GULF TIMES Style for Real, Spurs End Wembley Jinx SPORT Page 2 QOC PRESIDENT HONOURS QATARI ATHLETES

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Friday, September 15, 2017 FOOTBALL Dhul-Hijja 24, 1438 AH Ronaldo back in GULF TIMES style for Real, Spurs end Wembley jinx SPORT Page 2 QOC PRESIDENT HONOURS QATARI ATHLETES

QNA Doha

E the Qatar Olym- pic Committee (QOC) President Sheikh Joaan Hbin Hamad al-Thani yesterday honoured Qatari athletes who won medals on the world stage during the 2016/2017 season. Mutaz Essa Barshim, who won the high jump gold at the IAAF World Championships in Lon- don and dominated the Diamond League meetings, Abdulelah Ha- roun, winner of the bronze medal in the 400m race in London, Ab- dulrahman Samba, winner of the 400m hurdles at the Doha Dia- mond League and javelin thrower Ahmed Bedeir who ﬁ nished second in the Asian Championship and ﬁ rst at the Islamic Solidar- ity Games in Baku were among the honorees. During the ceremony, HE Sheikh Joaan extended his thanks and ap- preciation to the members of the Qatar athletics team and expressed his pride at the country’s achieve- ments at the IAAF World Champi- onships. He urged them to continue their eff orts to excel at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and live up to the expectations of the Qatari sports community. Barshim’s coach Stainslaws Szczyrba was also feted on the oc- casion. Offi cials of the Qatar Ath- letics Federation including board member Khalid al-Marri, General Secretary Mohamed al-Fadala and HE the QOC President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, world champion high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim, former Asian sprint champion Talal Mansour, javelin thrower Ahmed Bedeir, world 400m former Qatari athlete Talal Man- bronze medallist Abdulelah Haroun, hurdler Abdulrahman Samba and Qatar Athletics Federation board member Khalid al-Marri cut a cake at a ceremony yesterday to mark Qatar’s recent success on sour also attended the ceremony. the international stage. HE Sheikh Joaan congratulated the athletes on their performances and encouraged them to continue to excel and bring glory for Qatar.

BOTTOMLINE Laudrup’s Rayyan hoping for a winning start

By Sports Reporter They gave us plenty of trouble last to fi gure out who will actually go on Doha season and we will have to be pa- to win the league. tient against them,” the Denmark, Al Khor boss Laurent Banide was Al Rayyan coach Barcelona and Real Madrid legend all praise for his opponents ahead of Michael Laudrup ichael Laudrup’s Al told reporters at a press conference his team’s fi rst game. Rayyan are hoping for yesterday. “Al Rayyan are one of the best a winning start when Laudrup added the new summer sides in Qatar and this will be a real Mthey take on al Khor signings will have to adapt to the Al test of our training so far. Presea- in their opening QNB Stars League Rayyan style of play. son went well overall with all of the match tomorrow. “We have had many new players players doing well. Now we have The 2015-16 champions were de- join us in preseason. It is important to put this into practise against Al throned by Lekhwiya last season that they all acclimatise to our style Rayyan,” said Banide. after suff ering some unexpected re- and get settled in order to do their “I am lucky to have inherited a verses midway through the tourna- best for the side,” said the Dane. good squad at Al Khor and we have ment. “This is a gradual process but I strengthened further with a mix- And although they managed to feel our team is ready for the match ture of local and professional play- fi nish in third place, their inconsist- against Al Khor,” added Laudrup. ers. However our season will not be ency meant they were a whopping 12 With Duhail and Al Sadd too decided on this result on Saturday,” points behind champions Lekhwiya adding new players, Laudrup feels added Banide when asked about his (63), with Al Sadd second on 61. things will be only tougher this sea- squad heading into their fi rst game The Lions suff ered fi ve defeats son for Al Rayyan. of the season. last season which allowed Lekhwiya “Al Rayyan are not the only side Banide ended the press confer- and Al Sadd go way clear at the top, who is fi ghting for the title. Al Sadd ence stressing that he needs time thus reducing the tournament to a and Al Duhail have further added to to see how is squad will do in the two-horse race in the end. their squads this season. They will league this season. One of those defeats came at the also be in the title fi ght, while Al “We will need at least four or fi ve hands of Al Khor, and understand- Gharafa, too, have some good play- games to see our level and make an ably Laudrup was wary of them. ers. assessment on how the club is going “Al Khor are tough opponents. “We need to play a few games fi rst moving forward.” Gulf Times 2 Friday, September 15, 2017 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE/ROUND-UP QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Sadd’s confi dence high as they take on Ronaldo back in new boys Markhiya style, Spurs end Wembley jinx Ronaldo has now struck 12 times in his last six Champions League games

Al Sadd star Baghdad Bounedjah with the Sheikh Jassim Cup which they won last week beating Al Duhail 4-1. Bouedjah scored a hat-trick in the match.

