SPORT Thursday 20 September 2018 PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 Infantino still not Stokes, Hales picked keen on US hosting up for series against La Liga games Sri Lanka

Ronaldo sent Real Madrid begin campaign off in first CL game with Juventus with big victory over Roma AP

AGENCIES VALENCIA, SPAIN : was sent off in his MADRID: Real Madrid got their first Champions League Champions League defence off match for Juventus, leaving to a winning start thanks to a the Portugal star in tears as comfortable 3-0 victory over he walked off the pitch. Roma. Ronaldo was dismissed in The Spanish side, looking to the 29th minute of Juve’s 2-0 win the tournament for the fourth win at Valencia after tangling year in a row, dominated but with Jeison Murillo. were frustrated until curled After Murillo went down home from 25 yards out at the inside the area, the Portugal end of the first half. forward gestured for his Gareth Bale added a second opponent to get up, then put when he ran onto Luka Modric’s his hand on the Valencia excellent through-ball and defender’s head and slotted home. appeared to tug his hair. And Mariano curled home Referee Felix Brych showed late on from 20 yards for a Ronaldo a straight red card deserved third. after discussing with his Last season’s semi-finalists assistant behind the goal. Roma were second best Ronaldo looked baffled throughout, although Cengiz and kept professing his inno- Under forced a good diving save cence, sitting down on the from Keylor Navas. pitch in disbelief. However, these two teams The five-time world will both be favourites to player of the year was clearly progress from Group G, which distraught as he left the pitch, Real Madrid’s Isco scores their first goal against AS Roma at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, yesterday. also contains Viktoria Plzen and still shaking his head. CSKA Moscow. It was his first red card in Meanwhile, defender Nicolas in the Champions League in four Van de Beek made it 2-0 by Hoffenheim’s game at Shakhtar long-range shot in the 81st 154 Champions League Tagliafico scored twice yesterday years, while AEK was playing in volleying past Barkas after a cross Donetsk finished 2-2. The minute for Shakhtar meant the games, and the decision as Ajax celebrated its return to Europe’s top club competition for from the right by Dusan Tadic 31-year-old Julian Nagelsmann teams shared the points in Group means he could miss a return Champions League football with the first time in more than a before Tagliafico completed the had to wait just six minutes to see F after a frantic finish in which to Old Trafford when an emphatic 3-0 victory over decade. scoring with his spectacular his team score a first Champions Hoffenheim held off a Shakhtar Juventus plays Manchester AEK Athens at the recently Ajax’s dominant second half effort from the left, which he League goal as Julian Grillitsch onslaught. United next month if he gets renamed . performance featured the kind admitted after the match was put Hoffenheim 1-0 up. Nagelsmann, who turned 31 at least a two-match ban. After dominating possession of quick passing, fast-moving intended as a cross, rather than However, Shakhtar in July, took over at Hoffenheim Juventus hosts Young but failing to score in the first attacking play that was a a shot. responded with a solo effort from in February 2016 aged just 28 Boys next in the competition half, Argentina defender trademark of the Amsterdam AEK defended in numbers Ismaily in the 27th as the Bra- and qualified the team for the before two straight games Tagliafico broke the deadlock just club’s teams that won the and looked dangerous on the zilian charged down the left flank Champions League last season against United, with the first after the break and made it 3-0 European Cup three times in the break in the first half against a before leaving defender Havard for the first time in its history match in England on October in the 90th minute with an effort 1970s and again in 1995. makeshift Ajax defense that saw Nordveidt sprawling as he cut by finishing third in the 23. from an acute angle on the left Indeed, Ajax dominated pos- De Jong replacing inside and placed a shot inside Bundesliga. The Italian club could that sailed over AEK goalkeeper session but failed to create a injured captain Matthijs de Ligt the far post. He’s a month younger than appeal the red card decision. Vassilis Barkas and into the goal. meaningful chance in the first at center back alongside Daley Nordveidt restored Hoffen- Belarusian Viktor Goncharenko The 33-year-old Ronaldo In between, substitute Donny half but that changed inside a Blind. But the Greek champion heim’s lead with a header in the was when he coached BATE joined Juventus from Real van de Beek doubled Ajax’s lead minute after the break when a was outplayed after the break 38th after a corner and his Borisov against real Madrid in the Madrid in the offseason and with a powerful close-range corner fell to David Neres, who and rarely threatened. teammate Andrej Kramaric came Champions League in 2008. scored his first two goals for volley in the 77th. scooped the ball into the penalty Meanwhile, the youngest close to scoring a third in the While Hoffenheim traces its the Italian club this past It was four-time European area where Tagliafico calmly coach in Champions League second half. history back to 1899, it’s a young weekend in