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Tuesday 12 Septemberp 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Hingis amazed by World XI arrives CCrystal Palace sack US Open doubles in Pakistan for manager Frank triumph T20 series de Boer Nadal races to third US Open, 16th Grand Slam title

New York “It’s a very special two Nadal, winning his first errors to Anderson’s 23 with the AFP weeks for me. It’s unbelievable hardcourt title since January South African unable to muster what’s happened this year after 2014 in Doha, gave up just 15 a single break point. afael Nadal raced to a some seasons with serious inju- points on his serve and won 16 The one-way traffic contin- third US Open title and ries and not playing very well,” out of 16 net points. ued in the second set as Nadal R16th Grand Slam crown said Nadal. “Rafa, we are the same age broke for 4-2 off the back of on Sunday with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 “It’s been an emotional year but I have looked up to you all three successive volleys. rout of South African giant since the Australian Open. I of my life,” said Anderson. Anderson even collected a Kevin Anderson. played a high level of tennis and “It was an honor playing time violation for his troubles The world number one, the winning here in New York again you. You are one of the great as his efforts to compose him- champion also in New York in it’s unbelievable.” ambassadors of our sport.” self failed horribly. 2010 and 2013, added the US Nadal also praised his coach In a final guaranteed to A brutal crosscourt forehand title to the record 10th French and uncle Toni who has coached result in the fifth Slam cham- winner gave Nadal the second Open he captured in June. him since he was three but who pion in succession who is 30 or set 6-3. Old rival Roger Federer won will step down from his team at older, Nadal was on top from the Anderson was broken again the season’s other two Slams at the end of the year. start. in the opening game of the third the Australian Open, beating “I cannot thank him He had 28th-seeded Ander- set. Nadal in the final, and Wimble- enough,” said the champion. son scrambling to save two It was his fourth loss of don in an illustration of the two “Without him I would not be Spain’s Rafael Nadal poses with his winning trophy after break points in the third and serve in the final; before Sun- Grand Slam greats’ enduring here playing tennis. He gave me defeating ’s Kevin Anderson during their 2017 fifth games before the Spaniard day, he had been broken just appeal and power. strength and motivation. When US Open final at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis converted his fifth off a fore- five times in the entire Nadal’s Grand Slam tally is I had injury problems I got Center in New York on Sunday. hand error for a 4-3 lead. tournament. just three behind Federer’s through them because of him.” The world number one held Anderson called the trainer record 19. It was a desperately disap- African in a US championship The Johannesburg-born, and broke again, cleverly forc- for a bloodied right index finger For Nadal, it was his fifth title pointing afternoon for final since Cliff Drysdale in 1965 Florida-based Anderson fin- ing the 31-year-old South after the fifth game, but his of the year and 74th of his career Anderson, the world number 32 and was bidding to become his ished the 2hr 28min final with African out of position on set struggles continued. while the $3.7m (3.07 euros) win- playing in his maiden Slam final country’s first Slam champion 40 unforced errors to Nadal’s point after 58 minutes of action. He saved a match point but ner’s prize boosted his earnings at the 34th attempt. since Johan Kriek at the 1981 11, failing even to carve out a By the end of the opening Nadal wrapped it up with a clin- to a shade under $90m. He was the first South Australian Open. single break point. set, Nadal had just five unforced ical backhand volley. Mourinho eyes PSG ready to finally make last 16 spot for in-form United

Champions League mark Manchester Reuters Paris AFP anchester United are back in their “nat- ural habitat” in the Champions League and aris Saint-Germain kick off M are up for the challenge of playing against their latest bid for Cham- the best teams in Europe, manager Jose Mourinho pions League glory at said. Celtic today bolstered by United had failed to qualify for the Champi- the big-money signing of ons League for Mourinho’s debut campaign but PNeymar and Kylian Mbappe. their Europa League triumph last season secured The French giants will be hop- a return to Europe’s elite competition. ing that their lavish close-season The Old Trafford outfit begin their campaign spending can help finally achieve today, hosting Swiss side FC Basel in the opening their Qatari owners’ dream of lifting group stage match. the European Cup. “Being back in the Champions League is going PSG responded to last season’s back to the natural habitat. Manchester United disappointments of losing the Ligue (have been there) season after season,” Mourinho 1 title to Monaco and their stunning told reporters. “Motivation is very high.” Champions League last-16 defeat at “We have to try to go to the last 16 and enjoy Barcelona, by smashing the world that special knock-out phase with the best teams record transfer fee with the in Europe.” 