By Sports Reporter to get the better of them on Sat- Doha urday,” noted Dalmada. Despite this Sheikh Jassim Cup success, Dalmada stressed resh from their Sheikh that the side are not getting Jassim Cup success, Al ahead of themselves. “Winning Sadd will not be short last weekend is now behind us. on confi dence when they Now we have to focus on this beginF their quest for their 14th match. At the end of the day league title with a match against we now have to look to win this newly-promoted Al Markhiya match. This is our aim. tomorrow. “We have a number of play- Baghdad Bounedjah’s scintil- ers who are injury doubts for the lating hat-trick last week helped match, due to fatigue. We will be The Wolves thrash Duhail 4-1 making a decision in regards to to grab early season bragging the squad after training,” added rights, but the eight-month Dalmada. long league will be a totally dif- Al Markhiya’s Qatari coach Yu- ferent ball game and test them to suf Adam began his interaction the fullest. with the media by praising the With Lekhwiya dominating team management for hiring him. the local scene over the past few “I want to express my thanks seasons, it is Al Sadd who have to the club administration for had to pay a heavy price. their confi dence in my abilities Although they are the most and I hope that we can show our successful club side in Qatar potential over the course of the Real Madrid’s forward from Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo (C) scores past APOEL Nicosia’s goalkeeper from the Netherlands Boy Waterman during their UEFA Champions with numerous titles, includ- season to them,” said Adam. League match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on Wednesday. ing the AFC Champions league “Al Sadd are one of the big- crown in 2011, they have not gest sides in Qatar and will be AFP Results with Burnley this season, sparking the English club welcomed back Cham- won the league since 2013, fi ghting for the title this season. Paris alarmist talk that they were jinxed at pions League football after a two-year something that bothers their However that said, my side are the hallowed north London venue. absence, but it took Sevilla just four fans no end. fully prepared for this campaign Group E But, after losing eight of their pre- minutes to dampen the enthusiasm. Logic dictates that they will and everyone is ready to do their ristiano Ronaldo grabbed a Maribor (SLO) 1 (Bohar 85) Spartak vious 12 matches at Wembley, Kane’s After Wissam Ben Yedder had given have it easy over Markhiya, but best for the club. brace on his return from sus- Moscow (RUS) 1 (Samedov 59) predatory finishing ensured Tottenham the Spanish side an early lead, goals the top-fl ight newbies too are Markhiya striker Ali Mejbel pension for Real Madrid, as Liverpool (ENG) 2 (Firmino 21, Salah 37) finally enjoyed a night to remember in from Firmino and Mohamed Salah put also eager to cause a few shocks insisted that his side were not Tottenham Hotspur ended Sevilla (ESP) 2 (Ben Yedder 5, Correa 72) their temporary lodgings. Liverpool ahead, only for Firmino to as the tournament progresses. fazed by Al Sadd. Ctheir Wembley jinx and Liverpool were Group F Son Heung-Min’s first goal of the miss a penalty. “Markhiya will be a tough “Many people will be predict- held on their Champions League come- Feyenoord (NED) 0 Manchester City season put Tottenham ahead early on On the hour, Sevilla manager Edu- match for us, they come into the ing an Al Sadd win on Saturday. back on Wednesday. (ENG) 4 (Stones 2, 63, Aguero 10, Jesus with Andriy Yarmolenko conjuring a ardo Berizzo was dismissed for throw- league on the back of an unde- However the squad is not going Real have sorely missed their Por- 25) sublime equaliser. ing the ball away from Liverpool’s Joe feated campaign in the second into the game second best. We tuguese superstar as he serves a five- Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) 2 (Taison 15, Kane, who scored twice in Saturday’s Gomez as he tried to take a throw-in, division, Al Sadd assistant coach have shown a good team spirit in match domestic ban for pushing a ref- Ferreyra 58) Napoli (ITA) 1 (Milik 72-pen) win at Everton, restored Tottenham’s but his disappointment was eased, Nuno Dalmada said yesterday. preseason and I believe we will eree. Group G advantage before the interval and thanks to Correa, on 72 minutes. “They will have plenty of be fi ghting for the points against But he wasted no time in making his RB Leipzig (GER) 1 (Forsberg 33) Mo- wrapped up the victory with his second “Of course I’m not happy with the confi dence and it will be our job Al Sadd.” towering presence felt against APOEL naco (FRA) 1 (Tielemans 34) goal after half-time. result but I’m happy with a big part of Nicosia, scoring after just 12 minutes Porto (POR) 1 (Tosic 21-og) Besiktas The only blemish for Spurs was a late the game,” said Liverpool boss Jurgen from Gareth Bale’s low cross, and then (TUR) 3 (Talisca 13, Tosun 28, Babel 86) sending off for a second bookable of- Klopp. SPOTLIGHT doubling his tally from the penalty spot Group H fence for Jan Vertonghen, who swung “A lot of times when good teams play before Sergio Ramos’s overhead kick Real Madrid (ESP) 3 (Ronaldo 12, 51-pen, his forearm into Mario Gotze’s face. each other, the games are kind of bor- rounded off the cosy 3-0 win. Ramos 61) APOEL (CYP) 0 “It was so important to win, we are ing, but this game was the opposite. Ronaldo has now struck 12 times in Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) 3 (Son 4, so happy. We increased our level in the And that was due to the desire, the pas- Ronaldo could have his last six Champions League games. Kane 15, 60) Borussia Dortmund (GER) 1 second half and were very clinical,” sion, the greed of my team.” “He is the best in the world. We know (Yarmolenko 11) Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said. Liverpool and Sevilla were joined on he will always score goals,” said Madrid “It is more than three points. The one point in Group E by Spartak Mos- scored four against boss Zinedine Zidane. team is more mature now. Harry Kane cow and Maribor, who drew 1-1 in Slov- “Hopefully he stays in form. You Kane-inspired 3-1 win over Borussia was fantastic.” enia. can’t question the levels he reaches Dortmund. At Anfield, Roberto Firmino’s first- Manchester City ran out the biggest APOEL — Zidane every year,” added Ramos. Already scarred by damaging Wem- half penalty miss proved costly for winners of the night with a 4-0 rout The titleholders top Group H with bley defeats in the Champions League Liverpool as Joaquin Correa scored a of Feyenoord in Rotterdam courtesy of Reuters league games against Deportivo Tottenham, who ended their woeful and FA Cup semi-finals last term, Tot- dramatic equaliser to grab Sevilla a 2-2 goals from Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus Madrid La Coruna, Valencia and Levante Wembley run with an impressive Harry tenham had lost to Chelsea and drawn draw. Anfield was in jubilant mood as and John Stones’ double. as well as this Sunday’s trip to Real Sociedad. eal Madrid coach Zin- “He’s a vital player for us and BOTTOMLINE edine Zidane warned I hope he stays on this run even defences around Eu- though we won’t have him on rope that Cristiano Ro- Sunday. I hope that’s the last naldoR is only just getting started game this season where he won’t Pochettino says Spurs win over Dortmund ‘massive’ when the Portuguese returned to be able to play for us.” action after a month by scoring Real badly missed Ronaldo Reuters fuelled the belief that the na- their fi nal season at White Hart was the most important thing. twice in a 3-0 win over APOEL in the draws against Valencia London tional stadium, where Tottenham Lane, dropping just four points I hope people now stop talking Nicosia on Wednesday. and Levante, with Bale looking had won only two in 12 before and generally dominating oppo- about the (Wembley) curse.” Ronaldo coolly rolled Gareth unsuited to the centre forward Wednesday, was a jinx. nents with high-tempo football. Dortmund had not conceded a Bale’s cross into the far corner role and Karim Benzema being t was not the kind of domi- When Dortmund’s Andriy Yar- The question was whether goal this season before Wednes- to score in the 12th minute and forced off injured early in the nant home display Totten- molenko curled home a stunner they could emulate that on a big- day but despite their loss manager could have scored on three fur- latter game, leaving the inex- ham Hotspur fans came to to cancel out Son Heung-min’s ger Wembley pitch, without their Peter Bosz, who led Ajax Amster- ther occasions before he dou- perienced Borja Mayoral as the Iexpect last season but the 3-1 strike in a frenzied opening to the renowned ‘home’ atmosphere, dam to the Europa League fi nal bled Real’s lead from the penalty team’s only fi t natural striker at win over Borussia Dortmund in Group H match, Spurs feared the especially against quality opposi- last year, praised his team. spot in the second half, while he the time. their Champions League opener worst. But Kane lashed home his tion. This season’s rather unlucky “We played very well in the was later denied a hat-trick by “We have defi nitely lacked on Wednesday was “massive” fi rst goal in the 15th minute and 2-1 defeat by Chelsea increased fi rst half and played some good an off side fl ag. some sharpness up front recent- according to manager Mauricio coolly made it 3-1 on the hour to those concerns but Pochet- football but we left some spaces “If he had been in better shape ly but we can’t always win every Pochettino. give Tottenham breathing space. tino said the way his side dug in behind the back four,” he said af- he’d have scored four goals,” Zi- game by loads of goals as foot- His side managed only 37% “It was massive to get off to a against Dortmund proved they ter seeing Dortmund’s 12-match dane told reporters. ball is becoming more equal and possession against the Bundes- winning start,” Pochettino, who could fi nd other ways to win. unbeaten run end. “He is the best in the world, every opponent is strong,” added liga leaders who showed why failure to win either of their open- led Tottenham to second place in “It was tough in the fi rst half “It was diffi cult for Spurs to get he is always there when we want Sergio Ramos, who scored Real’s they were good enough to reach ing two Premier League games at the Premier League last season, and they dominated the game,” the pressure on but unfortunately him, he always scores goals. We third goal with an overhead kick. the quarter-fi nals last year, but the stadium which is their tempo- told reporters. “It means more he said. “But we were clinical. It we didn’t see that in the result.” know what Cristiano off ers.” “But we all know that Cris- thanks to two fi ne goals by striker rary home while their new ground than three points today. was an important win, especially Dortmund and Tottenham are Ronaldo was hit with a fi ve- tiano always has goals in him and Harry Kane Spurs sent the faithful is built. “To get three points against when you don’t dominate the likely to be battling for runners- game domestic ban for pushing is fundamental to us. His quality home happy. Defeats by Monaco and Bayer a fantastic team like Dortmund opposition but show diff erent up spot behind champions Real a referee in the Spanish Super is unquestionable and whenever More signifi cantly perhaps was Leverkusen at Wembley last year, who have unbelievable players strengths. Madrid who beat Apoel Nico- Cup fi rst leg against Barcelo- he is around Madrid are always the fact that it got the Wembley when they played their Cham- was massive for our confi dence.” “The performance was good sia 3-0 on Wednesday to top the na on Aug. 13, preventing him going to benefi t from his pres- monkey off their back after their pions League home games there, Tottenham were unbeaten in but it was a day when the result group. from playing the second leg and ence.” Gulf Times Friday, September 15, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Almost $5 billion spent in transfer Everton humbled window, says FIFA AFP ros. Paris Largely down to PSG, France saw the biggest increase in international transfer spending, he close-season trans- with its clubs spending $604.1 in Europa League, fer window saw $4.71 million, an increase of 250 per- billion (3.96 billion eu- cent on last summer. ros) spent worldwide, Five-time European cham- Tover three quarters of which pions Bayern Munich and Bar- were from the top ﬁ ve Euro- celona also broke their club pean leagues, FIFA announced records for Corentin Tolisso yesterday. and Ousmane Dembele re- Paris Saint-Germain’s world- spectively. AC Milan win big record signing of Neymar from FIFA’s report found that Barcelona for 222 million euros clubs in Europe’s top ﬁ ve Atalanta — back in Europe after a 26-year absence — were forced to ($264 million) dominated the leagues spent $3.67 billion, a headlines, but many of Europe’s new transfer-window record. entertain their English visitors in Reggio Emilia, a two-hour drive from their base in other big clubs also broke their “Once again, clubs from the own transfer records. Big 5 (England, Spain, France, Bergamo, because their own stadium does not have a licence for European games “Between June 1 and Sep- Germany and Italy) took centre tember 1, 7,590 international stage, completing 21.2 percent transfers were completed of the total incoming transfers worldwide,” FIFA said in a and spending 77.9 percent of statement. the total global spend,” foot- “Global spending reached ball’s world governing body $4.71 billion, meaning clubs added. spent almost as much during England saw the most mon- those three months as they ey spent on players, with a to- had in the whole of 2016 ($4.79 tal amount of $1.4 billion more billion).” than double that of any other PSG also signed teenage country. The chaotic nature of sensation Kylian Mbappe from the transfer window has seen Monaco on a season-long loan, calls for reforms, with English with an option to make him the Premier League clubs voting second-most expensive player to end their window before the of all-time for 180 million eu- start of the 2017-18 season.