a 2-1 win over champion Ajax’s first appearance slotted the ball under Barkas. history drew his debut game as However, Maycon’s club at the elite level. Sassuolo in . Asia Cup: India rout Pakistan by eight wickets AFP struck three sixes and six bound- yesterday. Both Pakistan and India’s Rohit Sharma celebrates aries in his 39-ball 52 while India had already qualified for after scoring a half-century during DUBAI: India crushed Pakistan fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan the Super Four stage of the Asia by eight wickets in their long- hit a six and six fours in his Cup and will meet again in Dubai the One-day International (ODI) awaited Asia Cup match which 54-ball 46 as India romped home on Sunday. Asia Cup match against Pakistan failed to live up to its hype in in 29 overs. Bangladesh and Afghanistan at the Dubai International Cricket Dubai yesterday. Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh meet in Abu Dhabi in the last Stadium in Dubai, yesterday. Pace spearhead Bhuv- Karthik both finished on 31 not Group B match on Thursday, neshwar Kumar (3-15) and part out as India exacted some having already qualified for the time off-spinner Kedar Jadhav revenge for their humbling second round after Sri Lanka (3-23) sent Pakistan, who won the 180-run defeat against their arch- crashed out. toss and batted, collapsing to just rivals in the final of the Cham- The top two teams from the 162 all out in 43.1 overs at Dubai pions Trophy in London last year Super Fours will play the final in Stadium. -- the most recent match Dubai on September 28. Skipper Rohit Sharma then between the teams until Once Pakistan’s unpre- dictable batting crumbled, yes- SCOREBOARD terday’s match turned into a Pakistan Bowling: Kumar 7-1-15-3, Bumrah 7.1-2-23-2, Pandya damp squib for a near-capacity Imam-ul-Haq c Dhoni b Kumar ...... 2 4.5-0-24-0, Chahal 7-0-34-0, Yadav 8-0-37-1, Ray- crowd comprising of Indian and Fakhar Zaman c Chahal b Kumar ...... 0 udu 0.1-0-0-0, Jadhav 9-1-23-3 Pakistani expats living in the Babar Azam b Yadav ...... 47 India United Arab Emirates. Shoaib Malik run out ...... 43 R Sharma b Shadab ...... 52 Kumar ran through the top Sarfraz Ahmed c sub (Pandey) b Jadhav ...... 6 S Dhawan c Azam b Ashraf ...... 46 order by dismissing openers Asif Ali c Dhoni b Jadhav ...... 9 A Rayudu (not out) ...... 31 Imam-ul-Haq (two) and Fakhar wickets for 77 runs. Azam hit six substitute fielder Maneesh Paceman Jasprit Bumrah took Shadab Khan st Dhoni b Jadhav ...... 8 D Karthik (not out) ...... 31 Zaman (nought) inside five overs, boundaries in his 62-ball knock Pandey completed a brilliant 2-23 but India lost all-rounder Extras: (NB2, W2) ...... 4 Faheem Ashraf c Dhawan b Bumrah ...... 21 before Babar Azam (47) and while Malik, dropped on 26 by catch, throwing the ball back into Hardik Pandya to injury. Mohammad Amir (not out) ...... 18 Total: for two wkts ...... 164 Hasan Ali c Karthik b Kumar ...... 1 Did not bat: K Jadhav, M Dhoni, H Pandya, K Yadav, Shoaib Malik (43) rebuilt the MS Dhoni off Hardik Pandya, the field to avoid running over Bowling his fifth over, Usman Shinwari b Bumrah ...... 0 Y Chahal, B Kumar, J Bumrah innings during their 82-run stand cracked one six and one four in the rope and completing the Pandya fell in his follow Extras (LB6, NB1) ...... 7 Fall of wickets: 1-86, 2-104 for the third wicket. a vigilant innings which lasted 67 catch. through and was stretchered Total (all out) ...... 162 Bowling: Amir 6-1-23-0, Shinwari 4-0-27-0 (1nb), But after Azam was dismissed balls. But it was Malik’s run out off with a lower back injury, Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-3, 3-85, 4-96, 5-100, 6-110, Hasan 4-0-33-0, Ashraf 5-0-31-0 (2w, 1nb), Shadab in the 22nd over, bowled by left- Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed (six) which derailed Pakistan, sent the extent of which was being 7-121, 8-158, 9-160 1.3-0-6-1, Zaman 6.3-0-25-0, Malik 2-0-19-0 arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, became Jadhav’s first wicket, back by Asif Ali after setting off assessed by the India team’s Pakistan lost their last seven holing out to long-on where for a quick single. medical staff. 26 SPORT THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2018

Horse racing season to start on Oct 24 Ben Stokes THE PENINSULA The final race of the website. Among other key $1m for the winner of three of on the final day of the horse 2018-19 season will be held races in the season will be the the world’s most prestigious racing festival in February this DOHA: The horse racing on April 25 next year. Qatar National Day Trophy Arabian races. year. season will start on October The Amir’s Golden Sword (Gr2 PA) to be run on Winners of the feature The seven-year-old, 24 with Owners Cup - to be (GR 1 PA) will be the biggest December 16 and the Dukhan events at the Amir’s Golden owned by H E Sheikh run over a distance of 1900m event of the new season. The Cup on January 3, 2019. Sword, the Qatar Goodwood Mohammed bin Khalifa Al - as the feature event of the Amir’s Golden Sword will be Nasser Sherida Al Kaabi, Festival, the Qatar Prix de Thani, gave popular American day, details showed yesterday. the main event of the three- General Manager of REC, said l’Arc de Triomphe can win the trainer Julian Smart his sixth A total of 47 international day racing festival set to be the season’s feature event will $1m