SPORT Tuesday 18 September 2018 PAGE | 25 PAGE | 27 Hamilton pushing Ronaldo returns to towards 5th Formula Spain for Juventus One title CL opener Al Sadd storm into ACL semis RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA Al Sadd’s celebrates during the AFC : A slick penalty in injury Champions League quarter-final time by Baghdad Bounedjah match against Esteghlal FC at the yesterday sealed Al Sadd’s Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in passage to the semi-finals of the Doha, yesterday. AFC Champions League (ACL) after a thrilling encounter with Iran’s Esteghlal. Al Sadd, a two-time winners of the Asian club championship, yesterday drew 2-2 against Esteghlal to complete a 5-3 win on aggregate at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Coached by Jesualdo Ferreira, Al Sadd arrived for the return leg on home soil with a 3-1 cushion having beaten their Iranian rivals in the first leg at Azadi Stadium. Al Sadd’s goals were scored by (27) and Bounedjah (90 + 2). Esteghlal, who played most part of the second half with 10 men, were lifted by goals by Al Sadd’s Akram Hassan (left) vies for the ball with Esteghlal’s Humam Tarek during their match at the Rouhollah Bagheri (32) and Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. TOP: Al Sadd players celebrate their win over Esteghlal Morteza Tabrizi (49). In the semi-final, Al Sadd face FC in Doha, yesterday. Persepolis who yesterday edged out Qatari outfit Al Duhail in the assist by a cross from Humam narrowly. Just four minutes into In the 90th minute, Esteghlal other quarter-final. Tareq. A couple of minutes later, the second half, Esteghlal keeper Mehdi Rahmati brought “It feels great to have reached Esteghlal had an opportunity to grabbed the lead. Tabrizi headed down Afif inside his own box and the semi-finals of this prestigious take lead but Cheshmi’s header home off the high centre into the the referee promptly pointed to championship,” Al Sadd from the centre of the box went goal off an Esmaeili cross, fol- the penalty spot. Bounedjah Hassan Al Haydos said after the high and wide to the left of the lowing a corner kick, leaving Al calmly slotted the ball past thrilling contest under lights. goal-post after a neat set-piece Sadd fans stunned. Rahmati as Al Sadd celebrated “We have worked extremely move initiated by Farshid Al Sadd players, however, did their second goal that gave them hard to reach thus far. The Esmaeili. Five minutes from the not give up. In the 55th minute, a 5-3 cushion in injury time. players have put in great efforts first-half whistle, Esteghlal Afif hit the left post with a left- “It was an amazing fight. We all through the AFC Champions It was a great game for young bottom left corner after a slick managed to block a dangerous footed shot from the left side of worked as a team,” influential League so far,” he added. Afif who sparkled throughout the assist by Bounedjah in the 27th header by the box following an assist by midfielder Hassan said “I want to say ‘well done’ to clash with exciting moves. minute. from the centre of the box. Hassan. Coach Ferreira benched yesterday. the players and want to thank the After Esteghlal’s Rouzbeh Five minutes later, Esteghlal Two minutes later, tireless Al Haydos in the 70th minute “We hope we can continue fans for their support,” Al Haydos Cheshmi picked up a yellow for hit back through Bagheri who Afif - after a cross by Al Haydos by bringing in Yasser Abou like this. We have done well in said. “It was a great team effort. a reckless tackle, Afif opened the produced a left-footed shot from - charged towards the Esteghlal Baker but Al Sadd retained their this year’s championship. We Hopefully we go all the way,” he scoring with a right-footed shot the centre of the box to the high box but his right-footed shot from composure to attack Esteghlal have won the title in the past,” he added. from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal after a neat outside the box missed the target box regularly. added. Persepolis down Al Duhail, Klopp defends Neymar’s theatrics qualify for last four stage at World Cup