Israel club off icial quits after anti-Muslim remark The professional adviser of an Israeli football club known for its far-right fan base has resigned after saying he would never sign a Muslim player, a spokesman said yesterday. Eli Cohen, a veteran manager who was hired to the position at Beitar Jerusalem earlier this month, had said that past attempts to bring Muslim players to the club failed bitterly. “I experienced firsthand what happened when Muslim players came five years ago, and therefore I’d never bring a Muslim player to Beitar,” he said in a Wednesday interview with the Yediot Aharonot newspaper. Cohen had been Beitar’s manager three times in the past, including in 2013 when the club signed two Muslim players from Chechnya, angering some fans and forcing the team to hire bodyguards to protect them. Stressing he had coached “many Arab and Muslim players” at other clubs he had managed over the years, Cohen said anyone who called him a racist was “stupid”. Just hours after the remarks were published, Beitar chairman and Israeli footballing great Eli Ohana summoned Cohen to a meeting and the adviser apologised and resigned, a club spokesman said. Beitar, known for its anti-Arab chants and often violent ultra- nationalist Jewish fans, has been struggling to change its racist image. Last month, it was awarded an anti-racism prize by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin for its youth work and establishment of a forum to deal with incitement and racism. The club, the only team in the Israeli league that has never had Atalanta’s players celebrate after winning the UEFA Europa League match against Everton at the Mapei Stadium in Reggie Emilia yesterday. an Arab Muslim player, has a controversial history. Its fans often sing anti-Palestinian chants at matches, includ- AFP Everton, scoring all their goals in from the interval and there was on Thursday. Spaniard Adrian tory for a much-changed Milan ing “Death to Arabs”. Paris the fi rst half courtesy of Andrea still time for Andrea Petagna Sardinero got their equaliser in side following their 4-1 ham- They have also chanted support for Yigal Amir, a far-right Jew- Masiello, Alejandro Gomez and to set up Cristante to score the stoppage time after a Memphis mering at Lazio at the weekend. ish nationalist who assassinated Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Bryan Cristante. third before the break. Depay penalty put the French Hoff enheim, who lost to Liv- Rabin in 1995. verton’s Europa League Goalkeeper Maarten Steke- Atalanta could have won by side ahead. erpool in the Champions League The signing of Chechens Dzhabrail Kadaev and Zaur Sadaev group-stage campaign lenburg came into the Everton a greater margin, with Remo Meanwhile, AC Milan under- play-off s but beat Bayern Mu- prompted angry fans to set fire to the club’s off ices in an act got off to a disastrous side in one of six changes made Freuler striking the bar early in lined their status as one of the nich in the Bundesliga last week- that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a lifelong start yesterday as Ro- by Koeman following a 3-0 the second period. teams to beat in the competi- end, suff ered a 2-1 defeat at Beitar fan, described as “shameful”. naldE Koeman’s side were taken home reverse to Tottenham Hot- “A lot went wrong. In the fi rst tion by romping to a 5-1 victory home to Portuguese side Braga in Last year, 19 members of Beitar’s ultra-nationalist La Familia apart in Italy, losing 3-0 to Ata- spur in the Premier League at the half they showed more aggres- at Austria Vienna in Group D Group C despite Sandro Wagner fan group were charged with attempted murder, including of lanta. weekend. sion, more passion, and that’s with Andre Silva scoring a hat- giving them the lead. rival supporters. After three games, Beitar is leading the Israeli The Serie A club — back in He made a fi ne save to deny really painful because in my trick. Other winners on Thursday premier league, having finished third last season. Europe after a 26-year absence Masiello just before the half- opinion it starts with that and Milan were three goals up in- included Villarreal, who beat — were forced to entertain their hour mark only for the same then you need quality with the side 20 minutes in the Austrian Astana 3-1 in Spain in Group A. English visitors in Reggio Emilia, player to put Atalanta ahead ball,” Koeman told BT Sport. capital with Hakan Calhanolgu The kick-off in the Group H a two-hour drive south of their from the corner that followed “The commitment and pas- getting the opener and Portugal game between Arsenal and Co- SOUTH AFRICAN PREMIERSHIP base in Bergamo, because their after Gylfi Sigurdsson inadvert- sion they showed in the fi rst half striker Silva netting twice. logne in London was delayed by own stadium does not have a li- ently helped the ball into his was much stronger than us.” Alexandar Borkovic got one an hour until 9:05pm local time cence for European games. path at the back post. Everton’s next match in Group back for the hosts just after the (2005 GMT) for crowd safety But that did not prove a hin- Atalanta’s Argentinian captain E will be at home to Apollon restart but Silva went on to com- reasons due to a huge number of Bubble bursts for drance to Gian Piero Gasperini’s Gomez curled in a stunning ef- Limassol, the Cypriot side who plete his hat-trick and Suso’s ticketless German fans arriving side, who completely overran fort to make it 2-0 four minutes snatched a 1-1 draw with Lyon long-range eff ort sealed the vic- outside the Emirates Stadium. McCarthy, Cape Town SPOTLIGHT AFP ritzburg United and Orlando Johannesburg Pirates after three rounds. Chiefs, whose coach and former South Africa captain he bubble burst for Steve Komphela is under in- Benni McCarthy- tense pressure after two tro- Villas-Boas in hot water following coached Cape Town phy-less seasons, rose three City Wednesday when positions to ninth with four Tthey fell 2-0 at home to Kai- points. McCarthy, who also zer Chiefs in the South African played for Ajax Amsterdam, Premiership. Celta Vigo, Blackburn Rovers Guangzhou outburst A 2004 UEFA Champions and West Ham United, ac- League winner with Porto, cepted that Chiefs were wor- AFP the second-leg away clash on las-Boas seethed after emerging McCarthy had made a fairytale thy winners. Shanghai Tuesday. from the topsy-turvy tie 5-4 on start to his fi rst managerial role “They took their chances Evergrande won 5-1 on the penalties. by guiding City to fi ve consec- and we did not,” conceded the night in Guangzhou after extra “This is the greatest achieve- utive wins in all competitions. record South Africa scorer with he Asian Football Con- time, 5-5 on aggregate, only for ment for SIPG ever because it But Chiefs proved too smart 32 goals in 80 appearances. federation said yesterday SIPG to squeeze into the last four looks like one club is dominating for City before a 25,000 Cape “Chiefs were a diff erent it was launching disci- for the fi rst time in their history the AFC because this club can Town Stadium crowd, scor- team from what we have faced, plinary action against on penalties. do everything. They can block ing early and late in the second they had an excellent game TShanghai SIPG coach Andre Vil- “We can confi rm that as a hotels, cause people to have ac- half for a deserved league vic- plan and kept catching us on las-Boas for his outburst after the result of comments by Shang- cidents in front of us,” he said. tory. While City suff ered a first the counter. epic Champions League quarter- hai SIPG FC head coach at the Video footage posted on- loss since the season began last “Their goalkeeper (Itume- fi nal win over Guangzhou Ever- post-match press conference... line, apparently shot from the month, Chiefs won for the fi rst leng Khune) made many great grande this week. the AFC has opened disciplinary SIPG team coach on the way to time after a draw and two de- saves and they also had some The Portuguese, a former proceedings based on Article the game, appeared to show a This file picture taken on August 22, 2017 shows Shanghai SIPG’s feats in all competitions. very fast youngsters who we Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur 50.1 of the AFC Disciplinary and succession of fi ve holds-ups head coach Andre Villas-Boas of Portugal greeting Guangzhou Veteran Siphiwe Tshabalala struggled to contain. “My manager, strongly criticised the Ethics Code (bringing the game on the road involving the same Evergrande’s head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari of Brazil prior to the AFC put the Soweto outfi t ahead af- players did not let me down - AFC and the referee, and levelled into disrepute),” the AFC said in cars. Champions League quarter-final. (AFP) ter 47 minutes with a low shot Chiefs were brilliant and de- allegations at Chinese rivals a statement. Evergrande declined to re- and teen Wiseman Meyiwa served maximum points.” Guangzhou of dirty tricks. “The case will be dealt with by spond when contacted by AFP. two SIPG players in extra time rule him out of the fi rst leg of slipped unmarked into the box Next up for Cape Town ia an Among his claims, Villas- the AFC Disciplinary & Ethics Villas-Boas also hit out at the on Tuesday. the semi-fi nal. “It’s a disgrace, to add a second eight minutes away league fi xture next Tues- Boas accused Guangzhou of Committee on a date to be con- AFC for failing to punish an op- Faghani also booked SIPG it’s a disgrace,” Villas-Boas ex- from time. day at Pirates, the Soweto club engineering a series of mi- fi rmed.” posing player from the fi rst leg, goalkeeper Yan Junling during claimed. Cape Town dropped one where McCarthy played for nor road accidents to delay the His side may have made histo- and criticised Iranian referee the penalty shoot-out for un- SIPG face Japanese side Urawa place to fourth, but are only a two seasons before retiring in SIPG team bus as it travelled to ry for the Shanghai club, but Vil- Alireza Faghani, who sent off sporting conduct, which will Reds in the semi-fi nals. point behind co-leaders Ma- 2013. Gulf Times 4 Friday, September 15, 2017 SPORT

GOLF CYCLING Cummings pulls out of Worlds aft er road Second place OK for race omission

Reuters off . So I don’t feel I can do my- London self justice and would prefer to concentrate on other goals for my team,” added Cummings in ritish veteran Steve a British Cycling statement. Spieth for next weeks Cummings has with- “For me to do a proper job it drawn from next week’s takes specifi c training in order ‘I’m not making the stupid mistakes the weeks I play well. I’ve been consistently driving time trial at the Cycling to produce a good time trial roadB world championships af- performance and I haven’t been it better this year. I’m always going to be in contention if I’m chipping and putting well’ ter saying he had trained to be training on my time trial bike as in the road race team, which he I was concentrating on the road was not selected for. race. Given that I won’t be able Tao Geoghegan Hart will to give my best, it would be ap- replace the 36-year-old in propriate to give the opportu- Wednesday’s individual event. nity to another rider.” Vuelta a Espana and four times British Cycling perform- Tour de France winner Chris ance director Stephen Park said Froome is also competing in Cummings’ withdrawal was the time trial at the champion- “disappointing”. ships in Bergen, Norway. “We respect his decision and Cummings, last year’s Tour understand that he is motivat- of Britain winner who also ed to turn his focus elsewhere,” competed at the 2016 Rio Ol- he said. ympics, said he was “surprised “I am sure there will be plen- and disappointed” not to have ty more opportunities for Steve made the road race team but to represent Great Britain in the respected the selection proc- future.” ess. Last year, Cummings ac- He said he had been told on cused Great Britain’s road August 15 that he would be a race coach Rod Ellingworth reserve for the time trial and so of a “confl ict of interest” af- had focused on one day races ter he was left out of the fi ve- instead. The rider was then man team for the 2016 Rio told with eight days to go that Olympics. he had been selected for the He was later called up when time trial. Peter Kennaugh volunteered “I can’t prepare for the to pull out because of a lack worlds time trial event in eight of form after breaking his days from what I’m coming collarbone.

eth said on the eve of the BMW he said. “I’ve been consistently Reuters Day dumps life-long caddie aft er slump in form New York Championship at Conway Farms driving it better this year. I’m al- outside Chicago. ways going to be in contention if The caddie merry-go-round continued when former world number “If I fi nish runner-up this I’m chipping and putting well.” one Jason Day revealed on Wednesday that he has sacked long- Evian cut to 54 holes after ordan Spieth has said week I will (probably) accom- Thomas had to vacate his time bagman Col Swatton. Swatton has been a father-figure for first round abandoned fi nishing runner-up over plish the goal of being number home last week due to a man- Day, doubling as caddie and coach – a role he will maintain – for the next two weeks on the one going into East Lake.” datory evacuation of his Jupiter, the 29-year-old Australian’s entire career. Day acknowledged that Bad weather wiped out the everything is so wet that we PGA Tour would suit him With three major titles under Florida neighbourhood. Swatton had been a “bit shocked” at the news but said he had taken first day of the Evian Cham- were worried about safety. justJ fi ne. his belt already at 24, he ob- Before doing so, he transferred it like a professional. “Unfortunately it just didn’t work out,” Day pionship yesterday with the We will play 18 holes tomor- The British Open champion served that he had a chance for a some valuables, including the told Golf Channel on the eve of the BMW Championship at Conway fifth and final major of the row and Saturday, then those is coming off two consecutive very special career. PGA Championship Wanamaker Farms, outside Chicago. “I’m trying to find my footing here. I had to women’s season reduced to that make the cut will play runner-up fi nishes, after losing a “If I have the year I have this Trophy, to a sturdy safe at his do it at some point.” 54 holes. Sunday. playoff to Dustin Johnson at the year the next 15 years, I’ll be the friend and rival Rickie Fowler’s Day was clearly the best player in the world for the second half of The first group had com- “If we kept to 72 holes, then Northern Trust and then fall- greatest player to ever play the house. 2015 and the first part of 2016, clinching his first major at the PGA pleted eight holes when play we are looking at not finishing to Justin Thomas at the Dell game, if you judge it by major Thomas is second in the Fe- Championship, but has struggled in relative terms lately, slipping to was stopped at 10am local ing until Monday or Tuesday, Technologies Championship. championships,” he said. dExCup standings, with world his current ranking of ninth. Something had to give, and as so often time (0800GMT). Play was and that is not good for He tops the standings in the Thomas, meanwhile, has a number one Johnson third, fol- is the case, it was the caddie. Day, who plans to use a friend, Luke finally abandoned for the anybody.” season-long points race going spring in his step, not only due lowed by Japan’s Hideki Mat- Reardon, on the bag this week, said he planned to keep Swatton day at 2.45pm. World No 1 Ryu So Yeon was into the fi nal two events of the to his last-start victory, but suyama and Spaniard Jon Rahm. as his coach. “He’s just coming off the bag and going to more of “We have made the decision joint leader on two under FedExCup playoff s, and a pair of also because his south Florida The top fi ve heading into next a coaching role,” Day said. “He’s not out of my world one bit. I’m to scrap today and start par through five holes when second-placings would crown home was not damaged by Hur- week’s Tour Championship will hoping things move forward with us like they always have... because afresh tomorrow (Friday),” play was stopped. The South him champion and earn the $10 ricane Irma. A fi ve-times winner control their own fate, meaning we both love each other like family.” Day was 12 years old when stated LPGA Commissioner Korean was tied with Ameri- million bonus that goes with it, this season, he has found a level a victory at East Lake in Atlanta he met Swatton at an Australian golf academy, and Day has often Mike Whan. can Jessica Korda, who had barring an unlikely set of cir- where only a bad short game or will also lock up the FedExCup. said he would not be where he is without his mentor. Swatton even “Some players will not like completed eight holes. But it cumstances. an off week with the putter pre- Seventy players will compete played matchmaker by introducing Day to his now-wife, Ellie. The it, but I’ll take the brunt of is back to square one – and “On the PGA Tour I can’t call vents him from contending. in Lake Forest this week, with news comes a month after another former world number one, Rory that. We have tried to get everyone will start again (fi nishing second) a bad thing,” “I’m not making the stupid only 30 advancing to the Tour McIlroy, dumped his caddie, J.P. Fitzgerald. started again today, but today, weather permitting. 2015 FedExCup champion Spi- mistakes the weeks I play well,” Championship.