Qatar Triple Crown. Amir’s Sword glory in nine and domestic races have been held from February 21 to 23 be the racing festival The three-day racing fes- years. Stokes, Hales listed on the horse racing cal- next year. scheduled to be held in Feb- tival is organised every season Gazwan beat Smart- endar with 8 races on the The three-day racing fes- ruary next year. to promote Qatar’s love of trained Ebraz who was ridden picked for opening day of the new tival every year attracts very The Amir’s Golden Sword horse racing to the interna- by Theo Bachelot to the top season. strong international and is part of the Qatar Arabian tional audience with entries spot. Yazeed, who had O series against The races will be held at national entries. Triple Crown announced by coming to Qatar from far and Peslier in the saddle, finished the Racing and Equestrian The Amir’s Trophy (GR 1) the Qatar International Eques- wide. third in the $1m race. Club (REC) in Al Rayyan, the and H H The Amir’s Silver trian Committee three years Last season, Gazwan, with Demuro won $570,000 Sri Lanka country’s premier venue for Sword will also be run on Feb- ago. Cristian Demuro in the saddle, for finishing 1.25 furlongs racing and show jumping ruary 23, according to the cal- The Qatar Arabian Triple produced a sublime run to nail ahead of Ebraz in the 2400m AFP events. endar posted on the REC Crown will feature a bonus of the Amir’s Golden Sword glory marathon. LONDON: Ben Stokes and Alex Hales were named in England’s one-day squad to tour Sri Lanka yesterday despite being charged with bringing cricket into disrepute. The pair face a disciplinary panel Top competitors to take part hearing in London in December fol- lowing a brawl outside a nightclub in the southwestern city of Bristol in Sep- tember 2017. Stokes, 27, was last month cleared in Qatar Arabian World Cup of affray following a seven-day trial related to the incident. Hales, 29, was THE PENINSULA with his England team-mate during the altercation but was not charged. DOHA: With less than three An independent cricket discipline weeks to go, there are 26 commission, waiting for the end of entries, including last year’s The €1m race is the the court case, set the players’ winner Gazwan, owned by second leg of the hearings for December 5 and 7 in Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Doha Triple Crown, London. Al Thani, and this year’s Qatar Sanctions by the commission can Cup - Prix Dragon topper which carries a $1m include unlimited fines or suspension Yazeed, owned by Sheikh bonus for any horse and termination of registration. Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani, that wins three of the Meanwhile, Warwickshire fast so far for the 2000m Qatar world’s biggest Group bowler Olly Stone, 24, has been called Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA). into the 16-man squad for the first The €1m race is the second 1 Purebred Arabian time as a replacement for Yorkshire’s leg of the Doha Triple Crown, races. Liam Plunkett. which carries a $1m bonus for Plunkett, who is getting married, any horse that wins three of the in last year’s World Cup, and will be available again for the last two world’s biggest Group 1 Rijm, third in the Gr1 President ODIs of the five-match series. Purebred Arabian races -- of the UAE Cup on Saturday, Stone, who has struggled with Qatar International Stakes at have been entered too. The injury problems in recent years, has Goodwood, Qatar Arabian Qatar Arabian World Cup has so far attracted a total of 26 entries including top competitors. other two are Al Mouwaffak impressed selectors with his con- World Cup on the Qatar Prix and Al Walid. sistent performances this season. de l’Arc de Triomphe day at Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Atti- The first ODI takes place in Paris Longchamp and H H The on the Qatar Arc Trials Day on Tayf, winner of last year’s this year’s edition, but should yah’s Rodess Du Loup is fresh Dambulla on October 10. Amir’s Sword in Doha. September 16, 2018, over the Qatar International Stakes, fin- go for the Qatar Arabian World off a Gr1 win in the President Francois Rohaut-trained C&D, leaving behind Xavier ished fourth in the Dragon. Cup. of the UAE Cup at Doncaster ENGLAND SQUAD Muraaqib won the leg in Thomas-Demeaulte-schooled Apart from Gazwan, There are five entries and had been tipped by the Goodwood this year and fea- Shahm by a short neck. Shahm winner of H H The Amir’s from Thomas Fourcy’s owner to have a go on the Arc Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, tures among the entries for the has also been entered for the Sword this year, trainer Julian stables, all owned by Al day. Jos Buttler (wkt), Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Liam October 7, 2018, race at the big one next month. The victory Smart has Ebraz, Aaley Al Shaqab Racing. Zikreet had a Sheikh Khalifa Bin Dawson, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid,

revamped Paris Longchamp. was also Yazeed’s first in a Magam and Reda in the list. run over C&D in the Dragon Mohammed Al Thani’s Rajeh, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Alban de Mieulle-trained Group 1 fixture. Ebraz, who had won the and finished fifth. second at Doncaster, has also Woakes, Mark Wood Yazeed won the Prix Dragon Another De Mieulle charge, Dragon last year, was rested for Khataab, who finished fifth been entered by Rohaut.

