FFORMULAORMULA 1 | Page 2 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 6 US Grand Prix Manager off ers Hamilton Henry hopeful fi rst shot at fi ft h of success at world title Monaco

Thursday, October 18, 2018 CRICKET Safar 9, 1440 AH Abbas torments GULF TIMES woeful Australia to put Pakistan on top SPORT Page 3 FOOTBALL / AFC U-19 CHAMPIONSHIP 12 NOON (QATAR TIME) With U-20 WC spots at stake, Qatar open campaign today The 2014 champions will face UAE in their Group A opener in Jakarta today; hosts Indonesia and Chinese Taipei next

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar will kick off their AFC U-19 Champion- ship in Jakarta with a match against United ArabQ Emirates today. Qatar squad arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday and have had two days of training ahead of their Group A fi xture at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. The 2014 champions are drawn in Group A alongside hosts Indo- nesia, Chinese Taipei and UAE. After the match against UAE, Qatar face Indonesia on October 21 and Chinese Taipei on October 24 in the preliminary stages of the tournament. A total of 16 teams have as- sembled in the Southeast Asian nation’s capital, with reigning champions Japan looking to re- tain the title they claimed two years ago in Bahrain thanks to a tense penalty shootout win against Saudi Arabia. The four highest ranked sides will also qualify for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. Qatar won the 2014 edition in Myanmar by beating North Korea in the fi nal. The champions in 2014 later qualifi ed to play the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in New Zea- Qatar players take part in a training session on the eve of their AFC U-19 Championship Group A match against the UAE in Jakarta, Indonesia, land. Qatar’s coach Bruno Pinheiro yesterday. PICTURES: Fadi al-Assaad said he wants the current squad to repeat the heroic feat of 2014. “I think that all the teams here in Indonesia have exactly the same ambitions, that is to win the title,” explained Pinheiro. “We are ready to compete and of course we want to go as far as possible. The players are ready, and we believe in ourselves. We have a group (of players) that also a priority for the Emiratis as and to create a team with a fi ght- has big ambitions, works very they chase a fi rst title since 2008. ing spirit. I am extremely proud hard and produces good football. “We are here to qualify for the to be the coach of this team.” Qatar U-19 coach Bruno Pinheiro. Naturally, the fi rst game is always World Cup, that is everyone’s In another tomorrow, host na- important as (a defeat) can abso- objective,” said the Frenchman. tion Indonesia take on Chinese Khalid Waleed, Mohamed Khalid, lutely aff ect the confi dence of the “We have prepared very well and Taipei. This will be the AFC U-19 Shihab, Mamdooh, Nasser Saleh, players, but they are focussed and as it is the fi rst match there is no Championship’s 40th edition. Ahmed Yassir, Baha Mamdooh, determined to go far,” he added. real pressure. We will try to play Yousif Razaq, Ahmed Suhail, Nass- Pinheiro’s opposite number, our own style and get the best QATAR SQUAD: Humam Amin, er Ber, Issa Ahmed, Adam Hamdi, Ludovic Batelli, added that a possible result. Since taking over Abdullah Saie, Abdulrashid Abdullah Nasser, Ahmed Janhi, place at next year’s FIFA U-20 as head coach in March, it has Ibrahim, Yousif Ayman, Nasser Ab- Salah Zakariya, Marwan Sharif, World Cup – on off er to all the been very important to get to delsalam, Ali Mal, Mohamed Waad, Ahmed Minhali and Mahmoud semi-fi nalists in Indonesia – was know the potential of each player Khalid Mohamed, Hashim Ali, Ibrahim. Coach: Bruno Pinheiro

HANDBALL / 2018 IHF SUPER GLOBE Fuchse Berlin edge out Al Sadd to set up Barcelona fi nal

By Sports Reporter However, Berlin managed to keep Doha Sadd quiet for the next ten minutes, while adding eight goals to their tally. Five Youssef goals closed the gap as haled Youssef Haj scored eight Sadd stayed in contention with a two- goals for Qatar’s Al Sadd but goal defi cit at 9-11 at half-time. Fuchse Berlin of Germany still Hans Lindberg and Jacob Holm, both managed to take a 26-20 vic- scored six goals each in the game, got toryK to set up the title clash with Barce- the scoreboard ticking again early in lona, a repeat from last year’s edition, in the second half, even as Berlin steadily the 2018 IHF Super Globe handball tour- pulled away. nament at Duhail Sports Hall yesterday. Eventually Denguir scored his fi fth And like last year, the German team goal of the game in the fi nal moments went past the 2002 champions in the but by then Berlin had already done the semi-fi nals. damage. Berlin went fi rst on to the scoreboard Earlier in the evening, Barcelona beat with Fabian Wiede scoring in the third Montpellier 37-30 in the other semi- minute before Mattias Zakrisson dou- fi nal after marginally trailing 18-19 at bled it. the break. Youssef scored fi rst of his eight goals The Catalans are gunning for their Barcelona’s Dika Akwa Mem in action during the IHF Super Globe semi-final in the sixth minute before teammate fourth title since the tournament was against Montpellier at Duhail Sports Hall yesterday. Mem scored six goals in his Amir Denguir levelled the scores the fi rst hosted in Qatar in 2010, having Fuchse Berlin’s Erik Schmidt in action against Al Sadd’s Khaled Haj Youssef (right) team’s 37-30 win. PICTURES: Anas Khalid next minute. won in 2013, 2014 and 2017. during the semi-final yesterday. Youssef scored a match-high eight points. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, October 18, 2018 SPORT

MOTOGP Marquez eyes crown on Honda’s home turf Reuters “But it will not be easy because have accounted for all the top ti- Tokyo Dovizioso is really, really good, re- tles since Australian Casey Stoner ally, really fast and he is very com- won in 2011. petitive.” Italian Rossi, who Marquez arc Marquez knows Marquez, who could clinch supplanted as the world’s premier his Honda team would the title even if he does not win rider, won the last of his seven ti- love to celebrate win- on Sunday depending on where tles in 2009 and the 39-year-old ning the MotoGP ti- Dovizioso fi nishes, secured the Yamaha racer currently sits third Mtle on home turf at the Japanese 2014 and 2016 crowns in Japan, in the championship. Grand Prix on Sunday but the though his rival also has form at Marquez said he has learned Spaniard is off ering no guarantees. Motegi, winning last year’s race. that success breeds success. Victory at Motegi would seal a Speaking at the fan event on “The motivation is easier to third consecutive MotoGP crown Tuesday, Marquez said it was im- keep when you are winning. It is for the 25-year-old and tie him portant to focus on the big picture easier to lose the motivation when with Australian Mick Doohan as – winning the title. you struggle,” he added. the third-most successful rider “We will try and win on Sunday “When you are winning, your in history with fi ve premier class but if it is not possible then we eff ort is compensated by the re- world titles. need to take points because in the sults and by great moments. It is Only Italian pair Valentino Ros- end, our fi nal goal, is about being more diffi cult if you have a season si (seven) and Giacomo Agostini at the top of the championship af- when you struggle a lot.” (eight) have more. ter the last race,” he said. Qualifying begins on Saturday, Marquez is 77 points clear of “We need to keep on pushing with Sunday’s race starting at Italian Andrea Dovizioso with and keep the same mentality, the 0500 GMT. four races, each off ering 25 points same concentration, to get our for the win, remaining. fi nal goal, our fi nal dream, “I know and I understand that it which is to be the world champion Repsol Honda Team’s Marc will be really important for Honda 2018.” Marquez and his teammate Dani to try and celebrate something big Marquez and compatriot Jorge Pedrosa pose for a photograph on Sunday,” Marquez said at the Lorenzo (2012, 2015), who will during a fan event in Tokyo fi rm’s headquarters on Tuesday. join him at Honda next season, yesterday. (AFP)

F1 TENNIS Pique confi dent of luring Nadal, Djoko to US Grand Prix off ers revamped Davis Cup

AFP Madrid

erard Pique believes Hamilton fi rst shot Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will both play in the reformed Davis GCup next year and has said the “door remains open” to Roger Federer. Pique was speaking yesterday in Madrid, where the tourna- at fi ft h world title ment fi nals will be contested over a week in November 2019, ‘With six race victories in the last seven races, Lewis has shown what a class act he is’ as part of a host of controver- sial changes to the format of the “With Rafa it is very positive, if 118-year-old competition. he does not have an injury he will The new Davis Cup carries a be there. number of complications, not “On Novak, if he has to choose least because it is set to lock between the two he says he will horns with the ATP’s World Team play the ATP tournament. I took Cup, another inaugural team the opportunity to talk to him event expected to take place just because he represents the play- a few weeks later in Australia. ers and the meeting was very November is also traditionally positive. I am confi dent we can the month when top players be- reach an agreement.” gin their time off at the end of a Federer is the least likely of congested 10-month season. the trio to play given the now For the tournament to be a 37-year-old has long been very success, and convince support- selective in the tournaments he ers to travel, it will likely need enters. The Swiss prioritises the the grandees of the men’s game four Grand Slam events and has – Nadal, Djokovic and Federer – not played in the Davis Cup since to participate. 2015. Barcelona defender Pique is Pique added: “Federer is at a the president and founder of Ko- point in his career in which he smos, the company promoting prioritises the most important the new Davis Cup competition. tournaments. I have talked with “I have spoken with all those his people and I have not closed players,” Pique said yesterday. any doors.”

