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Monday, October 14, 2019 ATHLETICS Safar 15, 1441 AH Kosgei shatters GULF TIMES Radcliff e’s record in SPORT Page 3

EQUESTRIANISM Qatar jumping team nail spot in Olympics

By Sports Reporter After their magnifi cent feat, the Qatar Doha team was congratulated by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al- Thani in a tweet which read “And we atar’s showjumping team are through! Congrats to all our riders of Hamad Nasser al-Qadi, for their @tokyo2020 qualifi cations!” Sheikh Ali al-Thani, Rash- HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al- id Towaim Ali al-Marri, Thani, President Qatar Olympic Com- QBassem Mohamed has qualifi ed for mittee also extended his good wishes the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo next year. to the Qatar equestrian team on their This will be the second successive time qualifi cation. that a Qatari team will be going to the The ‘Road to Tokyo Ranking’ event Summer Games, after they had done so of CSIO4* showjumping event which in Rio 2016. had six teams in the fi nal was won by Yesterday, Qatar fi nished second Egypt, with hosts Morocco, Saudi Ara- in Morocco Royal Tour Nations Cup bia, Jordan and the UAE missing out on in Tabat, which was a Tokyo Olym- Olympics berth. pics qualifying event. Sheikh Ali and At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Sheikh Bassem, who were part of the Rio Ol- Ali had missed a medal by a whisker ympic squad, played a key role again in after he fi nished sixth in the individual ensuring Qatar qualifi ed for the Games event. The Qatari rider is has set his again. sights Tokyo Olympics and is confi - Qatar fi nished the event runner- dent of fulfi lling his dream of winning up with a cumulative time of 239.40 a medal. and 238.45secs, with the best three “I felt proud carrying the fl ag for scores of the riders making up the tally. my country at the Rio Olympics. That Sheikh Ali, astride his gelding Sitocco, great feeling also pushed me to excel as was the fastest rider among his team- a competitor. I also came very close to mates, fi nishing his round in 77.43 sec- winning a medal in Rio. So for me the onds. work starts from today till the next Ol- Hamad Nasser al-Qadi (SIEC Lon- ympics (Tokyo 2020) and I know that I nie), Rashid Towaim Ali al-Marri can get a medal. I shall win it one day Qatar’s equestrian team comprising Sheikh Ali al-Thani, Hamad Nasser al-Qadi, Rashid Towaim Ali al-Marri and Bassem Mohammed pose with Qatar Equestrian (Armstrong van de Kapel) and Bassem Inshaallah,” Sheikh Ali had said earlier Federation and Asian Equestrian Federation President Hamad Abdulrahman al-Attiyah and other off icials after finishing second in the Nations Cup at the Morocco (Gunder) also put up a strong show. this year. Royal Tour in Rabat yesterday.

ANOC WORLD BEACH GAMES Qatar beat US and Germany to reach quarter-fi nals ‘WE’RE IN THE KNOCKOUT AND WILL HOPEFULLY CONTINUE TO LIFT OUR LEVEL’

By Sports Reporter of home fans at centre court. Doha “We have improved a lot compared to our previous two matches. The format is new for all of us and we’ve have not herif Younousse guided hosts been able to practise enough. But we Qatar into the quarter-fi nals of showed tremendous improvement and the 4x4 volleyball at the ANOC played much better tonight,” said You- World Beach Games 2019 yes- nousse after their win over Germany. terday.C “The next match is very important as At the Gharafa Sports Complex, You- we’re in the knockout stage now. Hope- nousse scored match-high 10 points in fully, the same or bigger crowd will turn Qatar’s 2-0 (21-18 21-15) win over Ger- up on Monday to cheer us,” he said. many, their third win in the competi- Younousse led the scoring with 19 tion. points, including four blocks. Elmajid Attacker Ziad Benlouaer also also chipped in with 11, including 10 chipped in with six points and Seifed- points at the net. Benlouaer and Mes- dine Elmajid scored fi ve. Dan John and selmani also provided good support. Julian Schupritt were the main scorers “It is amazing to beat these strong for Germany with seven and six points, teams and fi nish on the top. With respectively. Cherif and Seif doing well on the net, Qatar’s Cherif Younousse spikes the ball against “I’m happy with how my players the tactics are paying off well. We’re the USA at the Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. found the solutions in diff erent situa- happy to reach the quarter-fi nals,” set- PICTURE: Jayan Orma tions tonight. I am also happy with the ter Denis Messelmani said. Qatar team topping the pool,” Qatar’s USA took second place after beat- “I think we are a little bit more in other teams are playing as well. There’s think for me being able to get to know a Qatar beat US 1-2 (16-21, 21-10, 15-10) coach Mariano Baracetti said. ing Indonesia 2-0 in another late night sync inside the court, trying to adjust a lot of diff erent plays you can make little bit more about the girls, a little bit Indonesia beat Germany 2-1 (21-19, “We’re in the knockout and will pool match. Germany are third, while a few of the little details. But overall it with one team. I hope we can continue more about their game. Normally we 18-21, 15-3) hopefully continue to lift our level,” the Indonesia, who had lost to Qatar 1-2, was a really good result,” said Brazil’s with this rhythm and doing our best.” play against each other so now we are Qatar beat Germany 2-0 (21-18, 21-15) Argentine said. defeated Germany 2-1 (21-19, 18-21, 16- Barbara Seixas de Freitas. Barbara is looking at the new 4x4 playing together. It’s been fun.” US beat Indonesia 2-0 (21-18 23-21) Earlier in the day, Qatar came back 13) in an exciting match. Talking about their plans in the format with positivity as she said: “I Group B from behind to beat World No 13 USA In the women’s section, Brazil re- knockout stage she said: “We were think we are all really motivated but RESULTS Chile beat Mozambique 2-0 (21-17, 2-1 (16-21, 21-10, 15-10) to record their mained unbeaten in the Group A with a looking at the game with Australia and also open-minded about this format, Men’s 21-19) second win in the tournament in front 2-0 victory over USA yesterday. Vanuatu. We try and fi gure out how because it’s really diff erent for us. I Group A Australia beat Poland 2-0 (23-21 23-15) Gulf Times 2 Monday, October 14, 2019 ANOC WORLD BEACH GAMES

BEACH HANDBALL WAKEBOARDING French prodigy leaves rivals Qatar unbeaten, in his wake

By Sports Reporter ing second in Heat 2. He will be Doha joined by last chance qualifi ers Shota Tezuka (JPN) and Luca Kidd (GBR). axime Roux of In the women’s qualifi ers, Eu- take on Aussies France blew his ropean champion Sanne Meijer competitors out (NED) was unruffl ed by amend- Mof the water in the ments made to the towboat’s bal- men’s Wakeboard Qualifi ers at last before her run and notched Leqtaifi ya Lagoon yesterday. up a particularly good fi rst pass, The 15-year-old posted the including a superb tootsie roll, to day’s highest score of 91.78, net- bag a total of 69.44 points and go ting 30.75 for execution, 30.06 top of Heat 1. in quarter-fi nals for intensity and 30.97 for com- Joining her in tomorrow’s fi - position from the judges. nals are Italian sisters Alice and Speaking after his run, Roux Chiara Virag, who came second ‘THE PLAYERS PUT IN THEIR BEST AND WE WERE AT THE TOP OF THE GROUP’ said, “I am so stoked, it’s the best in Heats 1 and 2 respectively. pass I’ve ever done. I did all my Jamie Lopina (USA) was fi rst tricks well. I didn’t feel any pres- off the dock in Heat 2 but set the sure because I’m the youngest so standard high enough to hold I could just go and have fun.” onto the lead and book herself Roux’s performance in Heat a place in the fi nal with a total 1 left him 2.89 points ahead of of 63.56, alongside last chance reigning European men’s wake- qualifi ers Zhenkun Duan (CHN) board champion and 2015 world and Ariana Eimer (GER). champion Massimiliano Pif- In the Waterski Jump prelimi- faretti (ITA), who fi nished sec- nary round, Marie Vympraniet- ond, and 11.78 points higher than sova (GRE) took a commanding reigning world champion and lead with a fi rst jump of 47.9m. winner of Heat 2 Cory Teunissen Vympranietsova said she was (AUS). feeling confi dent for the fi nal. Teunissen had a disappointing “I always to try to get my fi rst run by his usual standards, with jump good enough for the fi - an uncharacteristic fall leaving nals and then I use the second him with a total score of 80.00 and third just to get my strategy which would have had him fi fth for the fi nals. So I feel like I can in Heat 1. However, retaining fi rst do more tomorrow,” she com- place in his heat, the Australian mented. was typically laidback about the However, reigning world silver result. medallist Hanna Straltsova (BLR) “I had a mess up but I’m pretty will be nipping at Vympraniet- buzzing I made it through, that’s sova’s heels in the fi nals after all you can really ask for right she fi nished a metre short of the now and it’s on to the next one,” leader in second place. he said. “My aim is to win, of course,” “It was kind of funny, the guy Straltsova said, smiling. before me had two early falls and The men’s Waterski Jump pre- the boat normally waits up the liminary competition was can- end but they just turned the boat celled due to dangerous winds. straight back around and came A majority of the nine team cap- back, so there were a lot of roll- tains voted to allow all competi- ers [waves] on my fi rst pass. So I tors through to the fi nal tomor- called for a re-ride but it ended row rather than reschedule the up not making any diff erence. I preliminary round. fell straight away anyway, so it Today will see all Waterski and was kind of a little bit of a waste Wakeboard medals decided, with of time, but it was all right.” the Waterski Jump fi nals start- America’s Guenther Oka also ing at 08:00 and the Wakeboard made it to the fi nals by fi nish- fi nals at 11:00.