In this file photo taken on June 16, 2011 Rory McIlroy of Northern DeChambeau the man to beat in Ireland waves to the gallery on the 11th green during the first round of the 111th US season-ending Tour Championship Open at Congressional Country Club in REUTERS Bethesda, Maryland. NEW YORK: Bryson DeChambeau is in the driver’s seat heading into this week’s season-ending Tour Champi- onship at East Lake in Atlanta where FedExCup honours -- and the $10m bonus that goes with it -- are also on the line for the 30 competitors. Every player in the elite field has a mathematical chance of claiming both titles but only DeChambeau and four others Congressional named would be guaranteed the overall Bryson DeChambeau in prize by winning the Tour action at the Memorial Championship. Tournament in Dublin, long-term venue: PGA That quintet comprises top- Ohio, in this June 3, 2018 AFP ranked DeChambeau, who leads file photo. Ryder Cup (2036), PGA the FedExCup standings after Championship (2031), winning the first two playoff WASHINGTON: Congres- Women’s PGA Championship events, followed by world alongside Rory McIlroy (2012) A three-times winner this You’re better off being mentally sional Country Club in (2022 and 2027), Senior PGA number one Justin Rose, Tony and Jason Day (2015) as winners season, Thomas worked only on fresh than you are, I would say, Maryland will host eight key Championship (2025, 2033), Finau, Dustin Johnson and of two of the first three playoffs his short game during the week having my game physically championships and events PGA Professional Champi- defending FedExCup champion events without taking the big off following his share of 12th fresh.” over the next two decades onship (2029) and the Junior Justin Thomas. prize. place at the season’s penultimate The tournament, which starting with the Women’s PGA Championship (Girls Nobody in the field, Englishman Rose is con- event. begins on Thursday, also repre- PGA Championship in 2022, and Boys, 2024). however, has as favourable a sidered one of the favourites as “I’d never had an injury sents one final chance for former the PGA of America said. The course will undergo scenario as DeChambeau since he is coming off a pair of runner- before,” said Thomas, whose world number one Woods to The historic course in a full restoration, starting in the 25-year-old American can up finishes, while Finau has been wrist was wrapped in medical close his comeback season with Bethesda, near Washington 2019. Congressional was finish as low as 29th place and consistent all season and was tape at his pre-tournament news a win. DC, which hosted the 2011 conceived in 1921 in order still possibly clinch the top recently selected for the US conference. Woods can become the Fed- US Open won by Rory to provide members of the prize. Ryder Cup team. “It just kind of popped up, ExCup’s first three-time McIlroy, will stage a series United States Congress with DeChambeau will be aiming Thomas, who will be aiming and yeah, I took last week off, champion, having won previ- of tournaments. a course where they could to become the first top seed to become the first player to suc- didn’t hit a ball. I chipped and ously in 2007 and 2009, but he The tournament meet socially with business going into the East Lake event cessfully defend his FedExCup putted a lot, so my short game will need a win at East Lake, schedule will include the leaders. to win the FedExCup since Tiger title, tweaked his wrist during feels pretty good. DeChambeau to finish with no Woods in 2009. the final round of the BMW “But in all honesty, this time better than a share of 15th -- and If he fails, he would stand Championship nine days ago. of year, it’s nice to take time off. still rely on help from others. THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 27 Koreas to bid for 2032 Olympics AFP critics saying that Seoul was in hosting the Games, which depriving its own citizens of a include thousands of athletes Running track are seen through a clock SEOUL: North and South Korea chance to play on the Olympic from around the world and an tower near the construction site of the will bid jointly for the 2032 stage. even larger number of spec- Olympics, they announced New National Stadium, the main stadium Kim sent his sister Kim Yo tators, would be a watershed yesterday, in an ambitious plan of Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, Jong to Pyeongchang as his per- event requiring a degree of built on hopes of deepening a in Tokyo, Japan in this file picture. sonal envoy, and the two leaders openness and financial muscle diplomatic thaw catalysed by this have since met three times as now lacking in the isolated and year’s Winter Games in the part of an ongoing diplomatic impoverished country. South. rapprochement. It would also force an The idea, which would The two Koreas have con- extraordinary level of cooper- require an unprecedented level tinued their sports diplomacy, ation between two Cold War