FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 BBASEBALL|ASEBALL Page 5 Al Sadd Walker’s star Akram home run focused on holds off a Red Clasico Sox celebration

Thursday, September 20, 2018 TENNIS Moharram 10, 1440 AH Nadal to skip GULF TIMES Asian swing due to knee injury SPORT Page 4 CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Generation Amazing presents Kumar, Sharma unique ‘football for development’ shine in India’s model in New York win over Pakistan The teams will clash once again in the Super Four Stage on Sunday

Bora Milutinovic (centre) led the Generation Amazing team at the Beyond Sport United CSR conference in New York.

Supreme Committee world. We will continue with our Doha football for development work to make a tangible impact on the lives of a million young people by eneration Amazing has 2022.” showcased its unique As part of the programme at ‘football for develop- the Beyond Sport United Confer- ment’ model in New ence, Generation Amazing took GYork City, while attending the part in various panel sessions and leading corporate social respon- discussions, including through sibility conference Beyond Sport CSR Senior Manager Isabel Gul- United. tresa, and former USA national Launched in 2010 as part of team coach, Milutinovic. Qatar’s successful bid to host “The vision of a country and an the 2022 World Cup, Genera- organisation is very important if tion Amazing employs its model you want to guide young genera- in communities across Qatar, tions to become leaders in their the Middle East and Asia – and community,” Milutinovic said. programme organisers took the “Generation Amazing is so im- opportunity to demonstrate its portant in this regard, as it works approach to a new audience in North America by conducting a Generation Amazing also successful football training ses- supported the Sport for sion for local schoolchildren. Refugees Award during Generation Amazing also sup- the Beyond Sport Global ported the Sport for Refugees Awards 2018, with the Award during the Beyond Sport award being presented by Global Awards 2018, with the fi ve-time FIFA World Cup award being presented by fi ve- coach, Bora Milutinovic time FIFA World Cup coach, Bora Milutinovic. until 2022 to involve one mil- The new award went to Re- lion children and young people, claim Childhood, an organisa- from Pakistan to Nepal, India to tion which brings refugee and the Philippines and many other Jordanian girls together on the countries, and to teach them life playing fi eld by training Syrian, skills and values through sport.” Iraqi, Sudanese, Palestinian, So- He continued: “The decisive mali, Egyptian and local Jorda- factor is to be aware of how we can India captain Rohit Sharma celebrates after reaching his half-century against Pakistan at The Dubai International Cricket Stadium yesterday. nian coaches to lead their own improve the world. The best way sports teams and work together to do so is to share knowledge, khar Zaman (nought) inside fi ve towards community resilience. and people who have experience AFP SCORECARD Dubai overs, before Babar Azam (47) “We are proud to support the can share a lot of things with chil- and Shoaib Malik (43) rebuilt new Sport for Refugees Award dren who don´t have these op- Pakistan the innings during their 82-run this year, which recognises the portunities. Sport can help young ndia eased past Pakistan by Imam-ul-Haq c Dhoni b Kumar 2 India stand for the third wicket. outstanding work being done by people to think diff erently. eight wickets in their long- Fakhar Zaman c Chahal b R. Sharma b Shadab...... 52 But after Azam was dismissed organisations from diff erent parts “Thanks to sport you can learn awaited Asia Cup match Kumar 0 S. Dhawan c Azam b Ashraf ...46 in the 22nd over, bowled by left- of the world to address one of the discipline, motivation, team which failed to live up to its Babar Azam b Yadav...... 47 A. Rayudu not out ...... 31 arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, Pa- most pressing social issues of our spirit, how to be respectful, all hypeI in Dubai yesterday. kistan lost their last seven wick- time,” said Mushtaq al-Waeli, of the values that you need to be Shoaib Malik run out ...... 43 D. Karthik not out...... 31 Pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Sarfraz Ahmed c sub (Pandey) Extras: (nb2, w2) ...... 4 ets for 77 runs. Senior Advisor to the Secretary successful in life. With Genera- Kumar (3-15) and part time off - b Jadhav ...... 6 Total: for two wkts; 29 overs Azam hit six boundaries in General, Supreme Committee for tion Amazing, young people get spinner Kedar Jadhav (3-23) sent Asif Ali c Dhoni b Jadhav 9 164 his 62-ball knock while Malik, Delivery & Legacy. a new world of opportunities, Pakistan, who won the toss and Shadab Khan st Dhoni b Jadhav Did not bat: K. Jadhav, M. dropped on 26 by MS Dhoni off “Through Generation Amazing to advance in their lives. The batted, collapsing to just 162 all 8 Dhoni, H. Pandya, K. Yadav, Y. Hardik Pandya, cracked one six we are using the power of sport World Cup in Qatar will be one of out in 43.1 overs at Dubai Sta- Faheem Ashraf c Dhawan b Chahal, B. Kumar, J. Bumrah and one four in a vigilant innings to build a lasting social legacy dreams, a compact tournament dium. Bumrah ...... 21 Fall of wickets: 1-86 (Sharma), which lasted 67 balls. for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in with the opportunity to see more Skipper Rohit Sharma then Mohamed Amir not out...... 18 2-104 (Dhawan) Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed (six) Qatar, our region, and across the than one game a day.” struck three sixes and six bound- Hasan Ali c Karthik b Kumar...... 1 Bowling: Amir 6-1-23-0, became Jadhav’s fi rst wicket, aries in his 39-ball 52 while fel- Usman Shinwari b Bumrah...... 0 Shinwari 4-0-27-0 (1nb), Hasan holing out to long-on where low opener Shikhar Dhawan hit Extras (lb6, nb1)...... 7 4-0-33-0, Ashraf 5-0-31-0 (2w, substitute fi elder Maneesh Pan- a six and six fours in his 54-ball Total (all out; 43.1 overs) ...... 162 1nb), Shadab 1.3-0-6-1, Zaman 6.3- dey completed a brilliant catch, 46 as India romped home in 29 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Imam),.. 2-3 0-25-0, Malik 2-0-19-0 throwing the ball back into the overs. (Zaman), 3-85 (Azam), 4-96 (Sar- Result: India win by eight fi eld to avoid running over the Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh fraz), 5-100 (Malik), 6-110 (Asif), wickets rope and completing the catch. Karthik both fi nished on 31 not 7-121 (Shadab), 8-158 (Ashraf), Toss: Pakistan But it was Malik’s run out out as India exacted some re- 9-160 (Hasan) Umpires: Marais Erasmus Pakistan captain Sarfraz which derailed Pakistan, sent venge for their humbling 180- Bowling: Kumar 7-1-15-3, Bum- (RSA) and Ruchira Palliyaguruge Ahmed reacts during the back by Asif Ali after setting off run defeat against their arch-ri- rah 7.1-2-23-2, Pandya 4.5-0-24-0, (SRI) match. for a quick single. vals in the fi nal of the Champions Chahal 7-0-34-0, Yadav 8-0-37-1, TV umpire: Gregory Brathwaite Paceman Jasprit Bumrah took Trophy in London last year — the Rayudu 0.1-0-0-0, Jadhav 9-1-23-3 (WIS) terday’s match turned into a 2-23 but India lost all-rounder most recent match between the damp squib for a near-capacity Hardik Pandya to injury. teams until yesterday. crowd comprising of Indian Bowling his fi fth over, Pandya Both Pakistan and India had stan meet in Abu Dhabi in the The top two teams from the and Pakistani expats living in fell in his follow through and already qualifi ed for the Super last Group B match today, having Super Fours will play the fi nal in the United Arab Emirates. was stretchered off with a lower Four stage of the Asia Cup and already qualifi ed for the second Dubai on September 28. Kumar ran through the top back injury, the extent of which will meet again in Dubai on Sun- round after Sri Lanka crashed Once Pakistan’s unpredict- order by dismissing openers was being assessed by the India day. Bangladesh and Afghani- out. able batting crumbled, yes- Imam-ul-Haq (two) and Fa- team’s medical staff . Bora Milutinovic (L) helps conduct a football clinic in New York. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, September 20, 2018 SPORTFOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Al Sadd star Akram focused on Qatar Clasico kram Afi f, a key player of Al Sadd, Can Al Sadd win easily going by the competition this season? is one of the stars in the QNB Stars current form? The competition is tough. The start has League. The 21-year-old has been There is no easy game. We are facing tough indicated that. We must try not to lose any performing exceptionally well at opponents and we will do our best to win. point if we have to top the standings. Aboth domestic and Asian levels, and plays a vital role in the team’s fortunes. Who is the Al Rayyan player you worry Can Al Sadd win the league title early Akram, who has represented Spanish La about? this time? Liga club Villarreal, spoke to QSL Online in There is no specifi c player. No team de- We have the ability to do that. But it is too an exclusive interview ahead of the Qatar pends on one player, they always play collec- early to think who will become the champi- Clasico between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan. tively. About Khalfan Ibrahim, the current Al ons. Excerpts: Rayyan player who previously represented Al Sadd… What is the secret of harmony and un- How do you see the Qatar Clasico against Khalfan is a great player. He has much in- derstanding between you and Baghdad Al Rayyan? fl uence inside the fi eld and I always wish him Bounedjah? It is a tough game between two teams with success. Bounedjah is a very special striker. He big history in the Qatar league. The match helps the team a lot. I think the harmony be- will be keenly followed by all Qatar football What are the strengths of both teams? tween us is growing after every game. fans. Each team has its own strengths, the way they play will show that. We only focus on What are your ambitions with the team? What does this game mean to you? our team, the way we play in order to win. I am defi nitely looking to win titles with It means a lot especially because we will Al Sadd. The season is tough. We are keen to play with one target — to win and collect You are performing well since the start excel both on the domestic and continental three points. We know that the league this of this season. What do you promise Al fronts. season is more strong. Sadd fans on this match? Al Sadd fans wish that you win the title, I am always looking to improve. I thank the what do you say to them? What is your expectation of the game? technical staff and my team-mates for help- Our main target is QNB Stars League ti- In big games, there is no specifi c expec- ing me. I promise our fans that we will keep tle and we will work very hard to achieve it, tation. Each team will have its own playing working hard. but I can’t promise anything. Football is un- style and we are ready to play for a win. predictable. However, we will work hard to Al Sadd’s Akram Afif (left) vies for the ball with Esteghlal’s Humam Tarek during their AFC Champions How do you see the QNB Stars League achieve all our targets. (qsl.com.qa) League quarter-final at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Monday. (AFP)