Kerber to be coached by hitting partner Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber will be coached by hitting partner Andre Wiesler at the upcoming season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore it emerged yesterday. Kerber’s management had an- nounced that the German world number three had ended working with coach Wim Fissette with immediate eff ect and that a new coach is to be found before she starts training for the 2019 season. Wiesler is Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit on October 7, 2018. (Reuters) a long-term member of Kerber’s team and will help her try to win the October 21-28 tournament of the best eight players of the year for the Reuters “Both on and off the track first time. “The season is long but I don’t lack motivation for the WTA Austin Vettel’s Ferrari F1 title dream faces another delay he is more complete than ever Finals,” Kerber told yesterday’s edition of Germany’s Sport Bild weekly. before, showing command- “It is always my aim for the season to end the year in Singapore and Michael Schumacher took five years to win a For- in his first two seasons, and 2018 seems a repeat ing performance in the car and play my best Tennis there. It is the last tournament of the year, and t will be high fi ves for Lewis mula One world title with Ferrari, and Sebastian from last year when Vettel also led early in the challenging the entire team to I will give it all that is left in me, in my body and in my head.” The Hamilton in Austin on Sun- Vettel is highly unlikely to do it in four years. season but Hamilton then coasted to the title. perform to higher levels at the Belgian Fissette replaced Torben Beitz in November 2017 and helped day if a fi fth win in a row Vettel travels to Sunday’s United States Grand Prix Strategy errors and personal mistakes have cost same time. former world number one Kerber return to former greatness, high- brings the Briton a fi fth 67 points behind Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, al- Vettel especially in the second half of the season “The battle is far from over, lighted by her third career grand slam title at Wimbledon in July. IFormula One world title. so we approach Austin the same lowing the Briton to clinch a fifth career title if he where Hamilton has been imperious by winning The Mercedes driver is on the garners eight points more than his rival, such as six of the last seven races. way as every other race: take it brink of joining the late Argen- winning and Vettel failing to come second. Vettel has been criticised for his driving but he one step at a time, focus on our tine Juan Manuel Fangio as a But Vettel insists he is not throwing in the towel, has also had support, including from Hamilton job and make sure we bring per- Ackermann wins Tour of Guangxi 2nd stage quintuple champion, with only stating “the spirit is unbroken despite everything” who last week asked the media to show “a little formance and reliability to the seven times titleholder Michael after having to settle for sixth at the last race in more respect” for Vettel. track,” added the Austrian. Germany cyclist Pascal Acker- World Tour. Schumacher ahead of them in Japan. “You simply cannot imagine how hard it is to do The only other driver to have mann took the second stage of STANDINGS the all-time lists. “We know it is diff icult from where we are in the what we do at our level, for any athlete at the top won in Austin to date is Vettel – the Tour de Guangxi in southern Stage Hamilton is 67 points clear of point standings, but we don’t have much to lose,” of their game that is. It is to be expected that be- with Red Bull in 2013 – and he China yesterday. Ackerman, of 1. Pascal Ackermann (GER/Bora- Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel with he said. “So we keep fighting and resisting and ing humans we will make mistakes but it is arrives with plenty of criticism the Bora-Hansgrohe team, won Hansgrohe) 145km in 3hr 18min three races – and a maximum 75 we’ll see what the other races bring.” how we get through them that counts,” Hamilton of his performance in Japan af- in 3hrs 18min 58sec, ahead of 58sec points – remaining after Texas. Like Hamilton, Vettel currently has four world said. ter he started eighth, dropped to Fabio Jakobsen of Quick-Step 2. Fabio Jakobsen (NED/Quick- That means the title will be titles, but they are all from his term at Red Bull, Vettel could take heart from the fact that the 19th and fi nished sixth. Floors and first-stage winner Step Floors) Hamilton’s if he scores eight won 2010-2013. iconic Schumacher needed five years at Ferrari to Like Hamilton a four times Dylan Groenewegen of Team 3. Dylan Groenewegen (NED/ points more than the German, The German joined the Scuderia in 2015, full of win the first of five titles between 2000 and 2004, champion, Vettel has failed to Lotto NL-Jumbo. The Dutchman Team Lotto NL-Jumbo) something the Briton has done praise of Ferrari’s myth and determined to end after arriving in 1996 as a two-time champion. fi nish in the top two for four Groenewegen remains on top in 4. Lawrence Naesen (BEL/Lotto for the past four races and a their drivers’ championship rot since Kimi Raik- But he doesn’t like the comparison too much, and races and has slumped from ti- the overall standings, four sec- Soudal) total of eight times in the 17 konen’s success in 2007. instead it was the beleaguered team principal tle frontrunner to also-ran. onds ahead of both Ackermann 5. Clement Venturini (FRA/AG2R grands prix so far. “There are so many fairy tales on Ferrari and what Maurizio Arrivabene who used it before the “We know its diffi cult from and Jakobsen. La Mondial) On paper, with Hamilton and it feels like driving a red car. I the end I can only departure to Austin. where we are but what do we The 145-km (90-mile) second Overall Standings Finnish team mate Valtteri Bot- confirm these fairy tales. It is not just a story, a “I am convinced that Sebastian Vettel will sooner have to lose?,” the German said stage ran along the coast of the 1. Dylan Groenewegen (NED/ tas one-two in the last two races real legend exists,” Vettel said. or later win with Ferrari,” Arrivabene said. after the Japanese Grand Prix at Gulf of Tonkin between the cit- Team LottoNL-Jumbo) 5hr and the champion triumphant The statement came after the first test laps but “It takes time and determination, without it you Suzuka. “We are trying our ut- ies of Beihai and Qinzhou. 40min 29sec in fi ve of the past six races at the the title dream remains unfulfilled as Vettel had to achieve nothing. Michael Schumacher was like most to fi ght and resist and let’s Cyclists are expected to face 2. Pascal Ackermann (GER/Bora- Circuit of the Americas – in- come to terms with the harsh realities. that, and Sebastian Vettel is very similar, his four see what the next races bring.” their biggest challenge on Stage Hansgrohe) at 4sec cluding the last four – the title Ferrari were not able to compete with Mercedes world titles with Red Bull prove it.” Mercedes also lead the con- 5, a 212km route from Liuzhou 3. Fabio Jakobsen (NED/Quick- is there for the taking. structors’ championship by 78 to Guilin taking in some rugged Step Floors) at 4sec Hamilton has won fi ve races points but cannot yet wrap up roads and three climbs. 4. Silvan Dillier (SUI/AG2R La in a row before, in 2014 when so far this season. ahead remains laser sharp. last seven races, Lewis has their fi fth successive team ti- The six-stage race in Guangxi, a Mondial) at 6sec the sequence involved the same He has been busy with media shown what a class act he is,” tle, with that battle going on at region bordering on Vietnam, is 5. Andrey Grivko (UKR/Astana fi ve as this time, and is in the activities in New York this week CLASS ACT Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff least until Mexico the following the final stop on this year’s UCI Pro Team) at 6sec form of his life with nine wins but his focus on the main task “With six race victories in the said this week. weekend. Gulf Times Thursday, October 18, 2018 3 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Rashid, Curran star in England’s big ODI win AFP Scorecard He made 41 off 26 balls. Kandy, Sri Lanka Earlier put in to bat after SRI LANKA (Dananjaya), 8-150 (Chandimal), nearly six hours of play was lost N. Dickwella c Woakes b Curran 36 9-150 (Aponso) due to rain, the hosts were off to owlers Adil Rashid and Bowlers: Woakes 4-0-37-0, a breezy start courtesy of a 20- Tom Curran set up S. Samarawickrama c Woakes b ball 36 from Niroshan Dickwella. Rashid 35 Stone 3-0-24-0 (w1), Curran 4-0- England’s comfortable 17-3, Ali 1-0-6-0, Rashid 5-0-36-4, Rashid helped England bounce seven-wicket win over K. Mendis b Rashid 0 Stokes 4-0-21-0 (w2) back with wickets at crucial SriB Lanka in the rain-shortened junctures as he claimed four D. Chandimal c Rashid b Curran 34 third one-day international in ENGLAND (target 151) from his fi ve overs of leg-spin. Kandy yesterday. T. Perera b Roy b Rashid 0 J. Roy lbw b Dananjaya 41 The left-handed Dickwella put Rashid and Curran shared D. de Silva c Roy b Curran 3 J. Bairstow c Perera b Aponso 4 on 57 runs off 33 deliveries with seven wickets between them to D. Shanaka b Rashid 21 opener partner Sadeera Samara- restrict Sri Lanka to 150-9 in the J. Root b Aponso 8 wickrama, who also made a brisk 21-overs-a-side contest. The A. Dananjaya run out (Bairstow/ E. Morgan not out 58 35. Fast bowler Curran got Dick- Buttler) 7 visitors surpassed the total in B. Stokes not out 35 wella caught at mid-off to check 18.3 overs to take an unbeatable L. Malinga not out 2 Sri Lanka’s surge. Curran returned Extras (lb2, w5) 7 2-0 lead in the fi ve-match series. A. Aponso run out (Buttler/Curran) fi gures of 3-17 from his four overs. Skipper Eoin Morgan re- 0 Total (3 wickets, 18.3 overs) 153 Rashid hit Sri Lanka hard with mained unbeaten on 58 off 49 to the wickets of Samarawickrama Extras (b2, lb7, w3) 12 Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Bairstow), give England their second suc- 2-34 (Root), 3-83 (Roy) and Thisara Perera for nought cessive win after the opening Total (9 wickets, 21 overs) 150 in consecutive deliveries to be Bowling: Malinga 4-0-39-0 (w3), match was washed out in a series on a hat-trick. Skipper Dinesh Fall of wickets: 1-57 (Dickwella), Aponso 3.3-27-0-2, Dananjaya hit by the Sri Lankan monsoon. Chandimal played out the hat- 2-59 (Rashid), 3-94 (Samaraw- 4-0-33-1, De Silva 4-0-23-0, N. The left-handed batting com- trick ball and stayed on to make ickrama), 4-94 (Perera), 5-110 Pradeep 2-0-21-0, T. Perera bination of Morgan and Ben 34 crucial runs before falling to (De Silva), 6-138 (Shanaka), 7-146 1-0-8-0 Stokes, who made 35, put on an Curran in the fi nal over. Sri Lan- unbeaten 73-run stand for the Left-arm spinner Amila dent England’s chase but opener ka now need to win the remain- fourth wicket to blunt the Sri Aponso took two early wickets Jason Roy ensured the runs kept ing two matches to at least draw England’s Adil Rashid (right) celebrates with captain Eoin Morgan (centre) and Olly Stone after taking the Lankan bowling attack. including Joe Root for eight to coming quickly from one end. level the series. wicket of Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka (not pictured). (Reuters)

PAK VS AUS, DAY 2, 2ND TEST SELECTION South Africa paceman Steyn named Abbas’ 5-for torments for Australia tour