foes of cooperation and mutual trust forming joint teams for the ITTF that have no formal avenues for on the long-divided Korean world table tennis champion- regular contact and are still tech- peninsula, was included in a joint ships and several events at the nically at war. statement issued after a Asian Games in Indonesia, The first hint of a possible Pyongyang summit between the securing one gold, one silver and joint bid came last week when North’s leader Kim Jong Un and two bronze medals. South Korea’s Yonhap news the South’s President Moon They have also held friendly agency quoted the country’s Jae-in. basketball matches. sports minister Do Jong-hwan as “The South and North agreed Olympics chief Thomas Bach saying Seoul planned to propose to actively participate jointly in said this month he was open to the idea during this week’s international competitions talks with the two Koreas about Pyongyang meeting. including the 2020 Summer marching and competing For the 2030 FIFA World Olympics and to cooperate in together at the 2020 Tokyo Cup, Do said South Korea bidding for the South-North joint Games. planned to propose a co- hosting of the 2032 Summer It is a marked contrast to hosted tournament involving Olympics,” the statement said. the 1988 Seoul Summer China, Japan and the two No other details were given. year. It came after tensions and threats of war with US Pres- flag showing an undivided Olympics, which Pyongyang Koreas. The North’s decision to par- mounted the previous year, with ident Donald Trump. peninsula. boycotted after it demanded “In this way, we could ticipate in the Pyeongchang the North carrying out multiple The February games saw The two countries also co-hosting rights and negotia- maintain the current momentum Winter Olympics in February missile launches and its most athletes from the two Koreas formed a unified women’s ice tions fell apart over how to for peace and expand peace on triggered a dramatic diplomatic powerful nuclear test to date, march together at the opening hockey side -- a move initially share the events. the Korean peninsula to the turnaround on the peninsula this and Kim trading personal insults ceremony behind a unification controversial in the South, with North Korea’s participation whole region”, Do said.

Whistle-blower joins protest Surfing: Japan over Russia doping decision claim first medals AP committees from WADA and the REUTERS US Olympic Committee, along Tokyo 2020. I am excited for MOSCOW: THE whistle-blower with a group of international the opportunity to qualify, who exposed Russia’s doping anti-doping leaders and a key TOKYO: Argentina’s but I have got to take it step corruption at the Sochi Olympics supporter of Rodchenkov’s, put Santiago Muniz won the by step.” added to a chorus of protest on out statements urging WADA’s men’s gold medal at the Argentina have now won Tuesday over the possible rein- executive committee not to rein- World Surfing Games four of the last eight men’s statement of the country’s anti- state RUSADA. yesterday, while Kanoa gold medals at the World doping agency. Jim Swartz, a Rodchenkov Igarashi and Shun Murakami Surfing Games and will be In a statement, Grigory Rod- backer who is founder of clean- claimed Japan’s first ever looking to challenge tradi- chenkov portrayed the World sports foundation FairSport, said medals in the competition. tional powerhouse nations Anti-Doping Agency’s shifting of “WADA has undermined its own The event, which has the United States and Aus- its requirements to end moral and regulatory authority” been staged in various guises tralia in two years’ time. RUSADA’s suspension as a result by proposing a weakened since 1964, was held at The result also bodes of Russia’s unwillingness to version of the roadmap to bring Pacific Long Beach in Japan’s well for hosts Japan, who saw A sign is on display outside the office of Russian Anti-Doping Agency accept findings from investigator RUSADA back into compliance. Aichi Prefecture, 100 km 20-year-old Igarashi clinch (RUSADA) in Moscow, Russia in this fMarch 28, 2018 file picture Richard McLaren, who detailed The WADA athletes’ group is led down the coast from where his country’s first ever World a government-sponsored doping by Beckie Scott, who resigned surfing will make its Olympic Surfing Games medal with program designed to win sports lovers, and destroy the president when his term expires from her position on WADA’s debut at the Tokyo 2020 siver. medals. future of Russian sport.” Rod- next year. Helleland, of Norway, compliance review committee Games. Gold for Muniz, who California-born Igarashi WADA is now accepting Rus- chenkov, the former head of the said she would not vote for rein- after its recommendation. also won the event in 2011, was making his competitive sia’s willingness to agree with a Moscow anti-doping lab, was statement. “If you choose to “As athletes, we have to gives him a place at the 2019 debut in Japan, after recently report