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS QSLM co-ordination meeting held Super sub Firmino ahead of Clasico

By Sports Reporter and Qatar Stars League, on the Doha occasion of Qatar Clasico. The new initiative aims at in- stilling a sense of fair play and he Qatar Stars League true sportsmanship in the fans’ hands Liverpool Management (QSLM) behaviour while they cheer on organised a co-ordina- their teams. tion meeting at its head- The meeting was attended quartersT at the Al Bidda Tower by QSLM’s Head of Operations yesterday, ahead of the QNB Ahmed al-Sayed, Media Aff airs Stars League Week 6 match be- Acting Director as well as Head tween Al Sadd and Al Rayyan, of Local Media Aff airs Abdul- dubbed the Qatar Clasico. lah Saleh al-Sulaiti, Community fl ying start over PSG The match will kick off at the Relations Offi cer Nasser Mu- Al Sadd Stadium at 17:55 on barak al-Kuwari and Stadium ‘Never at any point did we lose our confidence. We played with bravery and strength’ Saturday. Security representative Saeed QSLM’s Marketing, Sales and Mansour, among others. Communications Executive Di- rector Hassan Rabea al-Kuwari Fans can buy the tickets from chaired the meeting. the Al Sadd club reception on Al-Kuwari said the Qatar Cla- the following dates: sico was always a special occa- Today: 9am-12noon and 4pm- sion because of its importance to 5pm the passionate fans of both clubs Tomorrow: 4pm-8pm in particular and Qatar football Saturday: Two hours prior to in general. the start of the game The top QSLM offi cial an- The QSLM is off ering attractive nounced the launch of an idea prizes to fans. The draw to select called ‘Fan Fair Play’, a joint ini- winners will be held at half-time tiative by the Ministry of Interior of the match.

CONMEBOL names three World Cup arenas for 2019 Copa America The Copa America final in Brazil Fonte Nova in Salvador and next year will be held at the Ma- Palmeiras’ ground the Allianz racana stadium in Rio de Janeiro Parque. The choice of the six while the opening match will stadiums means only three of take place at the Morumbi in the 12 arenas built or renovated Sao Paulo, organisers said yes- at huge cost for the 2014 World terday. The two semi-finals will Cup will be used in the world’s be staged at the Gremio arena oldest international tournament. in Porto Alegre and the Mineirao The Copa America, the first to in Belo Horizonte, the South be held in Brazil since 1989, will American Football Confedera- run from June 14 to July 7 and tion (CONMEBOL) added. feature all 10 South America na- The other two stadiums con- tions plus invited guests Qatar firmed to host games are the and Japan.

DECISION Three offi cials tried in US given life bans by FIFA for corruption

Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino (right) celebrates after scoring their third goal against PSG in Champions League Group C match at Anfield on Tuesday. (AFP) AFP 47-year-old former sports mar- Lausanne keting executive, pleaded guilty AFP player Neymar quiet for almost lenge for the competition un- his chance on the big stage by ous fi nale at Wembley on Sat- to racketeering conspiracy Liverpool the entire match, Liverpool der new boss Thomas Tuchel powering home a pinpoint curl- urday after passing up a series and wire fraud conspiracy at a seemed set to pay a heavy price was again questioned as they ing cross from Andy Robertson of chances to put the game to IFA has given three offi - Brooklyn court in 2016. for one poor pass by Mohamed struggled to contain Liverpool’s to open the scoring on the half- bed. cials who pleaded guilty Forty-two people were indict- iverpool left it late but Salah as Mbappe swept home greater speed and power in hour mark. And it looked like this time to corruption in a US ed in the US after the corruption showed Paris Saint- seven minutes from time in midfi eld. “I told him this is the best they would pay as Salah had a court, life bans from all scandal and many pleaded guilty, Germain have plenty front of a stunned Kop. “Never at any point did we shape (you are in) since I know goal ruled out for a foul by Stur- football-relatedF activities for although others, such as former of work to do if they But Firmino, who started on lose our confi dence. We played you physically, and you have ridge before the latter headed a corruption, the sport’s govern- FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, areL to challenge for a fi rst-ever the bench due to an eye injury with bravery and strength,” in- to use that,” said Klopp. “He glorious chance into the arms of ing body announced yesterday. managed to avoid extradition to the Champions League title as Rob- suff ered against Tottenham on sisted Tuchel. played a super game, (scored a) Areola. The adjudicatory chamber of States. Last month, former Con- erto Firmino struck a stoppage Saturday, had the fi nal say as he “But this is Anfi eld. This is super goal.” Seven minutes from time, the ethics committee banned mebol president Juan Angel Na- time winner in a 3-2 victory at twisted and turned before fi r- what Liverpool do and when Six minutes later, PSG’s defi - Salah’s slack pass was inter- former chairman of the North pout was sentenced to nine years in Anfi eld on Tuesday. ing into the far corner to stretch they press you it is diffi cult.” cit was doubled when Juan Ber- cepted and quickly fed into American Soccer League (NASL) prison, shortly after former Brazil- Despite the late drama, vic- Liverpool’s perfect start to the Up front, Firmino’s absence nat tripped Georginio Wijnal- Neymar, with Van Dijk’s tackle Aaron Davidson, former CON- ian FA boss Jose Maria Marin was tory was well deserved for last season to six games. opened the door for Sturridge dum inside the area and Milner on the Brazilian only rebound- CACAF offi cial Costas Takkas handed a four-year sentence. season’s fi nalists who domi- “You can bring Bobby Firmi- to make his fi rst Champions slammed the resulting penalty ing into the path of Mbappe to and Colombian ex-FIFA match Sierra Leone face the prospect nated throughout and bounced no on and that helps a lot,” said League start for the club. into the bottom corner. fi re home. agent Miguel Trujillo for bribery of a ban from international com- back from blowing a 2-0 fi rst- Klopp after the Brazilian cel- “It is great to contribute to However, the visitors were Klopp responded by replac- and corruption. petition by FIFA after the coun- half lead to take the early ad- ebrated by covering his injured the team today,” said Sturridge. handed a lifeline through right- ing Salah with Xherdan Shaqiri Takkas was an advisor to try’s Anti-Corruption Commis- vantage in Group C. left eye. “I loved his goal cel- “It is a team here and everybody back Meunier, rather than one as Liverpool instantly went in former CONCACAF president sion followed through on a threat Daniel Sturridge and a James ebration.” is going to add to the wealth of of their famed front three, as search of a winner. Jeff rey Webb, who was banned to raid the offi ces of its football Milner penalty put the hosts in PSG crumbled on their the club.” the Belgian skilfully readjusted Trent Alexander-Arnold’s from football by the FIFA ethics association. The ACC had threat- command before Thomas Meu- Champions League travels to The Englishman has been to volley home Robertson’s defl ected free-kick came back committee in 2015. The trio will all ened the move after sending a nier reduced PSG’s arrears. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and dogged by injury and lack of miscued clearance. off the woodwork before they also have to pay fi nes of one mil- letter to SLFA president Isha Jo- Having kept Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid in the past two sea- form during Klopp’s nearly Klopp was annoyed at his side fi nally got their reward when lion Swiss Francs ($1.03 million). hansen, telling her to step down and the world’s most expensive sons and their ability to chal- three years in charge, but took for having to survive a nerv- Firmino powered home. American Davidson, a over allegations of match-fi xing. Gulf Times Thursday, September 20, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS B’day boy Pulisic seals Dortmund win at Brugge AFP take that.” ter-fi nals in 2016/17, but they Bruges, Belgium While Pulisic spared Dort- will need to improve at home to mund’s blushes in Belgium on his Monaco in their second Group A 100th appearance for the club, it game in a fortnight. hristian Pulisic cel- was a bad night for Mario Goetze. Thanks mainly to their goal- ebrated his 20th birth- The struggling Germany inter- keeper Roman Burki, Dort- day in style on Tuesday national made a rare start after mund were lucky to go into the with a lucky late goal as being an unused substitute in the break with the score goalless as BorussiaC Dortmund won 1-0 at fi rst three Bundesliga this season, Brugge, last season’s Belgian Club Brugge in the Champions but endured a frustrating hour in league champions, wasted clear League. an attacking midfi eld role. chances. The US international claimed Goetze is a pale shadow of the Dortmund skipper Reus came the winner in fortuitous fashion player who hit the winner in the to the rescue by defl ecting a shot by charging down a clearance 2014 World Cup fi nal and was by Brugge striker Jelle Vossen af- from Brugge defender Matej hauled off midway through the ter 20 minutes. Mitrovic which looped over the second half after making little Dortmund were more aggres- goalkeeper on 85 minutes. impact. sive after the break as head coach It was a huge slice of good for- Having been left out of Ger- Lucien Favre brought on Shinji tune but one that ended Dort- many’s World Cup squad for Kagawa with an hour gone, fi nal- mund’s 10-match winless streak Russia, the 26-year-old is a long ly losing patience with Goetze. in the Champions League. way from the player who helped Pulisic, who came on for Eng- “In the end we won, but there Dortmund win back-to-back land youth international Jadon is defi nitely room for improve- Bundesliga titles in 2011 and Sancho, eventually broke the ment,” admitted Dortmund cap- 2012. deadlock after he was thrown on tain Marco Reus. However, Dortmund were for the fi nal 20 minutes. “We have to keep working delighted to win away after fail- The all-action American gave hard to play better. ing to win any of their six group away a free-kick before popping “Currently, we are not play- stage games last season. up with the winner to get Dort- ing the kind of football we want This was their fi rst win in Eu- mund off to a victorious start in Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic (No 22) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Brugge in their Champions League match in to, but we are winning and we’ll rope since reaching the quar- Europe. Bruges. (Reuters)

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Shin shines as Suwon see off Jeonbuk 4-2, Pochettino defends enter semi-fi nals

Reuters Jeonbuk shook off the lethargy Hong Kong that aff ected their previous per- formance. Brazilian striker Adriano took oalkeeper Shin Hwa- the ball round Shin to score from team selection yong was the hero for close range with less than 11 Suwon Bluewings as minutes on the clock and Choi the two-time conti- Bo-kyung’s close range header Gnental champions booked their six minutes after the restart left place in the semi-fi nals of the Suwon with a solitary goal ad- Asian Champions League yes- vantage. terday with a 4-2 penalty shoot- That was erased when substi- out win over fellow South Kore- tute Kim Shin-wook powered his aft er ‘cruel’ defeat ans Jeonbuk Motors. header into the top corner with Jeonbuk, champions in 2006 20 minutes remaining. Jeonbuk ‘You disrespect the players who were here today .You can blame me on my selection and 2016, went into the game looked set to claim a stunning trailing 3-0 from the fi rst leg three winner in stoppage time, only for of the starting 11 but please don’t disrespect the players on the pitch’ weeks ago, but Choi Kang-hee’s Shin to dive to his right to deny side scored three unanswered Adriano’s spot kick. goals before Adriano saw Shin The deadlock continued save his stoppage time penalty to throughout 30 minutes of extra take the game into extra time. time before Shin’s shootout he- Shin then kept out penalties roics. from Kim Shin-wook and Lee Suwon will now face Kashima Dong-gook in the shootout to Antlers in the semi-fi nals, with give Suwon victory in the most the fi rst leg to be played on Oct. 3 dramatic of circumstances. in Japan and the return in South Suwon won the fi rst leg com- Korea three weeks later. Qatar’s fortably only to be level on ag- Al Sadd will meet Persepolis of gregate by the 71st minute as Iran in the other semi-fi nal.

