” a new fan base, it does get a little com- tended beyond next year, and this year it defi nitely helps to build a good fan base. day crowd was put at 135,000 with a said Sanchez.

RUGBY New man Ford vows to take to ‘next level’ AFP and he believes I can add to that.” Ford was an England assistant coach Powell hails Dorn and what he’s added to the club. Toulon, France Ford insisted he has been brought in when Wilkinson was at the height of his “His leadership and his attacking to work with, rather than replace, un- playing powers. in Tigers’ sign-off play in particular is sublime, as is his der-fi re head coach Diego Dominguez. “Me and Jonny have a good relation- understanding of the game, and it was ike Ford vowed to bring the “Me and Diego have talked several times, ship and we spoke several times about aryl Powell tipped his cap to the re- fi tting today that we were able to win excitement back to Tou- he’s the boss, I’m here to help. My skill Toulon — he said it was a perfect place Dtiring Luke Dorn as the Australian with him scoring a try.” lon after being unveiled as set is coaching on the fi eld, so I will help for me to go as a coach,” added Ford. veteran signed off from Super League Elsewhere, Huddersfi eld Giants the three-time European with attack, defence and the backs. His main aim, though, will be to get by helping Castleford Tigers to a fi fth- avoided the Million Pound Game Mchampions’ backs coach yesterday. “There’s a lot of good things in place the team scoring tries — they’ve man- place Super League fi nish courtesy of a thanks to a late Danny Brough drop- The former Bath head coach said he already here structure-wise and over the aged only 11 in six matches this season. 40-26 win over Widnes Vikings. goal, which was the decisive point in a would take the misfi ring giants to the coming weeks I’ll just tweak things to “I was an international defence Denny Solomona’s hat-trick helped 23-22 win at Hull KR. “next level” as they attempt to regain hopefully take the team to the next level.” coach for 10 years and all you ever do the hosts streak away from Widnes, Needing a win to dodge the dreaded the French and European titles. Ford believes Toulon have everything as defence coach is watch other peo- with former Manly Sea Eagles full-back play-off , the Giants made head coach “First of all, it’s the biggest club in they need to be successful again having ple’s attack, so over the 10 years I be- Dorn also dotting down in the fi rst half. Rick Stone sweat as they allowed their Europe and they’ve been the most suc- won three straight European titles from came pretty comfortable with the sort After Ben Crooks, Matt Cook and Paul hosts to come back from 22-4 down. cessful of the last four or fi ve years,” 2013-2015. They also reached the of attack that’s diffi cult for defences,” McShane put Tigers out of sight, two And while there were some shouts said Ford, 50. “So the challenge is an fi nal in each of those seasons, although said Ford. “So when I went to Bath I late Corey Thompson and Patrick Ah from the Hull camp that Brough’s drop- exciting one, to work with a great group press criticism but he has nonetheless won it only once in 2014. just turned that around and imple- Van tries made the score more respect- goal actually went over the posts, Terry of coaches and some world class players moved to boost his coaching resources. “It’s a fantastic squad, I’ve coached mented an attack structure that I knew able for the Vikings, although Powell in- Campese still had time to hit the post — as a coach, that’s all you can ask for.” “Mourad rang me up two weeks ago internationally against many of them so from my defensive days was very diffi - sisted the game was all about Dorn. with a late attempt of his own with a draw Toulon had a poor start to the new to discuss and talk rugby. He obviously I know Matthew Giteau, Ma’a Nonu very cult to defend.” If he can manage that, “It’s great to fi nish fi fth. We needed good enough to secure their survival. Top 14 season but earned a morale- liked the way Bath played,” said Ford. well, Leigh Halfpenny, (Juan Fernandez) Boudjellal may abandon all talk of quit- to win today to do that and it’s been a At the other end of the table the boosting 23-21 win over then-unbeaten “Initially it was just a conversation Lobbe. When we were at Bath we tried to ting the game. special eff ort for us to do that under the semi-fi nal fi xtures were decided as Clermont on Sunday that moved them about how the game should be played sign Duane Vermeulen, so there’s a lot of The club hosts third-placed incredibly tough circumstances we’ve Warrington Wolves beat Hull FC to se- up to fi fth. and how does he like to see the game players I know personally and in all the Montpellier on Sunday while they be- had in terms of injuries,” he said. “Luke cure the League Leader’s shield for the The club’s outspoken president played. Mourad said to me he wants to squad there’s a lot of talent.” gin their European Champions Cup has been incredible for us. He’s played fi rst time since 2011 and a home semi- Mourad Boudjellal said following that see an exciting brand of rugby, he wants Ford will also link up with Toulon’s campaign at home to title-holders outstandingly for three years now and fi nal clash with St Helens who beat success that he may quit the club due to to win but also he wants to score tries, kicking coach again. Saracens on October 15. I can’t speak highly enough about him Wakefi eld Wildcats 32-12 on Friday. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 27, 2016 7 SPORTSPORT

TENNIS Wozniacki makes strong start at retirement-hit Wuhan Four players quit mid-match, taking the tally to six in just two days at the Chinese tournament

AFP Grand Slam, the US Open, also saw fi ve retire- Wuhan, China Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic ments last year — including in the fi nal. returns during her win over compatriot Monday’s pull-outs enabled American Madi- Lucie Safarova at the Wuhan Open in son Brengle, of Kazakstan and ormer world number one Caroline Woz- China’s central Hubei province. (AFP) Japan’s Misaki Doi to progress to the second niacki made a strong start at the WTA round with unexpected ease. An all Czech sec- Wuhan Open as the tournament was hit ond round meet saw US Open fi nalist Karolina by a wave of retirements yesterday. Pliskova beat Lucie Safarova in a close two sets, FWozniacki — fresh from a title victory at the 6-3, 7-5. Pan Pacifi c Open in Tokyo on Sunday — took Kvitova was able to level her season’s score two sets to secure her place in the second round, with Ostapenko, who beat the Olympic bronze as double Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova medallist twice at the beginning of the year, be- and Briton Johanna Konta also made convinc- fore the Czech ousted her at the US Open. Illness ing starts. Four players quit mid-match, taking hampered the start of the 26-year-old Kvitova’s the tally to six in just two days at the Chinese season, which also saw her split with her coach tournament, which is also missing injured world of seven years David Kotyza, and she has slipped number two Serena Williams. Wozniacki was to 16th in the rankings — her lowest in fi ve years. sidelined by injury for nearly three months ear- But she won her fi rst Olympic medal at Rio, lier this year but has made a strong late-season losing in the semi-fi nals to eventual gold med- comeback, reaching the semi-fi nals of the US allist Monica Puig before beating American Open and bagging her fi rst crown of the season Madison Keys for the third podium spot. in Tokyo. Wimbledon quarter-fi nalist Dominika Ci- The 26-year-old Dane fl ew straight to Wuhan bulkova took three sets to beat French qualifi er after Sunday’s fi nal where she dispatched Aus- Alize Cornet 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 and next faces Ger- tralian Samantha Stosur in two sets, winning man Laura Siegemund. 6-3, 6-2 on an ace. “I’m on a roll, so hopefully I can keep pushing myself and play well,” she told RESULTS reporters after the match. 2nd round: Simona Halep (ROU x4) bt Irina-Camelia Kvitova served six aces — mirrored by her Begu (ROU) 6-3, 2-0 (ret); Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP teenage opponent’s six double faults — to sweep x7) bt Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 6-4, 6-3; Karolina to a 6-3, 6-1 victory against Latvian Jelena Os- Pliskova (CZE x5) bt Lucie Safarova (CZE) 6-3, 7-5 tapenko. “The beginning of the match was just 1st round: Petra Kvitova (CZE x14) bt Jelena terrible. Afterwards, I was just more relaxed and Ostapenko (LAT) 6-3, 6-1; Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) bt more confi dent,” the Czech player told report- Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 6-1, 4-1 (ret); Dominika ers. “I think the key was kind of attacking her Cibulkova (SVK x10) bt Alize Cornet (FRA) 6-2, 2-6, second serve,” she added. 6-3; Madison Brengle (USA) bt Heather Watson Meanwhile, Konta eased past German Annika (GBR) 6-3, 2-1 (ret); Misaki Doi (JPN) bt Anastasia Beck 6-1, 6-2 to get her campaign off to a y-fl Pavlyuchenkova (RUS x15) 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 3-1 (ret); ing start. “She fought all the way through and Johanna Konta (GBR x11) bt Annika Beck (GER) 6-1, we had a lot of close games so I don’t think the 6-2; Zhang Shuai (CHN) bt Peng Shuai (CHN) 6-7 scoreline quite refl ects the level of the match,” (5/7), 6-3, 6-4; Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) bt Coco Konta said after the match. The Australian Open Vandeweghe (USA) 7-6 (7/5), 6-3; Elina Svitolina semi-fi nalist will meet Zhang Shuai of China, (UKR) bt Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4; who beat compatriot Peng Shuai in three tightly Barbora Strycova (CZE) bt Sara Errani (ITA) 6-1, 3-6, fought sets 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4. The pair last 6-1; Jelena Jankovic (SRB) bt (AUS) met in Melbourne, where Konta halted qualifi er 6-2, 6-2; Caroline Garcia (FRA) bt Mirjana Lucic- Zhang’s fairy-tale run in the quarter fi nals. it will be a great battle,” Konta said. But Brit- all joined the injury list as they retired from their her second-round meet with world number fi ve Baroni (CRO) 6-2, 6-4; (RUS) bt Julia “We had a great match at the Australian ain’s Heather Watson, Anastasija Sevastova of fi rst-round matches. Meanwhile, Irina-Camelia Simona Halep. The late-season tournament, Goerges (GER) 6-0, 6-4; Carolina Wozniacki (DEN) bt Open and I haven’t played her since so I think Latvia and Russian Begu of Romania bowed out in the second set of which comes just two weeks after the year’s fi nal Samantha Stosur (AUS x16) 6-3, 6-2.