commissioned by the IOC one of dozens to speak out two reinstate Russia, you defy the follow the rules every single Pan Am Games, which is a switching nationalities ahead that doesn’t focus as heavily on days before the WADA executive very wish of the Athletes’ Com- day,” that group’s statement qualification event for the of the Tokyo 2020 Games. the government’s role in the committee meets in Seychelles mittees around the world, who read, “and we expect the same Tokyo Olympics. He is ninth in the World cheating. to decide whether to reinstate have very clearly stated that they from all anti-doping organiza- “I am so happy. This feels Surf League world rankings. “Russia continuously denies RUSADA after a nearly three- will not accept a reinstatement tions and stakeholders.” like a dream,” Muniz told the Compatriot Murakami McLaren’s findings for the pure year suspension. The decision now,” Helleland said. More than three dozen US International Surfing Asso- took the copper medal for purpose of protecting their top- comes after WADA’s compliance “This moment will forever athletes wrote a letter to Reedie ciation website. finishing fourth. The world’s level apparatchiks who review committee surprisingly define the credibility of WADA that said, in part: “It’s amazing to represent first Cittaslow island Gok- destroyed the Olympic Games recommended reinstatement as the independent and strong “By acting on promises, and my country. I can feel the ceada in northwestern in Sochi,” Rodchenkov said. last week. front runner for clean sport. I am not proven compliance, WADA’s energy coming from my Turkey is one of the favorite “Russian political and sport Among those speaking out afraid that by opting for the decision on reinstating RUSADA team. It’s a beautiful feeling. destinations for surfing bosses are there only to save is WADA vice president Linda easiest way out, it will ultimately would weaken the increasingly “This has given me even enthusiasts with its strong themselves, and in doing so, they Helleland, who is a candidate to hurt WADA in the future.” delicate integrity of international more motivation to get to and steady winds. betray Russian athletes and replace Craig Reedie as Members of the athlete sport.” Nadal to miss Asian tourneys due to knee injury AFP have always done,” Nadal said yesterday. Wawrinka on BARCELONA: World number “I’m sorry I can’t be with all one Rafael Nadal has the fans in China and with the song in Saint announced his withdrawal organisers of the Beijing and from upcoming tournaments Shanghai tournaments that Petersburg in Beijing and Shanghai due to have always had a great rela- AFP the right knee injury that forced tionship with me and my team.” him to retire from the US Open Nadal is the defending earlier this month. champion in Beijing, where he SAINT PETERSBURG,: Three-time Nadal had to pull out during beat Nick Kyrgios in the final Grand Slam champion Stan his semi-final against Juan last year. He was also runner- Wawrinka advanced to the quarter- Martin del Potro in New York up in Shanghai, denied by finals of the St Petersburg Open on and also missed Spain’s Davis champion Roger Federer. Wednesday with a win over Russian Cup defeat by France last Missing both tournaments fourth seed Karen Khachanov in two weekend. next month leaves the way tie-break sets. The 32-year-old said he open for Novak Djokovic to The 33-year-old Swiss star visited doctors in Barcelona on finish 2018 top of the ATP Wawrinka, a wildcard entry, knocked Monday and has subsequently world rankings, despite another off world number 24 Khachanov 7-6 made the decision to play positive season for Nadal. (12/10), 7-6 (7/1) and awaits the neither the ATP 500 event in The Spaniard clinched his winner between defending champion Beijing nor the Masters 1000 in 11th French Open title in June Damir Dzumhur and Guido Pella. Shanghai. after also winning clay-court “I’m really happy as the level of “While the annoyances on tournaments in Monte Carlo, my play was really good today,” my knee are nothing new, we Barcelona and Rome. Spanish team members (from left) former number one Juan Carlos Ferrero, Tommy Robredo, Wawrinka said. “I was expecting a have decided together with my He lost in the semi-finals at Spanish Davis Cup team captain Jordi Arrese, Rafael Nadal, the youngest Davis Cup winner in tough match and it was really tough. medical and technical team not Wimbledon to Djokovic before the history of the competition and World number five and 1998 French Open champion Carlos My level was great and I’m really to participate in the Asian tour the knee problem hampered his Moya of Spain pose with the Trophy during the Davis Cup award ceremony, at La Cartuja Olympic happy with everything that took place to recover the knee the way we progress at Flushing Meadows. Stadium in Seville in this December 2004 file picture on the court today.” THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2018 SPORT 25