AFP Dale Steyn to his very best,” said Johannesburg selection convener Linda Zondi. Morris has not played inter- national cricket since February ale Steyn was named but Zondi said he had proven woeful Australia to yesterday as part of a his fi tness by taking 12 wickets strong South African in two four-day matches for the fast bowling arsenal for Titans franchise. Dthe limited-overs tour of Aus- “He is the leading wicket- tralia later this month. taker in this competition to date Steyn, 35, was named in the and also adds value as a batting 15-man squad which includes option in the lower order,” said young stars Kagiso Rabada and Zondi. put Pakistan on top Lungi Ngidi, as well as returning Leading batsmen Hashim fast bowling all-rounder Chris Amla and JP Duminy were una- ‘If we score 100-150 runs more then we have a very good chance of winning this Test’ Morris, who has recovered from vailable because of injury, lead- a lower back injury. ing to a recall for Farhaan Behar- South Africa will play three dien, who did not play against one-day internationals and a Zimbabwe, while an injury to Twenty20 international during promising all-rounder Wiaan a tour which starts with a match Mulder created an opening for Grounded Abbas determined to continue rapid rise against a Prime Minister’s XI in Dwaine Pretorius, also absent Canberra on October 31. Steyn against Zimbabwe. Pakistan paceman Mohamed Abbas insisted but managed only four more matches after made a successful return to one- SQUAD: Faf du Plessis (captain), yesterday he is confident his rapid success struggling with a back injury. day international cricket in the Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de will not go to his head, saying a tough early Asif and Amir were each banned for five years recent series against Zimbabwe Kock (wkt), Reeza Hendricks, Im- life has helped him mature as a person. after their parts in the spot-fixing scandal after a two-year absence, largely ran Tahir, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), The 28-year-old worked as a welder and a on Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010. Since caused by injuries. Aiden Markram, David Miller, leather factory labourer in Pakistan before completing his ban, Amir has returned but “We feel that we got quite a lot Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, Andile his hard work in cricket paid dividends with a struggled to make the most of his talent. out of the Zimbabwe series, no- Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, first-class debut in 2009. “I suff ered hardship in my life so my focus tably the form of (leg-spinner) Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Abbas has been Pakistan’s most successful is on cricket and that has made me mature. Imran Tahir and the return of Dale Steyn. bowler since making his Test debut in the I want to keep my feet on ground, that has West Indies last year, taking 54 wickets in been my life and it has matured me,” added nine-and-a-half games. Abbas. Abbas sent Australia tumbling to 145 all “Right or wrong, I know where to go and my out with figures of 5-33 yesterday, helping focus is to go step to step and whatever hap- Pakistan to a 137-run first-innings lead in pens around me doesn’t bother me.” the second Test in Abu Dhabi. By close on When he claimed his 50th wicket in his 10th the second day Pakistan were 144-2 in their Test on Tuesday, Abbas became the joint-sec- second innings, stretching the advantage to ond fastest to achieve the feat from Pakistan 281 runs with eight wickets intact as they bid alongside the legendary Waqar Younis, Asif to win the two-match series 1-0. and Shabbir Ahmed. Abbas took seven wickets in the drawn first Team-mate Yasir Shah is the fastest Pakistani Test in Dubai last week. to 50 wickets - in nine matches. But success is unlikely to go to his head, like Abbas also has the fourth-best average it did to Mohamed Zahid, Mohamed Asif and (15.94) - and lowest this century - among Mohamed Amir - all three fast bowlers who those with 50 or more wickets. shot to fame early in their careers. England’s George Lohmann (10.75), Australia’s “Look, I have a firm belief in Almighty Allah J.J. Ferris (12.70) and Billy Barnes of England and I pray that he keeps me away from (15.54) all played in the 19th century. tough situations,” said Abbas. “I have played But Abbas said records are made to be first-class cricket and a lot of things have hap- broken. pened before my eyes.” “I focus on my bowling and taking wickets Zahid shot to prominence with 11 wickets in for Pakistan and in the process get records, his debut Test against New Zealand in 1996 which are made to be broken.”

Zimbabwe’s Masakadza hopes to end Pakistan’s Mohamed Abbas bowls during day two of the second Test against Australia at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday. (AFP) losing streak in Bangladesh AFP Scorecard man said Pakistan were in the ing career of ten Tests. Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Ma- contests there gave Zimbabwe Abu Dhabi driving seat. Asif had removed Aaron sakadza expressed confidence some confidence coming up PAKISTAN 1st innings 282 6-85 (Finch), 7-91 (Paine), 8-128 “Yes, our position is good,” Finch (39) and in the last over yesterday about their upcoming against Bangladesh. AUSTRALIA 1st innings (Labuschagne), 9-132 (Lyon) said Zaman. “If we score 100- before lunch trapped Tim Paine tour of Bangladesh, despite his “It’s always a test to play inter- edium pacer Mo- 150 runs more on Thursday then leg-before for three. side losing their last 13 one-day national cricket and I thought U. Khawaja c Sarfraz b Abbas 3 Bowling: Abbas 12.4-4-33-5, hamed Abbas regis- with a turning wicket we have Marnus Labuschagne off ered international matches against we did a lot of good things in Hamza 9-2-27-0, Yasir 19-3-59-1, tered a fi ve-wicket A. Finch c Zaman b Asif 39 a very good chance of winning some resistance during his 25 the Tigers on home soil. South Africa,” he said. Asif 10-3-23-3. haul to steer Paki- P. Siddle lbw b Abbas 4 this Test.” before falling to a freakish run The visitors will play three ODIs “Although we did not win any Mstan into a dominating position Zaman said he was lucky to out, backing up too far as a drive S. Marsh c Sohail b Abbas 3 starting October 21 in Bang- games, I think we pushed them in the second Test against Aus- PAKISTAN 2nd innings have played this Test. from Starc was defl ected to ladesh, where Zimbabwe has a few times. The guys are look- tralia in Abu Dhabi yesterday. T. Head c Shafiq b Abbas 14 “I was with the squad from the stumps by Yasir Shah with F. Zaman c and b Lyon 66 not recorded a win against the ing forward to it.” Abbas fi nished with fi ve for M. Marsh c Shafiq b Yasir 13 the start but during the fi rst Labuschagne out of his crease. hosts since a nine-run victory in All-rounder Sikandar Raza, who M. Hafeez c Head b Starc 6 33 to bowl out Australia for a M. Labuschagne run out (Yasir) 25 Test I was about to return to Abbas, whose fi rst wicket of Dhaka in 2010. has not played since the World paltry 145 to give Pakistan a 137- A. Ali not out 54 Pakistan before, unfortunately, the match made him the joint “Bangladesh is a very good Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe due T. Paine lbw b Asif 3 run lead in the fi rst innings on H. Sohail not out 17 Imam-ul-Haq got injured and second fastest Pakistani to 50 team at home, and they to a contractual dispute, returns the second day at Sheikh Zayed M. Starc lbw b Abbas 34 I got this chance of playing my wickets, gave Pakistan an early improved a lot in the last few to the side. Extras: (nb 1) 1 Stadium. N. Lyon b Asif 2 fi rst Test.” wicket in the fourth over of the years,” Masakadza told report- “He’s obviously a big inclusion Pakistan stretched that lead Total: (for two wkts; 44 overs) 144 Mohamed Hafeez, who day, removing Marsh with a ers in Dhaka on Wednesday. in the team. He bowls, bats and J. Holland not out 2 to 281 as they were 144 for two Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Hafeez), scored a hundred in the drawn catch in the slip. “But I think of all teams, we are is also a very good fielder. It’s at close, with Azhar Ali not out Extras (lb3) 3 2-106 (Zaman) fi rst Test, fell to a lazy shot off He then had Head caught in the ones that have played the good to have him around and on 54 for his fi rst half century in pacer Mitchell Starc, caught at the second slip to leave Austral- most international cricket here have him in the set up as well,” Total (all out; 50.4 overs) 145 Bowling: Starc 4-0-22-1 (1nb), the series and Haris Sohail was short mid-off for six. ia at 56 for four. in Bangladesh. Masakadza said. Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Khawaja), Siddle 6-0-28-0, Lyon 20-3-59-1, 17 not out. Earlier, Abbas and spinner Leg-spinner Yasir made it “So I think that puts us in a good The second and third ODIs will 2-20 (Siddle), 3-36 (S. Marsh), Holland 10-3-17-0, Labuschagne With eight wickets in hand Bilal Asif (3-23) wrecked Aus- 75 for fi ve with the wicket of stead. Hopefully it will be a very take place on October 24 and 26 4-56 (Head), 5-75 (M. Marsh), 4-0-18-0 Pakistan were in a great posi- tralia for 145 in their innings. Mitchell Marsh, caught close to competitive series.” in Chittagong. tion to force a 1-0 lead in the Abbas had Shaun Marsh, in the wicket for 13 before Austral- Zimbabwe arrive for their sixth Zimbabwe and Bangladesh will two-match series after the fi rst ted with resolve, having so far innings, before giving a return the fourth over of the day, for ia lose two more to reach lunch ODI series in Bangladesh on the then play two Tests, the first Test ended in a fi ghting draw in hit three boundaries. catch to Nathan Lyon who took three and Travis Head for 14 at 91 for seven. back of a poor showing in South in the northeast city of Sylhet Dubai last week. But it was once again debu- an evasive action but still man- before wrapping up the innings Afer the Tests both the teams Africa, where they lost all six starting November 3, and Azhar, who fell for disap- tant Fakhar Zaman who lifted aged to hold onto the ball. by trapping Starc leg-before for will play a series of three Twen- matches. the second in Dhaka starting pointing scores of 18, four and Pakistan with a brilliant 66 Zaman hit seven boundaries 34. This becomes Abbas’s third ty20 international with the fi rst But Masakadza said some close November 11. 15 in the last three innings, bat- following up his 94 in the fi rst in an enterprising knock. Za- fi ve-wicket haul in a burgeon- in Abu Dhabi on October 24. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, October 18, 2018 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Miller disappointed by USA’s Ryder Cup preparation US gymnastics chief