THE PENINSULA AFP He’s a fantastic footballer, out- standing.” “He was not fit at the TEHRAN: Persepolis reached LIVERPOOL: Liverpool World Cup and he tried to take the AFC Champions League manager Jurgen Klopp the responsibility for his semi-finals for the second year defended Neymar’s play-acting country. Belgium played an out- in a row after coming from a goal at the World Cup and believes standing game against Brazil, behind to earn a 3-1 win over Al it will be impossible to but if Neymar is fit, Brazil wins Duhail at the Azadi Stadium completely snuff out the Brazil- it. That’s how it is. yesterday, sealing a 3-2 ian’s threat when Paris Saint- “He was injured and so he aggregate win for the Iranian Germain visit Anfield in the had to save himself a bit. He’s side. Champions League today. not a person who wants to act Al Duhail took the lead in the Klopp insisted Neymar because if you are like that you 33rd minute after Persepolis wasn’t fully fit in Russia after cannot play football. defender ’s breaking a bone in his foot in “He got rested at the attempted clearance of Murad February that forced him to weekend so he will be 100 Naji’s free-kick bounced off miss the rest of the club season percent fresh, he’s not injured Karim Boudiaf and into the back with the French giants before any more. We will see the full of the net to give the Qataris a the World Cup.However, the package Neymar.” - Tuchel ‘one crucial away goal. world’s most expensive player of the best’ - Despite splashing Bashar Resan nearly earned few plaudits for his per- over 400m euros on Neymar equalised for the hosts in the formances and became a figure and Kylian Mbappe, PSG failed 56th minute after snatching the of fun for his constant feigning to progress beyond the last 16 ball from the Al Duhail defenders of injury as Brazil crashed out in their quest to win a first ever and advancing on goal, but his at the quarter-finals to Belgium. Champions League. effort from the edge of the box “When I saw a few games But Klopp, who led Liv- was tipped behind by goalkeeper Perspolis’ players celebrate after scoring during the AFC Champions League quarter-final match at the World Cup and I know erpool to the final in May, . against Al Duhail SC at the Azadi Stadium in the Iranian capital Tehran, yesterday. people are talking about that believes marrying a richly tal- The resulting corner kick and it looked like he made a bit ented squad with new coach brought Persepolis their first goal more of situations. But it’s a Thomas Tuchel makes the of the quarter-finals after the from the dead in the 57th minute. before squaring into the six yard long to add a third. Mensha normal reaction because French giants an even bigger cross skimmed the heads of The crowd at Azadi Stadium box. Struggling under Resan’s latched onto a long ball from players are going for him, that’s threat to win the competition strikers Godwin Mensha and Ali erupted as Persepolis took the pressure, Sultan Al Brake tried a Alireza Beiranvand outmuscled the truth, and he wants to this season. “The players they Alipour before ending up at the lead for the first time in the tie 15 last-ditch clearance but instead two Al Duhail defenders before protect himself. I understand have, the manager they have, feet of skipper Seyed Jalal minutes from time. Alipour broke sent the ball into his own net. rounding the goalkeeper and that,” said Klopp yesterday. they all brought it together to Hossein, who converted on the free on the left leaving his With the momentum now on applying a simple finish into the “I’m not sure it’s possible to go as far as possible in the half-volley to bring his side back marker Naji chasing shadows their side, Persepolis didn’t wait empty net to settle the tie. avoid his quality 100 percent. Champions League,” he added. 26 SPORT TUESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2018 Finch realised time was running out, now plans to seize chance

REUTERS Finch said either way he was still going to try and adopt the Australia’s Aaron Finch during nets in this file photo. SYDNEY: Opening batsman free flowing approach that had Aaron Finch knew time was allowed him to accumulate more running out on ever wearing the This is my first Test than 3300 runs with 11 centuries baggy green cap handed out to tour but I have been in one-dayers and almost 1600 Australia’s Test cricketers, but around for quite a international runs at also thought next month’s series while and I know an average of 45.60. against Pakistan might be his “Being aggressive has made best chance yet to earn one. the demands of me reasonably successful in the Finch was one of five international : two shorter formats,” said Finch. uncapped Test players named Aaron Finch “I suppose it depends on where last week in Justin Langer’s raw they see me in the order if there side for the two Tests in the is a spot in the (team). United Arab Emirates, with the “I thought it wasn’t ‘now or “(But) I think it’s about first match starting on October never’ but thought that if it didn’t sticking to your natural game 7. happen now then it was less and to your strengths. And when The 31-year-old made his likely (to happen) down the you do that, you give yourself a international debut for Australia track,” Finch told reporters in high chance of success.” Finch in a