SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 2019 SPORT 17 We have to stay greedy and we are, I am not in doubt about that. The best Liverpool manager CRICKET: ICC WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP team spirit in the world is not about Juergen Klopp vs England, 3rd Test in Leeds wants his players to “stay just being together. That is what India vs West Indies, 1st Test in North Sound we had - and have - and we work greedy” in pursuit of an

elusive Premier League title. ACTION Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2nd Test at in Colombo

on it every day. TODAY’S

Rugby World Cup Wimbledon champion Halep Uncapped Petaia in sets sights on US Open goal Wallabies REUTERS squad NEW YORK AFP Simona Halep is living the dream after her Wimbledon triumph and the Romanian heads into Coach next week’s US Open hoping for yesterday said the a new dawn at the season’s final Wallabies planned to be Grand Slam after early exits in “unpredictable” in Japan as the last two years. he tapped uncapped back Halep scorched 23-time , 19, to Grand Slam winner Serena Wil- become Australia’s liams 6-2, 6-2 in less than an youngest ever World Cup hour in this year’s Wimbledon player and picked Adam final to add a second major title Ashley-Cooper for his to her trophy cabinet after last fourth campaign. year’s French Open crown. Cheika opted for just The 27-year-old’s near- two half-backs, flawless display at the All and , in his England Club marked a spec- 31-man World Cup squad, tacular return to form after her meaning No.9 Joe world ranking dropped from first Powell and the Waratahs’ to seventh between mid-January Nick Phipps miss out. and July. Another notable “It’s been like a dream since Romania’s Simona Halep in action absentee was veteran I left (Wimbledon). Even now, I’m hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau living the dream,” Halep, who but flanker , credits her improved fortunes on Romanian, who has been confident there’s a chance to do breakthrough at the French Open final. It would be silly not to try who hasn’t played for seven the biggest stages to a more knocked out in the first round on more.” had given the Romanian new- to replicate that,” the 18 times months after injuring his relaxed approach, told the WTA her last two visits, falling to Halep, who reached the Aus- found belief. Grand Slam champion wrote in calf, was named, along with website. Russian wildcard Maria tralian Open final in 2018, has “Before... she was a little bit a column for the WTA. and Tevita “I felt positive and con- Sharapova in 2017 and Estonia’s not had the ideal preparation closed, she found it easier to Halep enjoys a better career Kuridrani who were over- fident... like I reached my highest Kaia Kanepi last year. heading into the final Grand keep her thoughts to herself. head-to-head record over the looked in recent games. level of tennis. The first six Halep’s best showing at the Slam of the season. Now she’s much more confident three players ranked above her Australia struggled months of this year were more tournament was in 2015 when The world number four was not only on the court, but outside -- Naomi Osaka (4-1), Ash Barty through one of their worst relaxed because I was just trying she was beaten by eventual forced to retire with a left it,” Dobre told the French Open (3-1) and Karolina Pliskova years in decades in 2018 to improve my game without champion Flavia Pennetta in the Achilles injury in the Rogers Cup website in June. (7-3) -- making her one of the and have lost the services thinking about the results. semi-finals, and the US Open is quarter-finals in Toronto earlier Martina Navratilova said bookmakers’ favourites at of star fullback , “This helped me a lot and the only Grand Slam where she this month and lost to American Halep must bring the same Flushing Meadows, behind who was sacked in May for when I got to Wimbledon, I has failed to reach the final. Madison Keys in the Cincinnati aggressive approach she dis- Williams. posting homophobic com- started feeling the grass like I “The US Open is a big dif- third round. played at Wimbledon if she is “Even if things don’t go her ments online. never had before. I got more ference because of the crowd Halep’s new coach Daniel to succeed in New York. way, Simona should now have a But this month’s record confident day-by-day. It was a and atmosphere,” Halep added. Dobre, who signed up in March “Simona likes to play it, as lot more belief in herself... she’s 47-26 drubbing of New process.” “It’s more about entertainment after she split with Darren Cahill is her nature, safe. But she had one of the favourites to be Zealand hinted at a revival, Flushing Meadows repre- so it’s not easy to adjust... I’ve before the Australian Open, said a positive... and offensive number one at the end of the despite last week’s chas- sents a different challenge for the made the semis in the past so I’m last year’s Grand Slam mindset in the Wimbledon year,” Navratilova said. tening 36-0 defeat in the return fixture in Auckland. YOUNG AMERICANS AT US OPEN The line-up, captained by Michael Hooper, boasts COCO GAUFF Born: March 13, 2004 Gauff leads American young 1,406 international caps, 200 more than the squad Born in Florida; raised in Georgia; based in Florida which reached the final in Ranking: 141 guns at home Grand Slam 2015. 