Suwon Bluewings Goalkeeper Shin Hwa-yong.

SPOTLIGHT Idris Elba returns to host The Best FIFA

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino gestures during the Champions League Group B match against Inter Milan in San Siro, Italy, on Tuesday. (Reuters) Football Awards

Reuters to them by Christian Eriksen’s You disrespect the players who blow for Pochettino, whose side doing.” Reuters ers: Infi nity War, and the criti- Milan defl ected 53rd-minute eff ort. were here today. You can blame now have precious little margin Inter keeper Samir London cally acclaimed television series But all the good work went to me on my selection of the for error. Handanovic said the team had Luther, Elba is also a lifelong waste as Mauro Icardi volleyed starting 11 but please don’t “The last few games, we’re shown great character to grind devotee of the beautiful game auricio Pochettino in an 86th-minute equaliser disrespect the players on the paying a lot and suff ering the out a crucial win. ess than a year on from – and passionate supporter of defended his team and Matias Vecino looped in a pitch.” punishment for our mistakes,” “We continued to play even successfully hosting London traditional club Arsenal. selection after Tot- 92nd-minute winner to give the Pochettino has who has now Pochettino said. after Tottenham’s goal and the 2017’s ceremony, British “I’m a massive football fan, tenham Hotspur hosts the points. lost three consecutive matches Nerazzurri coach Luciano team wasn’t disjointed, as in actor Idris Elba returns as so I am delighted to return again Msuff ered a “cruel” 2-1 defeat by Inevitably the post-match for the fi rst time since taking Spalletti said it was more than other games,” he said. Lhost for The Best FIFA Football this year to present The Best Inter Milan in their Champions questions returned to Pochet- over at Tottenham in 2014, felt a “normal victory” after a poor “The stadium pushed us on. Awards, which will take place on FIFA Football Awards 2018,” he League Group B opener at the tino’s decision to travel to Italy the defeat in the San Siro dis- start to their Serie A campaign It was a fantastic evening, a September 24, 2018 at the Royal said. “It’s not just an honour but San Siro on Tuesday. without Trippier and Alder- guised what he described as in which Inter have picked up spectacular match with a crazy Festival Hall in London. a huge thrill and a pleasure to be With England right back Ki- weireld, especially as Dele Alli their best performance of the four points from four games. atmosphere.” The Golden Globe and SAG- sharing a stage with the greatest eran Trippier and Belgium cen- and keeper Hugo Lloris were season so far. With PSV Eindhoven to play winning actor is to be assisted footballers in the world.” tral defender Toby Alderweireld also unavailable because of in- “I’m happy with the per- EXTRAORDINARY SUPPORT next, Inter have put themselves by French journalist and sports Bonnet, meanwhile, is an left out of the squad for what juries. formance - we dominated until “We got the result thanks to in a good position in a group in presenter Anne-Laure Bonnet experienced and multilingual Pochettino described as “tech- “Why? They were on the the end - but of course the re- strong pressing at the end,” he which Barcelona are the clear at the star-studded event, which broadcast journalist, who cur- nical reasons”, it was a chance pitch against Liverpool and sult was so cruel. For me it was said. “This win is obviously dif- favourites to reach the last 16. will again be staged in the Eng- rently works for beINSPORTS for Serge Aurier and Davinson Watford. They are easy targets,” our best performance since the ferent to a normal victory, also “The group will be very bal- lish capital on Monday, Septem- in her native France. One of her Sanchez to stake their claims. Pochettino said before losing beginning of the season,” he due to the extraordinary sup- anced right until the end,” he ber 24. country’s leading sports pre- For 86 minutes they im- his cool. said. port from our fans. said. Renowned for his roles in senters, she also speaks fl uent pressed in a measured away dis- “We need to talk about foot- With Barcelona, who romped “The game this evening “This win gives us strength high-profi le fi lms such as The English, Italian, Portuguese and play and Spurs were comfort- ball,” he said. “You force me to past PSV Eindhoven also in the leaves us with a diff erent feeling not to give up and provides us Mountain Between Us, Beasts Spanish, along with some Ger- ably protecting the lead given say something that is not good. group, the result was a hammer as regards what we’re capable of with a lot of enthusiasm.” of No Nation, Thor and Aveng- man and Russian. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, September 20, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT IOC’s chief Bach welcomes joint Nadal to skip Korean bid for 2032 Olympics

Agencies ATP Asian swing Seoul orth and South Korea plan a joint bid for the 2032 Olympics, North NKorean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean Presi- dent Moon Jae-in said yesterday. due to knee injury The two leaders did not give any further details in a statement at their summit in Pyongyang but Nadal was forced to retire during his US semi-final against Juan Martin del Potro the announcement was welcomed “very much” by International Ol- Agencies ympic Committee president Tho- Madrid mas Bach. South Korea hosted the 1988 Games in Seoul and this year’s orld number one Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Rafael Nadal said After not competing in Seoul, yesterday he would North Korea sent a team to crashed. skip the Asian leg Pyeongchang and the Koreas “If Turin is out, the duty of the Wof the ATP tour to recover from marched together at the open- government is to support those the knee injury he picked up at ing ceremony and formed a joint who have not pulled out,” Ital- the US Open, a decision that will women’s ice hockey team at the ian Deputy Premier and Interior boost Novak Djokovic’s chances Games. Minister Matteo Salvini said yes- of ending the year top of the The two nations also had joint terday. While he was speaking, rankings. teams in several sports at the representatives of Milan, Cor- Nadal was forced to retire recent Asian Games in Jakarta. tina d’Ampezzo and the Italian during his semi-fi nal against “After we opened the door for National Olympics Committee Argentine Juan Martin del Potro political talks with the joint (CONI) were in Lausanne to for- at Flushing Meadows with what march of the two Korean teams malize a bid at the International he later said was tendinitis in at the Olympic Winter Games Olympic Committee (IOC). his right knee, and will now also Pyeongchang 2018, sport could In an interview with RAI state miss next month’s tournaments once more make a contribution radio, CONI President Giovanni in Beijing and Shanghai. to peace on the Korean Peninsula Malago said Turin Mayor Chi- Djokovic, seeded sixth at the and the world,” Bach said. ara Appendino refused to co- US Open, beat Del Potro in the “We sincerely wish that these operate with Milan and Cortina fi nal to claim his second Grand political talks produce the neces- d’Ampezzo on a joint bid. Slam title this year and rise to sary progress for a successful can- This, Malago said, led sports third in the rankings, behind didature.” minister Giancarlo Giorgetti Nadal and Roger Federer. Bach added the IOC is com- to say Tuesday that since the “I had to retire from the semi- mitted “to continue to support Milan-Turin-Cortina option fi nals of the US Open and this the rapprochement between the was off , Olympic bid plans had past Monday I was with doctors two Koreas through sport by sup- “died” and were no longer sup- in Barcelona to review the situa- porting athletes and enabling ported by the government. After tion with my knee,” Nadal wrote their participation in internation- this announcement, the leaders on Twitter. al competitions and promoting of Lombardy and Veneto, regions “While my knee problems sports exchanges between the two which comprise Milan and Cor- are nothing new, I have decided countries.” tina, said they wanted to keep together with my medical and The International Olympic going with a twin-city solu- technical team not to participate Nadal: injured Committee is expected to elect tion, even without government in the Asian tour to recover.” the 2032 host in 2025. The 2020 funding. Malago said he hoped The Spaniard tops the world Games are in Tokyo, the 2024 in a last-minute change of heart rankings with 8,760 points, knocked off world number 24 But the Swiss, who has been Denis Shapovalov, the seventh Nishikori made the semi-fi - edition in Paris and 2028 in Los from Appendino, and argued 1,860 ahead of Federer and 2,315 Khachanov 7-6 (12/10), 7-6 struggling to fi nd his best form seed, reached round two with nals at the US Open earlier this Angeles. Other countries inter- that a three-city bid, enjoying more than in-form Djokovic. (7/1) and awaits the winner since returning to the ATP Tour respective wins over qualifi ers month but was easily defeated in ested to host the 2032 Games government backing, would have With Federer cutting the between defending champion after two operations on his left Luca Vanni, 7-5, 6-2, and Adrian straight sets by eventual cham- include Germany, India and In- been “one centimetre away” number of tournaments he plays Damir Dzumhur and Guido knee a year ago, suddenly lost Menendez-Maceiras, 7-6 (7/3), pion Novak Djokovic. donesia. from success. — the Swiss only took part in Pella. his nerve to allow the local fa- 6-2. QJapan’s Naomi Osaka “This plan must be welcomed. Turin already hosted the events in Shanghai, Basel and “I’m really happy as the level vourite to break twice in suc- QJapan’s Kei Nishikori re- cruised to victory in her fi rst It shows the strength within the 2006 Winter Games, and Ap- the ATP fi nals after last year’s of my play was really good to- cession. turned to action for the fi rst match since lifting the US Open Olympic Movement and the Ol- pendino said this made the city US Open — Djokovic is now fa- day,” Wawrinka said. “We both Khachanov, 22, was serving time since losing in the US Open title, beating Dominika Cibulk- ympic idea,” Alexander Mronz, an ideal lone candidate for 2026. vourite to unseat Nadal as world played really well, really aggres- for the set but Wawrinka broke semi-fi nals with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 ova 6-2 6-1 in the last-16 at the who heads the German Rhein- The mountain resort of Cortina number one. sive. I was expecting a tough again to level and force a tie- win over defending champion Pan Pacifi c Open in Tokyo yes- Ruhr area 2032 initiative, said of d’Ampezzo hosted the event in QThree-time Grand Slam match and it was really tough. break, closing it out at the sixth Peter Gojowczyk in the Metz terday. the Korean news. 1956. Calgary in Canada, Swed- champion Stan Wawrinka ad- My level was great and I’m really attempt having also saved two second yesterday. Osaka, who stunned Serena Meanwhile, the Italian cities of ish capital Stockholm and Erzu- vanced to the quarter-fi nals of happy with everything that took set points. World number 12 Nishikori Williams to become Japan’s fi rst Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo still rum in Turkey are the other can- the St Petersburg Open with a place on the court today.” Wawrinka then raced through defeated the 45th-ranked Go- grand slam singles champion intend to bid for the 2026 Winter didates for the 2026 games. The win over Russian fourth seed Wawrinka, the former world another tie-break to seal vic- jowczyk in 94 minutes and earlier this month, produced Olympics, even if plans to host the IOC is due to decide on the host Karen Khachanov in two tie- number three, who is now down tory over Khachanov in the fi rst will face either Ugo Humbert another display of fearless pow- event with a third city, Turin, have city in September 2019. break sets. at 88 after a battle with injury, meeting between the pair. of France or Georgia’s Nikoloz er-hitting to put away Slovak The 33-year-old Swiss star started confi dently breaking his Fifth-seeded Spaniard Rob- Basilashvili for a semi-fi nal Cibulkova in just under an hour. Wawrinka, a wildcard entry, rival’s serve early. erto Bautista Agut and Canada’s place. FOCUS Kyrgios ‘pep talk’ umpire suspended — reports WADA offi cial to