Reuters In nearly three decades as an NBC ana- Cary, North Carolina lyst, he has observed the past six Ameri- quits aft er Biles, can defeats on European soil. The most common thread he observed wice major winner Johnny Miller running through those losses was poor Raisman criticism tried to hold his tongue during putting. the recent Ryder Cup in France, “For some reason, when you’re at home AFP on Tuesday, Bono defended her but the fi lter came off on Tuesday the putter seems to work better, and when Los Angeles work with Faegre Baker Dan- Tas he criticised the US team’s preparation you’re on the road going to Europe it iels as well as her criticism of in the lead up to their heavy defeat by Eu- doesn’t seem to work really good,” he said. Kaepernick, whose decision to rope. Miller, who will commentate on his fi - he newly-appointed kneel during the US national an- In his role as lead analyst for the NBC nal event at the Phoenix Open in Febru- head of USA Gymnastics them in order to draw attention coverage on American television, Miller ary, brought a critical eye to a chummy resigned just four days to racial injustice has been criti- watched as the US players missed too sport often lacking in candid observa- after being named to the cised by some as disrespectful to many fairways and too many putts at Le tions. Tjob on Tuesday following sting- the military and unpatriotic. Golf National last month. He became known for frequently using ing criticism of her appointment “I proudly stand behind my Criticism at the time focused on how the word “choke”, a provocative term that by Olympic stars Simone Biles body of work at Faegre Baker Justin Thomas was the only one of the refers to a player’s inability to execute a and Alexandra Raisman. Daniels, and appreciated how 12 players on the American team, who shot under pressure, often when victory Former Republican politician much the law fi rm supported my had played a tournament at the course, is on the line. Mary Bono, who had only been devoting considerable time to which annually holds the French Open It is something the California-born revealed as interim chief of the the cause of addiction preven- on the European Tour. 71-year-old is proud of, and he wishes embattled governing body on tion, treatment and recovery,” Miller, however, was more puzzled by In this June 17, 2009, picture, former golfer Johnny Miller (right) walks with US player commentators in other sports would use Friday, said she was quitting over Bono said. why the Americans did not play more Phil Mickelson (left) and latter’s coach Butch Harmon during a practice round for the the word too. “personal attacks” that made her “With respect to Mr Kaeper- practice rounds in the week of the tour- US Open golf at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York. (Reuters) “To me, the greatness of golf, besides position untenable. nick, he nationally exercised his nament. a lot of the things that are obvious, is the “It is with profound regret, fi rst amendment right to kneel. I The Friday start gave the team three tirement from the commentary booth. “I was fairly upset at that because Eu- choke factor,” he said. coupled with a deep love for the exercised mine: to mark over on full days to prepare on-site after their “I think the fact that the US was play- rope set up that golf course totally unlike “That’s the rarest form of greatness, sport of gymnastics and respect my own golf shoes, the logo of Monday afternoon arrival. ing nine holes a day, and those (European) the Americans had ever played. It was like a guy that can handle the choke factor for those who aspire to be great the company sponsoring him.” “I didn’t actually say some of the things guys played the (French) Open every year the old US Open.” and get better at the end like Jack Nick- gymnasts, that I today tendered Bono, meanwhile, said she I wanted to that week,” the former US and and I’m thinking, are you kidding me? It was a defl ating, if familiar way for laus (and Tiger Woods) did. Even in other my resignation as the Interim believed she could have made a British Open champion said in a confer- Nine holes a day? What else you got to do Miller to end his Ryder Cup commentary sports, I know the guy’s gagging, but they CEO of USA Gymnastics,” Bono success of the job, citing her own ence call on Tuesday announcing his re- but play? career. don’t want to talk about it.” said in a statement. experience as a young gymnast “My withdrawal comes in the of seeing at fi rst-hand what she wake of personal attacks that left described as the “assaulting be- FOCUS undefended, would have made havior of a coach.” my leading USAG a liability for “I would have brought a fi re in the organization.” the belly to ensure that no one as Bono’s future in her new role taken with gymnastics as I was at had looked increasingly precari- that age, should have to choose ous after criticism by both Biles between abuse and ambition, or and Raisman following her ap- between properly speaking out pointment. and promoting success.” Leishman looks to The 56-year-old executive United States Olympic Com- drew the ire of Olympic super- mittee chief Sarah Hirshland de- star Biles over a tweet posted by scribed the debacle surrounding Bono last month in which she Bono’s departure as “unfortu- was critical of apparel maker nate.” Nike following the company’s ad “The USOC is committed to campaign featuring ex-NFL star working hard with the USAG Colin Kaepernick. board to fi nd the right leader double up at CJ Cup Bono posted a photo of herself who can build gymnastics up to blacking out a Nike logo on a golf the world-class organization we shoe as she took part in a char- know that it can and should be,” After a winless 2017-18 campaign, the Australian beat a quality field to win in Malaysia ity golf tournament to honour Hirshland said in a statement. members of the US military. Raisman, meanwhile, gave an Reuters In response, the Nike-spon- icy response to Bono’s depar- Seoul sored Biles tweeted on Saturday: ture, which comes as the USA “*mouth drop*... don’t worry, team prepares for the October 25 it’s not like we needed a smarter World Championships in Doha. arc Leishman will usa gymnastics president, or any “The Olympic family fails us be looking to claim sponsors or anything.” again,” Raisman wrote on Twit- a second successive ter. title on the US PGA ‘SURVIVORS DESERVE “Another poor hire + familiar MTour’s Asia swing and hope to BETTER’ statements. Don’t worry, USAG/ make up for an agonising near- Raisman, meanwhile, blasted the USOC will search for the right miss when he tees it up at the decision to hire Bono on Monday leader...again. CJ Cup in South Korea starting in a series of strongly worded posts “Meanwhile, gymnasts pre- today. on Twitter that drew attention to pare for World Championships After a winless 2017-18 cam- the executive’s previous work with during another organizational paign, the burly Australian law fi rm Faegre Baker Daniels. leadership crisis. But hey, ath- started the new season with a Raisman alleged that the legal letes are the top priority.” bang at the CIMB Classic in Ma- company had advised USA Gym- Bono’s whirlwind tenure is laysia, blitzing a quality fi eld by nastics during the Larry Nassar another humiliating body blow fi ve strokes on Sunday after a sexual abuse scandal, asserting to USA Gymnastics, which has stellar week on the greens. that the company had helped lurched from one self-infl icted Leishman will also be eager to “cover up” the former team doc- crisis to the next as it struggles tear into the Nine Bridges course tor’s crimes before they erupted to rebuild in the aftermath of the after last year’s heartbreak, into public view. Nassar scandal. when his victory hopes sunk in a “Survivors, current gymnasts, Bono took over after USA water hazard on the second extra families, coaches, gymnastics Gymnastics was forced to part hole of a playoff against eventual community & fans deserve bet- company with chief executive winner Justin Thomas. ter,” wrote Raisman, one of more Kerry Perry last month. The disappointment proved than 250 athletes abused by Nas- Perry resigned under pres- to be a taste of things to come for sar, who was jailed for life earlier sure from the US Olympic Leishman, who was also run- this year. Committee after only nine ner-up at the Byron Nelson and Raisman, an Olympic gold months in the job. had four other top-10 fi nishes in medallist in 2012 and 2016, is Her departure came after the a solid but ultimately frustrating suing both USA Gymnastics and appointment and resignation year. the United States Olympic Com- of elite coach Mary Lee Tracy — Back in the winner’s circle, mittee over the scandal. who had made comments sup- the 34-year-old is keen to cash portive of Nassar in 2016 when in at the $9.5 mn tournament in ‘FIRE IN THE BELLY’ allegations of abuse against him Korea. than they were last year, they’re having played the local circuit try by myself, that teaches you hit Nine Bridges full of confi- In her resignation statement had begun to emerge. “I’m excited to be back in Ko- a little shorter. The greens are in 2006 when starting out as a things very quickly.” dence. rea, I have a lot of good memo- perfect again... I’m excited to professional. Leishman will again lock The 78-player fi eld also in- ries here. It’s going to be a good get out there on Thursday and “The KPGA (Tour) was a very horns with former world cludes the PGA Tour’s 2017-18 week. Hopefully, I can play well get into it.” good experience,” he said. “I met number one Thomas, who player of the year Brooks Koep- again and go one better than last Now a Virginia resident, a lot of friends, a lot of Korean finished strongly at the CIMB ka, who won the US Open and year,” he said. Leishman has been a regular on golfers that I’m still friends with Classic, a tournament he has PGA Championship last season, “The course is amazing. I the PGA Tour for years but is no now. won twice before, to tie for and major-winning Australian think the fairways are fi rmer stranger to South Korean golf, “Travelling in a foreign coun- fifth and the American should duo Adam Scott and Jason Day.

RUGBY Foley convinced Wallabies can win World Cup

Reuters we’ve got and the programmes Two losses, at home to Argen- Sydney we’re setting up and the coaches tina and away to South Africa, we’ve got putting it all in place, convinced Cheika to restore that we can be where we need to Foley to the number 10 shirt for ustralia fl yhalf Bernard be to win the World Cup.” the return match against the Pu- Foley is convinced the Foley has often fl own under the mas, only for the Wallabies to go Wallabies can win the radar in a test career that has now down 31-7 at halftime. Rugby World Cup for earned him 64 caps — a reliable, That Australia then staged aA third time next year despite if not spectacular, performer in the second-biggest comeback Indian shuttler Srikanth advances in slumping to seventh in the world a position where Australia once in test history to run out 45- Denmark Open rankings after a disappointing boasted huge riches but now has a 34 winners in Salta sent out a couple of seasons. serious lack of depth. warning to the rugby world, Fo- The 29-year-old all but en- Typically, when coach ley thought. Kidambi Srikanth thrashed Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus sured yesterday that he would Michael Cheika dropped him to “Everyone knows how good of Denmark in the opening round to advance in the Denmark be off to Japan for a second the bench for three matches in we can be now, it’s been seen,” Open here late on Tuesday night. Srikanth defeated Vittinghus World Cup campaign by an- the recently-concluded Rugby he said. 21-16, 21-10 in a match that lasted 35 minutes. India’s campaign nouncing that he had extended Championship, Foley, though “We need to approach eve- in men’s doubles and mixed doubles ended as the men’s pair of his contract with the Wallabies disappointed, tried to use it as a ry game like that second half. Manu Attri and Sumeeth Reddy and the mixed pair of Satwik- and New South Wales Waratahs learning experience. We’ve shown we can do it, now sairaj Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponnappa went down in their to the end of 2019. In this October 21, 2017, picture, Australia’s Bernard Foley is caught at “It was challenging, person- we need to do it every single respective matches. The Indian duo went down to Kim Astrup Having been an integral the bottom of a ruck during the Bledisloe Cup rugby match against ally, to take a back seat but it was game.” and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen paring in a marathon men’s part of the Wallabies side that New Zealand in Brisbane, Australia. (AFP) also a really good time to review, Foley said nothing should be doubles match while Ashwini and Satwik went down to Seo Eo bucked expectations by reach- to refl ect and to make some read into the fact that he signed Seung Jae and Chae Yujung of South Korea. Earlier on Tuesday, ing the fi nal in England in 2015, “I think having that experi- have that belief at all but now changes,” he added. only a one-year deal and that a star shuttler Saina Nehwal survived a scare before progressing Foley said he believed something ence is very comforting,” he told I’ve got that belief. “It was a chance to look at the longer-term contract was still to the second round while Rio silver medallist PV Sindhu crashed similar, or even better, could be reporters. “I’m more than confi dent that game holistically and what this a possibility after he dealt with out after being stunned by unseeded American Beiwen Zhang in on the cards at next year’s tour- “Twelve months out from the we can go one better than we did team needs to get to where we “unfi nished business” at the the opening round of the women’s singles event. nament. World Cup last time, I didn’t last time with the players that want to be.” World Cup. Gulf Times Thursday, October 18, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Knights rely on Warriors raise title Fleury to shut down Sabres