2019 Record: 21-12 Eighteen players will be Grand Slam Record: 3-1 AP The female set is drawing more tasting World Cup action US Open Main Draw Record: 0-0 NEW YORK attention, though, and McNally for the first time, in contrast Biggest Accomplishments: Fourth-round run at Wimbledon; US doesn’t think the recent surge is a to the 35-year-old Ashley- Open junior runner-up; French Open junior champion Just like many tennis fans, Coco coincidence. Cooper, who will become What She Said: “I’m not going to... take it easy on myself because of this Gauff’s father expects a lot from his There are some “When one person does well, it only the second Wallaby recent success. I think I’m just going to keep my mind focused, because precocious, 15-year-old daughter. 15-year-olds, like justjp kind of pushes the other after George Gregan to play I can see how easy it can get to say, ‘Oh, I already did this at 15, so I can Makes sense, given the way she me, who wouldn’t people,”people,” sshehe saisaid,d, ““andand sshowshows tthemhem in four. maybe lay it back.’” - Gauff on wanting to improve after Wimbledon. swings a racket on a tennis court thatthttha t theyththeeycay cancaanben beb ini thethe same placeplace The Wallabies, beaten and handles herself away from one. know what to do at and dod the thee ssameamea thinthing.”hing.”g. in the 2015 final by New CATY MCNALLY Born: Nov. 20, 2001 “Even after I win a tournament, Wimbledon. Then you Zealand but now ranked Born and based in Ohio he’ll let me celebrate, but then he’s have a 15-year-old like just sixth in the world, have Ranking: 121 like, ‘It’s back to work.’ And I under- Coco, who knows what had mixed fortunes so far 2019 Record: 23-12 stand why,” Gauff said. “Because, this year, losing to South Grand Slam Record: 0-1 like, I mean, it’s just one tournament to do: Serena Williams Africa in the Rugby Cham- US Open Main Draw Record: 0-0 of many.” pionship before beating Biggest Accomplishments: Qualified for Wimbledon; Singles semifinalist Next up for Gauff is the US Open, age 17. Sofiaofia KKeKenin,enin,nin 22020,0, elieleeliminatedlimminamiinanatedtet d Argentina. and doubles champion (with Gauff) at Citi Open WTA tournament; US which starts on Monday, and she’s Serena WWilliamsilliamsms iinnnP P Parisariarisa iss andndn jusjujustusst Despite last week’s Open junior doubles champion (with Gauff) in the main draw by virtue of a wild- picked uupp hahard-courtrd-ccoouourtrtt ttutuneuptuneueupup crushing defeat to New What She Said: “It just shows me - because I’ve played really close card entry received after making wins againstaiinnnstns No. 1s AsAshshsh BartBaBartyartyya aanandnd Zealand their form has with her and I’ve had chances to win - that I’m right there, too, and I can quite a run at Wimbledon. First, Naomi Osaka.OOssaka.akaka.a.. been an improvement on do the same thing.” - McNally on seeing what Gauff did at Wimbledon. Gauff became that venerable event’s Catyy MMcMcNMcNally,cNNallya ly, 1717,7, 2018, when they played 13 youngest qualifier in history. Then teamed withwiththh GauffGaGaufGaufuffftof tot Tests and won just four. AMANDA ANISMOVA Born: Aug. 31, 2001 she wowed the world by stunning win thee CitiCititi OpOpenOOpen In Japan, they face a Venus Williams. Next came a victory doubless titletitltitt e inn tough Pool D that includes From: Born in New Jersey; based in Florida over a 2017 All England Club semi- August, alsalsolslsosoo rereareachedeachedchechhedhde world number one Wales, Ranking: 24 finalist. That was followed by a the semi-finalsmii--f-finfifiniinnalsa s inin Georgia, Fiji and Uruguay. 2019 Record: 23-13 comeback victory, erasing two singles tththere,hheherereree, aandndnd They open their campaign Grand Slam Record: 9-5 match points on Centre Court, to she, too, iiss hheheaheadedeaeadedddded ttoo against Fiji in Sapporo on U.S. Open Main Draw Record: 0-1 reach the fourth round and make Flushingg MeaMMeadowsadowsdowdoowsws September 21 ahead of a Biggest Accomplishments: French Open semi-finalist, beating her the story of the fortnight. thanks ttoooa a wiwildwiilildld crunch clash with Wales a defending champion Simona Halep; fourth round at Australian Open; “There are some 15-year-olds, card. week later. WTA title at Bogota, Colombia; U.S. Open junior champion like me, who wouldn’t know what There’sree’’’ss alsoalal a What She Said: “I actually kind of miss juniors, but, I mean, this is a to do at Wimbledon,” said Williams’ trio of 21-year-211-1--yyeearear-eaar-ar WALLABIES SQUAD: new phase. It’s my first year having a full schedule on tour. It’s definitely younger sister, Serena. “Then you old Americanmererricanicaici ann Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory something that I’m getting used to.” - Anisimova on life as a pro. have a 15-year-old like Coco, who men showinghowwinginin Arnold, , Jack knows what to do.” signs ofo Dempsey, Folau Fainga’a, Michael SOFIA KENIN Born: Nov. 14, 1998 There are those who’ve won- progresss thistthhhis Hooper (capt), , Tolu dered what will happen to American season: ReillyReilReReillyy Latu, Isi Naisarani, David Pocock, From: Born in Russia; based in Florida women’s tennis once the Williams Opelka,ka,kak , Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ranking: 20 siblings leave the scene with their Francescese Rob Simmons, , James 2019 Record: 35-17 as-of-now 30 Grand Slam singles Tiafoe andannd Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Slam Record: 9-10 titles. But there seems to be plenty Taylor Fritz.ritztzz. Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Biggest Accomplishments: Fourth-round showing at French Open to look forward to, because Gauff is , Bernard Foley, at age 20, beating 23-time major champion Serena Williams; won WTA hardly the only young US pro Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, titles on clay and hard courts at 20. making strides lately. , , Marika What She Said: “I have always had the belief. That’s who I am.... I like Amanda Anisimova (who will Koroibete, , Christian to get the crowd going. I like to pump myself up.” - after her straight- miss the US Open because of her Lealiifano, James O’Connor, Jordan set victory over Williams. father’s recent death) reached the Petaia, , Nic White French Open semifinals in June at Coco Gauff, 15, reacts during the Wimbledon Championship 18 SPORT SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 2019