BOXING Golovkin ready to hit the jackpot in Las Vegas

AFP news conference on Wednesday ing camp in Big Bear, Califor- more than 14 years to prepare for Sold out Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Hotel and nia. So there is some familiarity this fi ght,” Reynoso said. “We Tickets at T-Mobile are sold Casino that he will be ready for between the two, but Golovkin had a great camp, no injuries, out for Alvarez-Golovkin but anything Alvarez throws at him. expects Alvarez to come into the everything went well.” Sanchez says they still have work ennady Golovkin is un- “I bring my belts, all my belts. fi ght with a few new wrinkles in Sanchez said the two fi ght- to do to get people to buy the daunted by the chal- I feel like a champion. This is my his game plan. ers’ punching power will make pay-per-view. Boxing fans who lenge of fi ghting for the game, this is my fi ght, I am boss.” “He might bring some new for an exciting contest. “We look shelled out $99 for the Floyd fi rst time in Las Vegas Nevertheless, Golovkin’s ideas to this fi ght. I am ready for for a dramatic fi ght, an explosive Mayweather-Conor McGregor Gand says defending his titles trainer, Abel Sanchez, says the anything,” Golovkin said. “I am fi ght,” Sanchez said. novelty fi ght just over two weeks against Canelo Alvarez will be majority of the crowd tomorrow ready to fi ght. It is a fi rst class “These two guys have the ago might be reluctant to buy like going on a date with a ‘new night will be cheering for Alva- fi ght.” styles that are going to give us a this one, he said. girlfriend’. rez. “I expect the crowd to be fi ght we will remember for a long “It might have hurt us a little Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs), who pro Canelo. It is more for Canelo Golovkin has waited a long time. but it didn’t hurt as much as peo- holds the World Boxing Coun- right now,” Sanchez said. “Peo- time to get his fi rst fi ght on “It is very special. This is ple thought it would,” Sanchez cil, World Boxing Association ple are picking Canelo. That even boxing’s biggest stage in the where all the big fi ghts happen. said. “A lot of casual fans would and International Boxing Fed- motivates him (Golovkin) more.” United States This is history and if the fi ght is have bought this fi ght if they eration middleweight belts, will Golovkin has waited a long as good as we think it is going to hadn’t spent $99 on a specta- face Mexico’s biggest boxing star time to get his fi rst fi ght on box- Alvarez, who has only lost be then it will be remembered cle. It is a diff erent month. The Alvarez in a 12-round mega title ing’s biggest stage in the United once in 51 fi ghts (49-1-1), said he like the Hagler-Leonard fi ght.” budget may be still there.” fi ght on Saturday at the T-Mo- States. He has fought in 22 cities trained 10 weeks for this bout. Sanchez says Golovkin lost Golovkin said he didn’t see the bile Arena. and seven diff erent countries but “I just want to say I am pre- some of his popularity after his Mayweather-McGregor contest “It is like you are going with never in Sin City. pared. I know it is going to be last fi ght in March because he but would have tuned in if it had your new girlfriend, Oh yeah,” “The biggest day is coming. a tough fi ght,” Alvarez said at had to go the distance to beat been for charity. said the 35-year-old from Ka- This is a true fi ght, there is a lot the news conference. Alvarez’s Daniel Jacobs. Asked why so “If Mayweather-McGregor zakhstan, describing his excite- of money coming,” Golovkin trainer Eddy Reynoso said their many more people now think was a charity fi ght where peo- Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya (C) ment for the battle for middle- said. Several years ago Golovkin camp was a success and his Alvarez will win than a year ago, ple give money I would have looks on as Canelo Alvarez (L) and WBC, WBA and IBF middleweight weight supremacy. had the younger Alvarez as one of fi ghter is in top condition. Sanchez said, “because of the watched it. But it was not a true champion Gennady Golovkin pose during a news conference at MGM Golovkin told reporters at a his sparring partners at a train- “We had a great preparation, Jacobs fi ght.” fi ght,” Golovkin said. Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times Friday, September 15, 2017 5 SPORT

MLB NFL Giants in trouble if Odell Beckham Jr. Angels make quick is needed to win