222m-euro ($267m) signing of Ney- The Portuguese boss believes his team are in mar from Barca. good form after starting their league campaign PSG produced four consecutive with three wins and a draw. French titles from 2013-2016, that Mourinho says he loves the packed Christmas form has yet to translate to European schedule that English teams have and believes Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar (centre) laughs with team-mates during a training session competition. they cannot use the busy schedule as an excuse PSG’s last, and only, Champions at the Camp des Loges in Saint-Germain en Laye yesterday, on the eve of their Champions League match for poor Champions League performances. League semi-final appearance was against Celtic FC. “We have no winter break, and in other coun- in 1995, with four straight last-eight tries there is a winter break, but that’s cultural - it exits followed by the harrowing 6-1 “We are more than ready for the “I’ve always said that the Cham- “It’s the first game of the Cham- means a lot, and I have to admit I love it,” he added. second-leg loss at the Camp Nou ear- Champions League,” said defender pions League is a special pions League against one of the great “But no complaining this is what we have, we lier this year, having beaten Barca Thomas Meunier after a 5-1 thrash- competition, it is the competition for teams now of the competition, it will have squads and if we think they’re tired we play 4-0 in the first game. ing of Metz on Friday. the big players and where we see the be another special night at Celtic with other players.” But with the additions of Ney- “We are a very good group, we big players.” Park. Mourinho also said he was not surprised by mar and Mbappe, hopes are high that can see that on the bench today with PSG will have their European “We’ll look forward to the chal- the sacking of Crystal Palace manager Frank de Unai Emery’s men can put their con- all the options we have. credentials tested by what promises lenge and we’ll recover well and Boer after just four league games in charge. tinental troubles to bed. “Every footballer plays for the to be a spine-tingling atmosphere at prepare well for it.” CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES Champions League, and with the Parkhead, as Celtic look to cause an PSG’s fellow wannabee members Jose Mourinho’s team we have this year, we must upset in Group B after an under- of the European elite, Manchester United are back Main Tournament - Group Stage show the world that we want to go whelming return to the Champions City, came unstuck with a 3-3 draw in their “natural Today’s Fixtures further than in previous years.” League group stages last season. at Celtic Park last season, and the habitat” Teenage sensation Mbappe Brendan Rodgers’ men have Scottish champions still have the All Times in GMT joined from Monaco on deadline day gone from strength to strength since potential to be a danger on home Group D: Barcelona vs Juventus (1845) on a season-long loan, with an the turn of the year, and are turf. Olympiakos Piraeus vs Sporting (1845) option to buy for a fee that could unbeaten in their last 54 domestic While Celtic won the 1967 Euro- Group C: AS Roma vs A’ Madrid (1845) reach a staggering 180m euros. matches. pean Cup with a 15-man squad made “It’s too early to say (how far we “What we’ve learned from our purely of players born within 30 Chelsea vs Qarabag FK (1845) can go), we haven’t even played yet,” first game of the Champions League miles of their stadium, Paris have Group B: Celtic vs Paris St Germain (1845) said Mbappe, who scored on his last year is that we’re not going to be flung an expensive net far and wide FC Bayern Munich vs Anderlecht (1845) debut against Metz. as passive,” said Rodgers. in an attempt to emulate the likes of

Group A: Benfica vs CSKA Moscow (1845) “We have a good team and a lot of “They’re (PSG) a world away the ‘Lisbon Lions’.

confidence, but we know that there’s from where we’re at in terms of Over 50 years since Celtic’s fin- Manchester United vs FC Basel (1845) still a lot of work to do. We’ll go to finances but it’s going to be an est hour, PSG are fed up of waiting Glasgow to win and to start well. incredible night. to dine at football’s top table. SPORT TUESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 25 Hingis amazed by US Open doubles win

New York Chan, 28, was overjoyed at AFP her first Slam crown after three Anderson prior Slam final doubles losses. artina Hingis “It’s like a real dream come hopes to build declared herself true, like living my dream.” Chan amazed on Sun- said. on US Open loss day after “It’s very special for me. It capturing her 25th was a great match. We start New York Mcareer Grand Slam crown, part- really strong and really aggres- AFP nering with Taiwan’s Chan sive and I think we got it pretty Yung-Jan to win the US Open well.” evin Anderson says women’s doubles title. The champions, who shared don’t count him out The Swiss star, who turns 37 a $675,000 top prize, made Kjust yet even after an later this month, won her 13th only two unforced errors in the impressive two-week run to Grand Slam women’s doubles match while the Czech duo his first Grand Slam final title as she and Chan beat Czechs made 18. ended in failure by losing to Lucie Hradecka and Katerina It was the third Slam doubles Rafael Nadal in the US Open Siniakova 6-3, 6-2. crown