Twenty20 match in 2011 Brisbane yesterday. added he had recognised the tour before playing his first one dayer “It was a nice call to get.” could be a similar opportunity in 2013, but had never been An aggressive opening that former Australian batsman selected for a Test tour. batsman in limited overs cricket, Mike Hussey had in 2005. Former captain Finch said he was unsure what Like Finch, Hussey was a late and vice captain David Warner role he would be asked to play bloomer who did not make his and Cameron Bancroft were sus- in the UAE, if selected. test debut until he was 30. He pended earlier this year for their With Warner and Bancroft then went on to score 6235 runs roles in a ball-tampering scandal the preferred openers before in 79 matches at an average of I have been around for quite a second, someone will take your “(But) you grow up in the and Finch told reporters yes- their bans, he could potentially 51.52. while and I know the demands spot. backyard dreaming of playing terday he realised that had join Matt Renshaw at the top of “Hopefully if I get an oppor- of international cricket. “You can’t leave anything to and getting a baggy potentially opened the door for the order or occupy a spot tunity I can take it,” Finch said. “It’s tough. It’s a game where chance, you can’t leave one green and it’s closer than it has him. further down. “This is my first Test tour but if you let your guard down for a percent of preparation undone. (ever) been before.” Afghanistan knock SL Parnell’s new county deal could end his out after upset victory South Africa career

AFP AFP Not going to India for the ‘A’ tours was also another ABU DHABI: Afghanistan LONDON: South Africa’s indication. continued their rise in interna- Wayne Parnell has signed a “But I’m happy with that tional cricket with an upset new three-year contract with and I am comfortable with 91-run win over in Abu Worcestershire that could where I’m at and what I’m Dhabi yesterday, knocking the signal the end of the doing. I’ve thoroughly former champions out of the 29-year-old all-rounder’s enjoyed my time at Worces- Asia Cup. Proteas career. tershire since joining up with Sri Lanka needed to win the Parnell has not played for them and I’m excited about Group B match to stay in the South Africa in nearly a year my future with them.” tournament but were outwitted and was sidelined with injury Left-arm paceman by smart batting from Afghan- in December. By agreeing Parnell played six Tests istan who put up a fighting total what is known as a ‘Kolpak’ between 2010 and 2017, with of 249 all out at Sheikh Zayed deal with Midlands side best figures of four Stadium. Worcestershire, he has effec- for 51 against Sri Lanka. He The fighters then laid into Sri tively agreed to being classed also appeared in 65 one-day Lankan batting with spinner as a home player and not a and 40 T20 internationals He (2-26), Mohammad member of the county’s has taken 16 in four Nabi (2-30) and Mujeeb Ur overseas contingent. County Championship games Rahman (2-32) sharing wickets That status that would no for Worcestershire this as the five-time former winners longer apply if Parnell played season, including four for 23 were bowled out for 158 in 41.2 for South Africa while still against Hampshire. overs. under contract at New Road. Several South African Sri Lanka did not help their Parnell decided to spend players have given up their cause with two run outs while the next several years with international careers for the skipper played Worcestershire while helping security of what are often Afghan cricketers celebrate a Sri Lankan during their Asia Cup match yesterday. a reckless shot off Nabi and was them win English cricket’s more lucrative county deals, caught near the for 22. Twenty20 Blast at Edgbaston with fast bowler This becomes Afghanistan’s won the toss and opted to bat on boundaries in his 65-ball innings batted in on Saturday. and batsman Rilee Rossouw first-ever victory against Sri a flat pitch. Janat hit six while his opening partner his aggressive style, hitting a six “This is probably the both now at Hampshire. Lanka in three one-day interna- and four boundaries in his 47-ball toughest decision I’ve had to The Kolpak ruling came tionals after losing in the Asia SCOREBOARD 34. Rahmat then added another make in my career,” Parnell into force in 2003 when the Cup 2014 and World Cup a year Afghanistan U. Tharanga c Asghar b Naib ...... 36 80 runs for the fourth wicket with told ESPNCricinfo. European Court of Justice later. Mohammad Shahzad lbw b Dananjaya ...... 34 D. de Silva run out ...... 23 who made “It’s a very difficult ruled that anyone with a Sri Lanka, who now have Ihsanullah Janat lbw b Dananjaya ...... 