Australia’s Josh Hazlewood and team-mates appeal for the wicket of England’s Joe Denly on Pakistan to the second day of the third Ashes Test at Headingley in Leeds, northern England, yesterday. host Sri Lanka for ODI series

AFP KARACHI

Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for six limited over internationals starting next month, the two cricket boards said yesterday, another step towards reviving international cricket in Pakistan after years of isolation. In a joint statement, the cricket boards said the One Day International series will begin on September 27 in Karachi where they will play the other two ODI matches on September 29 and October 2. The Sri Lankans will then move to Lahore for three T20 matches starting on October 5 and the final match will be on October 9, with the second match scheduled for October 7. This will be Sri Lanka’s second tour of Pakistan since Australia take control in Leeds their team bus was attacked by militants during a Test match AFP concussion substitute for star SCOREBOARD just 40 runs in four innings this in Lahore in March 2009. LEEDS batsman Steve Smith. Australia (I innings) ...... 179 2-30-5; Lyon 1-0-2-0; Pattinson 5-2-9-2 series. Eight years later, the Sri A miserable day for England England (I innings) Australia (II innings) He fell for nine in familiar Lankans returned to Pakistan Josh Hazlewood took five also saw captain Joe Root out for R Burns c Paine b Cummins ...... 9 M Harris b Leach ...... 19 fashion when he edged a drive for a Twenty20 international wickets as England were bowled a duck on his Yorkshire home J Roy c Warner b Hazlewood ...... 9 D Warner lbw b Broad...... 0 off a wide Hazlewood ball to in Lahore in October 2017. out for just 67 on the second day ground before he dropped a J Root c Warner b Hazlewood ...... 0 U Khawaja c Roy b Woakes ...... 23 Warner, holding the first of four The two boards said the of the third Test at Headingley routine slip catch when J Denly c Paine b Pattinson ...... 12 M Labuschagne (batting) ...... 53 catches at first slip. teams were due to play two B Stokes c Warner b Pattinson ...... 8 T Head b Stokes ...... 25 yesterday to leave Australia on Labuschagne had made 14. Root was then out for a Test matches in October and J Bairstow c Warner b Hazlewood ...... 4 M Wade c Bairstow b Stokes ...... 33 the verge of retaining the Ashes. England’s woes were com- J Buttler c Khawaja b Hazlewood ...... 5 T Paine c Denly b Broad ...... 0 second-ball nought, that fol- follow it up with the six shorter This was England’s lowest pounded after tea when rising C Woakes c Paine b Cummins ...... 5 J Pattinson (batting) ...... 2 lowed a golden duck at Lord’s, form matches in December, but Ashes total since 1948 and the star Jofra Archer -- who had J Archer c Paine b Cummins ...... 7 Extras (B1, LB7, NB6, W2) ...... 16 when nicking a fine Hazlewood decided to swap them. fourth time in 18 months they taken 6-45 in Australia’s first- S Broad (not out) ...... 4 Total (6 wkts) ...... 171 delivery to Warner. The dates and the venue for had been dismissed for under a innings 179 -- limped off midway J Leach b Hazlewood ...... 1 To bat: P Cummins, N Lyon, J Hazlewood Hazlewood had taken two the two Tests were not hundred in a Test -- a record through an over with cramp, Extras (LB3) ...... 3 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-36, 3-52, 4-97, 5-163, wickets for no runs in three balls, announced, but Sri Lanka’s unmatched by any other side in although he did return to the Total (all out) ...... 67 6-164 with England 10-2. Sports minister Harin Fernando the same period. field. Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-10, 3-20, 4-34, 5-45, Bowling: Archer 8.4-2-16-0 (2nb, 1w); Broad Ben Stokes had made an told reporters in Colombo 6-45, 7-54, 8-56, 9-66, 10-67 12-2-34-2 (1w); Woakes 10-1-34-1; Leach 11-0- Fast bowler Hazlewood took Labuschagne was dropped Bowling: Cummins 9-4-23-3; Hazlewood 12.5- 46-1; Stokes 15.2-4-33-2 (4nb) unbeaten 115 in the second Thursday that the Tests will not 5-30 in an England innings that for a second time, on 42, when innings at Lord’s. be in Pakistan. was wrapped up inside 28 overs. wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow But the all-rounder gave his Citing safety fears, Ashes-holders Australia -- failed to hold a tough low chance first-class preparation for the 2018), 77 by the West Indies wicket away when he carved at Fernando said two Tests could who will go 2-0 up with just two diving to his right. very different demands of Test (Bridgetown 2019) and 85 by a wide half-volley from fast instead be played in the United to play in this five-match series Earlier, Joe Denly, with 12, cricket. Ireland at Lord’s last month. bowler James Pattinson he could Arab Emirates (UAE), where by winning at Headingley -- then was the only England batsman By contrast, a number of What made this latest rout barely reach, with Warner Pakistan has held many of its strengthened their grip to be to reach double figures. Australians had appeared for all the more troubling was that holding a fast edge high above home series. 