By Tara Sullivan es game plans. The Record (Hackensack, N.J.) But with Beckham stuck on the sidelines in sweatpants, with Beckham unable to suit he Giants seem inevi- up due to the high ankle sprain work of Houston tably headed toward a sustained Week 2 of the pre- second straight game- season against Cleveland, with time countdown clock Beckham wisely instructed to Ton Odell Beckham Jr., this wait at least one more week time for Monday night’s home before putting that ankle to the opener against the Detroit Li- real test of cutting, sprinting ons – with no defi nitive update and leaping, the Giants off ense on the wide receiver’s ailing was awful. One fi eld goal aw- Astros in 9-1 victory ankle. ful. Fifty off ensive plays (to 70 But if the aftermath of Sun- for the Cowboys) awful. Thir- ‘It’s going to come down to the last game. They know that. We know that’ day’s awful performance in teen fi rst downs (to 22 for the Dallas made one thing very Cowboys) awful. By Pedro Moura clear – this off ense is not the Two three-and-outs and Los Angeles Times same without Beckham in it – a fi ve-play drive to open the it is more than fair to ask the game awful. One 14-second obvious question that reality possession just before half- tanding so far out of fi rst presents. time (that led to a Cowboys’ place presents occasional Should it be THIS bad? fi eld goal drive and 16-0 lead) advantages. In a word: No. awful. A total of two off ensive After they lost to Hou- And yet it was. The addi- possessions in Dallas territory stonS late Tuesday, the Los Ange- tion of free agent wide receiver (including the game’s fi nal one, les Angels received a bit of good Brandon Marshall couldn’t off - when the game was over) awful. news: Instead of drawing the As- set the loss, not with four tar- It’s no wonder the normally tros’ talented Lance McCullers on gets and just one catch, on the even-handed Ben McAdoo is- Wednesday, they would face Mike game’s fi nal play. The arrival of sued such a harsh assessment Fiers, an inconsistent long reliever. rookie tight end Evan Engram in his post-game comments, Houston’s stated reason for couldn’t do it either, not with saying “No part of our off ense scratching McCullers was arm a four-catch, 44-yard night was functional tonight.” And fatigue he felt in a game of catch. helped by one 31-yard play. give the coach credit for not Surely, their 14-game American The combination of running looking for the easy way out, League West lead on the Angels backs Paul Perkins and Orle- also saying, “We have plenty played a role too: They would ans Darkwa weren’t good, not of players who can make plays like to preserve McCullers for the with seven and three rushing on the off ense outside of Odell. postseason. attempts respectively, their 30 That’s no excuse.” The Angels took the stroke of combined yards a mere frac- Then what is? Is the off en- luck and thrashed Fiers in a 9-1 tion of Ezekiel Elliott’s 104. sive line really that bad? victory at Angel Stadium. They And more than anything, It sure looked it, falling regu- scored a run before he could a holdover off ensive line lar victim to a well-designed record an out and fi ve before he couldn’t do anything to help Dallas scheme of stunts and could fi nish the fi rst inning. out veteran quarterback Eli twists, unable to generate any Brandon Phillips and Mike Manning, who was under siege forward push and leaving the Trout began with consecu- from the fi rst snap, forced into Giants on the wrong end of a tive doubles, and Kole Calhoun the escape-the-pocket, make- 60-minute battle for fi eld posi- and Andrelton Simmons soon a-quick-throw off ense that is tion. Certainly, a guy like Beck- knocked another set of doubles. everything he isn’t. ham is one who can fl ip a fi eld, Luis Valbuena, up next, sent a We all know what Manning’s not only with a long catch, but soaring homer into the right- favourite way to escape that with he can do after the catch, fi eld bleachers, supplying the sort of pressure is: fi nd Beck- darting and sprinting past de- Angels that impenetrable fi ve- ham. How many times has the fenders, making a small play run lead. As he often does, Val- Pro Bowl receiver emerged at big or a big play huge. buena fl ipped his bat to celebrate just the right time, shedding The doubt is real. This is sev- his achievement. a defender (or two) or leaping en straight games, dating back When Valbuena approached above one to make an acrobatic to last season, when the Giants the plate to begin the fourth in- catch, providing his quarter- couldn’t crack 20 points. This is ning, Fiers, his former team- back a safety net that even a big fat zero in the touchdown mate, fi red a fastball far above his when things fall apart, he can column. head. As players in both dugouts break a big play? This is a balance so out of inched toward the fi eld, Val- That’s what Beckham does whack it left a promising de- buena lifted one hand at Fiers, best, and why he has emerged fensive eff ort exhausted and frustrated. Both teams received as one of the league’s most vulnerable by the second half. warnings. dangerous, not to mention dy- Without Beckham and his usual “When you do something like namic players. He’s the player array of exceptional plays – that as disrespectful as he did, who keeps opposing defensive ones like the over-the-shoulder you’ve got to send some kind of coordinators up at night, the grab Cowboys’ rookie Cole Bea- message,” Fiers said. “I’m not Los Angeles Angels players Luis Valbuena (No 18), Kaleb Cowart (No 22) and Eric Young Jr. celebrate after a game against the Houston Astros receiver who makes even great sley made Sunday – without a trying to hit him. But something at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports cornerbacks look ordinary, the turnover by a usually hungry has to be said.” one guy who absolutely chang- defense, the Giants had no juice. Valbuena knocked Fiers’ next is real,” Angels manager Mike middle of the plate, and Upton which he is hoping a stem-cell gery would require him to miss pitch into right fi eld for a double, Scioscia said. Skaggs has been seized on it. Because Minnesota injection will help heal. all of 2018. Ramirez will fi nish sparking a three-run inning. He disappointed in his performanc- beat San Diego in 10 innings, Ramirez fi rst felt elbow dis- 2017 with a 4.15 earned-run av- said he did not receive Fiers’ mes- es for much of the season. This the Angels (74-71) remained two comfort while warming up for erage in 147 1/3 innings. sage as intended. “If you want to felt better. “I’m smiling,” Skaggs games behind the Twins in the his fi fth inning in Cleveland on hit me, that’s OK,” Valbuena said. said. “It’s better than being all wild-card chase. July 27. He pushed through the RESULTS “But if I hit another home run, sad after games.” “It’s going to come down to the pain and made four more starts, LA Dodgers 4 San Francisco 1 you’ll see what happens.” The Angels’ most tense mo- last game,” Skaggs said. “They most of them eff ective, until he LA Angels 9 Houston 1 Left-hander Tyler Skaggs ment in the fi eld happened to know that. We know that.” exited an August 19 outing in Arizona 8 Colorado 2 stewarded the eight-run lead begin the game, when George Baltimore because of what the Cincinnati 6 St. Louis 0 with remarkable effi ciency. Springer hit a ball deep to left RAMIREZ HAS TEAR Angels described as forearm ir- Milwaukee 8 Pittsburgh 2 Against an aggressive Astros fi eld. Justin Upton momentarily In one year, JC Ramirez rose ritation. Minnesota 3 San Diego 1 lineup, he needed 60 pitches to lost it in Angel Stadium’s LED from a long reliever placed on An MRI exam the follow- (10 innings) fi nish fi ve innings and 85 to set- lights, recovering with little time waivers by an awful team to being week revealed the tear, and Chicago Cubs 17 NY Mets 5 tle seven. He issued his fi rst walk to spare. come the Angels’ most valuable Ramirez soon received the stem- Seattle 8 Texas 1 in the fi fth, then erased it with “Wow,” he mouthed to Trout starting pitcher along their sur- cell injection. He described it as Oakland 7 Boston 3 a double-play ball. Wielding a in center fi eld, his disbelief at the prise playoff run. Now, his future “weird and a little bit painful.” Baltimore 2 Toronto 1 new, eff ective two-seam fast- white-light intensity apparent. is in question. The hope is he’ll be cleared to Atlanta 8 Washington 2 ball, he gave up only three sin- In the sixth, Upton hit his fi rst The 29-year-old right-hand- resume throwing in November Philadelphia 8 Miami 1 gles in seven scoreless innings: a homer as an Angel and the 250th er said Wednesday that he has a and pitch normally next season. White Sox 5 Kansas City 3 bunt, a blooper, and a grounder of his career. Tyler Clippard left partial tear in the ulnar collat- If the stem cells do not take hold, NY Yankees 3 Tampa Bay 2 through the middle. “His stuff a fi rst-pitch fastball over the eral ligament of his right elbow, his next step is not yet clear. Sur- Cleveland 5 Detroit 3

NBA Heat, Richardson agree on 4-year, $42mn extension

By Ira Winderman status. The parties had until The Heat next have a decision will start at $9.3 million in must cut to a maximum of 15 by Sun Sentinel June 30 to reach an agreement, sion on the $3.5 million 2018-19 2018-19, which would put him the start of the regular season. with Richardson otherwise be- option year on the rookie-scale seventh on the Heat’s 2018-19 The agreement with Richard- coming a free agent during the contract of 2015 fi rst-round pick payroll, behind Whiteside ($25.4 son does not impact the Heat’s he Miami Heat have 2018 off season. The move is the Justise Winslow, a decision that million), Tyler Johnson ($19.2 $4.3 million salary-cap excep- made their commitment latest long-term transaction must be made by the Oct. 18 reg- million), Dragic ($18.1 million), tion, the lone remaining means to Josh Richardson by the Heat, which previously ular-season opener against the James Johnson ($14.7 million), for the team to add a free agent clear, with an agree- moved over future salary caps Orlando Magic. Waiters ($11.6 million) and Oly- beyond a minimum salary. Tment on a four-year, $42 million with this summer’s free-agency Heat President Pat Riley in nyk ($11.1 million). Richardson was limited to 53 extension for the guard that will signings of Dion Waiters, James July cited Richardson as part A day before word of his ex- games last season by a series of in- kick in starting in 2018-19. Johnson and Kelly Olynyk. The of the Heat’s long-range view, tension became public, Richard- juries, including a knee issue that Richardson, a 2015 second- agreement with Richardson next along with Whiteside, Winslow son posted on Twitter, “Make 10 kept him out of training camp and round pick who has become a sta- could have the Heat fl irting with and Tyler Johnson. “Give me spent 2 save 8.” He then thanked the fi rst four games of the regular ple of the Heat’s backcourt in the the luxury tax going forward. four guys their age in the league, Detroit Pistons forward Tobias season. He then missed 19 games transition from the franchise’s Richardson will remain under and let’s play a four-on-four Harris who congratulated him at midseason with a sprained left Big Three era, became eligible for his rookie contract this com- game and I think we’d have a on Twitter about his extension. foot, after previously missing six the extension last month, with ing season, at $1.5 million, be- pretty competitive four,” he said. Richardson is expected to with a sprained right ankle. He the agreement coming less than fore entering the new deal that Retaining talent has been a compete for the Heat’s starting closed last season as the Heat’s two weeks before the Heat open runs through 2021-22, which is a priority for the Heat, who owe role at small forward, which was starting shooting guard in the in- training camp. A party familiar player-option year. 2018 and ‘21 fi rst-round picks seized last season by McGruder jury absence of Waiters, starting with the negotiations Wednes- With the agreement, the Heat to the Phoenix Suns to complete in the wake of injuries to Rich- 34 games overall. day told the Sun Sentinel the now have 10 players locked into the 2015 acquisition of Dragic. ardson and Winslow. Richardson Despite the missed time, Ri- framework of the deal had been contracts through at least 2018- The Heat also have traded each also is an option at point guard, chardson converted a career- “on the table for a while.” 19: Richardson, Waiters, Oly- of their second-round picks where the Heat remain thin be- best 75 3-pointers last season, The extension is the maxi- nyk, James Johnson, Hassan through the 2021 draft. Richard- hind Dragic. leading the Heat in assists in 10 mum the Heat were able to off er Whiteside, Goran Dragic, Bam son was the No. 40 pick in 2015 The Heat have 18 players un- games. He averaged 10.2 points, Richardson, who turns 23 Friday, Adebayo, Rodney McGruder, AJ out of Tennessee. der contract for training camp, 2.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds in based on his tenure and contract Hammons and Tyler Johnson. Richardson’s contract exten- which opens Sept. 26. Teams 2016-17. Gulf Times 6 Friday, September 15, 2017 RUGBY

FOCUS GOAL Rebuilding Springboks revival Wallabies and Pumas desperate faces fi rst big test for maiden win

Reuters against All Blacks Sydney ustralia and Argentina are in the process of rebuilding to- ‘The players enjoy the new environment and we have improved’ wards the 2019 World Cup but test rugby is a results- basedA business and both will be desperate for a fi rst Rugby Championship win of the season when they meet in Canberra tomorrow. Wallabies coach Michael Cheika might only have tinkered around the edges of the team that drew 23-23 with South Africa last week but winger Ma- rika Koroibete would become the 22nd new cap blooded in the last two seasons if he comes off the bench. Cheika was left brooding in frus- tration in Perth last Saturday after his side gave up a 20-10 second half lead over the Springboks, having also seen Mahon is also more usually seen in a an early 17-0 advantage disappear in a number seven shirt but Cheika thought loss to the All Blacks in their previous Hourcade’s selection was more about match. exploiting a perceived Wallabies weak- He will certainly be hoping his im- ness at the breakdown. proving Wallabies can keep their foot “You’d have to think, looking at the on the gas if they get in front at Can- team they’ve picked, they’re going to go berra Stadium, especially as they will hard on the ball on the ground,” Cheika be on the road in South Africa and Ar- told reporters in Canberra yesterday. gentina for their last two matches in “That wasn’t a strong area for us in the competition. the fi rst half last week. I think they’ll Matches between the two countries do what they’ve done before, move the are generally high-scoring aff airs with ball around, try and take us in the mid- the points tally in last year’s clashes, dle fi rst... then they’ll try and shift it to both won by Australia, exceeding the their pace out wide.” 50-mark. Lezana’s back row colleague Pablo Like the Wallabies, after running Matera said the Pumas were wary of New Zealand close in Dunedin in round the backline challenge they would face two, the Pumas have taken some en- in in-form centre Kurtley Beale, adding couragement from a battling defeat that it was essential that the visitors against the All Blacks in New Plymouth got off to a good start tomorrow. last week. “I know they need to win, same as us, Coach Daniel Hourcade has nev- it’s going to be a really diffi cult match,” ertheless re-jigged his backline for Matera said. Saturday’s clash and selected Tomas “The fi rst minutes of the game are Lezana, who usually plays at fl anker, really intense and I believe if we man- as his fourth number eight in as many age to do a really good fi rst half, like we matches. did last week, I think we’ll have a lot of Australia number eight Sean Mc- chances to win the game.”