Los Angeles: The US Open umpire criticised for giving You are great for tennis.” sion means he missed the China Open in Beijing and the vote against Russia Australia’s Nick Kyrgios a pep talk has been hit with a Kyrgios subsequently captured 19 of the next 25 games, Rolex Shanghai Masters. two-week suspension, reports said on Tuesday. claiming a 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3, 6-0 win. Kyrgios last month insisted that Lahyani’s intervention Swedish off icial Mohamed Lahyani triggered controver- “The US Open determined that chair umpire Mohamed had not influenced his performance. reinstatement sy last month after coming down from his chair to give Lahyani’s conduct during Thursday’s second-round However players, coaches and fans accused Lahyani of advice to Kyrgios during his second round game against match involving Nick Kyrgios and Pierre-Hugues Herbert overstepping the mark. Reuters now.” Pierre-Hugues Herbert. went beyond protocol,” a US Open statement said. “It’s not the umpire’s role to go down from the chair. But London RUSADA was suspended in The US Open later said Lahyani “went beyond protocol” Reports citing the ATP on Tuesday said Lahyani, 52, had I get what he was trying to do. He behaves the way he November 2015 after a WADA with his conduct. been suspended for two weeks over the incident. behaves,” said 20-time major winner Roger Federer. report outlined evidence of state- “I want to help you,” Lahyani could be heard telling Kyr- “Lahyani’s actions in the match were deemed to have “You as an umpire take a decision on the chair, do you orld Anti-Doping backed, systematic doping in gios, who was a set and 3-0 down at the time. compromised the impartiality that is required of an like it or don’t you like it. But you don’t go and speak like Agency (WADA) Russian athletics. “This isn’t you. I know that. I have seen your matches. off icial,” the ATP was quoted as saying. Lahyani’s suspen- that, in my opinion.” vice-president Lin- It has since undertaken broad da Helleland has said reforms in a bid to revamp Rus- Wshe will oppose a proposal to rein- sia’s anti-doping system and re- state the Russian agency RUSADA store international trust in the BOTTOMLINE if it comes to a vote at a meeting in country’s sport. the Seychelles today. According to the roadmap, for The Norwegian, the most sen- the agency to regain accredita- ior member of WADA’s leadership tion Russian authorities must to express opposition to the move, acknowledge the fi ndings of the said in a statement that Russia WADA-commissioned report had yet to satisfy key criteria for that found more than 1,000 Rus- ‘Catastrophe’ if Russia ban eased, its anti-doping agency’s readmis- sian athletes benefi ted from a sion. “I can see that progress is state-run scheme to conceal pos- being made and I acknowledge itive tests over a fi ve-year period. the eff orts done by RUSADA, but Russia has vehemently denied as long as the McLaren report is those allegations. says whistleblower Rodchenkov not acknowledged and WADA still The authorities must also has no access to the laboratories, I provide access to urine samples AFP full access to past test results. its three-year suspension after a full recognition of the McLaren letes.” will vote against the reinstate- stored at the suspended Moscow Los Angeles “WADA must not fall prey receiving assurances from Rus- Report by Russian sports au- The United States Anti-Dop- ment of Russia,” she said. anti-doping laboratory. to manipulation and false as- sia’s Ministry of Sport. thorities and that they must ing Agency has been scathing of A tabled proposal was “de- WADA said last week that its sertions from the Ministry (of The apparent softening of hand over all evidence, includ- the prospect of Russia being re- viating considerably” from the compliance review commit- histleblower Grig- Sport), the same arm of the WADA’s stance triggered an ing the database and all physical admitted this week. original roadmap and WADA had tee had reviewed a letter from ory Rodchenkov Kremlin that facilitated the outcry from athletes and na- samples, in the Moscow labo- On Tuesday, the United States to stay true to its values at what the Russian sports ministry that said yesterday the doping program and asserted tional anti-doping agencies ratory,” said Rodchenkov, who Olympic Committee also urged could be a defi ning moment for its “suffi ciently acknowledged the World Anti-Doping false compliance,” Rodchenkov around the world, who accused now lives in hiding in the United caution, stating that WADA credibility, she added. issues identifi ed in Russia,” thus WAgency (WADA) risked a “catas- wrote in a USA Today editorial. WADA of caving in to pressure States. must make a decision that “I am afraid that by opting for fulfi lling the fi rst of two remain- trophe for clean sport” if it lifts “To do so, would be nothing from the International Olympic “It is clear that given the leaves athletes feeling they are the easiest way out, it will ulti- ing criteria for its reinstatement. a suspension against the Rus- short of a catastrophe for clean Committee. circumstances we face in the competing on a “level playing mately hurt WADA in the future,” But a group of anti-doping sian Anti-Doping Agency later sport.” Rodchenkov, one of the archi- standoff between WADA and fi eld, without any doubts.” Helleland said. “We have to stand leaders from around the world this week. Rodchenkov’s comments tects of the doping program ex- Russia, and any decision by “Anything that stops short of up for athletes all around the said in a statement on Tuesday Former Moscow labora- come two days before WADA posed by WADA’s investigations WADA to reinstate RUSADA — satisfying that will not only be world. they were dismayed by what they tory chief Rodchenkov, who meets in the Seychelles to dis- branch under lawyer Richard which would then be followed a huge disappointment to the “If you choose to reinstate Rus- called a compromise. lifted the lid on Russia’s dop- cuss Russia’s status. McLaren, urged the agency to by the reinstatement of the USOC and American athletes, sia, you defy the very wish of the Travis Tygart, head of the US ing scandal in 2015, said Russia The global drug-testing hold fi rm in its demands. Moscow laboratory — would be but to the entire Olympic and Athletes’ Committees and organ- Anti-Doping agency (USADA), could only be readmitted if it watchdog revealed last week “I feel it’s important to clarify a catastrophe for Olympic sport Paralympic movements,” USOC isations around the world, who told Reuters Television that acknowledged the government that its compliance commit- what is a clear and fi rm demand ideals, the fi ght against doping chief executive Sarah Hirshland have very clearly stated that they WADA had to send a strong mes- role in the scandal and provided tee had recommended lifting from WADA, that there must be and the protection of clean ath- said in a statement. will not accept a reinstatement sage. Gulf Times Thursday, September 20, 2018 5 SPORT