171-6 in their second innings at But whereas Labuschagne English county sides -- the blue and sunny skies above his shoulder. Since the 2009 attacks, a stumps, a commanding lead of and David Warner (61) fought Labuschagne, the only batsman Headingley yesterday ought to Denly fought hard only for majority of international teams 283 runs. hard during their first-innings to so far score 1,000 first-class have made conditions for batting his 49-ball stay to end when have refused to tour Pakistan Marnus Labuschagne, whose partnership of 111, few runs this season was with Gla- easier than the gloom of caught behind following an inex- over security fears, forcing first-innings 74 was seven more England batsmen were as pre- morgan -- or featured on the Thursday, when Root won the plicably extravagant drive off Pakistan to play their home than England managed between pared to sell their wickets as Australia A tour of England. toss. Pattinson. England were 54-6 matches at neutral venues. them, was 53 not out. dearly. England’s Test batting Jason Roy, given the poi- at lunch, with Bairstow and Series schedule: 27 Sep - It was his third straight fifty By staging both the World problems, however, predate this soned chalice this season of Jos Buttler falling cheaply 1st ODI, Karachi 29 Sep - 2nd of the series after he made 59 in Cup and the Ashes with a short season. being an England Test opener either side of the interval, ODI, Karachi 2 Oct - 3rd ODI, the second innings of the drawn turnaround between the two Yesterday’s slump came after despite batting in the middle- before Hazlewood ended the Karachi 5 Oct - 1st T20I, Lahore second Test at Lord’s after showpiece events, England had England had been dismissed for order in first-class cricket with innings when he clean bowled 7 Oct - 2nd T20I, Lahore 9 Oct coming into the side as a denied several batsmen 58 by New Zealand (Auckland Surrey, took guard having made No 11 Jack Leach. - 3rd T20I, Lahore Boult, Southee rattle Sri Lanka in rain-hit Test

AFP resumed the day at 85 for two. later. “Today’s a special day for COLOMBO Dhananjaya de Silva on 32 Trent. He’s become the third and Dilruwan Perera on five highest wicket-taker for New Trent Boult and Tim Southee led were at the crease. Zealand,” New Zealand bowling New Zealand’s charge against Sri Southee, like Boult, also coach Shane Jurgensen told Lanka on day two of the rain-hit delivered a double-wicket reporters. second Test in Colombo maiden as the duo put on a “He’s got great passion and yesterday. superb display of seam bowling energy which he brings to our The pacemen claimed two under overcast conditions. team. I think the skill and exe- wickets each as Sri Lanka Boult got overnight batsman cution and the way he’s con- reached 144 for six at lunch Angelo Mathews caught behind tributed to the team has been Ishant Sharma (left) of India celebrates the dismissal of Kraigg Brathwaite of West Indies during the when rain came down and no for two to reach a landmark of amazing.” Karunaratne also got second day of the 1st Test against West Indies at Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in North Sound, further play was possible. 250 Test wickets -- only the a lifeline on 61 when Kane Wil- Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne third Kiwi bowler to achieve the liamson could not grab a tough Antigua and Barbuda, yesterday. moved from his overnight 49 to feat. Boult trapped Kusal Perera chance at short mid-wicket off score 65 and provided the only lbw for nought after just three Ajaz Patel. bit of resistance in the morning balls as Sri Lanka slipped to 93-4 But the left-hander, who session, which saw 29.3 overs and would have been in further completed his 23rd Test fifty India put West Indies bowled. trouble had Boult held on to a after resuming the day on 49, Boult took two early wickets simple catch from de Silva off soon fell, caught behind off in one over after Sri Lanka his own bowling a few overs Southee for 65. on back foot in Antigua SCOREBOARD AFP Shamarh Brooks. West Indies Kemar Roach was the best Sri Lanka (I innings) ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA will resume in the final session of the West Indies bowlers with D Karunaratne c Watling b Southee ...... 65 of the day with Darren Bravo figures of four for 66 while L Thirimanne c Williamson b Somerville . 2 India’s bowlers shared the spoils and Roston Chase seeking to fellow fast bowler Shannon K Mendis c Watling b de Grandhomme 32 in putting the West Indies on the build on a fourth-wicket part- Gabriel claimed three for 71. A Mathews c Watling b Boult ...... 2 back foot at 82 for three in reply nership that is already worth 32 It was Roach who gave the K Perera lbw b Boult ...... 0 to their opponents first innings runs. West Indies an ideal start to the D de Silva (batting) ...... 32 total of 297 at tea on the second Jadeja had played the key day when he removed Rishabh N Dickwella c Watling b Southee ...... 