Mutasem Mohamed of Qatar goes for the goal during the match against Spain at the Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

By Yash Mudgal Hungary. The players put in the fourth spot in Group A. a regular national team player in fast game. China was a tough Doha their best and we were at the top “We just kept powering conventional handball, is enjoy- opponent, and they play dif- of the group,” a delighted Hassan through, the boys knew what to ing his time on the sand. ferent handball from us. Their said. do. We just knew we were go- “I’m playing beach handball passes are very fast. Their de- he Qatar juggernaut Spain kept the hosts at least ing to have it in the penalties. for the fi rst time and I’m fi nding fence is very fast compared to kept rolling in the men’s two points away from them We just knew it,” said Lucas it interesting. We have a good European teams. But we had handball competition throughout in the opening set, Turecek, who scored the win- coach, who has shaped the team faith, and today we are lucky,” of the inaugural ANOC but in the dying moments de- ning goal for Australia. well. We have enjoyed our out- Poland’s specialist Paula Ma- TWorld Beach Games Qatar 2019 fender Mutasem Mohamed tied “No-one wants to go to the ings during the pool matches. zurek said. as the hosts remained unbeaten the scores and right winger shootouts. If they score they We secured the top position, Poland, who won a silver med- at the end of the qualifi cation Hand Kakhi struck a fi ne goal to score. We just kept powering which is going to motivate us a al at the European Beach Hand- round yesterday. put Qatar 1-0 ahead. Kakhi kept through, the boys knew what to lot. We’ll continue to push our- ball Championships in Croatia At the Gharafa Complex, fi ve- the the momentum going in the do. We just knew we were going selves and try to do Qatar proud in 2017, face a tough draw against time Asian Champions Qatar second sets as he struck four to have it in the penalties. We in the knock-out stage,” he said. Brazil in their fi rst quarter-fi nal defeated 2017 European bronze goals inn Qatar’s easy win. just knew it.” Hungary also clinched the last match. The Poles were a late ad- winners Spain 2-0 (16-14, 20- Hassan’s focus is now on the Talking about last eight stage available spot from Group B with dition to the competition after 10) in straight sets to make it match against Australia in the match against Qatar, Turecek a win over Croatia. the current highest ranked Eu- fi ve-from-fi ve on the third of quarterfi nals today evening. sounded positive. European champions Den- ropean women team Norway de- the competition. “Still we’ve a long way to go. “I’m really excited to take on mark defeated Oman 2-0 to fi n- cided not to send a team. Qatar’s coach Khaled Hassan My players are a bit tired after Qatar, they’re a good team. We’ll ished top of their group with fi ve European champions Dan- is ready to take on the ‘tough’ a diffi cult group phase. No our be on centre court, and if we can wins from fi ve matches. Tunisia ish women had a bad start but Australians in the quarter-fi - focus is on the quarter-fi nal play like we did in the fi rst-half, defeated Uruguay 2-1 (12-16, three wins sees them sitting in nals, after the Aussies stunned against Australia, who look a it’s gonna be awesome,” said 14-12, 7-6) in their last group third spot, behind the dominant USA 2-1 (30-26, 28-18, 9-8) in tough side. They upset the USA Turecek. match. Brazilian unbeaten at the top of sudden death in their last group and we’ll have to be wary of “We’re gonna take all the pos- In women’s section, Poland Group A. match to fi nish fourth. them,” he said. itives to the next game against prevailed over Asian champions The semi-fi nals will take place “We’re proud to fi nish on the In a tight encounter in the Qatar and do our best. We’re just China 22-20, 21-13 dominating tomorrow evening at Gharafa top of Pool B, which was quite a morning session Australia won a huge-hearted team, and we’re the second set after a thrilling complex while the match for diffi cult task since we had four- in sudden death after fi ve goals just gonna go for it.” fi rst to enter quarters. third placed fi nal will take place Maxime Roux of France executes a somersault during the Men’s time world fi nalists Croatia and each in the shootout to secure Qatar’s Kamal Aldin Mallash, “Beach handball is a very on Wednesday at Katara. wakeboard qualifiers yesterday.

KARATE KATA Quintero, Sanchez make it Spanish grand double By Sports Reporter peted on the sand and I really enjoyed it. Doha All the competitors gave 100%, all of us tried to adapt to the new surface with diff erences in their katas and it has been pain swept both the gold med- a very entertaining tournament. I hope als of the Karate competition at that Karate will continue being part of the ANOC World Beach Games this event in its future editions.” yesterday as Damian Quintero The podium in male Kata was com- Sand Sandra Sanchez won the men’s and pleted with Antonio Diaz of Venezuela women’s Kata title respectively. and Gakuji Tozaki of the USA who upset The crowning of Quintero as the fi rst Salman Almosawi of Kuwait and Ahmad male champion of Beach Karate com- Zigi Zaretsa Yuda of Indonesia, respec- pleted a memorable day in Doha as the tively in the bronze medal bouts. historic Karate tournament Beach Games Earlier, Sandra Sanchez made his- concluded in Katara Beach. tory as she became the fi rst champion of Quintero, who is the second placed ka- the Karate competition at ANOC World rateka in WKF World ranking defeated Yi Beach Games by winning the women’s Ta Wang of Chinese Taipei in a thrilling title. World champion Sanchez con- fi nal. fi rmed once again her number one status It was a day full of surprises Wang and was proclaimed one of the best Kata Women’s winner Sandra Sanchez of Spain (2nd left), silver winner Fatemeh Sa- qualifi ed for the title-deciding bout after Gold medallist Damian Quintero of Spain (2nd from left), runner-up Yi Ta Wang karatekas of all times with the gold medal degui of Iran (1st left) and bronze winners Lau Mo and Dimitrova Maria of Hong shocking favourites. The representative (1st left) and joint bronze winners Gakuji Tozaki of the USA (3rd left) and in Beach Karate. The current World and Kong and Dominica respectively. of Chinese Taipei is placed 13th in WKF Antonio Diaz of Venezuela pose on the podium. European title-holder, defending Grand World Ranking and had been away of the Winner and gold medallist at the Euro- in Doha, Sanchez beat Fatemeh Sadegui Sadegui is placed in the 23rd position in podium of major international events In the fi nal, Quintero proved too strong while Yi Ta Wang received 24.94 points. pean Games extended her outstanding of Iran. The Iranian karateka had pro- WKF World Ranking and has the silver since his silver at the 2018 AKF Champi- with his performance of “Suparinpei” Quintero said: “It has been a great expe- tally of awards with the crown of the fi rst duced the biggest upset of the day with medal at the 2015 World Junior Champi- onships. kata. The Spaniard got a score of 26.40 rience. It was the fi rst time that we com- World Beach Games. In the fi nal today her qualifi cation to the fi nal. Fatemeh onships as her best result. Gulf Times Monday, October 14, 2019 3 SPORT GLIMPSES FROM THE ANOC WORLD BEACH GAMES ’s Kosgei shatters Radcliff e’s world mark

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei crosses the finish line to win the yesterday.