SPOTLIGHT Coach Allister Coetzee has overhauled the team personnel, playing style and culture this year and they are unbeaten in six Tests with five wins and a draw.

AFP has overhauled the team personnel, ance at tighthead prop after Coenie “He’s very destructive,” Hansen Keep calm, we got this, Auckland playing style and culture this year Oosthuizen broke his arm last week in said of the 29-year-old Hames, who and they are unbeaten in six Tests Perth. has battled knee injuries that have with five wins and a draw before Flanker Jaco Kriel was also sent stalled his professional career. says All Blacks coach outh Africa’s revival in the their clash with the world champi- home from Auckland after scans re- “He has a great ability to get around world rugby pecking order will ons tomorrow. vealed a torn muscle in his shoulder the park too but his set piece play is face its fi rst true test when they “It has been bloody challenging,” and was replaced in the starting side what we like about him. That’s why take on the All Blacks in their Coetzee said of the team’s transfor- by Jean-Luc du Preez, while lock Fran- he’s here.” RugbyS Championship match at North mation in 2017. “I am pleased that co Mostert returns to partner captain Hansen added the Springboks of Harbour Stadium tomorrow. we have changed it. We made some Eben Etzebeth. 2017 were a diff erent side from last The Springboks endured an aw- tweaks — we are a team in transition. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had year and he expected a hard, physical ful 2016 as they suffered their first “The players enjoy the new envi- his own injury issues with winger Is- contest prompting him to bring back loss to Ireland at home and were ronment and we have improved, but rael Dagg battling a serious knee prob- loose forwards Liam Squire and Sam thumped 41-13 and 57-15 by the All we’re not there yet. We need to prove lem, while prop Joe Moody was ruled Cane and lock Sam Whitelock in an Blacks in their two Rugby Champi- ourselves against the world’s best... out for the season after he dislocated eff ort to dominate the collision and onship clashes. and Saturday will be a huge test for his shoulder in the 39-22 win over the gain line. They also lost all three of their end- us. Pumas last week. “We are defi nitely facing a diff erent of-season tests in Europe as they end- “I can only see on Saturday how Hansen has given the destructive team,” he said. ed the year with just four wins from good we are.” scrummaging Kane Hames the op- “They’re full of confidence. That 12 matches and slumped as low as Coetzee made just three changes portunity for his fi rst start — in just comes from winning. I think confi- seventh in the world rankings by this from the team that started in the 23-23 his third test — at loosehead prop in- dence is not something you can buy March. draw against the Wallabies with Ruan stead of the more experienced Wyatt or bottle, if you have got it that’s in- Reuters overturning second-half defi cits, but Coach Allister Coetzee, however, Dreyer making his second test appear- Crockett. valuable.” Auckland Hansen said that was what pleased him the most. “When you’re behind and 15 minutes BOTTOMLINE ll Blacks coach Steve Hansen into the second half and we managed to yesterday moved to allay fears come back and win it, and comfortably, his world champion side were it’s not all bad,” he said. becoming stagnant, saying “Last week we scored six tries. Only theA uneven performances of 2017 were one side has done that against Argen- Devoted few nurture sport in football-mad Iraq just part of the natural life-cycle of the tina — us. team. “So it was a pretty good achieve- AFP Money is tight for the budding The All Blacks face a resurgent ment.” Baghdad rugby players, who so far do not even South Africa at North Harbour Sta- receive compensation for their ex- dium tomorrow with injuries sweeping ‘KIDDING YOURSELF’ penses. through a squad which has struggled to Hansen’s brilliant record since suc- t was his only job and sole means Fellow squad member Ghaith Ka- reach the levels of 2016. ceeding Graham Henry after the 2011 of funding his studies, but zem, who comes from a wealthy fam- They battled against the linespeed World Cup win has set a high bench- 20-year-old Mohamed Abbas left ily, sometimes plays mystery benefac- defence of a well-drilled British and mark. it for a chance to play on Iraq’s tor, slipping new boots or a ball into Irish Lions outfi t and have gone off the From 2012 until Richie McCaw lifted Ifi rst national rugby side. the bags of his fellow players. boil for periods in the Rugby Champi- the Webb Ellis Cup for the second time In a war-torn country where foot- “It keeps their spirits up and en- onship despite winning all three games. in 2015, the team won 49 of their 54 ball has long been the dominant sport, courages them to stay on the team,” he Hansen, however, said the team’s tests. Last year they won 13 of 14 in- Abbas has joined 19 other young Iraqis said, before dashing back to training. travails were of no concern on the road cluding all six Rugby Championship training for the Arab Rugby Sevens Team founder Ahmed Qassem said to the 2019 World Cup in Japan. matches. Championship in Jordan next month. his players — who practise on a pitch “In 2016 we hit the road running,” he Hansen, however, said the bald re- The sport is so new to Iraq that there loaned for free by Baghdad University told reporters. sults hid some below-par perform- is not yet the money to pay them. — receive no funding from the Iraqi “We had a group of men who were ances and games they could easily have But with just three weeks to go un- Olympic Committee. primed and they really jumped at the lost. til the tournament opens, the squad The 47-year-old, who also heads opportunity. “I think you’re kidding yourself if have been honing their skills six days the electricity ministry sports club, “What has changed is (in) 2017 the you think there were no poor games in a week. discovered his love of the game while game has changed and we’re learning those four years,” he said. “I’ve fallen in love with this sport,” living abroad in Morocco, Egypt and to deal with that. “The big diff erence was you had Mc- said Abbas, who quit his job as a deliv- Tunisia. “You’re always going to have a tough Caw, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu... they ery man after seeing a recruitment ad He hopes to found a national rugby time at some period in your life. It were really at the end of their cycle. for players three months ago. federation that will receive public fund- would appear this is the year where we This group is at the beginning of theirs. Unemployment is high in Iraq, es- ing, and join the Arab Rugby Union. are having to fi nd out about ourselves.” “So because of that, you’re see- pecially among the 60 percent of the But the team fi rst needs a pitch and The All Blacks have been impatient ing diff erent things. It doesn’t mean population who are under 25. Players of Iraq’s first national rugby team train on a pitch provided for free by training ground of its own. during the Rugby Championship, try- they’re not a good team and it doesn’t “I gave up my job for rugby, so I’m Baghdad University in the capital on Wednesday. (AFP) Until then, Abbas, Shaye and their ing to force things at a high pace. mean they’re not going to get better. going to give my all, even if it’s tough,” teammates have their eyes set on the They shipped four unanswered tries “Yeah, it’s a bit tough at the mo- said Abbas, who had been saving up to within the team,” he said. old journalism graduate, built up his Arab Rugby Sevens Championship at after jumping out to a 54-6 lead after ment. But I believe we are going in the train as a sports teacher. The team “should now become fa- body strength in construction work, Petra University Stadium from Octo- 48 minutes in the opener against Aus- right direction. We have a good plan. If His former job lugging large cans mous”, he added, before running out after failing to fi nd work in his fi eld. ber 6-7. tralia, then battled to a 35-29 victory in you’re not happy with where we’re go- of cooking oil may have whipped him onto the pitch for a practice game. When he can, he still moonlights There they will be taking on teams the return match against the Wallabies ing, be patient. into shape, but Abbas now has bigger on building sites to cover the bus fare from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, before a 39-22 win against Argentina “It’s another two and a half years be- dreams of fame on the pitch. KEEPING SPIRITS UP from his home in the Baghdad suburbs Libya, Morocco and Lebanon as well as last week. fore we get to the point where I would like “I’m doing my best to stand out Fellow player Rasul Shaye, a 26-year- to the training ground. Jordan. The latter two games involved us to be. We’ll get there. I promise you.” Gulf Times Friday, September 15, 2017 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING COMMENT Qatar’s sponsorship of international Nadal, Federer races boosts local competition: al-Kaabi successful because

QNA pointed to the signifi cant increase in Doha sales of Qatari horses. Apart from the Arc, Qatar has also they can reinvent had an agreement with Goodwood since atar’s sponsorship of foreign 2015, wherein Qatar has the right to re- races has had a signifi cant new the contract after the fi rst fi ve years impact on the development for another fi ve. This agreement became themselves: Paes of local equestrian events, the largest sponsorship of its kind in the QatarQ Racing and Equestrian Club history of horse racing in Britain. IANS (QREC) general manager Nasser Sher- The QREC general manager stressed Kolkata, India ida al-Kaabi has said. the important of the Goodwood as- Talking ahead of the Qatar Prix de sociation, saying that horse racing is l’Arc de Triomphe, which runs Septem- the second largest sport after football ndian tennis ace Leander Paes ber 30-October 1 in Chantilly, France, he in England, and the Qatar Goodwood yesterday said the secret behind said that the associations with these big Festival is a unique event that every- the success of Rafael Nadal and races have also defi ned Qatari eques- one looks forward to. Roger Federer is that they continue trian, besides ensuring the presence of QREC also has added yet another Ito reinvent themselves despite the wear a large number of famous horse owners dimension to Arabian horse racing by and tear that comes with age. from France and Britain in the interna- introducing the Doha Triple Crown, “They continue to reinvent them- tional races organised in Qatar. which handsomely rewards the win- selves. They continue to learn new Besides the Arc, the racing festival Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi. ner of three prestigious races in Britain, shots. Federer had a surgery, he was in will also see a horse auction, races at France and Qatar, culminating in HH rehab and came back to win two Grand Saint-Cloud in Paris before moving to due to the maintenance and moderni- sponsor the race Phoenix Sprint and The Emir’s Sword (Gr1 PA) in Doha. Slams. You look at Rafa Nadal. He had Chantilly. sation of the Paris track. the partnership with Breeders’ Cup in The opportunities and associations, shin problems... knee problems,” Paes Qatar’s sponsorship with the Arc Qatar sponsors some of the world’s the United States. al-Kaabi said, have had a signifi cant told reporters on the sidelines of a pro- began in 2008 and runs till 2022. most prestigious races in France and Al-Kaabi said that the stature of impact on the level of equestrian motional event in the city. These past years have seen a major de- Britain, besides having signed agree- Qatari equestrian has only grown within Qatar. The local races in Qa- “These boys were away from the cir- velopment in this race, which was his- ments with a number of international with these agreements, besides hav- tar have seen a positive infl uence as a cuit at the end of last year when Andy torically run at Longchamp in Paris, horse racing organisations, such as ing caught the attention of owners and result, and because of the plans set by Murray and (Novak) Djokovic were do- before moving to Chantilly last season the Curragh Racecourse in Ireland to trainers from around the world. He the Board of Directors of the QREC. ing well. Now you see the wear and tear of those two at the end of the 2016 season and now they couldn’t play at the TENNIS / DAVIS CUP US Open. “Now these two legends Nadal and Federer won two Grand Slams each. Let alone the Masters,” he added. men’s doubles) and he is good. I look While Nadal beat Kevin Anderson to forward to our partnership in future.” cap off an extraordinary 2017 season as Paes and Raja, who joined forces re- the No. 1 player in the world, in which cently, were knocked out of the men’s he also won the French Open and made doubles following a close 4-6, 6-7 (7) France not ‘over the Australian Open fi nal against Fed- defeat against the Russian pair of Karen erer, the Swiss legend bagged his eighth Khachanov and Andrey Rublev in the Wimbledon title, 14 years after his fi rst second round of the US Open. in July. Paes, who is not part of India’s Davis Federer also won the Australian Cup team, said he had nothing to prove Open earlier in the year. at this stage and he plays for the love of “I think that the true class of a tennis. He added that playing for India champion is how you reinvent your- has always been special for him and he confi dent’: Pouille has given his best every time he has self to create excellence over longevity,” Paes, 44, said. represented India. Noah’s team are favoured against a Djokovic-less Serbian side Though refusing to comment on the “It gives me great joy to play for my Davis Cup where India take on Canada country, my city and for my people. I for the World Group playoff today, Paes have done my best when I have played backed doubles specialist Purav Raja to in the Davis Cup, Olympics and Asian do well. Raja replaced injured N Sriram Games and even when I play in an indi- Balaji for the Davis Cup recently. vidual tournament like Wimbledon...I “I am playing with him now (in the always play for my fl ag.”