0 day of the first Test at the Sir role in extending India’s first Pant for 24, the attacking wick- D Perera (batting) ...... 5 Vivian Richards Stadium in innings as they were eventually etkeeper-batsman offering a Extras (B1, LB2, NB3) ...... 6 Antigua yesterday. dismissed on the stroke of straightforward catch to Holder Total (6 wkts) ...... 144 Pacers Mohammed Shami lunch, the left-hander playing at second slip as India slipped to and Ishant Sharma were the the dominant role as India 207 for seven. Did not bat: S Lakmal, L Embuldeniya, L first to strike in removing added another 94 runs from Brief scores Kumara openers John Campbell and their overnight position of 203 India 297 (A. Rahane 81, R. Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-79, 3-93, 4-93, Kraigg Brathwaite after a for six. Jadeja 58, K. L. Rahul 44; K. 5-130, 6-130 deceptively bright start before He was last out for 58, top- Roach 4-66, S. Gabriel 3-71, R. New Zealand’s Trent Boult (left) celebrates with his team-mates Bowling: Boult 14-5-33-2, Southee 20-5- Ravindra Jadeja added to what edging an attempted pull off Chase 2-58) after dismissing Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews (centre) during the 40-2, De Grandhomme 17-3-35-1 (nb3), was already an excellent day home captain Jason Holder to West Indies 82-3 (J. second day of the final Test match at P Sara Oval Stadium in Somerville 6-3-20-1, Patel 9-3-13-0 for the all-rounder when he give wicketkeeper Shai Hope his Campbell 23, D. Bravo 18 n.o.; M. Colombo, yesterday. claimed the wicket of debutant fifth catch of the innings. Shami 1-17, R. Jadeja 1-17) SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 2019 SPORT 19 Arsenal out to close gap on Liverpool

AFP early opportunity for veteran to Stamford Bridge last LONDON centre-back David Luiz to make weekend. However, Lampard, his mark by halting the free- who had just one year’s mana- Early Premier League leaders scoring trio of Sadio Mane, gerial experience at Derby prior Liverpool and Arsenal face-off, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed to taking over his old club, needs while Frank Lampard is under Salah, who combined for all five a win at Norwich to ease the pressure to deliver his first win Liverpool goals when the sides questioning of his tactics. as Chelsea boss at Norwich last met. The former England interna- today. “A lot of times in my life I had tional has been accused of being One of the only two sensational players always (but) too gung-ho in his approach as remaining 100 percent records not world-class players,” Klopp both United and Leicester cut in the Premier League will go at told Liverpool’s website. Chelsea open relentlessly on the Anfield where the European “Now, thank God I have them counter-attack. champions will hope to continue and they make the difference. If Lampard cannot tailor his a fine recent record against the Sadio Mane, Bobby Firmino, Mo approach, Norwich have a striker north Londoners. Salah - these guys in the last sit- in form ready to take advantage. Jurgen Klopp has never lost uation are really outstanding.” Teemu Pukki has scored four in seven previous Premier Arsenal have some out- times in his first two Premier League meetings against Arsenal standing finishers of their own. League appearances, including and his side have beaten the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a hat-trick against Newcastle last Gunners 4-0 and 5-1 at home in who shared the Premier League Liverpool midfielder Roberto Firmino (centre) celebrates with weekend. the past two seasons. Golden Boot with Mane and team-mates after scoring their second goal during the English However, Unai Emery’s outfit Salah last season, has scored his Premier League match against Southampton at St Mary’s English Premier League are hoping a busy summer in the side’s winner in the first two Stadium in Southampton, southern England on Sunday. Fixtures (1400GMT unless transfer window, while Liverpool games of the campaign. stated) did not strengthen, will have sig- And on the evidence of Liv- Today’s Fixtures nificantly narrowed the 27-point erpool’s first four games of the have taken advantage of a couple Norwich did last weekend. Wan-Bissaka, who will face his Norwich vs Chelsea (1130), gap between the sides last season across all competitions, of kind fixtures to get their cam- United paid the penalty for old side this weekend, have Brighton vs Southampton, season. a defence that registered 20 paigns off to a bright start, Man- Paul Pogba’s miss from the spot made an immediate impact in Manchester United vs Crystal Emery could hand a first start Premier League clean sheets last chester City, Manchester United in a 1-1 draw at Wolves on shoring up a leaky defence, while Palace, Sheffield United vs to £72m club record signing season looks far less solid. and Tottenham all dropped Monday, but following on from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Leicester, Watford vs West Nicolas Pepe, while on-loan Real Alisson Becker remains side- points on matchday two. a 4-0 win over Chelsea on the Martial have formed a dynamic Ham, Liverpool vs Arsenal Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos lined with a calf injury, meaning The roles are reversed this opening weekend of the season, partnership up front. (1630) earned rave reviews by creating Adrian -- whose calamitous weekend as United host Crystal there have been plenty of Lampard was not handed Tomorrow’s Matches both goals on his full debut attempted clearance gifted Palace, who have yet to score encouraging signs that Ole an easy start to life as Chelsea Bournemouth vs Manchester against Burnley last weekend. Southampton a goal last this season at Old Trafford, City Gunnar Solskjaer’s vision for a boss with a trip to Old Trafford City (1300), Tottenham vs However, it is at the back weekend -- will keep his place travel to Bournemouth and young, quick and hungry side is followed by Liverpool in the Newcastle, Wolves vs Burnley Arsenal need a drastic in goal. Spurs seek to dismiss Newcastle taking shape. UEFA Super Cup and the visit (both 1530) improvement and there is an Whilst Liverpool and Arsenal with the ease newly-promoted Harry Maguire and Aaron of an ambitious Leicester side Wolves clinch Barcelona look to Messi for inspiration famous win AFP MADRID at Torino