NFL ‘Boring’ mind control puts Konta on verge Vikings put brakes on Newton, of new landmarks

Wuhan, China: A “boring” mental technique which allows end Panthers’ home win streak her to focus on match after match as if nothing else mat- ters has left Johanna Konta AFP (right) knocking on the door Los Angeles of the world’s top 10 — not that she lets herself worry about such things. Konta, 25, burst he Minnesota Vikings wrapped onto the scene at last year’s up Carolina quarterback Cam US Open and she has gone Newton, holding the Panthers up another gear this season, scoreless for 50 minutes in a 22- winning her first WTA title and T10 NFL victory in Charlotte, where the rising to 13th in the world. As contest went off without incident despite well as her victory at Stanford, unrest in recent days. Konta also became the first Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford au- British woman to reach a Grand thored three second-half scoring drives Slam semi-final in 33 years at and the Minnesota’s defence sacked the Australian Open, equalling Newton eight times and intercepted him Virginia Wade and Sue Barker. three times. The result snapped Caro- She now has a chance positive phrases to herself lina’s franchise-record 14-game home of reaching the elite — and to ensure she focuses on the winning streak. lucrative — eight-player WTA aspects of a match she can At 1-2 the Panthers have lost one more Finals in Singapore. But when control, rather than worrying game than they lost in all of the 2015 reg- asked about the season finale, about possible outcomes or ular season. Konta’s response is typically bad shots. “Whatever they were doing was eff ec- level-headed. “It’s one of those The results are plain to see tive,” said Newton, who received medical things that’s the result of some- on court: Konta has soared 137 attention on the fi eld in the fi rst half, ap- thing else, so there’s not much places since the end of 2014 pearing to favour his left foot after a sack. point in worrying about it or to 13th in the world, making Newton warmed up for the game wear- craving it or stressing, because her the highest ranked British ing a T-shirt bearing a quote from Martin it’s not completely under your woman since Jo Durie in 1983. Luther King Jr: “Injustice anywhere is a control,” she told AFP at the If Konta has an unusual threat to justice everywhere.” Wuhan Open in China. “All I can approach to her tennis, she In a city where the police shooting of do is focus on each match I get also had an unconventional Keith Lamont Scott has sparked violent to play.” upbringing: born in Sydney to demonstrations, police in riot gear sur- Even in an era when mind Hungarian parents, she moved rounded the stadium as fans made their coaches are common, Konta’s to Spain aged 14 to attend the way in, but the event passed off peaceful- fierce commitment to her Sanchez-Casal Tennis Acad- ly. Around the league there continued to Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (left) dives in for a touchdown over Carolina Panthers defensive back Robert mental “processes” stands out. emy, where Andy Murray also be a scattering of pre-game demonstra- McClain and middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (right) during the second half of the NFL game in Charlotte. (USA TODAY Sports) She says she owes much to trained. tions by players inspired by San Francisco Spanish mind coach Juan Coto, Her parents eventually fol- 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s Philadelphia quarterback Carson and held on for a 34-27 victory over the cleared because of lightning, before a wild with whom she started work- lowed, swapping Australia for decision to kneel for the national anthem Wentz continued his stellar rookie cam- Detroit Lions. fi nish that saw the Buccaneers drive to ing with in 2014, transforming Eastbourne on the south coast in protest at social injustice and police paign by throwing for two touchdowns in Two-time Most Valuable Player Rodg- the Rams’ 15-yard line only to have their from a nervy player into one of England in order to be closer methods. In-game action provided more the Eagles’ 34-3 victory over the Pitts- ers, emphatically answered the criticism comeback bid snuff ed out when quarter- with steely focus. When asked to their daughter. Konta was drama however. burgh Steelers. Wentz completed 23 of that followed last week’s loss at Min- back Jameis Winston was tackled at the about her mental technique, also home-schooled, some- In East Rutherford, New Jersey, Kirk 31 passes for 301 yards, fi nished with a nesota. “He looked at me after one of fi ve-yard line as time expired. she explained: “It’s basically thing she credits with teaching Cousins threw two long touchdown passer rating of 125.9 and has thrown for the touchdowns and just kind of smiled, treating yourself kindly when her discipline and mental skills passes, Dustin Hopkins converted fi ve fi ve touchdowns without a turnover this head-butted me and said, ‘I’m back,’” RESULTS its hardest to do so. And it’s just which she now uses on court. fi eld goals and the Washington Redskins season. right guard TJ Lang said.” So it’s defi nitely Buff alo 33 Arizona 18 a habit to get into.” “It actually gave me some sealed a come-from-behind win over the The second overall selection of the good to see him go out there and get back Oakland 17 Tennessee 10 “I’ve got my own processes good skills, time management, New York Giants with two fourth-quarter 2016 draft outplayed Steelers’ All-Pro to his dominant fashion.” Miami 30 Cleveland 24 (OT) with my team,” said Konta, also understanding of when I’m interceptions of Eli Manning. quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who The Miami Dolphins worked overtime Baltimore 19 Jacksonville 17 before adding self-consciously: tired I still need to be able to Justin Tucker drilled a 54-yard fi eld completed 24 of 44 passes for 259 yards for their fi rst win of the season, downing Green Bay 34 Detroit 27 “Even if it almost sounds mo- switch my mind on in that way. goal with 1:02 remaining in the fourth and an interception. The Dallas Cowboys’ the Cleveland Browns 30-24, with run- Denver 29 Cincinnati 17 notonous and boring, but it’s And that’s not always easy,” quarter to lift the unbeaten Baltimore rookie quarterback Dak Prescott also ning back Jay Ajayi scoring from 11 yards Minnesota 22 Carolina 10 just trying to get yourself into she said. Konta beat Germany’s Ravens to a 19-17 victory over the winless shone, passing for 248 yards and his fi rst out with 8:26 left in overtime. The Los Washington 29 NY Giants 27 a mental state of being where Annika Beck in the first round Jacksonville Jaguars. Super Bowl cham- NFL touchdown in a 31-17 victory over Angeles Rams, held to just nine points in Seattle 37 San Francisco 18 you are repeating the kind of yesterday with a strong run pions Denver downed the Bengals 29-17 the Chicago Bears. their fi rst two games, exploded for fi ve Kansas City 24 NY Jets 3 things that you should be tell- in Wuhan and at next week’s in Cincinnati with Broncos quarterback It was a good day as well for Green touchdowns in a 37-32 victory over the Indianapolis 26 San Diego 22 ing yourself.” China Open capable of taking Trevor Siemian passing for 312 yards and Bay’s veteran QB Aaron Rodgers, who Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. Philadelphia 34 Pittsburgh 3 Konta uses deep breathing her into the top 10 for the first four touchdowns in his fi rst career road threw four touchdown passes in the fi rst The teams had to wait out a delay of 69 Dallas 31 Chicago 17 and visualisation, and repeats time. start. half as the Packers built a 28-point lead minutes, during which the stadium was Los Angeles 37 Tampa Bay 32 Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, September 27, 2016 SPORT