UPDATE Goffi n declares himself fi t for Davis Cup tie

Reuters tralian pick John Millman. Australia Brussels coach Lleyton Hewitt had been expected to select Thanasi Kokkinakis as his second singles player. elgian number one David Gof- Hewitt reasoned that Millman was fi n declared himself fully fi t more match-hardened and had played yesterday ahead of his coun- more fi ve-set tennis than Kokkinakis try’s Davis Cup semi-fi nal who has only recently returned from a Bagainst Australia this weekend. long injury lay-off . Goffi n was hampered by an injury to Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, world his left knee during the US Open ear- number 20, will face Steve Darcis in lier this month and was Belgium’s chief today’s second singles match before concern going into the tie on clay in tomorrow’s doubles between the home Brussels. side’s Ruben Bemelmans and Arthur “I am 100 % ready for this weekend. de Greef and John Peers and Jordan I almost feel no pain anymore,” Goffi n Thompson and the reverse singles on said during yesterday’s draw. “I hope Sunday. that tomorrow everything will be per- Belgium are bidding to appear in the fect.” fi nal for the second time in three years Belgium are already weakened by after losing out to Great Britain in 2015, the lack of doubles specialist Joris De while Australia are looking for a fi rst ti- Loore. tle since 2003. Goffi n, who won his two matches The weekend’s winners will face the against Italy in the quarter-fi nals, will victor of France and Serbia who play in open the contest against surprise Aus- nearby Lille. France’s Lucas Pouille (centre) and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga take part in a training session ahead of the Davis Cup World Group semi-final against Serbia in Lille. (AFP)

AFP the slot expected to go to Thanasi Paris Kokkinakis. Aussie coach Lleyton Hewitt ex- Second seed Zhang beaten by plained the switch, telling the Davis annick Noah’s France take on Cup’s offi cial website: “John is match qualifi er in Tokyo star-starved Serbia and 28- hardened, he’s played a lot of fi ve-set China’s Zhang Shuai became the latest seed to exit the Japan Women’s time champions Australia tennis, particularly in New York. We Open yesterday when she was ambushed by Kazakh qualifier Zarina Diyas. face Belgium in the Davis Cup have full belief in that he can do the The 23-year-old Diyas, ranked 72 places below Zhang at 100th in the world, semi-fiY nals this weekend. job for us.” thrashed the second seed 6-4, 6-2 in Tokyo, meaning only two of the top Lucas Pouille leads hosts France Goffi n, ranked No.12 in the world, eight-ranked players in the tournament have survived to reach the quarter- into battle in Lille against Dusan Lajo- has won 13 of his 14 Davis Cup match- finals. Eighth seed Yulia Putintseva made it a red letter day for Kazakhstan vic in Friday’s opening singles. es, the lone loss coming in the 2015 fi - against Chinese opponents by ousting Han Xinyun, who retired with a hip That’s followed by French number nal to Britain’s Andy Murray. injury when trailing 6-2, 2-0. As Japanese organisers rue the loss of six seeds one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga crossing Belgian’s medical team have been and local favourite Kimiko Date in her final tournament at the age of 46, swords with Davis Cup debutant Laslo working round the clock to ensure Croatian Jana Fett backed up her upset win over France’s top seed Kristina Djere, the highest-rated Serbian at Goffin’s presence after the Belgian Mladenovic by crushing Slovakia’ Jana Cepelova 6-0, 6-3. In other matches, No.80 in the world. star injured his left knee at the US Wang Qiang restored a measure of pride for China with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Noah’s team are favoured to Open. Japan’s Kurumi Nara while American Christina McHale overpowered Spain’s progress to the fi nal against a Serbian “I feel good, everything’s OK,” Gof- Sara Sorribes 6-1, 6-1. side sorely missing injured former fi n told Belgian radio RTBF. world No.1 and 12-time Grand Slam “My knee hurt after the US Open, winner Novak Djokovic, Viktor Troicki but day by day it got better so I told Defending champ Dodin and Janko Tipsarevic. (coach) Johan Van Herck that I was 100 But Pouille insisted despite their % available for the team.” withdraws from Quebec City rankings superiority the semi-fi nal Goffi n, the ninth seed in New York, was no foregone conclusion for France. (From left) Serbia’s Nenad Zimonjic, Dusan Lajovic, Laslo Djere and Filip was stunned by Russian teenager An- Defending champion Oceane Dodin of France withdrew from the WTA tour- “We are not over confi dent, we’ve Krajinovic pose during a press conference in Lille yesterday. (AFP) drey Rublev 7-5, 7-6 (5) in the fourth nament in Quebec City on Wednesday complaining of dizziness. The sudden got an enormous amount of respect round. departure of the second seed, ranked 48th in the world, saw American Caro- for this team (Serbia) which has a lot of “We are suffi ciently intelligent to France, who secured their ticket to Next up on the indoor clay court in line Dolehide, ranked 161st, secure a quarter-final berth by walkover. Dodin very good players,” said Pouille, who know that it’s going to be a diffi cult the semi-fi nals after seeing off Great the Belgian capital Australia’s gifted began warming up about an hour before the scheduled start of her match, was beaten in the fourth round at the match,” the 1983 French Open winner Britain 4-1 in the last eight, are seek- but combustible Nick Kyrgios (20th) but soon decided she couldn’t play. Three other matches were completed, US Open. said. ing a 10th title but fi rst in 16 years. faces 33-year-old Steve Darcis (77). with third-seeded Timea Babos of Hungary battling past Naomi Broady of “Even if their players aren’t at the In Brussels, Belgium’s David Goffi n Kyrgios, who helped Australia beat Britain 6-2, 5-7, 6-2. Broady broke serve in the 12th game of the second set ‘NO EXHIBITION MATCH’ top of the rankings they’ve got nothing (ranked 12 in the world) will be out to the United States in the quarters, to force a deciding set, then won the first game of the third. But Babos, who A similar note of caution was sounded to lose. We won’t be playing an exhibi- embellish his phenomenal record in was picked by Hewitt despite his fi rst is ranked 63rd in the world, won three straight games to take charge. Babos by Noah ahead of the tie being held on tion match this weekend.” the competition against 185th ranked round exit at Flushing Meadows. next faces Canadian Francoise Abanda, who rallied to beat fifth-seeded Amer- the same clay where France lost the Serbia won their sole Davis Cup Australian John Millman. The victorious semi-fi nalists will ican Varvara Lepchenko 5-7, 7-5, 6-4. Fourth-seeded German Tatjana Maria 2014 fi nal to Roger Federer’s Switzer- title in 2010, beating France in Bel- Millman’s appearance in the open- meet in the 2017 fi nal scheduled for booked her quarter-final berth with a 6-1, 6-1 win over American Grace Min. land. grade 3-2. ing singles represented a surprise with the end of November.