Lionel Messi could be ready to AFP play against Real Betis tomorrow PARIS and Barcelona could do with him back. Wolves moved to the brink of In other circumstances, the Europa League group stages Messi might have left it another on Thursday with an impressive week, having missed the whole 3-2 play-off, first leg win at of pre-season with a calf injury Torino. he sustained in his first training The English Premier League session back. side, playing in their first But after re-joining his team- European campaign since 1981, mates on Wednesday, the temp- went ahead through an own- tation will be to put Messi goal from Gleison Bremer just straight to work, to lift the mood before half-time. and minimise the chances of Diogo Jota made it 2-0 on what would be a disastrous the hour mark but Lorenzo de second slip in La Liga. Silvestri pulled one back for the One defeat, by Athletic Bilbao Italians two minutes later. inside a bouncing San Mames on Raul Jimenez restored the opening night and inflicted Wolves’ two-goal lead after 72 by a freakishly brilliant bicycle minutes before Andrea Belotti’s kick in the 89th minute, might penalty for Torino in the dying ordinarily have been accepted FROM LEFT: Barcelona defender Gerard Piqueand teram-mates Frenkie de Jong and Clement Lenglet react moments kept the Serie A side as a blip. to Athletic’s goal during the Spanish League match against Athletic Club Bilbao on Friday. in the tie ahead of the return leg “San Mames is always a dif- at Molineux next Thursday. ficult place to play,” said Gerard “It’s a close tie. It’s not over, Pique. “When you’re not at your Griezmann and Ousmane La LIga plays on the mind of president after the international break, the far from being over. We have best, they make you look stupid.” Dembele would cope. Fixtures (all times GMT) Josep Maria Bartomeu. Welshman should continue his to take on a very tough team,” Yet memories of Barcelona’s Instead, Suarez and Today’s Fixtures Coming into the season, it reintegration against Real Val- Wolves coach Nuno Espirito capitulation in May remain fresh. Dembele both picked up strains Osasuna vs Eibar (1500), Real was Madrid with the darker ladolid on Saturday. Santo told the Express and Star The humiliation in the against Bilbao while Griezmann Madrid vs Real Valladolid clouds hanging over them after “We have to turn over a new newspaper. Champions League and sub- delivered the sort of hesitant (1700), Celta Vigo vs Valencia a poor pre-season left some leaf,” said Sergio Ramos. “We “We played good. We were mission in the final of the Copa display to suggest he may also (1900), Getafe vs Athletic wondering whether Zinedine can’t regret or celebrate what’s organised, we stayed in shape. del Rey mean this team and, in need time to adapt. Club (1900) Sunday Alaves vs Zidane, more than Valverde, happened before. We start from We produced some goals but particular, their coach begin the “This league is hard,” Espanyol (1500), Mallorca vs would soon be feeling the heat. scratch.” like I say, one game to go.” season very much on the back Griezmann said. Real Sociedad (1500), Leganes Instead, a retro-looking side, Atletico Madrid made a Celtic, dumped out of the foot. Ernesto Valverde is never “We have to bounce back.” without a single summer signing, winning start too, at home to Champions League last week vs Atletico Madrid (1700), far from blame, suspicion about Another muscle injury for and with Gareth Bale, opened up Getafe, even if a slightly nervy by Cluj of Romania, saw off AIK Barcelona vs Real Betis (1900) his style and suitability always Dembele, his fifth in two years last weekend with an assertive 1-0 win felt rather familiar, of Sweden 2-0 at home. bubbling under the surface, at Barcelona, is a concern, espe- Argentinian will come off the 3-1 win away at Celta Vigo. despite a handful of attacking James Forrest scored in his despite the fact he is hoping to cially after the 22-year-old bench at Camp Nou than be “We had difficulties in pre- signings this summer, including fifth consecutive game early in become the first Barca coach reportedly took time off in named in the starting line-up. season with our results but not the hugely talented Joao Felix. the second half with Frenchman since Pep Guardiola to win three France instead of undergoing The lure of Neymar also our work,” Zidane said. “It was Still, Getafe were arguably Odsonne Edouard’s curling La Liga titles in a row. medical tests. grows, even if Barcelona are yet essential to start this way, by the toughest opponent to break free-kick making it 2-0 in the When Messi tweaked his calf, It all means Messi’s return to agree a deal with Paris Saint- playing well and winning.” Bale down last season. Atletico might 73rd minute. “It was a great it was assumed an attacking carries added urgency, even if it Germain. The prospect of Real was excellent and with Eden have more joy today away at team performance,” said Celtic roster of Luis Suarez, Antoine remains more likely the Madrid jumping in too, surely Hazard not expected back until Leganes. manager Neil Lennon. Tributes pour in as striker Torres retires