MLB Ross steals show as Cubs win regular-season home fi nale Lester earned his league-leading 19th victory and retiring catcher Ross homered as the champs went 57-24 at home

Reuters nings. Bundy (10-7) allowed that only run in Chicago the fourth inning before the Orioles went to the bullpen in the sixth.

on Lester allowed three hits in 6-2/3 in- NATIONALS 10, PIRATES 7 nings and the Chicago Cubs set a fran- Jayson Werth smacked a pinch-hit, two-run chise record for victories at Wrigley Field homer to highlight a fi ve-run eighth inning as in a season as they beat the St. Louis Car- Washington pulled out a win over Pittsburgh. dinalsJ at the Major League Baseball games on The four-hour game featured a combined 21 Sunday. Lester earned his league-leading 19th hits, four ties, 45 players used (tied the National victory and retiring catcher David Ross homer- League record), 17 pitchers (one shy of the major ed as the National League Central champions league record), a benches-clearing incident and went 57-24 at home this season. Chicago won 56 two ejections. Nationals outfi elder Bryce Harp- games at the ballpark in 1933 and 1935. er also left in the third inning with an apparent The Cubs also reached 99 victories, which left thumb injury. There was no immediate word they last accomplished in 1935. Lester (19-4) on the exact nature of the injury or a prognosis. struck out seven while lowering his ERA to 2.28, second lowest in the majors behind his team- REDS 4, BREWERS 2 mate Kyle Hendricks (2.06), another candidate Brandon Finnegan threw fi ve shutout innings for the NL Cy Young Award. Lester exited with and Scott Schebler had two hits with a pair of two on in the seventh. Carl Edwards Jr. struck RBIs as the Cincinnati Reds beat the Milwaukee out Randal Grichuk to stop the rally. Aroldis Brewers. Finnegan (10-11) struck out four bat- Chapman earned his 16th save. ters and scattered three hits without walking a batter. DODGERS 4, ROCKIES 3 (10 ININGS) Charlie Culberson hit a solo home run in the ASTROS 4, ANGELS 1 bottom of the 10th inning to give the Los Ange- Joe Musgrove worked seven strong innings and les Dodgers the National League West champi- the Houston Astros belted three solo home runs onship with a 4-3 win over the Colorado Rock- to off er support in their 4-1 win over the Los ies. Reliever Joe Blanton (7-2) earned the victory Angeles Angels. Musgrove (4-4) He allowed one that gave the Dodgers their fourth successive run on seven hits while recording four strikeouts. division title. He did not walk a batter for the fi rst time in six With two out in the bottom of the 10th, Cul- starts. The Astros (82-74) snapped their three- berson hit a 91-mph fastball from Boone Logan game skid and kept their slim American League (2-5) into the stands down the left-fi eld line for wild card hopes alive. With six games remaining his fi rst home run of the season and the sixth Houston trail Detroit, Seattle and Baltimore in career. the chase for the fi nal wild card spot behind the Blue Jays. PADRES 4, GIANTS 3 Wil Myers’ RBI single in the seventh inning lift- MARINERS 4, TWINS 3 ed the San Diego Padres past the San Francisco Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Charlie Culberson (left) hits a walk off solo home run during the tenth innings against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Nelson Cruz hit two solo home runs and Jesus Giants, who were eliminated from the National Stadium in Los Angeles. With the victory, the Dodgers clinched the National League West title on Sunday. (USA TODAY Sports) Sucre continued his hot hitting since his recall League West race after the fi rst-place Los Ange- from Triple-A with a two-run homer as Seattle les Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies minutes RED SOX 3, RAYS 2 (10 INNINGS) number for clinching the division is at one. at fi rst and third with one out to do it. held on for a win over Minnesota. The Mariners before. San Francisco (82-74) are tied with St. Veteran designated hitter David Ortiz went Rodon walked three and threw 108 pitches remained 2-1/2 games behind Baltimore for the Louis for the second National League wild card 3-for-5 with a double in his fi nal game at Tropi- while David Robertson pitched the ninth to earn METS 17, PHILLIES 0 second wild card. pending the result of the Cardinals’ late game cana Field, lifting the Boston Red Sox to their his 36th save. Rookie Robert Gsellman threw a career-high Taijuan Walker pitched 5-1/3 innings for the against the Chicago Cubs. The New York Mets 11th straight win with a 3-2 victory in 10 innings Rodon and Robertson struck out eight of the seven scoreless innings to lead the New York Mariners, allowing three runs on nine hits and are a game ahead of the Giants and Cardinals in over the Tampa Bay Rays. last nine Indians hitters to end the game. Mets to a 17-0 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies. two walks while striking out seven. Edwin Diaz the fi rst wild-card position. Boston (92-64) completed the three-game The National League wild-card leading Mets fi nished with his 17th save in 19 chances. sweep of the Rays to inch closer to an AL East ROYALS 12, TIGERS 9 (83-73) capped their fi nal homestand of the reg- BLUE JAYS 4, YANKEES 3 title. The Red Sox are 5-1/2 games ahead of the Salvador Perez, Cheslor Cuthbert, Raul Monde- ular season with the most lopsided shutout win ATHLETICS 7, RANGERS 1 Edwin Encarnacion hit an infi eld single to sec- second-place Toronto Blue Jays. Ortiz hit a dou- si and Alex Gordon each hit a home run and the in the franchise’s 55-season history. Rookie right-hander Jharel Cotton limited Texas ond base to score the winning run as the Toronto ble in the 10th inning off reliever Eddie Gamboa. Kansas City Royals pounded out 19 hits in a 12-9 Gsellman, who began the season with Dou- to one run in seven innings in a victory over the Blue Jays came back with two runs in the bottom Dustin Pedroia scored from fi rst when Tampa victory over the Detroit Tigers. ble-A Binghamton, allowed just three hits and American League West champions. Ryon Healy of the ninth to defeat the New York Yankees. Bay catcher Luke Maile dropped the ball after The Tigers made it interesting as the game two walks while striking out a career-high eight. smacked a two-run home run among three hits, The Blue Jays (86-69) entered the game oc- applying for the tag. wound down, rallying for two runs off Kevin and Stephen Vogt ignited a seven-run second cupying the fi rst American League wild-card Herrera in the eighth inning. A sacrifi ce fl y by ORIOLES 2, DIAMONDBACKS 1 inning with a three-run double. spot, 1-1/2 games ahead of the Baltimore Ori- WHITE SOX 3, INDIANS 0 JD Martinez made it 11-8 and the Royals’ setup Hyun Soo Kim hit an early two-run homer and The Rangers fell into a tie with the Boston Red oles. The Yankees (79-76) were 4-1/2 games out Carlos Rodon pitched eight innings, allowed man’s wild pitch plated another run before get- the Baltimore Orioles fi nished a three-game Sox for the best record in the AL heading into the of a wild-card spot. Jose Bautista homered for two hits, striking out 11, as Chicago beat Cleve- ting Erick Aybar on a groundout to strand a run- sweep of Arizona that let the Orioles (85-71) fi nal week of the regular season. The Indians are the Blue Jays. Didi Gregorius homered for the land and ruined their chance to clinch the Cen- ner at third. Royals closer Wade Davis notched hold on to the second wild-card spot. Baltimore also still in the chase for the home-fi eld advan- Yankees. tral Division title at home. The Indians’ magic his 26th save, although he had to strand runners starter Dylan Bundy gave up one run in fi ve in- tage throughout the AL playoff s.

WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY Clippers’ Pierce to retire Tatar’s overtime winner lift s at end of season Los Angeles: Los Angeles Clippers NBA Championship in 2008. Clippers forward Paul Pierce confirmed yester- coach Doc Rivers had hinted Pierce day he will retire from basketball at was leaning towards extending his the end of the season after nearly two contract earlier this month, insisting Europe into World Cup fi nal decades in the NBA. Pierce, who turns the player known as “The Truth” could 39 next month, said on The Players still play a role for the team. AFP Tribune website he hoped to sign off “If I don’t think they can play, then Toronto after 19 seasons with a championship. I tell them that. But I think Paul can “This is it, my final season,” Pierce play,” Rivers said. “I don’t know how wrote. “It’s time to move on from much he’ll play, but he can play. I’ve omas Tatar scored his second goal of the the game of basketball. Just like any always thought it’s easy for someone game 3:43 into overtime as Team Europe diff icult decision, I think you’ve got else to tell you to retire; I think that’s advanced to the fi nal of the World Cup of to be at peace with yourself. I’m at something that the player has to come Hockey with a 3-2 win over Sweden. Tatar, peace with retiring, but I’ve got one to by himself. I just think Paul loves to Tof Slovakia, scored a controversial goal on Sunday more ride left. One more season. One play.” Pierce said he planned to savor as the puck appeared to go in off his skate and past a more opportunity. With the Clippers, each moment of his final year in the startled Swedish goaltender Henrik Lundqvist at the in the city where I grew up, I feel like sport. “It’s hard to believe I’ll be play- Air Canada Centre arena. I have that opportunity on a great ing in each arena for the last time,” he “He created that whole overtime goal,” said Team team. We’re hungry. We want to win a said. “I’m going to enjoy every prac- Europe coach Ralph Krueger of Tatar. “We just con- championship.” tice, every bus ride, every team dinner, tinually found ways to do that, and that’s the beauty Pierce joined the Clippers last year every time running out through the of this team.” after spending the bulk of his career at tunnel. I’m going to do my part to give Team Europe advances to the best-of-three fi - the Boston Celtics, which included an us a shot at the ultimate goal.” nal against undefeated Canada with the fi rst game scheduled for today in Toronto. Team Sweden chal- lenged the call and it went to video review but offi - cials ruled it a good goal. Tournament offi cials released a statement after the game with an explanation, saying the goal was allowed because Tatar did not intentionally kick the puck past Lundqvist. “A puck that defl ects into the net off an attacking player’s skate who does not use a distinct kicking motion is a legitimate goal.” Team Europe was the biggest longshot to get this far in the tournament as they have only been playing together for a few weeks. They are coached by Cana- dian-born Krueger and their roster is made up of a mixture of star players from Europe’s eight smaller hockey nations. Their outlook appeared even bleaker when they were shut out 4-0 by a young Team North America in their fi rst pre-tournament contest. But eventu- ally European pride and skill took over as they have Tomas Tatar (right) of Team Europe celebrates his game winning goal in overtime against Team Sweden won three of their last four games with the only loss during the semi-final of the World Cup of Hockey tournament in Toronto on Sunday. (AFP) coming against Canada in group play. “There’s so much happening here within this Marian Gaborik also scored for Europe, while Nick- still battling back,” said Gronborg. “There are things group as far as players stepping up at diff erent las Backstrom had a fi rst period goal for Sweden. you want to go back and change, but right now I’m times to take us to victory, and today it was Tomas,” Swedish coach Rikard Gronborg said was disap- content we’re top four, but I’m obviously disap- Krueger said. Tatar also scored just 12 seconds into pointed they didn’t reach the fi nal but liked the fi ght pointed we’re not top two.” the third period to give Europe a 2-1 lead. in his team. Jaroslav Halak, of Slovakia, continued his solid Los Angeles Clippers' Paul Pierce (right) said he will retire from basketball at Sweden’s Erik Karlsson tied it with 4:32 left in the “We battled back. The chips were down against play as he stopped 37 of 39 shots for Team Europe. the end of the season after nearly two decades in the NBA. (AFP) third, setting the stage for Tatar’s overtime winner. North America, chips were down tonight and we’re Lundqvist made 28 saves for Sweden. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 27, 2016 9 SPORT

FOOTBALL In a league of their own: Rohingya footballers battle prejudice in Malaysia ‘We are not allowed to work and we have no support. We don’t want our young people to get involved in crime, so we encourage them to get together to play football. We want to show the world the Rohingya can achieve something great’