45 K. Perera b Rashid ...... 17 a sedate 52-ball 37. decision and I am fully aware work permit from a country, lost 30 of their 40 matches since c T Perera b Chameera ...... 72 A. Mathews c Rashid b Nabi ...... 22 For Sri Lanka seamer and understand the pros and such as South Africa, which January 2017, had lost to Bang- lbw b Jayasuriya ...... 1 S. Jayasuriya run out ...... 14 took five for 55 cons of it. has an associate trading ladesh by 137 runs in Dubai on Hashmatullah Shahidi b T. Perera ...... 37 T. Perera b Naib ...... 28 and spinner fin- “I am still young and I agreement with the European Saturday. c T. Perera b Malinga 15...... D. Shanaka b Mujeeb ...... 0 ished with two for 39. Defending have plenty to offer to any Union had the same rights as Bowled out for a paltry 124 b T. Perera ...... 12 A. Dananjaya b Nabi ...... 2 champions India, Pakistan and environment that I’m in. I’ve a European worker. c Dananjaya b T. Perera ...... 4 L. Malinga lbw b Rashid ...... 1 against Bangladesh, Sri Lankan Rashid Khan b T. Perera ...... 13 D. Chameera ...... 2 qualifier Hong Kong are placed loved every time I’ve put on The ruling originally batting again failed miserably Aftab Alam not out ...... 7 Extras: (b2, lb5, w6) ...... 13 in Group A. the South African jersey and related to Slovakian handball with only (36) b T. Perera ...... 0 Total: (all out; 41.2 overs) ...... 158 Pakistan beat Hong Kong by I’m almost certain that player Maros Kolpak who and Thisara Perera (28) offering Extras: (lb 2, w 7) ...... 9 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Mendis), 2-54 (Silva), 3-86 (K. eight wickets in Dubai on nothing can replace that was released from his some fight. Total: (all out; 50 overs) ...... 249 Perera), 4-88 (Tharanga), 5-108 (Jayasuriya), 6-143 Sunday. feeling, certainly on the German club because of a Afghanistan were helped to Fall of wickets: 1-57 (Shahzad), 2-107 (Janat), (Mathews), 7-144 (Shanaka), 8-153 (Dananjaya), Top two teams from each cricket field.” quota on non-EU players. He 249 all out in their 50 overs with 3-110 (Asghar), 4-190 (Shah), 5-203 (Shahidi), 9-156 (T. Perera) group will qualify for the Super He added: “The reality of claimed it was unfair and the Rahmat Shah scoring 72 and 6-222 (Nabi), 7-227 (Najibullah), 8-249 (Rashid), Bowling: Mujeeb 9-1-32-2 (1w), Alam 7-0-34-0, Four stages from where top two life is that goals and aspira- court ruled in his favour. Ihsanullah Janat shipping in with 9-249 (Rashid) Naib 8-0-29-2, Nabi 10-1-30-2 (5w), Rashid 7.2-0- teams will play the final in Dubai tions change all the time and A player becomes eligible 45. Bowling: Malinga 10-0-66-1 (3w), Chameera 10-2- 26-2 on September 28. India face it seems the Proteas have for a Kolpak deal when he Shah struck five boundaries 43-1 (1w), T. Perera 9-0-55-5, Dananjaya 10-0-39-2 Result: Afghanistan win by 91 runs Hong Kong in Dubai today moved past me since I’ve not gives up the right to play for Toss: Afghanistan during his 90-ball knock and (3w), D. de Silva 5-0-22-0, Jayasuriya 6-0-22-1 before their high profile match really had any communica- his country, and is not classed Sri Lanka Umpires: Gregory Brathwaite (WIS) and Ahsan added 50 for the second wicket K. Mendis lbw b Mujeeb ...... 0 Raza (PAK) against Pakistan a day later at tions since I had my injury. as an overseas-player signing. with Janat (45) after Afghanistan the same venue. Tamim out after injury heroics AFP from Dubai. Tamim was hailed to the ground with a sling on his 16 balls alone in their 10th-wicket as national hero after he returned injured hand his Asia Cup was partnership, guiding Bangladesh DHAKA: Bangladesh opener to bat with his injured hand for thought to be over. to 261 runs before he was dis- has been ruled out the final wicket during Bangla- But the opener stunned all by missed in the final over for 144. of the rest of the Asia Cup with a desh’s 137-run win in Saturday’s striding out to bat after Bang- Bangladesh later bowled out broken hand after batting despite opening match against Sri Lanka. ladesh lost their ninth wicket for Sri Lanka for 124 runs to record his injury in the opening match, The left-hander received a 229 runs. He fashioned a hole in their biggest win on foreign soil, an official said yesterday. blow to his wrist in the second his glove in order to fit his taped making a giant leap towards the “He got two fractures in his over of Bangladesh’s innings wrist, and used one hand in facing Super Four round. Sri Lanka coach (right) talks with hand. He would not be able to when he was hit by a short ball a single to give the strike Bangladesh will face Afghan- Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal at the end of their Asia Cup continue here and also for the from . back to , who istan in their second match of the match in Dubai on Saturday. next three to four weeks,” team He left the field for hospital was batting on 112. tournament in the United Arab manager Khaled Mahmud said for a scan, and when he returned Mushfiqur then scored 32 off Emirates on Thursday. TUESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 27