REUTERS career. I used to love playing with you, great plan,” Torres was quoted as Atletico but was at his most prolific LONDON sharing the dressing room with you,” saying by Kyodo News Agency. for Liverpool where he scored 81 the former England international said. “To my team mates, from the goals in 142 games. Spain’s World Cup-winning striker “I wish we could go back to those moment I first arrived, you welcomed In a letter published in Spanish Fernando Torres ended a glittering days... knowing you could run behind me with open arms. I thank you. Last daily El Mundo, Iniesta wrote that it 18-year career yesterday with his final defenders and I could find you with year when we were under great was “beautifully strange” that life match for J-League club Sagan Tosu. passes, and you turning all my bad pressure (of relegation), you remained “brought us all the way to Japan to Torres, 35, hung up his boots fol- passes into good passes. They’re the positive. I am grateful for your say goodbye. lowing a 6-1 defeat by a Vissel Kobe days I miss.” efforts.” “Football brought us together side featuring former Spain team- Torres, who will be an adviser to Torres, who scored over 100 goals more than 20 years ago, when we mates Andres Iniesta and David Villa. the Japanese club, thanked the crowd for Atletico in two spells, made his were children. Well, you will always After the game at a packed in a speech, and spoke of his admi- Spain debut in 2003 and got the be El Nino. And it will never separate Ekimae Real Estate Stadium, Torres, ration for the Sagan Tosu team that winner in the Euro 2008 final against us,” added the former Barcelona who also played for his boyhood club avoided relegation from the J-League Germany before helping them win midfielder. Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea last year. their first World Cup in 2010 and “We began away from spotlights Fernando Torres of Sagan Tosu (top) is tossed by and AC Milan, received a video tribute “Starting with the president, I retain the Euro title in 2012. and cameras until we came to share team-mates after his last game in the J-League from former Anfield team mate could understand the true passion He won the Champions League, thousands of experiences before match against Vissel Kobe in Tosu, Saga prefecture, Steven Gerrard. shared by everyone at this club, that Europa League and FA Cup with winning a World Cup for our yesterday. “Congratulations on an incredible there is a dream for the future and a Chelsea plus the Europa league with country.” SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 2019 20

PAGE | 17 PAGE | 19 Wimbledon La Liga: Barca champion Halep look to sets sights on Messi for US Open goal inspiration Al Rayyan, Umm Salal share Coach Guardiola hails skipper Silva ahead of points in four-goal thriller Man City milestone

THE PENINSULA Al Rayyan skipper Rodrigo Tabata (centre) is challenged by Umm Salal players during their QNB REUTERS David Silva DOHA Stars League match played at the Al Sadd Stadium, yesterday. LONDON

Al Rayyan and Umm Salal Manchester City manager Pep shared spoils in a 2-2 draw in Guardiola said he had doubts the last fixture of the opening whether David Silva would week of the 2019-20 QNB Stars succeed in the Premier League League (QSL) at the Al Sadd but was “happily wrong” as the Stadium yesterday. midfielder prepares to play his New recruit Lee Jaeik 400th match in his final season (eighth minute) and Rodrigo with the reigning champions. Tabata (31st) scored Al Rayyan’s Silva, who is in line to face goals, while Umm Salal replied Bournemouth tomorrow, will through Syrian Mahmoud Al become the first City player to Mawas (sixth and 71st minutes). reach the milestone since Paul The hard-fought match, Power achieved the feat in the fought at a fast pace, saw both 1985-86 season. sides create opportunities The 33-year-old, who has galore. won four Premier League titles, Umm Salal seized early ini- two FA Cups and four League tiative after Al Mawas was on Cups with City, said in June he target with almost a solo effort. would leave at the end of the Pat came Al Rayyan’s reply 2019-20 season, ending a 10-year as Lee took advantage of a good spell at the club he joined in 2010 work done by Abdelaziz Hatem, from Valencia. who appeared to pick up a knock who switched from Al Gharafa “I thought he wouldn’t in that game. this season. succeed in England... surviving “He’s been training good, After Al Mawas headed the the Premier League is not easy perfectly, in fact. He had cramp. ball against the left upright, it for that length of time, but he did It was a demanding game was Al Rayyan who surged it. He should be so proud of what against Tottenham and difficult ahead when Umm Salal goal- he’s done,” Guardiola told a news against Liverpool (Community keeper Yazan Naim misjudged Al Arabi beat Al Ahli 3-1 conference yesterday. Shield), so he was tired,” Guar- the flight of a free-kick taken “He’s a technical player, not diola said. by Tabata from distance. THE PENINSULA Action during box to box and my image of Defender Joao Cancelo, who Tabata was at it again DOHA yesterday’s QNB English football back in 2010, I arrived from Juventus in the close towards the close of first half, Stars League admit, I thought he was going to season, could make his debut. but this time he sent his shot Al Arabi defeated Al Ahli match between suffer. I was happily wrong. “He’s ready. I think he’s wide of the target. 