of the year for Hingis after final. In Grand Slam events, Hingis Wimbledon and US Open mixed The big-serving 31-year- also has won five singles titles titles and came on the same old South African fell to the and seven mixed doubles Arthur Ashe Stadium court top-ranked Spaniard 6-3, 6-3, crowns, the most recent of those where she won her only US Open 6-4 Sunday at Arthur Ashe coming Saturday alongside Brit- singles crown 20 years ago. Stadium, never managing a ain’s Jamie Murray on the New “It was an amazing feeling to break-point chance in falling York hardcourts. play here in the singles final,” to 0-5 lifetime versus the “Well, I think it sinks in Hingis said. “Coming back 20 16-time Slam winner. maybe little later. Not right now,” Martina Hingis of Switzerland and Chan Yung-Jan of Taiwan hold the championship trophy years later, it has been a won- “I’d love to build on these Hingis said. “But yeah, 25 sounds after defeating Lucie Hradecka and Katerina Siniakova both of Czech Republic after their derful journey.” two weeks,” Anderson said. pretty amazing. I’m definitely Women’s Doubles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean Hingis has also won six WTA “It was very difficult, but I was very proud. King National Tennis Center in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New doubles titles this season before able to find my way all the “What I’ve done in my career York City on Sunday. Sunday’s Slam breakthrough. way into the finals. I’ll work earlier, I’m very proud of that. I “We had definitely our very hard to hopefully give was very young. It has been 20 singles crowns. Asked if she “No thanks. I’m doing just capable of doing, especially at chances. Semifinals at the myself another opportunity. years, been on and off.” might consider a return to sin- fine with the mixed and the dou- the net. Usually I feel like I’m the French. We played really well. I Sad yet bolstered, an Hingis won the 1997 US and gles, Hingis gave a polite but bles. I have a couple of great good net player, but she showed think we overcome really that Anderson who has worked to Australian Open and Wimble- firm rejection to the idea, say- partners I can rely on,” she said. that she’s got some skills, like a hurdle,” she said. be more emotional in don singles titles plus the 1998 ing she relies upon partners too “You can see Latisha (Chan) Ninja Warrior, chip chop, and “We were pumped up to go matches was of two minds and 1999 Australian Open much. was amazing what she was that’s the work.” all the way here.” after finishing. “It’s a bit of both. It’s a tough loss, but it was obvi- ously a great experience,” Anderson said. “A lot of talk about enjoying the experience Nadal hails ‘best season’ and stuff. It was very tough, but definitely a part of that were a few moments that were pretty special. “There were a few lessons and ‘incredible era’ I learned from him. When I reflect back in the next little while, I think a lot of the good New York “I have been winning titles, some players make incredible memories will definitely AFP playing three finals of Grand things in this sport,” said Nadal. surface.” Slams, so that’s a lot. That’s so “It’s difficult to win a lot of Anderson is pushing to afael Nadal described the difficult. The other slam that I titles. We should be very happy. display more emtion in year 2017 as “one of the was not in the final, I lost the Probably even Roger and me and matches, although he’s a long Rbest of his career” on Sun- match 15-13 in the fifth to be in Novak, much more than we ever way from the most flamboy- day after winning a third US the quarterfinals. dreamed.” ant fist-pumpers on tour. Open and 16th Grand Slam. “So was very competitive o hammer home their endur- “Maybe it is a bit more World number one Nadal year for me. And on clay, I won ing appeal and dominance, natural for me now. When I’m defeated South Africa’s world almost every match. Of course Federer and Nadal shared the going out there, it doesn’t feel number 32 Kevin Anderson 6-3, is an emotional season because four Slams in 2017 -- Federer as forced. I’m not thinking 6-3, 6-4 in a brutally one-sided I have been through tough winning the Australian Open about it as much,” Anderson final during which he did not moments in terms of injuries.” before capturing a record eighth said. face a break point. Nadal’s win on Sunday was Wimbledon. “Tennis is very mental Nadal also claimed an the latest chapter in an epic story Despite his success, catching and I have definitely proved unprecedented 10th French of domination by the sport’s the 19 majors of Federer is not to myself it’s something I can Rafael Nadal of Spain (left) holds the US Open trophy after Open in June after finishing run- superstars. particularly high on Nadal’s list rely on. I’ve always been a ner-up to Roger Federer at the From Wimbledon in 2003, of priorities. defeating Kevin Anderson of South Africa in their US Open tough competitor. I’ve always Australian Open. an incredible 53 of 58 Slams have “I really never thought much final at the Billie Jean King Stadium National Tennis Center fought. This is just adding an “In terms of results, this has now been claimed by just five about that. I just do my way. He in New York on Sunday. element, something I will def- been one of the best seasons of men -- Federer (19), Nadal (16), does his way. Let’s see when we initely be continuing