AFP man to break two hours at the Chicago distance when he clocked 1hr 59min 40.2sec on a specially prepared course in a Vienna enya’s Brigid Kosgei park. shattered Paula Rad- Kosgei signalled her intentions cliff e’s 16-year-old with an astonishing first five Kwomen’s marathon kilometers in 15:28 — so far world record yesterday, win- inside Radcliff e’s world record ning the Chicago Marathon in pace that it seemed she might two hours, 14 minutes and four have ruined her chances out of seconds. the gate. Kosgei broke the mark of But she settled into a more 2:15:25 set by Radcliff e in the sustainable pace and powered Marathon on April 13, relentlessly to the finish line. 2003 as she won in Chicago for Kenya’s Lawrence Cherono won the second straight year. a men’s race that came down Kosgei, the 25-year-old who to the wire in 2:05:45 — barely 3X3 BASKETBALL won the in edging Ethiopia’s Dejene De- April and clocked the fastest bela who was second in 2:05:46 half-marathon in history this with another Ethiopian, Asefa year of 1:04:28 at the Great Mengstu, third in 2:05:48. North Run, quickly separated Last year’s winner herself from the women’s field of Britain was never a factor as she ran with two male pace- — finishing a distant eighth in Mixed luck for Qatar cagers setters. 2:09:58. By Amjad Vanimal She crossed the finish line It was a disappointing end for Doha alone, with Ethiopians Ababel Farah to a week that began Yeshaneh and Gelete Burka amid a hail of questions about a distant second and third in the scandal surrounding his atar had mixed luck in the 3x3 2:20:51 and 2:20:55. former coach . basketball competition of the While the IAAF recognizes the US distance running guru ongoing ANOC World Beach 2:17:01 clocked by Mary Jepkos- Salazar has been banned for Games at Katara Beach. gei Keitany at the 2017 London four years by the United States QWhile they played impressively to Marathon as a “women only” Anti-Doping Agency for a string defeat Togo in a late match, they were world record posted without of doping violations. beaten by Ivory Coast earlier in the male pace-setters, it’s Radcliff e’s Salazar has denied wrongdoing, evening. mark — so long untouchable but Nike shut down its Oregon Securing a comfortable 15-10 win — that has been the grail for Project running group headed against Togo, the hosts Qatar displayed female marathon runners. by Salazar, and four-time Olym- their supremacy throughout the game. Kosgei’s performance contin- pic gold medalist Farah arrived In the absence of captain Nedim Mus- ued a remarkable weekend in in Chicago for his defence to lic, who hurt his shoulder in the second the punishing event, coming a find himself again denying any game of the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in day after fellow Kenyan Eliud irregularities during his time China, Ndoye Elhadj Seydou, a 20-year- Kipchoge became the first with the coach. old dynamic player in the paint, led the four-member Qatar squad, which in- cluded Aladji Bobo, Raslan al-Abdulla, and Faisal Abuissa. Despite dropping their fi rst match against Ivory Coast 18-13, Qatar went on to win the second as key player Al- adji Bobo scored an impressive 7 points, while captain Ndoye Elhadj Seydou con- tributed 4 points to ensure an emphatic victory against Togo. For the Togo side, Zotchi Yao scored 4 points while Kpodar Jean and Koffi Asai scored 3 points respectively. Earlier, Ivory Coast defeated Qatar 18-13 in a match witnessed by a packed crowd. Ivory Coast’s captain Guede Ju- les Junior scored 6 points, while forward Diarra Ismael scored 5 for his side. Commenting on the impressive start, Ivory Coast captain Jules said, “When you play against the home team, you have to play twice as hard to win. We Action from the Qatar vs Togo match at Katara yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad T knew that the match would be diffi cult, but we manage to get a big win. We are had to be mentally prepared and not to Qatar 15 (Aladji Bobo 7, Ndoye Elhadj Ivory Coast 18 (Guede Jules Junior now focusing on our next match”. lose our head in the fi rst minutes. When Seydou 4, Abdulla Raslan 3, Abuissa 6, Kouassi Severin 4, Diarra Ismael 5, Ivory Coast player Diarra Ismael we did hit some shots from long dis- Faisal 1) Konate Lassina 3) added, “We thought from the beginning tance, the things got easier for us.” Togo 10 ( Zotchi Yao 4, Kpodar Jean 3, Qatar 13 (Seydou Ndoye Elhadj 1, that we can overplay our opponents in Koff i Asai 3) Abuissa Faisal 6, Magassa Bobo 4, Lawrence Cherono of Kenya addresses the media after winning the manner of athleticism. So, we just SCORES Abdulla Raslan 2) the 2019 men’s Chicago Marathon yesterday. Gulf Times 4 Monday, October 14, 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Scrappy Wales History-makers make hard work of Uruguay to Japan fl oor Scots reach last eight to reach quarters Brave Blossoms will face two-time world champs South Africa in Tokyo next weekend

AFP Yokohama, Japan

apan’s “Ferraris” hit top gear yesterday as the hosts beat Scotland 28-21 in a barnstorming Rugby Wales head coach Warren Gatland gestures before the match against WorldJ Cup clash to create his- Uruguay in Kumamoto, Japan, yesterday. (Reuters) tory by reaching the quarter- fi nals. Reuters the early exchanges but their Rampaging wingers Kotaro Kumamoto, Japan raids were stopped by some Matsushima and Kenki Fuku- dogged Uruguayan tackling. oka did the damage for Japan, Flanker Aaron Shingler broke who survived a late fi ghtback in scrappy Wales were through on the right wing to Yokohama to advance as Pool A made to work hard for plant the ball by the fl ag in the winners along with Ireland. victory against Uru- 11th minute but the try was disal- The Brave Blossoms will guay but prevailed with lowed as he was well outside the face two-time world champi- aA bonus point 35-13 win in Ku- touch line. ons South Africa in Tokyo next mamoto yesterday to top Pool D With their try-line under weekend after making it a per- and set up a World Cup quarter- siege, Uruguay’s resistance broke fect four wins out of four, roared fi nal with three-times fi nalists in the 17th minute as prop Nicky on by a crowd of 67,000. France. Smith was driven over. Fukuoka, scorer of Japan’s try Wales clung to an eight-point Wales were denied a second in their 19-12 upset over Ireland, lead with seven minutes left un- try in the 25th minute, with grabbed two more in Yokohama til a strong carry by Leigh Half- Hadleigh Parkes putting winger with Matsushima notching his penny scattered the Uruguayan Hallam Amos over with a for- fi fth of the tournament for the defence and opened up a hole ward pass. rampant Japanese. for Tomos Williams to settle the Not even a chorus of singing After a war of words between matter with the bonus-point try. from Welsh fans could help Gat- the rival coaches in the build- Wales also scored tries from land’s side as they turned over up, the teams observed a mo- Nicky Smith, Josh Adams, Ga- the ball deep in Uruguay’s 22 and ment’s silence for the victims of reth Davies and a penalty try gave Berchesi a second penalty in the violent typhoon that swept but coach Warren Gatland was a front of the posts. through Japan on Saturday, picture of discontent for much of It was all back-slapping and killing at least 26 and forcing the evening. smiles among the Uruguayans as organisers to scrap three pool His team were denied four they jogged off with only a 7-6 games. Japan’s Kotaro Matsushima (right) scores a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Scotland at the International tries, including two from forward defi cit at halftime. The needle between the sides Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama yesterday. (AFP) passes, and committed a slew Wales re-booted after the quickly resurfaced in Sunday’s of handling errors on a perfect break, testing Uruguay with the typhoon-threatened Pool A de- “Everyone that entered the quickly with Matsushima latch- tain to climb. of a late barrage to avenge a 45- night for rugby. high ball. cider, however, as both teams game, from our most experi- ing onto a superb, one-handed Fukuoka then produced a mo- 10 defeat by Scotland that cost “We know we have to do a lot Bradley Davies was bundled put in some monstrous early enced to our least experienced, offl oad from Fukuoka to score ment of solo brilliance moments them a place in the knockout better than that. But we have back over the line near the posts tackles. gave 150 % and that’s what it his fi fth try of the tournament. into the second half, stripping stages of the 2015 World Cup. to be happy that we came away by the desperate Uruguayans but “For my team, the whole takes to win big Test matches.” Even better was to come from the ball from Chris Harris before That team, led by Eddie Jones, with a bonus-point win,” said the big lock’s strong carry cre- World Cup, we’ve prepared real- the hosts with a dazzling move accelerating clear. won three matches, including fl anker Justin Tipuric, who led ated an overlap out wide and an ly, really well. They’ve put their FLYING START straight out of a basketball Scotland, who had bounced a breathless 34-32 victory over the side for the fi rst time in place unmarked Adams cantered over bodies on the line every week- Scotland needed to win while playbook, quick hands between back from a 27-3 drubbing by South Africa in their opening of regular rested skipper Alun at the left corner after a long pass end,” said Japan coach Jamie preventing Japan from securing Shota Horie and William Tupou Ireland to smash Samoa 34-0 game. Wyn Jones. from Rhys Patchell. Joseph, who has compared his a defensive bonus point — and releasing loosehead prop Keita and Russia 61-0, looked out of Japan’s current vintage “You have to give Uruguay Wales were threatening to players to Ferraris. they got off to a yingfl start. Inagaki to crash over. it. thrashed Russia 30-10 and Sa- credit. They didn’t stop from the break the game open, but the “But tonight they went an- Early pressure told as fl y-half On the stroke of half-time, When WP Nel and Zander moa 38-19 either side of their beginning to the end and they’re scrappy play returned as Parkes’ other level I felt. They obviously Finn Russell broke through to the jet-heeled Fukuoka plucked Fagerson bulldozed over in the massive win over Ireland and a tough bunch of boys.” horror night continued. wanted that game as much as give them the lead after just sev- a high-bouncing Timothy La- space of fi ve minutes, suddenly coach Jamie Joseph will relish Uruguay bowed out of the The inside centre blew a third the Scottish team did. They gave en minutes. faele grubber kick out of the air the Japanese were creaking. the chance to have another crack World Cup with huge satisfac- try for Wales by putting Amos everything they possibly could. But the Japanese hit back to leave Scotland with a moun- But they stood fi rm in the face at the Springboks. tion having earned plenty of re- over the line with another for- spect from tier-one nations and ward pass. also upset Pacifi c power Fiji ear- A yellow card to Uruguay lier in the tournament. fl anker Santiago Civetta eased USA coach sees Japan blueprint for Rugby World Cup quarter-fi nal is ‘real deal’ for All “There were areas where we the pressure and paved the way were able to play how we wanted for a penalty try as Wales rum- World Cup in America Blacks skipper and we were also able to shock bled a maul toward the line. Wales,” said coach Esteban Me- Yet Uruguay rallied brilliantly, USA coach Gary Gold boasted yester- ers and the people in the streets. The New Zealand captain Kieran Read said veteran of 124 Tests. neses. with hooker German Kessler div- day that America could do a similar job whole event has been amazing here in the World Cup was now the “real deal” “It’s the exciting part. The reason we’re “We were able to show how ing over from in close to give the hosting the Rugby World Cup as Japan, Japan. And I think the US would be able as it moves into the knockout stage. here is to give ourselves a chance and we have developed Uruguayan Welsh a scare in the 71st minute. stressing the impact it would have on to do a very similar job and it would The reigning champions reached the this is week one of that quest.” rugby.” Wales rose to the challenge as the game in the potentially lucrative have the same eff ect on our game as last eight after their Pool C clash with Read, reflecting on his squad’s experience The Welsh had come into Williams grabbed the bonus- market. well,” added the coach. Italy in Toyota was cancelled because of the typhoon, said: “I think we were match with 13 changes and a point try but were left red-faced After seeing his side lose an entertaining The United States lost all three of their of Typhoon Hagibis. probably a little bit removed from some of patched-up backline with Dan minutes later when winger Amos 31-19 final Pool C match to Tonga, Gold matches in a tough pool at the Rugby Now the All Blacks can look forward to an the pictures we’ve seen here at the hotel. Biggar sidelined after his second spurned another try when he said hosting the World Cup would mean World Cup, going down 45-7 to England October 19 quarter-final in Tokyo against “We really just bunkered down. It was head knock of the tournament. failed to plant the ball correctly a “tremendous amount” to the USA, cur- and 33-9 to France before yesterday’s the runners-up in a tightly contested Pool certainly interesting watching out the A moment of silence was held when doing a fl amboyant swan rently 17th in the international rankings. defeat to Tonga. A featuring Japan, Ireland and Scotland. window what was coming through. before the game for victims of dive. “The minute it was announced that The South African has been tough on Read, who will retire from Test rugby “We just tried to keep ourselves safe, Typhoon Hagibis, which pound- In a madcap fi nish, Davies en- Japan was going to get a World Cup, his team at the World Cup, describ- after the World Cup, told reporters yes- and feel for the Japanese people and ed into Japan’s main island of sured Wales fi nished on a high the game has changed amazingly in ing the loss to England as a “calamity terday: “This is the real deal right now. the ones aff ected because it is pretty Honshu on Saturday. note as he burned away from this country,” said Gold. in Kobe” and calling on his players to “This week if we don’t perform we go serious for a lot of people across this the Uruguayan defenders after “Just look at these amazing support- improve “every aspect” of their game. home,” the 33-year-old back row, a country right now.” DOGGED URUGUAY a turnover to cross under the Wales dominated possession in posts.