Qatar SC Barca keen to make amends looking for AP five-time European champions CHAMPIONS LEAGUE new coach after away a 4-1 lead UEFA Champions League fixtures for this week LONDON: Barcelona helps to over Roma by losing 3-0 in the Today (CET/GMT) QNA usher in a new-look to the second leg. Champions League today as fans Barcelona must return to Barcelona vs PSV (1855/1655) adjust to new staggered kickoff Italy to play Inter Milan, which Internazionale vs Tottenham Hotspur DOHA: Qatar SC announced times. is back in the continent’s premier (1855/1655) yesterday that they termi- Most matches in the group competition after a seven-season Club Brugge vs Borussia Dortmund nated the contract of their stage will now begin simultane- absence. The three-time (2100/1900) first team coach Abdullah ously at 2100 Central European European champions have expe- Monaco vs Atlético Madrid (2100/1900) Mubarak by mutual consent. Time, 15 minutes later than in rienced a fall from grace since Liverpool vs PSG (2100/1900) They appointed U-23 previous seasons. That is to winning the treble under Jose Crvena Zvezda vs Napoli (2100/1900) coach Youssef Faraj Noubi as accommodate a couple of games Mourinho in 2010, including the Galatasaray vs Lokomotiv Moskva head of the first team until being played in a new earlier slot Champions League title. (2100/1900) they sign someone for the of 1855 CET to maximize tele- PSV Eindhoven coach Mark Schalke 04 vs Porto (2100/1900) post permanently. The club vision audiences. van Bommel has an early return Tomorrow attributed in a statement So when the group stage to Barcelona where he won the Shakhtar Donetsk vs Hoffenheim released yesterday that the begins on Tuesday it won’t be Champions as a player in 2006. (1855/1655) bad results is the reason such a late finish at the Camp PSV is in the group stage for Ajax vs AEK Athens (1855/1655) behind their decision. The Nou for Barcelona’s game the 16th time but the Dutch club’s Manchester City vs Olympique Lyonnais club thanked the outgoing Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde during a press conference ahead against PSV Eindhoven or at the only success in the continental (2100/1900) coach for his effort, wishing of their Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven at the San Siro where Inter Milan plays competition came before the Real Madrid vs Roma (2100/1900) him luck with his future Viktoria Plzeň vs CSKA Moskva (2100/1900) Tottenham. Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. inception of the Champions coaching role. The team won Young Boys vs Manchester United Inter benefited from the League when it lifted the only one out of the opening (2100/1900) fourth-place teams in England, two finals. Diego Simeone’s team as it prepares to travel to European Cup in 1988. five matches of the league,

Valencia vs Juventus (2100/1900) Germany, Spain and Italy now still made the best of a bad situ- Belgium to face Club Brugge. Tottenham is the only team losing the other four. Benfica vs Bayern München (2100/1900) securing a direct route into the ation, though, dropping into the Back in the Champions in the group yet to collect the Meanwhile, Department group stage, rather than having Europa League and winning the League group stage after a trophy but has been the most of competitions and players to contest a playoff. second-tier competition. 13-year absence, Brugge has had consistent side over three Qatari ownership. With Kylian affairs at the Qatar Football What has not changed is four But Atletico has labored at the best preparation at home by seasons in the Premier League, Mbappe coming off the back of Association (QFA) organised groups are in action today, and the start of its domestic cam- winning six and drawing once without actually winning the a starring role for winners a two-day workshop for the other four tomorrow. paign, winning only one of four so far in the league. title, ensuring a hat trick of France at the World Cup, new observers and coordinators Here is a look the groups La Liga matches. There is a GROUP B (BARCELONA, Champions League appearances coach Thomas Tuchel has a of matches. playing today: greater incentive for Atletico to TOTTENHAM, PSV EIND- for the first time. wealth of attacking options. Alisher Nikimbayev, GROUP A (MONACO, reach the final because it is HOVEN, INTER