with.” my career, of course,” Nadal Novak Djokovic (12) and Andy finish,” he said. tournaments to come and I’m Australian Open, withdraw after Anderson had never admitted of a year in which he Murray and Stan Wawrinka with “I have 16. So three is big dif- excited about this last part of the two rounds of the French with a reached a Slam semi-final won at least two Slams for the three apiece. ference. I really don’t think much season.” wrist problem, skip Wimbledon before this week let alone a fourth time in his career. Only Andy Roddick, Gaston about these kind of things. It’s all a far cry from the end and exit the US Open in the last title match. His best prior Had he gotten the better of Gaudio, Marat Safin, Juan Mar- “Well done for Roger that he of last year when Nadal was 16. However, in 2017, Federer Slam run was to the 2015 US Gilles Muller at Wimbledon, tin del Potro and Marin Cilic have is having an amazing season, too, ranked at nine in the world and and Nadal have won five titles Open quarter-finals. where he lost the final set of his broken the spell. and well done for me because Federer was 16. apiece and on Monday they will Anderson was the oldest fourth-round clash 15-13, the “We are are in an era that is I’m having a great season, too. It was also a 2016 season that be back at number one and two first-time Slam finalist since year might have been even more not nice to say, because I’m part “Tennis is not all about the saw the injury-hobbled Nadal in the world for the first time 33-year-old Yugoslavian Niki memorable. of it, but we are in an era that Grand Slams, so there are lose in the first round at the since 2011. Pilic at the 1973 French Open. Doha Desert clinch PIBAQ Rising Division Championship

The Peninsula gave them a 21-point lead with as the Finals MVP with 14 points 3 minutes remaining in the 3rd. while Cesar Abao was awarded oha Desert defeated Kids Doha Desert kept their compo- the Best Coach of the Season. Come Along (KCA) 63-61 sure and tightened their defense The members of the Mythi- Dto win the PIBAQ Rising further, forcing Kids Come Along cal 5 for the Rising Division are Division Championship. to commit consecutive turno- Red Bundallan of Harinsa, Der- It was a match of the top vers to reduce the deficit to just rick Manalo of Ball is Life, Erivan seeds from both brackets with 9 as they enter the last quarter. Tan of Kids Come Along, Darius Doha Desert sporting an Doha Desert continued their Baguio and Junie Boy Cornello unbeaten 9-0 record. fine play and squeezed the life of Doha Desert. Kids Come Along for its part out of KCA, taking the lead with The MVP of the Season was had to escape a late game rally six minutes remaining in the Junie Boy Cornello while by Harinsa in their semi-final game by capping a 23-2 run with Maximo Bingat was chosen as match to reach the finals. a trey by Gyrlou Paulin. the Most Defensive Player. Doha Desert didn’t wait long to From then on, the game had PIBAQ’s Ambassador Cup pressure Kids Come Along with 5 lead changes with KCA taking 2017 is organised in cooperation their full court trap. The guns of KCA a 1-point advantage. With only with Qatar Basketball Federa- went cold as Doha Desert was quick 7 second left and coming off a tion, Philippine Embassy in Doha to close out on their shooters and timeout, Doha Desert executed and Samahang Basketbol ng Pil- limiting the former to their lowest a perfect pick and roll play ipines Inc. And sponsored by halftime points of 30 but still man- which ended with a basket plus AliCafe, Diana Jewellery, Happy aged to lead by two. a foul for Darius Baguio wherein Journey Travels, McDonald’s In the 3rd quarter, Kids he made the bonus basket to Qatar, Philippine Airlines, Sea- Doha Desert, winners of the PIBAQ Rising Division Championship pose for a picture with officials Come Along’s Rheden Pelopero escape with a 63-61 win. son Restaurant and Travelex orchestrated a 17-0 run which Darius Baguio was chosen Exchange. during the awards ceremony. 26 SPORT TUESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 World XI arrives in Pakistan for T20s

Pakistan braces for a Pakistani captain revival Sarfraz Ahmad (right) and International World Pakistan tour ‘more The World XI, led by XI captain South African skipper hold the Independence Faf du Plessis will play Cup trophy during a than cricket’ for Faf three Twenty20 press conference at the internationals from Gaddafi Cricket Stadium today in Lahore in Lahore, yesterday. and Flower Both the hotel and Lahore here to play their part in the stadium will be AFP safe and steady return of cordoned off with international cricket in Paki- 9,000 police and he World XI’s tour of stan, so that the enthusiastic paramilitary staff militancy-racked Paki- and diehard fans and follow- deployed during the Tstan is more than just a ers of Pakistan cricket can next five days game, captain Faf du Plessis once again start watching and coach Andy Flower said- their stars in their own yesterday, amid high hopes backyard.” Lahore it will revive international Officials have said there AFP cricket in the country. will be “foolproof” security South Africa’s du Plessis for the three-match World XI squad com- told reporters in Lahore it Twenty20 series starting prising 13 players was a “huge honour” to be Tuesday in Lahore. from seven top playing the highest-profile Du Plessis said he was cricket-playing