Friday, September 15, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

FORMULA 1 CRICKET India opener Dhawan to miss fi rst Alonso gives three Australia ODIs

Reuters tend to his sick mother. He scored Bengaluru an unbeaten 132 and 49 in the fi rst two ODIs against Sri Lanka but then managed nine runs in McLaren chance to ndia opening batsman the third and fourth match. Shikhar Dhawan has been Virat Kohli’s India will face released from the team for Australia in the fi rst ODI in the fi rst three one-day in- Chennai on Sunday before Iternationals against Australia matches in Kolkata and Indore. to tend to his unwell wife, the Dhawan is expected to return country’s cricket board (BCCI) for the fi nal two games in Ben- said yesterday. galuru and Nagpur before the make him a winner “Dhawan has requested to be two teams take part in a three- released from the team for the match Twenty20 series. fi rst three ODIs... to attend to his ‘I will not be around in any series to be fighting for top 10 or top 15’ wife, who is unwell,” the BCCI INDIA SQUAD FOR FIRST said in a statement. THREE ODIS: Virat Kohli (Cap- AFP The hosts would not name a tain), Rohit Sharma (vice-cap- Singapore replacement for the left-handed tain), KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, batsman, with Ajinkya Rahane Kedar Jadhav, Ajinkya Rahane, and KL Rahul both able to play at MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Hardik ernando Alonso yesterday said the top. Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep he’d give McLaren a chance to Dhawan had also missed the Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit settle their plans before making last ODI and the one-off Twen- Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a decision about his future — but ty20 in Sri Lanka to fl y home to Umesh Yadav, Mohamed Shami warnedF that he wouldn’t stick around in a losing car. The frustrated two-time world cham- MOVE pion has been making noises all season about quitting the British team, who are widely expected to dump their misfi ring Honda engines and go with Renault in- Afghan spin star stead. Alonso’s car has failed to complete six races this season, and his best fi nish so far Rashid to play in is sixth. He said he had “many options” both inside and outside of Formula One, but added that “very good news is com- Australia’s BBL ing”. “Whatever I do next year is because I want to win. I will not be around in any AFP Adelaide Strikers coach Jason series to be fi ghting for top 10 or top 15,” Adelaide, Australia Gillespie hailed Rashid’s signing he told reporters ahead of the Singapore as a “major coup”. Grand Prix. “Rashid has set the world “There are many options out there that fghanistan’s spin sen- alight in T20 cricket with his en- I’m looking at. Formula One is my fi rst sation Rashid Khan ergy, enthusiasm, and great con- and only priority so I will wait to make a will play for the Ad- trol for a young guy,” Gillespie decision on that before making decisions elaide Strikers in Aus- said. on other series. tralia’sA Twenty20 Big Bash “He has some great variations, “At the same time I want to give time League later this year, the club can bowl stump-to-stump and to my team. After the last three years, the said yesterday. can be very hard to pick. struggles we went through together, to McLaren driver Fernando Alonso attends a press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix yesterday. (AFP) The 18-year-old, who was one “We’re delighted to be able to have time for them to make decisions, to of the most successful bowlers in off er him the opportunity to play see the future, next year’s car. And after ‘GAME OF CHESS’ waiting for my current team to make their Sainz said he couldn’t comment on the this year’s Indian Premier League, for the Adelaide Strikers.” they take decisions I will take mine.” Alonso last year skipped Monaco to race decisions and after that, to negotiate.” rumours but he added: “My ambition is will become the fi rst Afghan to Rashid has claimed 63 wick- Alonso’s comments appear to hint that the Indy 500 but he seemed hopeful that He added: “For my fans and for mot- to try and be a world champion one day. feature at the tournament. ets in 29 one-day internationals, he will stay at McLaren next year if they he would contest the famous street grand orsport lovers, they will have a fantastic Whatever path there is, I will take the “I am very happy to have including the fourth best fi gures axe Honda, which is strongly rumoured to prix next season. 2018 season. The plan is ongoing and very shortest path.” signed with the Strikers for the in one-day history — 7 for 18 happen before Sunday’s race. “If I remain in Formula One it is because I good news is coming.” World championship leader Lewis BBL,” the leg-spinner said in a against the West Indies in June. Alonso, 36, is one of the oldest driv- can believe that I can win next year. So that Alonso last month denied telling Hamilton, who has won two of his three club statement. He also became the fi rst bowler ers on the grid, and he also hankers after will make the decision a lot easier because I McLaren he’d quit if they don’t ditch drivers’ titles since leaving McLaren for “It is a huge honour to be a part to take a hat-trick in the T20 Car- becoming only the second man after Gra- will be in Monaco because I won’t want to Honda. Multiple reports say Honda will Mercedes in 2013, said: “Formula One of such a great tournament and ibbean Premier League, playing for ham Hill to complete motorsport’s Triple lose any points,” he said. open a partnership with Toro Rosso, is like a game of chess. It’s really about even more of an honour to be the the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Crown — winning the Monaco Grand “The priority is Formula One... and the whose driver Carlos Sainz is tipped to join picking your moves at the right time and fi rst Afghanistan player to par- The BBL season starts on De- Prix, Indy 500 and Le Mans. Triple Crown is in the background. I’m Renault as part of the deal. hopefully you have enough options.” ticipate on the BBL stage.” cember 20.

Red Bull and Renault set to split aft er 2018: reports

Former world champions Red Bull and The BBC, citing multiple sources, and tions beyond 2018 for Red Bull, owned option at present. engine supplier Renault are set to part Sky Sports television said Renault had by Austrian energy drinks billionaire That could in turn aff ect where their cur- company after the 2018 Formula One now told Red Bull that the company no Dietrich Mateschitz, threw a fresh twist rent drivers, Australian Daniel Ricciardo season, media reports said yesterday. longer wanted to supply the team after on the shake-up. and Dutch teenager Max Verstappen, The two have had a fractious relation- next season. Renault, who now have their own end up. ship since a new 1.6 litre V6 turbo There was no immediate comment from factory team, and Red Bull won four suc- Both are race winners and likely to be of hybrid power unit was introduced in any of the parties involved. cessive drivers’ and constructors’ titles interest to Ferrari and Mercedes. 2014 and Renault’s version proved Renault is set to supply McLaren in 2018, between 2010-13. Formula One’s current engine rules run less competitive than that of rivals in a deal sources say will be announced Red Bull are the only team other than to 2020, after which new suppliers could Mercedes. at the Singapore Grand Prix today, with Mercedes and Ferrari to have won a race come in. Red Bull tried and failed to find an alter- Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso switching to this season. Red Bull have been linked to Volkswa- native supply, and also threatened to the Honda units previously used by the The Honda has been the slowest and gen-owned brands Audi and Porsche in quit the sport altogether, but ended up British team. least reliable of Formula One’s four cur- the past, with the latter acknowledging staying with Renault — using the French Those deals have already been taken for rent engines but Red Bull might have to this month that it was considering a engines but with Tag Heuer branding. granted in the paddock but the ramifica- use it in 2019, given the lack of any other return to grand prix racing.

SPOTLIGHT Losail circuit to kick off 2018 MotoGP season RETURN Vettel warns Ferrari no Qatar’s Losail International Circuit will kick off the 2018 MotoGP season as the provisional South Africa’s Steyn calendar was announced yesterday, revealing a 19-race schedule that will begin on March shoo-in for Singapore 18. The most notable change to next year’s puts comeback calendar is the inclusion of Thailand, with the Chang International Circuit in Buriram pen- AFP Asked whether victory on Sunday ning a three-year deal with Dorna following plans on hold again Singapore was vital for his season, Vettel said: the British Grand Prix. The venue for the race “I think it’s more important to have in Britain has still not been decided yet. The the lead after Sunday night in Abu inaugural Thailand Grand Prix will take place Reuters Steyn was planning to make ebastian Vettel yesterday Dhabi (the fi nal race). on October 7, with the Japanese, Australian Cape Town his comeback for the Titans warned he was in for a close “Whatever happens on the way, and Malaysian events still forming a triple- against the Dolphins on Tuesday. fi ght with Lewis Hamilton’s happens. The target is clear. We header run from October 21 – November 4. His decision puts in jeopardy Mercedes at the Singapore have a lot of races, a lot of time to get The longest season in grand prix history is set outh African strike bowl- his chances of a comeback in the GrandS Prix, despite his peerless points, and then we see the count at er Dale Steyn has delayed two-test series against Bangla- to conclude on November 18 at the Ricardo record and Ferrari’s supposed supe- the end.” Tormo Circuit in Valencia. his return from a lengthy desh‚ which starts in Potchef- riority at the night race. As well as his wins in 2011, 2012, injury layoff after with- stroom on Sept. 28. Vettel has won four of the nine 2013 and 2015 in Singapore, Vettel drawingS from a domestic fi rst- He said he would rather play Singapore races so far, but he dis- drove brilliantly from the back of the Probe aft er Rossi scan class series match because he felt limited overs or club cricket to missed expectations that Ferrari grid last year to fi nish fi fth. defused on social media he was not ready. ease himself back into action. will have the edge over Mercedes at But the four-time world champi- Steyn, who has taken 417 test “I don’t want to put myself or the corner-heavy Marina Bay street on said: “It’s a big challenge. It’s the The publication of a scan of motorcycling ace wickets for South Africa, has the team in a position where I circuit. longest race of the season in terms of Valentino Rossi’s broken leg on social media been sidelined since fractur- pull up again,” he said. Vettel trails Hamilton by just three duration. It’s the toughest one in my has sparked an investigation by the Prosecu- ing his shoulder while bowling “Some shorter cricket might points in the standings, but the Mer- opinion for focus and stress. tor’s Off ice in Ancona, according to reports against Australia in a test in Perth be the better answer for a re- cedes driver has won three of the “It’s the sort of race you look for- yesterday. The 38-year-old Italian legend in November. introduction... I thought going last four grands prix — including his ward to the whole season but you underwent surgery in Ancona, in eastern Italy, It is the second time his come- from nothing to possibly bowling crushing victory two weeks ago in don’t really want to start, because earlier this month after a crash in training, dis- back has been put on hold. He 30-plus overs was a bit of a risk.” Italy. you know how diffi cult it is.” charging himself from hospital the following was supposed to tour England Steyn, who is just fi ve shy of “In theory it should be a bit better Hamilton’s phenomenal form in day. According to the newspaper Il Resto del with South Africa A in June but surpassing Shaun Pollock as the here than Monza but I think it will be qualifying, with eight pole positions Carlino a hospital employee was responsible said then his rehabilitation had country’s leading test wicket close,” Vettel told reporters. this year, gives Mercedes a good for copying the scan which was later widely not gone as quickly as hoped. taker, also missed most of the “We’ve seen that it’s very close no ered an upset in Singapore, whose chance. The pole-sitter has won sev- defused outside the hospital via the social “Right now I’m bowling fi ne but 2015-16 test series against Eng- matter where we go (even on) tracks 23 corners and lack of long straights en of the nine Singapore races so far. network. The Italian nine-time world cham- I haven’t hit the full workload I’d land because of shoulder prob- that (should) defi nitely suit Mer- tend to play to Ferrari’s strengths. “If we can get the car in a place pion is fighting to be fit for the final races of need to handle in four-day cricket lems. cedes or (should) defi nitely suit Fer- But Vettel said there had been lit- we’re comfortable in, then I think the season which finishes on November 12 in or a test‚ so I decided it was best He suff ered the original injury rari.” tle between Ferrari and Mercedes on we’ll defi nitely be strong,” said the Valencia. not to play,” the 34-year-old told in the Durban test against Eng- A Mercedes win would be consid- tracks of all diff erent types this year. Briton. Cricinfo yesterday. land at the end of 2015.