Neymar has endorsed FOOTBALL CRICKET I hope you can make Rio former Brazil international better. I am a frequent Romario in his bid to be Rio Europa League: Chelsea Asia Cup: Bangladesh vs visitor and I love this city. de Janeiro state governor. vs PAOK Salonika Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi ACTION TODAY’S

Rio to host Al Arabi look to bounce back in Copa America final; Sao Paulo home game against Al Shahania gets opener FAWAD HUSSAIN QNB STARS LEAGUE AP THE PENINSULA “It is true that we are doing Round 6 fixtures well. We are happy with our Today performance. I want my RIO DE JANEIRO: South Amer- DOHA: Al Arabi are aiming to players to keep working hard ica’s soccer confederation bounce back at the QNB Stars 5:55pm: Qatar SC vs Al Khor at with humility. We go step by Conmebol has announced that League (QSL) as they host Al Qatar SC Stadium step. We know our path is dif- the historic Maracana Stadium Shahania in their Round 6 8:05pm: Al Shahania vs Al Arabi at ficult,” Al Shahania coach Jose in Rio de Janeiro will host the fixture today. Al Arabi Stadium Murcia told reporters on the Copa America final next July. The last week’s round saw Tomorrow eve of the match. Conmebol also said that Sao Al Arabi being pipped by Al 5:55pm: Al Sailiya vs Al Ahli at Murcia, however, said Al Paulo FC’s Morumbi Stadium Rayyan 1-0, as they slipped one Arabi will be a tough team will host the opener on June 14. position to 5th in the standings. Al Ahli Stadium stressing his ranks to give their The semi-finals will be Al Arabi coach Luka 8:05pm: Al Kharaitiyat vs Umm Salal best in the match. played in Porto Alegre’s Arena Bonacic said the team worked at Al Khor Stadium “Our ambition is three do Gremio and Belo Horizonte’s on the weaknesses, hoping to Saturday: points from this game. We want Mineirao, where Brazil was give an improved performance 5:55pm: Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan to go up in the QNB Stars crushed 7-1 by Germany in the in today’s match. at Al Sadd Stadium League standings. We cannot 2014 World Cup semi-final. “We were not so bad in the afford to make many Rogerio Caboclo, the CEO of

last game, yet we lost to Al 8:05pm: Al Duhail vs Al Gharafa at mistakes. Copa America’s organizing com- Rayyan. Our players lost their Al Gharafa Stadium “Our performance is mittee, said the priorities were confidence and concentration somewhat up to the mark. The to pick venues that weren’t used when it mattered the most. We mentality of our players is for the 2014 World Cup and to had many problems with fin- good form and coming off two good. We do not have big avoid trips longer than three ishing and I was not happy with consecutive wins. Our frontline names. Ours is more of a team hours between host cities. Al Arabi it,” said the Al Arabi coach. was not set in the last match. work. We have to keep faith in Meanwhile, Neymar has are hoping “We train a lot. Still we Colombian striker Franco our players. I want my players endorsed former Brazil interna- have problem with consistency Hurtado played with an injury to stay humble. to secure tional Romario in his bid to be in performance. We were in and he is out for three to four “Al Arabi are a good team. maximum Rio de Janeiro state governor. weeks. They have a good coach too. points in QSL Romario’s social media “I am sure we will have a We have seen how they Round 6. channels published a video of tough time against Al Shahania. perform,” he said. Neymar backing him on They play well. I had coached In other match today, Tuesday. We were not so bad them three years ago, but I Qatar SC will host Al Khor, Neymar says in the video: “I know only two or three players hoping to earn maximum hope you can make Rio better. I in the last game, yet in their present squad,” he points. am a frequent visitor and I love we lost to Al Rayyan. added. Qatar SC have not won a this city.” Our players lost “We tried to find solutions game ever since they shocked Romario, a World Cup their confidence and to some of our problems in the Al Gharafa in Week 1. winner with Brazil in 1994 and last one month. We can get The latest defeat also saw make up for the lost ground Khor 11th with three and one a former FIFA player of the year, concentration when back to the winning path,” said coach Abdulla Mubarak being with a win over Al Khor, who point respectively. is polling second behind former it mattered the most: Bonacic. fired and Qatar SC gave charge are also under new coach Omar Al Khor’s only point came Rio mayor Eduardo Paes. The Al Arabi coach Luka Al Shahania, on the other to their Under-23 coach Yousef Najhi following the dismissal off their draw with Al Sha- election for state governor is Bonacic hand, are confident after their Faraj Al Noobi. of Tunisian Adel Sellimi. hania in Round 3 of the next month. win against Qatar SC last week. Qatar SC will be keen to Qatar SC are 10th and Al League . FIFA President Shin’s Liverpool manager Klopp hails still not keen