Thomson Reuters Foundation Kuala Lumpur

acing from one end of the football pitch to another, the players in bright yellow and pink jerseys pass the ball be- tweenR them, weaving around their op- ponents, tackling each other and occa- sionally, committing a foul. As a small crowd cheers them on, it looks like any other amateur match taking place on a Sunday afternoon in countless cities around the world. But on this pitch in Malaysia’s capital Kua- la Lumpur, the teams face a challenge like no other. The players are young refugees from the Rohingya Muslim minority in pre- dominantly Buddhist Myanmar, who are trying to tackle the prejudices they face in society in one of the few arenas they truly feel equal. For Mohamed Farouque, whose per- ilous journey to Malaysia included a journey on a crowded boat and a stay in people-smuggling camp in the jungle, the sense of liberation is something new. “Since my birth, I haven’t known freedom,” said Farouque, one of the refugees who runs the Rohingya Football Club in Kuala Lumpur. “We can openly play football here. In Myanmar we are A group of young refugee players from the Rohingya Football Club pose for a photo before a match in Kuala Lumpur, and (right) the players are seen in action in the friendly match against a local side. (Reuters) not even allowed to go out of our houses. I had to leave my country to save my life.” With football, the Rohingya have hingya team from Malaysia’s central centre, where the iconic Twin Towers said. “We need to do more. We are Ma- day to day life. Tens of thousands of Rohingya have more than one goal in mind. state of Malacca. dominate the skyline. laysians, we live with them under the “Playing football is very relaxing,” fl ed to Muslim-majority Malaysia to They see it as a way of keeping The Rohingya Football Club was About 100 other refugees and locals same roof, in the same country, we need said Saiful Shahidul, 18, from the visit- escape harsh discrimination in their young members of the community out set up in 2015 and its players are aged gathered on the sidelines, watching the to get to know them better,” he added. ing Malacca team, who works on a con- homeland, where they are not recog- of trouble, as well as a chance to break between 18 and 30. The club so far game and cheering on the teams. Despite their enthusiasm, the Ro- struction site to support himself and nised as citizens. down barriers with citizens of their has taken on a few Malaysian sides Malaysian Pannir Selvam, who was hingya footballers only train once in the family. “I would like to be a profes- After the perilous and sometimes adopted homeland. in friendly matches, including teams refereeing the game, said he found out while due to a lack of money. The club sional football player one day,” he add- deadly voyage to Malaysia, their prob- “In Malaysia, we are not allowed to comprised of staff from the state en- about the refugee football team after he needs about $350 every month to cover ed, shyly, saying his favourite player is lems are far from over. work and we have no support. We don’t ergy fi rm and a private broadcaster. saw the young men training on the pitch. costs including the hiring of a venue football star Cristiano Ronaldo. The 150,700 refugees and asylum- want our young people to get involved in Their initiative has also inspired the As well as volunteering as a referee, for training — but it is so far relying on As for Farouque, his ambitions have seekers in Malaysia live in the shadows crime, so we encourage them to get to- Rohingya community in other cities he sometimes joins in with matches, the limited resources the refugees can entered a whole new league after see- of the society, barred from working of- gether to play football,” said Farouque. to set up teams. At the friendly match and says the refugees have shown a pull together themselves. ing the fi rst ever Refugee Team at the fi cially or receiving formal education. “We want to show the world the Ro- with the visiting team from Malacca, “spirit to strive for excellence”. For many refugees, the sport pro- Rio Olympics this year. Often seen as illegal immigrants, they hingya can achieve something great,” the two sides fought it out at a com- “They were having a lot of fun, I en- vides a temporary escape from their “Inshallah (God willing) we will be generally have limited contact with added the 23-year-old as he took a munity fi eld in Ampang, a neighbour- joyed playing with the them. I am happy hardship and a chance to call time on playing at the Olympics one day like Malaysians. break during a match with another Ro- hood a short drive away from the city and proud of them,” the 60-year-old the discrimination they face in their the Refugee Team,” he said. WOMAN ACE TAKES ON MEN IN EXTREME SPORT AIR RACING AFP who was born in Rugby, Eng- a five-time French aerobat- Lausitzring, Germany land, to an English father and ics champion. “I’ve always French mother, but who grew loved to race, be it car racing, up mainly in France. motorbike racing, I’ve always or Melanie Astles, the For the first time since the loved that. It’s part of me,” she only woman pilot to Red Bull Air Race was first run says, adding her hero is the Fcompete in the Red Bull 13 years’ ago, a woman is com- late Formula One Grand Prix Air Race, flying low and fast peting in this adrenaline-high, legend Ayrton Senna. is a childhood dream come male-dominated extreme- The race is all that and more. true and off ers her the chance sport where you need to be “It’s airplane meets motor- to literally go up against some physically fit to cope with the racing, meets downhill skiing,” of the best aerobatic pilots in G force accelerations that explains Paul Bonhomme, the world. slam you against the cockpit Astles’ coach, and himself The race aboard single prop, seat as if on a supercharged a former Red Bull Air Race high-performance aerobatic fairground ride. champion. planes, takes place this year But you also must be fully in “You might sacrifice a bit of over three continents and tune with your plane, hardly time into one turn, but that eight venues. It started in conscious of touching the will save you more time on the March, in , with 22 control stick. exit, same as car-racing, very competitors and winds up on Asked if she ever feels similar to downhill slalom ski- October 15-16 in Las Vegas, in frightened, Astles says she’s ing,” he adds. the United States for the final much too focused on perform- Competing at the round after a stop in Indiana- ance. “I’m very calm in the Lausitzring race-track, in east- polis on October 1 and 2. plane and you can’t be fright- ern Germany, the planes come Flying at speeds of 370 ened, you don’t have time for roaring out of the sky, trailing km/h (230 miles/hour), pilots that,” she says. smoke for higher visibility, launch into a slalom-like Being the only woman in the looping their way around the obstacle course, winding their field does however add to the pylons before candle-climbing way between and around pressure, she says, but it’s also away into the sky. 25-metre-high (82-feet) light- an opportunity to be a role The ground teams — serving cloth, air-filled pylons, just model for other women pilots. pilots in the beginners’ ‘Chal- above water or ground level. She once dreamed of be- lenger class’ or top ‘Champion The planes race against the coming an Air Force pilot, like class’ — keenly observe each clock, taking off one after an- many of her male competitors other as they compete to gain other and flashing through the in the Red Bull international micro-seconds by reducing obstacles with just 3.5 metres air race. wing drag, or work up com- to spare at each wingtip. But she left school aged 18, puter programmes to analyse “The psychological aspect uninterested in academics. “I the best trajectories. is really important because worked at a petrol station, got The number of pilots com- you need to be completely fo- some money together and, peting in the race is now down cussed for one minute and 30 bit by bit, paid for my flying to 21 after Austrian pilot Han- seconds, 110%, and a mistake lessons,” she says. nes Arch died in a helicopter of just one millisecond will Today, aged 34, she is crash, in early September, cost you the race,” says Astles, both a flying instructor and while flying privately at home. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, September 27, 2016 SPORT

GOLF Qatar beat Pakistan at Asian Beach Games McIlroy takes home $10mn bonus with Tour Championship win

Reuters Cary, North Carolina

orthern Irishman Rory McIlroy capped a stunning comeback with a birdie at the fourth playoff hole to Nwin the season-ending Tour Champi- onship on Sunday, along with FedEx- Cup honours and the mind-boggling $10mn bonus. McIlroy rolled in a 15-foot putt at East Lake’s par-four 16th to beat American Ryan Moore, sending the large gallery into a frenzy that might more likely be expected at next week’s Ryder Cup. “It was incredible,” former world number McIlroy said at the victory McIlroy then squandered a golden to quite do it here, the FedExCup in presentation. “Sorry for the hoarse chance to win it at the fi rst extra hole the US When you put your mind to it, voice. I sort of lost my voice scream- when he missed a six-footer. Chappell great things happen.” ing at the end.” was eliminated on the fi rst extra hole. McIlroy’s gain was Dustin John- “I feel my game is coming together McIlroy looked shell-shocked but son’s loss as the US Open champion at the right time. Two wins in the last regrouped to sink a seven-footer and would have won the FedExCup had three feels pretty nice.” stave off defeat at the third extra hole, either Moore or Chappell won the McIlroy, 27, vaulted into the playoff before clinching it at the next. playoff . with a barnstorming fi nish to his fi nal “It was such a nice one, uphill, just Johnson started the fi nal round tied round, holing out from 140 yards to outside the right edge,” McIlroy he for the lead with Chappell, but strug- eagle the same hole where he would said of his winning putt. gled to a 73 in ideal conditions to plunge clinch the win 90 minutes later. “I knew if I hit a good putt it had a to into a tie for sixth at fi ve-under. He closed his fi nal-round 64 with a great chance of going in. To see that So instead it was McIlroy, the only tap-in birdie at the par-fi ve 18th and ball drop, everything has come to- member of the European Ryder Cup only joined the playoff with American gether for me. To be able to come here team in the fi eld at East Lake, who Qatar’s beach volleyball team in action against Pakistan at the Asian Beach Games in Danang, , yesterday. Kevin Chappell (66) and Moore (64) and pull it off is really special.” clinched the season-long points race Qatar beat their opponents 2-0 on their debut in the event. (Twitter/QOC) when the latter’s eight-footer to win “I’ve won the money list a few and $10mn bonus along with $1.53mn in regulation lipped out. times in Europe but never been able for the tournament victory.