event in cricket-mad Paki- confident in the security nations landed in stan since a militant attack arrangements. LahoreA early yesterday amid Pakistan has not hosted top- Zimbabwe in 2015 -- since the “foolproof security for the World on the Sri Lankan team bus “You do think about that massive security, with Pakistan level international cricket Sri Lankan team bus was XI with a big contingent of secu- in 2009. sort of thing, but as soon as hoping the tour will end years of -- barring five limited over attacked by terrorists in March rity officials deployed”. Pakistan has not hosted we spoke to the people who international isolation. matches against minnows 2009. Parts of the city near the sta- top-level international were in control of the secu- The World XI, which will dium will be cordoned off, with cricket -- barring five lim- rity... as a player all you want International World XI cricketers Hashim play three Twenty20 interna- shops and restaurants around ited-over matches against was that peace of mind and Amla (left) and take part in a tionals from today, arrived the venue to be shut for the minnows Zimbabwe in 2015 they gave it to us.” practice session at the Gaddafi Cricket around 2:00am Pakistan time duration of the series while -- since that attack, which Once the players boarded Stadium in Lahore yesterday. (2100 GMT) with air surveillance spectators will have to pass killed eight people and the plane, he said, their fears and dozens of police vans in through multiple security check- injured seven players and vanished as they began to attendance as the team was points. Since the 2009 attack staff. look forward to taking part whisked to their hotel. Pakistan have been forced to “It’s not every day you get in what he described as a Both the hotel and stadium play most of their “home” games an opportunity to play in “huge turnaround in world will be cordoned off with 9,000 in the United Arab Emirates -- something that is much more cricket”. police and paramilitary staff with the Pakistan Cricket Board than just about yourself and Pakistan Cricket Board deployed during the next five complaining they have incurred your own team or your own (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi days. losses of around $120m. country,” du Plessis said. said the World XI’s arrival The World XI is led by South But security has dramatically World XI coach Andy was a great day for Pakistan, African skipper Faf du Plessis improved across Pakistan in the Flower, who toured Pakistan though he admitted there and coached by former Zimba- last two years, signalling hopes in 1993, 1996 and 1998 with was still a long way to go. bwe batsman and ex-England for the slow revival of interna- Zimbabwe, said he and his International Cricket coach Andy Flower. tional sport in the country. team were “privileged” to be Council head Giles Clarke A fourteenth player, Samuel In March, Pakistan success- there. said it was “still a long road Badree of the West Indies, fully hosted the Pakistan Super “We, as the World XI, and a lot of work”. arrived later yesterday. League Twenty20 final in Lahore would also like to offer our But he said events such Earlier on Sunday Malik with English players Dawid sympathy and condolences as the final of the popular Mohammad Khan, a spokesper- Malan and Chris Jordan, West to all those who have lost Pakistan Super League in son for the government of Indies’ Darren Sammy and Mar- their loved ones in terrorist Lahore earlier this year had Punjab province, of which lon Samuels and South Africa’s acts in Pakistan,” he said. made the World XI tour Lahore is the capital, said Morne van Wyk and Zimbabwe’s “These cricketers are possible. authorities were providing Sean Ervine competing. Fresh Hope for West Smith sees no spin threat Indies after England for Australia in India series Test series defeat Melbourne Reuters London centuries -- only to suffer a AFP nine- defeat, again inside Shakib asks he Australian one-day side three days, at Lord’s. are better equipped to iven West Indies’ decline Before the first Test, Hope T handle spin in the forth- as a Test force has been averaged a modest 19.57 and for break from coming five-match series in G20 years in the making, had scored just 372 runs in 10 India, captain Steve Smith has it may be unwise to say that previous Tests. Test cricket said. Saturday’s 2-1 series loss in Kraigg Brathwaite, only a Earlier this year, spinners England means they have year older at 24 than Hope, Dhaka Ravichandran Ashwin and “turned a corner”. came within five runs of twin AFP Ravindra Jadeja shared 46 wick- “I’ve heard it so many times Headingley hundreds and the ets between them to bowl India and it’s always the same old pair’s partnerships in Leeds angladesh’s Shakib Al to a 2-1 series victory against story,” said fast bowling great suggested they could be the Hasan (pictured Australia, who also tasted their Michael Holding, a key mem- cornerstones of the top order. Babove), the world’s maiden test defeat against a ber of West Indies’ “Obviously Shai was out- leading all-rounder, has spin-heavy Bangladesh last all-conquering teams of the mid standing in this entire series requested a six-month break month. 