BOTTOMLINE Canadian players help typhoon recovery eff orts Reuters Some of the Canadian players 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Tokyo, Japan have decided to stay on in Japan More than 1,000 people were despite their team going out of the killed or went missing in Kamaishi tournament. following the tsunami. Uruguay beat anada’s players helped the “Four of us are staying on tomor- Fiji in Kamaishi earlier in the tour- local community in Kamai- row to do a community barbecue,” nament. shi recover from Typhoon said captain Tyler Ardron. Canadian coach Kingsley Jones Hagibis yesterday after “There’s a bunch of Canadian guys said losing out on playing against theirC fi nal Rugby World Cup match that have rented a house here, made it Namibia was a blow for his team as it against Namibia was cancelled due a ‘Canada House’, so we’ll do whatever was their best chance to win a match to the impact of the storm. we can to help. at the World Cup. Canada, without a win at the tour- “We were hoping that we would “Right now it is a bit of an empty nament, had been due to play Namibia just go out and mingle, interact and feeling,” said the Welshman. in Kamaishi but tournament organ- just get to know some people but it “I felt today against the opposition isers decided on Saturday that the looks like we might have other things that are a good team, that performed match would be cancelled because of to pitch in.” well in the World Cup, about the same the expected impact of the typhoon. “What we want to do today, if we level as us, we could see where we stand The storm hit Kamaishi, on Ja- can, is get out in the community and I believe we would have won today. pan’s north-east coast, early yester- and help. We’ve been hosted so well. “I think that would have given us day. We want to give back all we can,” he a sense of an outcome. This feels like Canada player Peter Nelson helps Typhoon Hagibis has killed at least added. there’s no outcome at the moment.” remove mud inside a house at a 23 people, leaving vast swaths of low- World Cup organisers chose to hold Canada have appeared at every flooded area, caused by Typhoon lying land in central and eastern Japan two matches in the remote town of Rugby World Cup with their best Hagibis in Kamaishi, Japan, inundated and cutting power to al- Kamaishi in a bid to aid the region’s showing being a quarter-fi nal berth yesterday. (Reuters) most half a million homes. recovery after it was devastated by the in 1991. Gulf Times Monday, October 14, 2019 5 SPORT

MLB NHL Scherzer fl irts with Pearson, Canucks no-hitter, Yankees top Flyers in Nationals, who upset Dodgers in the previous round, are two wins shootout away from reaching World Series Reuters second on Twarynski’s fi rst NHL rout Astros goal. He took a stretch pass from New York, United States AFP Justin Braun, skated into the of- Los Angeles, United States fensive zone and snapped a shot anner Pearson scored in from the top of the left faceoff regulation and also net- circle through Markstrom’s pads. ashington’s Max ted the shootout win- Travis Sanheim also got an assist. Scherzer became ner as the Vancouver The Canucks wasted little time the second pitcher TCanucks defeated the visiting in regaining the lead, as Pearson to fl irt with a no- Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 Saturday scored 73 seconds later, tipping Whitter in as many days as the night. Tanev’s shot from the top of the Nationals stunned Adam Wain- Brock Boeser also scored for right faceoff circle over Hart’s wright and the St. Louis Car- Vancouver, and goaltender Jacob left shoulder. Josh Leivo got the dinals 3-1 in game two of the Markstrom made 30 saves. second assist. National League Championship Markstrom stopped Kevin Hay- It stayed that way until Lind- Series. es’ shootout attempt to clinch blom tied it with a power-play Scherzer took a no-hitter into the victory. goal at 14:58 of the third, tak- the seventh inning and new dad Carsen Twarynski and Oskar ing a cross-ice pass from Travis Daniel Hudson closed it out in Lindblom scored for the Flyers. Konecny and beating Markstrom the ninth to preserve the win for Carter Hart made 22 saves but from the left faceoff circle. Matt the visiting Nationals, who took failed in his bid to become the Niskanen also got an assist. a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven fi rst goalie in NHL history age 21 Philadelphia outshot Vancou- playoff series. of younger to win his team’s fi rst ver 31-24, though the Canucks “I came in and my arm didn’t three games of a season. had a 5-1 edge in overtime. feel great,” Scherzer said. “But Lindblom’s power-play goal around the fourth or fi fth in- with 5:02 left in regulation tied the RESULTS ning I felt like everything kind of score at 2-2 and forced overtime. loosened up in my shoulder. After a scoreless overtime, the Edmonton 4-1 NY Rangers “I was able to fi nd my arm slot game went to a shootout. Boeser Ottawa 4-2 Tampa Bay and I was driving my fastball and Jakub Voracek both missed into locations where I wanted.” in the fi rst round before the Ca- Los Angeles 7-4 Nashville In the late game, Gleyber nucks’ Elias Pettersson and Fly- 3-0 New Jersey Torres became the youngest ers’ Claude Giroux scored in the Columbus 3-2 Carolina New York Yankee to record fi ve second. Pearson beat Hart be- RBIs in a playoff game as the tween the legs to give Vancou- Winnipeg 3-2 Chicago Yankees routed the Houston ver a 2-1 edge before Markstrom Toronto 5-2 Detroit Astros 7-0 in the AL Champion- stopped Hayes. Montreal 6-3 St. Louis ship Series opener. Boeser gave the Canucks a 1-0 The Nationals, who rallied to lead at 5:01 of the fi rst. Christo- NY Islanders 3-2 Florida upset the 106-win Los Angeles pher Tanev’s shot from the point Washington 4-1 Dallas Dodgers in the previous round, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer delivers against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fourth inning in game two of the 2019 was tipped by Pettersson on its Pittsburgh 7-4 Minnesota are now just two wins away from NLCS playoff baseball series in St. Louis, United States, on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports) way to the net. Boeser drove to Colorado 3-2 Arizona advancing to the World Series. the net and poked in the rebound The best-of-seven NL Cham- He fi nished with 11 strikeouts, “There are multiple ways to They became the fi rst team to lieve in what I am doing in that from just outside the top left of Vancouver 3-2 Philadelphia pionship series shifts to Wash- allowed one hit and walked two skin a cat,” Scherzer said. “We come back from three run defi - situation,” said Torres. “The most the crease. Las Vegas 6-2 Calgary ington for games three and four. and has been pitching on just a just try to fi nd what is going to cits in back-to-back deciding important thing for me is to stay The Flyers tied it at 3:14 of the The winner will take on either few days rest in these playoff s. work in the game. We work well games in the playoff s. humble and respect the game.” the New York Yankees or Hou- “He was dynamite,” Nationals together and we know how to The Cardinals hitters strug- Torres, who was recently ston Astros in the World Series. manager Dave Martinez said of play the chess game.” gled, producing just fi ve base- promoted to the third position Scherzer’s gem came less than Scherzer. runners against Scherzer and in the batting order, continued 24 hours after Anibal Sanchez Cardinals ace Wainwright SEASON OF COMEBACK relievers Sean Doolittle, Patrick his October heroics by adding a took a no-hitter into the eighth also fanned 11 batters as he al- This is the season of the come- Corbin and Hudson. two-run single and a RBI ground inning in Washington’s 2-0 win lowed seven hits in 7 1/3 innings. back for the Nationals, who got “We’ve been shut down pretty ball hit. It all added up to a fran- in game one. Right hander Hudson closed off to a 19-31 start before going much for two games in a row,” chise record fi ve RBIs in a posts- Scherzer didn’t allow a hit it out for his third save of the 74-38 the rest of the way. said Cardinals manager Mike eason game for the 22-year-old Saturday until Paul Gold- post-season. He missed the se- They rallied from three runs Shildt. rising star. schmidt led off the seventh in- ries opener to be with his wife, down in the wild card game to In Houston, Japan’s Masahiro Giancarlo Stanton and Gio ning with a single. Sanchez had Sara, for the birth of their third beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 Tanaka put his stamp on the se- Urshela also hit home runs and his no-hit bid busted up by a child, a girl. then came from behind to elimi- ries with six solid innings and outfi elder Aaron Judge delivered single from Jose Martinez. Scherzer said after Saturday’s nate the Dodgers in the NLDS. Torres did his part by with a solo a clutch play, catching a line “For me, I’m just in the mo- game that one of the keys to their Down 3-0, they won it in the 10th home run and a go-ahead dou- drive and doubling Alex Breg- ment,” Scherzer said. “I’m not success if the way he communi- inning when Howie Kendrick ble for the Yankees. man off fi rst base when it was trying to do anything great.” cates with catcher Kurt Suzuki. blasted a grand slam home run. “I just try to be patient and be- still 1-0.