Reuters team in the NHL without a pow- banner, silence er-play goal this season. New York Eakin made it 2-0 early in the second period with an unassisted onathan Marchessault short-handed goal, breaking out scored two goals, and in an odd-man rush with Ryan Marc-Andre Fleury had Carpenter and then beating Hut- 26 saves for his 407th ca- ton on his blocker side with a reerJ win to lead the Vegas Golden left-handed wrist shot from the Thunder in opener Knights to a 4-1 victory over the right circle. It was the third goal Buff alo Sabres on Tuesday night in just four games for Eakin, who in Las Vegas. began the season on injured re- Curry scores 32 points, Durant 27 as Warriors hold off a fightback by Thunder Fleury moved into a tie for 10th serve with a lower-body injury. place with Glenn Hall on the all- Karlsson, who fi nished third in AFP turn after undergoing arthro- time wins list for NHL goalies. the NHL with 43 goals last sea- San Francisco scopic right knee surgery last William Karlsson had a goal and son, scored his fi rst goal of the month. two assists, and Cody Eakin also season at the 10:40 mark of the Paul George led Oklahoma scored for Vegas, which scored third period, redirecting a cross- tephen Curry and Kevin City with 27 points while Schro- more than two goals in a game for ing pass from Smith past Hutton. Durant accepted their der added 21 and Adams had 17 the fi rst time this season. Reilly The Sabres pulled Hutton with championship rings points and 11 rebounds. Smith added two assists. 4:43 remaining and had a six- on Tuesday for leading Vladimir Sobotka scored for on-four advantage when Vegas GoldenS State to a third NBA title HAYWARD BACK IN BOSTON Buff alo, which was playing the defenseman Colin Miller went to in four campaigns, then pow- At Boston, Gordon Hayward second game of fi ve-game west- the box for a tripping penalty with ered the Warriors over Oklaho- contributed 10 points on 4-of- ern road trip that began with a 2:40 left. Sobotka backhanded a ma City 108-100 in their 2018- 10 shooting with four steals in 3-0 shutout of the Arizona Coy- shot from the slot through Fleury’s 19 season opener. his return after breaking his left otes on Saturday and continues pads with 36.7 seconds left to spoil Curry scored 32 points with leg in last year’s season opener. on Thursday at San Jose. Carter the shutout bid. nine assists and eight rebounds “A lot to work on for me but Hutton stopped 25 shots for the Marchessault then added an while Durant had 27 points, the joy of being out here was Sabres. empty-net goal with 12.7 sec- eight rebounds and six assists as amazing,” said Hayward. “It was Vegas, which had a Shea onds to go to fi nish the scoring. the Warriors held off a fourth- so good to be out there, such a Theodore goal midway through Karlsson earned an assist, his quarter fi ghtback to make a tri- blessing I was able to play bas- the fi rst period overturned by a second of the game. umphant launch to their quest ketball again.” coaches’ challenge after it was for a third consecutive crown. Hayward was greeted by a determined Max Pacioretty was “The fi rst game could go ei- standing ovation from the crowd off side prior to the goal, bounced RESULTS ther way with timing and overall when he left the game in the fi nal back to take a 1-0 lead on a New Jersey 3-0 Dallas execution,” Curry said. “We had seconds. power-play goal by Marches- a terrible third quarter but we Tatum had 13 points in the sault. The Golden Knights centre NY Rangers 3-2 Colorado withstood the run and were able fi rst half for the Celtics, who converted a centring pass from Philadelphia 6-5 Florida to get the job done. took advantage of injuries last Karlsson from the slot, fi ring a Vancouver 3-2 Pittsburgh “We’ve got to take care of Golden State Warriors players celebrate after receiving their 2017-2018 Championship rings prior to their season to have a stellar rookie shot under Hutton’s arm with the ball better. That will come game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Oakland, California, on Tuesday. (AFP) NBA campaign. 1:01 left in the period. Tampa Bay 4-2 Carolina with more possessions as we get “I’m a lot more sure of myself Marchessault’s third goal Minnesota 2-1 Arizona and confi dent and just relaxed,” through the season. Silver handed out championship ‘UNBELIEVABLE JOURNEY’ German guard Dennis Schroder of the season snapped Vegas’ Edmonton 5-4 Winnipeg “We know what’s at stake. jewelry — Golden State’s Steve Then came the fi nal champion- sinking the go-ahead 3-pointer he said. 0-for-16 streak on the power Winning three in a row would Kerr taking his third as a coach ship banner raising at Oracle for Oklahoma City. “It’s my second year. I knew play to open the season, and left Las Vegas 4-1 Buff alo put us in some very select com- to go with fi ve he won as a player Arena, the NBA’s oldest arena, The Thunder battled Golden what to expect. I was just happy the Los Angeles Kings as the only pany. We’re not shy talking — and praised the Warriors dy- built in 1966. The Warriors will State to the fi nish, a free throw to get back on the fl oor.” about it. But you have to do the nasty for far more than on-court move to a new arena in San Fran- by New Zealand’s Steven Adams Boston’s Kyrie Irving, whose little things throughout the sea- skills. cisco next season. pulling Oklahoma City within prior season ended early with son. I think we’re ready for it.” “The Warriors have a tra- “Last year was an unbeliev- 99-97 with 1:57 remaining. leg injuries, made only 2-of-14 The fi rst game of the NBA sea- dition of excellence based on able journey,” Curry told the Curry answered with a from the fl oor for seven points son was in Boston, where Jay- universal values like teamwork, crowd. “We do all this for you 3-point play and Kevon Loon- but added seven assists. son Tatum scored 23 points and respect and unity,” NBA com- guys. So let’s enjoy this all to the ey added a layup for a 104-99 Joel Embiid scored 23 points grabbed nine rebounds while missioner Adam Silver said. fullest.” Warriors edge. Durant followed and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead reserve Marcus Morris added 16 “They continue a long legacy Curry scored 19 points in the with an inside jumper with 24 the 76ers while Australian guard points and 10 rebounds as the of NBA players and teams who fi rst half, helping the Warriors seconds remaining to seal his Ben Simmons, last season’s NBA host Celtics ripped Philadelphia compete for something bigger seize a 57-47 half-time edge, former club’s fate. Rookie of the Year, contributed 105-87. than a game by embracing the but the Thunder opened the The Thunder were without 19 points, a game-high 15 re- But the night’s highlight came power of sport to build bridges third quarter with a 22-9 run to star guard Russell Westbrook, bounds, eight assists, four steals when NBA commissioner Adam and make better people’s lives.” seize their fi rst lead at 69-66, who has not been cleared to re- and two blocked shots.

Bills name journeyman Anderson starting quarterback

ewly signed quarterback Rookie starter Josh Allen is out The Bills meet Indianapolis on just one series. He was replaced was 2-for-8 for 17 yards. Derek Anderson will indefinitely with an elbow in- Sunday. by Cam Newton, who had been But with Allen out, this was the Nstart Sunday for the Buf- jury, and McDermott chose not Anderson, 35, is in his 13th benched to start the game for only move for the Bills. falo Bills, coach Sean McDer- to turn to interception-prone season in the NFL and spent disciplinary reasons. He hasn’t Peterson has thrown nine mott announced yesterday. Nathan Peterman, who started four seasons in Cleveland, been the No. 1 quarterback interceptions in just 79 career “It’s the right decision for our the season at quarterback but one in Arizona and seven with of a team since 2010 with the attempts, including two in relief football team right now,” Mc- quickly was benched in favour Carolina. He last started a game Cardinals. of Allen on Sunday. That’s an in- Marc-Andre Fleury (left) of the Vegas Golden Knights blocks a shot Dermott said. of Allen. December 4, 2016, and played As Newton’s backup in 2017, he terception rate of 11.4 percent. with his shoulder during the game against Buff alo Sabres at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday. (AFP)

MLB SPOTLIGHT Dodgers outlast Brewers to level playoff series Seven NFL clubs get

AFP Yelich branded it a dirty play but concussion ‘targeted Los Angeles Machado was unrepentant. “I play baseball,” he said. “I go out there and try to win for my intervention’: reports ody Bellinger singled in team.” the winning run with AFP There were 71 reported concus- two outs in the 13th BRADLEY FUELS RED SOX New York sions in 2016 and 83 in both 2014 inning on Tuesday as Bradley was the star in Houston and 2015. theC Los Angeles Dodgers lev- as the Red Sox put the game out The league also reported zero elled baseball’s National League of reach with fi ve runs in the top even NFL teams received concussions on kickoff s in this Championship Series with a 2-1 of the eighth — four of them on an off -season “targeted year’s pre-season contests com- win over the Milwaukee Brew- Bradley’s grand slam to right intervention” for higher pared to three last year. The ers. fi eld off a pitch from reliever than normal practice league enacted new rules this In a game that had been tied Roberto Osuna. concussionS rates, league medical season aimed at reducing inju- at 1-1 since the fi fth inning, “It’s huge,” Bradley said. “We’re executives said Tuesday, accord- ries on high-speed kick coverage Bellinger lined a 3-2 slider from playing a really good team in Hou- ing to multiple reports. plays. Milwaukee relief pitcher Junior ston. Runs are at a premium. We At league meetings in New “This is good. But no one is Guerra into right fi eld, allowing never feel like enough runs is go- York, medical offi cials said their claiming victory,” Miller said. shortstop Manny Machado to ing to be enough. So it was very, interactions with teams included “There’s a lot of work to do. We score from second base. LA Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger (centre) celebrates after hitting an RBI single to defeat Milwaukee Brewers very special for us.” discussions with football opera- have played six weeks of the “Honestly, I was surprised in game four of the 2018 NLCS playoff baseball series in Los Angeles on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Two innings earlier, Boston’s tions staff s, an exam of practice regular season and have 11 weeks that they were throwing me,” Steve Pearce belted a solo homer habits and drill designs plus talks ahead of us, plus the post-season Bellinger said. “I thought they falling in seven games to the with a defeat, got off to a prom- the victory. down the left fi eld line against with team staff s regarding top before we evaluate whether some would pitch around me and get Houston Astros last year, knot- ising start with a run in the fi rst The tension was evident when right-handed reliever Joe Smith protection level helmets, USA of the tactics we’ve talked about me to swing. Once I saw they ted the best-of-seven series at inning, when Brian Dozier’s sin- the benches cleared in the 10th, to give Boston a 3-2 lead in what Today and ESPN reported. have been successful. were attacking me, it was just two games apiece. gle scored Chris Taylor. with Machado sparking the in- was a close game until Osuna’s “In six of those seven clubs, “We are pleased with where we kind of grind mode and do what They host game fi ve on The Brewers, whose only prior cident when he grounded out to meltdown in the eighth. the numbers did go down af- are so far, but we’re far from de- you can to put the ball in play Wednesday, with ace pitcher World Series appearance was a short with one out. Osuna hit two batters — one ter the intervention,” NFL chief claring victory.” and try to end this game.” Clayton Kershaw taking the loss to St. Louis in 1982, knot- As he crossed the bag behind with the bases loaded to force in medical offi cer Allen Sills said. The league has stressed to ref- Machado, who had singled mound. ted the score in the fi fth inning Milwaukee fi rst baseman Jesus a run — and allowed three hits in “That group as a whole had 23 erees that defenders should be and advanced to second on a The winner of the series when pinch-hitter Domingo Aguilar, Machado dragged one the frame and departed to boos (pre-season) practice concus- penalised for landing with most wild pitch, barely beat Brewers’ will take on either the reigning Santana lined a double to right foot over the foot Aguilar had from the home crowd. sions in 2017. They went down of their weight on quarterbacks. right fi elder Christian Yelich’s World Series champion Astros fi eld and Orlando Arcia raced stretched out behind him touch- The Red Sox had seized the ini- to nine practice concussions in NFL offi cials called 53 rough- throw to home. or the Boston Red Sox in Major around from fi rst to make it 1-1. ing the base. tiative in the fi rst inning, scoring 2018.” ing the passer penalties in the “As soon as that ball was hit League Baseball’s championship Both teams had plenty of op- Aguilar took exception and the two runs on a double from J.D. None of the seven teams in- fi rst six weeks of the season com- I just put my head down — try- showcase. portunities to end it, but the two traded words. More players Martinez and a ground out by volved in the extra-intense con- pared with 38 last year and 32 in ing to pick up the ball at the end The Red Sox took a 2-1 lead Brewers went 0-for-8 with run- briefl y piled out of the dugouts Xander Bogaerts against Houston cussion prevention measures 2016 over the same span. and try to sneak in there,” said in the American League Cham- ners in scoring position and the but there were no ejections. starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel. were identifi ed. But such calls are down since a Machado, who didn’t see his pionship Series on Tuesday Dodgers were 2-for-10. It was another controversial The Astros pulled a run back Sills and NFL executive vice conference call with referees last teammates already heading onto with an 8-2 triumph in Hou- Both teams ran out of position moment for Machado, who used in the bottom of the fi rst on president of health and safety month to clarify techniques in the fi eld to celebrate after he ston sealed by Jackie Bradley Jr.’s players and the Dodgers, after his hand to hinder Arcia when Marwin Gonzalez’s run-scoring Jeff Miller said pre-season con- roughing the passer hits. After 34 rounded third. eighth-inning grand slam. fi ve solid innings from starting sliding into second base in game single against Red Sox starter cussions in games and workouts roughing the passer calls in the The Dodgers, seeking to re- The Dodgers, facing the pros- pitcher Rich Hill, used every re- three. Nathan Eovaldi, who gave up were down 13.2 percent this year, fi rst three weeks, there were only turn to the World Series after pect of falling into a 1-3 hole lief pitcher they had to eke out Milwaukee’s Travis Shaw and another run in the fi fth. 79 in all down from 91 in 2017. 19 in the past three weeks. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, October 18, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Liverpool’s Mane has surgery on hand injury