MLB BASEBALL Cubs RHP Morrow to Walker’s home run holds miss rest of year

Reuters off a Red Sox celebration Chicago ‘We’re looking forward to getting back to playing the brand of baseball that we know we’re capable of’ hicago Cubs right- hander Brandon Mor- row won’t pitch again this year due to a bone bruiseC in his pitching elbow, president of Baseball opera- tions Theo Epstein told reporters yesterday. Morrow, who hasn’t pitched for the Cubs since July 15, threw a simulated game on Saturday as he hoped to be reinstated to the roster. It was one of several times he has attempted to throw in re- cent weeks. “Every time he pitched, it got worse,” Epstein said. Morrow could see the writing on the wall with the regular sea- son nearing an end. “We knew we were running out of time to begin with,” Mor- row told reporters, “just the na- ture of the injury and the amount of time it takes to clear out.” Morrow initially went on the disabled list due to biceps tend- initis. Morrow had 22 saves and 1.47 ERA in 35 games before be- ing sidelined. Morrow said he felt good dur- ing Saturday’s simulated game but the soreness returned on Sunday morning. “The next morning is when I knew things were going the wrong way,” Morrow said. “I woke up feeling the same way I did a couple months ago.” The development is the sec- ond recent blow for the Cubs’ bullpen. Pedro Strop, who replaced Morrow as the closer, is done for the regular season due to a ham- string injury, and his status for the postseason has yet to be de- termined. Strop has 13 saves and a 2.26 ERA. Meanwhile Chicago White Sox New York Yankees first baseman Neil Walker hits a three run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports fi rst baseman Jose Abreu was hospitalized in Cleveland with “When you get a guy like Aaron DODGERS EXTEND DIVISION LEAD walks and four strikeouts. an infection in his right thigh, Reuters RESULTS New York Judge back in the lineup and he’s sitting ON TAYLOR’S WALK-OFF HR The Dodgers grabbed a fi rst-inning the team announced. in that two-hole, it really stretches out Yankees 3-2 Red Sox Chris Taylor hit a game-ending home lead for the second consecutive game The White Sox said the ail- the rest of the lineup. We feel like our Dodgers 3-2 Rockies run in the 10th inning on Tuesday as against the Rockies. Matt Kemp de- ment is unrelated to his recent eil Walker hit a three-run best baseball is right around the cor- the Los Angeles Dodgers extended their livered a two-out RBI single to score stay on the disabled list. The homer with one out in the ner.” Astros 7-0 Mariners lead in the National League West to 1 Manny Machado but was thrown out team is in Cleveland and will seventh inning, and the New A fi elding error by second baseman Cubs 9-1 D’backs 1/2 games with a dramatic 3-2 victory by Rockies right fi elder Gerardo Parra open a three-game series on York Yankees held on for a 3-2 Gleyber Torres put runners at fi rst and Nationals 4-2 Marlins over the visiting Colorado Rockies. when he didn’t get back to the fi rst base Tuesday night. Nvictory over the Boston Red Sox, pre- third with one out, and a throwing error With one out in the 10th, Taylor un- bag on time. A pair of Dodgers defen- He is expected to miss this venting their rivals from clinching the by Britton on a play at second allowed Indians 5-3 White Sox loaded on a 2-2 pitch from Rockies re- sive miscues on one play allowed the series, and beyond that, his sta- American League East crown on Tues- the Red Sox to make it a one-run game. Cardinals 8-1 Braves liever Adam Ottavino (6-4) for his 17th Rockies to tie the game 1-1 in the third tus will be day-to0day, the team day night at Yankee Stadium. Britton fi nally closed it by turning a Reds 3-1 Brewers home run of the season and his fi rst ca- inning. Dodgers third baseman Justin said. The Yankees set up their winning ral- double play on Ian Kinsler. reer walk-off homer. Turner let DJ LeMahieu’s ground ball Abreu recently missed play- ly when Aaron Hicks and Gary Sanchez JA Happ remained unbeaten as a Phillies 5-2 Mets After the division lead changed get under his glove, and Taylor overran ing time while he recovered from drew walks off Brandon Workman (6- Yankee, allowing only an unearned run Rays 4-0 Rangers hands between the Dodgers and Rock- the ball in left fi eld. Garrett Hampson surgery to relieve pain caused by 1). Boston manager Alex Cora lifted on J.D. Martinez’s sacrifi ce fl y in the Pirates 2-1 Royals ies over each of the previous three days, scored on the play. testicular torsion. Workman for Ryan Brasier, who fell be- third, but he left trailing 1-0 after six Los Angeles earned back-to-back vic- The Rockies took a 2-1 lead in the Detroit Tigers right-hander Angels 9-7 Athletics hind Walker and lost the lead when the innings. tories in the showdown series at Dodg- fi fth inning on a mammoth 447-foot Michael Fulmer is slated to un- fi rst baseman lifted a full-count slider Chad Green (8-2) pitched a perfect Giants 5-4 Padres er Stadium. home run from Charlie Blackmon off dergo season-ending surgery into the second deck in right fi eld. seventh and David Robertson worked Twins 5-3 Tigers The series fi nale is scheduled for Kershaw. It was Blackmon’s 27th of the to repair a torn meniscus in his It was Walker’s 10th homer, and he around a one-out triple to Martinez in Blue Jays 6-4 Orioles Wednesday, which is also the last season and his longest home run this right knee, manager Ron Gar- became the 11th Yankee to reach dou- a scoreless eighth. matchup between the teams this sea- year. denhire told reporters. ble fi gures in long balls this year. The Yankees right fi elder Aaron Judge re- Nathan Eovaldi allowed two hits in son. Rockies Gold Glove third baseman Fulmer will receive a sec- Yankees tied a major league record in turned to the starting lineup and went six scoreless innings and nearly helped Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw Nolan Arenado made a miscue in the ond opinion from orthopaedic becoming the fi fth team to achieve the 0-for-4. Heavy rain pushed back the the Red Sox win their 10th division title gave up two runs (one earned) on three fi fth that allowed the Dodgers to tie surgeon James Andrews. If the feat. Walker’s homer nearly wasn’t start time six hours but allowed Judge and third straight division crown. Bos- hits over seven innings. He walked fi ve, the score 2-2. His fl ip throw back to meniscus tear is confi rmed by enough as the Yankees were charged to take swings in a simulated game and ton (103-48) gets two more chances to his second-highest walk total this sea- the bag to get Auston Barnes rolled into Andrews, surgery will take place with two errors in the ninth while Zach get medically cleared to face live pitch- secure the title at Yankee Stadium for son, while striking out three. The Los foul territory up the left fi eld line, and Thursday. Britton stumbled before recording his ing for the fi rst time since breaking his the second time in three years. Angeles bullpen added three scoreless Barnes scored after an infi eld single Gardenhire said Fulmer is second save with the team. right wrist July 26 against Kansas City. The Red Sox played without Mookie innings, with Dylan Floro (6-3) strik- from Taylor. expected to be ready for spring “More than anything, we’re looking The Yankees (92-58) moved 2 1/2 Betts, who injured his left side Sunday. ing out the only two batters he faced to Arenado made a second error on a training in mid-February. forward to getting back to playing the games ahead of Oakland in the wild- Cora said Betts would have played if the earn the victory. Rockies starter Kyle wild throw in the seventh inning, giv- Fulmer left Saturday’s game brand of baseball that we know we’re card race. The A’s lost 9-7 to the Los fi eld had not been wet from the after- Freeland also gave up two runs, allow- ing the fi ve-time Gold Glove winner 14 against Cleveland after fi ve capable of,” Walker said. Angeles Angels late Tuesday. noon downpour. ing fi ve hits over 6 2/3 innings with four errors on the season. pitches because of knee pain.

NBA 76ers to promote ex-center Brand to GM role Reuters sistant GM Justin Zanik and Houston Rock- managing partner Josh Harris told ESPN New York ets vice president Gersson Rosas. Other last month. “We’re going to have a pretty in-house candidates reportedly included selective list. This is not going to be huge 76ers assistant GM Ned Cohen and player tournament. We’re going to talk to some he Philadelphia 76ers will name personnel exec Marc Eversley. people who aren’t sitting GMs who could former on-court star Elton Brand to The choice of Brand to handle the team’s add value to our situation.” fi ll the team’s vacant general man- GM duties marks a bit of a surprise, but it Brand also had been serving as GM of the ager role, ESPN reported. will cap a turbulent off season for the up- Delaware Blue Coats, the 76ers’ G League TNBA sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wo- and-coming 76ers, who leapt from just 10 affi liate. He retired for good from his play- jnarowski that Brand, who had two separate wins two seasons ago to 52 this past season. ing career in 2016 after playing 17 games stints for the Sixers in his 17-year playing Brown has served as the interim GM since with the 76ers in his second go-around career, will be promoted from his current Bryan Colangelo was dismissed in June with the team. position as the team’s vice president of bas- on the heels of a controversy surrounding Brand, the former Duke star and No. ketball operations. Twitter burner accounts used to critique 1 overall pick in the 1999 draft, was a 20 Per the report, Brand will be announced players and share privileged information. points-per-game scorer six times in his ca- as the new GM at a team press conference After public reports of the Sixers being reer and averaged a double-double in points today. rebuff ed in eff orts to bring other high-pro- and rebounds on six occasions. Wojnarowski said that Brand, 39, im- fi le personnel executives, such as Houston The two-time All-Star fi nished with ca- pressed both team ownership and head GM Daryl Morey and San Antonio GM RC reer averages of 15.9 points and 8.5 rebounds coach Brett Brown during the team’s ex- Buford, the team seemed to be digging in for per game in mostly starring roles with the tended interview process, one that raised a much longer selection process that would Chicago Bulls (1999-2001), Los Angeles eyebrows around the league for lasting last into the regular season. Clippers (2001-08) the 76ers (2008-12, months past the NBA draft in June as well as Brown told local reporters this summer 2016), Dallas Mavericks (2012-13) and At- the start of free agency in July. that the team was interested in hiring a lanta Hawks (2013-15). Brand beat out several reported candi- more “collaborative” GM instead of giving In addition to tabbing Brand as the team’s dates who interviewed, both internally and complete and fi nal say in personnel deci- GM, the 76ers also reportedly plan to pro- externally. sions to one person. mote Alex Rucker to executive vice presi- Last month the Sixers reportedly inter- “There are a very small number of elite dent of basketball operations. Cohen and viewed Golden State Warriors assistant sitting GMs and they’re generally under Eversley will retain their roles, sources told general manager Larry Harris, Utah Jazz as- contract with teams for a long time,” Sixers Wojnarowski. Sixers pin title hopes on Elton Brand. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, September 20, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Book: Brady mulled 2018 ‘divorce’ from Belichick Reuters Guerrero reportedly has been back in the New York team’s good graces this season. Chargers’ Liuget sues O’Connor wrote of Brady’s off season de- former trainer cision-making, “But in the end, even if he new book about New England Pa- wanted to, Brady could not walk away from Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Corey triots coach Bill Belichick gives the the game, and he could not ask for a trade. Liuget has sued former trainer Ian Danney, latest glimpse into his allegedly The moment Belichick moved (Jimmy) Ga- alleging he injected him with a banned sub- rocky relationship with star quar- roppolo to San Francisco, and banked on stance, according to documents filed in US terbackA Tom Brady. Brady’s oft-stated desire to play at least into District Court in California on Tuesday. According to Belichick: The Making of his mid-forties, was the moment Brady was Liuget is seeking $15 million in damages for the Greatest Football Coach of All Time, virtually locked into suiting up next season lost wages, as well as pain and suff ering for by ESPN writer Ian O’Connor, Brady had a and beyond. Had he retired or requested a testing positive for a performance-enhancing tough time deciding whether to return to the trade, he would have risked turning an ador- drug. He currently is serving a four-game Patriots this season. ing New England public into an angry mob.” suspension because of the positive drug test. “If you’re married 18 years to a grouchy The book also alleges that Brady was un- “I am hard-pressed to put into words the person who gets under your skin and never happy about Belichick’s response to the De- shame and trauma which has come with compliments you, after a while you want to fl ategate scandal. this suspension and the betrayal I feel for a divorce him,” a source told O’Connor after A close friend of Brady told O’Connor, “I person who, I thought, was acting in my best the 2017 season. thought Bill handled it terribly, especially interests,” Liuget said in a statement. “Tom knows Bill is the best coach in the when it involved a guy who’d done every- Liuget claims Danney told him he was using league, but he’s had enough of him. If Tom thing to help your career as a coach, and you a high dose of an over-the counter, anti-iN- could, I think he would divorce him.” hung him out to dry.” FLammatory to treat pain in both of Liuget’s Late last season, multiple media outlets Belichick, 66, had a 36-44 record in fi ve feet after a game last season. But instead, reported about a rift between Brady and Be- seasons as the Cleveland Browns coach be- Liuget said he was injected with a substance lichick, reportedly over the team’s treatment fore starting his legendary run in New Eng- banned by the NFL. Liuget, 28, is in his eighth of Brady’s personal trainer, Alex Guerrero. land. Since taking over in Foxborough in NFL season. The Patriots reportedly banned Guerrero 2000, he has a 215-75 regular-season mark He has spent his entire career with the Charg- from the sideline, took away his offi ce at Gil- with the Patriots. ers and has 22.5 sacks and 199 tackles during lette Stadium and no longer allowed him to He and Brady have reached eight Super his career. fl y with the team. Bowls, winning fi ve championships. New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick (right) with star quarterback Tom Brady.