NBA Phoenix beat sloppy Portland in preseason

By Joe Freeman Dario Saric (3 of 3). oregonlive.com (TNS) How impressive was the Suns’ long-range shooting? The Blazers have never allowed he Portland Trail Blaz- more than 21 three-pointers in a ers’ fi nal home game of regular season game (Cleveland Vancouver Canucks left wing Tanner Pearson (left) and Philadelphia the exhibition season made 21 against them in 2016) Flyers defenseman Justin Braun battle for the puck during the NHL Twas a sloppy one. and the Houston Rockets own the game in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports) The Blazers scuffl ed and NBA record for most threes in a stumbled their way to a 134-118 regular season game with 27. loss to the Phoenix Suns Satur- “They shot the ball really day night at the Moda Center, well,” Blazers coach Terry Stotts dropping their second preseason said. “Some of that is on us. I Lions set for critical division game against an NBA opponent. don’t think we ever made them clash at Green Bay CJ McCollum had a prolifi c feel … uncomfortable with their scoring night, Zach Collins had a shots and they got some confi - Reuters the goal is to go 1-0 each and solid performance off the bench dence going with it. We didn’t New York, United States every week.” and Hassan Whiteside unveiled start the game locked in and that While LaFleur has the Packers his best outing with Portland. set the tone. pointed in the right direc- But the Blazers (1-2) were care- “As I told the team, it’s a good ith all four teams tion after back-to-back losing less with the ball, had hideous lesson. Because on any night, entering Week 6 with seasons, the Lions are on the three-point defense and trailed teams can get it going. And they Wwinning records, the upswing under second-year by as many as 21 points against got it going tonight.” NFC North has emerged as coach Matt Patricia. Detroit is a team that rested three starters. Lillard blamed a variety of is- arguably the best division in 2-1-1 after going 6-10 last sea- McCollum was one of the sues – including communica- the NFL. son. Its lone loss came in Week few bright spots for the Blazers, tion, slow rotations and even ef- Tonight at Lambeau Field, the 4, a 34-30 defeat to powerful recording 27 points, three re- fort – on the Blazers’ lacklustre Green Bay Packers and Detroit Kansas City after the Chiefs bounds and three assists, while defense, which allowed the Suns Lions will battle to determine rallied late for the winning making 10 of 17 shots, including to shoot 51 percent from the the best team in the best divi- touchdown. 4 of 7 three-pointers. Damian fi eld, including 53 percent from sion. “During the bye week, we had Lillard fi nished with 18 points three-point range, and score 23 The Packers are 4-1 under a chance to look at all of our and four assists and Collins more points than their previous first-year coach Matt LaFleur, games,” Patricia said. “From added 16 points, seven rebounds exhibition high this season. including a 34-24 upset over the overall picture, we’re just and fi ve assists for the Blazers. The only saving grace for the the Dallas Cowboys last week. trying to improve, we’re trying Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 19 Blazers? It came during the pre- The other five rookie coaches to get better. We know there’s a points, Frank Kaminsky record- season. have a combined record of lot of situations in the first four ed 16 points, eight assists and six “It’s good that it happened 4-19-1. games that we can improve rebounds and Tyler Johnson and and it doesn’t count against us,” “That’s something almost on a on.... Cameron Johnson each scored Lillard said. “So we can see what daily basis that comes up that “We’ve got a lot to do here, 18 points off the bench for the happens when we don’t come you’re like, ‘Oh, OK,’” LaFleur certainly with Aaron Rodgers Suns (2-1) out and do what we’ve been do- said. “For us and for myself, and all the talent they have on The Blazers committed a Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (foreground) dives for a loose ball against the Phoenix Suns in ing (in practice). We don’t have specifically, I think every week off ense.” turnover on their opening pos- the first half at Moda Center in Portland, United States, on Saturday. (USA TODAY Sports) the luxury to go out there and we have to hit that reset but- Rodgers was also on the injury session and were sloppy from just try to outscore teams and ton. You look at it as 0-0. That’s report Thursday for the first beginning to end. They fi nished 27 fast-break points. the most alarming development three-point line. Nine diff erent try to be lazy. It’s good to see the mentality that we have time this season, listed as with 22 turnovers, coughing up And when the Blazers weren’t Saturday night. Suns players made a three, in- how it went down tonight and each and every week. limited with a knee injury, but 15 in the fi rst half. And the Suns fumbling away freebies to Phoe- The Suns made 24 of 45 cluding Kaminsky (4 of 7), Tyler then look at it, watch fi lm, take “The goal, and I know it’s prob- the issue is not believed to be turned the miscues into a whop- nix, they were playing soft threes, a stunning total against Johnson (4 of 6), Cameron John- what we need to take away from ably boring to you guys, but significant. ping 34 points and fi nished with three-point defense, which was a defense built to swarm the son (4 of 6), Oubre (3 of 5) and it and move forward.” Gulf Times 6 Monday, October 14, 2019 SPORT

F1 Bottas win seals sixth world title double for Mercedes Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff dedicates his team’s achievement to legend Niki Lauda, who died earlier this year

Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas (left) and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in action during the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. (Reuters)

car in an unsafe condition. That meant was unable to get past as Vettel held liams) at 2 laps Leclerc’s miserable day was completed fi rm in a captivating duel. Hamilton can Not classified: Max Verstappen (NED/ by being relegated from sixth place to still clinch the drivers’ championship at Red Bull) retired lap 15; Fastest lap: seventh behind Daniel Ricciardo’s Re- the next race in Mexico in a fortnight’s Hamilton 1:30.983 (lap 45) nault. After the drama at the start, Vet- time as he holds a 64-point lead over tel was left sandwiched between the Bottas. two Mercedes and took the fi rst strate- DRIVERS’ STANDINGS: AFP sixth title is really impressive.” from third into the lead. gic move when he dived into the pits for JAPANESE GRAND PRIX RESULTS 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 338pts; 2. Suzuka, Japan “Firstly congratulations to the team,” “It was my mistake,” admitted Vet- a new set of soft tyres on lap 17. Bottas 1. Valtteri bottas (FIN/Mercedes) mirrored him on the next lap and stayed Valtteri bottas (FIN) 274; 3. Charles said Hamilton, who now leads the driv- tel who escaped a penalty for his false 301.664km in 1hr 21min 46.755sec (ave ers’ standings by 64 points from Bottas. start. “It was worse than a poor start. in front of Vettel. Leclerc (MON) 221; 4. Max Verstappen speed 221.325kph); 2. Sebastian Vettel altteri Bottas jumped from “That’s the main point. I just wanted to It was a really poor start. With the lack Hamilton was left in the lead and (NED) 212; 5. Sebastian Vettel (GER) (GER/Ferrari) at 13.343sec; 3. Lewis third to fi rst with an elec- bring home good points for the team.” of pace today, second place today was Mercedes tried to keep him out on a 212; 6. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) 76; 7. Pierre Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) at 13.858; tric start to win the Japanese Emotional Mercedes team princi- probably the maximum.” one-stop strategy, but by lap 22 Ham- Gasly (FRA) 73; 8. Alexander Albon Grand Prix yesterday ahead of pal Toto Wolff dedicated his team’s Max Verstappen enjoyed a bullet ilton was moaning that his tyres were 4. Alexander Albon (THA/Red Bull) at (THA) 64; 9. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 42; VFerrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Mercedes achievement to Formula One legend launch off the grid from fi fth in the Red “dead” and he too was brought in. 59.537; 5. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/McLaren) 10. Nico Hülkenberg (GER) 35; 11. Sergio teammate Lewis Hamilton. With only Niki Lauda, who died earlier this year. Bull and was overtaking the Ferrari of Hamilton, on fresher rubber, began to at 1:09.101; 6. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/ Perez (MEX) 35; 12. Lando Norris (GBR) Bottas now able to overtake Hamilton “We want to dedicate this to Niki be- Charles Leclerc on the outside of turn close on Vettel who pitted for his fi nal Renault) at 1 lap; 7. Charles Leclerc 35; 13. Daniil Kvyat (RUS) 33; 14. Kimi in the standings, Mercedes clinched an cause he’s just been such an important two when the Monegasque drove into change to medium tyres on lap 32, re- (MON/Ferrari) at 1 lap; 8. Pierre Gasly Raikkonen (FIN) 31; 15. Kevin (FRA/Toro Rosso) at 1 lap; 9. Sergio unprecedented sixth successive driv- part from the beginning of the journey,” the Dutchman, causing him to spin. joining in third. Bottas took on fresh Magnussen (DEN) 20; 16. Lance Stroll Perez (MEX/Racing Point) at 1 lap; 10. ers’-constructors’ world champion- said Wolff . “I miss him every day,” said “He just drove into the side of my car,” soft tyres fi ve laps later leaving Ham- (CAN) 19; 17. Romain Grosjean (FRA) Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Renault) at 1 ship double. Wolff , who like Lauda hails from Aus- complained an unhappy Verstappen, ilton back in the lead but worried he 8; 18. Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA) 4; 19. lap; 11. Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point) “I’m happy, very happy,” said fl ying tria. “When we talk in our group of who retired on lap 15. would have to stop again. “Tell me what Robert Kubica (POL) Finn Bottas, who ended a six-month friends, it’s surreal that he’s not here.” Leclerc’s front wing was damaged I have to do to win this race,” pleaded at 1 lap; 12. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro wait for his third victory of 2019 after Ferrari had enjoyed a front row lock- but he soldiered on with sparks and Hamilton over team radio. Rosso) at 1 lap; 13. Lando Norris (GBR/ winning the season-opener in Australia out in the morning qualifying session debris fl ying dangerously before he Mercedes gambled on bringing him McLaren) at 1 lap; 14. Kimi Raikkonen CONSTRUCTORS and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in April. caused by Typhoon Hagibis but that was forced to pit for a new nose at the in again on lap 43 for the quickest (FIN/Alfa Romeo) at 1 lap; 15. Romain 1. Mercedes 612pts (champions); 2. “Starting third isn’t easy. I had a really was as good as “Super Sunday” got for start of lap four. He was subsequently compound. It allowed Vettel back into Grosjean (FRA/Haas) at 1 lap; 16. An- nice start, managed to get the lead and them as their race unravelled right from summoned to face the stewards and second, but Hamilton was now ener- tonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa Romeo) at 1 Ferrari 433; 3. Red Bull 323; 4. McLaren then the pace was super good, I could the start. Vettel twitched before the penalised fi ve seconds for causing the gised and closed the gap with a new lap lap; 17. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas) at 111; 5. Renault 77; 6. Toro Rosso 59; 7. really control the race,” he added. “I’m lights went out and his hesitation ena- collision and given a further 10 sec- record. Hamilton continued to swarm 1 lap; 18. George Russell (GBR/Williams) Racing Point 54; 8. Alfa Romeo 35; 9. really proud to be part of the team. A bled the fast starting Bottas to leapfrog onds penalty for continuing to drive his all over Vettel in the closing stages but at 2 laps; 19. Robert Kubica (POL/Wil- Haas 28; 10. Williams 1