Liverpool said yesterday that forward Sadio Mane had undergone successful surgery on a hand injury he sustained while on international duty with Senegal. Jurgen Klopp has a number Manager Henry hopeful of concerns ahead of his team’s return to Premier League action against Hud- dersfield on Saturday, with doubts over forward Mohamed Salah and midfielder Naby Keita. Defender Virgil van Dijk has been play- ing despite a rib problem. of success at Monaco Keita had to be piggy-backed off the field by a Guinean teammate on Tues- day after hurting a hamstring against Henry graduated from Monaco’s youth system and made his debut for the club in 1994 Rwanda while Salah suff ered a thigh problem while on duty with Egypt. AFP Monaco Perotti, Karsdorp injury blow for Roma hierry Henry hopes his illus- trious playing days will help AS Roma will be without injured pair underpin a successful career in Diego Perotti and Rick Karsdorp for Sat- management as he embarks on urday’s game at home to SPAL as well This fi rst top job in club football at Mo- as next week’s visit by CSKA Moscow naco. The 41-year-old French World in the Champions League. Argentine Cup winner, who had been working as winger Perotti, 30, injured his left calf in an assistant to Belgium coach Roberto training on Tuesday and will be out for Martinez since 2016, returned to the at least three weeks, according to Italian club where he began his professional press reports, while Dutch full-back career after replacing Leonardo Jardim. Karsdorp, 23, will be sidelined for ten Henry scored a record 51 goals in days with a thigh injury. 123 appearances for France, winning Eusebio Di Francesco’s side are sixth not only the 1998 World Cup but also in Serie A after winning three consecu- Euro 2000, while starring for almost a tive games before the international decade at Arsenal before claiming the break. They will still be without the two treble with Barcelona in 2009. players when they face Carlo Ancelotti’s “I hope it will be an advantage,” second-placed Napoli on October 28. Henry said yesterday, when asked how his success as a player would serve him as a manager. “But that doesn’t mean Ex Barca boss Rosell faces it’s going to be easy because of that. I trial for money laundering think it will help. But there are some great managers who haven’t played Former Barcelona president Sandro football, and vice versa.” Rosell will go on trial for money laun- The former striker will be joined at dering in February, Spanish judicial Monaco by Joao Carlos Valado Tralhao, sources revealed yesterday. Rosell, his under-23 coach at Benfi ca, and Patrick wife and four others are accused of Kwame Ampadu, coach at Arsenal’s “large-scale money laundering” of at academy and father of Chelsea player least 19.9mn euros since 2006 relating Ethan Ampadu. Henry graduated from to television rights and sponsorship in Monaco’s youth system and made his Brazil. Prosecutors at the Madrid-based debut for the club in 1994. “To have the Monaco’s new manager Thierry Henry gestures during a press conference in Monaco yesterday. (AFP) National Court have called for the ex chance to come back is incredible,” he Barca boss to be jailed for 11 years and said. “When the off er came it seemed later. However, he was reluctant to look diff erent types of success. How do you Jardim guided Monaco to the Ligue “We haven’t set any objectives for fined 59mn euros. Rosell and his wife logical to me, it was the choice of my too far ahead with Monaco languishing defi ne success? It’s diffi cult. At a big 1 title in 2017 but was sacked last week Thierry Henry. Given we’re 18th in the are accused of hiding money illegally heart. You know my fondness for Arse- 18th in the league after just one win in European club success is winning the after a string of poor results. Club vice- table today, it’s diffi cult to set an objec- obtained by Ricardo Teixeira, the former nal, but here is where I started.” 12 matches in all competitions this sea- Champions League. At other clubs, it’s president Vadim Vasilyev said there tive,” said Vasilyev. “We need to get out head of the Brazilian Football Confed- Henry’s fi rst game in charge will be son. “For me, a coach is supposed to winning the league or helping players were no fi xed goals for Henry, who fol- of the relegation zone for a start. We’re eration. against Strasbourg in the league on make people better fi rst and foremost,” get better. Long term, it’s really far away lows former international teammates not thinking about the end of the sea- Rosell had previously lived and worked Saturday with a must-win Champions Henry said. “Improving players for me when I know the situation we’re in here Didier Deschamps, Zinedine Zidane son, we’re only thinking about getting in Brazil, where he forged numerous League tie against Club Brugge four days is already a success, but then you have and what we need to do.” and Patrick Vieira into management. out of this diffi cult situation.” business links.

FRIENDLY FOCUS Miranda silences Fulham owner withdraws off er to buy Wembley AFP Argentina with London last-gasp winner hahid Khan has withdrawn his controversial off er to buy Lon- AFP sure around the hour mark, when don’s Wembley Stadium, the Jeddah Leandro Paredes hit a swerving, American businessman an- dipping drive that had Brazil nouncedS yesterday. The Football Asso- keeper Alisson beaten. ciation, Wembley’s current owners, had razil snatched a dramat- But while Brazil named a come under fi re from many within its ic 1-0 win over Argen- strong team including Manches- own ranks for a plan to sell. tina with an injury-time ter City’s Gabriel Jesus, Philippe English football’s governing body had header from Miranda in Coutinho of Barcelona and Liv- also investigated allegations of “systemic theirB friendly match in front of a erpool’s Roberto Firmino along- corruption” surrounding the proposed sell-out crowd in Jeddah, Saudi side Neymar in attack, Argentina sale. Khan — the owner of London-based Arabia, on Tuesday night. were without a host of top stars, Premier League side Fulham — off ered to The Inter Milan centre-back including Lionel Messi. buy the stadium for £600mn ($800mn), in was left all alone to thump in a “It’s always diffi cult, but our a deal ultimately worth £900mn to the FA, 93rd-minute eff ort from Ney- team is better than theirs be- with the money to be reinvested in grass- mar’s corner when the match cause we’ve had the same foun- roots football. And while senior FA fi gures between the fi erce South Ameri- dations for many years while were happy for the sale to go through, can rivals seemed destined for a they’re in the process of a drastic that lack of support from the wider game, Fulham owner Shahid Khan off ered to buy the stadium for £600mn, in a deal ultimately worth £900mn to the FA. (AFP) stalemate. The lapse spoiled an renovation,” Brazil’s full-back evident at a meeting of the FA’s governing otherwise strong defensive per- Felipe Luis said. Missing from council last week, was crucial to the deci- strengthens the English game and brings lease funds to help improve community selling the stadium, which cost £757mn formance from Argentina, who the Argentina line-up were also sion of Khan to pull out. people together, not divides them.” football facilities in England and that it to rebuild, too cheaply, its ability to invest contained Brazil for long periods. Manchester City’s in-form for- “At this moment, following last week’s Khan left open the possibility he could would be well received by all football the money in the way it promised to and He may be 34, but Miranda, ward Sergio Aguero, Paris Saint- FA Council hearing, it appears there is no launch another bid by saying: “I can- stakeholders.” fears over losing control of a ‘national as- whose career has also seen him Germain winger Angel Di Maria defi nitive mandate to sell Wembley and not rule out revisiting the opportunity at Glenn, however, added: “At a recent set’ to a private owner, all appear to have play in France and Spain, says and AC Milan striker Gonzalo my current proposal, subsequently, would another time when perhaps the Football meeting with Mr Khan he expressed to us combined to scupper the sale. he is far from done in the yellow Higuain. earn the backing of only a slim majority of Association family is unifi ed in its views that, without stronger support from with- The FA said last week that they were shirt of Brazil. “Despite my age Messi has sat out Argentina’s the FA Council, well short of the conclu- on the opportunity... Wembley Stadium in the game, his off er is being seen as more investigating claims by former Fulham as- I’ve been able to show that I’m last four matches, all friendlies, sive margin that the FA chairman (Greg is indeed a national treasure, one I would divisive than it was anticipated to be and sistant director Craig Kline saying that he in good physical shape and, of since the country’s disappoint- Clarke) has required,” said Khan, who had care for and respect for generations.” has decided to withdraw his proposal.” and Khan’s son Tony had a “paper trail” of course, I want to keep playing for ing last-16 elimination from also proposed basing his NFL franchise, In a separate statement FA chief execu- He also said Wembley would “continue evidence about “fraud, child endanger- the national team because I still the World Cup in Russia. He is the Jacksonville Jaguars, at Wembley. tive Martin Glenn, a strong supporter of to thrive under the ownership and direc- ment and exploitation” in the game. Khan have a lot to show in this jersey,” believed to have asked for some “The intent of my eff orts was, and is, the sale, said: “Mr Khan believed that his tion of the FA”. refuted the allegations made by Kline, who he said. time off from international duty to do right by everyone in a manner that off er to buy Wembley Stadium would re- Concerns about whether the FA were was sacked by the club last year. With Neymar to the fore, Brazil ahead of next year’s Copa Amer- exerted late pressure and could ica in Brazil. have scored in the few minutes It was the 105th time the South before Miranda struck. Casemiro American arch-rivals have faced came close with a 25-yard free- each other in an offi cial match, World Cup star Mbappe returns to his roots in Bondy kick manufactured by Neymar with Brazil marginally ahead on that fl ew past goalkeeper Sergio 41 wins to 38, with 26 draws. The Bondy, France: France’s World Cup back in 2004 as a youth player for AS Romero’s left post. two sides last met in June 2017 in star Kylian Mbappe was feted as a Bondy. Among those on hand to greet Then Nicolas Otamendi stuck a friendly in Australia, won 1-0 conquering hero yesterday when the world’s second most expensive out a boot to defl ect a diverted by Argentina, but Brazil romped he returned to Bondy, the Parisian player of all time was Caroline, 28, shot from Richarlison in the last to a 3-0 success in their last suburb where his fairytale footballing who spent the time waiting for his ap- minute. Argentina’s best chance competitive fi xture, a World Cup career began. pearance breastfeeding her baby. “My came during a period of pres- qualifi er in November 2016. Thousands of residents turned son is a fan,” she said. out to greet the Paris Saint-Germain Loufti, 14, said: “He’s an idol, it striker, back in Bondy on the outskirts warms our hearts that he’s still think- of the French capital for the first time ing about us, it’s our dream to end since picking up the World Cup best up like him.” Mbappe, who last week young player award in Russia. made the front cover of Time maga- After Pele he became only the zine, talked to kids kitted out in the second teenager to score in the final French colours with the name of their as France beat Croatia 4-2 on a heady local hero emblazoned on their backs. night in Moscow. “Kyyyyliaannn! “We’ve just seen him in person, Welcome home” shouted one fan, I’m not going to wash my hands for to which a visibly moved Mbappe weeks!” said one star-struck young- replied: “I am happier than you (to be ster, Fatoumata, aged 10. “This is the here). biggest event” in our town’s history, “It’s a privilege to return here said Bondy mayor Sylvine Thomassin. amongst you, in my home, here Before taking his leave Mbappe in Bondy. It’s the most beautiful told his youthful audience: “Believe present,” he told the crowd packed in in your dreams, I hope one day one to the very ground of Leo Legrange of you will be standing here and I’ll Kylian Mbappe (left) greets his fans during his visit to the Leo Lagrange stadium in Bondy, Brazil’s Miranda (centre) celebrates after scoring the winner against where he first kicked a ball in anger come to acclaim you.” on the outskirts of Paris, yesterday. (AFP) Argentina in a friendly in Jeddah on Tuesday night. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, October 18, 2018 7 SPORT