1970s and early 1980s. and we must not forget Kraigg’s from Test cricket ahead of the India have rested Ashwin Captain Steve Smith (right) feels Australian one-day side are “Have we turned the cor- contribution as well, he really upcoming tour of South and Jadeja for the first three ner? We’ve turned about 40 did a hell of a job, especially at Africa, the country’s board ODIs and Smith believes the better equipped to handle spin in the forthcoming five-match corners since the year 2000,” Headingley, captain Jason said yesterday. in the shorter format series in India. added Holding, now a televi- Holder said after series loss. “Shakib has handed a let- will not be as helpful to the sion commentator. “I think we’ve shown ter to the board, seeking a slower bowlers. be played in ‘good spirit’. “It’s IPL. So, we know what to expect West Indies arrived in Eng- improvement. We’ve definitely break from Test cricket,” “I think the one-day group always a hard-fought contest from Zampa. land without the likes of Chris shown that, especially in our Bangladesh Cricket Board has played spin pretty well for playing against India and we’re “And if he gets his opportu- Gayle and Marlon Samuels who, bowling.” spokesman Jalal Yunus said. a while. Obviously we are still excited by the challenge of play- nity, hopefully he can have some as a result of a thaw in a bitter “He said he will be avail- learning in the test format,” ing over here,” the 28-year-old success on this tour.” dispute between Caribbean able for other formats during Smith said after his arrival in said. Kohli’s men have been on a cricket chiefs and senior play- this period but he needed this Chennai, which will host the first “Looking back to the last roll in tests and are just back ers, will be featuring in the break from Test cricket to ODI on Sunday. one-day tour of India, I wasn’t after subjecting Sri Lanka to a upcoming one-day leg of the refresh his body. “We have come from a chal- on it in 2013, but it was a big tour whitewash by winning all tour. “We haven’t yet made any lenging tour from Bangladesh. run-fest from memory with nine matches there. They duly lost the series decision regarding his The guys are learning and try- pretty flat wickets and big totals. “We have been following the opener, the inaugural day/night request. BCB president (Naz- ing to improve. So, hopefully “We’ll see what we’re pre- India-Lanka series in bits and Test in Britain, by an innings mul Hasan) will make the they can continue to do so. sented with but it could be the pieces,” he said. and 209 runs inside three days final decision.” “(I am) not sure the one-day same again.” “They are playing some at Edgbaston. If the BCB accepts Shak- wickets will present quite as Smith was hopeful leg-spin- really good cricket. It’s a good Yet within days they had ib’s request, he will also miss much spin (as) perhaps some of ner Adam Zampa will have a big challenge for us. bounced back to win the sec- the two-Test series against Sri the test wickets. But we have to impact on the series with his “It’ s always tough playing ond Test at Headingley by five Lanka at home in wait and see and adapt to the knowledge of the Indian condi- India in India. They are very wickets -- their first Test match December-January. conditions accordingly.” tions having played in the Indian good ODI side. Just seeing the victory in England since 2000. Shakib starred in Bangla- Sparks often fly whenever Premier League Twenty20 side they have announced, it Shai Hope (pictured) led desh’s maiden Test win over they clashed against India but tournament. looks like a strong side. We are the way in Leeds by scoring two Australia last month, claiming the Australia skipper was con- “He has got some experience excited by the challenge of the hundreds -- his first Test 10 wickets and scoring 84 runs. fident the upcoming series will playing in these conditions in series.” TUESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 SPORT 27

Van der Mark EPL: Palace sack coach De Boer replaces Rossi London Dismal start the second round of the League for Aragon AFP Cup last month. Dutch manager De Boer said after the London rystal Palace yesterday sacked after a dismal Burnley defeat at Turf Moor on Reuters sacked manager Frank de start to the season Sunday: “I am just focusing on CBoer after a dismal start that has seen them what I can control and so are my utch superbike rider to the Premier League season lose all four of their staff and my players. (The Michael van der Mark that has seen them lose all four matches without future) is for other people to Dwill replace injured of their matches without scor- decide but while I’m the man- Italian great Valentino Rossi scoring a single goal. ing a single goal. ager of Crystal Palace I will give for the Aragon round of the The south London club, lan- 100 percent.” MotoGP world championship guishing in 19th place in the want to thank the players, staff The Eagles are the first team in Spain on September 24, league, have been strongly and the fans for their support. to lose their first four top-flight Yamaha said yesterday. linked with a move to appoint Good luck for the future,” he matches without scoring a goal Rossi broke his leg in a former England boss Roy Hodg- said. since Preston in the 1924-25 training accident on an off- son to replace the departing Palace chairman Steve Par- season. road bike at the end of August Dutch manager. ish on Sunday took to Twitter to De Boer had been at Selhurst and missed the San Marino “Crystal Palace Football rally fans around the