FOCUS TENNIS US fi ghter Day in coma aft er Tickets on sale for MOTUL American Gauff wins vicious KO Los Angeles: American Patrick Day was in a coma WorldSBK Qatar round fi rst WTA title at age 15 after suff ering a serious head injury on Saturday night ith the fi nal round head at over 310km/h from the fi nal round for on-track action. following a vicious knockout of the 2019 MOT- pit wall. World Superbike will feature by unbeaten Charles Conwell UL FIM Superbike Tickets can be bought for the likes of Bautista, Toprak during a boxing card in Chi- World Champion- one day only or for all three Razgatlioglu and Alex Lowes cago, US media reported. Wship season a unique spectacle days at www.lcsc.qa Children all racing for the last time with The 27-year-old Day was for the championship, there are under 11 years have free en- their respective manufacturers, unconscious when he was plenty of reasons to get your trance. Grandstand tickets start all keen to leave on a high. taken from the ring in a MOTUL Qatar Round tickets at from QR40 and WorldSBK VIP Former WorldSBK runner-up stretcher and loaded onto the Losail International Circuit Lounge tickets from QR700. Marco Melandri (GRT Yamaha a waiting ambulance at from 24th to 26th October. Fans over the age of 18 will be WorldSBK) will be retiring at the Wintrust Arena. Fight Spectators can watch the able to gain unprecedented ac- the end of the season, whilst broadcaster DAZN said Day three-day event under the im- cess to the pit lane and watch on Rea will be eager to enhance his suff ered a seizure in the am- pressive fl oodlights, where they from the Motul Action Pit Wall status as the greatest WorldSBK bulance and needed a breath- will get to be closer to the ac- Canopy. This access promises rider of all time. ing tube once he arrived at tion. Thanks to the Motul Ac- to make the Qatari round one All tickets holders will have the hospital. tion Box, fans can watch the to remember. This, combined access to the Paddock, Pit Lane ESPN reported that Day likes of Alvaro Bautista (ARU- with the night race, makes this Walk and be present at the po- had emergency brain surgery BA.IT Racing – Ducati) and an unmissable event. dium ceremonies with the win- and went into a coma, but did Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing There are plenty of other ners and share with them this not say whether he fell into Team WorldSBK) go head-to- reasons to be excited about the unique moment. the coma or it was induced by the doctors. No details of the head injury were given and the promoter, Matchroom Coco Gauff of the US (centre) poses with the trophy next to her parents Gorey (right) and Candy Gauff Boxing, did not issue a state- after winning the WTA Linz Open in Linz, Austria yesterday. (AFP) ment on Saturday night other than to say Day was trans- Reuters her rhythm to save two match soared at Wimbledon when she ported to a local hospital. Linz, Austria points and hold on for 5-1. Os- beat Venus Williams on her way “Please pray for Pat!! Come tapenko went on to break Gauff to the fourth round, is projected home safe!,” Conwell wrote at love to make it 5-2 but the to move inside the top 75 in the on his social media Twitter merican teenage sen- American held her nerve to WTA rankings. account following the fight. sation Coco Gauff seal victory on her third match Conwell, a 2016 American became the young- point. It concludes a remark- MEDVEDEV CLINCHES Olympian, was dominating est player to win a able week for Gauff , who went MASTERS TITLE the super welterweight fight WTAA title in 15 years as she beat from failing to win her quali- Russian Daniil Medvedev pul- dropping Day in the fourth former French Open cham- fi er to entering the main draw verised Alexander Zverev 6-4, and eighth rounds and then pion Jelena Ostapenko in the as a lucky loser. Gauff made her 6-1 to lift his fourth title of the landed a right hand in the Linz Open fi nal yesterday. The opportunity count by beating season at the Shanghai Masters 10th which caused Day to 15-year-old Gauff , who started Stefanie Vogele, Kateryna Ko- yesterday. Germany’s Zverev stumble. Seconds later he the season ranked well out- zlova, top seed Kiki Bertens and started the match with a 4-0 rocked Day with a massive side the world’s top 600, beat Andrea Petkovic to reach the fi - head-to-head record in his fa- left hook that resulted in Day Latvia’s Ostapenko 6-3 1-6 6-2 nal. “I’m still overwhelmed and vour against Medvedev but had falling backwards and his in a topsy-turvy contest. shocked,” Gauff told reporters. conceded that his opponent head bouncing off the canvas. She becomes the youngest “I guess it’s crazy to say it’s was “probably the best player in Referee Celestino Ruiz called WTA singles title holder since my fi rst WTA title. This was the world” at the moment. off the fight at one minute, Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech defi nitely not on the calendar Medvedev has already quali- 46 seconds of the round. Day Republic claimed her maiden at the beginning of the year, fi ed for the season-ending ATP lay on the canvas for several crown in Tashkent at the age because I didn’t think I’d have Finals in London, alongside minutes while receiving medi- of 15 in 2004. Gauff raced to a chance to get in, and now I’m Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, cal treatment before being The Qatar round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will be held at the Losail a 5-0 lead in the fi nal set be- the champion, so it’s crazy.” Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem removed from the ring. International Circuit from October 24 to 26. fore Ostapenko rediscovered Gauff , whose popularity and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Gulf Times Monday, October 14, 2019 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FRIENDLY Neymar limps Italy clinch place off as Brazil draw with Nigeria AFP Brazil legend Ronaldo, who sits Singapore second in the country’s all-time at Euro 2020 as scoring list behind Pele, on 62 international goals this week. But eymar limped off in- Nigeria provided resolute oppo- jured early on as Brazil sition by working hard to prevent played out a 1-1 friendly the South Americans from forg- draw against a spirited ing many clear openings. NNigeria at the Singapore Nation- Spain made to wait al Stadium yesterday. ARGENTINA HIT ECUADOR The fi ve-time world champi- FOR SIX IN FRIENDLY ons fell behind in the fi rst half, Argentina thumped Ecuador 6-1 but Casemiro’s equaliser early in a friendly in Spain yesterday, 'It’s a team with character that fights but one that must also improve' in the second period spared their making light of the continued blushes before Brazil wasted a absence of Lionel Messi and a string of chances to leave South- number of other top stars. The east Asia with a victory after comfortable win came despite also being held by Senegal on Messi being suspended until No- Thursday. Brazil started well, vember for his anti-CONMEBOL with Liverpool forward Roberto outburst during the Copa Amer- Firmino fi ring just wide in the ica and the unavailability of River third minute after a smart turn Plate and Boca Juniors players near the penalty spot. due to those teams’ Copa Liber- However, Brazil were dealt a tadores semi-fi nal clash. major blow when Neymar limped Argentina coach Lionel Scalo- off in the 12th minute with what ni made six changes to the team appeared to be a left thigh prob- that started Wednesday’s 2-2 lem — the Paris Saint-Germain draw with Germany, but his striker replaced by Bayern Mu- side were three goals ahead by nich’s Philippe Coutinho to bring 32 minutes in Elche thanks to a premature end to his 101st in- a powerful header from Bayer ternational appearance. Leverkusen striker Lucas Alario, Neymar’s return to Champi- a Jhon Espinoza own goal and ons League action may now be Leandro Paredes’ penalty. delayed, with PSG facing Club Angel Mena pulled one back Brugge on October 22 after the for Ecuador three minutes into world’s most expensive play- the second half, but Fiorentina er missed the fi rst two games defender German Pezzella made through suspension. sure of the result in the 66th “During the match he felt a minute with a free header be- muscle injury, so I took him off fore Nicolas Dominguez crashed as a precaution,” Brazil coach home a fi fth from long range and Tite said. “Neymar did not have a Lucas Ocampos rounded off the muscle issue before the match. I scoring four minutes from the would never start a player if they end. had a hint of a problem like this, I The match took place in would never pay that price,” Tite Spain against the backdrop of added of the 27-year-old, who violent unrest in Ecuador, with has suff ered a string of injuries the country’s president Lenin since his move from Barcelona to Moreno ordering a curfew and PSG in 2017. military control in capital city “My career has taught me that Quito. I would never use a player if he Six people have died and near- was not in condition to play. It ly 2,100 have been wounded or would be irresponsible of me to detained according to authorities Italy’s players celebrate after winning the UEFA Euro 2020 Group J qualifier match against Greece at the Stadio Olimpico stadium in Rome on Saturday night. (AFP) risk a player carrying an injury.” after anti-austerity protests led Neymar will be disappointed by Ecuador’s indigenous popula- 54) Netherlands 2 (Wijnaldum 32, 41) AFP “It’s a team with character that fi ghts three games to play. Sebastian Larsson he was unable to draw level with tion. Paris and plays with the ball but one that must netted two spot-kicks as cruised Group E: At Budapest: Hungary 1 (Ko- also improve. Now we have a year to try to a 4-0 rout of Malta to reclaim second rhut 10) Azerbaijan 0 and get better. We have a lot of work but place behind Spain. Marcus Danielson taly became the second team to qual- we’re not very far from the best Euro- broke the deadlock on 11 minutes in Ta’ Group I: At Nur-Sultan: Kazakhstan 0 ify for Euro 2020 after a 2-0 win over pean teams. I’m happy and proud to have Qali and home skipper Andrei Agius also Belgium 2 (Batshuayi 21, Meunier 53); At Greece on Saturday, while three-time helped the national team come through a scored an own goal. remain a Nicosia: Cyprus 0 Russia 5 (Cheryshev champions Spain edged closer to the tough patch.” point behind Sweden following a 3-0 win 9, 90+2, Ozdoev 23, Dzyuba 79, Golovin Ifi nals despite conceding a stoppage-time Spain dropped their fi rst points in in the Faroe Islands secured by second- 89); At Glasgow: Scotland 6 (McGinn equaliser away to Norway. Group F as Joshua King converted a 94th- half goals from George Puscas, Ionut 12, 27, 45+1, Shankland 65, Findlay 67, Chelsea midfi elder Jorginho dis- minute spot-kick to rescue a 1-1 draw for Mitrita and Claudiu Keseru. Armstrong 87) San Marino 0 patched a second-half penalty as Italy, Norway following a foul by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel produced a series Group D: At Tbilisi: Georgia 0 Republic wearing green kits for just the second Kepa Arrizabalaga on Omar Elabdellaoui. of excellent saves as Denmark defeated of Ireland 0; At Copenhagen: Denmark 1 time in history, registered a seventh Sergio Ramos broke the Spanish interna- Switzerland 1-0 to climb level with the (Poulsen 84) Switzerland 0 straight win in Group J. The Azzurri, who tional appearances record as he won his Republic of Ireland in Group D. Leices- failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, 168th cap in Oslo to overtake Iker Casil- ter City goalkeeper Schmeichel pulled off Group F: At Torshavn: Faroe Islands 0 added a second in Rome on 78 minutes las. The visitors led when Saul Niguez superb stops to deny Granit Xhaka, Admir Romania 3 (Puscas 74, Mitrita 83, Keseru through a defl ected strike from Juventus slammed home from 20 yards moments Mehmedi and Ricardo Rodriguez before 90+4); At Oslo: Norway 1 (King 90+4- forward Federico Bernardeschi. after half-time but Spain were denied a Yussuf Poulsen grabbed an 84th-minute pen) Spain 1 (Saul 47); At Ta’ Qali, Malta: Roberto Mancini’s side joined Belgium seventh win in a row as King’s equaliser winner for Denmark in Copenhagen. Malta 0 Sweden 4 (Danielson 11, Larsson in the draw for next year’s fi nals, where kept Norway in the running. “It’s a real The Danes moved up to 12 points 58-pen, 71-pen, Agius 66-og) Italy will play their fi rst two group games pain to lose points in the fi nal seconds. alongside group leaders Ireland, who Group J: At Zenica, Bosnia and Herze- at the Stadio Olimpico. “We managed to It’s complicated to play against a team drew 0-0 away to Georgia, while Swit- govina: Bosnia and Herzegovina 4 create a team in a short period of time. who knew that if they lost they were pret- zerland are four points off the pace but (Hajrovic 29, Pjanic 37-pen, 58, Hodzic It wasn’t easy but you have to thank the ty much out,” said Spain captain Ramos. with a game in hand. players, who have quickly developed an Norway last qualifi ed for a major tour- 73) Finland 1 (Pohjanpalo 79); At Vaduz: understanding between themselves,” said nament at the 2000 European Champi- EURO 2020 QUALIFYING RESULTS Liechtenstein 1 (Frick 72) Armenia 1 (Barseghyan 19); At Rome: Italy 2 (Jorgin- Mancini, who took over as Italy coach 18 onship and are fourth in the group, four Group C: At Minsk: Belarus 1 (Dragun months ago. points adrift of neighbours Sweden with ho 63-pen, Bernardeschi 78) Greece 0