IND VS NZ, DAY 5, 1ST TEST FOCUS Ashwin, Jadeja help Pakistan target T20 whitewash India win landmark over West Indies Two bowlers shared 16 wickets AFP brand of cricket that’s up with the task, Abu Dhabi we want players who can do the job and between them as the hosts picked I think we went some way to fi nding out some players in this series who can do up a comprehensive 197-run win oach Mickey Arthur urged that,” said Arthur who replaced Waqar 500th Test Pakistan to be ruthless and Younis after the World T20. achieve a rare clean sweep Arthur was satisfi ed with Pakistan’s AFP against world champions West batting approach, specially in the pow- IndiesC in the third and fi nal Twenty20 er-plays. Kanpur, India in Abu Dhabi today. “Some of the things we identifi ed Pakistan hold an unassailable 2-0 in the England series was power play pin twins Ravichandran Ash- lead in the three-match series after the thing and that is pleasing that we have win and Ravindra Jadeja nine wicket and 16-run victories in the improved on that. bowled India to a comprehen- two back-to-back matches in Dubai. “The dot ball percentage (we play) sive 197-run victory over New Arthur said the series win is the was always far too high, so we had to ZealandS yesterday on the fi fth and fi rst step in building a new team, fi ve rotate the strike more and we particu- fi nal day of their country’s landmark months after they crashed out of the larly worked hard to score off good balls 500th Test. World Twenty20 in India. and have done good power hitting.” Ashwin claimed six wickets as the “Without a doubt the series win is Arthur hoped dashing batsman visitors, who resumed the day on on the fi rst step in the right direction,” Umar Akmal will redeem his career, 93 for four in pursuit of their unlikely said Arthur yesterday. “We want to win recalled to the T20 squad after fi ve 434-run target, were dismissed for it 3-0 and want to be ruthless with our months and in the one-day team after 236 shortly after lunch at Kanpur’s attitude.” a year and a half. Green Park. Pakistan have never won two T20 “I had a very serious chat with Umar,” Ashwin, who recorded his 19th fi ve- matches in a three-match series. said Arthur of Umar being dropped for wicket haul in Tests, and Jadeja shared Their spin assault saw West Indies disciplinary reasons. 16 wickets between them in the match crumble for 115 on Friday, with left- “He knows where he stands, but he to fl atten the New Zealand batting arm spinner Imad Wasim grabbing a has been outstanding and has stuck to line-up. career best fi ve for 14. his work and he is working very hard And it was Ashwin who triggered They then scored 160 for four before and I am enjoying working with him.” the celebrations in the Indian camp by restricting the West Indies for 144 for Arthur believed West Indies were taking the last wicket, dismissing the nine on Saturday. fi nding life diffi cult against his spinners. lanky off -spinner Neil Wagner lbw for Arthur believes his players are “Look, it’s always an area where we try nought to end with overall match fi g- India’s Ravindra Jadeja (centre) celebrates the wicket of New Zealand’s Luke Ronchi with teammates on Day Five of the first achieving targets after losing a one-day to expose opponents in these conditions ures of 10-225. Test at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, India, yesterday. (AFP) series 4-1, but winning the only T20 on and we have done that with spin bowling. Man of the match Jadeja, who regis- their recent tour of England. These are our conditions so we try to ex- tered a fi ve-wicket haul in the fi rst in- Cheteshwar Pujara top-scored for “We set ourselves some realistic pose them in our conditions and we have nings, also contributed with unbeaten the hosts with 78 and his 133-run sec- goals. First of all we want to play the been smart in these conditions.” scores of 42 and 50 in the fi rst and sec- ond-wicket partnership with Murali ond innings respectively. Vijay (76) was the highlight of India’s “It’s a memorable Test, it’s been a second innings. very good Test,” skipper Virat Kohli Ashwin and Jadeja had given India said after India became the fourth the advantage on the third day after team to complete 500 Tests. England, bowling out New Zealand for 262 in Australia and the West Indies had al- response to India’s fi rst-innings 318. ready managed the feat. “India outplayed us though and if “From the second day onwards we look back there was a two-session when New Zealand were batting re- period where the game slipped away ally well, I and Ashwin were chatting from us,” said Williamson. how we had to show good resilience to “It would have been nice to get clos- win it. er to the fi rst innings total, and to start “The boys have applied themselves off restricting India to 300 on a good really well. Few moments we were in a batting wicket was good work.” spot of bother... But Jadeja and Ash- win (who scored 42) batted really well SCORECARD in the fi rst innings... Makes a psycho- India 1st innings 318 all out logical diff erence,” said Kohli. New Zealand 1st innings 262 all out A 102-run partnership between India 2nd innings 377/5 dec. Pakistan have won the first two matches in Dubai. overnight batsmen Luke Ronchi and New Zealand 2nd innings (o/n 93/4) Mitchell Santner helped New Zea- T. Latham lbw b Ashwin 2 land put up some resistance in the fi rst M. Guptill c Vijay b Ashwin 0 Pakistan’s Misbah hopes bilateral ties with hour of play. Ronchi’s fi ghting 80 was K. Williamson lbw b Ashwin 25 laced with nine fours and a six. R. Taylor run out 17 India will resume But left-arm spinner Jadeja man- L. Ronchi c Ashwin b Jadeja 80 Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq hopes said. “If India can play against Paki- aged to break their stand when Ronchi M. Santner c Sharma b Ashwin 71 bilateral cricketing ties with India will stan in ICC events then why not in mistimed a fl atter delivery and was BJ. Watling lbw b Shami 18 resume despite the chief of the neigh- bilateral series.” caught at point by Ashwin. M. Craig b Shami 1 bouring board ruling out the possibil- Pakistani cricketers played in the Santner, whose valiant 71 included I. Sodhi b Ashwin 17 ity in the near future after the recent inaugural edition of the cash-rich seven fours and two sixes, was snared T. Boult not out 2 attack on an army camp in Kashmir. Indian Premier League Twenty20 by Ashwin shortly after lunch when he India’s R Ashwin celebrates the wicket of New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi yesterday. (AFP) N. Wagner lbw b Ashwin 0 In a latest setback to relations, Board tournament in 2008, but have been fell to a virtually unplayable delivery. Extras (lb2, nb1) 3 of Control for Cricket in India presi- denied permission since due to ten- The ball pitched well outside the also claimed two wickets in the in- liamson, who top-scored with 75 in Total (all out; 87.3 overs) 236 dent Anurag Thakur last week ruled sions between the rivals following leg-stump and turned and bounced to nings, including wicketkeeper-bats- the fi rst innings, dismissed lbw to Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Guptill), 2-3 out the possibility of reviving ties the Mumbai attacks. take the left-handed Santner by sur- man BJ Watling for 18. claim his 200th Test wicket on the (Latham), 3-43 (Williamson), 4-56 (Tay- with Pakistan, saying even consider- Pakistan, top of the world Test rank- prise as he edged the ball to point. Ashwin claimed three wickets on fourth day to give India a fi rm grip. lor), 5-158 (Ronchi), 6-194 (Watling), ing such a thought in the current ings, and India last played a three-Test “The way Santner applied himself Sunday to reduce New Zealand to India declared their second innings 7-196 (Craig), 8-223 (Santner), 9-236 situation was not appropriate. series at end of 2007, which hosts with bat and ball and the way Ronchi 56 for four at one stage, after get- on 377 for fi ve at tea on the fourth day (Sodhi), 10-236 (Wagner) “Pakistan is always ready to play India won 1-0. India defeated Pakistan played coming back into the team was ting openers Martin Guptill and Tom with Rohit Sharma and Jadeja putting Bowling: Shami 8-2-18-2, Ashwin against India but what can we do if in a Super 10 stage match of the fantastic,” said Williamson. Latham in quick succession. on a 100-run unbeaten partnership for 35.3-5-132-6, Jadeja 34-17-58-1, Yadav they do not want to play,” Misbah World Twenty20 in Kolkata this year. Pace spearhead Mohamed Shami Ashwin also had skipper Kane Wil- the sixth wicket. 8-1-23-0, Vijay 2-0-3-0 Gulf Times Tuesday, September 27, 2016 11 SPORT

FOCUS Palmer: the people’s champ with an aura of greatness Palmer single-handedly hauled golf into the mainstream. Tributes have poured in but primarily the message is of thanks