NATIONS LEAGUE Loew defi ant as Griezmann double sinks Germany Result eliminates Germany from title contention, while France can clinch top spot in the group with a draw against Dutch

AFP Didier Deschamps’ France can clinch Paris top spot in the group with a draw in their fi nal game away to the Nether- lands in Rotterdam next month. “It’s a defi ant Joachim Loew praised good thing in terms of our aim of fi n- Germany’s display in Tues- ishing top of the group but we were up day night’s 2-1 UEFA Nations against a very good German side to- League defeat by world cham- day,” said Deschamps. “Hugo (Lloris) pionsA France as he lamented “a totally ensured it was only 1-0 to them at the unjust penalty” awarded to the hosts. break and that we were still in it.” Antoine Griezmann hit a pair of sec- Griezmann admitted Germany’s re- ond-half goals, including the winner vamped set-up had knocked France from the spot, as France recovered from off track initially, but he said a series falling behind to a Toni Kroos penalty of “calm” exchanges at half-time al- to infl ict a sixth defeat on Germany in lowed them to regain their rhythm. “We their past 10 matches. played poorly in the fi rst half. I think we The result eliminated Germany from were disrupted by them playing three at Nations League title contention, and the back, so we had to calmly speak a bit left them needing to beat the Neth- in the dressing and change two or three erlands in their fi nal group match on things tactically,” Griezmann said. November 19 if they are to avoid relega- “It was better afterwards. It’s more tion from the top tier. However, Loew than tactical, we weren’t making the insisted he was “very pleased” with the eff ort for one another. We became performance as Germany were much world champions by working for each improved compared to the team that other and that’s the only way you will lost 3-0 against the Netherlands in win matches.” Amsterdam. “I’m disappointed with the result, UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE RESULTS although though I must say the defeat League A: Group 1: At Paris: France 2 is diff erent to Saturday’s,” said Loew. (Griezmann 62, 80-pen) Germany 1 “Not because of the result but because of the performance. I’m very pleased (Kroos 14-pen) with the performance. I think we were League B: Group 1: At Kharkiv, Ukraine: on an even level with what is probably Ukraine 1 (Malinovsky 43) Czech Re- the best team in the world. But France public 0; Group 4: At Dublin: Republic of has a lot of individual quality, and if Ireland 0 Wales 1 (Wilson 58) you’re not careful you’ll get punished straight away.” League C: Group 3: At Oslo: Norway 1 A fi rst defeat to the neighbouring (Elyounoussi 31) Bulgaria 0; At Lubljana: Dutch in 16 years prompted Loew to Slovenia 1 (Skubic 83) Cyprus 1 (Papoulis make fi ve changes for the trip to Paris, 37) as he injected additional pace into the League D: Group 1: At Astana: Kaza- attack with the inclusions of Leroy khstan 4 (Seidakhmet 21, Turysbek 39, Sane and Serge Gnabry. The Germans France’s Antoine Griezmann (centre) celebrates after scoring against Germany during the UEFA Nations League match in Paris on Tuesday night. (AFP) Gomes 61-og, Murtazayev 74) Andorra 0; deservedly led through a Kroos penalty At Riga: Latvia 0 Georgia 3 (Kankava 8, after a sliding Presnel Kimpembe han- the best team but that’s not how things Atletico Madrid striker won the game said Loew. “I’ve watched it back on November 2016, as well as Paris Saint- Gvilia 29, Chakvetadze 61) dled a Sane cross, but Loew’s youthful work. We lacked a bit of intelligence for France with a penalty 10 minutes the replay. Mats didn’t touch Matuidi. Germain defender Thilo Kehrer. “It was frontline was unable to capitalise on and sangfroid. If we’d been able to from time. Loew was particularly un- He stepped on Mats’ foot and then a really good display from the young Group 4: At Yerevan: Armenia 4 (Pizzelli further opportunities. score a second we could have played in happy with referee Milorad Mazic’s de- slipped.” players,” said Loew. “Gnabry played 12, Movsisyan 67, Ghazaryan 81, Mkhi- “The negative point is the converting a calmer manner and won the match.” cision to award France a spot-kick after That grievance aside, Loew singled well and Kehrer too, it was fi rst time taryan 90+4) Macedonia 0 of our chances. We were unable to put Griezmann equalised with a mag- Blaise Matuidi went to ground after a out the positive contributions of Bay- he has started. It was a very, very good At Gibraltar: Gibraltar 2 (Cabrera 61, the ball in the goal,” said Loew. “I think nifi cent glancing header from a Lucas tangle with Mats Hummels. ern Munich winger Gnabry, who made performance and something to build on Chipolina 66) Liechtenstein 1 (Salanovic 15) we deserved to win because we were Hernandez cross on the hour, and the “The penalty was totally unjust,” his fi rst Germany appearance since for the future.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Generation Amazing coaches boost Wilson stunning free-kick skills aft er training with English FA inspires Wales win over Ireland AFP after a miserable run of results. appointing until Ireland’s Harry Dublin Wales manager Ryan Giggs said Arter slid in late on Connor Rob- he was proud of his team, prais- erts to concede the decisive free- ing captain Ashley Williams. kick, with Wilson making Ireland ales midfi elder Har- In the opening stages in Dub- pay dearly in the 58th minute. ry Wilson produced lin, Giggs’s young side were a The visitors should have dou- another brilliant pale shadow of the team that bled their lead but James Chester free-kick following ripped apart Ireland in Cardiff missed a header from close range Whis heroics against Manches- last month, with Real Madrid as the game opened up. ter United to seal a 1-0 Nations forward Bale and Arsenal mid- Smarting from last week’s 4-1 League victory against toothless fi elder Ramsey among the goals. friendly defeat by Spain, Giggs Ireland on Tuesday. Martin O’Neill’s side started made fi ve changes, handing sen- The 21-year-old Derby player, brightly and went close to taking ior starts to Leeds teenage striker who shocked Old Traff ord from a the lead inside 10 minutes when Tyler Roberts and 18-year-old set-piece in the League Cup last Wales midfi elder Matt Smith Manchester City player Smith, month, curled in the winner with mis-controlled the ball on the who is on loan at Dutch side his left foot from outside the area edge of his area. Cyrus Christie Twente. Bale is injured and Ram- just before the hour mark. The seized on the ball and attempted sey was in London with his fam- strike was out of keeping with a to place a curling shot beyond the ily following the birth of twins. lifeless contest that looked to be reach of Wayne Hennessey but Chelsea teenager Ethan Ampadu, heading for a goalless stalemate, the fi nish lacked conviction and who starred in the Welsh side’s with Wales badly missing Gareth the goalkeeper palmed it away at demolition of Ireland in Septem- Bale and Aaron Ramsey and Ire- full stretch. ber’s reverse fi xture, missed out land struggling for inspiration The second half was also dis- due to injury.

Mauritius FA president visits Aspetar Fifteen Generation Amazing coaches attended the International Level One course.

ootball coaches trained by the Su- positively impact the lives of participants. we use in England,” said Ellis. “It is there preme Committee for Delivery & Generation Amazing coach Jafl a Moham- for them to consider and use if they fi nd it Legacy’s (SC) Generation Amazing med al-Hajri, from Qatar, said the course useful. This was a very diverse group, which programme were given the oppor- helped everyone learn new skills. “Taking makes for a great course. Everyone has add- tunityF to boost their skills during a six-day part in this course has been very benefi cial – ed great value, and it is inspirational how course at Aspire run in collaboration with every day we learned a new principle about Generation Amazing inspires young peo- the English Football Association. Generation Amazing and coaching,” said al- ple to be healthy, inclusive, and look after Fifteen Generation Amazing coaches at- Hajri. themselves and others.” tended the International Level One course, “I love the fact that I can work with a lot of It was the fi rst time the English Football which helps participants better understand young people of diff erent ages. Generation Association has delivered this type of train- the importance of planning, preparing and Amazing’s inclusive model helps me to learn ing in the region. Afraa al-Noaimi, acting delivering eff ective football coaching ses- how to be a good coach, while promoting the Executive Director, Generation Amazing, sions. programme’s core principles.” said the coaches who participated in the The collaboration comes after the English Another participant, Haitham al-Balushi, session have been identifi ed as crucial to the Football Association signed a Memorandum from Al Habsi Academy in Oman, said: “I quality delivery of Generation Amazing. of Understanding with the SC and Qatar was delighted to take part in this course, and “All 15 are members of our Coaching Football Association earlier this year to pro- would like to thank the organisers for invit- Pathway and referred to as ‘GA Develop- mote and improve football, share resources ing me. We were able to take a lot of useful ment Coaches’,” said al-Noaimi. “The aim and expertise, develop knowledge, under- learnings and experiences from the Eng- of the Coaching Pathway is to provide these standing and expansion of grassroots initia- lish coaches and other participants. I have already qualifi ed coaches with the oppor- tives across the world, and provide life skills learned new principles of play and training tunity to understand the mechanisms for to young and vulnerable people through methodologies which I can apply back home using football to better deliver Genera- combined corporate social responsibility in Oman.” tion Amazing social messages and values Aspetar, the orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital, yesterday welcomed the president of the sporting programmes. Nathan Ellis, a Coach Educator from the through sport.” Mauritius Football Association, Mohamad Ally Samir Sobha (right), and Mauritius’s ambassador Generation Amazing has positively bene- English Football Association, said the par- Al-Noaimi added: “We’re delighted to Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Azad Dhomun. The delegation was briefed about the services that fi ted more than a quarter of a million people ticipants were eager to learn new skills. partner with the English Football Associa- the hospital provides for athletes and received a comprehensive tour of some Aspetar’s facilities, across the world since being launched dur- “Everyone has been very engaged and open tion to deliver these courses and look for- including the rehabilitation and sport performance improvement departments. During the visit, Sobha, ing Qatar’s bid to host the 2022 FIFA World to new ideas, and I was able to introduce ward to forging a successful and fruitful re- expressed his admiration for Aspetar’s facilities and services. Cup. It harnesses the power of football to the coaching philosophy and methodology lationship going forward.” (SC.qa)