3-1 in their opening QNB Al Arabi and “That was my first understanding training. He sees After restart, Sebastian Stars League match of the Al Ahli at the Al impression. He played well from what we want,” Guardiola added. Soria saw his bid go in vain season at the Al Janoub Janoub Stadium. the beginning and he’s done it “My first feeling on Cancelo even as Al Rayyan tried to pre- Stadium yesterday. consistently ever since, for is really good... he can play as a serve the lead by going a bit Hamdi Harbaoui Roberto (Mancini), Manuel (Pel- winger too. I can play him in defensive. (23rd and 68th minutes) legrini) and me.” Shifting his several positions, but mostly it’ll Umm Salal made some and Pierre-Michel focus to Bournemouth, Guar- be full back because Kyle serious attempts at the goal and Lasogga (51st) scored for diola said defendere JoJohn StoStones es (Walker)(Wa e ) can’t ca t play p ay every eve y game.” ga e. their efforts bore fruit as Al Al Arabi, while Hernan would miss the triptrip withwith an Mawas hit the ball home after Gonzalez netted Al Ahli’s injury that kept himhim out of last latching on to a through pass. consolation goal in the weekend’s 2-2 drawraw withwith Tot-Tot- Meanwhile, Yazan saved a 35th minute. tenham Hotspur. shot from Al Rayyan’s Yacine Al Arabi, coached by There was betterbetter newsnews Brahimi. Umm Salal had a Heimir Hallgrimsson, regarding Oleksandrndr Zinchenko, chance to collect full points but were on the attack mode for Al Rayyan goalkeeper Fahad right from the beginning. Younis’ alertness in front of The Dream Team took Joao Bruno’s attempt with the the lead when Hamdi, last kick of the game. who excelled for Qatar SC He’s a technicalal player, At the end of the first week, in the 2014-15 season, capitalised on Yusuf Abduri- Not long after restart, Lasogga doubled the lead not box to box aandnd Al Sadd lead the points table zag’s good work by heading in the ball. for Al Arabi off a corner kick taken by Mohammed my image of Englishnglish thanks to the 4-1 win against Al Al Ahli equalised through Hernan after captain Salal El Neel. football back inn Wakrah on the opening day of Nabil El Zhar did the spadework. Al Arabi made matters beyond The Brigadiers’ the league. Al Arabi dominated possession (53 per cent) in control when Hamdi pounced on a rebound from 2010, I admit, I Al Gharafa, Al Arabi and Al the first half. the Al Ahli goalkeeper and placed the ball home. thought he wass Duhail are occupying the next Al Arabi goalkeeper Gregory Gomez thwarted Al Ahli would rue a chance missed by new recruit going to suffer.. three spots respectively after Gonzalez early into the match and Al Ahli custodian Gonzalez as he came up with a feeble shot that was I was happily Manchester City manager earning wins in their first round Ivan Rodriguez easily saved Abdurizag’s attempt as saved by the Al Arabi goalkeeper after the former wrong: Guardiolaola Pep Guardiola matches. the first half ended 1-1. was put through by Abdulla Abdulsalam. Warholm eyes hurdles record as Doha Worlds looms

AFP Norwegian world champion He improved it to 47.12 in PARIS Karsten Warholm, Qatar’s London last month, on the track Abderrahman Samba and where he burst onto the scene by Norwegian world champion Karsten taking the world title in 2017. American Rai Benjamin are Warholm (pictured) has his sights Warholm told the IAAF’s Spikes set on breaking the 400 metre three athletes threatening magazine: “It doesn’t matter if it’s a hurdles world record as he heads to finally smash the record PB or a bad race, whatever, I always to Paris to compete in the Diamond 27 years later as they battle analyse it, and I always try to find League today. to take the world title in new ways to make it better.” The hurdles mark of 46.78sec, Doha in late September. The Norwegian attributes set by Kevin Young of the USA at the much of his success in recent years 1992 Barcelona Olympics, is one of to his unconventional coach of the oldest in the book. Benjamin showed the world his four years, Leif Olav Alnes. In an Warholm, 23, Qatar’s Abder- talent when he ran 47.02 in the 400 interview featuring photos of rahman Samba and American Rai hurdles at the 2018 NCAA champi- Warholm taking a tied-up Alnes Benjamin are three athletes threat- onships. The time tied him with all- hostage with a water pistol, he ening to finally smash the record 27 time great Ed Moses for the third- said: “We mock each other, we years later as they battle to take the fastest 400 hurdles of all time. have a lot of fun together, and we world title in Doha in late Warholm, renowned for his share the same humour.” September. exuberant post-race celebrations, He added: “For me it was a In 2018 Paris meet, former broke the European record in front perfect match... I really appreciate world champion Samba became the of his home fans at the Oslo the honesty... tough love is the second man to run the event in Diamond League this June in perfect way to describe our under 47 seconds, clocking 46.98. 47.33sec. relationship.”