NFL FOCUS NFL Hall of Famers demand health Browns hope for insurance, rev share Reuters pation initiatives. New York The letter claims the Hall of Fame Board also includes Mar- cus Allen, Mel Blount, Derrick he newly formed play- Brooks, Jim Brown, Earl Camp- elusive win against ers-only Hall of Fame bell, Richard Dent, Carl Ellard, Board, made up of Pro Marshall Faulk, Mike Haynes, Football Hall of Fame Rickey Jackson, Ronnie Lott, ‘There is a good football players,T are threatening a boy- Curtis Martin, Joe Namath, John cott of induction ceremonies Randle, Deion Sanders, Bruce team in that room. We unless Hall of Fame members Smith, Jackie Smith, Lawrence receive health insurance and an Taylor and Reggie White’s wid- just have not won yet’ annual salary that includes a ow, Sarah White. Jets, Darnold share of NFL revenues. However, it also listed re- ESPN obtained a copy of the tired quarterback Kurt Warner memo sent to NFL commis- (St. Louis Rams, New York Gi- sioner Roger Goodell, NFLPA ants, Arizona Cardinals) and San executive director DeMaurice Francisco 49ers and Oakland Smith and Pro Football Hall of Raiders great Jerry Rice, who Fame president David Baker. denied he was in any way associ- ESPN shared the text to Twit- ated with the eff ort. Rice said he ter on Tuesday morning. Former supports the message of lifetime Rams running back Eric Dicker- health benefi ts. son is the chairman of the board “I plan to support the Pro created to represent the pursuit Football Hall of Fame and look of health care and a piece of the forward to attending the 100th NFL’s massive revenue pie. anniversary in 2020,” Rice said The Hall of Fame in Canton, via Twitter. Ohio, has undergone an enor- In the letter published by mous construction project in re- ESPN, players reference Major cent years – Hall of Fame Village, League Baseball’s lifetime health aided by a giant sponsorship deal coverage aff orded any player with Johnson Controls – that who serves a single day on a big- includes a retirement centre league roster, and point to the for players, who would receive established $620 million “Leg- healthcare on the premises. The acy Fund” as one of the NFL’s project also included a new sta- “cynical public relations ploys dium and will bring multiple that fail to help those who des- football fi elds for youth partici- perately need it.”

Eagles wild receiver Matthews returns on one-year deal Wide receiver Jordan Matthews REDSKINS PLACE RETURNING rejoined the Philadelphia Eagles BACK KELLEY ON IR yesterday, just over a year after The Washington Redskins have he was traded by the team to placed running back Rob Kelley the Buff alo Bills. on injured reserve, the team The Eagles placed Mike Wallace announced on Tuesday. Kelley on injured reserve and are en- injured a toe during Sunday’s tering Week 3 without their top game against the Indianapolis wide receiver, Alshon Jeff ery, Colts and may require surgery. who is recovering from Febru- Being placed on injured reserve ary shoulder surgery. means Kelley will have to miss Matthews was traded to the Bills at least eight games. for cornerback Ronald Darby Kelley is the third Washington before the 2017 season began running back to go on the and spent the off season and injured reserve list this season. training camp with the New Derrius Guice and Byron Mar- England Patriots. shall previously suff ered knee Matthews reached an injury injuries. Kelley has just 8 yards settlement with the Patriots in on four carries over two games. New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold makes a pass against Miami Dolphins linebacker Raekwon McMillan (right) during first quarter of their NFL game at MetLife Stadium August but passed his physical Washington also off icially an- on Sunday. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday with the Eagles. nounced the signings of receiv- A second-round pick in 2014, ers Michael Floyd and Breshad Reuters we played two really good op- Darnold, of course, once ry about Josh Gordon – until Greg Joseph. Matthews is good friends Perriman. Floyd has 256 career New York ponents. We are going to play looked very likely to go fi rst Weeks 12 and 17, that is – after For the Jets, Thursday will with quarterback Carson Wentz catches for 3,859 yards and 24 another one this week.” overall to the Browns in April’s the Browns dealt the mercu- mark their third game (and sec- and should be back up to speed touchdowns in six NFL seasons The Jets (1-1) stomped the draft. Then general manager rial wideout to the New England ond on the road) since Sept. 10, in the Philadelphia off ense with the Arizona Cardinals, New s this the week? Lions in Detroit but fell behind John Dorsey fi nally showed his Patriots on Monday. Jackson after they opened the season on quickly. England Patriots and Minnesota Riding a 19-game win- 20-0 in their home opener to cards and opted for Baker May- didn’t off er much on the deci- Monday Night Football. According to NFL Network, Vikings. Perriman had 43 recep- less streak, the Cleveland the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, fi eld, allowing the Jets to scoop sion to trade Gordon, but ex- “Three games in 11 days is Philadelphia also considered tions for 576 yards and three Browns’ next shot to end it is ultimately losing 20-12. Rookie up Darnold at No. 3. pressed confi dence in rookie tough overall,” head coach Todd bringing back another former touchdowns in two seasons with todayI night at FirstEnergy Sta- quarterback Sam Darnold be- “Yeah, I mean I thought I Antonio Callaway, who caught Bowles said, “but you’ve got to Eagles’ receiver, Jeremy Maclin. the Baltimore Ravens. dium against the New York Jets. came the youngest player (21 could have ended up [with the a critical 47-yard touchdown on rely on the mental part of it and The Browns (0-1-1) came years, 103 days old) with 300 Browns] or several other teams,” Sunday. then try to make sure they’re heartbreakingly close in Weeks 1 passing yards in a game, though Darnold said. “... But I honestly “He is making strides,” Jack- rested well physically and go and 2, having a potential game- he threw a pair of interceptions. haven’t even thought about it son said. “Obviously, the catch from there.” winning fi eld goal blocked in But as he showed in the sea- since I got drafted by the Jets.” to tie the game last week is a Jets safety Marcus Maye overtime against the Pittsburgh son opener – bouncing back Jackson, who has been stead- confi dence booster for any (foot) appears likely to miss his Steelers and leading for nearly from a pick-six on his fi rst NFL fast about sitting Mayfi eld be- young player.... We were not third straight game. Linebacker 35 minutes on Sunday in New play – Darnold won’t let turno- hind Taylor as a rookie, praised trying to push him too fast, Josh Martin and tight end Neal Orleans before kicking woes vers make him gun-shy. Darnold but also expressed not give him too much too fast. Sterling have yet to practice this undid a pair of last-minute “Other than the two picks, I confi dence that the Browns Now, he has to take it all. It is week with concussions. drives led by quarterback Tyrod thought I played pretty well,” he took the right guy. time.” Cleveland will again be with- Taylor. told reporters Monday. “is a fi ne prospect and is go- Beyond Gordon, the Browns out defensive end Emmanuel “There is a good football team “So I’m just going to con- ing to be a fi ne player,” Jackson also moved on from kicker Zane Ogbah (ankle), while linebacker in that room,” head coach Hue tinue to try to play as consistent said. “I think they got a good Gonzalez, who missed two Christian Kirksey (shoulder/ Jackson said. “We just have not as possible, fi nd completions one, but we feel we have a really fi eld goals and two extra points ankle) and safety Damarious won yet. when I can and take shots when good one, too.” in Sunday’s three-point loss. Randle (heel) have yet to prac- Jordan Matthews “They are battling hard, and I can.” The Jets won’t have to wor- Cleveland instead signed rookie tice this week. Gulf Times Thursday, September 20, 2018 7 SPORT

FOCUS No regrets for fi st-raising Olympic champ 50 years on Protest has attracted renewed interest since NFL players knelt for the national anthem to protest against racial injustice