By Ewan Murray The Guardian

ighteen months ago in the clubhouse at Bay Hill, venue for the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the adopted winter home of this golfi ng icon, Rory McIlroyE was approached. “Rory, if you need anything this week, you just let me know.” McIlroy’s reply was as swift as it was perti- nent. “Mr Palmer, I will never want for any- thing at all in life. That’s all because of you.” While sadness, deep sadness, understanda- bly surrounded the confi rmation that Palmer Palmer with Jack Nicklaus (right) died on Sunday afternoon at the age of 87, there was something poetic about McIlroy’s comment. On Sunday the Northern Irishman “Arnold transcended the game of golf. He was had just completed media duties on account more than a golfer or even great golfer. He was of claiming $11.5m on the outskirts of Atlanta an icon. He was a legend. Arnold was someone when he was apprised of Palmer’s death. who was a pioneer in his sport. He took the McIlroy, like the rest of us, knew this was game from one level to a higher level, virtually coming but was still deeply moved. A sport- by himself.” ing pioneer is no more. — Jack Nicklaus, longtime friend and rival Every player at the top level of golf rec- ognises Palmer’s role in their riches. Almost “Here’s to The King, who was as extraordinary single-handedly, Palmer hauled golf into on the links as he was generous to others. fresh commercial territory both with the late Thanks for the memories, Arnold.” 1950s recognition of what television meant — Barack Obama, US president and a swashbuckling, risk-taking style which appealed to the masses. So, too, did a low-key “For all who love the game of golf and love background far removed from the snotty- to see it played, there has never been a sight nosed entitlement which has so undermined quite like Arnold Palmer walking down the golf. Palmer, The King, was the people’s fairway toward the 18th green.” champion. He transcended golf, just as he did — George W Bush, former US president generations. Palmer was the fi rst player to earn $1m “Thanks Arnold for your friendship, counsel through on-course pursuits. By 2008, he and a lot of laughs. Your philanthropy and commanded $30m via off -course projects. humility are part of your legend. It’s hard to Palmer had a drink named after him, an un- imagine golf without you or anyone more mistakable logo and was golf’s maiden brand; important to the game than the King.” a brand which did not just survive decades — Tiger Woods, former world number one and playing retirement, it actually grew. For fun, the seven-times major winner was a “So sad to hear Mr Palmer has passed away. pilot. His last fl ight was in 2011, aged 81, from He touched us all and was an incredible role California to Orlando. model.” In this, a Ryder Cup week, it is worth — Jason Day, world number one refl ecting upon the emotion and inspira- tion which surrounded the European team in “Arnold was the folk hero of golf. Not only 2012 following the death of Seve Ballesteros. was he the greatest personality the game has That had been four months before matters produced, he was King of the fairways every got under way at Medinah, which off ers some time he played.” perspective as to what will resonate in the — Peter Thomson, rival and friend hearts and minds of the United States players from Friday. “If it wasn’t for Arnold Palmer we wouldn’t be “Arnold leaves an impact on the game and Five Great Moments from Palmer’s career playing for the obscene amounts of money we on sports in America that is unmatched,” play for every week. What he has been able to said Davis Love III, the United States captain. Palmer won his first of his ish Open a vital title in the evolv- do for the game, the players, I think everyone “As we approach the Ryder Cup this week, seven career major titles at the ing Grand Slam when many US realises that, respects that, I think that is why our team will keep Mr Palmer’s family in our 1958 Masters, the first of four rivals didn’t and bounced back you see so many guys go to play (the Arnold prayers and will draw from his strength and green jackets he would collect from his 1960 runner-up showing Palmer Invitational) every year because they determination to inspire us.” at Augusta National. At age 28, by winning the Claret Jug in 1961 want to pay their respects to the man that Palmer played six Ryder Cups, all marked he was the co-leader with Sam and 1962. He edged Dai Rees by paved the way for us.” by victory, and captained his nation to Snead entering the final round. one stroke at Royal Birkdale to — Rory McIlroy, four-times Major champion comfortable glory in 1975. This was merely An eagle at the par-5 13th hole become the first American to refl ective of individual brilliance. Palmer’s on Sunday helped push him to a win the event since Ben Hogan “When I think of Arnold Palmer, I think of his professional wins totalled 95. Between 1958 one-shot victory and inspire the in 1953. In 1962, he rolled to a six- natural ability to relate to people, the close and 1964, 25 major starts saw 16 top fi ves, fi ve naming of the 11th-13th holes as stroke triumph at Troon. bond he had with his father, and how when I runners-up places and those seven triumphs. ‘Amen Corner’ by writer Herbert first came on Tour, he made young profession- Warren Wind. Palmer won the last of his ma- “You inspired millions, you changed the jor crowns at the 1964 Masters in als like me feel welcome. Tonight our country game,” said Jordan Spieth. Tiger Woods off ered In 1960, Palmer won the a runaway. He led by five strokes lost a great sportsman, a great American. similar sentiment. “Thanks Arnold for your Masters and then took his only after 54 holes and won by six over As we approach the Ryder Cup this week, friendship, counsel and a lot of laughs,” said US Open title in astonishing Jack Nicklaus and Dave Marr. our team will keep Mr Palmer’s family in our the 14-times major winner. “Your philanthro- fashion, overcoming a seven- prayers and will draw from his strength and py and humility are part of your legend.” stroke deficit to Mike Souchak In 1968, Palmer had his best determination to inspire us.” Everyone involved in golf, from spectator at the start of the final round. chance to win the PGA Champi- — Davis Love III, United States Ryder Cup to top-level performer, has their own Palmer Palmer birdied six of the first onship, the one major title that captain story. My own involves sitting inside his clut- seven holes on his way to a 65, eluded him. Palmer missed an tered offi ce at Bay Hill last March, conducting the low final round in US Open eight-foot putt on the 72nd hole “When Arnold came over in the 60s and wins an interview as the legend’s beloved labrador, history as he held off Ben Hogan that would have tied him for the two in a row, that I believe saved the (British) Mulligan, lay at my feet. Palmer’s health was and newcomer Jack Nicklaus. lead with winner Julius Boros, Open championship, or globalised it as you call clearly failing but his handshake remained who became the oldest major it now.” fi rm. Palmer considered the Brit- winner at age 48. — Nick Faldo, British six-times Major champion More notable was that unmistakable aura of greatness, the kind not common pete in the US PGA Championship as soon were saying farewell to Palmer as he posed on approaching the commercial savvy which set “His contribution to The Open Championship even among standard sporting royalty. One as he turned professional and shook his head the 1st tee alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Palmer apart. “He was one of my best friends, was, and remains, immeasurable. He will be poorly-delivered question and I knew Palmer when assessing how far modern technology Player on the opening day of the Masters. closest friends, and he was for a long, long missed and forever remembered by all at The would destroy me in the manner golfers had allows the ball to travel. He spoke enthusias- But the truth, the admission of that, was time. I will miss him greatly,” Nicklaus said. R&A and throughout the world of golf as a char- once been accustomed to. Palmer’s trusted, tically about a golf course project in the High- understandably too painful for anybody to say “He was more than a golfer or even great ismatic and global champion of our game.” lifetime lieutenant Doc Giffi n presided over lands of Scotland, which will continue apace, publicly. Palmer donned the Green Jacket four golfer. He was an icon. He was a legend. He — Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the R&A our every word. thereby illustrating Palmer’s business savvy times; between 1957 and 1964 he fi nished no took the game from one level to a higher level, Palmer bemoaned the over-tuition of golf- even at a point where, privately, he most likely lower than ninth at the fi rst major of the year. virtually by himself.” “Not a single modern golf fan would be a fan ers of this era (his father had been his only knew the odds against seeing it through. The fi nal words here should belong to Tributes poured in on Sunday evening but, without him. The King made golf cool.” coach), bristled slightly at major-winning This year at Augusta National, in realisa- Nicklaus, who may be golf’s most decorated primarily, the message was of thanks. That is — David Duval, American golfer comparisons on the basis he could not com- tion of failing health, onlookers realised they major winner but did not have anything even the true Arnold Palmer legacy.