team, Park for only 77 days after suc- Grand Prix at Misano in east- Club have this morning parted without giving unequivocal ceeding Sam Allardyce, and ern Italy at the weekend. company with Frank de Boer,” backing to the former Ajax and while that remains longer than Yamaha did not replace said a brief statement on the Inter Milan boss. the shortest term for any Pre- the 38-year-old nine times club’s website. In an exchange with sup- mier League manager -- Les world champion for that race. “We would like to thank porters on social media Reed’s 40 days at Charlton -- he “Rossi is making good Frank for his dedication and following Sunday’s 1-0 defeat oversaw two fewer games. progress with his rehabilita- hard work during his time at the at Burnley, Parish wrote: “Peo- The sacking caps a misera- tion process. However, it is club. ple are frustrated, I’m frustrated, ble spell for the Dutchman, who expected that he will not be “A new manager will be so are the management and lasted just 85 days as coach of able to compete again before appointed in due course and we players. We know we are better Italian club Inter despite his pos- the Grand Prix of Japan at the wish Frank the very best of luck than this...” itive track record with Ajax, Twin Ring Motegi, held from for the future.” Parish also wrote: “We are where he won four successive October 13-15,” Yamaha said De Boer, 47, whose four 4 games in, it’s a terrible start Eredivisie titles. in a statement. games in charge are the fewest but we have to stick together.” Hodgson, the bookmakers’ Van der Mark, 24, will ever for a Premier League man- Palace have so far conceded favourite to take the hotseat at have Rossi’s usual pit crew ager, said in a brief post on his seven goals in defeats to Hud- Palace, has not worked in man- working with him at the 14th Instagram account that he dersfield, Liverpool, Swansea agement since resigning as round of the season at the Crystal Palace’s Dutch manager Frank de Boer applauding the regretted the decision. and Burnley. England manager after their Motorland Aragon circuit. “Very disappointed about Their only win this season elimination by Iceland at Euro fans at full-time of the English Premier League match against The Dutch rider will be the decision but never the less I came against Ipswich Town in 2016. Burnley at Turf Moor in Burnley, northwest England, on Sunday. making his debut in the pre- mier class and has never ridden a MotoGP bike before. He previously competed in Evergrande seven 125cc (now Moto3) Coach Adam says Markhiya ready races in 2010 and the 2011 chase AFC Dutch Moto2 round. He is also a three times Champions winner of the Suzuka eight hours endurance race and has League miracle for QNB Stars League challenge raced at the Spanish circuit seven times previously with Shanghai World Superbikes and other AFP The Peninsula Markhiya football” Al Mawas said. support series. coach Yusef Al Mawas was crucial to Yamaha’s managing uiz Felipe Scolari’s arkhiya coach Yusef Adam Umm Salal last season, and the director Lin Jarvis said the Guangzhou Evergrande Adam is confident that tricky attacker admitted that the team was obliged to enter two Lmust perform an AFC Mhis newly promoted side side is fully prepared for the new bikes for the race and had Champions League miracle is capable of beating the drop in campaign. decided to seek a replace- today if they are to overhaul the QNB Stars League. “Our training camp was suc- ment within the company’s a 4-0 deficit in their quarter- The vastly experienced cessful and we had many good own pool of contracted final home clash with Qatari tactician said it will be friendly matches, I hope we can riders. Shanghai SIPG. ‘challenge’ to stay put in the top now step up when it comes to “It is never easy to step in Evergrande are streaking tier division after gaining pro- the league games.” to replace another rider and away from their domestic motion from second division. “We have to start the season even more difficult to replace rivals in the Chinese Super “It’s going to be a challenge well and the first few games of Valentino Rossi, but we League (CSL) but were for us this season to survive, the season will set the tempo for believe that Michael has all embarrassed in Shanghai especially with the league being us. This is how it worked out last the credentials and experi- three weeks ago when Andre reduced to twelve sides. How- season, so we must do well ence to do a good job,” he Villas-Boas’s side was ram- ever we are ready and I believe against Al Kharaitiyat” noted the added. pant in the first leg. we will be competitive this sea- the QNB Stars League.” Whilst be a challenge, but a challenge Syrian international. Hulk scored from the spot son” Adam said in an interview the Qatari coach also revealed that both me and the players are Al Mawas revealed that he and was a menace through- with QSL online. his side is primed for their match up to taking part in.” has a personal target with the out as the bustling Brazilian Adam has managed a host against Al Sadd on Saturday Meanwhile, Umm Salal club next season. Froome says striker made it seven goals in of sides in the league, and evening at Al Arabi stadium. attacker Mahmoud Al-Mawas is “I will be playing in the Asia’s premier club competi- stressed that he is fully aware of “Our preparations went well confident that his side can repeat number