saves send on US hosting Suwon into Sturridge’s impressive return La Liga games semi-finals AP AP REUTERS ZURICH: FIFA President SUWON, SOUTH KOREA: LIVERPOOL: Daniel Stur- Gianni Infantino (pictured Suwon Bluewings goalkeeper ridge’s Liverpool career below) is still not persuaded Shin Hwa-yong saved three seemed to be heading for a about playing Spanish league penalty kicks against Jeonbuk premature end last season but games in the United States. Motors to help his team reach the striker showed on Tuesday Infantino said on Tuesday the semi-finals of the Asian he may yet have an important he would “prefer to see a Champions League yesterday. role after taking his chance great MLS game in the US Two-time champion during a rare start in the Cham- rather than La Liga being in Jeonbuk had forced the game pions League win over Paris St the US” into extra time and then a penalty Germain. His statement repeated shootout by scoring three goals Brazilian Roberto Firmino comments made last month to recover from losing the first was left on the bench after suf- in Washington DC after the leg of the all-South Korean fering an eye injury in Satur- Spanish league announced its quarter-final 3-0. day’s Premier League win at 15-year, brand-building plan But having conceded three Tottenham Hotspur, allowing to play games in the US. goals, Shin denied Jeonbuk Sturridge to step into the side. The league wants Lionel striker Adriano from the spot It was the 29-year-old’s Messi’s Barcelona to play in the last minute of regulation first start in the competition for near-neighbour Girona at time to prevent Jeonbuk Liverpool and his first start in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami advancing, and then saved the Champions League since he on January 26. Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge (foreground) celebrates after scoring their first goal against PSG two penalties from Kim Shin- was part of Chelsea’s title- It needs approval from during their Champions Trophy match at Anfield on Tuesday. wook and Lee Dong-guk as winning team in 2012. the Spanish and American Suwon won the shootout 4-2. “It was a great performance federations, plus continental Suwon will play Kashima from Daniel,” said Liverpool do that when the front three injured, Sturridge was the only time you have to show faith in bodies UEFA and Antlers of Japan in the semi- manager Juergen Klopp after play like they do and in that real choice to take Firmino’s your squad, it was nice to see CONCACAF. finals. Jeonbuk began its their opening Group C game. number nine position Sturridge place. Daniel tonight and he paid it Though FIFA’s permission comeback from 3-0 down on “The three in midfield also did. He was in the best shape He responded by opening back 100 percent. Then to be is not mandatory, Infantino aggregate in the 11th minute. were great but they can only physically since I’ve known the scoring on the half-hour able to bring Bobby on after 70 says: “FIFA should also A left-sided cross found him,” added the German. with a fine header and minutes was nice,” he said. express a view on the matter, Adriano inside the six-yard The forward spent the throughout the game Sturridge Klopp was pleased with the not least since it would have area and the Brazilian took the latter half of last season on loan was a strong physical threat way his side took the game to implications for football at ball around Shin to score. at West Bromwich Albion as and effective link-up player. French champions Paris St global level as well.” Jeonbuk continued to “The three in they fought in vain against rel- Firmino had recovered Germain and dealt with their dominate but had to wait until egation from the Premier enough to come of the bench potent attacking trio of the second half to score a midfield also were League and it was a surprise and grab the added-time Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and second when Choi Bo-kyung great but they can when he was reintegrated into winner but Klopp was pleased Edinson Cavani. headed home a corner from only do that when Klopp’s side during with both forwards, especially “It was good, really good. It close range. the front three play pre-season. as the Brazilian looked set to was difficult to defend but we Kim Shin-wook’s header The Liverpool manager had miss out completely. did. All eleven players were in the 71st leveled the game at like they do and in plenty of other striking options “The day before yesterday involved in that. It was a strong 3-3 on aggregate but Adriano that number nine as back-up last season, but with (there) was no chance (for performance and that was nec- squandered the chance to grab position Sturridge Danny Ings having been loaned Firmino to play), and yesterday. essary. The atmosphere was winner from the spot. did: Juergen Klopp to Southampton and Dominic We only had one session this fantastic, so special. It was Solanke and Divock Origi morning with Bobby but it was nice.”