BOTTOMLINE Moore earns fi nal US Ryder Cup captain’s pick

Reuters ers, also including Bubba Watson, thrilled to have him with us.” Zach Johnson. Cary, North Carolina Justin Thomas and Daniel Berger, who Although he will be making his Ry- The US will bid to end a dominant arrived at the Tour Championship in der Cup debut at Hazeltine, Moore is run by the Europeans, who have won the running for the fi nal berth on the no stranger to representing his coun- three consecutive Ryder Cups and yan Moore was named the American team. try, as he has played in the Walker Cup, eight of the last 10, when the three- fi nal member of the United Nobody did more to impress Love Palmer Cup and the World Amateur day competition starts on Friday at States Ryder Cup team on than Moore, who sank a clutch 10-foot Team Championship during his career. Hazeltine National. Sunday, a consolation prize putt at the fi rst playoff hole to stave off Thirteen days ago, Love selected The selection of Moore means twice afterR he lost a playoff two hours earlier defeat, before fi nally succumbing to Rickie Fowler, JB Holmes and Matt Masters champion Watson, the world at the Tour Championship. Rory McIlroy three holes later. Kuchar as his fi rst three captain’s number seven, will be absent from Moore’s clutch putting under pres- “Ryan fi ts so well with what we have picks. Hazeltine. sure at the PGA Tour’s season-ending in place,” Love said in a statement. The eight automatic US qualifi ers, Watson, Thomas and Berger ac- event at East Lake did enough to im- “He’s an easy-going, thoughtful guy, confi rmed after last month’s Barclays cepted an invitation last Sunday and press captain Davis Love, who rounded but don’t be fooled, Ryan’s a great tournament, are: US Open cham- Monday to visit Hazeltine. out his team with his fourth and fi nal matchplay player with an incredible pion Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Moore was also invited, but de- wildcard pick for next week’s contest match-play record. Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, PGA clined, saying he wanted to focus on against Europe in Chaska, Minnesota. “He has guts and determination, Championship winner Jimmy Walker, the Tour Championship, a decision Moore was one of a string of play- and everyone saw that today. We are Brooks Koepka, Brandt Snedeker and that Love appears to have respected.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

ARNOLD PALMER (1929-2016) Palmer, whose skill and charisma redefi ned golf, dies at 87

AFP “We just lost one of the incredible peo- to a much wider audience. Washington ple in the game of golf and in all of sports,” His rise — along with that of Nicklaus 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player — set the stage for the said. sport’s huge broadcast rights fees and prize rnold Palmer, the golf great whose “He has always been a fi ghter and he money riches, which were later enhanced charisma and common touch never gave up on anything. He didn’t give by the success of Tiger Woods. drew a legion of fans known as up even now. Maybe his body did, but I “Thanks Arnold for your friendship, “Arnie’s Army” and propelled the know Arnold’s will and spirit did not.” counsel and a lot of laughs,” Woods said on gameA into the mainstream, died Sunday at Palmer captured seven major tourna- Twitter. “It’s hard to imagine golf without the age of 87. ments during his illustrious career, taking you or anyone more important to the game Palmer’s longtime assistant Doc Griffi n The Masters four times (in 1958, 1960, 1962 than the King.” confi rmed the player known as “The King” and 1964), the British Open twice (in 1961 Palmer looked frail when he joined fel- had died at University of Pittsburgh Medi- and 1962) and the US Open once (in 1960). low icons Player and Nicklaus for the cere- cal Center Presbyterian Hospital. His go-for-broke style, raw athleticism monial fi rst tee shot at the Masters in April. No cause of death was immediately giv- and unorthodox swing enthralled fans, and For the fi rst time in 10 years, he didn’t en, although the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he became one of golf’s fi rst television su- swing a club, instead sitting in a chair to reported he had undergone cardiac tests. perstars, helping make the sport accessible watch the spectacle.

FOCUS EQUESTRIAN Brazil win Aspire welcomes its Furusiyya graduate and Rio silver FEI Nations Cup, Qatar medallist Barshim second ‘I hope my presence here today inspires fellow student-athletes to work hard’ QNA Barcelona

eam Brazil won the Longines Challenge Cup to bring the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final 2016 which concluded in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday. TThe winners from Brazil fi nished with a 12-fault total while Team Qatar lined up second with 16 and Team Colombia claimed third place with a fi nal score line of 18. The Brazilians won through despite elimination for second-line rider Stephan de Freitas Barcha who parted company with his 14-year-old geld- ing, Landpeter do Feroleto, at the second element of the penultimate double on the 13-fence course. Qatar’s delegation to the event is headed by Qa- tar Equestrian Federation president Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, who is accompanied by Sheikh Mohamed bin Nasser al-Thani, team di- rector Fahad al-Marri and administrator Hamad Rashid El Ezbah. Qatar is represented in the event by riders Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani, Ali Yousef al-Ru- maihi, Bassem Hassan, Hamad Ali al-Attiyah and Khalid Mohammed al-Emadi. The Rio 2016 Olympic team champions from France fi nished tied-fourth with Spain.

By Sports Reporter show dedication, get plenty of rest, cessfully completing the elaborate Doha and proactively seek your coach’s talent identifi cation process of the guidance to achieve your best possi- Academy. ble results. Dream big and aim high, Established in 2004, Aspire Acad- spire Academy marked Olympic glory and world records emy has two primary aims. First, the beginning of the new come from hard work, dedication to identify and transform talented 2016-2017 academic year and great team around you.” young athletes with real potential with a special guest ap- Commenting on his attendance, into world-renowned champions pearanceA from one of their most Afi fa said, “We are incredibly proud who represent Qatar in national successful graduates, Qatar’s Rio to see one of our bright students teams across a wide range of sports. 2016 Olympic medallist, Mutaz rise at an international level. As- Its second primary aim is to promote Barshim, who returned triumphant pire Academy is always striving to a sports culture in Qatar and the re- from Rio clutching the high jump provide the best facilities, coaches gion. silver medal last month. and education to help our student- Aspire Academy aims to develop He was welcomed by the Acad- athletes achieve their maximum students holistically, providing in- emy students including 56 new stu- potential. We hope to see more of dividuals with a comprehensive dent-athletes at the Academy’s Au- Academy management team, in ad- ed with such applause and it feels them achieve great results at major academic, social and sporting edu- ditorium, sharing the highs and lows dition to a number of student-ath- great to make my country proud by international tournaments in line cation. To support student-athletes on his journey to Olympic glory to letes, coaches and staff . bringing home its fi rst Olympic sil- with the Academy’s objectives to in fulfi lling their promise, there are help inspire young athletes to follow Speaking at the event, Barshim ver medal. help Qatar elevate its international fi ve major departments at Aspire in his footsteps as they undertake a said, “It’s good to be back here “I hope my presence here today portfolio in the sporting arena.” Academy that specifi cally look af- variety of sporting programmes at where it all started, at Aspire Acad- inspires fellow student-athletes This new academic year 2016- ter their development: the Football the Academy. emy, which I consider to be my sec- to work hard and take advantage of 2017, which has a total number of Department, the Football Perform- Barshim won the country’s fi rst- ond home. The Academy , its world- what the Academy has to off er, to 265 student-athletes, marked the ance and Science Department, the ever silver medal at Rio this sum- class facilities unlike any other I’ve achieve incredible results.” fi rst academic year after receiving Sports Department (non-football), mer. His attendance was greeted seen throughout my many travels, He told the new student-athletes, the accreditation by the Council the Sports Science Department, and by Aspire Academy deputy director has equipped me to be where I am “Don’t be afraid of failure as it will of International Schools. Student- the Education and Student Care De- Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani was one of the riders general Ali Salem Afi fa and Aspire today. It’s a great honour to be greet- help you learn. Don’t overthink, athletes were accepted after suc- partment. representing Qatar in the event.

BOTTOMLINE Josoor commences new Training and Development programmes By Sports Reporter ing and development off erings are set to run Doha each month from September to December and will provide the tools necessary for pro- fessionals in the sports and events indus- osoor Institute started the Septem- tries to grow and advance in their careers. ber sessions of its Training and De- Programmes’ topics range from strategic velopment programmes that are or- management to commercial best practices ganised and delivered in partnership to leadership and venue management. withJ Leaders, a global event, publishing and Addressing over 40 local and regional consultancy business in sport yesterday. delegates at the event, Josoor Institute’s ex- The programmes, which will run between ecutive director (acting) Mushtaq al-Waeli, September 26 and 29, include the Advance welcomed delegates yesterday and encour- Leadership Programme, Professional De- aged them to make the most out of the velopment Workshops, Masterclass session, sessions and engage with the world-class Executive Networking sessions and student speakers delivering the sessions. Renowned Outreach sessions. CEOs, COOs and coaches from the NBA, Josoor Institute is a centre of excellence Liverpool FC, the Welsh Football Associa- for the sports and events industries, in- tion and the Jockey Club have fl own in to spired and developed by the Supreme Com- Qatar to share their knowledge and wealth mittee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). Its train- of experience with the delegates.