ten role, but I am aim- Grand Tour tion this season. what the players have to do to in Bulgaria, and our friendly their form that saw them finish ing to add more goals to my Wu Lei also hit a quick- beat the drop. matches in Doha have also gone an impressive fifth place in the game. I hope to be one of the top treble ‘not fire brace against a “The players know that they well. We will do our best to give league standings last season. goalscorer’s in the league this Guangzhou side that Scolari have to step up, this is not like a strong performance against Al “I think that our minimum season.” impossible’ admitted afterwards had the second division. Thankfully Sadd.” goal is to match our finish last Umm Salal will play Al badly missed key midfielder the club has moved quickly, and Adam admitted that it will season at Umm Salal, and then Kharaitiyat in their opening Paulinho, who swapped we have brought the right play- be a challenging season ahead look to finish higher. It’s a big game of the QNB Stars League. London China for Barcelona last ers to make sure we play well in for the promoted side. “It will ask, but nothing is impossible in AFP month for 40 million euros ($48 million). hris Froome -- fresh Muriqui, the Evergrande from wrapping up a forward who recently CTour de France and returned to the club where he Moroccan duo eyes strong Vuelta a Espana double -- was a Champions League believes winning all three winner in 2013, said they Grand Tours in the same need to believe they can pull year would “take some off the improbable. start for Al Kharaitiyat doing” but “nothing is “It will be hard to turn this impossible”. match around, but it is not Froome, 32, completed impossible,” the 31-year-old The Peninsula Kharaitiyat ahead of the big our best to start the league well.” victory in the Vuelta on Sun- Brazilian was quoted as say- kick-off. Meanwhile, Al Rayyan sum- day to become only the third ing by the Asian Football l Kharaitiyat’s Moroccan “We enjoyed a strong pre- mer signing Mouhcine Moutouali man to achieve a Tour-Vuelta Confederation (AFC) attackers Anouar Diba season in Turkey, the group put (pictured) has revealed his double in the same year and website. Aand Rachid Tiberkanine in some good performances and excitement in joining the Lions the first since Bernard Hina- “Coach Scolari asked us are hoping for a strong start came together as a team. The ahead of the kick-off of the QNB concentrate on doing my best ult in 1978. to focus right from kick-off when they take on Umm Salal club management have also Stars League on Friday evening. and helping the team to the best No rider has ever pulled until the final whistle and on Friday in the opening match done everything they can to help The former Al Wakrah possible start in the league.” off a Giro-Tour-Vuelta treble avoid repeating our first-leg of QNB Stars League. the side do their very best.” player expressed his joy at sign- “I have great ambitions of and while Froome feels it is mistakes. If we do so, we still Both the players were influ- “We believe in our abilities ing on with the Lions. winning titles with Al Rayyan unlikely, he does not believe have a chance.” ential in helping the Thunders and feel that we can surprise “I have joined the biggest and I believe that this season, we it is unachievable. Shanghai trail reigning beat the drop last year. some teams this season. If we side in Qatar, with some of the certainly have a good chance of “I wouldn’t say it’s impos- champions Guangzhou by Last season’s top scorer at start strongly we have a chance best players and most passion- competing on many fronts. The sible,” the British rider, a eight points in the CSL, but the club Tiberkanine revealed to do well in the league” added ate fans. I am really excited to club has strengthened the squad four-time Tour de France Villas-Boas appears to have that stability is key for his team Tiberkanine. give my all for my new side.” well, and that will be important champion, told BBC Radio worked out a way to get the int he new season. Diba added that he was Moutouali is set to wear the for the challenges in the season” Four yesterday. better of the seasoned Scolari “Our goal is to build on the looking forward to taking on number 11 shirt for his new side, added the Moroccan “Nothing’s impossible, but in cup competitions. strong finish that we had last Umm Salal and beginning the was also quick to thank his playmaker. certainly it would take some Shanghai lead Ever- year. The squad has not changed new QNB Stars League season. former side Al Wakrah to ena- “The competition in the doing.” grande 2-1 from the too much this season, but we “Umm Salal will be a real test ble the transfer. league will be fierce, especially He was more circumspect semi-final first leg in the Chi- have added good players to the for us, they have proven them- “I would like to thank the with the competition being cut about his chances of surpass- nese cup, with the return in side.” selves as one of the toughest administrations of both clubs for down to twelve teams. However ing Belgian great Eddy southern China later this Diba added that prepara- sides in recent years. However making this happen. It has been Al Rayyan is more than capable Merckx’s record of 11 Grand month. tions had gone well for we are fully ready and will give a busy few days, and now I must of doing our best.” Tour victories.