MILAN) GROUP C (PARIS SAINT- PSG will meet one of the QFA’s Technical Expert and BORUSSIA DORTMUND, hosting the game in June. Lionel Messi’s Barcelona has GERMAIN, NAPOLI, LIV- few teams in the competition accredited Asian lecturer, lec- ATLETICO MADRID, CLUB The journey begins with a had to endure seeing archrival ERPOOL, RED STAR which can rival its talent: Liv- tured the workshop.The BRUGGE) trip to Monaco. Real Madrid win three Cham- BELGRADE) erpool, which lost to Madrid in workshop focused on intro- None of the quartet reached Like Monaco, Borussia pions League finals in a row. After helping Paris Saint- last season’s final. ducing the participants to the the knockout phase last season. Dortmund only collected two Beating Madrid to the La Liga Germain re-establish domestic Flush with more than mechanism, role, and tasks It was considered a debacle points in the group stage last title did little to banish the humil- dominance last year, Neymar has $200m in off-season signings, of the coordinator and the for Atletico, which had made at season. But Lucien Favre’s team iation of Barcelona’s quarterfinal little to prove with the club apart Liverpool has an early test of observer, through talking least the quarterfinals for four is unbeaten so far in the Bun- exit in Europe last year. There is from achieving the big mission: its credentials when it hosts about football competitions successive seasons, including desliga with two wins from three unfinished business for the Delivering a European title to the PSG at Anfield. in general

Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Spain Ronaldo celebrates at Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy in for Juventus CL opener this file picture. REUTERS reception in Valencia, who had scored.” justify the massive investment to suffer 15 of his goals for Real Juventus, knocked out in the ploughed into the club by their BARCELONA: Fresh from and are returning to the Cham- quarter-finals of last season’s Qatari owners since 2011. scoring his first goals for pions League for the first time in competition by a Ronaldo- Both sides have made perfect Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo three years, hoping to improve inspired Real Madrid, will be starts to their domestic cam- makes an eagerly-awaited return on their miserable start to the La looking to make a strong start in paigns with five wins, PSG to Spain when the Italian cham- Liga campaign. Group H, which also contains thrashing St Etienne 4-0 at home pions play Valencia tomorrow in Ronaldo, who plundered a Swiss champions Young Boys on Friday and Liverpool enjoying their opening Champions League staggering 451 goals in 438 and Manchester United, where a convincing 2-1 victory at Tot- group game. games for Real, made a slow start Ronaldo became a household tenham Hotspur. All eyes will be on the Portu- by his usual standards to life at name before joining Real in English champions Man- guese forward, the all-time top Juventus by failing to score in his 2009. Real begin their bid to win chester City host Olympique scorer in Europe’s elite compe- first three games but broke his a fourth straight Champions Lyonnais in Group F tomorrow tition and a five-times winner of duck with two strikes in Sunday’s League title at home to AS Roma also looking to make a mark in the trophy, when he makes his 2-1 win over Sassuolo. on Wednesday after drawing 1-1 the competition they are yet to first public appearance in Spain “I really wanted to score at Athletic Bilbao, where they win despite huge investment since ending a trophy-filled these first goals and I’m happy certainly could have done with from their Abu Dhabi owners. nine-year stay at Real in July. to have found the net,” Ronaldo the firepower of all-time top Five-time European cham- Ronaldo’s last act for Real told reporters. scorer Ronaldo. pions Barcelona host Dutch was lifting the Champions “Obviously, I was a little The week’s other mouth- league winners PSV Eindhoven League trophy in Kiev after anxious with all the talk after my watering game is last season’s in Group B on Tuesday looking beating Liverpool 3-1 in the final move from Real Madrid and not runners-up Liverpool hosting to improve on their recent dis- before he dropped the bombshell scoring and there was a lot of French champions Paris St appointing showings in the com- in a pitch-side interview that he expectation on me, but I knew I Germain, who begin another petition, having been knocked had decided to leave Madrid. was working hard and it was quest to win Europe’s elite com- out at the quarter-final stage in Ronaldo can expect a hostile only a matter of time before I petition for the first time and the last three seasons.