RUSSIA BOOK EURO 2020 SPOT AS NETHERLANDS EDGE CLOSER TO FINALS

Paris: Russia eased to a 5-0 thrashing of winger Denis Cheryshev fired Striker Artem Dzyuba scored his third qualified by thrashing San Marino 9-0 in ten-man Cyprus yesterday to become in a ninth-minute opener for the visitors, goal in two games in the 79th minute, be- midweek, won 2-0 in Kazakhstan earlier the third team to secure a place at Euro before Magomed Ozdoev, who scored a fore Aleksandr Golovin and Cheryshev’s on Sunday thanks to goals from Michy 2020, while Georginio Wijnaldum scored fabulous long-range strike on Thursday second completed the rout late on. Batshuayi and Thomas Meunier. twice as the Netherlands beat Belarus. against Scotland, made it two midway Russia now lead third-placed Cyprus Netherlands moved three points clear Stanislav Cherchesov’s Russia, who through the first half. by 11 points with only two matches at the top of Group C ahead of Germany reached the World Cup quarter-finals Any thoughts of a Cyprus comeback remaining, and will attempt to overtake with a 2-1 win over Belarus in Minsk. The on home soil last year, only had to avoid were ended in just the 28th minute when Belgium at the summit when they host Dutch also lead third-placed Northern defeat in Nicosia to join Belgium in quali- Kostas Laifis was dismissed for a nasty them on November 16. Ireland by three points after beating Brazil’s forward Neymar (left) leaves the field after suff ering an injury fying from Group I. lunge on Russian full-back Sergei Petrov. Roberto Martinez’s Belgium, who Michael O’Neill’s side 3-1 on Thursday. during an international friendly match against Nigeria at the National Stadium in Singapore yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS President of Kuwait Olympic Committee visits Aspire Zone Foundation high-level delegation Khalid al-Mawlawi, Chief Admin- tion was guided by Khalid Ali al- headed by Sheikh Fahad istrative Offi cer at Aspetar, and a Mawlawi, Chief Administrative bin Nasser Sabah Ah- number of senior offi cials of AZF’s Offi cer at Aspetar. mad al-Sabah, President member organisations. Sheikh Fahad was amazed by ofA the Kuwait Olympic Commit- The delegation went on a tour at Aspire and extended his thanks tee visited Aspire Zone Founda- Aspire Academy, AZF member or- to the management of the Aspire tion (AZF) yesterday morning and ganisation, where they had an idea Zone Foundation for the tour. got a closer view of the role AZF’s about Academy’s philosophy and During the tour he said: “Aspire member organisations – Aspire its world-class services and facili- is an architectural, medical and Academy, Aspetar, and Aspire Lo- ties designed and operated to the academic masterpiece, and it is gistics – are playing in transform- highest international standards a pride for all the Arabs. We are ing Qatar into an international aimed at nurturing talented stu- aiming to have such a model in the sports hub. dent-athletes, and its matchless State of Kuwait very soon.” The delegation was accom- new Football Performance Centre. The visit comes on the side- panied by Eng. Hilal Jeham al- The following stop was at As- lines of the fi rst edition of the Kuwari, President of AZF, Ivan petar, the orthopaedic and sports ANOC World Beach Games of the Bravo, Director General of Aspire medicine hospital and AZF mem- National Olympic Committees Academy, Abdullah Nasser al- ber organisation, where the del- held in Doha during the period Naemi, Director General of Aspire egation was impressed by the from 12 to 16 October and wit- Logistics, Ali Salem Afi fa, Deputy state-of-the-art rehabilitation nessed a stunning opening cer- Kuwait Olympic Committee president Sheikh Fahad bin Nasser Sabah Ahmad al-Sabah with Aspire Zone Foundation off icials yesterday. Director General of the Academy, services. At Aspetar, the delega- emony on Saturday.