Reuters Herzogenaurach, Germany

ommie Smith, the former US sprinter who won Ol- ympic gold 50 years ago, is glad his decision to Traise a black-gloved fi st on the podium has inspired others even if it cost him his running career, as he sees a groundswell of sup- port for equality. “I knew it would have an impact but I didn’t know how far it would go,” the 74-year- old Smith told Reuters in an interview ahead of the 50th anniversary of the protest on Oct 16, 1968. The image of Smith and fel- low African-American athlete John Carlos — gold and bronze medallists in the 200-metre sprint in Mexico City — bowing their heads and thrusting right and left gloved fi sts respectively into the air became an enduring symbol of the turbulent 1960s anthem at games, questioning you can receive something and and the fi ght for racial equality. their patriotism. usually that something is much “It was a calling for me to do Smith, who met Barack better,” he said. it...A lot of people had died for Obama, the fi rst black US presi- “I was also a school teacher the sake of equality. That was my dent, — in 2016, avoided com- who did something on the aca- chance. I had a platform.” menting on current US politics, demic side. That’s pride to me.” The protest has attracted re- beyond saying: “You have to take A towering fi gure who is still newed interest since quarterback the good with the bad.” in good shape, Smith said he Colin Kaepernick began a wave Smith set 11 world records in- works out at the gym twice a day, of African-American players in cluding the 200- and 400-meter but has cut back on running in the National Football League In this October 17, 2005 picture, attendees surround a 20-foot sculpture honouring the protest by San Jose State sprinters Tommie Smith (also marks and was just 24 when his the last decade. refusing to stand for the national right) and John Carlos during the 1968 Olympic medal ceremony after its unveiling at San Jose State University in San Jose, California. (TNS) career was cut short. He said he One of a sharecropping family anthem to protest against racial had the “gift of speed” just like of 12 children who grew up in injustice in August 2016. very, very diffi cult,” he said. threats and hate mail. Smith spoke to Reuters at featuring Kaepernick, draw- Jamaican multi-Olympic gold Texas, Smith said his humble Smith, who met Kaepernick The fi st-raising at the Carlos’s wife committed sui- the headquarters of German ing criticism from US President sprinter Usain Bolt, who, like upbringing taught him to appre- last year, said he believes that 200-meter victory ceremony cide, Smith’s fi rst marriage col- sports brand Puma, which has Donald Trump. Smith, towers well over 6 feet. ciate life. “I learned how to work there is much broader sup- in 1968 was widely interpreted lapsed and both men struggled sponsored him since 1966 and is Kaepernick and other NFL Nevertheless, Smith says he and be happy with what I was port for non-violent protest as a black power salute, but the for years to make a living. featuring the athlete in its cam- players sparked national debate has few regrets, adding that he doing. I still love chicken and nowadays than in 1968, pointing athletes later described it as a “I’ve been paying for it ever paign for the 50th anniversary of with their protests aimed at ad- was just as proud of married life rice. I’m a simple person.” to the success of the Black Lives “human rights salute.” since. I have not missed a pay- its Suede shoe that Smith carried dressing police brutality against and teaching track and sociology Both Smith and Carlos, 73, a Matter and #MeToo movements. After the protest, Smith and ment. I see it every day,” Smith to the podium in 1968. minorities, racial injustice, and as of the rest. champion and record-setting “Things are getting bigger and Carlos were suspended from said, adding he would have liked US rival Nike has drawn reforming the criminal justice “Without sacrifi ce, there can sprinter in other major track better and, if one doesn’t watch the US Olympic team and sent to try competing in hurdles if he massive attention this month system. Trump has denounced be no forward movement. You events, are now in the US Track out, control (of protests) will be home, where they received death had not been banned. for a new advertising campaign players for kneeling during the have to give up something before and Field Hall of Fame.

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Two American USOC must do more to help retiring athletes: Phelps

Reuters he was frustrated to see ympic bobsledder Steven been on the national team spots up for grabs Miami athletes forgotten about Holcomb last year about for over 15 years, I hope so quickly. depression. that the athletes are able “There is so much more Days later Holcomb was to enjoy the experience merican swim- that the USOC can do and found dead in his room at even better than we did.” for World T20 mer Michael they don’t do,” he said. “I the USOC Training Cent- Phelps, who said he Phelps says don’t think there’s been er with high quantities of had no intention of mak- he road to the men’s ICC casing the talent and future of the US Olym- much help for when an alcohol and sleeping pills ing a return to the pool World T20 2020, heads the sport in Panama. It is a fan- picA Committee (USOC) athlete retires and takes in his system. for the 2020 Games in to Raleigh in the United tastic opportunity for everyone should do more to help that next step. Phelps said he was Tokyo, is also hoping to States, where the second involved in cricket in the coun- Olympians transition- “That’s something encouraged by the make a diff erence in con- Tof two Americas regional quali- try.” ing into retirement, say- that’s frustrating for me change in leadership at servation eff orts via his fi ers takes place; with Belize, Tournament hosts, the USA ing they are all too often to see because it is such the USOC, where in July “Save Water” campaign Canada, Panama and USA fi ght- have a number of their squad “brushed aside” as the an honour to represent Sarah Hirshland was with toothpaste compa- ing for two qualifying spots. making their ICC tournament focus shifts to the next our country and to wear named CEO after Scott ny Colgate. To date 17 teams from eight debut. USA Captain, Ibrahim generation of talent. the stars and stripes. Blackmun stepped down He said the two-year- sub-regional groups have al- Khaleel said, “We are looking The retired 33-year- “But at times when from the position earlier old eff ort is catching on ready qualifi ed for the 2019 fi - forward to commence our ICC old, who won a record we’re done it’s kind of like in the year. and that globally it could nals across the fi ve regions. The World T20 campaign on home 23 Olympic gold medals we’re just moved along Susanne Lyons was lead to a potential reduc- four teams from the ICC World soil in Raleigh. The players have across fi ve Games, said or brushed aside because named the USOC Board tion of 50bn gallons in T20 Americas Qualifi er A, will been working hard, both on and elite athletes need assist- there’s somebody else Chair earlier this month, wasted water per year. be aiming to join Bermuda and off the fi eld, and we can’t wait to ance navigating the tricky that’s coming up. marking the fi rst time “I will go down swing- Cayman Islands which qualifi ed wear the stars and stripes with period that follows their “To me that needs to two women have held the ing trying to make a in March, in the Americas Final pride.” Olympic careers, when change,” he said. organisation’s top two change in the mental next year. Belize Captain, Herbert Ban- depression can set in. Phelps said an upcom- positions. health fi eld and with The Town of Morrisville, ner comments on his team’s While the USOC off ers ing documentary he par- “I’m excited to see water conservation by Raleigh will play host to an inter- preparation ahead of the impor- career and educational ticipated in called “The change,” Phelps said. spreading those mes- national cricket tournament for tant World T20 Americas Quali- services via its Athlete Weight of Gold” will ex- “I’m excited to poten- sages,” he added. the fi rst time ever at the newly fi er. Career and Education amine the issue of Olym- tially see strides made to “These are things that built community cricket facility, “The senior men’s national program Phelps, who has pians and mental health. give these athletes the have frustrated me for a when it hosts the event between team have been preparing for spoken openly about his The movie grew out support that they de- long time and I’m ready 19 and 26 September. months. We expect all partici- own struggles with de- of an interview veteran serve both on and off the to stand up and make Twelve matches will be played pating teams to be highly disci- pression, told Reuters in sports fi lmmaker Brett fi eld of play. the change since I’m not across six days, with the top two plined and fi erce competitors in an interview yesterday Rapkin did with US Ol- “As somebody who has competing anymore.” teams in the standings at the our quest for qualifi cation. “ conclusion of the tournament ICC Development Man- qualifying. ager, Fara Gorsi said, “We are BOTTOMLINE Canada Captain, Nitish Ku- thrilled that the second sub re- mar, was enthusiastic about be- gional qualifi er is to be hosted in ing back with his teammates. Raleigh, USA and experience the “Really excited to be back in red newly built community cricket captaining Canada at the World facility in the Town of Morris- Broad gets Root backing for Sri Lanka Test tour T20 Americas qualifi er,” he said. ville. “The lads understand it is a With passionate teams full Reuters Conditions are likely to ensure team after the all-rounder said four-step process to the ICC of fresh talent, it is an exciting London that England travel with three he was called “Osama” by an World T20 in 2020, and we are time for the Americas region, frontline spinners but Root has Australian player during an keen to get back into interna- as Members look to make com- backed Broad, the country’s Ashes test in 2015. tional competition. The team’s petitive strides in pursuit of the ngland captain Joe Root second most successful Test Moeen, who is a Muslim, made preparation has been good and men’s ICC World T20 2020”. has given his backing for bowler, to play a pivotal role on the allegation in his forthcoming we were able to get some games The first day of fixtures at seamer Stuart Broad to the South Asian pitches. autobiography, saying the appar- under our belt. I am confi dent we the ICC World T20 Americas be included in the Test “I think Stuart’s experience ent reference to Islamist militant can qualify.” Qualifier A on 19 September, squadE for the tour of Sri Lanka will be vital in Sri Lanka,” Root Osama bin Laden came during his Panama captain Irfan Tarajia have been rescheduled to 20 amid speculation that the new- told the Daily Telegraph. Ashes debut in Cardiff . Hafejee spoke about what this September. Further preparation ball bowler could be dropped. “He has had a lot of experience “All I want to do is give him tournament means to Panama was needed to the facility, as a Broad took 23 wickets in seven in the subcontinent and had a lot the support he needs to feel and the team’s expectations. result of the aftermath of Hur- home Tests against Pakistan and of success with teams out there, comfortable with the whole sit- “It is a dream becoming real- ricane Florence. India this year but British media so I think it is very important that uation,” Root added. ity for the Panama team to play USA and Panama will now play reported that national selectors you utilise that and have experi- England take on Sri Lanka in against experienced teams. We at 11:00 and Canada vs Belize will were considering leaving the ence in those testing conditions fi ve one-dayers and a one-off are excited by the prospect of start at 16:00 local time on 20 32-year-old out of the side for to help mould the side around it.” Twenty20 international in Oc- making history by qualifying September. For all fi xtures please three Tests in Sri Lanka starting Root said teammate Moeen tober, before the fi rst of three for the next round and show- click here. in November. Ali has the full support of the tests starts in Galle on Nov 6.