Qatar’s Al Attiyah the man to beat in Kuwait Rally THE PENINSULA Clerk of the Course for an event regional unrest and two Gulf that will be run over three days Wars meant it did not run KUWAIT CITY: Rally officials and 13 special stages, 12 of between 1990-1994 and have announced that the Kuwait which will take place on desert 1997-2007. International Rally will return terrain on November 2-3. The Al Attiyah achieved his sixth as the fourth round of the 2018 competitive action will get success in 2016, having eclipsed FIA Middle East Rally Champi- underway with a timed super the four victories earned by onship on November 1-3. special at 16.00hrs on Thursday, Mohammed Ben Sulayem (1985, Kuwait’s flagship motor November 1 after the cere- 1988, 1989 and 1996) in 2015. sporting event did not take monial start at Kuwait Motor The event was an ever present place in 2017 but the country’s Town Race Circuit. in the regional calendar since welcomed return to the FIA cal- Al Sabti said: “I am delighted returning as a candidate rally endar will be marked by the to be Clerk of the Course for in 2008 but did not happen in first time that the new Kuwait Kuwait’s return to the regional 2017. That 2008 candidate Motor Town Race Circuit facility rally championship. I was Rally event was won by Saudi driver has ever hosted an FIA event. Director and Clerk of the Course Yazeed Al Rajhi, while Al The rally will be organised in 2013 and 2014 and it is great Attiyah notched up his six wins by the Basil Salem Al Sabah to be back in 2018. I am con- in 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 Motor Racing Club (BMRC) fident that we can lay on an and 2016. There were solitary under the chairmanship of exciting and challenging rally successes for Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Athbi Nayef Jaber Al for our competitors.” Khalid Al Qassimi in 2010 and Ahmad Al Sabah and in con- Qatar’s defending regional Qatar’s Khalid Al-Suwaidi in junction with the General champion Nasser Saleh Al 2012. The most successful co- Authority for Sport and the Attiyah has the record for the drivers are Ronan Morgan and Kuwait International Auto- most number of victories in the Giovanni Bernacchini with four mobile Club (KIAC). Kuwait International Rally. The wins apiece. Entries are open A file picture from last year’s Kuwait Rally. The experienced Meshari event became a round of the and the closing date has been Al-Sabti has been appointed as MERC in 1984, although set for Saturday, October 13. TUESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 25 I feel like that’s my home. It’s Cristiano Ronaldo the competition that I love has his FOOTBALL CRICKET the most. Let’s hope we have sights set on his favourite AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Asia Cup - Group A some luck, it will be a difficult competition: The Champions Tianjin Quanjian FC vs India vs Hong Kong League. group but I can’t wait. ACTION Kashima Antlers (JPN) in Dubai TODAY’S Al Obaidly: A swimming superstar in the making

FAWAD HUSSAIN Al Obaidly was in THE PENINSULA outstanding form at the FINA World Cup Doha DOHA: At the tender age of 16, Qatar’s edition, particularly in swimming sensation Abdulaziz Al Obaidly the elite men’s 100m is breaking new barriers with every passing competition. backstroke, and 200m In the FINA Swimming World Cup individual medley events. 2018 Doha edition that concluded on Sat- urday, the talented swimmer impressed The 16-year-old was all with his slick pace and balance as he among the youngest competed against the world’s best at the athletes in Team Qatar’s Hamad Aquatic Centre. contingent at last Al Obaidly, who is a backstroke spe- cialist, was not only convincing in his month’s Asian Games favourite category but was also out- in Indonesia, where he standing in other events in the recently- broke 5 national records. concluded competition in which he broke several national records. The young star The highlights of his performances dominated backstroke was a time of 1:01.87 in the elite men’s 100m backstroke final, achieving a com- events at GCC mendable 6th position with Qatar’s best competitions since 2015, Abdulaziz Al Obaidly started adding time. before Qatari swimmers trophies to his collection at a very The teenager, who represents Al Sadd young age. missed this year’s Club, was also outstanding in the men’s regional championships 200m individual medley, where he is not due to the blockade. even an expert. He displayed a stunning missed this year’s regional champion- performance in the star-studded heats, ships due to the blockade. and surprised many by qualifying for the The teenager, a fan of American The Al Sadd swimmer is final of the event. Al Obaidly then clocked superstar Michael Phelps, and South now preparing for the 2:13.86 in the final to finish on a cred- African swimming giant Chad Le Clos, FINA Swimming World itable 7th position. aims to emulate the successful Olym- Cup Budapest edition “The FINA World Cup is my best com- pians by shining at the Games. which will be held from petition in terms of performances so far “I want to take part in Olympics as I set many new national records in the through qualification. I am eager to October 4 to 6. event,” Al Obaidly told The Peninsula in qualify instead of competing in Olympics an interview. as a wild card entrant. Tokyo Olympics “I am very happy with my times which (2020) is not very far but I will try my swimming much but I developed interest will give me confidence in the future best to qualify. I am more hopeful to by the time . Now swimming is my pri- competitions.” make