Monday, October 14, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET Batsman Kohli credits India captaincy for change in mindset India’s Virat Kohli believes his mindset as a batsman Kohli lauds India’s changed after being handed the captaincy and the extra responsibility is the reason for his imperious run-scoring ability. Kohli notched up his first dou- ble hundred in his 42nd test against West Indies in 2016 ‘hunger’ aft er record while his 254 against South Africa at Pune was his seventh in his 81st test match. In his 50th test as captain, the 30-year-old went past bat- ting great Sachin Tendulkar and former opener Virender Sehwag as the Indian bats- 11th-straight series win man with most the double centuries while he also passed “It’s amazing to see that hunger and passion for all the guys to keep improving’ 7,000 runs in the format dur- ing his innings. “It’s getting the responsibility of being captain,” Kohli said at the presentation ceremony on Sunday after being named man of the match as India won by an innings and 137 runs. “If you go out planning a dou- ble hundred you will not get it but if you just go out planning to play five sessions for your team you invariably cross that 200 mark as well. “The mindset is always to help the team as much as possible, play at a tempo the team requires you to and in that process big scores come. The mindset change is the only reason behind getting the big scores.” Kohli was handed the test captaincy in abrupt fashion at the start of 2015 when long- serving skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni retired from test cricket midway through a series in Australia. He already has more test wins than Dhoni while leading the side in fewer matches. The knock of 254 against South Africa was Kohli’s per- sonal best in test cricket while he also has an astounding 43 centuries in the 50-over format. “I am at a stage in my career now where I am just happy to be playing the way I am and contributing for my team,” he said. “Putting the team in a commanding position is the India captain Virat Kohli (fourth from left) celebrates with teammates after winning the second Test against South Africa at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune yesterday. (AFP) only goal and that’s the only thing I strive for. AFP Scorecard in the batting order - caught behind for cially that second evening, the batsmen “I love scoring runs but if Pune, India fi ve with wicket-keeper Wriddhiman were a bit weak in the mindset. From they come in a winning cause INDIA 1st innings 601-5 (V. Kohli 254 not K. Maharaj lbw b Jadeja 22 Saha holding on to a juggling catch. The then it’s playing catch-up. We were that’s the most important out, K. Rabada 3-93) K. Rabada c R. Sharma b Yadav 4 off -spinner soon got opening batsman found wanting in this Test match.” thing.” ndia skipper Virat Kohli said Sun- Dean Elgar caught for 48 as South Africa Du Plessis said Kohli’s innings was His South African counterpart SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings 275 (Maharaj A. Nortje not out 0 day the team’s “hunger” to keep 72, F. du Plessis 64; R. Ashwin 4-69) slipped further. a lesson for any batsman. “He was too Faf du Plessis was amazed by improving has led to their record Extras (b8, lb3, w2) 13 Paceman Ishant Sharma struck with good. The hunger stood out, it was great Kohli’s hunger for runs and SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings (follow-on) 11th-straight Test series win at Total (all out, 67.2 overs) 189 his second ball of the day to trap Aiden value for us as batters,” he added. felt it was a lesson for other Ihome after outplaying South Africa by A. Markram lbw b I. Sharma 0 Markram lbw for nought. South Africa put up some resistance Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Markram), 2-21 (de batsmen. “As a captain you an innings and 137 runs. Markram had a long discussion with in their fi rst innings with Maharaj, who D. Elgar c Yadav b Ashwin 48 Bruyn), 3-70 (du Plessis), 4-71 (Elgar), are trying to think of ways, South Africa were dismissed for 189 Elgar over whether to review the on- made 72, and Philander with 44 not out how you can change little T. de Bruyn c Saha b Yadav 8 5-79 (de Kock), 6-125 (Bavuma), 7-129 after following-on in the fi nal session fi eld call but decided not to, only for the putting on 109 runs for the ninth wicket (Muthusamy), 8-185 (Philander), 9-189 field placements, bowlers but of day four in Pune, as the hosts took F. du Plessis c Saha b Ashwin 5 replays to suggest the ball would have to frustrate the Indian bowlers. (Rabada), 10-189 (Maharaj) he was too good in this test an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three- T. Bavuma c Rahane b Jadeja 38 gone over the stumps. Ashwin broke the stand with Maha- match,” Du Plessis said. Bowlers: Sharma 5-2-17-1, Yadav raj’s wicket and then got last man Rab- match series. Paceman Umesh Yadav Q. de Kock b Jadeja 5 The Proteas were dismissed for 275 “All the questions and all the and spinner Ravindra Jadeja took three 8-3-22-3, Shami 9-2-34-1 (w2), Ashwin at the end of day three in response to ada to return fi gures of 4-69. The match stuff that we threw at him, wickets each as India went past Aus- S. Muthusamy c Sharma b Shami 9 21-6-45-2, Jadeja 21.2-4-52-3, R. Sharma India’s 601-5 declared, 127 short of the will also be remembered for Kohli going he had answers for. It’s just tralia’s previous record of 10 straight se- V. Philander c Saha b Yadav 37 2-0-4-0, Kohli 1-0-4-0(w1). follow-on. India have not lost a home past Don Bradman’s tally of 6,996 runs. relentless, for me what stuck ries wins on home turf and consolidated series since 2013. Kohli, who now has 7,054 runs from 81 out was the hunger for runs. their number-one position in the world of players we have in the last three-four the gas in the third Test. No one’s going Du Plessis admitted Kohli’s knock and Tests, put together crucial partnerships “He was determined to score Test championship. years. It’s amazing to see that hunger to relax at any stage, that’s a guarantee.” India’s mammoth total made the tour- including a 225-run fi fth-wicket stand big and it’s great value for Kohli set up the win in the second and passion for all the guys to keep im- Ravichandran Ashwin struck twice in ists play catch-up after the hosts elected with Jadeja, who made 91, to extend In- us as batters. When you are match with his unbeaten 254 - a record proving,” man-of-the-match Kohli said the morning session after the tourists to bat fi rst. dia’s dominance. on top of your game, making seventh double-century for the star after the win. started their second innings trailing by “The way India batted, especially Opener Mayank Agarwal also con- sure you are really hungry batsman - in India’s 601 for fi ve de- “Looking at the larger picture of the 326. Virat with 250, it takes a lot of mental tributed with a century. The two teams and making sure you put in clared, but the captain lauded the team Test championship, every game has val- Ashwin had skipper Faf du Plessis - toughness. Two days in the fi eld can now head to Ranchi for the fi nal match big performances.” eff ort. “We are lucky to have the group ue so we’re not going to take our foot off who promoted himself to number four wear you down,” said du Plessis. “Espe- starting October 19.

FIG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Biles dazzles on fl oor to win record 25th medal Reuters 15.133. “Honestly, I just couldn’t fi nals and Sunday’s apparatus , Germany move. I was so tired,” Biles said of fi nal. her fi nal pose on the stage. “It meant a lot because Cecile “This is really the best worlds has really been working on bring- merican performance I have ever put out.” ing my confi dence back up to became the most deco- The Americans took a one-two where it used to be on the beam,” rated gymnast in world fi nish as Sunisa Lee fi nished with Biles said. championship his- 14.133 for the silver medal, while “To go out there and nail the toryA yesterday when she won the Russian routine, just like I do in practice, beam and fl oor fi nals to take her came third. it felt really good and I knew she career tally to 25 medals. was really proud.” Soon after securing a convinc- BEAM BRILLIANCE As another title-winning score ing victory on the beam in Stutt- Earlier, Biles delivered a polished was announced in the arena, gart to overtake Belarusian Vitaly routine on the beam before a full Biles punched the air in jubila- Scherbo’s record tally of 23 world twisting double tuck dismount tion before joining celebrations medals, the 22-year-old Biles for an impressive 15.066. with the U.S. team. successfully defended her fl oor Although Biles had twice be- “I was really excited,” she add- title to win medal number 25. fore won the world beam title, in ed. “I thought it was going to be The four-time Olympic cham- 2014 and 2015, it has not always at least 14.8, 14.9, but to see 15, I pion is now the owner of 19 gold been plain sailing for her on the was like well that’s pretty crazy, medals across four champion- apparatus. so I was very proud.” ships against 12 for Scherbo, who Her slip on the landing of a Last year’s winner competed in fi ve world events front tucked somersault at the of China took silver with 14.433, between 1991 and 1996. 2016 Rio Olympics meant she while team mate Li Shijia won the Making her fi nal appearance had to settle for a bronze in bronze. of the week in front of a raucous the event. Last year again, she Biles fi nished her campaign crowd, Biles wasted no time as dropped off the beam during the in Stuttgart with fi ve gold med- she landed a superb triple-twist- women’s all-around fi nal at the als from six events to mark ideal ing double back fl ip -known as world championships. preparations for next year’s To- the Biles II - on her fi rst pass. But she has regained her swag- kyo Olympics. Biles’s double layout with a ger this week, under the watch- Her barnstorming run in- half turn - another skill named ful eyes of coach cluded a record fi fth all-around after her - put her out of bounds Cecile Landi, and posted top gold, an individual title, as for a 0.1 penalty but she did scores in all four attempts - qual- well as helping the U.S. to a fi fth USA’s Simone Biles poses after the apparatus finals with the five gold medals she won at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at enough to post a winning score of ifying, the team and all-around straight world team title. the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, southern Germany, yesterday. (AFP)