Thursday, October 18, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

ATHLETICS Abdelaziz, Barrow showcase Qatar’s bright future By Sports Reporter 27.13. “Winning the gold medal in the Doha Abdelaziz and Barrow had also won Youth Olympics was my biggest tar- at the Asian Youth Championship in get for the season. Accomplishing that Thailand. Khaled al-Marri, deputy di- with a gold medal was pure happiness he future looks bright for Qa- rector of the Qatar Athletics Federation and that winning feeling helps me push tar athletics, with less than hailed the achievement of the duo. myself harder.” 12 months to go for the 2019 “It’s a pride moment for Qatar ath- Ivan Bravo, the Director General of World Championships in Doha. letics and youth of the country in gen- Aspire Academy, congratulated Owaab TAt the Youth Olympic Games on eral. I hope they continue to shine and on his accomplishments, saying: “Ow- Tuesday, sprinters Abdelaziz Mohamed do well at the senior events too. I also aab’s achievements are the result of the and Owaab Barrow gave a peek into the want to laud the eff orts of the coaching cooperation agreement between the future en route to winning gold medals and medical staff , which helped Ab- Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) and in Buenos Aires. delaziz and Barrow during the last few Aspire Academy. Now in its third year, In the men’s 200m, Abdelaziz record- days,” he said. this unifying vision improves athletes ed a second personal best and his second Abdullah Hashim, Director of the and gives them access to world-class race win of the Games to collect gold. A Qatari delegation, also expressed his experience, facilities and training at relaxed runner, the Qatar athlete was happiness. Aspire Academy.” smooth off the bend and won with clear “Participating at the Youth Olympic Lee Christopher, Sprints, Hurdles daylight in 20.68 seconds. Games is an education for young ath- and Relay Coach at Aspire Academy Abdelaziz’s combined time after two letes and to add a medal to your name and Owwab’s coach, said: “Owaab is races was 41.78 seconds, ahead of Ja- is just a bonus. I am proud of Abdelaziz very experienced in racing in diff erent maica’s Antonio Watson (42.41) and and Barrow, they have shown what we climates. He raced in East Asia and var- Brazil’s Lucas Vilar Conceicao (42.61). can expect from them in the future. Not ious places in Europe in the cold. He is “Wow. I am magic,” the 16-year-old just the athletes, but the whole Qatar ready and able to compete in any envi- said after the race, clearly delighted delegation worked hard during this ronment. This was a nice step forward with his victory. On next year’s world championship,” he said. for him and hopefully he can use it as a championships at him, he declared: “I Aspire Academy student-athlete springboard onto even better things”. want to win!” Barrow described his win as great Aspire Academy’s Head Coach for Barrow recorded a personal best of motivation in his preparation for up- Athletics, Tom Crick, said: “I am look- 13.17 seconds for his second stage win coming international competitions, ing forward to seeing Owaab compete in the men’s 110m hurdles, confi rming including the Doha 2019 IAAF World for Qatar at Khalifa International Sta- Qatar’s second gold. After two races, Championships. dium next year. Over the past year, As- Barrow topped the timesheet in 26.50 “It’s been a really good season. I pire has been working closely with the seconds. competed in the World Champion- QAF to develop a 4x100m relay pro- France’s Kenny Fletcher and Hong ships, where I reached the semi-fi nals, gramme that will give up-and-coming Kong’s Lok Hei Addis Wong complet- and I won gold at the Youth Olympics, sprinters like Owaab an opportunity to Qatar’s athletes Abdelaziz Mohamed (third from right) and Owaab Barrow (third from left) pose with the Qatar delegation ed the podium with times of 27.01 and which is a big step,” he said. compete.” after winning gold medals at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

RUGBY Pliskova, Svitolina clinch last WTA Finals spots

Former world number one Karolina Pliskova earned a Doha looking to bounce place in the year-ending WTA Finals despite a second-round defeat to Russian veteran Vera Zvonareva at Moscow’s Kremlin Cup yesterday. Pliskova’s 6-1, 6-2 loss to Zvon- areva, the 2010 Wimbledon back against Lanka’s Navy and US Open runner-up, also secured Elina Svitolina’s spot in the eight-woman field in ‘It was our first game and this week we are really keen to get back out there and avenge the defeat’ Singapore next week. Czech star Pliskova’s participa- By Sports Reporter catching, passing, carrying the ball and tion was confirmed after Doha clearing the rucks well,” he said. Act- fourth seed Kiki Bertens lost ing Doha team captain Paddy Mills was 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to Aliaksandra more optimistic declaring its early days Sasnovich of Belarus. oha Rugby Club is in an unfa- yet. “I’m delighted to be appearing miliar position this week pre- “It was our fi rst game and this week at the WTA Finals for the third paring for the next friendly on we are really keen to get back out there time,” Pliskova said. the back of a narrow loss two and avenge the defeat. We are a proud “I have such great memories weeksD ago. club, we don’t like losing on our home from playing in Singapore in The last match against Sri Lanka’s turf.” 2016 and 2017, and I can’t wait Colombo team gave Doha its fi rst loss Commenting about the huge Sri to close out the year compet- of 2018 and they’ll be looking to turn Lankan crowd barracking for the vis- ing against the other elite things around tomorrow at the Doha iting side, Mills said, “It’s a diff erent players of 2018.” Rugby Football Centre when they take experience for us, but we are happy to Pliskova and Svitolina joined on the Navy Rugby Club. have 700 people down here watching top-ranked Simona Halep of After dominating much of the play rugby. It thrills us with excitement and Romania, Germany’s Angel- and scoreboard, Doha failed to hold onto helps us raise our game.” ique Kerber, Japan’s Naomi their slight lead with newly-appointed Sue also praised the Sri Lankan Osaka, Czech Petra Kvitova, XVs coach Regan Sue pinpointing lack community for their support and at- Caroline Wozniacki of Den- of discipline and ball possession as fac- tendance. “It’s good to see them here, mark and Sloane Stephens of tors behind the loss. and they brought a lot of energy to the the USA. “We dominated but we actually game. They lifted us and the profi le of They will battle for a $7 million didn’t. We had a lot of trouble with the the game it was awesome,” he said. (6.1 million euros) prize purse lineouts that put us under a lot of pres- “Whether they cheer for us or not, in Singapore. sure. We spent most of the game in de- it’s not important. We are happy having Bertens, who sits ninth in the fence,” Sue said. them here enjoying our style of rugby race to Singapore rankings, “There are no excuses for bad disci- and themselves.” could yet still feature at the pline and the ref called it as he saw it. Doha is Qatar’s premier team having season-ending event as Halep, We have addressed the issue and we will won more local fi nals than any other who pulled out of the Kremlin see on the weekend how well the players club and prior to the unjust blockade, Cup on Tuesday, is battling a adjust to the process.” was ranked amongst the best in the back injury. The NZ-born coach emphasised that GCC. She was diagnosed with a for his side to beat the Navy they should Qatar has lost three players includ- herniated disk following her not bother themselves with last season’s ing captain Elliot Johnston from the withdrawal from Beijing two ranking. starting lineup, but will be boosted by a weeks ago. “We need to focus on the process of number of returning players. Doha (in maroon and white) suff ered their first loss of 2018 in the match against Colombo Rugby Club two weeks ago.

48TH ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Organising committee signs partnership deals By Sports Reporter Committee of the champion- Sport Day for three consecu- Doha ships, I would like to thank all tive years, we have distributed the sponsors who have joined us healthy food and water for the to ensure that we stage a world- public. We have a dedicated area n what is a further boost to class event,” said al-Hitmi, who in our stores for healthy food, in- the 48th Artistic Gymnas- is also the president of the Qatar cluding gluten free, organic and tics World Championships Gymnastics Federation. other notorious food. Lulu has to be held in Doha, the Lo- Qatar will be the fi rst Arab and an expansion plan for the future Ical Organising Committee (LOC) third Asian nation to host the in Doha, we believe sponsor- signed agreements with two na- Worlds after Japan (1995 & 2011) ing this World Championships tional suppliers and a radio part- and China (1999 & 2014). The will be an opportunity for us to ner at the Westin Hotel yesterday. Doha Worlds will also have six showcase the products and serv- The national suppliers for Arab nations – Algeria, Egypt, ices that Lulu provides and will the Artistic Gymnastics World Iraq, Syria and Jordan besides help us expand in social respon- Championships, which will be- hosts Qatar. sibility we hold for this country.” gin from October 25 until No- After signing the sponsor- Krishna Kumar, Manager at vember 3, are: Alka Live and ship, Aamer Salameh, Operation Olive Radio, said: “Today we are LuLu Hyper Market. The radio Manager at Alka Live, said: “We one of the biggest medium in the partner is Olive, Suno Radio. are proud to be one of the na- market, as our target audience is Ali al-Hitmi, Executive Direc- tional suppliers of the champi- 1.6 million of the population and tor of the Organising Committee onships and we will make sure to we can provide them with infor- thanked the sponsors for their support the organising commit- mation of the World Champion- unstinted support. tee with water during the com- ship and let them know “The countdown has begun, petitions. Our water is the fi rst of the daily details of the as the delegations are arriving in alkaline water in Qatar.” event. We are happy to men- Qatar and training is underway Shanvas, Regional Manager tion the World Championships at Aspire Dome. Qatar has a long of LuLu Hyper market said: “We during our live programmes history of organising major tour- have always placed an emphasis and engage with our listeners naments, and we want to spread on taking part in any CSR activi- through contests that would en- a message of love and peace to all ties and we would will to con- courage them to participate and Ali al-Hitmi (second left), Executive Director of the Organising Committee of the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, poses with the the participants and spectators. tinue doing so. We have been the win tickets to attend the World representatives of the sponsors at an agreement signing ceremony yesterday. “On behalf of the Organising silver sponsor of the National Championship.”