Thursday, September 20, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

ASIAN 6 RED SNOOKER TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP Qatar’s al-Obaidli, Saif stay unbeaten on Day 1

By Mikhil Bhat and Nguyen Pham Hoai 3-0 in Snooker Cup in Doha earlier this Khan with a 119-point break, the Doha their fi rst game. year, 3-0. highest break of the day, before However, they were run close Earlier in the day, two 90-plus his more experienced teammate by Pakistan 2’s Mohamed Ma- breaks by Advani powered them Asif made it 2-0 beating S Dilip atar 2 team, compris- jid Ali and Mohamed Bilal in the to a 3-0 victory over Qatar 2, Kumar. Asif-Masih combine ing Ahmed Saif, Ali second. comprising Mohsen Bukshaisha then made it 3-0 in the doubles al-Obaidli and Abdul After Saif won the fi rst frame and Mhanaa al-Obaidli. frame against Khan and Aayush Mohsin, stayed un- 90-16, Bilal gave al-Obaidli no The Qatari duo, however, Kumar. beatenQ with Group B victories chance running away with the bounced back for a 3-0 victory Thailand played three games over Vietnam and Pakistan 2 on frame with a 70-point break. The over the Syrians in the evening. yesterday, dropping just one Day 1 of the Asian 6 Red Snooker Pakistani duo took the lead with a “We lost one in the morning frame in the process. Palestine’s Team Championship at the Qatar 72-18 win the double frame. against India, but we bounced Khaled Alastal took the fi rst Billiards and Snooker Federation Al-Obaidli restored parity back with the win in the evening. frame off Suwannawat, but the Hall yesterday. with a close 55-36 frame win in Hopefully we will get the re- Thai duo got back into the game, Also unbeaten after fi rst day’s the fourth, before a well-timed quired frames to get through to capping it with a 65-point break play were the Chinese team of 75-point break in the decider by the knockouts tomorrow against by Tirapongpaiboon in the fourth Wu Yize and Pang Junxu in Group Saif sealed the host’s 3-2 vic- China,” Bukshaisha told Gulf frame against Alastal for a 3-1 A, Pakistan’s Mohamed Asif and tory. Times yesterday. win. Babar Masih in Group C, Thai- Teenaged Chinese duo, Asked if the second victory has They then blanked Iran and land’s Passakorn Suwannawat 14-year-old Yize and 18-year- put them in the right frame of Jordan 3-0, with Suwannawat and Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon old Junxu, dropped two frames mind for the table-topping Chi- stitching together the day’s only in Group D, and Iraq’s Omar Ali, against the Syrian pair of Ab- nese duo, he said, “It’s a matter other 100-plus break, a 103 in the Ali Hussein and Muneeb al-Ju- dulkarim Maksoud and Yazan of getting opportunities at the fi rst frame against Jordan. boori also in Group D. Alhadad, but won before they right moment, so anything can The Iraqi duo were pushed to Armed with three 50-plus blanked India’s experienced pair happen.” the limit by Jordan and Palestine, breaks, two by Saif and one by of Manan Chandra and Pankaj In Group C, Masih gave Paki- bouncing back from a 0-2 defi cit al-Obaidli, Qatar 1 blanked the Advani, who had won the inau- stan 1 a boost in the fi rst frame against the former, before regis- Qatar 2’s Ahmed Saif in action against Pakistan 2 during their Asian 6 Red Snooker Team Championship at Vietnamese duo of Thai Van Nam gural IBSF-ACBS World Team against India 2’s Shahbaz Adil tering 3-2 victories over both. the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall yesterday. (Facebook/QBSF)

FOOTBALL QNB STARS LEAGUE QFA Qatar SC, Al Khor aim for announce refs for Week 6 a reversal in fortunes matches

With three points from five matches, Qatar SC are 10th in the standings and desperate for win over Khor QNA Doha By Sports Reporter always good working in a familiar the last match. Colombian striker Doha atmosphere and I feel that will help Franco Hurtado played with an in- us achieve some success.” jury and he is out for three to four atar Football Asso- He admitted that the team are weeks. ciation (QFA) has an- atar Sports Club will be facing a diffi cult task, but it was not “I am sure we will have a tough nounced its nomina- hoping for a reversal in the fi rst time he was in such a situ- time against Al Shahania. They tions for the referees fortunes after a night- ation, personally. play well. I had coached them three offiQ ciating the matches of Week marish past few weeks “I worked with the players dur- years ago, but I know only two 6 of the QNB Stars League which duringQ which they lost four of their ing training to correct some of our or three players in their present will be held between today and fi ve matches and saw their coach mistakes and we are seeking victo- squad.” Saturday. Abdulla Mubarak replaced by ry against Qatar SC in order to put He also had words of praise for Al Week 6 of the Tournament will Youssef Faraj al-Noobi. ourselves on the right track. Shahania. start today with two matches — With only three points against “I took up the task in a diffi cult “Al Shahania have made tremen- Qatar SC vs Al Khor and Al Sha- their name from the upset win over situation and this is not the fi rst dous improvement in the last three haniya vs Al Arabi. The round Al Gharafa in the fi rst week of the time that I have done so. years. Their defending is good and will continue with two matches tournament, they are 10th in the “We have analysed Qatar SC, they cover the spaces well. They tomorrow — Al Sailiya vs Al Ahli standings and are desperate for and we know their strengths and have some very good players such and Al Kharaitiyat vs Umm Salal victory against Al Khor, a team who weaknesses. I have confi dence in as Kesse Amangoa and Sultan al- — before concluding on Saturday are even worse off . my players. Whoever will take the Kuwari. with Al Sadd facing Al Rayyan and Al Khor, who also have a new fi eld against Qatar SC will bring “We tried to fi nd solutions to Al Duhail meeting Al Gharafa. coach in Omar Najhi after Adil out their best. We have players to some of our problems in the last All the matches of this sixth Sellimi was sacked, only have one deliver the goods,” said Omar. one month. We can get back to the round will be offi ciated by Qatari point from four matches and are Meanwhile, Al Arabi and Al Sha- winning path,” said Bonacic. referees. languishing in 11th spot. hania face off in another match to- Al Shahania coach Jose Murcia Referee Khamis al-Marri will Najhi, who was earlier the Al day with the latter hoping to build said he was happy with the way his offi ciate the encounter between Khor under-23 coach, however on their success last week when team have performed so far. Al Sadd and Al Rayyan, while tried to put up a brave face at his they defeated Qatar Sports Club. “It is true that we are doing well. Abdulrahman al-Jassim will fi rst press conference, saying a Al Arabi, however, lost to Al We are happy with our perform- oversee the match between Qa- few victories were not beyond the Rayyan to slip to fi fth position, and ance. I want my players to keep tar SC and Al Khor. team. would be keen to make amends. working hard with humility. We Khamis al-Kuwari will offi ci- “We are trying to arrest the “We were not so bad in the last go step by step. We know our path ate the match between Al Sha- slump. We are working hard to game, yet we lost to Al Rayyan. Our is diffi cult. Our ambition is three haniya and Al Arabi, while the wriggle out of the situation as we players lost their confi dence and points from this game. We want match between Al Sailiya and Al face Qatar SC. Thank God, our concentration when it mattered to go up in the QNB Stars League Ahli will be offi ciated by Abdul- preparations are on right track. The the most. We had many problems standings. We cannot aff ord to hadi al-Ruwaili. The match be- players’ morale is high,” Najhi said. with fi nishing and I was not happy make many mistakes,” said Murcia. tween Al Kharaitiyat and Umm “As far as I am concerned, I did with it,” said Al Arabi coach Luca “Our performance is somewhat Salal will see Naif al-Qaderi take not take time to adapt to the play- Bonacic. up to the mark. The mentality of charge and the match between Al ers after I took charge (from Adel “We train a lot. Still we have our players is good. We do not have Duhail and Al Gharafa will be of- Sellimi) as I was with our junior problem with consistency in per- big names. Ours is more of a team fi ciated by Salman al-Falahi. team. That made things go well as formance. We were in good form work. We have to keep faith in our we worked on physical and psy- and coming off two consecutive players. I want my players to stay In this August 4, 2018, picture, Qatar SC’s Hussein Ali al-Saedi (left), who scored two goals in the chological aspects of the team. It is wins. Our frontline was not set in humble.” match, celebrates the victory over Al Gharafa with his teammates. Qatari Nawaf in Bangkok QFs HORSE RACING Qatar’s Rashid Nawaf reached quarter-finals in both singles and doubles at the 14th Asian Indoor International Tennis Fed- Qatar Arabian World Cup attracts top horses eration (ITF) U-14 indoor tournament in Bangkok. In By Sports Reporter International Stakes, fi nished singles, he beat Sri Lanka’s Doha fourth in the Dragon. Nalaka Dissanayake to face Apart from Gazwan, winner Malaysia’s Christian Andrei of HH The Amir’s Sword this Chang Liu in the quarter-fi- ith less than three year, trainer Julian Smart has nals. In doubles, Nawaf and weeks to go, there Ebraz, Aaley Al Magam and Reda Syria’s Mohamed Yaman are 26 entries, in- in the list. Nghngh beat an Uzbek duo cluding last year’s Ebraz, who had won the Drag- 6-7, 6-4, 10-6 for their spot Wwinner Gazwan, owned by His on last year, was rested for this in the last eight. Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin year’s edition, but should go for Khalifa al-Thani, and this year’s the Qatar Arabian World Cup. Qatar hold Qatar Cup - Prix Dragon topper There are fi ve entries from Yazeed, owned by His Highness Thomas Fourcy’s stables, all Japan in Asian Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al- owned by Al Shaqab Racing. junior handball Thani, so far for the 2,000m Qa- Zikreet had a run over course tar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA). and distance in the Dragon and Qatar junior team drew 1-1 The 1 million euro race is the fi nished fi fth. Khataab, who fi n- with their Japanese coun- second leg of the Doha Triple ished fi fth in last year’s World terparts in Group D of the Crown, which carries a USD Cup, and Rijm, third in the Gr1 eight edition of Asian Men’s 1 million bonus for any horse President of the UAE Cup on Junior Handball Champion- that wins three of the world’s Saturday, have been entered too. ship in Amman. Qatar did biggest Group 1 Purebred Ara- The other two are Al Mouwaff ak not qualify for the quarter- bian races — Qatar International and Al Walid. finals after finishing third Stakes at Goodwood, Qatar Ara- Khalifa bin Hamad al-Atti- in the group with 3 points. bian World Cup on the Qatar yah’s Rodess Du Loup is fresh off Japan were tied with Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe day at a Group 1 win in the President of on points but was second Longchamp and HH The Amir’s the UAE Cup at Doncaster and on better goal diff erence. Sword in Doha. had been tipped by the owner to Iran topped the group with Francois Rohaut-trained Mu- Jockey Maxime Guyon (centre) rides Gazwan to victory in the 2017 edition of Qatar Arabian World Cup in Chantilly, France. have a go on the Arc day. 6 points after their third raaqib won the leg in Goodwood Sheikh Khalifa bin Moham- victory, while the UAE this year and features among the Alban de Mieulle-trained day over the course and distance, by a short neck. Shahm has also Yazeed’s fi rst in a Group 1 fi xture. ed al-Thani’s Rajeh, second at finished last in the group entries for the October 7 race at Yazeed won the Prix Dragon on leaving behind Xavier Thomas- been entered for the big one next Another De Mieulle charge, Doncaster, has also been entered with no points. the revamped Parisian track. the Qatar Arc Trials Day on Sun- Demeaulte-schooled Shahm month. The victory was also Tayf, winner of last year’s Qatar by Rohaut.