it to 2024 Olympics (in Paris), as ority,” he said. Just a month ago, Al Obaidly returned by that time I would be more Al Obaidly’s father, who is a General from a successful campaign in the Asian experienced. Major at Ministry of Interior, and his Games 2018 which was held in Indonesia. “Winning an Olympic medal for mother, a Phd, are the driving force The rising star was among the youngest country is a dream of every athlete, and behind him becoming an international athletes in Team Qatar’s contingent in the I am also looking forward to it,” said Al swimmer. continental event that proved to be the Obaidly. Both his parents also travel with him launching pad for his phenomenal show “Qatar will be the host for FINA during international championships and in Doha. World Championships in 2023 and to training tours. “Before this (FINA World Cup) event, do well in that event in front of the home “It’s very motivating for me to have my performances in the Asian Games fans is also my target,” he said. my parents around during tough chal- were my best. I broke five national lenges. This gives me more energy to do records in Indonesia. I seek improvement Al Obaidly took the first well.” in every new competition, and I am happy plunge at 3 The Al Sadd swimmer is now pre- that I am achieving that goal,” he said. The Qatari speedster first made a paring for the FINA Swimming World splash when he was hardly able to speak Cup Budapest edition which will be held Olympic medal a dream for the a full sentence – at the age of just 3. He from October 4 to 6. promising Qatari made it to the national camp when he “I am focusing on my next The young star dominated back- was only 5 years old. assignment where I want to improve my stroke events at GCC competitions since “My parents wanted me to become times, and I am looking forward to it,” Qatar’s swimming prodigy Abdulaziz Al Obaidly during the FINA Swimming 2015, before the Qatari swimmers a swimmer. In the beginning I didn’t like he said. World Cup 2018 Doha edition. Hamilton pushing towards 5th Formula One title AP answer to that, we don’t mind that, crashed in the rain while leading percentages and (when)when) you get fromfrom 20162016,, when Hamilton - wwhoho we like that battle. If they don’t, the German GP in July - where wrong it hasas bigger waswas at odds with Nico Rosberg SINGAPORE: Lewis Hamilton we also don’t mind that.” victory would have given him the ramifications.” andand lost the drivers’ title to his sounds unsure of just one thing: These are big “Ifs” for a Ferrari championship lead - makes mis- While Vettel wwasas againagain pubpub-- teammate- was unhappyunhappy at whether Ferrari can bounce back team lurching into crisis after a takes Hamilton simply does not. licly critical of his teameam following certain decisions.decisions. after he dealt another crushing strong start - as Vettel won the During the Singapore GP, qualifying and the rrace,ace, Hamilton NowNow all the ppressureressure is blow to Sebastian Vettel’s title first two races and four of the first Vettel hit a wall during Friday has faith in Mercedeses - to sucsuchh aann inin the Ferrari garage. hopes. 10. They were neck and neck practice and lost valuable track extent that he’s noww spendingspending farfar Hamilton was imperious at the heading into the summer, but preparation time for qualifying. longer in team debriefsbriefs than he Singapore Grand Prix, securing Hamilton has won four of the past It triggered a set of baffling ever used to. one of the best pole positions of five races despite acknowledging events and poor decisions unbe- When he arriveded SundaySunday his Formula One career with an his car is not as quick. fitting of such a proud team. night to give his finalnal comcom-- astonishing drive in qualifying on “Ultimately, I think we’re Ferrari’s mistakes this season ments to the media,a, it wwasas Saturday and then controlling over-delivering,” Hamilton said. have started to pile up, while Mer- nearing 1 a.m. localal time. Sunday’s race perfectly. “We’ve out-performed a car that’s cedes is making the right calls and Yet Hamilton was buoyantuoyant It all went so smoothly for often slightly better - out-per- Hamilton is making the most of it. and seemed galvanizedzed bbyy Mercedes as Hamilton moved 40 formed them as a team.” Hamilton said Vettel’s crash his intensive leadershipership points ahead of Vettel with six As a driver, too, Hamilton has in practice was not Mercedes role with his engineers.eers. races left in the season. But for the edge on Vettel - particularly “lucking in,” but more about the “I encourage themhem to Ferrari, it was yet another in terms of composure under differing approaches of the rival ask me questions, aandnd ttheyhey weekend on the back foot. pressure. teams. did. More than ever,ver, the “We’re not over-confident, Both are four-time F1 cham- “I take pride in not putting communication hass bebeenen an we’re diligent. We just want to pions and vying for a fifth win to myself in those positions,” Ham- addition,” Hamiltonlton saidsaid.. keep hammering as hard as we move level with Argentine Juan ilton said. “The team’s relying on “We’re going fromm strengthstrength to can,” Hamilton after Sunday’s win, Manuel Fangio and within two me as his team’s relying on him. strength in terms off our undunder-er- still sounding elated long after his titles of F1 great Michael Schu- “There’s a lot of pressure on standing of the car.”.” Lewis Hamilton victory. “If (Ferrari) have got an macher’s record. But Vettel, who us as drivers, it’s only small It is quite some turnaroundturnaround